Obama reveals daughter's peanut allergy

In signing a bill to help schools battle food allergy attacks, President Obama revealed a personal reason for his support.

"Some people may know that Malia actually has a peanut allergy," Obama said in a statement Wednesday night. "She doesn't have asthma, but obviously making sure that EpiPens are available in case of emergency in schools is something that every parent can understand."

Reports the Associated Press:

"The deaths of two girls in Illinois and Virginia from severe food allergies have helped spur efforts to get schools to stockpile emergency medications that can save lives. ...

"The president signed a bipartisan bill on Wednesday that offers a financial incentive to states if schools stockpile epinephrine, considered the first-line treatment for people with severe allergies. The medication is administered by injection, through preloaded EpiPens or similar devices."

Obama's full statement during a brief signing statement:

"I just want to thank all of the outstanding legislators who are here, and advocates. This is something that will save children's lives.

"Some people may know that Malia actually has a peanut allergy. She doesn't have asthma, but obviously making sure that EpiPens are available in case of emergency in schools is something that every parent can understand."

"And, thanks to the bipartisan work of the folks behind us and the advocacy communities that have been pushing this so hard, we're going to be giving states a lot more incentives to make sure that that happens. So I want to congratulate all of you."