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Willard Hotel
Washington, D.C.

6:06 P.M. EST

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good evening, everyone.  (Applause.)  Good evening.  Good evening.  Good evening.  Happy Holidays.  And thank you all for what you are, what you have done, what you will do. 

Dr. Jill Biden, let me just say, it has been an extraordinary four years, as you have said.  And the work that we have done together — the four of us — I wish some of you were privy to seeing just, you know, before we come on stage when we’re hanging out in the back, or just those long nights when we’re talking about what we want to get done, the challenges we face, but our commitment to seeing it through.

And I’ll say about Jill Biden something that probably most of you know: She’s a tough cookie — (laughter) — who cares so deeply.  You know, Jill is tough.  She has a tough exterior.  She has one of the biggest hearts of anybody I know.  (Applause.)

She cares about the people.  The way she talks, for example, about her students, the way she talks about people who are often overlooked, are just not thought of in any way that they should be, that’s who Jill is.  And so, Jill, it’s been an extraordinary experience to work with you, and our friendship is lifelong, as you know, and I love you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you. 

And can we hear it again for the first second gentleman of the United States — (applause) — also known as my Dougie.  (Laughter.) 

It is so good to be here with everyone this evening, including Chair Jaime Harrison, Finance Chair Chris Korge, and so many others.  (Applause.)

And we are here tonight to thank you all for the work that you have done.  And it has been tireless work. 

When it mattered most, through the entire campaign, including those 107 days, you all rallied.  You rallied.  You opened your homes.  You reached out to your friends and your family. 

You put your personal capital — and by that, I mean your relationships — at stake to talk with people because you care so deeply, and you connected with people and took the time to remind them of what is at stake and what was at stake. 

You sacrificed an extraordinary amount of time not doing other priorities in your life to focus on this campaign and, by extension, to focus on our country and its future. 

With your help, we brought together people from every walk of life and every background, all united by a deep love of country, all motivated by enthusiasm and joy in our fight for America’s future. 

And as a result of your leadership and your support, the National Finance Committee held more than 700 events across the country and raised nearly $700 million — (applause) — an historic achievement, which without a doubt made our campaign stronger. 

So, I thank you again for all you have done.  And I ask that — everyone here that you hold onto and know in your heart and in your spirit that everything you did made a difference and mattered and has impact that is lasting. 

All the work you did to bring these resources together allowed us to do rallies where people from every walk of life would come and they would look around and see that we are one community of people called Americans.  They would look and they would see people they had never met before and feel a sense of their own power in knowing that they are not alone and that we are all in this together. 

You gave people and allowed them to have that feeling, and that can’t be taken away. 

And as we look to the future, we will continue then to rely on your support to make sure our party can continue to do that kind of work, which is about being on the ground, being where the people are, going to them to organize and mobilize and remind people of the power of their voice. 

So, look, the holiday season is one of my favorite times of year — that and my birthday — (laughter) — and our — and our wedding anniversary, of course.  (Laughter.)  Just going to keep digging this hole deeper and deeper.  (Laughter.)

But it’s a time of gratitude and a time of celebration.  And so, it is so important this holiday season to remember we all have so much to celebrate. 

We have a country we love.  We have ideals that we’re very clear about in terms of their importance and the importance of us fighting for those ideals.  And we have each other.  And our work is about being intentional about building community.  Our work is about being intentional about building coalitions.  Our work is fueled by our knowledge that the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us. 

We, who understand that we are all in this together.  We, who, as I like to say, look in the face of a stranger and see a neighbor.  That’s how we do our work.  And we, who know that the true measure of the strength of a leader is not based on who you beat down, it’s based on who you lift up.  (Applause.) 

And that spirit — the spirit with which we do our work — and hear me when I say this — that spirit that fuels the countless hours and days and months of work that you have put into this, that spirit can never be defeated.  Our spirit is not defeated.  We are not defeated.  Let’s be clear about that. 

We are strong.  We are clear about why we are in this.  And because you’re here right now, I say, again, thank you, because not only are you clear about all of that, you’re willing to put in the hard work.  And that work must continue.

We cannot let any circumstance or situation or individual ever take away our power to know why we do what we do and our ability to then get that work done.  And especially because we know what we stand for, and that’s why we know what to fight for. 

We here believe in the promise of America.  We believe in the promise of freedom, of justice, of opportunity and dignity not just so- — for some but for all. 

We know that fighting for the promise of America takes hard work — now, you all can help me finish this; many of you have heard me say it — but we like hard work.  Hard work is good work.  Hard work is joyful work.

And in the new year, we will continue our work with hope, with determination, and with joy. 

So, I’ll close by saying, this holiday season, like any time of the year, let us really be conscious of all the blessings we have.  Let us celebrate the blessings we have.  Let us celebrate in advance the blessings we have yet to create. 

And let us always remember our country is worth fighting for and our spirit will not be defeated.

And I promise you, I will be with you every step of the way.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

And with that, it is my great honor to introduce an incredible leader, who I have had the great blessing and honor and joy of working with for the last four years — spending time with this leader, be it in the Oval Office, the Situation Room, or just sitting around talking about, “Hey, I think we can get this Inflation Reduction Act done.  I think that actually people want a CHIPS and Science Act, and we can get it done.  I think that even though there have been, you know, about 150 years b- — since there’s been a real upgrade on America’s infrastructure, I think we can get it done.  Think we can get done bipartisan work around smart gun safety laws.” 

And I’m going to tell you something about Joe Biden.  He is relentless.  He never gives up.  He cares so deeply about the American people.  And he spends full time in all these places that I just mentioned, including on the world stage, fighting for the American people and fighting for our strength, the respect which we are due, our honor, and our ability to have vision that actually benefits people around the world.  And, most importantly, he is a dear friend to Doug and me and our family. 

I bring you our president, Joe Biden.  (Applause.) 

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, hello, hello.  (Applause.) 

Hello, DNC.  (Applause.)

I want to thank Jaime Harrison for his leadership as chairman. 

There was a congressman down there in his state that called me one day.  He said, “Joe, you’re going to have to decide on a chairman.  Let me tell you who it is.”  (Laughs.)  I said, “Sure.  Whatever you say.”  (Laughter.)  Anyway, it turned out that, Jaime, you’ve done a hell of a job. 

And, you know, the fact is that when we started off — as you’ve heard me say many times, I didn’t plan on running again and — because things had changed in my life.  And — but I got a call from Chris Korge and — and others saying, “You know, we ought to do this.  There’s a lot at stake.” 

I spent my — I know I — you’ve heard me say it, but I know I only look like I’m 40, but — (laughter) — but I’ve been around a long time.  And there’s one advantage of having been the oldest president in American history: I’ve gotten to know virtually every world leader in the last 50 years. 

I know them pretty well.  And what I realized — and more intensely than I ever did before — that we are the essential country.  That’s not hyperbole.  It’s not about what we want to be. 

Ask yourself the question: If we don’t lead the world, who does?  Not a joke.  Who does?  Who leads if we don’t? 

And when I decided to run, it was so we — I thought we could win.  I determined I was going to have a c- — a — a — an administration that looked like America, representing every aspect of America.  And we’ve kept that commitment.  I don’t think anybody is going to be able to turn that around. 

And thanks to all of you for your support to the DNC.  Jill and I, Kamala and Doug could never have gotten to the White House without you.  And that’s not — again, not hyperbole.  We never could have gotten as much done as we did without you. 

You not only contributed to campaigns, but you were — you did something I think even more important.  You’re willing to lend your names, your reputations, and your character to the effort.  You signed that check, you knew what you were doing.  You were putting yourself on the line.  And we’re forever grateful for your character. 

The one thing I’ve always believed about public service, and especially about the presidency, is the importance of asking yourself: Have we left the country in better shape than we found it?

Today, I can say, without — with every fiber of my being, of all my heart, the answer to that question is a resounding yes — yes — (applause) — because of all of you assembled here.

We can be proud we’re leaving America in a better place today than when we came here four years ago. 

This country was living through the worst pandemic the country had seen in a hundred years.  Our economy was in a tailspin.  Millions of people were out of work.  Businesses were being shuttered.  Schools were closed.  And there was no plan for going forward.  Just two weeks before being sworn in, we had just witnessed something we thought would never happen in America: a violent insurrection, encouraged by the man sitting in the White House, on January the 6th.  And so much more.

We’ve come a long way since then.  We passed histor- — historic legislation — laws that literally — are literally building the strongest economy in the world.  There’s not a world leader you can name for me who d- — hasn’t told me at these G7, G20 meeting — all these meetings I meet with them — they wouldn’t trade place with us in a heartbeat.  Laws that, when fully implemented, are going to change America for decades to come. 

But we did know that many of the laws we passed were so consequential it wouldn’t be implemented right away.  It takes time to build those fabs, the factories for chips.  It takes time to get this construction going. 

Over $1.4 trillion in infrastructure — $1 trillion so far in private sector investments in America; the biggest investment ever in climate in the history of the world; and fundamentally transforming our economy to grow from the middle out and the bottom up, not just the top down. 

I fully believe that America is better positioned, because of all of you, to lead the world today than any point in the last 50 years of my career. 

That’s because of you.  Again, not hyperbole.  You lend your reputations, your names to this effort.  It’s not just the contributions you’ve made.  It’s just stepping up, putting yourself on the line.

You should be so damn proud of the work we’ve done together.  You should never forget all you’ve done for the country. 

I’m also proud that we can say we’ve done all this with a deep belief in the core values of America.  Those values are — were all created — I — you’ve heard me say it a hundred times.  You know, we’re the most unique nation in the world.  Every other nation was based on geography, religion, ethnicity, some common factor.  But in America, we were built on an idea — an idea — an idea — the only country in the world. 

We hold these truths — self-evident that all men and women are created equal.  Everyone should have a fair shot.  Hate should never have a safe harbor in America.  That’s what we’re about. 

We’ve never fully lived up to all of that, but we’ve never — we’ve — we’ve stuck with our principles and set a high standard of character, integrity in public life. 

Let me say, it’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president, but the title I’m most proud of is being Jill’s husband.  (Laughter and applause.)  No —

I know it’s well-known by now: I had to ask her five times.  Thank God, she said yes the fifth time.  (Laughter.)  But I think she’s been one of our greatest first ladies, and I mean that sincerely.  (Applause.)

She wasn’t kidding about the first speeches she made.  She was scared to death to go out and make those speeches.  But look at her now — whoa.  (Laughter.) 

Yo, I’m in trouble.  (The president makes the sign of the cross.)  (Laughter.) 

Well, look, it’s also been an incredible honor to serve with someone of immense character that she demonstrated through her entire career: Kamala Harris.  (Applause.) 

I knew what I was doing when I asked her to be my vice president.  I knew her.  I knew of her.  I knew about her.  I knew her record.  I trusted her.  She always served this country with purpose and integrity, and she always will. 

And you’re not going anywhere, kid, because we’re not going to let you go.  (Laughter and applause.)  You’re not going anywhere. 

You know, just as our great first second gentleman — (laughs) — I love that, “first second gentleman.”  (Laughter.)  This guy is one of the best lawyers in America.  This guy gave up a pra- — this — this guy is an incredible guy. 

