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Tonight the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance came together to reach a tentative agreement that reopens the East Coast and Gulf ports, and I want to applaud all involved for their efforts. This step indicates progress toward a strong contract and represents the power of collective bargaining. As I have said, this is about fairness – and our economy works best when workers share in record profits. Dockworkers deserve a fair share for their hard work getting essential goods out to communities across America.

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I want to applaud the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance for coming together to reopen the East Coast and Gulf ports. Today’s tentative agreement on a record wage and an extension of the collective bargaining process represents critical progress towards a strong contract. I congratulate the dockworkers from the ILA, who deserve a strong contract after sacrificing so much to keep our ports open during the pandemic. And I applaud the port operators and carriers who are members of the US Maritime Alliance for working hard and putting a strong offer on the table.

I want to thank the union workers, the carriers, and the port operators for acting patriotically to reopen our ports and ensure the availability of critical supplies for Hurricane Helene recovery and rebuilding. Collective bargaining works, and it is critical to building a stronger economy from the middle out and the bottom up.

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On October 2, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates.  They discussed follow-up from President Sheikh Mohamed’s historic visit to Washington and welcomed the UAE’s designation as a Major Defense Partner of the United States.  Mr. Sullivan and President Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the shared commitment to advance cooperation in artificial intelligence and related technologies based on the important understandings concluded during President Sheikh Mohamed’s visit.  They also consulted on regional matters.  Mr. Sullivan welcomed the UAE’s extraordinary commitment to supporting the humanitarian response in Gaza.  They further discussed the situation in Lebanon and the importance of a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.  On Sudan, Mr. Sullivan expressed concern about the continued escalation of fighting that is destroying civilian lives and infrastructure and impeding humanitarian efforts.  Mr. Sullivan also expressed concern about violence affecting diplomatic facilities throughout the conflict, including the UAE Ambassador’s residence in Khartoum this week.  They agreed to be in close touch over the coming days and weeks.

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The President’s Commission on White House Fellows is pleased to announce the appointment of the 2024-2025 class of White House Fellows. Founded in 1964, the White House Fellows program offers exceptional young leaders first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the Federal government. Fellows spend a year working with senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking Administration officials, and leave the Administration equipped to serve as better leaders in their communities. Fellowships are awarded on a non-partisan basis.

This year’s Fellows advanced through a highly competitive selection process, and they are a remarkably gifted, passionate, and accomplished group. These Fellows bring experience from across the country and from a broad cross-section of professions, including from the private sector, state government, academia, non-profits, medicine, and the armed forces.

Applications for the 2025-2026 Fellowship year will be accepted starting November 1, 2024. The application link and additional information is available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/fellows/.

Class of 2024-2025 White House Fellows

Patrick Branco is from Kailua, Hawai‘i, and is placed at the Department of the Navy. He has been the Director of External Affairs with Hawai‘i Green Growth, a United Nations (UN) hub catalyzing action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals for the Asia-Pacific region. Branco is the first from Hawai‘i to receive the Congressman Rangel International Affairs Fellowship, funding his master’s degree at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He served at the State Department in Colombia, Pakistan, Venezuela and the Secretary of State’s Operations Center. In 2020, he was elected to the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives. Branco currently serves as a U.S. Navy officer reservist and is proficient in Spanish, Korean, and Hawaiian.

Nicholas Dockery is from Indianapolis, Indiana, and is placed at the Office of the First Lady: Joining Forces Initiative. With a distinguished career in the Infantry and Special Operations Community, Nick has deployed to numerous combat zones and operational areas worldwide. For bravery and wounds in combat, Nick was awarded two Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts. His military experience is complemented by his academic and advisory roles; he served as a research fellow at the Modern War Institute and as an advisor to the Military Times Charitable Foundation. Nick has received the West Point Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, and the title of 2022 Soldier of the Year. An advocate for equine therapy, Nick passionately supports its use in helping veterans cope with PTSD. Nick holds a Master of Public Policy from Yale University and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Tawny Holmes Hlibok, Esq. is from West Palm Beach, Florida, and is placed at the Domestic Policy Council. As a third-generation Deaf person and attorney, she is a dedicated advocate for deaf children’s education rights and language equity including access to sign languages. Tawny is a tenured associate professor in Deaf Studies at the world’s only university for the Deaf, Gallaudet University, where she recently won $3.75 million funding to lead a national implementation and change center for early intervention with deaf babies and their families in partnership with HRSA and NICHQ. She also serves as the executive director of the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf.

DeAnna Hoskins is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is placed at the Department of the Army. She has served as President/CEO of JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA), a national nonprofit that empowers people directly impacted by the criminal justice system. DeAnna is a nationally- recognized advocate and policy expert who has shifted the national narrative on the disparities and limitations of having a criminal background. She has served as Senior Policy Advisor and as Deputy Director of the Federal Interagency Reentry Council at the U.S. Department of Justice. DeAnna was also the founding Director of Reentry for Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners in Ohio.

Michael Kennedy is from Morehead City, North Carolina, and is placed at the United States Coast Guard. As a nurse practitioner, her career involves direct patient care while leading process improvement in rural and underserved settings. Michael attended Lenoir Community College to become a Registered Nurse and later earned a B.S. Nursing from Barton College. Witnessing disparities in practice led Michael to East Carolina University for an M.S. Adult Nurse Practitioner, Post-M.S. Nursing Leadership, Doctorate of Nursing Practice, and Post-DNP Nursing Education. To better serve her community, Michael completed a Post-M.S. Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP and Post-DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health NP at Duke University. Michael is a Great 100 Nurse and Bonnie Jones Friedman Humanitarian Award recipient.

Hoa Nguyen is from Silver Spring, Maryland, and is placed at the National Economic Council and the United States Coast Guard. At Montgomery College, she is an associate professor and chair of the business department, where she helped implement a zero-textbook-cost Business degree, saving students thousands of dollars in education costs. Under her leadership, faculty and students have won multiple local, state and national awards and recognitions. Hoa also co-led numerous initiatives that led to the launch of the Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Taskforce at the college. Hoa received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Arizona.

Amnahir Peña-Alcántara is from Bronx, New York, and is placed at the Department of Commerce: National Institute of Standards and Technology. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University funded by the NSF’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship. Her research focuses on polymer blends for stretchable electronics. She graduated from MIT with a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering, and was a researcher at Northwestern University, Oxford University, and MIT. She has interned in wearable technology and textile fabrication companies in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and India.

Padmini Pillai is from Newton, Massachusetts, and is placed at the Social Security Administration. Padmini is an immunoengineer bridging the gap between discoveries in immunology and advances in biomaterial design to treat human disease. She has led a team at MIT developing a tumor-selective nanotherapy to eliminate hard-to-treat cancers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Padmini was featured in several media outlets including CNBC, The Atlantic, and The New York Times to discuss vaccination, immunity, and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on vulnerable communities. Padmini received her Ph.D. in immunobiology from Yale University and a B.A. in biochemistry from Regis College.

Maddy Sharp is from San Diego, California, and is placed at the Office of the Second Gentleman. She is a physician leader committed to securing a healthier and more equitable future for all Americans. She has served as a health policy fellow for Senator Amy Klobuchar and a policy research fellow for Secretary John Kerry. Madison has performed clinical work and research in Nicaragua, Jordan, and the Navajo Nation to reduce health disparities and championed policies to enhance healthcare delivery. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Madison holds an M.D. from the Yale School of Medicine and B.A. from Yale University, where she captained the NCAA Division I field hockey team.

