[Title 3 CFR ] [Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - January 1, 2016 Edition] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [[Page i]]Title 3 The President ________________________ Revised as of January 1, 2016 2015 Compilation and Parts 100-102 Published by the Office of the Federal Register National Archives and Records Administration as a Special Edition of the Federal Register [[Page ii]] U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL EDITION NOTICE Legal Status and Use of Seals and Logos The seal of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) authenticates the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as the official codification of Federal regulations established under the Federal Register Act. Under the provisions of 44 U.S.C. 1507, the contents of the CFR, a special edition of the Federal Register, shall be judicially noticed. The CFR is prima facie evidence of the original documents published in the Federal Register (44 U.S.C. 1510). It is prohibited to use NARA's official seal and the stylized Code of Federal Regulations logo on any republication of this material without the express, written permission of the Archivist of the United States or the Archivist's designee. Any person using NARA's official seals and logos in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of 36 CFR part 1200 is subject to the penalties specified in 18 U.S.C. 506, 701, and 1017. Use of ISBN Prefix This is the Official U.S. Government edition of this publication and is herein identified to certify its authenticity. Use of the 0--16 ISBN prefix is for U.S. Government Publishing Office Official Editions only. The Superintendent of Documents of the U.S. Government Publishing Office requests that any reprinted edition clearly be labeled as a copy of the authentic work with a new ISBN.
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Washington, DC 20402-0001 http://bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll-free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800 [[Page iii]] ................................................................ TABLE OF CONTENTS Page List of Title 3 Compilations..........................................iv Explanation of the Code of Federal Regulations........................vi Explanation of This Title.............................................ix How To Cite This Title................................................xi Title 3.............................................................xiii 2015 Compilation--Presidential Documents..........................1 Chapter I--Executive Office of the President....................477 Title 3 Finding Aids.................................................487 Tables..........................................................489 List of CFR Sections Affected...................................509 Index...........................................................511 CFR Finding Aids.....................................................525 Table of CFR Titles and Chapters................................527 Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR..............547 [[Page iv]] TITLE 3 COMPILATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Title 3 Compilations Proclamations Executive Orders ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1936-1938...................... 2161-2286......... 7316-7905 1938-1943...................... 2287-2587......... 7906-9347 1943-1948...................... 2588-2823......... 9348-10025 1949-1953...................... 2824-3041......... 10026-10510 1954-1958...................... 3042-3265......... 10511-10797 1959-1963...................... 3266-3565......... 10798-11134 1964-1965...................... 3566-3694......... 11135-11263 1966-1970...................... 3695-4025......... 11264-11574 1971-1975...................... 4026-4411......... 11575-11893 1976........................... 4412-4480......... 11894-11949 1977........................... 4481-4543......... 11950-12032 1978........................... 4544-4631......... 12033-12110 1979........................... 4632-4709......... 12111-12187 1980........................... 4710-4812......... 12188-12260 1981........................... 4813-4889......... 12261-12336 1982........................... 4890-5008......... 12337-12399 1983........................... 5009-5142......... 12400-12456 1984........................... 5143-5291......... 12457-12497 1985........................... 5292-5424......... 12498-12542 1986........................... 5425-5595......... 12543-12579 1987........................... 5596-5759......... 12580-12622 1988........................... 5760-5928......... 12623-12662 1989........................... 5929-6084......... 12663-12698 1990........................... 6085-6240......... 12699-12741 1991........................... 6241-6398......... 12742-12787 1992........................... 6399-6520......... 12788-12827 1993........................... 6521-6643......... 12828-12890 1994........................... 6644-6763......... 12891-12944 1995........................... 6764-6859......... 12945-12987 1996........................... 6860-6965......... 12988-13033 1997........................... 6966-7061......... 13034-13071 1998........................... 7062-7161......... 13072-13109 1999........................... 7162-7262......... 13110-13144 2000........................... 7263-7389......... 13145-13185 2001........................... 7263-7516......... 13145-13251 2002........................... 7517-7635......... 13252-13282 2003........................... 7636-7748......... 13283-13323 2004........................... 7749-7858......... 13324-13368 2005........................... 7859-7972......... 13369-13394 2006........................... 7873-8098......... 13395-13421 2007........................... 8099-8214......... 13422-13453 2008........................... 8215-8334......... 13454-13483 2009........................... 8335-8469......... 13484-13527 2010........................... 8470-8621......... 13528-13562 2011........................... 8622-8772......... 13563-13596 2012........................... 8773-8925......... 13597-13635 [[Page v]] 2013........................... 8926-9075......... 13636-13655 2014........................... 9076-9226......... 13656-13686 2015........................... 9227-9387......... 13687-13715 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Beginning with 1976, Title 3 compilations also include regulations contained in Chapter I, Executive Office of the President. Supplementary publications include: Presidential documents of the Hoover Administration (two volumes), Proclamations 1870-2037 and Executive Orders 5076-6070; Consolidated Indexes for 1936-1965; and Consolidated Tables for 1936-1965. [[Page vi]] EXPLANATION The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The Code is divided into 50 titles which represent broad areas subject to Federal regulation. Each title is divided into chapters which usually bear the name of the issuing agency. Each chapter is further subdivided into parts covering specific regulatory areas. Each volume of the Code is revised at least once each calendar year and issued on a quarterly basis approximately as follows: Title 1 through Title 16.................................as of January 1 Title 17 through Title 27..................................as of April 1 Title 28 through Title 41...................................as of July 1 Title 42 through Title 50................................as of October 1 The appropriate revision date is printed on the cover of each volume. LEGAL STATUS The contents of the Federal Register are required to be judicially noticed (44 U.S.C. 1507). The Code of Federal Regulations is prima facie evidence of the text of the original documents (44 U.S.C. 1510). HOW TO USE THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS The Code of Federal Regulations is kept up to date by the individual issues of the Federal Register. These two publications must be used together to determine the latest version of any given rule. To determine whether a Code volume has been amended since its revision date (in this case, January 1, 2016), consult the ``List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA),'' which is issued monthly, and the ``Cumulative List of Parts Affected,'' which appears in the Reader Aids section of the daily Federal Register. These two lists will identify the Federal Register page number of the latest amendment of any given rule. EFFECTIVE AND EXPIRATION DATES Each volume of the Code contains amendments published in the Federal Register since the last revision of that volume of the Code. Source citations for the regulations are referred to by volume number and page number of the Federal Register and date of publication. Publication dates and effective dates are usually not the same and care must be exercised by the user in determining the actual effective date. In instances where the effective date is beyond the cut-off date for the Code a note has been inserted to reflect the future effective date. In those instances where a regulation published in the Federal Register states a date certain for expiration, an appropriate note will be inserted following the text. OMB CONTROL NUMBERS The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-511) requires Federal agencies to display an OMB control number with their information collection request. [[Page vii]] Many agencies have begun publishing numerous OMB control numbers as amendments to existing regulations in the CFR. These OMB numbers are placed as close as possible to the applicable recordkeeping or reporting requirements. PAST PROVISIONS OF THE CODE Provisions of the Code that are no longer in force and effect as of the revision date stated on the cover of each volume are not carried. Code users may find the text of provisions in effect on any given date in the past by using the appropriate List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA). For the convenience of the reader, a ``List of CFR Sections Affected'' is published at the end of each CFR volume. For changes to the Code prior to the LSA listings at the end of the volume, consult previous annual editions of the LSA. For changes to the Code prior to 2001, consult the List of CFR Sections Affected compilations, published for 1949-1963, 1964-1972, 1973-1985, and 1986-2000. ``[RESERVED]'' TERMINOLOGY The term ``[Reserved]'' is used as a place holder within the Code of Federal Regulations. An agency may add regulatory information at a ``[Reserved]'' location at any time. Occasionally ``[Reserved]'' is used editorially to indicate that a portion of the CFR was left vacant and not accidentally dropped due to a printing or computer error. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE What is incorporation by reference? Incorporation by reference was established by statute and allows Federal agencies to meet the requirement to publish regulations in the Federal Register by referring to materials already published elsewhere. For an incorporation to be valid, the Director of the Federal Register must approve it. The legal effect of incorporation by reference is that the material is treated as if it were published in full in the Federal Register (5 U.S.C. 552(a)). This material, like any other properly issued regulation, has the force of law. What is a proper incorporation by reference? The Director of the Federal Register will approve an incorporation by reference only when the requirements of 1 CFR part 51 are met. Some of the elements on which approval is based are: (a) The incorporation will substantially reduce the volume of material published in the Federal Register. (b) The matter incorporated is in fact available to the extent necessary to afford fairness and uniformity in the administrative process. (c) The incorporating document is drafted and submitted for publication in accordance with 1 CFR part 51. What if the material incorporated by reference cannot be found? If you have any problem locating or obtaining a copy of material listed as an approved incorporation by reference, please contact the agency that issued the regulation containing that incorporation. If, after contacting the agency, you find the material is not available, please notify the Director of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001, or call 202-741-6010. CFR INDEXES AND TABULAR GUIDES A subject index to the Code of Federal Regulations is contained in a separate volume, revised annually as of January 1, entitled CFR Index and Finding Aids. This volume contains the Parallel Table of Authorities and Rules. A list of CFR titles, chapters, subchapters, and parts and an alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are also included in this volume. [[Page viii]] An index to the text of ``Title 3--The President'' is carried within that volume. The Federal Register Index is issued monthly in cumulative form. This index is based on a consolidation of the ``Contents'' entries in the daily Federal Register. A List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA) is published monthly, keyed to the revision dates of the 50 CFR titles. REPUBLICATION OF MATERIAL There are no restrictions on the republication of material appearing in the Code of Federal Regulations. INQUIRIES For a legal interpretation or explanation of any regulation in this volume, contact the issuing agency. The issuing agency's name appears at the top of odd-numbered pages. For inquiries concerning CFR reference assistance, call 202-741-6000 or write to the Director, Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001 or e-mail [email protected]. SALES The Government Publishing Office (GPO) processes all sales and distribution of the CFR. For payment by credit card, call toll-free, 866-512-1800, or DC area, 202-512-1800, M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. e.s.t. or fax your order to 202-512-2104, 24 hours a day. For payment by check, write to: US Government Publishing Office - New Orders, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000. ELECTRONIC SERVICES The full text of the Code of Federal Regulations, the LSA (List of CFR Sections Affected), The United States Government Manual, the Federal Register, Public Laws, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Compilation of Presidential Documents and the Privacy Act Compilation are available in electronic format via www.ofr.gov. For more information, contact the GPO Customer Contact Center, U.S. Government Publishing Office. Phone 202-512-1800, or 866-512-1800 (toll-free). E- mail, [email protected]. The Office of the Federal Register also offers a free service on the National Archives and Records Administration's (NARA) World Wide Web site for public law numbers, Federal Register finding aids, and related information. Connect to NARA's web site at www.archives.gov/federal- register. The e-CFR is a regularly updated, unofficial editorial compilation of CFR material and Federal Register amendments, produced by the Office of the Federal Register and the Government Publishing Office. It is available at www.ecfr.gov. Oliver A. Potts, Director, Office of the Federal Register. January 1, 2016. [[Page ix]] EXPLANATION OF THIS TITLE This volume of ``Title 3--The President'' contains a compilation of Presidential documents and a codification of regulations issued by the Executive Office of the President. The 2015 Compilation contains the full text of those documents signed by the President that were required to be published in the Federal Register. Signature date rather than publication date is the criterion for inclusion. With each annual volume, the Presidential documents signed in the previous year become the new compilation. Chapter I contains regulations issued by the Executive Office of the President. This section is a true codification like other CFR volumes, in that its contents are organized by subject or regulatory area and are updated by individual issues of the Federal Register. Presidential documents in this volume may be cited ``3 CFR, 2015 Comp.'' Thus, the preferred abbreviated citation for Proclamation 9227 appearing on page 1 of this book, is ``3 CFR, 2015 Comp., p. 1.'' Chapter I entries may be cited ``3 CFR.'' Thus, the preferred abbreviated citation for section 100.1, appearing in chapter I of this book, is ``3 CFR 100.1.'' This book is one of the volumes in a series that began with Proclamation 2161 of March 19, 1936, and Executive Order 7316 of March 13, 1936, and that has been continued by means of annual compilations and periodic cumulations. The entire Title 3 series, as of January 1, 2016, is encompassed in the volumes listed on page iv. For readers interested in proclamations and Executive orders prior to 1936, there is a two-volume set entitled Proclamations and Executive Orders, Herbert Hoover (March 4, 1929, to March 4, 1933). Codified Presidential documents are published in the Codification of Presidential Proclamations and Executive Orders (April 13, 1945--January 20, 1989). Other public Presidential documents not required to be published in the Federal Register, such as speeches, messages to Congress, and statements, can be found in the Compilation of Presidential Documents and the Public Papers of the Presidents series. A selection of these Office of the Federal Register publications are available for sale from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Publishing Office, Washington, DC 20402. This book was prepared under the direction of John Hyrum Martinez, Director of the Publications and Services Division; Laurice A. Clark, Supervisor of the Presidential and Legislative Publications Unit; and Lois M. Davis, Editor. [[Page xi]] ________________________________________________________________________ Cite Presidential documents in this volume 3 CFR, 2015 Comp. thus: 3 CFR, 2015 Comp., p. 1 ________________________________________________________________________ Cite chapter I entries in this volume 3 CFR thus: 3 CFR 100.1 ________________________________________________________________________ [[Page xiii]] ________________________________________________________________________ TITLE 3--THE PRESIDENT Page 2015 Compilation--Presidential Documents: Proclamations.....................................................1 Executive Orders................................................259 Other Presidential Documents....................................403 Chapter I--Executive Office of the President: Part 100.........................................................478 Part 101.........................................................478 Part 102.........................................................478 Finding Aids: Table 1--Proclamations...........................................489 Table 2--Executive Orders........................................493 Table 3--Other Presidential Documents............................495 Table 4--Presidential Documents Affected During 2015.............499 Table 5--Statutes Cited as Authority for Presidential Documents..505 List of CFR Sections Affected....................................509 Index............................................................511 CFR Finding Aids: Table of CFR Titles and Chapters.................................527 Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR...............547 [[Page 1]] 2015 Compilation--Presidential Documents ________________________________________________________________________ PROCLAMATIONS ________________________________________________________________________ Proclamation 9227 of January 15, 2015 Religious Freedom Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation From many faiths and diverse beliefs, Americans are united by the ideals we cherish. Our shared values define who we are as a people and what we stand for as a Nation. With abiding resolve, generations of patriots have fought--through great conflict and fierce debate--to secure and defend these freedoms, irrevocably weaving them deep into the fabric of our society. Today, we celebrate an early milestone in the long history of one of our country's fundamental liberties. On January 16, 1786, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was adopted. It was one of the first laws in our Nation to codify the right of every person to profess their opinions in matters of faith, and it declares that ``no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any'' religion. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and guided through the Virginia legislature by James Madison, this historic legislation served as a model for the religious liberty protections enshrined in our Constitution. The First Amendment prohibits the Government from establishing religion. It protects the right of every person to practice their faith how they choose, to change their faith, or to practice no faith at all, and to do so free from persecution and fear. This religious freedom allows faith to flourish, and our Union is stronger because a vast array of religious communities coexist peacefully with mutual respect for one another. Since the age of Jefferson and Madison, brave women and men of faith have challenged our conscience; today, our Nation continues to be shaped by people of every religion and of no religion, bringing us closer to our founding ideals. As heirs [[Page 2]] to this proud legacy of liberty, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to safeguard these freedoms. We must also continue our work to protect religious freedom around the globe. Throughout the world, millions of individuals are subjected to discrimination, abuse, and sanctioned violence simply for exercising their religion or choosing not to claim a faith. Communities are being driven from their ancient homelands because of who they are or how they pray, and in conflict zones, mass displacement has become all too common. In the face of these challenges, I am proud the United States continues to stand up for the rights of all people to practice their faiths in peace. Promoting religious freedom has always been a key objective of my Administration's foreign policy because history shows that nations that uphold the rights of their people--including the freedom of religion-- are ultimately more just, more peaceful, and more successful. In every country, individuals should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind--and of the heart and soul. Today, let us continue our work to protect this tradition and advance the cause of religious freedom worldwide. 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, 2015, 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 fifteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9228 of January 16, 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation A champion for justice, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., helped awaken our Nation's long-slumbering conscience and inspired a generation. Through a cacophony of division and hatred, his voice rang out, challenging America to make freedom a reality for all of God's children and prophesying a day when the discord of our Union would be transformed into a symphony of brotherhood. His clarion call echoed the promise of our founding--that each of us are created equal--and every day he worked to give meaning to this timeless creed. Today, we pause to pay tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. King, and we reflect on the lessons he taught us. Dr. King understood that [[Page 3]] equality requires more than the absence of oppression; it requires the presence of economic opportunity. He recognized that ``we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.'' In a world full of poverty, he called for empathy; in the face of brutality, he placed his faith in non-violence. His teachings remind us we have a duty to fight against poverty, even if we are wealthy; to care about the child in the decrepit school long after our own children have found success; and to show compassion toward the immigrant family, knowing that we were strangers once, too. Dr. King transformed the concepts of justice, liberty, and equality, and as he led marches and protests and raised his voice, he changed the course of history. From Dr. King's courage, we draw strength and the resolve to continue climbing toward the promised land. Our Nation has made undeniable progress since his time, but securing these gains requires constant vigilance, not complacency. We have more to do to bring Dr. King's dream within reach of all our daughters and sons. We must stand together for good jobs, fair wages, safe neighborhoods, and quality education. With one voice, we must ensure the scales of justice work equally for all-- considering not only how justice is applied, but also how it is perceived and experienced. As Dr. King told us, ``injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,'' and this remains our great unfinished business. Through struggle and discipline, persistence and faith, patriots and prophetic leaders like Dr. King have driven our country inexorably forward. In every chapter of our great story, giants of history and unheralded foot soldiers for justice have fought to bridge the gap between our founding ideals and the realities of the time. We will never forget all who endured and sacrificed, or those who gave their lives, so that our children might live in a freer, fairer, and more just society. In sermons and speeches, Dr. King's voice rang out with a call for us to work toward a better tomorrow. As we honor his legacy, Americans across the country will join one another for a day of service, picking up the baton handed to us by past generations and carrying forward their efforts. As one people, we will show when ordinary citizens come together to participate in the democracy we love, justice will not be denied. 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 19, 2015, as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service projects in honor of Dr. King and to visit www.MLKDay.gov to find Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service projects across our country. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 4]] Proclamation 9229 of January 30, 2015 American Heart Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In the United States, cardiovascular disease--including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure--is responsible for one out of every three deaths. It is the number one killer of American women and men, and it is a leading cause of serious illness and disability. Across our Nation, we have lost devoted mothers and fathers, loved siblings, and cherished friends to this devastating epidemic. During American Heart Month, as we honor their memories, let us recommit to improving our heart health and continuing the fight against this deadly disease, for ourselves and our families. Americans of all backgrounds can be at risk for heart disease and stroke--and nearly half of all adults have at least one major risk factor. However, individuals who are at high risk often do not know it, and data suggest that many people who experience sudden cardiac death do not act on early warning signs. That is why it is important to understand the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, inactivity, and diabetes, and to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control. By maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking, you can control risk factors and help protect your heart. To learn more about cardiovascular health, talk with your healthcare provider and visit www.CDC.gov/heartdisease. My Administration is committed to leading a new era of medicine--one that delivers the right treatment at the right time--and to ensuring Americans live longer, healthier, more productive lives. That is why earlier this year, I announced the Precision Medicine Initiative. This bold new effort will revolutionize how our Nation fights disease by investing in research that will enable clinicians to tailor treatments to individual patients. Additionally, in 2011 we launched Million Hearts, an unprecedented effort that is bringing together Federal Agencies, non-profit organizations, and private-sector partners to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. We are working to enhance clinical care, bolster disease prevention programs, and empower individuals and communities to make healthy choices, demonstrating that improving the health system can save lives. More information on these important initiatives is available at www.NIH.gov/precisionmedicine and www.millionhearts.HHS.gov. At the same time, First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative is encouraging young people to develop heart-healthy habits from an early age, and the Affordable Care Act is allowing more families to access quality, affordable health care. New protections under the law require most insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without copays, and they prevent insurers from denying coverage due to a pre- existing condition like heart disease. On Friday, February 6, Michelle and I invite all Americans to join in marking National Wear Red Day. By wearing red, we help raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and provide an important reminder that it is never [[Page 5]] too early to take action to protect our health. This month, let us reaffirm our resolve to fight this epidemic and continue our work to build a brighter future for our families. In acknowledgement of the importance of the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as ``American Heart Month.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 2015 as American Heart Month, and I invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on February 6, 2015. I also invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in recognizing and reaffirming our commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9230 of January 30, 2015 National African American History Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For generations, the story of American progress has been shaped by the inextinguishable beliefs that change is always possible and a brighter future lies ahead. With tremendous strength and abiding resolve, our ancestors--some of whom were brought to this land in chains--have woven their resilient dignity into the fabric of our Nation and taught us that we are not trapped by the mistakes of history. It was these truths that found expression as foot soldiers and Freedom Riders sat in and stood up, marched and agitated for justice and equality. This audacious movement gave birth to a new era of civil and voting rights, and slowly, we renewed our commitment to an ideal at the heart of our founding: no matter who you are, what you look like, how modest your beginnings, or the circumstances of your birth, you deserve every opportunity to achieve your God-given potential. As we mark National African American History Month, we celebrate giants of the civil rights movement and countless other men and women whose names are etched in the hearts of their loved ones and the cornerstones of the country they helped to change. We pause to reflect on our progress and our history--not only to remember, but also to acknowledge our unfinished work. We reject the false notion that our challenges lie only in the past, and we recommit to advancing what has been left undone. Brave Americans did not struggle and sacrifice to secure fundamental rights for themselves and others only to see those rights denied to their children and grandchildren. Our Nation is still racked with division and poverty. [[Page 6]] Too many children live in crumbling neighborhoods, cycling through substandard schools and being affected by daily violence in their communities. And Americans of all races have seen their wages and incomes stagnate while inequality continues to hold back hardworking families and entire communities. But the trajectory of our history gives us hope. Today, we stand on the shoulders of courageous individuals who endured the thumps of billy clubs, the blasts of fire hoses, and the pain of watching dreams be deferred and denied. We honor them by investing in those around us and doing all we can to ensure every American can reach their full potential. Our country is at its best when everyone is treated fairly and has the chance to build the future they seek for themselves and their family. This means providing the opportunity for every person in America to access a world-class education, safe and affordable housing, and the job training that will prepare them for the careers of tomorrow. Like the countless, quiet heroes who worked and bled far from the public eye, we know that with enough effort, empathy, and perseverance, people who love their country can change it. Together, we can help our Nation live up to its immense promise. This month, let us continue that unending journey toward a more just, more equal, and more perfect Union. 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 February 2015 as National African American History Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9231 of January 30, 2015 National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In a Nation invested in the limitless possibility of every child, ending dating violence is an urgent priority. Each year, an estimated 1 in 10 American teenagers is physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend. This behavior violates our most basic values and can have profound consequences for survivors. Young people who experience dating violence are at increased risk of substance abuse, depression, poor academic performance, and future victimization. This month, we join with all those who have endured the pain of an unhealthy relationship and acknowledge the responsibility we each have to end this cycle of fear, isolation, and abuse. [[Page 7]] Dating violence often involves the use of inappropriate actions to control a partner or resolve conflicts. These behaviors can be physical, emotional, or sexual, and can take place in person or with the use of technology and social media. Unhealthy relationships can affect people of all ages, and many teenagers do not recognize the severity of dating abuse, or they do not report it because they are afraid or ashamed to speak up. That is why it is important to talk with friends and loved ones about dating violence and to learn the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship, including extreme jealousy, constant monitoring, and possessiveness. If you are in--or know someone who is in--an abusive relationship, the National Dating Abuse Helpline can offer immediate and confidential support. To contact the Helpline, call 1-866-331-9474, text ``loveis'' to 22522, or visit LoveIsRespect.org. For more information on dating violence, visit VetoViolence.CDC.gov. It is on all of us to reject the quiet tolerance of sexual assault, and the Federal Government is committed to being part of the solution. Last year, I established the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault and directed its members to consider how their recommendations could apply to our Nation's elementary and secondary schools. In addition, as part of Vice President Joe Biden's 1is2many initiative, my Administration is working to provide teenagers and their communities with the resources and support they need, so our young people can pursue their dreams free from fear. As we strive to eliminate teen dating violence, we are focused on bolstering prevention efforts and improving our response in order to protect those at risk and ensure survivors can access the help they need. Healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, and equality. Our commitment to these values demands that we stand up against dating abuse and all forms of intimate partner violence. During National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, we are called to act. Let us recommit to fostering a society where our strength is measured by our resolve to speak out against this outrage, and where there are no barriers that prevent our daughters and sons from achieving their full potential. 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 February 2015 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to support efforts in their communities and schools, and in their own families, to empower young people to develop healthy relationships throughout their lives and to engage in activities that prevent and respond to teen dating violence. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 8]] Proclamation 9232 of February 19, 2015 Establishment of the Browns Canyon National Monument By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In central Colorado's vibrant upper Arkansas River valley, the rugged granite cliffs, colorful rock outcroppings, and stunning mountain vistas of Browns Canyon form an iconic landscape that attracts visitors from around the world. The landscape's canyons, rivers, and backcountry forests have provided a home for humans for over 10,000 years, and the cultural and historical resources found in this landscape are a testament to the area's Native Peoples as well as the history of more recent settlers and mining communities. The area's unusual geology and roughly 3,000-foot range in elevation support a diversity of plants and wildlife, including a significant herd of bighorn sheep. Browns Canyon harbors a wealth of scientifically significant geological, ecological, riparian, cultural, and historic resources, and is an important area for studies of paleoecology, mineralogy, archaeology, and climate change. Following its descent between the Sawatch and Mosquito Ranges, the Arkansas River flows through Browns Canyon in the heart of the upper Arkansas River valley. The Arkansas River valley is the northernmost valley in the R[iacute]o Grande Rift system, one of the most significant rift systems in the world and one of few where the Earth's continental crust is actively moving apart. The 35 million-year-old R[iacute]o Grande Rift begins in the State of Chihuahua in Mexico and extends northward through New Mexico and into Colorado to a terminus in the mountains just north of Browns Canyon. The Browns Canyon area of the upper Arkansas River valley has long offered both a permanent source of water and a means of transportation for its human inhabitants. The area lies within the transition zone between the cultural traditions of the Great Basin and Plains peoples. As a transportation corridor where stable sources of subsistence resources could be found, both migrating people and permanent inhabitants left traces of their presence in this area. Ancestors of the Ute, Apache, Eastern Shoshone, and Comanche Indians are known to have traversed this dramatic landscape while hunting and gathering. The upper Arkansas River valley was foundational to the establishment of today's tribal configuration. It was here that the proto-Comanche (Numuna) split into two groups, the Comanche and the Eastern Shoshone. The Buffalo-Eater Band (allies of the Utes) broke away from the Eastern Shoshone in the upper Arkansas River valley vicinity sometime between the late 1600s and early 1700s, traveling south into what is present-day New Mexico, Texas, southern Colorado, western Kansas, and the panhandle of Oklahoma. While most archaeological resources in the Browns Canyon area have not yet been surveyed or recorded, the story of people living in the upper Arkansas River valley is told through artifacts dating back over 10,000 years. Of the resources surveyed, there are 18 known archaeological sites within the Browns Canyon area, including 5 prehistoric open lithic sites that have been determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. [[Page 9]] Primarily seasonal camps, these sites include open campsites, culturally modified trees, wickiups, tipi rings, chipped stone manufacture and processing sites, a possible ceramic pottery kiln, and rock shelter sites that date to the Archaic Period. The sites range from early Archaic Period and possibly Paleo-Indian Period (around 8,000 to 13,000 years before present), which would make this among the earliest known sites in the region, to the Late Archaic Period to proto-historic period (around 3,000 years before present to the 19th century A.D.). European exploration of the Browns Canyon region began when the Spanish explorer Juan de Ulibarri visited in 1706. A century later, Zebulon Pike explored the Browns Canyon area after his failed attempt to summit what is now known as Pike's Peak. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Spanish army patrolled the upper Arkansas River valley as far north as Leadville to secure the boundaries of Spanish influence and attempt to bar access by competing traders and explorers. Fur trappers exploited the area in the first few decades of the 1800s. The region later became a center for mining, including one of the United States major historic mining districts for fluorite, a colorful mineral with both ornamental and industrial uses. The remnants of this area's mining history include small, abandoned mine sites, old cabin foundations, and nearby mining ghost towns. Discovery of gold along the Arkansas River in the 1850s and the 1870s silver boom in Leadville brought an influx of people and a need for transportation. In the 1870s, stage roads carried thousands of passengers through this region every year. In the 1880s, after a multi- year legal and armed battle between rival rail companies, the Denver and R[iacute]o Grande Railway became the major transportation option for the region. The section of railroad bed that runs through Browns Canyon east of the Arkansas River is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Even today, this same upper Arkansas River valley remains a major transportation corridor for Chaffee County residents and visitors, as well as an important resource for recreational anglers and boaters, and area ranchers and farmers. Local communities have proposed and conducted a feasibility study for establishing the Arkansas Stage and Rail Trail, which would serve as a testament to this travel corridor's prehistoric and historic significance. The 1.6 billion-year-old Precambrian granodiorite batholith that constitutes the Canyon is incised by steep gulches that cut through the pink granite and metamorphic rock. Stafford Gulch provides astounding views of the unique Reef formation, a long and distinctive face of exposed rock. During the Pleistocene Epoch, glaciers covered the rugged canyons, gulches, and mountains that awe visitors today. The movement of these glaciers created unique topographical features in the river valley--including glacial cirques, flat, mesa-like terraces, and remnants of large moraines--that are not found along other major streams in the region. While shaping the topography, the glaciers also filled the valley below with masses of sediment, including the gold, silver, and semi-precious gems that fueled the mining booms of the 1800s. These gems, including the garnets that lend their name to Ruby Mountain in the northern part of the Browns Canyon area, continue to interest professional and amateur geologists. Portions of the Browns Canyon area offer a relative wealth of Pennsylvanian age geologic exposures of the Minturn formation and Belden shale that include a diverse assemblage of invertebrate fossils. These sites represent [[Page 10]] the accumulation of shell fossils in an ancient reef environment, and include remains of bivalves, brachiopods, gastropods, echinoids, nautiloids, conodonts, crinoids, bryozoans, and vertebrates including sharks and bony fish. Many of the fossil forms remain undescribed and will form the basis for future paleontological research. The topographic and geologic diversity of the Browns Canyon area has given rise to one of the most significant regions for biodiversity in Colorado. The forest community incorporates a transition zone, with semi-arid pinyon-juniper and mountain mahogany woodlands on the lower slopes giving way to ponderosa pine, Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine, and Douglas fir at higher elevations. Scattered pockets of aspen, willow, Rocky Mountain juniper, river birch, and narrowleaf cottonwood can be found in riparian areas. The Aspen Ridge area is also home to a significant stand of aspen. The understory is home to a variety of plant species, including blue grama grass, mountain muhly, Indian ricegrass, Arizona fescue, blue bunchgrass, prickly pear, cholla, yucca, isolated pockets of alpine bluegrass, and the endemic Brandegee's buckwheat. A stunning array of wildflowers such as the scarlet gilia and larkspur bloom here during the spring and summer. Near Ruby Mountain, imperiled plant species such as Fendler's Townsend-daisy, Fendler's false cloak- fern, livemore fiddleleaf, and the endemic Front-Range alumroot can be found. The plant community in this area has repeatedly evolved during periods of climate change since the Eocene Epoch. Geologic and climatic changes since the Precambrian have made the area an important site for research on geology and paleoecology as well as the effects of climate change, wildland fire, and other disturbances on plant and animal communities. Some of Colorado's most emblematic animal species call Browns Canyon home. Mountain lions, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bobcat, red and gray fox, American black bear, coyote, American pine marten, kangaroo rat, elk, and several species of tree and ground squirrels can all be found in the Browns Canyon area, which provides essential habitat for mammals and birds alike and attracts hunters and wildlife viewers. Raptors such as red-tailed hawks, Swainson's hawks, golden eagles, turkey vultures, and prairie falcons make their homes in the rocky cliffs and prey upon the abundance of small animals that live in this area. The area also provides habitat suitable for peregrine falcons, which have been identified for possible future reintroduction here, as well as potential habitat for the threatened Canada lynx. A stunning diversity of other bird species, including the cliff swallow, Canada jay, mourning dove, flicker, blue jay, wild turkey, great horned owl, western screech owl, and saw whet owl, attract ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike to these remote hills. A number of reptile and amphibian species occur in the area, including the sensitive boreal toad and northern leopard frog. The Browns Canyon area represents one of the only riparian ecosystems along the Arkansas River that remains relatively undisturbed and contains an intact biotic community. The protection of the Browns Canyon area will preserve its prehistoric and historic legacy and maintain its diverse array of scientific resources, ensuring that the prehistoric, historic, and scientific values remain for the benefit [[Page 11]] of all Americans. The area also provides world class river rafting and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding. WHEREAS section 320301 of title 54, United States Code (known as the ``Antiquities Act''), authorizes the President, in his discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be national monuments, and to reserve as a part thereof parcels of land, the limits of which shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected; WHEREAS it is in the public interest to preserve the objects of scientific and historic interest on the lands in and around Browns Canyon; NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, hereby proclaim the objects identified above that are situated upon lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be the Browns Canyon National Monument (monument) and, for the purpose of protecting those objects, reserve as part thereof all lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the boundaries described on the accompanying map, which is attached to and forms a part of this proclamation. These reserved Federal lands and interests in lands encompass approximately 21,586 acres. The boundaries described on the accompanying map are confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected. All Federal lands and interests in lands within the boundaries described in the accompanying map are hereby appropriated and withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, leasing, or other disposition under the public land laws or laws applicable to the U.S. Forest Service, including location, entry, and patent under the mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing, other than by exchange that furthers the protective purposes of the monument. The establishment of the monument is subject to valid existing rights. Lands and interests in lands not owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the boundaries described on the accompanying map shall be reserved as a part of the monument, and objects identified above that are situated upon those lands and interests in lands shall be part of the monument, upon acquisition of ownership or control by the Federal Government. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretaries) shall manage the monument through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), pursuant to their respective applicable legal authorities, to implement the purposes of this proclamation. The USFS shall manage that portion of the monument within the boundaries of the National Forest System (NFS), and the BLM shall manage the remainder of the monument. The lands administered by the BLM shall be managed as a unit of the National Landscape Conservation System, pursuant to applicable legal authorities, including, as applicable, the provisions of section 603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (43 U.S.C. [[Page 12]] 1782) governing the management of wilderness study areas. The lands administered by the USFS shall be managed as part of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. For purposes of protecting and restoring the objects identified above, the Secretaries shall jointly prepare a management plan for the monument and shall promulgate such regulations for its management as deemed appropriate. In developing any management plans and any management rules and regulations governing NFS lands within the monument, the Secretary of Agriculture, through the USFS, shall consult with the Secretary of the Interior through the BLM. The Secretaries shall provide for public involvement in the development of the management plan including, but not limited to, consultation with tribal, State, and local governments. In the development and implementation of the management plan, the Secretaries shall maximize opportunities, pursuant to applicable legal authorities, for shared resources, operational efficiency, and cooperation. Except for emergency or authorized administrative purposes, motorized and mechanized vehicle use in the monument shall be allowed only on roads and trails designated for such use, consistent with the care and management of the objects identified above. After the date of this proclamation, new roads or trails may only be designated for motorized vehicle use in areas west of the Arkansas River and at the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site and then only as necessary to provide reasonable river or campground access, consistent with the applicable management plan. Forest Road 184 may be realigned or improved only if for the care and management of the objects identified above or as necessary for public safety. Nothing in this proclamation affects or shall be deemed to preclude the Secretaries from reissuing existing authorizations or agreements for the cooperative administration of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. New or modified authorizations or agreements for such purpose may be issued, consistent with the care and management of the objects identified above. The Secretaries also may authorize and reauthorize commercial recreational services within the monument, including outfitting and guiding, consistent with the care and management of the objects identified above. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to affect the operation or use of the existing railroad corridor as a railroad right of way pursuant to valid existing rights or for recreational purposes consistent with the care and management of the objects identified above. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to enlarge or diminish the rights of any Indian tribe. The Secretaries shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law and in consultation with Indian tribes, ensure the protection of Indian sacred sites and traditional cultural properties in the monument and provide access by members of Indian tribes for traditional cultural and customary uses, consistent with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (42 U.S.C. 1996) and Executive Order 13007 of May 24, 1996 (Indian Sacred Sites). Laws, regulations, and policies followed by the BLM or the USFS in issuing and administering grazing permits or leases on lands under their jurisdiction shall continue to apply with regard to the lands in the monument, consistent with the care and management of the objects identified above. [[Page 13]] This proclamation does not alter or affect the valid existing water rights of any party, including the United States. This proclamation does not reserve water as a matter of Federal law, and the inclusion of the land underlying the Arkansas River in the monument shall not be construed to reserve such a right. This proclamation does not alter or affect agreements governing the management and administration of Arkansas River flows, including the Voluntary Flow Management Program. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to enlarge or diminish the jurisdiction of the State of Colorado, including its jurisdiction and authority with respect to fish and wildlife management. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to revoke any existing withdrawal, reservation, or appropriation; however, the monument shall be the dominant reservation. Warning is hereby given to all unauthorized persons not to appropriate, injure, destroy, or remove any feature of the monument and not to locate or settle upon any of the lands thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 14]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24FE15.007 [[Page 15]] Proclamation 9233 of February 19, 2015 Establishment of the Pullman National Monument By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The Pullman National Historic Landmark District (Pullman Historic District) in Chicago, Illinois, typifies many of the economic, social, and design currents running through American life in the late 19th and early 20th century, yet it is unlike any other place in the country. Industrialist George Mortimer Pullman built the model town to house workers at his luxury rail car factories. Although his goal was to cure the social ills of the day, the tight control he exercised over his workers helped spark one of the Nation's most widespread and consequential labor strikes. The remaining structures of the Pullman Palace Car Company (Pullman Company), workers' housing, and community buildings that make up the Pullman Historic District are an evocative testament to the evolution of American industry, the rise of unions and the labor movement, the lasting strength of good urban design, and the remarkable journey of the Pullman porters toward the civil rights movement of the 20th century. The model factory town of Pullman was created in the 1880s by the Pullman Company to manufacture railroad passenger cars and house workers and their families. Company founder George Pullman saw the positive incentives of good housing, parks, and amenities as a way to foster a happy and reliable workforce. Pullman and his wealthy industrialist peers could not fail to see the poor living conditions in which many of their workers lived. The industrial revolution drew hundreds of thousands to urban areas, which led to a rise in slums and social ills. The widening gulf between management and workers contributed to labor unrest, which was acutely felt in Chicago. Pullman was convinced that capital and labor should cooperate for mutual benefit and sought to address the needs of his workers using his philosophy of capitalist efficiency. He attempted an uncommon solution to the common problems of the day by creating a model town. Pullman engaged young architect Solon Spencer Beman and landscape architect Nathan F. Barrett to plan the town and design its buildings and public spaces to be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Beman designed housing in the simple yet elegant Queen Anne style and included Romanesque arches for buildings that housed shops and services. Though he strove to avoid monotony, Beman imbued the town with visual continuity. The scale, detailing, and architectural sophistication of the community were unprecedented. Barrett broke up the monotony of the grid of streets with his landscape design. Trees and street lights enlivened the streetscape. Unified, orderly, and innovative in its design, the model town of Pullman, then an independent town south of Chicago's city limits, became an internationally famous experiment in planning and attracted visitors from far and wide. The model factory town of Pullman is considered the first planned industrial community in the United States, and served as both an influential model and a cautionary tale for subsequent industrial developments. The beauty, sanitation, and order George Pullman provided his workers and [[Page 16]] their families were not without cost. Pullman believed people did not value the things they did not pay for. The Pullman Company owned every building and charged rents that would ensure a return on the company's investment in building the town. He also created a system of social control and hierarchy discernible in the standards of conduct for residents and in the architecture and layout of the community that can still be seen today in the well-preserved Pullman Historic District. For example, the larger, more ornate, and finely finished houses on Arcade Row were reserved for company officers, while junior workers resided in smaller, simpler row houses, and single and unskilled workers resided in tenement blocks with less ornamentation located farther away from the town's public face. In 1893, the worst economic depression in American history prior to the Great Depression hit the country in general and the railroad industry in particular. Orders at the Pullman Company declined. The Pullman Company lowered its workers' wages but not the rents it charged those workers for company housing. These measures angered the workers and sparked the Pullman strike of 1894. The American Railway Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, had formed the year prior in Chicago, with membership open to all white railroad employees of any profession. In solidarity, American Railway Union members nationwide boycotted Pullman cars, disrupting rail traffic across much of the Nation. Thus, the strike that began as a local walkout on May 11, 1894, grew into one of American history's largest labor actions, paralyzing most of the railroads west of Detroit and threatening the national economy. On June 27, 1894, as the Pullman strike was growing, the Congress passed legislation designating Labor Day a Federal holiday, and President Grover Cleveland signed it the next day. Thirty-one States had already adopted the holiday, but it was the Pullman strike of 1894 that spurred final Federal action in an attempt to placate workers across the Nation. At its peak, the Pullman strike affected some 250,000 workers in 27 States and disrupted Federal mail delivery. The United States secured a court injunction declaring the strike illegal under the Sherman Antitrust Act, and President Cleveland ultimately intervened with Federal troops. The strike ended violently by mid-July, a labor defeat with national reverberations. George Pullman did not loosen his tight control of the town of Pullman after the strike ended. Illinois sued the Pullman Company in August 1894, alleging that the company's ownership and operation of the town violated its corporate charter. The Illinois Supreme Court agreed in an 1898 decision, and ordered the company to sell all non-industrial land holdings in the town. By that time, Robert Todd Lincoln, the oldest son of President Abraham Lincoln and general counsel of the Pullman Company during the 1894 strike, had succeeded George Pullman as president of the company. In 1907, the company finally sold most of its residential properties to comply with the Illinois Supreme Court's order. The Pullman Company would again be the focus of a nationally important labor event when, in 1937, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP), an influential African American union founded by A. Philip Randolph, won a labor contract for the Pullman porters from the company. The Pullman Company leased its cars to railroads and directly employed the attendants--porters, waiters, and maids. At its founding, the company hired recently freed former house slaves as porters. The porters remained a group [[Page 17]] of exclusively African American men throughout the company's history, playing a significant role in the rise of the African American middle class. By 1937, the Pullman Company had been the Nation's largest employer of African Americans for over 20 years and Pullman porters composed 44 percent of the Pullman Company workforce. The 1937 contract was the first major labor agreement between a union led by African Americans and a corporation and is considered one of the most important markers since Reconstruction toward African American independence from racist paternalism. The agreement served as a model for other African American workers and significantly contributed to the rise of the civil rights movement in the United States. The Pullman Historic District is an important site for understanding the iconic historic connection between the Pullman porters, the BSCP, and the Pullman Company. The architecture, urban planning, transportation, labor relations, and social history of the Pullman Historic District have national significance. The Pullman Historic District tells rich, layered stories of American opportunity and discrimination, industrial engineering, corporate power and factory workers, new immigrants to this country and formerly enslaved people and their descendants, strikes and collective bargaining. The events and themes associated with the Pullman Company continue to resonate today as employers and workers still seek opportunities for better lives. WHEREAS section 320301 of title 54, United States Code (known as the ``Antiquities Act''), authorizes the President, in his discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be national monuments, and to reserve as a part thereof parcels of land, the limits of which shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected; WHEREAS the Pullman Historic District was designated a National Historic Landmark on December 30, 1970, establishing its national significance based on its importance in social history, architecture, and urban planning; WHEREAS the Governor of Illinois, Members of Congress, the City of Chicago, other State, local, and private entities, including Pullman neighborhood organizations, and others have expressed support for the establishment of a national monument in the Pullman Historic District and its inclusion in the National Park System; WHEREAS the State of Illinois Historic Preservation Agency has donated to the United States certain lands and interests in lands within the Pullman Historic District, including fee title to the Administration Clock Tower Building and an access easement thereto, for administration by the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) through the National Park Service in accordance with the provisions of the Antiquities Act and other applicable laws; WHEREAS it is in the public interest to preserve and protect the historic objects in the Pullman Historic District, Chicago, Illinois; NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, hereby proclaim the objects identified above that are [[Page 18]] situated upon lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be the Pullman National Monument (monument) and, for the purpose of protecting those objects, reserve as a part thereof all lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the ``National Monument Boundary'' described on the accompanying map, which is attached to and forms a part of this proclamation. These reserved Federal lands and interests in lands encompass approximately 0.2397 acres, together with appurtenant easements for all necessary purposes. All Federal lands and interests in lands within the ``National Monument Boundary'' described on the accompanying map are hereby appropriated and withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, leasing, or other disposition under the public land laws, from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing. The establishment of the monument is subject to valid existing rights. Lands and interests in lands not owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the ``National Monument Boundary'' described on the accompanying map shall be reserved as a part of the monument, and objects identified above that are situated upon those lands and interests in lands shall be part of the monument, upon acquisition of ownership or control by the Federal Government. The ``National Monument Boundary'' described on the accompanying map is confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected within those boundaries. The Secretary shall manage the monument through the National Park Service, pursuant to applicable legal authorities, consistent with the purposes and provisions of this proclamation. The Secretary shall prepare a management plan for the monument within 3 years of the date of this proclamation. The management plan shall ensure that the monument fulfills the following purposes for the benefit of present and future generations: (1) to preserve the historic resources; (2) to interpret the industrial history and labor struggles and achievements associated with the Pullman Company, including the rise and role of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; and (3) to interpret the history of urban planning and design of which the planned company town of Pullman is a nationally significant example. The management plan shall, among other provisions, set forth the desired relationship of the monument to other related resources, programs, and organizations within its boundaries, as well as at other places related to the Pullman Company and the stories associated with it. The management planning process shall provide for full public involvement, including coordination with the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago and consultation with interested parties including museums and preservation and neighborhood organizations. The management plan shall identify steps to be taken to provide interpretive opportunities and coordinate visitor services for the entirety of the Pullman Historic District to the extent practicable and appropriate for a broader understanding of the monument and the themes that contribute to its national significance. [[Page 19]] The National Park Service is directed to use applicable authorities to seek to enter into agreements with others to address common interests and promote management efficiencies, including provision of visitor services, interpretation and education, establishment and care of museum collections, and preservation of historic objects. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to revoke any existing withdrawal, reservation, or appropriation; however, the monument shall be the dominant reservation. Warning is hereby given to all unauthorized persons not to appropriate, injure, destroy, or remove any feature of this monument and not to locate or settle upon any of the lands thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 20]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD25FE15.018 [[Page 21]] Proclamation 9234 of February 24, 2015 Establishment of the Honouliuli National Monument By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The Honouliuli Internment Camp (Honouliuli) serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect civil liberties in times of conflict, and the effects of martial law on civil society. Honouliuli is nationally significant for its central role during World War II as an internment site for a population that included American citizens, resident immigrants, other civilians, enemy soldiers, and labor conscripts co-located by the U.S. military for internment or detention. While the treatment of Japanese Americans in Hawai'i differed from the treatment of Japanese Americans on the U.S. mainland in ways that are detailed below, the legacy of racial prejudice, wartime hysteria, and failure of political leadership during this period is common to the history of both Hawai'i and the mainland United States. Early on December 7, 1941, Japanese air and naval forces attacked Pearl Harbor and other military installations on O'ahu. Before martial law was invoked, government officials began selectively rounding up Hawai'i residents on suspicion of disloyalty. They were confined at local jails, courthouses, and other facilities on six of the main Hawaiian Islands before being transported to the U.S. Immigration Station and Sand Island Detention Camp on O'ahu. Nearly all of the internees were of Japanese descent, including leaders in the Japanese American community who were educated, were teachers or priests, or were distinguished by virtue of their access to means of communication with Japan or to transportation from Hawai'i. Most would be sent to the mainland to be held for the duration of the war in Department of Justice and War Relocation Authority camps. Despite the government's allegations of disloyalty, none of the Japanese American internees from Hawai'i was ever found guilty of sabotage, espionage, or overt acts against the United States, and all later received formal apologies and many received redress compensation from the United States. On the Island of O'ahu, the U.S. War Department sought a place removed from the active combat areas of Pearl Harbor for internment of individuals. The War Department chose Honouliuli Gulch, the bottom of which was hidden from view by the gulch's steep walls. The Honouliuli Internment Camp opened on March 2, 1943, with the transfer of internees from Sand Island and rapidly swelled in population with the influx of prisoners of war. Managed by the U.S. Army, it was the largest and longest used confinement site in Hawai'i. Honouliuli is significant for having been used as both a civilian internment camp and a prisoner of war camp, with a population of approximately 400 civilian internees and 4,000 prisoners of war over the course of its use. Honouliuli was divided into seven compounds: one compound for administration and guards, one for civilian internees, and eventually five compounds for prisoners of war. The civilian compound was further divided [[Page 22]] into sections for male civilian internees of Japanese ancestry, female civilian internees of Japanese ancestry, and civilian internees of European ancestry. Historic documents indicate there were 175 buildings, 14 guard towers, and over 400 tents among the 7 compounds on 160 acres. Many internees referred to Honouliuli as Jigoku-Dani (Hell Valley) because its secluded location at the bottom of a deep gulch trapped heat and moisture and reinforced the internees' sense of isolation and unjust confinement. The majority of Honouliuli's civilian internees were American citizens or permanent resident aliens--predominantly Japanese Americans who were citizens by birth--interned on suspicion of disloyalty. The remaining group comprised predominantly German Americans, though there were also Americans and aliens of Italian, Irish, Russian, and Scandinavian descent. Honouliuli also held women and children who were Japanese civilians displaced from the Pacific. The 4,000 prisoners of war in Honouliuli included enemy soldiers and labor conscripts from Japan, Korea, Okinawa, Taiwan, and Italy. The prisoner of war compounds were guarded by an African American infantry unit as well as units of Japanese Americans from the mainland. Honouliuli closed in 1945 for civilian internees and in 1946 for prisoners of war. With the closing of the camp, fast-growing vegetation quickly took over the site. Honouliuli was forgotten as Americans celebrated the victories of World War II and focused attention on the valor displayed by Americans at Pearl Harbor and abroad. While both mainland and Hawaiian internment camps are sobering examples of wartime prejudice and injustice, Honouliuli reminds us of the differences in the way that forced removal was approached in Hawai'i and on the mainland. The primary difference between the Japanese American experience on the mainland and on Hawai'i is that the internment in Hawai'i targeted a relatively small percentage of the ethnic Japanese population on the islands. Less than one percent of Hawai'i's ethnic Japanese population was interned in Hawai'i. This contrasts with the mass exclusion of all 120,000 Japanese Americans on the West Coast of the mainland. In Hawai'i, the Japanese American citizenry and immigrant population were over one third of the territory's total population. Without their participation in the labor force, the economy of the territory could not have been sustained and the war effort in the islands would have been crippled. Both the policies in Hawai'i and those on the mainland devastated Japanese Americans and their families and created a social stigma that was borne by Japanese Americans during and after the war. The selective nature of the internment in Hawai'i also sowed division within the Japanese American community in Hawai'i, leading to ostracism and other backlash against the targeted individuals and their families that would last their lifetimes. The declaration of martial law served as the basis to authorize internment in Hawai'i, as opposed to the mainland where mass exclusion was authorized by Executive Order 9066. During the period of martial law from December 7, 1941, to October 24, 1944, the U.S. Army issued hundreds of military orders, some of which were applicable only to persons of Japanese ancestry and enemy aliens. For example, people of Japanese ancestry were [[Page 23]] restricted from residing in certain areas of O'ahu and were forcibly removed from their properties. These types of discriminatory policies created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. Finally, Honouliuli is significant because of the comparatively lower level of public understanding and awareness of the history of internment of civilians in Hawai'i during World War II. On the mainland during World War II, mass exclusion was well known. In contrast, the internment in Hawai'i was largely kept secret during World War II, and has only recently become the subject of scholarship and awareness campaigns. It was not until 1998 that information about Honouliuli resurfaced. After 4 years of research and exploration, the site was uncovered in 2002. In 2008, an archeological research survey was conducted at the site. Honouliuli remains an object of archeological interest. Honouliuli serves to remind every American about the critical importance of safeguarding civil liberties and maintaining our values during times of crisis. It is important to recognize Honouliuli as a part of our shared national heritage and national consciousness. It is a place to reflect on wartime experiences and recommit ourselves to the pursuit of freedom and justice. WHEREAS section 320301 of title 54, United States Code (known as the ``Antiquities Act''), authorizes the President, in his discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be national monuments, and to reserve as a part thereof parcels of land, the limits of which shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected; WHEREAS Honouliuli's objects of historic interest were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2012 as nationally significant for their association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; WHEREAS, for the purpose of establishing a national monument to be administered by the National Park Service, the Monsanto Company has donated certain lands at Honouliuli to the United States, and the University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu has agreed to provide access across its property to those lands; WHEREAS it is in the public interest to preserve and protect the historic objects at Honouliuli; NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, hereby proclaim the objects identified above that are situated upon lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be the Honouliuli National Monument (monument) and, for the purpose of protecting those objects, reserve as a part thereof all lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the boundaries described on the accompanying map entitled, ``Honouliuli National Monument,'' which is attached to and forms a part of this proclamation. The reserved Federal lands and interests in lands encompass approximately 123.0 acres, together with appurtenant easements for all necessary purposes. The boundaries described on the accompanying [[Page 24]] map are confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected. All Federal lands and interests in lands within the boundaries described on the accompanying map are hereby appropriated and withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, leasing or other disposition under the public land laws, from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing. The establishment of the monument is subject to valid existing rights. Lands and interests in lands not owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the boundaries described on the accompanying map shall be reserved as a part of the monument, and objects identified above that are situated upon those lands and interests in lands shall be part of the monument, upon acquisition of ownership or control by the Federal Government. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) shall manage the monument through the National Park Service, pursuant to applicable legal authorities, consistent with the purposes and provisions of this proclamation. The Secretary shall prepare a management plan for the monument, with full public involvement, within 3 years of the date of this proclamation. The management plan shall ensure that the monument fulfills the following purposes for the benefit of present and future generations: (1) to preserve and protect the objects of historic interest associated with Honouliuli Internment Camp, and (2) to study and interpret the history of World War II internment and detention in Hawai'i. The management plan shall set forth the desired relationship of the monument to other related resources, programs, and organizations associated with World War II internment, detention, and exclusion. The National Park Service shall use available authorities, as appropriate, to enter into agreements to provide for access to the monument. The National Park Service shall also use available authorities, as appropriate, to enter into agreements with governmental and nongovernmental organizations to provide for research, preservation, interpretation, and education at Honouliuli and additional sites associated with World War II internment in Hawai'i and exclusion elsewhere. The National Park Service shall also coordinate management with World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, which commemorates the broader story of the war in the Pacific and its impacts on Hawai'i. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to revoke any existing withdrawal, reservation, or appropriation; however, the monument shall be the dominant reservation. Warning is hereby given to all unauthorized persons not to appropriate, injure, destroy, or remove any feature of this monument and not to locate or settle upon any of the lands thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 25]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD27FE15.005 [[Page 26]] Proclamation 9235 of February 27, 2015 American Red Cross Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For more than 130 years, the devoted women and men of the American Red Cross have responded to challenges at home and abroad with compassion and generosity. In times of conflict and great tragedy, they deliver humanitarian relief, save lives, and offer hope for a brighter tomorrow. Their service has meant so much to so many, and it reflects a fundamental American truth: we look out for one another and we do not leave anyone behind. This month, we renew our sense of common purpose and honor all those whose sacrifices have made our society more prepared, resilient, and united. As a nurse and educator, Clara Barton dedicated her life to caring for others and alleviating suffering. After years of tending to soldiers and families in their hour of need, she established the American Red Cross, creating a force for peace and recovery in the wake of the Civil War and opening paths for millions across our Nation to serve their brothers and sisters. In the generations that followed, the American Red Cross and other service and relief organizations have combated pandemics, supported our Armed Forces, and provided disaster relief and mitigation worldwide. In big cities and rural towns, American Red Cross volunteers support their communities, helping people donate blood, teaching first aid, and increasing local preparedness. Last year, our Nation once again bore witness to their grit and resolve as thousands mobilized in response to devastating mudslides, tornadoes, wildfires, and other emergencies. As selfless individuals step forward--as neighbors assist neighbors, schools transform into shelters, and donations become hot meals and dry clothes--they carry forward Barton's legacy and safeguard the promise that in moments of darkness, there is hope. They remind us that when we stand together, America emerges stronger. Our Nation has always been shaped by ordinary Americans who dedicate their lives to achieving the extraordinary. During American Red Cross Month, let us ask what we can do for those around us and resolve to make service to others a part of our everyday lives. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America and Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2015 as American Red Cross Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, and by supporting the work of service and relief organizations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 27]] Proclamation 9236 of February 27, 2015 Irish-American Heritage Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The vibrant culture and rich heritage of the Irish people shaped many of the earliest chapters of America's story. Our common values and shared vision for the future laid the foundation for an eternal friendship between Ireland and the United States, and today, daughters and sons of Erin continue to enrich our Nation. This month, we reaffirm the bonds of affection between our two great countries, and we honor the courage and perseverance of the Irish-American community. From ethereal green shores, generations of Irishmen and women set out across an ocean to seek a new life in the New World. Often without family or funds, these brave souls put their faith in the ideas at the heart of our democracy--that we make our own destiny, and if we work hard and live responsibly, we can build a better future for our children and grandchildren. Early immigrants from Ireland shaped our founding documents, and in the decades and centuries since, Irish-American heroes--like the courageous members of the Fighting 69th--have fought and died to protect a Government of, by, and for the people. Today, tens of millions of Americans proudly trace their heritage to the Emerald Isle. They are descendants of our Founding Fathers, heirs to a resilient spirit forged during the Great Hunger and painful periods of discrimination, and the latest in a long line of Irish Americans who have poured their energy and passion into perfecting our Union. With grit and determination, they have enhanced our communities, bolstered our economy, and strengthened our Nation. And their brogue continues to ring out from our halls of government and every place people strive to make our society more free, more fair, and more just. The Irish story is one of hope and resolve--in it Americans see our own dreams and aspirations. Our pasts are bound by blood and belief, by culture and commerce, and our futures are equally, inextricably linked. During Irish-American Heritage Month, let us celebrate the people-to- people ties between our nations and continue together our work to forge a brighter tomorrow for every American and Irish child. 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 March 2015 as Irish- American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 28]] Proclamation 9237 of February 27, 2015 National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. This year, more than 130,000 Americans will be diagnosed with this cancer, and nearly 50,000 will die from it. Friends and loved ones will be taken from us too soon by this disease, and the pain of cancer will touch too many families. During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize all those who have been affected by this disease, and we renew our commitment to a lifesaving endeavor: raising awareness of colorectal cancer and the importance of screening. Colorectal cancer is often preventable, and early detection and treatment are critical. However, this disease does not always cause symptoms, and most colorectal cancer occurs in individuals with no family history. That is why it is crucial for people of all ages to discuss colorectal cancer with their health care providers and understand the recommendations for, and benefits of, screening. And, people between ages 50 and 75 should get regular screenings. Not only can testing save your life, it can also provide peace of mind to your family and loved ones. I encourage Americans to learn more about the risk factors and symptoms of colorectal cancer by visiting www.Cancer.gov. Every American deserves health security, and that is why I fought so hard for the Affordable Care Act. Under the law, more families have access to quality, affordable health care, and most insurance plans are required to cover recommended preventive services without copays, including colorectal cancer screenings for adults over 50. Earlier this year, I also announced the Precision Medicine Initiative to accelerate the design and testing of treatments tailored to individual patients. This bold new effort aims to revolutionize how our Nation fights disease, and it brings us closer to curing cancer. Even as we continue the urgent work of improving care, we cannot fill the void left in the lives of those who know the true anguish of colorectal cancer. This month, we honor the loved ones we have lost to this disease and those who battle it today. Let us stand with their families and all who are committed to advancing the fight against cancer through research, advocacy, and quality care. Together, we can build a future free from cancer in all its forms. 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 March 2015 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage all citizens, government agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and other groups to join in activities that will increase awareness and prevention of colorectal cancer. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the [[Page 29]] Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9238 of February 27, 2015 Women's History Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout history, extraordinary women have fought tirelessly to broaden our democracy's reach and help perfect our Union. Through protest and activism, generations of women have appealed to the values at the heart of our Nation and fought to give meaning to the idea that we are all created equal. As today's women and girls reach for new heights, they stand on the shoulders of all those who have come before and carry forward their legacy of proud achievement. This month, we celebrate countless pioneering women and the victories they won, and we continue our work to build a society where our daughters have the same possibilities as our sons. Courageous women have called not only for the absence of oppression, but for the presence of opportunity. They have demonstrated for justice, but also for jobs--ones that promise equal pay for equal work. And they have marched for the right to vote not just so their voices would be heard, but so they could have a seat at the head of the table. With grit and resolve, they have fought to overcome discrimination and shatter glass ceilings, and after decades of slow, steady, and determined progress, they have widened the circle of opportunity for women and girls across our country. Today, more women are their family's main breadwinner than ever before. Women are nearly half of our Nation's workers, and they are increasingly among the most skilled. At the same time, more than 60 percent of women with children under the age of 5 participate in the labor force. This increasing participation of women in our workforce has bolstered our economy and strengthened our families, and it has demonstrated that the policies that benefit women and working families benefit all of us. But not all of the rules that govern our workplaces have caught up with this reality, and today, too many of the opportunities that our mothers and grandmothers fought for are going unrealized. That is why I am committed to tearing down the barriers to full and equal participation in our economy and society that still exist for too many women. All women deserve equal pay for equal work and a living wage; the Congress needs to raise the minimum wage and pass a law that ensures a woman is paid the same as a man for doing the same work. I continue to call for increased workplace flexibility and access to paid leave--including paid sick leave--so that hardworking Americans do not have to choose between being productive employees and responsible family members. And I have proposed a plan that would make quality child care available to every middle-class and low-income family in America with young children. These are not only women's issues--they are family issues and national economic priorities. [[Page 30]] We know that when women succeed, America succeeds. The strength of our economy rests on whether we make it possible for every citizen to contribute to our growth and prosperity. As we honor the many patriots who have shaped not only the destinies of other women, but also the direction of our history, let us resolve to build on their efforts in our own time. As a Nation, we must join our voices with the chorus of history and push forward with unyielding faith to forge a more equal society for all our daughters and granddaughters--one where a woman's potential is limited only by the size of her dreams and the power of her imagination. 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 March 2015 as Women's History Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month and to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, 2015, with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. I also invite all Americans to visit www.WomensHistoryMonth.gov to learn more about the generations of women who have left enduring imprints on our history. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9239 of February 27, 2015 National Consumer Protection Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As Americans, we believe that our destiny is written by us--not for us-- and that ours is a country where hard work should pay off and responsibility should be rewarded. Through all of the challenges we have overcome and the grueling work required to bring our economy out of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, we have held on to that promise. Yet each day, fraud, abuse, and theft threaten the economic well-being of individuals and families across our Nation who spend their lives striving to build a sense of security. During National Consumer Protection Week, we redouble our efforts to protect Americans from financial fraud and identity theft, and to ensure our economy gives every person a chance to succeed. Over the past 6 years, my Administration has been committed to protecting the hard-earned money and privacy of our citizens. In today's digital age, we are more connected and do more online than ever before. Unfortunately, the very technologies that empower us to do great good can also be used to undermine us and inflict great harm. That is why my Administration is working to create a single, strong national standard so people know when their information has been stolen or misused, and why we are encouraging companies to equip consumers with their credit scores free of charge so they can quickly detect and deal with fraud. I also continue to [[Page 31]] call on the Congress to enact overdue cybersecurity legislation that will help protect Americans--particularly by clarifying companies' obligations when sensitive data is breached. As part of our BuySecure Initiative, the Federal Government is leading the way by transitioning to a more secure chip and PIN payment system-- because you should be able to visit our National Parks or use the Postal Service without risking your identity. Earlier this year, we convened the first-ever White House Summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection, and we are taking new steps to assist the victims of identity theft. Furthermore, Americans who responsibly prepare for retirement should not be taken advantage of, so we are proposing a new rule to require retirement advisors to put their clients' financial interests before their own. We have also introduced a discussion draft of legislation for a new Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights to safeguard basic principles that both defend personal privacy and allow industry to keep innovating. Consumers can also take steps to protect themselves and their families. Predatory and deceptive lending practices, identity theft, financial scams, and fraud can cause lasting devastation for victims. By empowering ourselves with information about our rights and the resources available to us, we can be prepared and make better-informed decisions. I encourage everyone to visit www.NCPW.gov and www.IdentityTheft.gov to learn more about the risks and vulnerabilities we all face, as well as the steps we can take to defend ourselves and the tools and support available to help save time, money, and heartache. When we, as Americans, put our minds together and our shoulders to the wheel, we can accomplish anything. The United States created the Internet and a new age of information--but we also pioneered the Bill of Rights, and we believe individuals have a sphere of privacy around them that should not be breached. This week, let us recommit to safeguarding consumers, and let us strive to grow our economy in ways that preserve the values we hold dear so that each of us has the power to translate our dreams into reality. 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 March 1 through March 7, 2015, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon government officials, industry leaders, and advocates across the Nation to share information about consumer protection and provide our citizens with information about their rights as consumers. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 32]] Proclamation 9240 of February 27, 2015 Read Across America Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a Nation, one of our greatest responsibilities is to ensure every American child can experience the transformative power of reading. Literacy is the gateway to all other learning, and it is the most basic building block of opportunity in an economy increasingly built on knowledge and innovation. On Read Across America Day, we celebrate the ways literacy has enhanced our lives and recommit to empowering every student with a strong start and a passion for reading. The written word provides a window to a larger world. From prose and poetry, we learn our earliest lessons about tolerance and empathy, and on the pages of great books, children can see for the first time that their potential is limited only by the size of their dreams and the power of their imaginations. Literature captures moral dilemmas that persist across generations, chronicles our greatest achievements as a people, and reminds us of painful chapters in our past so we do not repeat our mistakes. In powerful tales and in the voices of complex characters, we learn eternal truths that illuminate the spirit of America and the intimacy of the human condition. Brilliant writers enable us to stand in someone else's shoes and identify with their hopes and struggles--even if they do not look like us or share our beliefs. They transport us to distant times and faraway lands, and today we honor a storyteller who brought these new worlds into classrooms and bedrooms all around the globe. The works of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known to us as Dr. Seuss, have sparked a love for reading in generations of students. His whimsical wordplay and curious characters inspire children to dream big and remind readers of all ages that ``a person's a person no matter how small.'' Reading is the means by which we discover new ideas and unlock the potential of tomorrow's leaders. As we recognize the importance of literacy, let us resolve to play a part in developing the next generation of readers and writers. As mentors, friends, and caring adults, we can raise our voices to support the resources our students need in classrooms and libraries, and take time to engage young people in this critical endeavor. Together, we can enrich our souls, strengthen our society, and give every child a chance to succeed. 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 March 2, 2015, as Read Across America Day. I call upon children, families, educators, librarians, public officials, and all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the [[Page 33]] Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9241 of March 13, 2015 National Poison Prevention Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Household and environmental poisons pose risks to Americans of all ages. While children under age 6 account for half of all cases of poison exposure, more than 90 percent of poisoning deaths occur among people over the age of 20. Poisonings are more common and more deadly than many people realize--but they are often avoidable and treatable, and every person can take action to guard against these preventable tragedies. During National Poison Prevention Week, we raise awareness of the precautions each person can take to protect their loved ones, as well as what to do in the event of a poison emergency. Most poisonings take place at home where cleaning products, cosmetics, and other chemicals are stored. That is why it is important for parents and caregivers to keep poisonous items out of their children's sight and reach. These items should be properly labeled and stored in their original containers--especially medicine, which is a major source of poisoning among young people and adults. Before taking medication, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, Americans should ensure they understand the instructions, including the proper dosage and how to avoid unsafe drug interactions, and discuss any questions with a doctor or pharmacist. Everyone should also be aware of local environmental poisons, including plants, insects, and berries; practice safe food preparation and handling to avoid food poisoning; and guard against carbon monoxide by installing detectors for this colorless, odorless gas. If you suspect someone has been poisoned, fast action is essential. Do not wait for signs of poisoning. You should immediately call the toll- free Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. The Poison Help line can also connect you with experts to discuss questions about medication and other non-emergency situations. Last year, I was proud to sign the Poison Center Network Act, which reauthorized funding for the Poison Help line and also supported poison control centers and nationwide efforts to raise awareness about poison prevention and the resources available in local communities. Education and awareness about poisons can save lives. I encourage all people to speak out about the importance of poison prevention and discuss these commonsense steps with their loved ones, coworkers, and neighbors. To learn more, visit www.PoisonHelp.HRSA.gov. Information about safe drug disposal is available at www.DEAdiversion.USDOJ.gov. To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers of accidental poisonings and to take appropriate preventative measures, the Congress, by joint resolution approved September 26, 1961, as amended (75 Stat. 681) [[Page 34]] has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of March each year as ``National Poison Prevention Week.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 15 through March 21, 2015, as National Poison Prevention Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by taking actions to protect their families from hazardous household materials and misuse of prescription medicines. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9242 of March 24, 2015 Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since the dawn of our Nation, the United States and Greece have shared a bond forged through common struggle and deeply rooted in mutual beliefs. Greek principles guided our Founders as they declared America's independence, and nearly half a century later, as Greek revolutionaries fought to throw off the yoke of an empire, they renewed the creed that unites free people everywhere: ordinary citizens can govern themselves. Today, we celebrate the Hellenic spirit that has inspired our two great nations -- separated by an ocean but linked by a shared destiny written not for us, but by us. It was the democratic example of ancient Greece from which the founding generation of Americans drew strength. In our Nation's earliest days, we sought wisdom from Greek history and philosophy, and we found hope within the pages of timeless Greek texts. Mindful of the lessons of the Hellenic story, courageous patriots undertook a bold experiment, securing the blessings of liberty and laying the foundation for more than two centuries of progress. But even in the cradle of democracy, the promise of freedom was not preordained. More than 2,000 years after the values of self- determination first found expression in a small group of Hellenic city- states, the Greek people stood up against tyranny and sacrificed to restore democracy to its birthplace. They met brutal hardship with unbreakable character, drew inspiration from America's revolution, and never lost faith in the ideals Greece has always represented. As Americans and Greeks, we are heirs to a long legacy of hard-won freedom and justice -- values which we must not only preserve, but renew and refresh in our own time. Generations of Greek Americans have enriched the [[Page 35]] United States and strengthened our communities. Their heritage and vibrant culture are reflected in our story of achievement and constant striving; their voices are among the chorus of citizens who have driven this country inexorably forward. Today, as Greece works to lay a foundation for long-term prosperity, our Nation continues to support our friend and NATO ally and to help the Greek people reach for the future so many have sought -- one where all women and men are free to pursue their dreams, realize their potential, and secure a brighter tomorrow for their children. Together, we continue the righteous task of perfecting our two nations. On the 194th anniversary of Greek independence, let us celebrate the enduring ties between our peoples and stand with those around the world who long for liberty and the chance to join in the noble work of building a democracy. 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 March 25, 2015, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9243 of March 30, 2015 C[eacute]sar Ch[aacute]vez Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For more than two centuries, the arc of our Nation's progress has been shaped by ordinary people who have dedicated their lives to the extraordinary work of building a more perfect Union. It is a story of achievement and constant striving that has found expression in places where America's destiny has been decided--in Seneca Falls, Selma, and Stonewall, and in the golden fields of California where an American hero discovered his mighty voice. Today, we honor C[eacute]sar Ch[aacute]vez and his lifetime of work to make our country more free, more fair, and more just, and we reaffirm the timeless belief he embodied: those who love their country can change it. A son of migrant workers and a child of the Great Depression, C[eacute]sar Ch[aacute]vez believed every job has dignity and every person should have the chance to reach beyond his or her circumstances and realize a brighter future. When no one seemed to care about the farm workers who labored without basic protections and for meager pay to help feed the world, C[eacute]sar Ch[aacute]vez awakened our Nation to their deplorable conditions and abject poverty--injustices he knew firsthand. He organized, protested, fasted, and alongside Dolores Huerta, founded the United Farm Workers. Slowly, he [[Page 36]] grew a small movement to a 10,000-person march and eventually a 17- million-strong boycott of table grapes, rallying a generation around ``La Causa'' and forcing growers to agree to some of the first farm worker contracts in history. Guided by a fierce commitment to nonviolence in support of a righteous cause, he never lost faith in the power of opportunity for all. As a Nation, we know the struggle to live up to the principles of our founding does not end with any one victory or defeat. After C[eacute]sar Ch[aacute]vez fought for higher wages, he pushed for fresh drinking water, workers' compensation, pension plans, and protection from pesticides. He strove every day for the America he knew was possible. Today, we must take up his work and carry forward this great unfinished task. When immigrants labor in the shadows, they often earn unfair wages and their families and our economy suffer--that is one reason why we have to fix our broken immigration system and why I keep calling on the Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform. We need to continue to defend the collective bargaining rights countless individuals have fought so hard for and ensure our economy rewards hard work with a fair living wage, paid leave, and equal pay for equal work. C[eacute]sar Ch[aacute]vez knew that when you lift up one person, it enriches a community; it bolsters our economy, strengthens our Nation, and gives meaning to the creed that out of many, we are one. As we celebrate his life, we are reminded of our obligations to one another and the extraordinary opportunity we are each given to work toward justice, equal opportunity, and a better future for every one of our sisters and brothers. 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 March 31, 2015, as C[eacute]sar Ch[aacute]vez Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate service, community, and education programs to honor C[eacute]sar Ch[aacute]vez's enduring legacy. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9244 of March 30, 2015 Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In every child--every girl dreaming big dreams and every boy hungry to make something of himself--there exists limitless potential. Our young people are the problem-solvers, thinkers, and visionaries of tomorrow who will change the world as we know it, and they deserve the chance to fulfill their enormous promise, no matter who they are or where they live. A good education can open the door to opportunity, and it should be within the reach of all who yearn for the chance to develop their minds and talents. [[Page 37]] Today, we celebrate the transformative power of education and honor a man who inspired a passion for learning among a generation of students. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, dedicated his life to promoting education as the cornerstone of humanity. A tireless advocate for youth around the world, he believed that ``as long as there is still one child that does not receive an adequate education, we can neither be satisfied nor slacken our efforts.'' In an era where a woman's education was not valued the same as a man's, the Rebbe worked to tear down barriers that stood in the way of girls who wanted to learn. He established a Jewish organization for women and directed his teachings of service and scholarship equally to young girls and boys. He was even known to write, ``There must be a girl!'' on educational materials that depicted only boys. Because of leaders like the Rebbe, we have made great strides toward achieving quality education for all--but his legacy is not only a story of progress, it is also a call to remember his words and take up this unfinished task. Today, 62 million girls around the world who should be in school are not. Children who deserve an education, who have the power to change the course of history, face unacceptable obstacles because of their gender, the circumstances of their birth, or the customs of their society. If we want to strengthen families and communities, bolster economic growth, and promote stability worldwide, we must work to increase the number of girls in school and empower all children with the resources they need to reach for a brighter future. This is not only a humanitarian issue; it is also critical to our security and global economic prosperity. That is why First Lady Michelle Obama and I recently launched a new initiative called Let Girls Learn. As part of this effort, my Administration will be supporting hundreds of community- driven projects around the world that will build on investments we have made and successes we have achieved in global primary school education. At the same time, we are making it clear to any country who wants to work with us that they must address the challenges preventing young women from attending and completing school--such as fees, threats of violence, and the false belief that girls are not worthy of an education. We are committed to making a global and generational impact, but Let Girls Learn is also about reminding Americans about the importance of high-quality education for all. As we help lift up children worldwide, my Administration will continue to fight for every young person here at home. We will not let up on our efforts to deliver the best possible education to all people in the United States, including our work to expand access to high-quality preschool to every child and provide our Nation's classrooms with the best technology. And we are expanding our strategy to make higher education more affordable by promoting a Student Aid Bill of Rights and calling for 2 years of free community college for anyone who is willing to work for it. Across the globe, girls have pushed forward to pursue an education in the face of poverty and threats to their safety. They are bold, ambitious, and undeterred by immense challenges. Today, we are called to meet their resolve with a commitment worthy of their character. On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we recognize educators, pioneers of change, and all those who have unlocked the spark of something extraordinary within a child, and we rededicate ourselves to building a world where the destiny [[Page 38]] of every young person is limited only by the size of their dreams and the power of their imagination. 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 March 31, 2015, as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9245 of March 31, 2015 National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every child is born into a world filled with limitless possibilities, and as a Nation, we must ensure all our young people have the support they need to realize their enormous potential. Regardless of who they are or the circumstances of their birth, each child deserves to be cared for, cherished, and kept safe from harm. Tragically, abuse and neglect erode this promise for hundreds of thousands of America's daughters and sons each year. This is an injustice. It is contrary to the values of good caretaking and the principles of our Nation, and it must not be tolerated. This month, we celebrate the love and courage it takes to raise a child; we reaffirm the fundamental human rights of all children to live free from violence and abuse; and we rededicate ourselves to ending the cycle of harm too many girls and boys face. A strong, stable family is the best foundation for a promising childhood, and when parents and caregivers have support--from loved ones, friends, and their community--they are more likely to provide safe and healthy environments for children. It is important for all people to recognize the signs of child neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, including sudden changes in behavior or school performance and untreated physical or medical issues. Reporting any concerns could protect a child and connect a family with the help they need. To learn more about how to prevent and report child abuse, visit www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing. My Administration is committed to strengthening our Nation's families and doing everything we can to make it easier for mothers and fathers to care and provide for their children. We are also investing in evidence- based State and local programs that promote positive parenting and caregiving to help prevent child abuse and neglect. These efforts can help decrease the number of children entering the foster care system and provide better outcomes for those in it. We will continue to work with the faith community and the private sector to bolster all those who support our Nation's young people, and I encourage leaders across all levels of government to invest [[Page 39]] in services for victims and provide the resources and protections our kids need. The work of raising our children is the most important job in our country, and it is also the most challenging. At times, it can be difficult to live up to the enormous responsibilities that come with being a parent, especially when families face hardship. But parenthood does not demand perfection. If we do our best for our children--to nurture their healthy development, seek assistance when needed, and meet our obligations to them--we can demonstrate to our daughters and sons that they are always our first priority. As a Nation and as individuals, our attitudes toward our children set a powerful example that shapes their character and influences the kind of people they will become. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to protect the safety and well-being of every child, and we resolve to continue the hard work of raising a generation that can dream bigger and reach higher than ever before. 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 April 2015 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and provide for children's physical, emotional, and developmental needs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9246 of March 31, 2015 National Financial Capability Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation is built on the idea that we do best when everyone gets a fair shot. Six years after a devastating recession shook many Americans' faith in our financial system, our economy is steadily growing and creating new jobs--but we must do more to restore the link between hard work and growing opportunity for every person. We believe responsibility should be rewarded, and that begins by empowering all people with the tools and knowledge they need to share in America's prosperity. During National Financial Capability Month, we renew our efforts to support the informed financial decisions that will open doors into the middle class and help ensure economic security for all. Critical decisions--from financing higher education to saving for retirement--can have lasting consequences for individuals and for our country's economy. Financial literacy enables people of all ages to make smart choices and set goals to protect their hard-earned income. And increasing [[Page 40]] individuals' understanding of debt, including mortgages and credit cards, helps guarantee every person receives equal treatment and is able to secure lasting opportunity. By strengthening the financial capability of all Americans, we are investing in the fundamental promise of a brighter future and building a more prosperous Nation. My Administration continues to take action to provide all Americans with the resources they need to get ahead. We launched the ``Know Before You Owe'' campaign so students and families have a straightforward tool to compare financial aid offers from different colleges, and we simplified mortgage forms so homeowners are better able to comprehend their terms. We started the myRA program, a new type of savings account to help Americans take control over their future, and we are proposing new rules to require financial advisors to put their clients' interests before their own--ensuring all who responsibly prepare for retirement receive the best information possible. To focus on increasing financial capability in our schools, workplaces, and communities, I created the President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans, and last year, I signed legislation to support programs that teach young people personal finance skills. Increasing financial capability across our Nation is an essential component of middle-class economics. This month, let us all take time to increase our knowledge of our finances and encourage our friends and family to do the same. To start, all Americans can take advantage of the free, reliable financial resources at www.MyMoney.gov, www.ConsumerFinance.gov, and 1-800-FED-INFO. 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 April 2015 as National Financial Capability Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities to improve their understanding of financial principles and practices. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9247 of April 1, 2015 National Cancer Control Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For generations, the United States has been committed to combating cancer. It is a battle fought by our finest medical researchers, devoted health care professionals, and the many loved ones who have known the pain of this disease. Over decades, our Nation has made extraordinary progress. The overall rates of cancer deaths are decreasing for both women and men, and [[Page 41]] most survivors live longer and enjoy a better quality of life than ever before. Still, cancer remains the second most common cause of death in America, and there is more work to do. This month, we stand with all those touched by cancer and redouble our efforts to prevent, detect, and treat this disease. All people can take steps to reduce their chances of developing cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, protecting skin from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and limiting alcohol consumption can help individuals live healthier lives. Because cigarettes are a major cause of cancer, quitting smoking and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke can also decrease risk. For advice on how to quit smoking, go to www.SmokeFree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. I also encourage Americans to visit www.Cancer.gov for more information on cancer prevention. When cancer is found in an early stage, it can be easier to treat and the chances of survival often increase. My Administration has fought to make this possible for more Americans. Protections under the Affordable Care Act require most insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without copays, including some cancer screenings for qualifying individuals. These protections also eliminate annual and lifetime dollar limits on coverage and prohibit insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions, including cancer. New technologies and strategic investments have made the difference between life and death for many of today's cancer patients. But as Americans, we have never been satisfied to rest on the accomplishments of our past; we reach for the future and stretch the boundaries of what is possible. That is why earlier this year, I announced my plan to lead a new era of medicine--one that delivers the right treatment at the right moment and brings us closer to curing cancer in our time. By investing in new research methods that will enable clinicians to tailor treatments to individual patients, the Precision Medicine Initiative will revolutionize how our Nation combats disease. As we continue the urgent work of improving research, treatment, and care, let us remember those lost to cancer. During National Cancer Control Month, we recognize all who dedicate their lives to advancing the fight against this disease, and we recommit to achieving a future free from cancer in all its forms. The Congress of the United States, by joint resolution approved March 28, 1938 (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103), as amended, has requested the President to issue an annual proclamation declaring April as ``Cancer Control Month.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim April 2015 as National Cancer Control Month. I encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control cancer. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 42]] Proclamation 9248 of April 1, 2015 National Donate Life Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation At this moment, more than 123,000 Americans are in need of a life-saving organ transplant. Our Nation continues to face a critical shortage of donors, and every day, 21 people die waiting for an organ. This month, we renew our call for organ, eye, and tissue donors, and we honor all those who have given the extraordinary gift of life. The decision to become a donor can save up to eight lives and enhance many more--men, women, and children who depend on the generosity and sacrifice of others to receive the vital care they require. I encourage individuals of all ages and backgrounds to consider this unique opportunity to help those in need and to discuss this choice with friends and family. For more information and to learn how to join your State's donor registry, visit www.OrganDonor.gov. In the face of uncertainty and suffering, Americans have always joined together, drawing strength and comfort from our commitment to one another; we find hope through faith and our enduring belief that we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. During National Donate Life Month, let us stand with all those who know the pain of an uncertain tomorrow and redouble our efforts to save and improve the lives of Americans across our country. 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 April 2015 as National Donate Life Month. I call upon health care professionals, volunteers, educators, government agencies, faith-based and community groups, and private organizations to join forces to boost the number of organ, eye, and tissue donors throughout our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9249 of April 1, 2015 National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As Americans, we each have the power to shape our country's course and contribute to the extraordinary task of perfecting our Union. For more than two centuries, progress has been won by ordinary citizens--women and [[Page 43]] men who joined arms and marched toward justice. This month, we are once again reminded that we can change our culture for the better by standing together against the quiet tolerance of sexual assault and refusing to accept the unacceptable. Nearly one in five women in America has been a victim of rape or attempted rape. Every year, too many women and too many men are sexually assaulted and abused. This is an affront to our basic decency and humanity, and it must end. Sexual assault harms our communities, weakens the foundation of our Nation, and hurts those we love most. For survivors, the awful pain can take years to heal--sometimes it never does. When an individual's possibilities are limited by the scars of violence and abuse, our country is deprived of enormous potential. Sexual assault takes a collective toll on all of us, and it is everyone's responsibility not only to speak out, but also to take action against this injustice. More than two decades ago, then United States Senator Joe Biden did both. At a time when many victims were stigmatized or left to suffer in silence, he authored the Violence Against Women Act, which would forever improve the way our country responds to sexual assault and domestic violence. In the decades since, our Nation has built on that progress. We have taken strides toward changing the way people think about sexual misconduct, making it clear that every person has the fundamental human right to be free from sexual assault and domestic violence. Thanks to the work of advocates, community leaders, public servants, and courageous survivors who shared their stories, our Nation has come an incredibly long way. But from schools to military bases and throughout all communities in America, we must do more to end the crime of sexual assault. My Administration has made this a priority since day one, beginning with the establishment of the first-ever White House Advisor on Violence Against Women. And we will keep fighting as long as it takes. We have taken action to strengthen our criminal justice system, uphold the civil rights of victims and survivors of sexual assault, and ensure that all people can live free from sexual violence. Now in its second year, the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault is helping schools live up to their obligations to educate students in safe environments. We continue to address the impact of sexual assault on persons living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. I have also made clear that violence and abuse have no place in the finest military this world has ever known. And last fall, we launched the ``It's On Us'' campaign to let people know everyone has a role to play in preventing and effectively responding to sexual violence. It's on parents and caregivers to teach their children to respect and value others. It's on teammates, classmates, and colleagues to recognize sexual misconduct and intervene to stop it. It's on all of us to work for the change we need to shift the attitudes and behaviors that allow sexual assault to go unnoticed, unreported, and unpunished. During National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, let us commit to being part of the solution and rededicate ourselves to creating a society where violence is not tolerated, survivors are supported, and all people are able to pursue their fullest measure of happiness without fear of abuse or assault. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and [[Page 44]] the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2015 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. I urge all Americans to support survivors of sexual assault and work together to prevent these crimes in their communities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9250 of April 1, 2015 World Autism Awareness Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On World Autism Awareness Day, our Nation recognizes all those around the globe who live on the autism spectrum. We celebrate the countless ways they strengthen our communities and enrich our world--and we reaffirm their fundamental rights to participate fully in society, live with respect, and achieve their greatest potential. In the United States, millions of adults and young people live with autism spectrum disorder, including 1 out of every 68 children. They are our colleagues, classmates, friends, and loved ones, and they each have something to contribute to the American story. In large cities and small towns, individuals with autism live independent and productive lives, and our Nation is better because of their unique talents and perspectives. Their example reminds us that all people have inherent dignity and worth, and that everyone deserves a fair shot at opportunity. My Administration is committed to helping Americans with autism fulfill their potential by ensuring access to the resources and programs they need. The Affordable Care Act prohibits companies from denying health insurance because of pre-existing conditions such as autism, and the law also requires most insurance plans to cover preventive services-- including autism and developmental screenings for young children-- without copays. Last year, I was proud to sign the Autism CARES Act of 2014, which bolstered training and educational opportunities for professionals serving children or adults on the autism spectrum. And as part of the BRAIN Initiative, we continue to invest in innovative research that aims to revolutionize our understanding of conditions like autism and improve the lives of all who live with them. The greatness of our Nation lies in the diversity of our people. When more Americans are able to pursue their full measure of happiness, it makes our Union more perfect and uplifts us all. Today, let us honor advocates, professionals, family members, and all who work to build brighter tomorrows alongside those with autism. Together, we can create a world free of barriers to inclusion and full of understanding and acceptance of the differences that make us strong. [[Page 45]] 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 April 2, 2015, World Autism Awareness Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9251 of April 6, 2015 National Public Health Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Last year, as Ebola spread in West Africa--overwhelming public health systems and threatening to cross more borders--American women and men responded with extraordinary courage and dedication, traveling to the front lines of the outbreak and leading preparedness efforts here at home. Driven by their sense of duty and a commitment to serving a cause greater than themselves, public health professionals rose to the challenge at home and abroad and turned the tide of an epidemic. They demonstrated what is possible when America leads and when we make policy based on sound science and good judgment. Their efforts represent what is best about our national character and embody the most basic human instinct: to leave our children a safer, healthier, more prosperous world. As a Nation, we must continue to support public health with the same sense of purpose and fierce determination. This week, we join together to declare our intent to rise to the challenges of a changing world and meet our moral obligations to protect the health of our country and the well-being of the next generation. America's public health is deeply tied to the health of our environment. As our planet becomes more interconnected and our climate continues to warm, we face new threats to our safety and well-being. In the past three decades, the percentage of Americans with asthma has more than doubled, and climate change is putting these individuals and many other vulnerable populations at greater risk of landing in the hospital. Rising temperatures can lead to more smog, longer allergy seasons, and an increased incidence of extreme-weather-related injuries and illnesses. My Administration is dedicated to combating the health impacts of climate change. As part of my Climate Action Plan, we have proposed the first-ever carbon pollution limits for existing power plants--standards that would help Americans live longer, healthier lives. And as we continue to ensure the resilience of our health care system, we are working to prepare our health care facilities to handle the effects of a changing planet. Climate change is no longer a distant threat. Its effects are felt today, and its costs [[Page 46]] can be measured in human lives. Every person, every community, and every nation has a duty to protect the health of all our children and grandchildren, and my Administration is committed to leading this effort. The United States has faced challenges before, and each time we have boldly taken responsibility for our destiny and reached for the future we knew was possible. Today, vaccines prevent diseases that once devastated nations--and we should do more to spread the facts about their benefits. After 5 years of the Affordable Care Act, more than 16 million uninsured Americans have gained health insurance coverage, and this achievement has cut the ranks of the uninsured by nearly one-third. We are shifting the focus of our country's health care system from sickness and disease to wellness and prevention. First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative is working to make it easier for parents and children to make healthy choices about the food they eat and the exercise they get every day. With partners around the world, the United States launched the Global Health Security Agenda to help prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks before they become epidemics. And my Administration is taking aggressive, coordinated actions to slow the emergence and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Public health is the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. When we invest in the safety and well-being of all Americans, we enrich our communities, bolster our economy, and strengthen our Nation. During National Public Health Week, we recognize public health professionals and all who care for the welfare of others, and we recommit to doing everything within our power to build a world where every child can enjoy the limitless possibilities of a healthy life. 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 April 6 through April 12, 2015, as National Public Health Week. I call on all citizens, government agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and other groups to join in activities and take action to improve the health of our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9252 of April 8, 2015 National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For more than two centuries, courageous patriots have fought and sacrificed to secure the freedoms that define our Nation's character and shape our way of life. With honor and distinction, they have borne the burdens of defending these values, enduring tremendous hardship so that we might know a freer, safer, more peaceful world. On National Former Prisoner of [[Page 47]] War Recognition Day, we honor the women and men who traded their liberty--and sometimes their lives--to protect our own, and we acknowledge the profound debt of gratitude we owe these extraordinary members of our Armed Forces. Thousands of American servicemen and women have experienced unimaginable trials and profound cruelty as prisoners of war. Many suffered mental and physical torture. Often they faced starvation, isolation, and the uncertainty of indefinite captivity. But even in their darkest moments, these heroes displayed courage and determination. They met immense anguish with an indomitable resolve and stood fast for the principles in which they believed. Their sacrifice represents what is best about our people and challenges us to live up to our Nation's highest ideals. These warriors endured days, months, and sometimes years of imprisonment, missing irreplaceable milestones and simple moments at home. But they were never forgotten; they were remembered every day by loved ones. Families, friends, and communities--sustained by unyielding devotion through periods of painful unknown--never lost hope. And the United States of America remained deeply committed to our profound obligation to never leave our men and women in uniform behind. As we reflect on the sacrifices that have made progress throughout our world possible, we are reminded of our solemn duty to serve our former prisoners of war, their families, and all our veterans as well as they served us. Today, we recommit to upholding this sacred trust, and we pay tribute to all those who have given of themselves to protect our Union. 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 April 9, 2015, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day of remembrance by honoring all American prisoners of war, our service members, and our veterans. I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials and organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9253 of April 10, 2015 National Volunteer Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a Nation, our greatest resource is our people. We each have the power to strengthen the fabric of our society and make the world a better place. Every day, Americans across the country realize this enormous potential through service to others and by giving back to their communities. During National Volunteer Week, we recognize those who embrace a life of active, [[Page 48]] energetic, and engaged citizenship, and we reaffirm our belief that all people have something to contribute to the American story. This spirit of service is deeply embedded in our culture and vital to our national character. It reflects the idea that we are each our brothers' and our sisters' keepers, and it is a core part of being an American. Through service, ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact. In times of tragedy, volunteers are a source of comfort and resilience; in places of great need, they offer hope and renew our faith that a brighter day lies ahead; and in small neighborhoods and bustling cities, these dedicated individuals help build ladders of opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteers--often with few resources and little recognition--make enormous sacrifices to lift up the people around them as well as those they may never meet. As they do, they give new life to the values that bind us together as Americans and to the promise that those who love their country can change it. My Administration is working to empower more Americans with opportunities to give back to their neighborhoods and to our country, and we are committed to supporting those who already do. That is why we created a task force to find new ways to expand and improve national service. And last year we launched the Employers of National Service initiative because we know those who are passionate about making a difference in their communities have the talents and experience to bolster our Nation's workforce. Through the Corporation for National and Community Service, we are investing in programs like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, and we have expanded the scope of these opportunities-- initiatives such as School Turnaround AmeriCorps, justice AmeriCorps, and STEM AmeriCorps are focusing on some of our country's most pressing needs. The unending task of perfecting our Nation does not fall to any one person or to our Government alone--and the solutions to the problems we face do not lie beyond our reach. We must enlist all Americans in the effort to build a better future for the next generation, and we should each make service a lifelong commitment. Together, we can work to meet our Nation's challenges, not just for one day, but every day. This week, let us renew our commitment to this important cause and rededicate ourselves to the work ahead. 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 April 12 through April 18, 2015, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in service projects across our country and pledging to make service a part of their daily lives. To find a service opportunity nearby, visit www.Serve.gov. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 49]] Proclamation 9254 of April 10, 2015 Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation One hundred and twenty-five years ago, delegates from countries throughout the Western Hemisphere came together to establish the International Union of American Republics, the forerunner to what is today the oldest regional international organization in the world: the Organization of American States. In the years since, our nations have collaborated to address regional challenges and improve the lives of people across the Americas. On Pan American Day and during Pan American Week, we reaffirm our hemisphere's enduring friendship, and we recommit to working as equal partners to support robust civil societies and expand opportunity. The United States and our regional neighbors are bound by our mutual desire for peace and stability, and the common yearning of all our peoples--to build a better life for themselves and their families. We share vibrant people-to-people connections and extensive economic links. These ties are vital to our security and prosperity, and when we work together to strengthen them, we help ensure a brighter future for the next generation. My Administration is dedicated to joining with our Pan American partners to promote and protect human rights, open markets, expand fair trade, and advance the values of democracy and freedom. Last December, we began a new chapter in this commitment. In the most significant changes to our policy in more than 50 years, the United States is beginning to normalize our relations with Cuba. As we extend a hand of friendship to the Cuban people, we have the potential to lift up a nation and end a legacy of mistrust in our hemisphere. We continue to expand trade among the nations of the Americas because we know when we allow businesses to grow their markets it extends opportunity to a wider circle of people. We are fostering small business connections throughout the Americas and bolstering women-owned and managed enterprises. Through the 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative, the United States is striving to increase educational exchanges that open doors to new markets, innovative research, and region-wide prosperity. And as our nations face common energy and environmental concerns, my Administration is working with leaders and experts from the region to ensure every person in the Western Hemisphere will have access to the electricity they need at a price they can afford--in a manner that is socially responsible and environmentally beneficial. As we head into this week, I will attend the Summit of the Americas in Panama. As leaders from across the Pan American community come together, we will continue our work to address the shared challenges our countries face today. When our people--our leaders, our civil society members, and all the sons and daughters of the Americas--join in a spirit of mutual interest and mutual respect, we can build a future of greater peace, security, and possibility for every person who calls the Americas home. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and [[Page 50]] the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 14, 2015, as Pan American Day and April 12 through April 18, 2015, as Pan American Week. I urge the Governors of the 50 States, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the officials of the other areas under the flag of the United States of America to honor these observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9255 of April 13, 2015 National Equal Pay Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In the United States, the promise of opportunity is built on the idea that everyone who works hard should have the chance to get ahead. This creed is at the core of our democracy, and it is central to our belief that America does best when all people are able to share in our Nation's prosperity and contribute to our success. Yet every day, countless women perform the same work as their male colleagues only to earn less than their fair share. On National Equal Pay Day, we mark how far into the new year women would have to work just to earn the same as men did in the previous year, and we renew our efforts to end this injustice. On average, full-time working women earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, and women of color face an even greater disparity. This wage gap puts women at a career-long disadvantage, and it harms families, communities, and our entire economy. Today, in more than half of all households, women are breadwinners--49 million children depend on women's salaries. But our economy and our policies have not caught up to this reality. When women experience pay discrimination it limits their future, and it also hurts the people they provide for. It means less for their families' everyday needs, for investments in their children's futures, and for their own retirements. These effects reduce our shared prosperity and restrict our Nation's economic growth. Wage inequality affects us all, and we each must do more to make certain that women are full and equal participants in our economy. When we take action to help women succeed, we help America succeed, and my Administration is committed to ensuring women have every opportunity to reach their fullest potential. The first bill I signed as President was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and the following year--to crack down on violations of equal pay laws--I created the National Equal Pay Task Force, which to date has helped women recover millions of dollars in lost wages. If workers do not know they are underpaid, they cannot challenge the inequality; that is why we are going to require Federal contractors to submit data on employee compensation, including data by sex and race, [[Page 51]] and why last year I signed an Executive Order prohibiting Federal contractors from retaliating against employees who choose to discuss their pay. And I continue to call on the Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to protect all people's fundamental right to a fair wage. In the last half-century, our economy has changed in many ways for the better because of the increased participation of women. But our values are not yet fully reflected in how we pay women. We tell our daughters that in America there are no limits to what they can achieve--yet their mothers face persistent barriers to equality and success. We have to do better because our daughters deserve better. If we come together, we can change the policies and attitudes that hold women back, and we can fix this. On this day, we recommit to making equal pay a reality, and we continue our work to build a world where all our children are limited only by the size of their dreams and the power of their imaginations. 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 April 14, 2015, as National Equal Pay Day. I call upon all Americans to recognize the full value of women's skills and their significant contributions to the labor force, acknowledge the injustice of wage inequality, and join efforts to achieve equal pay. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9256 of April 14, 2015 Day of Remembrance for President Abraham Lincoln By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation President Abraham Lincoln believed that we are, at heart, one Nation and one people. At a time when America was torn apart and our very future was in doubt, he knew our country was more than a collection of States, and that we shared a bond that would not break. One hundred fifty years after President Lincoln's death, Americans join together across the Union he saved to honor his memory and celebrate the freedom for which he gave his last full measure of devotion. A self-taught man, rugged rail-splitter, and humble lawyer from Springfield, Illinois, President Lincoln believed in the fierce independence that lies at the heart of the American experience. But he also knew that together, we can do great things--that it is through the accumulated toil and sacrifice of ordinary women and men that our country is perfected and our liberty preserved. President Lincoln understood the immense sacrifices required to give meaning to our founding principles. With enduring faith and steady resolve, he led our Nation through Civil War, knowing the blood shed was [[Page 52]] in painful service to those same ideals. He sought to reunite our people not only in Government, but also in a freedom that knew no bounds of color or creed. It was in this spirit that he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, forever joining the cause of our Union with the advancement of liberty. As our Nation gave birth to a new era of freedom, President Lincoln charted a course that would help bind the wounds of a divided country and bring healing to a people who desperately needed it. Even while his Presidency was characterized by war, his ambition was a just and lasting peace. Amid the discord of great conflict, President Lincoln demonstrated the wisdom to look forward. He knew a united America could serve the hopes of all its people if they seized the opportunity of their time. He established land-grant colleges and committed to a railroad connecting East to West, even as he fought to hold together North and South. He fueled new enterprises with a national currency, spurred innovation, and ignited America's imagination with a National Academy of Sciences. As we reflect on the Great Emancipator, we are reminded that we will be remembered for what we choose to make of the moment we are given. President Lincoln has passed on a tremendous legacy to us, and we too are called to do great things. His example gives us confidence that whatever trials await us, this Nation and the freedom we cherish can, and will, prevail. Today, we reflect on the extraordinary progress he made possible, and with one voice, we rededicate ourselves to the work of ensuring a Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. 