And one thing we have in common — I used to practice the law for about 10 days, but I used to practice the law — (laughter) — and — but the thing Doug and I have in common: We both married way above our station.  (Laughter and applause.)

Thank you, Doug and Kamala, not only for your service, but Jill and I are grateful to call you dear friends. 

Look, let me close with this.  While our time in office is coming to an end, the America of our dreams is calling us to stay engaged.  We’re not — Jill and I — and I don’t think Kamala and — and Doug are — going anywhere.  We look to the future. 

It’s more important than ever to keep organizing, to keep talking to folks. 

We all get knocked down.  My dad would say, “When you get knocked down, you just got to get up.  Get up.” 

The measure of a person or a party is how fast they get back up, and to know what we believe in is really worth fighting for. 

That’s the road ahead: to never give up, to keep the faith, to know — to know that what we’re doing matters. 

I know.  I know I’m going to stay engaged.  I know Kamala and Jill and Doug are going to well — as well. 

And I know you will.  We need you, badly.  The country needs you, badly. 

We just have to remember — you’ve heard me say it a thousand times — remember who we are.  We’re the United States of America, for God’s sake. 

At — many of you are students of history.  No other nation in the world has come through every crisis stronger than they went into the crisis, and that — except the United States.

And, folks, look, all the things we passed — we knew people weren’t going to see it.  How long does it take to build a fab that’s going to h- — hire thousands of people?  Billions of dollars being invested.  It just takes time to get it built.  It takes time to get it going.  It’s not going to happen for another five, six months, in many places.  It’s just getting started. 

The United States of America — there’s nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together.  But we knew a lot of this was going to take time.  But look what’s out there: everything from the —

Anyway, I won’t get — I’ll get going.  (Laughter.)  But you really did a hell of a job.  I really mean it. 

And the thing I most admire about working with all of you: You have great integrity — great integrity.  You’ve stuck with the deal.  You’ve been honest.  You’ve been decent. 

We’ve run a — we ran a campaign that’s basically scandal-free.  That’s hard to do in American politics these days. 

Anyway, I just want to thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. 

The bad news for you all is I ain’t going nowhere.  (Laughter and applause.)  We’re going to stay engaged.

And having been listed the poorest man in Congress for 36 years, I may be able to actually contribute now.  (Laughter.)

But all kidding aside, thank you very, very much.  You’re — you’re a group of the most decent people.  (Applause.)

God bless you all. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)

 6:28 P.M. EST

The post Remarks by President Biden and Vice President Harris at the Democratic National Committee’s Holiday Reception appeared first on The White House.

Today, the White House is releasing new data illustrating the transformative impact the Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda has already had in creating good jobs, especially union jobs, that expand the power of the American worker.

As the Investing in America agenda spurs record levels of job creation—particularly in construction, clean energy, and manufacturing—the Biden-Harris Administration has focused on ensuring federal funds continue to promote good-paying, high-quality jobs. In September, President Biden signed an Executive Order calling on agencies to embed high-road labor standards and best practices across Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science, and Inflation Reduction Act clean energy programs.

The Good Jobs Task Force, a group of federal leaders created by the President’s Executive Order, analyzed more than 80 programs as part of its work drawing a government-wide blueprint for expanding job quality through federal investments.

The review found agencies and their partners in the private and public sector have made significant, measurable progress towards creating and improving access to good jobs—including union jobs—which are leading to concrete improvements in workers’ lives

Better Wages through More Union Jobs

The Biden-Harris Administration invested billions of dollars in long needed infrastructure projects like fixing roads and bridges, upgrading ports and expanding airports, and building manufacturing facilities. $84B of these construction projects are covered by a union contract providing good paying jobs with benefits available to all Americans, not just those with a four-year college degree.President Biden and Vice President Harris are proud to represent the most pro-union Administration in American history.

Under the Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda, more than 600 construction projects have collective bargaining agreements in place or in negotiation. These pre-hire agreements, known as project labor agreements, are used to set family-sustaining wages and benefits on construction projects. They can also help open career pathways through registered apprenticeship, the gold standard for training workers on the job.

This is also true in manufacturing: Because of job quality priorities, more than 100 federal investments are in manufacturing and clean energy projects covered by collective bargaining agreements.

Nearly 100% of the announced total funding awarded through Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants, over 75% of total funding awarded through the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) Program, and 70% of total funding awarded through the Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing and Recycling grants are going to work places covered by Community Benefits Agreements.

By promoting these agreements, the Biden-Harris Administration has had a transformative impact on workers’ lives.

Promoting Paths to the Middle Class and Expanding Participation in the Workforce

More than 300 projects, representing an investment of $47 billion from across the U.S. government, provide workers with services like transportation and child care—the types of supportive services that allow workers to get and retain good jobs. This is especially true of lower-income and underserved populations in areas where there are limited, or no, child care or transportation options.

Additionally, this Administration has invested over $46 billion in projects that support registered apprenticeship programs. These programs make good jobs available to all Americans, not just those with a four-year college degree. Since January 2021, over a million individuals have started earn-while-you-learn training through registered apprenticeship programs, including over 100,000 women, and historically high numbers of Black Americans, Hispanics, and Individuals with Disabilities.

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The post FACT SHEET: Progress by Biden-Harris Good Jobs Task Force appeared first on The White House.

On December 13, 2024, President Biden met virtually with G7 Leaders.  During the meeting, the President observed that the G7 has been transformed during the past four years into a steering committee for decisive action – by helping to address the COVID crisis during its most acute phase, mounting an unprecedented economic, military, and diplomatic response to  Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, speaking and acting together to address China’s non-market practices, accelerating the clean energy transition, and delivering tangible results for people across the developing world with a new infrastructure partnership.  As a result of acting together, the President and other leaders reaffirmed that the G7 is now more unified than ever. 
 
In the discussion, leaders reiterated their shared commitment to continue supporting Ukraine and standing up to Putin’s aggression.  President Biden highlighted that the United States has disbursed $20 billion to a new World Bank fund to provide economic support for Ukraine as part of the historic $50 billion G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loans commitment, which will be paid back by income earned from immobilized Russian sovereign assets.  President Biden encouraged other Leaders to unlock the full value of the immobilized Russian sovereign assets, including by finding a legal pathway to seize the principal value of the assets, which would provide Ukraine the resources it needs to rebuild its economy and defend itself into the future.
 
Leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the need for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process and for a global effort to help the Lebanon ceasefire succeed.  President Biden raised the importance of working toward securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.
 
Leaders also discussed addressing a range of global challenges, including non-market practices, climate change, artificial intelligence, and support for developing countries.
 
President Biden thanked Prime Minister Meloni for her leadership of the G7 over the past year, welcomed Canada’s G7 Presidency next year under Prime Minister Trudeau, and encouraged the G7 to continue its vital work. 

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The post Readout of President Joe Biden’s Virtual Meeting with G7 Leaders appeared first on The White House.

Via Teleconference

MODERATOR: (In progress) — discuss the ongoing interagency response to the reported drone sightings.

Today, we have representatives from the FBI, from DHS, from FAA, who will open remarks and talk through their respective roles and authorities when it comes to these reported sightings.

Today’s call will be on background, and it will be — and speakers from each agency can be attributed as representatives from their respective agencies. For example, speakers from DHS can be attributed as a DHS official. Speaker from FBI can be attributed as an FBI official, and so on, but not quoted by name.

Each representative will provide opening remarks at the top of the call, and then we will go ahead and take some questions.

So with that, I will turn it over to the FBI to kick us off.

FBI OFFICIAL: Thank you very much, and good afternoon, everyone.

On Monday, 18 November 2024, multiple suspicious activity reports were generated through the New Jersey Suspicious Activity Report System regarding unidentified and unknown subjects operating multiple unmanned aircraft, otherwise known as UAS, in the vicinity of critical infrastructure locations in the state of New Jersey.

On Wednesday, 20 November 2024, FBI Newark opened an investigation into the sightings.

On Tuesday, 3 December 2024, FBI Newark established the 800 and online tip lines at the request of our local law enforcement partners to help free up 911 call centers that were being inundated with calls about drones.

Since the UAS activities were first reported, FBI Newark has done extensive investigative work to determine if any threats or threat actors are behind them, or if they pose a threat to the public or national security. We have been engaged with over 50 local, state, and federal partners consistently, and have so far completed a number of investigative activities, including serving legal process to relevant companies surrounding key UAS events.

We have visual observation teams deployed at various locations throughout the state of New Jersey, to include our military installations, conducting video radar analysis, alongside with our partners, which have determined all large fixed-wing reported sightings have been manned aircraft.

We established a tip line, and in that tip line process, the process approximately 5,000 tips — have received 5,000 tips through that national tip line. And of those 5,000, less than 100 leads have been generated and deemed worthy of further investigative activity.

We have conducted dozens of interviews, and collected and reviewed multiple videos, and that analysis of those videos is ongoing.

We have also conducted intelligence analysis in comparison to other activities. We are working actively with our law enforcement partners all over the country to bring equipment into our AOR to assist with tracking and identifying drone activity.

We have consulted with our counterparts in other regions that have experienced similar sightings. We established a tip line to collect additional information about these and other drone sightings. We have and continue to actively investigate leads, searching out the most relevant information, doing interviews, and responding to reports of downed UAS.

The reported down UAS so far have been relevant — have not been relevant to our investigation. We are consulting with experts in the field of unmanned aircraft. Most of the reports of UAS have originated from the ground, with very, very few reports of UAS activity from pilots of manned aircraft. And that was the origination of our investigation, opening of our investigation with New Jersey State Police (inaudible).

In overlaying the visual sightings reported to the FBI with approach patterns for Newark-Liberty, JFK, and LaGuardia airports, the density of reported sightings matches the approach patterns of these very busy airports, with flights coming in throughout the night. This modeling is indicative of manned aviation being quite often mistaken for unmanned aviation or UAS.

The combination of efforts so far as noted above, to include technical equipment, tip line information, and noted consults has found — has not found any evidence to support large-scale UAS activities.

It is important to note, though, that they’re without a doubt — without a doubt have been UAS’s flying over the state of New Jersey. With nearly a million registered UAS in the United States, there’s no doubt many of them are owned and operated here within the state.

The national airspace is designed to be as minimally restrictive as possible. And all indications are these UAS operators are operating within the parameters established for their use in that airspace. This is not to say the FBI does not believe UAS’s are used for criminal or other nefarious activity, and it is well known to us that criminals breaking the law do, in fact, use UAS to support their actions.

The FBI will continue to investigate all allegations of criminal activity involving UAS, and we’ll continue to work with our partners to defend and disrupt criminal and national security threats. Thank you.

MODERATOR: Thank you so much. We will now go to [DHS official] with DHS.

DHS OFFICIAL: Yeah, thank you, Michael. On the DHS side of the house, we certainly understand why people are concerned. That’s one of the reasons we’re devoting significant resources to support New Jersey and our federal and state law enforcement partners who are actively investigating these reported sightings.

At the same time, it’s important to understand that we don’t have any current evidence that there’s a threat to public safety.

The FBI, DHS, and our federal partners, in very close coordination with New Jersey State Police, continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate the situation, to confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or otherwise inaccurate sightings.