Jason Spencer is from Medford, New York, and is placed at the Department of Commerce. Jason is a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy serving as an Information Warfare and Intelligence Officer. At sea, he was assigned to aircraft carriers and destroyers deployed to the Middle East and Europe. Ashore, Jason served as Targeting Officer and Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and later as Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii. At the Pentagon, he served as Senior Intelligence Briefer for the Chief of Naval Operations – Intelligence Plot and as an Executive Officer to the Joint Staff’s Director for Intelligence. Jason earned a B.A. in international studies and political science from Virginia Military Institute, an M.A. from the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, and an M.P.A. from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Nalini Tata is from New York City, New York, and is placed at the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs. She is a neurosurgery resident at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center/Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she helps treat the spectrum of emergency and elective neurosurgical conditions between a level I trauma center and a world-renowned cancer institute. Her published work spans clinical and non-scientific journals with a focus on advancing equity in access to care. Her career in neurosurgery and long-standing interest in public policy are closely bound by a deep-rooted dedication to public service. She received her BSc in neurobiology from Brown University, MPhil from the University of Cambridge, M.D. from Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, and MPP in Democracy, Politics, and Institutions from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Alexander Tenorio is from Los Angeles, California, and is placed at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is a neurological surgery resident at the University of California, San Diego. He is the proud son of Mexican immigrants and dedicated to improving health disparities. He has led a research team investigating neurological traumatic injuries at the U.S.-Mexico border with his published work featured in the Los Angeles Times and New York Times. In his commitment for health equity, he partnered with Hospital General de Tijuana in Mexico to improve their neurosurgical care. He earned an M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco and B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.

Zachary White II is from Birmingham, Alabama, and is placed at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is a Radiation Oncology resident physician and cancer researcher at Stanford University. Passionate about health equity, Zach co-chairs Stanford Medicine’s GME Diversity Committee, promoting diverse medical trainees’ recruitment and development, and provides health education to communities to improve health literacy. Zach graduated summa cum laude from Tuskegee University with a B.S. in biology and earned an M.S. in biomedical and health sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He received his M.D. from the University of South Alabama, where he served as class president.

Ryan Wisz is from Aiken, South Carolina, and is placed at the Central Intelligence Agency. He is a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy serving as a Submarine Warfare officer. At sea, he has served aboard Attack and Ballistic Missile submarines and has deployed seven times, including missions vital to national security. Ashore, he has served as aide-de-camp to the Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and as the Submarine Squadron Engineer in San Diego, California. Prior to military service, he was a Page in the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate. He received his B.S. in economics from the University of South Carolina and is a Distinguished Graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School with his MBA and published master’s thesis. He has received numerous personal and unit awards during his Navy service, is active in local tutoring, and passionate about financial education and physical fitness.

Mark York is a seventh-generation farmer from Lake Wilson, Minnesota, and is placed at the Department of Defense Office of Strategic Capital. He is a Ph.D. candidate in computer science at Harvard, where he researches crowdsourcing and reinforcement learning algorithms in collaboration with MIT. He is the co-founder and President of Farm Yield Africa, a non-profit providing tractor services and microcredit to 1,500 farmers in Ghana since 2016. Mark has worked as a consultant, and before that he led a data science team at a startup building agricultural risk models. He began his career at Cargill as a commodity trader and data scientist. Mark studied agronomy and mathematics at South Dakota State University, where as Student Body President he introduced legislation at the state and local level.

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We, the Leaders of the G7, express deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s direct military attack against Israel, which constitutes a serious threat to regional stability.

We unequivocally reiterate our commitment to the security of Israel. Iran’s seriously destabilizing actions throughout the Middle East through terrorist proxies and armed groups—including the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas— as well as Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq, must stop. Yesterday we discussed coordinated efforts and actions to avoid escalation in the area.

A dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks fueling uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East, which is in no one’s interest. Therefore, we call on all regional players to act responsibly and with restraint. We encourage all parties to engage constructively to de-escalate the current tensions. International humanitarian law must be respected.

On the eve of the tragic anniversary of Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, we condemn once again in the strongest possible terms such unjustified acts of deliberate violence and stand with the families of the victims and the hostages taken by Hamas.

We also reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance, and an end to the conflict. We fully endorse the efforts by the US, Qatar and Egypt to reach such a comprehensive deal, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic, and tens of  thousands of innocent lives have been lost. We reiterate the absolute need for the civilian population to be protected and that there must be full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, as a matter of absolute priority. We will continue working to set the conditions for a durable peace, leading to a two State solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist side-by-side in peace, with security for both.

We are also deeply concerned about the situation in Lebanon. We recall the need for a cessation of hostilities as soon as possible to create space for a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line, consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. This is the only path to durably de-escalate tensions, stabilize the Israel-Lebanon border, fully restore the sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability of Lebanon, and return displaced citizens to their homes with safety and security on both sides. We urge all actors to protect civilian populations. We are committed to providing humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of civilians in Lebanon.

We also express our deep condolences to the families of the civilian victims in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon.  

We underscore the importance of the United Nations in resolving armed conflict and mitigating the humanitarian impact in the Middle East. In this regard, we acknowledge the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to restore peace and security. We are committed to reinforce our support to the mission, pursuant to applicable UN resolutions.

We will continue to be in close contact with all actors to this end.

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From September 30 – October 2, First Lady Jill Biden traveled to Mexico City, Mexico as the Head of the U.S. Presidential Delegation to the inauguration of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. The First Lady was joined by United States Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar; U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra; U.S. Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Isabel Casillas Guzman; U.S. Senator Chris Coons of Delaware; U.S. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut; U.S. Representative of the 44th District of California and Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Nanette Barragán; Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary, Carlos Elizondo; and Mayor of Tucson, Arizona, Regina Romero.

During the visit, the First Lady delivered remarks at a reception hosted by Ambassador Salazar, where she highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Mexico. The First Lady and Ambassador Salazar also attended a dinner hosted by President Sheinbaum the evening before the inauguration, where she met with and congratulated President Sheinbaum. In addition to attending the President’s inauguration, the First Lady and the Delegation attended a luncheon in honor of President Sheinbaum. Concluding their travel, the First Lady and members of the Delegation visited the Museo Frida Kahlo to celebrate the shared cultural connections between the United States and Mexico. 

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    American workers and the unions who fight for them represent the best of our country.  They help power our economy and strengthen our middle class.  On National Manufacturing Day, we celebrate the ingenuity, grit, drive, and determination of the American worker.  We thank them for their contributions, and we recommit to investing in their productivity and success.

     There have always been competing visions for the future of America.  Some envision a future in which the failed trickle-down policies that hurt working families for more than 40 years are continued.  When I think about our future, I see an America where we grow the economy from the middle out and the bottom up — not the top down.  I see an America where working people finally have a fair shot.  Above all, I see a future that is made right here in America. 

     That is why my Administration has invested in American manufacturing to restore the backbone of our Nation:  the middle class.  Together, we are doing what has always worked best in this country — investing in all of America and in all Americans.  My Investing in America agenda — including my Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act — is revitalizing American manufacturing.  So far, we have attracted over $910 billion in private sector investment in manufacturing and clean energy nationwide and seen spending on factory construction soar to new records, roughly triple the pre-pandemic average.  These investments are helping create hundreds of thousands of jobs — including over 700,000 manufacturing jobs — building new semiconductor fabs, electric vehicle and battery factories, and so much more, here in America.  And we are working with employers, unions, community colleges, high schools, and other partners to ensure American workers are trained for the good manufacturing jobs we are generating.

     We have also made sure that Federal funds support American manufacturing.  “Buy American” has been the law of the land since the 1930s.  Past administrations said a lot but did not do a lot.  On my watch, Federal projects have been made with American products and built by American workers.  I fought for the passage of the “Build America, Buy America Act,” which established domestic content preferences in Federal infrastructure spending, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  I signed the “Federal Research and Development in Support of Domestic Manufacturing and United States Jobs” Executive Order, directing Federal agencies to prioritize domestic manufacturing when it comes to research, development, innovation, and bringing inventions to market.  My Administration also made the strongest changes to Buy American rules in nearly seven decades by increasing the domestic content threshold for Federal procurement from 55 percent to 65 percent in 2024.  I also announced new requirements for lumber, glass, fiber optic cables, and other construction materials used in Federal infrastructure projects to be made in America.  And we will keep working to ensure that American taxpayer dollars are invested in American workers.

     Growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, I learned a basic value set — money does not determine your worth, and all anyone wants is a fair shot.  When I look at the economy, I see it through the eyes of Scranton.  That is why I came into office determined to write a new chapter in our American comeback story — one where we can take pride in knowing that we can still get big things done in this great Nation. 

     During National Manufacturing Day, may we rededicate ourselves to writing that story by making the phrase “Made in America” not just a slogan but a reality.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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, 2024, as National Manufacturing Day.  I thank our manufacturing workers for all that they do to strengthen our Nation, encourage all Americans to look for ways to get involved in their communities, and call on everyone to join me in participating in National Manufacturing Day and, most importantly, buying American.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Aboard Air Force One
En Route Tallahassee, Florida

11:20 A.M. EDT

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right, we can do this really quickly.

So, today, we’re going — we’re on our way to Florida and Georgia, where the president will s- — will further survey damage caused by Helene and meet with state and local leaders regarding ongoing response efforts.

The president will participate in an aerial tour of the affected areas on his way to Perry, Florida. On the ground, the president will then visit the Keaton Beach community and receive an — an operational briefing.

From there, the president will head to Valdosta, Georgia, followed by a visit to the f- — to the rural community of Ray City, where he will meet with residents and local business owners who are trying to move forward in the wake of this disaster.

The president spoke with Governor Kemp this morning to discuss disaster response operations and other — and offer further support as needed.

The president and his entire administration will continue to do everything in our power to help the people of Florida, Georgia, and every community affected by this storm.

Yesterday, we announced that the president approved 100 percent federal cost share for emergency response a- — activities in Florida and Georgia, as well as Tallahassee [Tennessee] and North Carolina. This means that the federal government will cover 100 percent of the costs associated with things like debris removal, first responders, search and rescue, shelters, and mass — and mass — and mass feeding.

This latest announcement builds the president’s previously approved requests for major disaster declarations from the governors of Florida and Georgia, which unlocked additional assistance for residents on their road to recovery.

As a result, the pres- — the Biden-Harris administration has provided nearly $4 million directly to individuals and families in need of critical financial assistance.

Still, we know there is more work to be done. And we will be here, doing that work, for as long as it takes.

As you can see, I have Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack standing next to me here to discuss what assistance the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing to help people in Florida and Georgia, including farmers and rural communities.

And with that, go ahead, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY VILSACK: Okay, thanks very much.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Just hold on tight. (Laughs.)

SECRETARY VILSACK: Obviously at USDA, our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who have been impacted by this storm. Our job, obviously, is to try to keep farms viable and operational, to basically get as much help as quickly as possible to as many people as possible.

Let me start by, first of all, recognizing the stress that a lot of the farmers are under and the important role that we think the Farm Stress line — Hotline provides for farmers who are in trouble. Going to give you one — a telephone number for folks to call if they’re feeling a little bit stressed out to get some help. It’s 883-381-7243. 883-381-7243. In addition to that Stress Line, obviously we’ve got a number of programs.

When people think of the Department of Agriculture, they normally think of the crop insurance programs and risk management tools. We’ve given instructions to our crop insurance carriers to expedite, as quickly as possible, the loss adjustments that are necessary to make payments. Many of these farmers, particularly in the Southeast, have exercised the additional coverage for hurricane and wind damage. We expect and anticipate under those coverages, hopefully, payments can be made within 30 days. That is consistent with the president’s instruction to try to get folks as much help as possible, as quickly as possible.

In addition to the risk management tool for crops, we have a variety of other programs — programs that help repair structures and fences, programs that help eliminate soil erosion, programs that help remove debris, programs that will pay for the loss of livestock. This is particularly true in Georgia, where you’ve got a lot of contract poultry facilities where poultry houses have been destroyed by the — by the — by the storm. So we’re going to be there to try to provide help and assistance to get those fact — get those folks back on their feet. Help with feed for livestock if you have to travel an extended distance to get feed because of the storm.

There are a lot of uninsured losses, and there are programs to make sure that those uninsured losses are also covered.

And also there are obviously damage to trees and forest in the area. We have programs to assist in that area as well.

So, that’s on the farm side.

We’re expediting — we’re — we’re sending search teams or will send search teams into the counties where we’ve seen the most damage and most impact so that the — the farmers can go into their county office, get the k- — help, assistance, and direction that they need to be able to make application for whatever program fits their — fits their need and their losses.

I want to also say that part of our job is obviously to coordinate with FEMA. We have over 190 folks from USDA that are currently at the regional center in Atlanta or in the D.C. headquarters working collaboratively with FEMA to make sure that we’re coordinating and collaborating.

I would also say that we’re investing in rural communities. When we get to the recovery stage after we’ve assessed damage and try to triage things, we’ll begin working with communities in terms of housing, housing repair, water and wastewater treatment facilities that need repair, electric lines that need repair. We’ll be there to provide help and assistance through programs.

And we also have, obviously, a food assistance responsibility. We’ve already provided these — these states with flexibility in terms of child nutrition programs and senior nutrition programs, in terms of the types of meals they can serve, and — and the location of those meals.

And obviously, any governor who requests disaster SNAP assistance will get it from the department as quickly as we possibly can get it.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right. We don’t have that much time. But go ahead, Darlene.

Q Could you talk a little bit about what is being done to — there was a story on the radio this morning about bananas being stuck at one of the ports. And, you know, th- — they only last so long. Is there anything being done to get food that’s stuck at ports out and — perhaps to places like Asheville that have been affected by the storm?

SECRETARY VILSACK: Well, the — a lot of what we’re talking about in terms of the ports are in containers. And so, it’s going to be difficult to get to the containers based on the fact that there’s a work stoppage there.

That’s why the president has urged the shippers, in particular, to focus on getting this thing resolved and making sure that the collective bargaining system works. That’s the most effective way of getting the bananas to wherever they need to go.

And hopefully, the shippers will come to the table, union will come to the table, collective bargaining will work, and we’ll get this thing resolved quickly.

Q Secretary Vilsack, you know, we’ve just gone through a period of pretty intense inflation that affected food prices. To what extent are you concerned that the kind of double whammy of the port strike and this — this really large-scale hurricane are going to exacerbate the kind of pressures on food prices that we saw that are just, you know, abating now?

SECRETARY VILSACK: The current food inflation rate at grocery stores is around 1 percent, which is about half the 20-year average. So, it is good to see that it has come down.

At this point, a short labor stoppage at — at the ports should have minimal impact and effect on prices. Obviously, if we’re talking about a longer situation of duration, that may have an impact. But at the end of the day, that’s why the president has been so forceful in suggesting people need to get to the table and then get — get this resolved.

This is the first strike in 50 years. These people know how to get to “yes.” They just need to get to “yes.”

Q Can you define —

Q Can you tell us what the impact has been —

Q I’m sorry, wait. Can you define, please, what you mean by “shorter” and “longer”?

SECRETARY VILSACK: Well, the hope would be that this thing ends tomorrow. All right? That would be short.

The re- — the reality is our assessment is, if this lasts a couple of weeks, we’re not talking about a significant disruption. If you get into months, then, obviously, that’s a situ- — a different situation, which we’ll cover it when — when and if that occurs.

Q Can you tell us what the impact on American farmers in terms of their exports? You know, how much runway is there for —

SECRETARY VILSACK: Most of our exports go through the West Coast. It’s about $90 million on a — on a daily basis —

MILITARY AIDE: I’m so sorry. We’re about to land, and it’s going to be a very quick stop.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay.

SECRETARY VILSACK: The — the biggest impact is on imports.

Q Karine —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I am so sorry, guys.

Q — very quickly on the student loan debt. There was a Georgia judge that just is letting it expire. Do you have any reaction to that? It’s —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not going to — to get into that.

Q Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

I’m — it’s an ongoing matter, so I can’t get into that at this time. So, I’m just — I’m not going to get into the litigation.