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 April 15, 2015, as a Day of Remembrance for President Abraham Lincoln. I call upon all Americans to honor his life and legacy with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. I also call upon the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on the Day of Remembrance for President Abraham Lincoln. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 53]] Proclamation 9257 of April 17, 2015 National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In recent decades, our Nation has made tremendous progress in reducing the crime rate and building safer communities for all Americans. Yet tragically, millions of people continue to be victimized by crime each year--it happens every day, and it can happen to anyone. When one person's life is shaken by crime, it tears at the fabric of our Nation and erodes the values we cherish. That is why we all must help rebuild the promise of justice and fairness for those whose lives are forever changed by crime. This week, as we stand with these men, women, and children, we renew our commitment to supporting them in their time of need, and we reaffirm the basic human right of all people to live free from violence. All crime victims have fundamental rights; however, many underserved populations face significant barriers to accessing the protections and assistance they deserve. That is why as my Administration has worked to bolster the rights, services, and support for all victims of crime, we have particularly focused on at-risk communities. I was proud to sign the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which included additional provisions to help immigrants and Native American communities, as well as new protections to ensure victims do not face discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity when they seek assistance. And we are investing in training programs for law enforcement and other professionals who assist underserved individuals. My Administration is committed to standing up for the rights of those affected by all types of crime, and we are taking action to stop crime before it happens. Last year, I established the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault to improve efforts to prevent and effectively respond to sexual assault on our Nation's campuses. The Federal Government is developing new tools to assist victims of economic and financial crimes. We are also working to implement the recommendations from my Task Force on 21st Century Policing, which generated a series of practical, commonsense proposals to help reduce crime while building public trust. And we continue our work to reduce other violent and heinous crimes--such as human trafficking, elder abuse, and violence against persons with disabilities--and to improve access to necessary services for the victims of these crimes. When communities come together to declare that crime is not tolerated, to empower victims, and to work toward a brighter tomorrow, it gives new life to our democracy and our system of justice. During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we lift up service providers, criminal justice professionals, and all who are committed to improving efforts to prevent and respond to the effects of crime. Together, let us rededicate ourselves to the important work of supporting victims' rights and continue our efforts to build a safer, stronger, more just future for all Americans. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and [[Page 54]] the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 19 through April 25, 2015, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by participating in events that raise awareness of victims' rights and services, and by volunteering to serve victims in their time of need. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9258 of April 20, 2015 National Park Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America's grandeur and God-given bounty are the birthright of all our people. Our national parks, monuments, lands, and waters belong to us all, and every person should be able to use and enjoy these unparalleled public lands. To celebrate the places that make America great--the treasures that writer and conservationist Wallace Stegner once called ``the geography of hope''--and to kick off National Park Week, this weekend the National Park Service is offering free admission. I encourage all people to explore our natural wonders and rediscover the essential part of the American spirit they reflect. As our Nation prepares to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service next year, my Administration is encouraging Americans to ``Find Your Park'' all year long. America's public lands and waters are living classrooms, active laboratories, and vast playgrounds, offering space to get outside and be active. These places reflect our heritage and help tell the stories about giants of our history and extraordinary chapters of our past. They teach us about ourselves, rejuvenate our spirit, and keep us connected to what it means to be American. They offer something for everyone, and chances are, there is a National Park closer to you than you think. To learn more, visit www.FindYourPark.com. As President, I am committed to ensuring every child in America-- regardless of who they are or where they live--has this opportunity to discover the great outdoor spaces that have inspired women and men for generations. That is why earlier this year I launched the Every Kid in a Park initiative, which will provide all fourth graders and their families with free admission to our National Parks and other Federal lands and waters for a full year. My Administration will also work to make it easier for schools and families to plan trips to visit these places of natural splendor, helping to ensure all our young people have the chance to experience for themselves some of our Nation's greatest assets. Americans are heirs to an extraordinary legacy of conservation and environmental stewardship that has protected our great outdoors for the use and benefit of all. We are blessed with the most beautiful landscapes and [[Page 55]] waterscapes in the world, and it is our obligation to make sure the next generation is able to enjoy that same bounty. I am proud to have protected more than 260 million additional acres of public lands and waters--more than any other President--which includes the establishment or expansion of 16 National Monuments through my Executive authority. And my Administration continues to take action to protect our lands and waters from the impacts of climate change, and to support important programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund that make the outdoors easier to access for all people. This week, we embrace our cherished lands and waters, and celebrate the ways they enrich our Nation. Let us seize this opportunity to experience all our great outdoors has to offer, and let us recommit to doing our part to preserve these majestic places for all our children and grandchildren. 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 April 18 through April 26, 2015, as National Park Week. I encourage all Americans to visit their National Parks and be reminded of these unique blessings we share as a Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9259 of April 21, 2015 Earth Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Forty-five years ago, millions of Americans celebrated the first Earth Day in cities across our Nation. Having borne witness to years of environmental neglect, these ordinary citizens gathered in the streets, in parks, and on college campuses to demand change and commit to leaving a healthier planet for the next generation. Faced with contaminated rivers and polluted cities, they stood up, spoke out, and fought for air, water, and wildlife protections. Their voices galvanized a movement--leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act--and ignited a spirit of stewardship that continues to drive us to meet the challenges of our time. Today, our planet faces new challenges, but none pose a greater threat to future generations than climate change. Science tells us the earth is warming--last year was the planet's warmest on record, and 14 of the 15 warmest recorded years have come in the first 15 years of this century-- and human activity is the primary driver of the rapid warming of the past half-century. Climate change will have profound impacts on all humankind, and many Americans are already feeling the effects. The costs of more severe weather disasters can be measured in lost lives and livelihoods and [[Page 56]] in billions of dollars of emergency services, and the costs will only increase with time. Firefighters are braving longer wildfire seasons; farmers are confronting adverse growing conditions; and our children and most vulnerable populations are experiencing a range of climate-related health effects. As a Nation, we must act before it is too late. That is why my Administration has taken a series of ambitious steps to combat climate change and protect our planet for our children and grandchildren. As part of my Climate Action Plan, we have proposed the first-ever carbon pollution limits for existing power plants. We have also partnered with communities to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate that we can no longer avoid. And I have protected more than 260 million additional acres of public lands and waters, safeguarding the natural bounty of our planet for ages to come. The United States is committed to our role as a global leader in the fight against climate change, and last year, we jointly announced with China ambitious but achievable new targets for reducing greenhouse gases. I am also ensuring that our Federal Government leads by example by working to reduce Federal greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent. My Administration will continue to engage with key stakeholders at home and abroad who share our hope for a cleaner world. Protecting our planet will also require us to change the way we use energy, and my energy strategy recognizes this critical need. My Administration has made the largest investment in clean energy in American history, and today the United States generates more renewable energy than ever before--we harness 3 times as much wind power as we did when I took office and solar electricity generation has increased 20- fold. Mayors, Governors, and business leaders across the country are taking steps to deploy clean energy, boost energy efficiency, and create more sustainable communities and supply chains. We are promoting energy efficiency in our buildings and cars and working to ensure our Nation is a leader in the energy sources of tomorrow. As caretakers of our planet, we all have an obligation to combat climate change and protect our earth for the next generation. The decisions we make today and in the years ahead will have a profound impact on the world we leave behind, and we must each do our part. We can reduce the energy used in our homes and offices; we can help protect our resources by recycling as part of our everyday routine; and we can raise our voices to support policies like the ones my Administration has put forth to protect our environment while strengthening our economy. On Earth Day, let us join with communities around the world, and as one people-- who share one planet--let us recommit to meeting the test of our time and continuing our work to build a cleaner, safer, more stable world. 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 April 22, 2015, as Earth Day. I encourage all Americans to participate in programs and activities that will protect our environment and contribute to a healthy, sustainable future. [[Page 57]] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9260 of April 27, 2015 Workers Memorial Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Across the United States, as dedicated Americans clock in at factories, walk onto construction sites, put on their hospital uniforms, and report to do the daily work that drives our Nation's progress, they give meaning to the simple yet profound belief that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead. However, each year millions of people have their shifts cut short by work-related injuries and illnesses, and on average, 12 Americans lose their lives on the job every day. On Workers Memorial Day, we honor those we have lost and recommit to improving conditions for all who work hard to provide for their families and contribute to our country. Throughout our history, the American worker has labored not only to erect buildings and cities, but also to raise the standards of our Nation's workplaces. Through protests and picket lines, by organizing and raising their voices together, workers have won small and large victories that have pushed our country closer to ensuring safer and healthier jobs for all. Over 40 years ago, the right to a safe workplace was written into law with the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Since then, job-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses have decreased; but there is more progress to be made, and we cannot grow complacent in the fight for better working conditions. My Administration continues to bolster workers' rights with millions of dollars in funding targeted at inspecting hazardous workplaces and helping employers understand and comply with safety and health regulations. Additionally, to ensure companies receiving taxpayer money maintain a safe workplace, last year I signed an Executive Order to crack down on Federal contractors who put workers' safety and pay at risk. By creating incentives for better compliance and a process for contractors to follow basic workplace protection laws, we are sending a strong message throughout the economy: if you want to do business with the United States, you must respect our workers. American laborers form the backbone of our economy--but our economic growth should never come at the cost of their safety or well-being. Those who work every day to put food on the table, provide for their families, or care for their fellow citizens should know their country has their back. Today, as we remember women and men taken from us too soon, we remind ourselves that even one life lost to a preventable job- related incident is one too many, and we focus our efforts on creating a world where success at the workplace is determined only by the strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams. [[Page 58]] 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 April 28, 2015, as Workers Memorial Day. I call upon all Americans to participate in ceremonies and activities in memory of those killed or injured due to unsafe working conditions. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9261 of April 30, 2015 Jewish American Heritage Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation From our Nation's earliest days, Jewish Americans have been a critical part of our story. In the face of unspeakable discrimination and adversity, they have fought tirelessly to realize their piece of the American dream and the promise of our founding, holding tight to the belief that a better day lies ahead. Their relentless spirit and remarkable achievements have enriched our country, stirred our conscience, and challenged us to extend the miracles of freedom and security. This month, we honor the vast contributions Jewish Americans have made to our world, and we recommit to standing up for the traditions we believe in and the values we share. As we celebrate the rich heritage of the Jewish American community, it is impossible to separate their accomplishments from the struggles of Jewish people around the world. American Jews have worked to strengthen the promise of religious freedom because their ancestors were tested from the moment they came together and professed their faith. Today, they continue to teach us empathy and compassion, inspired by the lessons of their parents and grandparents who knew how it felt to be a stranger, and to stand up for a more perfect Union for all--relentlessly pursuing tikkun olam--because they have always understood that we must recognize ourselves in the struggles of our fellow man. This year, Jewish American Heritage Month begins as the world commemorates the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Dachau by American soldiers, and we are once again reminded that the vibrant culture of the Jewish people has not always been embraced. As tragic events show us all too often, Jewish communities continue to confront hostility and bigotry, including in America. Our Nation shares an obligation to condemn and combat anti-Semitism and hatred wherever it exists, and we remain committed to standing against the ugly tide of anti-Semitism in all its forms, including in the denial or trivialization of the Holocaust. [[Page 59]] In celebrating the contributions of the Jewish people to the progress of our country, we also reaffirm America's unwavering commitment to the security of the State of Israel and the close bonds between our two nations and our peoples. For centuries, Jews have reached for the blessings of freedom and opportunity in the United States. Today--as pillars of their families and leaders in their communities--Jewish Americans represent a link in an unbroken chain of perseverance. During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the hard-fought progress won through struggle and sacrifice, and we rededicate ourselves to building a world where diversity is cherished and faith is protected. 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 May 2015 as Jewish American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to visit www.JewishHeritageMonth.gov to learn more about the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9262 of April 30, 2015 National Building Safety Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation From skyscrapers and schools to hospitals and homes, America's buildings are the foundations of our communities. When disasters strike, we rely on the structural integrity of our buildings to keep us safe. This month, we pay tribute to the innovative professionals who implement our safety standards, and we redouble our efforts to make our buildings as resilient as our people. All Americans can take action to protect their loved ones and their property by preparing their homes and workplaces for any disaster. If earthquakes are common where you live, you can restrain heavy appliances, anchor tall bookcases and file cabinets, and install latches on drawers and cabinet doors. To protect against hurricanes, tornadoes, and high winds, you can reinforce garage doors and prepare covers for your windows and house doors. To learn more about how to prepare for all types of disasters and improve the safety and resilience of the places in which you spend time, visit www.Ready.gov. My Administration is committed to creating stronger, safer, disaster- resistant communities and to empowering Americans to do their part. We are collaborating with engineers, scientists, construction workers, and other professionals to develop cutting-edge tools focused on bolstering the safety [[Page 60]] of our buildings and infrastructure while also improving their energy efficiency--because we can increase our Nation's resilience while also being good stewards of our environment. And we are working with States, tribal leaders, and local partners to ensure neighborhoods across our Nation adopt the most up-to-date building codes and standards that not only help protect individuals and their families, but also support the needs of our cities and towns. As our Nation faces longer wildfire seasons, more severe droughts, heavier rainfall, and more frequent flooding in a changing climate, safeguarding the resilience of our infrastructure is more critical than ever. That is why, as part of my Climate Action Plan, my Administration is committed to building infrastructure that can withstand more frequent and more devastating natural disasters. To support these efforts, earlier this year I established a flood standard for new and rebuilt federally funded structures in and around floodplains, ensuring taxpayer dollars are well spent on resilient infrastructure while reducing the risk and cost of future flood disasters. Across the United States, buildings bring us together and protect us from harm. As a Nation, our capacity to continue to withstand threats and recover quickly from disaster depends on what we do today. During National Building Safety Month, let us rededicate ourselves to making the places we live, work, and play more stable and secure 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 May 2015 as National Building Safety Month. I encourage citizens, government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and other interested groups to join in activities that raise awareness about building safety. I also call on all Americans to learn more about how they can contribute to building safety at home and in their communities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9263 of April 30, 2015 National Foster Care Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation At the heart of the American story is the simple truth that all children should have a fair chance at success, no matter who they are or where they come from. Central to this promise of opportunity are the love and support of family--which all girls and boys deserve, but not enough have. During National Foster Care Month, we recommit to caring for all our Nation's daughters and sons, and we reaffirm our basic belief: in America, there is a place for everyone, and no young person should feel like they are on their own. [[Page 61]] Over the last decade, our Nation has made significant progress in reducing the number of young people in foster care, but we have more work to do to ensure all children can thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. Today, there are over 400,000 boys and girls in our foster care system. More than 100,000 of them are waiting to be adopted, and every year, 23,000 young people age out of the system--never having found the security of a permanent home. There also continue to be disproportionate numbers of African-American and Native American youth in the foster care system, compounding the disparities these communities too often face. All young people, regardless of what they look like, which religion they follow, who they love, or the gender they identify with, deserve the chance to dream and grow in a loving, permanent home. When our Nation's daughters and sons lack stable homes and strong support structures, they face enormous barriers to reaching their fullest potential--difficulties no child should have to experience, especially not on their own. And those who age out of the foster care system often face obstacles as they transition into adulthood, including challenges completing their education, remaining financially secure, and staying out of the justice system. My Administration is committed to expanding what is possible for all our Nation's children and empowering them to overcome every challenge they face. From day one, we have been working to create a better, more- supportive foster care system, and we have taken steps to increase the safety, permanency, and well-being of America's children. Last year, we announced new initiatives to help protect the financial security of foster youth, expand their opportunities for education and employment, and keep them out of the justice system. We are partnering with State and tribal leaders to support innovative strategies that strengthen families, improve the foster care system, and prevent children from entering it in the first place, and each day we continue the fight to secure every child's right to earn their piece of the American dream. We know that children are best raised in families, not institutions. And each year, men and women of all backgrounds open their homes and hearts to foster children. These selfless individuals step up and serve as loving parents and family members and dedicated teachers, mentors, caseworkers, and faith leaders--helping foster children realize their highest aspirations despite the great odds stacked against them. My Administration is striving to bolster all those who support foster children by providing the resources and assistance they need. With so many children waiting for loving homes, it is important to ensure all qualified caregivers have the opportunity to serve as foster or adoptive parents, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. That is why we are working to break down the barriers that exist and investing in efforts to recruit more qualified parents for children in foster care. In the face of often unimaginable challenges, foster children demonstrate extraordinary courage and determination. Their resolve reminds us that we have obligations to them and to one another, and that we all share in the responsibility of lifting up our Nation's youth. This month, we honor these young people and all those who dedicate themselves to making a difference in the lives of girls and boys in foster care. Let us each recognize the large and small ways we can brighten the future of a foster child this month and [[Page 62]] every month, and together let us reach for the day when everyone knows the love and safety of a permanent home. 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 May 2015 as National Foster Care Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by taking time to help youth in foster care and recognizing the commitment of all who touch their lives. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9264 of April 30, 2015 National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Sports are a fundamental part of American culture. They foster our country's competitive drive, help us stay healthy, and teach us what it takes to succeed--not only on the softball diamond or the basketball court, but also in life. Sports and fitness reflect our national character, and they help us unlock our full potential. During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we recognize parents, coaches, educators, and all those who instill in our children the importance of regular exercise, and we invite all people to invest in their own well- being by finding a way to be active each day. Physical fitness is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can produce long-term health benefits; it can help prevent chronic diseases, combat obesity, relieve stress, and increase the chances of living longer. By making physical activity part of your daily routine--at least 30 minutes for adults and 60 minutes for children--you can put yourself on the path to better physical and mental health. This year marks the fifth anniversary of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, which has helped increase opportunities for physical activity and inspire Americans of all ages to lead healthy, active lives. To celebrate, the First Lady is challenging everyone to GimmeFive things they are doing to eat better, be more active, and live more healthfully. To join the fun and find new ways to stay fit, challenge your family, friends, and colleagues to GimmeFive this month. Communities all across our country have embraced my Administration's national call to action and encouraged each other to stay active and make smart life choices. The President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition is also promoting physical activity to ensure all Americans have the chances they deserve to lead healthy lives. Their I Can Do It, You Can Do It! program is working to empower Americans with disabilities and make [[Page 63]] certain they have equal opportunities to participate in regular physical activity in their schools and communities. And the Go4Life campaign is helping older Americans, including those with chronic conditions, to be active every day. By making daily healthy choices, all Americans can strengthen their bodies and minds and build a foundation that supports their greatest aspirations. This month, let us encourage one another to get involved in sports and fitness activities and together, forge a healthier future for ourselves, our loved ones, and our Nation. To learn how you can get involved, visit www.LetsMove.gov and www.Fitness.gov. 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 May 2015 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the people of the United States to make daily physical activity, sports participation, and good nutrition a priority in their lives. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9265 of April 30, 2015 Law Day, U.S.A., 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout the world, the rule of law is central to the promise of a safe, free, and just society. Respect for and adherence to the rule of law is the premise upon which the United States was founded, and it has been a cornerstone of my Presidency. America's commitment to this fundamental principle sustains our democracy--it guides our progress, helps to ensure all people receive fair treatment, and protects our Government of, by, and for the people. This Law Day, we celebrate a milestone in the extraordinary history of the rule of law by marking the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. Centuries ago, when kings, emperors, and warlords reigned over much of the world, it was this extraordinary document--agreed to by the King of England in 1215--that first spelled out the rights and liberties of man. The ideals of the Magna Carta inspired America's forefathers to define and protect many of the rights expressed in our founding documents, which we continue to cherish today. The Magna Carta has also provided a framework for constitutional democracies throughout the world, and my Administration is committed to supporting good governance based upon the rule of law. Around the globe, we support strong civil institutions, independent judiciaries, and open government--because the rule of force must give way to the rule of law. For more than two centuries, we have witnessed these values drive opportunity and [[Page 64]] prosperity here in the United States, and as President, I will continue to work to bolster our systems of justice and advance efforts that do the same overseas. America is and always has been a nation of laws. Our institutions of justice are vital to securing the promise of our country, and they are bound up with the values and beliefs that have united peoples through the ages. The United States and our citizens are inextricably linked to all those around the world doing the hard work of strengthening the rule of law--joined in common purpose by our mutual interest in building freer, fairer, more just societies. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, in accordance with Public Law 87-20, as amended, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2015, as Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to acknowledge the importance of our Nation's legal and judicial systems with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and to display the flag of the United States in support of this national observance. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9266 of April 30, 2015 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The rich heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders spans the world and the depths of America's history. Generation after generation, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have forged a proud legacy that reflects the spirit of our Nation--a country that values the contributions of everyone who calls America home. During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we honor the perseverance of those who courageously reached for their hopes and dreams in a new land, and we celebrate the important impact the AAPI community has made on our Nation's progress. From the more than one million immigrants who journeyed across the Pacific and arrived on Angel Island to the Chinese-American laborers who risked their lives to link our coasts by rail, the determination of this vibrant community represents the best of our national character. In each chapter of our country's story--in places like Selma and the grape fields of Delano, during the moments where our Nation's destiny has been decided--AAPIs of all backgrounds have set inspiring examples as leaders and trailblazers, united by a common hope for civil rights, equal treatment, and a better tomorrow for all Americans. Through times of hardship and in the face of enduring prejudice, these women and men have persisted and forged ahead to help strengthen our Union. Native Hawaiians have fought to protect their treasured traditions, [[Page 65]] language, and lands. And AAPI patriots have defended the beliefs for which we stand. Seventy years ago, the United States and our allies secured a lasting peace throughout the Asia Pacific region and much of the world--a victory achieved in part by thousands of Filipino Americans who fought valiantly but were denied compensation, and also by Japanese Americans who served this country even as the freedom of their loved ones was denied. Fifty years ago, the United States opened new doors of opportunity to more Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants through the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, ending the arbitrary and outdated policies that unfairly limited the potential of entire regions. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, which brought new Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong, and Laotian communities to this country. But as we recognize the enormous progress America has made, we must also acknowledge the many struggles AAPIs continue to experience in the face of persistent inequality and bigotry, including barriers to equal access to education, employment, and health care. South Asian Americans-- especially those who are Muslim, Hindu, or Sikh--too often face senseless violence and harassment due only to the color of their skin or the tenets of their faith. And to this day, many AAPIs continue to live in the shadows and are separated from their families due to our broken immigration system. My Administration is committed to addressing these unmet needs and the ugly discrimination that still exists. I was proud to re-establish the White House Initiative on AAPIs soon after I took office, to foster opportunities for increased access to and involvement in Federal programs. As part of that effort, my Administration is expanding its regional network of Federal leaders and hosting community meetings across the country to better understand the needs of the diverse AAPI community. Last year, I announced my intent to take actions that would allow more high-skilled immigrants, graduates, and entrepreneurs to stay and contribute to our economy, and I continue to call on the Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. To highlight the tremendous growth of the AAPI community and my Administration's commitment to increasing opportunity for AAPIs everywhere, this month we will host the White House Summit on AAPIs--an unprecedented and historic all-day convening of senior Federal officials and community leaders from across the country. As we commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we pay tribute to all those in the AAPI community who have striven for a brighter future for the next generation. Together, let us recommit to embracing the diversity that enriches our Nation and to ensuring all our people have an equal chance to succeed in the country we love. 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 May 2015 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/AAPI to learn more about our efforts on behalf of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities. [[Page 66]] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9267 of April 30, 2015 National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation This year, approximately one in five American adults--our friends, colleagues, and loved ones--will experience a diagnosable mental health condition like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress, and many others will be troubled by significant emotional and psychological distress, especially in times of difficulty. For most of these people, treatment can be effective and recovery is possible. Yet today, millions of Americans still do not receive the care they need. This month, we stand with those who live with mental illness, and we recommit to ensuring all Americans have access to quality, affordable care. In the past decade, our Nation has made extraordinary progress in recognizing severe psychological distress and diagnosing and treating mental illness, and my Administration is committed to building on that success. The Affordable Care Act extends mental health and substance use disorder benefits and parity protections to over 60 million Americans. Protections under the law also prohibit insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions like a diagnosis of mental illness and require most insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without copays, including behavioral assessments for children and depression screenings. As part of the BRAIN Initiative, we are funding innovative research that aims to revolutionize our understanding of conditions that affect the brain, such as mental health disorders, and to improve the lives of all who live with them. And we continue to invest in community health centers, enabling them to expand access to mental health services where they are needed most. As Americans, we have a sacred obligation to provide those who suffer from the invisible wounds of war with the support they have earned. Earlier this year, I was proud to sign the Clay Hunt SAV Act, which authorized additional steps to address mental health and prevent suicide among veterans. This law will build on my Administration's ongoing work to bolster mental health services for service members, veterans, and their families. We recently established a new policy that will ensure the continuity of mental health medications during service members' transitions to care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and we took action to make certain those receiving mental health care are connected to mental health professionals as they transition to the VA or a community provider. My Administration has also worked to increase the number of counselors available to our veterans and to expand the capacity of the Veterans Crisis Line. [[Page 67]] Despite how common it is to experience severe psychological distress, substance use problems, and mental illness, there is still considerable stigma associated with mental health treatment. This month, we must bring mental illness out of the shadows and encourage treatment for those who might benefit; it is our shared responsibility to recognize the signs of psychological and emotional distress and to support those in need. We must strive to remove the stigma around mental illness and its treatment, overcome fear and misunderstanding, and make sure all those dealing with a mental health issue know they are not alone. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness--taking action to help yourself is a sign of strength. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate assistance, call 1-800-662-HELP. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also offers immediate assistance for all Americans, including service members and veterans, at 1-800-273-TALK. 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 May 2015 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise mental health awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9268 of April 30, 2015 Older Americans Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In America, every person who is willing to work hard and play by the rules should be able to build a life of opportunity and prosperity. We learned this simple truth from our oldest generation--the women and men who relentlessly pursued progress throughout the 20th century. Drivers of enormous change, they have enriched our Nation and bravely defended the values we cherish; they have broken down barriers and blazed pathways for all who followed; and they have raised us all and endowed us with a freer, fairer, more equal world. After a lifetime of contributions, they have earned our care and respect, and they deserve to live out their years with dignity and independence. Our Nation is strongest when older Americans live comfortably in their golden years and have the opportunity to continue to contribute to the fabric of the country and society they helped to shape. This month, we celebrate the accomplishments and sacrifices of our elders, and we reaffirm our belief that the promise of our Nation extends to Americans of all ages. The United States is entering a new era, and the face of our Nation is growing older and more diverse. For the next 15 years, thousands of Americans [[Page 68]] will reach retirement age every day, and by 2030, there will be more than twice as many older Americans as there were at the beginning of this century. This growing population is a tremendous national asset. By changing the way we think and talk about aging--by focusing on the opportunities of aging rather than the limitations--we can work to maximize the potential of this generation and ensure they continue to thrive as they age. To address the changing landscape of aging and advance policies that help older Americans pursue their fullest measure of happiness, this summer my Administration will host the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. By connecting older Americans, their families, caregivers, advocates, community leaders, and experts, the Conference is an important chance to continue our efforts to safeguard retirement security, promote healthy aging, provide long-term services and support, and protect older Americans from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, as well as the 80th anniversary of Social Security. For decades, these landmark achievements have stood as pillars of economic opportunity for millions of Americans and reflected the promise we make to our seniors. As President, I have worked tirelessly to strengthen these programs. Throughout the last half-century, the Older Americans Act has empowered older Americans by upholding their rights and supporting social and nutrition services, as well as a nationwide network of employment, training, and research programs. These vital services help millions of seniors across our Nation. I am also proud of the progress we have made during my Administration to improve Medicare, which provides essential health care and security for older Americans. And I am committed to further strengthening Medicare by bolstering access to care for beneficiaries, encouraging better outcomes, and improving long-term sustainability. Social Security is one of the most important and successful programs ever established in the United States, and we must make certain it is solvent and viable for the American people, now and in the future. I am fighting to ensure any reforms will protect retirement security for the most vulnerable, including low-income seniors, and maintain the robust disability and survivors' benefits that help families after they have paid into the system. To build on this legacy, I started the myRA program, a new type of savings account that provides additional pathways for Americans to build their nest egg, and I have called for new rules to require financial advisors to put their clients' interests before their own--ensuring all who responsibly prepare for retirement receive the best advice possible. Our elders forged a bright future for all our Nation's children, and they deserve the best America has to offer. As heirs to their proud legacy, we must reach for the world they have made possible. During Older Americans Month, we lift up all those whose life's work has made ours a little easier, and we recommit to showing them the fullest care, support, and respect of a grateful Nation. 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 May 2015 as Older Americans Month. I call upon all Americans of all ages to acknowledge the contributions of older Americans during this month and throughout the year. [[Page 69]] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9269 of April 30, 2015 Loyalty Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As Americans, we are united not by the circumstances of our birth or our station in life, but by our fidelity to a set of shared ideals and unalienable rights. The principles of freedom, justice, and equality for all are at the very core of who we are as a Nation. We believe firmly in the power of democracy and opportunity--but we know that these blessings are only what we make of them, and that our experiment in self- government gives work and purpose to each new generation. Today, we recommit to the profoundly patriotic work of doing all we can to better the country we love. Throughout the course of our history, our values have sustained us through periods of tremendous struggle and times of great prosperity. They found expression in the courage of patriots who loved this country so much that they were willing to risk everything to realize its promise. It was an enormous faith in what our country could be that led hopeful women and men to march on Washington, waving the American Flag-- even as they were denied their fundamental rights. And it was the understanding that our Union is a constant work in progress that guided our forebears through places like Seneca Falls, Selma, and Stonewall. As a Nation, we know the journey to perfect our Union is unending, and we are strong enough to be self-critical. We can look upon our imperfections and decide that it is within our power to remake our country to more closely align with our highest ideals. On Loyalty Day, we reaffirm the belief that loving this great Nation requires more than singing its praises or avoiding uncomfortable truths. It requires the willingness to speak out for what is right and to recognize that change depends on our actions, our attitudes, and the values we teach our children. Let us never forget America is exceptional because we each have the capacity to shape our own destiny and change the course of our Union's history. In order to recognize the American spirit of loyalty and the sacrifices that so many have made for our Nation, the Congress, by Public Law 85- 529 as amended, has designated May 1 of each year as ``Loyalty Day.'' On this day, let us reaffirm our allegiance to the United States of America and pay tribute to the heritage of American freedom. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2015, as Loyalty Day. This Loyalty Day, I call upon all the people of the United States to join in support of this national observance, whether by displaying the Flag of the United States or pledging allegiance to the Republic for which it stands. [[Page 70]] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9270 of May 1, 2015 National Small Business Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America's small businesses are the backbone of our economy, employing half of our country's private sector workforce and creating nearly two out of every three new jobs in our country. Representing the quintessential American ideals of hard work and ingenuity, small businesses--from startups to mom-and-pop shops--are crucial to our national prosperity and economic security. During National Small Business Week, we recommit to advancing these vital enterprises, and we celebrate their contributions to our collective American story. From day one, my Administration has made supporting our Nation's small businesses a priority. We have fought to ensure our tax code reflects our values and encourages growth, and part of that effort includes making sure those who take risks and do the hard work of turning a good idea into a great business get a fair deal. That is why I have signed into law 18 different tax cuts for small businesses, which are helping them thrive in the 21st-century economy. By investing in our infrastructure, expanding access to credit, and assisting entrepreneurs as they start out and scale up, we are continuing to bolster America's small business community. My Administration is committed to ensuring small businesses have the tools, resources, and expertise they need to succeed. Last year, we built on the success of my QuickPay initiative--which has already generated over $1 billion in cost savings for small businesses--by launching SupplierPay, a new partnership with the private sector to strengthen small businesses by increasing their working capital. The Affordable Care Act is working to expand insurance coverage, reduce health care costs, and improve the quality of care--all of which help small businesses and our economy. Additionally, the law allows small businesses access to SHOP, a competitive marketplace where they can look for coverage that meets their needs and where they cannot be charged more for operating in blue-collar industries, employing women, or insuring people with pre-existing conditions. We are also focused on injecting capital into emerging, entrepreneurial communities, supporting ventures operated by women, veterans, and underserved populations. And we continue to work to open new markets for small exporters because we know trade promotion bolsters our small businesses and their employees. Our small businesses represent what is best about our Nation--the idea that with determination and responsibility, anyone can build a better life for themselves and their loved ones. For more than two centuries, American innovation has sparked ideas that have changed our lives and the course [[Page 71]] of our history for the better. This week, we recognize the role small businesses play as pillars of our communities and engines of our growing economy, and we rededicate ourselves to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit that has forged the strongest economy the world has ever known. 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 May 4 through May 8, 2015, as National Small Business Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the competitiveness of the American economy with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9271 of May 1, 2015 Public Service Recognition Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation A Government of, by, and for the people is sustained only through the hard work and extraordinary sacrifice of millions of citizens willing to serve the country they love. From the moment an early band of patriots first came together to secure the blessings of liberty for all, public servants have worked to create a more perfect Union. Today--in every city and every town--Americans proudly carry forward this tradition of service, which has built our Nation and strengthened its promise. This week, we recognize all those who dedicate their lives to this noble pursuit, and we celebrate the tremendous difference they make every day. In the face of difficult challenges, public servants give new life to the values that bind our Nation together. Civil servants are scientists and teachers, social workers and first responders--they are the leaders of today's progress and the innovators of tomorrow's breakthroughs. With determination and resolve, they defend our country overseas and work to widen the circle of opportunity and prosperity here at home. And despite tough circumstances--including pay freezes, budget cuts, sequestration, and a political climate that too often does not sufficiently value their work--these exceptional leaders continue to make real the fundamental truth that people who love their country can change it. With more than 2 million civilian workers and more than 1 million active duty service members, our Federal workforce represents extraordinary possibility. Our Government can and must be a force for good, and together, we can make sure our democracy works for all Americans. We know there are some things we do better when we join in common purpose, and with hard work and a commitment worthy of our Nation's potential, we can keep our country safe, guarantee basic security, and ensure everyone has a shot at success. [[Page 72]] As President, I am dedicated to engaging our workforce and investing in the people who strive every day to help our Nation live up to its limitless promise. My Administration is advancing efforts to train and develop the next generation of civil servants and equip them with the skills to lead change, build coalitions, and collaborate across Government to solve big problems. We are also finding new ways to improve how we recruit, empower, and retain the most diverse and very best talent, ensuring careers in public service will continue to attract the brightest of the coming generations. I am committed to lifting up the outstanding work that is done every day and to fostering an environment where all our employees feel valued, engaged, and included. Public service is a calling which has meant so much to so many. It embodies our sense of shared values and reflects our drive to serve a cause beyond our own--to give back to our Nation, leave our mark, and nudge history forward. There is no greater opportunity to help more people or to make a bigger difference. During Public Service Recognition Week, we honor the women and men who power our local, State, and Federal governments, and we recommit to tackling the toughest challenges with the most talented workforce. 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 May 3 through May 9, 2015, as Public Service Recognition Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize the hard work and dedication of our Nation's public servants and to observe this week by expressing their gratitude and appreciation through appropriate activities, events, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9272 of May 4, 2015 National Charter Schools Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In today's global economy, a high-quality education is one of the best investments we can make in a child's future, and it is central to the promise that in America, where you start should not determine how far you can go. No matter who they are or where they come from, all children deserve the best education possible. During National Charter Schools Week, we recognize the role public charter schools play in providing America's daughters and sons with a chance to reach their fullest potential, and we recommit to strengthening our Nation's classrooms for all. Innovation and experimentation are essential to bolstering our education system for the 21st century. As independent public schools, charter schools [[Page 73]] are able to try new models of learning and methods that encourage academic excellence and set students on a path to success. They are laboratories of learning and incubators for the ideas of tomorrow, but this flexibility comes with high standards and accountability. When a charter school does not measure up--when one is underperforming and not improving--we must make the tough decision to shut it down. But when charter schools are successful, they can help spur systemic reform, and their approaches can be replicated in classrooms across America. Today, especially in some of our Nation's most disadvantaged communities, successful charter schools are an important partner in increasing access to a high-quality education and closing the achievement gap. I am dedicated to providing every child access to a complete and competitive education, and harnessing the power of American ingenuity has been vital to this commitment. My Administration has challenged States to raise education standards, improve teacher effectiveness, and adopt new strategies to help struggling schools. As part of this unprecedented effort, we have expanded support for high-performing public charter schools and given States the opportunity to embrace new ideas that improve all our Nation's classrooms. Our comprehensive approach to education reform has demonstrated that innovation yields results that benefit all students, that progress is possible, and that a world-class education can be within reach for all our young people. As President, I will continue to build on this success and work to ensure all children receive an education worthy of their potential. Today, our Nation's very best charter schools are gateways to higher education and endless possibilities, lifting up students of all backgrounds and empowering them to achieve a brighter future. This week, we honor the parents, educators, and civic leaders who make the vision of charter schools a reality, and we continue our work to safeguard the promise that an education--one that expands horizons, challenges minds, and inspires a new generation of thinkers, doers, and dreamers--is within the reach of every girl and boy. 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 May 3 through May 9, 2015, as National Charter Schools Week. I commend our Nation's charter schools, teachers, and administrators, and I call on States and communities to support high quality public schools, including charter schools, and the students they serve. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 74]] Proclamation 9273 of May 4, 2015 National Teacher Appreciation Day and National Teacher Appreciation Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In America, every child is born with limitless promise, and each deserves a chance to achieve their dreams. A world-class education can unlock a young person's full potential and empower them with the knowledge and skills to reach their highest aspirations. As a Nation, we must provide every girl and boy in America with such an opportunity, and this cannot happen without great teachers. On National Teacher Appreciation Day and during National Teacher Appreciation Week, we honor America's outstanding teachers and the vital role they play in the lives of our children and the success of our country. In classrooms across America, talented and hardworking teachers are nurturing a new generation of thinkers, doers, and dreamers. They teach the subjects and skills that will fuel the next century of growth and innovation, as well as the virtues and values--like character, compassion, creativity, and resilience--that will prepare their students to take on the challenges of the future. Our best teachers are role models who show our kids how to work hard and pursue a brighter tomorrow. They encourage our children's passions, inspire their imaginations, and help them realize the best versions of themselves. Teaching is an all-encompassing commitment, and teachers make enormous sacrifices to support their students. My Administration is dedicated to promoting excellence in teaching and ensuring all teachers have the resources, support, and tools necessary to succeed in their classrooms. We are working to strengthen the ways we prepare, develop, support, and advance America's teachers. And as part of this effort, I have called for an all-hands-on-deck approach to prepare an additional 100,000 teachers in the important fields of science, math, engineering, and technology--a STEM Master Teacher Corps--to serve as beacons of excellence in teaching as well as leaders and mentors for their colleagues. Additionally, through the Teach to Lead initiative, the Department of Education is empowering teachers to have a voice in what happens in their schools and their profession without leaving the classroom. And we are working with States to implement best practices that will help more of our best teachers--across all disciplines--reach the communities and children who are most in need. Great teachers make a lasting impact on their students' lives. When a young person learns from an exceptional teacher, they are more likely to graduate, attend college, and succeed later in life. Teachers lift up the next generation and enrich our Nation, and they deserve our gratitude and thanks. This week, as we remember the teachers who touched our lives and shaped our futures, let us recommit to supporting those who serve in America's classrooms. By investing in our Nation's teachers, we can build a world where every girl and boy can dream big, hope deeply, and realize a brighter future. [[Page 75]] 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 May 5, 2015, as National Teacher Appreciation Day and May 3 through May 9, 2015, as National Teacher Appreciation Week. I call upon students, parents, and all Americans to recognize the hard work and dedication of our Nation's teachers and to observe this day and this week by supporting teachers through appropriate activities, events, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9274 of May 6, 2015 National Day of Prayer, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation When women and men of all backgrounds and beliefs are free to practice their faiths without fear or coercion, it bolsters our religious communities and helps to lift up diverse and vibrant societies throughout our world. In America, our Nation is stronger because we welcome and respect people of all faiths, and because we protect the fundamental right of all peoples to practice their faith how they choose, to change their faith, or to practice no faith at all, and to do so free from persecution and discrimination. Today, as we pause in solemn reflection, we celebrate the religious liberty we cherish here at home, and we recommit to standing up for religious freedom around the world. For many of us, prayer is an important expression of faith--an essential act of worship and a daily discipline that allows reflection, provides guidance, and offers solace. Through prayer we find the strength to do God's work: to feed the hungry, care for the poor, comfort the afflicted, and make peace where there is strife. In times of uncertainty or tragedy, Americans offer humble supplications for comfort for those who mourn, for healing for those who are sick, and for protection for those who are in harm's way. When we pray, we are reminded that we are not alone--our hope is a common hope, our pain is shared, and we are all children of God. Around the globe, too few know the protections we enjoy in America. Millions of individuals worldwide are subjected to discrimination, abuse, and sanctioned violence simply for exercising their religion or choosing not to claim a faith. Communities are threatened with genocide and driven from their homelands because of who they are or how they pray. The United States will continue to stand against these reprehensible attacks, work to end them, and protect religious freedom throughout the world. And we remember those who are prisoners of conscience--who are held unjustly because of their faiths or beliefs-- and we will take every action within our power to secure their release. [[Page 76]] In the face of tremendous challenges, prayer is a powerful force for peace, justice, and a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow. Today, as we join together in fellowship, we seek to see our own reflection in the struggle of others, to be our brothers' and sisters' keepers, and to keep faith--in one another, in the promise of our Nation, and in the Almighty. The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a ``National Day of Prayer.'' 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 May 7, 2015, as a National Day of Prayer. I invite the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, in accordance with their own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I join all people of faith in asking for God's continued guidance, mercy, and protection as we seek a more just world. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9275 of May 7, 2015 Military Spouse Appreciation Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The strength of our Nation's military comes not just from the brave women and men who defend the values we cherish, but also from their families, who serve alongside them and make great sacrifices in service to our country. With determination and unshakable resolve, military spouses endure long absences and shoulder the burdens of war, constantly wondering what kind of dangers lie ahead for their loved ones. Through numerous moves and difficult deployments--often as they uproot their lives and families and restart their careers--their steadfast devotion to their spouses and to our Nation represents the best our country has to offer. On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we recognize the selfless heroes who stand with the finest fighting force the world has ever known, and we honor their relentless courage and commitment. To fulfill our sacred promise to our service members and their loved ones, my Administration has made supporting our military families a top priority. We are working to make consistent and effective family services available, including mental health care and counseling, deployment and relocation assistance, and child care and youth programs. Through programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, we are investing in the education and skills of our military families, and with my Executive authority, I have taken action to protect those who have earned these benefits from abuse by fraudulent [[Page 77]] actors and unscrupulous practices, ensuring they have the proper information and support they need to make informed decisions about their education. The wives, husbands, and partners of our service members bring adaptability, creativity, resilience, and leadership--skills they demonstrate every day--to the workforce, and it is unacceptable when any military spouse struggles to find work and support their family. That is why we launched the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, an online resource to connect military spouses with meaningful career opportunities and companies that are eager to hire them. And we are reminding businesses across our country that if they want the job done right, they should hire a military spouse. Four years ago, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launched the Joining Forces initiative, calling on Americans across our country to rally around service members, veterans, and their spouses. By raising awareness about the unique aspects of military life, they are helping ensure military spouses have all the opportunities and benefits they deserve. To learn more and get involved, visit www.JoiningForces.gov. Military spouses serve alongside our troops through trial and triumph, and in their example, we see the bravery and pride that reflect who we are as a Nation. These homefront heroes deserve respect and support worthy of their sacrifice and grace--every day, they should know their country supports them, is there for them, and is grateful for all they do on our behalf. 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 May 8, 2015, as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I call upon the people of the United States to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9276 of May 8, 2015 National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation American infrastructure is the foundation of our economy--helping businesses move products, getting workers to the job, and ensuring families make it home to their loved ones each night. All year, we rely on our transportation networks to sustain our way of life, and on National Defense Transportation Day and during National Transportation Week, we pause to reaffirm the importance of infrastructure and the role it plays in growing our economy and keeping us safe. [[Page 78]] Today, our Nation's investment in transportation lags behind the rest of the world. Over half of America's major roads are in less than good condition, and a quarter of our bridges require significant repair or cannot handle today's traffic, costing businesses and consumers billions in unnecessary freight expenses. Countless hours and dollars are lost navigating bad roads, making transportation costs--from wasted gas to commercial trucking costs that are passed on to the consumer--one of the biggest expenses for the average American family. America's commitment to connect two coasts forged the Transcontinental Railroad, and our need for a robust network of roads fueled the Interstate Highway System. The United States was once a leader in infrastructure, and my Administration is dedicated to restoring this legacy by making investments that will improve the competitiveness of our economy while creating jobs and expanding opportunity for all hardworking Americans. Last year, we launched the Build America Investment Initiative to give cities and States innovative opportunities to partner with the private sector on infrastructure funding. We are continuing to advance major highway and port projects, and this year, we announced new infrastructure tax proposals that will level the playing field for municipalities seeking public-private infrastructure partnerships. Keeping our infrastructure up-to-date is not only crucial to our economy, it is essential to our safety and security. The same roads, bridges, and ports that we depend on to carry goods to market also enable us to deliver lifesaving resources to victims during emergencies. In the face of a changing climate, resilient infrastructure that can withstand more frequent and more devastating natural disasters is more important than ever. To ensure our Nation is prepared in the face of crisis and to guarantee service members and first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively, we must continue to invest in our vital transportation networks. In a 21st-century economy, businesses set up shop wherever they can find the best roads and bridges, the fastest rail and Internet, and the most reliable airports and power grids. This week, let us continue our work to build the best transportation systems possible and recommit to investing in our infrastructure in a way that will keep our economy growing--not just for the next few years, but for generations to come. In recognition of the importance of our Nation's transportation infrastructure, and of the men and women who build, maintain, and utilize it, the Congress has requested, by joint resolution approved May 16, 1957, as amended (36 U.S.C. 120), that the President designate the third Friday in May of each year as ``National Defense Transportation Day,'' and, by joint resolution approved May 14, 1962, as amended (36 U.S.C. 133), that the week during which that Friday falls be designated as ``National Transportation Week.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 15, 2015, as National Defense Transportation Day and May 10 through May 16, 2015, as National Transportation Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize the importance of our Nation's transportation infrastructure and to acknowledge the contributions of those who build, operate, and maintain it. [[Page 79]] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9277 of May 8, 2015 Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Each May, our Nation salutes the American women and men who put their lives on the line every day to maintain public safety and hold accountable those who break the law. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we recognize all those who have dedicated their lives to this vital task. With heavy hearts, we mourn the heroes taken from us only because they chose to serve, and we rededicate ourselves to carrying forward their noble legacy. Our law enforcement officers have extraordinarily tough jobs. They regularly work in dangerous environments and in difficult, high-tension situations. And they often face challenges deeply rooted in systemic problems and broader social issues. These professionals serve to protect their communities and strengthen their Nation, and they deserve to go home safely to their loved ones at the end of each shift. As President, I am committed to making sure America's dedicated police officers receive the support and recognition they have earned, and to doing all I can to protect those who protect us. One important way to make policing safer and more effective is by continuing to enhance relations and trust between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve. This will make it easier and safer for police officers to do their jobs, and it will strengthen the places we live and work. This important task will require our Nation--our communities, our law enforcement, and our leaders at every level--to come together to commit to meeting this challenge and moving our country forward, block by block and neighborhood by neighborhood. As President, I firmly believe it is within our power to make progress in our time, and I am dedicated to partnering with all those who are willing to do this necessary work. My Administration is taking concrete steps to implement the commonsense, pragmatic recommendations my Task Force on 21st Century Policing put forward based on input from law enforcement personnel as well as criminal justice experts, community leaders, and civil liberties advocates. And we are engaging with local jurisdictions so they can begin to make the changes that will help ensure that police officers and their communities are partners in battling crime and that everyone feels safe on and off the job. Our Nation's police officers are mentors in our schools, familiar faces on the corner, and pillars of our communities. They keep our borders secure and our roads safe, and in times of crisis, they rush toward tragedy. They are hardworking mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons who have dedicated [[Page 80]] their lives to public service, working every day to build a brighter future for their families and their Nation. Their selfless commitment and daily sacrifice represent what is possible for every city, town, and reservation in America, and our country has an enormous opportunity to lift up the very best law enforcement personnel as examples--not just to other officers, but to all who aspire to lives of good citizenship. This week and every week, let us remember the patriots who laid down their lives for ours and honor all who strive to make our Nation more safe, more free, and more just. By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as ``Peace Officers Memorial Day'' and the week in which it falls as ``Police Week.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2015, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 10 through May 16, 2015, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call on the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9278 of May 8, 2015 Mother's Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Each May, Americans dedicate a day to honor the remarkable women who strive and sacrifice all year to ensure ours is a Nation where all things are possible. Whether married or single, LGBT or straight, biological, adoptive, or foster, mothers are the bedrocks of our lives and the foundation of our society. They are our first friends and teachers, inspiring us to reach great heights and supporting us no matter the challenges we face or the paths we choose. Today, we come together to celebrate the women who raised us and who love us unconditionally--who do whatever it takes to set us on the road to success and want nothing more than for us to lead happy, healthy lives. Our Nation's mothers are breadwinners, community leaders, and pillars of family. For generations, they have blazed new paths--from Seneca Falls and Selma to the boardroom, the laboratory, and the forefronts of our military conflicts--opening up new possibilities and widening the circle of opportunity. Today, these pioneers show us what is possible for ourselves [[Page 81]] and our country. They are our Nation's innovators, tireless workers, engines of economic growth, and drivers of progress. And through their example, they teach our future dreamers and doers about the value of hard work, compassion, service, and personal responsibility. Today, women are nearly half of the American workforce, and as a Nation, we must ensure our policies reflect this reality because no woman should have to choose between being a productive employee and a responsible mother. All women deserve equal pay for equal work and a living wage, and as President, I have fought tirelessly to advance these commonsense measures. I continue to call for increased workplace flexibility and access to paid leave, including paid sick days, and I have proposed a plan that would make quality child care available to every middle-class and low-income family with young children. I remain committed to tearing down the remaining barriers to mothers' full and equal participation in our economy and society--because when mothers succeed, America succeeds and policies that benefit women and working families benefit us all. We owe so much to our mothers, and they deserve policies that support them, as well as our profound love and gratitude. On Mother's Day, we give thanks to our mothers who lift us up every day. Let us pay respect to those who continue to offer us generous love and patient counsel and hold fast to the memories of all who live on in our hearts. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 8, 1914 (38 Stat. 770), has designated the second Sunday in May each year as ``Mother's Day'' and requested the President to call for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 10, 2015, as Mother's Day. I urge all Americans to express love and gratitude to mothers everywhere, and I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9279 of May 11, 2015 National Women's Health Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The security of quality, affordable health care should not be a privilege--it should be a fundamental right for every person, regardless of their sex or gender. Today, the Affordable Care Act is helping to secure this right for women across our Nation. The law is saving money for women and their families, and it is saving lives--of our mothers, daughters, and sisters--and helping more women achieve their fullest potential. During National Women's Health Week, we reaffirm the belief that ensuring all women and girls have the opportunity to live full and healthy lives is vital [[Page 82]] to their success and to the prosperity of our Nation; we celebrate the difference the Affordable Care Act has made for countless women; and we recommit to building on its success because we know that when women succeed, America succeeds. Over the past year, millions of women have gained the security of knowing their personal and professional goals will not be jeopardized just because they face a health challenge. Because of the Affordable Care Act, women can no longer be charged different premiums than men for the same coverage or be denied insurance based on pre-existing conditions, such as pregnancy or violence-related injuries. The law also requires most insurance plans to cover basic health services, including contraceptive, prenatal, and maternity care. And today, tens of millions of women are benefiting from expanded access to preventive care under the law--services which can lead to early detection of some of the many health challenges that disproportionately affect women. Because these preventive services--like screenings for breast cancer, domestic violence, and osteoporosis--are available without cost sharing, women are not forced to choose between health care necessities and other essential expenses. The equality that all women deserve is inextricably linked to safeguarding access to preventive services and treatment and eliminating disparities in health outcomes. My Administration is committed to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, and we are striving to reach all those who have yet to enroll and gain access to the crucial services it provides. Every day, we are working to make women's health care more affordable, increase women's access to sexual and reproductive health services, and improve maternal and child health outcomes. As we celebrate National Women's Health Week, we rededicate ourselves to advancing women's health and building a healthy future for all women and girls across our country. To learn more and to access additional information and resources, Americans can visit www.WomensHealth.gov and www.GirlsHealth.gov. 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 May 10 through May 16, 2015, as National Women's Health Week. I encourage all Americans to celebrate the progress we have made in protecting women's health and to promote awareness, prevention, and educational activities that improve the health of all women. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 83]] Proclamation 9280 of May 15, 2015 National Safe Boating Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America's waterways are conduits to creating lasting memories, to discovering worlds of adventure, and to generating economic opportunity. On our rivers, lakes, and oceans, a father brings his daughter fishing for the first time, and a young man learns his ancestors' trade; a family takes a hard-earned vacation, and a captain cares for her prized vessel. During National Safe Boating Week, we remember that protecting the promise of our waterways rests on each of us. Before embarking on any journey on the water, Americans should prepare for potential hazards by remembering to check the forecast, filing a float plan with a family member or friend, performing a vessel safety check, and confirming their boat has essential safety equipment and communications tools, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and weather radios. Operators should also be ready for sudden weather changes that can affect a voyage--fog, thunderstorms, and wind shifts can often occur without warning, and knowing how to respond to dangerous weather can save lives. By always wearing life jackets and never drinking while boating, boaters and passengers can further ensure their safety and well-being and help guarantee a great day out on the water does not end in tragedy. At times, disaster still strikes, even when we are prepared. But thanks to the courageous women and men who serve our Nation and protect our waters, the United States Coast Guard stands always ready to help keep Americans safe at sea. As we look forward to spending time with loved ones this summer and taking advantage of all our scenic waterways have to offer, I encourage everyone to visit www.USCGBoating.org to learn more about responsible boating. Together, we can enjoy the beauty and bounty of the water and avoid preventable injuries and property damage. In recognition of the importance of safe boating practices, the Congress, by joint resolution approved June 4, 1958 (36 U.S.C. 131), as amended, has authorized and requested the President to proclaim annually the 7-day period prior to Memorial Day weekend as ``National Safe Boating Week.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 16 through May 22, 2015, as National Safe Boating Week. I encourage all Americans who participate in boating activities to observe this occasion by learning more about safe boating practices and taking advantage of boating education. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 84]] Proclamation 9281 of May 15, 2015 Emergency Medical Services Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Few moments are as terrifying as those when medical emergencies strike. But thanks to the courageous efforts of all who provide emergency medical services (EMS), Americans know they and their loved ones will be cared for in their hours of greatest need. As we mark Emergency Medical Services Week, we thank these selfless women and men, and we recommit to upholding an EMS system that is ready every day for every emergency. Time and again, our Nation has witnessed the critical role EMS professionals play in the lives of our people. Whether 911 dispatchers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, EMS medical directors, law enforcement officers, firefighters, or nurses, they are dedicated first responders who operate at the crossroads between health care, public safety, and public health--often without pay as volunteers. In intense, high-stress situations, these professionals and volunteers come to the aid of their fellow Americans, easing suffering and frequently making the difference between life and death. This week, we celebrate the EMS providers who risk their own lives and health to protect the well-being of others. At scenes of accidents and natural disasters, in times of personal crisis and national tragedy, they offer essential services and demonstrate the strength and resilience of the American people. As these heroes rush forward for us, may we remember to stand for them, and may we never forget that an efficient, high-quality EMS system is crucial to ensuring care during any emergency. 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 May 17 through May 23, 2015, as Emergency Medical Services Week. I encourage all Americans to observe this occasion by showing their support for their local EMS providers and taking steps to improve their personal safety and preparedness. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9282 of May 15, 2015 World Trade Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation After 6 years of tremendous progress, America has fought its way back from the worst recession of our lifetimes. With the grit and determination of [[Page 85]] working families, we have rebuilt our economy, retooled the auto industry, and revitalized American manufacturing. Our economy is growing and creating jobs at the fastest pace in over a decade, and as this progress continues, we must ensure that all Americans can share in our Nation's prosperity. This conviction is at the core of middle-class economics, and few things are as vital to ensuring that our economy benefits all Americans as trade. Trade allows our people to work, our businesses to thrive, and our goods and services to compete on a global scale. This week, we reaffirm the importance of trade, and we redouble our efforts to position our workers, farmers, manufacturers, and businesses at the center of the 21st-century global economy. America's future depends on unlocking economic opportunities beyond our borders, where 95 percent of the world's customers live. Last year was the fifth straight record-breaking year for United States exports, supporting 11.7 million American jobs and contributing nearly one-third of our country's overall economic growth since 2009. Continuing this steady progress will strengthen America's middle class because businesses that export tend to hire more, pay their workers more, and invest more in innovation and research. Americans prosper when foreign markets are open and our trading partners play by the rules. My Administration's efforts to advance trade are focused on opening markets to American products and ensuring the rules of the trading system are fair and reflect our values, including on issues such as workers' rights and the environment. That is why I am committed to leading on trade--creating a race to the top for higher wages and better working conditions--with a progressive, values-driven agenda that will ensure the United States is able to shape the rules of the global economy to benefit our workers and create economic opportunities for our people and all those around the globe. In the Asia-Pacific, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement will open new doors of opportunity for American workers and businesses in the world's fastest growing region. Through the TPP, the United States is updating NAFTA, instituting stronger, fully enforceable labor and environmental standards, and ensuring our trade partners play by the rules. With American leadership, this agreement will remove trade barriers and provide our Nation's exporters and innovators access to these markets. And to protect our workers and improve the lives of workers across the globe, it will advance labor protections--including a minimum wage, a prohibition on child labor and forced labor, and the right to form unions. This agreement will level the playing field for our workers and increase exports of products stamped ``Made in the USA.'' Smart trade agreements are important to helping middle-class families get ahead. My Administration has redoubled our efforts to enforce existing trade agreements, and we are working to ensure all Americans have the knowledge and skills to succeed in an export-driven economy. Our work has produced real results, protecting jobs here at home and making it easier for businesses to reach consumers living outside our borders, and it has demonstrated that when the playing field is level, American workers and businesses do not just compete--they win. During World Trade Week, we renew our commitment to leading on trade in order to support more jobs and increase wages here at home. For nearly [[Page 86]] a century, a key component of this leadership has been strong bipartisan support for trade negotiating authority, which the Congress now has an opportunity to upgrade and, in so doing, shape how the United States and our trading partners engage on trade in the 21st century. Generations of hardworking Americans have made our economy the greatest in the world, and together, we can ensure that trade safeguards our country's promise as a land of opportunity where everyone can make it if they try. 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 May 17 through May 23, 2015, as World Trade Week. I encourage all Americans to visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/Trade and to observe this week with events, trade shows, and educational programs that celebrate and inform Americans about the benefits of trade to our Nation and the global economy. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9283 of May 15, 2015 Armed Forces Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation At the heart of our Nation is the idea that we are each endowed with certain unalienable rights. We hold this truth to be self-evident, but from the moment a small band of patriots first came together to declare independence, we have never believed it to be self-executing. From Lexington and Concord to Iraq and Afghanistan, brave women and men have fought to defend the blessings of liberty and freedom and to protect the way of life we cherish. On Armed Forces Day, we salute the unbroken chain of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have continuously secured and renewed the promise of our Nation. This year, as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, we honor the generation that triumphed over tyranny and laid a foundation for peace around the world. In the face of oppression, more than 16 million Americans left everything they knew and everyone they loved to fight for freedom far from home. Today, this legacy of extraordinary service is carried forward by patriots who protect the same liberties our parents and grandparents fought for. Year after year, tour after tour, the members of our Armed Forces serve with honor and distinction. Their sacrifice makes our Nation more free and more safe, and in their example, we see the best of America. As we pay tribute to today's servicemen and women, we acknowledge the obligations we have to all who serve in our name. This sacred trust requires that we fulfill our promise and guarantee that these patriots, and the families who serve alongside them, have all the resources and benefits they [[Page 87]] have earned and deserve--supporting them as they carry out their missions and ensuring they get their shot at the American dream they helped to defend. As a Nation, we are called to recognize the enormous debt of gratitude we owe the members of our Armed Forces, and we must never forget those who laid down their lives to safeguard our freedoms, or their loved ones who carry their legacies forward. Today and every day, let us celebrate the women and men who make our military the greatest fighting force the world has ever known. As a grateful Nation, let us show our appreciation by working to uphold the values they protect every day and by continuing to strive to build a country worthy of their enormous sacrifice. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, continuing the precedent of my predecessors in office, do hereby proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day. I direct the Secretary of Defense on behalf of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and the Secretary of Homeland Security on behalf of the Coast Guard, to plan for appropriate observances each year, with the Secretary of Defense responsible for encouraging the participation and cooperation of civil authorities and private citizens. I invite the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to provide for the observance of Armed Forces Day within their jurisdiction each year in an appropriate manner designed to increase public understanding and appreciation of the Armed Forces of the United States. I also invite veterans, civic leaders, and organizations to join in the observance of Armed Forces Day. Finally, I call upon all Americans to display the flag of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces Day, and I urge citizens to learn more about military service by attending and participating in the local observances of the day. I also encourage Americans to volunteer at organizations that provide support to our troops and their families. Proclamation 9129 of May 16, 2014, is hereby superseded. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9284 of May 18, 2015 50th Anniversary of Head Start By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Supporting our children in their earliest years with high-quality care and education is one of the best investments we can make as a Nation-- and for 50 years, Head Start has helped to lift up millions of America's children [[Page 88]] and their families in communities across our country. The oldest and largest Federal program to deliver high-quality early learning opportunities to low-income children, Head Start was founded on the idea that every child--no matter who they are, what they look like, or where they grow up--deserves the chance to reach their full potential. Since 1965, it has given meaning to the simple truth that in America, where you start should not determine how far you can go. In the last half-century, Head Start has served 32 million children, supporting them in every aspect of their development--from early learning and health and nutrition to social and emotional well-being. Designed to cultivate original ideas and innovative approaches to preparing children for success later in school and in life, Head Start has pioneered new solutions to fight the harmful effects of poverty and build ladders of opportunity into the middle class. In small towns and large cities--in America's immigrant communities and with migrant and seasonal families, faith-based communities, and tribal leaders--Head Start programs and providers empower children and their families to foster positive parent-child relationships, to reach for economic and family stability, and to make important connections to their peers and their communities. During a critical period in a child's life, Head Start sets our Nation's young people on the path to success. We know that investments in early childhood education boost graduation rates, increase earnings, and reduce violent crime. And 3- and 4-year-olds who attend high-quality preschool--including Head Start--are less likely to repeat a grade, less likely to need special education, and more likely to graduate from high school. This head start in life leaves a lasting impact on our students and fuels their curiosity, helping them to grow up with a passion for learning, a fair shot at good-paying jobs, and a more secure future. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Early Head Start, created to enhance the impact of Head Start by serving children from birth to age 3, as well as expectant mothers--ensuring all children receive the best care possible. This expansion has made a real difference for thousands of infants, toddlers, and their families. As President, I have endeavored to strengthen Head Start and build on its legacy. My Administration has expanded the program to reach tens of thousands of additional children and families in the depth of the economic recession. We have instituted reforms to raise the standards and focus on improving outcomes across Head Start programs and classrooms, so that children and families can rely on the highest quality of services. And we have launched new ways to build connections between Early Head Start and America's child care subsidy system to reach additional infants and toddlers in need of high-quality early care and education. We will continue to invest in Head Start and strive to expand its reach to additional children and families throughout America. Our children deserve nothing less. Despite five decades of tremendous success, too many young people still grow up without access to a world-class education. Instead of receiving a head start in life, they start out a step behind. As a Nation, we must continue our work to ensure the promise of education is within reach for all our daughters and sons. That is why I have proposed a series of new investments that will establish a continuum of high-quality early learning for [[Page 89]] every child, beginning at birth and continuing to age 5. This year, I unveiled a plan that would make quality child care available to every middle-class and low-income family with young children under the age of 3. I have also called on the Congress to expand access to high-quality preschool and full-day kindergarten for every child in America. And I am calling on all Americans--including leaders of private and philanthropic organizations, communities, and governments at every level--to make their own commitments to our children, an effort that has already led to an investment of more than $1 billion to support our next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and doers. The history of Head Start has taught us that if our Nation invests in the future of all our children, we can strengthen our economy, bolster our communities, and give every young person the chance to build a better life. As we mark the 50th anniversary of Head Start, let us rededicate ourselves to building an education system worthy of our daughters' and sons' enormous potential, and to providing a strong, healthy, and safe head start in life for all of America's children. 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 May 18, 2015, as the 50th Anniversary of Head Start. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that recognize the importance of this vital program and support high-quality education for all Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9285 of May 20, 2015 National Maritime Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For over two centuries, proud mariners have set sail in defense of our people and in pursuit of opportunity. Through periods of conflict and times of peace, our Nation has relied on the United States Merchant Marine to transport goods to and from our shores and deliver troops and supplies around the world. On National Maritime Day, we honor the women and men who take to the seas to boost our economy and uphold the values we cherish. Our Nation is forever indebted to the brave privateers who helped secure our independence, fearlessly supplying our Revolutionary forces with muskets and ammunition. Throughout history, their legacy has been carried forward by courageous seafarers who have faithfully served our Nation as part of the United States Merchant Marine--bold individuals who emerged triumphant in the face of attacks from the British fleet in the War of 1812, [[Page 90]] and who empowered the Allied forces as they navigated perilous waters during World War II. Today, patriots who share their spirit continue to stand ready to protect our seas and the livelihoods they support. Ninety percent of the world's commerce moves by sea, and businesses across our country rely on domestic and international trade every day. Helping to protect our vital shipping routes, Merchant Mariners are critical to our effort to combat piracy and uphold the maritime security on which the global supply chain relies. And in times of war or national emergency, they bolster our national security as a ``fourth arm of defense.'' Whether transporting commercial goods or military equipment, battling tough weather or enemy fire, they strive and sacrifice to secure a brighter future for all Americans. On this day, we reaffirm the importance of their contributions and salute all those who serve this noble cause. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as ``National Maritime Day,'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2015, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9286 of May 22, 2015 National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Hurricanes cause devastating and sometimes deadly damage, with violent winds and heavy rains destroying buildings, inundating both coastal and inland areas, and displacing residents from their communities. Each year, we call attention to the risks hurricanes and tropical storms pose, as well as the steps we can take to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, we recommit to strengthening the capacity of local responders and creating resilient cities, towns, and neighborhoods that are prepared when disaster strikes. My Administration continues to partner with State, local, and tribal governments, helping them prepare for and respond to hurricanes. We are supporting new technology to help families develop emergency plans, determine evacuation routes, and receive disaster alerts; once a storm has passed, these tools can also help connect residents to resources-- from clean water and shelter to information about power outages and gas station [[Page 91]] closings. We continue to fund rebuilding efforts in areas devastated by hurricanes, ensuring new infrastructure can withstand future storms. And to bolster our recovery efforts for the long term, we have instituted a Unified Federal Review process to help those in need of recovery assistance better navigate the permits and environmental reviews necessary to ensure a rapid and resilient recovery. Hurricane-associated storm intensity and rainfall rates are projected to increase during this century, in part due to increasing sea surface temperatures. These changes, combined with rising sea levels, could lead to additional damage and higher costs in both coastal and inland communities. That is why, as part of my Climate Action Plan, my Administration is taking steps to prepare for and combat these effects. We are supporting communities with Federal resources, and earlier this year, I signed an Executive Order that establishes a flood standard for new and rebuilt federally funded structures in and around floodplains. Preparing for and responding to hurricanes is a team effort--everyone has a role to play in keeping our communities safe. Now is the time for each of us to take simple steps to prepare our families for severe weather. Find out today if you live in a storm surge evacuation zone, a low-lying floodplain, or any other location from which you might need to evacuate. I encourage all Americans living in hurricane-threatened areas to build an emergency supply kit, learn evacuation routes, make a family communication strategy, and practice this plan. During a storm, always be sure to follow the instructions of State, local, and tribal officials. To learn more about ways to prepare for hurricanes and other natural disasters, visit www.Ready.gov and www.Hurricanes.gov/Prepare. As we enter hurricane season, remember that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility. Together, let us rededicate ourselves to ensuring the safety of our loved ones and neighbors by building communities ready to weather storms and all natural disasters. 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 May 24 through May 30, 2015, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon government agencies, private organizations, schools, media, and residents in the coastal areas of our Nation to share information about hurricane preparedness and response to help save lives and protect communities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 92]] Proclamation 9287 of May 22, 2015 Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On Memorial Day, the United States pauses to honor the fallen heroes who died in service to our Nation. With heavy hearts and a sense of profound gratitude, we mourn these women and men--parents, children, loved ones, comrades-in-arms, friends, and all those known and unknown--who believed so deeply in what our country could be they were willing to give their lives to protect its promise. Our hearts ache in their absence, but their spirit gives us strength to continue their work of securing and renewing the liberties that all Americans cherish and for which these heroes gave their last full measure of devotion. In solemn reflection, we gather--in small towns and big cities, on battlefields, in cemeteries, and at sacred places where blood has been shed for freedom's cause--throughout our country and around the world to remember the unbroken chain of patriots who won independence, saved our Union, defeated fascism, and protected the Nation we love from emerging threats in a changing world. Today, their legacy is carried forward by a new generation of servicemen and women and all who strive to shape a more perfect America; and their enormous sacrifices continue to make our opportunity possible. We owe all those who sacrifice in our name a tremendous debt, including our Nation's mothers and fathers who have given their daughters and sons to America, spouses and partners who shoulder the weight of unthinkable loss, and courageous children in whom the legacies of their parents live on. As a Nation, we must uphold our obligations to these Gold Star families. We have pledged to them that they will never walk alone--that their country will be there for them always--and we must work every day to make good on this promise. Our Nation will never forget the valor and distinction of the women and men who defend freedom, justice, and peace. Today, we rededicate ourselves to commitments equal to the caliber of those who have rendered the highest service: to support our troops with the resources they need to do their jobs; to never stop searching for those who have gone missing or are prisoners of war; to ensure all our veterans have access to the care and benefits they have earned and deserve; and to continue our constant work of building a Nation worthy of the heroes we honor today. In honor of all of our fallen service members, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 25, 2015, as a day of [[Page 93]] prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time during which people may unite in prayer. I also ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. I request the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9288 of May 29, 2015 African-American Music Appreciation Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For centuries, African-American musicians have shaped our Nation and helped tell our story. By melding enduring truths with new sounds, they have pioneered entire genres and contributed to the foundation of our musical landscape--capturing an essential part of who we are as Americans. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we recognize the artists who have enriched our lives and the ways their beats and harmonies have advanced our unending journey toward a more perfect Union. With all the energy and diversity of our great Nation, the stirring sounds of the American experience have expanded our minds and lifted our souls, helping us better understand ourselves and one another. When the tides of injustice and hardship have seemed too great, melodies of hope have given us strength, and in moments of joy, powerful songs speak to the audacity that fuels our dreams. Through momentous change--above the jangling discord of a people determined to write their own destiny and the consonance of great progress--our music has remained a constant source of inspiration, bringing us together and empowering us to reach for what we know is possible. By honoring the timeless sounds that define our past and help transform our future, we celebrate not only the musicians who move us, but also the spirit of resilience and renewal they embody. This month, let us remember the essential role music plays in breaking the barriers of our time and guiding us toward a more inclusive and more equal tomorrow. 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 June 2015 as African- [[Page 94]] American Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and foster appreciation of music that is composed, arranged, or performed by African Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9289 of May 29, 2015 Great Outdoors Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America's vast and varied landscapes have always been central to the character of our Nation and the story of our people. Their rugged beauty reflects our national history and heritage--as pioneers who forged new paths and explorers who dared to venture into the unknown--and continues to inspire new generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Our mountains and rivers are part of who we are, and they are the birthright of all our people. Today, one-third of all our Nation's land is publicly owned and set aside for the use and enjoyment of every American. These are the places that make our country great, and as heirs to this extraordinary legacy of conservation, we have an obligation to make sure our children and grandchildren can enjoy the everlasting bounty of the great outdoors. Our Nation's public lands and waters fuel our economy and support our industries. Home to living laboratories and wondrous playgrounds, they spark boundless curiosity and innovation, and in the desolate wilderness, adventurers rediscover the spirit of independence that unites all Americans. As President, I am committed to ensuring every child in America--regardless of who they are or where they live--has the opportunity to explore these treasured spaces. That is why earlier this year I launched the Every Kid in a Park initiative, which will provide all fourth graders and their families with free admission to our National Parks and other Federal lands and waters for a full year. And I invite all Americans to ``Find Your Park'' and celebrate some of the most beautiful landscapes and waterscapes in the world. As a Nation, we must work to safeguard nature's splendor for generations to come. Climate change threatens our lands and waters, as well as the health and well-being of future generations. That is why my Administration has taken commonsense actions to combat climate change, ensure the resilience of our natural resources, and protect our children. I am proud to have protected more than 260 million additional acres of public lands and waters--more than any other President--which includes the establishment or expansion of 16 National Monuments through my Executive authority. For more than a half-century, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has [[Page 95]] helped to protect these iconic places and make it easier for families to spend time outside. The Fund has advanced over 40,000 local projects by making critical investments, including in battlefields, National Parks, baseball fields, and community green spaces, and I continue to call for the full and permanent funding of this vital tool of environmental stewardship. During Great Outdoors Month, Governors, communities, business leaders, and organizations will host thousands of events across the country to celebrate our unparalleled outdoors. I encourage Americans to participate in these activities and to take the time to experience the natural grandeur of our Nation. As we enjoy these magnificent places, let us rededicate ourselves to doing our part to preserve them for all our future explorers, adventurers, and environmental stewards. 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 June 2015 as Great Outdoors Month. I urge all Americans to explore the great outdoors and to uphold our Nation's legacy of conserving our lands and waters. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9290 of May 29, 2015 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation From the moment our Nation first came together to declare the fundamental truth that all men are created equal, courageous and dedicated patriots have fought to refine our founding promise and broaden democracy's reach. Over the course of more than two centuries of striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil rights and enshrined equal protections into our Constitution. Through struggle and setback, we see a common trajectory toward a more free and just society. But we are also reminded that we are not truly equal until every person is afforded the same rights and opportunities--that when one of us experiences discrimination, it affects all of us--and that our journey is not complete until our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law. Across our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by determined individuals who stood up, spoke out, and shared their stories. Earlier this year, because of my landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace discrimination, protections for Federal contractors went into effect, guarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Federal Government is now leading by example, ensuring that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they [[Page 96]] love. And I will keep calling on the Congress to pass legislation so that all Americans are covered by these protections, no matter where they work. In communities throughout the country, barriers that limit the potential of LGBT Americans have been torn down, but too many individuals continue to encounter discrimination and unfair treatment. My Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors because the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that it can cause substantial harm. We understand the unique challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities--especially transgender and gender non-conforming individuals--and are taking steps to address them. And we recognize that families come in many shapes and sizes. Whether biological, foster, or adoptive, family acceptance is an important protective factor against suicide and harm for LGBTQ youth, and mental health experts have created resources to support family communication and involvement. For countless young people, it is not enough to simply say it gets better; we must take action too. We continue to address bullying and harassment in our classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing environment in which to learn and grow. Across the Federal Government, we are working every day to unlock the opportunities all LGBT individuals deserve and the resources and care they need. Too many LGBTQ youth face homelessness and too many older individuals struggle to find welcoming and affordable housing; that is why my Administration is striving to ensure they have equal access to safe and supportive housing throughout life. We are updating our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to better address the disproportionate burden HIV has on communities of gay and bisexual men and transgender women. We continue to extend family and spousal benefits to legally married same-sex couples. And because we know LGBT rights are human rights, we are championing protections and support for LGBT persons around the world. All people deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence, and protected against discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate the proud legacy LGBT individuals have woven into the fabric of our Nation, we honor those who have fought to perfect our Union, and we continue our work to build a society where every child grows up knowing that their country supports them, is proud of them, and has a place for them exactly as they are. 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 June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 97]] Proclamation 9291 of May 29, 2015 National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For centuries, Americans have been united with our Caribbean neighbors not just by friendship and economic cooperation, but also by our common values and ties of kin. From a region of extraordinary beauty, generations of immigrants have brought their enormous spirit, unique talents, and vibrant culture to the United States. Their contributions have enriched our Nation and strengthened the deep bonds between our peoples. This month, we celebrate the Caribbean Americans whose legacies are woven into the fabric of our Nation, and we reaffirm our belief that throughout the region, we all share a stake in one another's success. As partners, our nations have reached for progress together, and in our diverse cultures and complex histories, we see a common trajectory toward a more free, equal, and prosperous community. Throughout the Caribbean, courageous peoples have thrown off the yoke of colonial rule, seizing the right to chart their own destinies, and they have overcome the stains of slavery and segregation to widen the circle of opportunity for all. Here in America, Caribbean Americans have followed in the footsteps of their ancestors, joining their voices with the chorus of patriots and carrying forward the baton of justice--from the battlefield and the outfield, in places like Selma and Seneca Falls, and through powerful song, poetry, and prose. Just as our nations' pasts are shared, our futures are inextricably linked. As millions of Caribbean Americans continue to innovate and thrive in the United States, my Administration is committed to lifting up hardworking individuals throughout the Caribbean and partnering with governments to build the foundation for the next century of progress and prosperity. We are investing in young business leaders and civil society activists, working to expand what is possible for the next generation of Caribbean leaders, and supporting entrepreneurship, student exchanges, and more effective job training. With new partnerships, we are helping to move the region toward cleaner, more affordable energy. And as the United States begins to normalize our relations with Cuba, we have the potential to empower a nation and end a legacy of mistrust in our hemisphere. America is and always has been a Nation of immigrants, and today--as pillars of family and leaders in their communities--Caribbean Americans strengthen every aspect of our society. We must ensure our Nation remains a magnet for the best and the brightest around the world. Because of my 2012 DACA policy, thousands of DREAMers from the Caribbean have been able to live up to their potential, and last year, I announced my intent to take action that would allow more high-skilled immigrants, graduates, entrepreneurs, and families to contribute to our economy, including by expanding the existing DACA policy and creating a new policy to provide temporary relief to certain undocumented parents of American citizens and lawful permanent residents. And I continue to call on the Congress to finish the job by passing comprehensive immigration reform. [[Page 98]] Caribbean Americans have shaped the course of our country since the earliest chapters of our history, and they continue to drive our Nation to realize the promise of our founding. During National Caribbean- American Heritage Month, we honor the courage and perseverance of the Caribbean-American community, and we rededicate ourselves to building opportunity and protecting human rights for all our citizens. 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 June 2015 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to celebrate the history and culture of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9292 of May 29, 2015 National Oceans Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation This summer, millions of Americans will take in the beauty and natural splendor of our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. As destinations for recreation and tourism, these bodies of water rejuvenate our spirit and cultivate a love of our great outdoors. And no matter where you live or who you are, a healthy and thriving ocean is essential to all people all year. Our marine environments contribute to our food supply, bolster our economy, strengthen our national defense, and support important scientific research and innovation. They are some of humanity's greatest treasures and central to who we are as a people. During National Oceans Month, we celebrate these life-sustaining ecosystems, and we reaffirm our vital role as stewards of our planet. Ensuring the long-term health, resilience, and productivity of our marine environments requires us to act to protect and preserve them in the face of a range of threats. Climate change is causing sea levels and ocean temperatures to rise, and these effects can harm coral reefs and force certain species to migrate. Carbon pollution is being absorbed by our oceans, causing them to acidify and changing entire ecosystems. And illegal fishing continues to threaten our global and economic security, as well as the sustainability of our world's fisheries. My Administration is committed to doing all we can to combat these threats and leave our children and grandchildren clean and vibrant oceans. As part of my National Ocean Policy, we are creating a coordinated, science-based approach to managing our coasts and oceans, and we are focused on implementing specific, on-the-ground actions to improve our [[Page 99]] ocean economy and bolster ocean health. We continue to make meaningful progress toward ending overfishing, and the Federal Government is partnering with State, local, and tribal leaders to promote marine conservation. As President, I continue to use my authority to preserve our most precious ecosystems, including last year when I expanded the largest marine reserve in the world--ensuring more of our pristine tropical marine environments are off limits to commercial resource extraction. We are heirs to a vast expanse of oceans and waterways that have sustained our ancestors for centuries. As caretakers of our planet, we share an obligation to protect these magnificent ecosystems for generations to come. This month, let us work to do our part and recommit to leading the way toward a safer, cleaner, more stable world. 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 June 2015 as National Oceans Month. I call upon Americans to take action to protect, conserve, and restore our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9293 of June 11, 2015 National Week of Making, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation American ingenuity has always powered our Nation and fueled economic growth. Our country was built on the belief that with hard work and passion, progress is within our reach, and it is because of daring innovators and entrepreneurs who have taken risks and redefined what is possible that we have been able to realize this promise. Makers and builders and doers--of all ages and backgrounds--have pushed our country forward, developing creative solutions to important challenges and proving that ordinary Americans are capable of achieving the extraordinary when they have access to the resources they need. During National Week of Making, we celebrate the tinkerers and dreamers whose talent and drive have brought new ideas to life, and we recommit to cultivating the next generation of problem solvers. My Administration is committed to spurring manufacturing, innovation, and entrepreneurship by expanding opportunities for more Americans to build products and bring them to market. Across the Federal Government, we are working to increase access to capital, maker spaces, and equipment to design, develop, and prototype ideas. By investing in regional manufacturing hubs, we are bringing together private industry, leading universities, and public agencies to develop cutting-edge technology and train workers in the skills they need for the next generation of innovation. To continue [[Page 100]] to build a Nation of makers, we are committed to engaging students at every level in the hands-on learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to inspire them to pursue their own passions and excel in STEM fields. Last year, at the first-ever White House Maker Faire, I called on leaders around our Nation to join in sparking a grassroots renaissance in American making and manufacturing. Since then, more than 100 cities have stepped up, taking action to increase access to the tools and support that help today's dreamers solve pressing local and global problems, launch their own businesses, and create vibrant communities. By making it easier for students to learn 21st-century design and fabrication skills and by broadening opportunities for making in communities across our country, we can unleash a new era of jobs and entrepreneurialism in manufacturing, transform industries, and usher the products of tomorrow to markets today. As the maker movement grows, I continue to call on all Americans to help unlock the potential of our Nation and ensure these opportunities reach all our young people, regardless of who they are or where they come from. America's path of experimentation, innovation, and discovery has been the hallmark of our progress. We are heirs to an extraordinary legacy of ingenuity--our country is home to pioneers who imagined a railroad connecting a continent, inventors who believed electricity could power our cities and towns, explorers who dared to leave our planet and travel farther than ever before, and innovators who brought us closer together through the Internet. This story is central to who we are as a people, and today, we have the opportunity to write the next great chapter. This week, let us renew our resolve to harness the potential of our time--the technology, opportunity, and talent of our people--and empower all of today's thinkers, makers, and dreamers. 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 June 12 through June 18, 2015, as National Week of Making. I call upon all Americans to observe this week with programs, ceremonies, and activities that encourage a new generation of makers and manufacturers to share their talents and hone their skills. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9294 of June 12, 2015 Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For more than 200 years, the American flag has been a proud symbol of the people of our Nation and the values for which we stand. In hues of [[Page 101]] red, white, and blue, it reflects centuries of struggle and sacrifice--a constant reminder of our journey from 13 colonies to a Nation united in freedom and liberty, and of the patriots and pioneers who fought for these ideals at home and abroad. On Flag Day and during National Flag Week, we pay tribute to this banner of hope and opportunity, and we celebrate the story of progress it represents. With broad stripes and bright stars, our flag has connected Americans across our country, around the globe, and throughout the chapters of our history. In a new world, it stood as a beacon of promise and possibility; in the dawn's early light, it offered a glimmer of hope as the fate of our young Nation was decided; and after a civil war that divided our Union, the Star Spangled Banner once again united our people. As courageous women and men marched and protested to broaden our democracy's reach and secure their civil rights, they carried the American flag, understanding the enormous potential it embodied--even as the Nation it represented denied them their fundamental rights. Today, it is because of an unbroken chain of heroes, who have served in our Armed Forces and worn the flag they defend, that Old Glory still waves over the land of the free and the home of the brave. From storefronts and homes, atop monuments, and over the institutions that sustain our Nation at home and abroad, the American flag stands watch as we strive to perfect our Union. As we place our hand over our heart or as we salute this symbol of the country we love, let us pause to reflect on the legacy of our Nation and embrace the common threads that bind us together as Americans. To commemorate the adoption of our flag, the Congress, by joint resolution approved August 3, 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 492), designated June 14 of each year as ``Flag Day'' and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its observance and for the display of the flag of the United States on all Federal Government buildings. The Congress also requested, by joint resolution approved June 9, 1966, as amended (80 Stat. 194), that the President annually issue a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as ``National Flag Week'' and call upon citizens of the United States to display the flag during that week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2015, as Flag Day and the week beginning June 14, 2015, as National Flag Week. I direct the appropriate officials to display the flag on all Federal Government buildings during that week, and I urge all Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by displaying the flag. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe with pride and all due ceremony those days from Flag Day through Independence Day, also set aside by the Congress (89 Stat. 211), as a time to honor America, to celebrate our heritage in public gatherings and activities, and to publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 102]] Proclamation 9295 of June 12, 2015 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For 10 years, Americans have marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by joining with individuals worldwide to take a stand against elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Often under-identified and under-reported, elder abuse is a public health crisis that crosses all socioeconomic lines, and it is an affront to human rights around the world. Today, we once again take this opportunity to raise awareness of this injustice, and with the international community, we recommit to ending this abuse, supporting those who are victims, and holding perpetrators accountable. Every year, millions of older Americans experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation. They are our friends and neighbors, and our parents, grandparents, and loved ones, and we must do more to change this unacceptable reality. Elder abuse can take many forms--including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation--and it is important for all Americans to learn how to recognize and report mistreatment. The way we treat our older citizens reflects our values as a society, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure all our seniors receive the support and protection they deserve. To find out more and to learn what you can do to combat elder abuse, visit www.NCEA.AOA.gov. My Administration is committed to protecting and empowering our Nation's older Americans so they can live out their years with dignity and independence. Through the Affordable Care Act, we enacted the Elder Justice Act, which authorized important new initiatives to prevent elder abuse. We have worked tirelessly to strengthen and protect the programs that provide essential support, quality care, and economic security to our seniors, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Older Americans Act, and Social Security. And to help safeguard those who responsibly prepare for retirement from financial exploitation, I have called for new rules to require financial advisors to put their clients' interests before their own. The Federal Government is working with non-profit and private sector leaders, as well as State, local, and tribal governments to provide education, outreach, and resources that help older Americans live safe and productive lives. As part of my Administration's efforts to address these critical issues, next month I will host the White House Conference on Aging. Connecting older Americans, their families, caregivers, advocates, community leaders, and experts, the Conference will be an important opportunity to continue our efforts to promote healthy aging, provide long-term services and support, defend retirement security, and protect older Americans from abuse in all its forms. After a lifetime of contributions to their families, their communities, and our world, older Americans deserve to live free from harm and abuse. As a society, we must lift up our seniors by advancing policies of inclusion [[Page 103]] and combating ageism wherever it exists. On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, let us join with law enforcement officials, adult protective services professionals, health and human services providers, neighbors, caregivers, and community leaders to strengthen our long-term care systems and redouble our efforts to build communities that safeguard our elders and support long and healthy lives for all people throughout the world. 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 June 15, 2015, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day by learning the signs of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and by raising awareness about this important public health issue. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9296 of June 19, 2015 Father's Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Being a dad is one of the most important jobs a man can have, and few things bring as much joy and pride as the blessing of fatherhood. Raising your children is an incredible privilege, but it is also a tremendous responsibility. It requires hard work, frequent struggle, and a commitment to always be there for your daughters and sons. Today, we celebrate the men who provide us unconditional love and support, and who teach us to lead lives of courage and character. Fathers are some of our first role models and coaches in life. They inspire us to strive for what is possible--supporting us no matter what path we choose, encouraging us to reach higher, and always believing in us, even when we may not believe in ourselves. Through their example, they demonstrate that with self-discipline and dedication, we can achieve our highest aspirations, and they are there to cheer us on every step of the way. Fatherhood demands sacrifice, and it is often difficult work--but being a dad does not require perfection. Our children do not expect us to be superheroes, but we do have an obligation to show up and be there for our kids. If we want our sons and daughters to work hard, fight for what is right, and earn their piece of the American dream, we must show them that we can overcome challenges with grit and determination, strive to do better every day, and throughout it all, never give up hope. It is in seemingly small acts and ordinary moments that our children learn big ideas and the most important lessons in life. Through a love shown and earned by being present, we teach our children what matters and pass on a spirit of empathy, compassion, and selflessness. [[Page 104]] These are the lessons fathers--whether married or single; gay, straight, or transgender; biological, adoptive, or foster--can teach their kids, and across America responsible, committed dads are proving that their children are always their first priority. But if we want all our Nation's daughters and sons to have a fair shot at success in life--no matter who they are or where they are from--we need more fathers to step up and do the hard work of parenting. My Administration has fought to support men who want to be good fathers and to help create opportunities for parents to meet their obligations. And I have also called on men to make this kind of commitment not just to their own families, but to the many young people who do not have responsible adults in their lives. We need devoted, compassionate men to serve as mentors, tutors, big brothers, and foster parents. To learn more about how you can make a lasting impact on a child's life, visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/ MyBrothersKeeper or www.Fatherhood.gov. On Father's Day, we honor the men who made us who we are. They are examples of success and the ones who constantly push us toward it. And where our own fathers fell short, we have an obligation to rise up and do better than they did with our own children, because if we want our kids to meet the expectations we set for them, we must set high expectations for ourselves. Today, let us reflect on all our fathers have given us and show them the appreciation and gratitude they deserve. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972, as amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 21, 2015, as Father's Day. I direct the appropriate officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on this day, and I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- ninth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9297 of July 10, 2015 Establishment of the Basin and Range National Monument By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The Basin and Range area of southeastern Nevada is an iconic American landscape. The area is one of the most undisturbed corners of the broader Great Basin region, which extends from the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the west to the Colorado Plateau in the east. The pattern of basin, fault, and range that characterizes this region creates a dramatic topography that has inspired inhabitants for thousands of years. The vast, rugged landscape redefines our notions of distance and space and brings into sharp focus the will and resolve of the people who have lived here. The unbroken expanse is an invaluable treasure for our Nation and will continue to serve as an [[Page 105]] irreplaceable resource for archaeologists, historians, and ecologists for generations to come. Over both geologic and historical time, the Basin and Range area has been a landscape in motion. The area exemplifies the unique topography and geologic history of the Great Basin region and has long been the subject of studies of the tectonic and volcanic mechanisms responsible for this landscape, including crustal extension, deformation, and rifting. The thrust and fault block formations found here, along with the area's stratigraphy, have been instrumental in understanding the nearly 500 million-year history of the region. Among the geologic features found in the Basin and Range area are natural arches, caves, and sheer cliffs that offer stunning vistas. Evidence of the Alamo bolide impact, a high-velocity impact from space about 367 million years ago, can also be found here. Volcanism and magmatism in this area during the Tertiary period contributed to the formation of numerous mountain ranges that interrupt the area's basins. The Golden Gate Range runs north-south through the center of the Basin and Range area, separating Garden Valley in the west from Coal Valley in the east. The range's block-faulted mountains are split by alluvial gaps carved by water from the valleys' now-dry lake beds. The Mount Irish Range in the southern portion of the area is topped by the steep and rugged 8,743-foot Mount Irish. The Worthington Mountains in the southwest corner of the Basin and Range area are composed of sheer limestone ridges reaching an elevation of 8,850 feet. These mountains were formed by thrust faults and contain at least three known caves, including the Leviathan Cave, which features stalactites, stalagmites, flow stones, soda straws, a cave shield, and rim pools. Data collected from these cave formations has contributed to research of the area's prehistoric climate. The Basin and Range area spans the transition between the Mojave Desert and the sagebrush steppe of the Great Basin region. The area is one of the largest ecologically intact landscapes in the Great Basin region, providing habitat connectivity and migration corridors for a wide variety of animal species and affording researchers the ability to conduct studies over broad scales. At lower elevations, alluvial fans provide a home for sagebrush communities and mixed desert scrublands, where visitors can see big sagebrush, black sagebrush, little sagebrush, yellow rabbitbrush, saltbush, and mormon tea. Among the herbaceous species here are Indian ricegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, needlegrass, and needle and thread. Pockets of native grasslands can be found in Coal Valley, and the Basin and Range area is home to the endemic White River catseye. A more arid ecosystem can also be found in some of the lowest elevations, where cholla, spinystar, Engelmann's hedgehog cactus, Mojave kingcup cactus, tulip pricklypear, grizzlybear pricklypear, Blaine fishhook cactus, and other cactus species dominate. At middle elevations, sagebrush gives way to singleleaf pinyon, Utah juniper, curl-leaf mountain mahogany, quaking aspen, and other conifers, along with Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass. At higher elevations, ponderosa and limber pines become more common. Bristlecone pines over 2,000 years old stand sentinel in the high peaks of the Worthington Mountains. The area provides important habitat for game species including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and pronghorn. Other mammal species, including mountain lion, bobcat, kit fox, cottontail rabbit, [[Page 106]] pygmy rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit, pale kangaroo mouse, and dark kangaroo mouse, also make their homes here. Many bat species reside in the Basin and Range area's caves and use its lowlands for foraging. The area provides habitat for lizards such as the greater short-horned lizard, desert spiny lizard, yellow-backed spiny lizard, Great Basin collared lizard, common zebra-tailed lizard, long-nosed leopard lizard, Great Basin fence lizard, northern sagebrush lizard, common side- blotched lizard, desert horned lizard, Great Basin skink, and Great Basin whiptail, and likely habitat for gila monsters. Snakes including the desert nightsnake, Great Basin rattlesnake, long-nosed snake, Sonoran mountain kingsnake, striped whipsnake, ringneck snake, gopher snake, and western terrestrial garter snake also make their home in this area. Great Basin spadefoot toads, western toads, and Baja California treefrogs can also be found in the area. A number of bird species grace the landscape. These include game species such as the chukar, Gambel's quail, and a variety of dove and pigeon species. The dry basins provide habitat for sage thrasher, Brewer's sparrow, and western burrowing owl. Numerous bird species inhabit the Worthington Mountains, including pinyon jay, Clark's nutcracker, mountain bluebird, loggerhead shrike, and green-tailed towhee, along with raptors including golden eagles, Cooper's hawks, and ferruginous hawks. The land tells the story of a rich cultural tradition. From the earliest human inhabitants 13,000 years ago, to miners and ranchers in the past century and a half, to a modern artist in recent decades, the area's residents have created and maintain notable legacies. The earliest Paleo-Indian inhabitants of the Basin and Range area exploited food sources along the shores of now-dry lakes. These nomadic people left important traces of their presence, including a rare obsidian Clovis point in the Coal Valley Water Gap and a succession of significant campsites and artifacts around the prehistoric Coal Valley Lake. Starting about 8,000 years ago, a drier, warmer climate forced inhabitants to move beyond the lake beds to take advantage of the rock shelters, caves, and springs that dot the landscape. These people, from the Desert Archaic to the Fremont people about 1,500 years ago, to ancestors of the Western Shoshone and Southern Paiute Tribes about 1,000 years ago, used the land in accordance with seasonal changes in foraging and hunting resources. Similar to their Paleo-Indian predecessors, these cultural groups lacked intensive settlements in this area but left a rich archaeological record, including the excavated Civa Shelter II in the Golden Gate Range. Occupied first by the Fremont people about 1,400 years ago, the cave was later intermittently used by the Shoshone, who left a diverse set of artifacts, including worked bone, shell beads, seed processing equipment, animal remains, clay stockpiles, and over 100 projectile points, suggesting pronounced and extended use for hunting, gathering, and pottery making. In the south and southeastern reaches of the Basin and Range area, early humans' stories are told at numerous petroglyph sites, including rock art in the White River Narrows Historic District, Mount Irish Archaeological Area, and the Shooting Gallery rock art site. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the White River Narrows Archaeological District represents one of the largest concentrations of prehistoric rock art in eastern Nevada and includes panels dating back 4,000 years and contains the northernmost known examples of the Pahranagat style of rock art. Both the [[Page 107]] Mount Irish Archaeological Site and the Shooting Gallery area are well known for bighorn sheep motifs, among other styles of rock art. Additionally, the rock features of the Shooting Gallery area may have been used by early inhabitants as hunting blinds. Much of the Basin and Range area has not been comprehensively studied for archaeological resources, though recent surveys suggest that additional resources may be found across the area. Protection of the area will therefore provide important opportunities for archaeologists and historians to further study and understand the evolving relationship between this unique landscape and its human inhabitants. The Basin and Range area was mostly unknown to European-Americans until the 1820s, when explorers and fur trappers first visited, including Jedediah Smith, part-owner of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company and arguably the most famous of the ``Mountain Men.'' Mormon settlers came to the area in the mid-19th century. About the same time, the explorer, politician, and military officer John C. Fr[eacute]mont traversed this area while surveying for a transcontinental railroad. Mining began in the area in the 1860s when, reportedly, Native Americans escorted prospectors out to ore veins in outcroppings in the north end of the Worthington Mountains. Here the miners established what was originally called the Worthington Mining District, and subsequently renamed the Freiberg Mining District. The silver, lead, zinc, copper, and tungsten deposits found there supported modest historical production. Head frames, mining cabins, and other structures associated with the region's mining history can be found in the Mount Irish area. Explorer and conservationist John Muir reported that he holed up in a canyon in the Golden Gate Range for a week in 1878. During the late 19th century, Basque and other ranchers brought sheep and cattle ranching into Garden Valley, and ranching remains to this day. The location of a recent work of land art in the Basin and Range area reflects the rugged landscape and confirms its importance as a unique geologic area. The artist Michael Heizer chose the area for his work City, begun in 1972 and now nearing completion. Sitting on privately- held land in Garden Valley, City is one of the most ambitious examples of the distinctively American land art movement. Built into and out of the vast undeveloped expanse of Garden Valley, the work combines modern abstract architecture and engineering with ancient American aesthetic influences on a monumental scale, roughly the size of the National Mall, and evokes the architectural forms of ancient Mesoamerican ceremonial cities like Teotihuac[aacute]n and Chich[eacute]n Itz[aacute]. The presence of City in this stark and silent landscape provides the visitor a distinctive lens through which to experience and interact with Garden Valley. The protection of the Basin and Range area will preserve its cultural, prehistoric, and historic legacy and maintain its diverse array of natural and scientific resources, ensuring that the prehistoric, historic, and scientific values of this area remain for the benefit of all Americans. WHEREAS, section 320301 of title 54, United States Code (known as the ``Antiquities Act''), authorizes the President, in his discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be national monuments, and to reserve as a part thereof parcels of land, the limits of which [[Page 108]] in all cases shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected; WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to preserve the objects of scientific and historic interest on the Basin and Range lands; NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, hereby proclaim the objects identified above that are situated upon lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be the Basin and Range National Monument (monument) and, for the purpose of protecting those objects, reserve as part thereof all lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the boundaries described on the accompanying map, which is attached to and forms a part of this proclamation. These reserved Federal lands and interests in lands encompass approximately 704,000 acres. The boundaries described on the accompanying map are confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected. All Federal lands and interests in lands within the boundaries of the monument are hereby appropriated and withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, or other disposition under the public land laws, from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing, other than by exchange that furthers the protective purposes of the monument. The establishment of the monument is subject to valid existing rights. If the Federal Government acquires any lands or interests in lands not owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the boundaries described on the accompanying map, such lands and interests in lands shall be reserved as a part of the monument, and objects identified above that are situated upon those lands and interests in lands shall be part of the monument, upon acquisition of ownership or control by the Federal Government. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) shall manage the monument through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as a unit of the National Landscape Conservation System, pursuant to applicable legal authorities to protect the objects identified above. For purposes of the care and management of the objects identified above, the Secretary, through BLM, shall within 3 years of the date of this proclamation prepare and maintain a management plan for the monument and shall provide for maximum public involvement in the development of that plan including, but not limited to, consultation with State, tribal, and local governments. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to limit the authority of the Secretary, under applicable law other than this proclamation, to undertake or authorize activities on public land in the vicinity of the sculpture City for the purpose of preventing harm to the artwork, including activities to improve drainage and to prevent erosion, consistent with the care and management of the objects identified above. The management plan for the monument shall provide for reasonable use of existing roads within the monument to facilitate public access to City. Except for emergency or authorized administrative purposes, motorized vehicle use in the monument shall be permitted only on roads existing as of [[Page 109]] the date of this proclamation. Non-motorized mechanized vehicle use shall be permitted only on roads and trails designated for their use consistent with the care and management of the objects identified above. The Secretary shall prepare a transportation plan that designates the roads and trails where motorized or non-motorized mechanized vehicle use will be permitted. Except as necessary for the care and management of the objects identified above or for the purpose of permitted livestock grazing, no new rights-of-way for electric transmission or transportation shall be authorized within the monument. Other rights-of-way may be authorized only if consistent with the care and management of the objects identified above. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to enlarge or diminish the rights of any Indian tribe. The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law and in consultation with Indian tribes, ensure the protection of Indian sacred sites and cultural sites in the monument and provide access to the sites by members of Indian tribes for traditional cultural and customary uses, consistent with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (42 U.S.C. 1996) and Executive Order 13007 of May 24, 1996 (Indian Sacred Sites). Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to affect authorizations for livestock grazing, or administration thereof, on Federal lands within the monument. Livestock grazing within the monument shall continue to be governed by laws and regulations other than this proclamation. This proclamation does not alter or affect the valid existing water rights of any party, including the United States. This proclamation does not reserve water as a matter of Federal law. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to enlarge or diminish the jurisdiction of the State of Nevada, including its jurisdiction and authority with respect to fish and wildlife management. Nothing in this proclamation shall preclude low-level overflights of military aircraft, the designation of new units of special use airspace, or the use or establishment of military flight training routes over the lands reserved by this proclamation. Nothing in this proclamation shall preclude air or ground access for: (i) emergency response; (ii) existing or new electronic tracking and communications; (iii) landing and drop zones; and (iv) readiness training by Air Force, Joint, and Coalition forces, including training using motorized vehicles both on- and off- road, in accordance with applicable interagency agreements. Nothing in this proclamation shall preclude the Secretary of Defense from entering into new or renewed agreements with the Secretary of the Interior concerning these uses, consistent with the care and management of the objects to be protected. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to revoke any existing withdrawal, reservation, or appropriation; however, the monument shall be the dominant reservation. Warning is hereby given to all unauthorized persons not to appropriate, injure, destroy, or remove any feature of the monument and not to locate or settle upon any of the lands thereof. [[Page 110]] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 111]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD15JY15.001 [[Page 112]] Proclamation 9298 of July 10, 2015 Establishment of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The Berryessa Snow Mountain area is the heart of northern California's wild Inner Coast Range. Once covered by ocean waters, it is a landscape shaped by geologic forces of staggering power overlain with bountiful but fragile biodiversity. Anchored in the north by Snow Mountain's remote forests and in the south by scenic Berryessa Mountain, this area stretches through unbroken wildlands and important wildlife corridors, a mosaic of native grasslands, picturesque oak woodlands, rare wetlands, and wild chaparral. Home to the headwaters of the Eel River, and the Stony, Cache, and Putah creeks, Berryessa's waters are a crucial element of this landscape and a vital link to the water supply for millions of people. This dramatic and diverse landscape is a biological hotspot providing refuge for rare plant and animal species and showcasing the human history of north- central California. Native Americans have inhabited these lands for at least the last 11,000 years. Many tribes, including the Yuki, Nomlaki, Patwin, Pomo, Huchnom, Wappo, and Lake Miwok, and Wintum all played a role in the history of this region, one of the most linguistically diverse in California. The region's abundant natural resources helped to shape these distinct cultures. Early inhabitants subsisted upon protein-rich acorns in addition to seed and nut crops cultivated through traditional burning practices. Obsidian, chert, and basalt provided important source material for tool production, such as flaked tools and projectile points. The inhabitants also processed and produced both shell and magnesite beads, which they traded with other tribes. Dense with cultural resources, the Berryessa Snow Mountain area contains a range of ancient settlements from mineral collection sites, and seasonal hunting and gathering camps in the high country, to major villages with subterranean, earth-covered round buildings in the lowlands. In addition to trade routes winding through the hills and mountains, the area is rich with sites that tell the story of early Native peoples: chert quarries where stone was gathered to make tools, task sites where tools were re-sharpened during hunting excursions, food sites where acorn and seeds were ground on large grindstones, and areas with pitted boulder petroglyphs where individuals illustrated their life experiences. The Cache Creek Archeological District, designated on the National Register of Historic Places, illustrates the area's archeological importance. In the early 19th century, both Spanish and Mexican expeditions explored the region, as did fur trappers for the Hudson Bay Company. These explorers and trappers were often just brief visitors to this landscape, but their explorations and documentation opened the region to further European-American settlement by providing information about conditions, resources, [[Page 113]] and geography. This later settlement began during the 1840s gold rush. Farming in the region was limited due to the difficult terrain and soils, while cattle and sheep ranching were much more profitable. From the mid to late 1800s, many small sawmills operated within the forests of the area. The restored 1860s-era Nye homestead cabin, the historic Prather Mill, and remnants of associated railroad logging operations are tangible reminders of these historic uses. Around the turn of the 20th century, the mineral-laden waters and hot springs of the area attracted visitors to resorts and spas advertising their therapeutic benefits. Remains of the foundations of the mineral spring resorts at Bartlett Springs can be spotted by observant visitors today. Native populations were displaced by the European-American settlement and development of the region in the early to mid-1800s. Many traditional hunting and gathering grounds were converted to grazing and logging and new diseases brought into the area spread to the Native people, greatly impacting the local Native populations and pushing them off of their homelands. Nevertheless, the region's landscape and resources retain deep cultural significance for modern Native communities, including roughly two dozen federally recognized tribes. The Berryessa Snow Mountain area tells a dynamic geologic story. A relic of ancient times, scientists theorize that Snow Mountain formed as an underwater mountain during the Jurassic Period, 145-199 million years ago. Much of the region is prone to landslides due to weak and pervasively fractured rock, resulting in a diverse topography, including sag ponds and springs, with important values for wildlife and plants. The seismically active Bartlett Springs fault zone has remarkable features including hot springs and geologic outliers with marine invertebrate fossils dating to the Cretaceous Period and Cenozoic Era. The area has two important tension-crack caves, likely also created by landslides. These are classified as significant under the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 and provide habitat for the Townsend's big-eared bat. Rising from near sea-level in the south to over 7,000 feet in the mountainous north, and stretching across 100 miles and dozens of ecosystems, the area's species richness is among the highest in California. This internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot is located at the juncture between California's Klamath, North Coast, and Sacramento Vallejo ecoregions and provides vital habitat and migration corridors for diverse wildlife, including several endemic plant and animal species. The Berryessa Snow Mountain area is notable for its significant concentration of serpentine soils arising from frequent seismic activity and influence from ancient oceans. Serpentine, California's State rock, is formed from the clashing, subduction, and rising of massive geologic forces, and can be found in significant quantity in the area. These soils lack the nutrients most plants need and often contain heavy metals toxic to many plants, resulting in plants that are unique and endemic to this region. Serpentine outcrops in the area have been the subject of a great deal of botanical, ecological, and evolutionary research, and hold promise for future scientific explorations. Many serpentine plants are listed as rare, sensitive, or threatened under Federal or State law. Examples are: the endemic bent-flowered fiddleneck and brittlescale, the Brewer's jewelflower, Purdy's fringed [[Page 114]] onion, musk brush, serpentine sunflower, bare monkeyflower, Indian Valley brodiaea, Red Mountain catchfly, and Snow Mountain buckwheat, along with numerous other herbs such as the Lake County stonecrop, coastal bluff morning glory, Cobb Mountain lupine, Contra Costa goldfields, and Napa western flax. There are also plant species that are near-endemics and almost entirely restricted to serpentine soils, such as MacNab cypress, leather oak, swamp larkspur, and Purdy's fritillary. The Berryessa Snow Mountain area is replete with wild and unique landscapes and climatic micro-regions. These include Cedar Roughs, an important refuge for black bear and a 3,000-acre stand of endemic Sargent's cypress trees. Cache Creek, a California Wild and Scenic River, provides an exceptional, intact riparian habitat and one of the largest wintering populations of bald eagles in the State. Remnants of the grassland prairies that once covered much of interior California still exist at Upper Cache Creek, where there are stands of native grasses with creeping wild rye and meadow barley, and some smaller relict patches of upland bunchgrass. The 6,000-foot Goat Mountain is home to highly unusual plant assemblages that have created one of the most diverse butterfly regions in California. The Hale Ridge Research Natural Area hosts an important stand of knobcone pine. The ecological sky island of the 7,000-foot Snow Mountain serves as important habitat to a number of key plant and animal species. The headwaters of the Bear Creek Watershed are a particularly excellent example of the area's serpentinite-based endemism and biodiversity with over 450 plant species, including a magnificent array of wildflowers, along with cypress, manzanita, and willow. Nearly half of California's 108 species of dragonfly and damselfly are found here, as well as 16 reptiles and amphibians, 6 rare insects, and 80 species of butterflies. This area has been an important focus of scientific studies on climate change, including studies of range shifts and isolated populations of species during Pleistocene changes in climate, and on post-fire succession. The Berryessa Snow Mountain area's wide variety of elevations, many streams, ponds, and rivers as well as diverse plant communities provide excellent habitat for fish, wildlife, and amphibians. The streams and creeks in the Berryessa Snow Mountain area have served as centers for scientific research on hydrology and riparian ecosystems for decades. The riparian habitat linking the Sacramento River, Putah Creek, and Cache Creek provides a home for native birds such as the spotted sandpiper and the rare tricolored blackbird. Waterways in the area harbor several native fish, including Pacific lamprey, western brook lamprey, rainbow trout, California roach, Sacramento pikeminnow, speckled dace, hardhead minnow, Clear Lake hitch, Sacramento sucker, and prickly and riffle sculpins. The area also provides historic habitat for coastal chinook salmon, Northern California steelhead, and California Central Valley steelhead. Ponds and seeps throughout the area provide rare aquatic habitat for important plants like eelgrass pondweed, few-flowered navarretia, marsh checkerbloom, and Boggs Lake hedge-hyssop. This aquatic habitat is also home to amphibious species like the foothill yellow-legged frog, California red-legged frog, California newt, Pacific tree frog, western toad, and the northwestern pond turtle. [[Page 115]] Numerous reptiles live in the Berryessa Snow Mountain area, including the St. Helena mountain king snake, western fence lizard, western skink, western whiptail, alligator lizard, gopher snake, common king snake, rubber boa, common garter snake, western terrestrial garter snake, western aquatic garter snake, and the northern Pacific rattlesnake. Many large and small mammals co-exist in this diverse landscape, such as Tule elk, bobcats, mountain lions, black bears, mule deer, beaver, river otter, Pacific fishers, American badgers, Humboldt martens, and the San Joaquin pocket mouse. Most of the animal species in the area have special State or Federal status as sensitive, at-risk or threatened. Raptors such as burrowing owls, prairie falcon, peregrine falcon, northern goshawk, and bald and golden eagles live and hunt throughout the upland areas. The Berryessa Snow Mountain area also serves as an important migratory corridor for neotropical birds and is home to a plethora of bat and insect species, including the threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle and the vulnerable pallid bat, western sulphur butterfly, gray marble butterfly, Muir's hairstreak, and Lindsay's skipper. The protection of the Berryessa Snow Mountain area will preserve its prehistoric and historic legacy and maintain its diverse array of scientific resources, ensuring that the prehistoric, historic, and scientific values remain for the benefit of all Americans. Today, the area is important for ranching and also provides outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding to a burgeoning population center. Whereas, section 320301 of title 54, United States Code (known as the ``Antiquities Act''), authorizes the President, in his discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be national monuments, and to reserve as a part thereof parcels of land, the limits of which shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected; WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to preserve the objects of scientific and historic interest on the lands of the Berryessa Snow Mountain area; NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, hereby proclaim the objects identified above that are situated upon lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument (monument) and, for the purpose of protecting those objects, reserve as part thereof all lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the boundaries described on the accompanying map, which is attached to and forms a part of this proclamation. These reserved Federal lands and interests in lands encompass approximately 330,780 acres. The boundaries described on the accompanying map are confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected. All Federal lands and interests in lands within the boundaries described on the accompanying map are hereby appropriated and withdrawn from all [[Page 116]] forms of entry, location, selection, sale, or other disposition under the public land laws or laws applicable to the U.S. Forest Service, from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing, other than by exchange that facilitates the remediation, monitoring, or reclamation of historic mining operations under applicable law or otherwise furthers the protective purposes of the monument. The establishment of the monument is subject to valid existing rights. If the Federal Government acquires any lands or interests in lands not owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the boundaries of the monument, such lands and interests in lands shall be reserved as a part of the monument, and objects identified above that are situated upon those lands and interests in lands shall be part of the monument, upon acquisition of ownership or control by the Federal Government. The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior (Secretaries) shall manage the monument through the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), pursuant to their respective applicable legal authorities, to implement the purposes of this proclamation. The USFS shall manage that portion of the monument within the boundaries of the National Forest System (NFS), and BLM shall manage the remainder of the monument. The lands administered by USFS shall be managed as part of the Mendocino National Forest. The lands administered by BLM shall be managed as a unit of the National Landscape Conservation System, pursuant to applicable legal authorities. For purposes of protecting and restoring the objects identified above, the Secretaries shall jointly prepare a management plan for the monument and shall promulgate such regulations for its management as deemed appropriate. In developing any management plans and any management rules and regulations governing NFS lands within the monument, the Secretary of Agriculture, through USFS, shall consult with the Secretary of the Interior through BLM. The Secretaries shall provide for public involvement in the development of the management plan including, but not limited to, consultation with tribal, State, and local governments. In the development and implementation of the management plan, the Secretaries shall maximize opportunities, pursuant to applicable legal authorities, for shared resources, operational efficiency, and cooperation. In managing the monument, the Secretaries may authorize activities or uses related to remediation, monitoring, and reclamation of mining sites and to provide for the beneficial public use of water associated with reclamation of such sites, consistent with the care and management of the objects identified above. Except for emergency or authorized administrative purposes, motorized and mechanized vehicle use in the monument shall be allowed only on roads and trails designated for such use, consistent with the care and management of the objects identified above. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to enlarge or diminish the rights of any Indian tribe. The Secretaries shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law and in consultation with Indian tribes, ensure the protection of Indian sacred sites and traditional cultural properties in the monument and provide access by members of Indian tribes for traditional cultural and customary uses, consistent with the American Indian Religious [[Page 117]] Freedom Act (42 U.S.C. 1996) and Executive Order 13007 of May 24, 1996 (Indian Sacred Sites). Laws, regulations, and policies followed by USFS or BLM in issuing and administering grazing permits or leases on lands under their jurisdiction shall continue to apply with regard to the lands in the monument, consistent with the care and management of the objects identified above. Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to alter the valid existing water rights of any party, including the United States. This proclamation does not reserve water as a matter of Federal law. Nothing in this proclamation shall preclude low level overflights of military aircraft, the designation of new units of special use airspace, the use or establishment of military flight training routes over the lands reserved by this proclamation, or related military uses, consistent with the care and management of the objects to be protected. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to enlarge or diminish the jurisdiction of the State of California, including its jurisdiction and authority with respect to fish and wildlife management. Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to alter the authority or responsibility of any party with respect to emergency response activities within the monument, including wildland fire response. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to revoke any existing withdrawal, reservation, or appropriation; however, the monument shall be the dominant reservation. Warning is hereby given to all unauthorized persons not to appropriate, injure, destroy, or remove any feature of the monument and not to locate or settle upon any of the lands thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 118]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD15JY15.002 [[Page 119]] Proclamation 9299 of July 10, 2015 Establishment of the Waco Mammoth National Monument By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In 1978, two young fossil hunters found a large bone protruding from an eroded ravine near the Bosque River about 4.5 miles north of the center of Waco, Texas. They took the bone to nearby Baylor University, where it was identified as part of the femur (upper leg bone) of a Columbian Mammoth (Mammuthus columbi), a dominant species in North America during the Pleistocene Epoch. The Columbian Mammoth, the largest of all mammoth species, stood with a shoulder height reaching 12 to 14 feet and weighed an estimated 7 to 8 tons. Over the next 20 years, Baylor University oversaw the excavation of the site, where the remains of 24 Columbian Mammoths were found, along with the remains of associated animals of the late Pleistocene, including Western Camel (Camelops hesternus), saber- toothed cat (Homotherium), dwarf antelope (cf. Capromeryx), American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), and giant tortoise (Hesperotestudo). These remains contain the Nation's only recorded discovery of a nursery herd (females and offspring) of Pleistocene mammoths, comprising at least 18 of the unearthed mammoths. The nursery herd appears to have drowned in a single natural event near the confluence of the ancient Bosque and Brazos Rivers between 65,000 and 72,000 years ago. Because the nursery herd was buried rapidly in the mud associated with the rising waters, the remains of the herd include nearly intact skeletons apparently positioned as at the moment of death. The herd's preservation in this manner provides unparalleled evidence of the group's age structure and behavior during a natural catastrophe. For example, the herd apparently formed a circular defensive position with the adults attempting to rescue the offspring. In two cases, the bones of a juvenile lay across the tusks of an adult, suggesting that these adults were trying to lift the juveniles to safety. Including the nursery herd, the remains of 22 Columbian Mammoths have been documented in the excavation area, and evidence of 2 more was discovered during construction of the Dig Shelter that protects the excavation area. One of the skeletons discovered in sediments above the nursery herd is a large bull mammoth with a broken but healed rib, suggesting a fight with another bull during the mammoth equivalent of modern elephants' musth, or rutting season. The presence of mammoths in the excavation area at sediment levels representing a span of several thousands of years suggests that the species had an affinity for this area at the interface of two ecosystems, the Great Plains and the Gulf Coastal Plains. The excavation area, as well as the land extending beyond it toward the Brazos and Bosque Rivers, offer excellent opportunities for further exploration and research. More than half of the area protected by the Dig Shelter remains unexcavated, and virtually all the acreage outside the Dig Shelter remains unsurveyed for paleontological resources. Future discoveries are anticipated both within and outside the Dig Shelter. While Baylor University oversaw the excavation, study, and preservation of the fossils, the City of Waco acquired the parcels of land containing and [[Page 120]] surrounding the excavation area and assembled a city park known as the Waco Mammoth Site, which opened to the public in 2009. Although most of the excavated bones of the mammoths and associated fauna are now at Baylor University's Mayborn Museum awaiting preparation and curation, some exposed bones remain at the Site, protected by the climate- controlled Dig Shelter, which facilitates public viewing, interpretation, and study. WHEREAS, section 320301 of title 54, United States Code (known as the ``Antiquities Act''), authorizes the President, in his discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be national monuments, and to reserve as a part thereof parcels of land, the limits of which shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected; WHEREAS, the City of Waco has been operating the approximately 108.5 acre Waco Mammoth Site (including the excavation area and surrounding lands) as a park since 2009, in partnership with Baylor University and with support from the nonprofit Waco Mammoth Foundation, Inc.; WHEREAS, the City of Waco, Baylor University, the Waco Mammoth Foundation, Inc., and other members of the Waco community have demonstrated support for the establishment of a national monument to be administered by the National Park Service; WHEREAS, the National Park Service conducted a special resource study of the Waco Mammoth Site, pursuant to Public Law 107-341, and determined that the Site met the criteria for inclusion in the National Park System; WHEREAS, in support of the establishment of a national monument to be administered by the National Park Service, the City has donated certain lands and appurtenant easements to the Federal Government; WHEREAS, the City of Waco and Baylor University have also indicated their intent to transfer ownership of the excavated specimens and archival records to the Federal Government for monument purposes; WHEREAS, the City of Waco intends that the partnership between the City of Waco, Baylor University, and the Waco Mammoth Foundation, Inc., continue to cooperatively manage, oversee, and maintain the Waco Mammoth Site and expand the partnership to include the National Park Service; WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to preserve and protect the scientific objects at the Waco Mammoth Site; NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, hereby proclaim the objects identified above that are situated upon lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be the Waco Mammoth National Monument (monument) and, for the purpose of protecting those objects, reserve as a part thereof all lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the boundaries described on the accompanying map entitled, ``Waco Mammoth National Monument,'' which is attached to and forms a part of this proclamation. The reserved Federal lands and interests [[Page 121]] in lands encompass approximately 7.11 acres, including appurtenant easements for all necessary purposes. The boundaries described on the accompanying map are confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected. All Federal lands and interests in lands within the boundaries described on the accompanying map are hereby appropriated and withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, or other disposition under the public land laws, from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing. The establishment of the monument is subject to valid existing rights. Lands and interests in lands not owned or controlled by the Federal Government within the boundaries described on the accompanying map shall be reserved as a part of the monument, and objects identified above that are situated upon those lands and interests in lands shall be part of the monument, upon acquisition of ownership or control by the Federal Government. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) shall manage the monument through the National Park Service, pursuant to applicable legal authorities, consistent with the purposes and provisions of this proclamation. The Secretary shall prepare a management plan for the monument, with full public involvement, within 3 years of the date of this proclamation. The management plan shall ensure that the monument fulfills the following purposes for the benefit of present and future generations: (1) to preserve and protect the objects of scientific interest associated with the monument; (2) to foster and facilitate appropriate research; (3) to promote understanding and stewardship of the monument's resources and values through interpretive and educational opportunities; and (4) to provide for the enjoyment of the monument's resources and values in a manner that is compatible with their preservation. The management plan shall address the desired relationship of the monument to other sites with paleontological resources both within and outside the National Park System. The National Park Service shall use available authorities, as appropriate, to enter into agreements with governmental and nongovernmental organizations, including the City of Waco, Baylor University, the Waco Mammoth Foundation, Inc., to further the purposes of the monument, address common interests, and promote management efficiencies. Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to revoke any existing withdrawal, reservation, or appropriation; however, the monument shall be the dominant reservation. Warning is hereby given to all unauthorized persons not to appropriate, injure, destroy, or remove any feature of this monument and not to locate or settle upon any of the lands thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 122]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD15JY15.003 [[Page 123]] Proclamation 9300 of July 17, 2015 Captive Nations Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America was founded on the beliefs that the true source of legitimacy is the consent of the people; that every individual is born equal with inalienable rights; and that it is the responsibility of governments to uphold these rights. For more than two centuries, the United States has worked to give meaning to these fundamental tenets of freedom and democracy, and as we have striven to realize the promise of our Nation and cement our reputation as a beacon of opportunity throughout the world, we have also fought to expand democracy's reach--because we believe that self-determination is not just a Western value but a universal value, and that all people in all nations have the right to choose their own destiny. When an Iron Curtain descended on women and men around the globe, America stood with those who held fast to democratic ideals. We fought to defend the inherent dignity of all people and our shared commitment to the values we cherish, and together we demonstrated to the world that tyranny and oppression are no match for the force of freedom. Decades later, upholding peace and security continues to be the responsibility of every nation. During Captive Nations Week, we stand in solidarity with those who still yearn for a stake in their future, and we renew our commitment to advancing freedom's cause. Today, countries once ravaged by war are among the world's most advanced economies, dictatorships have given way to genuine democracies, and hundreds of millions of people have been lifted from poverty. Yet history reminds us that free nations cannot be complacent in pursuit of the vision we share. Around the globe, disputes over territory threaten to spiral into confrontation. The failure to uphold universal human rights denies justice to individuals and denies countries of reaching their full potential. The same technologies that empower citizens are also giving oppressive regimes new tools to stifle dissent. And economic inequality and extreme poverty are laying the foundation for instability. The United States will continue to use every element of American power to bolster democracies throughout the world and support economic reforms that boost domestic demand, deliver broad prosperity, and invest in people. We are expanding our cooperation with emerging powers and economies and working to cultivate civil societies that hold leaders accountable--because governments exist to lift their people up, not to hold them down. And I continue to call for open and honest elections, and independent judiciaries that work to strengthen the rule of law. True democracy, real prosperity, and lasting security are neither given nor imposed from the outside; they must be earned and built from within and renewed by every generation. Today, we rededicate ourselves to this important task and to the promise that wherever people are willing to do the hard work of building a democracy--wherever the longing for freedom stirs in human hearts--they will find a partner in the United States of America. [[Page 124]] The Congress, by joint resolution approved July 17, 1959 (73 Stat. 212), has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of July of each year as ``Captive Nations Week.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 19 through July 25, 2015, as Captive Nations Week. I call upon the people of the United States to reaffirm our deep ties to all governments and people committed to freedom, dignity, and opportunity for all. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9301 of July 21, 2015 Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Chattanooga, Tennessee By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our thoughts and prayers as a Nation are with the service members killed last week in Chattanooga. We honor their service. We offer our gratitude to the police officers and first responders who stopped the rampage and saved lives. We draw strength from yet another American community that has come together with an unmistakable message to those who would try and do us harm: We do not give in to fear. You cannot divide us. And you will not change our way of life. We ask God to watch over the fallen, the families, and their communities. As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, July 25, 2015. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 125]] Proclamation 9302 of July 24, 2015 Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Twenty-five years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reaffirmed the idea that in America, all people are entitled to participate fully in our economy and democracy. A law deeply rooted in the principles of our Nation's founding, this landmark civil rights legislation recognized that all Americans have something to contribute to our country's story and deserve every chance to achieve their full potential. For a quarter-century, our Nation has fought to realize this law's enormous promise, and with hard work, we have helped expand what is possible so more of our friends, colleagues, and family members can live full and independent lives. The product of tremendous effort, struggle, and sacrifice, the passage of the ADA was a victory won by countless Americans who refused to accept the world as it was and--against great odds--organized a grassroots movement to enshrine the principle of equality into law. One of the most comprehensive civil rights bills in the history of our country, the ADA promises fairness, opportunity, and complete participation in all aspects of American life for individuals with disabilities. It secures each person's right to independence, and it enables our society and our economy to benefit from the talents and contributions of all Americans by clearing obstacles to employment, transportation, public services, telecommunications, and public accommodations. Today, as we celebrate this important anniversary and honor all those whose courage and dedication have driven our Nation's progress, we recognize that our work to uphold the spirit and the letter of this law is not yet finished. In communities throughout our country, barriers that limit our neighbors' potential have been torn down, but too many continue to encounter discrimination and structural inequalities that prohibit them from pursuing their dreams. Young people with disabilities continue to experience bullying in schools. Americans with disabilities who want to and can work are too often denied the dignity of a job. And many working Americans with disabilities still live below the poverty line. My Administration is committed to addressing the unique challenges people with disabilities face as they seek to attain economic stability. Americans with disabilities deserve access to quality health care, affordable housing, inclusive financial institutions, and the innovative technologies that are transforming our world. That is why we have actively enforced the ADA, and why we have worked to toughen the protections against disability-based discrimination, increase accessibility in our communities, and expand opportunities for employment, education, and financial independence for people with disabilities. We have led by example within the Federal Government, and I am proud that there are now more Americans with disabilities working in Federal service than at any time in the past three decades. We continue to address bullying and harassment in our classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing environment in which to learn and grow. And because we know disability rights are human rights, [[Page 126]] we are championing protections and support for people with disabilities around the world. Disability touches all of us. More than 50 million Americans have a disability, and living up to the principles of the ADA is an obligation we all share. Every person deserves equal access, equal opportunity, and equal respect, and we each must do our part to ensure our Nation's promise is within the reach of all Americans. As we reflect on 25 years of progress, let us reaffirm the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, and together, redouble our efforts to build a society where all things are possible for all people. 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 July 26, 2015, the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I encourage Americans across our Nation to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this civil rights law and the many contributions of individuals with disabilities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9303 of July 24, 2015 National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout history, the United States has stood as a powerful force for freedom and democracy around the world. In the face of tyranny and oppression, generations of patriots have fought to secure peace and prosperity far from home. And in 1950, as Communist armies crossed the 38th parallel just 5 years after the end of World War II, courageous Americans deployed overseas once again to stand with a people they had never met in defense of a cause in which they both believed. On National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, we honor all those who sacrificed for freedom's cause throughout 3 long years of war, and we reaffirm our commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea and the values that unite our nations. Often outnumbered and outgunned, nearly 1.8 million Americans fought through searing heat and piercing cold to roll back the tide of Communism. The members of our Armed Forces endured some of the most brutal combat in modern history; many experienced unimaginable torment in POW camps, and nearly 37,000 gave their last full measure of devotion. Their sacrifice pushed invading armies back across the line they had dared to cross and secured a hard-earned victory. The Korean War reminds us that when we send our troops into battle, they deserve the support and gratitude of the American people--especially once they come home. We must make it our mission to serve all our veterans as well as they have served us, always giving them the respect, care, and [[Page 127]] opportunities they have earned. And we will never stop working to fulfill our obligations to our fallen heroes and their families. To this day, more than 7,800 Americans are still missing from the Korean War, and the United States will not rest until we give these families a full accounting of their loved ones. Today, the Republic of Korea enjoys a thriving democracy and a bustling economy, and the legacy of our Korean War veterans continues on in the 50 million South Koreans who live with liberty and opportunity. The United States is proud to stand with our partner in Asian security and stability, and our commitment to our friend and ally will never waver--a promise embodied by our servicemen and women who fought from the Chosin Reservoir to Heartbreak Ridge and Pork Chop Hill, and by every American since who has stood sentinel on freedom's frontier. No war should ever be forgotten, and no veteran should ever be overlooked. Today, on the anniversary of the Military Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean War, let us remember how liberty held its ground in the face of tyranny and how free peoples refused to yield. And most of all, let us give thanks to all those whose service and sacrifice helped to secure the blessings of freedom. 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 July 27, 2015, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor our distinguished Korean War veterans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9304 of July 27, 2015 World Hepatitis Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Around the world, doctors, medical researchers, and other professionals dedicated to health care and public health are working hard every day to combat disease and build healthier communities. Their efforts have led to improved sanitation, cleaner water, better access to care, and improvements in how we diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Today, on World Hepatitis Day, we join in these efforts to improve lives here at home and abroad by raising awareness of a silent epidemic and reaffirming our commitment to combat it. Nearly 400 million people worldwide are living with viral hepatitis, and more than 1 million people die each year from this disease. Yet because hepatitis often persists silently for years before revealing any symptoms, many -- including about two-thirds of the Americans who live with it -- [[Page 128]] are unaware of their infection status, which can lead to long-term liver damage and death. Prevention and early detection are essential to saving lives. Safe and effective vaccines for hepatitis A and B are widely available, and simple blood tests for hepatitis B and C can lead to early detection and life-saving care and treatment, including the cure of the infection. I encourage all Americans to ask their health care provider about hepatitis, and to learn more by visiting www.CDC.gov/Hepatitis. As President, I am committed to advancing the fight against viral hepatitis infections. The Affordable Care Act has increased access to quality, affordable health care for millions of Americans -- creating more opportunities for early detection of viral hepatitis -- and it requires most insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without copays, including hepatitis A and B vaccines and hepatitis B and C screenings. New protections under the law also eliminate annual and lifetime dollar limits on coverage and prohibit insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions, including hepatitis. Guided by our Action Plan for the Prevention, Care, and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis, my Administration is working with government, private, and non-profit organizations to ensure that new cases of viral hepatitis are prevented. We also remain invested in addressing related health issues such as liver cancer, HIV infection, and substance use disorders, and the disproportionate impact viral hepatitis infections have on African Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives, as well as our Nation's young people. Today, we renew our commitment to those impacted by hepatitis and to all those we have lost to this disease. Let us resolve to break the silence surrounding hepatitis, and redouble our efforts to defeat it in all its forms. 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 July 28, 2015, as World Hepatitis Day. I encourage citizens, Government agencies, non- profit organizations, and communities across the Nation to join in activities that will increase awareness about hepatitis and what we can do to prevent it. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9305 of July 29, 2015 50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law. Fifty years later, these programs have been woven into the [[Page 129]] fabric of our society--cornerstones of the fundamental belief that in America, health care is a right and not a privilege. Today, Medicare and Medicaid help tens of millions of Americans live longer, healthier lives and achieve economic security. Together, they have helped protect the quintessential American promise that opportunity, prosperity, and economic mobility are within reach for everyone who works hard and plays by the rules. On this anniversary, we pause to celebrate these landmark achievements and reflect on the ways they have improved our Nation. As we commemorate two of America's greatest triumphs, we must not forget that the security they provide was not always guaranteed, nor was their progress inevitable or their success preordained. Before Medicare and Medicaid, only about half of all seniors had some form of insurance, and too many of our most vulnerable citizens--including children and people with disabilities--did not have access to quality, affordable care. As a Nation, we chose to end that era. With hard work and determination, we fought to secure the health and peace of mind of millions of our people who previously lacked a basic measure of security. Medicare and Medicaid did not just make our country better; they reaffirmed its greatness and established a legacy that we must carry forward today. We must recognize that this work, though begun a half-century ago and continued over the decades that have followed, is not yet complete. For too many, quality, affordable health care is still out of reach--and we must recommit to finishing this important task. We have made important strides in this fight, and today, health care is more affordable and accessible than ever before thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Because of this law, more than 16 million uninsured Americans have gained the security of health insurance, including through its expansion of Medicaid. Nearly 40 million people on Medicare have taken advantage of free preventive health services, and the law has saved over 9 million seniors on Medicare more than $15 billion in prescription drug costs. It has expanded the options for home and community-based services offered by Medicaid. And since I signed this law, we have extended the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by 13 years. Since the Affordable Care Act became law, health care prices have risen at the lowest rate since Medicare and Medicaid were established, and as President, I am dedicated to building on this progress to ensure these programs are protected and strengthened. Earlier this year, I was proud to sign bipartisan legislation to permanently fix the Medicare physician payment system--creating a cost-effective way to compensate doctors based on how well they help their patients get and stay healthy. I am fighting to further extend the solvency of the Hospital Insurance trust fund, align payments more closely with the value of care, and build on the Affordable Care Act by closing the Medicare Part D donut hole for brand drugs by 2017. I am committed to reducing rapidly rising prescription drug costs in both Medicare and Medicaid. And every day, I am working to convince more Governors and State legislatures to take advantage of the Federal Government's financial support to expand Medicaid and cover the millions of additional Americans who would be eligible for quality, affordable health insurance. Five decades ago, the United States recognized our obligation to care for our fellow Americans. Today, we must ensure this promise is protected for [[Page 130]] our parents, children, and grandchildren. On the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, let us not be content with the progress we have made. Instead, let us summon the resolve of the generations that came before us and recommit to advancing this noble cause. Five decades from now, when people look back on this time, let it be said that our generation put its shoulder to the wheel and carried forward the work of making affordable health care a reality for all Americans. 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 July 30, 2015, as the 50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that recognize the vital safety net that Medicare and Medicaid provide for millions of Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9306 of August 7, 2015 National Health Center Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For a half century, health centers have delivered comprehensive, high quality, cost-effective primary health care to patients regardless of their ability to pay. This week, let us recognize the role of health centers and thank the tireless and dedicated center staff who work long hours to provide fundamental services to those who need them most. Serving nearly 23 million patients, health centers are a vital source of primary care in communities across America. These centers also provide patients with crucial information on the importance of regular checkups and screenings, which encourage timely care and decrease the need for emergency treatment. By providing health insurance enrollment assistance to millions of individuals, they are playing a significant role in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. This historic law has supported the operation, expansion, and construction of health centers across our Nation through the establishment of the Community Health Center Fund. Today, nearly 1,300 health centers operate approximately 9,000 service delivery sites that provide care to people in every State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Basin. I encourage those in need of care to use the ``Find a Health Center'' tool at www.HRSA.gov. Today, America's health centers have become a critical element of a health system that reflects the belief that all people deserve access to essential medical services, regardless of who they are or where they live. An idea born from the fight for justice and civil rights, health centers--as well as [[Page 131]] the committed professionals who support them--carry forward the ideals fought for at a transformational time in our Nation's history. Helping to ensure more Americans have the security and peace of mind that comes with quality, affordable care, health centers continue to be instrumental in safeguarding the promise of equality and opportunity for all. This week, as we recognize the 50-year anniversary of the first community health centers being established in America, let us remember that health care is not a privilege for the few among us who can afford it, but a right for all Americans--and let us recognize the vital role health centers across our country play in carrying us toward greater health for our people. 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 the week of August 9 through August 15, 2015, as National Health Center Week. I encourage all Americans to celebrate this week by visiting their local health center, meeting health center providers, and exploring the programs they offer to help keep families healthy. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9307 of August 14, 2015 National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The United States military is the finest fighting force the world has ever known--not just because of our weapons or technology, but because of the spirit, skill, and selflessness of our devoted military personnel. For more than two centuries, patriotic Americans have served our Nation and protected our values, making enormous sacrifices to defend freedom and democracy here at home and around the globe. Today, the women and men of the National Guard and Reserve carry forward this proud legacy with honor and distinction. During National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, we salute our country's citizen- warriors and the families, employers, and communities who support them. More than one million citizen-Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen protect our Nation as Guardsmen and Reservists. Beyond serving their communities, raising their families, and playing a vital part in America's workforce, these heroes find time throughout the year to train and prepare for new challenges and missions in the event their Nation needs them. With unmatched skill and professionalism, they have answered our country's call to serve--responding to disasters in the United States and carrying out tours of duty far from home, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. [[Page 132]] As a Nation, we must make it our mission to serve all our military members as well as they serve us--and this includes supporting their families, who step up and make enormous sacrifices while their loved ones are away from home. My Administration will continue to provide our unwavering support and ensure all those who sacrifice for our Nation have access to the services, benefits, and care they deserve. And as part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative, we are encouraging all Americans to do their part to lift up our heroes. Around our country, communities and business leaders have recognized that they too can help America meet its obligations to the women and men of the Guard and Reserve by providing workplace flexibility and opportunities for advancement in their civilian careers. As Commander in Chief, I am grateful to our employers and business leaders who go above and beyond to ease the burden on those who serve, and I encourage all Americans to join in their efforts. Our Nation has made a sacred promise to all members of the Armed Forces, and every person can play a part in honoring that promise. This week, we celebrate the women and men who keep our country safe and defend the way of life we cherish. As a Nation, let us join together to thank our Guardsmen and Reservists, as well as their employers--who know the value service brings to the workplace, who see service members as an essential part of their teams, and whose support is vital to the readiness and strength of the greatest fighting force on Earth. 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 August 16 through August 22, 2015, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. I call upon all Americans to join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to the members of the National Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers. I also call on State and local officials, private organizations, and all military commanders, to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9308 of August 24, 2015 Women's Equality Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On August 26, 1920, after years of agitating to break down the barriers that stood between them and the ballot box, American women won the right to vote. On the front lines of pickets and protests, champions from every corner of our country banded together to expand this fundamental freedom to [[Page 133]] women and forge a path toward fairer representation and greater opportunity. As we celebrate 95 years since the certification of the 19th Amendment, let us demonstrate our commitment to the belief that we are all entitled to equal treatment by supporting policies that help women succeed and thrive. Since this historic achievement, our country has made great progress in building a freer and fairer society, and we continue striving to fully realize justice and equality for all. There is still more to do to secure the promise of our Nation for everyone, including ensuring that women have equal opportunities to participate in the classroom, the economy, the workplace, and our democracy. From day one, my Administration has carried forward the torch of gender equality, working tirelessly to ensure that all of America's daughters have the same rights as her sons. When women succeed, America succeeds. That is why I am committed to fighting for equal pay for equal work, and why the first bill I signed into law as President was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which extended the time period for employees to file complaints of compensation discrimination. I continue to support passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act because there is no reason why an earnings gap between men and women should persist in the 21st century. Women account for more than half of all workers who would benefit from an increase in the minimum wage, and I have called on the Congress to raise the minimum wage and signed an executive order to raise it to $10.10 for individuals working on new Federal service contracts. I have also proposed expanding overtime protections for certain groups of salaried employees--many of whom are women--and worked to ensure all Americans have access to quality, affordable child care while they are on the job or in school. And because no woman should have to worry about being fired from her job for missing a day of work when she is sick, caring for a sick family member, or welcoming a new child into her family, we have supported States, communities, and businesses in expanding policies for paid family leave and paid sick days. Additionally, we have called on the Congress to pass the Healthy Families Act to allow employees to earn sick leave. Women deserve to make their own health care choices without interference from politicians or insurance companies. The Affordable Care Act expands insurance coverage for vital health services for women, including contraceptive care, prenatal care, and maternal care, and it protects women from being charged more than men simply based on gender. Finally, every woman should have the chance to dream, grow, and thrive free from intimidation or violence, and my Administration has taken unprecedented steps to end domestic and sexual violence. We convened a White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, and launched It's On Us--a campaign aimed at raising awareness of and preventing sexual assault on college campuses. These are part of our broader effort to make sure that all survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence are supported and that our laws are fully enforced. Women's equality is a core civil and human rights principle in the United States and around the world. Across America, women are contributing to our economy and our Nation in innovative and exciting ways. From businesses to battlefields, women are vital to the prosperity and security of our [[Page 134]] country. As we celebrate the last 95 years of progress in advancing women's rights, let us rededicate ourselves to the idea that our Nation is not yet complete: there is still work to do to secure the blessings of our country for every American daughter. 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 August 26, 2015, as Women's Equality Day. I call upon the people of the United States to celebrate the achievements of women and promote gender equality in our country. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9309 of August 31, 2015 National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every day, resilient Americans with substance use disorders summon extraordinary courage and strength and commit to living healthy and productive lives through recovery. From big cities to small towns to Indian Country, substance use disorders affect the lives of millions of Americans. This month, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to all those who are seeking or in need of treatment, and we recognize the key role families, friends, and health care providers play in supporting those on the path to a better tomorrow. This year's theme is ``Join the Voices for Recovery: Visible, Vocal, Valuable!'' It encourages us all to do our part to eliminate negative public attitudes associated with substance use disorders and treatment. People in recovery are part of our communities--they are our family and friends, colleagues and neighbors--and by supporting them and raising awareness of the challenges they face, we can help eradicate prejudice and discrimination associated with substance use disorders, as well as with co-occurring mental disorders. Prevention and treatment work, and people recover--and we must ensure all those seeking help feel empowered, encouraged, and confident in their ability to take control of their future. Americans looking for help for themselves or their loved ones can call 1-800-662-HELP or use the ``Treatment Locator'' tool at www.SAMHSA.gov. My Administration remains dedicated to pursuing evidence-based strategies to address substance use disorders as part of our National Drug Control Strategy. Seeking to widen pathways to recovery, our strategy supports the integration of substance use treatment into primary health care settings and the expansion of support services in places such as high schools, institutions of higher education, and throughout the criminal justice system. In [[Page 135]] the wake of public health crises related to non-medical use of prescription drugs and heroin in communities across our Nation, my Administration has pledged considerable resources to help Federal, State, and local authorities boost prevention efforts, improve public health and safety, and increase access to treatment in communities across the country. And the Affordable Care Act has extended substance use disorder and mental health benefits and Federal parity protections to millions of Americans. Behavioral health is essential to overall health, and recovery is a process through which individuals are able to improve their wellness, live increasingly self-directed lives, and strive to fulfill their greatest potential. During National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, we reaffirm our belief that recovery and limitless opportunity are within reach of every single American battling substance use disorders, and we continue our work to achieve this reality. 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 September 2015 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9310 of August 31, 2015 National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Pediatric cancer affects thousands of young Americans each year. It is the leading cause of disease-related death for children, and this year, more than 10,000 of our Nation's youth will be diagnosed with this tragic disease. Every September, America honors all those who have been affected by this life-threatening illness: young girls and boys whose childhoods have been cut short, the loved ones who know the pain pediatric cancer causes, and the communities across our country that rally to support their friends and neighbors during difficult times. As a Nation, we come together to stand with those who have experienced devastating loss, and we renew our commitment to advance research, improve treatment, and ensure a brighter, healthier future for all young Americans. Over the past 35 years, mortality rates for some types of pediatric cancer have declined by more than 50 percent, and thanks to major advancements in research and treatment efforts, our Nation has significantly improved its understanding and response to this disease. Today, innovative studies are leading to real breakthroughs--reminding us of the importance of supporting scientific discovery and moving our Nation closer to finding cures. [[Page 136]] Despite these gains, the specific causes of pediatric cancer remain largely unknown, and much work still remains to be done. My Administration is committed to advancing the fight against childhood cancer by supporting the vital studies that will continue to build on this progress. Last year, I signed the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which established the 10-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund, and I will keep urging the Congress to continue investing the millions of dollars available in this fund to support medical innovation and life-changing breakthroughs. I was also proud to appoint a pediatric oncologist to the National Cancer Advisory Board earlier this year. And this past January, I announced my Administration's Precision Medicine Initiative, which invests in research to better understand cancer and other diseases, helping the United States lead a new era of medicine--one that delivers the right treatment at the right moment. Childhood cancer is devastating, and as families face the enormous burdens it brings, they deserve the security that comes with access to quality, affordable health care. Under the Affordable Care Act, children cannot be denied health insurance due to pre-existing conditions such as cancer. Provisions in the law also eliminate annual and lifetime dollar limits on coverage and prohibit insurance companies from denying participation in an approved clinical trial for cancer or another life- threatening disease. Pediatric cancer limits the dreams of too many of our Nation's daughters and sons and deprives our country of their enormous potential. During National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we remember the many children who have been taken from us too soon, and we extend our support to all those who continue to battle this illness with incredible strength and courage. Let us honor those on the front lines--the health care providers, researchers, community organizations, and advocacy groups-- who work tirelessly to ensure our Nation's youth have every opportunity to grow and thrive, and let us renew our commitment to forging a future free from cancer in all its forms. 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 September 2015 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage all citizens, government agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and other groups to join in activities that will increase awareness and prevention of childhood cancer. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 137]] Proclamation 9311 of August 31, 2015 National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Five years ago, our Nation came together to put an end to the preventable epidemic of childhood obesity and observed National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month for the first time. Since then, childhood obesity rates have stopped rising, and we have seen an encouraging drop in obesity rates among children ages 2 to 5 years old. Despite this progress, more work remains to ensure every young person can lead a prosperous and productive life--more than 30 percent of American children are still overweight or obese. This month, we pause to remember our commitment to our Nation's youth and renew our focus on improving the health and well-being of our country's most precious resource. This year marks the fifth anniversary of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, which has partnered with parents, community leaders, and professionals across the public and private sectors to encourage and expand access to the physical activities and nutritious foods that help our kids grow up healthy. Millions of children are now attending schools and day care centers that serve healthier food and ensure kids get the 60 minutes of physical activity a day they need. Across America, city, town, and county governments are supporting these efforts--building communities where kids can safely walk or bike to school, participate in a summer meal program, or join a local athletic league. And we are proud that our Nation's businesses have joined in the fight by working to create healthier kids' menus at restaurants and cut trillions of calories from the food and beverage products children consume. All Americans can do their part to combat childhood obesity, and I invite everyone to visit www.LetsMove.gov to learn more about our accomplishments and find additional resources on how to help children eat well and stay active. To solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation, we must ensure the advances we have made are not reversed, including by upholding science-based nutrition standards for school meals. By improving nutritional quality in federally supported school lunches and breakfasts, we are not only ensuring children have access to the nourishing food they need to make healthy choices and succeed in school, but we are also providing the foundation for a stronger, healthier society. As a Nation, we can expand on this progress by working to make sure the same quality food is accessible to all children at home, no matter who they are or where they live. This will require our country to continue focusing on the local availability and affordability of healthy foods--an effort I am committed to supporting as President. Additionally, my Administration is fighting to ensure families have opportunities to be active and get outside together, and that is why we launched our Every Kid in a Park initiative, which provides all fourth graders and their families with free access to our National Parks and other Federal lands for an entire year. During National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and throughout the entire year, let us each commit to reaching toward a healthy lifestyle so we can serve as examples of healthy eating and active living for our Nation's [[Page 138]] children. Eliminating childhood obesity will require every American to play their part, and together we can work toward building healthy, active communities where all children can realize their dreams and meet their full potential. 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 September 2015 as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. I encourage all Americans to learn about and engage in activities that promote healthy eating and greater physical activity by all our Nation's children. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9312 of August 31, 2015 National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation This year, more than 14,000 women will lose their lives to ovarian cancer--the most deadly of all female reproductive system cancers--and more than 21,000 of our mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters will be diagnosed with this terrible disease. Every day across our country, families, friends, and communities come together to support and empower those who are fighting for their lives, offering encouragement and bringing hope for a cancer-free future. During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, our Nation pauses to lift up all those who know the pain of this disease, honor those we have lost, and renew our commitment to fighting ovarian cancer through more effective prevention, detection, and treatment. Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect early--there is no simple and reliable way to screen for it and symptoms are often not clear until later stages. By recognizing possible warning signs and unexplained changes, women can increase their likelihood of detecting ovarian cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective and the chances for recovery are greatest. To bolster these efforts, my Administration has continued to invest in innovative research to improve early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer, and we are working hard to increase public awareness among women about all types of gynecological cancers. To learn more about risk factors and symptoms, Americans can visit www.Cancer.gov/Ovarian. I encourage all women to speak with their health care providers about ovarian cancer. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans are now required to cover well-woman visits without copays or deductibles-- providing millions of women with the opportunity to access critical care and talk with health care professionals about risks they may face. Provisions in the law also eliminate annual and lifetime dollar limits on coverage and prohibit insurance companies from denying participation in an approved [[Page 139]] clinical trial for cancer or another life-threatening disease. The law also forbids insurers from denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition, such as cancer or a family history of cancer. This month, we stand with all those who continue to fight this devastating disease and with those who have lost loved ones because of it. Along with the advocates, medical researchers, and health care providers who tirelessly battle this disease every day, we rededicate ourselves to the urgent work of increasing awareness and improving care for those with ovarian cancer--and we continue forging a future free from cancer in all its forms. 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 September 2015 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise ovarian cancer awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9313 of August 31, 2015 National Preparedness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every year, communities across our country face emergencies--from unforeseen natural disasters to deliberate acts--that test our Nation's grit and challenge us to overcome tragedy. While my Administration is working to keep all Americans safe, each of us can do our part. Together, we can protect our families and help our communities by planning for emergencies and for the unexpected. Every September, we celebrate our Nation's spirit of resilience by rededicating ourselves to the important task of being prepared in the face of any crisis. Emergencies come in many forms--from house fires to accidents to hurricanes--and can strike anywhere in America. We cannot always control how, when, or where they occur, but we can prepare practical responses before disasters strike. By discussing with our families, friends, and neighbors how we will protect ourselves and our communities, we can contribute to and share in a stronger, more resilient society. The theme of this year's National Preparedness Month is ``Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.'' This month, I encourage all Americans to bolster their readiness in the event of a crisis. To learn more about the disasters common to where you live, the resources available in your area, and how to prepare, visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov. When emergencies happen, our Nation must ensure that communities have the support and resources they need to respond and recover. Since taking [[Page 140]] office, I have worked hard to expedite the recovery and rebuilding efforts in areas impacted by disaster. As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, my Administration remains focused on addressing the needs of survivors, investing in hard-hit neighborhoods, and ensuring those affected are able to rebuild with greater confidence, optimism, and resilience. My Administration has always been dedicated to coordinating readiness and relief efforts between Federal agencies, organizations, corporations, and local partners--because together, with a united approach, we can lift up communities and help them emerge stronger. No challenge poses a greater threat to our future than climate change. Cities along our Eastern seaboard now flood at high tide, and in the West, wildfire season now lasts most of the year. Some communities are parched by the worst drought in generations, while others have been drenched by unprecedented rainfall. Our climate is changing quickly, and it poses a threat to our Nation's safety and security. That is why we must work toward a sound environment today, and why my Administration is committed to pursuing clean energy through initiatives like the Clean Power Plan. Additionally, as part of my Climate Action Plan, we are committed to building infrastructure that can withstand more frequent and powerful natural disasters and to supporting our communities-- including low-income, minority, and tribal communities--as they prepare for these impacts. Together, by ensuring everyone understands the dangers of climate change and by making responsible choices, we can secure a cleaner, safer world for future generations. On September 30, people from cities and towns in all corners of our Nation will join with the Federal Government to take action as part of America's PrepareAthon! I urge Americans to make a plan and participate in this important opportunity to increase their own preparedness. During National Preparedness Month, let us all renew our commitment to ready ourselves, our families, and our communities for any challenge. 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 September 2015 as National Preparedness Month. I encourage all Americans to recognize the importance of preparedness and work together to enhance our resilience and readiness. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 141]] Proclamation 9314 of August 31, 2015 National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every year, America pauses to raise awareness of prostate cancer and reaffirm our resolve to defeat it. One of the most common cancers among American men, prostate cancer will kill more than 27,500 of our Nation's fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers this year, and more than 220,000 Americans will be diagnosed with it in 2015 alone. With each diagnosis comes pain and heartache, and for too many it leads to extreme hardship and unimaginable loss. As a country, we stand with all those who are fighting prostate cancer, their families, and every person who knows the challenges it brings, and we renew our commitment to combating this devastating disease. Decades of innovative research have helped to reduce prostate cancer's mortality through more effective prevention, detection, and treatment. And while the exact causes of prostate cancer remain unknown, medical research has identified well-established risk factors with which men should be familiar, such as age, family history, and race. By working to raise awareness of prostate cancer, we can help men make more informed decisions about their health--including choices which may help prevent cancer, such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and exercising regularly. I encourage all men, especially those at higher risk, to speak with a health care professional to learn how prostate cancer could affect them. Everyone can learn more by visiting www.Cancer.gov/Prostate. My Administration is committed to ensuring that Americans have every opportunity to live long and healthy lives. Cancer should not be a death sentence, nor should it condemn individuals to a life of poverty just because they do not have access to the quality, affordable care they need. That is why we fought so hard for the Affordable Care Act--a law which has helped more than 16 million uninsured Americans gain the security they deserve. The law also prevents insurance companies from denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition, such as cancer, and it eliminates annual and lifetime dollar limits on coverage that could disrupt prostate cancer treatments. We will also continue to support the types of groundbreaking research that have made a difference for so many cancer patients. Earlier this year, I announced my plan to invest in research to better understand cancer and other diseases, thereby determining how best to treat each patient. This Precision Medicine Initiative aims to accelerate biomedical discoveries and revolutionize how our Nation combats disease. During National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we honor all those we have lost, and we redouble our efforts to beat prostate cancer once and for all. Together, with our Nation's advocates, medical researchers, health care providers, and all those who have been touched by cancer, let us resolve to continue our work toward a future free from cancer in all its forms. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and [[Page 142]] the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2015 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage all citizens, government agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and other groups to join in activities that will increase awareness and prevention of prostate cancer. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9315 of August 31, 2015 National Wilderness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The beauty of America's wilderness has always been central to our character as a Nation. Our untrammeled lands and waters are part of a rich legacy that is carried forward from one generation to the next, reflecting a spirit of conservation deeply rooted in the quintessential American belief that each of us has an equal share in these special places and an equal responsibility to protect them. Every day, individuals across our country embody this idea by maintaining our trails and parks, working to restore cherished sites, and inspiring communities to preserve the areas they treasure. Since I took office, I have been committed to protecting the pristine areas that enrich our lives and our country. That is why I have set aside more lands and waters than any other President in our history, including by designating more than 2 million new acres of wilderness. And to ensure our children have the chance to experience the wonder within our protected lands, my Administration launched the Every Kid in a Park initiative, which provides free admission to public lands for all fourth graders and their families--enabling more young Americans to discover the land with which our Nation has been blessed. For more than a half-century, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped to protect these iconic places and make it easier for families to spend time outside. The Fund has advanced over 40,000 local projects by making critical investments, including in National Parks, baseball fields, battlefields, and community green spaces. I continue to call on the Congress to act to ensure this vital tool of environmental stewardship and community development does not expire by fully and permanently funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and as President, I will keep working to make it easier for all families to enjoy our great outdoors no matter where they live. Our National Parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and public lands are also essential for expanding economic opportunity, creating jobs, and fueling local economies. My Administration is committed to partnering with cities and States to make sure they have the resources they need to protect these outdoor spaces in the face of extreme weather events that imperil our security [[Page 143]] and the livelihood of our communities. Climate change threatens our lands and waters, as well as the health and well-being of future generations. That is why we have taken commonsense actions to combat climate change, ensure the resilience of our neighborhoods, and protect our natural resources for our children and grandchildren. During National Wilderness Month, let us recommit to preserving the places that remind us of who we are and of all that our Nation is. Let us renew our resolve to protect America's incomparable natural splendor in our time so it can endure as a birthright of every citizen and shape the lives and dreams of 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 September 2015 as National Wilderness Month. I invite all Americans to visit and enjoy our wilderness areas, to learn about their vast history, and to aid in the protection of our precious national treasures. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9316 of September 4, 2015 Labor Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every year, our Nation sets aside Labor Day to celebrate the working men and women of America, whose grit and resilience have built our country and made our economic progress possible. Our economy has now added 8 million jobs over the past 3 years, a pace that has not been exceeded since 2000, and our businesses have created 13.1 million jobs over 66 straight months--extending the longest streak on record. By almost every measure, the American economy and our workers are better off than when I took office; but this has not come easy, and our work is not yet done. These gains are part of our Nation's long legacy of fighting for middle- class economics--policies that ensure opportunity is open to everyone who is willing to work hard and play by the rules--and they have made America stronger and more prosperous. As a Nation, we can build on these advances and accelerate our progress. History shows that working families can get a fair shot in this country, but only if we are willing to organize and fight for it. Together, we can ensure our growing economy benefits everyone and fuels rising incomes and a thriving middle class. At the beginning of the last century, Americans came together to fight for dignity and justice in the workplace. With courage and determination, women and men stood up, marched, and raised their voices for a 40-hour workweek, weekends, and workplace safety laws. It is because of workers who agitated--and the unions who had their backs-- that we enjoy many [[Page 144]] of the protections we often take for granted today, including overtime pay, a minimum wage, and the right to organize for better pay and benefits. These hard-won victories are the foundation of our robust middle class, which has led to the largest, most prosperous economy in the world, and they are central to the belief that our economy does not grow from the top down--it grows from the middle out. As President, I am committed to defending these pillars of opportunity and bolstering our Nation's pathways into the middle class. That is why I have been fighting since day one to secure a better bargain for all Americans--one where an honest day's work is rewarded with an honest day's pay, where our workplaces are safer, and where it is easier, not harder, to join a union. Policies like paid sick days, paid family and medical leave, workplace flexibility, the right to organize, and equal pay for equal work are national economic priorities that are essential to building an economy that benefits from the contributions of all our people. And because everyone has the right to a fair living wage, I signed an Executive Order to raise the minimum wage for workers on new Federal contracts, and I have called on the Congress to raise the national minimum wage. Additionally, my Administration has proposed extending overtime pay to nearly 5 million workers, which would give more Americans the chance to be paid for their extra hours of work or have more time at home with their families. Since I took office, Governors, mayors, and local leaders have joined me in expanding these policies by enacting paid sick days and paid family leave and raising the minimum wage in States, cities, and counties across our Nation. Still, more work remains because in America, no one who is working full-time should have to raise their family in poverty. A secure future should be possible for everyone who clocks in each morning, every parent who works the graveyard shift to provide for their family, and every young person who dreams of going to college and knows that with hard work they can get there. That is the future we are fighting for, and I will keep pushing until the American dream is within the reach of all people who are willing to work for it. This Labor Day, let us remember the struggles and the progress that have defined America, and let us resolve to continue building a Nation where everyone is treated fairly, where hard work pays off, and where all things are possible for all people. 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 September 7, 2015, as Labor Day. I call upon all public officials and people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the contributions and resilience of working Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 145]] Proclamation 9317 of September 9, 2015 World Suicide Prevention Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation All people deserve the opportunity to live healthy, rewarding lives. No American should have their potential limited, have their life cut short, or be deprived of their fullest measure of happiness because they do not have the mental health support they need. On World Suicide Prevention Day, we reaffirm our belief that mental health is an essential part of overall health, and together, we renew our commitment to supporting and empowering all Americans to seek the care they need. Suicide is often related to serious depression, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions. That is why recognizing severe psychological distress and ensuring access to the care and services needed to diagnose and treat mental illness are crucial to our efforts to prevent suicide. Individuals can also experience emotional and mental health crises in response to a wide range of situations--from difficulties in personal relationships to the loss of a job to bullying at school. And for some of our Nation's veterans and military service members, these challenges are compounded by the invisible wounds of war. Tragically, these crises can sometimes involve thoughts of suicide--and we must do more to support those suffering. All Americans can take part in promoting mental well-being and preventing suicide. Everyone can contribute to a culture where individuals are supported and accepted for who they are--no matter what they look like, who they love, or what challenges they face--and where it is okay to ask for help.We can do more to recognize the signs of mental health issues early and encourage those in need to reach out for support. And we must remind our loved ones that seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength. If you or someone you know is in need of help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers immediate assistance for all Americans at 1-800-273-TALK. Veterans, service members, and their loved ones can call this number to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, and they can also send a text message to 838255. The Affordable Care Act extends mental health and substance use disorder benefits and parity protections to over 60 million Americans, helping men and women across our country access critical care. Protections under the health care law prohibit insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions, like a diagnosis of mental illness, and require most insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without copays, including behavioral assessments for children and depression screenings. In February, I was proud to sign the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act to help fill serious gaps in serving veterans with post-traumatic stress and other illnesses. This law builds upon our ongoing efforts to end the tragedy of suicide among our troops and veterans. Last year, I announced 19 Executive actions to make it easier for service members and veterans to access the care they need when they need it, and our [[Page 146]] Government has focused additional resources on mental health services, including increasing the number of mental health providers at the Department of Veterans Affairs. My Administration is also committed to doing all we can to empower those facing challenges and hardship. We are dedicated to combating bullying, harassment, and discrimination in our schools and communities. We are doing more to guarantee all veterans and members of our Armed Forces--as well as their families--get the help they deserve while they are serving our Nation, as they transition to civilian life, and long after they have returned home. And across the Federal Government, we are working to ensure all Americans are supported in times of crisis. Suicide prevention is the responsibility of all people. One small act-- the decision to reach out to your neighbor, offer support to a friend, or encourage a veteran in need to seek help--can make a difference. It can help energize a national conversation and a changing attitude across America. If you are hurting, know this: You are not forgotten. You are never alone. Your country is here for you, and help is available. As we pause to raise awareness of the importance of suicide prevention, let us remember all those we have lost and the loved ones they left behind. As one people, we stand with all who struggle with mental illness, and we continue our work to prevent this heartbreak in our communities. 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 September 10, 2015, as World Suicide Prevention Day. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise awareness of the mental health resources and support services available in their communities and encourage all those in need to seek the care and treatment necessary for a long and healthy life. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9318 of September 10, 2015 National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Fourteen years ago, the peace of a beautiful morning was broken. The events of September 11, 2001, left a permanent mark on the spirit of every American, and our Nation is forever changed. Nearly 3,000 precious lives were taken, and their loved ones were forced to face an unthinkable grief. As we pay tribute to the innocents we lost and the first responders who put themselves in harm's way--some even giving their own lives for their fellow citizens--we also recognize the families whose love abides, and we [[Page 147]] reaffirm the truth that resonates in the heart of our Nation: that we will never forget that day. Guided by a steadfast belief in the power of good over evil, people from every corner of our country came together in the aftermath of the attacks to lift each other up and restore our communities. Bound by a common sense of hope, Americans united across faiths and traditions to reject hate and work together toward a better future. In memory of those we lost, we resolved to shape a world where events like those of September 11, 2001, could never happen again, and we see this unbreakable spirit live on every day across America. We see it in the courage of first responders who carry the memories of fallen partners with them as they continue safeguarding their communities-- prepared to make the same sacrifice for us all. We see it in the gleaming New York City Freedom Tower, which rose high where the buildings once fell. We see it in the example of extraordinary bravery set by the men and women who fought back in the Pennsylvania sky. We see it in the legacy of those killed while serving in the Pentagon, which is reflected in the enduring courage of our troops, veterans, and military families. We see it in the selflessness of all those who sacrificed to bring justice to those responsible, and who continue to defend our liberty. And as a result, we will forever march forward as a stronger people, under God and indivisible, toward a brighter day. As we solemnly reflect on those taken from us too soon by acts of depravity, let us continue to stand with their loved ones and recommit to forging a tomorrow where the sun sets on an America that knows everlasting freedom, security, and peace. 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 Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, 2015, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance. I ask that the people of the United States honor and remember the victims of September 11, 2001, and their loved ones through prayer, contemplation, memorial services, the visiting of memorials, the ringing of bells, evening candlelight remembrance vigils, and other appropriate ceremonies and activities. I invite people around the world to participate in this commemoration. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 148]] Proclamation 9319 of September 10, 2015 Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On September 11, 2001, America experienced the worst terrorist attack in her history when nearly 3,000 men, women, and children were taken from us, leaving their families and our Nation with a void that can never be filled. But those who brought hate to our shores and smoke to our skies did not expect our country to emerge stronger, and our beacons of hope and freedom to shine brighter as a result. In the years since, we have stood strong as one people--determined to further embolden our country's character with acts of endurance and strength; rebuilding and resilience; renewal and progress. In remembrance of the innocent victims who lost their lives and in honor of the families they left behind, let us continue to answer these heinous acts by serving our communities, lifting the lives of our fellow citizens, and spreading the hope that others tried to dim that day. The compassion that rose in the hearts and minds of the American people on September 11 still serves as the ultimate rebuke to the evil of those who attacked us. First responders who risked and gave their lives to rescue others demonstrated the unwavering heroism that defines our great Nation. Volunteers donated time, money, and blood to ensure wounds gave way to healing and recovery. Young people, raised until then in a time of peace, stepped forward to serve and defend us, and meet the threats of our time. And people from across our country and the world joined together in the days that followed to stand up and turn toward one another with open arms, making of a tragedy something the terrorists could never abide--a tribute of hope over fear, and love over hate. As we reflect on the lives we lost and pay tribute to the families who still live with extraordinary pain, let us resolve to continue embodying the American spirit that no act of terror can ever extinguish. I call on all Americans to observe this National Day of Service and Remembrance with acts of selflessness and charity. In doing so, we prove once again that the power of those who seek to harm and to destroy is never greater than our power to persevere and to build. I encourage everyone to visit www.Serve.gov to learn of the many opportunities available to give back to others and to reaffirm the fundamental truth that we are our brothers' and our sisters' keepers, and that we can forge a brighter future together. Today, we continue our unfaltering march forward, enduring in the perennial optimism that drives us and brightening the light that the darkness of evil can never overcome. We remember and yearn for the presence of the beautiful lives lost, and we recommit to honoring their memories by shaping the days to come--in as stark a contrast as possible to those who took them from us--with courage, liberty, and love. By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as ``Patriot Day,'' and [[Page 149]] by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized ``National Day of Service and Remembrance.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2015, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of the United States and its Territories and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9320 of September 11, 2015 National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our higher education system is one of the crown jewels of our Nation, and investing in it is a hallmark of America. In an economy where knowledge is the most valuable asset, the best way to get ahead and ensure mobility to the middle class is to earn a college degree. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) help make the promise a college education provides a reality for many Hispanic students across our country, enabling them to secure a better future for themselves and their families. This week, let us recognize the tremendous impact these institutions have and rededicate ourselves to continuing our support of their valuable work. An education can broaden horizons and empower us to be better people and better citizens, and no one should be left out of that opportunity. Roughly one-quarter of students in our Nation's public schools today are Hispanic, yet less than one-fifth of Hispanics in the United States have a college degree. HSIs help address this disparity, moving us closer to the day when we have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. HSIs serve more than half of our Nation's undergraduate Hispanics, and they work to provide more Americans--especially low- and middle-income students--with the chance to thrive in an institution of higher learning. [[Page 150]] Hispanics are projected to account for almost one-third of our Nation's population by 2060, and ensuring they have access to the best education possible is important to securing America's success. In the last few years, we have seen the dropout rates for Hispanics significantly decrease, while college enrollment has steadily risen. But more work remains to be done to ensure all our people can realize the American dream, and that is why my Administration has pledged $1 billion in funding over the course of this decade to support HSIs. Additionally, I announced a plan that would open doors of opportunity for millions of people by making community college free for responsible students willing to work hard--because in America, nobody should be denied a college education simply because they do not have the resources to pay for it. At the heart of our country is a basic bargain: that with determination and grit, you can get ahead--no matter who you are, what you look like, or where you come from. By working to provide many Hispanics with the chance they deserve to get a higher education, HSIs embody this truth and pull the country we all call home a little closer to its founding ideals: that all of us are created equal and all of us should have the chance to make of our lives what we will. This week, let us recommit to strengthening these institutions and pledge our support to all who attend them. 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 September 14 through September 20, 2015, as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week. I call on public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that acknowledge the many ways these institutions and their graduates contribute to our country. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9321 of September 11, 2015 National Grandparents Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Across America, grandparents are loving pillars of comfort and support. After a lifetime of giving back to their families and communities, grandmothers and grandfathers continue to offer compassion and wisdom to their loved ones and inspire us to be our best selves. On National Grandparents Day, we honor the sacrifices they make and continue to show our affection and appreciation for them. We owe so much of who we are and what we have to our grandparents. With grit and dedication, they helped define a new age and open doors of opportunity for us all. From overcoming the depths of economic collapse [[Page 151]] to fighting to defend our liberty on battlefields around the world, their determination to ensure we could live better lives than they did helped secure our peace and prosperity. They created the world's largest economy and strongest middle class. They built skyscrapers, made innovative advances, and charted new frontiers. They broke down barriers and instilled fundamental values and ideals. And the extraordinary example they set in striving to forge a better future for their families and our Nation reflects the idea that we are all part of something larger than ourselves. Today, grandparents continue serving as quiet heroes in every corner of our country. From reading bedtime stories to their grandchildren to volunteering in their communities to acting as primary caregivers, they work hard each and every day while showing love and kindness to their families and those around them. Let us continue to show them the same, and let us forever honor their tremendous efforts to nurture, guide, and drive us in all we do. 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 September 13, 2015, as National Grandparents Day. I call upon all Americans to take the time to honor their own grandparents and those in their community. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9322 of September 14, 2015 National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our history, our Nation has been enriched by the storied pasts of all who call the United States of America home. America's Hispanic community has woven unique threads into the diverse fabric of our country and played an important role in shaping our national character as a people of limitless possibility. This month, let us honor their distinct heritage while reaffirming our commitment to enabling them to build a future bright with hope and opportunity for themselves, their families, and the country we love. Hispanics contribute to our Nation's success in extraordinary ways--they serve in the military and government, attend schools across America, and strengthen the economy. They are the father who works two jobs to give his children a better life, and the mother who ventures out to take a risk and start a business. They are the student--often the first in their family to go to college--who pursues their greatest aspirations through higher education. They are the lawful permanent resident who seeks to naturalize and become a citizen, and the business leader whose loved ones have lived in the United States for generations. Each day, we see the tremendous impact [[Page 152]] they have on our communities, and they reflect an enduring truth at the heart of our Nation: no matter where you come from or where your roots are, with hard work and perseverance you can make it in America. My Administration remains committed to ensuring Hispanics have every opportunity to achieve the American dream. Last year, we approved more than 4,000 loans totaling over $1 billion for Hispanic-owned small businesses, helping create jobs and improve local economies. We have invested resources in education and reformed our schools to provide the opportunities every Hispanic student needs to graduate from high school prepared for the future they will inherit. We have also expanded high- quality preschool and early childhood education for our youngest learners in Latino communities, and provided grants and loans to assist tens of thousands of Hispanic young people and adults on their journey toward earning a college degree. The dropout rate for Hispanic students has been cut by more than half since the year 2000, and college enrollment has risen by 45 percent since 2008. Additionally, since I signed the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the share of Hispanics under 65 without health insurance has fallen by one-third, and in the years ahead I will continue working to address the health disparities that still exist. And we are expanding the cultural, economic, and familial ties that so many Hispanic Americans share with Latin America by entering a new chapter of engagement and cooperation with Cuba. The United States has a centuries-old tradition of welcoming immigrants, which has given us a tremendous advantage over the rest of the world. Last year, I took action to fix our broken immigration system within the confines of the law. The policies include offering temporary relief to parents of children who are United States citizens or lawful permanent residents so they could come out of the shadows, get right with the law, and further contribute to America's success while also providing for their loved ones--because as a Nation that values families, we must work together to keep them together. I also took steps to modernize the legal immigration system for families, employers, and workers, and strengthened Federal immigrant integration efforts. I created the White House Task Force on New Americans--a Federal interagency effort focused on strengthening and enhancing our efforts to integrate new Americans and build welcoming communities. And we are working to make sure the millions of individuals who are eligible for citizenship understand the opportunities, rights, and responsibilities that it affords. While these actions make our system better, they are not a permanent fix to our broken immigration system--and that is why I continue to call on the Congress to pass meaningful, comprehensive immigration reform. As a Nation, we are bound by our shared ideals. America's Hispanic community has the same dreams, values, trials, and triumphs of people in every corner of our country, and they show the same grit and determination that have carried us forward for centuries. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, let us renew our commitment to honoring the invaluable ways Hispanics contribute to our common goals, to celebrating Hispanic culture, and to working toward a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous society for all. To honor the achievements of Hispanics in America, the Congress by Public Law 100-402, as amended, has authorized and requested the President [[Page 153]] to issue annually a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15 as ``National Hispanic Heritage Month.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2015, as National Hispanic Heritage Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9323 of September 16, 2015 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation At the culmination of months of deliberation, debate, and compromise, on September 17, 1787, the Constitution of the United States of America was signed. Colonists came together in bold pursuit of a roadmap for citizenship and a framework for our democracy--exemplifying the statesmanship and character that would forever set our Nation apart. Yielding to the power of shared ideals over stubborn opinion, our forefathers upheld a belief that remains at the heart of America today: that men and women of free will have the capacity to shape their own destinies. These early patriots understood what it meant to be American. They succeeded in crafting a document that enshrines our enduring faith in the notion that being a citizen is about more than circumstances of birth--we are bound together by our beliefs, our unalienable rights, and the idea that we must accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations. In what has become the supreme law of our land, and in the ensuing amendments to it, we see a reflection of our Founding Fathers' insistence that the task of perfecting our Union is never finished--we must constantly take up the critical work of bettering ourselves and our society. These ideals have driven America forward from her nascence on the cobblestone streets of Philadelphia through today, and we continue to shine as a beacon of hope and freedom to the rest of the world. Each year on Citizenship Day, we welcome our country's newest citizens and reaffirm our proud legacy as a Nation of immigrants. In wave after wave through the centuries, people from every corner of the globe have come to our shores in pursuit of happiness and a better life for themselves and their families. In their home countries, our Constitution has stood out as an emblem of equality and representation for all. Those of us who have been Americans our entire lives have an obligation to remember that we were strangers once, too, and together we must work to extend the promise that citizenship provides to all who seek liberty's light. Since last year, we [[Page 154]] have redoubled these efforts by creating the White House Task Force on New Americans--a Government-wide effort tasked with better integrating immigrants and refugees into American communities. The Task Force released its strategic plan in April, which includes efforts to raise awareness about the rights, responsibilities, and importance of United States citizenship. It is essential that we encourage individuals who are eligible to take an important step in their American journey and commit to becoming a citizen. On this day and throughout this week, let us honor the values for which the Framers stood by rededicating ourselves to carrying forward the spirit first embodied in their achievements--that what makes our country great is not that we are perfect, but that we can face our imperfections and decide that it is in our power to remake our Nation to more closely align with our highest ideals. With time, courage, and the participation of our citizenry, we can pay tribute to those who shaped the land we love today while working to secure everlasting peace, prosperity, and opportunity for all who call America home. In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and in recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, the Congress, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36 U.S.C. 106), designated September 17 as ``Constitution Day and Citizenship Day,'' and by joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108), requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as ``Constitution Week.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2015, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and September 17 through September 23, 2015, as Constitution Week. I encourage Federal, State, and local officials, as well as leaders of civic, social, and educational organizations, to conduct ceremonies and programs that bring together community members to reflect on the importance of active citizenship, recognize the enduring strength of our Constitution, and reaffirm our commitment to the rights and obligations of citizenship in this great Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9324 of September 17, 2015 National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America has long stood tall as a beacon of freedom thanks to the women and men of our Armed Forces who safeguard our country and our ideals with courage, honor, and selflessness. While our heroes and their families [[Page 155]] continue to give of themselves for us all, we must recognize the unthinkable pain that remains with the loved ones of those who have not returned home. Today, we honor them, as a Nation forever indebted. We rededicate ourselves to our ironclad commitment to never leaving one of our own behind, and we pay tribute to those patriots known to God and never forgotten. To further uphold our eternal promise, we established the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency. This Agency will help recover and account for prisoners of war and those missing in action, work to better anticipate family needs, and ensure that timely, accurate information is communicated to loved ones. Bringing home Americans who have been taken prisoner or who have gone missing is a sacred mission, and my Administration is increasing our efforts to ensure every service member knows with absolute certainty that--should they ever find themselves in that position--ours is a country that will never give up on retrieving them. As a grateful Nation, we owe it to all who put on the uniform of the United States to remain unwavering in our promise to them. With hearts full of love, families carry on with an unfillable void, and we stand beside them--one and all--acutely aware of the cost at which our liberty comes. Today and every day, let us renew our pledge to never stop working to bring home the ones they love to the land they risked everything to protect. On September 18, 2015, the stark black and white banner symbolizing America's Missing in Action and Prisoners of War will be flown over the White House; the United States Capitol; the Departments of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs; the Selective Service System Headquarters; the World War II Memorial; the Korean War Veterans Memorial; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; United States post offices; national cemeteries; and other locations across our country. We raise this flag as a solemn reminder of our obligation to always remember the sacrifices made to defend our Nation. 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 September 18, 2015, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day of honor and remembrance with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9325 of September 18, 2015 National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since the days of our Revolution when farmers across the Colonies took up arms in defense of our country, America's farmers and ranchers have played a critical role in shaping our progress and forging a better future for [[Page 156]] coming generations. Through centuries of hard work, they have supplied our Nation with products and services essential to the economic and physical well-being of our society. This week, we recognize all those serving on our farms, and we recommit to safeguarding their health and livelihoods. Farmers and ranchers make tremendous contributions to the way of life our ancestors fought to establish, yet they face considerable hazards in the course of their daily responsibilities. To protect the safety of those working on America's farms, my Administration has taken steps to guarantee they have the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to mitigate and reduce risks to themselves and their families. From handling hazardous chemicals and machinery to working in potentially dangerous areas such as silos or grain elevators, our Nation's farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers should be able to secure the prosperity of their land, their loved ones, and their country without sacrificing their own. That is why the Federal Government has partnered with farm families, organizations, and businesses to ensure the well-being of those who work on farms. We have strengthened our commitment to those who provide nutrition, clothing, and energy to our people, including by developing nationwide training guidelines that aim to reduce the threats posed to America's next generation of farmers and ranchers. Each year, thousands of people are injured on farms and ranches in America, and I remain committed to pursuing pragmatic, responsible solutions to prevent these tragedies from occurring. Across our country, those who work on farms bolster our economy and nourish our people by providing what we need at a most human level, helping to uphold America's founding creed: Out of many, we are one. This week, let us recognize the steadfast dedication and commitment of agricultural producers and their families, and let us reaffirm our resolve to promote their health and safety. 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 September 20 through September 26, 2015, as National Farm Safety and Health Week. I call upon the agencies, organizations, businesses, and extension services that serve America's agricultural workers to strengthen their commitment to promoting farm safety and health programs. I also urge Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and express appreciation to our farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers for their contributions to our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 157]] Proclamation 9326 of September 18, 2015 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Ensuring all members of our American family have access to higher education is fundamental to our society. A college degree can help secure a place in the middle class and broaden horizons for people of every background and belief. For years prior to the Civil War, this promise was withheld from African Americans, and the lack of a structured higher education system often prohibited them from earning their rightful piece of the American dream. This week, we recognize the sacrifices made by those who fought for the right of all our Nation's students to have equal access to a quality education, and we recommit to carrying their legacy forward by pledging our support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and all who attend them. Countless champions from every corner of our country banded together to create the first HBCUs to resolve injustices and enable more people to realize their full talents and abilities. Though the barriers to higher education for African Americans have not been completely broken down, more than 100 HBCUs across our country have educated millions of students. These institutions help build the foundation for our middle class--they are places where dreams take flight and where opportunities flourish. Generations of African Americans have learned and grown at HBCUs, which have made extraordinary contributions to academia and produced some of our Nation's finest thinkers and greatest innovators. HBCUs are doing their part to help the United States reach our goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020, because roughly half of the students that walk these halls of learning are the first in their families to go to college. Additionally, HBCUs are home to many who otherwise might not be able to afford a college education--over 70 percent of those enrolled at HBCUs are from low- income backgrounds. My Administration is dedicated to ensuring these institutions have the resources they need, and I have made clear that all Federal agencies are expected to assist with this mission and help all students grow and thrive. To further support our goals for this decade, we have committed hundreds of millions of dollars to strengthen HBCUs and provide financial aid for those who attend them, and earlier this year I announced a plan to open doors of opportunity for even more of our people by making community college free for responsible and hardworking students. In America, nobody should be denied an education because they do not have the resources to pay for it. This week, we reaffirm our support for HBCUs and recognize the great impact they have had on students throughout history. Education is freedom--freedom to learn, to grow, and to achieve our highest goals and aspirations. Let us honor the heroes who helped extend this right to more people, and let us rededicate ourselves to defending it so that all of America's sons and [[Page 158]] daughters--no matter where they come from or what they look like--can fulfill their God-given potential. 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 September 20 through September 26, 2015, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. I call upon educators, public officials, professional organizations, corporations, and all Americans to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that acknowledge the countless contributions these institutions and their alumni have made to our country. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9327 of September 21, 2015 National Voter Registration Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The right to vote is a cornerstone of what it means to be a free people: It represents the bedrock tenets of equality and civic participation upon which our Nation was founded. Throughout American history, courageous patriots of every background and creed have fought to extend this right to all and to bring our country closer to its highest ideals. Voting is vital to a principle at the core of our democracy--that men and women of free will have the capacity to shape their own destinies. On National Voter Registration Day, we recommit to upholding this belief by encouraging all eligible Americans to register to vote and exercise this essential right. The task of perfecting our Union lies with our citizens, and my Administration is dedicated to working with people across our country to empower Americans to play an active part in forging the future we all share. In that spirit, in 2013 I launched a nonpartisan commission aimed at fulfilling this task, which issued commonsense suggestions aimed at improving the voting experience. But government alone can only do so much. As a Nation, we must commit ourselves to fulfilling the critical responsibility of participating in our society. It is up to each individual citizen to exercise the right that so many struggled to obtain and protect--and when we choose not to do so, we dishonor those who laid down their lives for it. Our Nation has one of the lowest voting rates among free societies, and Americans disenfranchise themselves by disengaging from our political process too often. Our country is only as strong as the leaders we elect, and the task of democracy is not theirs alone--it is up to all our people to build the kind of world we want our children to inherit. Today, we reaffirm our enduring belief in the democratic process and set out to fulfill the most sacred and significant duty we have as Americans: [[Page 159]] to make our voices heard. On National Voter Registration Day, let us pay tribute to our legacy of liberty and self-government by registering to vote and encouraging those around us to join in the work of bettering our communities. Each of us can exercise the franchise that defines who we are as a Nation and upholds our belief in a government that reflects our determined will, our highest hopes, and our utmost aspirations. 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 September 22, 2015, as National Voter Registration Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day by registering to vote. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9328 of September 24, 2015 Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation At every crossroads in the American story, courageous individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs have answered our Nation's call to serve. Today, the sacrifices of our fallen heroes echo in safer towns and cities, countries and continents--resonating throughout a world they forever made freer. Their legacies are solemnly enshrined in the history of our eternally grateful Nation, as well as in the hearts of all who loved them. Today, we honor the Gold Star Mothers and Families who carry forward the memories of those willing to lay down their lives for the United States and the liberties for which we stand. The proud patriots of our Armed Forces never serve alone. Standing with each service member are parents, spouses, children, siblings, and friends, providing support and love and helping uphold the ideals that bind our Nation together. While most Americans may never fully comprehend the price paid by those who gave their last full measure of devotion, families of the fallen know it intimately and without end. Their sleepless nights allow for our peaceful rest, and the folded flags they hold dear are what enable ours to wave. The depth of their sorrow is immeasurable, and we are forever indebted to them for all they have given for us. Despite their broken hearts, the families of these warriors are full of love and they continue to serve their communities and comfort our troops, veterans, and other military families. Our country is constantly inspired by their incredible resilience, and in their example we see the very best of America. On this day of remembrance, we honor our Gold Star Mothers and Families by living fully the freedom for which they have given so much, and by rededicating ourselves to our enduring obligation to serve them as well as they have served us. [[Page 160]] The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1985 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as ``Gold Star Mother's Day.'' 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 September 27, 2015, as Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this special day. I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation's gratitude and respect for our Gold Star Mothers and Families. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9329 of September 25, 2015 National Hunting and Fishing Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For centuries, Americans have passed down a love of hunting and fishing to their kids and grandkids, advancing our Nation's independent, pioneering spirit with each generation. To many, these sports represent centuries--old traditions--and to others, they remain a way of life that reflects the resilience of our character. On National Hunting and Fishing Day, we celebrate the ways hunters and fishers contribute to our country and our environment, and we recommit to safeguarding America's natural places for all posterity. Conserving our forests, fields, and waterways requires the efforts of every American, and I am dedicated to ensuring our people can enjoy our natural bounties and engage in activities like fishing and hunting for decades to come. Through my Administration's America's Great Outdoors Initiative we are promoting conservation priorities and expanding access to some of our Nation's most treasured recreational spaces. I have also called on the Congress to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund to further support these efforts, and tens of millions of dollars for restoration projects have been set aside as part of the ``Find Your Park'' campaign. Anglers and hunters of all ages enrich our communities and our environmental heritage, and these actions will help ensure our children and grandchildren are able to fish and hunt with theirs. Hunting and fishing do not just strengthen our culture and the bonds we share--they also drive local economies across our country. These activities exemplify the crucial need for preserving our natural resources and fuel the livelihoods of many Americans. For them--and for our entire Nation--we must commit to protecting the environment that gives us so much bounty. [[Page 161]] Today, we acknowledge the unique ways hunting and fishing fortify America, and we pledge our continuing support for those who enjoy and rely on these activities to better their communities and lives. By working together to preserve the lands on which they partake in these professions and pastimes, we can carry forward the timeless traditions of hunting and fishing for untold chapters of the American story. 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 September 26, 2015, as National Hunting and Fishing Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9330 of September 25, 2015 National Public Lands Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America is blessed with the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Natural wonders across our country--from centuries-old glaciers to miles-wide canyons--offer a window into our past and a vision for our future. Among our greatest legacies are our National Parks and public lands, steeped in millennia of living history and shaped by incredible geological force. Today, we join in efforts to protect these timeless treasures and encourage all to enjoy their splendor. On National Public Lands Day, people from every corner of our country will come together to help preserve our unique natural spaces in all 50 States. In what has become the largest volunteer event for public lands in America, this day offers people the opportunity to play an active role in safeguarding nature's priceless gifts for future generations. From building winding trails that lead to pristine places to planting seeds and saplings that will grow into towering trees, Americans can participate in efforts to maintain our beloved parks and monuments and make a lasting difference in the land we love. All Americans deserve the chance to enjoy our parks and waters--no matter who they are or where they live. In that spirit, I launched the Every Kid in a Park initiative earlier this year, which provides fourth graders and their families with free admission to our National Parks and other Federal lands and waters. And through the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, we are expanding access to and restoring vibrant landscapes. In addition to offering majestic views and vistas, our scenic sites provide critical economic benefits to communities across our country. Last year, almost 300 million visitors to our National Parks spent approximately $16 billion and supported over 275,000 jobs. That is why my Administration [[Page 162]] has set aside more public lands and waters than any other in history, and why I have established or expanded 19 National Monuments since taking office. On this day, let us pay tribute to our majestic past by renewing our commitment to maintaining our Nation's public lands and ensuring our national inheritance remains a birthright for generations of Americans to come. I urge all people to ``Find Your Park'' by visiting www.FindYourPark.com and to take advantage of the National Parks offering free admission today. Together, we can continue to be good stewards of our earth and work to increase access to outdoor opportunities for all. 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 September 26, 2015, as National Public Lands Day. I encourage all Americans to participate in a day of public service for our lands. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9331 of September 28, 2015 National Arts and Humanities Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Over centuries of change--through trial and triumph--the arts and humanities have chronicled history in ways that have brought the past to life and provided a vivid vision for our journey forward. Today, we continue to live in an ever-changing world, and the arts and humanities help us experience it in truer colors and tones. When we harness our artistic creativity--from canvases to concertos--we can give shape to our emotions and channel our innermost hopes. During National Arts and Humanities Month, we celebrate artistic expression in all its forms and honor the ways they help define the great American story. America's future is bright--and our Nation's spirit of reinvention has long allowed us to pursue progress that knows no bounds. The arts and humanities generate opportunities for us to individually and collectively reflect on our beliefs and disrupt our assumptions. As artists open our hearts and minds, they embolden our dreams, connect us in common purpose, and inspire us to reach for the tomorrow we seek. As our society progresses, we must never underestimate the power of young minds, and as a Nation we must give our daughters and sons every opportunity to grow, thrive, and explore the heights of their imagination. If we continue to instill in them the optimism of America's promise--that all things are possible for all people--they will grow up believing, as they should, that nothing is out of their reach. More than anyone, our young [[Page 163]] people have the ability to renew the world we share, and my Administration is dedicated to empowering them through the arts and humanities so they can chart bold paths and write America's next great chapters. Every stroke of the brush, stitch of the needle, or moment of the memoir uniquely marks our society and contributes to our national character. This month, we recognize the ways the arts and humanities have forever changed our country, and we recommit to ensuring every American has the opportunity and the freedom to question, discover, and create. 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 October 2015 as National Arts and Humanities Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to celebrate the arts and the humanities in America. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9332 of September 29, 2015 National Energy Action Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As Americans, we have a profound obligation to our children and our grandchildren--to help them live better lives than we did, and to ensure the choices we make do not limit the range of their dreams. The key to realizing a future in which our young people are not held back by choices of the past lies in the promise of a clean, sustainable America. During National Energy Action Month, we rededicate ourselves to bolstering energy efficiency, investing in innovative clean power, and working together to preserve our planet for generations to come. My Administration remains committed to securing a stable, energy- independent future for our Nation--and while there is much work to be done, we have made significant advances in recent years. The United States is now the world's top producer of oil and natural gas, and we have set strict fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks, which are helping to wean us off our decades-old addiction to foreign oil. We are transitioning away from energy sources that contribute to climate change and threaten our health and safety--instead moving toward clean energy sources and ambitiously investing in alternatives like wind and solar. Taking our place as a major player in clean energy, we are harnessing over 3 times as much electricity from wind and 20 times as much from the sun as we did in 2008. We also remain dedicated to ensuring the safe and secure use of nuclear power, which generates over 60 percent of our carbon-free electricity. And we will continue working to improve our energy efficiency, double [[Page 164]] our energy productivity, and explore any and all ways of saving consumers money while reducing our total energy consumption. These efforts are vital to preserving our way of life and will help protect our environment and boost our Nation's economy. As the world's second-largest emitter, America must recognize the role we play in contributing to our planet's changing climate and do all we can to make our air cleaner and safer for our children to breathe. Through our historic announcement with China last November, the United States agreed to double the pace at which we cut our emissions, while China committed for the first time to limiting theirs. In addition, this past summer, as part of our Clean Power Plan, I announced the first set of nationwide standards aimed at reducing the carbon emitted from our country's existing power plants. This plan will aid in our fight against climate change while strengthening our economy and helping fulfill our moral obligation to leave our kids and grandkids with a stable planet. And we are leading by example in Washington: I signed an Executive Order earlier this year that aims to cut the Federal Government's greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent and increase its share of electricity consumption from renewable sources to 30 percent over the next 10 years. Last year, the global economy grew while global emissions remained flat for the first time ever, and we have seen that our goals of addressing energy challenges and driving economic progress are mutually compatible. In that spirit, I will keep fighting to build a more sustainable society for all people by investing in clean sources of energy--including wind, which could provide as much as 35 percent of our electricity and supply renewable power in all 50 States by 2050--as well as solar, which has added jobs 10 times faster than any other sector of our economy. Additionally, I recently committed to getting 20 percent of our country's energy from renewables--beyond hydroelectric power--by 2030. My Administration will continue supporting technology, including new and advanced nuclear technology, that moves us closer to a brighter energy future, advances energy efficiency, and develops cleaner fuels. Though we may never see the full realization of our ambition in our time, we can still have the satisfaction of knowing we did everything within our power to leave this world better than it was. During National Energy Action Month, let us recommit to forging the future that is within our capacity to reach by supporting clean, renewable, and independent means of energy production and by taking control of our own energy consumption. Everything we have is at stake--and we must fight for it. 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 October 2015 as National Energy Action Month. I call upon the citizens of the United States to recognize this month by working together to achieve greater energy security, a more robust economy, and a healthier environment for our children. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 165]] Proclamation 9333 of September 30, 2015 To Modify Duty-Free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences and for Other Purposes By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation 1. Pursuant to sections 501 and 503(a)(1)(B) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the ``1974 Act'') (19 U.S.C. 2461 and 2463(a)(1)(B)), the President may designate certain articles as eligible for preferential tariff treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) when imported from a least-developed beneficiary developing country if, after receiving the advice of the United States International Trade Commission (the ``Commission''), the President determines that such articles are not import-sensitive in the context of imports from least-developed beneficiary developing countries. 2. Pursuant to sections 501, 503(a)(1)(B), and 503(b)(5) of the 1974 Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2461, 2463(a)(1)(B), and 2463(b)(5)), and after receiving advice from the Commission in accordance with section 503(e) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(e)), I have determined to designate certain articles as eligible articles when imported from a least-developed beneficiary developing country. 3. Section 503(c)(2)(C) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(c)(2)(C)) provides that a country that is no longer treated as a beneficiary developing country with respect to an eligible article may be redesignated as a beneficiary developing country with respect to such article, subject to the considerations set forth in sections 501 and 502 of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2461 and 2462), if imports of such article from such country did not exceed the competitive need limitations in section 503(c)(2)(A) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(c)(2)(A)) during the preceding calendar year. 4. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(C) of the 1974 Act, and having taken into account the considerations set forth in sections 501 and 502 of the 1974 Act, I have determined to redesignate certain countries as beneficiary developing countries with respect to certain eligible articles that previously had been imported in quantities exceeding the competitive need limitations of section 503(c)(2)(A) of the 1974 Act. 5. Section 503(d)(4)(B)(ii) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(d)(4)(B)(ii)) provides that the President should revoke any waiver of the application of the competitive need limitations that has been in effect with respect to an article for 5 years or more if the beneficiary developing country has exported to the United States during the preceding calendar year an amount that exceeds the quantity set forth in section 503(d)(4)(B)(ii)(I) or section 503(d)(4)(B)(ii)(II) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(d)(4)(B)(ii)(I) and 19 U.S.C. 2463(d)(4)(B)(ii)(II)). 6. Pursuant to section 503(d)(4)(B)(ii) of the 1974 Act, I have determined that in 2014 certain beneficiary developing countries exported eligible articles for which a waiver has been in effect for 5 years or more in quantities exceeding the applicable limitation set forth in section 503(d)(4)(B)(ii)(I) or section 503(d)(4)(B)(ii)(II) of the 1974 Act, and I therefore revoke said waivers. [[Page 166]] 7. Section 503(c)(2)(F)(i) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(c)(2)(F)(i)) provides that the President may disregard the competitive need limitation provided in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(c)(2)(A)(i)(II)) with respect to any eligible article from any beneficiary developing country, if the aggregate appraised value of the imports of such article into the United States during the preceding calendar year does not exceed an amount set forth in section 503(c)(2)(F)(ii) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(c)(2)(F)(ii)). 8. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(F)(i) of the 1974 Act, I have determined that the competitive need limitation provided in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the 1974 Act should be disregarded with respect to certain eligible articles from certain beneficiary developing countries. 9. Section 503(d)(1) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(d)(1)) provides that the President may waive the application of the competitive need limitations in section 503(c)(2) of the 1974 Act with respect to any eligible article from any beneficiary developing country if certain conditions are met. 10. Pursuant to section 503(d)(1) of the 1974 Act, I have received the advice of the Commission on whether any industry in the United States is likely to be adversely affected by waivers of the competitive need limitations provided in section 503(c)(2) of the 1974 Act, and I have determined, based on that advice and on the considerations described in sections 501 and 502(c) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2461 and 2462(c)) and after giving great weight to the considerations in section 503(d)(2) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2463(d)(2)), that such waivers are in the national economic interest of the United States. Accordingly, I have determined that the competitive need limitations of section 503(c)(2) of the 1974 Act should be waived with respect to certain eligible articles from certain beneficiary developing countries. 11. Section 502(e) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2462(e)) provides that the President shall terminate the designation of a country as a beneficiary developing country if the President determines that such country has become a ``high income'' country as defined by the official statistics of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Termination is effective on January 1 of the second year following the year in which such determination is made. 12. Pursuant to section 502(e) of the 1974 Act, I have determined that Seychelles, Uruguay, and Venezuela have become ``high income'' countries. Accordingly, I am terminating the designation of these countries as beneficiary developing countries for purposes of the GSP, effective January 1, 2017, and I will so notify the Congress under section 502(f) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2462(f)). 13. Section 506A(a)(1) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2466a(a)(1)) authorizes the President to designate a country listed in section 107 of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) (19 U.S.C. 3706) as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country eligible for the benefits described in section 506A(b) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2466a(b)), if the President determines that the country meets the eligibility requirements set forth in section 104 of the AGOA (19 U.S.C. 3703) and the eligibility criteria set forth in section 502 of the 1974 Act, subject to the authority granted to the President under subsections (a), (d), and (e) of section 502 of the 1974 Act. [[Page 167]] 14. Pursuant to section 502(e) of the 1974 Act, I have determined that Seychelles has become a ``high income'' country and its designation as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country is no longer within the authority granted to the President under section 502 of the 1974 Act. Accordingly, pursuant to section 506A(a)(1) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2466a(a)(1)), I have determined that Seychelles is no longer eligible for benefits as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country for the purpose of section 506A of the 1974 Act, effective January 1, 2017. 15. Section 604 of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2483) authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) the substance of the relevant provisions of that Act, and of other Acts affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction. 16. The short form name of ``Macedonia, Former Yugoslav Republic of'' has been changed to ``Macedonia,'' and I have determined that general note 4(a) to the HTS should be modified to reflect this change. 