You’ve probably heard there hasn’t been any electronic detections to confirm the visual reports, but one thing we do have, and I’ll reiterate as our partners at FBI said, is the geospatial modeling, where we’re overlaying the drone sightings and the manned aircraft tracks, and we’re confident that many of the reported drone sightings are, in fact, manned aircraft being misidentified as drones.

Historically, we’ve experienced many cases of mistaken identity where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities.

Now, as the FBI said, that does not mean that we’re dismissing all reports as noncredible, but it does help us understand that the amount of actual drone activity is likely less than what’s being reported. In fact, we absolutely share New Jersey’s concerns with the amount and type of activity being reported, which is why our HQ and component field offices continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reportings.

Some examples of our support include the U.S. Coast Guard and other partners determined that there is no evidence to date of any foreign-based involvement in sending drones ashore from marine vessels in the area. DHS also sent New Jersey State Police advanced camera and radar equipment directly out of our R&D pipeline.

This kit is drone-specific radar that also cues a highly capable EO/IR, or electro-optical infrared camera system. If the radar detects a drone, the camera will be able to identify and track it. This is extremely helpful for drones without a standard radio frequency signal. The imagery can also help determine the type of drone and whether there is a payload, for example.

So far, the equipment has not detected anything unusual. We are aware that additional equipment is being provided by our partners as well.

Lastly, CISA and the U.S. Coast Guard also continue to monitor and evaluate security for critical infrastructure like power plants, and may adjust our positions as necessary. At this time, however, no threat has been identified.

And while there is no known malicious activity in New Jersey — occurring in New Jersey right now, the reported sightings there do highlight a gap in our current authorities, and so we would also urge Congress to pass our important counter-UAS legislation that will extend and expand our existing counter-drone authorities so we’re better equipped to identify and mitigate any potential threats at airports or other critical infrastructure, but also so state and local authorities are provided the tools that they need to respond to such threats as well.

We’ll be happy to answer questions as we move forward. Thank you.

MODERATOR: Thank you. We will now go to [FAA official] with FAA.

FAA OFFICIAL: Yes, thank you. And good afternoon, everyone. As you’ve heard, there is a considerable interagency effort underway here. So, worth mentioning also that the FAA is a safety organization, and I wanted to mention that as this interagency effort is multifaceted, with different responsibilities of different agencies.

Also worth mentioning: It is not illegal to fly drones in U.S. airspace. Generally speaking, it is legal to fly a drone in most locations, both during the day and at night, as long as you remain below 400 feet and you keep those drones in sight at all times, avoiding other aircraft and not causing hazard to any people or property, and avoiding restricted airspace. Some local municipalities may also have additional requirements that are levied, that will change from municipality to municipality.

Flying for any other purposes, like videography or news gathering, require additional authorities. Safely integrating drones into the National Airspace System is a key priority for the agency and something we take very seriously.

The FAA received the first reports of drone activity near Morris County, New Jersey, on November 18. At the request of federal security partners, the FAA published two temporary flight restrictions — I may refer to them as TFR, (inaudible) — prohibiting drone flights over Picatinny Arsenal as well as Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.

The Picatinny Arsenal temporary flight restriction was published on November 20, and that is a 2-nautical-mile, 2,000-foot restriction that currently expires on December the 26th but can be extended. We’re also working on a permanent restriction over that location.

November 22nd, Bedminster Golf Course, temporary flight restriction went into effect with a 1-nautical-mile, 1,000-foot restriction that expires on December 20th. Also may be extended.

We continue to support our interagency partners regarding reported drone sightings, and we also continue to highlight our website as a resource for drone information, and continue to engage with industry and the user community to educate operators on the requirements of operating drones within the National Airspace System.

And we are also able to take any questions.

MODERATOR: Great. Thank you so much. We will now go into the Q&A portion. We also, for this, have representatives from the Department of Defense on the line to answer questions related to their equities.

And then, just as a reminder to everyone, the attribution for this call is on background and can be attributed as representatives of their agencies, but not by name. Thank you very much. We will now go to Q&A.

Our first question is going to go to Andrea Shalal. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hi. Hey, thanks so much for doing this. I guess my question is: You know, Kirby answered these questions pretty, you know, comprehensively on Thursday. You know, first of all, why did you decide to have another press conference today, or another briefing or call?

And two, you know, I’m seeing reports that these sightings have now sort of spread. I mean, can one of you sort of say what you think is happening here, which is sort of like, you know, a sense of panic is setting in, that people are worried despite your assurances that these reports have been, you know, manned aircraft, general aviation aircraft?

And what — sorry — just, like, help us contextualize it, if you will. And then, you know, is it — how long will this go on? How long will this investigation go on? Is there some sort of end time that you have envisioned? Thanks.

MODERATOR: FBI, would you want to come in on the question about the investigation?

FBI OFFICIAL: Yeah, I’ll talk briefly about the nature of the investigation. I’ll talk maybe, perhaps, about our authorities. We investigate the criminal misuse of drones, and so I think that’s an important piece to highlight, particularly if they’re smuggling — if the drones are used to smuggle contraband into prisons or conducting some type of illegal surveillance, stalking, or some type of terrorist threat.

But there are — you know, it’s important to note that any investigation that we’re conducting as a result of the use of UAS is limited in scope. There is legislation — I echo the concerns of the partners at DHS — there’s legislation that’s introduced in both houses, and that will expand our legal authorities as it relates to the counter use — the counter-UAS tools and technology that we have in those efforts that will help us quickly identify or quickly mitigate some of the threats that would exist as a result of that utility of UAS.

Now, as it relates to how long this investigation will occur, I can’t speak to how long. What I can say is that we are doing everything we can alongside our partners to understand what is happening and whether or not there is more nefarious activity that we need to explore.

I can’t speak to any other press releases or press conferences.

Q Michael, can you just sort of say anything about whether the investigation has expanded to include sightings in Maryland? The former governor of Maryland posted a note yesterday on X, saying that he’d seen activity going on for something like 45 minutes, shared a video. Has your investigation expanded to include Maryland and other states, or is it still focused mostly on New Jersey?

FBI OFFICIAL: Yeah, you know — this is FBI again here. You know, there’s evidence to support that, you know, again, as relayed, a lot of sightings are manned aviation.

I think there’s two parts to this. Is there are the initial sightings that took place here in New Jersey and perhaps in other locations throughout the country, and then now there is this expanded level of drone activity that may not have been coordinated as part of what occurred in the initial stages that we observed. So, in other words, the initial reports that we were getting, (inaudible) there’s no confirmation that any of those relate to anything that’s being observed throughout the country or at other locations.

MODERATOR: And I’ll just add, Andrea, on your first point: You know, I think our goal in doing this is just to continue to provide the most accurate picture of how we see this and the ongoing work that’s happening. You know, I think that given how much focus there has been here, we just wanted to provide another opportunity to hear from the experts who are working every day on this to get the latest — to let you know the latest information. I

Q I mean, do you think people are panicking?

FBI OFFICIAL: Yeah, I think there is — you know, look, if we are talking about the 5,000 leads that we received, again, less than 100 of those have been actionable to us.

I think there is — I don’t want to cause alarm and panic, but you can’t ignore the sightings that have been there, and we are concerned about those just as much as anybody else is. I’m a resident here of New Jersey. I live here. My kids have those same types of questions. And we’re doing our best to find the origin of that specific — of those drone activities. But I think there has been a slight overreaction.

Q I’m sorry, it’s hard to hear you. There has been a slight —

MODERATOR: Our next question is going to go to — sorry, next question is going to go Pierre Thomas. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Can you guys hear me okay?

MODERATOR: Yes.

Q So, my question is this: Have there been confirmed drone sightings near sensitive or military installations? Have you confirmed any? And give us a sense of whether they were nefarious or — I mean, I think based on what you said, no, but I just wanted to be specific in that question. Have there been any confirmed drone sightings near sensitive or military installations?

DOD OFFICIAL: Yeah, this is Joint Staff here. I can talk to the military bases. We have had confirmed sightings at Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle. They are — you know, I refer to them as sightings. They’re all visual, but they are by highly trained security personnel.

This is not a new issue for us. We’ve, you know, had to deal with drone incursions over our bases for quite a time now. It’s something that we routinely respond to in each and every case when a reporting is cited. We have electronic means to detect and respond, and we train our security personnel to identify, categorize, and then employ their equipment to deny the drone use over our bases.

In some cases, it is at the low end a violation of the local, state force protection measures, which, you know, they are essentially all no-drone zones, so there’s no unauthorized drone use over our facilities. In other cases, it is federally controlled airspace, and it is, in fact, a federal airspace violation.

So, there are different things that we can do, different authorities based on what type of violation it is.

But, yes, in December we have had sightings over Picatinny and Naval Weapons Station Earle.

Q As far as you can determine, did they have cameras or anything, or were they just people inadvertently in the wrong space?

DOD OFFICIAL: Yeah, to date, we have no intelligence or observations that would indicate that they were aligned with a foreign actor or that they had malicious intent. But I just got to simply tell you we don’t know. We have not been able to locate or identify the operators or the points of origin. We have very limited authorities when it comes to moving off base. We have to coordinate with local and as well as federal law enforcement to try and locate these persons and where they’re launching from, to either cite them or execute law enforcement activities that we’re restricted from doing off base.

So, we simply don’t know. And I know there’s been a lot of press reporting on this. We don’t know. We’re also significantly restricted, and rightfully so — in fact, prohibited — from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance here in the homeland.

So we don’t have the same capabilities and the same methods that we would employ in other locations outside of the homeland to determine points of origin and identify very quickly where these operators are located and then respond to that location. We just can’t do that here in the homeland. We have to coordinate with law enforcement to try to do that, which we are doing, and we do that on a routine basis at nearly all of our locations. We have good relationships and excellent coordination, and we respond quickly to try to identify them.

But the main point is to deter the activity using some of our electronic means that can respond to most of these small commercial systems and deny them access to the airspace over our bases.

But we don’t know what the activity is. We don’t know if it malicious, if it is criminal, but I will tell you that it is irresponsible. And, you know, here on the military side, we are just as frustrated with the irresponsible nature of this activity.

MODERATOR: Thank you so much. We got to move to the next question. Sorry.

The next question is going to go to Eric Martin. You should be able to unmute yourself. Eric, you’re still on mute if you’re trying to speak.

Q Yes, can you hear me?

MODERATOR: Yeah.

Q Sorry about that. Thank you so much for doing this. Just to follow up on Andrea’s question, you know, what has changed today, December 14th, from what you knew earlier in the week? I mean, can you just — because it seems like a lot of what’s being provided is review of things that have already been briefed upon.

I’m just wondering if you can — you know, in terms of the nuance of what you know now that you didn’t know two or three days ago, if you can just explain, kind of chronologically, what it is that you’ve learned from the investigation in the last day or two, or what events there is. Or has this just reconfirmed the initial findings that we were told about earlier this week?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I’ll just jump in. I mean, I think, one, it’s our responsibility to update the public on what we’re learning, and that’s part of what we’re doing. I think it’s notable that — I mean, I think the toplines are the same, which is: At this point, we have not identified — obviously, we are taking this incredibly seriously. At this point, we have not identified any basis for believing that there is — that these drones — that there’s any criminal activity involved, that there’s any national security threat, that there’s any particular public safety threat, or that there’s a malicious foreign actor involved in these drones.