Q Is he meeting with Kemp? Is he meeting with DeSantis while he’s there, please?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, a couple of things. DeSantis is not going to be there, but we have been in touch with his team. We understand that he has other areas to survey today, so — but we have been in touch with his team.

As you know, the president has been committed — a full — a full administration, all the agencies are han- — all hands on deck in trying to make sure that we deal with the — the devastation that we’re seeing. You saw the president yesterday in North Carolina and South Carolina, the vice president in Georgia. And now we’re going to Florida — Florida and Georgia ourselves.

And so, the governor can speak for his travel today, but he won’t be there. But, obviously, we’ve been in touch with his —

Q (Inaudible) about Governor Kemp as well?

Q (Inaudible.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, we — look, we — the president spoke to Governor Kemp this morning. He won’t be there, but we obviously are inviting them. They are welcome to join us. And we are doing everything that we can to make sure that we give — give some relief to folks on the ground, to Americans on the ground dealing with this disaster.

Q Has he spoken —

Q He spoke to Governor Kemp. Has he spoken to Governor DeSantis?

AIR FORCE ONE CREW MEMBER: If you could just please take your seats. (Inaudible.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. Sorry, guys.

Q Has he spoken to DeSantis?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I don’t have a call to — to read out.

Q Has he spoken to Governor Kemp again today?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We just spoke to Governor Kemp, as I said at the top.

I’m sorry, guys. We got to sit.

11:30 A.M. EDT

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South Lawn

9:30 A.M. EDT

Q    Mr. President, can the country afford the port strike?  Can the country afford these ships to stay off (inaudible)?

THE PRESIDENT:  I think we’re making progress on that.

Q    How much progress, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  We’ll find out soon.

Q    What kind of sanctions —

Q    Any updates on —

Q    What kind of sanctions are you considering on Iran?  What kind of sanctions are you considering?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll tell them before I tell you.

Q    Did Tim Walz lose the debate?

Q    Any updates on the hostages — on the hostages in Gaza, sir?

Q    Did Tim Walz lose the debate?

THE PRESIDENT:  No, he didn’t.  And, by the way, the other guy lost the debate.  He misrepresented everything, including — anyway, I —

Q    Sir — the hostages in Gaza, sir.  The hostages in Gaza.  Do you have any updates on them?

THE PRESIDENT:  Not — not right now.

(Cross-talk.)

Q    Would you support Israel striking Iran’s oil facilities, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  We’re in discussion of that.  I think — I think that would be a little — anyway.

Q    Do you believe that Donald Trump was acting as a private candidate and not as president when he sought to overturn the 2020 election, as Jack Smith laid out in his filing?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll let Jack Smith make that case.

(Cross-talk.)

Q    (Inaudible) response to the retaliation?  Will you let Israel retaliate?  What are the plans to allow Israel to strike back against Iran?

THE PRESIDENT:  First of all, we don’t allow Israel.  We advise Israel.  And there’s nothing going to happen today.  We’ll talk about that later.

Q    G20 and APEC Summits next month.  Is it a good chance to sit down with President Putin to discuss international security?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m sorry?

Q    G20 and APEC Summits next month.  Is it a good chance to discuss international security and Ukraine with Putin?

THE PRESIDENT:  I doubt whether Putin will show up.

Q    Are you surprised the race between Harris and Trump is so close right now?  Are you surprised?

THE PRESIDENT:  No, I’m not.  It always gets this close.  She’s going to do fine.

9:32 A.M. EDT

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     By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America (the “President”), I hereby grant permission, subject to the conditions set forth herein, to Southwebb Bridge Company LLC (the “permittee”) to construct, maintain, and operate a vehicular and pedestrian crossing located on the United States border with Mexico in Laredo, Texas, as described in the “Presidential Permit Application Laredo 4/5 International Bridge” dated March 15, 2022 (“March 15, 2022, Application”), by the permittee to the Secretary of State and determined to be complete on June 6, 2024, in accordance with 33 U.S.C. 535d and associated procedures.
 
    The term “Border facilities” as used in this permit consists of the bridge, its approaches, and any land, structures, installations, or equipment appurtenant thereto located on the United States side of the international boundary between the United States and Mexico in the proposed project site located approximately 12.6 miles south/southeast of the City of Laredo, Texas, approximately 3.0 miles west of U.S. Highway 83, approximately 4.4 miles southwest of Texas State Highway Loop 20, approximately 10.5 miles southwest of State Highway 359, and approximately 10.6 miles south of Interstate Highway 35.
 
     This permit is subject to the following conditions:
 
     Article 1.  The Border facilities herein described and all aspects of their operation are subject to all the conditions, permissions, and requirements of this permit and any subsequent Presidential amendment to it.  The construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities shall be in all material respects as described in the March 15, 2022, Application.
 
     Article 2.  The standards for and the manner of construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities are subject to inspection by the representatives of appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies.  The permittee shall grant officers and employees of such agencies that are duly authorized and performing their official duties free and unrestricted access to said Border facilities.
 
     Article 3.  The permittee shall comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations regarding the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities.
 
     Article 4.  (1)  The permittee shall take or cause to be taken all appropriate measures to mitigate adverse impacts on or disruption of the human environment in connection with the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities.  Mitigation measures are those that avoid, minimize, or compensate for adverse impacts.
 
     (2)  The permittee shall hold harmless and indemnify the United States for any claimed or adjudged liability arising out of construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities, including environmental contamination from the release, threatened release, or discharge of hazardous substances or hazardous waste.
 
     (3)  The permittee is responsible for obtaining any required Federal, State, and local permits, approvals, and authorizations prior to commencing construction activities.  The permittee shall implement the mitigation identified in any environmental decision documents prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Federal permits, including stormwater permits and permits issued in accordance with section 402 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1342).  The permittee shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws.
 
     Article 5.  The permittee shall immediately notify the President or the President’s designee of any decision to transfer custody and control of the Border facilities or any part thereof to any executive department or agency (agency) of the United States Government.  Said notice shall identify the transferee agency and seek the approval of the President for the transfer of the permit.  In the event of approval by the President of such transfer, this permit shall remain in force and effect, and the Border facilities shall be subject to all the conditions, permissions, and requirements of this permit and any amendments thereof.  The permittee may transfer ownership or control of the Border facilities to a non-Federal entity or individual only upon the prior express approval of such transfer by the President, which approval may include such conditions, permissions, and requirements that the President, in the President’s discretion, determines are appropriate and necessary for inclusion in the permit, to be effective on the date of transfer.
 
     Article 6.  The permittee is responsible for acquiring and maintaining any right-of-way grants or easements, permits, and other authorizations as may become necessary or appropriate.  To ensure the safe operation of the Border facilities, the permittee shall maintain them and every part of them in a condition of good repair and in compliance with applicable law and use of best management practices.
 
     Article 7.  To the extent authorized by law, and consistent with any Donation Acceptance Agreements (DAAs) already executed with the permittee under the Donation Acceptance Authority found in 6 U.S.C. 301a and section 559 of title V of division F of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113-76), as amended, as continued by 6 U.S.C. 301b, the permittee shall provide to the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Commissioner) of the Department of Homeland Security and the heads of any other relevant agencies, at no cost to the United States, suitable inspection facilities, infrastructure improvements, equipment, and maintenance, as set forth in the DAAs.  Nothing in this permit obligates such agencies to provide a particular level of services or staffing for such inspection facilities or for any other aspect of the port of entry associated with the Border facilities.
 