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 of America, including but not limited to title V and section 604 of the 1974 Act, do proclaim that: (1) In order to designate certain articles as eligible articles only when imported from a least-developed beneficiary developing country for purposes of the GSP, the Rates of Duty 1-Special subcolumn for the corresponding HTS subheadings is modified as set forth in section A of Annex I to this proclamation. (2) In order to redesignate certain articles as eligible articles for purposes of the GSP, the Rates of Duty 1-Special subcolumn for the corresponding HTS subheadings and general note 4(d) to the HTS are modified as set forth in section B of Annex I to this proclamation. (3) In order to provide that one or more countries should no longer be treated as beneficiary developing countries with respect to one or more eligible articles for purposes of the GSP, the Rates of Duty 1-Special subcolumn for the corresponding HTS subheadings and general note 4(d) to the HTS are modified as set forth in section C of Annex I to this proclamation. (4) In order to reflect the change in the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, general note 4(a) to the HTS is modified as provided in section D of Annex I to this proclamation. (5) The modifications to the HTS set forth in Annex I to this proclamation shall be effective with respect to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the dates set forth in the relevant sections of Annex I. (6) The competitive need limitation provided in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the 1974 Act is disregarded with respect to the eligible articles in the HTS subheadings and to the beneficiary developing countries listed in Annex II to this proclamation, effective October 1, 2015. [[Page 168]] (7) A waiver of the application of section 503(c)(2) of the 1974 Act shall apply to the articles in the HTS subheadings and to the beneficiary developing countries set forth in Annex III to this proclamation, effective October 1, 2015. (8) The designation of Seychelles as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the GSP is terminated, effective on January 1, 2017. (9) In order to reflect this termination in the HTS, general note 4(a) to the HTS is modified by deleting ``Seychelles'' from the list of independent countries, effective with respect to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2017. (10) The designation of Seychelles as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country for purposes of the AGOA is terminated, effective on January 1, 2017. (11) In order to reflect this termination in the HTS, general note 16(a) to the HTS is modified by deleting ``Republic of Seychelles'' from the list of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, effective with respect to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2017. (12) The designation of Uruguay as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the GSP is terminated, effective on January 1, 2017. (13) In order to reflect this termination in the HTS, general note 4(a) to the HTS is modified by deleting ``Uruguay'' from the list of independent countries, effective with respect to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2017. (14) The designation of Venezuela as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the GSP is terminated, effective on January 1, 2017. (15) In order to reflect this termination in the HTS, general note 4(a) to the HTS is modified by deleting ``Venezuela'' from the list of independent countries, effective with respect to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2017. In addition, the Rates of Duty 1-Special subcolumn for the corresponding HTS subheadings and general note 4(d) to the HTS are modified as set forth in section E of Annex I to this proclamation, effective on such date. (16) Any provisions of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that are inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation are superseded to the extent of such inconsistency. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 169]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD05OC15.002 [[Page 170]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD05OC15.003 [[Page 171]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD05OC15.004 [[Page 172]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD05OC15.005 [[Page 173]] Proclamation 9334 of September 30, 2015 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Too often, precious lives are interrupted or cut short by cancer. Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers among American women, affects roughly 230,000 women as well as 2,300 men each year and is responsible for more than 40,000 deaths annually in the United States. Breast cancer does not discriminate--it strikes people of all races, ages, and income levels--and we must raise awareness of this disease and its symptoms so we can more easily identify it and more effectively treat it. This month, as we honor those whose lives were tragically cut short by breast cancer and as we stand with their families, let us arm ourselves with the best knowledge, tools, and resources available to fight this devastating disease. Regular screenings and quality care are vital to improving outcomes for millions of people, and we are making strides in improving treatment options. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most health insurers are now required to cover recommended preventive services--including mammograms--at no extra cost, and Americans cannot be denied health coverage due to a pre-existing condition, like breast cancer. Women and men can take precautionary action on their own by talking with their health care providers about what they can do to lower their individual risk factors and learning about what tests are right for them. For more information on breast cancer prevention, treatment of metastatic breast cancer, and the latest research, visit www.Cancer.gov/Breast. My Administration is committed to advancing research to better prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer in all its forms. Earlier this year, I announced a new initiative to invest in research that will enable clinicians to better tailor treatments to individual patients. This Precision Medicine Initiative aims to accelerate biomedical discoveries and revolutionize how we improve health and treat disease. By continuing to make breakthroughs in technology and medicine, our Nation's brightest minds are working tirelessly to combat breast cancer. Together, we must ensure all people can enjoy the extraordinary gift that is a long, happy, and healthy life. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us remember those cancer took from us too soon--and in tribute to them, their families, and our medical professionals, let us recommit to the promise of finding a cure. 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 October 2015 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and all other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent breast cancer. [[Page 174]] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9335 of September 30, 2015 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In our increasingly connected digital world, we have the power to innovate in unprecedented ways. With the advent of new and improved technologies, we must also keep pace with safeguarding our critical infrastructure networks that, although empowering, create previously unforeseen vulnerabilities. During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we recognize the importance of remaining vigilant against any and all cyber threats, while recommitting to ensuring our people can use new digital tools and resources fearlessly, skillfully, and responsibly. My Administration is working to keep our country's cyberspace safe and protected--both in the public and private sectors--and is dedicated to addressing this issue as a matter of not only public safety, but also economic and national security. Earlier this year, I signed an Executive Order to promote information sharing about cyber threats between Government and the private sector--because this is a shared mission, and all of us must work together to do what none of us can achieve alone. Additionally, as part of our comprehensive strategy, we continue to work with industry leaders to implement the Cybersecurity Framework my Administration launched last year, which promotes best practices to identify, mitigate, detect, respond to, protect against, and recover from cybersecurity incidents. And we continue to support security researchers and educators who are developing the skills, tools, and workforce required for a safer technology future. But these efforts will only go so far. It is the responsibility of every American to proactively defend our digital landscape. The Department of Homeland Security's ``Stop.Think.Connect.'' campaign is designed to inform our citizenry of the dangers posed by cyber threats and to provide the tools needed to confront them. I urge all Americans to take measures to decrease their susceptibility to malicious cyber activity, including by choosing stronger passwords, updating software, and practicing responsible online behavior. I also encourage everyone to visit www.DHS.gov/StopThinkConnect to learn more about how you can help strengthen America's cybersecurity. We now live in an era of the Internet--our children will never know a world without it. Our financial systems, our power grid, and our health systems run on it, and though widely helpful, this reliance reminds us of our need to remain aware, alert, and attentive on this new frontier. By working together to prevent and disrupt threats to our digital infrastructure, America can continue pioneering new discoveries and expanding the boundaries of humanity's reach. [[Page 175]] 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 October 2015 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of cybersecurity and to observe this month with activities, events, and training that will enhance our national security and resilience. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9336 of September 30, 2015 National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation A quarter century ago, our country took a major step toward fulfilling the fundamental American promises of equal access, equal opportunity, and equal respect for all when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was made the law of the land. While we have continued to make advancements that help uphold this basic belief, we must address the injustices that remain. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the ways individuals with disabilities strengthen our workforce, our communities, and our country, and we recommit to cultivating an America where all people are able to build vibrant futures for themselves and for their families. Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population, but are unemployed at a rate that is twice that of people without disabilities; and for women and minorities with disabilities, the rates are even higher. Despite all they contribute to our society, people with disabilities still face discrimination by employers, limited access to skills training, and, too often, unfairly low expectations. As a Nation, we must continue to promote inclusion in the workplace and to tear down the barriers that remain--in hearts, in minds, and in policies--to the security and prosperity that stable jobs provide and that all our people deserve. And we must actively foster a culture in which individuals are supported and accepted for who they are and in which it is okay to disclose one's disability without fear of discrimination. My Administration is working to make sure our country does not let the incredible talents of Americans with disabilities go to waste. We are working to strengthen protections against disability-based discrimination in the workplace and to expand employment possibilities for people with disabilities--and the Federal Government is leading by example. I have taken action to require agencies and Federal contractors to hire more people with disabilities--and thanks to these efforts, more Americans with disabilities are in Federal service than at any point in the last three decades. [[Page 176]] I will continue fighting to widen pathways to opportunity for individuals with disabilities and supporting employers in their efforts to increase disability inclusion. The White House hosted a Summit on Disability and Employment earlier this year to provide businesses, philanthropies, and advocates with information on Federal resources for hiring disabled individuals. Last year, I was proud to sign the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which encourages greater coordination across Federal, State, and local programs to expand access to high-quality workforce, education, and rehabilitation services. WIOA also helps youth with disabilities to receive extensive pre-employment transition services so they can find positions alongside people without disabilities and get paid above minimum wage. Additionally, last year I signed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which allows eligible people with disabilities to establish tax-free savings accounts. America is at its strongest when we harness the talents and celebrate the distinct gifts of all our people. This October, as we observe the 70th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let us pay tribute to all who fought for better laws, demanded better treatment, and overcame ignorance and indifference to make our Nation more perfect. In their honor, and for the betterment of generations of Americans to come, let us continue the work of removing obstacles to employment so every American has the chance to develop their skills and make their unique mark on the world we share. 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 October 2015 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to embrace the talents and skills that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces and communities and to promote the right to equal employment opportunity for all people. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9337 of September 30, 2015 National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Domestic violence impacts women, men, and children of every age, background, and belief. Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the United States have suffered severe physical violence by an intimate partner. Victims are deprived of their autonomy, liberty, and security, and face tremendous threats to their health and safety. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we reaffirm our dedication to forging an America where no one suffers the hurt and hardship that domestic violence causes--and [[Page 177]] we recommit to doing everything in our power to uphold the basic human right to be free from violence and abuse. While physical marks may often be the most obvious signs of the harm caused by domestic violence, the true extent of the pain goes much deeper. Victims not only face abuse, but often find themselves left with significant financial insecurity. And children who witness domestic violence often experience lifelong trauma. These heinous acts go against all we know to be humane and decent, and they insult our most fundamental ideals. We all have a responsibility to try to end this grave problem. Prior to the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), many did not view domestic violence as a serious offense, and victims often had nowhere to turn for support. VAWA significantly transformed our Nation-- it enhanced the criminal justice response to violence against women and expanded survivors' access to immediate assistance and long-term resources to rebuild their lives. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act is another important piece of legislation that improved our public health response to domestic violence and increased the availability of critical services for victims. My Administration has worked hard to build on the progress of the past several decades and improve domestic violence prevention and response efforts. We have extended protections and prevention measures to more victims, including in Native American and immigrant communities, and worked to break down barriers for more people seeking help. And the reauthorization of VAWA I signed in 2013 prohibits--for the first time-- discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity when providing services. Additionally, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most health plans must now cover preventive services, including screening and counseling for domestic violence, at no additional cost. My Administration has also sought to secure greater workplace protections by requiring Federal agencies to develop policies that address the effects of domestic violence and to provide assistance to employees experiencing it. And I recently signed an Executive Order to establish paid sick leave for Federal contractors, which enables them to use it for absences resulting from domestic violence. Though we have made great progress in bringing awareness to and providing protections against domestic violence, much work remains to be done. In that spirit, Vice President Joe Biden launched our 1is2many initiative, which aims to raise awareness of dating violence and reduce sexual assault among students, teens, and young adults. And earlier this year, we reaffirmed our Nation's commitment to addressing domestic violence at all stages of life by holding the White House Conference on Aging, which addressed elder abuse as a public health problem that affects millions of older Americans. These initiatives will help advance our efforts to ensure no person is robbed of the chance to live out their greatest aspirations. Safeguarding and opening doors of opportunity for every American will remain a driving focus for our country--and we know that crimes like domestic violence inhibit our Nation from reaching its fullest potential. This month, let us once again pledge our unwavering support to those in need and recognize the advocates, victim service providers, and organizations who work tirelessly to extend hope and healing to survivors and victims every day. I encourage all people in need of assistance to call the National [[Page 178]] Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.TheHotline.org. 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 October 2015 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to assist victims of these crimes in finding the help and healing they need. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9338 of September 30, 2015 National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every day, millions of American families, friends, teachers, and community organizations work to ensure children have access to the support and resources needed to help prevent substance abuse. As we mark National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, we come together to acknowledge the role every person can play in preventing substance abuse and recommit to fostering a culture where all our people can live up to their fullest potential. Community partners in all corners of our country work to foster positive, safe environments in our towns and cities, and my Administration is committed to bolstering these efforts. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, health plans offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace must include mental health and substance use disorder services. My Administration has also taken action to ensure that coverage for these services is comparable to coverage for medical and surgical benefits. Preventing substance abuse is a fundamental element of our National Drug Control Strategy and can only be accomplished by supporting parents, mentors, schools, and community members as they work to prevent substance abuse before it begins. Together, by promoting evidence-based prevention programs, we can provide individuals with the tools and information they need to make smart choices, avoid needless tragedy, and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Alcohol and drug use can stand in the way of academic achievement, jeopardize school safety, and limit a young person's possibilities. Additionally, thousands of Americans die each year from prescription drug overdose--and many can access these drugs in their own medicine cabinets at home. We must educate our children about the harms and risks associated with substance abuse. By talking with our sons and daughters early and often about the dangers of drug and alcohol use, we can help set them firmly on a path toward a brighter future. In the United States, no child's dreams should be out of reach because the necessary encouragement and care were not accessible. As a Nation, as [[Page 179]] community members, and as American citizens, we have an obligation to help cultivate a society free from substance abuse. This month, let us resolve to model a healthy lifestyle for those around us, talk openly with our youth about the dangers of drug and alcohol use, and reach for a future where opportunity knows no bounds. 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 October 2015 as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to engage in appropriate programs and activities to promote comprehensive substance abuse prevention efforts within their communities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9339 of September 30, 2015 National Youth Justice Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation All our Nation's children deserve the chance to fulfill their greatest potential, and nothing should limit the scope of their futures. But all too often, our juvenile and criminal justice systems weigh our young people down so heavily that they cannot reach their piece of the American dream. When that happens, America is deprived of immeasurable possibility. This month, we rededicate ourselves to preventing youth from entering the juvenile and criminal justice systems and recommit to building a country where all our daughters and sons can grow, flourish, and take our Nation to new and greater heights. Involvement in the justice system--even as a minor, and even if it does not result in a finding of guilt, delinquency, or conviction--can significantly impede a person's ability to pursue a higher education, obtain a loan, find employment, or secure quality housing. Many who become involved in the juvenile justice system have experienced foster care or grown up in environments where violence and drugs were pervasive and opportunities were absent. Some studies have found that many youth in juvenile justice facilities have had a mental or substance use disorder in their young lives. These children are our Nation's future-- yet most of them were afforded no margin of error after making a mistake. Each year, there are more than 1 million arrests of young people under the age of 18, and the vast majority of those arrests are for non- violent crimes. Estimates show that half of black males, 44 percent of Hispanic males, and nearly 40 percent of white males are arrested by age 23. Nearly 55,000 individuals under age 21 are being held in juvenile justice facilities across the United States--a disproportionate number of whom are young people of color, including tribal youth. The proportion of detained and incarcerated [[Page 180]] girls and young women, often victims of abuse, has also significantly increased over the past few decades. In addition to those serving time in juvenile justice facilities, on any given day, more than 5,000 youth under age 18 are serving time in adult prisons or local jails. Nine States prosecute all 17-year-olds as adults regardless of the crime committed, including two States that do the same for 16-year-olds; and all States have transfer laws that allow or require criminal prosecution of certain youth. This continues despite studies showing that youth prosecuted in adult courts are more likely to commit future crimes than similarly situated youth who are prosecuted for the same offenses in the juvenile system. To hold a young person in a State-operated facility can cost upwards of $100,000 per year per individual. That money could be better spent--with improved youth and public safety outcomes--by investing in our children in ways that help keep them out of the juvenile and criminal justice systems in the first place, or that prevent them from penetrating deeper into the system. As a Nation that draws on the talents and ambitions of all our people, we must remain focused on providing the institutional support necessary to stop our youth from being locked into a cycle from which they cannot recover or fully take their place as citizens. My Administration is committed to working with States, as well as tribal and local jurisdictions, to implement reforms that reduce recidivism and improve youth outcomes. Last year, the Department of Justice launched the Smart on Juvenile Justice initiative to advance system-wide reforms that improve outcomes, eliminate disparities, and save money while holding youth appropriately accountable. These efforts include emphasizing prevention, promoting cost-effective and community-based alternatives to confinement, and sustaining programs that provide job training and substance use disorder treatment and counseling to youth in juvenile facilities. The Departments of Education and Justice are leading efforts to revamp school discipline policies and support underfunded schools so that our education system serves as a pathway to opportunity, rather than a pipeline to prison. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice are working to build better diversion policies to screen and treat youth for substance abuse, trauma, and unmet mental, emotional, and behavioral needs. Last year, I launched My Brother's Keeper--an initiative to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure all young people can reach their inherent potential. As part of this initiative, we are focused on reducing rates of violence while improving outcomes for all our youth. I also launched the Generation Indigenous initiative, which seeks to improve the lives of Native youth through new investments and increased engagement so they can achieve their highest aspirations. America is a Nation of second chances, and justice means giving every young person a fair shot--regardless of what they look like or what zip code they were born into. The system we created to safeguard this fundamental ideal must do exactly that. During National Youth Justice Month, let us recommit to ensuring our justice system acts not as a means for perpetuating a cycle of hopelessness, but as a framework for uplifting our [[Page 181]] young people with a sense of purpose so they can contribute to America's success. 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 October 2015 as National Youth Justice Awareness Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by getting involved in community efforts to support our youth, and by participating in appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9340 of October 2, 2015 Fire Prevention Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Each year, fires leave tremendous hardship and devastation in their wake. They claim too many lives, destroy too many communities, and take too much of a toll on our economy--and many incidents can be avoided with simple preventive measures. During Fire Prevention Week, we pledge to take precautionary steps to stop fires before they start, and we honor the sacrifices made by our Nation's courageous first responders who risk their lives to beat back these threats. Whether residential or wild, fires can ignite anytime and anywhere and we can all play a role in preventing them. I urge all Americans to routinely test their smoke alarms, develop and practice fire evacuation plans at work and at home, and create family emergency communication plans in order to quickly locate loved ones in the event of any emergency. Additionally, I encourage everyone to act responsibly to prevent forest fires when outdoors, and to immediately report any signs of fire to their local fire department. More ways to avoid and respond to fires can be found at www.Ready.gov. My Administration remains committed to aiding in efforts to responsibly respond to fires wherever they occur. This year, we called on the Congress to fix the way we pay for wildfire costs so we can more appropriately invest our resources in forest restoration and resilience--making our land and infrastructure less vulnerable to fires in the first place. Each of us can do our part to practice fire safety and to support the dedicated volunteers and professionals who risk everything to protect our homes and communities. This week, let us pay tribute to the heroes who have lost their lives fighting fires, let us stand beside all who continue to serve in our firehouses, and let us rededicate ourselves to doing everything in our power to stop tragedies before they strike. [[Page 182]] 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 October 4 through October 10, 2015, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 4, 2015, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff at all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. I call on all Americans to participate in this observance with appropriate programs and activities and by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9341 of October 2, 2015 Child Health Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a Nation, we have a commitment to ensuring our daughters and sons live better lives than we did. They deserve every chance to reach for the brightest futures they can imagine, and with a solid foundation and a clean environment, they can grow up strong, healthy, and prepared to write the next great chapters in the American story. On Child Health Day, we recommit to helping our children make healthy life choices and to providing them with the resources to lead happy and productive lives. My Administration remains wholly committed to investing in the safety and well-being of our Nation's kids. First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative is bringing together community-based, faith-based, and private sector organizations, along with government at all levels, to provide quality, nutritious food to students, empower parents to make healthy choices, and encourage our youth to become more physically active. We are working at every level to combat bullying so students across our country can live and learn free from fear or intimidation. Under the Affordable Care Act, young people can now stay on their parents' health plans until age 26--a provision that has already helped millions of young Americans. And the law prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions, which has already brought greater peace of mind to the parents of up to 17 million children. Keeping our children healthy takes more than promoting good lifestyles today--it also rests on leaving them with a stable world to live in tomorrow. That is why my Administration is taking on the critical work of safeguarding our planet from the devastating effects of a changing climate by forging an America with cleaner air, cleaner water, and cleaner energy. We have taken ambitious steps to limit our Nation's carbon emissions, wean ourselves off of foreign energy sources, and preserve our planet for generations to come. With the potential for greater incidence of asthma attacks and infectious diseases that can impact growth and learning during critical [[Page 183]] formative years, we owe it to all who come after us to confront this imminent threat. We are also continuing to encourage Federal agencies to collaborate toward achieving these goals by identifying priority risks to the well-being of our young people and developing strategies to combat them. Our most profound obligation is to our Nation's most vulnerable citizens: our children. As we mark Child Health Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to that responsibility by supporting and modeling healthy, active lifestyles, by equipping our youth with the tools and resources they need to seize every opportunity, and by working to leave behind a sustainable planet so our children--and theirs--can know a future worthy of their limitless potential. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 18, 1928, as amended (36 U.S.C. 105), has called for the designation of the first Monday in October as Child Health Day and has requested that the President issue a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 5, 2015, as Child Health Day. I call upon families, educators, health professionals, faith-based and community organizations, and all levels of government to help ensure America's children are healthy. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9342 of October 2, 2015 Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Roseburg, Oregon By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a mark of respect for the victims of gun violence perpetrated on October 1, 2015, in Roseburg, Oregon, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, October 6, 2015. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 184]] Proclamation 9343 of October 5, 2015 German-American Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our history, German Americans have woven distinct threads into the fabric of our country. In extraordinary ways--by crossing the Atlantic, planting roots in communities across our country, and spurring shared advances--German Americans have proven our Nation's diversity makes our society ever stronger. On German-American Day, we celebrate the immeasurable ways their talents and ideas have helped shape the progress of our time. Since their earliest days on America's shores, the German people have striven to realize the fundamental promise that everyone deserves the chance to make of their lives what they will. Building up our society as architects and artists, inventors and engineers, they continue to push boundaries and bolster dreams in their communities and across our country. From their service in our Armed Forces to our classrooms, we see the strength and passion of German heritage integrated into the identity of our American family. The stories of German-American men and women also remind us of the important partnership between our two nations. In the 70 years since the end of World War II and the quarter century since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Americans and Germans have inspired each other and worked to address key challenges that affect the world we share. From combatting violent extremism and climate change to expanding economic and educational opportunity for women and girls, our common principles bind us together as inseparable allies. As we commemorate the strong friendship between our peoples, may we never forget our unique histories, and may we continue working together to reach for a more peaceful and prosperous future. 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 October 6, 2015, as German-American Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of German Americans and reflect on the many contributions they have made to our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 185]] Proclamation 9344 of October 8, 2015 Leif Erikson Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since our Nation's founding, we have been driven by strength in the face of uncertainty and by a bold spirit of adventure. These defining forces were reflected in the early discovery of our continent when Leif Erikson--a son of Iceland and grandson of Norway--and his team became the first Europeans known to land on North American shores. On Leif Erikson Day, we honor him as an important piece of our shared past with the Norwegian people, and we celebrate the perilous yet rewarding voyage he and his crew undertook one millennium ago. Leif Erikson's discovery marks the beginning of a meaningful friendship between Norway and the United States, and we have seen reflections of his team's journey throughout history. The courage that guided these pioneers to North America was also found in the voyage of six families who braved the unforeseen in 1825 as some of the first immigrants from Norway to the United States. Fleeing religious strife in their homeland in search of liberty's light, they sailed across the same ocean Erikson traversed more than eight centuries prior. And 190 years ago, these striving newcomers began to weave their unique threads into the fabric of America. Today, we pay tribute to those who embarked on these expeditions and recognize the role they played in shaping our legacy as a Nation of immigrants. We also reaffirm the ties that bind America and Norway and rededicate ourselves to our common goals of securing peace and prosperity around the world. On Leif Erikson Day, let us honor his spirit by celebrating our past while fearlessly reaching for the future he knew was possible. To honor Leif Erikson and celebrate our Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized the President of the United States to proclaim October 9 of each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2015, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-American heritage. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 186]] Proclamation 9345 of October 9, 2015 National School Lunch Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America's schools strive to empower students with the tools and learning opportunities they need to pursue a tomorrow of endless possibility. In addition to serving as critical foundations for an education, schools are often the only stable source of health and nutrition for many of our children. The National School Lunch Program does more than simply provide students with one of our most basic human needs--it gives them the strength to focus on reaching for their greatest aspirations, rather than worrying about where their next meal will come from. During National School Lunch Week, we rededicate ourselves to safeguarding our Nation's future by providing our children with the support and nourishment they need to maintain healthy lifestyles, and we thank the school administrators, educators, and cafeteria workers who, alongside devoted parents, caregivers, and guardians, work together to achieve this goal. By signing the National School Lunch Act in 1946, President Harry Truman recognized the tremendous role food security plays in the academic and overall success of America's youth. This groundbreaking legislation created the National School Lunch Program, which provides lunches-- either subsidized or at no cost--to millions of students in over 100,000 schools. At the heart of this program lies a commitment to uphold one of our country's core principles: that all children should have the chance to live up to their fullest potential and be bound by nothing more than the scope of their dreams. One in three children in our Nation is overweight or obese--and those rates are even higher in African-American, Hispanic, and Native American communities. Those who lack proper nutrition or do not lead an active lifestyle are far less likely to perform well in school and are more likely to experience health problems such as heart disease, cancer, asthma, and diabetes in the future. For many young people across America, particularly those from low-income communities, the meals their school provides are their most consistent source of food and nutrition. My Administration remains committed to inspiring students to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative has encouraged schools to provide nutritious food and help students make educated decisions about the food they eat each day. Because of these efforts, thousands of schools across America have answered the HealthierUS School Challenge with commonsense standards for the health, physical activity, and nutritional awareness of our country's students. And since I signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act into law in 2010, we have ensured healthy meals are available for millions of students--even after classes have finished for the year. By working to encourage students to eat right and make healthy choices today, we can help ensure these positive habits continue throughout their lives. Despite the progress we have made, more must be done to safeguard a bright and healthy future for our children and our Nation. Schools should [[Page 187]] foster an environment where young people acquire the knowledge and skills needed to make smart choices about what they eat, and healthy school meals should give children the fuel to work hard, grow, and succeed. During National School Lunch Week, I encourage everyone-- students, educators, and parents alike--to add more greens to their plates and increase the amount of physical activity in their daily routines. Even small steps, like going for a walk or choosing fruits and vegetables over salty snacks and sweets, help set a positive example and instill the healthy habits our Nation's children need. Together--as families, neighbors, and friends--we can turn these small steps into national action and make a transformative impact. The Congress, by joint resolution of October 9, 1962 (Public Law 87- 780), as amended, has designated the week beginning on the second Sunday in October each year as ``National School Lunch Week'' and has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 11 through October 17, 2015, as National School Lunch Week. I call upon all Americans to join the dedicated individuals who administer the National School Lunch Program in appropriate activities that support the health and well-being of our Nation's children. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9346 of October 9, 2015 International Day of the Girl, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America has long stood as a beacon of equality and liberty for all. Safeguarding our founding ideals means ensuring we all have the opportunity to contribute to our shared progress and forge brighter futures. On International Day of the Girl, we are reminded that without the presence and participation of women and girls in our classrooms, workplaces, and communities, our Nation can never realize its full potential. As we observe this day, let us renew our commitment to building a world where all feel valued, safe, and empowered to pursue a future of equal promise. In too many places, the stories of women and girls are not always told, and they are limited by laws and norms and subject to forces that lessen their range of possibility and the scope of their aspirations. The United States and our partners around the globe have made significant strides in advancing opportunities for women and girls and promoting full gender equality. My Administration remains dedicated to working with our international allies to protect the rights of all women and girls. We are working to expand [[Page 188]] access to quality education and are investing in programs to combat gender-based violence. Building on my challenge to the United Nations in September 2011, we established the Equal Futures Partnership, a multilateral effort that encourages countries to make commitments to women's political and economic empowerment. Right now, more than 62 million girls around the world--half of whom are adolescent--are not in school and are therefore more vulnerable to HIV/ AIDS, early or forced marriages, and violence. My Administration is responding with the utmost urgency, and that is why we launched the Let Girls Learn initiative, which brings together the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, the Peace Corps, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, as well as other agencies and programs, like the President's Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), to address the range of challenges preventing adolescent girls from attending and completing school, and from realizing their potential as adults. As we work to advance justice and equality abroad, we are also making it a priority to combat gender disparities here at home. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, health insurers are now prohibited from charging women higher premiums than men simply because they are female, helping to make quality, affordable health care accessible for all our people. We are attracting and supporting girls in careers and educational pursuits related to sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics-- helping to build a highly-skilled, competitive workforce that draws on the talents of all Americans to drive our country's greatest innovations. We are also supporting women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs through over 100 Women's Business Centers across our country, and we are continuing the fight to ensure all women are paid equally and fairly for their work. Women and girls cannot be fully free to pursue their highest potential until they are safe from hateful violence and assault. Twenty percent of American women have been sexually assaulted while in college. That is why, under the leadership of Vice President Joe Biden, we launched the 1is2many initiative to raise awareness of dating violence and sexual assault among young people. And we established the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, as well as ``It's On Us,'' a campaign designed to combat sexual assault on college campuses so every student in America is able to pursue an education free from the fear of intimidation or violence. This work must encompass all women and girls--regardless of who they are or what they look like. I am committed to lifting up the lives of women and girls of color, an intersectionality that is disproportionately represented in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, who are at greater risks of violence and are often more susceptible to becoming victim to commercial sex trafficking. We must continue to improve the odds for at-risk girls and ensure they are visible, valued, and have every opportunity to succeed. Our society must also value all who identify as female. Too many transgender women and girls face discrimination, violence, and abuse. My Administration will continue working to break down barriers that hold transgender girls back, including school bullying, youth homelessness, and health inequality--because America is a place where all our girls should be free to live honest and open lives. [[Page 189]] Every person deserves the opportunity to reach for his or her dreams, regardless of their sex or gender. This is an ideal that has carried our Nation forward for centuries, and we have an obligation to do everything in our power to address the injustices that remain throughout society. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where all girls are safe and empowered to pursue a future of limitless possibility. 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 October 11, 2015, as International Day of the Girl. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with programs, ceremonies, and activities that advance equality and opportunity for girls everywhere. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9347 of October 9, 2015 General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Today, our Nation honors the legacy of Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-born hero of the American Revolutionary War who gave his life to defend our country in its nascence. Drawn to fight by the basic premise that people have the right to determine their own destinies, he came here to help us shape ours. In the struggle for independence, he stood with the brave soldiers of the Continental Army and his sacrifices helped lay the foundation for the strong relationship between Poland and the United States today. Born into a family determined to see a free and sovereign Poland, Pulaski demonstrated his courage and leadership abilities from an early age. Drawing on his experiences, he recognized the same yearning for freedom on display across the Atlantic in the American Revolution. Upon moving to France, he met Benjamin Franklin--who recognized his potential and recommended him to General George Washington, and in 1777, he embarked on a journey to help the Colonies preserve the same ideals of liberty and self-determination he fought for in his homeland. While serving, Pulaski's zeal for the American cause impressed his fellow soldiers--including Washington, whose life he saved. He earned the rank of Brigadier General and an appointment to be ``Commander of the Horse.'' The cavalry unit he formed was in many ways reflective of our Nation today, comprised of volunteers of many backgrounds and beliefs and united in their faith in the unalienable rights of a free and independent society. Fearless until his death on October 11, 1779, Casimir Pulaski symbolizes an enduring American truth: that we owe our independence to brave [[Page 190]] men and women, spanning multiple generations, devoted to a cause greater than their own. On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we celebrate the ideals and rights for which Pulaski fought and gave his life. We also celebrate all Polish- Americans who proudly preserve their culture in towns and cities throughout our Nation, enriching our society and contributing to our shared success. On this day, let us recognize the strong and enduring relationship between Poland and the United States, and let us renew our commitment to realizing the shared vision of our democracies: forging a world that is free and at peace. 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 October 11, 2015, as General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans to commemorate this occasion with appropriate programs and activities paying tribute to Casimir Pulaski and honoring all those who defend the freedom of our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9348 of October 9, 2015 Columbus Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Over half a millennium ago, Christopher Columbus--an ambitious navigator native to Genoa, Italy--set sail for new horizons. Aboard the Ni[ntilde]a, the Pinta, and the Santa Mar[iacute]a, his expedition went west for a months-long journey. Though his first of four voyages across the Atlantic did not end at his desired destination of Asia, Columbus's adventure reflected the insatiable thirst for exploration that continues to drive us as a people. Columbus's legacy is embodied in the spirit of our Nation. Determined and curious, the young explorer persevered after having been doubted by many of his potential patrons. Once opportunity struck, when Ferdinand II and Isabella I agreed to sponsor his trip, he seized the moment and pursued what he knew to be possible. Columbus's arrival in the New World inspired many and allowed for generations of Italians to follow--people whose Italian-American heritage contributes in immeasurable ways to making our country what it is, and who continue to help strengthen the friendship between the United States and Italy. Though these early travels expanded the realm of European exploration, to many they also marked a time that forever changed the world for the indigenous peoples of North America. Previously unseen disease, devastation, and violence were introduced to their lives--and as we pay tribute to the ways in which Columbus pursued ambitious goals--we also recognize the [[Page 191]] suffering inflicted upon Native Americans and we recommit to strengthening tribal sovereignty and maintaining our strong ties. In the years since Columbus's time, the legacy of early explorers has carried on in the wide eyes of aspiring young dreamers and doers, eager to make their own journeys and to continue reaching for the unknown and unlocking new potential. In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic voyage 523 years ago, the Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as amended, has requested the President proclaim the second Monday of October of each year as ``Columbus Day.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 12, 2015, as Columbus Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse history and all who have contributed to shaping this Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9349 of October 14, 2015 Blind Americans Equality Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Blind and visually impaired individuals make extraordinary contributions to our Nation, and their achievements reflect an enduring belief at the heart of America's promise: that no person's potential should be limited by anything other than the scope of their dreams. On Blind Americans Equality Day, we recommit to making good on this promise by ensuring all our people, including those living with visual impairments or other print disabilities, have the tools and resources they need to realize their greatest aspirations. Twenty-five years ago, our country took a major step toward achieving this goal with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which mandates all places that comprise our shared life remain accessible to all people. And each day, in part thanks to this law, millions of legally blind and visually impaired Americans are better able to develop their skills and contribute to communities across our country. My Administration remains committed to ensuring ours is a Nation where the blind community has every chance to fully realize their incredible talents. Earlier this year, we hosted the White House Summit on Disability and Employment, which provided businesses, organizations, and advocates [[Page 192]] with information and Federal resources for hiring individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we have prioritized improving the accessibility of Federal Government Web sites for people with disabilities. We also continue to support the inclusion of Braille in our Nation's schools--because no child should be prevented from reaching their fullest potential due to blindness or vision impairment. And across all levels of government, we are working to expand access to high-quality workforce, education, and rehabilitation services for Americans with disabilities. Blind and visually impaired people are valued members of our communities, and from lecture halls to laboratories and sports stadiums to conference rooms, they drive meaningful progress and help build a stronger, more vibrant Nation. On Blind Americans Equality Day, we rededicate ourselves to building a society where everyone has an equal shot at the American dream and can benefit from all our country has to offer. By joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 (Public Law 88-628, as amended), the Congress designated October 15 of each year as ``White Cane Safety Day'' to recognize the contributions of Americans who are blind or have low vision. Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to being a Nation where all our people, including those with disabilities, have every opportunity to achieve their dreams. 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 October 15, 2015, as Blind Americans Equality Day. I call upon public officials, business and community leaders, educators, librarians, and Americans across the country to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9350 of October 15, 2015 Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America is at its best when all our people have the tools and resources they need to pursue their dreams and meet their full potential. Entrepreneurs help spur innovation and prosperity, and ensuring that minority-owned businesses remain strong and vibrant is vital to driving our Nation's progress. During Minority Enterprise Development Week, we recognize the crucial role they play in our economy, and we recommit to upholding one of our founding ideals: that all people--regardless of what they look like or where they come from--can reach for their piece of the American dream and contribute to our country's success. [[Page 193]] Minority-owned firms comprise over one-fifth of our Nation's businesses and add $1 trillion in output to our economy each year. My Administration is committed to supporting these engines of growth, which is why we have cut taxes 18 times for America's small businesses--of which roughly 15 percent are minority-owned. Many minority enterprises also depend on exports as an important source of revenue, and I am pursuing a trade agenda that will allow our businesses to be at the center of today's global economy--further enabling them to expand their horizons while strengthening our middle class. And in an effort to equip the business community with the most relevant information needed to navigate bureaucracy, we launched www.Business.USA.gov, where firms can find services to help them hire more people and grow their enterprise. For over two centuries, America has advanced thanks to the grit and inherent ingenuity of our people. Throughout Minority Enterprise Development Week, let us rededicate ourselves to continuing this legacy by empowering all our citizens to utilize their unique talents and abilities and by working to ensure our minority-owned enterprises have every chance to flourish and succeed. 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 October 18 through October 24, 2015, as Minority Enterprise Development Week. I call upon all Americans to celebrate this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to recognize the many contributions of our Nation's minority enterprises. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9351 of October 16, 2015 National Character Counts Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since our Nation's founding, generations of people of goodwill have contributed to the basic notion that America succeeds when we look out for one another and lend a hand to building a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. As we celebrate National Character Counts Week, we draw inspiration from those who paved the way for greater tolerance and empathy among all people, recognize the efforts and abilities of those around us, and work to carry forward our common principles and instill them in the hearts and minds of future generations. In every corner of our country and the globe, we see ordinary people whose desire to make a difference reflects the best of our innate human character. They are the brave men and women in uniform who serve and sacrifice to protect the freedoms we hold dear, and the educators and mentors who [[Page 194]] tirelessly strive to lift up the lives of those who look up to them. They are parents and coaches and neighbors and colleagues, and in every community they are combatting cynicism and working to realize a better tomorrow for strangers and friends alike. Whether they are the first responders who keep us safe or simply good-hearted citizens, these individuals exemplify our shared values and stand for a powerful fundamental truth: Our society is what we make of it, and each of us--no matter who we are or where we come from--can make meaningful change in the lives of others. This week, as we hold true to the ideals that bind us together, let us remind our children of their important role in charting our journey forward and empower them with strength and conviction to pursue progress with hope and compassion. If they are able to draw on the inherent qualities of our Nation's character--our commitment to each other, our courage and optimism in the face of challenges, and our determination to make the world we share a better place--I am confident they will continue serving as stewards of kindness and charity and contributing to a fairer, more generous, more peaceful America. 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 October 18 through October 24, 2015, as National Character Counts Week. I call upon public officials, educators, parents, students, and all Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9352 of October 16, 2015 National Forest Products Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America's forests have defined the landscapes of our country's natural beauty for centuries, and protecting them is imperative to preserving our world for future generations. In addition to providing renewable energy, wildlife habitat, soil health, local foods, and water, they purify the air we breathe and support an industry that employs more than one million Americans. Each day, we use a wide range of forest products--from the wood in our homes to the paper we write on to the packaging that protects our food, medicine, and other goods we rely on. During National Forest Products Week, we recognize the ways in which our Nation's forests contribute to our livelihood and recommit to ensuring their health and stability for centuries to come. [[Page 195]] Forests today are at risk due to increasingly extreme wildfires, droughts, severe outbreaks of insects and disease, and climate change. My Administration is committed to sustaining their health and resiliency and to increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration. By collaborating with States, local governments, tribes, industry, private land owners, and other partners, we are working to ensure our forests stay strong and the trails that wind throughout remain intact for all to enjoy. As part of our effort to address climate change, we launched the Climate Action Plan, which recognizes that forests are critical to our effort to address carbon pollution and that we must conserve and restore our forests to protect biodiversity, water resources, and our livelihoods. Additionally, through our America's Great Outdoors Initiative, we are enabling individuals and communities in every corner of our country to take up the cause of safeguarding these natural wonders. The natural resources and materials provided by forests are essential to our way of life. From timber to biofuels, forests can provide sustainable sources of important goods, and America will continue to benefit from their strength and vitality. Healthy forests lead to a strong economy, a clean environment, and a sustainable future for all our people. During National Forest Products Week, let us rededicate ourselves to preserving them and pledge to always remember the irreplaceable role they play in our lives. To recognize the importance of products from our forests, the Congress, by Public Law 86-753 (36 U.S.C. 123), as amended, has designated the week beginning on the third Sunday in October of each year as ``National Forest Products Week'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 18 through October 24, 2015, as National Forest Products Week. I call on the people of the United States to join me in recognizing the dedicated individuals who are responsible for the stewardship of our forests and for the preservation, management, and use of these precious natural resources for the benefit of the American people. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9353 of October 22, 2015 United Nations Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Seventy years after a world ravaged by war and injustice came together to chart the course for a future defined by common ideals, we reflect on the progress made and the work that remains to fully realize the vision set out in the United Nations Charter. Across our increasingly interconnected [[Page 196]] globe, the principles embodied in that founding document--and in the international system built over decades--are more essential than ever. As we celebrate the central role the United Nations plays in resolving conflict, providing humanitarian assistance, and spurring sustainable development, we reaffirm our commitment to pursuing a more just and peaceful world for generations to come. Since the end of World War II, the United Nations has provided a forum for all countries to come together around the same rules and norms to help advance development and security; bolster ties between member states; and conquer disease, hunger, and poverty. During this time, we have seen great advances in health and education, the emergence of a global economy connecting every region of the globe through groundbreaking developments in commerce and technology, and the rise of more democratic governments. Even as we recognize the significance of the progress that has been made, we know that grave challenges to our common security and principles risk pulling us back to a more disordered world. In meeting those threats, we must summon the spirit of unity and cooperation at the heart of the United Nations Charter--signed in 1945 by 51 countries--and rededicate ourselves in support of the United Nations. Inherent in the idea of the United Nations is the notion that the peoples of the world are bound by more than geography--that we all belong to a community that is capable of working together to protect our security, our environment, and our health; that is committed to ensuring the dignity and rights of people around the world are safeguarded; and that is dedicated to preserving the cultural and natural treasures of the earth. As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, let us resolve to forge a future of greater peace and cooperation. With enduring effort and dedication to make real the ideals that guide us, continued progress can remain within our reach. 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 October 24, 2015, as United Nations Day. I urge the Governors of the 50 States, and the officials of all other areas under the flag of the United States, to observe United Nations Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 197]] Proclamation 9354 of October 28, 2015 National Adoption Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation All young people deserve a safe place to live, and with each passing year, more children know the warmth and comfort of a loving family thanks to adoptive parents. People who adopt do so for a variety of reasons, but they are united in the kindness and devotion they show toward children--the people who need it most. During National Adoption Month, we recognize the selflessness of adoptive families, and we thank them for opening their hearts and their doors to young people in need of a safe, stable place to call home. More than 400,000 children are in foster care across America today, and over 100,000 of these children are waiting for an adoptive home. Last year, over 23,000 youth aged out of the foster care system without having found their forever families. When people adopt, they open up a world of promise and possibility by providing a steady, supportive environment for youth to live in. November 21 marks National Adoption Day, when we unite as families, advocates, and communities--and as a country--to raise awareness of the barriers to adoption and recommit ourselves to moving more of our young people into permanent homes. My Administration is dedicated to supporting adoptive parents and making it easier for families to adopt. Earlier this year, I implemented new Federal Government leave policies aimed at expanding workplace flexibility and helping employees who are balancing the needs of their family, including the birth or adoption of a child, with the demands of their job. I was proud to permanently extend the Adoption Tax Credit, which helps provide necessary financial support to adoptive families to ease the economic burden of the adoption process. And last summer, the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act went into effect--a law I signed to enforce our high legal standards for adoption service providers and to protect parents and children of adoptive families around the world. Families across our country won a victory earlier this year when the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution guarantees marriage equality-- affirming the notion that LGBT couples deserve to be treated equally. This ruling was a victory for same-sex couples who have fought for equality and for children whose parents' marriages will now be recognized as legitimate throughout America. And because of the ruling, more kids in foster care will now have the chance to be welcomed into a loving and supportive family to call their own. As we come together to give thanks and show our appreciation for the professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the adoption process runs smoothly and efficiently, we celebrate the stories of those who have been permanently and positively affected by adoption. During National Adoption Month, let us embrace the unique place adoptive families have in America, and let us extend our fullest gratitude to all those who have welcomed home a child in need. [[Page 198]] 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 November 2015 as National Adoption Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month by answering the call to find a permanent and caring family for every child in need and by supporting the families who care for them. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9355 of October 28, 2015 National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Each year, people with Alzheimer's disease experience devastating physical and emotional challenges, as the abilities to remember, learn, and think worsen over time--and their loved ones face challenges right alongside them. Although Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, it is often misunderstood, and misperceptions about the disease can isolate and stigmatize people with dementia and their families. This month, and every month, we stand with the more than 5 million people in the United States who live with Alzheimer's and with the caregivers who help them age with dignity. The Federal Government is the leading funder of Alzheimer's research, and together with the scientific community, patient advocates, and advocacy groups, we are supporting a broad portfolio of research as part of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease--which maps concrete goals toward the prevention and effective treatment of Alzheimer's by 2025. With the expansion and innovation of research initiatives, we are gaining new insight on how to delay, treat, and prevent this disease. We are also continuing to make investments in the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, which will advance our understanding of the most intricate aspects of the human mind to address diseases that affect the brain. And earlier this year, I announced a new Precision Medicine Initiative, an effort aimed at bringing us closer to a cure for diseases like Alzheimer's by accelerating biomedical discoveries and providing clinicians with new tools, knowledge, and therapies to select treatments that will work best for individual patients. [[Page 199]] As some of the brightest minds in our Nation and across the world work toward finding a cure for Alzheimer's, we must also focus time and resources on finding better ways to support the family caregivers who selflessly give of themselves each day. Caregivers around America show incredible devotion to those they look after, and caring for a person with Alzheimer's can have profound effects on one's emotional, financial, and physical well-being. As they work to promote the health of others, their dedication and compassion remind us that we are all our brothers' and sisters' keepers, and we must show the same level of support for caregivers as they show their loved ones with dementia. To learn more about what the Federal Government is doing to support research and programs for families and caregivers, visit www.Alzheimers.gov. This November, let us focus our Nation's attention on the challenges posed by Alzheimer's disease, which families across America courageously face every day. As we continue our work to eliminate Alzheimer's disease and forge a future free from it, let us lift up the lives of those living with it, and let us do all we can to honor those it has taken from us too soon. 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 November 2015 as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and support the individuals living with this disease and their caregivers. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9356 of October 28, 2015 National College Application Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation was built on the idea that no matter where you come from or what you look like, you can make it if you try. Expanding access to affordable higher education is key to safeguarding this ideal. A college degree is the surest ticket to the middle class, and broadening paths to education so more people have the chance to earn post-secondary degrees and credentials is the best way to make sure all our people can contribute to writing our country's next great chapters. During National College Application Month, we pledge our support for those across America who are taking steps toward earning a degree, and we continue our work to ensure all Americans can access the tools and resources necessary to make informed decisions about college. My Administration has made it a priority to equip aspiring college students and their families with data on college costs, value, and admissions so they [[Page 200]] can make choices that are right for their futures and their budgets. Earlier this year, we redesigned the Department of Education's College Scorecard, which can be found at CollegeScorecard.ed.gov, with input from those who use it most--students, families, and advisers. It can now be used to compare schools' affordability, graduation rates, post- college salaries, and employment outcomes for former students. We also launched the Better Make Room campaign, which supports First Lady Michelle Obama's Reach Higher initiative and gives students a platform to share their goals, progress, and stories to lift each other up and inspire one another to continue pursuing an education. And across our country, organizations are partnering with government to ensure first- generation college students and students in low-income communities have the resources and support to go to school and tap into their incredible potential. Our effort to expand access to higher education includes making community college more affordable. Community colleges are essential pathways to the middle class for millions of people: They work for veterans transitioning back into civilian life, families who need flexible schedules due to work or childcare, and people who are seeking to hone new skills and are not able to go back to school for 4 years. That is why I announced a plan earlier this year to make 2 years of community college free for anyone willing to work for it--because in the United States of America, a quality education should not be a privilege that is reserved for a few, but a right for everybody who strives for it. Getting a higher education has never been more important, but it has also never been more expensive, and my Administration has been working to streamline the process for obtaining Federal financial aid. Next year, students and families will be able to apply for aid earlier, beginning on October 1, and use tax data from their most recent return rather than waiting to finalize applications until the following year's tax season. Additionally, we have made it easier to complete the FAFSA-- the standard form used when applying for aid from the Federal Government--and we have created a new tax credit of up to $2,500 for working families to pay for things like textbooks and tuition. To make loans more manageable for students and families, we increased Pell Grant funding, capped loan repayments at 10 percent of a borrower's income, and enacted a commonsense plan to keep interest rates on student loans at reasonable levels. All together, these actions could help hundreds of thousands of students pay for college. For resources and more information about the steps we are taking to expand access to the opportunities a higher education provides, visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/ ReachHigher. At such a critical time in people's lives, we owe it to them to make sure they have the necessary resources and information to confidently make the important decisions that come with applying to college. This month, let us strive to expand access to quality higher education for all people and to make real our Nation's promise of opportunity. Together, we can once again secure our status as the country with the highest proportion of college graduates in the world, and we can forge a future where dreams know no bounds. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and [[Page 201]] the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2015 as National College Application Month. I call upon public officials, educators, parents, students, and all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs designed to encourage students to make plans for and apply to college. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9357 of October 29, 2015 Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation's critical infrastructure is central to our security and essential to our economy. Technology, energy, and information systems play a pivotal role in our lives today, and people continue to rely on the physical structures that surround us. From roadways and tunnels, to power grids and energy systems, to cybersecurity networks and other digital landscapes, it is crucial that we stay prepared to confront any threats to America's infrastructure. During Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, we rededicate ourselves to safeguarding our infrastructure by staying attentive, alert, and ready to respond to any threats toward our homeland and our assets. Ensuring our country has a secure and stable infrastructure is essential to our national security efforts. Our systems and networks extend beyond the scope of government. Many are owned by private industry, and my Administration is committed to partnering with private entities, as well as State and local governments, to secure our critical infrastructure. Earlier this year, we convened some of America's top infrastructure planning experts at the White House to highlight and advance important work to improve our Nation's resilience. We also continue to collaborate with stakeholders to mitigate risks and confront threats as part of the National Infrastructure Protection Plan. Additionally, to support the Build America Investment Initiative--a Federal effort to assist communities in constructing better and more efficient infrastructure projects--we released a Federal Resource Guide for Infrastructure Planning and Design. This guide informs communities about relevant Federal resources and noteworthy case studies, and it outlines updated principles to guide infrastructure projects. By some estimates, we are currently underinvesting in our infrastructure by hundreds of billions of dollars each year. I have called on the Congress to pass a bipartisan infrastructure plan to create jobs and make America stronger. Not only is it a threat to our national security, but failing to maintain and strengthen our infrastructure also jeopardizes our economic growth and closes doors of opportunity for all our citizens. Our people and our businesses require an advanced infrastructure--modern ports, stronger [[Page 202]] bridges, faster trains, a modern grid, and high-speed Internet--and I am committed to efforts to build one. No challenge demands modern infrastructure more than combatting climate change--the gravest threat to future generations, particularly to communities and populations with strained resources. Drawing on current efforts, my Administration is reinforcing our infrastructure projects and making them more clean, sustainable, efficient, and resilient. Together with States, local governments, and tribal communities, we are planning new roads, transit lines, and other methods of transportation and power generation that bolster our country's resilience in the face of climate change. We have more power at our fingertips than ever before to communicate, collaborate, and make transactions each day across the world we share. This month, let us remind ourselves of the value of our infrastructure, while recognizing the challenges of protecting it. Together, we can safeguard the advances we have made as a people by securing our critical infrastructure and remaining vigilant in the face of any and all threats, both here at home and around the globe. 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 November 2015 as Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of protecting our Nation's infrastructure and to observe this month with appropriate events and training to enhance our national security and resilience. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9358 of October 29, 2015 Military Family Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since our country's founding, brave members of our military have stood strong as one American team, ready to defend our homeland and safeguard the values for which we stand. They represent the best our Nation has to offer, and serving alongside them are proud and loving family members-- heroes on the home front. Each day, they make sacrifices for their loved ones and their country. They have answered their call of duty, and as a Nation, we must answer ours and serve them as well as they have served us. During Military Family Month, we pay tribute to and thank our military families for their service to our country, and we recognize the extraordinary ways in which they give of themselves for us all. Our troops keep our Nation safe from threats here at home and around the world, and our journey forward is not sustained by those in uniform alone. [[Page 203]] The United States is stronger and safer thanks to the millions of military family members who, in sacrificing cherished moments with their loved ones, selflessly afford us precious time with ours. Demonstrating the highest form of patriotism and persevering in the most demanding of circumstances, some endure hard separations throughout multiple deployments. Spouses press pause on their careers or strive to balance work and family while their loved ones are away. The two million children of service members work hard to keep up their studies and make new friends, despite transferring school systems an average of 6 to 9 times. And following the homecoming ceremonies and celebrations, family and friends stand beside our veterans, encouraging and uplifting them as they face the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life. My Administration is committed to translating our Nation's gratitude into sustainable, meaningful support. This year, we continued the work of providing our military families with tools and resources such as relocation assistance, child care, and counseling services that help families while their loved ones are serving. Additionally, through the Joining Forces initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden have made tremendous strides in connecting military spouses with employment opportunities. Since Joining Forces was launched in 2011, over 850,000 veterans and military spouses have secured gainful employment thanks to the initiative. All 50 States have now responded to the First Lady and Dr. Biden's call to action to take steps to streamline ways for service members and veterans to obtain civilian credentials and licensure in their States. These collaborative efforts have dramatically lowered veteran unemployment and have helped inspire military families to continue pursuing their dreams and reaching for their highest aspirations. America endures because of the men, women, and families who serve and sacrifice to defend our Nation and protect the ideals we hold dear. This month, and in the months to come, let us show our enduring gratitude to military families and their loved ones in uniform for contributing to our Nation's legacy as a beacon of hope and liberty. Their courage serves as a model of character and distinction, and their devotion to our country must be met with the recognition it deserves. 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 November 2015 as Military Family Month. I encourage all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in support of our service members and our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 204]] Proclamation 9359 of October 29, 2015 National Entrepreneurship Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since our Nation's founding, our progress has been fueled by an inherent sense of purpose and ingenuity in our people. Americans have more opportunities now than ever before to carry forward this legacy--to create something, to raise capital in creative ways, and to pursue aspirations. During National Entrepreneurship Month, we revisit our roots as a country of dreamers and doers, and we celebrate and support the next generation of American entrepreneurs. Bold ideas demand bold progress, and my Administration is committed to ensuring ours is a country that encourages and supports those willing to take risks and pioneer innovation. The Affordable Care Act is opening doors of opportunity for America's aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to find affordable health insurance through the marketplace and providing them the flexibility they need to steer their own journey forward. To further provide economic security for those seeking to start a business or market their invention, I have signed 18 tax cuts for small businesses since taking office. I also remain committed to net neutrality, because we do not want to lose the Internet's potential to empower innovative startups and unleash the breakthroughs of tomorrow. In keeping with our goal of fostering economic growth through private- sector collaboration, the Federal Government is accelerating the movement of new technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace, increasing access to research awards for small businesses, making more data open to the public, and catalyzing new industry partnerships in critical fields such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy. And earlier this year, I signed an Executive Order to make the Presidential Innovation Fellows program a permanent component of the Federal Government. This program will bring entrepreneurs, executives, technologists, and other innovators to Washington and help reinvigorate how our Government serves our citizenry. My Administration is also continuing to expand access to capital, connect mentors, cut red tape, and accelerate innovation through the Startup America initiative. This summer, we hosted the first-ever White House Demo Day, where startup founders of many backgrounds and from many corners of our country came together to showcase their innovations and where we announced major new commitments from investors, companies, universities, and cities to promote inclusive entrepreneurship. And because we understand that jobs in technology that go unfilled are missed opportunities for American workers to find better, higher-earning jobs and for businesses to recruit the talent needed to start and expand in the United States, we launched TechHire. This initiative works with communities and employers on innovative training and placement programs to connect trained workers with entrepreneurial opportunities and well- paying jobs. As we work to secure America's status as the best place on the planet to generate [[Page 205]] sweeping innovation, we must continue to make it easier for startup hotbeds to emerge across our Nation and for those underrepresented in entrepreneurship to contribute their individual ideas and talents to our collective success. Fostering a spirit of innovation is important not just for entrepreneurs in the United States, but for consumers and people hoping to start their own businesses around the world. Entrepreneurship builds stronger and more secure communities, empowering people of every gender, race, and background. That is why, this summer, we hosted the 6th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Kenya, a gathering that brought attention to the extraordinary potential and dynamism of Africa, and where we expanded our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs--including young people and women. To spur greater economic growth and set higher standards for trade and investment across the globe, we continue to work toward ensuring the success of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade pact that opens doors to new markets for American entrepreneurs and allows them to compete in more economies. I have also taken action to fix our Nation's broken immigration system, including measures to encourage more immigrant entrepreneurs to come to America, create jobs, contribute to our economy, and use their talents to help drive our country's progress. The White House Task Force on New Americans is working to highlight the contributions of immigrants and refugees who start a business, and because immigrants are more likely than non-immigrants to start a business, the Task Force is engaging communities to provide these new American entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow and expand their enterprises. Ensuring our economy works better for everyone means enabling all our people to make of their lives what they will. By supporting entrepreneurs, we can help ensure our daughters and sons are able to do whatever they set out to accomplish and achieve their highest aspirations. As we celebrate National Entrepreneurship Month and Global Entrepreneurship Week, let us recommit to upholding our founding promise: that no matter who you are or where you come from, with talent, hard work, and dedication, you can make it if you try. 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 November 2015 as National Entrepreneurship Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 17, 2015, as National Entrepreneurs' Day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 206]] Proclamation 9360 of October 30, 2015 National Diabetes Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Approximately 1 out of every 11 Americans lives with diabetes. The seventh leading cause of death in the United States, diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to critical health issues such as heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure, and can sometimes require amputations of lower limbs. During National Diabetes Month, we recognize the impact diabetes has on people's lives, and we rededicate our talents, skills, and knowledge to preventing, treating, and curing it. Type 1 diabetes often develops in youth and is a result of the body not producing enough insulin. Insulin treatment and keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible can help people manage this disease. Type 2 diabetes--the most common form--affects people of all ages, though most frequently it is diagnosed in adults. However, type 2 diabetes has become increasingly prevalent among young people, largely due to increasing obesity rates. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as are people who are overweight and those who do not participate in regular physical activity. Taking diabetes medications as prescribed, getting plenty of regular exercise, eating healthily, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels can help manage type 2 diabetes. Some people may experience higher than normal glucose levels, though not at levels high enough to be called diabetes. Roughly 86 million Americans have this condition, known as prediabetes--and for these individuals the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be mitigated with exercise, healthy eating, and weight loss. Gestational diabetes is another form of the disease, which can develop when a woman is pregnant. Women with a history of gestational diabetes are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. More information on diabetes, as well as actions people can take to prevent, treat, and manage it, can be found at www.NDEP.NIH.gov. My Administration remains committed to supporting people living with diabetes and to finding a cure for all types of the disease. The Affordable Care Act now requires coverage of preventive services--such as diabetes screenings for those who have high blood pressure or are pregnant--at no additional cost. The law also ensures that individuals are not denied health coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Additionally, earlier this year I launched the Precision Medicine Initiative, an effort aimed at bringing us closer to a cure for diseases like diabetes by accelerating biomedical discoveries and providing clinicians with new tools and knowledge to select which treatments will work best for individual patients. In addition, through a comprehensive and sustained effort, the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative is working to put kids on a path to a healthier future by ensuring every family has access to healthy, affordable food, and by helping kids maintain an active lifestyle. [[Page 207]] During National Diabetes Month, let us honor those we have lost to diabetes by pledging our full support for those currently living with it, and let us reinvigorate our resolve to find a cure. Together, by drawing on the inherent ingenuity and innovation of our people, we can advance the cause of treating this disease and safeguard the gift of a long, happy, and healthy life for all of America's daughters and sons. 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 November 2015 as National Diabetes Month. I call upon all Americans, school systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, health care providers, research institutions, and other interested groups to join in activities that raise diabetes awareness and help prevent, treat, and manage the disease. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9361 of October 30, 2015 National Family Caregivers Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Day in and day out, selfless and loving Americans provide care and support to family members and friends in need. They are parents, spouses, children, siblings, relatives, and neighbors who uphold their unwavering commitment to ensure the lives of their loved ones shine bright with health, safety, and dignity. During National Family Caregivers Month, we rededicate ourselves to making sure our selfless caregivers have the support they need to maintain their own well-being and that of those they love. One of the best measures of a country is how it treats its older citizens and people living with disabilities, and my Administration is dedicated to lifting up their lives and ensuring those who care for them get the support and recognition they deserve. Earlier this year, older Americans and caregivers, as well as their advocates, came together at the White House Conference on Aging, which provided an opportunity to discuss ways to identify and advance actions to improve quality of life for our Nation's elderly. Through the Affordable Care Act, we are providing more options to help older Americans remain in their homes as they age, and the law is giving caregivers the peace of mind of having access to quality, affordable health insurance. Additionally, I will keep pushing to make paid family leave available for every American, regardless of where they work--because no one should have to sacrifice a paycheck to care for a loved one. When our men and women in uniform come home with wounds of war--seen or unseen--it is our solemn responsibility to ensure they get the benefits and attentive care they have earned and deserve. Caregivers in every corner of our country uphold this sacred promise with incredible devotion [[Page 208]] to their loved ones, and my Administration is committed to supporting them. We have extended military caregiver leave to family members of eligible veterans dealing with serious illness or injury for up to 5 years after their service has ended, and we remain dedicated to providing greater flexibility for our military families and for the members of our Armed Forces as they return home and handle the transition to civilian life. For centuries, we have been driven by the belief that we all have certain obligations to one another. Every day, caregivers across our country answer this call and lift up the lives of loved ones who need additional support. During National Family Caregivers Month, let us honor their contributions and pledge to continue working toward a future where all caregivers know the same support and understanding they show for those they look after. 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 November 2015 as National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to pay tribute to those who provide for the health and well-being of their family members, friends, and neighbors. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9362 of October 30, 2015 National Native American Heritage Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation American Indians and Alaska Natives enrich every aspect of our country. As the first to live on this land, Native Americans and their traditions and values inspired--and continue to inspire--the ideals of self- governance and determination that are the framework of our Nation. This month, we recognize the contributions made by Native Americans since long before our founding, and we resolve to continue the work of strengthening government-to-government ties with tribal nations and expanding possibility for all. Native Americans have helped make America what it is today. As we reflect on our history, we must acknowledge the unfortunate chapters of violence, discrimination, and deprivation that went on for far too long, as well as the effects of injustices that continue to be felt. While we cannot undo the pain and tragedy of the past, we can set out together to forge a brighter future of progress and hope across Indian Country and the entire American landscape. Since I took office, I have worked with tribal leaders to write a new chapter in our nation-to-nation relationship. Ensuring young people have every opportunity to succeed is a critical aspect of our work together, and this year [[Page 209]] my Administration hosted the inaugural White House Tribal Youth Gathering following the launch of Generation Indigenous--an initiative aimed at improving the lives of Native youth and empowering the next generation of Native leaders. We will also host the seventh White House Tribal Nations Conference later this year, bringing together leaders of 567 tribes to explore opportunities for progress, with a particular focus on young people. As part of our agenda for providing Native youth the chance to realize their fullest potential, I have engaged tribal communities in a range of critical areas, and we have worked together to boost high school graduation rates and afford young people more chances to pursue higher education, employment, and professional development opportunities. We're also working to expand access to health and counseling services essential to ensuring youth feel safe and heard. My Administration has continued to partner with tribes to address vital gaps in resources for Indian Country, including equipping communities with broadband, rebuilding infrastructure, spurring economic growth, and increasing renewable energy. To confront the peril of a changing climate, we are also working with tribal leaders across America to develop effective approaches to protecting our communities from this grave threat. And because we know that fostering pride in the languages, traditions, and practices that make up the extraordinary richness of Native American culture is central to our shared progress, my Administration remains committed to ensuring every community feels connected to the extraordinary legacies they are a part of. This month, let us reaffirm our responsibility to ensure each generation is defined by a greater sense of opportunity than the last, and let us pledge to maintain our strong relationship with tribal nations across America. By keeping this commitment, and by endeavoring to shape a future in which every citizen has the chance to build a life worthy of their hopes and dreams, we can ensure that ours is a country that is true to our spirit and to our enduring promise as a land where all things are possible for all people. 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 November 2015 as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 27, 2015, as Native American Heritage Day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 210]] Proclamation 9363 of October 30, 2015 National Apprenticeship Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation At the heart of our Nation's promise lies a simple truth: If you work hard you can get ahead, earn a decent-paying job, and secure a brighter future for yourself and your family. To make this promise real, our economy has to work for everyone, and that begins with providing all our people with the tools and resources they need to utilize their unique talents to contribute to our country's success. Apprenticeships offer this opportunity, and over 430,000 Americans participate in these programs today. During National Apprenticeship Week, we recognize the ways apprenticeships foster innovation and prosperity, and we recommit to encouraging and supporting those who offer and partake in them. Without the skills to get new, higher-wage jobs, and without the knowledge to adapt to new machinery, systems, technology, and techniques, the American worker could fall behind. Apprenticeships help people upgrade their skills and keep pace with the demands of the 21st century. Today, in part thanks to strong cooperation between labor and management, 87 percent of apprentices find employment after completing their program, and their average starting wage is above $50,000. And over the course of their lifetimes, workers who complete an apprenticeship on the job may earn hundreds of thousands of dollars more than their peers who do not. According to multiple studies, the payout is good for employers, too--they see significant returns in the form of increased productivity, reduced waste, and greater innovation. Across America, employers, educators, labor leaders, and elected officials are joining together to encourage and support apprenticeships. Businesses are preparing workers for jobs in advanced manufacturing, information technology, health care, and other industries, while unions are helping their members secure new and more gainful employment. Hundreds of our Nation's colleges are awarding credit toward a degree for completing an apprenticeship program. And State and local governments in every corner of our country have been working to help America succeed by investing in programs to train our workers for the jobs of tomorrow. At the Federal level, my Administration is committed to enabling hardworking people to earn and learn at the same time by supporting job- driven training initiatives like apprenticeships. Today, 55,000 more apprenticeship positions are available than there were at the start of 2014. To build on this progress, we awarded $175 million in grants to 46 apprenticeship programs around America. This investment will provide training opportunities for 34,000 new apprentices over the next 5 years, ensure apprenticeships are available to diverse and historically underrepresented populations, and provide a framework for apprenticeship opportunities to grow. Earlier this year, we hosted the White House Summit on ApprenticeshipUSA, bringing together over 140 employers, labor and education organizations, community-based groups, and others to recognize their commitment and to generate the best ideas on how to expand these programs. Additionally, I urged the Congress to create a $2 billion Apprenticeship Training Fund to double [[Page 211]] the number of apprentices in America, and I have called on businesses to offer more educational benefits and paid apprenticeships to their employees regardless of their level of education. Our country thrives when all our citizens play a role in driving it forward. If we create good jobs and help workers get the skills they need to succeed in those jobs, we can restore the link between hard work and growing opportunity for every American. During National Apprenticeship Week, let us support and encourage apprenticeship programs that will help rebuild our middle class, and let us rededicate ourselves to educating more of our people, retraining our workforce, and renewing our Nation's promise to put the American dream within the reach of the determined. 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 November 1 through November 7, 2015, as National Apprenticeship Week. I urge the Congress, State and local governments, educational institutions, industry and labor leaders, and all Americans to support apprenticeship programs in the United States and to raise awareness of their contributions to our country. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9364 of November 5, 2015 Veterans Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The United States military is the strongest, most capable fighting force the world has ever known. The brave men and women of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard demonstrate a resolute spirit and unmatched selflessness, and their service reminds us there are few things more American than giving of ourselves to make a difference in the lives of others. On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have worn America's uniform and the families who stand alongside them. Our true strength as a Nation is measured by how we take care of our veterans when they return home, and my Administration is committed to ensuring our heroes and their loved ones have every chance to share in the promise they risked their lives to defend. We have made it easier for veterans to convert their military skills to the civilian workforce, enabled more veterans and their family members to attain Federal education benefits, and expanded access to timely, quality health care for all veterans. Just as every veteran deserves the support and benefits they have earned, those who have given everything to defend our homeland deserve a place of their own to call home. To uphold this ideal, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill [[Page 212]] Biden's Joining Forces initiative has forged partnerships with local leaders across America to uphold the dignity of every veteran and work to end veterans' homelessness. No one who fights for our country should have to fight for the care they deserve. Earlier this year, I was proud to sign the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which fills critical gaps in mental health care by raising awareness and taking steps to improve access to care for those suffering from the invisible wounds of war. Our veterans left everything they knew and loved and served with exemplary dedication and courage so we could all know a safer America and a more just world. They have been tested in ways the rest of us may never fully understand, and it is our duty to fulfill our sacred obligation to our veterans and their families. On Veterans Day, and every day, let us show them the extraordinary gratitude they so rightly deserve, and let us recommit to pledging our full support for them in all they do. With respect for, and in recognition of, the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2015, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9365 of November 6, 2015 World Freedom Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Twenty-six years ago, after nearly three decades of separating family and friends, the Berlin Wall crumbled under the force of popular will-- reuniting Germans from East and West and providing hope to all who believed in the power of a people yearning to be free. The fall of the Iron Curtain liberated a continent from the grip of corrupt dictatorships, and its demise marked a victory for democratic rule over forces that had for too long sealed out the fresh air of freedom. On this day, we honor those who braved extreme hardship in pursuit of progress and reunification, and we reaffirm our support for the citizens of the world who still face obstacles to a better, brighter, and more just future. [[Page 213]] In standing with all those behind the Curtain who felt the urgency of the time and who sought a democracy of their own, the United States recognized our own past: A common struggle for individual rights, security, and human dignity. During a stirring defense of these ideals, it was an American President who famously pledged solidarity with Berliners, and another who issued a bold call to tear down what stood between Germany and the blessings of liberty. As we celebrate our friendship with the German people today, we reflect on our history and look to the future with a shared notion of optimism and opportunity. Through their victory, the people of Berlin inspired the world. Their resolve reminds us that though the scourge of oppression endures, it can never outlast the spirit of a people determined to live free. On this day, let us carry forward the call that echoes through the ages--``Ich bin ein Berliner''--by supporting those who still struggle against tyranny and intolerance, and who continue to seek the everlasting light of liberty. 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 November 9, 2015, as World Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, reaffirming our dedication to freedom and democracy. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9366 of November 13, 2015 American Education Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Education has the power to put aspirations within reach and help make real the promise of opportunity that defines America. That promise begins with making sure all who work hard have an equal shot. By supporting our students, educators, and schools, we can ensure the wellbeing of our Nation, earn back our status as having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world, and safeguard our legacy as a participatory and informed democracy. During American Education Week, we reaffirm our dedication to providing the finest tools, resources, and opportunities to our Nation's students and we recommit to making America a place where individuals are limited by nothing but the scope of their dreams. In an increasingly competitive and interconnected global economy, nothing is more important than preparing rising generations for success from their earliest days of school. My Administration has made early childhood education a priority and we are working to expand access to high-quality preschool--one of the smartest investments we can make--and to improve the quality of child care in America. We have also offered critical incentives [[Page 214]] to States for boosting teaching and learning standards, expanded broadband and wireless connectivity in classrooms, and partnered with States and local communities to help close the school readiness gap in efforts to ensure all children's prospects are equal on their very first day in the classroom. I have also pushed to redesign American high schools to make them more innovative and responsive to student needs and more focused on extending science, technology, engineering, and math opportunities to our Nation's youth. And this year, my Administration announced new principles for assessing student learning, taking up less classroom time while still giving educators and parents the timely, actionable information they need to know children are learning. Every American willing to work hard deserves a chance to pursue a higher education--no matter where they come from, what they look like, or what their circumstances are. That is why I have put forward a plan to make 2 years of community college as free and universal as high school is today. In addition, we have increased Pell Grant funding, expanded income-driven repayment options, and capped student loan repayments at 10 percent of a borrower's income while keeping interest rates low. To help more students obtain Federal financial aid and enroll in schools that are right for them, we have streamlined the FAFSA application process and released a new College Scorecard, which provides the most reliable national data on school costs, graduation rates, student loan debt, and post-college earnings. And just as our students require proper material support, they also need the support of those who guide their educational journeys--from preschool through high school and beyond. America's teachers and school communities make extraordinary sacrifices to cultivate a new generation of dreamers and change-makers, and as they do the important work of nurturing our Nation's students day in and day out, we must do our part to support them and ensure they have the tools and resources needed to perform their jobs effectively. We have a responsibility to ensure every child has a pathway to success, and when we invest in the education and the future of our children and grandchildren, we place our bets on an America where dreams know no bounds. This week, let us pledge our support for our Nation's students by reaffirming the ideals that nobody should be priced out of an education, and everyone should have the chance to use their talents and abilities to contribute to our country's success. 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 November 15 through November 21, 2015, as American Education Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by supporting their local schools and educators through appropriate activities, events, and programs designed to help create opportunities for every school and student in America. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 215]] Proclamation 9367 of November 13, 2015 Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The discovery of antibiotics marked an important medical moment in history, and for decades, antibiotics have served as crucial components of our fight against bacterial infectious diseases. Saving millions of lives around the world each year, antibiotics provide an effective method for treating patients and help us combat many diseases that were at one time considered fatal. However, their overuse and misuse has created bacteria with increased levels of antibiotic resistance, posing significant challenges to countering infectious disease. We must preserve the life-saving power of antibiotics so they will work when most needed for serious infections and for generations to come. This week, we recommit to raising awareness of antibiotic-resistant bacteria--a serious public health, economic, and national security threat--and we pledge to use antibiotics safely and responsibly. Every year, more than 2 million people in the United States are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and over 23,000 people die as a direct result of these infections. The use of antibiotics is the biggest contributing factor to antibiotic resistance, and up to half of all antibiotics prescribed for humans are not needed or are not administered as effectively as possible. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics continue to obstruct our fight against bacterial drug resistance, leading to a loss of the efficacy of existing antibiotics. And to fully address antibiotic resistance, we must recognize that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are more connected than ever before. My Administration is committed to preventing infections and improving the ways in which antibiotics are prescribed and used--an effort that could save tens of thousands of lives in the next few years alone. Last year, I signed an Executive Order to implement measures aimed at detecting, preventing, and controlling illnesses caused by antibiotic- resistant infections here at home and across the globe. This action will help stem the emergence and proliferation of bacteria resistant to antibiotics and ensure the continued availability of effective treatments for bacterial infections. This Order also directed the development of a Government-wide, 5-year National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, which is designed to accelerate actions to address urgent and serious drug-resistant threats that can affect all people. The plan enhances our efforts to slow the spread of resistant bacterial infections, strengthens our work to combat resistance, advances the ways we identify and characterize resistant bacteria, supports the research and development of new diagnostic tests and treatments, and bolsters collaboration with international partners to create a coordinated system for international surveillance. To build on this comprehensive effort, we convened a White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship earlier this year, bringing together health, business, academic, and agricultural leaders to promote the responsible use of antibiotics in humans and animals. By ensuring antibiotics are used carefully and only when [[Page 216]] needed, we can help safeguard the health of our people and people around the world. The United States has the ability to lead a new era in health care. Antibiotic stewardship in science and medicine requires working with global partners, and it demands that we provide the tools and resources necessary for individuals to use antibiotics safely and effectively. Throughout this week, let us rededicate our attention toward the effects of the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, and let us reaffirm our support for those striving to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 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 November 16 through November 22, 2015, as Get Smart About Antibiotics Week. I call upon the scientific community, medical professionals, educators, businesses, industry leaders, and all Americans to observe this week by promoting the responsible use of antibiotics and raising awareness of the dangers inherent to their misuse and overuse. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9368 of November 13, 2015 America Recycles Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every American has a role to play in preserving our planet for future generations. Being good stewards of our environment and protecting our natural resources are imperative tasks for ensuring our children and grandchildren live in a clean and sustainable world, and recycling is a pivotal way each of us can do our part. Today, we acknowledge the importance of reusing materials and reducing consumption, and we recognize that a recycling bin may often be a better alternative to a garbage can. Each year, as much energy is saved recycling and composting as is consumed by 10 million American households. Over one-third of everything we throw away is recycled or composted, but many items that could be recycled end up in landfills instead. Recycling paper, plastic, glass, batteries, and other reusable items can have tremendous effects on the land we live on, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. It also helps reduce waste, conserve our natural resources, generate well-paying jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries, and lessen the amount of harmful emissions that contribute to climate change. Recycling is one way all people can join in the effort of maintaining a sustainable society. Reusing goods and reducing consumption, in addition to donating old or unwanted materials, can have significant impacts on the [[Page 217]] earth, as well. Individuals and families can help by recycling at home, setting up their own compost piles, choosing to purchase products made from recycled resources, and learning of the many products that can be recycled. Businesses can work to reduce their overall waste and establish recycling programs. And States and local governments can do their part to make recycling easier for consumers by taking simple steps like standardizing the color of recycling bins in public places and effectively communicating recycling policies to residents. Communities across America must continue promoting activities that encourage people to recycle and to conserve so we do not take for granted today the world our children will inherit tomorrow. We owe it to them to leave behind a stable, secure planet, and that begins with preserving the natural blessings of our Nation. On this day, let us work to fulfill our obligation to our next generation by safeguarding our resources and working with our friends, family, and neighbors to protect the world we share. 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 November 15, 2015, as America Recycles Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities, and I encourage all Americans to continue their reducing, reusing, and recycling efforts throughout the year. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9369 of November 15, 2015 Honoring the Victims of the Attack in Paris, France By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The American people stand with the people of France. Friday's terror attacks were not just an attack on Paris; they were an attack on all humanity and the universal values we share, including the bonds of libert[eacute], [eacute]galit[eacute], and fraternit[eacute]. These values will endure far beyond any terrorists or their hateful vision. The United States and our allies do not give in to fear, nor will we be divided, nor will anyone change our way of life. We will do whatever it takes, working with nations and peoples around the world, to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice, and to go after terrorists who threaten our people. As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on November 13, 2015, in Paris, France, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all [[Page 218]] naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, November 19, 2015. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9370 of November 19, 2015 National Child's Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our greatest obligation is to our daughters and sons. With unbound imagination and limitless dreams, today's young Americans will carry forward our country's legacy and shape the contours of the 21st century and beyond. On National Child's Day, we reaffirm our support for them in all they do, and we uphold our commitment to enabling them with the tools and resources necessary to write the next great chapter of our Nation's story. All young people deserve to lead safe, healthy lives, and my Administration is working to ensure their well-being. The Affordable Care Act now requires that basic pediatric services, including oral and vision care for children, be covered under all new Health Insurance Marketplace plans. The law also prohibits insurers from excluding coverage of children due to preexisting health conditions and it allows kids to stay on their parents' health care plan until the age of 26. Ensuring the health of our children is vital to their growth and development, which is why First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative is partnering with States, local communities, schools, and the private sector to reduce childhood obesity by promoting healthy foods and encouraging physical activity. We must also continue working to ensure our neighborhoods and classrooms are free from violence and intimidation and instead filled with chances to grow, dream, and discover. I remain committed to equipping law enforcement officials with the training and resources necessary to keep our children safe while working to foster effective relationships between them and the young citizens they serve. And because climate change poses the gravest threat to future generations, we have made combating it a top national priority. We have doubled the pace at which we cut our emissions, set aside more public lands and waters than any Administration in history, and worked to wean ourselves off of our addiction to foreign oil. Our children must have every opportunity to pursue their greatest aspirations--regardless of their background, their circumstances, or what zip code they were born into. That is why I remain committed to expanding access to high-quality early education for our youngest learners, preparing [[Page 219]] them for school and for life. Additionally, my Administration has outlined a plan to strengthen and expand our Nation's child care subsidy system to help every working family with young children obtain access to affordable, quality care for their kids--because child care is not just a side issue, it is a national economic priority that provides critical early learning support for students. We have also proposed a new tax cut of up to $3,000 per child, per year to help middle-class families offset the costs of child care. We are also making it easier for young people to attend institutions of higher learning, and we have taken steps to ensure they have access to more reliable Federal financial assistance as they pursue their degree. Today, let us rededicate ourselves to upholding the ideal that with hard work and dedication, America's children can make of their lives what they will. By supporting our youth and encouraging them to never give up on their dreams, we can forge a brighter future for them, their children and grandchildren, and all future generations. 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 November 20, 2015, as National Child's Day. I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate activities, programs, and ceremonies, and to rededicate ourselves to creating the bright future we want for our Nation's children. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9371 of November 20, 2015 National Family Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Across the range of diverse experiences and traditions that have been written into our Nation's story, family has remained a steadfast and common foundation. Every day, families offer comfort and support to one another with enduring and unconditional love and they contribute to their communities and our country. During National Family Week, we uplift and honor the families that give so much to forge a brighter future for themselves and for America. All families deserve every opportunity to thrive, and the Affordable Care Act has given millions of American families the peace of mind that comes with health insurance. My Administration is dedicated to helping working families feel more secure in a constantly changing economy, and I have pushed to make paid family leave available for all, so that new parents can spend time with their newborns and still support their families. And because too many hardworking people are still forced to choose between a paycheck and caring for a sick child or an elderly relative at home, I have taken action to help States enact paid leave and paid sick leave laws of [[Page 220]] their own. Additionally, I continue to call on the Congress to pass the Healthy Families Act, which would allow working women and men to earn up to one week of paid sick leave per year--precious time that could be used to care for themselves and their families. Raising the minimum wage is one of the best ways to give a well-earned boost to working families. Benefiting employees, businesses, and our whole economy, raising the wage will help Americans from all walks of life breathe easier knowing they can pay their bills and provide for their loved ones at the same time. Moreover, to secure the promise of happy and healthy golden years for our Nation's seniors, we will continue working to provide more Americans with access to strong and flexible retirement plans that are stable and affordable. And because we have a sacred obligation to the men and women who give so much to defend our country and our freedom, my Administration has taken action to improve mental health care and education services for veterans, service members, and their families. Joining Forces, an initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, is also working to support our selfless military families by connecting them with the resources and services they deserve. It is the responsibility of all Americans to build a country future generations will be proud of and inspired by. This week, let us reflect on and applaud the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our families. As we reminisce on warm memories and share in the joy and love family can provide, let us also pledge to lift up our loved ones and recommit to the family bonds that have strengthened the fabric of our Nation. 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 November 22 through November 28, 2015, as National Family Week. I invite all States, communities, and individuals to join in observing this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor our Nation's families. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9372 of November 20, 2015 Thanksgiving Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Rooted in a story of generosity and partnership, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity for us to express our gratitude for the gifts we have and to show our appreciation for all we hold dear. Today, as we give of ourselves in service to others and spend cherished time with family and friends, we give thanks for the many blessings bestowed upon us. We also honor the men and women in uniform who fight to safeguard our country and our freedoms so we can share occasions like this with loved ones, and we [[Page 221]] thank our selfless military families who stand beside and support them each and every day. Our modern celebration of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early 17th century. Upon arriving in Plymouth, at the culmination of months of testing travel that resulted in death and disease, the Pilgrims continued to face great challenges. An indigenous people, the Wampanoag, helped them adjust to their new home, teaching them critical survival techniques and important crop cultivation methods. After securing a bountiful harvest, the settlers and Wampanoag joined in fellowship for a shared dinner to celebrate powerful traditions that are still observed at Thanksgiving today: lifting one another up, enjoying time with those around us, and appreciating all that we have. Carrying us through trial and triumph, this sense of decency and compassion has defined our Nation. President George Washington proclaimed the first Thanksgiving in our country's nascence, calling on the citizens of our fledgling democracy to place their faith in ``the providence of Almighty God,'' and to be thankful for what is bequeathed to us. In the midst of bitter division at a critical juncture for America, President Abraham Lincoln acknowledged the plight of the most vulnerable, declaring a ``day of thanksgiving,'' on which all citizens would ``commend to [God's] tender care'' those most affected by the violence of the time--widows, orphans, mourners, and sufferers of the Civil War. A tradition of giving continues to inspire this holiday, and at shelters and food centers, on battlefields and city streets, and through generous donations and silent prayers, the inherent selflessness and common goodness of the American people endures. In the same spirit of togetherness and thanksgiving that inspired the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, we pay tribute to people of every background and belief who contribute in their own unique ways to our country's story. Each of us brings our own traditions, cultures, and recipes to this quintessential American holiday--whether around dinner tables, in soup kitchens, or at home cheering on our favorite sports teams--but we are all united in appreciation of the bounty of our Nation. Let us express our gratitude by welcoming others to our celebrations and recognize those who volunteer today to ensure a dinner is possible for those who might have gone without. Together, we can secure our founding ideals as the birthright of all future generations of Americans. 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 November 26, 2015, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage the people of the United States to join together--whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place of fellowship for friends and neighbors--and give thanks for all we have received in the past year, express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and share our bounty with others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 222]] Proclamation 9373 of November 30, 2015 National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation No person should suffer the tragedy of losing someone as a result of drunk, drugged, or distracted driving, but for far too long the danger of impaired driving has robbed people of the comfort of knowing that when they or a loved one leaves home they will return safely. Impaired driving puts drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk, and each year it claims the lives of thousands of Americans. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit to preventing these incidents by acting responsibly and by promoting responsible behavior in those around us. Together, we can enhance public safety and work to ensure a happy, healthy life for all our people. During the holidays--a season that includes a spike in travel and celebrations that may include alcohol--and throughout the year, we must remain vigilant and aware of drivers that are distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drunk drivers kill more than 10,000 people annually, and about one-third of traffic deaths in the United States involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. Driving under the influence of drugs, an increasingly common occurrence, carries the same risks as drunk driving and is just as avoidable. And driving distracted, including while using a cell phone, can lead to tragic outcomes that are also preventable. Every American can play a role in reducing the frequency of these incidents by speaking out and warning others of the dangers associated with impaired driving, taking away the keys of would-be drivers they know to be intoxicated, and reminding drivers they are riding with to stay focused on the road and to limit distractions. It is also critical for drivers and passengers alike to wear seatbelts regardless of how far they are traveling. Across our Nation, State and local law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to prevent and respond to impaired driving. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, occurring from December 16, 2015, through January 1, 2016, seeks to raise awareness of the dangers associated with drunk and drugged driving and aims to prevent as many of these tragedies from occurring as possible. At the Federal level, my Administration remains committed to doing our part. This year, we released an updated National Drug Control Strategy, which aims to reduce drugged driving by encouraging States to enact drugged driving laws and improve efforts to identify these impaired drivers. We also continue to support the efforts of the tireless advocates working to stop drunk driving, and we will keep pushing to equip law enforcement with the tools needed to end and prevent incidents of impaired driving. For more information, visit www.Distraction.gov, www.NHTSA.gov/DriveSober, and www.WhiteHouse.gov/ ONDCP/DruggedDriving. As we gather with friends and loved ones this month, I encourage all Americans to enjoy their time together responsibly. It is important to the health and safety of us all to plan ahead by designating a non- drinking driver, staying in place if impaired, and arranging for alternative means of [[Page 223]] transportation. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, let us pledge to always drive sober and alert and to avoid distractions behind the wheel. Together, we can help ensure all our people are able to enjoy the holiday spirit and make memories with those they care about while safeguarding the well-being of everyone on the road. 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 December 2015 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. I urge all Americans to make responsible decisions and take appropriate measures to prevent impaired driving. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9374 of November 30, 2015 World AIDS Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation More than three decades ago, the first known cases of HIV/AIDS sparked an epidemic in the United States--ushering in a time defined by how little we knew about it and in which those affected by it faced fear and stigmatization. We have made extraordinary progress in the fight against HIV since that time, but much work remains to be done. On World AIDS Day, we remember those who we have lost to HIV/AIDS, celebrate the triumphs earned through the efforts of scores of advocates and providers, pledge our support for those at risk for or living with HIV, and rededicate our talents and efforts to achieving our goal of an AIDS- free generation. Today, more people are receiving life-saving treatment for HIV than ever before, and millions of HIV infections have been prevented. Still, more than 36 million people around the world live with HIV--including nearly 3 million children. My Administration is committed to ending the spread of HIV and improving the lives of all who live with it. In the United States, the Affordable Care Act has allowed more people to access coverage for preventive services like HIV testing, and new health plans are now required to offer HIV screening with no cost sharing. Insurance companies can no longer discriminate against individuals living with HIV/AIDS or any other pre-existing condition. Additionally, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Ryan White CARE Act, which established the Ryan White Program--a program that helps provide needed care to the most vulnerable individuals and touches over half of all people living with HIV in America. To further our fight to end the HIV epidemic, my Administration released our country's first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy in 2010. The Strategy provided a clear framework for changing the way we talk about HIV, and it offered a critical roadmap that prioritizes our Nation's response [[Page 224]] to this epidemic and organizes the ways we deliver HIV services. Earlier this year, I signed an Executive Order to update the Strategy through 2020, focusing on expanding HIV testing and care, widening support for those living with HIV to stay in comprehensive care, promoting universal viral suppression among individuals infected with HIV, and increasing access to preventive measures, including pre-exposure prophylaxis for people at substantial risk of acquiring HIV. Additionally, the primary aims of the Strategy include reducing HIV- related disparities and health inequities, because HIV still affects specific populations disproportionately across our country. Certain individuals--including gay and bisexual men, Black women and men, Latinos and Latinas, people who inject drugs, transgender women, young people, and people in the Southern United States--are at greater risk for HIV, and we must target our efforts to reduce HIV-related health disparities and focus increased attention on highly vulnerable populations. My most recent Federal budget proposal includes more than $31 billion in funding for HIV/AIDS treatment, care, prevention, and research. We are also making great progress toward achieving a greater viral suppression rate among those diagnosed with HIV, and in the last 5 years, we have made critical funding increases to ensure more Americans have access to life-saving treatment. We cannot achieve an AIDS-free generation without addressing the pervasive presence of HIV throughout the world, which is why our Nation is committed to achieving the goals laid out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to reach more people living with HIV, promote global health, and end the AIDS epidemic. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has helped save lives across the globe and has made significant impacts on the number of new HIV infections by strengthening international partnerships and expanding essential services for preventing and treating HIV. This year, I announced new targets for PEPFAR that aim to provide almost 13 million people with life-saving treatment by the end of 2017. The United States is also committing resources to support PEPFAR's work to achieve a 40 percent decrease in HIV incidence among young women and girls in the most vulnerable areas of sub-Saharan Africa. This is a shared responsibility, and America will remain a leader in the effort to end HIV/AIDS while continuing to work with the international community to address this challenge and secure a healthier future for all people. Working with private industry, faith communities, philanthropic organizations, the scientific and medical communities, networks of people living with HIV and affected populations, and governments worldwide, we can accomplish our goals of reducing new HIV infections, increasing access to care, improving health outcomes for patients, reducing HIV-related disparities, and building a cohesive, coordinated response to HIV. On this day, let us pay tribute to those whom HIV/AIDS took from us too soon, and let us recognize those who continue to fight for a world free from AIDS. Let us also recognize researchers, providers, and advocates, who work each day on behalf of people living with HIV, and in honor of the precious lives we have lost to HIV. Together, we can forge a future in which no person--here in America or anywhere in our world--knows the pain or stigma caused by HIV/AIDS. [[Page 225]] 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 December 1, 2015, as World AIDS Day. I urge the Governors of the States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and to provide support and compassion to those living with HIV. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9375 of December 2, 2015 Helsinki Human Rights Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Four decades ago, the leaders of the United States, Canada, the Soviet Union, and countries from across a divided Europe came together to sign the Helsinki Final Act--a document reflecting the conviction that the security of states is inextricably linked to the security of their citizens' rights. This comprehensive security concept is forever enshrined in the Act and is mirrored in the subsequent statements and commitments made by the members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Today, the Act continues to shine as a beacon for all who reach, often at great risk to themselves, for human dignity, for justice and tolerance, and for democratic ideals--including the notions that power is derived from the consent of the governed and that human rights and fundamental freedoms belong to all of us--no matter where we live or where we come from. On Helsinki Human Rights Day, we pledge our cooperation and mutual respect as we work to fulfill the commitments made in the Helsinki Final Act. The 57 OSCE states that stretch across North America, Europe, and Eurasia stand stronger when we stand together, and we must defend and uphold the commitments made in Helsinki 40 years ago. Recognition of the inherent dignity and human rights of every person, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and restraint from the threat or use of force are essential to safeguarding a Europe and a Eurasia that are whole, free, and at peace. As the OSCE Ministerial Council convenes in Belgrade, Serbia, the United States renews its commitment to these principles and urges other member states to do the same. Thanks to the work of governments and the contributions of civil society, we have made historic progress to advance security, democracy, and human rights across the OSCE region in the last four decades. Still, we face significant challenges. Russian aggression against its neighbors, most recently Ukraine, is contrary to the principles of respect for each nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity laid out in the Helsinki Final Act. The [[Page 226]] ability of citizens to exercise their fundamental freedoms of association, expression, and peaceful assembly is increasingly constricted in a number of participating states. Actions based on hate and prejudice remain prevalent in too many states and are too often still reflected in national policy. These attitudes will continue to obstruct democracy's success until we root them out from both our institutions and our hearts. The United States strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attacks in Ankara, as well as the bombing of the Russian plane in Egypt. And in the wake of the tragic terrorist attacks in Paris, we recommit to our fight against terrorism and violent extremism while reaffirming our adherence to our common ideals with the French people and with any free society, similar to those delineated in the Helsinki Final Act: libert[eacute], [eacute]galit[eacute], and fraternit[eacute]. The Helsinki Final Act inspires our vision for democracy, human rights, and human dignity. It inspires a vision for open economies and shared prosperity, and a world in which states resolve disputes peacefully and work together to build and maintain trust. It is a framework that, if its commitments are upheld, can enable us to move beyond division and prejudice and toward a more democratic, prosperous, and peaceful OSCE region. Let us resolve to stand with victims of oppression and with all who yearn to exercise their human rights. Together, we can faithfully implement our shared Helsinki commitments and help forge an ever better future for all. 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 December 3, 2015, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities reflecting our steadfast dedication to human rights and democratic values. I also call upon the governments and peoples of all other signatory states to renew their commitment to comply with the principles established and consecrated in the Helsinki Final Act. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9376 of December 2, 2015 International Day of Persons With Disabilities, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The United States has long been a leading voice for the rights of persons with disabilities, and we join the international community in expressing our support for them in all they do and in recognizing them as the valuable members of society that they are. This year, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)--landmark legislation that helps ensure the places that make up our shared national life truly belong to everyone-- we also recognize that protecting the [[Page 227]] rights of those with disabilities is not just an American ideal, but a cornerstone of our work to ensure human rights around the globe. On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we rededicate ourselves to building a fairer and more accessible world and to upholding the fundamental dignity and respect of all people. A quarter-century ago, our Nation marked a milestone in the long march toward achieving equal opportunity for all with the passage of the ADA. A result of quiet persistence and perseverance coupled with passionate and vocal advocacy, this Act showed the world our full commitment to the rights of people with disabilities, and in these past 25 years, we have built on the foundation of equality laid by this law. The Affordable Care Act also guarantees people with disabilities a basic but fundamental protection--that they can no longer be denied access to health insurance due to a pre-existing condition. Additionally, my Administration has supported increasing funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants, which would boost our efforts to provide every child living with a disability with a quality public education. And this year, the White House hosted a series of events commemorating IDEA's 40th anniversary to highlight the importance of inclusion and of recognizing the talents of all Americans in every aspect of society. Each day, our founding values of equality and opportunity guide our work to forge a bright future for people with disabilities. Serving to protect these ideals are our brave men and women in uniform who give of themselves for us all, and when they return home with wounds of war, seen or unseen, it is our sacred obligation to ensure they can take full advantage of the freedoms they fought so hard to defend. That is why my Administration has worked to provide our country's veterans who have disabilities with access to timely, quality health care and the tools needed to convert their military skills into careers in civilian life. As we continue working to expand the promise of America to all our people, we must remember that the fight for disability rights should not stop at our Nation's shores. The United States continues to uphold our global commitment to the international disability community. During my first year in office, the United States signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, an international declaration, now signed by 160 countries, that recognizes the inherent worth of people with disabilities and urges equal protection and benefits before the law. I am disappointed that the Senate blocked ratification of the Convention, and I continue to call on these elected leaders, all of whom represent Americans with disabilities, to provide their advice and consent to ratification. A pillar of American leadership is our profound respect for the human dignity of all people, and it is imperative that we reach for a day when all of the more than 1 billion people of the world who live with a disability can enjoy the same rights afforded to those living here at home. Our pursuit of equal rights for those with disabilities is not over. Today, we stand on the shoulders of generations who fought for better laws, demanded better treatment, and who, by being good, decent people and hard workers, proved to the world that having a disability should not force individuals into the margins of society. On this day, let us honor the efforts of those who agitated for the respect and dignity of all by picking up the inextinguishable torch of equality and carrying it forward into a future that [[Page 228]] recognizes the incredible talents and skills of people with disabilities. Together, we can secure a tomorrow in which all people know no limits but the scope of their dreams. 