That said, as you’ve heard from all of the experts on this call, all of the departments and agencies are taking this incredibly seriously and investigating every possible lead and working to try to understand what these sightings are.

I think you’ve also heard, consistent with what I believe was briefed to you earlier this week, that at least some portion of what has been reported to be drones have on further inquiry turned out to be manned aircraft that were lawfully in the airspace. And that is not uncommon for people to see things that appear to be drones that turn out not to be drones.

So I think, largely, the toplines are the same, but I also think that it is our responsibility to make sure that the public has the latest information available.

MODERATOR: Thank you so much. I think we have time for maybe one more question, and we’ll go to Celia Mendoza.

Q Yes. Thank you so much. I have a question in terms of what local authorities can do versus the federal authorities. We understand that the governor of New Jersey had sent a letter to the President asking for not only more resources, but capabilities to do more. Can you, kind of, give us an understanding of what are the limitations of local authorities when it comes to bringing down this type of objects, or what could be the expanded options that they might get if the President decides to?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I’ll take a stab real quick, and then others should fill in.

The administration has been seeking, for several years now, additional authorities to expand the counter-UAS authorities, both of the federal government, which are themselves very limited, and also to give state and local authorities the authority to use certain C-UAS technologies with federal oversight.

That legislation has been pending. I think, again, emphasizing that while at this point we have no evidence to believe that these drones pose a national security or a public safety threat, or that they are the work of a malicious foreign actor, nonetheless, this incident and the concern about the drone sightings highlights the importance of expanding authorities so that state and locals can have some of the authorities that you’re referencing and that the federal government can also — would also be able to take additional actions beyond what is currently authorized by the limited statutory grants.

MODERATOR: Thank you so much. And, unfortunately, that’s all the time we have today. Thank you all for joining. Thank you to our speakers.

I know it’s a Saturday afternoon, but we wanted to bring everyone together to share the latest information we had and an update. So, appreciate everyone joining, and thank you to all of our speakers here.

Any follow-up questions, feel free to reach out to myself at the NSC or our press distro on this. And thank you again, and have a great rest of your day.

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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of the Republic of Korea (ROK). President Biden expressed his appreciation for the resiliency of democracy and the rule of law in the ROK and reaffirmed the ironclad commitment of the United States to the people of the ROK. The two leaders discussed the tremendous progress we have made toward further strengthening the U.S.-ROK Alliance in recent years, and President Biden expressed his confidence that the Alliance will remain the linchpin for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region during Acting President Han’s tenure. 

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The post Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of the Republic of Korea appeared first on The White House.

In the two years since the December 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the Biden-Harris Administration significantly expanded engagement and partnership with African nations, driven by the conviction that the future of Africa and the United States depends on what we can achieve together.  At the Summit, the United States pledged to invest $55 billion in Africa over three years.  We have surpassed that goal – the Administration has committed and spent over $65 billion in Africa since the Summit.  These investments have enabled the Administration, together with African partners, to accelerate development progress, advance trans-continental infrastructure, expand trade and economic opportunities, and support African-led efforts on conservation, climate adaptation, and a just energy transition.
 
But the achievements go beyond numbers, underpinned by our belief that solving global challenges requires African leadership and African partnership.  The United States championed—and ultimately helped secure—the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 and announced our support for creating two permanent United Nations (UN) Security Council seats for African states.  Since the Summit, we have laid out a vision alongside Kenya to help developing countries facing mounting debt burdens.  Our partnerships enhanced food security and helped build more sustainable and resilient food systems, improved governance and security, and advanced shared public health goals.  We catalyzed landmark diaspora-driven engagement, fostered an inclusive and resilient African digital ecosystem, and made strides to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. 
 
High-Level Engagements
 
Throughout the Biden-Harris administration, President Biden has prioritized high-level engagement with African countries and partners.
 
Following the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in 2022, President Biden directed an unprecedented pace of senior-level U.S. Government visits to the continent. Twenty Cabinet Members and leaders of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies have visited the region since the Summit, with visits centered on deepening partnerships with African countries, institutions, and people. In March and April 2023, Vice President Harris visited Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia, where she announced more than $8 billion in public and private sector investment commitments towards climate and food security, women’s empowerment, and digital inclusion across Africa. 
 
In May 2024, President Biden then hosted President Ruto of Kenya for a State Visit and Dinner, the first State Visit of an African head of state since 2008. During that visit, which highlighted 60 years of official U.S.-Kenyan partnership, President Biden announced a slew of deliverables to improve economic opportunities for both our peoples, strengthen democratic resilience and safeguard human rights, and bolster our work together on a range of pressing issues, including climate and health.
 
In December 2024, President Biden traveled to the continent, becoming the first-ever U.S. president to visit Angola and the first sitting President to visit sub-Saharan Africa since 2015.  During the visit, President Biden spoke about the past horrors of slavery and its legacy, while welcoming a bright future of deepening collaboration between the United States and the continent.  He announced more than $1 billion in additional humanitarian funding and co-hosted a Summit on the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor, underscoring the importance of private sector investments, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development. One year earlier, President Biden had hosted President Lourenço of Angola for an Oval Office meeting. President Biden’s historic trip to Angola topped off significant engagement with the continent throughout the entire Biden-Harris administration. 
 
Trade and Investment
 
The Administration harnessed the dynamism of people from across the African continent and throughout the United States to expand prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. In the past two years, the United States has supported and helped close 1,385 new deals for a total estimated value of $62.6 billion in new two-way trade and investment between the United States and African countries.  This represents a more than five-fold increase in the value of closed deals over the two years preceding the Summit.  Illustrative highlights of these trade and investment initiatives include:
 

1. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has investments of over $13 billion in more than 300 projects across 36 countries in Africa.  Since the Summit, DFC has committed over $5.3 billion to new projects in Africa in key sectors such as energy, healthcare, infrastructure, mineral resources, and support for small businesses.
   
2. Since the Summit, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has funded 24 project preparation activities to advance the implementation of over $7 billion in digital connectivity, clean energy, and healthcare infrastructure projects on the continent.  In 2024, USTDA arranged 10 reverse trade missions and workshops focused on regulatory convergence for healthcare products, transportation, green hydrogen development, cybersecurity, methane abatement, and sustainable energy, connecting African public and private sector representatives with the latest U.S. technologies, services, and financing solutions.
   
3. Since 2022, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) has strengthened partnerships across Africa, approving approximately $4 billion in authorizations for sub-Saharan Africa.  This includes transactions across a wide variety of sectors including two of the largest renewable energy projects in EXIM’s history, aircrafts, civil works infrastructure, and radio equipment.
   
4. In fiscal year (FY) 2023, the EXIM Board of Directors approved a $281 million transaction to support the export of several Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines Group.  This transaction supported 1,600 U.S. jobs across Indiana, North Carolina, and Washington.  In FY 2024, the EXIM Board of Directors approved an additional transaction of more than $456 million for Ethiopian Airlines for the purchase of five Boeing aircraft, supporting an estimated 2,200 new U.S. jobs in North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington.
   
5. Since 2022, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has invested almost $2.4 billion through agreements with African partner countries who have demonstrated their commitment to good governance, democratic values, and investing in their people.  Funding is expanding energy markets, furthering private sector energy generation, enhancing farmers’ supply chain integration, and improving education access to increase long-term employment opportunities.
   
6. Prosper Africa funded and supported several initiatives to boost two-way trade and investment for key markets in Kenya, South Africa, and Morocco, to include the “Why Kenya, Why Africa” Roadshow in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, the launch of Atlanta Phambili with South African business and government leaders in Atlanta, and the U.S.-Morocco Venture Capital Forum.  Prosper Africa also provided technical assistance to Togo-based Caisse Régionale de Refinancement Hypothécaire, supporting a $275 million housing deal with Bank of America. 
   
7. At the Summit, Prosper Africa announced the Catalytic Investment Facility, which provides first-loss and operational funding support to 10 African asset managers to mobilize $600 million from private investors, to deploy into African tech startups.  To date, $93 million has been raised by the 10 African asset managers, and $44 million has been deployed into 61 startups throughout the continent.
   
8. In September 2024, Prosper Africa announced a catalytic pooled fund to drive social investment.  In partnership with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and in support of the Africa Venture Philanthropy Alliance, the fund aims to pool $200 million of catalytic capital over the next five years from African and global philanthropies and government donors.  This capital is expected to leverage up to $2 billion in private capital.
   
9. Prosper Africa provided a $1.275 million grant to the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility (LSF) to cover operational costs of LSF’s work enhancing trading liquidity for African countries and lowering the cost of financing.  LSF builds free and transparent capital markets in Africa and provides investors with an investible benchmark for evaluating the performance of African sovereign debt instruments such as the IBoxx LSF USD African Sovereign index, in conjunction with Standard & Poor’s. 
   
10. The Small Business Administration (SBA) provided 34 small businesses with export financing that supported approximately $185.7 million in export sales involving the African continent from December 2023 to October 2024.  Building on the SBA Administrator’s visit to Cote d’Ivoire and Togo in 2023, SBA also undertook new activities in 2024 to connect members of the African diaspora in the United States with businesses in both continents. 
    
11. In November 2023 and July 2024, President Biden reiterated his strong support for the reauthorization and modernization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to deepen trade relations between the U.S. and Africa, strengthen regional integration, and realize Africa’s immense economic potential.  In 2023, AGOA imports totaled $9.7 billion and supported tens of thousands of jobs in the United States and Africa. 

Infrastructure

President Biden’s flagship G7+ initiative, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), advances strategic, values-driven, and high-standard infrastructure, investment, and sustainable development in low- and middle-income countries—with Africa as a key continent of focus.  At the G7 Summit in June, leaders celebrated progress toward PGI’s ambitious goal of mobilizing $600 billion by 2027 in global infrastructure investments that will make a difference in people’s lives around the world, strengthen and diversify our supply chains, and advance shared national security interests.  During his historic trip to Angola December 2-4, President Biden co-hosted a Summit on the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor, bringing together leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia, as well as the Africa Finance Corporation.  Leaders affirmed their commitment to investing in infrastructure that will one day connect the Atlantic and Indian Oceans to expand economic growth and sustainable development across the region.  More information on PGI/Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor can be found here.

Conservation, Climate Adaptation, and a Just Energy Transition

Many of the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change are in Africa.  The Biden-Harris Administration has marshalled unprecedented resources to bolster climate resilience and protect development progress.  During her 2023 trip to the African continent, Vice President Harris worked with African partners to galvanize more than $7 billion in public and private sector climate adaptation, resilience, and mitigation commitments.  Some of the U.S.  initiatives to support African-led efforts on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a just energy transition include:

1. Since the Summit, DFC has committed over $1.8 billion to new climate focused projects in Africa and also committed over $520 million across 12 new projects in Africa focused on expanding access to power.  Notably, DFC provided $500 million in political risk insurance to support marine conversation in Gabon through the Gabon Blue Bonds project, the first DFC-supported debt conversion for impact project in Africa.  In Sierra Leone, DFC provided $412 million in financing and political risk insurance to support the Nant Energy project, a 105-megawatt thermal power plant that is Sierra Leone’s first gas-to-power plant and will double the country’s energy capacity and address a critical need for the Sierra Leonean people’s access to reliable energy infrastructure.  In Mozambique, DFC committed $179 million in debt and political risk insurance to support the development of Central Eléctrica da Namaacha’s 120 megawatt wind power project, the country’s first utility-scale wind power project.
   
