Obama to announce off-shore drilling plan

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WASHINGTON, March 31 (UPI) -- Energy security is the focus of remarks U.S. President Barack Obama will deliver Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility, the White house said.

Obama is expected to announce approval of major off-shore oil and gas exploration, including the possible sale of leases off Virginia's coast in two years, administration officials told The Washington Post.

In the afternoon, Obama will meet with families of late civil rights leader Cesar Chavez on what would have been his 83rd birthday, the White House said. Also attending the closed-door meeting will be leaders of the United Farm Workers that Chavez co-founded.

Obama also will sign a proclamation declaring Wednesday Cesar Chavez Day, the daily schedule indicated.

Obama will deliver remarks at the closing session of the Forum for Workplace Flexibility, a daylong meeting about workplace practices that would allow workers to work without sacrificing the needs of their families, the White House said. Participants include small-business owners, business leaders, policy experts, workers and labor leaders, who will share ideas and strategies for making the workplace more flexible for workers and families.

First lady Michelle Obama was scheduled to deliver remarks to open the event, which has five breakout sessions.