     Article 8.  Before beginning design activities, the permittee shall fulfill requirements associated with the following conditions, as refined by the relevant agencies below and as consistent with applicable law:

     (1)  Obtain the concurrence of the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico;

    (2)  Provide a plan for the approval of the Commissioner detailing how the permittee will fund the necessary staffing by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the Border facilities upon commencement of operations and thereafter;

    (3)  Provide a plan for the approval of the Administrator of General Services (Administrator) and the Commissioner detailing how the permittee will fund the necessary operations and maintenance costs for the Border facilities upon commencement of operations and thereafter;

    (4)  Provide a plan for the approval of the Administrator and the Commissioner detailing how the permittee will fund construction, outfitting (furniture, fixtures, and equipment to include information technology and necessary inspection technologies), technology integration, and outyear refresh of said program elements for the Border facilities detailed in their March 15, 2022, Application; and

    (5)  Provide a plan for the approval of the Secretary of Transportation detailing construction and funding of commercial motor vehicle inspection facilities and detailing how the permittee will ensure the necessary funding for appropriate Department of Transportation staffing and operations and maintenance costs for the Border facilities upon commencement of operations and thereafter.

     Relevant agencies will coordinate with the permittee to further refine the above conditions, as necessary, within 1 year of permit issuance.
 
     Article 9.  The permittee shall not initiate construction until the Department of State has provided notification to the permittee that the Department of State has completed its exchange of diplomatic notes with the Government of Mexico regarding authorization.  The permittee shall provide written notification to the President or the President’s designee at the time that the construction authorized by this permit begins, at the time as such construction is completed, interrupted, or discontinued, and at other times as may be requested by the President.
 
     Article 10.  Upon request, the permittee shall provide appropriate information to the President or the President’s designee with regard to the Border facilities.  Such requests could include requests for information concerning current conditions, environmental compliance, mitigation, or anticipated changes in ownership or control, construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of the Border facilities.
 
     Article 11.  The permittee shall file any applicable statements and reports required by applicable Federal law in connection with the Border facilities.
 
     Article 12.  The permittee shall make no substantial change inconsistent with the March 15, 2022, Application to the Border facilities, in the location of the Border facilities, or in the operation authorized by this permit, unless such changes have been approved by the President.  The President may terminate, revoke, or amend this permit at any time at the President’s sole discretion.  The permittee’s obligation to implement any amendment to this permit is subject to the availability of funds.  If the permittee permanently closes the Laredo 4/5 International Bridge and it is no longer used as an international crossing, then this permit shall terminate, and the permittee may manage, utilize, or dispose of the Border facilities in accordance with applicable authorities.  This permit shall continue in full force and effect for only so long as the permittee continues the operations hereby authorized. 
 
     Article 13.  This permit shall expire 5 years from the date of its issuance if the permittee has not commenced construction of the Border facilities by that date.
 
     Article 14.  This permit 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.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, have hereunto set my hand this third day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
 
 
 
                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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I applaud the historic agreement and conclusion of the negotiations between the Republic of Mauritius and the United Kingdom on the status of the Chagos Archipelago. It is a clear demonstration that through diplomacy and partnership, countries can overcome long-standing historical challenges to reach peaceful and mutually beneficial outcomes. This agreement affirms Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, while granting the United Kingdom the authority to exercise the sovereign rights of Mauritius with respect to Diego Garcia. 

Diego Garcia is the site of a joint U.S.-UK military facility that plays a vital role in national, regional, and global security. It enables the United States to support operations that demonstrate our shared commitment to regional stability, provide rapid response to crises, and counter some of the most challenging security threats we face. The agreement secures the effective operation of the joint facility on Diego Garcia into the next century.

We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Mauritius and the United Kingdom in upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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5:05 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Gov.  Good afternoon, everyone.

I don’t have to tell this group that Hurricane Helene has been a storm literally of historic proportions.  The damage is still being assessed but — and many people are still unaccounted for. 

So, I’m here to say the United States, the nation has your back.  The nation has your back.  We’re not leaving until you’re back on your feet completely.

You know, we’re in a situation where earlier this morning I met with state and local police in Greenville, South Carolina.  Then I took an aerial tour of western North Carolina to survey the damage.  And I came here in Raleigh to receive a briefing from all of you and — who have been working nonstop to provide the support that you need and the survivors need. 

You know, it goes — my heart goes out to everyone who has experienced the unthinkable loss.  But we’re here for you. 

And I want to thank Republican governor of South Carolina and the Democratic governor of North Carolina and all of the elected officials who’ve focused on the task at hand.  In a moment like this, we put politics aside.  At least we should put it all aside, and we have here.  There are no Democrats or Republicans; there are only Americans.  And our job is to help as many people as we can as quickly as we can and as thoroughly as we can. 

You know, that’s why even before the storm hit, I directed the entire federal government to use every possible resource to help communities across the nation — across the region get ready.  We deployed over 1,000 first responders throughout the Southeast.  I immediately approved emergency declarations as soon as I received the requests from your governors.  And today, I approved the request of Governor Cooper for the federal government to cover 100 percent — 100 percent of all the costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures for six months — all the costs.  (Applause.)

Well, this — this really matters.

There are 70 North Carolinians who are dead and 100 more who are unaccounted for.  And much of Asheville is underwater. 

It was — I’ve flown over an awful lot of storm-damaged areas since I’ve been president.  Matter of fact, most of — many of them forest fires.  And I — we’ve — with — the FEMA director and I have flown over more — more forest that’s been taken down to the ground because of fires and a whole range of other reasons than makes up the entire state of Maryland.  And — and so, I’ve seen a lot.

But we’re looking at Asheville and just imagining what it must have been like sitting along those rivers and streams as all that rain came down.  What, 19 inches of rain?  Something like that.  An incredible amount of rain.  Watching homes — you could see homes that are moved from — clearly from one side of the river, down the river, to another side of the river.

And I can only imagine what it’s like to have been in one of those homes.  And much of Asheville was underwater.  Much of it was underwater.  What a beautiful, beautiful part of the country.  I’ve been to Asheville before.  It’s a magnificent part of Appalachia.  Much of it was underwater.

Communities like Chimney Rock are reduced to piles of wood and debris.  I mean, that’s — you look down, that’s what you see, as we flew over in the — circled in the helicopter. 

And this is going to pay for — this will pay for the urgent work we need to clear landslides, to provide shelters, and supply food and medicine. 

But today, I’m also directing the Department of Defense to move up 1,000 soldiers to reinforce North Carolina’s National Guard, because they need additional assistance.  These soldiers are out of Fort Liberty here in — right here in North Carolina and are available for responsive operations starting today — starting today. 

They’re going to spend — they’re going to speed up the delivery of lifesaving supplies like food, water, and medicine to isolated communities over what the Pentagon calls “the last tactical mile” — “the last tactical mile.”

Simply put, we’ve got the capabilities to get the job done, and we’re going to get it done as fast as possible.

I’ve also directed the development of Starlink sa- — a deployment of Starlink satellites.  Fifty — fifty are in place right now and more are going to be put in place so people in places like Canton can call for help and reach the ones that love — loved ones who they’re not sure whether anybody on the other end of that phone because there’s no cell service. 

And on top of this, FEMA teams are offering free temporary housing and hotel rooms for eligible residents.  They’re continuing to send helicopters and trucks to deliver hundreds of thousands of meals and liters of water in communities every single day. 

And they’re — and they’re knocking — literally knocking on doors and visiting shelters to register folks so they can receive assistance to buy the urgent needs that they have because they’ve lost everything, like prescriptions and baby formula and essentials.  This is a direct assistance that is being delivered here today, not — not later but today. 

And so — but, folks, it’s going to take — cost us billions of dollars.  It’s going to cost billions of dollars to deal with this storm and all the — all the communities affected.  And Congress has an obligation to ensure the storts — the — the states have the resources they need. 

Let me close with this.  Nobody can deny the impact of climate crisis anymore.  At least I hope they don’t.  They must be brain-dead if they do.  Scientists report that with warming oceans powering more intense rains, storms like Helene are getting stronger and stronger.  Not going to get — they’re not going to get less; they’re going to get stronger.

Today, in North Carolina, I saw the impacts of that fury: massive trees uprooted; homes literally swept off their foundations, swept down rivers; you know, families that are heartbroken. 