2. In November 2023, Prosper Africa, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the State Department provided $10 million to seed a $100 million balance sheet under the Green Guarantee Company (GGC), the first-ever privately run guarantee company devoted to catalyzing green bonds and loans focusing on Africa.  GGC is expected to unlock an estimated $1 billion in new private capital for climate finance.
   
3. In September 2024, Prosper Africa announced a $5 million catalytic capital award to ImpactA Global, aimed at mobilizing $300 million in private investment for sustainable infrastructure in emerging markets.  The award serves as first-loss capital designed to reduce investment risk and attract new institutional investors who might otherwise be hesitant to engage in Africa-focused investments.
   
4. Bolstering Power Africa, USTDA has invested $5 million to support a just energy transition across several African countries.  These investments are supporting solar energy generation in Zambia, wind energy generation in Malawi, strengthening the power grid in Cote d’Ivoire, promoting clean energy in South Africa, and supporting climate innovation through reverse trade missions.
   
5. At the Summit, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced its intent to develop a case study in partnership with the Ghanaian Ministry of Energy on integrating nuclear and renewable energy systems.  Under the Clean Energy Ministerial, DOE is leading a $300,000 initiative to evaluate the potential roles for nuclear and renewable energy to support Ghanaian energy needs for both electric and non-electric applications.  DOE and Ghana also launched Africa’s first regional Clean Energy Training Center in Accra, Ghana, providing courses on large and small modular reactors, financing, contract structures, risk management, and legal issues.
   
6. DOE is working with Mozambique on methane mitigation from the gas sector and clean hydrogen development, with Kenya on a $250,000 project to examine opportunities for direct air capture combined with geothermal energy, with Nigeria on a $250,000 study supporting their regulatory framework for carbon management, and with Morocco on solar energy.  DOE and the Moroccan Research Institute in Solar Energy and New Energies hosted a Solar Decathlon Design Challenge for collegiate teams from across Africa and around the world to design buildings powered by renewable energy.   
   
7. Under its Climate Change and Health Initiative, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) established Exploratory Research Centers that bring together scientists to work with affected communities to build resilience and adapt to climate driven stressors.  Three of the centers have focus areas in Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.  These centers are conducting research on early warning models for vector borne diseases, the effects of extreme weather events on mental health and interpersonal violence, and pilot solutions for climate risks to human health.
   
8. At the Summit, the Department of State announced the Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy (AWEE) project to help secure women’s economic futures through green jobs.  Since then, the State Department launched AWEE with an initial investment of $1 million.  The project has funded 11 small grants to local organizations in South Africa and Kenya to address barriers to the entry, promotion, and retention of women in each country’s clean energy sector.

Promoting Food Security and Resilient Food Systems

At the Summit, President Biden launched the U.S.-African Union (AU) Strategic Partnership to accelerate progress in tackling food insecurity, build stronger and more diversified food systems and supply chains, scale Africa’s agricultural production capacity, and expand African countries’ access to agricultural markets.  Since the launch of the partnership, we have aligned our food security assistance and programming and leveraged our convening power and partnerships, including through PGI, to build sustainable food systems, expand investments in agricultural infrastructure, and tackle trade policy reforms. 

1. Since FY 2022, the United States provided nearly $20 billion in life-saving humanitarian assistance and early recovery, risk reduction, and resilience programming in Africa.  Humanitarian assistance addresses acute food insecurity caused by conflicts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and natural disasters, including climate shocks impacting millions of people across the African continent. 
   
2. Since 2023, MCC has committed over $1.6 billion toward food security initiatives through newly signed or launched programs.  These projects are boosting farm productivity and increasing rural incomes by investing in better irrigation methods, increasing production of high-value crops, and improving road conditions.
   
3. During his historic trip to Angola, President Biden announced additional humanitarian funding, including more than $200 million to purchase, ship, and distribute surplus agricultural commodities from American farmers to provide life-saving food assistance for refugees and other food-insecure populations in Africa.
   
4. Since December 2022, DFC has provided over $180 million to 15 food security focused projects in Africa.  These include a $20 million DFC loan to Victory Farms in Kenya to support expansion of sustainable tilapia production on Lake Victoria; a $75 million loan to Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals Limited to finance the development, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a urea-ammonia fertilizer facility in Port Harcourt, Nigeria; and project development technical assistance and loans to Ifria, a developer of cold chain warehouses in Morocco and Senegal.
   
5. As part of the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future initiative, the global Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) program helps build resilient food systems in partner countries using diverse, nutritious, and climate resilient crops grown in healthy, fertile soils.  Since 2023, the United States has donated $150 million and mobilized another $60 million from international partners for VACS programming.  Implementing partner organizations include the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research. 
   
6. USAID and the AU launched the “Feed the Future Accelerator” in September 2024 with a new commitment, working with Congress, of more than $80 million to deepen food security partnerships in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia.  U.S. investments will harness the region’s combination of fertile land, diverse farming systems, and highly-motivated governments to support a regional breadbasket.  These funds complement a diverse Feed the Future portfolio including over $497 million of ongoing U.S. investments in these three countries, plus more than $150 million in private sector investments.
   
7. As part of the larger U.S. Government response to the global food crisis through Feed the Future, USAID and the African Development Bank (AfDB) completed an agreement in January 2024 to fund a $9.5 million project—Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation—to help Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia increase food production and introduce climate-smart technologies.
   
8. Building on the U.S.-AU Strategic Partnership on Food Security, the United States supported the AU process to refresh the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) 10-year strategic plan focused on food security and increased agricultural trade.  USAID provided analytical work that fed into CAADP Technical Working Groups and submitted an independent memorandum to the AU Commission with recommendations on how to achieve agricultural transformation, wealth creation, food security and nutrition, and economic growth.

Promoting Peace, Security, and Democratic Governance

The United States supported peace as the largest single humanitarian donor for refugee and migration-related needs in Sub-Saharan Africa, working with international organization and NGO partners to support over eight million refugees and asylum seekers and over 30 million internally displaced persons.  President Biden also launched the 21st Century Partnership for African Security (21PAS), to expand support to African partners with a focus on promoting effective, responsible, and accountable defense institutions able to meet the emerging threats of our time.  At the Summit, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to support complex political transitions in Africa through launching the African Democratic and Political Transitions (ADAPT) initiative. 

1. In FY 2024, the United States, through the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, provided more than $1.37 billion in Africa to support urgent and lifesaving needs for refugees, asylum seekers, conflict victims, stateless persons, and vulnerable migrants, including those affected by climate change.  Since December 2022, the United States has resettled over 56,000 refugees from Sub-Saharan Africa, welcoming them as they build new lives in communities across the United States.  The majority of refugees resettled were from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, the Republic of South Sudan, Somalia, and Sudan.
   
2. The United States, Gabon, Ghana, and Mozambique worked together to successfully authorize UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which outlines a process for the AU to receive UN funding for Peace Support Operations (PSOs).  UN Security Council Resolution 2719 is a testament to the U.S. and AU commitment to addressing conflict in the region through African-led solutions.  The United States is supportive of the UN and the AU utilizing the Resolution to support PSOs on the continent while working together to ensure that human rights, transparency, and accountability mechanisms are successful. 
   
3. Through 21PAS, the Department of Defense is focusing on improving the capacity of African partners to plan, resource, and sustain their defense and security forces.  21PAS values partnerships rooted in transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights, recognizing that these values are foundational to lasting security.  Using these criteria, the Department of Defense identified a broad array of security cooperation programming totaling $73 million for Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, and countries along the Gulf of Guinea and Western Indian Ocean.
   
4. The United States continues to bolster democratic governance through the ADAPT initiative.  For example, in Gabon, U.S. technical assistance to government entities, civic groups, media outlets, and women- and youth-focused organizations supports inclusive constitutional and electoral legal reforms and free, fair, and peaceful transitional elections.
   
5. Since 2022, USAID, through the Elections and Political Processes Fund, has provided $48.9 million for critical election support in 28 countries in Africa for unanticipated needs such as snap elections or other unforeseen political developments.  USAID provided an additional $17.4 million through the Defending Democratic Elections Fund to 10 countries to tackle deeply rooted electoral integrity issues, especially during inter-election periods.  Through the Women’s Political Participation and Leadership fund, USAID provided $8.36 million in FY 2022 and 2023 to four countries to build and sustain the pipeline of women leaders and facilitate their safe and meaningful participation in political, peacebuilding, and transition processes.
   
6. Since 2022, the U.S. Government has dedicated over $181 million through the Prevention and Stabilization Fund to enhance partnerships with Mozambique, Libya, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, and Togo.  Efforts focus on 10-year objectives to include promoting reconciliation and unification; accelerating inclusive and sustainable economic development; improving responsive governance and security institutions; promoting respect for human rights; strengthening justice systems; building capacity and resilience in historically marginalized, at-risk, and conflict-affected areas; and advancing meaningful participation of women and youth.

Deepening Health Cooperation

The United States works in partnership with African nations and regional and global partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and its Africa Regional Office (AFRO), the AU, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the private sector, to save lives and build more resilient health systems that are better able to prevent and respond to current and future health threats. 

1. The Administration has built on the United States’ longstanding leadership in the fight to end HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as public health threats, including by investing more than $15.55 billion through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (Global Fund), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.  These investments have reduced the burden of HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and vaccine-preventable diseases and have strengthened health systems in more than 30 countries on the African continent.
   
2. Over the past two years, the United States provided more than $3 billion in global health funding to support health workers, including funding through PEPFAR to support more than 346,000 health professionals to deliver HIV and tuberculosis services in the past year.  PEPFAR is also providing $8 million to support nurses, who are the backbone of patient care, in Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia.  In FY 2024, USAID provided $10 million to support the Global Health Worker Initiative to build on the Primary Impact Initiative in countries including Ghana.
   
3. PEPFAR has been central to reversing the HIV/AIDS pandemic’s trajectory—in Sub-Saharan Africa, there were 56 percent fewer new HIV infections in 2023 than in 2010.  Nine African countries are nearing or achieving the UNAIDS 2025 global goal that 95 percent of people living with HIV will know their status and benefit from treatment that keeps them healthy and helps prevent further spread, with several more countries on track to reach these goals by the end of 2025. 
   
4. Since FY 2021, PMI has invested more than $100 million to support 100,000 community health workers across its partner countries to rapidly detect and treat malaria in their communities.  These investments in integrated platforms also enable treatment of other common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, improve the quality and reach of primary health care, and strengthen countries’ ability to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks. 
   
