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In December, Congress passed and the President signed legislation to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Since then, the President has been working with former Defense Secretary Gates, current Secretary Panetta, and our military leaders, to transition America’s armed forces to the new policy – a policy that better reflects the values of our country.

In Politico today, New Jersey Congressman Steve Rothman penned an op-ed touting President Obama’s pro-Israel credentials. Rothman, a member of the House Defense and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittees, argued that the shared interests and military and intelligence cooperation between the United States and Israel has never been as stronger.

Yesterday evening, President Obama addressed the nation from the White House and announced the gradual withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. The President plans to bring home 10,000 troops by the end of this year, 33,000 by next summer, and complete the transition by 2014.

Tonight starting at 8:00 p.m. ET, President Obama will address the nation about our military operations in Afghanistan.

Over the past six months, the world has witnessed uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa by people demanding change, basic human rights, and fair treatment by their government. Today at the State Department, President Obama spoke about that change, its impetus, and the role of the U.S. in the region moving forward.

Throughout the day -- on the blog and through social media -- we’ll be covering two important events: President Obama’s 11:40 a.m. speech on the Middle East and North Africa and the Women’s Leadership Forum.

Earlier today, President Obama gave his last commencement address of the season, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. In remarks that were lighthearted, but also reflected the seriousness of the graduates’ future, the President praised the graduates’ devotion and courage and expressed pride in their service to America – service that “will be shaped by the values that have kept us strong for more than 200 years.”

Yesterday, President Obama laid out a bipartisan approach to fixing America’s broken immigration system, explaining how immigration reform is critical to helping build a 21st century economy.