But there are also neighbors helping neighbors.  That’s the other thing we were talking about coming over here in a — in an automobile.  It’s amazing when people step up when people are in need, because they’re neighbors.  I think we underestimate that. 

That’s why one of the things I did with all the — all I put in place in terms of everything from the Recovery Act on down is that we have actually invested more funding under my administration in the so-called red states than blue states, because the need was greater; they’re larger states with larger territories. 

Because this — everyone — this is about America.  It’s not about one state or another, Democrat or Republican.  It’s about America. 

Volunteers, first responders are standing side by side, people leaning on each other to pick up the pieces that are left over.  And that’s the best of America. 

I — I firmly believe — and I’m saying this, saying this, saying it for three years — there’s nothing beyond our capacity to do — nothing, nothing, nothing.  This is the United States of America, for God’s sake.  Whenever we work together, we’ve never failed to get something done. 

So, I thank everyone who has been working tirelessly and cold, wet, and hungry to — to get the job done.  And Kamala and I are here until the end. 

And I want to — God bless you all. 

And I’d like to turn it now over to Director Will Ray. 

5:13 P.M. EDT

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Meadowbrook Neighborhood
Augusta, Georgia

4:35 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, I’m here in Augusta to, first and foremost, thank the federal, state, and local leaders.  Mayor, I want to thank you for your leadership, in particular, on the ground.

I am here to personally take a look at the devastation, which is extraordinary, and it is — and particularly devastating in terms of the loss of life that this community has experienced, the loss of normalcy, and the loss of critical resources. 

And so, I’m here today to — to thank all of those who are working to get folks the support and the relief that they so desperately need and so rightly deserve.  And — and that includes the fact that still, in this community, up to 60 percent of the residents here do not have power.  Many have been without running water for at least a couple of days now.  Many are — have water but no hot water.

I was just talking with one of the members of the community and her daughter who lost her husband.  And — and there is real pain and trauma that has resulted because of this — this hurricane and what has happened in terms of the aftermath of it. 

I do want to acknowledge and thank the first responders, who have been extraordinary.  Having met with them, they are the kind of folks that are the heroes in moments of crisis who do extraordinary work that is about lifting up other people.

As it relates in particular to the leaders who are here and doing that work, including the first responders, most of them, as it relates to the local folks, are folks who have personally and their families have personally experienced loss and devastation.  And yet they leave their home, leave their family to go to centers like where I was earlier to do the work of helping perfect strangers. 

And it really does highlight the nobility of the kind of work that these public servants have dedicated themselves to, which can be, in moments of crisis like this, so selfless in the way that they do that work.

The president and I have been paying close attention from the beginning to what we need to do to make sure the federal resources hit the ground as quickly as possible, and that includes what was necessary to make sure that we provided direct federal assistance.  And that work has been happening. 

I want to thank the governor for his leadership and his close coordination with the federal government, with our administration.  And I want to thank the local leaders for, together, creating a task force-like response, knowing that we are at our best when we work together and coordinate resources, coordinate our communications to the maximum effect for the community that has been impacted.

And the federal relief and assistance that we have been providing has included FEMA providing $750 for folks who need immediate needs being met, such as food, baby formula, and the like.  And you can apply now. 

For anyone who is watching this, who has been affected, there are FEMA personnel who are going door — door to door to interact personally with folks, especially those who do not have electricity.  But also, that — that aid, — if you have electricity, can be applied for online, and I encourage people to do that.  FEMA will just basically verify your address, and then the process should take hold. 

FEMA is also providing tens of thousands more dollars for folks to help them be able to deal with home repair, to be able to cover a deductible when and if they have insurance, and also hotel costs. 

Today, I’m also announcing that the president has approved the governor’s request for 100 percent federal reimbursement of local costs. 

And, Mayor, as you have pointed out, the — the burden to local governments, including state — the state government, is — is pretty immense.  And so, by announcing today and — and making the dedicated resources to cover 100 percent of local costs will have a huge impact on our ability to get relief to people as quickly as possible. 

And that will include, for example, what the federal government will do to reimburse local and state governments around issues like debris removal, which you can see just up and down this street, much less in other areas of the state and in the region, this is a big issue.  I was speaking with one of the residents of the community who needs that big tree removed so she can actually get to work and — and make sure that her child is able to get to school when the schools reopen.  So, this is a very big part of the recovery process. 

That money of the federal reimbursement will also help with emergency services that are now being provided by the state so that they can be reimbursed and then have the resources to keep providing those emergency services. 

Also, we will be covering the local government costs for food, wa- — water, and shelter — again, resources that are desperately needed by the members of this community. 

And so, my final point to the — to the residents of this community and — and the region is that we are here for the long haul.  There is the work that we have done together that was the immediate response — well, preparation for and then the immediate response after.  But there’s a lot of work that’s going to need to happen over the coming days, weeks, and months.  And the coordination that we have dedicated ourselves to will be long-lasting to get families, to get residents, to get neighborhoods back up and running. 

And — and my last point is this.  I think that in these moments of hardship, one of the beauties about who we are as a country is — is people really rally together and show the best of who they are in moments of crisis.  And we have seen that throughout the region where communities are coming together; where — where people are helping perfect strangers; where they are providing food, wa- — water, shelter for their neighbors, and that neighbor may be somebody they’ve never met before but are doing the work of helping each other out. 

And I think it really highlights the fact that the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us and that the best of — the strength of who we are is we come to each other’s aid in a time of need. 

So, I thank everyone for doing that kind of work every day.

And with that, there is more work to be done.  Thank you all.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Q    Do you have an update on the death toll, Madam Vice President, or on people who are missing?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I — I did receive updates in terms of what’s happening in the state.  And — and so far, the number looks to be 33.  The — the mayor was just sharing with me —

PARTICIPANT:  Seven in Ri- — Augusta-Richmond County alone.  Seven.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Seven alone in August-Richmond County.  So, the numbers are coming in.  And part of the challenge of being accurate at this moment is that there are still so many areas that are remote, also rural areas, areas that are not easily accessible.  So, the assessment of the damage is being done across the board.  And, of course, the — the highest priority is to locate and determine individuals, people who are in need and making sure we’re getting to them as quickly as possible. 

     Thank you. 
    

                             END                4:44 P.M. EDT

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Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the State of North Carolina by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for emergency work undertaken in the State of North Carolina as a result of Tropical Storm Helene beginning on September 25, 2024, and continuing.

Under the President’s order today, the Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance has been increased to 100 percent of the total eligible costs for 180 days from the start of the incident period.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Georgia by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for emergency work undertaken in the State of Georgia as a result of Hurricane Helene beginning on September 24, 2024, and continuing.

Under the President’s order today, Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, has been increased to 100 percent of the total eligible costs for 90 days from the start of the incident period.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Florida by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for emergency work undertaken in the State of Florida as a result of Hurricane Helene beginning on September 23, 2024, and continuing.

Under the President’s order today, Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, has been increased to 100 percent of the total eligible costs for 90 days from the start of the incident period.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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1:16 P.M. EDT

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay.  I just have a couple things at the top, and then I’ll turn it over.

So, we’re headed to South Carolina and North Carolina, where the president will meet with state and local leaders and personally survey the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

In South Carolina, the president will engage with first responders and state and local officials.

In North Carolina, he will take an aerial tour of areas in western North Carolina that were impacted by the storm.

Today, the president announced that he is directing the Department of Defense to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support the delivery of food to communities impacted by the storm.

And I can announce that tomorrow, the president will visit impacted communities in Florida and Georgia.

In North Carolina and South Carolina and across the affected areas, the Biden-Harris administration has remained focused on using every tool available to help people and their communities begin their road to recovery and rebuilding.

In fact, President Biden recently approved an additional major disaster declaration for Virginia, unlocking more resources to provide survivors with direct disaster assistance.

To date, more than $10 million has been provided directly to those affected by Hurricane Helene.

As the president said yesterday, we will be there until the work is done.

And now I’m going to turn it over to the Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, who is going to speak to the federal response — update on federal response.