5. PMI has supported African manufacturing to promote more resilient and sustainable commodity supply chains.  In FY 2023, PMI sourced approximately 10% of its commodity procurements from Africa, more than double what was procured from the continent in FY 2021.  From FY 2019 to FY 2023, PMI transitioned from primary reliance on air freight to using sea and land freight to transport malaria commodities, reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by 85% and generating $66 million in cost savings, which PMI used to expand other malaria-related programs.
   
6. In April 2024, the Administration launched the U.S. Global Health Security Strategy to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response and welcomed six new Global Health Security Partners in Africa.  The United States continues working in partnership with African nations to support outbreak responses, including on Marburg, mpox, Ebola, and cholera. 
   
7. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of NIH, has been partnering with research agencies and institutions in Africa for decades.  Longstanding research programs have enabled collaboration on research responses to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. 
   
8. From 2022 to 2023, the U.S. Government provided more than $22 million to support the Government of Uganda’s Ebola response and an additional $7 million to help neighboring countries prepare for potential outbreaks.  In 2023, the United States worked with the Governments of Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea and other international partners to address simultaneous but unrelated Marburg virus disease outbreaks, providing over $5.8 million to support key response and prevention efforts.  In response to the Marburg virus disease outbreak in Rwanda starting in September 2024, the United States has provided technical support, vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and personal protective equipment and plans to allocate over $11 million regionally to address urgent health needs.
   
9. The United States partners with biological laboratories in the public, private, and academic sectors in 20 African countries to provide trainings and assist partner institutions with performing laboratory risk assessments.  These partnerships improve biosafety, biosecurity, and cybersecurity.  The United States also provides training to technical staff and biomedical engineers responsible for upkeep of laboratory equipment for high containment laboratories.
   
10. DFC continues to catalyze investments to strengthen regional manufacturing capacity in Africa, including by providing input into the design of Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator to ensure long-term sustainability of African vaccine manufacturers.  Following DFC’s loan of €100 million to Aspen Pharmacare in 2021, in 2024 DFC committed a direct loan of up to €110 million to expand Aspen’s capacity to manufacture pediatric vaccines, insulin, and other essential medicines in South Africa. DFC collaborated with the International Finance Corporation, the German Development Finance Institution, and Proparco to co-finance expansion of Aspen.
    
11. DFC also invests in health services, and technology to improve access to affordable, high-quality health care and products.  For example, in 2023 DFC committed a $10 million loan to Hewatele, a medical oxygen manufacturer in Kenya to expand production and distribution of medical oxygen.  DFC also provided a $10 million loan guaranty to KCB Bank in Kenya to increase financing available to small and medium enterprises in the health sector. 
    
12. In December 2022, USTDA launched the Coalition for Healthcare Infrastructure in Africa, a collaboration between USTDA and U.S. industry to help meet the healthcare needs of African partners and to increase access to quality healthcare products and services for millions of individuals across the continent.  From November 2023 to July 2024, USTDA hosted three healthcare workshops that convened U.S. and African public and private sector representatives with the aim of strengthening regulatory systems and facilitating broader market access for healthcare products across the continent.
    
13. Since 2022, the United States has donated over $50 million to projects in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Rays of Hope initiative, which provides assistance in nuclear and radiation medicine to advance cancer diagnosis and treatment in low- and middle-income countries.  In 2024, the United States provided an additional $6 million to Rays of Hope projects in Benin, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Malawi, Niger, and Senegal. 
    
14. At the Summit, First Lady Jill Biden highlighted the U.S. Government’s unwavering commitment to improving cancer outcomes in countries in Africa.  In July 2024, the Biden Cancer Moonshot hosted the White House Africa Cancer Care Forum, which convened health leaders from Benin, DRC, Lesotho, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Zambia committed to expanding national capacity for cancer diagnosis and treatment.  During the forum, the United States announced over $100 million in commitments to reduce the burden of cancer, bringing the collective total to over $400 million. 
    
15. The U.S.-South Africa Cancer Care and Research Alliance (U.S.-SACCRA) was established in December 2023 to deliver improved health outcomes in Africa, including by reducing the burden of cancer.  U.S.-SACCRA partners with several South African academic and research institutions; government departments, and leading U.S. cancer institutes to design, share, and fast-track scientific exchanges and capacity development for cancer care and research in both countries.

Elevating African Diaspora Engagement

Since the Summit, the Administration has aimed to harness the dynamism of the African Diaspora to enrich lives on both sides of the Atlantic.  The Administration has strengthened educational, cultural, social, political, and economic ties among African communities, the global African Diaspora, and the United States.  As Vice President Harris said during her 2023 trip to the African continent, “The fates of America and the continent of Africa are interconnected and interdependent.” 

1. In December 2022, President Biden established the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States (PAC-ADE) to provide advice on strengthening connections between the U.S. Government and the African Diaspora in the United States.  The Council members held their inaugural meeting in October 2023 with Vice President Harris and Secretary Blinken presiding. 
   
2. Since the Summit, PAC-ADE conducted its first plenary session meeting at Spelman College, and developed the EdTech initiative announced during Kenyan President Ruto’s visit to Spelman College. The Council also conducted its inaugural visit to the continent in July 2024 to Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria, where they met with government, civil society, and private-sector partners to discuss diaspora-led investments in education, entrepreneurship, health, technology, youth and women empowerment, and the creative industries.  The Council held its final meeting of the year in October 2024, with remarks by Assistant to the President, Senior Advisor to the President, and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement Mayor Steve Benjamin. Several members of the Council joined President Biden on his trip to Angola in December 2024.
   
3. In concert with PAC-ADE’s keen focus on increasing business ties with the continent, Prosper Africa has prioritized the support of Diaspora firms and investors, resulting in a portfolio of notable transactions with Diaspora-owned and led firms.  These include Cybastion’s partnership with Cisco Systems on over $800 million of cybersecurity and digital upgrade contracts in six countries.  Prosper Africa also established active partnerships with leading Diaspora organizations, including joining with USAID to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Alliance for Black Business, an organization founded in 2022 by the National Black Chamber of Commerce, the National Business League, and the World Conference of Mayors.
   
4. In addition to PAC-ADE, the U.S. Government is investing in Diaspora engagement through education.  The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) embodies our investment in our shared future by providing training opportunities for diverse African youth.  At the Summit, Vice President Harris announced plans to expand YALI.  As part of this expansion, in September 2023, USAID launched the YALI Legacy Localization award to expand the work of the four Regional Leadership Centers on the continent that provide transformative leadership training.  In November 2024, the USAID-led YALI Alumni Expo and Trade Show took place in Cape Town, South Africa, where over 500 YALI alumni showcased their innovations and fostered connection with experts and officials from the private sector, civil society, government, and the diaspora community.

Digital Transformation with Africa

Launched at the Summit, the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative aims to expand digital access in Africa, increase commercial engagement between U.S. and African companies in the digital sector, support increased digital literacy, and strengthen digital enabling environments across Africa.  DTA works in alignment with the priorities outlined in the AU’s Digital Transformation Strategy to enable innovative, inclusive and sustainable growth and development.  DTA’s work is organized across the following three pillars:

Digital Economy and Infrastructure

1. In May 2024, Vice President Harris launched two public-private partnerships—the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance:  Africa and the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA). Both focus on increasing digital inclusion across Africa.  The MADE Alliance aims to provide digital access to critical services for 100 million individuals and businesses in Africa over the next 10 years.  PDAA will support African institutions to double the number of people connected to the internet in Africa from 40% to 80%, connect one billion people to the internet by 2030, and increase internet connectivity for women and girls from 30% to 80%.  
   
2. Since December 2022, USTDA has funded 20 activities to build the business case for innovative U.S. technologies that help to advance inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital infrastructure across Africa, including priority connectivity, cybersecurity, and smart cities projects.  USTDA is leveraging its grant-based funding for project preparation, which mitigates risk and unlocks bankable infrastructure projects.
   
3. Prosper Africa leads the Africa Tech for Trade Alliance (AT4T) with the support of USAID.  AT4T unites leading American and African tech companies to accelerate e-commerce and digital trade in Africa.  Alliance members include Visa, Mastercard, Intel, Cisco, Google, AWS and others. By leveraging U.S. companies’ technology assets, services, and expertise, the alliance fosters U.S.-Africa trade in fintech, ag-tech, eHealth and more.
   
4. In April 2024, the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA), the Department of Commerce, and USTDA led a mission to the American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit in Kenya.  In Nairobi, they announced U.S. private sector commitments and collaborations, including initiatives in data protection, artificial intelligence, digital upskilling, and new investments in digital connectivity, women’s tech leadership, and a cybersecurity experience center.

Human Capital Development

1. In May 2024, USAID announced the DTA-YALI Partnership to leverage YALI Regional Leadership Centers to expand digital skills and literacy, support digital entrepreneurs and start-ups, and increase private sector engagement in 49 African countries.  USAID is also expanding the “Responsible Computer Challenges” to universities and educators in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.  This activity aims to empower students to account for the social and ethical context and impact of digital technologies, including frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence.
   
2. The Department of State prioritizes biosafety and biosecurity capacity building in Africa.  Over the past two years, the State Department has conducted trainings on cyberbiosecurity and secure data sharing to promote safe and timely coordination during outbreak responses.  The Department of State has ongoing efforts in practical cyberbiosecurity literacy for high containment laboratories to institutionalize cyberhygiene practices and to build both in-country and regional networks of leaders in cyberbiosecurity.
   
3. USAID and MCC are supporting the DigiFemmes program as part of MCC’s $536 million Compact with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire.  DigiFemmes provides the leadership, innovation, and technical training women need to grow their businesses through data and digital tools.  Nearly 9,000 women-owned small and medium enterprises have benefited from the $5.3 million program.  DigiFemmes graduates also accessed a total of $525,000 in follow-on funding distributed as small grants by the U.S. African Development Foundation to help refine their products and expand their markets through digital tools and innovations.
   
4. In March 2024, MCC and the Government of Togo launched Nanatech, a program designed to equip Togolese women and entrepreneurs with the digital skills they need to benefit from the growing digital economy.  To date, nearly 2,000 women and 200 supporting organizations have benefited. 

Digital Enabling Environment

1. In September 2024, the United States hosted the landmark Global Inclusivity and Artificial Intelligence: Africa (GIAA) Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together over 400 stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, civil society members, startup founders, and academics, to discuss the safe, secure, inclusive, and trustworthy deployment of artificial intelligence on the continent.  The GIAA conference underscored the growing importance of Africa’s inclusion in artificial intelligence development and the continent’s key role in the global emerging technology landscape.
   
2. In November 2024, representatives from the Department of Commerce, Department of State, USAID, and USTDA participated in a variety of engagements during the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa.  DTA hosted a U.S. Government side event for over 100 stakeholders from the U.S. and African public and private sectors to discuss key challenges to expanding digital access, increasing digital literacy, and strengthening digital enabling environments across Africa.   Participants discussed innovative U.S. and African solutions and collaborative strategies to advance Africa’s digital transformation.
   
3. USAID is working with Afrobarometer, through the United States Institute of Peace, to conduct public surveys to assess public awareness, perception, and understanding of digital threats, online safety, and cybersecurity in Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Senegal, and Angola.
   
