Administration of , 2013 / June 26

Statement on Senate Confirmation of Penny S. Pritzker as Secretary of Commerce June 25, 2013

I am pleased the Senate took bipartisan ac- and she shares my belief in doing everything tion to confirm Penny Pritzker as our next we can to help businesses and workers suc- Commerce Secretary. Penny is a proven ceed and make America a magnet for good leader, a successful entrepreneur, and one of jobs. Penny will be a key member of my eco- the most accomplished and highly respected nomic team as we continue to work to grow women in business today. She knows what it our economy and strengthen the middle takes to build companies from the ground up, class.

Statement on the Election of Edward J. Markey to the June 25, 2013

Tonight I spoke to to congratu- I also want to thank Mo Cowan for his hard late him on his election to the United States work and dedication over the last 5 months. Senate. And I want to thank for his nearly During more than 36 years as a Congress- three decades of extraordinary service to the man, Ed has distinguished himself as a leader people of in the Senate and for on many of the key challenges of our time, agreeing to continue to serve the American from fighting carbon pollution to protecting people as Secretary of State. I’m confident Ed our children from gun violence, to creating will help carry on that legacy, and I look for- good middle class jobs. He’s earned a reputa- ward to working with him to strengthen our tion as an effective, creative legislator, willing economy, protect the middle class, and expand to partner with colleagues across the aisle to opportunity. make progress on the issues that matter most. The people of Massachusetts can be proud that NOTE: The statement referred to Sen. William they have another strong leader fighting for M. “Mo” Cowan, who was appointed by Gov. them in the Senate, and people across the Deval L. Patrick of Massachusetts to assume country will benefit from Ed’s talent and integ- office on an interim basis following the resig- rity. nation of former Sen. John F. Kerry.

Statement on the United States Supreme Court Ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act June 26, 2013

I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to This ruling is a victory for couples who have strike down the Defense of Marriage Act. This long fought for equal treatment under the law; was discrimination enshrined in law. It treated for children whose parents’ marriages will now loving, committed gay and lesbian couples as a be recognized, rightly, as legitimate; for fami- separate and lesser class of people. The Su- lies that, at long last, will get the respect and preme Court has righted that wrong, and our protection they deserve; and for friends and country is better off for it. We are a people supporters who have wanted nothing more who declared that we are all created equal, and than to see their loved ones treated fairly and the love we commit to one another must be have worked hard to persuade their Nation to equal as well. change for the better.

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