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  Good afternoon. 

So, the — the president has expressed his need as a commander in chief to see firsthand the impacts on the ground.

This is not the first trip that I’ve taken with the president for that purpose.  We were in Mayfield, Kentucky, together.  He has said there is no substitute for interacting with the individuals, with the victims of these extreme weather events, and that is why he’s taking this trip.

He has directed me and every member of the Cabinet to devote the full force of our personnel and our resources to the assistance of the victims of Hurricane Helene, which is really of historic strength.

I can provide you with some data, if you would find — find that helpful.  Unfortunately, I forgot my glasses.  But I will say that — remember something about the data: It changes every hour because we are continuing to pour resources in every hour.  But what the data will do is give you a — a good understanding of the magnitude of the federal response.  It’s really quite breathtaking.

So, more than 4,800 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed, more than 1,000 of whom are from FEMA.  We have shipped over 8.8 million meals, more than 7.4 million — million liters of water, 150 generators, and more than 225,000 tarps to the region.

As of today, search and rescue teams have conducted nearly 1,500 structural evaluations and hundreds of rescues and evacuations.  And additionally, of course, federal search and rescue teams are deployed.

The — the status of the federal response is dependent on the conditions on the ground.  So, in certain areas that are remote, mountainous, and that have been hit hard, we’re still in search and rescue.  In others, we are already in response and recovery mode.  It varies according to the — the demographics of the — and topography.

Voluntary organizations, World Central Kitchen is deployed — are supporting mass feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft delivery.  Some of these areas are remote.  We are doing airdrops and the like.  We’re getting assistance from the Department of Defense and other resources.  The Salvation Army is deployed.  The National Guard is deployed.  I think — I think it’s almost 6,000 members of the National Guard are deployed across the six states.  And our FEMA administrator, Deanne Criswell, is on the ground. 

I think that gives you a good sense of the magnitude of the operation. 

You should know that in — in the six impacted states, we had declared emergency — emergencies — emergency declaration prior to Helene hitting.  We had pre-positioned assets.  And, as Karine mentioned, the president, upon request of the particular states — I think it’s five now; I’ll — I can confirm that — has declared major disaster declarations. 

Q    Is there — what are you doing speci- — you mentioned sending water, but what are you doing as far as getting the drinking water back online in — in places like the president is seeing?

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  For that, I would turn to Michael Regan, the EPA administrator.  I — I think, in South Carolina, he mentioned there are two systems that are not fully operational, but that’s South Carolina specific.  But I — I would have to defer to — to Michael Regan.

Q    Talk to us a little about how confident you’re feeling in the amount of funding right now.  The president mentioned that he needs — was thinking about bringing Congress back to pass more funding.  Is that something you think might still need to happen?

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  We — we are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have.  We are expecting another hurricane hitting.  We do not have the funds.  FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season and what — what is imminent.

Q    So, does the president want lawmakers to return to Washington?

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  I would defer to the — to the president for — for the timing of that.  But we have, of course, made a significant request of Congress with respect to stable funding for the Federal Emergency Management Administration, which should not be a political issue.  This is something that Americans need desperately.

Q    (Inaudible.)

Q    Can you talk a little bit about — I’m sorry — how the rol- — like, how the role of climate change comes into the request for more funding — you know, the — the sort of revamping of the entire FEMA operation to begin with?

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  This is — let’s — let’s speak factually.  The severity and frequency of extreme weather events have only increased.  It is an impact of climate change.

When — I — I mentioned Mayfield, Kentucky, a small town that was absolutely decimated by a tornado of unprecedented strength and length.  And we — I remember one of the factories in that small community, people had gone into a safe room that was built precisely for extreme weather, and that safe room was decimated because the building codes of yesterday are not equipped for the extreme weather events of today and tomorrow.

Q    The president spoke to us on the tarmac about how the dockworkers strike is playing into this.  D- — could you give us a sense, one, if the — the strike is slowing down the response at all, and whether the companies involved are at all profiting off of the misery that’s taking place on the ground?

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  I cannot answer the — the second question.  I am not that attuned to the dynamics of the strike.  I’ll leave that to the experts who- — whose portfolio covers that.

But I will tell you that we are not short of supplies right now with respect to the delivery of goods to the people in need.  Are — we are — we are not seeing adverse impacts from that strike with respect to our response to Hurricane Helene.

Q    The president has a very active travel schedule over the next couple of days, with North Carolina and then Florida and Georgia as well.  Is there any sense that he’s kind of playing catch-up after the initial criticism over the weekend and the fact that Donald Trump got down to Georgia on Monday?

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  Oh, absolutely not.  What — what I said yesterday and I’ll repeat — this is a very, very important point: The president is focused on being there for people without disrupting the emergency operations.  What he does not want to do is in any way impair or impede the rescue that we are providing. 

And so, he’s been in close touch with local and state officials to determine when is the right time to visit so that the visit is productive and not counterproductive.  And he has responded accordingly, according to the guidance that he’s received, and that’s why he’s traveling today and tomorrow.

Q    And is there any update on the estimate of how much this is going to cost the federal government and how much you would be seeking from Congress for help?

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  So, as I mentioned, we have the immediate needs right now.  On a continuing resolution, we have funds, but that is not a stable source of supply, if you will.

This is a multibillion-dollar, multiyear recovery.  The magnitude of it —

Q    Did you say million or billion?

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  Billion.

Q    Okay.

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  Multibillion-dollar undertaking and a multiyear undertaking.  We have — we have towns that have disappeared, literally. 

Q    Can you — either one of you just tell us a little bit about what — what the president is going to see?  I know we said western North Carolina, but will we fly over Asheville?  What — where are we headed?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, we’re definitely, as I stated, western — doing an aerial tour of western North Carolina.  He’ll be able to see a little bit of Asheville.  We’ll certainly have more for you when we get on the ground. 

But, look, I think this is really important.  And I — and to, I think, your question, Danny — the reason why we are on top of this, as the president has been throughout his three and a half years and taking this very seriously — when — when the secretary started talking to you all, he talked about being commander in chief — the president takes this very, very seriously.

And we pre-positioned.  We — you — you heard the administrator from FEMA.  She came to the briefing room on Thursday, hours before the hurricane actually hit, because we wanted to send a message to Americans, to folks who were in the region to please listen to law enforcement, but also lay out there were 1,500 personnel on the ground — FEMA personnel on the ground being ready to really take this on. 

And so, as the secretary said, the president is going down today.  He’s going to be in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia and Florida, as I said.  But he — we also did it at the direction of the folks on the ground. 

So, yes, there may be other leaders who decided to go a couple days ago, but we actually did it a way that we know that we were not taking away resources from emergency operations.  And I think that’s what’s important here. 

And you’ve seen that be- — the — the secretary talked about Kentucky.  There’s been other — we’ve been to Florida a couple times — right? — with what we have seen over the past couple of years with — with natural disasters. 

And so, this is a president that is going to take this seriously.  He’s going to see for himself and thank, obviously, the — the emergency workers on the ground.  And so, this is — this is what we do as president.  This is what we do.  This is what he does, and our secretary.

Q    Just on the funding.  You know, we have two months left in hurricane season.  Can you just characterize a little bit — if you don’t get more funding, how much trouble are we in if another big storm hits?  Does that translate —

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  Well —

Q    — into lives lost?

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  Well, there — there are a couple things.  It’s very important to note that even though we’re on a continuing resolution, we — we do — can obtain spend-fast funds so that we can dip into funds that are slated for the duration of the year to meet immediate needs.  So, we — we are meeting the moment. 

But that doesn’t speak about the future and the fact, as I mentioned earlier, that these extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity, and we have to be funded for the sake of the American people.  This is not a political issue. 

Q    Karine, how is the president continuing to get updates about the Middle East while he’s traveling today?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Well, let’s —

Q    Let me —

Q    Sorry.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Let’s let — so we —

Q    One more —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — because he has to go back to be with the president.