4. USAID continues to facilitate discussions, build capacity, and deliver expert advisory services to the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat to develop and implement the Digital Trade Protocol to help advance international and intra-African digital economy and regulatory standards.

Partnerships in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

The Administration has elevated gender equity and equality across our foreign policy in Africa and around the world.  Societies—including the United States—do better when women participate and have equal opportunities.  Advancing the status of women and girls reduces poverty and promotes sustainable economic growth, increases access to education, improves health outcomes, advances political stability, and fosters democracy.  During the Summit, Vice President Harris announced new commitments to advance women’s economic participation in Africa, including the revitalization of the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP). 

1. Vice President Harris launched the Women in Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF)  in 2023 to accelerate efforts to close the gender digital divide.  WiDEF and the corresponding Women in the Digital Economy Initiative have together catalyzed over $1 billion in commitments from governments, the private sector, foundations, and civil society to accelerate digital gender equality – including $102 million in U.S. direct and aligned commitments.  In addition, President Biden secured a historic commitment from G20 leaders to halve the digital gender gap by 2030.  Vice President Harris also launched the Women in the Sustainable Economy Initiative (WISE) in 2023 to promote women’s participation in sectors that address climate change.  Together, WiDEF and WISE represent a commitment of over $3 billion, including millions to empower African women and girls. 
   
2. In July 2024, SBA, Howard University’s Small Business Development Center, AWEP, the State Department, and the Department of Commerce cooperated on an event uniting local and African women-owned businesses on the margins of the 2024 AGOA Forum.  The program and marketplace facilitated business networking and an exchange of best practices on inclusive trade and to support for small business partnerships.  The event built on SBA’s February 2024 virtual event “Connecting U.S. and West African Small Businesses.”
   
3. Over the past two years, DFC has deepened its commitment to advancing economic empowerment across Africa through a range of impactful investments.  Key investments include a $100 million loan to First City Monument Bank, Ltd., expanding access to longer-term loans for women-owned small- and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria; the 2X Ignite Africa Warehousing Facility, providing critical portfolio-building capital to female-led and gender-balanced fund managers; and a $10 million equity investment in Janngo Capital Startup Fund to fuel the growth of African startups, with at least 50% of funding to women-led enterprises.  Each of these investments reflects DFC’s dedication to empowering women, driving innovation, and building sustainable pathways for economic independence.
   
4. The Department of State, through the Support Her Empowerment-Women’s Inclusion in New Security (SHE WINS) initiative, has invested more than $9 million globally and supported seven women-led and women-serving civil society organizations in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  In August 2024, under the SHE WINS Rapid Response Fund, the United States, in partnership with Norway and Canada, convened a group of Sudanese women civil society leaders to inform discussions on a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and monitoring mechanisms.
   
5. Announced during Vice President Harris’ visit to Ghana in 2023, the Imarisha Women’s Initiative is helping women advance in their careers, improve their skill sets, and increase their income, while creating more flexible and supportive workplaces.  The first cohort of four companies in East Africa are providing leadership, mentorship, and skill trainings; menstrual health and hygiene and lactation support; and programs on the prevention of and response to gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace.

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Twelve years ago today, the community of Newtown, Connecticut, and the entire nation were forever changed when twenty innocent children and six brave educators were gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary School by a single individual armed with a weapon of war. Jill and I still grieve this unimaginable loss and continue to pray for the victims’ families and others traumatized by this senseless violence. 
 
Many individuals impacted by the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School have turned their pain into purpose. Some families established foundations to carry on their loved ones’ memories—others chose to use their voices to fight for commonsense gun safety reform, hold the gun industry accountable with groundbreaking litigation, and fight back against those who spread misinformation and further victimize those impacted by gun violence. The elementary school children who survived the shooting are now young adults and many of them have also joined the effort to reduce gun violence and save lives.
 
The legacy of this tragedy is one of great loss—but also hope. Twelve years ago, moms sitting at their kitchen counters went online, expressed their outrage, and organized for commonsense gun safety legislation. Congresswoman Gabby Giffords decided enough was enough and started her own effort to combat gun violence. Gun violence prevention organizations that had been invested in the cause for decades reemerged with renewed strength. Today’s gun violence prevention movement is stronger than ever before because of survivors and other Americans who saw the Sandy Hook shooting and said “enough.”
 
With the strength of this emboldened movement by our side, we have made historic progress to reduce gun violence over the past four years. I signed into law the most significant piece of gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years. I announced dozens of executive actions to keep guns out of dangerous hands and get especially dangerous weapons off our streets. I established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris, to accelerate this work. After four years under my administration, homicides are down, crime is falling, and we are seeing fewer mass shootings. This progress is no accident. 
 
Still, more must be done. Congress has an obligation to ‘do something’ in order to protect our children and communities from this scourge of gun violence. We are the only nation experiencing this epidemic and there are common sense policies that the majority of Americans agree with and that Congress can easily take action on. We need universal background checks, red flag laws, safe storage requirements, and a ban on assault weapons like the one used at Sandy Hook. I remain hopeful that we will continue to make progress on these priorities. This hope is rooted in the history of what we have accomplished already and the strength of all the survivors of gun violence that I have had the privilege of working with during my career.
 

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The White House

Thank you, Lieutenant General Anderson. Joe and I are so grateful to you and Lieutenant General Laster for your decades of service and leadership. Both of you have built inspiring careers guiding troops and giving back to our communities alongside your amazing Toys for Tots team.

To the senior spouses who are with us today: through your care and resolve, you lift up all of our military families. Your service doesn’t go unnoticed by the Commander-in-Chief. Thank you.

Welcome to the White House!

The festive music we’ve heard today is performed by the President’s Own Marine Band. Joe and I are grateful to them and to their families for their service, and for filling the White House with talent and grace.

Each year, we decorate this house for the holidays—and I’m so glad that all of you can be part of the magic.

Did you see the gingerbread house in the State Dining Room?

This season can be filled with excitement and wonder—with colorful lights and hot chocolate and presents. But if you only remember one thing from the holidays, after all the wrapping paper is cleaned up, let it be this: you are loved.

There are so many people who care about you—from your family and friends, to your teachers and classmates, to the President and me.

And the best thing we can do with that love is to let it overflow—to share it with others who might really need it.

I know that you already do this in so many ways: by caring for your siblings and cousins, by being a friend to a kid at school who feels lonely, and you’re doing it today, by helping more children experience the joy of the holidays.

You’re also part of a special group of kids who help everyone in our nation, through your families’ military service.

And I want to thank your parents—for your dedication to this country, for raising such wonderful kids, and for bringing delight to children across the nation who will have these gifts under their tree this year.

The President and I are grateful, and we’re honored to open the White House to all of you.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

And now, let’s get to sorting!

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Tel Aviv, Israel

5:23 P.M. IST

MR. SULLIVAN:  Good afternoon, everyone.  I want to start by taking a moment to reflect on the last year and take stock of where we are.  This is my seventh time visiting Israel as National Security Advisor.  I was here on October 18th of last year when I joined President Biden to send a strong signal of support to the Israeli people following the horrific terrorist massacres by Hamas on October 7th.

President Biden believed at the time it was important to come to Israel shortly after those attacks, becoming the first American President to visit Israel in a time of war, because he wanted the people of Israel and also the people of the world to see that the United States would stand with Israel in its time of need. 

A year after that trip, I was with the President in the Situation Room, where, for the second time in a period of five months, President Biden ordered the U.S. military to take direct action to defend Israel from a significant attack launched by Iran.  Side by side, U.S. Naval destroyers joined Israeli air defense to intercept a rainfall of inbound missiles, ballistic missiles fired directly from Iran. 

Over the past 15 months, we’ve remained vigilant to the further threats and attacks from Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. 

People seem to forget the basic fact of this conflict and these past 15 months: Israel did not seek or start this war.  Hamas started this war, invading Israel in military formations, killing 1,200 people, kidnapping and holding hostage hundreds more — Israeli citizens and citizens from around the world. 

Iran then made a fateful choice to join in and open a multifront war against Israel.  Backed by the ironclad security partnership with the United States, Israel has defeated two direct attacks from Iran and directly struck into Iran in response, degrading Iran’s military capability.

Hezbollah’s leaders are gone, and we have concluded a ceasefire in Lebanon, the terms of which made clear that Hezbollah can never again rebuild its terror infrastructure to threaten Israel. 

Hamas’s leaders are gone, including the masterminds of October 7th, and we will make sure that Hamas can never again threaten Israel as they did on October 7th, ever.

And now, the Assad regime in Syria is gone, removing the primary client state of Iran in the region and the lifeline to Hezbollah.

When Joe Biden said to those who seek to take advantage of October 7th and to use that tragic day to threaten and attack Israel, “Don’t,” this is what he meant, and we still mean it.  Don’t. 

The balance of power in the Middle East has changed significantly and not in the way that Sinwar or Nasrallah or Iran had planned. 

We are now faced with a dramatically reshaped Middle East in which Israel is stronger, Iran is weaker, its proxies decimated, and a ceasefire that is new and will be lasting in Lebanon that ensures Israel’s security over the long term. 

The purpose of my visit today has been to continue to build on this progress to ensure that that ceasefire sticks and is fully enforced; to capitalize on the opportunity of the fall of Assad for a better future for the people of Syria while vigilantly managing the risks that come with the change in Syria, including the possibility and the risk that terrorist groups like ISIS are able to take advantage and create new threats against the United States, Israel, and other countries in the region and around the world; to continue pressure on Iran while remaining vigilant against the continuing threat from Iran, including the threat from its nuclear program.  And President Biden remains committed to the simple proposition that the United States of America will never permit Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.

And to build on all that we’ve done, we’re now looking to close a hostage release deal and a ceasefire, which would stop the war and reunite hostages with their families. 

Just over one year ago, we reached a deal that brought 78 hostages out of Gaza and home to their families.  It’s time to finish the job and bring all of the hostages home. 

Before departing Washington, I once again met with the families of the American hostages still held in Gaza.  I made a commitment to them, the same commitment that I’ve made every time I’ve met with them: that I will do everything in my power to try to bring their loved ones home, to do my best to help them see their loved ones again.  I had them in mind today when I met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Minister Dermer, and the security team to try to bring us closer to a deal.  And from here, I plan to travel to Doha and then on to Cairo to continue to advance this effort. 

A ceasefire and hostage deal would start bringing those hostages home.  It would also allow for a massive surge in humanitarian assistance.  We discussed the humanitarian situation and the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza today.  We discussed recent steps taken to increase the flow of much-needed assistance and further steps that need to be taken in the days ahead. 

It is an American commandment and a Jewish commandment that every innocent life has value.  I have previously quoted a poem that means a great deal to my family, a poem from John Donne, which says, “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.”  That is the spirit that the United States has brought to this conflict — to stand up strongly in the defense of the State of Israel and try to reduce suffering of innocent people wherever they may be. 

We are now in the midst of a political transition.  I have been engaging my successor, the incoming National Security Advisor, in a professional and serious way on all of the issues that affect the State of Israel, the threats and the opportunities.  And we’ve had good discussions, constructive and substantive discussions, and those will continue to ensure that there is a smooth handoff on January 20th. 