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 December 3, 2015, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I call on all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9377 of December 3, 2015 Honoring the Victims of the Attack in San Bernardino, California By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a mark of respect for the victims of gun violence perpetrated on December 2, 2015, in San Bernardino, California, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions through December 7, 2015. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9378 of December 4, 2015 150th Anniversary of the 13th Amendment By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On December 6, 1865, a coalition comprising three-quarters of our Nation's States ratified the 13th Amendment to our Constitution, abolishing slavery [[Page 229]] in the United States and affirming the truth that no union founded on the principles of liberty and equality could survive half-slave and half-free. Bringing to a close one of the most painful chapters in our country's history, the Amendment ushered in a new birth of freedom. Today, we celebrate it for the protections it restored and the lives it liberated, and in honor of the millions of slaves who endured brutal violence and daily indignities, we rededicate ourselves to the proposition manifested in its ratification. This Amendment to the Constitution came not only at the culmination of years of Civil War, but also as a result of courageous individuals advocating and agitating for an America in which slavery was no longer an institution of society. President Lincoln gave his last full measure of devotion to the cause he would not live to see codified. He knew the basic rights he sought for slaves could only be secured by a whole and unified Government, and he pursued reconciliation while remaining fierce in his conviction. Volunteers along the Underground Railroad aided slaves seeking freedom, providing safety and comfort in the midst of deep anguish. And soldiers who fought, sometimes against their own sisters and brothers, did so for both the preservation of our Union and liberty itself. The 13th Amendment was the product of generations of men and women who, through centuries of bloodshed and systemic oppression, stayed true to their belief in what America could be and kept marching toward justice. The courage to change that sustained the abolitionist movement carried forth in a long line of heroes who followed--individuals who loved our country profoundly and answered the patriotic call to push it to expand the boundaries of freedom. From ordinary women stepping into an extraordinary role, bravely fighting for their right to participate in our democracy, to a coalition of conscience that marched on our Nation's Capital and protested for equality, the last century and a half has been defined by those who stood resolute in keeping lit the flame that burned in the hearts of all those determined to secure what they knew to be their God-given rights. Today, we continue the long journey toward an America and a world where liberty and equality are not reserved for some, but extended to all. Across the globe, including right here at home, millions of men, women, and children are victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. We remain committed to abolishing slavery in all its forms and draw strength from the courage and resolve of generations past. One hundred and fifty years after the 13th Amendment's ratification, the United States endures, and though the scourge of slavery is a stain on our history, we remain a people not trapped by the mistakes of our past, but one that can look at our imperfections with humility and decide it is within our power to remake our Nation to more closely align with our highest ideals. On this historic occasion, let us pay tribute to those who suffered for too long and to those who risked everything to make this country better. With unyielding determination to stand on their shoulders and reach for an even freer and more equal tomorrow, we can honor them with the recognition and respect worthy of their extraordinary contributions to our country. 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 December 6, 2015, as the [[Page 230]] 150th Anniversary of the 13th Amendment. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that celebrate the 13th Amendment. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9379 of December 4, 2015 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Nearly seven and a half decades ago, as dawn broke over the island of Oahu, bombs broke through the sky as Japanese forces launched an unprovoked attack on our Nation--absorbing America into a conflict that would change the course of human dignity and freedom. More than 2,400 precious lives and much of our Pacific Fleet were lost, yet the ensuing unification of our people proved mightier than the attack that aimed to weaken us. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the men, women, and children--military and civilian--who lost their lives on December 7, 1941, honor all who served in the wake of that infamous day, and recognize the sacrifices today's service members make to carry forward the inextinguishable torch of liberty for generations to come. Reacting to the surprise attack, patriots from every corner of our country answered the call to serve and banded together in common cause. Sixteen million Americans left behind everything they knew and everyone they loved to fight for freedom far from home and liberate a continent from the grip of tyranny. Courageous individuals from all walks of life crossed oceans and stormed beaches, uplifting a generation and paving the way for our fiercest adversaries to become some of our closest allies. In the example of those who came forth in the months and years following the attack on Pearl Harbor, we see an enduring truth: that no challenge is too great when we stand as one people committed to the ideals which the stars and stripes symbolize. Seventy-four years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, we endure as a Nation dedicated to affirming the inherent dignity of every person--even in the face of unspeakable violence. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt said the day after the attack, ``the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.'' On this day, let us honor the memory of all who gave their lives so that President Roosevelt's words could be realized, and let us resolve to uphold the legacy of our country, for which generations of brave men and women have fought and sacrificed. The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as ``National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.'' NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2015, as National Pearl Harbor [[Page 231]] Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this December 7 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9380 of December 9, 2015 Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Sixty-seven years ago, the leaders of 48 countries from around the world declared with one voice that progress depends on defending human rights, and that a nation is strongest when the contributions of its whole citizenry are valued. Today, we celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights--a milestone in our ongoing global march to uphold the inherent dignity and worth of every person. To honor the legacy of this historic document and to help ensure that its ideals endure for generations to come, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the freedoms it safeguards, which are the birthright of all humanity. When rights are suppressed, human potential is stifled. A nation draws upon new talents and ideas when opposition parties are fairly represented and those in power are accountable to their citizens at the ballot box. A free and independent press and a vibrant civil society can inform the public, expose corruption, and empower citizens to participate in self-governance. And when institutions are built to protect rights and freedoms, rather than serve the interests of those in power, those institutions can provide the stable foundation for stability needed for future generations to thrive. In too many places around the world we see rights and freedoms denied. People are imprisoned for peaceful worship and girls are barred from attending school. LGBT individuals are subject to abuse because of who they are and who they love, and citizens are prevented from petitioning those in power for change. The United States of America stands in solidarity with those seeking to realize a brighter and freer future for themselves and their families, whether in their home country or as immigrants in a new land. We will continue to lift up the lives of all who yearn to exercise their inherent human rights and to shine a light on those still living in the darkest pockets of our world. The strongmen of today will never extinguish the hope that persists around the world. Dissenters may be jailed, but ideas can never be imprisoned. Controlling access to information will not turn lies into truths, nor will it deter the longing for justice that stirs in every human soul. And refusing [[Page 232]] to recognize the basic dignity of every man, woman, and child-- regardless of gender, background, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or belief--will only lend further momentum to the quest for equality that for generations has stirred hearts and spurred action. On this day, and every day, let us remember our roots as one human family, forever dedicated to upholding the central tenets of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 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 December 10, 2015, as Human Rights Day and the week beginning December 10, 2015, as Human Rights Week. I call upon the people of the United States to mark these observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9381 of December 14, 2015 Bill of Rights Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The ratification of the Bill of Rights on December 15, 1791, marked one of our country's earliest and most important steps toward ensuring that the ideals enshrined in our founding documents are the birthright of all Americans. Written to guarantee our fledgling Nation would never succumb to the tyranny it fought against, these first 10 Amendments to our Constitution help safeguard the bedrock principles of equality, liberty, and justice. In the years since, America has carried forward the spirit enshrined in the Bill of Rights--recognizing that freedom is a value we must forever work to uphold. Each generation is tasked with continuing the work of perfecting our Nation. In the 224 years since this codification of our most fundamental freedoms, America has been propelled by the persistent effort of her citizens--people from all walks of life who have accepted the challenge of pushing to expand liberty to all. The same American instinct that sparked our revolution and spurred the creation of the Bill of Rights still inspires us to step forward to defend our founding ideals. It is what inspired a groundbreaking convention in Seneca Falls, drove courageous people to march in Selma, and started a transformative movement for LGBT rights at a bar in New York City. Generations of heroes who believed America is a constant work in progress have advocated and sacrificed to realize that progress and have worked to uphold the belief at the heart of the Bill of Rights: Free men and women have the capacity to shape their own destiny and forge a fairer and more just world for all who follow. Today, we stand on the shoulders of those who dedicated their lives to upholding the meaning of our founding documents throughout changing [[Page 233]] times--a mission made possible by the fundamental liberties secured in the Bill of Rights. As we reflect on the strides we have made to lift up an engaged citizenry, we pay tribute to the extraordinary foresight of our Founders who granted the protections that enable us to bring about the change we seek. Let us recommit to continuing our legacy as a Nation that rejects complacency, empowers its citizens to recognize and redress its imperfections, and embraces the struggle of improving our democracy so that all our people are able to make of their lives what they will. 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 December 15, 2015, as Bill of Rights Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9382 of December 16, 2015 Wright Brothers Day, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The prospect of human flight captured the world's imagination for centuries. From the ancient Greeks who marveled at the story of Icarus soaring through the sky, to Leonardo da Vinci who sketched designs of manned mechanical gliders, humanity's unyielding push skyward speaks to our resolve to transcend limits and redefine what is possible. On December 17, 1903, two American brothers reached a milestone in this age-old pursuit by, after years of planning and research, successfully launching the world's first flight of a powered airplane. On Wright Brothers Day, our Nation commemorates this achievement and celebrates the spirit of innovation that drives American inventors, entrepreneurs, and scientists by reaffirming our support for them in their goals to push the boundaries of human capability. Our country's founding ideals of freedom of thought and expression are not only necessary for upholding the inherent dignity and respect of every individual, but they are also fundamental ingredients for fostering scientific discovery. These values compelled the Pilgrims to set out and seek new lives and prompted revolutionaries to forge a new Nation. The great thinkers and innovators that have always moved America forward have done so by challenging convention, sharing ideas, and reimagining the future through new inventions and beliefs. Before the 19th century, few thought human flight was an endeavor worth investigating. But in the decades leading up to the 20th century, a handful of devoted dreamers began conducting aeronautical research that eventually fell on the ears of two enthusiastic bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio, who would push past what others deemed impossible and take to the [[Page 234]] sky, spark a new and lasting industry, and change the course of history. Wilbur and Orville Wright spent their childhood tinkering and building, their passions fueled by their mother, Susan, who shared these interests and had considerable mechanical skills. The brothers opened a bicycle shop, where they honed their understanding of the concepts of balance, control, aerodynamics, and lightweight yet sound structures--laying the foundation for their groundbreaking achievement. Years of meticulous observation, building, and experimentation culminated on one frigid, windy morning on a sandy beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, where the Wright brothers made their successful flight. The invention of the airplane not only contributed to our understanding of physics and engineering--it profoundly altered our world. People and goods began moving across the globe at an unprecedented pace, new industries and fields of discovery sprang to life, and advances in aviation launched a new era of possibility in which our countrymen would walk on the moon just 66 years after that first 12 second flight. Today, American entrepreneurs and scientists are continuing the legacy of the Wright brothers by making new discoveries and pushing boundaries--from the furthest reaches of our universe to the greatest mysteries of the human brain. To keep our Nation on the forefront of breakthroughs that will define the future, we must continue investing in pioneering research, innovative startups, and programs that encourage science, technology, engineering, and math education for our daughters and sons. And we must keep fostering an atmosphere in our communities and classrooms where lifetime quests for knowledge are encouraged, where glimmers of curiosity are sparked, and where the next generation of explorers and inventors are celebrated. On Wright Brothers Day, let us recommit to cultivating the insatiable hunger for advancement that takes humanity to new frontiers, and let us stand with those who never stop challenging the limits of what we know to be possible. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved December 17, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 402; 36 U.S.C. 143), has designated December 17 of each year as ``Wright Brothers Day'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation inviting the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 17, 2015, as Wright Brothers Day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 235]] Proclamation 9383 of December 21, 2015 To Take Certain Actions Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and for Other Purposes By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation 1. In Proclamation 7970 of December 22, 2005, the President designated the Republic of Burundi (Burundi) as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country for purposes of section 506A(a)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974 (the ``1974 Act'') (19 U.S.C. 2466a(a)(1)), as added by section 111(a) of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) (title I of Public Law 106- 200). 2. Section 506A(a)(3) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2466a(a)(3)), authorizes the President to terminate the designation of a country as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country for purposes of section 506A, if he determines that the country is not making continual progress in meeting the requirements described in section 506A(a)(1) of the 1974 Act. 3. Pursuant to section 506A(a)(3) of the 1974 Act, I have determined that Burundi is not making continual progress in meeting the requirements described in section 506A(a)(1) of the 1974 Act. Accordingly, I have decided to terminate the designation of Burundi as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country for purposes of section 506A of the 1974 Act, effective on January 1, 2016. 4. Schedule XX, as defined by 19 U.S.C. 3501(5), sets forth certain tariff-rate quotas. To implement these tariff-rate quotas, section 404(a) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3601(a)) requires the President ``to take such action as may be necessary to ensure that imports of agricultural products do not disrupt the orderly marketing of commodities in the United States.'' 5. I have determined that, in order to reduce administrative burden and encourage electronic administration of the quota classifications of sugars, syrups, and molasses (sugar), and to avoid the disruption of the orderly marketing of sugar, it is necessary to add additional tariff lines to Chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States as provided for in Annex I of this proclamation. 6. Presidential Proclamation 8294 of September 26, 2008, implemented amendments to the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 (the ``BFDA'') (Public Law 108-61), as amended by section 6(a) of the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-286). That proclamation, in part, modified the HTS to include additional U.S. Note 4 to chapter 71 of the HTS, which prohibited the importation of certain goods of Burma. The BFDA, as amended, expired on July 28, 2013. 7. Executive Order 13651 of August 6, 2013, as authorized by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), prohibits the importation into the United States of any jadeite or rubies mined or extracted from Burma and any articles of jewelry containing jadeite or rubies mined or extracted from Burma on or after August 7, 2013. I have determined that modifications to additional U.S. Note 4 to chapter 71 of the HTS, as set [[Page 236]] forth in Annex II, are necessary to account for the expiration of the BFDA and the implementation of Executive Order 13651. 8. On April 22, 1985, the United States and Israel entered into the Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Israel (USIFTA), which the Congress approved in the United States-Israel Free Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985 (the ``USIFTA Act'') (19 U.S.C. 2112 note). 9. Section 4(b) of the USIFTA Act provides that, whenever the President determines that it is necessary to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to Israel provided for by the USIFTA, the President may proclaim such withdrawal, suspension, modification, or continuance of any duty, or such continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or such additional duties, as the President determines to be required or appropriate to carry out the USIFTA. 10. In order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to agricultural trade with Israel, on July 27, 2004, the United States entered into an agreement with Israel concerning certain aspects of trade in agricultural products during the period January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2008 (the ``2004 Agreement''). 11. In Proclamation 7826 of October 4, 2004, consistent with the 2004 Agreement, the President determined, pursuant to section 4(b) of the USIFTA Act, that, in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to Israel provided for by the USIFTA, it was necessary to provide duty-free access into the United States through December 31, 2008, for specified quantities of certain agricultural products of Israel. 12. Each year from 2008 through 2014, the United States and Israel entered into agreements to extend the period that the 2004 Agreement was in force for 1-year periods to allow additional time for the two governments to conclude an agreement to replace the 2004 Agreement. 13. To carry out the extension agreements, the President in Proclamation 8334 of December 31, 2008; Proclamation 8467 of December 23, 2009; Proclamation 8618 of December 21, 2010; Proclamation 8770 of December 29, 2011; Proclamation 8921 of December 20, 2012; Proclamation 9072 of December 23, 2013; and Proclamation 9223 of December 23, 2014, modified the HTS to provide duty-free access into the United States for specified quantities of certain agricultural products of Israel, each time for an additional 1-year period. 14. On December 8, 2015, the United States entered into an agreement with Israel to extend the period that the 2004 Agreement is in force through December 31, 2016, to allow for further negotiations on an agreement to replace the 2004 Agreement. 15. Pursuant to section 4(b) of the USIFTA Act, I have determined that it is necessary, in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to Israel provided for by the USIFTA, to provide duty-free access into the United States through the close of December 31, 2016, for specified quantities of certain agricultural products of Israel. [[Page 237]] 16. In Presidential Proclamation 8921 of December 20, 2012, pursuant to section 502(e) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2462(e)), I determined that The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis had become a high-income country and terminated its designation as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). General note 4(a) to the HTS erroneously continues to include ``St. Kitts and Nevis'' on the list of Member Countries of the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM) that are eligible for preferential tariff treatment under the GSP. I have determined that a modification to the HTS is necessary to correct this error and to provide the intended tariff treatment. 17. Presidential Proclamation 8894 of October 29, 2012, implemented the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement with respect to the United States and, pursuant to the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 112-43, 125 Stat. 497), modified the HTS to include the schedule of duty reductions necessary or appropriate to carry out the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. Those modifications to the HTS were set out in Publication 4349 of the International Trade Commission (Commission), entitled Modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to Implement the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, which was incorporated by reference into Proclamation 8894. Annexes I and II to that publication included technical errors that affected the tariff treatment accorded to certain goods of Panama. I have determined that modifications to the HTS are necessary to correct the technical errors. 18. Presidential Proclamation 8818 of May 14, 2012, implemented the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement with respect to the United States and, pursuant to the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 112-42, 125 Stat. 462), modified the HTS to include the schedule of duty reductions necessary or appropriate to carry out the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. Those modifications to the HTS were set out in Publication 4320 of the Commission, entitled Modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to Implement the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, which was incorporated by reference into Proclamation 8818. Annex II to that publication included a technical error that affected the tariff treatment accorded to certain goods of Colombia. I have determined that modifications to the HTS are necessary to correct the technical error. 19. Presidential Proclamation 8039 of July 27, 2006, implemented the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement with respect to the United States and, pursuant to the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 109-169, 119 Stat. 3581), modified the HTS to include the schedule of duty reductions necessary or appropriate to carry out the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement. Those modifications to the HTS were set out in Publication 3830 of the Commission, entitled Modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to Implement the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, which was incorporated by reference into Proclamation 8039. Presidential Proclamation 9223 of December 23, 2014, created a new subheading in chapter 29 of the HTS, but inadvertently omitted the tariff treatment for [[Page 238]] goods of Bahrain previously accorded to these covered goods under Proclamation 8039. I have determined that modifications to the HTS are necessary to correct the technical error. 20. Presidential Proclamation 8783 of March 6, 2012, implemented the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement and, pursuant to the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 112-41, 125 Stat. 428), modified the HTS to include the schedule of duty reductions necessary or appropriate to carry out the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement. Those modifications to the HTS were set out in Publication 4308 of the Commission, entitled Modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to Implement the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which was incorporated by reference into Proclamation 8783. Annex II to Publication 4308 incorrectly stated certain staged reductions in rates of duty for originating goods of Korea classified in chapter 17 of the HTS. I have determined that modifications to the HTS are necessary to correct the technical errors. 21. Section 604 of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2483) authorizes the President to embody in the HTS the substance of the relevant provisions of that Act, and of other acts affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuation, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction. 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 of America, including but not limited to section 506A(a)(3) of the 1974 Act, 19 U.S.C. 3601(a), 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq., 50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq., section 4(b) of the USIFTA Act, section 502(e) of the 1974 Act, the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, and section 604 of the 1974 Act, do proclaim that: (1) The designation of Burundi as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country for purposes of section 506A of the 1974 Act is terminated, effective on January 1, 2016. (2) In order to reflect in the HTS that beginning on January 1, 2016, Burundi shall no longer be designated as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country, general note 16(a) to the HTS is modified by deleting ``Republic of Burundi'' from the list of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries. (3) In order to ensure that imports of sugar do not disrupt the orderly marketing of commodities in the United States, the HTS is modified as set forth in Annex I to this proclamation. (4) In order to implement Executive Order 13651 of August 6, 2013, as authorized by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act, the HTS is modified as provided in Annex II to this proclamation. (5) In order to implement U.S. tariff commitments under the 2004 Agreement through December 31, 2016, the HTS is modified as provided in Annex III to this proclamation. [[Page 239]] (6)(a) The modifications to the HTS set forth in Annex III to this proclamation shall be effective with respect to eligible agricultural products of Israel that are entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2016. (b) The provisions of subchapter VII of chapter 99 of the HTS, as modified by Annex III to this proclamation, shall continue in effect through December 31, 2016. (7) In order to make technical corrections necessary to provide the intended tariff treatment to goods of St. Kitts and Nevis in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 8921 of December 20, 2012, the HTS is modified as set forth in Annex IV to this proclamation. (8) In order to make technical corrections necessary to provide the intended tariff treatment to goods of Panama in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 8894 of October 29, 2012, the HTS is modified as set forth in Annex IV to this proclamation. (9) In order to make technical corrections necessary to provide the intended tariff treatment to goods of Colombia in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 8818 of May 14, 2012, the HTS is modified as set forth in Annex IV to this proclamation. (10) In order to make technical corrections necessary to provide the intended tariff treatment to goods of Bahrain in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 8039 of July 27, 2006, the HTS is modified as set forth in Annex IV to this proclamation. (11) In order to make technical corrections necessary to provide the intended tariff treatment to goods of Korea in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 8783 of March 6, 2012, the HTS is modified as set forth in Annex IV to this proclamation. (12) Any provisions of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that are inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation are superseded to the extent of such inconsistency. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 240]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.002 [[Page 241]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.003 [[Page 242]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.004 [[Page 243]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.005 [[Page 244]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.006 [[Page 245]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.007 [[Page 246]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.008 [[Page 247]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.009 [[Page 248]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.010 [[Page 249]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.011 [[Page 250]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.012 [[Page 251]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD24DE15.013 [[Page 252]] Proclamation 9384 of December 23, 2015 To Modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation 1. On September 9, 2012, leaders of the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies agreed to reduce applied tariff rates to 5 percent or less by the end of 2015 on 54 environmental goods. On November 19, 2015, leaders of the APEC economies reaffirmed that commitment. 2. Section 103(a) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (19 U.S.C. 4202(a)), authorizes the President, under certain circumstances, to proclaim such modification of any existing duty as the President determines to be required or appropriate to carry out an agreement entered into in accordance with section 103(a). The President may proclaim such modification provided that the modification does not reduce the rate of duty to a rate that is less than 50 percent of the rate of such duty that applied on June 29, 2015. 3. Section 502 of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 authorizes the President to exercise the authority under section 103(a)(1)(B) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 to implement an agreement by members of APEC to reduce any rate of duty on certain environmental goods included in Annex C of the APEC Leaders' Declaration issued on September 9, 2012. 4. The United States applies duties to imports of certain environmental goods included in Annex C of the APEC Leaders' Declaration issued on September 9, 2012, of 8 percent, 5.6 percent, and 6.7 percent, the same rates that applied on June 29, 2015. On September 9, 2012, the United States agreed to cut applied duties on these environmental goods to 5 percent. The United States reaffirmed that commitment on November 19, 2015. 5. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974 (the ``1974 Act'') (19 U.S.C. 2483) authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) the substance of the relevant provisions of that Act, and of other Acts affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction. 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 of America, including but not limited to section 103(a) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, section 502 of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, and section 604 of the 1974 Act, do proclaim that: (1) In order to reduce the applied tariff rates of the United States to the level agreed upon by APEC leaders, the HTS is modified as set forth in the Annex to this proclamation. (2) The modifications to the HTS set forth in the Annex to this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after December 31, 2015. [[Page 253]] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 254]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD29DE15.010 [[Page 255]] Proclamation 9385 of December 31, 2015 National Mentoring Month, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation At the heart of America's promise is the belief that we all do better when everyone has a fair shot at reaching for their dreams. Throughout our Nation's history, Americans of every background have worked to uphold this ideal, joining together in common purpose to serve as mentors and lift up our country's youth. During National Mentoring Month, we honor all those who continuously strive to provide young people with the resources and support they need and deserve, and we recommit to building a society in which all mentors and mentees can thrive in mutual learning relationships. By sharing their own stories and offering guidance and advice, mentors can instill a sense of infinite possibility in the hearts and minds of their mentees, demonstrating that with hard work and passion, nothing is beyond their potential. Whether simply offering a compassionate ear or actively teaching and inspiring curiosity, mentors can play pivotal roles in young peoples' lives. When given a chance to use their talents and abilities to engage in their communities and contribute to our world, our Nation's youth rise to the challenge. They make significant impacts in their communities and shape a brighter future for coming generations. My Administration is committed to fostering opportunities for mentorship--because when our children have strong, positive role models to look up to, they grow up to be good neighbors and good fellow citizens. Through the My Brother's Keeper initiative, we are working with local governments, businesses, and charitable organizations across our country to connect more of our youth to effective mentoring programs and support networks to reinforce the fact that all young people are valued and to empower them with the skills they need to reach their full potential. We have achieved the highest high school graduation rate on record--82 percent--and we remain focused on setting high standards that will help our students graduate ready for college and careers. In addition, we are supporting job-driven training initiatives like apprenticeships so our doers and dreamers can earn and learn at the same time. And through First Lady Michelle Obama's Reach Higher initiative, we are working to ensure every student has the opportunity to pursue their education and life goals. Every young person can benefit from having a mentor, and all people carry unique ideas and experiences they can employ as a mentor. I encourage all Americans to visit www.Serve.gov/Mentor to learn more about opportunities to make a lasting difference in the lives of our youth. This month, let us pledge our support for our Nation's young people, and let us honor those who give of themselves to uplift our next generation. Working together, we can provide every child with the tools, guidance, and confidence they need to flourish and succeed. 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 2016 as National Mentoring Month. I call upon public officials, business and community [[Page 256]] leaders, educators, and Americans across the country to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9386 of December 31, 2015 National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation One hundred and fifty years ago, our Nation codified the fundamental truth that slavery is an affront to human dignity. Still, the bitter fact remains that millions of men, women, and children around the globe, including here at home, are subject to modern-day slavery: the cruel, inhumane practice of human trafficking. This month, we rededicate ourselves to assisting victims of human trafficking and to combating it in all its forms. Human trafficking occurs in countries throughout the world and in communities across our Nation. Children are forced to fight as soldiers, young people are coerced into prostitution, and migrants are exploited. People from all walks of life are trafficked every day, and the United States is committed to remaining a leader in the global movement to end this abhorrent practice. My Administration has made addressing human trafficking issues in supply chains a priority. Earlier this year, the White House brought together private sector and non-governmental organizations to discuss ways to prevent and eliminate trafficking- related activities in Federal contracts and in private sector supply chains. Our National Convening on Trafficking and Child Welfare helped promote partnership and establish coordinated action plans to end human trafficking. Additionally, my Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons has proposed a robust set of initiatives. Our anti-trafficking efforts are supported by a newly established Federal Office on Trafficking in Persons, under the Department of Health and Human Services, which helps ensure trafficking victims can access the services they need. As we work to end human trafficking here in the United States, we will continue to lead the effort to root it out around the world. Our intelligence teams have devoted more resources to identifying trafficking networks, law enforcement officers have been working to dismantle those networks, and prosecutors have striven to punish traffickers. We have also enhanced our domestic protections so foreign- born workers better understand their rights. Additionally, my Administration has been working closely with technology companies and law enforcement to better utilize technology to combat human trafficking. And our Nation will continue promoting development and economic growth across the globe to address the underlying conditions that enable human trafficking in the first place. [[Page 257]] All nations have a part to play in keeping our world safe for all people--regardless of age, background, or belief. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, let us recognize the victims of trafficking, and let us resolve to build a future in which its perpetrators are brought to justice and no people are denied their inherent human rights of freedom and dignity. 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 2016 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, culminating in the annual celebration of National Freedom Day on February 1. I call upon businesses, national and community organizations, families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role we can play in ending all forms of slavery and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 9387 of December 31, 2015 National Stalking Awareness Month, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every person deserves to live freely and without the fear of being followed or harassed. Stalking is a violation of our fundamental freedoms, and it insults our most basic values as a Nation. Often perpetrated by those we know--and sometimes by strangers--stalking is a serious offense that occurs too frequently and goes unreported in too many cases. During National Stalking Awareness Month, we stand with victims of stalking, pledge to bring their stalkers to justice, and rededicate our efforts to ridding our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods of this crime. A repeated display of unwanted attention that instills fear, stalking affects people from all walks of life and makes us all less safe. Seven and a half million people are stalked in the United States each year, and 1 in 6 women will experience it at some point in their lives. People are stalked under a variety of circumstances and through a number of mediums. Text messages, emails, and phone calls are some of the most common means by which a stalker will harass someone, and offenders usually, although not always, have a prior association with the victim. Often offenders are or have been in an intimate relationship in which they have abused the victim, and in many instances stalking is a part of ongoing violence. Stalking is not only a tremendous breach of one's privacy and liberty, but its purpose is to cause victims to feel scared or anxious, terrorizing them and sometimes causing anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression. It also has the potential to cause post-traumatic stress symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and being constantly on guard. It is an affront to [[Page 258]] our basic humanity, and in some cases it can lead to more violent acts by the offenders. In 2013, I signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)--a groundbreaking law that recognizes stalking as the crime it is and provides more resources to victims. The Act also created new protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender victims, as well as for immigrants and Native American women. Earlier this year, I signed an Executive Order that allows victims to use sick leave for absences related to stalking and that protects victims' privacy in the workplace. In my 2016 budget, I proposed additional funding to assist people being stalked who must make emergency moves to safer and more stable housing. And to build on these efforts, my Administration has implemented measures requiring institutions of higher education to collect and report information on stalking and other crimes as outlined in VAWA. Under the new regulations, these institutions are required to make their disciplinary processes more transparent and to provide ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns for students and employees--because our classrooms should be safe havens where everyone can pursue their dreams and fulfill their potential free from the fear of being stalked or harassed. As we embark on a new year, let us resolve to make it one in which every person can safely and confidently make of their lives what they will. By holding stalkers accountable and providing victims and survivors with the support and assistance they need, we can ensure ours is a Nation dedicated to promoting safety, common decency, and respect. 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 2016 as National Stalking Awareness Month. I call upon all Americans to recognize the signs of stalking, acknowledge stalking as a serious crime, and urge those affected not to be afraid to speak out or ask for help. Let us also resolve to support victims and survivors, and to create communities that are secure and supportive for all Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA [[Page 259]] ________________________________________________________________________ EXECUTIVE ORDERS ________________________________________________________________________ Executive Order 13687 of January 2, 2015 Imposing Additional Sanctions With Respect To North Korea By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code; and in view of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1718 of October 14, 2006, UNSCR 1874 of June 12, 2009, UNSCR 2087 of January 22, 2013, and UNSCR 2094 of March 7, 2013, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, find that the provocative, destabilizing, and repressive actions and policies of the Government of North Korea, including its destructive, coercive cyber-related actions during November and December 2014, actions in violation of UNSCRs 1718, 1874, 2087, and 2094, and commission of serious human rights abuses, constitute a continuing threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, and hereby expand the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466 of June 26, 2008, expanded in scope in Executive Order 13551 of August 30, 2010, and relied upon for additional steps in Executive Order 13570 of April 18, 2011. To address this threat and to take further steps with respect to this national emergency, I hereby order: Section 1. (a) All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in: any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State: (i) to be an agency, instrumentality, or controlled entity of the Government of North Korea or the Workers' Party of Korea; (ii) to be an official of the Government of North Korea; (iii) to be an official of the Workers' Party of Korea; (iv) to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support [[Page 260]] of, the Government of North Korea or any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or (v) to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Government of North Korea or any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order. (b) The prohibitions in this order apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date of this order. Sec. 2. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the type of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1 of this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 1 of this order. Sec. 3. The prohibitions in this order include but are not limited to: (a) the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; and (b) the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Sec. 4. I hereby find that the unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens determined to meet one or more of the criteria in section 1(a) of this order would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of such persons. Such persons shall be treated as persons covered by section 1 of Proclamation 8693 of July 24, 2011 (Suspension of Entry of Aliens Subject to United Nations Security Council Travel Bans and International Emergency Economic Powers Act Sanctions). Sec. 5. (a) Any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited. (b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited. Sec. 6. For the purposes of this order: (a) the term ``person'' means an individual or entity; (b) the term ``entity'' means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization; (c) the term ``United States person'' means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States; and (d) the term ``Government of North Korea'' means the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and its agencies, instrumentalities, and controlled entities. [[Page 261]] Sec. 7. For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render those measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to section 1 of this order. Sec. 8. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this order. The Secretary of the Treasury may redelegate any of these functions to other officers and agencies of the United States Government consistent with applicable law. All agencies of the United States Government are hereby directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of this order. Sec. 9. 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 2, 2015. Executive Order 13688 of January 16, 2015 Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement Equipment Acquisition By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to better coordinate Federal support for the acquisition of certain Federal equipment by State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, I hereby order as follows: Section 1. Policy. For decades, the Federal Government has provided equipment to State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies (LEAs) through excess equipment transfers (including GSA donations), asset forfeiture programs, and Federal grants. These programs have assisted LEAs as they carry out their critical missions to keep the American people safe. The equipment acquired by LEAs through these programs includes administrative equipment, such as office furniture and computers. But it also includes military and military-styled equipment, firearms, and tactical vehicles provided by the Federal Government, including property covered under 22 CFR part 121 and 15 CFR part 774 (collectively, ``controlled equipment''). The Federal Government must ensure that careful attention is paid to standardizing procedures governing its provision of controlled equipment [[Page 262]] and funds for controlled equipment to LEAs. Moreover, more must be done to ensure that LEAs have proper training regarding the appropriate use of controlled equipment, including training on the protection of civil rights and civil liberties, and are aware of their obligations under Federal nondiscrimination laws when accepting such equipment. To this end, executive departments and agencies (agencies) must better coordinate their efforts to operate and oversee these programs. Sec. 2. Law Enforcement Equipment Working Group. (a) There is established an interagency Law Enforcement Equipment Working Group (Working Group) to identify agency actions that can improve Federal support for the acquisition of controlled equipment by LEAs, including by providing LEAs with controlled equipment that is appropriate to the needs of their community; ensuring that LEAs are properly trained to employ the controlled equipment they acquire; ensuring that LEAs adopt organizational and operational practices and standards that prevent the misuse or abuse of controlled equipment; and ensuring LEA compliance with civil rights requirements resulting from receipt of Federal financial assistance. The Working Group shall be co-chaired by the Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, and Secretary of Homeland Security. In addition to the Co-Chairs, the Working Group shall consist of the following members: (i) the Secretary of the Treasury; (ii) the Secretary of the Interior; (iii) the Secretary of Education; (iv) the Administrator of General Services; (v) the Director of the Domestic Policy Council; (vi) the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy; (vii) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget; (viii) the Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement; (ix) the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; (x) the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff of the Office of the Vice President; and (xi) the heads of such other agencies and offices as the Co-Chairs may, from time to time, designate. (b) A member of the Working Group may designate a senior-level official who is from the member's agency or office and is a full-time officer or employee of the Federal Government to perform the day-to-day Working Group functions of the member. At the direction of the Co- Chairs, the Working Group may establish subgroups consisting exclusively of Working Group members or their designees under this subsection, as appropriate. (c) There shall be an Executive Director of the Working Group, to be appointed by the Attorney General. The Executive Director shall determine the Working Group's agenda, convene regular meetings, and supervise its work under the direction of the Co-Chairs. The Department of Justice shall provide funding and administrative support for the Working Group to the [[Page 263]] extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations. Each agency shall bear its own expenses for participating in the Working Group. Sec. 3. Mission and Function of the Working Group. (a) The Working Group shall provide specific recommendations to the President regarding actions that can be taken to improve the provision of Federal support for the acquisition of controlled equipment by LEAs, which may include, to the extent permitted by law: (i) developing a consistent, Government-wide list of controlled equipment allowable for acquisition by LEAs, as well as a list of those items that can only be transferred with special authorization and use limitations; (ii) establishing a process to review and approve proposed additions or deletions to the list of controlled equipment developed pursuant to paragraph (i) of this subsection; (iii) harmonizing Federal programs so that they have consistent and transparent policies with respect to the acquisition of controlled equipment by LEAs; (iv) requiring after-action analysis reports for significant incidents involving federally provided or federally funded controlled equipment; (v) developing policies to ensure that LEAs abide by any limitations or affirmative obligations imposed on the acquisition of controlled equipment or receipt of funds to purchase controlled equipment from the Federal Government and the obligations resulting from receipt of Federal financial assistance; (vi) planning the creation of a database that includes information about controlled equipment purchased or acquired through Federal programs; (vii) ensuring a process for returning specified controlled equipment that was acquired from the Federal Government when no longer needed by an LEA; (viii) requiring local civilian government (non-police) review of and authorization for LEAs' request for or acquisition of controlled equipment; (ix) requiring that LEAs participating in Federal controlled equipment programs receive necessary training regarding appropriate use of controlled equipment and the implementation of obligations resulting from receipt of Federal financial assistance, including training on the protection of civil rights and civil liberties; (x) providing uniform standards for suspending LEAs from Federal controlled equipment programs for specified violations of law, including civil rights laws, and ensuring those standards are implemented consistently across agencies; and (xi) creating a process to monitor the sale or transfer of controlled equipment from the Federal Government or controlled equipment purchased with funds from the Federal Government by LEAs to third parties. (b) The Working Group shall engage with external stakeholders, including appropriate State officials, law enforcement organizations, civil rights and civil liberties organizations, and academics, in developing the recommendations required by subsection (a) of this section. [[Page 264]] (c) The Working Group shall provide the President with an implementation plan for each of its recommendations, which shall include concrete milestones with specific timetables and outcomes to be achieved. Sec. 4. Report. Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Working Group shall provide the President with any recommendations and implementation plans it may have regarding the actions set forth in section 3(a)(i) and (ii) of this order. Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Working Group shall provide the President with any additional recommendations and implementation plans as set forth in section 3 of this order. Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law or Executive Order to an agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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 16, 2015. Executive Order 13689 of January 21, 2015 Enhancing Coordination of National Efforts in the Arctic By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to prepare the Nation for a changing Arctic and enhance coordination of national efforts in the Arctic, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. The Arctic has critical long-term strategic, ecological, cultural, and economic value, and it is imperative that we continue to protect our national interests in the region, which include: national defense; sovereign rights and responsibilities; maritime safety; energy and economic benefits; environmental stewardship; promotion of science and research; and preservation of the rights, freedoms, and uses of the sea as reflected in international law. Over the past 60 years, climate change has caused the Alaskan Arctic to warm twice as rapidly as the rest of the United States, and will continue to transform the Arctic as its consequences grow more severe. Over the past several decades, higher atmospheric temperatures have led to a steady and dramatic reduction in Arctic sea ice, widespread glacier retreat, increasing coastal erosion, more acidic oceans, earlier spring snowmelt, thawing permafrost, drier landscapes, and more extensive insect outbreaks and [[Page 265]] wildfires, thus changing the accessibility and natural features of this remote region. As a global leader, the United States has the responsibility to strengthen international cooperation to mitigate the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change, understand more fully and manage more effectively the adverse effects of climate change, protect life and property, develop and manage resources responsibly, enhance the quality of life of Arctic inhabitants, and serve as stewards for valuable and vulnerable ecosystems. In doing so, we must rely on science-based decisionmaking and respect the value and utility of the traditional knowledge of Alaska Native peoples. As the United States assumes the Chairmanship of the Arctic Council, it is more important than ever that we have a coordinated national effort that takes advantage of our combined expertise and efforts in the Arctic region to promote our shared values and priorities. As the Arctic has changed, the number of Federal working groups created to address the growing strategic importance and accessibility of this critical region has increased. Although these groups have made significant progress and achieved important milestones, managing the broad range of interagency activity in the Arctic requires coordinated planning by the Federal Government, with input by partners and stakeholders, to facilitate Federal, State, local, and Alaska Native tribal government and similar Alaska Native organization, as well as private and nonprofit sector, efforts in the Arctic. Sec. 2. Arctic Executive Steering Committee. (a) Establishment. There is established an Arctic Executive Steering Committee (Steering Committee), which shall provide guidance to executive departments and agencies (agencies) and enhance coordination of Federal Arctic policies across agencies and offices, and, where applicable, with State, local, and Alaska Native tribal governments and similar Alaska Native organizations, academic and research institutions, and the private and nonprofit sectors. (b) Membership. The Steering Committee shall consist of: (i) the heads, or their designees, of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Council on Environmental Quality, the Domestic Policy Council, and the National Security Council; (ii) the Executive Officer of the Steering Committee, who shall be designated by the Chair of the Steering Committee (Chair); and (iii) the Deputy Secretary or equivalent officer from the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Energy, and Homeland Security; the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; the Environmental Protection Agency; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; the National Science Foundation; the Arctic Research Commission; and the Office of Management and Budget; the Assistant to the President for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, or his or her designee; and other agencies or offices as determined appropriate by the Chair. (c) Administration. (i) The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, or his or her designee, shall be the Chair of the Executive Steering Committee. The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, or his or her designee, shall be the Vice Chair. Under the leadership of the Chair, the [[Page 266]] Steering Committee will meet quarterly, or as appropriate, to shape priorities, establish strategic direction, oversee implementation, and ensure coordination of Federal activities in the Arctic. (ii) The Steering Committee shall coordinate with existing working groups established by Executive Order or statute. (iii) As appropriate, the Chair of the Steering Committee may establish subcommittees and working groups, consisting of representatives from relevant agencies, to focus on specific key issues and assist in carrying out its responsibilities. (iv) Agencies shall provide administrative support and additional resources, as appropriate, to support their participation in the Steering Committee to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations. Each agency shall bear its own expenses for supporting its participation in the Steering Committee and associated working groups. (v) Each member of the Steering Committee shall provide the Executive Officer with a single point of contact for coordinating efforts with interagency partners, collaborating with State, local, and Alaska Native tribal governments and similar Alaska Native organizations, and assisting in carrying out the functions and duties assigned by the Steering Committee. Sec. 3. Responsibilities of the Arctic Executive Steering Committee. The Steering Committee, in coordination with the heads of relevant agencies and under the direction of the Chair, shall: (a) provide guidance and coordinate efforts to implement the priorities, objectives, activities, and responsibilities identified in National Security Presidential Directive 66/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25, Arctic Region Policy, the National Strategy for the Arctic Region and its Implementation Plan, and related agency plans; (b) provide guidance on prioritizing Federal activities, consistent with agency authorities, while the United States is Chair of the Arctic Council, including, where appropriate, recommendations for resources to use in carrying out those activities; and (c) establish a working group to provide a report to the Steering Committee by May 1, 2015, that: (i) identifies potential areas of overlap between and within agencies with respect to implementation of Arctic policy and strategic priorities and provides recommendations to increase coordination and reduce any duplication of effort, which may include ways to increase the effectiveness of existing groups; and (ii) provides recommendations to address any potential gaps in implementation. Sec. 4. Duties of the Executive Officer. The Executive Officer shall be responsible for facilitating interagency coordination efforts related to implementing the guidance and strategic priorities developed by the Steering Committee. The Executive Officer shall coordinate with the Chair and the Special Advisor on Arctic Science and Policy at the Department of State to provide regular reports to the Steering Committee on agency implementation and planning efforts for the Arctic region. [[Page 267]] Sec. 5. Engagement with the State of Alaska, Alaska Native Tribal Governments, as well as other United States Stakeholders. It is in the best interest of the Nation for the Federal Government to maximize transparency and promote collaboration where possible with the State of Alaska, Alaska Native tribal governments and similar Alaska Native organizations, and local, private-sector, and nonprofit-sector stakeholders. To facilitate consultation and partnerships with the State of Alaska and Alaska Native tribal governments and similar Alaska Native organizations, the Steering Committee shall: (a) develop a process to improve coordination and the sharing of information and knowledge among Federal, State, local, and Alaska Native tribal governments and similar Alaska Native organizations, and private- sector and nonprofit-sector groups on Arctic issues; (b) establish a process to ensure tribal consultation and collaboration, consistent with my memorandum of November 5, 2009 (Tribal Consultation). This process shall ensure meaningful consultation and collaboration with Alaska Native tribal governments and similar Alaska Native organizations in the development of Federal policies that have Alaska Native implications, as applicable, and provide feedback and recommendations to the Steering Committee; (c) identify an appropriate Federal entity to be the point of contact for Arctic matters with the State of Alaska and with Alaska Native tribal governments and similar Alaska Native organizations to support collaboration and communication; and (d) invite members of State, local, and Alaska Native tribal governments and similar Alaska Native organizations, and academic and research institutions to consult on issues or participate in discussions, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law. Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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 21, 2015. [[Page 268]] Executive Order 13690 of January 30, 2015 Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to improve the Nation's resilience to current and future flood risk, I hereby direct the following: Section 1. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to improve the resilience of communities and Federal assets against the impacts of flooding. These impacts are anticipated to increase over time due to the effects of climate change and other threats. Losses caused by flooding affect the environment, our economic prosperity, and public health and safety, each of which affects our national security. The Federal Government must take action, informed by the best-available and actionable science, to improve the Nation's preparedness and resilience against flooding. Executive Order 11988 of May 24, 1977 (Floodplain Management), requires executive departments and agencies (agencies) to avoid, to the extent possible, the long- and short-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains and to avoid direct or indirect support of floodplain development wherever there is a practicable alternative. The Federal Government has developed processes for evaluating the impacts of Federal actions in or affecting floodplains to implement Executive Order 11988. As part of a national policy on resilience and risk reduction consistent with my Climate Action Plan, the National Security Council staff coordinated an interagency effort to create a new flood risk reduction standard for federally funded projects. The views of Governors, mayors, and other stakeholders were solicited and considered as efforts were made to establish a new flood risk reduction standard for federally funded projects. The result of these efforts is the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (Standard), a flexible framework to increase resilience against flooding and help preserve the natural values of floodplains. Incorporating this Standard will ensure that agencies expand management from the current base flood level to a higher vertical elevation and corresponding horizontal floodplain to address current and future flood risk and ensure that projects funded with taxpayer dollars last as long as intended. This order establishes the Standard and sets forth a process for further solicitation and consideration of public input, including from Governors, mayors, and other stakeholders, prior to implementation of the Standard. Sec. 2. Amendments to Executive Order 11988. Executive Order 11988 is amended as follows: (a) Section 2 is amended by inserting ``, to the extent permitted by law'' after ``as follows''. (b) Section 2(a)(1) is amended by striking ``This Determination shall be made according to a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) floodplain map or a more detailed map of an area, if available. If such maps are not available, the agency shall make a determination of the [[Page 269]] location of the floodplain based on the best-available information. The Water Resources Council shall issue guidance on this information not later than October 1, 1977'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``To determine whether the action is located in a floodplain, the agency shall use one of the approaches in Section 6(c) of this Order based on the best-available information and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's effective Flood Insurance Rate Map''. (c) Section 2(a)(2) is amended by inserting the following sentence after the first sentence: ``Where possible, an agency shall use natural systems, ecosystem processes, and nature-based approaches when developing alternatives for consideration.''. (d) Section 2(d) is amended by striking ``Director'' and inserting ``Administrator'' in lieu thereof. (e) Section 3(a) is amended by inserting the following sentence after the first sentence: ``The regulations and procedures must also be consistent with the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS).''. (f) Section 3(a) is further amended by inserting ``and FFRMS'' after ``Flood Insurance Program''. (g) Section 3(b) is amended by striking ``base flood level'' and inserting ``elevation of the floodplain as defined in Section 6(c) of this Order'' in lieu thereof. (h) Section 4 is revised to read as follows: ``In addition to any responsibilities under this Order and Sections 102, 202, and 205 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4012a, 4106, and 4128), agencies which guarantee, approve, regulate, or insure any financial transaction which is related to an area located in an area subject to the base flood shall, prior to completing action on such transaction, inform any private parties participating in the transaction of the hazards of locating structures in the area subject to the base flood.''. (i) Section 6(c) is amended by striking ``, including at a minimum, that area subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year'' and inserting in lieu thereof: ``. The floodplain shall be established using one of the following approaches: ``(1) Unless an exception is made under paragraph (2), the floodplain shall be: ``(i) the elevation and flood hazard area that result from using a climate- informed science approach that uses the best-available, actionable hydrologic and hydraulic data and methods that integrate current and future changes in flooding based on climate science. This approach will also include an emphasis on whether the action is a critical action as one of the factors to be considered when conducting the analysis; ``(ii) the elevation and flood hazard area that result from using the freeboard value, reached by adding an additional 2 feet to the base flood elevation for non-critical actions and by adding an additional 3 feet to the base flood elevation for critical actions; [[Page 270]] ``(iii) the area subject to flooding by the 0.2 percent annual chance flood; or ``(iv) the elevation and flood hazard area that result from using any other method identified in an update to the FFRMS. ``(2) The head of an agency may except an agency action from paragraph (1) where it is in the interest of national security, where the agency action is an emergency action, where application to a Federal facility or structure is demonstrably inappropriate, or where the agency action is a mission-critical requirement related to a national security interest or an emergency action. When an agency action is excepted from paragraph (1) because it is in the interest of national security, it is an emergency action, or it is a mission-critical requirement related to a national security interest or an emergency action, the agency head shall rely on the area of land subject to the base flood''. (j) Section 6 is further amended by adding the following new subsection (d) at the end: ``(d) The term 'critical action' shall mean any activity for which even a slight chance of flooding would be too great.''. (k) Section 8 is revised to read as follows: ``Nothing in this Order shall apply to assistance provided for emergency work essential to save lives and protect property and public health and safety, performed pursuant to Sections 403 and 502 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 5170b and 5192).''. Sec. 3. Agency Action. (a) Prior to any action to implement the Standard, additional input from stakeholders shall be solicited and considered. To carry out this process: (i) the Federal Emergency Management Agency, on behalf of the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group, shall publish for public comment draft amended Floodplain Management Guidelines for Implementing Executive Order 11988 (Guidelines) to provide guidance to agencies on the implementation of Executive Order 11988, as amended, consistent with the Standard; (ii) during the comment period, the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group shall host public meetings with stakeholders to solicit input; and (iii) after the comment period closes, and based on the comments received on the draft Guidelines during the comment period, in accordance with subsections (a)(i) and (ii) of this section, the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group shall provide recommendations to the Water Resources Council. (b) After additional input from stakeholders has been solicited and considered as set forth in subsections (a)(i) and (ii) of this section and after consideration of the recommendations made by the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group pursuant to subsection (a)(iii) of this section, the Water Resources Council shall issue amended Guidelines to provide guidance to agencies on the implementation of Executive Order 11988, as amended, consistent with the Standard. [[Page 271]] (c) To the extent permitted by law, each agency shall, in consultation with the Water Resources Council, Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Council on Environmental Quality, issue or amend existing regulations and procedures to comply with this order, and update those regulations and procedures as warranted. Within 30 days of the closing of the public comment period for the draft amendments to the Guidelines as described in subsection (a) of this section, each agency shall submit an implementation plan to the National Security Council staff that contains milestones and a timeline for implementation of this order and the Standard, by the agency as it applies to the agency's processes and mission. Agencies shall not issue or amend existing regulations and procedures pursuant to this subsection until after the Water Resources Council has issued amended Guidelines pursuant to subsection (b) of this order. Sec. 4. Reassessment. (a) The Water Resources Council shall issue any further amendments to the Guidelines as warranted. (b) The Mitigation Framework Leadership Group in consultation with the Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force shall reassess the Standard annually, after seeking stakeholder input, and provide recommendations to the Water Resources Council to update the Standard if warranted based on accurate and actionable science that takes into account changes to climate and other changes in flood risk. The Water Resources Council shall issue an update to the Standard at least every 5 years. Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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. (d) The Water Resources Council shall carry out its responsibilities under this order in consultation with the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group. Barack Obama The White House, January 30, 2015. Executive Order 13691 of February 13, 2015 Promoting Private Sector Cybersecurity Information Sharing By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: [[Page 272]] Section 1. Policy. In order to address cyber threats to public health and safety, national security, and economic security of the United States, private companies, nonprofit organizations, executive departments and agencies (agencies), and other entities must be able to share information related to cybersecurity risks and incidents and collaborate to respond in as close to real time as possible. Organizations engaged in the sharing of information related to cybersecurity risks and incidents play an invaluable role in the collective cybersecurity of the United States. The purpose of this order is to encourage the voluntary formation of such organizations, to establish mechanisms to continually improve the capabilities and functions of these organizations, and to better allow these organizations to partner with the Federal Government on a voluntary basis. Such information sharing must be conducted in a manner that protects the privacy and civil liberties of individuals, that preserves business confidentiality, that safeguards the information being shared, and that protects the ability of the Government to detect, investigate, prevent, and respond to cyber threats to the public health and safety, national security, and economic security of the United States. This order builds upon the foundation established by Executive Order 13636 of February 12, 2013 (Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity), and Presidential Policy Directive-21 (PPD-21) of February 12, 2013 (Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience). Policy coordination, guidance, dispute resolution, and periodic in- progress reviews for the functions and programs described and assigned herein shall be provided through the interagency process established in Presidential Policy Directive-l (PPD-l) of February 13, 2009 (Organization of the National Security Council System), or any successor. Sec. 2. Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) shall strongly encourage the development and formation of Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAOs). (b) ISAOs may be organized on the basis of sector, sub-sector, region, or any other affinity, including in response to particular emerging threats or vulnerabilities. ISAO membership may be drawn from the public or private sectors, or consist of a combination of public and private sector organizations. ISAOs may be formed as for-profit or nonprofit entities. (c) The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC), established under section 226(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (the ``Act''), shall engage in continuous, collaborative, and inclusive coordination with ISAOs on the sharing of information related to cybersecurity risks and incidents, addressing such risks and incidents, and strengthening information security systems consistent with sections 212 and 226 of the Act. (d) In promoting the formation of ISAOs, the Secretary shall consult with other Federal entities responsible for conducting cybersecurity activities, including Sector-Specific Agencies, independent regulatory agencies at their discretion, and national security and law enforcement agencies. Sec. 3. ISAO Standards Organization. (a) The Secretary, in consultation with other Federal entities responsible for conducting cybersecurity and related activities, shall, through an open and competitive process, enter into [[Page 273]] an agreement with a nongovernmental organization to serve as the ISAO Standards Organization (SO), which shall identify a common set of voluntary standards or guidelines for the creation and functioning of ISAOs under this order. The standards shall further the goal of creating robust information sharing related to cybersecurity risks and incidents with ISAOs and among ISAOs to create deeper and broader networks of information sharing nationally, and to foster the development and adoption of automated mechanisms for the sharing of information. The standards will address the baseline capabilities that ISAOs under this order should possess and be able to demonstrate. These standards shall address, but not be limited to, contractual agreements, business processes, operating procedures, technical means, and privacy protections, such as minimization, for ISAO operation and ISAO member participation. (b) To be selected, the SO must demonstrate the ability to engage and work across the broad community of organizations engaged in sharing information related to cybersecurity risks and incidents, including ISAOs, and associations and private companies engaged in information sharing in support of their customers. (c) The agreement referenced in section 3(a) shall require that the SO engage in an open public review and comment process for the development of the standards referenced above, soliciting the viewpoints of existing entities engaged in sharing information related to cybersecurity risks and incidents, owners and operators of critical infrastructure, relevant agencies, and other public and private sector stakeholders. (d) The Secretary shall support the development of these standards and, in carrying out the requirements set forth in this section, shall consult with the Office of Management and Budget, the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, the Information Security Oversight Office in the National Archives and Records Administration, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Sector-Specific Agencies, and other interested Federal entities. All standards shall be consistent with voluntary international standards when such international standards will advance the objectives of this order, and shall meet the requirements of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-113), and OMB Circular A-119, as revised. Sec. 4. Critical Infrastructure Protection Program. (a) Pursuant to sections 213 and 214(h) of the Critical Infrastructure Information Act of 2002, I hereby designate the NCCIC as a critical infrastructure protection program and delegate to it authority to enter into voluntary agreements with ISAOs in order to promote critical infrastructure security with respect to cybersecurity. (b) Other Federal entities responsible for conducting cybersecurity and related activities to address threats to the public health and safety, national security, and economic security, consistent with the objectives of this order, may participate in activities under these agreements. (c) The Secretary will determine the eligibility of ISAOs and their members for any necessary facility or personnel security clearances associated with voluntary agreements in accordance with Executive Order 13549 of August 18, 2010 (Classified National Security Information Programs for State, Local, Tribal, and Private Sector Entities), and Executive Order 12829 [[Page 274]] of January 6, 1993 (National Industrial Security Program), as amended, including as amended by this order. Sec. 5. Privacy and Civil Liberties Protections. (a) Agencies shall coordinate their activities under this order with their senior agency officials for privacy and civil liberties and ensure that appropriate protections for privacy and civil liberties are incorporated into such activities. Such protections shall be based upon the Fair Information Practice Principles and other privacy and civil liberties policies, principles, and frameworks as they apply to each agency's activities. (b) Senior privacy and civil liberties officials for agencies engaged in activities under this order shall conduct assessments of their agency's activities and provide those assessments to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chief Privacy Officer and the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties for consideration and inclusion in the Privacy and Civil Liberties Assessment report required under Executive Order 13636. Sec. 6. National Industrial Security Program. Executive Order 12829, as amended, is hereby further amended as follows: (a) the second paragraph is amended by inserting ``the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004,'' after ``the National Security Act of 1947, as amended,''; (b) Sec. 101(b) is amended to read as follows: ``The National Industrial Security Program shall provide for the protection of information classified pursuant to Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009, or any predecessor or successor order, and the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).''; (c) Sec. 102(b) is amended by replacing the first paragraph with: ``In consultation with the National Security Advisor, the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office, in accordance with Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009, shall be responsible for implementing and monitoring the National Industrial Security Program and shall:''; (d) Sec. 102(c) is amended to read as follows: ``Nothing in this order shall be construed to supersede the authority of the Secretary of Energy or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), or the authority of the Director of National Intelligence (or any Intelligence Community element) under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, the National Security Act of 1947, as amended, or Executive Order 12333 of December 8, 1981, as amended, or the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security, as the Executive Agent for the Classified National Security Information Program established under Executive Order 13549 of August 18, 2010 (Classified National Security Information Program for State, Local, Tribal, and Private Sector Entities).''; (e) Sec. 201(a) is amended to read as follows: ``The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with all affected agencies and with the concurrence of the Secretary of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall issue and maintain a National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (Manual). The Secretary of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall prescribe and issue that portion of the Manual that pertains to information classified under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 [[Page 275]] U.S.C. 2011 et seq.). The Director of National Intelligence shall prescribe and issue that portion of the Manual that pertains to intelligence sources and methods, including Sensitive Compartmented Information. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall prescribe and issue that portion of the Manual that pertains to classified information shared under a designated critical infrastructure protection program.''; (f) Sec. 201(f) is deleted in its entirety; (g) Sec. 201(e) is redesignated Sec. 201(f) and revised by substituting ``Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009, or any successor order,'' for ``Executive Order No. 12356 of April 2, 1982.''; (h) Sec. 201(d) is redesignated Sec. 201(e) and revised by substituting ``the Director of National Intelligence, and the Secretary of Homeland Security'' for ``and the Director of Central Intelligence.''; (i) a new Sec. 201(d) is inserted after Sec. 201(c) to read as follows: ``The Manual shall also prescribe arrangements necessary to permit and enable secure sharing of classified information under a designated critical infrastructure protection program to such authorized individuals and organizations as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.''; (j) Sec. 202(b) is amended to read as follows: ``The Director of National Intelligence retains authority over access to intelligence sources and methods, including Sensitive Compartmented Information. The Director of National Intelligence may inspect and monitor contractor, licensee, and grantee programs and facilities that involve access to such information or may enter into written agreements with the Secretary of Defense, as Executive Agent, or with the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency to inspect and monitor these programs or facilities, in whole or in part, on the Director's behalf.''; (k) Sec. 202(d) is redesignated as Sec. 202(e); and (l) in Sec. 202 a new subsection (d) is inserted after subsection (c) to read as follows: ``The Secretary of Homeland Security may determine the eligibility for access to Classified National Security Information of contractors, licensees, and grantees and their respective employees under a designated critical infrastructure protection program, including parties to agreements with such program; the Secretary of Homeland Security may inspect and monitor contractor, licensee, and grantee programs and facilities or may enter into written agreements with the Secretary of Defense, as Executive Agent, or with the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, to inspect and monitor these programs or facilities in whole or in part, on behalf of the Secretary of Homeland Security.'' Sec. 7. Definitions. (a) ``Critical infrastructure information'' has the meaning given the term in section 212(3) of the Critical Infrastructure Information Act of 2002. (b) ``Critical infrastructure protection program'' has the meaning given the term in section 212(4) of the Critical Infrastructure Information Act of 2002. (c) ``Cybersecurity risk'' has the meaning given the term in section 226(a)(1) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (as amended by the National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014). [[Page 276]] (d) ``Fair Information Practice Principles'' means the eight principles set forth in Appendix A of the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace. (e) ``Incident'' has the meaning given the term in section 226(a)(2) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (as amended by the National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014). (f) ``Information Sharing and Analysis Organization'' has the meaning given the term in section 212(5) of the Critical Infrastrucure Information Act of 2002. (g) ``Sector-Specific Agency'' has the meaning given the term in PPD-21, or any successor. Sec. 8. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law or Executive Order to an agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. Nothing in this order shall be construed to alter or limit any authority or responsibility of an agency under existing law including those activities conducted with the private sector relating to criminal and national security threats. Nothing in this order shall be construed to provide an agency with authority for regulating the security of critical infrastructure in addition to or to a greater extent than the authority the agency has under existing law. (c) All actions taken pursuant to this order shall be consistent with requirements and authorities to protect intelligence and law enforcement sources and methods. (d) 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, February 13, 2015. Executive Order 13692 of March 8, 2015 Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014 (Public Law 113- 278) (the [[Page 277]] ``Venezuela Defense of Human Rights Act'') (the ``Act''), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)) (INA), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, find that the situation in Venezuela, including the Government of Venezuela's erosion of human rights guarantees, persecution of political opponents, curtailment of press freedoms, use of violence and human rights violations and abuses in response to antigovernment protests, and arbitrary arrest and detention of antigovernment protestors, as well as the exacerbating presence of significant public corruption, constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, and I hereby declare a national emergency to deal with that threat. I hereby order: Section 1. (a) All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in: (i) the persons listed in the Annex to this order; and (ii) any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State: (A) to be responsible for or complicit in, or responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, or to have participated in, directly or indirectly, any of the following in or in relation to Venezuela: (1) actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions; (2) significant acts of violence or conduct that constitutes a serious abuse or violation of human rights, including against persons involved in antigovernment protests in Venezuela in or since February 2014; (3) actions that prohibit, limit, or penalize the exercise of freedom of expression or peaceful assembly; or (4) public corruption by senior officials within the Government of Venezuela; (B) to be a current or former leader of an entity that has, or whose members have, engaged in any activity described in subsection (a)(ii)(A) of this section or of an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; (C) to be a current or former official of the Government of Venezuela; (D) to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of: (1) a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or (2) an activity described in subsection (a)(ii)(A) of this section; or (E) to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order. [[Page 278]] (b) The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date of this order. Sec. 2. I hereby find that the unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens determined to meet one or more of the criteria in subsection 1(a) of this order would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of such persons, except where the Secretary of State determines that the person's entry is in the national interest of the United States. This section shall not apply to an alien if admitting the alien into the United States is necessary to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement Regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, or other applicable international obligations. Sec. 3. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the type of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1 of this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in this order, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 1 of this order. Sec. 4. The prohibitions in section 1 of this order include but are not limited to: (a) the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; and (b) the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Sec. 5. (a) Any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited. (b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited. Sec. 6. For the purposes of this order: (a) the term ``person'' means an individual or entity; (b) the term ``entity'' means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization; (c) the term ``United States person'' means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States; (d) the term ``Government of Venezuela'' means the Government of Venezuela, any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including the Central Bank of Venezuela, and any person owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, the Government of Venezuela. Sec. 7. For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence [[Page 279]] in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render those measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in this order, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to section 1 of this order. Sec. 8. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA and section 5 of the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights Act, other than the authorities contained in sections 5(b)(1)(B) and 5(c) of that Act, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this order, with the exception of section 2 of this order, and the relevant provisions of section 5 of that Act. The Secretary of the Treasury may redelegate any of these functions to other officers and agencies of the United States Government consistent with applicable law. All agencies of the United States Government are hereby directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of this order. Sec. 9. The Secretary of State is hereby authorized to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA, the INA, and section 5 of the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights Act, including the authorities set forth in sections 5(b)(1)(B), 5(c), and 5(d) of that Act, as may be necessary to carry out section 2 of this order and the relevant provisions of section 5 of that Act. The Secretary of State may redelegate any of these functions to other officers and agencies of the United States Government consistent with applicable law. Sec. 10. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to determine that circumstances no longer warrant the blocking of the property and interests in property of a person listed in the Annex to this order, and to take necessary action to give effect to that determination. Sec. 11. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to submit the recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)). Sec. 12. 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. 13. This order is effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 9, 2015. Barack Obama The White House, March 8, 2015. [[Page 280]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T38006A.001 [[Page 281]] Executive Order 13693 of March 19, 2015 Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to maintain Federal leadership in sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reductions, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. Executive departments and agencies (agencies) have been among our Nation's leaders as the United States works to build a clean energy economy that will sustain our prosperity and the health of our people and our environment for generations to come. Federal leadership in energy, environmental water, fleet, buildings, and acquisition management will continue to drive national greenhouse gas reductions and support preparations for the impacts of climate change. Through a combination of more efficient Federal operations such as those outlined in this Executive Order (order), we have the opportunity to reduce agency direct greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent over the next decade while at the same time fostering innovation, reducing spending, and strengthening the communities in which our Federal facilities operate. It therefore continues to be the policy of the United States that agencies shall increase efficiency and improve their environmental performance. Improved environmental performance will help us protect our planet for future generations and save taxpayer dollars through avoided energy costs and increased efficiency, while also making Federal facilities more resilient. To improve environmental performance and Federal sustainability, priority should first be placed on reducing energy use and cost, then on finding renewable or alternative energy solutions. Pursuing clean sources of energy will improve energy and water security, while ensuring that Federal facilities will continue to meet mission requirements and lead by example. Employing this strategy for the next decade calls for expanded and updated Federal environmental performance goals with a clear overarching objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Federal operations and the Federal supply chain. Sec. 2. Agency Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions. In implementing the policy set forth in section 1 of this order, the head of each agency shall, within 90 days of the date of this order, propose to the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) percentage reduction targets for agency-wide reductions of scope 1 and 2 and scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions in absolute terms by the end of fiscal year 2025 relative to a fiscal year 2008 baseline. Where appropriate, the target shall exclude direct emissions from excluded vehicles and equipment and from electric power produced and sold commercially to other parties as the primary business of the agency. The proposed targets shall be subject to the review and approval of the Chair of CEQ in coordination with the Director of OMB under section 4(b) of this order. Sec. 3. Sustainability Goals for Agencies. In implementing the policy set forth in section 1 of this order and to achieve the goals of section 2 of this order, the head of each agency shall, where life-cycle cost- effective, beginning in fiscal year 2016, unless otherwise specified: [[Page 282]] (a) promote building energy conservation, efficiency, and management by: (i) reducing agency building energy intensity measured in British thermal units per gross square foot by 2.5 percent annually through the end of fiscal year 2025, relative to the baseline of the agency's building energy use in fiscal year 2015 and taking into account agency progress to date, except where revised pursuant to section 9(f) of this order, by implementing efficiency measures based on and using practices such as: (A) using remote building energy performance assessment auditing technology; (B) participating in demand management programs; (C) ensuring that monthly performance data is entered into the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for covered buildings; (D) incorporating, where feasible, the consensus-based, industry standard Green Button data access system into reporting, data analytics, and automation processes; (E) implementing space utilization and optimization practices and policies; (F) identifying opportunities to transition test-bed technologies to achieve the goals of this section; and (G) conforming, where feasible, to city energy performance benchmarking and reporting requirements; and (ii) improving data center energy efficiency at agency facilities by: (A) ensuring the agency chief information officer promotes data center energy optimization, efficiency, and performance; (B) installing and monitoring advanced energy meters in all data centers by fiscal year 2018; and (C) establishing a power usage effectiveness target of 1.2 to 1.4 for new data centers and less than 1.5 for existing data centers; (b) ensure that at a minimum, the following percentage of the total amount of building electric energy and thermal energy shall be clean energy, accounted for by renewable electric energy and alternative energy: (i) not less than 10 percent in fiscal years 2016 and 2017; (ii) not less than 13 percent in fiscal years 2018 and 2019; (iii) not less than 16 percent in fiscal years 2020 and 2021; (iv) not less than 20 percent in fiscal years 2022 and 2023; and (v) not less than 25 percent by fiscal year 2025 and each year thereafter; (c) ensure that the percentage of the total amount of building electric energy consumed by the agency that is renewable electric energy is: (i) not less than 10 percent in fiscal years 2016 and 2017; (ii) not less than 15 percent in fiscal years 2018 and 2019; (iii) not less than 20 percent in fiscal years 2020 and 2021; (iv) not less than 25 percent in fiscal years 2022 and 2023; and [[Page 283]] (v) not less than 30 percent by fiscal year 2025 and each year thereafter; (d) include in the renewable electric energy portion of the clean energy target established in subsection (b) of this section renewable electric energy as defined in section 19(v) of this order and associated with the following actions, which are listed in order of priority: (i) installing agency-funded renewable energy on site at Federal facilities and retaining corresponding renewable energy certificates (RECs) or obtaining equal value replacement RECs; (ii) contracting for the purchase of energy that includes the installation of renewable energy on site at a Federal facility or off site from a Federal facility and the retention of corresponding RECs or obtaining equal value replacement RECs for the term of the contract; (iii) purchasing electricity and corresponding RECs or obtaining equal value replacement RECs; and (iv) purchasing RECs; (e) include in the alternative energy portion of the clean energy target established in subsection (b) of this section alternative energy as defined in section 19(c) of this order and associated with the following actions, where feasible: (i) installing thermal renewable energy on site at Federal facilities and retaining corresponding renewable attributes or obtaining equal value replacement RECs where applicable; (ii) installing combined heat and power processes on site at Federal facilities; (iii) installing fuel cell energy systems on site at Federal facilities; (iv) utilizing energy from new small modular nuclear reactor technologies; (v) utilizing energy from a new project that includes the active capture and storage of carbon dioxide emissions associated with energy generation; (vi) implementing other alternative energy approaches that advance the policy set forth in section 1 and achieve the goals of section 2 of this order and are in accord with any sustainability, environmental performance, and other instructions or guidance established pursuant to sections 4(e) and 5(a) of this order; and (vii) including in the Department of Defense (DOD) accounting for alternative energy for this subsection, fulfillment of the requirements for DOD goals established under section 2852 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 as amended by section 2842 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010; (f) improve agency water use efficiency and management, including stormwater management by: (i) reducing agency potable water consumption intensity measured in gallons per gross square foot by 36 percent by fiscal year 2025 through reductions of 2 percent annually through fiscal year 2025 relative to a baseline of the agency's water consumption in fiscal year 2007; [[Page 284]] (ii) installing water meters and collecting and utilizing building and facility water balance data to improve water conservation and management; (iii) reducing agency industrial, landscaping, and agricultural (ILA) water consumption measured in gallons by 2 percent annually through fiscal year 2025 relative to a baseline of the agency's ILA water consumption in fiscal year 2010; and (iv) installing appropriate green infrastructure features on federally owned property to help with stormwater and wastewater management; (g) if the agency operates a fleet of at least 20 motor vehicles, improve agency fleet and vehicle efficiency and management by: (i) determining, as part of the planning requirements of section 14 of this order, the optimum fleet inventory with emphasis placed on eliminating unnecessary or non-essential vehicles from the agency's fleet inventory; (ii) taking actions that reduce fleet-wide per-mile greenhouse gas emissions from agency fleet vehicles, relative to a baseline of emissions in fiscal year 2014, to achieve the following percentage reductions: (A) not less than 4 percent by the end of fiscal year 2017; (B) not less than 15 percent by the end of fiscal year 2021; and (C) not less than 30 percent by the end of fiscal year 2025; (iii) collecting and utilizing as a fleet efficiency management tool, as soon as practicable but not later than 2 years after the date of this order, agency fleet operational data through deployment of vehicle telematics at a vehicle asset level for all new passenger and light duty vehicle acquisitions and for medium duty vehicles where appropriate; (iv) ensuring that agency annual asset-level fleet data is properly and accurately accounted for in a formal agency Fleet Management System and any relevant data is submitted to the Federal Automotive Statistical Tool reporting database, the Federal Motor Vehicle Registration System, and the Fleet Sustainability Dashboard (FleetDASH) system; (v) planning for agency fleet composition such that by December 31, 2020, zero emission vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles account for 20 percent of all new agency passenger vehicle acquisitions and by December 31, 2025, zero emission vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles account for 50 percent of all new agency passenger vehicles and including, where practicable, acquisition of such vehicles in other vehicle classes and counting double credit towards the targets in this section for such acquisitions; and (vi) planning for appropriate charging or refueling infrastructure or other power storage technologies for zero emission vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles and opportunities for ancillary services to support vehicle-to- grid technology; (h) improve building efficiency, performance, and management by: (i) ensuring, beginning in fiscal year 2020 and thereafter, that all new construction of Federal buildings greater than 5,000 gross square feet that enters the planning process is designed to achieve energy net-zero and, where feasible, water or waste net-zero by fiscal year 2030; [[Page 285]] (ii) identifying, beginning in June of 2016, as part of the planning requirements of section 14 of this order, a percentage of at least 15 percent, by number or total square footage, of the agency's existing buildings above 5,000 gross square feet that will, by fiscal year 2025, comply with the revised Guiding Principles for Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings (Guiding Principles), developed pursuant to section 4 of this order, and making annual progress toward 100 percent conformance with the Guiding Principles for its building inventory; (iii) identifying, as part of the planning requirements of section 14 of this order, a percentage of the agency's existing buildings above 5,000 gross square feet intended to be energy, waste, or water net-zero buildings by fiscal year 2025 and implementing actions that will allow those buildings to meet that target; (iv) including in all new agency lease solicitations over 10,000 rentable square feet: (A) criteria for energy efficiency either as a required performance specification or as a source selection evaluation factor in best-value tradeoff procurements; and (B) requirements for building lessor disclosure of carbon emission or energy consumption data for that portion of the building occupied by the agency that may be provided by the lessor through submetering or estimation from pro-rated occupancy data, whichever is more cost-effective; (v) reporting building energy, beginning in fiscal year 2016 as part of the agency scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions for newly solicited leases over 10,000 rentable square feet; (vi) including in the planning for new buildings or leases cost-effective strategies to optimize sustainable space usage and consideration of existing community transportation planning and infrastructure, including access to public transit; (vii) ensuring that all new construction, major renovation, repair, and alteration of agency buildings includes appropriate design and deployment of fleet charging infrastructure; and (viii) including the incorporation of climate-resilient design and management elements into the operation, repair, and renovation of existing agency buildings and the design of new agency buildings; (i) promote sustainable acquisition and procurement by ensuring that each of the following environmental performance and sustainability factors are included to the maximum extent practicable for all applicable procurements in the planning, award, and execution phases of the acquisition by: (i) meeting statutory mandates that require purchase preference for: (A) recycled content products designated by EPA; (B) energy and water efficient products and services, such as ENERGY STAR qualified and Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated products, identified by EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE); and (C) BioPreferred and biobased designated products designated by the United States Department of Agriculture; [[Page 286]] (ii) purchasing sustainable products and services identified by EPA programs including: (A) Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP) chemicals or other alternatives to ozone-depleting substances and high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons, where feasible, as identified by SNAP; (B) WaterSense certified products and services (water efficient products); (C) Safer Choice labeled products (chemically intensive products that contain safer ingredients); and (D) SmartWay Transport partners and SmartWay products (fuel efficient products and services); (iii) purchasing environmentally preferable products or services that: (A) meet or exceed specifications, standards, or labels recommended by EPA that have been determined to assist agencies in meeting their needs and further advance sustainable procurement goals of this order; or (B) meet environmental performance criteria developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies consistent with section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (Public Law 104- 113) and OMB Circular A-119; (iv) acting, as part of the implementation of planning requirements of section 14 of this order, until an agency achieves at least 95 percent compliance with the BioPreferred and biobased purchasing requirement in paragraph (i) of this subsection, to: (A) establish an annual target for the number of contracts to be awarded with BioPreferred and biobased criteria and dollar value of BioPreferred and biobased products to be delivered and reported under those contracts in the following fiscal year. To establish this target, agencies shall consider the dollar value of designated BioPreferred and biobased products reported in previous years, the specifications reviewed and revised for inclusion of BioPreferred and biobased products, and the number of applicable product and service contracts to be awarded, including construction, operations and maintenance, food services, vehicle maintenance, and janitorial services; and (B) ensure contractors submit timely annual reports of their BioPreferred and biobased purchases; and (v) reducing copier and printing paper use and acquiring uncoated printing and writing paper containing at least 30 percent postconsumer recycled content or higher as designated by future instruction under section 4(e) of this order; (j) advance waste prevention and pollution prevention by: (i) reporting in accordance with the requirements of sections 301 through 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 11001 through 11023); (ii) diverting at least 50 percent of non-hazardous solid waste, including food and compostable material but not construction and demolition materials and debris, annually, and pursuing opportunities for net-zero waste or additional diversion opportunities; [[Page 287]] (iii) diverting at least 50 percent of non-hazardous construction and demolition materials and debris; and (iv) reducing or minimizing the quantity of toxic and hazardous chemicals and materials acquired, used, or disposed of, particularly where such reduction will assist the agency in pursuing agency greenhouse gas emission reduction targets established in section 2 of this order; (k) implement performance contracts for Federal buildings by: (i) utilizing performance contracting as an important tool to help meet identified energy efficiency and management goals while deploying life- cycle cost-effective energy efficiency and clean energy technology and water conservation measures; (ii) fulfilling existing agency performance contracting commitments towards the goal of $4 billion in Federal performance-based contracts by the end of calendar year 2016; and (iii) providing annual agency targets for performance contracting for energy savings to be implemented in fiscal year 2017 and annually thereafter as part of the planning requirements of section 14 of this order; (l) promote electronics stewardship by establishing, measuring, and reporting by: (i) ensuring procurement preference for environmentally sustainable electronic products as established in subsection (i) of this section; (ii) establishing and implementing policies to enable power management, duplex printing, and other energy-efficient or environmentally sustainable features on all eligible agency electronic products; and (iii) employing environmentally sound practices with respect to the agency's disposition of all agency excess or surplus electronic products. Sec. 4. Duties of the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. In implementing the policy set forth in section 1 of this order, the Chair of CEQ shall: (a) in coordination with the Director of OMB, establish a Federal Interagency Sustainability Steering Committee (Steering Committee) that shall advise the Director of OMB and the Chair of CEQ on the performance of agency responsibilities under sections 2 and 3 of this order and shall include the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer referenced in section 6 of this order and agency Chief Sustainability Officers designated under sections 7 and 8 of this order; (b) in coordination with the Director of OMB review and approve agency-wide scope 1 and 2 and scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets developed under section 2 of this order; (c) in coordination with the Director of OMB, prepare streamlined reporting metrics to determine each agency's progress under sections 2 and 3 of this order; (d) review and evaluate each agency's Plan prepared under section 14 of this order; (e) within 45 days of the date of this order and thereafter as necessary, after consultation with the Director of OMB, issue implementing instructions or other guidance to direct agency implementation of this order, other [[Page 288]] than instructions within the authority of the Director of OMB to issue under section 5 of this order; (f) within 150 days of the date of this order, prepare and issue revised Guiding Principles for both new and existing Federal buildings including consideration of climate change resilience and employee and visitor wellness; (g) revise, as necessary and in coordination with the Director of OMB, existing CEQ guidance and implementing instructions on Sustainable Locations for Federal Facilities of September 15, 2011, Sustainable Practices for Designed Landscapes of October 31, 2011, as supplemented on October 22, 2014, Federal Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Reporting Guidance [Revision 1] of June 4, 2012, and Federal Agency Implementation of Water Efficiency and Management Provisions of Executive Order 13514 of July 10, 2013; (h) within 150 days of the date of this order, prepare and issue guidance to assist agencies in the implementation of section 13 of this order; (i) identify annually, based on total contract spending in the previous fiscal year as reported in the Federal Procurement Data System, the seven largest Federal procuring agencies responsible for implementation of section 15(b) of this order; (j) administer a Presidential leadership award program to recognize exceptional and outstanding performance and excellence in agency efforts to implement this order; and (k) establish and disband, as appropriate, temporary interagency working groups to provide recommendations to the Chair of CEQ associated with the goals of this order, including: grid-based green power; data quality, collection, and reporting; greenhouse gas emissions associated with the transportation of Federal freight and cargo; sustainability considerations in resilience planning; agency supply chain climate vulnerability; recycled content paper; green infrastructure; and carbon uptake accounting and wood products. Sec. 5. Duties of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. In implementing the policy set forth in section 1 of this order, the Director of OMB shall: (a) issue, after consultation with the Chair of CEQ, instructions to the heads of agencies concerning periodic performance evaluation of agency implementation of this order, including consideration of the results from section 4(c) of this order; (b) prepare scorecards providing periodic evaluation of Principal Agency performance in implementing this order and publish scorecard results on a publicly available Web site; and (c) review and approve each agency's Plan prepared under section 14 of this order. Sec. 6. Duties of the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer. Henceforth, the Federal Environmental Executive is reestablished as the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer and the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive is reestablished as the Office of the Chief Sustainability Officer, for which the Environmental Protection Agency shall provide funding and administrative support and that shall be maintained at CEQ. In implementing the [[Page 289]] policy set forth in section 1 of this order, the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer shall: (a) monitor progress and advise the Chair of CEQ on agency goals in sections 2 and 3 of this order; (b) chair, convene, and preside at quarterly meetings; determine the agenda; and direct the work of the Steering Committee; (c) lead the development of programs and policies to assist agencies in implementing the goals of this order in coordination with DOE, EPA, the General Services Administration (GSA), and other agencies as appropriate; (d) coordinate and provide direction to relevant existing workgroups through quarterly meetings to ensure that opportunities for improvement in implementation of this order are identified and addressed; and (e) advise the Chair of CEQ on the implementation of this order. Sec. 7. Duties of Principal Agencies. To ensure successful implementation of the policy established in section 1 of this order, the head of each Principal Agency shall: (a) designate, within 45 days of the date of this order, an agency Chief Sustainability Officer, who shall be a senior civilian officer of the United States, compensated annually in an amount at or above the amount payable at level IV of the Executive Schedule, and report such designation to the Director of OMB and the Chair of CEQ; (b) assign the designated official the authority to represent the agency on the Steering Committee established under section 4 of this order and perform such other duties relating to the implementation of this order within the agency as the head of the agency deems appropriate; (c) prepare and distribute internally, where appropriate, performance evaluations of agency implementation of this order that reflect the contribution of agency services, components, bureaus, and operating divisions to the goals of this order; (d) ensure, as soon as practicable after the date of this order, that leases and contracts entered into after the date of this order for lessor or contractor operation of Government-owned buildings or vehicles facilitate the agency's compliance with this order; (e) implement opportunities to improve agency fleet sustainability, including vehicle acquisitions as established in section 3(g) of this order, waiver authority, and fleet data management practices, by revising agency fleet management review and approval procedures to include the Chief Sustainability Officers designated under this section and section 8 of this order; (f) consider the development of policies to promote sustainable commuting and work-related travel practices for Federal employees that foster workplace vehicle charging, encourage telecommuting, teleconferencing, and reward carpooling and the use of public transportation, where consistent with agency authority and Federal appropriations law; (g) ensure regional agency actions consider and are consistent with, sustainability and climate preparedness priorities of States, local governments, and tribal communities where agency facilities are located; [[Page 290]] (h) foster outstanding performance and excellence in agency efforts to implement this order through opportunities such as agency leadership award programs; (i) continue implementation of formal Environmental Management Systems (EMS) where those systems have proven effective and deploy new EMSs where appropriate; and (j) notwithstanding the limitations on implementation in section 17 of this order, apply, where feasible and appropriate, the strategies and plans to achieve the goals of this order in whole or in part with respect to fueling, operation, and management of tactical or emergency vehicles and to the activities and facilities of the agency that are not located within the United States. Sec. 8. Duties of Contributing Agencies. Within 45 days of the date of this order, to ensure successful implementation of the policy established in section 1 of this order, the head of each contributing agency shall designate an agency Chief Sustainability Officer, who shall be a senior civilian officer of the United States, compensated annually in an amount at or above the amount payable at level IV of the Executive Schedule, and report such designation to the Director of OMB and the Chair of CEQ. Sec. 9. Duties of the Agency Chief Sustainability Officers. The Chief Sustainability Officers designated under sections 7 and 8 of this order shall be responsible for: (a) ensuring agency policies, plans, and strategies implemented to achieve the goals of this order consider the role of agency regional facilities and personnel and are integrated into agency permitting and environmental review policies, programs, and planning; (b) developing and implementing an agency-wide strategic process that coordinates appropriate agency functions and programs to ensure that those functions and programs consider and address the goals of this order; (c) reporting annually to the Chair of CEQ and Director of OMB a comprehensive inventory of progress towards the greenhouse gas emissions goals established in section 2 of this order; (d) representing the agency on the Steering Committee; (e) convening quarterly meetings of agency bureaus, commands, or operating divisions that are responsible for the implementation of strategies necessary to meet the goals of this order; (f) representing the agency in any requests to the Chair of CEQ and Director of OMB to amend or normalize a baseline for goals established in this order due to change of greater than 5 percent as a result of agency space consolidation, a change in mission tempo, or improved data quality; (g) providing plans, including the Plan prepared under section 14 of this order, reports, information, and assistance necessary to implement this order, to the Director of OMB, the Chair of CEQ, and the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer; and (h) performing such other duties relating to the implementation of this order as the head of the agency deems appropriate. [[Page 291]] Sec. 10. Regional Coordination. Within 180 days of the date of this order, each EPA and GSA Regional office shall in coordination with Federal Executive Boards established by the Presidential Memorandum of November 10, 1961 (The Need for Greater Coordination of Regional and Field Activities of the Government), DOD and other agencies as appropriate, convene regional interagency workgroups to identify and address: (a) sustainable operations of Federal fleet vehicles, including identification and implementation of opportunities to use and share fueling infrastructure and logistical resources to support the adoption and use of alternative fuel vehicles, including E-85 compatible vehicles, zero emission and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and compressed natural gas powered vehicles; (b) water resource management and drought response opportunities; (c) climate change preparedness and resilience planning in coordination with State, local, and tribal communities; and (d) opportunities for collective procurement of clean energy to satisfy energy demand for multiple agency buildings. Sec. 11. Employee Education and Training. Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Office of Personnel Management, in coordination with DOE, GSA, EPA, and other agencies as appropriate, shall: (a) consider the establishment of a dedicated Federal occupational series for sustainability professionals and relevant positions that directly impact the achievement of Federal sustainability goals and if appropriate, prepare and issue such occupational series; and (b) initiate the inclusion of environmental sustainability and climate preparedness and resilience into Federal leadership and educational programs in courses and training, delivered through electronic learning, in classroom settings, and residential centers, particularly developmental training for Senior Executive Service and GS- 15 personnel. Sec. 12. Supporting the Federal Fleet. (a) GSA shall ensure that vehicles available to agencies for either lease or sale, at or below market cost, through its vehicle program include adequate variety and volume of alternative fuel vehicles, including zero emission and plug-in hybrid vehicles, to meet the fleet management goals of this order. (b) DOE shall assist the United States Postal Service (USPS) in evaluating the best alternative and advanced fuel technologies for the USPS fleet and report on such progress annually as part of the planning requirements of section 14 of this order. Sec. 13. Supporting Federal Facility Climate Preparedness and Resilience. The head of each agency shall, consistent with Executive Order 13653 of November 1, 2013, ensure that agency operations and facilities prepare for impacts of climate change as part of the planning requirements of section 14 of this order and consistent with planning required under section 5 of Executive Order 13653 by: (a) identifying and addressing projected impacts of climate change on mission critical water, energy, communication, and transportation demands and considering those climate impacts in operational preparedness planning for major agency facilities and operations; and (b) calculating the potential cost and risk to mission associated with agency operations that do not take into account the information collected [[Page 292]] in subsection (a) of this section and considering that cost in agency decision-making. Sec. 14. Agency Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan. Beginning in June 2015, and continuing through fiscal year 2025, the head of each Principal Agency shall develop, implement, and annually update an integrated Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan (Plan) based on guidance prepared by the Chair of CEQ under section 4 of this order. Contributing agencies are encouraged to prepare a Plan but may limit content of the Plan to a summary of agency actions to meet the requirements of this order. Each Principal Agency Plan and update shall be provided to the Chair of CEQ and Director of OMB, shall be subject to approval by the Director under section 5 of this order, and shall be made publicly available on an agency Web site once approved. Sec. 15. Supply Chain Greenhouse Gas Management. In implementing the greenhouse gas management policies in section 1 of this order and to better understand and manage the implications of Federal supply chain greenhouse gas emissions: (a) the Chair of CEQ shall, within 30 days of the date of this order and annually thereafter, identify and publicly release an inventory of major Federal suppliers using publicly available Federal procurement information, including information as to whether the supplier has accounted for and publicly disclosed, during the previous calendar year, annual scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emission data and publicly disclosed a greenhouse gas emission reductions target (or targets) for 2015 or beyond; and (b) the seven largest Federal procuring agencies shall each submit for consideration, in conjunction with the planning requirements of section 14 of this order, a plan to implement at least five new procurements annually in which the agency may include, as appropriate, contract requirements for vendors or evaluation criteria that consider contractor emissions and greenhouse gas emissions management practices. The plans submitted for consideration may include identification of evaluation criteria, performance period criteria, and contract clauses that will encourage suppliers to manage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and shall be implemented as soon as practicable after any relevant administrative requirements have been met. Sec. 16. Revocations and Conforming Provisions. (a) Pursuant to section 742(b) of Public Law 111-117, I have determined that this order will achieve equal or better environmental or energy efficiency results than Executive Order 13423. Therefore, Executive Order 13423 of January 24, 2007, is revoked. (b) Executive Order 13514 of October 5, 2009; Presidential Memorandum of December 2, 2011 (Implementation of Energy Savings Projects and Performance-Based Contracting for Energy Savings); section 1 of Presidential Memorandum of February 21, 2012 (Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs in Rural America through Biobased and Sustainable Product Procurement); and Presidential Memorandum of December 5, 2013 (Federal Leadership on Energy Management), are revoked. (c) Presidential Memorandum of May 24, 2011 (Federal Fleet Performance), is revoked as of October 1, 2015. [[Page 293]] (d) Section 3(b)(vi) of Executive Order 13327 of February 4, 2004, is amended by striking ``Executive Order 13148 of April 21, 2000'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``other Executive Orders''. (e) Section 2(d) of Executive Order 13432 of May 14, 2007, is amended to read as follows: ```greenhouse gases' means carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, nitrogen triflouride, and sulfur hexafluoride;''. (f) Section 5 of Executive Order 13653 of November 1, 2013, is amended by striking ``Executive Order 13514'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``other Executive Orders''. (g) Section 1 of Executive Order 13677 of September 23, 2014, is amended by striking ``Executive Order 13514 of October 5, 2009 (Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance), and Executive Order 13653 of November 1, 2013 (Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change),'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``Several Executive Orders have''. Sec. 17. Limitations. (a) This order shall apply to an agency with respect to the activities, personnel, resources, and facilities of the agency that are located within the United States. The head of an agency may provide that this order shall apply in whole or in part with respect to the activities, personnel, resources, and facilities of the agency that are not located within the United States, if the head of the agency determines that such application is in the interest of the United States. (b) The head of an agency shall manage activities, personnel, resources, and facilities of the agency that are not located within the United States with respect to which the head of the agency has not made a determination under subsection (a) of this section in a manner consistent with the policy set forth in section 1 of this order to the extent the head of the agency determines practicable. Sec. 18. Exemption Authority. (a) The Director of National Intelligence may exempt an intelligence activity of the United States, and related personnel, resources, and facilities, from the provisions of this order other than this subsection to the extent the Director determines necessary to protect intelligence sources and methods from unauthorized disclosure. (b) The head of an agency may exempt law enforcement activities of that agency, and related personnel, resources, and facilities, from the provisions of this order other than this subsection to the extent the head of an agency determines necessary to protect undercover operations from unauthorized disclosure. (c) The head of an agency may exempt law enforcement, protective, emergency response, or military tactical vehicle fleets of that agency from the provisions of this order other than this subsection. Heads of agencies shall manage fleets to which this paragraph refers in a manner consistent with the policy set forth in section 1 of this order to the extent they determine practicable. (d) The head of an agency may exempt particular agency activities and facilities from the provisions of this order other than this subsection where it is in the interest of national security. If the head of an agency issues an exemption under this section, the agency must notify the Chair of CEQ in writing within 30 days of issuance of the exemption under this subsection. [[Page 294]] To the maximum extent practicable, and without compromising national security, each agency shall strive to comply with the purposes, goals, and implementation steps in this order. (e) The head of an agency may submit to the President, through the Chair of CEQ, a request for an exemption of an agency activity, and related personnel, resources, and facilities, from this order. Sec. 19. Definitions. As used in this order: (a) ``absolute greenhouse gas emissions'' means total greenhouse gas emissions without normalization for activity levels and includes any allowable consideration of sequestration; (b) ``agency'' means an executive agency as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code, excluding the Government Accountability Office; (c) ``alternative energy'' means energy generated from technologies and approaches that advance renewable heat sources, including biomass, solar thermal, geothermal, waste heat, and renewable combined heat and power processes; combined heat and power; small modular nuclear reactor technologies; fuel cell energy systems; and energy generation, where active capture and storage of carbon dioxide emissions associated with that energy generation is verified; (d) ``alternative fuel vehicle'' means vehicles defined by section 301 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, as amended (42 U.S.C. 13211), and otherwise includes electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, dedicated alternative fuel vehicles, dual fueled alternative fuel vehicles, qualified fuel cell motor vehicles, advanced lean burn technology motor vehicles, low greenhouse gas vehicles, compressed natural gas powered vehicles, self-propelled vehicles such as bicycles, and any other alternative fuel vehicles that are defined by statute; (e) ``clean energy'' means renewable electric energy and alternative energy; (f) ``climate resilient design'' means to design assets to prepare for, withstand, respond to, or quickly recover from disruptions due to severe weather events and climate change for the intended life of the asset; (g) ``construction and demolition materials and debris'' means waste materials and debris generated during construction, renovation, demolition, or dismantling of all structures and buildings and associated infrastructure; (h) ``Contributing Agencies'' are defined as executive agencies that are not subject to the Chief Financial Officers Act and include Federal Boards, Commissions, and Committees; (i) ``divert'' or ``diverting'' means redirecting materials from disposal in landfills or incinerators to recycling or recovery, excluding diversion to waste-to-energy facilities; (j) ``environmentally preferable'' means products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, use, operation, maintenance, or disposal related to the product or service; [[Page 295]] (k) ``excluded vehicles and equipment'' means any vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or non-road equipment owned or operated by an agency of the Federal Government that is used in combat support, combat service support, tactical or relief operations, or training for such operations or spaceflight vehicles (including associated ground-support equipment); (l) ``Federal facility'' means any building or collection of buildings, grounds, or structures, as well as any fixture or part thereof, which is owned by the United States or any Federal agency or that is held by the United States or any Federal agency under a lease- acquisition agreement under which the United States or a Federal agency will receive fee simple title under the terms of such agreement without further negotiation; (m) ``greenhouse gases'' means carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, nitrogen triflouride, and sulfur hexafluoride; (n) ``life-cycle cost-effective'' means the life-cycle costs of a product, project, or measure are estimated to be equal to or less than the base case (i.e., current or standard practice or product); (o) ``net-zero energy building'' means a building that is designed, constructed, or renovated and operated such that the actual annual source energy consumption is balanced by on-site renewable energy; (p) ``net-zero water building'' means a building that is designed, constructed, or renovated and operated to greatly reduce total water consumption, use non-potable sources as much as possible, and recycle and reuse water in order to return the equivalent amount of water as was withdrawn from all sources, including municipal supply, without compromising groundwater and surface water quantity or quality; (q) ``net-zero waste building'' means a building that is operated to reduce, reuse, recycle, compost, or recover solid waste streams (with the exception of hazardous and medical waste) thereby resulting in zero waste disposal; (r) ``passenger vehicle'' means a sedan or station wagon designed primarily to transport people as defined in 102-34.35 of the Federal Management Regulation; (s) ``power usage effectiveness'' means the ratio obtained by dividing the total amount of electricity and other power consumed in running a data center by the power consumed by the information and communications technology in the data center; (t) ``Principal Agencies'' mean agencies subject to the Chief Financial Officers Act and agencies subject to the OMB Scorecard process under section 5(b) of this order; (u) ``renewable energy certificate'' means the technology and environmental (non-energy) attributes that represent proof that 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy resource, that can be sold separately from the underlying generic electricity with which they are associated, and that, for the purposes of section 3(d)(iii) and (iv) of this order, were produced by sources of renewable energy placed into service within 10 years prior to the start of the fiscal year; [[Page 296]] (v) ``renewable electric energy'' means energy produced by solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas, ocean (including tidal, wave, current, and thermal), geothermal, geothermal heat pumps, microturbines, municipal solid waste, or new hydroelectric generation capacity achieved from increased efficiency or additions of new capacity at an existing hydroelectric project; (w) ``resilience'' means the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions and withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions; (x) ``scope 1, 2, and 3'' mean: (i) scope 1: direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the agency; (ii) scope 2: direct greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the generation of electricity, heat, or steam purchased by an agency; (iii) scope 3: greenhouse gas emissions from sources not owned or directly controlled by an agency but related to agency activities such as vendor supply chains, delivery and transportation services, and employee travel and commuting; (y) ``United States'' means the fifty States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and associated territorial waters and airspace; (z) ``water balance'' means a comparison of the water supplied to a defined system to the water consumed by that system in order to identify the proportion of water consumed for specific end-uses and ensure potential water leaks in the system are addressed; and (aa) ``zero emission vehicle'' means a vehicle that produces zero exhaust emissions of any criteria pollutant (or precursor pollutant) or greenhouse gas under any possible operational modes or conditions. Sec. 20. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of OMB relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented in a manner consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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, March 19, 2015. [[Page 297]] Executive Order 13694 of April 1, 2015 Blocking the Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, find that the increasing prevalence and severity of malicious cyber-enabled activities originating from, or directed by persons located, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. I hereby declare a national emergency to deal with this threat. Accordingly, I hereby order: Section 1. (a) All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in: (i) any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have engaged in, directly or indirectly, cyber- enabled activities originating from, or directed by persons located, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States that are reasonably likely to result in, or have materially contributed to, a significant threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States and that have the purpose or effect of: (A) harming, or otherwise significantly compromising the provision of services by, a computer or network of computers that support one or more entities in a critical infrastructure sector; (B) significantly compromising the provision of services by one or more entities in a critical infrastructure sector; (C) causing a significant disruption to the availability of a computer or network of computers; or (D) causing a significant misappropriation of funds or economic resources, trade secrets, personal identifiers, or financial information for commercial or competitive advantage or private financial gain; or (ii) any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State: (A) to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have engaged in, the receipt or use for commercial or competitive advantage or private financial gain, or by a commercial entity, outside the United States of trade secrets misappropriated through cyber-enabled means, knowing they [[Page 298]] have been misappropriated, where the misappropriation of such trade secrets is reasonably likely to result in, or has materially contributed to, a significant threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States; (B) to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, any activity described in subsections (a)(i) or (a)(ii)(A) of this section or any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; (C) to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or (D) to have attempted to engage in any of the activities described in subsections (a)(i) and (a)(ii)(A)-(C) of this section. (b) The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date of this order. Sec. 2. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the type of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1 of this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in this order, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 1 of this order. Sec. 3. The prohibitions in section 1 of this order include but are not limited to: (a) the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; and (b) the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Sec. 4. I hereby find that the unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens determined to meet one or more of the criteria in section 1(a) of this order would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of such persons. Such persons shall be treated as persons covered by section 1 of Proclamation 8693 of July 24, 2011 (Suspension of Entry of Aliens Subject to United Nations Security Council Travel Bans and International Emergency Economic Powers Act Sanctions). Sec. 5. (a) Any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited. (b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited. Sec. 6. For the purposes of this order: (a) the term ``person'' means an individual or entity; [[Page 299]] (b) the term ``entity'' means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization; (c) the term ``United States person'' means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States; (d) the term ``critical infrastructure sector'' means any of the designated critical infrastructure sectors identified in Presidential Policy Directive 21; and (e) the term ``misappropriation'' includes any taking or obtaining by improper means, without permission or consent, or under false pretenses. Sec. 7. For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render those measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in this order, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to section 1 of this order. Sec. 8. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this order. The Secretary of the Treasury may redelegate any of these functions to other officers and agencies of the United States Government consistent with applicable law. All agencies of the United States Government are hereby directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of this order. Sec. 9. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to submit the recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)). Sec. 10. 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, April 1, 2015. [[Page 300]] Executive Order 13695 of May 26, 2015 Termination of Emergency With Respect to the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Created by the Accumulation of a Large Volume of Weapons- Usable Fissile Material in the Territory of the Russian Federation By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, find that the situation that gave rise to the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13617 of June 25, 2012, with respect to the risk of nuclear proliferation created by the accumulation of a large volume of weapons-usable fissile material resulting from the reduction of nuclear weapons in accordance with agreements in the area of arms control and disarmament and located in the territory of the Russian Federation, has been significantly altered by the successful implementation of the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation Concerning the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear Weapons, dated February 18, 1993, and related contracts and agreements. Accordingly, I hereby terminate the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13617, revoke that order, and further order: Section 1. Pursuant to section 202(a) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1622(a)), termination of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13617 shall not affect any action taken or proceeding pending not finally concluded or determined as of the date of this order, any action or proceeding based on any act committed prior to such date, or any rights or duties that matured or penalties that were incurred prior to such date. Sec. 2. 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, May 26, 2015. Executive Order 13696 of June 17, 2015 2015 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 801- 946), and in [[Page 301]] order to prescribe amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, prescribed by Executive Order 12473 of April 13, 1984, as amended, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Part II, Part III, and Part IV of the Manual for Courts- Martial, United States, are amended as described in the Annex attached and made a part of this order. Sec. 2. These amendments shall take effect as of the date of this order, subject to the following: (a) Nothing in these amendments shall be construed to make punishable any act done or omitted prior to the effective date of this order that was not punishable when done or omitted. (b) Nothing in these amendments shall be construed to invalidate any nonjudicial punishment proceedings, restraint, investigation, referral of charges, trial in which arraignment occurred, or other action begun prior to the effective date of this order, and any such nonjudicial punishment, restraint, investigation, referral of charges, trial, or other action may proceed in the same manner and with the same effect as if these amendments had not been prescribed. Barack Obama The White House, June 17, 2015. [[Page 302]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.024 [[Page 303]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.025 [[Page 304]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.026 [[Page 305]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.027 [[Page 306]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.028 [[Page 307]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.029 [[Page 308]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.030 [[Page 309]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.031 [[Page 310]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.032 [[Page 311]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.033 [[Page 312]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.034 [[Page 313]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.035 [[Page 314]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.036 [[Page 315]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.037 [[Page 316]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.038 [[Page 317]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.039 [[Page 318]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.040 [[Page 319]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.041 [[Page 320]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.042 [[Page 321]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.043 [[Page 322]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.044 [[Page 323]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.045 [[Page 324]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.046 [[Page 325]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.047 [[Page 326]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.048 [[Page 327]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.049 [[Page 328]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.050 [[Page 329]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.051 [[Page 330]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.052 [[Page 331]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.053 [[Page 332]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.054 [[Page 333]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.055 [[Page 334]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.056 [[Page 335]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.057 [[Page 336]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.058 [[Page 337]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.059 [[Page 338]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.060 [[Page 339]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.061 [[Page 340]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.062 [[Page 341]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.063 [[Page 342]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.064 [[Page 343]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.065 [[Page 344]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.066 [[Page 345]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.067 [[Page 346]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD22JN15.068 [[Page 347]] Executive Order 13697 of June 22, 2015 Amendment to Executive Order 11155, Awards for Special Capability in Career and Technical Education By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered that section 2 of Executive Order 11155 of May 23, 1964, as amended by Executive Order 12158 of September 18, 1979, is further amended by adding a new paragraph (6) to read as follows: ``(6) In addition to the Presidential Scholars provided for in paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of this section, the Commission may choose other Presidential Scholars not exceeding twenty in any one year. These Scholars shall be chosen at large, from the jurisdictions referred to in paragraph (3), on the basis of outstanding scholarship and demonstrated ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.'' Barack Obama The White House, June 22, 2015. Executive Order 13698 of June 24, 2015 Hostage Recovery Activities By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct as follows: Section 1. Purpose. The 21st century has witnessed a significant shift in hostage-takings by terrorist organizations and criminal groups abroad. Hostage-takers frequently operate in unstable environments that challenge the ability of the United States Government and its partners and allies to operate effectively. Increasingly, hostage-takers target private citizens--including journalists and aid workers--as well as Government officials. They also utilize increasingly sophisticated networks and tactics to derive financial, propaganda, and recruitment benefits from hostage-taking operations. The United States is committed to securing the safe recovery of U.S. nationals held hostage abroad and deterring future hostage-takings by denying hostage-takers any benefits from their actions. Because such hostage-takings pose unique challenges, the United States Government must be organized and work in a coordinated effort to use all instruments of national power to achieve these goals, consistent with the United States Government's no concessions policy. Establishing a single United States Government operational body to coordinate all efforts for the recovery of U.S. nationals taken hostage abroad, with policy guidance coordinated through the National Security Council, will increase the likelihood of a successful recovery, allow for enhanced support to hostages and their families, promote foreign policy and national security interests abroad, and enhance the prospects of successful criminal prosecutions of hostage-takers. Dedicating a senior diplomatic representative to operate in support of this coordinated effort will further enhance the potential for the safe recovery of hostages. [[Page 348]] Sec. 2. Establishment and Responsibilities of the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell. (a) The Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), shall establish within the FBI for administrative purposes an interagency Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell (HRFC). (b) The following executive departments, agencies, and offices (agencies) shall participate in the HRFC: (i) the Department of State; (ii) the Department of the Treasury; (iii) the Department of Defense; (iv) the Department of Justice; (v) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (vi) the FBI; (vii) the Central Intelligence Agency; and (viii) other agencies as the President or the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the FBI, from time to time, may designate. (c) The HRFC shall have a Director, who shall be a full-time senior officer or employee of, or detailed to, the FBI. The HRFC shall also have a Family Engagement Coordinator and other officers or employees as appropriate. The head of each participating agency shall, to the extent permitted by law, make available for assignment or detail to the HRFC such personnel as the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the FBI and after consultation with the head of the agency, may request. Such personnel so detailed or assigned will operate utilizing the clearances provided by their respective agencies. (d) The HRFC shall coordinate efforts by participating agencies to ensure that all relevant information, expertise, and resources are brought to bear to secure the safe recovery of U.S. nationals held hostage abroad. The HRFC may also be tasked with coordinating the United States Government's response to other hostage-takings occurring abroad in which the United States has a national interest, as specifically referred to the HRFC by the Deputies Committee, as established in Presidential Policy Directive 1 of February 13, 2009 (Organization of the National Security Council System), or any successor. Pursuant to policy guidance coordinated through the National Security Council, the HRFC shall: (i) identify and recommend hostage recovery options and strategies to the President through the National Security Council; (ii) coordinate efforts by participating agencies to ensure that information regarding hostage events, including potential recovery options and engagements with families and external actors (including foreign governments), is appropriately shared within the United States Government to facilitate a coordinated response to a hostage-taking; (iii) assess and track all hostage-takings of U.S. nationals abroad and provide regular reports to the President through the National Security Council on the status of such cases and any measures being taken toward the hostages' safe recovery; [[Page 349]] (iv) provide a forum for intelligence sharing and, with the support of the Director of National Intelligence, coordinate the declassification of relevant information; (v) coordinate efforts by participating agencies to provide appropriate support and assistance to hostages and their families in a coordinated and consistent manner and to provide families with timely information regarding significant events in their cases; (vi) make recommendations to agencies in order to reduce the likelihood of U.S. nationals being taken hostage abroad and enhance United States Government preparation to maximize the probability of a favorable outcome following a hostage-taking; and (vii) coordinate with agencies regarding congressional, media, and other public inquiries pertaining to hostage events. Sec. 3. Establishment of the Hostage Response Group. (a) There shall be a Hostage Response Group (HRG) chaired by the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism, to be convened on a regular basis and as needed at the request of the National Security Council to further the safe recovery of U.S. nationals held abroad. The HRG may also be tasked with coordinating the United States Government response to other hostage-takings occurring abroad in which the United States has a national interest, as specifically referred to the HRFC by the Deputies Committee. (b) The regular members of the HRG shall include the Director of the HRFC, the HRFC's Family Engagement Coordinator, and senior representatives from the Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, FBI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and other agencies as the President, from time to time, may designate. (c) The HRG, in support of the Deputies Committee chaired by the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, and consistent with the process outlined in Presidential Policy Directive 1 or any successor, shall: (i) identify and recommend hostage recovery options and strategies to the President through the National Security Council, as consistent with Presidential Policy Directive 30 of June 24, 2015 (U.S. Nationals Taken Hostage Abroad and Personnel Recovery Efforts); (ii) coordinate the development and implementation of U.S. hostage recovery policies, strategies, and procedures, consistent with the policies set forth in Presidential Policy Directive 30; (iii) receive regular updates from the HRFC on the status of U.S. nationals being held hostage abroad and measures being taken to effect the hostages' safe recovery; (iv) coordinate the provision of policy guidance to the HRFC, including reviewing recovery options proposed by the HRFC and working to resolve disputes within the HRFC; and (v) where higher-level guidance is required, make recommendations to the Deputies Committee. Sec. 4. Establishment of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. (a) There shall be a Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (Special [[Page 350]] Envoy), appointed by the President, who shall report to the Secretary of State. (b) The Special Envoy shall: (i) lead diplomatic engagement on U.S. hostage policy; (ii) coordinate all diplomatic engagements in support of hostage recovery efforts, in coordination with the HRFC and consistent with policy guidance communicated through the HRG; (iii) coordinate with the HRFC proposals for diplomatic engagements and strategy in support of hostage recovery efforts; (iv) provide senior representation from the Special Envoy's office to the HRFC and in the HRG; and (v) in coordination with the HRFC as appropriate, coordinate diplomatic engagements regarding cases in which a foreign government confirms that it has detained a U.S. national but the United States Government regards such detention as unlawful or wrongful. Sec. 5. Reporting. (a) Within 180 days of the date of this order, the HRG shall provide a status report to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism on the establishment of the HRFC and its implementation of policy guidance communicated through the HRG. (b) Within 1 year of the date of this order, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, in consultation with the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, and Director of the FBI, shall provide a status report to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism on the implementation of this order. That report shall be informed by consultation with stakeholders outside of the United States Government, including former hostages and hostages' families, and shall, to the extent possible, be made available to the public. Sec. 6. Definition. For purposes of this order, the term ``U.S. national'' means: (a) a U.S. national as defined in either 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22) or 8 U.S.C. 1408; or (b) a lawful permanent resident alien with significant ties to the United States. Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law, regulation, Executive Order, or Presidential Directive to any executive department, agency, or head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (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, June 24, 2015. [[Page 351]] Executive Order 13699 of June 26, 2015 Establishing the Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291), and to allocate the responsibilities imposed by that Act, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Establishment. There is established within the Department of Labor the Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health (Advisory Board). Sec. 2. Membership. (a) The Advisory Board shall reflect a proper balance of perspectives from the scientific, medical, and claimant communities. (b) The Advisory Board shall consist of no more than 15 members to be appointed by the Secretary of Labor in consultation with organizations with expertise on worker health issues. Members shall serve without compensation as Special Government Employees, but shall be allowed travel and meal expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, to the extent permitted by law for persons serving intermittently in the Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707). (c) The Secretary of Labor shall designate a Chair of the Board from among its members. Sec. 3. Functions. (a) The Advisory Board shall advise the Secretary of Labor with respect to: (i) the site exposure matrices of the Department of Labor; (ii) medical guidance for claims examiners for claims under subtitle E of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (EEOICPA) with respect to the weighing of the medical evidence of claimants; (iii) evidentiary requirements for claims under EEOICPA subtitle B related to lung disease; and (iv) the work of industrial hygienists, staff physicians, and consulting physicians of the Department of Labor and reports of such hygienists and physicians to ensure quality, objectivity, and consistency. (b) To the extent necessary, the Advisory Board also shall coordinate exchanges of data and findings with the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health, which was authorized by EEOICPA and established by Executive Order 13179 of December 7, 2000. Sec. 4. Administration. (a) The Secretary of Labor shall provide the Advisory Board with funding and administrative support, including the appointment of staff and, as the Secretary determines appropriate, authorization for the detail of Federal employees from within the Department of Labor and employment of outside contractors and specialists, to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations. The Secretary also shall perform the administrative functions of the President under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App. 2), with respect to the Advisory Board. [[Page 352]] (b) The Secretary of Labor shall designate a senior officer of the Department of Labor to serve as the Director of the staff of the Advisory Board. Sec. 5. Termination. The Advisory Board shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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, June 26, 2015. Executive Order 13700 of July 15, 2015 Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate Disputes Between New Jersey Transit Rail and Certain of Its Employees Represented by Certain Labor Organizations Disputes exist between New Jersey Transit Rail and certain of its employees represented by certain labor organizations. The labor organizations involved in these disputes are designated on the attached list, which is made part of this order. The disputes have not heretofore been adjusted under the provisions of the Railway Labor Act, as amended, 45 U.S.C. 151-188 (RLA). A party empowered by the RLA has requested that the President establish an emergency board pursuant to section 9A of the RLA (45 U.S.C. 159a). Section 9A(c) of the RLA provides that the President, upon such request, shall appoint an emergency board to investigate and report on the disputes. NOW, THEREFORE, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 9A of the RLA, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Establishment of Emergency Board (Board). There is established, effective 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on July 16, 2015, a Board of three members to be appointed by the President to investigate and report on these disputes. No member shall be pecuniarily or otherwise interested in any organization of employees or any carrier. The Board shall perform its functions subject to the availability of funds. [[Page 353]] Sec. 2. Report. The Board shall report to the President with respect to the disputes within 30 days of its creation. Sec. 3. Maintaining Conditions. As provided by section 9A(c) of the RLA, for 120 days from the date of the creation of the Board, no change in the conditions out of which the disputes arose shall be made by the parties to the controversy, except by agreement of the parties. Sec. 4. Records Maintenance. The records and files of the Board are records of the Office of the President and upon the Board's termination shall be maintained in the physical custody of the National Mediation Board. Sec. 5. Expiration. The Board shall terminate upon the submission of the report provided for in section 2 of this order. Barack Obama The White House, July 15, 2015. [[Page 354]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD20JY15.000 [[Page 355]] Executive Order 13701 of July 17, 2015 Delegation of Certain Authorities and Assignment of Certain Functions Under the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (the ``Act'') (Public Law 114-26) and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby order as follows: Section 1. Authorities and Functions under the Act. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the authorities granted to and functions specifically assigned to the President under title I of the Act are delegated and assigned, respectively, to the United States Trade Representative (U.S. Trade Representative). (b) The exercise of the following authorities of, and functions specifically assigned to, the President under, title I of the Act are not delegated or assigned under this order: (i) section 102(c)(1) and (c)(3) of the Act; (ii) section 103(a)(1)(A), (a)(1)(B), (a)(5), (a)(7), (b)(1), and (c)(2) of the Act; (iii) section 105(a)(5) of the Act; and (iv) section 106(a)(1)(A) and (E) of the Act. (c) (i) The functions of the President under section 102(c)(2) of the Act with respect to establishing consultative mechanisms are assigned to the Secretary of State in consultation with the U.S. Trade Representative, with the advice and assistance of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Commerce and, as the Secretary of State determines appropriate, the heads of other executive departments and agencies. (ii) The functions of the President under section 105(d)(1) of the Act are assigned to the U.S. Trade Representative, who shall conduct the environmental reviews under section 105(d)(1)(A) of the Act through the interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee, and shall perform the reporting function under section 105(d)(1)(B) of the Act. (iii) The functions of the President under section 105(d)(2)(A) of the Act are assigned to the Secretary of Labor, who, in coordination with the U.S. Trade Representative, shall conduct the employment impact review under section 105(d)(2)(A) of the Act through the interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee, and shall prepare the report under section 105(d)(2) of the Act. The functions of the President under section 105(d)(2)(B) of the Act are assigned to the U.S. Trade Representative, who shall perform the reporting function under that section. (iv) The functions of the President under section 105(d)(3) of the Act are assigned to the Secretary of Labor, who, in consultation with the U.S. Trade Representative and the Secretary of State, shall prepare the report [[Page 356]] on labor rights under section 105(d)(3)(A) and (B) of the Act, and to the U.S. Trade Representative, who shall perform the reporting function under section 105(d)(3) of the Act. (v) The functions of the President under section 105(e)(2)(A) through (C) and (E) of the Act with respect to preparing plans for implementing and enforcing agreements submitted to the Congress pursuant to section 103(b) of the Act are assigned to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, who shall carry out these functions with the advice and assistance of the Secretaries of State, the Treasury, Agriculture, Commerce, and Homeland Security and the U.S. Trade Representative and other executive departments and agencies as necessary. Sec. 2. Capacity Building. The U.S. Trade Representative, with the advice and assistance of executive departments and agencies participating in capacity building activities undertaken in accordance with section 102(c)(1) and (2) of the Act, shall perform the reporting function under section 102(c)(4) of the Act. Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) In exercising authority delegated by or performing functions assigned in this order, officers of the United States: (i) shall ensure that all actions taken by them are consistent with the President's constitutional authority to (A) conduct the foreign affairs of the United States, including the commencement, conduct, and termination of negotiations with foreign countries and international organizations; (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 executive branch; and (ii) may redelegate authority delegated by this order and may further assign functions assigned by this order to officers of any other department or agency within the executive branch to the extent permitted by law, and such redelegation or further assignment shall be published in the Federal Register. (c) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (d) 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, July 17, 2015. [[Page 357]] Executive Order 13702 of July 29, 2015 Creating a National Strategic Computing Initiative By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to maximize benefits of high- performance computing (HPC) research, development, and deployment, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. In order to maximize the benefits of HPC for economic competitiveness and scientific discovery, the United States Government must create a coordinated Federal strategy in HPC research, development, and deployment. Investment in HPC has contributed substantially to national economic prosperity and rapidly accelerated scientific discovery. Creating and deploying technology at the leading edge is vital to advancing my Administration's priorities and spurring innovation. Accordingly, this order establishes the National Strategic Computing Initiative (NSCI). The NSCI is a whole-of-government effort designed to create a cohesive, multi-agency strategic vision and Federal investment strategy, executed in collaboration with industry and academia, to maximize the benefits of HPC for the United States. Over the past six decades, U.S. computing capabilities have been maintained through continuous research and the development and deployment of new computing systems with rapidly increasing performance on applications of major significance to government, industry, and academia. Maximizing the benefits of HPC in the coming decades will require an effective national response to increasing demands for computing power, emerging technological challenges and opportunities, and growing economic dependency on and competition with other nations. This national response will require a cohesive, strategic effort within the Federal Government and a close collaboration between the public and private sectors. It is the policy of the United States to sustain and enhance its scientific, technological, and economic leadership position in HPC research, development, and deployment through a coordinated Federal strategy guided by four principles: (1) The United States must deploy and apply new HPC technologies broadly for economic competitiveness and scientific discovery. (2) The United States must foster public-private collaboration, relying on the respective strengths of government, industry, and academia to maximize the benefits of HPC. (3) The United States must adopt a whole-of-government approach that draws upon the strengths of and seeks cooperation among all executive departments and agencies with significant expertise or equities in HPC while also collaborating with industry and academia. (4) The United States must develop a comprehensive technical and scientific approach to transition HPC research on hardware, system software, development tools, and applications efficiently into development and, ultimately, operations. This order establishes the NSCI to implement this whole-of- government strategy, in collaboration with industry and academia, for HPC research, development, and deployment. [[Page 358]] Sec. 2. Objectives. Executive departments, agencies, and offices (agencies) participating in the NSCI shall pursue five strategic objectives: (1) Accelerating delivery of a capable exascale computing system that integrates hardware and software capability to deliver approximately 100 times the performance of current 10 petaflop systems across a range of applications representing government needs. (2) Increasing coherence between the technology base used for modeling and simulation and that used for data analytic computing. (3) Establishing, over the next 15 years, a viable path forward for future HPC systems even after the limits of current semiconductor technology are reached (the ``post-Moore's Law era''). (4) Increasing the capacity and capability of an enduring national HPC ecosystem by employing a holistic approach that addresses relevant factors such as networking technology, workflow, downward scaling, foundational algorithms and software, accessibility, and workforce development. (5) Developing an enduring public-private collaboration to ensure that the benefits of the research and development advances are, to the greatest extent, shared between the United States Government and industrial and academic sectors. Sec. 3. Roles and Responsibilities. To achieve the five strategic objectives, this order identifies lead agencies, foundational research and development agencies, and deployment agencies. Lead agencies are charged with developing and delivering the next generation of integrated HPC capability and will engage in mutually supportive research and development in hardware and software, as well as in developing the workforce to support the objectives of the NSCI. Foundational research and development agencies are charged with fundamental scientific discovery work and associated advances in engineering necessary to support the NSCI objectives. Deployment agencies will develop mission- based HPC requirements to influence the early stages of the design of new HPC systems and will seek viewpoints from the private sector and academia on target HPC requirements. These groups may expand to include other government entities as HPC-related mission needs emerge. (a) Lead Agencies. There are three lead agencies for the NSCI: the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The DOE Office of Science and DOE National Nuclear Security Administration will execute a joint program focused on advanced simulation through a capable exascale computing program emphasizing sustained performance on relevant applications and analytic computing to support their missions. NSF will play a central role in scientific discovery advances, the broader HPC ecosystem for scientific discovery, and workforce development. DOD will focus on data analytic computing to support its mission. The assignment of these responsibilities reflects the historical roles that each of the lead agencies have played in pushing the frontiers of HPC, and will keep the Nation on the forefront of this strategically important field. The lead agencies will also work with the foundational research and development agencies and the deployment agencies to support the objectives of the NSCI and address the wide variety of needs across the Federal Government. [[Page 359]] (b) Foundational Research and Development Agencies. There are two foundational research and development agencies for the NSCI: the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). IARPA will focus on future computing paradigms offering an alternative to standard semiconductor computing technologies. NIST will focus on measurement science to support future computing technologies. The foundational research and development agencies will coordinate with deployment agencies to enable effective transition of research and development efforts that support the wide variety of requirements across the Federal Government. (c) Deployment Agencies. There are five deployment agencies for the NSCI: the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These agencies may participate in the co- design process to integrate the special requirements of their respective missions and influence the early stages of design of new HPC systems, software, and applications. Agencies will also have the opportunity to participate in testing, supporting workforce development activities, and ensuring effective deployment within their mission contexts. Sec. 4. Executive Council. (a) To ensure accountability for and coordination of research, development, and deployment activities within the NSCI, there is established an NSCI Executive Council to be co- chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Director of OSTP shall designate members of the Executive Council from within the executive branch. The Executive Council will include representatives from agencies with roles and responsibilities as identified in this order. (b) The Executive Council shall coordinate and collaborate with the National Science and Technology Council established by Executive Order 12881 of November 23, 1993, and its subordinate entities as appropriate to ensure that HPC efforts across the Federal Government are aligned with the NSCI. The Executive Council shall also consult with representatives from other agencies as it determines necessary. The Executive Council may create additional task forces as needed to ensure accountability and coordination. (c) The Executive Council shall meet regularly to assess the status of efforts to implement this order. The Executive Council shall meet no less often than twice yearly in the first year after issuance of this order. The Executive Council may revise the meeting frequency as needed thereafter. In the event the Executive Council is unable to reach consensus, the Co-Chairs will be responsible for documenting issues and potential resolutions through a process led by OSTP and OMB. (d) The Executive Council will encourage agencies to collaborate with the private sector as appropriate. The Executive Council may seek advice from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology through the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and may interact with other private sector groups consistent with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Sec. 5. Implementation. (a) The Executive Council shall, within 90 days of the date of this order, establish an implementation plan to support and [[Page 360]] align efforts across agencies in support of the NSCI objectives. Annually thereafter for 5 years, the Executive Council shall update the implementation plan as required and document the progress made in implementing the plan, engaging with the private sector, and taking actions to implement this order. After 5 years, updates to the implementation plan may be requested at the discretion of the Co-Chairs. (b) The Co-Chairs shall prepare a report each year until 5 years from the date of this order on the status of the NSCI for the President. After 5 years, reports may be prepared at the discretion of the Co- Chairs. Sec. 6. Definitions. For the purposes of this order: The term ``high-performance computing'' refers to systems that, through a combination of processing capability and storage capacity, can solve computational problems that are beyond the capability of small- to medium-scale systems. The term ``petaflop'' refers to the ability to perform one quadrillion arithmetic operations per second. The term ``exascale computing system'' refers to a system operating at one thousand petaflops. Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of OMB relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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, July 29, 2015. Executive Order 13703 of July 30, 2015 Implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States for 2015-2020 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to ensure improved health outcomes for Americans at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS and achieve greater coordination across the Federal Government, I hereby order as follows: Section 1. Policy. My Administration has made substantial progress in addressing the domestic HIV epidemic since the National HIV/AIDS Strategy [[Page 361]] for the United States (Strategy), the first of its kind, was released in July 2010. The Strategy has served as a blueprint for executive departments and agencies (agencies) as well as for community partners in the private and nonprofit sectors. This effort has led to increased coordination and collaboration among agencies and fostered the use of evidence-based policy approaches for improving HIV prevention and care. Federal, State, and local agencies have contributed to significant improvements in health outcomes through their enhanced focus on the HIV care continuum--the sequential stages of care from being diagnosed to achieving viral suppression. Our partners across all levels of government and all sectors of society have also worked to ensure that all Americans living with HIV/AIDS receive our full support at every stage of their illness. Further, my Administration has been committed to reducing the HIV- related disparities experienced by certain populations, including gay and bisexual men of all races and ethnicities, Black women and men, Latino women and men, people who inject drugs, youth aged 13-24, people in the Southern United States, and transgender women. Addressing the intersection between HIV/AIDS, violence against women and girls, and gender-related health disparities has also been a priority. The Working Group on the Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Violence Against Women and Girls, and Gender-related Health Disparities established in my memorandum of March 30, 2012, has focused its efforts on increasing screenings for HIV and intimate partner violence, addressing violence and trauma when supporting women in HIV care, and expanding public education efforts across all levels of government regarding HIV and violence against women and girls. Today, I am releasing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States: Updated to 2020 (Updated Strategy) to build on this progress. The Updated Strategy integrates the recommendations of the HIV Care Continuum Working Group, established in Executive Order 13649 of July 15, 2013 (HIV Care Continuum Initiative), and the recommendations of the Working Group on the Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Violence Against Women and Girls, and Gender-related Health Disparities, so that their work can inform the Nation's response to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic. The Updated Strategy also takes into account recent research advancements in our understanding of HIV/AIDS, and builds on the historic successes of the Affordable Care Act, which is helping millions of Americans, including those who are living with HIV, access affordable, quality health care. This order is designed to ensure successful implementation of the Updated Strategy by requiring coordination and collaboration by, and accountability of, the Federal Government; fostering enhanced and innovative partnerships with State, tribal, and local governments; and encouraging the commitment of all parts of society. The duties and authorities this order assigns are in addition to those assigned by my memorandum of July 13, 2010 (Implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy). In light of recent progress and continuing challenges, we must continue to improve our national effort to reduce new HIV infections, increase access to care for people living with HIV, reduce HIV-related disparities and health inequities, and achieve greater coordination across all levels of government. Sec. 2. Role of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP). (a) The Director of ONAP, in consultation with the Director of the Office [[Page 362]] of Management and Budget (OMB), shall be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Updated Strategy. (b) The Director of ONAP shall annually report to the President on the implementation of the Updated Strategy, including progress in meeting key targets and taking key actions identified in the Updated Strategy and the Federal Action Plan, an annual guidepost developed by ONAP in conjunction with agencies, designed to implement new efforts to address the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic. Sec. 3. Lead Agency Responsibilities. While the Updated Strategy will require a Government-wide effort in order to succeed fully, certain agencies have primary responsibilities and competencies in implementing the Updated Strategy. (a) Designation of Lead Agencies. Lead agencies for implementing the Updated Strategy shall be: (i) the Department of Defense; (ii) the Department of Justice; (iii) the Department of the Interior; (iv) the Department of Labor; (v) the Department of Health and Human Services; (vi) the Department of Housing and Urban Development; (vii) the Department of Education; (viii) the Department of Veterans Affairs; (ix) the Department of Homeland Security; and (x) the Social Security Administration. (b) Lead Agency Action Plans. Within 100 days of the date of this order, the head of each lead agency shall submit a report to ONAP and OMB on the agency's action plan for implementing the Updated Strategy. The plans shall assign responsibilities to agency officials, designate reporting structures for actions identified in the Federal Action Plan, and identify other appropriate actions to advance the Updated Strategy. The plans shall also include steps to strengthen coordination in planning, budgeting for, and evaluating domestic HIV/AIDS programs within and across agencies. Lead agencies are encouraged to consider, and reflect in their plans, steps to streamline grantee reporting requirements and funding announcements related to HIV/AIDS programs and activities. (c) Ongoing Responsibilities of Lead Agencies. The head of each lead agency shall: (i) designate an official responsible for coordinating the agency's ongoing efforts to implement the Updated Strategy; (ii) develop and support a process for sharing progress reports, including status updates on achieving specific quantitative targets established by the Updated Strategy, with relevant agencies and ONAP on an annual basis, or at such other times as ONAP requests; and (iii) in consultation with OMB, use the budget development process to prioritize programs and activities most critical to meeting the goals of the Updated Strategy. [[Page 363]] Sec. 4. Other Agency Responsibilities. All agencies that support HIV/ AIDS programs and activities shall ensure that, to the extent permitted by law, they are meeting the goals of the Updated Strategy. (a) Department of State. Within 100 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State shall submit to ONAP and OMB recommendations for improving the Government-wide response to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic, based on lessons learned in implementing the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief program. (b) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Commission). Within 100 days of the date of this order, the Chair of the Commission shall submit to ONAP and OMB recommendations for increasing employment opportunities for people living with HIV and a plan for addressing employment-related discrimination against people living with HIV, consistent with the Commission's authorities and other applicable law. Sec. 5. Role of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). The PACHA, which was established by Executive Order 12963 of June 14, 1995 (Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS), as amended, shall monitor the implementation of the Updated Strategy and make recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) and to the Director of ONAP, as appropriate, concerning implementation and progress in achieving the Updated Strategy's goals. Sec. 6. National HIV/AIDS Strategy Federal Interagency Working Group. There is established the National HIV/AIDS Strategy Federal Interagency Working Group (Federal Interagency Working Group) to support the implementation of the Updated Strategy. (a) Membership. The Federal Interagency Working Group shall be co- chaired by the Director of ONAP and the Secretary or their designees. In addition to the Co-Chairs, the Federal Interagency Working Group shall consist of representatives from each lead agency, OMB, and any other agency or office designated by the Co-Chairs. (b) Consultation. The Federal Interagency Working Group shall consult with the PACHA, as appropriate. (c) Outreach. The Federal Interagency Working Group shall hold regular meetings and conduct outreach with representatives of private and nonprofit organizations, State, tribal, and local governments and agencies, elected officials, and other interested persons to assist the Federal Interagency Working Group in its efforts. (d) Functions. As part of its efforts, the Federal Interagency Working Group shall: (i) request and review information from agencies describing their efforts to implement the Updated Strategy; (ii) share and disseminate best practices to combat the HIV epidemic among agencies and other stakeholders; (iii) integrate new HIV-related research results into the overall implementation of the Updated Strategy; (iv) obtain input from community partners, scientific and technical experts, and stakeholders in State, tribal, and local governments to inform implementation of the Updated Strategy; [[Page 364]] (v) increase government and public awareness of HIV-related issues; (vi) specify how to better align and coordinate Federal efforts, both within and across agencies, to improve health outcomes for Americans at risk for or living with HIV; and (vii) integrate the Working Group on the Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Violence Against Women and Girls, and Gender-related Health Disparities into the implementation of the Updated Strategy. (e) Reporting. (i) Within 100 days of the date of this order, the Federal Interagency Working Group shall provide recommendations to the President on actions that agencies should take to implement the Updated Strategy through 2020. (ii) The Director of ONAP shall include, as part of the Director's annual report to the President, a report prepared by the Federal Interagency Working Group concerning Government-wide progress in implementing the Updated Strategy. Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of OMB relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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, July 30, 2015. Executive Order 13704 of August 17, 2015 Presidential Innovation Fellows Program By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. It is in the national interest for the Federal Government to attract the brightest minds skilled in technology or innovative practices to serve in the Federal Government to work on some of the Nation's biggest and most pressing challenges. This order establishes a program to encourage successful entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators to join the Federal Government and work in close cooperation with Federal Government leaders, to create meaningful solutions that can help save lives and taxpayer money, fuel job creation, and significantly improve how the Federal Government serves the American people. [[Page 365]] Sec. 2. Establishment and Administration. (a) The Administrator of General Services (Administrator) shall establish the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program (Program) to enable exceptional individuals with proven track records to serve time-limited appointments in executive branch departments and agencies (agencies) to address some of the Nation's most significant challenges and improve existing Government efforts that would particularly benefit from expertise using innovative techniques and technology. Individuals selected for the Program shall be known as Presidential Innovation Fellows (Fellows). (b) The Program shall be administered by a Director, appointed by the Administrator under authorities of the General Services Administration (GSA). GSA shall provide necessary staff, resources and administrative support for the Program to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations. (c) GSA shall appoint the Fellows and, in cooperation with agencies, shall facilitate placement of the Fellows to participate in projects that have the potential for significant positive effects and are consistent with the President's goals. Sec. 3. Advisory Board. (a) The Administrator shall establish an Advisory Board to advise the Director by recommending such priorities and standards as may be beneficial to fulfill the mission of the Program and assist in identifying potential projects and placements for Fellows. The Advisory Board will not participate in the Fellows' selection process. (b) The Administrator will designate a representative to serve as the Chair of the Advisory Board. In addition to the Chair, the membership of the Advisory Board shall include the Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Office of Management and Budget's Administrator of the Office of Electronic Government, and the Assistant to the President and Chief Technology Officer, or their designees and such other persons as may be designated by the Administrator. Consistent with law, the Advisory Board may consult with industry, academia, or non-profits to ensure the Program is continually identifying opportunities to apply advanced skillsets and innovative practices in effective ways to address the Nation's most significant challenges. Sec. 4. Application Process. (a) The Director, in accordance with applicable law, shall prescribe the process for applications and nominations of individuals to the Program. (b) Following publication of these processes, the Director may accept for consideration applications from individuals. The Director shall establish, administer, review, and revise, if appropriate, a Government-wide cap on the number of Fellows. The Director shall establish and publish salary ranges, benefits, and standards for the Program. Sec. 5. Selection, Appointment, and Assignment of Fellows. (a) The Director, in accordance with applicable law, shall prescribe appropriate procedures for the selection, appointment, and assignment of Fellows. (b) Prior to the selection of Fellows, the Director will consult with agencies and executive branch departments, regarding potential projects and how best to meet those needs. Following such consultation, the Director shall select and appoint individuals to serve as Fellows. [[Page 366]] (c) The Fellows shall serve under short-term, time-limited appointments. As a general matter, they shall be appointed for no less than 6 months and no longer than 2 years in the Program. The Director shall facilitate the process of placing Fellows at requesting agencies and executive branch departments. Sec. 6. Responsibilities of Agencies. Each executive branch department or agency, as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code, is encouraged to work with the Director and Advisory Board to attempt to maximize the Program's benefits to the department or agency and the Federal Government, including by identifying initiatives that will have a meaningful effect on the people served and that will benefit from involvement by one or more Fellows. Departments and agencies also are encouraged to ensure that each Fellow will work closely with responsible senior officials for the duration of the assignment. Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to a department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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, August 17, 2015. Executive Order 13705 of September 3, 2015 Designating the International Renewable Energy Agency as a Public International Organization Entitled To Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities Section 1. Designation. By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 1 of the International Organizations Immunities Act (22 U.S.C. 288), and having found that the International Renewable Energy Agency is a public international organization in which the United States participates within the meaning of the International Organizations Immunities Act, I hereby designate the International Renewable Energy Agency as a public international organization entitled to enjoy the privileges, exemptions, and immunities provided by the International Organizations Immunities Act. This designation is not intended to abridge in any respect privileges, exemptions, or immunities that such organization otherwise may have acquired or may acquire by law. [[Page 367]] Sec. 2. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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. (d) This order is not intended to, and does not, impair any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity that arises as a consequence of the designation in section 1 of this order. Barack Obama The White House, September 3, 2015. Executive Order 13706 of September 7, 2015 Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including 40 U.S.C. 121, and in order to promote economy and efficiency in procurement by contracting with sources that allow their employees to earn paid sick leave, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. This order seeks to increase efficiency and cost savings in the work performed by parties that contract with the Federal Government by ensuring that employees on those contracts can earn up to 7 days or more of paid sick leave annually, including paid leave allowing for family care. Providing access to paid sick leave will improve the health and performance of employees of Federal contractors and bring benefits packages at Federal contractors in line with model employers, ensuring that they remain competitive employers in the search for dedicated and talented employees. These savings and quality improvements will lead to improved economy and efficiency in Government procurement. Sec. 2. Establishing paid sick leave for Federal contractors and subcontractors. (a) Executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall, to the extent permitted by law, ensure that new contracts, contract-like instruments, and solicitations (collectively referred to as ``contracts''), as described in section 6 of this order, include a clause, which the contractor and any subcontractors shall incorporate into lower-tier subcontracts, specifying, as a condition of payment, that all employees, in the performance of the contract or any subcontract thereunder, shall earn not less than 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. [[Page 368]] (b) A contractor may not set a limit on the total accrual of paid sick leave per year, or at any point in time, at less than 56 hours. (c) Paid sick leave earned under this order may be used by an employee for an absence resulting from: (i) physical or mental illness, injury, or medical condition; (ii) obtaining diagnosis, care, or preventive care from a health care provider; (iii) caring for a child, a parent, a spouse, a domestic partner, or any other individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship who has any of the conditions or needs for diagnosis, care, or preventive care described in paragraphs (i) or (ii) of this subsection or is otherwise in need of care; or (iv) domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, if the time absent from work is for the purposes otherwise described in paragraphs (i) and (ii) of this subsection, to obtain additional counseling, to seek relocation, to seek assistance from a victim services organization, to take related legal action, including preparation for or participation in any related civil or criminal legal proceeding, or to assist an individual related to the employee as described in paragraph (iii) of this subsection in engaging in any of these activities. (d) Paid sick leave accrued under this order shall carry over from 1 year to the next and shall be reinstated for employees rehired by a covered contractor within 12 months after a job separation. (e) The use of paid sick leave cannot be made contingent on the requesting employee finding a replacement to cover any work time to be missed. (f) The paid sick leave required by this order is in addition to a contractor's obligations under 41 U.S.C. chapter 67 (Service Contract Act) and 40 U.S.C. chapter 31, subchapter IV (Davis-Bacon Act), and contractors may not receive credit toward their prevailing wage or fringe benefit obligations under those Acts for any paid sick leave provided in satisfaction of the requirements of this order. (g) A contractor's existing paid leave policy provided in addition to the fulfillment of Service Contract Act or Davis-Bacon Act obligations, if applicable, and made available to all covered employees will satisfy the requirements of this order if the amount of paid leave is sufficient to meet the requirements of this section and if it may be used for the same purposes and under the same conditions described herein. (h) Paid sick leave shall be provided upon the oral or written request of an employee that includes the expected duration of the leave, and is made at least 7 calendar days in advance where the need for the leave is foreseeable, and in other cases as soon as is practicable. (i) Certification. (i) A contractor may only require certification issued by a health care provider for paid sick leave used for the purposes listed in subsections (c)(i), (c)(ii), or (c)(iii) of this section for employee absences of 3 or more consecutive workdays, to be provided no later than 30 days from the first day of the leave. [[Page 369]] (ii) If 3 or more consecutive days of paid sick leave is used for the purposes listed in subsection (c)(iv) of this section, documentation may be required to be provided from an appropriate individual or organization with the minimum necessary information establishing a need for the employee to be absent from work. The contractor shall not disclose any verification information and shall maintain confidentiality about the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, unless the employee consents or when disclosure is required by law. (j) Nothing in this order shall require a covered contractor to make a financial payment to an employee upon a separation from employment for accrued sick leave that has not been used, but unused leave is subject to reinstatement as prescribed in subsection (d) of this section. (k) A covered contractor may not interfere with or in any other manner discriminate against an employee for taking, or attempting to take, paid sick leave as provided for under this order or in any manner asserting, or assisting any other employee in asserting, any right or claim related to this order. (l) Nothing in this order shall excuse noncompliance with or supersede any applicable Federal or State law, any applicable law or municipal ordinance, or a collective bargaining agreement requiring greater paid sick leave or leave rights than those established under this order. Sec. 3. Regulations and Implementation. (a) The Secretary of Labor (Secretary) shall issue such regulations by September 30, 2016, as are deemed necessary and appropriate to carry out this order, to the extent permitted by law and consistent with the requirements of 40 U.S.C. 121, including providing exclusions from the requirements set forth in this order where appropriate; defining terms used in this order; and requiring contractors to make, keep, and preserve such employee records as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate for the enforcement of the provisions of this order or the regulations thereunder. To the extent permitted by law, within 60 days of the Secretary issuing such regulations, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall issue regulations in the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide for inclusion in Federal procurement solicitations and contracts subject to this order the contract clause described in section 2(a) of this order. (b) Within 60 days of the Secretary issuing regulations pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, agencies shall take steps, to the extent permitted by law, to exercise any applicable authority to ensure that contracts as described in section 6(d)(i)(C) and (D) of this order, entered into after January 1, 2017, consistent with the effective date of such agency action, comply with the requirements set forth in section 2 of this order. (c) Any regulations issued pursuant to this section should, to the extent practicable and consistent with section 7 of this order, incorporate existing definitions, procedures, remedies, and enforcement processes under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.; the Service Contract Act; the Davis-Bacon Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.; the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, 42 U.S.C. 13925 et seq.; and Executive Order 13658 of February 12, 2014, Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors. Sec. 4. Enforcement. (a) The Secretary shall have the authority for investigating potential violations of and obtaining compliance with this order, [[Page 370]] including the prohibitions on interference and discrimination in section 2(k) of this order. (b) This order creates no rights under the Contract Disputes Act, and disputes regarding whether a contractor has provided employees with paid sick leave prescribed by this order, to the extent permitted by law, shall be disposed of only as provided by the Secretary in regulations issued pursuant to this order. Sec. 5. Severability. If any provision of this order, or applying such provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of the provisions of such to any person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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. (d) This order shall apply only to a new contract or contract-like instrument, as defined by the Secretary in the regulations issued pursuant to section 3(a) of this order, if: (i) (A) it is a procurement contract for services or construction; (B) it is a contract or contract-like instrument for services covered by the Service Contract Act; (C) it is a contract or contract-like instrument for concessions, including any concessions contract excluded by Department of Labor regulations at 29 CFR 4.133(b); or (D) it is a contract or contract-like instrument entered into with the Federal Government in connection with Federal property or lands and related to offering services for Federal employees, their dependents, or the general public; and (ii) the wages of employees under such contract or contract-like instrument are governed by the Davis-Bacon Act, the Service Contract Act, or the Fair Labor Standards Act, including employees who qualify for an exemption from its minimum wage and overtime provisions. (e) For contracts or contract-like instruments covered by the Service Contract Act or the Davis-Bacon Act, this order shall apply only to contracts or contract-like instruments at the thresholds specified in those statutes. For procurement contracts in which employees' wages are governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act, this order shall apply only to contracts or contract-like instruments that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, as defined in 41 U.S.C. 1902(a), unless expressly made subject to this order pursuant to regulations or actions taken under section 3 of this order. [[Page 371]] (f) This order shall not apply to grants; contracts and agreements with and grants to Indian Tribes under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (Public Law 93-638), as amended; or any contracts or contract-like instruments expressly excluded by the regulations issued pursuant to section 3(a) of this order. (g) Independent agencies are strongly encouraged to comply with the requirements of this order. Sec. 7. Effective Date. (a) This order is effective immediately and shall apply to covered contracts where the solicitation for such contract has been issued, or the contract has been awarded outside the solicitation process, on or after: (i) January 1, 2017, consistent with the effective date for the action taken by the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council pursuant to section 3(a) of this order; or (ii) January 1, 2017, for contracts where an agency action is taken pursuant to section 3(b) of this order, consistent with the effective date for such action. (b) This order shall not apply to contracts or contract-like instruments that are awarded, or entered into pursuant to solicitations issued, on or before the effective date for the relevant action taken pursuant to section 3 of this order. Barack Obama The White House, September 7, 2015. Executive Order 13707 of September 15, 2015 Using Behavioral Science Insights To Better Serve the American People A growing body of evidence demonstrates that behavioral science insights--research findings from fields such as behavioral economics and psychology about how people make decisions and act on them--can be used to design government policies to better serve the American people. Where Federal policies have been designed to reflect behavioral science insights, they have substantially improved outcomes for the individuals, families, communities, and businesses those policies serve. For example, automatic enrollment and automatic escalation in retirement savings plans have made it easier to save for the future, and have helped Americans accumulate billions of dollars in additional retirement savings. Similarly, streamlining the application process for Federal financial aid has made college more financially accessible for millions of students. To more fully realize the benefits of behavioral insights and deliver better results at a lower cost for the American people, the Federal Government should design its policies and programs to reflect our best understanding [[Page 372]] of how people engage with, participate in, use, and respond to those policies and programs. By improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Government, behavioral science insights can support a range of national priorities, including helping workers to find better jobs; enabling Americans to lead longer, healthier lives; improving access to educational opportunities and support for success in school; and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy. NOW, THEREFORE, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, I hereby direct the following: Section 1. Behavioral Science Insights Policy Directive. (a) Executive departments and agencies (agencies) are encouraged to: (i) identify policies, programs, and operations where applying behavioral science insights may yield substantial improvements in public welfare, program outcomes, and program cost effectiveness; (ii) develop strategies for applying behavioral science insights to programs and, where possible, rigorously test and evaluate the impact of these insights; (iii) recruit behavioral science experts to join the Federal Government as necessary to achieve the goals of this directive; and (iv) strengthen agency relationships with the research community to better use empirical findings from the behavioral sciences. (b) In implementing the policy directives in section (a), agencies shall: (i) identify opportunities to help qualifying individuals, families, communities, and businesses access public programs and benefits by, as appropriate, streamlining processes that may otherwise limit or delay participation--for example, removing administrative hurdles, shortening wait times, and simplifying forms; (ii) improve how information is presented to consumers, borrowers, program beneficiaries, and other individuals, whether as directly conveyed by the agency, or in setting standards for the presentation of information, by considering how the content, format, timing, and medium by which information is conveyed affects comprehension and action by individuals, as appropriate; (iii) identify programs that offer choices and carefully consider how the presentation and structure of those choices, including the order, number, and arrangement of options, can most effectively promote public welfare, as appropriate, giving particular consideration to the selection and setting of default options; and (iv) review elements of their policies and programs that are designed to encourage or make it easier for Americans to take specific actions, such as saving for retirement or completing education programs. In doing so, agencies shall consider how the timing, frequency, presentation, and labeling of benefits, taxes, subsidies, and other incentives can more effectively and efficiently promote those actions, as appropriate. Particular attention should be paid to opportunities to use nonfinancial incentives. [[Page 373]] (c) For policies with a regulatory component, agencies are encouraged to combine this behavioral science insights policy directive with their ongoing review of existing significant regulations to identify and reduce regulatory burdens, as appropriate and consistent with Executive Order 13563 of January 18, 2011 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), and Executive Order 13610 of May 10, 2012 (Identifying and Reducing Regulatory Burdens). Sec. 2. Implementation of the Behavioral Science Insights Policy Directive. (a) The Social and Behavioral Sciences Team (SBST), under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and chaired by the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, shall provide agencies with advice and policy guidance to help them execute the policy objectives outlined in section 1 of this order, as appropriate. (b) The NSTC shall release a yearly report summarizing agency implementation of section 1 of this order each year until 2019. Member agencies of the SBST are expected to contribute to this report. (c) To help execute the policy directive set forth in section 1 of this order, the Chair of the SBST shall, within 45 days of the date of this order and thereafter as necessary, issue guidance to assist agencies in implementing this order. Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to a department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) Independent agencies are strongly encouraged to comply with the requirements of this order. (d) 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, September 15, 2015. Executive Order 13708 of September 30, 2015 Continuance or Reestablishment of Certain Federal Advisory Committees By the authority vested in me as President, by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and consistent with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), it is hereby ordered as follows: [[Page 374]] Section 1. Each advisory committee listed below is continued or, to the extent necessary, reestablished until September 30, 2017. (a) Committee for the Preservation of the White House; Executive Order 11145, as amended (Department of the Interior). (b) President's Commission on White House Fellowships; Executive Order 11183, as amended (Office of Personnel Management). (c) President's Committee on the National Medal of Science; Executive Order 11287, as amended (National Science Foundation). (d) Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health; Executive Order 11612, as amended (Department of Labor). (e) President's Export Council; Executive Order 12131, as amended (Department of Commerce). (f) President's Committee on the International Labor Organization; Executive Order 12216, as amended (Department of Labor). (g) President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities; Executive Order 12367, as amended (National Endowment for the Arts). (h) President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee; Executive Order 12382, as amended (Department of Homeland Security). (i) National Industrial Security Program Policy Advisory Committee; Executive Order 12829, as amended (National Archives and Records Administration). (j) Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee; Executive Order 12905 (Office of the United States Trade Representative). (k) Governmental Advisory Committee to the United States Representative to the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation; Executive Order 12915 (Environmental Protection Agency). (l) National Advisory Committee to the United States Representative to the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation; Executive Order 12915 (Environmental Protection Agency). (m) Good Neighbor Environmental Board; Executive Order 12916 (Environmental Protection Agency). (n) Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS; Executive Order 12963, as amended (Department of Health and Human Services). (o) President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities; Executive Order 12994, as amended (Department of Health and Human Services). (p) Invasive Species Advisory Committee; Executive Order 13112, as amended (Department of the Interior). (q) Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee; Executive Order 13158 (Department of Commerce). (r) Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health; Executive Order 13179 (Department of Health and Human Services). (s) National Infrastructure Advisory Council; Executive Order 13231, as amended (Department of Homeland Security). [[Page 375]] (t) President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition; Executive Order 13265, as amended (Department of Health and Human Services). (u) President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships; Executive Order 13498 (Department of Health and Human Services). (v) President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; Executive Order 13515, as amended (Department of Education). (w) Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues; Executive Order 13521 (Department of Health and Human Services). (x) National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations; Executive Order 13522 (Office of Personnel Management). (y) U.S. General Services Administration Labor-Management Relations Council; Executive Order 13522 (General Services Administration). (z) President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Executive Order 13532, as amended (Department of Education). (aa) President's Management Advisory Board; Executive Order 13538, as amended (General Services Administration). (bb) President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology; Executive Order 13539, as amended (Department of Energy). (cc) Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development; Executive Order 13540 (Small Business Administration). (dd) Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health; Executive Order 13544 (Department of Health and Human Services). (ee) State, Local, Tribal, and Private Sector (SLTPS) Policy Advisory Committee; Executive Order 13549 (National Archives and Records Administration). (ff) President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics; Executive Order 13555, re-established by Executive Order 13634 (Department of Education). (gg) President's Global Development Council; Executive Order 13600, as amended (United States Agency for International Development). (hh) President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans; Executive Order 13621 (Department of Education). (ii) President's Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa; Executive Order 13675 (Department of Commerce). (jj) Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria; Executive Order 13676 (Department of Health and Human Services). (kk) Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking; Executive Order 13648 (Department of the Interior). (ll) Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee; initially established pursuant to Presidential Memorandum on Improving Spectrum Management for the 21st Century (November 30, 2004) (Department of Commerce). [[Page 376]] (mm) National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Advisory Board; National Security Policy Directive-39, ``U.S. National Space-Based Position, Navigation, and Timing Policy'' (December 8, 2004) (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). (nn) San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee; Proclamation 8947 of March 25, 2013 (Department of the Interior). Sec. 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other Executive Order, the functions of the President under the Federal Advisory Committee Act that are applicable to the committees listed in section 1 of this order shall be performed by the head of the department or agency designated after each committee, in accordance with the regulations, guidelines, and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services. Sec. 3. Sections 1 and 2 of Executive Order 13652 of September 30, 2013, are superseded by sections 1 and 2 of this order. Sec. 4. Executive Order 12829 of January 6, 1993, is amended in section 103(c)(2) by striking ``Administrator of General Services'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``National Archives and Records Administration'' and 103(d) by striking ``Administrator of General Services'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``the Archivist of the United States''. Sec. 5. This order shall be effective September 30, 2015. Barack Obama The White House, September 30, 2015. Executive Order 13709 of October 2, 2015 National Security Medal By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. In order to more appropriately recognize distinguished achievements and outstanding contributions in the field of national security, Executive Order 10431 of January 19, 1953, is amended as follows: (a) Section 2 is amended to read as follows: ``The National Security Medal may be awarded to any person, without regard to nationality, including members of the Armed Forces of the United States, for distinguished achievement or outstanding contribution made on or after July 26, 1947, in the field of national security through either exceptionally meritorious service performed in a position of high responsibility or through an act of heroism requiring personal courage of a high degree and complete disregard of personal safety.''; and (b) By inserting at the end: ``7. Any individual having personal knowledge of the facts of a potential recipient's exceptionally meritorious service or act of heroism, either as an eyewitness or from the testimony of others who have personal knowledge [[Page 377]] or were eyewitnesses, may recommend the potential recipient as a candidate for the award to the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council. Any recommendations shall be made with the concurrence of the department or agency employing the proposed recipient, if appropriate, and be accompanied by complete documentation, including, where necessary, certificates, affidavits, or sworn transcripts of testimony. Each recommendation for an award shall show the exact status, at the time of the rendition of the service on which the recommendation is based, with respect to citizenship, employment, and all other material factors of the person who is being recommended for the National Security Medal. Each recommendation shall contain a draft of an appropriate citation to accompany the award of the National Security Medal. ``8. Upon a determination by the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council that the National Security Medal is warranted, and following approval by the President, the Executive Secretary shall notify the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which will then process the award recommendation, prepare the National Security Medal, with any appropriate devices, and deliver the National Security Medal to the National Security Council for presentation to the recipient.'' Sec. 2. This order supersedes the regulations governing the award of the National Security Medal issued with Presidential approval on January 19, 1953, and published with Executive Order 10431. Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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, October 2, 2015. Executive Order 13710 of November 12, 2015 Termination of Emergency With Respect to the Actions and Policies of Former Liberian President Charles Taylor By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 5 of the United Nations [[Page 378]] Participation Act, as amended (22 U.S.C. 287c) (UNPA), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, find that the situation that gave rise to the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13348 of July 22, 2004, with respect to the actions and policies of former Liberian President Charles Taylor and other persons, in particular their unlawful depletion of Liberian resources and their removal from Liberia and secreting of Liberian funds and property, has been significantly altered by Liberia's significant advances to promote democracy and the orderly development of its political, administrative, and economic institutions, including presidential elections in 2005 and 2011, which were internationally recognized as freely held; the 2012 conviction of, and 50-year prison sentence for, former Liberian President Charles Taylor and the affirmation on appeal of that conviction and sentence; and the diminished ability of those connected to former Liberian President Charles Taylor to undermine Liberia's progress. Accordingly, I hereby terminate the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13348, revoke that order, and further order: Section 1. Pursuant to section 202(a) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1622(a)), termination of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13348 shall not affect any action taken or proceeding pending not finally concluded or determined as of the effective date of this order, any action or proceeding based on any act committed prior to the effective date, or any rights or duties that matured or penalties that were incurred prior to the effective date of this order. Sec. 2. 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. 3. (a) This order is effective at 2:00 p.m. eastern standard time on November 12, 2015. (b) This order shall be transmitted to the Congress and published in the Federal Register. Barack Obama The White House, November 12, 2015. Executive Order 13711 of November 12, 2015 Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate Disputes Between New Jersey Transit Rail and Certain of Its Employees Represented by Certain Labor Organizations Disputes exist between the New Jersey Transit Rail and certain of its employees represented by certain labor organizations. The labor organizations involved in these disputes are designated on the attached list, which is made part of this order. [[Page 379]] The disputes have not heretofore been adjusted under the provisions of the saRailway Labor Act, as amended, 45 U.S.C. 151-188 (RLA). A first emergency board to investigate and report on these disputes was established on July 16, 2015, by Executive Order 13700 of July 15, 2015. The emergency board terminated upon issuance of its report. Subsequently, its recommendations were not accepted by the parties. A party empowered by the RLA has requested that the President establish a second emergency board pursuant to section 9A of the RLA (45 U.S.C. 159a). Section 9A(e) of the RLA provides that the President, upon such request, shall appoint a second emergency board to investigate and report on the disputes. NOW, THEREFORE, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 9A of the RLA, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Establishment of Emergency Board (Board). There is established, effective 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on November 13, 2015, a Board of three members to be appointed by the President to investigate and report on these disputes. No member shall be pecuniarily or otherwise interested in any organization of employees or any carrier. The Board shall perform its functions subject to the availability of funds. Sec. 2. Report. Within 30 days after the creation of the Board, the parties to the disputes shall submit to the Board final offers for settlement of the disputes. Within 30 days after the submission of final offers for settlement of the disputes, the Board shall submit a report to the President setting forth its selection of the most reasonable offer. Sec. 3. Maintaining Conditions. As provided by section 9A(h) of the Act, from the time a request to establish a second emergency board is made until 60 days after the Board submits its report to the President, the parties to the controversy shall make no change in the conditions out of which the disputes arose except by agreement of the parties. Sec. 4. Records Maintenance. The records and files of the Board are records of the Office of the President and upon the Board's termination shall be maintained in the physical custody of the National Mediation Board. Sec. 5. Expiration. The Board shall terminate upon the submission of the report provided for in section 2 of this order. Barack Obama The White House, November 12, 2015. [[Page 380]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD17NO15.000 [[Page 381]] Executive Order 13712 of November 22, 2015 Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Burundi By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, find that the situation in Burundi, which has been marked by the killing of and violence against civilians, unrest, the incitement of imminent violence, and significant political repression, and which threatens the peace, security, and stability of Burundi, constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, and I hereby declare a national emergency to deal with that threat. I hereby order: Section 1. (a) All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in: (i) the persons listed in the Annex to this order; and (ii) any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State: (A) to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have engaged in, directly or indirectly, any of the following in or in relation to Burundi: (1) actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Burundi; (2) actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Burundi; (3) human rights abuses; (4) the targeting of women, children, or any civilians through the commission of acts of violence (including killing, maiming, torture, or rape or other sexual violence), abduction, forced displacement, or attacks on schools, hospitals, religious sites, or locations where civilians are seeking refuge, or through other conduct that may constitute a serious abuse or violation of human rights or a violation of international humanitarian law; (5) actions or policies that prohibit, limit, or penalize the exercise of freedom of expression or freedom of peaceful assembly; (6) the use or recruitment of children by armed groups or armed forces; (7) the obstruction of the delivery or distribution of, or access to, humanitarian assistance; or (8) attacks, attempted attacks, or threats against United Nations missions, international security presences, or other peacekeeping operations; [[Page 382]] (B) to be a leader or official of: (1) an entity, including any government entity or armed group, that has, or whose members have, engaged in any of the activities described in subsection (a)(ii)(A) of this section; or (2) an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; (C) to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of: (1) any of the activities described in subsection (a)(ii)(A) of this section; or (2) any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or (D) to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order. (b) The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date of this order. Sec. 2. I hereby find that the unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens determined to meet one or more of the criteria in subsection 1(a) of this order would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of such persons. Such persons shall be treated as persons covered by section 1 of Proclamation 8693 of July 24, 2011 (Suspension of Entry of Aliens Subject to United Nations Security Council Travel Bans and International Emergency Economic Powers Act Sanctions). Sec. 3. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the type of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1 of this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in this order, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 1 of this order. Sec. 4. The prohibitions in section 1 of this order include but are not limited to: (a) the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; and (b) the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Sec. 5. (a) Any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited. (b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited. Sec. 6. For the purposes of this order: [[Page 383]] (a) the term ``person'' means an individual or entity; (b) the term ``entity'' means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization; and (c) the term ``United States person'' means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States. Sec. 7. For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render those measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in this order, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to section 1 of this order. Sec. 8. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this order. The Secretary of the Treasury may redelegate any of these functions to other officers and agencies of the United States Government consistent with applicable law. All agencies of the United States Government are hereby directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of this order. Sec. 9. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to determine that circumstances no longer warrant the blocking of the property and interests in property of a person listed in the Annex to this order, and to take necessary action to give effect to that determination. Sec. 10. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to submit the recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)). Sec. 11. 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. 12. This order is effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on November 23, 2015. Barack Obama The White House, November 22, 2015. [[Page 384]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD25NO15.003 [[Page 385]] Executive Order 13713 of December 11, 2015 Half-Day Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on Thursday, December 24, 2015 By the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America, by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. All executive branch departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty for the last half of the scheduled workday on Thursday, December 24, 2015, the day before Christmas Day, except as provided in section 2 of this order. Sec. 2. The heads of executive branch departments and agencies may determine that certain offices and installations of their organizations, or parts thereof, must remain open and that certain employees must remain on duty for the full scheduled workday on December 24, 2015, for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need. Sec. 3. Thursday, December 24, 2015, shall be considered as falling within the scope of Executive Order 11582 of February 11, 1971, and of 5 U.S.C. 5546 and 6103(b) and other similar statutes insofar as they relate to the pay and leave of employees of the United States. Sec. 4. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall take such actions as may be necessary to implement this order. Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (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, December 11, 2015. Executive Order 13714 of December 15, 2015 Strengthening the Senior Executive Service By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to strengthen the recruitment, hiring, and development of the Federal Government's senior executives; I hereby order as follows: [[Page 386]] Section 1. Policy. It is in the national interest to facilitate career executive continuity between administrations; to increase senior leadership attention to, and involvement in, executive recruitment; to reduce unnecessary burdens on applicants for executive positions; and to efficiently document demonstrated executive experience. Furthermore, it is imperative to periodically explore and promote new selection methods that effectively and efficiently identify the most capable and talented candidates for executive leadership positions to enhance the breadth and diversity of experiences among our Federal executives; to better support, recognize, and reward our executives, especially our top performers; and to strengthen executive accountability, all while maintaining a system that is focused on the public interest and free from improper political influence. An important aspect of strengthening our Senior Executive Service (SES) members is valuing the work they do every day, rewarding excellence, professionalism, and outstanding achievement through special act awards, Presidential Rank Awards, and other non-monetary and honorary awards. Consistent with the requirements of Executive Order 13583 of August 18, 2011 (Establishing a Coordinated Government-Wide Initiative to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Workforce), and with merit-based principles, this order continues to support executive departments and agencies (agencies) to develop and implement a comprehensive, integrated, and strategic focus on diversity and inclusion as a key component of the recruitment, hiring, retention, and development of their SES cadre. Pursuing these goals will significantly improve the Federal Government's ability to serve the American people. Unless otherwise noted, this order applies to career members of the SES. Section 2 of this order establishes, under the President's Management Council (PMC), a Subcommittee to advise the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the PMC, and the President on senior executive matters, help monitor execution of an important set of executive reforms contained in section 3 of this order, and help keep the Federal Government's executive management practices current and effective. In order to identify and maximize the use of best practices, requirements in sections 3(b)(i)-(iv) of this order will be implemented in three phases, with Phase I consisting of seven agencies, which will execute those reforms in fiscal year (FY) 2016; Phase II consisting of seven agencies, which will execute those reforms in FY 2017; and Phase III consisting of all other agencies, which will execute those reforms in FY 2018. Sec. 2. Establishment of PMC Subcommittee to Strengthen the Senior Executive Service. There is established the PMC Subcommittee to Strengthen the Senior Executive Service (Subcommittee) to inform and support Government-wide priorities for improved management of senior executives identified by the Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in consultation with the Director of OPM. The Subcommittee shall consist of five members of the PMC: the Deputy Director for Management of OMB, the Director of OPM, and three other members of the PMC. The Subcommittee will be advised by at least two career members of the SES to be determined by the members of the Subcommittee, and shall collaborate with the Chief Human Capital Officers Council. Expressions of interest to serve on the Subcommittee will be solicited, and final selections will be made by the Deputy Director for Management of OMB in consultation with the Director of OPM. The Subcommittee will advise OPM, members of the PMC, and the President on ways to strengthen and [[Page 387]] improve the SES workforce, as outlined in this order. In addition, it will identify any Government-wide obstacles it perceives to executive management, assist OPM in facilitating career executive continuity between administrations, and facilitate communication among the SES cadre. Sec. 3. Requirements. Under the direction, or, in the case of sections 3(a)(i) and 3(b)(ii) of this order, the guidance, of the Director of OPM, and in consultation with OMB and the PMC Subcommittee, agencies shall undertake the following actions: (a) Actions for Immediate Government-wide Implementation. (i) Starting in FY 2017, agencies should limit their aggregate spending on agency performance awards for SES and Senior Level (SL) and Senior Scientific or Professional (ST) employees to 7.5 percent of aggregate SES and SL/ST salaries respectively. OMB and OPM shall undertake a review of, and revise as appropriate, their current guidance regarding aggregate spending on such awards. In addition, agencies should allocate awards in a manner that provides meaningfully greater rewards to top performers. Within 120 days of the date of this order, OPM shall issue, as appropriate, additional guidance regarding the distribution of such awards. (ii) The heads of agencies with SES positions that supervise General Schedule (GS) employees shall implement policies, as permitted by and consistent with applicable law and regulation, for initial pay setting and pay adjustments, as appropriate, for career SES appointees to result in compensation exceeding the rates of pay, including locality pay, of their subordinate GS employees. Similar policies shall be implemented by heads of agencies for Senior Professional (i.e., SL or ST) employees that supervise GS employees. Such policies and practices support, recognize, and reward agency executives, especially top performers, in a manner commensurate with their roles, responsibilities, and contributions, and may increase the competitiveness of SES positions with comparable positions outside of Government. (iii) Within 90 days of the date of this order, OPM shall evaluate the current Qualifications Review Board (QRB) process and issue guidance to agencies about materials that would be acceptable for QRB consideration and that will serve as an alternative or replacement to the current lengthy essay requirement for QRB submission, which may deter qualified applicants for SES positions or put an additional burden on human resources staff. The guidance shall also advise agencies about ways to streamline their initial application requirements for SES positions, including evaluation of options, such as allowing individuals to apply by only submitting a resume- based application and any additional materials necessary to determine relevant qualifications, consistent with the new QRB submission requirements. (iv) Within 120 days of OPM issuing the guidance described in section 3(a)(iii) of this order, the heads of agencies with SES positions shall examine the agency's career SES hiring process and make changes to the process to make it more efficient, effective, and less burdensome for all participants. Agencies shall simplify the initial application requirements for SES positions consistent with the guidance issued in section 3(a)(iii) of this order, and should only request critically necessary technical qualifications, with the goal of minimizing requirements that may deter [[Page 388]] qualified applicants from applying. Agencies shall also monitor time to hire of SES positions, and identify appropriate process improvements or other changes that can help reduce time to hire while ensuring high quality of hires. (v) By May 31, 2016, the heads of agencies with 20 or more SES positions shall develop and submit to OPM a 2-year plan to increase the number of SES members who are rotating to improve talent development, mission delivery and collaboration. While agency specific targets will not be required, this order establishes a Government-wide goal of 15 percent of SES members rotating for a minimum of 120 days (including to different departments, agencies, subcomponents, functional areas, sectors, and non-federal partners) during FY 2017, and thereafter, in order to ensure the mobility of the corps while also maintaining stability of operations. Within 45 days of the date of this order, OPM shall issue guidance for implementation of section 3(a)(v) of this order. OPM shall evaluate the percentages set forth in this subsection on an ongoing basis and make adjustments as necessary and appropriate. These plans shall take into consideration the policy priorities of the agency, agency needs and rules in the context of administration transitions, needs identified in agency hiring plans and succession plans, the development opportunities listed in individuals' Executive Development Plans (EDP), and the Federal Government's interest in cultivating generalist executives with broad and diverse experiences who can lead a variety of organizations. These plans shall build on existing succession management processes and those established in section 3(b)(i) of this order to ensure high potential and top performers have an opportunity to cycle through rotations. These plans shall also incorporate, as appropriate, flexibilities agencies have such as the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (implemented in 5 CFR part 334) to encourage SES members to pursue temporary assignments to State and local governments, colleges and universities, tribal governments, and other eligible organizations, and to better understand the impact of the Federal Government's work on those it serves. Finally, these plans shall include an assessment of the degree to which these rotation assignments achieve the desired goals for the individual and agency. (b) Actions for Phased Implementation. Under the direction, or, in the case of section 3(b)(ii) of this order, the guidance, of the Director of OPM, in consultation with OMB and the PMC Subcommittee, the reforms listed in sections 3(b)(i)-(iv) of this order shall be implemented by agencies on the following schedule: the Secretaries of Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Veterans Affairs; the Administrator of General Services; and the Director of OPM shall implement these reforms by September 30, 2016; the Secretaries of Agriculture, Education, Labor, and Transportation, and the Administrators of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Small Business Administration shall implement these reforms by September 30, 2017; the Secretaries of State, the Treasury, the Interior, Commerce, and Homeland Security, the Attorney General, and the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, as well as the Directors of OMB and the National Science Foundation, shall implement these reforms by September 30, 2018. By October 1 of each year, OPM shall issue additional guidance after each phase of implementation that reflects lessons learned and any adjustments to these reforms based on [[Page 389]] the agencies that have implemented them. By the respective date specified above, the heads of agencies shall: (i) Establish an annual talent management and succession planning process to assess the development needs of all SES members, and SL and ST employees as appropriate, to inform readiness decisions about hiring, career development, and executive reassignments and rotations. These assessments shall include input from each executive, as well as the executive's supervisor, and shall be used to recommend development activities and inform the organization's succession planning, decisions about duty assignments, and agency hiring plans; (ii) Proactively recruit individuals for vacant SES positions and regularly review those recruitment efforts at the Deputy Secretary (or direct designee) level on at least a quarterly basis, consistent with existing rules and regulations. Establish a mechanism to track, and raise for appropriate senior-level attention, information about each position that agencies are seeking to fill, including, at a minimum, source of the recruitment, number, quality and diversity (as available) of applicants, source of applicants (subcomponent, agency or non-government), and timeliness of the hiring process. Use the talent management and succession planning process described in section 3(b)(i) of this order and agency hiring plans to inform these recruitment efforts; and develop a tailored outreach strategy for proactive recruitment for key strategic positions; (iii) Require supervisors of executives in their agency to work with their subordinate executives to update EDPs for each executive required by 5 CFR part 412.401, to include at least one developmental activity annually and at least one leadership assessment involving employee feedback (for example, 360 degree-type reviews) every 3 years to inform each executive's developmental needs. In addition, non-career SES and equivalent appointees should also have one leadership assessment during their first 2 years, and additional assessments every 3 years thereafter; and (iv) Establish a formal Executive Onboarding Program informed by OPM's Enhanced Executive Onboarding Model and Government-Wide Executive Onboarding Framework, which shall provide critical support and guidance to executives through their first year of service in new positions, consistent with guidance to be issued by OPM no later than 60 days after the date of this order. Onboarding shall be provided for career and non-career SES, SL and ST employees, and SES-equivalent positions. Sec. 4. Additional Implementation Considerations. (a) Actions for Agencies with SES-Equivalent Positions. Certain agencies have independent authorities enabling them to establish positions that are equivalent to SES or Senior Professional positions, or an executive personnel system that includes such positions. Whether the positions or employment systems are established in title 5 (for example, FBI/DEA SES) or in other titles of the United States Code (for example, Senior Foreign Service, Defense Intelligence SES, Senior National Intelligence Service), the agency head shall determine the extent to which the agency implements policies and processes to support objectives identified in sections 3(a) and 3(b) of this order for such positions consistent with the agency's authorities and purposes for which the law provides them, with such consultation with the Director of OPM, OMB, and the PMC Subcommittee as the agency may require. [[Page 390]] (b) Agency Status and Reporting. Within 45 days of the date of this order, OPM will issue guidance, concurrent with guidance in section 3(a)(v) of this order, that defines regular reporting on the status of each agency's implementation of the provisions in this order. Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of OMB relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (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, December 15, 2015. Executive Order 13715 of December 18, 2015 Adjustments of Certain Rates of Pay By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Statutory Pay Systems. The rates of basic pay or salaries of the statutory pay systems (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 5302(1)), as adjusted under 5 U.S.C. 5303, are set forth on the schedules attached hereto and made a part hereof: (a) The General Schedule (5 U.S.C. 5332(a)) at Schedule 1; (b) The Foreign Service Schedule (22 U.S.C. 3963) at Schedule 2; and (c) The schedules for the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs (38 U.S.C. 7306, 7404; section 301(a) of Public Law 102-40) at Schedule 3. Sec. 2. Senior Executive Service. The ranges of rates of basic pay for senior executives in the Senior Executive Service, as established pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5382, are set forth on Schedule 4 attached hereto and made a part hereof. Sec. 3. Certain Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries. The rates of basic pay or salaries for the following offices and positions are set forth on the schedules attached hereto and made a part hereof: (a) The Executive Schedule (5 U.S.C. 5312-5318) at Schedule 5; (b) The Vice President (3 U.S.C. 104) and the Congress (2 U.S.C. 4501) at Schedule 6; and [[Page 391]] (c) Justices and judges (28 U.S.C. 5, 44(d), 135, 252, and 461(a)) at Schedule 7. Sec. 4. Uniformed Services. The rates of monthly basic pay (37 U.S.C. 203(a)) for members of the uniformed services, as adjusted under 37 U.S.C. 1009, and the rate of monthly cadet or midshipman pay (37 U.S.C. 203(c)) are set forth on Schedule 8 attached hereto and made a part hereof. Sec. 5. Locality-Based Comparability Payments. (a) Pursuant to section 5304 of title 5, United States Code, and my authority to implement an alternative level of comparability payments under section 5304a of title 5, United States Code, locality-based comparability payments shall be paid in accordance with Schedule 9 attached hereto and made a part hereof. (b) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall take such actions as may be necessary to implement these payments and to publish appropriate notice of such payments in the Federal Register. Sec. 6. Administrative Law Judges. Pursuant to section 5372 of title 5, United States Code, the rates of basic pay for administrative law judges are set forth on Schedule 10 attached hereto and made a part hereof. Sec. 7. Effective Dates. Schedule 8 is effective January 1, 2016. The other schedules contained herein are effective on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2016. Sec. 8. Prior Order Superseded. Executive Order 13686 of December 19, 2014, is superseded as of the effective dates specified in section 7 of this order. Barack Obama The White House, December 18, 2015. [[Page 392]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD23DE15.006 [[Page 393]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD23DE15.007 [[Page 394]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD23DE15.008 [[Page 395]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD23DE15.009 [[Page 396]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD23DE15.010 [[Page 397]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD23DE15.011 [[Page 398]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD23DE15.012 [[Page 399]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD23DE15.013 [[Page 400]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD23DE15.014 [[Page 401]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TD23DE15.015 [[Page 403]] ________________________________________________________________________ OTHER PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS ________________________________________________________________________ Page Subchapter A-- [Reserved] Subchapter B-- Administrative Orders 403 Subchapter C-- Reorganization Plans [None] Subchapter D-- Designations [None] ________________________________________________________________________ Subchapter B-- Administrative Orders ________________________________________________________________________ Memorandum of January 15, 2015 Modernizing Federal Leave Policies for Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care to Recruit and Retain Talent and Improve Productivity Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies Now more than ever, our Nation's economic success rests on our ability to empower our citizens to choose jobs that best utilize their talents and interests. All employers, including the Federal Government, should support parents to ensure they can both contribute fully in the workplace and also meet the needs of their families. The availability of paid maternity leave, for example, has been shown to increase the likelihood that mothers return to their jobs following the birth of a child, and paid maternity and paternity leave has been shown to improve the health and development outcomes of the infant. In addition, it is critically important for parents and their newborn or newly adopted child to have the opportunity to form strong family attachments and relationships. Men and women both need time to care for their families and should have access to workplace flexibilities that help them succeed at work and at home. Offering family leave and other workplace flexibilities to parents can help achieve the goals of recruiting and retaining talent, lowering costly worker turnover, increasing employee engagement, boosting employee morale, and ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce. Yet, the United States [[Page 404]] lags behind almost every other country in ensuring some form of paid parental leave to its Federal workforce; we are the only developed country in the world without it. My memorandum of June 23, 2014 (Enhancing Workplace Flexibilities and Work-Life Programs), directs the heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) to more fully utilize workplace flexibilities and work-life programs to promote recruitment, retention, employee engagement, and workforce productivity. My Administration fully supports efforts to align the Federal Government with the parental leave policies of leading private sector companies and other industrialized countries, and will continue to take administrative steps to modernize leave policies to better support Federal employees. By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to further build on these important goals and the work currently underway by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and other agencies to review existing personnel policies, I hereby direct as follows: Section 1. Advanced Sick and Annual Leave. (a) Agencies shall ensure that, to the extent permitted by law, their policies offer 240 hours of advanced sick leave, at the request of an employee and in appropriate circumstances, in connection with the birth or adoption of a child or for other sick leave eligible uses. This benefit shall be provided for purposes specified in law and regulation irrespective of existing leave balances. Within 60 days of OPM issuing its guidance pursuant to section 3 of this memorandum, agencies shall make any necessary changes to their policies to implement this section. (b) Agencies shall ensure that their policies offer the maximum amount of advanced annual leave permitted by law, at the request of an employee, for foster care placement in their home or bonding with a healthy newborn or newly adopted child. This benefit shall be provided for purposes specified in law and regulation irrespective of existing leave balances. Within 60 days of OPM issuing its guidance pursuant to section 3 of this memorandum, agencies shall make any necessary changes to their policies to implement this section. Sec. 2. Emergency Backup Dependent Care. Agencies shall consider, consistent with existing resources, providing access to affordable emergency backup dependent care services such as through an Employee Assistance Program. Sec. 3. Update Leave Policies. (a) In coordination with the agency review and related OPM summary report of workplace flexibilities and work-life policies required by sections 4 and 5 of my memorandum of June 23, 2014, agencies shall make necessary changes to their policies and practices to ensure that employees experiencing the birth or adoption of a child, foster care placement in their home, or who have other circumstances eligible for sick or annual leave are aware of the full range of benefits to which they are entitled. These changes shall also ensure that discretionary flexibilities are used to the maximum extent practicable, in accordance with the laws and regulations governing these programs and consistent with mission needs, and that employees understand the benefits for which they may qualify. Any necessary changes to agency policies required by this section shall be made as soon as possible, and no later than January 1, 2016. [[Page 405]] (b) For purposes of the changes required by subsection (a) of this section, agencies shall review policies with respect to the following required benefits: (i) use of accrued sick leave (including period of incapacitation for birth mother, care of birth mother during period of incapacitation, doctor appointments for birth parents or newborn child, or any periods of time during which adoptive parents are ordered or required by an adoption agency or by a court to take time off from work to care for the adopted child); (ii) leave pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act (including intermittent leave for childbirth, adoption, or foster care placement in the home; and leave without pay or substitution of appropriate paid leave in accordance with law and regulation); (iii) use of accrued annual leave; (iv) use of leave without pay for a longer period than what is provided for under the Family and Medical Leave Act; and (v) break times and private space for nursing mothers. (c) For purposes of the changes required by subsection (a) of this section, agencies shall ensure those changes provide to the maximum extent practicable the following discretionary benefits: (i) advancement of sick or annual leave, consistent with the requirements set forth in section 1 of this memorandum; (ii) donated annual leave under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program; (iii) donated annual leave under the Voluntary Leave Bank Program; (iv) emergency backup dependent care services, such as through an Employee Assistance Program; (v) telework; and (vi) flexible work schedules, including part-time schedules and job sharing arrangements. (d) Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, OPM shall issue guidance to agencies regarding implementing advanced sick and annual leave policies, including their application to part-time employees. The OPM summary report of workplace flexibilities and work-life policies required by section 4 of my memorandum of June 23, 2014, shall provide further guidance to implement this memorandum. Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to a department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This memorandum 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. [[Page 406]] (d) The Director of OPM is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, January 15, 2015. Memorandum of January 16, 2015 Expanding Federal Support for Predevelopment Activities for Nonfederal Domestic Infrastructure Assets Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies The United States is significantly underinvesting in both the maintenance of existing public infrastructure and the development of new infrastructure projects. While there is no replacement for adequate public funding, innovative financing options and increased collaboration between the private and public sectors can help to increase overall investment in infrastructure. However, a major challenge for innovative infrastructure projects, whether using emerging technologies or alternative financing, is the lack of funding for the phases of infrastructure project development that precede actual construction. Infrastructure projects require upfront costs, commonly known as ``predevelopment'' costs, for activities such as project and system planning, economic impact analyses, preliminary engineering assessments, and environmental review. Although only accounting for a small percentage of total costs, predevelopment activities have considerable influence on which projects will move forward, where and how they will be built, who will fund them, and who will benefit from them. Yet, in light of factors like fiscal constraints, the extent of overall needs, and risk aversion, State, local, and tribal governments tend to focus scarce resources on constructing and developing conventional projects and addressing their most critical infrastructure needs, thereby underinvesting in predevelopment. Greater attention to the predevelopment phase could yield a range of benefits--for example, providing the opportunity to develop longer-term, more innovative, and more complex infrastructure projects and facilitating assessment of a range of financing approaches, including public-private partnerships. Additional investment in predevelopment costs also may enable State, local, and tribal governments to utilize innovations in infrastructure design and emerging technologies, reduce long-term costs to infrastructure project users, and provide other benefits, such as improved environmental performance and enhanced resilience to climate change. The Federal Government can meaningfully expand opportunities for public- private collaboration, encourage more transformational projects, and improve project outcomes by encouraging Federal investment in robust predevelopment activities and providing other forms of support, such as technical assistance, to communities during the predevelopment phase. [[Page 407]] Therefore, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following: Section 1. Policy. It shall be the policy of the Federal Government for all executive departments and agencies (agencies) that provide grants, technical assistance, and other forms of support for nonfederal domestic infrastructure assets, or regulate the development of these infrastructure assets, to actively support nonfederal predevelopment activities with all available tools, including grants, technical assistance, and regulatory changes, to the extent permitted by law and consistent with agency mission. Agencies shall seek to make predevelopment funding and support available, as permitted by law and consistent with agency mission and where it is in the public interest and does not supplant existing public investment, to encourage opportunities for private sector investment. Agencies shall pay particular attention to predevelopment activities in sectors where State, local, and tribal governments have traditionally played a significant role, such as surface transportation, drinking water, sewage and storm water management systems, landside ports, and social infrastructure like schools and community facilities. Sec. 2. Definitions. For the purposes of this memorandum: (a) ``Predevelopment activities'' means activities that provide decisionmakers with the opportunity to identify and assess potential infrastructure projects and modifications to existing infrastructure projects, and to advance those projects from the conceptual phase to actual construction. Predevelopment activities include: (i) project planning, feasibility studies, economic assessments and cost- benefit analyses, and public benefit studies and value-for-money analyses; (ii) design and engineering; (iii) financial planning (including the identification of funding and financing options); (iv) permitting, environmental review, and regulatory processes; (v) assessment of the impacts of potential projects on the area, including the effect on communities, the environment, the workforce, and wages and benefits, as well as assessment of infrastructure vulnerability and resilience to climate change and other risks; and (vi) public outreach and community engagement. (b) ``Predevelopment funding'' means funding for predevelopment activities and associated costs, such as flexible staff, external advisors, convening potential investment partners, and associated legal costs directly related to predevelopment activities. Sec. 3. Federal Action to Support Predevelopment Activities. Agencies shall take the following actions to support predevelopment activities: (a) the Department of Commerce, through the Economic Development Administration's Public Works grants and Economic Adjustment Assistance grants, and consistent with the programs' mission and goals, shall take steps to increase assistance for the predevelopment phase of infrastructure projects; [[Page 408]] (b) the Department of Transportation shall develop guidance to clarify where predevelopment activities are eligible for funding through its programs. To further encourage early collaboration in the project development process, the Department of Transportation shall also clarify options for providing early feedback into environmental review processes; (c) the Department of Homeland Security shall clarify for grantees where predevelopment funding is available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; (d) the Department of Housing and Urban Development shall clarify for grantees how the Community Development Block Grant program and other Federal funding sources can be used for predevelopment activities; (e) the Department of Agriculture shall develop guidance to clarify where predevelopment activities are eligible for funding through its programs, including grants for water and waste projects pursuant to 7 CFR 1780.1 et seq., the Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Program, the Community Facilities Grant program, and the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program. To encourage innovative predevelopment work, the Department of Agriculture shall also train Water and Environmental Programs field staff on predevelopment best practices and prioritize predevelopment in the Department of Agriculture's project development process; and (f) the other members of the Working Group established in section 3 of my memorandum of July 17, 2014 (Expanding Public-Private Collaboration on Infrastructure Development and Financing), shall take such steps as appropriate to clarify program eligibilities related to predevelopment activities for nonfederal domestic infrastructure assets. Sec. 4. Implementation, Public Education, and Best Practices. The Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy, and Homeland Security, and the Environmental Protection Agency shall develop plans for implementing the requirements of this memorandum, providing technical assistance to nonfederal actors engaged in predevelopment activities, and educating grantees and the public on the benefits of predevelopment and the Federal resources available for these activities. These agencies shall also work together to develop a guide for nonfederal actors undertaking nonfederal predevelopment activities that includes best practices on how to evaluate and compare traditional and alternative financing strategies. No later than 60 days after the date of this memorandum, these agencies shall provide these plans and the best practice guide to the Director of the National Economic Council. Subsequently, these agencies shall provide regular updates to the Director of the National Economic Council on their progress in increasing support for predevelopment activities. Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any [[Page 409]] party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. (c) The Secretary of Transportation is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, January 16, 2015. Notice of January 21, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Terrorists Who Threaten to Disrupt the Middle East Peace Process On January 23, 1995, by Executive Order 12947, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by grave acts of violence committed by foreign terrorists that disrupt the Middle East peace process. On August 20, 1998, by Executive Order 13099, the President modified the Annex to Executive Order 12947 to identify four additional persons who threaten to disrupt the Middle East peace process. On February 16, 2005, by Executive Order 13372, the President clarified the steps taken in Executive Order 12947. These terrorist activities continue to threaten the Middle East peace process and to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on January 23, 1995, and the measures adopted to deal with that emergency must continue in effect beyond January 23, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to foreign terrorists who threaten to disrupt the Middle East peace process. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, January 21, 2015. [[Page 410]] Order of February 2, 2015 Sequestration Order for Fiscal Year 2016 Pursuant to Section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as Amended By the authority vested in me as President by the laws of the United States of America, and in accordance with section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act (the ``Act''), as amended, 2 U.S.C. 901a, I hereby order that, on October 1, 2015, direct spending budgetary resources for fiscal year 2016 in each non-exempt budget account be reduced by the amount calculated by the Office of Management and Budget in its report to the Congress of February 2, 2015. All sequestrations shall be made in strict accordance with the requirements of section 251A of the Act and the specifications of the Office of Management and Budget's report of February 2, 2015, prepared pursuant to section 251A(9) of the Act. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, February 2, 2015. Notice of February 4, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Situation in or in Relation to C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire On February 7, 2006, by Executive Order 13396, the President declared a national emergency, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706), to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in or in relation to C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire and ordered related measures blocking the property of certain persons contributing to the conflict in C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire. The situation in or in relation to C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire, which has been addressed by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 1572 of November 15, 2004, and subsequent resolutions, has resulted in the massacre of large numbers of civilians, widespread human rights abuses, significant political violence and unrest, and fatal attacks against international peacekeeping forces. The Government of C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire and its people continue to make significant progress in promotion of democratic, social, and economic development. The United States also supports the advancement of impartial justice in C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire as well as the Government of C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire's efforts to prepare for a peaceful, fair, and transparent presidential election in 2015, which will be an important milestone in C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire's progress. The United States is committed to helping C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire strengthen its democracy, and we look forward to working with the Government and people of C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire to ensure continued progress and lasting peace for all [[Page 411]] Ivorians. We urge all sides to work for the benefit of the country as a whole by rejecting violence and participating in the electoral process. While the Government of C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire and its people continue to make progress toward peace and prosperity, the situation in or in relation to C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on February 7, 2006, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond February 7, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13396. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, February 4, 2015. Memorandum of February 15, 2015 Promoting Economic Competitiveness While Safeguarding Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties in Domestic Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology continues to improve rapidly, and increasingly UAS are able to perform a variety of missions with greater operational flexibility and at a lower cost than comparable manned aircraft. A wide spectrum of domestic users--including industry, private citizens, and Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial governments--are using or expect to use these systems, which may play a transformative role in fields as diverse as urban infrastructure management, farming, public safety, coastal security, military training, search and rescue, and disaster response. The Congress recognized the potential wide-ranging benefits of UAS operations within the United States in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95), which requires a plan to safely integrate civil UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS) by September 30, 2015. As compared to manned aircraft, UAS may provide lower-cost operation and augment existing capabilities while reducing risks to human life. Estimates suggest the positive economic impact to U.S. industry of the integration of UAS into the NAS could be substantial and likely will grow for the foreseeable future. As UAS are integrated into the NAS, the Federal Government will take steps to ensure that the integration takes into account not only our economic competitiveness and public safety, but also the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties concerns these systems may raise. [[Page 412]] By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to establish transparent principles that govern the Federal Government's use of UAS in the NAS, and to promote the responsible use of this technology in the private and commercial sectors, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. UAS Policies and Procedures for Federal Government Use. The Federal Government currently operates UAS in the United States for several purposes, including to manage Federal lands, monitor wildfires, conduct scientific research, monitor our borders, support law enforcement, and effectively train our military. As with information collected by the Federal Government using any technology, where UAS is the platform for collection, information must be collected, used, retained, and disseminated consistent with the Constitution, Federal law, and other applicable regulations and policies. Agencies must, for example, comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) (the ``Privacy Act''), which, among other things, restricts the collection and dissemination of individuals' information that is maintained in systems of records, including personally identifiable information (PII), and permits individuals to seek access to and amendment of records. (a) Privacy Protections. Particularly in light of the diverse potential uses of UAS in the NAS, expected advancements in UAS technologies, and the anticipated increase in UAS use in the future, the Federal Government shall take steps to ensure that privacy protections and policies relative to UAS continue to keep pace with these developments. Accordingly, agencies shall, prior to deployment of new UAS technology and at least every 3 years, examine their existing UAS policies and procedures relating to the collection, use, retention, and dissemination of information obtained by UAS, to ensure that privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties are protected. Agencies shall update their policies and procedures, or issue new policies and procedures, as necessary. In addition to requiring compliance with the Privacy Act in applicable circumstances, agencies that collect information through UAS in the NAS shall ensure that their policies and procedures with respect to such information incorporate the following requirements: (i) Collection and Use. Agencies shall only collect information using UAS, or use UAS-collected information, to the extent that such collection or use is consistent with and relevant to an authorized purpose. (ii) Retention. Information collected using UAS that may contain PII shall not be retained for more than 180 days unless retention of the information is determined to be necessary to an authorized mission of the retaining agency, is maintained in a system of records covered by the Privacy Act, or is required to be retained for a longer period by any other applicable law or regulation. (iii) Dissemination. UAS-collected information that is not maintained in a system of records covered by the Privacy Act shall not be disseminated outside of the agency unless dissemination is required by law, or fulfills an authorized purpose and complies with agency requirements. (b) Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Protections. To protect civil rights and civil liberties, agencies shall: (i) ensure that policies are in place to prohibit the collection, use, retention, or dissemination of data in any manner that would violate the First Amendment or in any manner that would discriminate against persons [[Page 413]] based upon their ethnicity, race, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity, in violation of law; (ii) ensure that UAS activities are performed in a manner consistent with the Constitution and applicable laws, Executive Orders, and other Presidential directives; and (iii) ensure that adequate procedures are in place to receive, investigate, and address, as appropriate, privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties complaints. (c) Accountability. To provide for effective oversight, agencies shall: (i) ensure that oversight procedures for agencies' UAS use, including audits or assessments, comply with existing agency policies and regulations; (ii) verify the existence of rules of conduct and training for Federal Government personnel and contractors who work on UAS programs, and procedures for reporting suspected cases of misuse or abuse of UAS technologies; (iii) establish policies and procedures, or confirm that policies and procedures are in place, that provide meaningful oversight of individuals who have access to sensitive information (including any PII) collected using UAS; (iv) ensure that any data-sharing agreements or policies, data use policies, and record management policies applicable to UAS conform to applicable laws, regulations, and policies; (v) establish policies and procedures, or confirm that policies and procedures are in place, to authorize the use of UAS in response to a request for UAS assistance in support of Federal, State, local, tribal, or territorial government operations; and (vi) require that State, local, tribal, and territorial government recipients of Federal grant funding for the purchase or use of UAS for their own operations have in place policies and procedures to safeguard individuals' privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties prior to expending such funds. (d) Transparency. To promote transparency about their UAS activities within the NAS, agencies that use UAS shall, while not revealing information that could reasonably be expected to compromise law enforcement or national security: (i) provide notice to the public regarding where the agency's UAS are authorized to operate in the NAS; (ii) keep the public informed about the agency's UAS program as well as changes that would significantly affect privacy, civil rights, or civil liberties; and (iii) make available to the public, on an annual basis, a general summary of the agency's UAS operations during the previous fiscal year, to include a brief description of types or categories of missions flown, and the number of times the agency provided assistance to other agencies, or to State, local, tribal, or territorial governments. (e) Reports. Within 180 days of the date of this memorandum, agencies shall provide the President with a status report on the implementation of [[Page 414]] this section. Within 1 year of the date of this memorandum, agencies shall publish information on how to access their publicly available policies and procedures implementing this section. Sec. 2. Multi-stakeholder Engagement Process. In addition to the Federal uses of UAS described in section 1 of this memorandum, the combination of greater operational flexibility, lower capital requirements, and lower operating costs could allow UAS to be a transformative technology in the commercial and private sectors for fields as diverse as urban infrastructure management, farming, and disaster response. Although these opportunities will enhance American economic competitiveness, our Nation must be mindful of the potential implications for privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. The Federal Government is committed to promoting the responsible use of this technology in a way that does not diminish rights and freedoms. (a) There is hereby established a multi-stakeholder engagement process to develop and communicate best practices for privacy, accountability, and transparency issues regarding commercial and private UAS use in the NAS. The process will include stakeholders from the private sector. (b) Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, the Department of Commerce, through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and in consultation with other interested agencies, will initiate this multi-stakeholder engagement process to develop a framework regarding privacy, accountability, and transparency for commercial and private UAS use. For this process, commercial and private use includes the use of UAS for commercial purposes as civil aircraft, even if the use would qualify a UAS as a public aircraft under 49 U.S.C. 40102(a)(41) and 40125. The process shall not focus on law enforcement or other noncommercial governmental use. Sec. 3. Definitions. As used in this memorandum: (a) ``Agencies'' means executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government that conduct UAS operations in the NAS. (b) ``Federal Government use'' means operations in which agencies operate UAS in the NAS. Federal Government use includes agency UAS operations on behalf of another agency or on behalf of a State, local, tribal, or territorial government, or when a nongovernmental entity operates UAS on behalf of an agency. (c) ``National Airspace System'' means the common network of U.S. airspace; air navigation facilities, equipment, and services; airports or landing areas; aeronautical charts, information, and services; related rules, regulations, and procedures; technical information; and manpower and material. Included in this definition are system components shared jointly by the Departments of Defense, Transportation, and Homeland Security. (d) ``Unmanned Aircraft System'' means an unmanned aircraft (an aircraft that is operated without direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft) and associated elements (including communication links and components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate safely and efficiently in the NAS. (e) ``Personally identifiable information'' refers to information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, either alone or when combined with other personal or identifying information that is linked or [[Page 415]] linkable to a specific individual, as set forth in Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-07-16 (May 22, 2007) and Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-10-23 (June 25, 2010). Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) This memorandum complements and is not intended to supersede existing laws and policies for UAS operations in the NAS, including the National Strategy for Aviation Security and its supporting plans, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Integration of Civil UAS in the NAS Roadmap, and the FAA's UAS Comprehensive Plan. (b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law, and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (d) Independent agencies are strongly encouraged to comply with this memorandum. (e) This memorandum 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. (f) The Secretary of Commerce is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, February 15, 2015. Memorandum of February 19, 2015 Delegation of Authority Under the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 Memorandum for the Secretary of State 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 to prepare and submit to the Congress the reports and strategies required by subsections 6(b), 7(d), 9(c), and 10(c) of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-272) (the ``Act''). [[Page 416]] 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 THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, February 19, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2015-4 of February 20, 2015 Determination and Waiver Pursuant to Section 1209 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 Regarding the Provision of Assistance to Appropriately Vetted Elements of the Syrian Opposition Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 1209 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 (Public Law 113-291), I hereby: -- determine that sections 40 and 40A of the Arms Export Control Act; section 2249a of Title 10, U.S. Code; and Chapter 137 of Title 10, U.S. Code, would impede national security objectives of the United States by prohibiting, restricting, delaying, or otherwise limiting the provision of assistance, including training, equipment, supplies, stipends, construction of training and associated facilities, and sustainment, to appropriately vetted elements of the Syrian opposition and other appropriately vetted Syrian groups and individuals; and -- waive said provisions of law, to the extent necessary to allow the Department of Defense, with the coordination of the Department of State, to carry out the purposes of section 1209 of the NDAA FY 2015. You are hereby authorized and directed to report this determination and the accompanying Memorandum of Justification to the Congress and publish the determination in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, February 20, 2015. [[Page 417]] Notice of February 23, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Libya On February 25, 2011, by Executive Order 13566, I declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions of Colonel Muammar Qadhafi, his government, and close associates, who took extreme measures against the people of Libya, including by using weapons of war, mercenaries, and wanton violence against unarmed civilians. In addition, there was a serious risk that Libyan state assets would be misappropriated by Qadhafi, members of his government, members of his family, or his close associates if those assets were not protected. The foregoing circumstances, the prolonged attacks, and the increased numbers of Libyans seeking refuge in other countries caused a deterioration in the security of Libya and posed a serious risk to its stability. The situation in Libya continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, and we need to protect against the diversion of assets or other abuse by certain members of Qadhafi's family and other former regime officials. For this reason, the national emergency declared on February 25, 2011, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond February 25, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13566. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, February 23, 2015. Notice of February 25, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels On March 1, 1996, by Proclamation 6867, a national emergency was declared to address the disturbance or threatened disturbance of international relations caused by the February 24, 1996, destruction by the Cuban government of two unarmed U.S.-registered civilian aircraft in international airspace north of Cuba. On February 26, 2004, by Proclamation 7757, the national emergency was extended and its scope was expanded to deny monetary and material support to the Cuban government. The Cuban government has not demonstrated that it will refrain from the use of excessive [[Page 418]] force against U.S. vessels or aircraft that may engage in memorial activities or peaceful protest north of Cuba. In addition, the unauthorized entry of any U.S.-registered vessel into Cuban territorial waters continues to be detrimental to the foreign policy of the United States. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing the national emergency with respect to Cuba and the emergency authority relating to the regulation of the anchorage and movement of vessels set out in Proclamation 6867 as amended by Proclamation 7757. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, February 25, 2015. Memorandum of February 25, 2015 Establishment of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center Memorandum for the Secretary of State[,] the Secretary of Defense[,] the Secretary of the Treasury[,] the Secretary of Commerce[,] the Attorney General[,] the Secretary of Homeland Security[,] the Director of National Intelligence[,] the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff[,] the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency[,] the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation[, and] the Director of the National Security Agency By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct as follows: Section 1. Establishment of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center. The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) shall establish a Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center (CTIIC). Executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall support the DNI's efforts to establish the CTIIC, including by providing, as appropriate, personnel and resources needed for the CTIIC to reach full operating capability by the end of fiscal year 2016. Sec. 2. Responsibilities of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center. The CTIIC shall: (a) provide integrated all-source analysis of intelligence related to foreign cyber threats or related to cyber incidents affecting U.S. national interests; (b) support the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, U.S. Cyber Command, and other relevant United States Government entities by providing access to intelligence necessary to carry out their respective missions; (c) oversee the development and implementation of intelligence sharing capabilities (including systems, programs, policies, and standards) to enhance shared situational awareness of intelligence related to foreign cyber threats or related to cyber incidents affecting U.S. national interests among the organizations referenced in subsection (b) of this section; [[Page 419]] (d) ensure that indicators of malicious cyber activity and, as appropriate, related threat reporting contained in intelligence channels are downgraded to the lowest classification possible for distribution to both United States Government and U.S. private sector entities through the mechanism described in section 4 of Executive Order 13636 of February 12, 2013 (Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity); and (e) facilitate and support interagency efforts to develop and implement coordinated plans to counter foreign cyber threats to U.S. national interests using all instruments of national power, including diplomatic, economic, military, intelligence, homeland security, and law enforcement activities. Sec. 3. Implementation. (a) Agencies shall provide the CTIIC with all intelligence related to foreign cyber threats or related to cyber incidents affecting U.S. national interests, subject to applicable law and policy. The CTIIC shall access, assess, use, retain, and disseminate such information, in a manner that protects privacy and civil liberties and is consistent with applicable law, Executive Orders, Presidential directives, and guidelines, such as guidelines established under section 102A(b) of the National Security Act of 1947, as amended, Executive Order 12333 of December 4, 1981 (United States Intelligence Activities), as amended, and Presidential Policy Directive-28; and that is consistent with the need to protect sources and methods. (b) Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, the DNI, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Director of the National Security Agency shall provide a status report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism on the establishment of the CTIIC. This report shall further refine the CTIIC's mission, roles, and responsibilities, consistent with this memorandum, ensuring that those roles and responsibilities are appropriately aligned with other Presidential policies as well as existing policy coordination mechanisms. Sec. 4. Privacy and Civil Liberties Protections. Agencies providing information to the CTIIC shall ensure that privacy and civil liberties protections are provided in the course of implementing this memorandum. Such protections shall be based upon the Fair Information Practice Principles or other privacy and civil liberties policies, principles, and frameworks as they apply to each agency's activities. Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This memorandum 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. [[Page 420]] (d) The DNI is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, February 25, 2015. Notice of March 3, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Ukraine On March 6, 2014, by Executive Order 13660, I declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of persons that undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine; threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; and contribute to the misappropriation of its assets. On March 16, 2014, I issued Executive Order 13661, which expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13660, and found that the actions and policies of the Government of the Russian Federation with respect to Ukraine undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine; threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; and contribute to the misappropriation of its assets. On March 20, 2014, I issued Executive Order 13662, which further expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13660, as expanded in scope in Executive Order 13661, and found that the actions and policies of the Government of the Russian Federation, including its purported annexation of Crimea and its use of force in Ukraine, continue to undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine; threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; and contribute to the misappropriation of its assets. On December 19, 2014, I issued Executive Order 13685, to take additional steps to address the Russian occupation of the Crimea region of Ukraine. The actions and policies addressed in these Executive Orders continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on March 6, 2014, and the measures adopted on that date, on March 16, 2014, on March 20, 2014, and December 19, 2014, to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond March 6, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13660. [[Page 421]] This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, March 3, 2015. Notice of March 3, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Zimbabwe On March 6, 2003, by Executive Order 13288, the President declared a national emergency and blocked the property of certain persons, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701- 1706), to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe's democratic processes or institutions. These actions and policies had contributed to the deliberate breakdown in the rule of law in Zimbabwe, to politically motivated violence and intimidation in that country, and to political and economic instability in the southern African region. On November 22, 2005, the President issued Executive Order 13391 to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13288 by ordering the blocking of the property of certain persons who undermine democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe. On July 25, 2008, the President issued Executive Order 13469, which expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13288 and authorized the blocking of the property of certain persons determined to have engaged in actions or policies to undermine democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe, to commit acts of violence and other human rights abuses against political opponents, and to engage in public corruption. The actions and policies of these persons continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on March 6, 2003, and the measures adopted on that date, on November 22, 2005, and on July 25, 2008, to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond March 6, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13288. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, March 3, 2015. [[Page 422]] Memorandum of March 4, 2015 Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Section 1209(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 Memorandum for the Secretary of State 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 delegate the functions and authorities vested in the President by section 1209(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291) (the ``Act'') to the Secretary of State. 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 THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, March 4, 2015. Memorandum of March 10, 2015 Student Aid Bill of Rights To Help Ensure Affordable Loan Repayment Memorandum for the Secretary of the Treasury[,] the Secretary of Education[,] the Commissioner of Social Security[,] the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau[,] the Director of the Office of Management and Budget[,] the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy[, and] the Director of the Domestic Policy Council America thrived in the 20th century in large part because we had the most educated workforce in the world. Today, more than ever, Americans need knowledge and skills to meet the demands of a growing global economy. Since many students borrow to pay for postsecondary education, it is imperative they be able to manage their debt as they embark on their careers. My Administration has taken historic action to ensure that college remains affordable and student debt remains manageable. We have eliminated tens of billions of dollars in student loan subsidies paid to banks in order to increase the maximum Pell grant by nearly $1,000 and provide a path for borrowers to limit payments on many student loans to 10 percent of income, and we have worked with the Congress to enact the American Opportunity Tax Credit, worth $10,000 over 4 years of college. We have promoted innovation and competition to bring down college costs, increased [[Page 423]] completion rates, and given consumers clear, transparent information on college performance. College remains an excellent investment, and student loans enable many who could not otherwise do so to access further education. However, there is more work to do to help students repay their loans responsibly. In 2013, college graduates owed an average of $28,400 in Federal and private loans. More than one in eight Federal borrowers default on their loans within 3 years of leaving school. My Administration has already put in place significant protections that ensure borrowers with credit cards and mortgages are treated fairly. We can and should do much more to give students affordable ways to meet their responsibilities and repay their loans. Now is the time for stronger protections for the more than 40 million Americans with student loan debt. All student loan borrowers should have access to an efficient and responsive complaint and feedback system that holds loan servicers accountable and promotes transparency, the information and flexibility they need to repay their loan responsibly and avoid default, and protections to ensure that they will be treated fairly even if they struggle to repay their loans. Therefore, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following: Section 1. State-of-the-Art Complaint and Feedback System. (a) Complaints and Feedback Regarding Federal Financial Aid. By July 1, 2016, the Secretary of Education shall develop and implement a simple process for borrowers to file complaints regarding Federal financial aid, including those pertaining to lenders, loan servicers, private collection agencies, and institutions of higher education. The process shall allow people to file a complaint and monitor its progress toward resolution. In addition, the Department of Education will provide data from the complaint system to other enforcement agencies that are responsible for oversight of Federal student loan lenders, loan servicers, private collection agencies, and institutions of higher education. By October 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, the Department of Education shall publish a report summarizing and analyzing the content in and resolution of borrower complaints and feedback received through the process. By October 1, 2015, the Secretary of Education shall report to the President, through the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on the optimal way to address other student complaints regarding institutions of higher education that participate in Federal student financial aid programs. (b) Coordination Among Other Enforcement Agencies. By October 1, 2015, the Secretary of Education shall, in consultation with the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, recommend to the President, through the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, a process for sharing information with relevant enforcement agencies so that those enforcement agencies may refer matters where there may be violations of consumer protection law. Sec. 2. Helping Borrowers Repay Their Loans and Avoid Default. (a) Higher Standards for Federal Direct Loan Servicing. By January 1, 2016, the Secretary of Education shall require all Federal Direct student [[Page 424]] loan servicers to provide enhanced disclosures to borrowers and strengthened consumer protections. These disclosures and consumer protections shall be improved throughout the loan repayment process, and shall include disclosures to borrowers regarding loan transfers from one servicer to another and notifications when borrowers become delinquent or have incomplete applications to change repayment plans. As soon as practicable, the Secretary shall direct all Federal Direct student loan servicers to apply prepayments to loans with the highest interest rate to ensure consistency across servicers, unless otherwise instructed by borrowers. (b) Regular Review of Student Loan Performance and Borrower Trends. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Secretary of Education shall convene quarterly an interagency task force consisting of the Department of the Treasury, Department of Education, Office of Management and Budget, and Domestic Policy Council to monitor trends in the student loan portfolio, budget costs, and borrower assistance efforts. No later than August 1, 2015, the task force shall review recommendations for the Department of Education from its members and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on best practices in performance- based contracting to better ensure that servicers help borrowers responsibly make affordable monthly payments on their student loans. (c) Additional Protections for Student Loan Borrowers. By October 1, 2015, the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, shall issue a report to the President, through the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on (i) whether statutory or regulatory changes are needed to current provisions that permit the Secretary of Education to specify acts or omissions at institutions of higher education that borrowers may assert as a defense to repayment of a direct loan; and (ii) after assessing the potential applicability of consumer protections in the mortgage and credit card markets to student loans, recommendations for statutory or regulatory changes in this area, including, where appropriate, strong servicing standards, flexible repayment opportunities for all student loan borrowers, and changes to bankruptcy laws. (d) Higher Customer Service Standards in Income-Driven Repayment Plans. By October 1, 2015, the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of the Treasury shall report to the President, through the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on the feasibility of developing a system to give borrowers the opportunity to authorize the Internal Revenue Service to release income information for multiple years for the purposes of automatically determining monthly payments under income-driven repayment plans. (e) Finding New and Better Ways to Communicate with Student Loan Borrowers. By January 1, 2016, the Secretary of Education shall report to the President, through the Director of the Domestic Policy Council, on the findings of a pilot program to test new methods for communicating with borrowers who have Federal Direct student loans on which they are at least 140 days delinquent but which have not entered default. By January 1, 2017, the Secretary shall also, in consultation with the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, develop and implement at least five behaviorally designed pilot programs to identify the most [[Page 425]] effective ways to communicate with borrowers to maximize successful borrower repayment and help reduce delinquency and default and report to the President, through the Director of the Domestic Policy Council, on the status and results of those pilot programs. (f) Making it Easier for Federal Direct Student Loan Borrowers to Repay Their Student Loans. As soon as practicable, the Secretary of Education shall establish a centralized point of access for all Federal student loan borrowers in repayment, including a central location for account information and payment processing for all Federal student loan servicing, regardless of the specific servicer. Sec. 3. Fair Treatment for Struggling and Distressed Borrowers. (a) Raising Standards for Student Loan Debt Collectors. By July 1, 2015, the Secretary of Education shall implement actions to ensure that the debt collection process for defaulted Federal student loans is fair, transparent, charges reasonable fees to defaulted borrowers, and effectively assists borrowers in meeting their obligations and returning to good standing. By January 1, 2016, the Secretary of Education shall publish a quarterly performance report on the Department's private debt collection agency contractors that includes the underlying data, disaggregated by contractor. (b) Providing Clarity on the Rights of Borrowers in Bankruptcy. By July 1, 2015, the Secretary of Education shall issue information highlighting factors the courts have used in their determination of undue hardship, to assist parties who must determine whether to contest an undue hardship discharge in bankruptcy of a Federal student loan. (c) Protecting Social Security Benefits for Borrowers with Disabilities. By July 1, 2015, the Secretary of Education and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, shall develop a plan to identify Federal student loan borrowers who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and determine which beneficiaries qualify for a total and permanent disability discharge of their student loans under the Higher Education Act of 1965. The plan shall specify a process for the Secretary of Education to stop collection on qualified borrowers in order to ensure that SSDI benefits are not reduced to repay student loans that are eligible for discharge. In addition, the Secretary of Education and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, shall identify the best way to communicate with other SSDI recipients who hold student loans about their repayment options, including income-driven plans, and assist them in entering those plans. (d) Debt Collection Pilot Program. By July 1, 2016, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall report to the President, through the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on the initial findings of an ongoing pilot program that uses the Department of the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service to collect on a sample of defaulted Federal student loan debts to help determine how to improve the collection process for defaulted Federal student loans. Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an agency, or the head thereof; or [[Page 426]] (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This memorandum 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. (d) The Secretary of Education is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, March 10, 2015. Notice of March 11, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran On March 15, 1995, by Executive Order 12957, the President declared a national emergency with respect to Iran, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706), to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Iran. On May 6, 1995, the President issued Executive Order 12959, imposing comprehensive sanctions on Iran to further respond to this threat. On August 19, 1997, the President issued Executive Order 13059, consolidating and clarifying the previous orders. I took additional steps pursuant to this national emergency in Executive Order 13553 of September 28, 2010, Executive Order 13574 of May 23, 2011, Executive Order 13590 of November 20, 2011, Executive Order 13599 of February 5, 2012, Executive Order 13606 of April 22, 2012, Executive Order 13608 of May 1, 2012, Executive Order 13622 of July 30, 2012, Executive Order 13628 of October 9, 2012, and Executive Order 13645 of June 3, 2013. While the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) between the P5+1 and Iran that went into effect on January 20, 2014, and was renewed by mutual consent of the P5+1 and Iran on July 19, 2014, and November 24, 2014, marks the first time in a decade that Iran has agreed to and taken specific actions that stop the advance and roll back key elements of its nuclear program, certain actions and policies of the Government of Iran continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on March 15, 1995, must continue in effect beyond March 15, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to Iran declared in Executive Order 12957. The emergency declared [[Page 427]] in Executive Order 12957 constitutes an emergency separate from that declared on November 14, 1979, by Executive Order 12170. This renewal, therefore, is distinct from the emergency renewal of November 2014. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, March 11, 2015. Memorandum of March 12, 2015 Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Section 1278(b)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 Memorandum for the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center 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 delegate the functions and authorities vested in the President by section 1278(b)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291) to the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, March 12, 2015. Memorandum of March 13, 2015 Providing an Order of Succession Within the Council on Environmental Quality Memorandum for the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq. (the ``Act''), it is hereby ordered that: Section 1. Order of Succession. Subject to the provisions of section 2 of this memorandum and to the limitations set forth in the Act, the following officials of the Council on Environmental Quality, in the order listed, shall act as and perform the functions and duties of the office of the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (Chairman), during any period in which the Chairman has died, resigned, or is otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of that office: [[Page 428]] (a) Managing Director; (b) Chief of Staff; (c) General Counsel; and (d) Associate Directors in the order in which they have been appointed as such. Sec. 2. Exceptions. (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1 of this memorandum in an acting capacity, by virtue of so serving, shall act as Chairman pursuant to this memorandum. (b) No individual listed in section 1 of this memorandum shall act as Chairman unless that individual is otherwise eligible to so serve under the Act. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this memorandum, the President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by law, to depart from this memorandum in designating an acting Chairman. Sec. 3. Revocation. The Presidential Memorandum of September 18, 2008 (Designation of Officers of the Council on Environmental Quality to Act as Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality), is hereby revoked. Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This memorandum 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. (c) You are hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, March 13, 2015. Memorandum of March 25, 2015 Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Section 1236(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 Memorandum for the Secretary of State 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: [[Page 429]] I hereby delegate the functions and authorities vested in the President by section 1236(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291) (the ``Act'') to the Secretary of State. 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 THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, March 25, 2015. Memorandum of March 27, 2015 Delegation of Authority Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 Memorandum for the Secretary of State 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 to notify the Congress as required by section 1242(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291) (the ``Act''). 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 THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, March 27, 2015. [[Page 430]] Notice of March 31, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to South Sudan On April 3, 2014, by Executive Order 13664, I declared a national emergency to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in and in relation to South Sudan, which has been marked by activities that threaten the peace, security, or stability of South Sudan and the surrounding region, including widespread violence and atrocities, human rights abuses, recruitment and use of child soldiers, attacks on peacekeepers, and obstruction of humanitarian operations. The situation in and in relation to South Sudan continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on April 3, 2014, to deal with that threat must continue in effect beyond April 3, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13664. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, March 31, 2015. Memorandum of March 31, 2015 Delegation of Authority To Transfer Certain Funds in Accordance With Section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended Memorandum for the Secretary of State By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA) and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby delegate to you the authority, subject to fulfilling the requirements of section 652 of the FAA and section 7009(d) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2014 (Division K, Public Law 113- 76), to make the determination necessary for and to execute the transfer of $44,979,000 of Fiscal Year 2014 International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement--Overseas Contingency Operations funds to the Economic Support Fund--Overseas Contingency Operations (ESF-OCO) account; $10,500,000 of Fiscal Year 2014 Foreign Military Financing--Overseas Contingency Operations funds to the ESF-OCO account; and $32,176,000 of Fiscal Year 2014 Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining, and Related Programs funds to the ESF-OCO account. [[Page 431]] You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, March 31, 2015. Notice of April 8, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Somalia On April 12, 2010, by Executive Order 13536, I declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the deterioration of the security situation and the persistence of violence in Somalia, acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia, which have repeatedly been the subject of United Nations Security Council resolutions, and violations of the arms embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council. On July 20, 2012, I issued Executive Order 13620 to take additional steps to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13536 in view of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2036 of February 22, 2012, and Resolution 2002 of July 29, 2011, and to address: exports of charcoal from Somalia, which generate significant revenue for al-Shabaab; the misappropriation of Somali public assets; and certain acts of violence committed against civilians in Somalia, all of which contribute to the deterioration of the security situation and the persistence of violence in Somalia. Because the situation with respect to Somalia continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, the national emergency declared on April 12, 2010, and the measures adopted on that date and on July 20, 2012, to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond April 12, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13536. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, April 8, 2015. [[Page 432]] Presidential Determination No. 2015-5 of April 10, 2015 Presidential Determination on the Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People's Republic of China Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy Memorandum for the Secretary of State [and] the Secretary of Energy I have considered the proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People's Republic of China Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (the ``Agreement''), along with the views, recommendations, and statements of the interested departments and agencies. I have determined that the performance of the Agreement will promote, and will not constitute an unreasonable risk to, the common defense and security. Pursuant to section 123 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2153(b)), I hereby approve the proposed Agreement and authorize the Secretary of State to arrange for its execution. The Secretary of State is authorized to publish this determination in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, April 10, 2015. Memorandum of April 16, 2015 Delegation of Authority To Transfer Certain Funds in Accordance With Section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended Memorandum for the Secretary of State By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA) and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby delegate to you the authority, subject to fulfilling the requirements of section 652 of the FAA and section 7009(d) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2014 (Division K, Public Law 113- 76), to make the determination necessary for and to execute the transfer of $12.15 million in the Fiscal Year 2014 Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining, and Related Programs account to the Economic Support Funds account for programs to counter violent extremism. [[Page 433]] You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, April 16, 2015. Memorandum of April 29, 2015 Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 Memorandum for the Secretary of State 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 delegate to the Secretary of State the authority under section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the drawdown of up to $35 million in defense services of the Department of Defense to provide assistance to France in its efforts to secure Mali, Niger, and Chad from terrorists and violent extremists, and to make the determinations required under such section to direct such a drawdown. You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, April 29, 2015. Notice of May 6, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Actions of the Government of Syria On May 11, 2004, pursuant to his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1701-1706, and the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003, Public Law 108-175, the President issued Executive Order (E.O.) 13338, in which he declared a national emergency with respect to the actions of the Government of Syria. To deal with this national emergency, E.O. 13338 authorized the blocking of property of certain persons and prohibited the exportation or re-exportation of certain goods to Syria. The national emergency was modified in scope and relied upon for additional steps taken in E.O. 13399 of April 25, 2006, E.O. 13460 of February 13, 2008, E.O. 13572 of April 29, [[Page 434]] 2011, E.O. 13573 of May 18, 2011, E.O. 13582 of August 17, 2011, E.O. 13606 of April 22, 2012, and E.O. 13608 of May 1, 2012. The President took these actions to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions of the Government of Syria in supporting terrorism, maintaining its then- existing occupation of Lebanon, pursuing weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, and undermining U.S. and international efforts with respect to the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq. The regime's brutality and repression of the Syrian people, who have been calling for freedom and a representative government, not only endangers the Syrian people themselves, but also is generating instability throughout the region. The Syrian regime's actions and policies, including with respect to chemical and biological weapons, supporting terrorist organizations, and obstructing the Lebanese government's ability to function effectively, continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. As a result, the national emergency declared on May 11, 2004, and the measures to deal with that emergency adopted on that date in E.O. 13338; on April 25, 2006, in E.O. 13399; on February 13, 2008, in E.O. 13460; on April 29, 2011, in E.O. 13572; on May 18, 2011, in E.O. 13573; on August 17, 2011, in E.O. 13582; on April 22, 2012, in E.O. 13606; and on May 1, 2012, in E.O. 13608; must continue in effect beyond May 11, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared with respect to the actions of the Government of Syria. In addition, the United States condemns the Asad regime's use of brutal violence and human rights abuses and calls on the Asad regime to stop its violence against the Syrian people and allow a political transition in Syria that will forge a credible path to a future of greater freedom, democracy, opportunity, and justice. The United States will consider changes in the composition, policies, and actions of the Government of Syria in determining whether to continue or terminate this national emergency in the future. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, May 6, 2015. [[Page 435]] Memorandum of May 7, 2015 Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Section 302(b) of the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2014 Memorandum for the Secretary of State 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 delegate the functions and authorities vested in the President by section 302(b) of the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-150) (the ``Act''), to the Secretary of State. 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 THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, May 7, 2015. Notice of May 8, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Central African Republic On May 12, 2014, by Executive Order 13667, I declared a national emergency to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in and in relation to the Central African Republic, which has been marked by a breakdown of law and order, intersectarian tension, widespread violence and atrocities, and the pervasive, often forced recruitment and use of child soldiers, and that threatens the peace, security, or stability of the Central African Republic and neighboring states. The situation in and in relation to the Central African Republic continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on May 12, 2014, to deal with that threat must continue in effect beyond May 12, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13667. [[Page 436]] This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, May 8, 2015. Notice of May 13, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Yemen On May 16, 2012, by Executive Order 13611, I declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Yemen and others that threatened Yemen's peace, security, and stability, including by obstructing the implementation of the agreement of November 23, 2011, between the Government of Yemen and those in opposition to it, which provided for a peaceful transition of power that meets the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Yemeni people for change, and by obstructing the political process in Yemen. The actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Yemen and others in threatening Yemen's peace, security, and stability continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on May 16, 2012, to deal with that threat must continue in effect beyond May 16, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13611. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, May 13, 2015. Notice of May 15, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Burma On May 20, 1997, the President issued Executive Order 13047, certifying to the Congress under section 570(b) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 104-208), that the Government of Burma had committed large-scale repression of the democratic opposition in Burma after September 30, 1996, thereby [[Page 437]] invoking the prohibition on new investment in Burma by United States persons contained in that section. The President also declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1701-1706, to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Burma. The actions and policies of the Government of Burma continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on May 20, 1997, and the measures adopted to deal with that emergency in Executive Orders 13047 of May 20, 1997; 13310 of July 28, 2003; 13448 of October 18, 2007; 13464 of April 30, 2008; 13619 of July 11, 2012; and 13651 of August 6, 2013, must continue in effect beyond May 20, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to Burma declared in Executive Order 13047. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, May 15, 2015. Memorandum of May 15, 2015 Delegation of Functions Under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act Memorandum for the Secretary of the Treasury 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 delegate the functions conferred upon the President by sections 804(b), (c), (g), and (h) of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (21 U.S.C. 1903(b), (c), (g), and (h)), to the Secretary of the Treasury. You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, May 15, 2015. [[Page 438]] Notice of May 19, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Stabilization of Iraq On May 22, 2003, by Executive Order 13303, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by obstacles to the continued reconstruction of Iraq, the restoration and maintenance of peace and security in the country, and the development of political, administrative, and economic institutions in Iraq. The obstacles to the orderly reconstruction of Iraq, the restoration and maintenance of peace and security in the country, and the development of political, administrative, and economic institutions in Iraq continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13303, as modified in scope and relied upon for additional steps taken in Executive Order 13315 of August 28, 2003, Executive Order 13350 of July 29, 2004, Executive Order 13364 of November 29, 2004, Executive Order 13438 of July 17, 2007, and Executive Order 13668 of May 27, 2014, must continue in effect beyond May 22, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the stabilization of Iraq declared in Executive Order 13303. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, May 19, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2015-6 of May 19, 2015 Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Memorandum for the Secretary of State[,] the Secretary of the Treasury[, and] the Secretary of Energy By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, after carefully considering the report submitted to the Congress by the Energy Information Administration on April 30, 2015, and other relevant factors, including global economic conditions, increased oil production by certain countries, and the level of spare capacity, I determine, pursuant to section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, Public Law 112-81, and consistent with my prior determinations, that there is a sufficient supply of petroleum [[Page 439]] and petroleum products from countries other than Iran to permit a significant reduction in the volume of petroleum and petroleum products purchased from Iran by or through foreign financial institutions. I will continue to monitor this situation closely. The Secretary of State is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, May 19, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2015-7 of June 3, 2015 Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act Memorandum for the Secretary of State Pursuant to the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 7(a) of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-45) (the ``Act''), I hereby determine that it is necessary, in order to protect the national security interests of the United States, to suspend for a period of 6 months the limitations set forth in sections 3(b) and 7(b) of the Act. You are authorized and directed to transmit this determination to the Congress, accompanied by a report in accordance with section 7(a) of the Act, and to publish this determination in the Federal Register. This suspension shall take effect after the transmission of this determination and report to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, June 3, 2015. Notice of June 10, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Actions and Policies of Certain Members of the Government of Belarus and Other Persons to Undermine Belarus's Democratic Processes or Institutions On June 16, 2006, by Executive Order 13405, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Belarus and other persons to undermine Belarus's democratic processes or institutions, manifested in the fundamentally undemocratic March 2006 [[Page 440]] elections, to commit human rights abuses related to political repression, including detentions and disappearances, and to engage in public corruption, including by diverting or misusing Belarusian public assets or by misusing public authority. The actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Belarus and other persons continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on June 16, 2006, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond June 16, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13405. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, June 10, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2015-8 of June 11, 2015 Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Korea Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy Memorandum for the Secretary of State [and] the Secretary of Energy I have considered the proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Korea Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (the ``Agreement''), along with the views, recommendations, and statements of the interested departments and agencies. I have determined that the performance of the proposed Agreement will promote, and will not constitute an unreasonable risk to, the common defense and security. Pursuant to section 123 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2153 (b)), I hereby approve the proposed Agreement and authorize the Secretary of State to arrange for its execution. The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, June 11, 2015. [[Page 441]] Memorandum of June 19, 2015 Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Section 8 of the United States- Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 Memorandum for the Secretary of State [and] the Secretary of Defense 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 delegate the reporting requirement conferred upon the President by section 8 of the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-296) to the Secretary of State. In carrying out the functions under this delegation, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Secretary of Defense and, as appropriate, other departments and agencies. The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, June 19, 2015. Notice of June 22, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to North Korea On June 26, 2008, by Executive Order 13466, the President declared a national emergency with respect to North Korea pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the existence and risk of proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula. The President also found that it was necessary to maintain certain restrictions with respect to North Korea that would otherwise have been lifted pursuant to Proclamation 8271 of June 26, 2008, which terminated the exercise of authorities under the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App. 1-44) with respect to North Korea. On August 30, 2010, I signed Executive Order 13551, which expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466 to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States posed by the continued actions and policies of the Government of North Korea, manifested by its unprovoked attack that resulted in the sinking of the Republic of Korea Navy ship Cheonan and the deaths of 46 sailors in March 2010; its announced test of a nuclear device and its missile launches in 2009; its actions in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718 and [[Page 442]] 1874, including the procurement of luxury goods; and its illicit and deceptive activities in international markets through which it obtains financial and other support, including money laundering, the counterfeiting of goods and currency, bulk cash smuggling, and narcotics trafficking, which destabilize the Korean Peninsula and imperil U.S. Armed Forces, allies, and trading partners in the region. On April 18, 2011, I signed Executive Order 13570 to take additional steps to address the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466 and expanded in Executive Order 13551 that will ensure the implementation of the import restrictions contained in United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874 and complement the import restrictions provided for in the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.). On January 2, 2015, I signed Executive Order 13687 to take further steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466, as expanded in Executive Order 13551, and addressed further in Executive Order 13570, to address the threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the provocative, destabilizing, and repressive actions and policies of the Government of North Korea, including its destructive, coercive cyber- related actions during November and December 2014, actions in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718, 1874, 2087, and 2094, and commission of serious human rights abuses. The existence and risk of proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula and the actions and policies of the Government of North Korea continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466, expanded in scope in Executive Order 13551, addressed further in Executive Order 13570, and further expanded in scope in Executive Order 13687, and the measures taken to deal with that national emergency, must continue in effect beyond June 26, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to North Korea declared in Executive Order 13466. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, June 22, 2015. Notice of June 22, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Western Balkans On June 26, 2001, by Executive Order 13219, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the Western Balkans, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706), to [[Page 443]] deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions of persons engaged in, or assisting, sponsoring, or supporting (i) extremist violence in the Republic of Macedonia and elsewhere in the Western Balkans region, or (ii) acts obstructing implementation of the Dayton Accords in Bosnia or United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of June 10, 1999, relating to Kosovo. The President subsequently amended that order in Executive Order 13304 of May 28, 2003, to take additional steps with respect to acts obstructing implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement relating to Macedonia. The actions of persons threatening the peace and international stabilization efforts in the Western Balkans continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on June 26, 2001, and the measures adopted on that date and thereafter to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond June 26, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the Western Balkans declared in Executive Order 13219. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, June 22, 2015. Memorandum of June 25, 2015 Delegation of Authority To Transfer Certain Funds in Accordance With Section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 Memorandum for the Secretary of State By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA) and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby delegate to you the authority, subject to fulfilling the requirements of section 652 of the FAA and section 7009(d) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2014 (Division K, Public Law 113-76), and corresponding provisions of prior acts for Fiscal Years 2010-2012, to make the determination necessary for and to execute the transfer of $12,468,000 of Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funds to the Economic Support Fund (ESF) account; $13,000,000 of FY 2011 INCLE funds to the ESF account; $2,032,000 of FY 2014 INCLE-Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funds to the ESF-OCO account; and $39,300,000 in FY 2014 Foreign Military Financing-OCO funds to the ESF-OCO account. [[Page 444]] You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, June 25, 2015. Memorandum of June 29, 2015 Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Section 1035 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense 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 Defense the authority to fulfill the certification requirement specified in section 1035 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112-239). Any reference in this memorandum to section 1035 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 shall be deemed to be a reference to any future provision that is the same or substantially the same provision. You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, June 29, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2015-9 of July 10, 2015 Designation of the Republic of Tunisia as a Major Non-NATO Ally Memorandum for the Secretary of State Consistent with the authority vested in me as President by section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (the ``Act''), I hereby designate the Republic of Tunisia as a major Non-NATO Ally of the United States for the purposes of the Act and the Arms Export Control Act. [[Page 445]] You are authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, July 10, 2015. Notice of July 17, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Former Liberian Regime of Charles Taylor On July 22, 2004, by Executive Order 13348, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the former Liberian regime of Charles Taylor pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of former Liberian President Charles Taylor and other persons, in particular their unlawful depletion of Liberian resources and their removal from Liberia and secreting of Liberian funds and property, which have undermined Liberia's transition to democracy and the orderly development of its political, administrative, and economic institutions and resources. Although Liberia has made significant advances to promote democracy, and the Special Court for Sierra Leone convicted Charles Taylor for war crimes and crimes against humanity, the actions and policies of Charles Taylor and others have left a legacy of destruction that still challenge Liberia's transformation and recovery. The actions and policies of these persons continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on July 22, 2004, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond July 22, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the former Liberian regime of Charles Taylor declared in Executive Order 13348. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, July 17, 2015. [[Page 446]] Memorandum of July 17, 2015 Delegation of Certain Functions and Authorities Under Section 135 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), as amended by the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 Memorandum for the Secretary of State [and] the Secretary of the Treasury 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 of the United States Code, I hereby order as follows: I hereby delegate the functions and authorities vested in the President by the following provisions of section 135 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), as amended by the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, as follows: Section 135(a)(1) to the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury as appropriate; Sections 135(d)(1)-(d)(3), (d)(5)(B), and (d)(6) to the Secretary of State, in consultation with other relevant agencies as appropriate; Section 135(d)(4) to the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury as appropriate, with respect to the requirement to submit the report described in that provision and to prepare each of the required elements of the report, with the exception of the required assessment related to money laundering or terrorist finance activities in section 135(d)(4)(H); Section 135(d)(4)(H) to the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, with respect to preparation of the assessment described in that provision for inclusion in the report required by section 135(d)(4). Any reference in this memorandum to provisions of any act related to the subject of this memorandum shall be deemed to include references to any hereafter enacted provisions of law that are the same or substantially the same as such provisions. The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, July 17, 2015. [[Page 447]] Notice of July 21, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations On July 24, 2011, by Executive Order 13581, I declared a national emergency with respect to transnational criminal organizations pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the activities of significant transnational criminal organizations. The activities of significant transnational criminal organizations have reached such scope and gravity that they threaten the stability of international political and economic systems. Such organizations are becoming increasingly sophisticated and dangerous to the United States; they are increasingly entrenched in the operations of foreign governments and the international financial system, thereby weakening democratic institutions, degrading the rule of law, and undermining economic markets. These organizations facilitate and aggravate violent civil conflicts and increasingly facilitate the activities of other dangerous persons. The activities of significant transnational criminal organizations continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13581 of July 24, 2011, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond July 24, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to transnational criminal organizations declared in Executive Order 13581. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, July 21, 2015. Notice of July 29, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Lebanon On August 1, 2007, by Executive Order 13441, the President declared a national emergency with respect to Lebanon pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions of certain persons to undermine Lebanon's legitimate and democratically elected government or democratic institutions; to contribute to the deliberate breakdown in the rule of [[Page 448]] law in Lebanon, including through politically motivated violence and intimidation; to reassert Syrian control or contribute to Syrian interference in Lebanon; or to infringe upon or undermine Lebanese sovereignty. Such actions contribute to political and economic instability in that country and the region. Certain ongoing activities, such as continuing arms transfers to Hizballah that include increasingly sophisticated weapons systems, serve to undermine Lebanese sovereignty, contribute to political and economic instability in Lebanon, and continue to constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on August 1, 2007, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond August 1, 2015. In accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to Lebanon declared in Executive Order 13441. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, July 29, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2015-10 of August 5, 2015 Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia Memorandum for the Secretary of State [and] the Secretary of Defense By the authority vested in me as President by section 1012 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2291-4), I hereby certify, with respect to Colombia, that: (1) interdiction of aircraft reasonably suspected to be primarily engaged in illicit drug trafficking in that country's airspace is necessary, because of the extraordinary threat posed by illicit drug trafficking to the national security of that country; and (2) Colombia has appropriate procedures in place to protect against innocent loss of life in the air and on the ground in connection with such interdiction, which shall at a minimum include effective means to identify and warn an aircraft before the use of force is directed against the aircraft. The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register and to notify the Congress of this determination. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, August 5, 2015. [[Page 449]] Notice of August 7, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Export Control Regulations On August 17, 2001, consistent with the authority provided to the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the President issued Executive Order 13222. In that order, he declared a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States in light of the expiration of the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 2401 et seq.). Because the Export Administration Act has not been renewed by the Congress, the national emergency declared on August 17, 2001, must continue in effect beyond August 17, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13222. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, August 7, 2015. Memorandum of August 28, 2015 Delegation of Authority To Transfer Certain Funds in Accordance With Section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 Memorandum for the Secretary of State By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA) and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby delegate to you the authority, subject to fulfilling the requirements of section 652 of the FAA and section 7009(d) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2014 (Division K, Public Law 113-76), to make the determination necessary for and to execute the transfer of $19,000,000 of Fiscal Year 2014 International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement-Overseas Contingency Operations funds to the Economic Support Fund-Overseas Contingency Operations account. [[Page 450]] You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, August 28, 2015. Notice of September 10, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Certain Terrorist Attacks Consistent with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency previously declared on September 14, 2001, in Proclamation 7463, with respect to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the continuing and immediate threat of further attacks on the United States. Because the terrorist threat continues, the national emergency declared on September 14, 2001, and the powers and authorities adopted to deal with that emergency must continue in effect beyond September 14, 2015. Therefore, I am continuing in effect for an additional year the national emergency that was declared on September 14, 2001, with respect to the terrorist threat. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, September 10, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2015-11 of September 11, 2015 Continuation of the Exercise of Certain Authorities Under the Trading With the Enemy Act Memorandum for the Secretary of State [and] the Secretary of the Treasury Under section 101(b) of Public Law 95-223 (91 Stat. 1625; 50 U.S.C. App. 5(b) note), and a previous determination on September 5, 2014 (79 FR 54183, September 10, 2014), the exercise of certain authorities under the Trading With the Enemy Act is scheduled to terminate on September 14, 2015. I hereby determine that the continuation for 1 year of the exercise of those authorities with respect to Cuba is in the national interest of the United States. [[Page 451]] Therefore, consistent with the authority vested in me by section 101(b) of Public Law 95-223, I continue for 1 year, until September 14, 2016, the exercise of those authorities with respect to Cuba, as implemented by the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 515. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, September 11, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2015-12 of September 14, 2015 Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2016 Memorandum for the Secretary of State Pursuant to section 706(1) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228) (FRAA), I hereby identify the following countries as major drug transit and/or major illicit drug producing countries: Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. A country's presence on the foregoing list is not a reflection of its government's counternarcotics efforts or level of cooperation with the United States. Consistent with the statutory definition of a major drug transit or drug producing country set forth in section 481(e)(2) and (5) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), the reason major drug transit or illicit drug producing countries are placed on the list is the combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs to transit or be produced, even if a government has carried out the most assiduous narcotics control law enforcement measures. Pursuant to section 706(2)(A) of the FRAA, I hereby designate Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela as countries that have failed demonstrably during the previous 12 months to adhere to their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements and take the measures set forth in section 489(a)(l) of the FAA. Included in this report are justifications for the determinations on Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela, as required by section 706(2)(B) of the FRAA. Explanations for these decisions are published with this determination. I have also determined, in accordance with provisions of section 706(3)(A) of the FRAA, that support for programs to aid Burma and Venezuela are vital to the national interests of the United States. This determination also highlights the importance of international cooperation and certain countries of particular concern to the United States relevant to our drug-control policies and programs. The International Framework for Narcotics and Crime Control [[Page 452]] The United States remains a leader in galvanizing international efforts to cooperate in addressing the full range of negative consequences tied to the drug trade and its links to criminal enterprise. The global framework for this cooperation is articulated in the three U.N. drug- control conventions as well as the U.N. conventions against transnational organized crime and corruption. The United States defines its priorities in this field in the annual National Drug Control Strategy, the 2011 U.S. Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime, and other Federal public policy guidelines. The United States shares the view of the international community that the U.N. drug-control conventions are resilient enough to unify countries that often hold divergent views about the international narcotics problem, while at the same time providing a framework upon which to build the best solutions to it. The U.N. drug-control conventions allow sovereign nations the flexibility to develop and adapt the most appropriate policies and programs in keeping with their own national circumstances, while also achieving the conventions' aims. These aims include ensuring the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, preventing drug abuse and addiction, and suppressing drug trafficking and related criminal activities. In April 2016, member states, the scientific community, and civil society will assemble in New York City for the U.N. General Assembly Special Session on drugs (UNGASS) to assess the successes and shortcomings of drug policy and to identify ways to meet new challenges in the future. The UNGASS is an opportunity to improve and develop international drug- control policies, in particular with regard to (1) increasing international efforts to address the world drug problem from a public health perspective; (2) sharing best practices in criminal justice reform; and (3) strengthening international law enforcement cooperation. The world drug problem is complex and dynamic. This determination focuses selectively on those countries in Asia and the Americas that have been designated as major drug producing or transit countries that significantly impact the United States. The global challenges also include sophisticated crime networks that traffic narcotics along coastal regions of Africa, across the steppes of Central Asia, and into developed markets of Europe, East Asia, and Oceania. Illegal poppy cultivation in Afghanistan is among the most difficult international drug-control problems. For 15 of the last 16 years, Afghanistan has been the world's largest producer of opium poppy. The United States Government estimated that in 2014 Afghanistan cultivated 211,000 hectares of opium poppy and produced 6,300 metric tons of opium (up 7 percent and 15 percent over 2013 levels, respectively). A number of U.S. programs, in collaboration with multinational partners, have had positive results in developing economically viable alternatives for Afghan farmers. Successful programs include the U.S.-funded Good Performers Initiative that rewards provinces demonstrating verifiable counternarcotics achievements against defined standards with development assistance for alternative livelihood projects. The program promotes holistic and integrated action on counternarcotics and encourages farmers to forgo poppy cultivation by strengthening and diversifying alternatives to illegal poppy cultivation. United States funds also support the development of the [[Page 453]] specialized drug interdiction units of the Afghan Counternarcotics Police. In 2014, the Afghan police seized 23 metric tons of opium poppy. At the December 2014 London Conference on Afghanistan, the Kabul government pledged to intensify its drug-control efforts. United States and international experts agree that political resolve is integral in efforts to combat the production and trade of Afghan-sourced opiates. President Ghani has expressed a clear commitment to address Afghanistan's narcotics crisis comprehensively. Most recently, the Afghan Ministry of Counternarcotics shared with United States Government officials its draft National Drug Action Plan, which covers the full spectrum of government efforts for interdiction, eradication, treatment, education, and alternative development. The Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic and Social Development in Asia and the Pacific is an organization of 21 countries dedicated to providing technical assistance on drug-control issues to Afghanistan and the region. The Colombo Plan has taken the lead in strengthening Afghanistan's drug treatment services, especially for vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the homeless. The Golden Triangle, which includes Burma and Laos, is also central to the Colombo Plan's regional focus. Burma and Laos are the second and third largest illegal opium poppy cultivation countries, respectively. As in Afghanistan, countering illegal drug cultivation in Burma and Laos will require strengthening of state institutions and sustainable economic development. The international community is also taking steps to focus attention on illegal drug activity in China, especially precursor chemicals produced in China that are diverted from legitimate commerce to criminal elements for the production of illicit plant-based and synthetic drugs. Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America Through the Merida Initiative, the United States and Mexico have engaged in an unprecedented partnership to break the power and impunity of transnational criminal organizations; strengthen border, air, and maritime controls; expand the capabilities and professionalism of Mexican law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels; and improve the capacity of justice systems to investigate and prosecute cases. The two countries also collaborate to further respect for human rights and the rule of law, increase citizen security, and reduce the demand for drugs. The Merida Initiative is guided by four goals: (1) disrupt the capacity of organized crime to operate; (2) institutionalize the capacity to sustain the rule of law; (3) create a 21st century border; and (4) build strong and resilient communities. Each of these goals has a positive impact on our countries' ability to combat narcotics trafficking. For example, the United States has provided scanners, x-ray machines, other non-intrusive inspection equipment, as well as trained canines, to enhance Mexican authorities' ability to detect illicit goods at key checkpoints and ports of entry along the border, resulting in significant seizures of illicit drugs, currency, weapons, and explosives. The Mexican government has also undertaken innovative efforts to implement alternatives to incarceration for non- violent, low-level, drug-use offenders by instituting drug treatment courts in many Mexican states. The seven Central American and four Caribbean nations are included in this year's determination as major drug transit countries that impact illegal drug activities and consumption in the United States. According to seizure [[Page 454]] data of cocaine destined for U.S. markets, an estimated 86 percent transited through the Central American corridor and the remaining 14 percent traveled via the Caribbean in 2014. In recent years, Haiti has demonstrated serious political will as a regional partner to counter transnational criminal activity. In 2014, for example, with U.S. technical assistance and financial support, Haiti took meaningful steps to enhance the capabilities of its Police Brigade in the Fight against Narcotics Trafficking (BLTS). United States assistance continues to help improve Haiti's ability to address the drug problem, in particular by strengthening the operational capacity of its national law enforcement; providing infrastructure and equipment enhancements; and, facilitating training opportunities. Institution building is also being carried out to strengthen Haiti's maritime interdiction capabilities, which is a fundamental tool given the large percentage of drugs smuggled via its surrounding waterways. Working with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration, two operations in Haiti resulted in the seizure of almost a metric ton of cocaine and nearly five metric tons of marijuana. In 2014, Haiti also signed a law formally criminalizing public corruption, establishing standard penalties for corrupt practices by Haiti's officials. South America Within South America, Colombia and Peru demonstrate highly effective leadership in countering illegal drug trafficking and transnational crime. While Peru remains the top cocaine producer in the world, the Peruvian government has a comprehensive 5-year counternarcotics strategy to aggressively eradicate illicit coca, implement alternative development programs, interdict illicit narcotics, and reduce domestic drug abuse. With support from the United States, Peru exceeded its historic 2014 goal to eradicate 30,000 hectares of illicit coca, eradicating a total of 31,205 hectares. Peru has achieved success establishing state institutions and building infrastructure in coca- producing regions, and developing alternative livelihoods for farmers previously dependent on illicit cultivation. Peru has also achieved historic results in seizures of cocaine, netting nearly 30 metric tons in 2014. In total, 300 metric tons of cocaine was removed from global supply through Peruvian interdiction and eradication. Colombia also continues to be a strong partner on counternarcotics. Annually, Colombian authorities seize well over 100 metric tons of cocaine. Due to sustained coca eradication efforts and drug enforcement activity, coca cultivation dropped 52 percent between 2007 and 2013, and cocaine production potential declined by 58 percent for the same time period. The government made substantial gains in establishing a state presence in remote areas, developing alternatives for coca producers, and improving the capacity of its law enforcement and judicial institutions. Calendar year 2014, however, saw a reversal in illegal crop cultivation, due primarily to increased cultivation in areas off limits to aerial eradication. Colombia is also exporting its hard-won security expertise to third countries. From 2009 to 2014, the Colombian National Police reported training nearly 26,500 international police personnel from over 61 countries from Latin America, Africa, and Europe. The Way Forward [[Page 455]] The United States will continue to expand and enhance collaborative counternarcotics and anti-crime partnerships to advance common goals and increase citizen security. The United States will also continue to support like-minded nations through evidence-based technical assistance to modernize law enforcement, reform justice systems, support training, and develop drug demand reduction and treatment programs. Such global undertakings aim to build sustainable national capacity and permanent international partnerships to counter the threat to international security posed by the world drug trade and other illegal activities associated with transnational organized crime. You are hereby authorized and directed to submit this report, with the enclosed memoranda of justification regarding Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela, under section 706 of the FRAA, to the Congress, and publish it in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, September 14, 2015. Notice of September 18, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, or Support Terrorism On September 23, 2001, by Executive Order 13224, the President declared a national emergency with respect to persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the grave acts of terrorism and threats of terrorism committed by foreign terrorists, including the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in New York and Pennsylvania and against the Pentagon, and the continuing and immediate threat of further attacks against United States nationals or the United States. The actions of persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond September 23, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism declared in Executive Order 13224. [[Page 456]] This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, September 18, 2015. Memorandum of September 24, 2015 Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 Memorandum for the Secretary of State 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 delegate to the Secretary of State the authority under section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the drawdown of up to $45 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to support their efforts against Boko Haram, and to make the determinations required under such section to direct such a drawdown. You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, September 24, 2015. Memorandum of September 24, 2015 Delegation of Authority Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 Memorandum for the Secretary of State 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 to notify the Congress as required by section 3133(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291) (the ``Act''). 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. [[Page 457]] You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, September 24, 2015. Memorandum of September 29, 2015 Delegation of Authority Under Sections 506(a)(1) and 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 Memorandum for the Secretary of State 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 delegate to the Secretary of State: (1) The authority under section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA) to direct the drawdown of up to $20 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense and military education and training to provide assistance for the Government of Ukraine, and to make the determinations required under such section to direct such a drawdown; and (2) The authority under section 552(c)(2) of the FAA to direct the drawdown of up to $1.5 million in nonlethal commodities and services from any agency of the United States Government to provide assistance for the Government of Ukraine, and to make the determinations required under such section to direct such a drawdown. You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, September 29, 2015. Memorandum of September 29, 2015 Delegation of Authority Under Section 404(c) of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 Memorandum for the Secretary of State 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 [[Page 458]] States Code, I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State the authority under section 404(c)(1) of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 (22 U.S.C. 2370c-1) (CSPA), to waive the application of the prohibition in section 404(a) of the CSPA to Yemen, and to make the determinations necessary for such waiver. I hereby also delegate to the Secretary of State the authority under section 404(c)(2) of the CSPA to notify the appropriate congressional committees of such waiver and the justification for granting such waiver. You are hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, September 29, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2015-13 of September 29, 2015 Determination With Respect to the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 Memorandum for the Secretary of State Pursuant to section 404 of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 (22 U.S.C. 2370c-1) (CSPA), I hereby determine that it is in the national interest of the United States to waive the application of the prohibition in section 404(a) of the CSPA with respect to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and Somalia; and to waive in part the application of the prohibition in section 404(a) of the CSPA with respect to South Sudan to allow for the provision of International Military Education and Training, and Peacekeeping Operations assistance, and support provided pursuant to section 1208 of the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2014, to the extent such assistance or support would be restricted by the CSPA. I hereby waive such provisions accordingly. You are hereby authorized and directed to submit this determination to the Congress, along with the accompanying Memorandum of Justification, and to publish the determination in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, September 29, 2015. [[Page 459]] Presidential Determination No. 2015-14 of September 29, 2015 Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2016 Memorandum for the Secretary of State In accordance with section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (the ``Act'') (8 U.S.C. 1157), and after appropriate consultations with the Congress, I hereby make the following determinations and authorize the following actions: The admission of up to 85,000 refugees to the United States during Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 is justified by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest; provided that this number shall be understood as including persons admitted to the United States during FY 2016 with Federal refugee resettlement assistance under the Amerasian immigrant admissions program, as provided below. The admissions numbers shall be allocated among refugees of special humanitarian concern to the United States in accordance with the following regional allocations; provided that the number of admissions allocated to the East Asia region shall include persons admitted to the United States during FY 2016 with Federal refugee resettlement assistance under section 584 of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 1988, as contained in section 101(e) of Public Law 100-202 (Amerasian immigrants and their family members): Africa 25,000........................................................ East Asia 13,000........................................................ Europe and Central Asia 4,000......................................................... Latin America/Caribbean 3,000......................................................... Near East/South Asia 34,000........................................................ Unallocated Reserve 6,000......................................................... The 6,000 unallocated refugee numbers shall be allocated to regional ceilings, as needed. Upon providing notification to the Judiciary Committees of the Congress, you are hereby authorized to use unallocated admissions in regions where the need for additional admissions arises. Additionally, upon notification to the Judiciary Committees of the Congress, you are further authorized to transfer unused admissions allocated to a particular region to one or more other regions, if there is a need for greater admissions for the region or regions to which the admissions are being transferred. Consistent with section 2(b)(2) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, I hereby determine that assistance to or on behalf of persons applying for admission to the United States as part of the overseas refugee admissions program will contribute to the foreign policy interests of the United States and designate such persons for this purpose. Consistent with section 101(a)(42) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)), and after appropriate consultation with the Congress, I also specify that, for FY 2016, the following persons may, if otherwise qualified, be considered refugees for the [[Page 460]] purpose of admission to the United States within their countries of nationality or habitual residence: a. Persons in Cuba b. Persons in Eurasia and the Baltics c. Persons in Iraq d. Persons in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador e. In exceptional circumstances, persons identified by a United States Embassy in any location You are authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, September 29, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2016-1 of October 5, 2015 Presidential Determination With Respect to Foreign Governments' Efforts Regarding Trafficking in Persons Memorandum for the Secretary of State Consistent with section 110 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (the ``Act'') (22 U.S.C. 7107), I hereby: Make the determination provided in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act, with respect to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, South Sudan, Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe not to provide certain funding for those countries' governments for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, until such governments comply with the minimum standards or make significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance, as may be determined by the Secretary of State in a report to the Congress pursuant to section 110(b) of the Act; Make the determination provided in section 110(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Act, with respect to Eritrea, Russia, and Syria not to provide certain funding for those countries' governments for FY 2016, until such governments comply with the minimum standards or make significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance, as may be determined by the Secretary of State in a report to the Congress pursuant to section 110(b) of the Act; Determine, consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to Algeria, Belarus, Belize, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Comoros, the Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kuwait, Libya, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, and Thailand that provision to these countries' governments of all programs, projects, or activities described in sections 110(d)(1)(A)(i)-(ii) and 110(d)(1)(B) of the Act would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States; Determine, consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to Yemen, that a partial waiver to allow assistance and programs described in [[Page 461]] section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act, with the exception of International Military Education and Training, Foreign Military Financing, and Excess Defense Articles, would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States; Determine, consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to South Sudan, that a partial waiver to allow assistance and programs described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act, with the exception of Foreign Military Financing, Foreign Military Sales, and Excess Defense Articles, would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States; Determine, consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to South Sudan, that a waiver to allow assistance to be provided pursuant to section 1208 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113-66), to the extent that such programs would otherwise be restricted by the Act, would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States; Determine, consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to Venezuela, that a partial waiver to allow funding for programs described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act designed to strengthen the democratic process in Venezuela would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States; Determine, consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to Eritrea, Russia, and Syria, that a partial waiver to allow funding for educational and cultural exchange programs described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Act would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States; Determine, consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to Equatorial Guinea, that a partial waiver to allow funding described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act to build the capacity of countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases; deliver self-help to vulnerable individuals and communities; and support the participation of government employees or officials in young leader exchanges programming would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States; Determine, consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, that assistance described in section 110(d)(1)(B) of the Act would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States; Determine, consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to Zimbabwe, that a partial waiver to continue humanitarian demining initiatives and support programs described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act for assistance for victims of trafficking in persons or to combat such trafficking, and for programs that promote health, disease prevention, good governance, education, leadership, agriculture and food security, poverty reduction, livelihoods, family planning and reproductive health, macroeconomic growth, and biodiversity and wildlife protection, and that would have a significant adverse effect on vulnerable populations if suspended, would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States; [[Page 462]] And determine, consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to Zimbabwe, that assistance described in section 110(d)(1)(B) of the Act, which: (1) is a regional program, project, or activity under which the total benefit to Zimbabwe does not exceed 10 percent of the total value of such program, project, or activity; (2) has as its primary objective the addressing of basic human needs, as defined by the Department of the Treasury with respect to other, existing legislative mandates concerning U.S. participation in the multilateral development banks; (3) is complementary to or has similar policy objectives to programs being implemented bilaterally by the United States Government; (4) has as its primary objective the improvement of Zimbabwe's legal system, including in areas that impact Zimbabwe's ability to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases or otherwise improve implementation of its anti-trafficking policy, regulations, or legislation; (5) is engaging a government, international organization, or civil society organization, and seeks as its primary objective(s) to: (a) increase efforts to investigate and prosecute trafficking in persons crimes; (b) increase protection for victims of trafficking through better screening, identification, rescue and removal, aftercare (shelter, counseling), training, and reintegration; or (c) expand prevention efforts through education and awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of trafficking in persons or training and economic empowerment of populations clearly at risk of falling victim to trafficking; or (6) is targeted macroeconomic assistance from the International Monetary Fund that strengthens the macroeconomic management capacity of Zimbabwe, would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States. The certification required by section 110(e) of the Act is provided herewith. You are hereby authorized and directed to submit this determination to the Congress, and to publish it in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, October 5, 2015. Memorandum of October 5, 2015 Delegation of Authority Under Sections 110(c) and (d)(4) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 Memorandum for the Secretary of State 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 delegate to the Secretary of State the authority under section 110(d)(4) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (the [[Page 463]] ``Act'') (22 U.S.C. 7107(d)(4)) to waive the application of the prohibition in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act to Yemen during Fiscal Year 2016, as applicable, and to make the determinations necessary for such waiver. I hereby also delegate to the Secretary of State the authority under section 110(c) of the Act to notify the appropriate congressional committees of such waiver and the justification for granting such waiver. You are hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, October 5, 2015. Memorandum of October 18, 2015 Delegation of Certain Functions and Authorities Under Section 213(b)(1) of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 Memorandum for the Secretary of State[,] the Secretary of the Treasury[,] the Secretary of Commerce[,] the United States Trade Representative[,] the Secretary of Homeland Security[, and] the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 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 the functions and authorities vested in the President by section 213(b)(1) of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (TRA) to the Secretary of State, in consultation with: the Secretaries of the Treasury and Commerce and the United States Trade Representative; and with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and other agencies as appropriate. The delegation of authorities under section 213(b)(1) of the TRA to the Secretary of the Treasury contained in the Presidential Memorandum of October 9, 2012, entitled ``Delegation of Certain Functions and Authorities Under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012'' is hereby rescinded. The other provisions of that Presidential Memorandum remain in effect. Any reference herein to provisions of any Act related to the subject of this memorandum shall be deemed to include references to any hereafter- enacted provisions of law that are the same or substantially the same as such provisions. [[Page 464]] The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, October 18, 2015. Memorandum of October 18, 2015 Preparing for Implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of July 14, 2015 (JCPOA) Memorandum for the Secretary of State[,] the Secretary of the Treasury[,] the Secretary of Commerce[, and] the Secretary of Energy Today, October 18, 2015, marks Adoption Day under the JCPOA, the day on which the JCPOA comes into effect and all JCPOA participants, including the United States, are to make the necessary arrangements and preparations for implementation of their respective JCPOA commitments. Consistent with section 11 of Annex V of the JCPOA, the Secretary of State, acting under previously delegated authority, is taking action with respect to waivers of relevant statutory sanctions, to take effect upon confirmation by the Secretary of State that Iran has implemented the nuclear-related measures specified in sections 15.1-15.11 of Annex V of the JCPOA, as verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). I hereby direct you to take all appropriate additional measures to ensure the prompt and effective implementation of the U.S. commitments set forth in the JCPOA, in accordance with U.S. law. In particular, subject to the requirements of applicable U.S. law, I hereby direct you to take all necessary steps to give effect to the U.S. commitments with respect to sanctions described in section 17 of Annex V of the JCPOA, including preparation for the termination of Executive Orders as specified in section 17.4 and the licensing of activities as set forth in section 17.5, to take effect upon confirmation by the Secretary of State that Iran has implemented the nuclear-related measures specified in sections 15.1-15.11 of Annex V of the JCPOA, as verified by the IAEA. In discharging these responsibilities, you are directed to consult with the heads of other executive departments and agencies as may be appropriate. The Secretary of State is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, October 18, 2015. [[Page 465]] Notice of October 19, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered in Colombia On October 21, 1995, by Executive Order 12978, the President declared a national emergency with respect to significant narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions of significant narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia and the extreme level of violence, corruption, and harm such actions cause in the United States and abroad. The actions of significant narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia continue to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and to cause an extreme level of violence, corruption, and harm in the United States and abroad. For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12978 of October 21, 1995, and the measures adopted pursuant thereto to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond October 21, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to significant narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia declared in Executive Order 12978. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, October 19, 2015. Memorandum of October 20, 2015 Delegation of Authority for Drafting and Submission of the International Trade Data System Annual Report to the Congress Memorandum for the Secretary of Homeland Security 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 delegate to you the reporting function conferred upon the President by section 405 of the SAFE Port Act of 2006, Public Law 109-347. [[Page 466]] You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, October 20, 2015. Notice of October 21, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Situation in or in Relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo On October 27, 2006, by Executive Order 13413, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706), ordered related measures blocking the property of certain persons contributing to the conflict in that country. The President took this action to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been marked by widespread violence and atrocities that continue to threaten regional stability. I took additional steps pursuant to this national emergency in Executive Order 13671 of July 8, 2014. This situation continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13413 of October 27, 2006, as amended by Executive Order 13671 of July 8, 2014, and the measures adopted to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond October 27, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared in Executive Order 13413, as amended by Executive Order 13671. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, October 21, 2015. [[Page 467]] Notice of October 28, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Sudan On November 3, 1997, by Executive Order 13067, the President declared a national emergency with respect to Sudan and, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706), took related steps to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the actions and policies of the Government of Sudan. On April 26, 2006, in Executive Order 13400, the President determined that the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region posed an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, expanded the scope of the national emergency to deal with that threat, and ordered the blocking of property of certain persons connected to the conflict. On October 13, 2006, the President issued Executive Order 13412 to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency and to implement the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-344). The actions and policies of the Government of Sudan continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067 of November 3, 1997, expanded on April 26, 2006, and with respect to which additional steps were taken on October 13, 2006, must continue in effect beyond November 3, 2015. Therefore, consistent with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for one year the national emergency with respect to Sudan declared in Executive Order 13067. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, October 28, 2015. Memorandum of November 3, 2015 Mitigating Impacts on Natural Resources From Development and Encouraging Related Private Investment Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense[,] the Secretary of the Interior[,] the Secretary of Agriculture[,] the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency[, and] the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration We all have a moral obligation to the next generation to leave America's natural resources in better condition than when we inherited them. It is this same obligation that contributes to the strength of our economy and quality of life today. American ingenuity has provided the tools that we [[Page 468]] need to avoid damage to the most special places in our Nation and to find new ways to restore areas that have been degraded. Federal agencies implement statutes and regulations that seek simultaneously to advance our economic development, infrastructure, and national security goals along with environmental goals. As efforts across the country have demonstrated, it is possible to achieve strong environmental outcomes while encouraging development and providing services to the American people. This occurs through policies that direct the planning necessary to address harmful impacts on natural resources by avoiding and minimizing impacts, then compensating for impacts that do occur. Moreover, when opportunities to offset foreseeable harmful impacts to natural resources are available in advance, agencies and project proponents have more options to achieve positive environmental outcomes and potentially reduce permitting timelines. Federal agencies can, however, face barriers that hinder their ability to use Federal resources for restoration in advance of regulatory approval of development and other activities (e.g., it may not be possible to fund restoration before the exact location and scope of a project have been approved; or there may be limitations in designing large-scale management plans when future development is uncertain). This memorandum will encourage private investment in restoration and public- private partnerships, and help foster opportunities for businesses or non-profit organizations with relevant expertise to successfully achieve restoration and conservation objectives. One way to increase private investment in natural resource restoration is to ensure that Federal policies are clear, work similarly across agencies, and are implemented consistently within agencies. By encouraging agencies to share and adopt a common set of their best practices to mitigate for harmful impacts to natural resources, the Federal Government can create a regulatory environment that allows us to build the economy while protecting healthy ecosystems that benefit this and future generations. Similarly, in non-regulatory circumstances, private investment can play an expanded role in achieving public natural resource restoration goals. For example, performance contracts and other Pay for Success approaches offer innovative ways to finance the procurement of measurable environmental benefits that meet high government standards by paying only for demonstrated outcomes. Therefore, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to protect the health of our economy and environment, I hereby direct the following: Section 1. Policy. It shall be the policy of the Departments of Defense, the Interior, and Agriculture; the Environmental Protection Agency; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and all bureaus or agencies within them (agencies); to avoid and then minimize harmful effects to land, water, wildlife, and other ecological resources (natural resources) caused by land- or water-disturbing activities, and to ensure that any remaining harmful effects are effectively addressed, consistent with existing mission and legal authorities. Agencies shall each adopt a clear and consistent approach for avoidance and minimization of, and compensatory mitigation for, the impacts of their activities and the projects they approve. That approach should also recognize that existing legal authorities contain additional protections for some resources that are of such irreplaceable [[Page 469]] character that minimization and compensation measures, while potentially practicable, may not be adequate or appropriate, and therefore agencies should design policies to promote avoidance of impacts to these resources. Large-scale plans and analysis should inform the identification of areas where development may be most appropriate, where high natural resource values result in the best locations for protection and restoration, or where natural resource values are irreplaceable. Furthermore, because doing so lowers long-term risks to our environment and reduces timelines of development and other projects, agency policies should seek to encourage advance compensation, including mitigation bank-based approaches, in order to provide resource gains before harmful impacts occur. The design and implementation of those policies should be crafted to result in predictability sufficient to provide incentives for the private and non-governmental investments often needed to produce successful advance compensation. Wherever possible, policies should operate similarly across agencies and be implemented consistently within them. To the extent allowed by an agency's authorities, agencies are encouraged to pay particular attention to opportunities to promote investment by the non-profit and private sectors in restoration or enhancement of natural resources to deliver measurable environmental outcomes related to an established natural resource goal, including, if appropriate, as part of a restoration plan for natural resource damages or for authorized investments made on public lands. Sec. 2. Definitions. For the purposes of this memorandum: (a) ``Agencies'' refers to the Department of Defense, Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and any of their respective bureaus or agencies. (b) ``Advance compensation'' means a form of compensatory mitigation for which measurable environmental benefits (defined by performance standards) are achieved before a given project's harmful impacts to natural resources occur. (c) ``Durability'' refers to a state in which the measurable environmental benefits of mitigation will be sustained, at minimum, for as long as the associated harmful impacts of the authorized activity continue. The ``durability'' of a mitigation measure is influenced by: (1) the level of protection or type of designation provided; and (2) financial and long-term management commitments. (d) ``Irreplaceable natural resources'' refers to resources recognized through existing legal authorities as requiring particular protection from impacts and that because of their high value or function and unique character, cannot be restored or replaced. (e) ``Large-scale plan'' means any landscape- or watershed-scale planning document that addresses natural resource conditions and trends in an appropriate planning area, conservation objectives for those natural resources, or multiple stakeholder interests and land uses, or that identifies priority sites for resource restoration and protection, including irreplaceable natural resources. [[Page 470]] (f) ``Mitigation'' means avoiding, minimizing, rectifying, reducing over time, and compensating for impacts on natural resources. As a practical matter, all of these actions are captured in the terms avoidance, minimization, and compensation. These three actions are generally applied sequentially, and therefore compensatory measures should normally not be considered until after all appropriate and practicable avoidance and minimization measures have been considered. Sec. 3. Establishing Federal Principles for Mitigation. To the extent permitted by each agency's legal authorities, in addition to any principles that are specific to the mission or authorities of individual agencies, the following principles shall be applied consistently across agencies to the extent appropriate and practicable. (a) Agencies should take advantage of available Federal, State, tribal, local, or non-governmental large-scale plans and analysis to assist in identifying how proposed projects potentially impact natural resources and to guide better decision-making for mitigation, including avoidance of irreplaceable natural resources. (b) Agencies' mitigation policies should establish a net benefit goal or, at a minimum, a no net loss goal for natural resources the agency manages that are important, scarce, or sensitive, or wherever doing so is consistent with agency mission and established natural resource objectives. When a resource's value is determined to be irreplaceable, the preferred means of achieving either of these goals is through avoidance, consistent with applicable legal authorities. Agencies should explicitly consider the extent to which the beneficial environmental outcomes that will be achieved are demonstrably new and would not have occurred in the absence of mitigation (i.e. additionality) when determining whether those measures adequately address impacts to natural resources. (c) With respect to projects and decisions other than in natural resource damage cases, agencies should give preference to advance compensation mechanisms that are likely to achieve clearly defined environmental performance standards prior to the harmful impacts of a project. Agencies should look for and use, to the extent appropriate and practicable, available advance compensation that has achieved its intended environmental outcomes. Where advance compensation options are not appropriate or not available, agencies should give preference to other compensatory mitigation practices that are likely to succeed in achieving environmental outcomes. (d) With respect to natural resource damage restoration plans, natural resource trustee agencies should evaluate criteria for whether, where, and when consideration of restoration banking or advance restoration projects would be appropriate in their guidance developed pursuant to section 4(d) of this memorandum. Consideration under established regulations of restoration banking or advance restoration strategies can contribute to the success of restoration goals by delivering early, measurable environmental outcomes. (e) Agencies should take action to increase public transparency in the implementation of their mitigation policies and guidance. Agencies should set measurable performance standards at the project and program level to assess whether mitigation is effective and should clearly identify the party responsible for all aspects of required mitigation measures. Agencies [[Page 471]] should develop and use appropriate tools to measure, monitor, and evaluate effectiveness of avoidance, minimization, and compensation policies to better understand and explain to the public how they can be improved over time. (f) When evaluating proposed mitigation measures, agencies should consider the extent to which those measures will address anticipated harm over the long term. To that end, agencies should address the durability of compensation measures, financial assurances, and the resilience of the measures' benefits to potential future environmental change, as well as ecological relevance to adversely affected resources. (g) Each agency should ensure consistent implementation of its policies and standards across the Nation and hold all compensatory mitigation mechanisms to equivalent and effective standards when implementing their policies. (h) To improve the implementation of effective and durable mitigation projects on Federal land, agencies should identify, and make public, locations on Federal land of authorized impacts and their associated mitigation projects, including their type, extent, efficacy of compliance, and success in achieving performance measures. When compensatory actions take place on Federal lands and waters that could be open to future multiple uses, agencies should describe measures taken to ensure that the compensatory actions are durable. Sec. 4. Federal Action to Strengthen Mitigation Policies and Support Private Investment in Restoration. In support of the policy and principles outlined above, agencies identified below shall take the following specific actions. (a) Within 180 days of the date of this memorandum, the Department of Agriculture, through the U.S. Forest Service, shall develop and implement additional manual and handbook guidance that addresses the agency's approach to avoidance, minimization, and compensation for impacts to natural resources within the National Forest System. The U.S. Forest Service shall finalize a mitigation regulation within 2 years of the date of this memorandum. (b) Within 1 year of the date of this memorandum, the Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management, shall finalize a mitigation policy that will bring consistency to the consideration and application of avoidance, minimization, and compensatory actions or development activities and projects impacting public lands and resources. (c) Within 1 year of the date of this memorandum, the Department of the Interior, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, shall finalize a revised mitigation policy that applies to all of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's authorities and trust responsibilities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shall also finalize an additional policy that applies to compensatory mitigation associated with its responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Further, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shall finalize a policy that provides clarity to and predictability for agencies and State governments, private landowners, tribes, and others that take action to conserve species in advance of potential future listing under the Endangered Species Act. This policy will provide a mechanism to recognize and credit such action as avoidance, minimization, and compensatory mitigation. [[Page 472]] (d) Within 1 year of the date of this memorandum, each Federal natural resource trustee agency will develop guidance for its agency's trustee representatives describing the considerations for evaluating whether, where, and when restoration banking or advance restoration projects would be appropriate as components of a restoration plan adopted by trustees. Agencies developing such guidance will coordinate for consistency. (e) Within 1 year of the date of this memorandum, the Department of the Interior will develop program guidance regarding the use of mitigation projects and measures on lands administered by bureaus or offices of the Department through a land-use authorization, cooperative agreement, or other appropriate mechanism that would authorize a project proponent to conduct actions, or otherwise secure conservation benefits, for the purpose of mitigating impacts elsewhere. Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) This memorandum complements and is not intended to supersede existing laws and policies. (b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law, and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This memorandum is intended for the internal guidance of the executive branch and is inapplicable to the litigation or settlement of natural resource damage claims. The provisions of section 3 this memorandum encouraging restoration banking and advance restoration projects also do not apply to the selection or implementation of natural resource restoration plans, except to the extent determined appropriate in Federal trustee guidance developed pursuant to section 4(d) of this memorandum. (d) The provisions of this memorandum shall not apply to military testing, training, and readiness activities. (e) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (f) This memorandum 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. (g) The Secretary of the Interior is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, November 3, 2015. [[Page 473]] Notice of November 5, 2015 Notice of Intention To Enter Into the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Consistent with section 106(a)(1)(A) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-26, Title I; the ``Trade Priorities Act''), I have notified the Congress of my intention to enter into a free trade agreement, known as the Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, which will generate export opportunities for U.S. manufacturers, service suppliers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses; help create jobs in the United States; and help American consumers save money while offering them more choices. I am negotiating to enter into the TPP Agreement with the following countries: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam; provided that those countries meet the market-access goals that we set out to achieve and agree to high-standard obligations, consistent with the Trade Priorities Act. Consistent with section 106(a)(1)(A) of the Trade Priorities Act, this notice shall be published in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, November 5, 2015. Notice of November 10, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran On November 14, 1979, by Executive Order 12170, the President declared a national emergency with respect to Iran and, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706), took related steps to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the situation in Iran. Our relations with Iran have not yet returned to normal, and the process of implementing the agreements with Iran, dated January 19, 1981, is still under way. For this reason, the national emergency declared on November 14, 1979, must continue in effect beyond November 14, 2015. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to Iran declared in Executive Order 12170. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, November 10, 2015. [[Page 474]] Notice of November 12, 2015 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction On November 14, 1994, by Executive Order 12938, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States posed by the proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons (weapons of mass destruction) and the means of delivering such weapons. On July 28, 1998, the President issued Executive Order 13094, amending Executive Order 12938, to respond more effectively to the worldwide threat of weapons of mass destruction proliferation activities. On June 28, 2005, the President issued Executive Order 13382, which, inter alia, further amended Executive Order 12938, to improve our ability to combat proliferation. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States; therefore, the national emergency first declared on November 14, 1994, and extended in each subsequent year, must continue. In accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12938. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, November 12, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2016-2 of November 13, 2015 Distribution of Department of Defense Funded Humanitarian Assistance in Syria Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 2249a(b)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, I hereby: Determine that section 2249a(a) of title 10, United States Code, would impede the distribution of urgently needed humanitarian assistance in Syria to alleviate the current refugee crisis, as well as other United States Government objectives in the Middle East for stability and humanitarian relief; and Waive the prohibition in section 2249a(a) of title 10, United States Code, for humanitarian reasons and to the extent necessary to allow the Department of Defense to carry out the purposes of section 2561 of title 10, United States Code, for the distribution of humanitarian assistance into Syria. [[Page 475]] You are authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, November 13, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2016-3 of November 18, 2015 Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Memorandum for the Secretary of State[,] the Secretary of the Treasury[, and] the Secretary of Energy By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, after carefully considering the report submitted to the Congress by the Energy Information Administration on October 6, 2015, and other relevant factors, including global economic conditions, increased oil production by certain countries, the level of spare capacity, and the availability of strategic reserves, I determine, pursuant to section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, Public Law 112-81, and consistent with my prior determinations, that there is a sufficient supply of petroleum and petroleum products from countries other than Iran to permit a significant reduction in the volume of petroleum and petroleum products purchased from Iran by or through foreign financial institutions. However, in the Joint Plan of Action, the interim arrangement to address concerns with Iran's nuclear program reached between the P5+1, European Union and Iran in November 2013, the United States committed to allow oil purchases from Iran to continue at the levels that prevailed at that time. Accordingly, my Administration is not seeking further reductions of Iranian oil purchases. I will continue to monitor this situation closely. The Secretary of State is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, November 18, 2015. [[Page 476]] Memorandum of December 2, 2015 Delegation of Reporting Functions Specified in Section 941 of the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense [and] the Secretary of State 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 delegate the reporting functions conferred upon the President by section 941 of the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 113-66) to the Secretary of Defense. In carrying out the functions under this delegation, the Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Secretary of State and, as appropriate, other departments and agencies. The Secretary of Defense is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, December 2, 2015. Presidential Determination No. 2016-4 of December 2, 2015 Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act Memorandum for the Secretary of State Pursuant to the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 7(a) of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-45) (the ``Act''), I hereby determine that it is necessary, in order to protect the national security interests of the United States, to suspend for a period of 6 months the limitations set forth in sections 3(b) and 7(b) of the Act. You are authorized and directed to transmit this determination to the Congress, accompanied by a report in accordance with section 7(a) of the Act, and to publish this determination in the Federal Register. This suspension shall take effect after the transmission of this determination and report to the Congress. BARACK OBAMA THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, December 2, 2015. [[Page 477]] CHAPTER I--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT -------------------------------------------------------------------- Part Page 100 Standards of conduct........................ 478 101 Public information provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act........... 478 102 Enforcement of nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by the Executive Office of the President................. 478 [[Page 478]] PART 100_STANDARDS OF CONDUCT--Table of Contents Authority: 5 U.S.C. 7301. Source: 64 FR 12881, Mar. 16, 1999, unless otherwise noted. Sec. 100.1 Ethical conduct standards and financial disclosure regulations. Employees of the Executive Office of the President are subject to the executive branch-wide standards of ethical conduct at 5 CFR part 2635, and the executive branch-wide financial disclosure regulations at 5 CFR part 2634. PART 101_PUBLIC INFORMATION PROVISIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT--Table of Contents Sec. 101.1 Executive Office of the President. 101.2 Office of Management and Budget. 101.4 National Security Council. 101.5 Council on Environmental Quality. 101.6 Office of National Drug Control Policy. 101.7 Office of Science and Technology Policy. 101.8 Office of the United States Trade Representative. Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552. Source: 40 FR 8061, Feb. 25, 1975; 55 FR 46067, Nov. 1, 1990, unless otherwise noted. Sec. 101.1 Executive Office of the President. Until further regulations are promulgated, the remainder of the entities within the Executive Office of the President, to the extent that 5 U.S.C. 552 is applicable, shall follow the procedures set forth in the regulations applicable to the Office of Management and Budget (5 CFR Ch. III). Requests for information from these other entities should be submitted directly to such entity. Sec. 101.2 Office of Management and Budget. Freedom of Information regulations for the Office of Management and Budget appear at 5 CFR Ch. III. Sec. 101.4 National Security Council. Freedom of Information regulations for the National Security Council appear at 32 CFR Ch. XXI. Sec. 101.5 Council on Environmental Quality. Freedom of Information regulations for the Council on Environmental Quality appear at 40 CFR Ch. V. [42 FR 65131, Dec. 30, 1977] Sec. 101.6 Office of National Drug Control Policy. Freedom of Information regulations for the Office of National Drug Control Policy appear at 21 CFR parts 1400-1499. [55 FR 46037, Nov. 1, 1990] Sec. 101.7 Office of Science and Technology Policy. Freedom of Information regulations for the Office of Science and Technology Policy appear at 32 CFR part 2402. [55 FR 46037, Nov. 1, 1990] Sec. 101.8 Office of the United States Trade Representative. Freedom of Information regulations for the Office of the United States Trade Representative appear at 15 CFR part 2004. [55 FR 46037, Nov. 1, 1990] PART 102_ENFORCEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT--Table of Contents Sec. 102.101 Purpose. 102.102 Application. 102.103 Definitions. 102.104-102.109 [Reserved] 102.110 Self-evaluation. 102.111 Notice. 102.112-102.129 [Reserved] 102.130 General prohibitions against discrimination. 102.131-102.139 [Reserved] 102.140 Employment. 102.141-102.148 [Reserved] 102.149 Program accessibility: Discrimination prohibited. [[Page 479]] 102.150 Program accessibility: Existing facilities. 102.151 Program accessibility: New construction and alterations. 102.152-102.159 [Reserved] 102.160 Communications. 102.161-102.169 [Reserved] 102.170 Compliance procedures. 102.171-102.999 [Reserved] Authority: 29 U.S.C. 794. Source: 53 FR 25879, July 8, 1988, unless otherwise noted. Sec. 102.101 Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to effectuate section 119 of the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, which amended section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies or the United States Postal Service. Sec. 102.102 Application. This regulation (Sec. Sec. 102.101-102.170) applies to all programs or activities conducted by the agency, except for programs or activities conducted outside the United States that do not involve individuals with handicaps in the United States. Sec. 102.103 Definitions. For purposes of this regulation, the term-- Agency means, for purposes of this regulation only, the following entities in the Executive Office of the President: the White House Office, the Office of the Vice President, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Policy Development, the National Security Council, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Council on Environmental Quality, the Council of Economic Advisers, the Office of Administration, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, and any committee, board, commission, or similar group established in the Executive Office of the President. Agency head or head of the agency; as used in Sec. Sec. 102.150(a)(3), 102.160(d) and 102.170 (i) and (j), shall be a three- member board which will include the Director, Office of Administration, the head of the Executive Office of the President, agency in which the issue needing resolution or decision arises and one other agency head selected by the two other board members. In the event that an issue needing resolution or decision arises within the Office of Administration, one of the board members shall be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Assistant Attorney General means the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, United States Department of Justice. Auxiliary aids means services or devices that enable persons with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills to have an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, programs or activities conducted by the agency. For example, auxiliary aids useful for persons with impaired vision include readers, Brailled materials, audio recordings, and other similar services and devices. Auxiliary aids useful for persons with impaired hearing include telephone handset amplifiers, telephones compatible with hearing aids, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD's), interpreters, notetakers, written materials, and other similar services and devices. Complete complaint means a written statement that contains the complainant's name and address and describes the agency's alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the agency of the nature and date of the alleged violation of section 504. It shall be signed by the complainant or by someone authorized to do so on his or her behalf. Complaints filed on behalf of classes or third parties shall describe or identify (by name, if possible) the alleged victims of discrimination. Facility means all or any portion of buildings, structures, equipment, roads, walks, parking lots, rolling stock or other conveyances, or other real or personal property. Historic preservation programs means programs conducted by the agency that have preservation of historic properties as a primary purpose. Historic properties means those properties that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or properties designated as [[Page 480]] historic under a statute of the appropriate State or local government body. Individual with handicaps means any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. As used in this definition, the phrase: (1) Physical or mental impairment includes-- (i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or (ii) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term ``physical or mental impairment'' includes, but is not limited to, such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, and drug addiction and alcoholism. (2) Major life activities includes functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. (3) Has a record of such an impairment means has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. (4) Is regarded as having an impairment means-- (i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but is treated by the agency as constituting such a limitation; (ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or (iii) Has none of the impairments defined in paragraph (1) of this definition but is treated by the agency as having such an impairment. Qualified individual with handicaps means-- (1) With respect to preschool, elementary, or secondary education services provided by the agency, an individual with handicaps who is a member of a class of persons otherwise entitled by statute, regulation, or agency policy to receive education services from the agency; (2) With respect to any other agency program or activity under which a person is required to perform services or to achieve a level of accomplishment, an individual with handicaps who meets the essential eligibility requirements and who can achieve the purpose of the program or activity without modifications in the program or activity that the agency can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in its nature; (3) With respect to any other program or activity, an individual with handicaps who meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt of benefits from, that program or activity; and (4) ``Qualified handicapped person'' as that term is defined for purposes of employment in 29 CFR 1613.702(f), which is made applicable to this regulation by Sec. 102.140. Section 504 means section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Pub. L. 93-112, 87 Stat. 394 (29 U.S.C. 794)), as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-516, 88 Stat. 1617); the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-602, 92 Stat. 2955); and the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986 (Pub. L. 99-506, 100 Stat. 1810). As used in this regulation, section 504 applies only to programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies and not to federally assisted programs. Substantial impairment means a significant loss of the integrity of finished materials, design quality, or special character resulting from a permanent alteration. [[Page 481]] Sec. Sec. 102.104-102.109 [Reserved] Sec. 102.110 Self-evaluation. (a) The agency shall, by September 6, 1989, evaluate its current policies and practices, and the effects thereof, that do not or may not meet the requirements of this regulation and, to the extent modification of any such policies and practices is required, the agency shall proceed to make the necessary modifications. (b) The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including individuals with handicaps or organizations representing individuals with handicaps, to participate in the self-evaluation process by submitting comments (both oral and written). (c) The agency shall, for at least three years following completion of the self-evaluation, maintain on file and make available for public inspection: (1) A description of areas examined and any problems identified; and (2) A description of any modifications made. Sec. 102.111 Notice. The agency shall make available to employees, applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons such information regarding the provisions of this regulation and its applicability to the programs or activities conducted by the agency, and make such information available to them in such manner as the head of the agency finds necessary to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by section 504 and this regulation. Sec. Sec. 102.112-102.129 [Reserved] Sec. 102.130 General prohibitions against discrimination. (a) No qualified individual with handicaps shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency. (b)(1) The agency, in providing any aid, benefit, or service, may not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the basis of handicap-- (i) Deny a qualified individual with handicaps the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service; (ii) Afford a qualified individual with handicaps an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others; (iii) Provide a qualified individual with handicaps with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others; (iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to individuals with handicaps or to any class of individuals with handicaps than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified individuals with handicaps with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others; (v) Deny a qualified individual with handicaps the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; (vi) Otherwise limit a qualified individual with handicaps in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service. (2) The agency may not deny a qualified individual with handicaps the opportunity to participate in programs or activities that are not separate or different, despite the existence of permissibly separate or different programs or activities. (3) The agency may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration the purpose or effect of which would-- (i) Subject qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap; or (ii) Defeat or substantially impair accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to individuals with handicaps. (4) The agency may not, in determining the site or location of a facility, make selections the purpose or effect of which would-- (i) Exclude individuals with handicaps from, deny them the benefits of, [[Page 482]] or otherwise subject them to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency; or (ii) Defeat or substantially impair the accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to individuals with handicaps. (5) The agency, in the selection of procurement contractors, may not use criteria that subject qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap. (6) The agency may not administer a licensing or certification program in a manner that subjects qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap, nor may the agency establish requirements for the programs or activities of licensees or certified entities that subject qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap. However, the programs or activities of entities that are licensed or certified by the agency are not, themselves, covered by this regulation. (c) The exclusion of nonhandicapped persons from the benefits of a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to individuals with handicaps or the exclusion of a specific class of individuals with handicaps from a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to a different class of individuals with handicaps is not prohibited by this regulation. (d) The agency shall administer programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with handicaps. Sec. Sec. 102.131-102.139 [Reserved] Sec. 102.140 Employment. No qualified individual with handicaps shall, on the basis of handicap, be subject to discrimination in employment under any program or activity conducted by the agency. The definitions, requirements, and procedures of section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791), as established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613, shall apply to employment in federally conducted programs or activities. Sec. Sec. 102.141-102.148 [Reserved] Sec. 102.149 Program accessibility: Discrimination prohibited. Except as otherwise provided in Sec. 102.150, no qualified individual with handicaps shall, because the agency's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by individuals with handicaps, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency. Sec. 102.150 Program accessibility: Existing facilities. (a) General. The agency shall operate each program or activity so that the program or activity, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps. This paragraph does not-- (1) Necessarily require the agency to make each of its existing facilities accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps; (2) In the case of historic preservation programs, require the agency to take any action that would result in a substantial impairment of significant historic features of an historic property; or (3) Require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with Sec. 102.150(a) would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons forreaching that conclusion. If an action would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result [[Page 483]] in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that individuals with handicaps receive the benefits and services of the program or activity. (b) Methods--(1) General. The agency may comply with the requirements of this section through such means as redesign of equipment, reassignment of services to accessible buildings, assignment of aides to beneficiaries, home visits, delivery of services at alternate accessible sites, alteration of existing facilities and construction of new facilities, use of accessible rolling stock, or any other methods that result in making its programs or activities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps. The agency is not required to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with this section. The agency, in making alterations to existing buildings, shall meet accessibility requirements to the extent compelled by the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), and any regulations implementing it. In choosing among available methods for meeting the requirements of this section, the agency shall give priority to those methods that offer programs and activities to qualified individuals with handicaps in the most integrated setting appropriate. (2) Historic preservation programs. In meeting the requirements of Sec. 102.150(a) in historic preservation programs, the agency shall give priority to methods that provide physical access to individuals with handicaps. In cases where a physical alteration to an historic property is not required because of Sec. 102.150(a) (2) or (3), alternative methods of achieving program accessibility include-- (i) Using audio-visual materials and devices to depict those portions of an historic property that cannot otherwise be made accessible; (ii) Assigning persons to guide individuals with handicaps into or through portions of historic properties that cannot otherwise be made accessible; or (iii) Adopting other innovative methods. (c) Time period for compliance. The agency shall comply with the obligations established under this section by November 7, 1988, except that where structural changes in facilities are undertaken, such changes shall be made by September 6, 1991, but in any event as expeditiously as possible. (d) Transition plan. In the event that structural changes to facilities will be undertaken to achieve program accessibility, the agency shall develop, by March 6, 1989, a transition plan setting forth the steps necessary to complete such changes. The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including individuals with handicaps or organizations representing individuals with handicaps, to participate in the development of the transition plan by submitting comments (both oral and written). A copy of the transition plan shall be made available for public inspection. The plan shall, at a minimum-- (1) Identify physical obstacles in the agency's facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs or activities to individuals with handicaps; (2) Describe in detail the methods that will be used to make the facilities accessible; (3) Specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve compliance with this section and, if the time period of the transition plan is longer than one year, identify steps that will be taken during each year of the transition period; and (4) Indicate the official responsible for implementation of the plan. Sec. 102.151 Program accessibility: New construction and alterations. Each building or part of a building that is constructed or altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of the agency shall be designed, constructed, or altered so as to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps. The definitions, requirements, and standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), as established in 41 CFR 101-19.600 to 101-19.607, apply to buildings covered by this section. [[Page 484]] Sec. Sec. 102.152-102.159 [Reserved] Sec. 102.160 Communications. (a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, participants, personnel of other Federal entities, and members of the public. (1) The agency shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids where necessary to afford an individual with handicaps an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a program or activity conducted by the agency. (i) In determining what type of auxiliary aid is necessary, the agency shall give primary consideration to the requests of the individual with handicaps. (ii) The agency need not provide individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices of a personal nature. (2) Where the agency communicates with applicants and beneficiaries by telephone, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD's) or equally effective telecommunication systems shall be used to communicate with persons with impaired hearing. (b) The agency shall ensure that interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities. (c) The agency shall provide signage at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users to a location at which they can obtain information about accessible facilities. The international symbol for accessibility shall be used at each primary entrance of an accessible facility. (d) This section does not require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with Sec. 102.160 would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action required to comply with this section would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals with handicaps receive the benefits and services of the program or activity. Sec. Sec. 102.161-102.169 [Reserved] Sec. 102.170 Compliance procedures. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this section applies to all allegations of discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities conducted by the agency. (b) The agency shall process complaints alleging violations of section 504 with respect to employment according to the procedures established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613 pursuant to section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791). (c) The Director, Facilities Management, Office of Administration, Executive Office of the President, shall be responsible for coordinating implementation of this section. Complaints may be sent to the Director at the following address: Room 486, Old Executive Office Building, 17th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20500. (d) The agency shall accept and investigate all complete complaints for which it has jurisdiction. All complete complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination. The agency may extend this time period for good cause. (e) If the agency receives a complaint over which it does not have jurisdiction, it shall promptly notify the complainant and shall make reasonable efforts to refer the complaint to the appropriate Government entity. (f) The agency shall notify the Architectural and Transportation Barriers [[Page 485]] Compliance Board upon receipt of any complaint alleging that a building or facility that is subject to the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), is not readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps. (g) Within 180 days of the receipt of a complete complaint for which it has jurisdiction, the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the investigation in a letter containing-- (1) Findings of fact and conclusions of law; (2) A description of a remedy for each violation found; and (3) A notice of the right to appeal. (h) Appeals of the findings of fact and conclusions of law or remedies must be filed by the complainant within 90 days of receipt from the agency of the letter required by Sec. 102.170(g). The agency may extend this time for good cause. (i) Timely appeals shall be accepted and processed by the head of the agency. (j) The head of the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the appeal within 60 days of the receipt of the request. If the head of the agency determines that additional information is needed from the complainant, he or she shall have 60 days from the date of receipt of the additional information to make his or her determination on the appeal. (k) The time limits cited in paragraphs (g) and (j) of this section may be extended with the permission of the Assistant Attorney General. (l) The agency may delegate its authority for conducting complaint investigations to other Federal agencies, except that the authority for making the final determination may not be delegated to another agency. Sec. Sec. 102.171-102.999 [Reserved] PARTS 103 199 [RESERVED] [[Page 487]] TITLE 3 FINDING AIDS ________________________________________________________________________ Table 1--Proclamations Table 2--Executive Orders Table 3--Other Presidential Documents Table 4--Presidential Documents Affected During 2015 Table 5--Statutes Cited as Authority for Presidential Documents List of CFR Sections Affected Index [[Page 489]] Table 1--PROCLAMATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ No. Signature Date Subject 80 FR Page ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2015............. 9227................ Jan. 15.......... Religious 3133 Freedom Day, 2015. 9228................ Jan. 16.......... Martin Luther 3449 King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2015. 9229................ Jan. 30.......... American Heart 6419 Month, 2015. 9230................ Jan. 30.......... National African 6421 American History Month, 2015. 9231................ Jan. 30.......... National Teen 6423 Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2015. 9232................ Feb. 19.......... Establishment of 9975 the Browns Canyon National Monument. 9233................ Feb. 19.......... Establishment of 10315 the Pullman National Monument. 9234................ Feb. 24.......... Establishment of 11069 the Honouliuli National Monument. 9235................ Feb. 27.......... American Red 11845 Cross Month, 2015. 9236................ Feb. 27.......... Irish-American 11847 Heritage Month, 2015. 9237................ Feb. 27.......... National 11849 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2015. 9238................ Feb. 27.......... Women's History 11851 Month, 2015. 9239................ Feb. 27.......... National 11853 Consumer Protection Week, 2015. 9240................ Feb. 27.......... Read Across 11855 America Day, 2015. 9241................ Mar. 13.......... National Poison 14287 Prevention Week, 2015. 9242................ Mar. 24.......... Greek 16249 Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2015. 9243................ Mar. 30.......... Cesar Chavez 18073 Day, 2015. 9244................ Mar. 30.......... Education and 18075 Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2015. 9245................ Mar. 31.......... National Child 18301 Abuse Prevention Month, 2015. 9246................ Mar. 31.......... National 18303 Financial Capability Month, 2015. 9247................ Apr. 1........... National Cancer 18509 Control Month, 2015. 9248................ Apr. 1........... National Donate 18511 Life Month, 2015. 9249................ Apr. 1........... National Sexual 18513 Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, 2015. 9250................ Apr. 1........... World Autism 18515 Awareness Day, 2015. 9251................ Apr. 6........... National Public 19191 Health Week, 2015. 9252................ Apr. 8........... National Former 19867 Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2015. 9253................ Apr. 10.......... National 20403 Volunteer Week, 2015. 9254................ Apr. 10.......... Pan American Day 20405 and Pan American Week, 2015. 9255................ Apr. 13.......... National Equal 21149 Pay Day, 2015. 9256................ Apr. 14.......... Day of 21151 Remembrance for President Abraham Lincoln. 9257................ Apr. 17.......... National Crime 22617 Victims' Rights Week, 2015. 9258................ Apr. 20.......... National Park 22869 Week, 2015. 9259................ Apr. 21.......... Earth Day, 2015. 22871 9260................ Apr. 27.......... Workers Memorial 24777 Day, 2015. 9261................ Apr. 30.......... Jewish American 25571 Heritage Month, 2015. 9262................ Apr. 30.......... National 25573 Building Safety Month, 2015. 9263................ Apr. 30.......... National Foster 25575 Care Month, 2015. [[Page 490]] 9264................ Apr. 30.......... National 25577 Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2015. 9265................ Apr. 30.......... Law Day, U.S.A., 25579 2015. 9266................ Apr. 30.......... Asian American 25889 and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2015. 9267................ Apr. 30.......... National Mental 25891 Health Awareness Month, 2015. 9268................ Apr. 30.......... Older Americans 25893 Month, 2015. 9269................ Apr. 30.......... Loyalty Day, 25895 2015. 9270................ May 1............ National Small 26177 Business Week, 2015. 9271................ May 1............ Public Service 26179 Recognition Week, 2015. 9272................ May 4............ National Charter 26433 Schools Week, 2015. 9273................ May 4............ National Teacher 26435 Appreciation Day and National Teacher Appreciation Week, 2015. 9274................ May 6............ National Day of 26817 Prayer, 2015. 9275................ May 7............ Military Spouse 27235 Appreciation Day, 2015. 9276................ May 8............ National Defense 27237 Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2015. 9277................ May 8............ Peace Officers 27239 Memorial Day and Police Week, 2015. 9278................ May 8............ Mother's Day, 27241 2015. 9279................ May 11........... National Women's 27849 Health Week, 2015. 9280................ May 15........... National Safe 29193 Boating Week, 2015. 9281................ May 15........... Emergency 29195 Medical Services Week, 2015. 9282................ May 15........... World Trade 29197 Week, 2015. 9283................ May 15........... Armed Forces 29199 Day, 2015. 9284................ May 18........... 50th Anniversary 29525 of Head Start. 9285................ May 20........... National 30127 Maritime Day, 2015. 9286................ May 22........... National 30327 Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2015. 9287................ May 22........... Prayer for 30329 Peace, Memorial Day, 2015. 9288................ May 29........... African-American 31821 Music Appreciation Month, 2015. 9289................ May 29........... Great Outdoors 31823 Month, 2015. 9290................ May 29........... Lesbian, Gay, 31825 Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2015. 9291................ May 29........... National 31827 Caribbean- American Heritage Month, 2015. 9292................ May 29........... National Oceans 31829 Month, 2015. 9293................ June 11.......... National Week of 34529 Making, 2015. 9294................ June 12.......... Flag Day and 34823 National Flag Week, 2015. 9295................ June 12.......... World Elder 34825 Abuse Awareness Day, 2015. 9296................ June 19.......... Father's Day, 36459 2015. 9297................ July 10.......... Establishment of 41969 the Basin and Range National Monument. 9298................ July 10.......... Establishment of 41975 the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. 9299................ July 10.......... Establishment of 41983 the Waco Mammoth National Monument. 9300................ July 17.......... Captive Nations 43299 Week, 2015. 9301................ July 21.......... Honoring the 44249 Victims of the Tragedy in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 9302................ July 24.......... Anniversary of 45391 the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2015. 9303................ July 24.......... National Korean 45393 War Veterans Armistice Day, 2015. 9304................ July 27.......... World Hepatitis 45597 Day, 2015. 9305................ July 29.......... 50th Anniversary 46175 of Medicare and Medicaid. 9306................ Aug. 7........... National Health 48423 Center Week, 2015. 9307................ Aug. 14.......... National 50541 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, 2015. [[Page 491]] 9308................ Aug. 24.......... Women's Equality 52171 Day, 2015. 9309................ Aug. 31.......... National Alcohol 53443 and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 2015. 9310................ Aug. 31.......... National 53445 Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2015. 9311................ Aug. 31.......... National 53447 Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, 2015. 9312................ Aug. 31.......... National Ovarian 53449 Cancer Awareness Month, 2015. 9313................ Aug. 31.......... National 53451 Preparedness Month, 2015. 9314................ Aug. 31.......... National 53453 Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, 2015. 9315................ Aug. 31.......... National 53455 Wilderness Month, 2015. 9316................ Sept. 4.......... Labor Day, 2015. 54695 9317................ Sept. 9.......... World Suicide 55215 Prevention Day, 2015. 9318................ Sept. 10......... National Days of 55217 Prayer and Remembrance, 2015. 9319................ Sept. 10......... Patriot Day and 55219 National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2015. 9320................ Sept. 11......... National 55717 Hispanic- Serving Institutions Week, 2015. 9321................ Sept. 11......... National 55719 Grandparents Day, 2015. 9322................ Sept. 14......... National 56363 Hispanic Heritage Month, 2015. 9323................ Sept. 16......... Constitution Day 57067 and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2015. 9324................ Sept. 17......... National POW/MIA 57279 Recognition Day, 2015. 9325................ Sept. 18......... National Farm 57505 Safety and Health Week, 2015. 9326................ Sept. 18......... National 57507 Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2015. 9327................ Sept. 21......... National Voter 57691 Registration Day, 2015. 9328................ Sept. 24......... Gold Star 58571 Mother's and Family's Day, 2015. 9329................ Sept. 25......... National Hunting 59017 and Fishing Day, 2015. 9330................ Sept. 25......... National Public 59019 Lands Day, 2015. 9331................ Sept. 28......... National Arts 59547 and Humanities Month, 2015. 9332................ Sept. 29......... National Energy 60025 Action Month, 2015. 9333................ Sept. 30......... To Modify Duty- 60249 Free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences and for Other Purposes. 9334................ Sept. 30......... National Breast 60257 Cancer Awareness Month, 2015. 9335................ Sept. 30......... National 60259 Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2015. 9336................ Sept. 30......... National 60261 Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2015. 9337................ Sept. 30......... National 60263 Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2015. 9338................ Sept. 30......... National 60265 Substance Abuse Prevention Month, 2015. 9339................ Sept. 30......... National Youth 60267 Justice Awareness Month, 2015. 9340................ Oct. 2........... Fire Prevention 60787 Week, 2015. 9341................ Oct. 2........... Child Health 60789 Day, 2015. 9342................ Oct. 2........... Honoring the 60791 Victims of the Tragedy in Roseburg, Oregon. 9343................ Oct. 5........... German-American 61085 Day, 2015. 9344................ Oct. 8........... Leif Erikson 61973 Day, 2015. 9345................ Oct. 9........... National School 63071 Lunch Week, 2015. 9346................ Oct. 9........... International 63073 Day of the Girl, 2015. 9347................ Oct. 9........... General Pulaski 63075 Memorial Day, 2015. [[Page 492]] 9348................ Oct. 9........... Columbus Day, 63077 2015. 9349................ Oct. 14.......... Blind Americans 63407 Equality Day, 2015. 9350................ Oct. 15.......... Minority 63887 Enterprise Development Week, 2015. 9351................ Oct. 16.......... National 64301 Character Counts Week, 2015. 9352................ Oct. 16.......... National Forest 64303 Products Week, 2015. 9353................ Oct. 22.......... United Nations 65879 Day, 2015. 9354................ Oct. 28.......... National 67615 Adoption Month, 2015. 9355................ Oct. 28.......... National 67617 Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 2015. 9356................ Oct. 28.......... National College 67619 Application Month, 2015. 9357................ Oct. 29.......... Critical 68237 Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, 2015. 9358................ Oct. 29.......... Military Family 68239 Month, 2015. 9359................ Oct. 29.......... National 68241 Entrepreneurshi p Month, 2015. 9360................ Oct. 30.......... National 68413 Diabetes Month, 2015. 9361................ Oct. 30.......... National Family 68415 Caregivers Month, 2015. 9362................ Oct. 30.......... National Native 68417 American Heritage Month, 2015. 9363................ Oct. 30.......... National 68419 Apprenticeship Week, 2015. 9364................ Nov. 5........... Veterans Day, 69835 2015. 9365................ Nov. 6........... World Freedom 70147 Day, 2015. 9366................ Nov. 13.......... American 72321 Education Week, 2015. 9367................ Nov. 13.......... Get Smart About 72323 Antibiotics Week, 2015. 9368................ Nov. 13.......... America Recycles 72325 Day, 2015. 9369................ Nov. 15.......... Honoring the 72553 Victims of the Attack in Paris, France. 9370................ Nov. 19.......... National Child's 73631 Day, 2015. 9371................ Nov. 20.......... National Family 73939 Week, 2015. 9372................ Nov. 20.......... Thanksgiving 73941 Day, 2015. 9373................ Nov. 30.......... National 75781 Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2015. 9374................ Nov. 30.......... World AIDS Day, 75783 2015. 9375................ Dec. 2........... Helsinki Human 76197 Rights Day, 2015. 9376................ Dec. 2........... International 76199 Day of Persons With Disabilities, 2015. 9377................ Dec. 3........... Honoring the 76353 Victims of the Attack in San Bernardino, California. 9378................ Dec. 4........... 150th 76625 Anniversary of the 13th Amendment. 9379................ Dec. 4........... National Pearl 76627 Harbor Remembrance Day, 2015. 9380................ Dec. 9........... Human Rights Day 77565 and Human Rights Week, 2015. 9381................ Dec. 14.......... Bill of Rights 78957 Day, 2015. 9382................ Dec. 16.......... Wright Brothers 79457 Day, 2015. 9383................ Dec. 21.......... To Take Certain 80617 Actions Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and for Other Purposes. 9384................ Dec. 23.......... To Modify the 81155 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ No. Signature Date Subject 81 FR Page ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2015............. 9385................ Dec. 31.......... National 713 Mentoring Month, 2016. 9386................ Dec. 31.......... National Slavery 715 and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2016. 9387................ Dec. 31.......... National 717 Stalking Awareness Month, 2016. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 493]] Table 2--EXECUTIVE ORDERS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ No. Signature Date Subject 80 FR Page ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2015........... 13687............. Jan. 2......... Imposing Additional 819 Sanctions With Respect to North Korea. 13688............. Jan. 16........ Federal Support for 3451 Local Law Enforcement Equipment Acquisition. 13689............. Jan. 21........ Enhancing 4191 Coordination of National Efforts in the Arctic. 13690............. Jan. 30........ Establishing a 6425 Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input. 13691............. Feb. 13........ Promoting Private 9349 Sector Cybersecurity Information Sharing. 13692............. Mar. 8......... Blocking Property 12747 and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela. 13693............. Mar. 19........ Planning for Federal 15871 Sustainability in the Next Decade. 13694............. Apr. 1......... Blocking the 18077 Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber- Enabled Activities. 13695............. May 26......... Termination of 30331 Emergency With Respect to the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Created by the Accumulation of a Large Volume of Weapons-Usable Fissile Material in the Territory of the Russian Federation. 13696............. June 17........ 2015 Amendments to 35783 the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States. 13697............. June 22........ Amendment to 36691 Executive Order 11155, Awards for Special Capability in Career and Technical Education. 13698............. June 24........ Hostage Recovery 37131 Activities. 13699............. June 26........ Establishing the 37529 Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health. 13700............. July 15........ Establishing an 43003 Emergency Board to Investigate Disputes Between New Jersey Transit Rail and Certain of Its Employees Represented by Certain Labor Organizations. 13701............. July 17........ Delegation of 43903 Certain Authorities and Assignment of Certain Functions Under the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015. 13702............. July 29........ Creating a National 46177 Strategic Computing Initiative. [[Page 494]] 13703............. July 30........ Implementing the 46181 National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States for 2015-2020. 13704............. Aug. 17........ Presidential 50751 Innovation Fellows Program. 13705............. Sept. 3........ Designating the 54405 International Renewable Energy Agency as a Public International Organization Entitled To Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities. 13706............. Sept. 7........ Establishing Paid 54697 Sick Leave for Federal Contractors. 13707............. Sept. 15....... Using Behavioral 56365 Science Insights To Better Serve the American People. 13708............. Sept. 30....... Continuance or 60271 Reestablishment of Certain Federal Advisory Committees. 13709............. Oct. 2......... National Security 60793 Medal. 13710............. Nov. 12........ Termination of 71679 Emergency With Respect to the Actions and Policies of Former Liberian President Charles Taylor. 13711............. Nov. 12........ Establishing an 71923 Emergency Board to Investigate Disputes Between New Jersey Transit Rail and Certain of Its Employees Represented by Certain Labor Organizations. 13712............. Nov. 22........ Blocking Property of 73633 Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Burundi. 13713............. Dec. 11........ Half-Day Closing of 78117 Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on Thursday, December 24, 2015. 13714............. Dec. 15........ Strengthening the 79225 Senior Executive Service. 13715............. Dec. 18........ Adjustments of 80195 Certain Rates of Pay. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 495]] Table 3--OTHER PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 80 FR Signature Date Subject Page ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2015 Jan. 15.................. Memorandum: Modernizing Federal 3135 Leave Policies for Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care to Recruit and Retain Talent and Improve Productivity. Jan. 16.................. Memorandum: Expanding Federal 3455 Support for Predevelopment Activities for Nonfederal Domestic Infrastructure Assets. Jan. 21.................. Notice: Continuation of the 3461 National Emergency With Respect to Terrorists Who Threaten to Disrupt the Middle East Peace Process. Feb. 2................... Order: Sequestration Order for 6645 Fiscal Year 2016 Pursuant to Section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as Amended. Feb. 4................... Notice: Continuation of the 6647 National Emergency With Respect to the Situation in or in Relation to Cote d'Ivoire. Feb. 15.................. Memorandum: Promoting Economic 9355 Competitiveness While Safeguarding Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties in Domestic Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Feb. 19.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 12071 Authority Under the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014. Feb. 20.................. Presidential Determination No. 10321 2015-4: Determination and Waiver Pursuant to Section 1209 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 Regarding the Provision of Assistance to Appropriately Vetted Elements of the Syrian Opposition. Feb. 23.................. Notice: Continuation of the 9983 National Emergency With Respect to Libya. Feb. 25.................. Notice: Continuation of the 11075 National Emergency With Respect to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels. Feb. 25.................. Memorandum: Establishment of the 11317 Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center. Mar. 3................... Notice: Continuation of the 12067 National Emergency With Respect to Ukraine. Mar. 3................... Notice: Continuation of the 12069 National Emergency With Respect to Zimbabwe. Mar. 4................... Memorandum: Delegation of 13479 Authority Pursuant to Section 1209(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. Mar. 10.................. Memorandum: Student Aid Bill of 13475 Rights to Help Ensure Affordable Loan Payment. Mar. 11.................. Notice: Continuation of the 13471 National Emergency With Respect to Iran. Mar. 12.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 13755 Authority Pursuant to Section 1278(b)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. [[Page 496]] Mar. 13.................. Memorandum: Providing an Order of 14289 Succession Within the Council on Environmental Quality. Mar. 25.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 22087 Authority Pursuant to Section 1236(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. Mar. 27.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 18517 Authority Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. Mar. 31.................. Notice: Continuation of the 18081 National Emergency With Respect to South Sudan. Mar. 31.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 19869 Authority to Transfer Certain Funds in Accordance With Section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended. Apr. 8................... Notice: Continuation of the 19193 National Emergency With Respect to Somalia. Apr. 10.................. Presidential Determination No. 22089 2015-5: Presidential Determination on the Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People's Republic of China Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Apr. 16.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 25207 Authority to Transfer Certain Funds in Accordance With Section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended. Apr. 29.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 27555 Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. May 6.................... Notice: Continuation of the 26815 National Emergency With Respect to Actions of the Government of Syria. May 7.................... Memorandum: Delegation of 32849 Authority Pursuant to Section 302(b) of the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2014. May 8.................... Notice: Continuation of the 27067 National Emergency With Respect to the Central African Republic. May 13................... Notice: Continuation of the 27851 National Emergency With Respect to Yemen. May 15................... Notice: Continuation of the 28805 National Emergency With Respect to Burma. May 15................... Memorandum: Delegations of 29201 Functions Under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. May 19................... Notice: Continuation of the 29527 National Emergency With Respect to the Stabilization of Iraq. May 19................... Presidential Determination No. 32851 2015-6: Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. June 3................... Presidential Determination No. 32853 2015-7: Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act. June 10.................. Notice: Continuation of the 34021 National Emergency With Respect to the Actions and Policies of Certain Members of the Government of Belarus and Other Persons to Undermine Belarus's Democratic Process or Institutions. June 11.................. Presidential Determination No. 36909 2015-8: Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Korea Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. June 19.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 42999 Authority Pursuant to Section 8 of the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014. [[Page 497]] June 22.................. Notice: Continuation of the 36461 National Emergency With Respect to North Korea. June 22.................. Notice: Continuation of the 36463 National Emergency With Respect to the Western Balkans. June 25.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 43001 Authority to Transfer Certain Funds in Accordance With Section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. June 29.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 37921 Authority Pursuant to Section 1035 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. July 10.................. Presidential Determination No. 43613 2015-9: Designation of the Republic of Tunisia as a Major Non-NATO Ally. July 17.................. Notice: Continuation of the 43297 National Emergency With Respect to the Former Liberian Regime of Charles Taylor. July 17.................. Memorandum: Delegation of Certain 43909 Functions and Authorities Under Section 135 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), as amended by the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015. July 21.................. Notice: Continuation of the 43907 National Emergency With Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations. July 29.................. Notice: Continuation of the 45839 National Emergency With Respect to Lebanon. Aug. 5................... Presidential Determination No. 50755 2015-10: Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia. Aug. 7................... Notice: Continuation of the 48233 National Emergency With Respect to Export Control Regulations. Aug. 28.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 55715 Authority to Transfer Certain Funds in Accordance With Section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Sept. 10................. Notice: Continuation of the 55013 National Emergency With Respect to Certain Terrorist Attacks. Sept. 11................. Presidential Determination No. 55503 2015-11: Continuation of the Exercise of Certain Authorites Under the Trading With the Enemy Act. Sept. 14................. Presidential Determination No. 57063 2015-12: Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2016. Sept. 18................. Notice: Continuation of the 57281 National Emergency With Respect to Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism. Sept. 24................. Memorandum: Delegation of 60511 Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Sept. 24................. Memorandum: Delegation of 61273 Authority Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. Sept. 29................. Memorandum: Delegation of 61275 Authority Under Sections 506(a)(1) and 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Sept. 29................. Memorandum: Delegation of 62429 Authority Under Section 404(c) of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008. Sept. 29................. Presidential Determination No. 62431 2015-13: Determination With Respect to the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008. Sept. 29................. Presidential Determination No. 62433 2015-14: Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2016. [[Page 498]] Oct. 5................... Presidential Determination No. 62435 2016-1: Presidential Determination With Respect to Foreign Governments' Efforts Regarding Trafficking in Persons. Oct. 5................... Memorandum: Delegation of 65605 Authority Under Sections 110(c) and (d)(4) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. Oct. 18.................. Memorandum: Delegation of Certain 66781 Functions and Authorities Under Section 213(b)(1) of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012. Oct. 18.................. Memorandum: Preparing for 66783 Implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of July 14, 2015 (JCPOA). Oct. 19.................. Notice: Continuation of the 63665 National Emergency With Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered in Colombia. Oct. 20.................. Memorandum: Delegation of 64305 Authority for Drafting and Submission of the International Trade Data System Annual Report to the Congress. Oct. 21.................. Notice: Continuation of the 65119 National Emergency With Respect to the Situation in or in Relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Oct. 28.................. Notice: Continuation of the 67259 National Emergency With Respect to Sudan. Nov. 3................... Memorandum: Mitigating Impacts on 68743 Natural Resources From Development and Encouraging Related Private Investment. Nov. 5................... Notice: Notice of Intention to 69561 Enter Into the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. Nov. 10.................. Notice: Continuation of the 70663 National Emergency With Respect to Iran. Nov. 12.................. Notice: Continuation of the 70667 National Emergency With Respect to the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Nov. 13.................. Presidential Determination No. 71927 2016-2: Distribution of Department of Defense Funded Humanitarian Assistance in Syria. Nov. 18.................. Presidential Determination No. 75921 2016-3: Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. Dec. 2................... Memorandum: Delegation of 76195 Reporting Functions Specified in Section 941 of the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. Dec. 2................... Presidential Determination No. 77567 2016-4: Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 499]] Title 3--The President Table 4--PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS AFFECTED DURING 2015 ________________________________________________________________________ Editorial note: The following abbreviations are used in this table: EO Executive Order FR Federal Register PLO Public Land Order (43 CFR, Appendix to Chapter II) Proc. Proclamation Pub. L. Public Law Stat. U.S. Statutes at Large WCPD Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents ________________________________________________________________________ Proclamations Date or Number Comment Proc. 6867.......See Notice of Feb. 25, p. 417.......................... Proc. 7463.......See Notice of Sept. 10, p. 450......................... Proc. 7757.......See Notice of Feb. 25, p. 417.......................... Proc. 7970.......See Proc. 9383......................................... Proc. 8039.......Amended by Proc. 9383.................................. Proc. 8271.......See Notice of June 22, p. 441.......................... Proc. 8294.......See Proc. 9383......................................... Proc. 8334.......See Proc. 9383......................................... Proc. 8467.......See Proc. 9383......................................... Proc. 8618.......See Proc. 9383......................................... Proc. 8693.......See EO 13687........................................... Proc. 8770.......See Proc. 9383......................................... Proc. 8783.......Amended by Proc. 9383.................................. Proc. 8818.......Amended by Proc. 9383.................................. Proc. 8894.......Amended by Proc. 9383.................................. Proc. 8921.......Amended by Proc. 9383; See Proc. 9383.................. Proc. 8947.......See EO 13708........................................... Proc. 9072.......See Proc. 9383......................................... Proc. 9223.......See Proc. 9383......................................... [[Page 500]] Executive Orders Date or Number Comment August 24, 1842..Revoked by PLO 7835 (80 FR 21760)...................... October 14, 1931.Revoked by PLO 7840 (80 FR 54801)...................... 10431............Amended by EO 13709.................................... 11145............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 11155............Amended by EO 13697.................................... 11183............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 11287............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 11582............See EO 13713........................................... 11612............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 11988............Amended by EO 13690.................................... 12131............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 12170............See Notices of Mar. 11, p. 426; Nov. 10, p. 473........ 12216............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 12333............See Memorandum of Feb. 25, p. 418...................... 12367............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 12382............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 12473............See EO 13696........................................... 12829............Amended by EOs 13691, 13708; Continued by EO 13708..... 12881............See EO 13702........................................... 12905............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 12915............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 12916............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 12938............See Notice of Nov. 12, p. 474.......................... 12947............See Notice of Jan. 21, p. 409.......................... 12957............See Notice of Mar. 11, p. 426.......................... 12959............See Notice of Mar. 11, p. 426.......................... 12963............See EO 13703; Continued by EO 13708.................... 12978............See Notice of Oct. 19, p. 465.......................... 12994............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13007............See Proc. 9297......................................... 13047............See Notice of May 15, p. 436........................... 13059............See Notice of Mar. 11, p. 426.......................... 13067............See Notice of Oct. 28, p. 467.......................... 13094............See Notice of Nov. 12, p. 474.......................... 13099............See Notice of Jan. 21, p. 409.......................... 13112............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13158............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13179............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13219............See Notice of June 22, p. 442.......................... 13222............See Notice of Aug. 7, p. 449........................... 13224............See Notice of Sept. 18, p. 455......................... 13231............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13265............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13303............See Notice of May 19, p. 438........................... [[Page 501]] 13304............See Notice of June 22, p. 442.......................... 13310............See Notice of May 15, p. 436........................... 13315............See Notice of May 19, p. 438........................... 13327............Amended by EO 13693.................................... 13348............Revoked by EO 13710; See Notice of July 17, p. 445..... 13350............See Notice of May 19, p. 438........................... 13364............See Notice of May 19, p. 438........................... 13372............See Notice of Jan. 21, p. 409.......................... 13382............See Notice of Nov. 12, p. 474.......................... 13396............See Notice of Feb. 4, p. 410........................... 13399............See Notice of May 6, p. 433............................ 13400............See Notice of Oct. 28, p. 467.......................... 13405............See Notice of June 10, p. 439.......................... 13412............See Notice of Oct. 28, p. 467.......................... 13413............See Notice of Oct. 21, p. 466.......................... 13423............Revoked by EO 13693.................................... 13432............Amended by EO 13693.................................... 13438............See Notice of May 19, p. 438........................... 13441............See Notice of July 29, p. 447.......................... 13448............See Notice of May 15, p. 436........................... 13460............See Notice of May 6, p. 433............................ 13464............See Notice of May 15, p. 436........................... 13466............See EO 13687; Notice of June 22, p. 441................ 13498............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13514............Revoked by EO 13693.................................... 13515............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13521............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13522............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13532............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13536............Continued by Notice of Apr. 8, p. 431.................. 13538............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13539............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13540............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13544............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13549............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13551............See EO 13687; Notice of June 22, p. 441................ 13553............See Notice of Mar. 11, p. 426.......................... 13555............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13563............See EO 13707........................................... 13566............See Notice of Feb. 23, p. 417.......................... 13570............See EO 13687; Notice of June 22, p. 441................ 13572............See Notice of May 6, p. 433............................ 13573............See Notice of May 6, p. 433............................ 13574............See Notice of Mar. 11, p. 426.......................... 13581............See Notice of July 21, p. 447.......................... 13582............See Notice of May 6, p. 433............................ [[Page 502]] 13583............See EO 13714........................................... 13590............See Notice of Mar. 11, p. 426.......................... 13599............See Notice of Mar. 11, p. 426.......................... 13600............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13606............See Notices of Mar. 11, p. 426; May 6, p. 433.......... 13608............See Notices of Mar. 11, p. 426; May 6, p. 433.......... 13610............See EO 13707........................................... 13611............See Notice of May 13, p. 436........................... 13617............Revoked by EO 13695.................................... 13619............See Notice of May 15, p. 436........................... 13620............See Notice of Apr. 8, p. 431........................... 13621............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13622............See Notice of Mar. 11, p. 426.......................... 13628............See Notice of Mar. 11, p. 426.......................... 13634............Reestablished by EO 13708.............................. 13636............See EO 13691........................................... 13645............See Notice of Mar. 11, p. 426.......................... 13648............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13649............See EO 13703........................................... 13651............Amended by Proc. 9383; See Notice of May 15, p. 436.... 13652............Superseded in part by EO 13708......................... 13653............Amended by EO 13693.................................... 13658............See EO 13706........................................... 13660............See Notice of Mar. 3, p. 420........................... 13661............See Notice of Mar. 3, p. 420........................... 13662............See Notice of Mar. 3, p. 420........................... 13664............Continued by Notice of Mar. 31, p. 430................. 13667............See Notice of May 8, p. 435............................ 13668............See Notice of May 19, p. 438........................... 13671............See Notice of Oct. 21, p. 466.......................... 13675............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13676............Continued by EO 13708.................................. 13677............Amended by EO 13693.................................... 13685............See Notice of Mar. 3, p. 420........................... 13686............Superseded by EO 13715................................. 13687............See Notice of June 22, p. 441.......................... 13700............See EO 13711........................................... Other Presidential Documents Date or Number Comment Memorandum of SepRevoked by Memorandum of Mar. 13, p. 427............... Memorandum of JulSee EO 13703........................................... Memorandum of MayRevoked by EO 13693.................................... Memorandum of DecRevoked by EO 13693.................................... Memorandum of FebRevoked in part by EO 13693............................ [[Page 503]] Memorandum of OctSee Memorandum of October 18, p. 463................... Memorandum of DecRevoked by EO 13693.................................... Memorandum of JunSee Memorandum of Jan. 15, p. 403...................... [[Page 505]] Title 3--The President Table 5--STATUTES CITED AS AUTHORITY FOR PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS ________________________________________________________________________ Editorial note: Statutes which were cited as authority for the issuance of Presidential documents contained in this volume are listed under one of these headings. For authority cites for hortatory proclamations, see the text of each proclamation: United States Code United States Statutes at Large Public Laws Short Title of Act Citations have been set forth in the style in which they appear in the documents. Since the form of citations varies from document to document, users of this table should search under all headings for pertinent references. ________________________________________________________________________ United States Code U.S. Code Citation Presidential Document 2 U.S.C. 901a................ Order of Feb. 2, p. 410 3 U.S.C. 301................. EOs 13687, 13692, 13710, 13712; Memorandums of Feb. 19, p. 415; Mar. 4, p. 422; Mar. 12, p. 427; Mar. 25, p. 428; Mar. 27, p. 429; Mar. 31, p. 430; Apr. 16, p. 432; Apr. 29, p. 433; May 7, p. 435; May 15, p. 437; June 19, p. 441; June 25, p. 443; June 29, p. 444; July 17, p. 446; Aug. 28, p. 449; Sept. 24, p. 456; Sept. 24, p. 456; Sept. 29, p. 457; Sept. 29, p. 457; Oct. 5, p. 462; Oct. 18, p. 463; Oct. 20, p. 465; Dec. 2, p. 476 5 U.S.C. App................. EO 13708 5 U.S.C. 105................. EO 13704 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq......... Memorandum of Mar. 13, p. 427 5 U.S.C. 5303................ EO 13715 5 U.S.C. 5546 and 6103(b).... EO 13713 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)......... Presidential Determination No. 15-14, p. 459 8 U.S.C. 1157................ Presidential Determination No. 15-14, p. 459 8 U.S.C. 1182(f)............. EOs 13687, 13692, 13694, 13712 10 U.S.C. 801-946............ EO 13696 10 U.S.C. 2249a(b)........... Presidential Determination No. 16-2, p. 474 19 U.S.C. 3601(a)............ Proc. 9383 22 U.S.C. 287c............... EO 13710 22 U.S.C. 288................ EO 13705 22 U.S.C. 2291-4............. Presidential Determination No. 15-10, p. 448 22 U.S.C. 2370c-1............ Memorandums of Sept. 29, pp. 457, 458 [[Page 506]] 22 U.S.C. 7107............... Presidential Determination No. 16-1, p. 460 29 U.S.C. 201 et seq......... EO 13706 29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq........ EO 13706 40 U.S.C. 121................ EO 13706 40 U.S.C. Ch. 31............. EO 13706 41 U.S.C. Ch. 67............. EO 13706 41 U.S.C. 1902(a)............ EO 13706 42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq........ Memorandum of July 17, p. 446 42 U.S.C. 2153(b)............ Presidential Determination Nos. 15-5, p. 432; 15-8, p. 440 42 U.S.C. 13925 et seq....... EO 13706 45 U.S.C. 159a............... EOs 13700, 13711 50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq........ EOs 13687, 13692, 13694, 13695, 13710, 13712; Proc. 9383 50 U.S.C. 1622(a)............ EO 13710 50 U.S.C. 1622(d)............ Notices of Jan. 21, p. 409; Feb. 4, p. 410; Feb. 23, p. 417; Feb. 25, p. 417; Mar. 3, pp. 420, 421; Mar. 11, p. 426; Mar. 31, p. 430; Apr. 8, p. 431; May 6, p. 433; May 8, p. 435; May 13, p. 436; May 15, p. 436; May 19, p. 438; June 10, p. 439; June 22, pp. 441, 442; July 17, p. 445; July 21, p. 447; July 29, p. 447; Aug. 7, p. 449; Sept. 10, p. 450; Sept. 18, p. 455; Oct. 19, p. 465; Oct. 21, p. 466; Oct. 28, p. 467; Nov. 10, p. 473; Nov. 12, p. 474 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq........ EOs 13687, 13692, 13695, 13710, 13712; Proc. 9383 50 U.S.C. 1701-1706.......... Notices of Mar. 3, p. 421; Apr. 8, p. 431; May 13, p. 436; June 10, p. 439; June 22, pp. 441, 442; July 17, p. 445; July 21, p. 447; July 29, p. 447; Sept. 18, p. 455; Nov. 10, p. 473 50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)......... EOs 13687, 13692, 13694 54 U.S.C. 320301............. Procs. 9232, 9233, 9234, 9297, 9298, 9299 Public Laws Law Number Presidential Document 93-638....................... EO 13706 95-223....................... Presidential Determination No. 15-11, p. 950 104-45....................... Presidential Determination Nos. 15-7, p. 439; 16-4, p. 476 107-228...................... Presidential Determination No. 15-12, p. 451 109-344...................... Notice of Oct. 28, p. 467 109-347...................... Memorandum of Oct. 20, p. 465 111-117...................... EO 13693 112-81....................... Presidential Determination Nos. 15-6, p. 438; 16-3, p. 475 112-239...................... Memorandum of June 29, p. 444 113-66....................... Memorandum of Dec. 2, p. 476 113-76 (Division K).......... Memorandums of Mar. 31, p. 430; Apr. 16, p. 432; Aug. 28, p. 449 113-150...................... Memorandum of May 7, p. 435 113-278...................... EO 13692 113-291...................... EO 13699; Memorandums of Mar. 4, p. 422; Mar. 12, p. 427; Mar. 25, p. 428; Mar. 27, p. 429; Sept. 24, p. 456; Presidential Determination No. 15-4, p. 416 113-296...................... Memorandum of June 19, p. 441 114-26....................... EO 13701; Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473 [[Page 507]] Short Title of Act Title Presidential Document African Growth and Opportunity Procs. 9333, 9383 Act (AGOA). Bipartisan Congressional Trade Proc. 9384 Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015. Critical Infrastructure EO 13691 Information Act of 2002. Delegation of Certain EO 13701 Authorities and Assignment of Certain Functions Under the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015. Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.. Memorandums of Mar. 31, p. 430; Apr. 16, p. 432; June 25, p. 443; Aug. 28, p. 449 Migration and Refugee Assistance Presidential Determination No. 15-14, Act of 1962. p. 459 National Security Act of 1947, Memorandum of Feb. 25, p. 418 as Amended. Protecting Americans from Tax Proc. 9384 Hikes Act of 2015. Trade Act of 1974............... Procs. 9333, 9383 United States-Bahrain Free Trade Proc. 9383 Agreement Implementation Act. United States-Colombia Trade Proc. 9383 Promotion Agreement Implementation Act. United States-Israel Free Trade Proc. 9383 Area Implementation Act of 1985. United States-Korea Free Trade Proc. 9383 Agreement Implementation Act. United States-Panama Trade Proc. 9383 Promotion Agreement Implementation Act. [[Page 509]] LIST OF CFR SECTIONS AFFECTED ________________________________________________________________________ Editorial note: All changes in this volume of the Code of Federal Regulations which were made by documents published in the Federal Register since January 1, 2001, are enumerated in the following list. Entries indicate the nature of the changes effected. Page numbers refer to Federal Register pages. The user should consult the entries for chapters and parts as well as sections for revisions. For the period before January 1, 2001, see the ``List of CFR Sections Affected, 1949-1963, 1964-1972, 1973-1985, and 1986-2000,'' published in 11 separate volumes. Presidential documents affected during 2015 are set forth in Table 4 on page 499. ________________________________________________________________________ 2001-2015 3 CFR (No regulations issued) [[Page 511]] INDEX _______________________________________________________________________ A Adoption Month, National (Proc. 9354) Advisory committees, Federal; continuation or reestablishment (EO 13708) African American History Month, National (Proc. 9230) African-American Music Appreciation Month (Proc. 9288) African Growth and Opportunity Act; designations under (Proc. 9383) Aircraft systems, unmanned; domestic use policies (Memorandum of Feb. 15, p. 411) Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, National (Proc. 9309) Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9355) American Education Week (Proc. 9366) American Red Cross Month (Proc. 9235) Americans with Disabilities Act; anniversary (Proc. 9302) America Recycles Day (Proc. 9368) Apprenticeship Week, National (Proc. 9363) Arctic National efforts to enhance coordination in the region; policy (EO 13689) Armed Forces Day (Proc. 9283) Armed Forces, U.S. Courts-Martial Manual, U.S. (EO 13696) National Security Medal award, regulations amended (EO 13709) Arms and munitions Russian Federation, risk of nuclear proliferation; termination of emergency (EO 13695) Arts and Humanities Month, National (Proc. 9331) Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Proc. 9266) B Balkans, Western; national emergency continued (Notice of June 22, p. 442) Basin and Range National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9297) Behavioral science research insights, Federal policy to improve performance and delivery of Government programs and services (EO 13707) Belarus; government members undermining democratic processes or institutions, national emergency continued (Notice of June 10, p. 439) Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9298) Bill of Rights Day (Proc. 9381) Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015; delegation authority and assignment of functions (EO 13701) Blind Americans Equality Day (Proc. 9349) Blocking property of persons engaged in malicious cyber-enabled activity (EO 13694) Boards, commissions, committees, etc. Arctic Executive Steering Committee; establishment (EO 13689) Federal advisory committees, continuation or reestablishment (EO 13708) Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell (HRFC); establishment (EO 13698) Hostage Response Group (HRG); establishment (EO 13698) Labor disputes, New Jersey Transit Rail; emergency board to investigate, establishment (EOs 13700, 13711) Law Enforcement Equipment Working Group; establishment (EO 13688) National Strategic Computing Initiative; establishment (EO 13702) PMC Subcommittee to Strengthen the Senior Executive Service; establishment (EO 13714) Presidential Innovation Fellows Program; establishment (EO 13704) Toxic Substances and Worker Health, Advisory Board; establishment (EO 13699) [[Page 512]] Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9334) Browns Canyon National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9232) Budget, Federal Sequestration order for FY 2016 (Order of Feb. 2, p. 410) Building Safety Month, National (Proc. 9262) Burma; national emergency continued (Notice of May 15, p. 436) Burundi; Property of certain persons, blocked (EO 13712) C California, honoring victims of the attack in San Bernardino (Proc. 9377) Cancer Control Month, National (Proc. 9247) Captive Nations Week (Proc. 9300) Career and technical education, special capability awards; amendment to EO 11155 (EO 13697) Caribbean-American Heritage Month, National (Proc. 9291) Central African Republic, national emergency continued (Notice of May 8, p. 435) Cesar Chavez Day (Proc. 9243) Character Counts Week, National (Proc. 9351) Charter Schools Week, National (Proc. 9272) Child Abuse Prevention Month, National (Proc. 9245) Child Health Day (Proc. 9341) Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9310) Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9311) Child's Day, National (Proc. 9370) Child welfare Delegation authority; waiver provision under Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 (Memorandum of Sept. 29, p. 457) Delegation authority; waiver provision under Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2014 (Memorandum of May 7, p. 435) Determination; waiver provision pursuant to the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 (Presidential Determination No. 15-13, p. 458) China, nuclear energy; proposed agreement for cooperation with U.S. (Presidential Determination No. 15-5, p. 432) College Application Month, National (Proc. 9356) Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9237) Colombia Drug interdiction assistance, U.S.; continuation (Presidential Determination No. 15-10, p. 448) National emergency respecting significant narcotics traffickers; continuation (Notice of Oct. 19, p. 465) Columbus Day (Proc. 9348) Commerce, Department of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, domestic; policies to support economic competition and protect individual privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties (Memorandum of Feb. 15, p. 411) Computer technology Cybersecurity Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center; establishment (Memorandum of Feb. 25, p. 418) Private-sector entities, promotion of information sharing (EO 13691) Sanctions against persons engaged in malicious cyber-enabled activities (EO 13694) Strategic Computing Initiative, National; establishment (EO 13702) Congo, national emergency continued (Notice of Oct. 21, p. 466) Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week (Proc. 9323) Consumer Protection Week, National (Proc. 9239) Cote d'Ivoire; national emergency continued (Notice of Feb. 4, p. 410) Crime Victims' Rights Week, National (Proc. 9257) Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month (Proc. 9357) Cuba Regulating the anchorage and movement of vessels; national emergency continued (Notice of Feb. 25, p. 417) Trading With the Enemy Act, exercising of authorities under; continued (Presidential Determination No. 15-11, p. 450) Cybersecurity Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9335) Cybersecurity information; promoting private sector sharing (EO 13691) D Day of Prayer, National (Proc. 9274) [[Page 513]] Day of Remembrance for President Abraham Lincoln (Proc. 9256) Days of Prayer and Remembrance, National (Proc. 9318) Decorations, medals, awards National Security Medal, award policies; amended (EO 13709) Special Capability in Career and Technical Education awards; EO 11155 amended (EO 13697) Defense and security, national Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center; establishment (Memorandum of Feb. 25, p. 418) Delegation of authority under the National Defense Authorization Act (Memorandums of Mar. 12, p. 427; Mar. 25, p, 428; Mar. 27, p. 429; Sept. 24, p. 456) Iran; sanctions under the National Defense Authorization Act for 2012, determination (Presidential Determination Nos. 15-6, p. 438; 16-3, p. 475 Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995; suspension of limitations (Presidential Determination Nos. 15-7, p. 439; 16-4, p. 476) Korea, North; additional U.S. sanctions imposed (EO 13687) Nuclear energy, peaceful uses; proposed agreement for cooperation between U.S. and South Korea (Presidential Determination No. 15-8, p. 440) Private sector cybersecurity information sharing; promotion (EO 13691) Syria; waiver provision of assistance for appropriately vetted members of the Syrian opposition (Presidential Determination No. 15-4, p. 416) Transnational Criminal Organizations; continuation of national emergency (Notice of July 21, p. 447) U.S. sanctions against persons engaged in malicious cyber-enabled activities (EO 13694) Defense, Department of Defense funded humanitarian assistance in Syria (Presidential Determination No. 16-2, p. 474) Delegation authority under National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2013 (Memorandum of June 29, p. 444) Delegation of reporting functions under National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2014 (Memorandum of Dec. 2, p. 476) Defense Transportation Day, National and National Transportation Week (Proc. 9276) Diabetes Month, National (Proc. 9360) Disability Employment Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9336) Domestic infrastructure projects, nonfederal; expansion of Federal action to support predevelopment activities (Memorandum of Jan. 16, p. 406) Domestic Violence Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9337) Donate Life Month, National (Proc. 9248) Drug traffic control Colombia; drug interdiction assistance, U.S.; continued (Presidential Determination No. 15-10, p. 448) Colombia, national emergency for significant narcotics traffickers; continued (Notice of Oct. 19, p. 465) Delegation of functions to the Treasury Secretary under Foreign Narcotics kingpin Designation Act (Memorandum of May 15, p. 437) Major illicit drug producing and major drug transit countries for FY 2016 (Presidential Determination No. 15-12, p. 451) E Earth Day (Proc. 9259) Education Presidential Scholars; amendment to Executive Order 11155 (EO 13697) Student aid bill of rights; student loan repayment protections to ensure affordability (Memorandum of Mar. 10, p. 422) Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. (Proc. 9244) Emergency Medical Services Week (Proc. 9281) Emergency preparedness Federal flood risk management standard and a process for solicitation and consideration of public input (EO 13690) Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, National (Proc. 9307) Employment Federal leave policies; modernization efforts to recruit and retain talent (Memorandum of Jan. 15, p. 403) Energy Action Month, National (Proc. 9332) Entrepreneurship Month, National (Proc. 9359) [[Page 514]] Environment Federal Arctic policies; national efforts to enhance coordination (EO 13689) Greenhouse gas emissions, Federal sustainability; reduction plans for the next decade (EO 13693) Natural resources; private investment promotion and steps to mitigate impacts from development (Memorandum of Nov. 3, p. 467) Environmental Quality Council; order of succession (Memorandum of Mar. 13, p. 427) Equal Pay Day, National (Proc. 9255) Equipment acquisition for local law enforcement agencies; coordination of Federal oversight (EO 13688) Export control regulations; national emergency continued (Notice of Aug. 7, p. 449) F Family Caregivers Month, National (Proc. 9361) Family Week, National (Proc. 9371) Farm Safety and Health Week, National (Proc. 9325) Father's Day (Proc. 9296) Federal Government executive departments and agencies half-day closing on December 24 (EO 13713) Federal leave policies for childbirth, adoption and foster care; modernization efforts (Memorandum of Jan. 15, p. 403) Federal sustainability; planning for the next decade (EO 13693) Financial Capability Month, National (Proc. 9246) Fire Prevention Week (Proc. 9340) Flag Day and National Flag Week (Proc. 9294) Flood risk management standard and stakeholder input solicitation and consideration procedures; establishment (EO 13690) Foreign aid Drawdown of defense services; delegation authority to Secretary of State (Memorandums of Apr. 29, p. 433; Sept. 24, p. 456; Sept. 29, p. 457) Syrian humanitarian assistance, Defense Department funded distribution, waiver of prohibition (Presidential Determination No. 16-2, p. 474) Transfer of funds; delegation authority to Secretary of State (Memorandums of Mar. 31, p. 430; Apr. 16, p. 432; June 25, p. 443) Foreign relations Human trafficking; determination on foreign governments compliance with Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (Presidential Determination No. 16-1, p. 460) International Renewable Energy Agency, designation as public international organization under the International Organizations Immunities Act (EO 13705) Liberian former President Charles Taylor, actions and policies of; termination of emergency (EO 13710) Major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries for FY 2016 (Presidential Determination No. 15-12, p. 451) Refugee admissions for FY 2016; determination (Presidential Determination No. 15-14, p. 459) Terrorism, persons committing or supporting; continuation of national emergency (Notice of Sept. 18, p. 455) Forest Products Week, National (Proc. 9352) Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, National (Proc. 9252) Foster Care Month, National (Proc. 9263) France, honoring victims of the attack in Paris (Proc. 9369) G Generalized System of Preferences; duty-free treatment, modification (Proc. 9333) General Pulaski Memorial Day (Proc. 9347) German-American Day (Proc. 9343) Get Smart About Antibiotics Week (Proc. 9367) Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day (Proc. 9328) Government organization and employees Contract workers Paid sick leave; effort to establish policy (EO 13706) Environmental Quality Council; order of succession (Memorandum of Mar. 13, p. 427) Executive departments and agencies, half-day closing on December 24 (EO 13713) [[Page 515]] Federal advisory committees, continued or reestablished (EO 13708) Federal sustainability; plans for the next decade (EO 13693) Hostage recovery activities; directive on recovery efforts (EO 13698) Leave policies for childbirth, adoption and foster care; modernization efforts (Memorandum of Jan. 15, p. 403) Nonfederal domestic infrastructure assets; Federal support for predevelopment activities, expansion (Memorandum of Jan. 16, p. 406) Pay rates and systems (EO 13715) Senior Executive Service; reforms to improve (EO 13714) State Department Delegation of authority (Memorandum of Feb. 19, p. 415) Transfer of funds; delegation authority (Memorandums of Mar. 31, p. 430; Aug. 28, p. 449) Toxic Substances and Worker Health, Advisory Board; establishment (EO 13699) Grandparents Day, National (Proc. 9321) Great Outdoors Month (Proc. 9289) Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy (Proc. 9242) H Head Start; 50th anniversary (Proc. 9284) Health care Federal contract workers, paid sick leave policy; establishment (EO 13706) HIV/AIDS, U.S. strategy for 2015-2020; implementation (EO 13703) Health Center Week, National (Proc. 9306) Heart Month, American (Proc. 9229) Helsinki Human Rights Day (Proc. 9375) Hispanic Heritage Month, National (Proc. 9322) Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, National (Proc. 9320) Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, National (Proc. 9326) Homeland Security, Department of Delegation authority for drafting and submitting International Trade Data System Annual Report to Congress (Memorandum of Oct. 20, p. 465) Honouliuli National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9234) Hostage Recovery Activities (EO 13698) Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week (Proc. 9380) Hunting and Fishing Day, National (Proc. 9329) Hurricane Preparedness Week, National (Proc. 9286) I Immigration Refugees; admissions for FY 2016 (Presidential Determination No. 15-14, p. 459) Trafficking in persons; foreign governments' compliance efforts (Presidential Determination No. 16-1, p. 460) Impaired Driving Prevention Month, National (Proc. 9373) International Day of Persons With Disabilities (Proc. 9376) International Day of the Girl (Proc. 9346) International Renewable Energy Agency; designation as a public international organization (EO 13705) Iran Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012; delegation of functions and authorities (Memorandum of Oct. 18, p. 463) Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of July 14, 2015 (JCPOA); implementation procedures (Memorandum of Oct. 18, p. 464) National emergency continued (Notices of Mar. 11, p. 426; Nov. 10, p. 473) Petroleum allocations; determination pursuant to National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012 (Presidential Determination Nos. 15-6, p. 438; 16-3, p. 475) Iraq, stabilization efforts; national emergency continued (Notice of May 19, p. 438) Irish-American Heritage Month (Proc. 9236) J Jerusalem Embassy Act; suspension of limitations (Presidential Determination Nos. 15-7, p. 439; 16-4, p. 476) Jewish American Heritage Month (Proc. 9261) [[Page 516]] Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) of July 14, 2015; implementation of U.S. commitments (Memorandum of Oct. 18, p. 464) K King, Martin Luther, Jr.; Federal Holiday (Proc. 9228) Korea, North National emergency continued (Notice of June 22, p. 441) Sanctions; additional measures imposed (EO 13687) Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, National (Proc. 9303) Korea, South; proposed agreement for cooperation with U.S. concerning peaceful uses of nuclear energy (Presidential Determination No. 15-8, p. 440) L Labor Day (Proc. 9316) Labor management relations Railroads and air carriers Labor disputes (rail) emergency board to investigate; establishment (EOs 13700, 13711) Law Day, U.S.A. (Proc. 9265) Law enforcement and crime Law enforcement agencies' acquisition of equipment; Federal support (EO 13688) Lebanon, national emergency continued (Notice of July 29, p. 447) Leif Erikson Day (Proc. 9344) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month (Proc. 9290) Liberia Charles Taylor, former President;termination of national emergency respecting actions and policies (EO 13710) Charles Taylor, former regime of; continuation of national emergency (Notice of July 17, p. 445) Libya National emergency continued (Notice of Feb. 23, p. 417) Loan programs-education Student aid bill of rights; loan repayment affordability, protection efforts (Memorandum of Mar. 10, p. 422) Loyalty Day (Proc. 9269) M Management and Budget, Office of Sequestration Order for FY 2016 (Order of Feb. 2, p. 410) Maritime Day, National (Proc. 9285) Medicare and Medicaid; 50th anniversary (Proc. 9305) Mental Health Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9267) Mentoring Month, National (Proc. 9385) Middle East Terrorists who threaten peace process; national emergency continued (Memorandum of Jan. 21, p. 409) Military Family Month (Proc. 9358) Military law, Courts-martial manual; amendments (EO 13696) Military Spouse Appreciation Day (Proc. 9275) Minority Enterprise Development Week (Proc. 9350) Monuments, national Basin and Range National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9297) Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9298) Browns Canyon National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9232) Honouliuli National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9234) Pullman National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9233) Waco Mammoth National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9299) Mother's Day (Proc. 9278) N National Defense Authorization Act Delegation of reporting functions to Secretary of Defense (Memorandum of Dec. 2, p. 476) National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012; determination to reduce Iranian oil volume and purchases (Presidential Determination Nos. 15-6, p. 438; 16-3, p. 475) National emergencies declared, terminated, continued, etc. Balkans, Western, emergency continued (Notice of June 22, p. 442) Belarus, government members and others undermining Democratic processes or institutions; emergency continued (Notice of June 10, p. 439) Burma, emergency continued (Notice of May 15, p. 436) [[Page 517]] Central African Republic, emergency continued (Notice of May 8, p. 435) Colombia, significant narcotics traffickers; emergency continued (Notice of Oct. 19, p. 465) Congo, emergency continued (Notice of Oct. 21, p. 466) Cote d'Ivoire, emergency continued (Notice of Feb. 4, p. 410) Cuba, regulation of anchorage and movement of vessels; emergency continued (Notice of Feb. 25, p. 417) Export control regulations; emergency continued (Notice of Aug. 7, p. 449) Iran, emergency continued (Notices of Mar. 11, p. 426; Nov. 10, p. 473) Iraq, stabilization efforts; emergency continued (Notice of May 19, p. 438) Lebanon, emergency continued (Notice of July 29, p. 447) Liberia, former regime of Charles Taylor; emergency continued (Notice of July 17, p. 445) Libya, emergency continued (Notice of Feb. 23, p. 417) Middle East peace process; terrorists threatening to disrupt, emergency continued (Notice of Jan. 21, p. 409) North Korea, emergency continued (Notice of June 22, p. 441) Russia, weapons-usable fissile material, risk of nuclear proliferation by accumulation; termination of national emergency (EO 13695) Somalia, emergency continued (Notice of Apr. 8, p. 431) South Sudan, emergency continued (Notices of Mar. 31, p. 430; Oct. 28, p. 467) Syria, emergency continued respecting government actions (Notice of May 6, p. 433) Terrorism, persons who commit or support; emergency continued (Notice of Sept. 18, p. 455) Terrorist attacks in U.S.; emergency continued (Notice of Sept. 10, p. 450) Transnational Criminal Organizations; emergency continued (Notice of July 21, p. 447) Ukraine, emergency continued (Notice of Mar. 3, p. 420) Venezuela; blocking property and suspension of entry of certain persons into the U.S. (EO 13692) Weapons of mass destruction, proliferation of; emergency continued (Notice of Nov. 12, p. 474) Yemen, emergency continued (Notice of May 13, p. 436) Zimbabwe, emergency continued (Notice of Mar. 3, p. 421) National HIV/AIDS strategy for the U.S. for 2015-2020; implementation (EO 13703) National Intelligence, Office of the Director Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center; establishment (Memorandum of Feb. 25, p. 418) Director, National Counterterrorism Center; delegation authority under National Defense Authorization Act for 2015 (Memorandum of Mar. 12, p. 427) Native American Heritage Month, National (Proc. 9362) Natural resources; efforts to foster private investment and mitigate impact from development (Memorandum of Nov. 3, p. 467) New Jersey Transit Rail; emergency board to investigate labor disputes; establishment (EOs 13700, 13711) North Atlantic Treaty Organization; major Non-NATO Ally designation of Tunisia (Presidential Determination No. 15-9, p. 444) Nuclear energy China; proposed agreement with U.S. for peaceful use (Presidential Determination No. 15-5, p. 432) Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of July 14, 2015 (JCPOA); implementation measures (Memorandum of Oct. 18, p. 464) O Oceans Month, National (Proc. 9292) Older Americans Month (Proc. 9268) Oregon, honoring victims of the tragedy in Rosenburg (Proc. 9342) Organizations, international Transnational Criminal Organizations; national emergency continued (Notice of July 21, p. 447) Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9312) [[Page 518]] P Pan American Day and Pan American Week (Proc. 9254) Park Week, National (Proc. 9258) Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance (Proc. 9319) Pay rates, Federal; adjustments (EO 13715) Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week (Proc. 9277) Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, National (Proc. 9379) Physical Fitness and Sports Month, National (Proc. 9264) Poison Prevention Week, National (Proc. 9241) POW/MIA Recognition Day, National (Proc. 9324) Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day (Proc. 9287) Preparedness Month, National (Proc. 9313) Presidential authority/function, delegations Counterterrorism Center, National (Memorandum of Mar. 12, p. 427) Defense, Department of (Memorandum of June 29, p. 444) Homeland Security, Department of (Memorandum of Oct. 20, p. 465) State, Department of (Memorandums of Feb. 19, p. 415; Mar. 4, p. 422; Mar. 25, p. 428; Mar. 27, p. 429; Mar. 31, p. 430; Apr. 16, p. 432; Apr. 29, p. 433; May 7, p. 435; June 19, p. 441; June 25, p. 443; July 17, p. 446; Aug. 28, p. 449; Sept. 24, p. 456; Sept. 24, p. 456; Sept. 29, p. 457; Sept. 29, p. 457; Oct. 5, p. 462; Oct. 18, p. 463) Trade Representative, Office of the U.S. (EO 13701) Treasury, Department of (Memorandums of May 15, p. 437; July 17, p. 446) Presidential Innovation Fellows Program (EO 13704) Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9314) Public Health Week, National (Proc. 9251) Public Lands Day, National (Proc. 9330) Public Service Recognition Week (Proc. 9271) Pullman National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9233) R Railroads New Jersey Transit Rail, labor dispute emergency board to investigate; establishment (EOs 13700, 13711 ) Read Across America Day (Proc. 9240) Religious Freedom Day (Proc. 9227) Russia Weapons-usable fissile material, nuclear proliferation; termination of national emergency (EO 13695) S Safe Boating Week, National (Proc. 9280) School Lunch Week, National (Proc. 9345) Science and Technology Policy Office Behavioral science insights; implementation to improve Government service (EO 13707) Senior Executive Service; efforts to strengthen and improve (EO 13714) Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, National (Proc. 9249) Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, National (Proc. 9386) Small Business Week, National (Proc. 9270) Somalia National emergency continued (Notice of Apr. 8, p. 431) Special observances 150th Anniversary of the 13th Amendment (Proc. 9378) 50th Anniversary of Head Start (Proc. 9284) 50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid (Proc. 9305) African-American Music Appreciation Month (Proc. 9288) American Education Week (Proc. 9366) American Heart Month (Proc. 9229) American Red Cross Month (Proc. 9235) America Recycles Day (Proc. 9368) Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Proc. 9302) Armed Forces Day (Proc. 9283) Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Proc. 9266) Bill of Rights Day (Proc. 9381) Blind Americans Equality Day (Proc. 9349) Captive Nations Week (Proc. 9300) Cesar Chavez Day (Proc. 9243) Child Health Day (Proc. 9341) [[Page 519]] Columbus Day (Proc. 9348) Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week (Proc. 9323) Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month (Proc. 9357) Day of Remembrance for President Abraham Lincoln (Proc. 9256) Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. (Proc. 9244) Emergency Medical Services Week (Proc. 9281) Father's Day (Proc. 9296) Fire Prevention Week (Proc. 9340) Flag Day and National Flag Week (Proc. 9294) General Pulaski Memorial Day (Proc. 9347) German-American Day (Proc. 9343) Get Smart About Antibiotics Week (Proc. 9367) Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day (Proc. 9328) Great Outdoors Month (Proc. 9289) Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy (Proc. 9242) Helsinki Human Rights Day (Proc. 9375) Honoring the Victims of the Attack in Paris, France (Proc. 9369) Honoring the Victims of the Attack in San Bernardino, California (Proc. 9377) Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Chattanooga, Tennessee (Proc. 9301) Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Roseburg, Oregon (Proc. 9342) Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week (Proc. 9380) International Day of Persons With Disabilities (Proc. 9376) International Day of the Girl (Proc. 9346) Irish-American Heritage Month (Proc. 9236) Jewish American Heritage Month (Proc. 9261) Labor Day (Proc. 9316) Law Day, U.S.A. (Proc. 9265) Leif Erikson Day (Proc. 9344) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month (Proc. 9290) Loyalty Day (Proc. 9269) Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday (Proc. 9228) Military Family Month (Proc. 9358) Military Spouse Appreciation Day (Proc. 9275) Minority Enterprise Development Week (Proc. 9350) Mother's Day (Proc. 9278) National Adoption Month (Proc. 9354) National African American History Month (Proc. 9230) National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Proc. 9309) National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month (Proc. 9355) National Apprenticeship Week (Proc. 9363) National Arts and Humanities Month (Proc. 9331) National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Proc. 9334) National Building Safety Month (Proc. 9262) National Cancer Control Month (Proc. 9247) National Caribbean-American Heritage Month (Proc. 9291) National Character Counts Week (Proc. 9351) National Charter Schools Week (Proc. 9272) National Child Abuse Prevention Month (Proc. 9245) National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (Proc. 9310) National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month (Proc. 9311) National Child's Day (Proc. 9370) National College Application Month (Proc. 9356) National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (Proc. 9237) National Consumer Protection Week (Proc. 9239) National Crime Victims' Rights Week (Proc. 9257) National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (Proc. 9335) National Day of Prayer (Proc. 9274) National Days of Prayer and Remembrance (Proc. 9318) National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week (Proc. 9276) National Diabetes Month (Proc. 9360) National Disability Employment Awareness Month (Proc. 9336) National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Proc. 9337) [[Page 520]] National Donate Life Month (Proc. 9248) National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week (Proc. 9307) National Energy Action Month (Proc. 9332) National Entrepreneurship Month (Proc. 9359) National Equal Pay Day (Proc. 9255) National Family Caregivers Month (Proc. 9361) National Family Week (Proc. 9371) National Farm Safety and Health Week (Proc. 9325) National Financial Capability Month (Proc. 9246) National Forest Products Week (Proc. 9352) National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day (Proc. 9252) National Foster Care Month (Proc. 9263) National Grandparents Day (Proc. 9321) National Health Center Week (Proc. 9306) National Hispanic Heritage Month (Proc. 9322) National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week (Proc. 9320) National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week (Proc. 9326) National Hunting and Fishing Day (Proc. 9329) National Hurricane Preparedness Week (Proc. 9286) National Impaired Driving Prevention Month (Proc. 9373) National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (Proc. 9303) National Maritime Day (Proc. 9285) National Mental Health Awareness Month (Proc. 9267) National Mentoring Month (Proc. 9385) National Native American Heritage Month (Proc. 9362) National Oceans Month (Proc. 9292) National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (Proc. 9312) National Park Week (Proc. 9258) National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Proc. 9379) National Physical Fitness and Sports Month (Proc. 9264) National Poison Prevention Week (Proc. 9241) National POW/MIA Recognition Day (Proc. 9324) National Preparedness Month (Proc. 9313) National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (Proc. 9314) National Public Health Week (Proc. 9251) National Public Lands Day (Proc. 9330) National Safe Boating Week (Proc. 9280) National School Lunch Week (Proc. 9345) National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (Proc. 9249) National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month (Proc. 9386) National Small Business Week (Proc. 9270) National Stalking Awareness Month (Proc. 9387) National Substance Abuse Prevention Month (Proc. 9338) National Teacher Appreciation Day and National Teacher Appreciation Week (Proc. 9273) National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (Proc. 9231) National Volunteer Week (Proc. 9253) National Voter Registration Day (Proc. 9327) National Week of Making (Proc. 9293) National Wilderness Month (Proc. 9315) National Women's Health Week (Proc. 9279) National Youth Justice Awareness Month (Proc. 9339) Older Americans Month (Proc. 9268) Pan American Day and Pan American Week (Proc. 9254) Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance (Proc. 9319) Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week (Proc. 9277) Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day (Proc. 9287) Public Service Recognition Week (Proc. 9271) Read Across America Day (Proc. 9240) Religious Freedom Day (Proc. 9227) Thanksgiving Day (Proc. 9372) United Nations Day (Proc. 9353) Veterans Day (Proc. 9364) [[Page 521]] Women's Equality Day (Proc. 9308) Women's History Month (Proc. 9238) Workers Memorial Day (Proc. 9260) World AIDS Day (Proc. 9374) World Autism Awareness Day (Proc. 9250) World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Proc. 9295) World Freedom Day (Proc. 9365) World Hepatitis Day (Proc. 9304) World Suicide Prevention Day (Proc. 9317) World Trade Week (Proc. 9282) Wright Brothers Day (Proc. 9382) Stalking Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9387) State Department Atomic Energy Act of 1954; delegation of authorities and functions under (Memorandum of July 17, p. 446) Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008; delegation authority under (Memorandum of Sept. 29, p. 457) Delegation of reporting authority under Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 (Memorandum of Feb. 19, p. 415) Determination; waiver provision under Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 (Presidential Determination No. 15-13, p. 458) Drawdown of funds and or services; delegation authority (Memorandums of Apr. 29, p. 433; Sept. 24, p. 456) Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, transfer of certain funds; delegation authority (Memorandums of Mar. 31, p. 430; Apr. 16, p. 432; June 25, p. 443; Aug. 28, p. 449) Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012; delegation of functions and authorities (Memorandum of Oct. 18, p. 463) National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2015; delegation authority (Memorandums of Mar. 4, p. 422; Mar. 25, p. 428; Mar. 27, p. 429) Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2014; delegation of authorities and functions (Memorandum of May 7, p. 435) Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000; delegation authority (Memorandum of Oct. 5, p. 462) U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014; delegation authority (Memorandum of June 19, p. 441) Strategic Computing Initiative, National; establishment (EO 13702) Substance Abuse Prevention Month, National (Proc. 9338) Sudan, South; national emergency continued (Notices of Mar. 31, p. 430; Oct. 28, p. 467) Syria Delegation of functions and authorities to Secretary of State under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (Memorandum of Oct. 18, p. 463) Department of Defense funded humanitarian assistance; waiver on prohibition of distribution (Presidential Determination No. 16-2, p. 474) Government actions; national emergency continued (Notice of May 6, p. 433) Provision of Assistance; determination and waiver regarding restrictions for Syrian opposition (Presidential Determination No. 15-4, p. 416) T Tariff Schedule of the U.S.; modification (Proc. 9384) Taylor, Charles, former President of Liberia; actions and policies, termination of emergency (EO 13710) Teacher Appreciation Day and National Teacher Appreciation Week, National (Proc. 9273) Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, National (Proc. 9231) Tennessee, honoring victims of the tragedy in Chattanooga (Proc. 9301) Terrorism Hostage recovery activities (EO 13698) National Counterterrorism Center; delegation of authority to Director (Memorandum of Mar. 12, p. 427) Persons who commit, threaten to commit or support; national emergency continued (Notice of Sept. 18, p. 455) Terrorist attacks in the U.S.; national emergency continued (Notice of Sept. 10, p. 450) Thanksgiving Day (Proc. 9372) Thirteenth Amendment, 150th anniversary (Proc. 9378) Toxic Substances and Worker Health, Advisory Board; establishment (EO 13699) [[Page 522]] Trade African Growth and Opportunity Act; designation and removal of beneficiary countries (Proc. 9383) Australia-U.S., Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intent to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Brunei Darussalam-U.S., Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intent to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Canada-U.S., Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intent to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Chile-U.S., Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intent to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Generalized System of Preferences; modification of duty-free treatment (Proc. 9333) Japan-U.S., Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intent to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Malaysia-U.S., Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intent to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Mexico-U.S., Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intent to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) New Zealand-U.S., Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intent to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Peru-U.S., Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intent to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Singapore-U.S., Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intent to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Tariff Schedule of the U.S.; modification (Proc. 9384) Trading With the Enemy Act; continuation of certain authorities (Presidential Determination No. 15-11, p. 450) Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intention to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Vietnam-U.S., Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; notice of intent to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Trade Representative, U.S.; delegation of authorities and assignment of functions under Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (EO 13701) Treasury, Department of the Burundi; blocking property of certain persons (EO 13712) Delegation of functions under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Memorandum of May 15, p. 437) Venezuela; blocking property and suspending entry of certain persons (EO 13692) Treaties and international agreements China; proposed agreement for cooperation with U.S. regarding peaceful uses of nuclear energy (Presidential Determination No. 15-5, p. 432) South Korea; proposed agreement for cooperation with U.S. in peaceful uses of nuclear energy (Presidential Determination No. 15-8, p. 440) Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement; U.S. notice of intention to enter (Notice of Nov. 5, p. 473) Tunisia; designation as major non-NATO Ally (Presidential Determination No. 15-9, p. 444) U Ukraine Delegation authority to Secretary of State under Ukraine Freedom Support Act (Memorandum of Feb. 19, p. 415) National emergency continued (Notice of Mar. 3, p. 420) United Nations Day (Proc. 9353) V Venezuela; blocking property and suspension of entry into U.S. of certain persons (EO 13692) Veterans Day (Proc. 9364) Volunteer Week, National (Proc. 9253) Voter Registration Day, National (Proc. 9327) W Waco Mammoth National Monument; establishment (Proc. 9299) Wages Federal contract workers, paid sick leave for; establishment (EO 13706) Pay rate adjustments (EO 13715) Weapons of mass destruction North Korea, weapons-usable fissile material proliferation risk; national emergency continued (Notice of June 22, p. 441) [[Page 523]] Proliferation of; continuation of national emergency (Notice of Nov. 12, p. 474) Russia, nuclear proliferation risk; termination of national emergency (EO 13695) Week of Making, National (Proc. 9293) White House Fellowships, Presidential Innovation Fellows Program (EO 13704) Wilderness Month, National (Proc. 9315) Women's Equality Day (Proc. 9308) Women's Health Week, National (Proc. 9279) Women's History Month (Proc. 9238) Workers Memorial Day (Proc. 9260) World AIDS Day (Proc. 9374) World Autism Awareness Day (Proc. 9250) World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Proc. 9295) World Freedom Day (Proc. 9365) World Hepatitis Day (Proc. 9304) World Suicide Prevention Day (Proc. 9317) World Trade Week (Proc. 9282) Wright Brothers Day (Proc. 9382) Y Yemen National emergency continued (Notice of May 13, p. 436) Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, waiver provision; delegation authority (Memorandum of Oct. 5, p. 462) Youth Justice Awareness Month, National (Proc. 9339) Z Zimbabwe; national emergency continued (Notice of Mar. 3, p. 421) [[Page 525]] CFR FINDING AIDS ________________________________________________________________________ Editorial note: A list of CFR titles, subtitles, chapters, subchapters, and parts, and an alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are included in the CFR Index and Finding Aids volume to the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published separately and revised annually as of January 1. The two finding aids on the following pages, the ``Table of CFR Titles and Chapters'' and the ``Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR'' apply to all 50 titles of the Code of Federal Regulations. Reference aids specific to this volume appear in the section entitled ``Title 3 Finding Aids,'' found on page 487. [[Page 527]] Table of CFR Titles and Chapters (Revised as of January 1, 2016) Title 1--General Provisions I Administrative Committee of the Federal Register (Parts 1--49) II Office of the Federal Register (Parts 50--299) III Administrative Conference of the United States (Parts 300--399) IV Miscellaneous Agencies (Parts 400--500) Title 2--Grants and Agreements Subtitle A--Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements I Office of Management and Budget Governmentwide Guidance for Grants and Agreements (Parts 2--199) II Office of Management and Budget Guidance (Parts 200-- 299) Subtitle B--Federal Agency Regulations for Grants and Agreements III Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300-- 399) IV Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499) VI Department of State (Parts 600--699) VII Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799) VIII Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899) IX Department of Energy (Parts 900--999) XI Department of Defense (Parts 1100--1199) XII Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299) XIII Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399) XIV Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499) XV Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599) XVIII National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 1800--1899) XX United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 2000--2099) XXII Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 2200--2299) XXIII Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399) XXIV Housing and Urban Development (Parts 2400--2499) XXV National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599) XXVI National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 2600--2699) XXVII Small Business Administration (Parts 2700--2799) XXVIII Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899) [[Page 528]] XXIX Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999) XXX Department of Homeland Security (Parts 3000--3099) XXXI Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 3100-- 3199) XXXII National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 3200--3299) XXXIII National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 3300-- 3399) XXXIV Department of Education (Parts 3400--3499) XXXV Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 3500-- 3599) XXXVI Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President (Parts 3600--3699) XXXVII Peace Corps (Parts 3700--3799) LVIII Election Assistance Commission (Parts 5800--5899) LIX Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 5900-- 5999) Title 3--The President I Executive Office of the President (Parts 100--199) Title 4--Accounts I Government Accountability Office (Parts 1--199) II Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board (Parts 200--299) Title 5--Administrative Personnel I Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1--1199) II Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 1200--1299) III Office of Management and Budget (Parts 1300--1399) V The International Organizations Employees Loyalty Board (Parts 1500--1599) VI Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 1600--1699) VIII Office of Special Counsel (Parts 1800--1899) IX Appalachian Regional Commission (Parts 1900--1999) XI Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 2100--2199) XIV Federal Labor Relations Authority, General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority and Federal Service Impasses Panel (Parts 2400--2499) XV Office of Administration, Executive Office of the President (Parts 2500--2599) XVI Office of Government Ethics (Parts 2600--2699) XXI Department of the Treasury (Parts 3100--3199) XXII Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 3200-- 3299) XXIII Department of Energy (Parts 3300--3399) XXIV Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Parts 3400-- 3499) XXV Department of the Interior (Parts 3500--3599) XXVI Department of Defense (Parts 3600--3699) XXVIII Department of Justice (Parts 3800--3899) [[Page 529]] XXIX Federal Communications Commission (Parts 3900--3999) XXX Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 4000-- 4099) XXXI Farm Credit Administration (Parts 4100--4199) XXXIII Overseas Private Investment Corporation (Parts 4300-- 4399) XXXIV Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 4400--4499) XXXV Office of Personnel Management (Parts 4500--4599) XXXVII Federal Election Commission (Parts 4700--4799) XL Interstate Commerce Commission (Parts 5000--5099) XLI Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 5100-- 5199) XLII Department of Labor (Parts 5200--5299) XLIII National Science Foundation (Parts 5300--5399) XLV Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 5500-- 5599) XLVI Postal Rate Commission (Parts 5600--5699) XLVII Federal Trade Commission (Parts 5700--5799) XLVIII Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 5800--5899) XLIX Federal Labor Relations Authority (Parts 5900--5999) L Department of Transportation (Parts 6000--6099) LII Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 6200-- 6299) LIII Department of Education (Parts 6300--6399) LIV Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 6400--6499) LV National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 6500--6599) LVI National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 6600-- 6699) LVII General Services Administration (Parts 6700--6799) LVIII Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Parts 6800--6899) LIX National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 6900--6999) LX United States Postal Service (Parts 7000--7099) LXI National Labor Relations Board (Parts 7100--7199) LXII Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 7200-- 7299) LXIII Inter-American Foundation (Parts 7300--7399) LXIV Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 7400--7499) LXV Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 7500--7599) LXVI National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 7600--7699) LXVII Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 7700-- 7799) LXVIII Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 7800--7899) LXIX Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 7900--7999) LXX Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (Parts 8000--8099) LXXI Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 8100--8199) LXXIII Department of Agriculture (Parts 8300--8399) LXXIV Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (Parts 8400--8499) LXXVI Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 8600--8699) [[Page 530]] LXXVII Office of Management and Budget (Parts 8700--8799) LXXX Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 9000--9099) LXXXIII Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (Parts 9300--9399) LXXXIV Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Parts 9400-- 9499) LXXXVI National Credit Union Administration (Parts 9600-- 9699) XCVII Department of Homeland Security Human Resources Management System (Department of Homeland Security--Office of Personnel Management) (Parts 9700--9799) XCVII Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (Parts 9800--9899) XCIV Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (Parts 9900--9999) Title 6--Domestic Security I Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary (Parts 1--199) X Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (Parts 1000--1099) Title 7--Agriculture Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Agriculture (Parts 0--26) Subtitle B--Regulations of the Department of Agriculture I Agricultural Marketing Service (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), Department of Agriculture (Parts 27--209) II Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 210--299) III Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 300--399) IV Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499) V Agricultural Research Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 500--599) VI Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 600--699) VII Farm Service Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 700--799) VIII Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (Federal Grain Inspection Service), Department of Agriculture (Parts 800--899) IX Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), Department of Agriculture (Parts 900--999) X Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements and Orders; Milk), Department of Agriculture (Parts 1000--1199) XI Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements and Orders; Miscellaneous Commodities), Department of Agriculture (Parts 1200--1299) [[Page 531]] XIV Commodity Credit Corporation, Department of Agriculture (Parts 1400--1499) XV Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 1500--1599) XVI Rural Telephone Bank, Department of Agriculture (Parts 1600--1699) XVII Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 1700--1799) XVIII Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Farm Service Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 1800-- 2099) XX Local Television Loan Guarantee Board (Parts 2200-- 2299) XXV Office of Advocacy and Outreach, Department of Agriculture (Parts 2500--2599) XXVI Office of Inspector General, Department of Agriculture (Parts 2600--2699) XXVII Office of Information Resources Management, Department of Agriculture (Parts 2700--2799) XXVIII Office of Operations, Department of Agriculture (Parts 2800--2899) XXIX Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Department of Agriculture (Parts 2900--2999) XXX Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture (Parts 3000--3099) XXXI Office of Environmental Quality, Department of Agriculture (Parts 3100--3199) XXXII Office of Procurement and Property Management, Department of Agriculture (Parts 3200--3299) XXXIII Office of Transportation, Department of Agriculture (Parts 3300--3399) XXXIV National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Parts 3400--3499) XXXV Rural Housing Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 3500--3599) XXXVI National Agricultural Statistics Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 3600--3699) XXXVII Economic Research Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 3700--3799) XXXVIII World Agricultural Outlook Board, Department of Agriculture (Parts 3800--3899) XLI [Reserved] XLII Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 4200-- 4299) Title 8--Aliens and Nationality I Department of Homeland Security (Immigration and Naturalization) (Parts 1--499) V Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of Justice (Parts 1000--1399) [[Page 532]] Title 9--Animals and Animal Products I Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 1--199) II Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (Packers and Stockyards Programs), Department of Agriculture (Parts 200--299) III Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 300--599) Title 10--Energy I Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 0--199) II Department of Energy (Parts 200--699) III Department of Energy (Parts 700--999) X Department of Energy (General Provisions) (Parts 1000--1099) XIII Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board (Parts 1300-- 1399) XVII Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Parts 1700-- 1799) XVIII Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission (Parts 1800--1899) Title 11--Federal Elections I Federal Election Commission (Parts 1--9099) II Election Assistance Commission (Parts 9400--9499) Title 12--Banks and Banking I Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the Treasury (Parts 1--199) II Federal Reserve System (Parts 200--299) III Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 300--399) IV Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 400-- 499) V Office of Thrift Supervision, Department of the Treasury (Parts 500--599) VI Farm Credit Administration (Parts 600--699) VII National Credit Union Administration (Parts 700--799) VIII Federal Financing Bank (Parts 800--899) IX Federal Housing Finance Board (Parts 900--999) X Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Parts 1000-- 1099) XI Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (Parts 1100--1199) XII Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 1200--1299) XIII Financial Stability Oversight Council (Parts 1300-- 1399) XIV Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 1400-- 1499) XV Department of the Treasury (Parts 1500--1599) XVI Office of Financial Research (Parts 1600--1699) XVII Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 1700--1799) [[Page 533]] XVIII Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, Department of the Treasury (Parts 1800--1899) Title 13--Business Credit and Assistance I Small Business Administration (Parts 1--199) III Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 300--399) IV Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board (Parts 400--499) V Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board (Parts 500--599) Title 14--Aeronautics and Space I Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 1--199) II Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation (Aviation Proceedings) (Parts 200--399) III Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 400--1199) V National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 1200--1299) VI Air Transportation System Stabilization (Parts 1300-- 1399) Title 15--Commerce and Foreign Trade Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Commerce (Parts 0--29) Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade I Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce (Parts 30--199) II National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce (Parts 200--299) III International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 300--399) IV Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Department of Commerce (Parts 400--499) VII Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce (Parts 700--799) VIII Bureau of Economic Analysis, Department of Commerce (Parts 800--899) IX National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 900--999) XI Technology Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 1100--1199) XIII East-West Foreign Trade Board (Parts 1300--1399) XIV Minority Business Development Agency (Parts 1400-- 1499) Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Foreign Trade Agreements [[Page 534]] XX Office of the United States Trade Representative (Parts 2000--2099) Subtitle D--Regulations Relating to Telecommunications and Information XXIII National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 2300--2399) Title 16--Commercial Practices I Federal Trade Commission (Parts 0--999) II Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 1000--1799) Title 17--Commodity and Securities Exchanges I Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 1--199) II Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 200--399) IV Department of the Treasury (Parts 400--499) Title 18--Conservation of Power and Water Resources I Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy (Parts 1--399) III Delaware River Basin Commission (Parts 400--499) VI Water Resources Council (Parts 700--799) VIII Susquehanna River Basin Commission (Parts 800--899) XIII Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 1300--1399) Title 19--Customs Duties I U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Department of the Treasury (Parts 0--199) II United States International Trade Commission (Parts 200--299) III International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 300--399) IV U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 400--599) Title 20--Employees' Benefits I Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department of Labor (Parts 1--199) II Railroad Retirement Board (Parts 200--399) III Social Security Administration (Parts 400--499) IV Employees' Compensation Appeals Board, Department of Labor (Parts 500--599) V Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor (Parts 600--699) [[Page 535]] VI Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department of Labor (Parts 700--799) VII Benefits Review Board, Department of Labor (Parts 800--899) VIII Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries (Parts 900--999) IX Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of Labor (Parts 1000--1099) Title 21--Food and Drugs I Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 1--1299) II Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice (Parts 1300--1399) III Office of National Drug Control Policy (Parts 1400-- 1499) Title 22--Foreign Relations I Department of State (Parts 1--199) II Agency for International Development (Parts 200--299) III Peace Corps (Parts 300--399) IV International Joint Commission, United States and Canada (Parts 400--499) V Broadcasting Board of Governors (Parts 500--599) VII Overseas Private Investment Corporation (Parts 700-- 799) IX Foreign Service Grievance Board (Parts 900--999) X Inter-American Foundation (Parts 1000--1099) XI International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, United States Section (Parts 1100--1199) XII United States International Development Cooperation Agency (Parts 1200--1299) XIII Millennium Challenge Corporation (Parts 1300--1399) XIV Foreign Service Labor Relations Board; Federal Labor Relations Authority; General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority; and the Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel (Parts 1400--1499) XV African Development Foundation (Parts 1500--1599) XVI Japan-United States Friendship Commission (Parts 1600--1699) XVII United States Institute of Peace (Parts 1700--1799) Title 23--Highways I Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 1--999) II National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299) III National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 1300--1399) [[Page 536]] Title 24--Housing and Urban Development Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 0--99) Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban Development I Office of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 100--199) II Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 200--299) III Government National Mortgage Association, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 300--399) IV Office of Housing and Office of Multifamily Housing Assistance Restructuring, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 400--499) V Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 500--599) VI Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 600--699) [Reserved] VII Office of the Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Housing Assistance Programs and Public and Indian Housing Programs) (Parts 700-- 799) VIII Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Section 8 Housing Assistance Programs, Section 202 Direct Loan Program, Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program and Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons With Disabilities Program) (Parts 800--899) IX Office of Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 900--1699) X Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Interstate Land Sales Registration Program) (Parts 1700--1799) XII Office of Inspector General, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 2000--2099) XV Emergency Mortgage Insurance and Loan Programs, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 2700--2799) [Reserved] XX Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 3200--3899) XXIV Board of Directors of the HOPE for Homeowners Program (Parts 4000--4099) [Reserved] XXV Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (Parts 4100-- 4199) Title 25--Indians I Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior (Parts 1--299) [[Page 537]] II Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Department of the Interior (Parts 300--399) III National Indian Gaming Commission, Department of the Interior (Parts 500--599) IV Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation (Parts 700--799) V Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, and Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services (Part 900) VI Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior (Parts 1000--1199) VII Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, Department of the Interior (Parts 1200--1299) Title 26--Internal Revenue I Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 1--End) Title 27--Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms I Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury (Parts 1--399) II Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice (Parts 400--699) Title 28--Judicial Administration I Department of Justice (Parts 0--299) III Federal Prison Industries, Inc., Department of Justice (Parts 300--399) V Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice (Parts 500-- 599) VI Offices of Independent Counsel, Department of Justice (Parts 600--699) VII Office of Independent Counsel (Parts 700--799) VIII Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (Parts 800--899) IX National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council (Parts 900--999) XI Department of Justice and Department of State (Parts 1100--1199) Title 29--Labor Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Labor (Parts 0--99) Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Labor I National Labor Relations Board (Parts 100--199) II Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of Labor (Parts 200--299) III National Railroad Adjustment Board (Parts 300--399) [[Page 538]] IV Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of Labor (Parts 400--499) V Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor (Parts 500--899) IX Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Commission (Parts 900--999) X National Mediation Board (Parts 1200--1299) XII Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (Parts 1400--1499) XIV Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 1600-- 1699) XVII Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor (Parts 1900--1999) XX Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (Parts 2200--2499) XXV Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor (Parts 2500--2599) XXVII Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (Parts 2700--2799) XL Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (Parts 4000-- 4999) Title 30--Mineral Resources I Mine Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor (Parts 1--199) II Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Department of the Interior (Parts 200--299) IV Geological Survey, Department of the Interior (Parts 400--499) V Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Department of the Interior (Parts 500--599) VII Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Department of the Interior (Parts 700--999) XII Office of Natural Resources Revenue, Department of the Interior (Parts 1200--1299) Title 31--Money and Finance: Treasury Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Treasury (Parts 0--50) Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Money and Finance I Monetary Offices, Department of the Treasury (Parts 51--199) II Fiscal Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 200--399) IV Secret Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 400--499) V Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury (Parts 500--599) VI Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Department of the Treasury (Parts 600--699) VII Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Department of the Treasury (Parts 700--799) VIII Office of International Investment, Department of the Treasury (Parts 800--899) [[Page 539]] IX Federal Claims Collection Standards (Department of the Treasury--Department of Justice) (Parts 900--999) X Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099) Title 32--National Defense Subtitle A--Department of Defense I Office of the Secretary of Defense (Parts 1--399) V Department of the Army (Parts 400--699) VI Department of the Navy (Parts 700--799) VII Department of the Air Force (Parts 800--1099) Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to National Defense XII Defense Logistics Agency (Parts 1200--1299) XVI Selective Service System (Parts 1600--1699) XVII Office of the Director of National Intelligence (Parts 1700--1799) XVIII National Counterintelligence Center (Parts 1800--1899) XIX Central Intelligence Agency (Parts 1900--1999) XX Information Security Oversight Office, National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 2000-- 2099) XXI National Security Council (Parts 2100--2199) XXIV Office of Science and Technology Policy (Parts 2400-- 2499) XXVII Office for Micronesian Status Negotiations (Parts 2700--2799) XXVIII Office of the Vice President of the United States (Parts 2800--2899) Title 33--Navigation and Navigable Waters I Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 1--199) II Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army (Parts 200--399) IV Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, Department of Transportation (Parts 400--499) Title 34--Education Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of Education (Parts 1--99) Subtitle B--Regulations of the Offices of the Department of Education I Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education (Parts 100--199) II Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Education (Parts 200--299) III Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education (Parts 300--399) IV Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Department of Education (Parts 400--499) [[Page 540]] V Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs, Department of Education (Parts 500--599) VI Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education (Parts 600--699) VII Office of Educational Research and Improvement, Department of Education (Parts 700--799)[Reserved] Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Education XI National Institute for Literacy [Reserved] XII National Council on Disability (Parts 1200--1299) Title 35 [Reserved] Title 36--Parks, Forests, and Public Property I National Park Service, Department of the Interior (Parts 1--199) II Forest Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 200-- 299) III Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army (Parts 300--399) IV American Battle Monuments Commission (Parts 400--499) V Smithsonian Institution (Parts 500--599) VI [Reserved] VII Library of Congress (Parts 700--799) VIII Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (Parts 800-- 899) IX Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (Parts 900--999) X Presidio Trust (Parts 1000--1099) XI Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Parts 1100--1199) XII National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 1200--1299) XV Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust (Parts 1500-- 1599) XVI Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation (Parts 1600--1699) Title 37--Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights I United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce (Parts 1--199) II U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress (Parts 200--299) III Copyright Royalty Board, Library of Congress (Parts 300--399) IV Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, Department of Commerce (Parts 400--599) Title 38--Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief I Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 0--199) II Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 200--299) [[Page 541]] Title 39--Postal Service I United States Postal Service (Parts 1--999) III Postal Regulatory Commission (Parts 3000--3099) Title 40--Protection of Environment I Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1--1099) IV Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice (Parts 1400--1499) V Council on Environmental Quality (Parts 1500--1599) VI Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (Parts 1600--1699) VII Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Defense; Uniform National Discharge Standards for Vessels of the Armed Forces (Parts 1700--1799) VIII Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 1800-- 1899) Title 41--Public Contracts and Property Management Subtitle A--Federal Procurement Regulations System [Note] Subtitle B--Other Provisions Relating to Public Contracts 50 Public Contracts, Department of Labor (Parts 50-1--50- 999) 51 Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (Parts 51-1--51-99) 60 Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Equal Employment Opportunity, Department of Labor (Parts 60-1--60-999) 61 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of Labor (Parts 61-1--61-999) 62--100 [Reserved] Subtitle C--Federal Property Management Regulations System 101 Federal Property Management Regulations (Parts 101-1-- 101-99) 102 Federal Management Regulation (Parts 102-1--102-299) 103--104 [Reserved] 105 General Services Administration (Parts 105-1--105-999) 109 Department of Energy Property Management Regulations (Parts 109-1--109-99) 114 Department of the Interior (Parts 114-1--114-99) 115 Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 115-1--115-99) 128 Department of Justice (Parts 128-1--128-99) 129--200 [Reserved] Subtitle D--Other Provisions Relating to Property Management [Reserved] Subtitle E--Federal Information Resources Management Regulations System [Reserved] Subtitle F--Federal Travel Regulation System 300 General (Parts 300-1--300-99) 301 Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances (Parts 301-1-- 301-99) [[Page 542]] 302 Relocation Allowances (Parts 302-1--302-99) 303 Payment of Expenses Connected with the Death of Certain Employees (Part 303-1--303-99) 304 Payment of Travel Expenses from a Non-Federal Source (Parts 304-1--304-99) Title 42--Public Health I Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 1--199) IV Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 400--599) V Office of Inspector General-Health Care, Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 1000--1999) Title 43--Public Lands: Interior Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Interior (Parts 1--199) Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Lands I Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior (Parts 400--999) II Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior (Parts 1000--9999) III Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission (Parts 10000--10099) Title 44--Emergency Management and Assistance I Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 0--399) IV Department of Commerce and Department of Transportation (Parts 400--499) Title 45--Public Welfare Subtitle A--Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 1--199) Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Welfare II Office of Family Assistance (Assistance Programs), Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 200--299) III Office of Child Support Enforcement (Child Support Enforcement Program), Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300--399) IV Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 400--499) V Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States, Department of Justice (Parts 500--599) [[Page 543]] VI National Science Foundation (Parts 600--699) VII Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 700--799) VIII Office of Personnel Management (Parts 800--899) X Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 1000--1099) XI National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities (Parts 1100--1199) XII Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 1200--1299) XIII Office of Human Development Services, Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 1300--1399) XVI Legal Services Corporation (Parts 1600--1699) XVII National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (Parts 1700--1799) XVIII Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation (Parts 1800-- 1899) XXI Commission on Fine Arts (Parts 2100--2199) XXIII Arctic Research Commission (Part 2301) XXIV James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (Parts 2400--2499) XXV Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 2500--2599) Title 46--Shipping I Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 1--199) II Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 200--399) III Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage), Department of Homeland Security (Parts 400--499) IV Federal Maritime Commission (Parts 500--599) Title 47--Telecommunication I Federal Communications Commission (Parts 0--199) II Office of Science and Technology Policy and National Security Council (Parts 200--299) III National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 300--399) IV National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 400--499) Title 48--Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 Federal Acquisition Regulation (Parts 1--99) 2 Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense (Parts 200--299) [[Page 544]] 3 Health and Human Services (Parts 300--399) 4 Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499) 5 General Services Administration (Parts 500--599) 6 Department of State (Parts 600--699) 7 Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799) 8 Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899) 9 Department of Energy (Parts 900--999) 10 Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099) 12 Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299) 13 Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399) 14 Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499) 15 Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599) 16 Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition Regulation (Parts 1600--1699) 17 Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1700--1799) 18 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 1800--1899) 19 Broadcasting Board of Governors (Parts 1900--1999) 20 Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 2000--2099) 21 Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal Acquisition Regulation (Parts 2100--2199) 23 Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399) 24 Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 2400--2499) 25 National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599) 28 Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899) 29 Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999) 30 Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) (Parts 3000--3099) 34 Department of Education Acquisition Regulation (Parts 3400--3499) 51 Department of the Army Acquisition Regulations (Parts 5100--5199) 52 Department of the Navy Acquisition Regulations (Parts 5200--5299) 53 Department of the Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (Parts 5300--5399) [Reserved] 54 Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense (Parts 5400--5499) 57 African Development Foundation (Parts 5700--5799) 61 Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, General Services Administration (Parts 6100--6199) 63 Department of Transportation Board of Contract Appeals (Parts 6300--6399) 99 Cost Accounting Standards Board, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, Office of Management and Budget (Parts 9900--9999) [[Page 545]] Title 49--Transportation Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Transportation (Parts 1--99) Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to Transportation I Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 100--199) II Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 200--299) III Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 300--399) IV Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 400--499) V National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 500--599) VI Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 600--699) VII National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) (Parts 700--799) VIII National Transportation Safety Board (Parts 800--999) X Surface Transportation Board, Department of Transportation (Parts 1000--1399) XI Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Department of Transportation (Parts 1400--1499) [Reserved] XII Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 1500--1699) Title 50--Wildlife and Fisheries I United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior (Parts 1--199) II National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 200--299) III International Fishing and Related Activities (Parts 300--399) IV Joint Regulations (United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior and National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce); Endangered Species Committee Regulations (Parts 400--499) V Marine Mammal Commission (Parts 500--599) VI Fishery Conservation and Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 600--699) [[Page 547]] Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR (Revised as of January 1, 2016) CFR Title, Subtitle or Agency Chapter Administrative Committee of the Federal Register 1, I Administrative Conference of the United States 1, III Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 36, VIII Advocacy and Outreach, Office of 7, XXV Afghanistan Reconstruction, Special Inspector 22, LXXXIII General for African Development Foundation 22, XV Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 57 Agency for International Development 2, VII; 22, II Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 7 Agricultural Marketing Service 7, I, IX, X, XI Agricultural Research Service 7, V Agriculture Department 2, IV; 5, LXXIII Advocacy and Outreach, Office of 7, XXV Agricultural Marketing Service 7, I, IX, X, XI Agricultural Research Service 7, V Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 7, III; 9, I Chief Financial Officer, Office of 7, XXX Commodity Credit Corporation 7, XIV Economic Research Service 7, XXXVII Energy Policy and New Uses, Office of 2, IX; 7, XXIX Environmental Quality, Office of 7, XXXI Farm Service Agency 7, VII, XVIII Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 4 Federal Crop Insurance Corporation 7, IV Food and Nutrition Service 7, II Food Safety and Inspection Service 9, III Foreign Agricultural Service 7, XV Forest Service 36, II Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 7, VIII; 9, II Administration Information Resources Management, Office of 7, XXVII Inspector General, Office of 7, XXVI National Agricultural Library 7, XLI National Agricultural Statistics Service 7, XXXVI National Institute of Food and Agriculture 7, XXXIV Natural Resources Conservation Service 7, VI Operations, Office of 7, XXVIII Procurement and Property Management, Office of 7, XXXII Rural Business-Cooperative Service 7, XVIII, XLII, L Rural Development Administration 7, XLII Rural Housing Service 7, XVIII, XXXV, L Rural Telephone Bank 7, XVI Rural Utilities Service 7, XVII, XVIII, XLII, L Secretary of Agriculture, Office of 7, Subtitle A Transportation, Office of 7, XXXIII World Agricultural Outlook Board 7, XXXVIII Air Force Department 32, VII Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 48, 53 Air Transportation Stabilization Board 14, VI Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 27, I Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 27, II Bureau of AMTRAK 49, VII American Battle Monuments Commission 36, IV American Indians, Office of the Special Trustee 25, VII [[Page 548]] Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 7, III; 9, I Appalachian Regional Commission 5, IX Architectural and Transportation Barriers 36, XI Compliance Board Arctic Research Commission 45, XXIII Armed Forces Retirement Home 5, XI Army Department 32, V Engineers, Corps of 33, II; 36, III Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 51 Bilingual Education and Minority Languages 34, V Affairs, Office of Blind or Severely Disabled, Committee for 41, 51 Purchase from People Who Are Broadcasting Board of Governors 22, V Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 19 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, 30, II and Enforcement Census Bureau 15, I Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 42, IV Central Intelligence Agency 32, XIX Chemical Safety and Hazardous Investigation 40, VI Board Chief Financial Officer, Office of 7, XXX Child Support Enforcement, Office of 45, III Children and Families, Administration for 45, II, III, IV, X Civil Rights, Commission on 5, LXVIII; 45, VII Civil Rights, Office for 34, I Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity 5, XCVIII and Efficiency Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency 5, LXX for the District of Columbia Coast Guard 33, I; 46, I; 49, IV Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage) 46, III Commerce Department 2, XIII; 44, IV; 50, VI Census Bureau 15, I Economic Analysis, Bureau of 15, VIII Economic Development Administration 13, III Emergency Management and Assistance 44, IV Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 13 Foreign-Trade Zones Board 15, IV Industry and Security, Bureau of 15, VII International Trade Administration 15, III; 19, III National Institute of Standards and Technology 15, II National Marine Fisheries Service 50, II, IV National Oceanic and Atmospheric 15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, Administration VI National Telecommunications and Information 15, XXIII; 47, III, IV Administration National Weather Service 15, IX Patent and Trademark Office, United States 37, I Productivity, Technology and Innovation, 37, IV Assistant Secretary for Secretary of Commerce, Office of 15, Subtitle A Technology Administration 15, XI Technology Policy, Assistant Secretary for 37, IV Commercial Space Transportation 14, III Commodity Credit Corporation 7, XIV Commodity Futures Trading Commission 5, XLI; 17, I Community Planning and Development, Office of 24, V, VI Assistant Secretary for Community Services, Office of 45, X Comptroller of the Currency 12, I Construction Industry Collective Bargaining 29, IX Commission Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 5, LXXXIV; 12, X Consumer Product Safety Commission 5, LXXI; 16, II Copyright Royalty Board 37, III Corporation for National and Community Service 2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV Cost Accounting Standards Board 48, 99 Council on Environmental Quality 40, V Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency 5, LXX; 28, VIII for the District of Columbia Customs and Border Protection 19, I [[Page 549]] Defense Contract Audit Agency 32, I Defense Department 2, XI; 5, XXVI; 32, Subtitle A; 40, VII Advanced Research Projects Agency 32, I Air Force Department 32, VII Army Department 32, V; 33, II; 36, III, 48, 51 Defense Acquisition Regulations System 48, 2 Defense Intelligence Agency 32, I Defense Logistics Agency 32, I, XII; 48, 54 Engineers, Corps of 33, II; 36, III National Imagery and Mapping Agency 32, I Navy Department 32, VI; 48, 52 Secretary of Defense, Office of 2, XI; 32, I Defense Contract Audit Agency 32, I Defense Intelligence Agency 32, I Defense Logistics Agency 32, XII; 48, 54 Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board 10, XVII Delaware River Basin Commission 18, III District of Columbia, Court Services and 5, LXX; 28, VIII Offender Supervision Agency for the Drug Enforcement Administration 21, II East-West Foreign Trade Board 15, XIII Economic Analysis, Bureau of 15, VIII Economic Development Administration 13, III Economic Research Service 7, XXXVII Education, Department of 2, XXXIV; 5, LIII Bilingual Education and Minority Languages 34, V Affairs, Office of Civil Rights, Office for 34, I Educational Research and Improvement, Office 34, VII of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of 34, II Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 34 Postsecondary Education, Office of 34, VI Secretary of Education, Office of 34, Subtitle A Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 34, III Office of Vocational and Adult Education, Office of 34, IV Educational Research and Improvement, Office of 34, VII Election Assistance Commission 2, LVIII; 11, II Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of 34, II Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board 13, V Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board 13, IV Employee Benefits Security Administration 29, XXV Employees' Compensation Appeals Board 20, IV Employees Loyalty Board 5, V Employment and Training Administration 20, V Employment Standards Administration 20, VI Endangered Species Committee 50, IV Energy, Department of 2, IX; 5, XXIII; 10, II, III, X Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 9 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 5, XXIV; 18, I Property Management Regulations 41, 109 Energy, Office of 7, XXIX Engineers, Corps of 33, II; 36, III Engraving and Printing, Bureau of 31, VI Environmental Protection Agency 2, XV; 5, LIV; 40, I, IV, VII Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 15 Property Management Regulations 41, 115 Environmental Quality, Office of 7, XXXI Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 5, LXII; 29, XIV Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant Secretary 24, I for Executive Office of the President 3, I Administration, Office of 5, XV Environmental Quality, Council on 40, V Management and Budget, Office of 2, Subtitle A; 5, III, LXXVII; 14, VI; 48, 99 [[Page 550]] National Drug Control Policy, Office of 21, III National Security Council 32, XXI; 47, 2 Presidential Documents 3 Science and Technology Policy, Office of 32, XXIV; 47, II Trade Representative, Office of the United 15, XX States Export-Import Bank of the United States 2, XXXV; 5, LII; 12, IV Family Assistance, Office of 45, II Farm Credit Administration 5, XXXI; 12, VI Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation 5, XXX; 12, XIV Farm Service Agency 7, VII, XVIII Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 1 Federal Aviation Administration 14, I Commercial Space Transportation 14, III Federal Claims Collection Standards 31, IX Federal Communications Commission 5, XXIX; 47, I Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office of 41, 60 Federal Crop Insurance Corporation 7, IV Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 5, XXII; 12, III Federal Election Commission 5, XXXVII; 11, I Federal Emergency Management Agency 44, I Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal 48, 21 Acquisition Regulation Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition 48, 16 Regulation Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 5, XXIV; 18, I Federal Financial Institutions Examination 12, XI Council Federal Financing Bank 12, VIII Federal Highway Administration 23, I, II Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 1, IV Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight Office 12, XVII Federal Housing Finance Agency 5, LXXX; 12, XII Federal Housing Finance Board 12, IX Federal Labor Relations Authority 5, XIV, XLIX; 22, XIV Federal Law Enforcement Training Center 31, VII Federal Management Regulation 41, 102 Federal Maritime Commission 46, IV Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service 29, XII Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 5, LXXIV; 29, XXVII Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 49, III Federal Prison Industries, Inc. 28, III Federal Procurement Policy Office 48, 99 Federal Property Management Regulations 41, 101 Federal Railroad Administration 49, II Federal Register, Administrative Committee of 1, I Federal Register, Office of 1, II Federal Reserve System 12, II Board of Governors 5, LVIII Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board 5, VI, LXXVI Federal Service Impasses Panel 5, XIV Federal Trade Commission 5, XLVII; 16, I Federal Transit Administration 49, VI Federal Travel Regulation System 41, Subtitle F Financial Crimes Enforcement Network 31, X Financial Research Office 12, XVI Financial Stability Oversight Council 12, XIII Fine Arts, Commission on 45, XXI Fiscal Service 31, II Fish and Wildlife Service, United States 50, I, IV Food and Drug Administration 21, I Food and Nutrition Service 7, II Food Safety and Inspection Service 9, III Foreign Agricultural Service 7, XV Foreign Assets Control, Office of 31, V Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the 45, V United States Foreign Service Grievance Board 22, IX Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel 22, XIV Foreign Service Labor Relations Board 22, XIV Foreign-Trade Zones Board 15, IV [[Page 551]] Forest Service 36, II General Services Administration 5, LVII; 41, 105 Contract Appeals, Board of 48, 61 Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 5 Federal Management Regulation 41, 102 Federal Property Management Regulations 41, 101 Federal Travel Regulation System 41, Subtitle F General 41, 300 Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel 41, 304 Expenses Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death 41, 303 of Certain Employees Relocation Allowances 41, 302 Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances 41, 301 Geological Survey 30, IV Government Accountability Office 4, I Government Ethics, Office of 5, XVI Government National Mortgage Association 24, III Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 7, VIII; 9, II Administration Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council 40, VIII Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation 45, XVIII Health and Human Services, Department of 2, III; 5, XLV; 45, Subtitle A, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 42, IV Child Support Enforcement, Office of 45, III Children and Families, Administration for 45, II, III, IV, X Community Services, Office of 45, X Family Assistance, Office of 45, II Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 3 Food and Drug Administration 21, I Human Development Services, Office of 45, XIII Indian Health Service 25, V Inspector General (Health Care), Office of 42, V Public Health Service 42, I Refugee Resettlement, Office of 45, IV Homeland Security, Department of 2, XXX; 6, I; 8, I Coast Guard 33, I; 46, I; 49, IV Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage) 46, III Customs and Border Protection 19, I Federal Emergency Management Agency 44, I Human Resources Management and Labor Relations 5, XCVII Systems Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau 19, IV Transportation Security Administration 49, XII HOPE for Homeowners Program, Board of Directors 24, XXIV of Housing and Urban Development, Department of 2, XXIV; 5, LXV; 24, Subtitle B Community Planning and Development, Office of 24, V, VI Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant 24, I Secretary for Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 24 Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Office 12, XVII of Government National Mortgage Association 24, III Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office 24, II, VIII, X, XX of Assistant Secretary for Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing 24, IV Assistance Restructuring, Office of Inspector General, Office of 24, XII Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant 24, IX Secretary for Secretary, Office of 24, Subtitle A, VII Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office of 24, II, VIII, X, XX Assistant Secretary for Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing 24, IV Assistance Restructuring, Office of Human Development Services, Office of 45, XIII Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau 19, IV Immigration Review, Executive Office for 8, V Independent Counsel, Office of 28, VII [[Page 552]] Indian Affairs, Bureau of 25, I, V Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant 25, VI Secretary Indian Arts and Crafts Board 25, II Indian Health Service 25, V Industry and Security, Bureau of 15, VII Information Resources Management, Office of 7, XXVII Information Security Oversight Office, National 32, XX Archives and Records Administration Inspector General Agriculture Department 7, XXVI Health and Human Services Department 42, V Housing and Urban Development Department 24, XII, XV Institute of Peace, United States 22, XVII Inter-American Foundation 5, LXIII; 22, X Interior Department 2, XIV American Indians, Office of the Special 25, VII Trustee Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, 30, II and Enforcement Endangered Species Committee 50, IV Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 14 Federal Property Management Regulations System 41, 114 Fish and Wildlife Service, United States 50, I, IV Geological Survey 30, IV Indian Affairs, Bureau of 25, I, V Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant 25, VI Secretary Indian Arts and Crafts Board 25, II Land Management, Bureau of 43, II National Indian Gaming Commission 25, III National Park Service 36, I Natural Resource Revenue, Office of 30, XII Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of 30, V Reclamation, Bureau of 43, I Secretary of the Interior, Office of 2, XIV; 43, Subtitle A Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 30, VII Office of Internal Revenue Service 26, I International Boundary and Water Commission, 22, XI United States and Mexico, United States Section International Development, United States Agency 22, II for Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 7 International Development Cooperation Agency, 22, XII United States International Joint Commission, United States 22, IV and Canada International Organizations Employees Loyalty 5, V Board International Trade Administration 15, III; 19, III International Trade Commission, United States 19, II Interstate Commerce Commission 5, XL Investment Security, Office of 31, VIII James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation 45, XXIV Japan-United States Friendship Commission 22, XVI Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries 20, VIII Justice Department 2, XXVIII; 5, XXVIII; 28, I, XI; 40, IV Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 27, II Bureau of Drug Enforcement Administration 21, II Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 28 Federal Claims Collection Standards 31, IX Federal Prison Industries, Inc. 28, III Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the 45, V United States Immigration Review, Executive Office for 8, V Offices of Independent Counsel 28, VI Prisons, Bureau of 28, V Property Management Regulations 41, 128 Labor Department 5, XLII Employee Benefits Security Administration 29, XXV Employees' Compensation Appeals Board 20, IV Employment and Training Administration 20, V [[Page 553]] Employment Standards Administration 20, VI Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 29 Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office 41, 60 of Federal Procurement Regulations System 41, 50 Labor-Management Standards, Office of 29, II, IV Mine Safety and Health Administration 30, I Occupational Safety and Health Administration 29, XVII Office of Workers' Compensation Programs 20, VII Public Contracts 41, 50 Secretary of Labor, Office of 29, Subtitle A Veterans' Employment and Training Service, 41, 61; 20, IX Office of the Assistant Secretary for Wage and Hour Division 29, V Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of 20, I Labor-Management Standards, Office of 29, II, IV Land Management, Bureau of 43, II Legal Services Corporation 45, XVI Library of Congress 36, VII Copyright Royalty Board 37, III U.S. Copyright Office 37, II Local Television Loan Guarantee Board 7, XX Management and Budget, Office of 5, III, LXXVII; 14, VI; 48, 99 Marine Mammal Commission 50, V Maritime Administration 46, II Merit Systems Protection Board 5, II, LXIV Micronesian Status Negotiations, Office for 32, XXVII Military Compensation and Retirement 5, XCIV Modernization Commission Millennium Challenge Corporation 22, XIII Mine Safety and Health Administration 30, I Minority Business Development Agency 15, XIV Miscellaneous Agencies 1, IV Monetary Offices 31, I Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in 36, XVI National Environmental Policy Foundation Museum and Library Services, Institute of 2, XXXI National Aeronautics and Space Administration 2, XVIII; 5, LIX; 14, V Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 18 National Agricultural Library 7, XLI National Agricultural Statistics Service 7, XXXVI National and Community Service, Corporation for 2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV National Archives and Records Administration 2, XXVI; 5, LXVI; 36, XII Information Security Oversight Office 32, XX National Capital Planning Commission 1, IV National Commission for Employment Policy 1, IV National Commission on Libraries and Information 45, XVII Science National Council on Disability 34, XII National Counterintelligence Center 32, XVIII National Credit Union Administration 5, LXXXVI; 12, VII National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact 28, IX Council National Drug Control Policy, Office of 21, III National Endowment for the Arts 2, XXXII National Endowment for the Humanities 2, XXXIII National Foundation on the Arts and the 45, XI Humanities National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 23, II, III; 47, VI; 49, V National Imagery and Mapping Agency 32, I National Indian Gaming Commission 25, III National Institute of Food and Agriculture 7, XXXIV National Institute of Standards and Technology 15, II National Intelligence, Office of Director of 32, XVII National Labor Relations Board 5, LXI; 29, I National Marine Fisheries Service 50, II, IV National Mediation Board 29, X National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, VI National Park Service 36, I [[Page 554]] National Railroad Adjustment Board 29, III National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) 49, VII National Science Foundation 2, XXV; 5, XLIII; 45, VI Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 25 National Security Council 32, XXI National Security Council and Office of Science 47, II and Technology Policy National Telecommunications and Information 15, XXIII; 47, III, IV Administration National Transportation Safety Board 49, VIII Natural Resources Conservation Service 7, VI Natural Resource Revenue, Office of 30, XII Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, Office of 25, IV Navy Department 32, VI Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 52 Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation 24, XXV Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste 10, XVIII Commission Nuclear Regulatory Commission 2, XX; 5, XLVIII; 10, I Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 20 Occupational Safety and Health Administration 29, XVII Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission 29, XX Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of 30, V Offices of Independent Counsel 28, VI Office of Workers' Compensation Programs 20, VII Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust 36, XV Operations Office 7, XXVIII Overseas Private Investment Corporation 5, XXXIII; 22, VII Patent and Trademark Office, United States 37, I Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel 41, 304 Expenses Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death of 41, 303 Certain Employees Peace Corps 2, XXXVII; 22, III Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation 36, IX Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation 29, XL Personnel Management, Office of 5, I, XXXV; 45, VIII Human Resources Management and Labor Relations 5, XCVII Systems, Department of Homeland Security Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 17 Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal 48, 21 Acquisition Regulation Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition 48, 16 Regulation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 49, I Administration Postal Regulatory Commission 5, XLVI; 39, III Postal Service, United States 5, LX; 39, I Postsecondary Education, Office of 34, VI President's Commission on White House 1, IV Fellowships Presidential Documents 3 Presidio Trust 36, X Prisons, Bureau of 28, V Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board 6, X Procurement and Property Management, Office of 7, XXXII Productivity, Technology and Innovation, 37, IV Assistant Secretary Public Contracts, Department of Labor 41, 50 Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant 24, IX Secretary for Public Health Service 42, I Railroad Retirement Board 20, II Reclamation, Bureau of 43, I Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board 4, II Refugee Resettlement, Office of 45, IV Relocation Allowances 41, 302 Research and Innovative Technology 49, XI Administration Rural Business-Cooperative Service 7, XVIII, XLII, L Rural Development Administration 7, XLII Rural Housing Service 7, XVIII, XXXV, L Rural Telephone Bank 7, XVI [[Page 555]] Rural Utilities Service 7, XVII, XVIII, XLII, L Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation 33, IV Science and Technology Policy, Office of 32, XXIV Science and Technology Policy, Office of, and 47, II National Security Council Secret Service 31, IV Securities and Exchange Commission 5, XXXIV; 17, II Selective Service System 32, XVI Small Business Administration 2, XXVII; 13, I Smithsonian Institution 36, V Social Security Administration 2, XXIII; 20, III; 48, 23 Soldiers' and Airmen's Home, United States 5, XI Special Counsel, Office of 5, VIII Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 34, III Office of State Department 2, VI; 22, I; 28, XI Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 6 Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 30, VII Office of Surface Transportation Board 49, X Susquehanna River Basin Commission 18, VIII Technology Administration 15, XI Technology Policy, Assistant Secretary for 37, IV Tennessee Valley Authority 5, LXIX; 18, XIII Thrift Supervision Office, Department of the 12, V Treasury Trade Representative, United States, Office of 15, XX Transportation, Department of 2, XII; 5, L Commercial Space Transportation 14, III Contract Appeals, Board of 48, 63 Emergency Management and Assistance 44, IV Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 12 Federal Aviation Administration 14, I Federal Highway Administration 23, I, II Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 49, III Federal Railroad Administration 49, II Federal Transit Administration 49, VI Maritime Administration 46, II National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 23, II, III; 47, IV; 49, V Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 49, I Administration Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation 33, IV Secretary of Transportation, Office of 14, II; 49, Subtitle A Surface Transportation Board 49, X Transportation Statistics Bureau 49, XI Transportation, Office of 7, XXXIII Transportation Security Administration 49, XII Transportation Statistics Bureau 49, XI Travel Allowances, Temporary Duty (TDY) 41, 301 Treasury Department 5, XXI; 12, XV; 17, IV; 31, IX Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 27, I Community Development Financial Institutions 12, XVIII Fund Comptroller of the Currency 12, I Customs and Border Protection 19, I Engraving and Printing, Bureau of 31, VI Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 10 Federal Claims Collection Standards 31, IX Federal Law Enforcement Training Center 31, VII Financial Crimes Enforcement Network 31, X Fiscal Service 31, II Foreign Assets Control, Office of 31, V Internal Revenue Service 26, I Investment Security, Office of 31, VIII Monetary Offices 31, I Secret Service 31, IV Secretary of the Treasury, Office of 31, Subtitle A Thrift Supervision, Office of 12, V Truman, Harry S. Scholarship Foundation 45, XVIII United States and Canada, International Joint 22, IV Commission United States and Mexico, International Boundary 22, XI and Water Commission, United States Section [[Page 556]] U.S. Copyright Office 37, II Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation 43, III Commission Veterans Affairs Department 2, VIII; 38, I Federal Acquisition Regulation 48, 8 Veterans' Employment and Training Service, 41, 61; 20, IX Office of the Assistant Secretary for Vice President of the United States, Office of 32, XXVIII Vocational and Adult Education, Office of 34, IV Wage and Hour Division 29, V Water Resources Council 18, VI Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of 20, I World Agricultural Outlook Board 7, XXXVIII