Q    (Inaudible) about the fuel shortages that is being done right now? 

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  I’m sorry?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  The fuel shortages.

Q    Fuel shortages.

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  Of — that people are suffering.  So, we — look, there are — there are different types of challenges that people victimized by this historic hurricane are — are suffering: fuel, potable water in certain areas, power, communications.  And we are meeting each of those challenges with the full force of the federal government as well as our state and local partners. 

So, if you take a look at power, at the — at the height of this hurricane, 5.1 million people were without power.  We have delivered power — when I say “we,” the collective “we” — the public-private partnership — to 3.6 or 3.8 million of those individuals.  And so — and we are continuing to pour resources and efforts in. 

Q    Do you think North Carolina was properly prepared for the impact of the flooding?

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  They were prepared, but they were as prepared — and this is something we have to take stock of when we speak of preparation.  Preparation doesn’t necessarily mean preventing suffering when you are speaking of extreme weather events of historic magnitude.  You have people in rural areas, difficult-to-access areas, and when — when a force of this strength pours through, it’s going to have a calamitous impact. 

And the — the question is: Have they done everything that they can?  Have they followed the instructions of local officials?  And that is what is key. 

And I should say it is very important, if you don’t mind, to — to communicate the means of accessing relief.  People have an 800 number to call.  That’s 800-621-FEMA.  They can access relief at DisasterAssistance.gov, or they can use the FEMA app.

And for those people who do not have communications, we are actually going to them.  We are in shelters.  We are going door to door as we increase access to remote areas.

Q    Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  All right.  Thank you so much. 

SECRETARY MAYORKAS:  Thank you, Karine.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Thank you.  Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

Q    Thank you.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay.  So, to answer your question — I do want to hit one more thing.  But to answer your question, as you know, yesterday, the president was being regularly updated on what was happening in the Middle East.  He’s going to continue to do that.  We always say: The president is president wherever he is.  And so, that’s going to continue. 

He spent, as you — also, speaking of yesterday, he spent hours in the Situation Room.  And so, this is something he is monitoring very, very closely, and he will certainly be able to do that on this trip. 

Just a couple of things — because I do want to it- — reiterate something that he’s talked about — at the top.

Look, the president is calling on USMX and the owners of these foreign carrier- — carriers it represents to come to the table and put forward a fair offer to the longshoremen now.

This should be easy for them to resolve.  We’re recovering from a hurricane, and they need to do so as soon as possible.  They’ve made hundreds of billions in record profits since the pandemic — profits up as much as 800 percent.  These workers kept our ports open during the pandemic.  Their work is essential as communities recover from the hurricane — from Hurricane Helene.  Now is the time for these foreign carrier owners to negotiate a fair contract. 

So, we just want to make that really clear.

Go ahead.

Q    Are there — are there any plans at the moment for the president to speak with Netanyahu directly?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  He — he talked about this.  We don’t have anything to read out to you.  But he also said — the president said this, and Jake Sullivan said this at the podium — they have been in regular communication with — with our — with Jake’s Isra- — Israeli counterparts throughout the last couple of days — almost daily, obviously — since almost a year now.

And so, that will continue.  And when we have a call to — to speak to or to announce, we certainly will do that.  Don’t have —

(Cross-talk.)

Q    Clarification on —

Q    Oh, sorry.  (Inaudible.)

Q    It’s okay.  Don’t worry.  The — a clarification, though, on Iran.  So, the president was saying that he was expecting sanctions.  I wondered if — if there was discussion about how Israel should respond to Iran, particularly given, you know, the — the type of the — the missile strike and the fact that they’re — they’re saying they’re done now with it.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So — so, two things there.  Look, as it relates to any response from Israel, we’re having conversations with them.  We’re having discussions.  I’m not going to prejudge.  I’m not going to get ahead of that.  And as the president st- — stated, that he did have a conversation — he joined a call with the G7, and they discussed Iran’s unacceptable attack against Israel and to coordinate on a response to that — to this attack, including new sanctions, as you just mentioned, Colleen.

President Biden and the G7 unequivocally condemned Iran’s attack against Israel.  President Biden expressed the United States’ full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security.

There is going to be a joint statement, as the president mentioned.  I don’t want to get ahead of that.  And certainly, you’ll have all that information.

Q    Karine, what new sanctions?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Not — I said I’m not going to get ahead of that.

Q    Are —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m going to let — I’m going to let the joint statement —

Q    And are you —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — from — from the G7 —

Q    Are you counseling restraint in those conversations with Israel?  Are you saying —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m — I’m not —

Q    — “Whatever you do” —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  We’re — we’re having discussions. Certainly not going to prejudge.  I’m not going to get ahead of it.  But we are having discussions with re- —

Q    What’s your advice though?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not going to share th- — I’m not going to be doing that out on — on Air Force One.  We’re going to have those discussions — those private discussions.  And not going to get ahead of those discussions or prejudging.

Q    And is Israel’s limited — so-called limited incursion into Lebanon delivering the results that they wanted?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  You would have to speak to — you would have to speak to Israel directly and IDF.

Q    What’s your judgment?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  You’d have to speak to them directly, because it is their — it is their operation.

Q    Does the president think Tim Walz won the debate?  (Laughter.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, what I can say is the president watched — caught some of the debate.  And, as you know — and I’m going to be really mindful, because it’s a debate, 2024.  As you know, been covering and focusing on this trip.  During this trip, he’s been focused on this.  Obviously, this was a historic hurricane that hit this region, but he and — he and the vice president and the entire team are working hard to the response to — to Helene.  And so, he — he was able to — he was able to — to manage to catch some of it.  But I haven’t spoken to him in detail about it.

Q    I think the president said on the tarmac that he had not directly spoken to the dock strikers or any of the companies.  Is that going to change?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have anything to preview at this time, but this president basically answered the question pretty directly.  I don’t have anything else to share.

All right, guys.  Okay.  All right.

Q    Thanks, Karine.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Thanks, everybody.

Q    Appreciate it.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  See you on the ground.

Okay.  Be careful.  It’s very, very bumpy.

1:36 P.M. EDT

The post Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas En Route Greenville, SC appeared first on The White House.

National Security Advisor to the Vice President Dr. Phil Gordon met virtually today with Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian American community leaders from across the United States.

Dr. Gordon discussed the latest developments in the Middle East. He underscored the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to bring the war in Gaza to an end through a ceasefire and hostage release deal, which would relieve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He expressed concern for civilians in Lebanon and underscored the importance of a diplomatic resolution for ultimately achieving lasting stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border so that civilians can safely return to their homes. He also expressed concern about actions that undermine peace, security, and stability in the West Bank. Dr. Gordon heard participants’ views and perspectives about developments in the region and reiterated the Vice President’s commitment to continue to engage with Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities across the United States.

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The post Readout of National Security Advisor to the Vice President Phil Gordon’s Meeting with Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian American Community Leaders appeared first on The White House.

Augusta Utilities
Augusta, Georgia

3:13 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Mayor. 

And I am here in Augusta to — to thank all of the folks who are here on the ground doing this extraordinary work.  And, you know, I’ve been reading and hearing about the work you’ve been doing over the last few days.  And I think it really does represent some of the best of what we each know can be done, especially when we coordinate around local, state, and federal resources to meet the — the needs of people who must be seen and must be heard. 

These are very difficult times.  And in a moment of crisis, I think that really does bring out the best of who we are, and you each epitomize that important and good work.

So, I’m here to thank you and to listen.

And — and, Senator, I want to thank you for the work that you’ve been doing on behalf of the state, because I know you’ve been talking to me and the president and many others about making sure that the federal resources get to this beautiful state.

 So, thank you all.

 And, Mayor, I am now listening. 

                                 END               3:14 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at the Augusta Emergency Operations Center | Augusta, GA appeared first on The White House.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 2228, the “Building Chips in America Act of 2023,” which exempts certain projects relating to the production of semiconductors from environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

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