There’s also something else important in those discussions, which is that it is my personal commitment to ensure that the U.S.-Israel partnership rests on a solid bipartisan foundation going forward.  And I’m going to continue to do everything I can to contribute to that, because I believe it is in my country’s interest and the interest of the State of Israel. 

So, thank you for bearing with me as I set the context for my visit today, report on some of the things we discussed and the current events, and I will be happy to take your questions. 

Yeah.

Q    Michelle Kelemen with NPR.

MR. SULLIVAN:  Hi, Michelle.

Q    Do you get the sense that Netanyahu is waiting for Trump to reach a hostage deal?  And if so, do you think the hostages can survive until then?

MR. SULLIVAN:  I believe that every day brings increasing risk, which is why there’s such urgency to try to get this deal.  Obviously, we’ve seen the tragic death of hostages since the massacres of October 7th and over the course of the past 15-months conflict. 

So as soon as we can close this deal, we should close this deal in the interest of bringing those hostages home. 

The answer to your first question is: No, I do not get that sense.  I got the sense today from the Prime Minister he’s ready to do a deal.  And when I go to Doha and Cairo, my goal will be to put us in a position to be able to close this deal this month, not later. 

Now, we’ve been close before and haven’t gotten there, so I can’t make any promises or predictions to you, but I wouldn’t be here today if I thought this thing was just waiting until after January 20th.  I am here today because I believe every day matters, and we are going to use every day we have to try to close the deal as soon as we possibly can.

Yeah.

Q    Thanks, Jake.  Jake, what new concessions have Israel and Hamas made or indicated that they are prepared to make? We’ve seen, in particular, reports that Hamas is willing to allow Israeli troops to remain along Netzarim and Philadelphi for longer than previously.  Can you confirm that Hamas has provided a list of hostages who they would release?

And then, just on Syria as well, if you could comment.  The Israeli military has conducted nearly 500 strikes in recent days on Syrian military assets, not only chemical weapons depots but also missiles, helicopters, things that presumably a new Syrian army would need in the future to maintain stability inside of Syria.  Are you at all concerned about the impact of those Israeli strikes?  And did the Prime Minister provide you with any assurances about how long these strikes will continue for, if indeed they will?

MR. SULLIVAN:  So, on your first question, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I can’t negotiate in public on the terms of the hostage deal.  I’ll leave the details where they belong, which is behind closed doors among the parties and the mediators.  And as soon as we come to something that is an agreed document to bring forward, we will bring it forward and you can see all of its terms. 

With respect to Syria, what Israel is doing is trying to identify potential threats, both conventional and weapons of mass destruction, that could threaten Israel and, frankly, threaten others as well, and neutralize those threats.  That is part of its effort to protect the country in the midst of a very fluid situation.

We are in deep consultations with the Israeli government about where this goes from here, what that will look like in the days and weeks ahead.  I’m going to leave it at that for now.  But the efforts taken to date really have been focused on the types of capabilities that could represent a genuine threat to the State of Israel. 

Yeah. 

Q    Hi.  Thank you so much.  Owen Alterman from i24NEWS. Two questions that are related. 

First of all, we’ve seen reports in the last few days of American-backed Kurdish troops that have been shooting at and been shot by Turkish-backed troops in northeastern Syria.  What are the red lines of Turkish involvement in that part of the country from the perspective of the administration?

And the second question: There’s concern in Israel that Turkish activity in Syria could ultimately, in the medium term even, be hostile to us and be hostile activities up to and including on our border.  What kind of assurances can you give the Israeli public that that scenario won’t materialize?

MR. SULLIVAN:  So, first, our commitment to our partnership with the Syrian Kurds, especially the Syrian Democratic Forces, is deep and resolute.  And that commitment exists because we are in a partnership with them to fight ISIS.  And they have been very capable counterterrorism partners not just in suppressing the threat from ISIS, but also in holding ISIS terrorists in large numbers in detention facilities in eastern Syria.  And we want to make sure that that ongoing work is not disturbed. 

Second, our own commitment to the continued defeat — work to defeat ISIS has just been renewed in a quite vigorous way over the weekend with a series of strikes on ISIS personnel and facilities in the central Syrian Desert, dozens and dozens of targets that we hit with real, intense American capability, B-52s.  And what we are saying with that strike is we are going to continue to hit any ISIS threat where we find it, and we’re going to work with our partners to do so. 

I have learned, maybe both the easy way and the hard way, not to speak about red lines in this part of the world publicly, so I do not intend to do so from this podium.  But I do want to just make the point that we are engaged both in consultations with our Kurdish partners.  In fact, General Kurilla was just recently very deeply in conversation with our Kurdish partners.  And we are in conversations with Turkey as well about our expectations and about what we see as the best way forward. 

I think those conversations are serious, they’re intense, they’re ongoing.  They have already produced some results, including this de-escalation around Manbij that both Turkey and the Kurds have kind of informally signed up to.  All of that is tenuous.  It is fragile.  It is something that is going to require ongoing work and cultivation, and it is something that we will be very vigilant to as a top priority going forward.  But beyond that, I cannot comment further today.

Q    What about assurances did Israel (inaudible) about Turkish activity in Syria (inaudible)?

MR. SULLIVAN:  So, we look at the situation in Syria as having a range of different risks presented, including the potential for fracture in that state, as well as power vacuums that can give rise to terrorist groups that can threaten beyond borders, as well as the potential for groups to be in charge in Damascus who bear hostile intent to outside forces, including to neighbors like Israel. 

All of those are possibilities.  All of those are risks that President Biden has spoken to publicly and that we are dealing with partners on privately, including dealing with the Turks, who do have some measure of influence here, and where we have set out our views and expectations. 

But again, given the nature of the situation, given the sensitivity, given the urgency, it’s important, I think, for us to be able to carry out those conversations behind closed doors as we make progress, and then we will share with you the results. 

Yeah.

Q    Jake, Raf Sanchez from NBC News.  I know you’re not going to negotiate in public here, but there does seem to be more flexibility from both Israel and Hamas right now.  What do you attribute that to?  Is it the killing of Sinwar?  Is it the weakening of Hezbollah?  Is it President-elect Trump injecting urgency into this?

And just on Syria, the Israeli government is saying its presence in the buffer zone and outside of it, inside Syria itself, is temporary.  Do you believe them that it’s temporary?  Did the Prime Minister give you a sense of what conditions would need to be met before Israel would withdraw?

MR. SULLIVAN:  We didn’t go into deep detail on the conditions, other than to say that those conditions would require Israel to feel that the kinds of understandings that were in place before the fall of the Assad regime to ensure stability, predictability, and security for Israel are put back into place. 

And, yes, we do have every expectation that it will be temporary.  The Prime Minister, the Israeli government have made that point not just to the United States, but have made that point publicly, and we take them at their word that that is the intention here as we work through a new arrangement that can ensure that Israel is secure in light of the risks that have been laid out in previous questions. 

There are any number of reasons for why contexts change in negotiations, especially in a situation as fluid as this, but I would point out that Hamas’s posture at the negotiating table did adapt following the announcement of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.  Why is that?  It’s because, for months, we believe Hamas was waiting for lots of other actors and forces to come to their rescue, to come to their aid.  And when we got that ceasefire, it was clear that the northern front had been decoupled from Gaza.  And from that moment forward, we’ve had a different character to the negotiation, and we believe that it puts us in a position to be able to close this negotiation. 

It is also, of course, relevant that Israel’s ability to meet so many of its military objectives in Gaza is relevant to the negotiation too, including the elimination of the top leader, Sinwar; other authors of that October 7th massacre; and the dismantlement, the destruction of the organized military formations of Hamas. 

So these are relevant considerations that we think have put this onto a plane where it could get done.  Whether it does get done still depends on both sides ultimately signing on the proverbial dotted line. 

The last thing I will say with respect to the incoming administration is, actually, we’ve had, as I said in my opening comments, very good consultation and coordination with them, including on this issue, where we keep them apprised of how the negotiations are unfolding.  We talk to them about how we can send a common message that the United States, no matter who’s sitting in the Oval Office, no matter whose party is in charge, wants to see this ceasefire and hostage deal and see it now.  That is all part of the American contribution to an effort to ultimately produce an outcome here, and we’re going to keep working until we get it done. 

Yeah.

Q    Thank you, Mr. Sullivan.  (Inaudible), Channel 14.  Regarding the continuation of passage of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, knowing what we know now, that Hamas takes advantage of this aid and holds it as a leverage for its own rule, was it a mistake by your administration to push Israel to maintain the transport of humanitarian aid and, by that, to strengthen Hamas?

MR. SULLIVAN:  It absolutely was not a mistake for the United States to seek to ensure that women and children and innocent people in Gaza, who have nothing to do with this fight but who, in fact, are being put in harm’s way by the way Hamas fights — using schools and mosques as terror infrastructure, hiding behind civilians, making it that much more difficult for Israel to carry the fight against Hamas and destroy its capabilities — those people deserve the basic sustenance of life.  They deserve food, water, medicine, sanitation. 

And, by the way, that’s not just an American position; that’s a requirement under international humanitarian law.  And it is also the position of this Israeli government, who is not standing up saying we should give no humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.  They’re saying something different.

Now, we have viewed various critical points over the course of the past 15 months as moments where not enough was getting in to ensure that people had what they needed to survive.  And we made no bones about pressing on that.  Because we think, at the end of the day, feeding starving children does not harm the security of the State of Israel, but it does vindicate our common shared values of humanity. 

And so, as I said in my remarks, the American commandment, the Jewish commandment that every innocent life has value, that is a present factor and it’s something we have to take seriously, even as we take seriously that Israel has every right — indeed a duty — to go after its enemies with everything it’s got.  You have done that, and we have backed you in going after your enemies, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran itself.  We have helped defend you against attacks, including from Iran itself.  And we have also stood up to say: Let’s make sure that Israel is not responsible for the third famine of the 21st century. 

We think that that is the right way to pursue a principled and just and strong, robust policy, and we will continue to do that as long as we’re in office. 

Yeah. 

Q    (Inaudible) Jewish Insider.  Do you have any update on the three Americans who are still believed to be alive?

MR. SULLIVAN:  I only can tell you that we have received the tragic news about the passing of Gadi and Judi and Itay and Omer all on October 7th, and of course, the godawful killing of Hersh during the course of this conflict.

We believe the other three Americans are alive.  We don’t have a proof of life from such a short time ago that I can tell you that for certain, but we believe that they are.  And of course, we saw the video of Edan Alexander. 

So we are operating on the proposition that there are seven Americans being held in Gaza currently — three of them alive, four of them deceased — and we want to bring all seven of them home. 

Yeah.

Q    Thank you.  Itamar (inaudible) from (inaudible).  I wanted to ask you if there is a linkage between the hostage deal and the ceasefire deal and the normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.  Is it realistic to bring about a deal, a normalization deal, before January 20?

MR. SULLIVAN:  These are not linked.  The ceasefire and hostage deal is something we are pursuing on its own, because it is, we believe, a humanitarian imperative to bring the hostages home, and it is in the strategic interests of the State of Israel because all of its interests, its core interests, are protected in that deal.  We also believe it’s in the interest of the Palestinian people because it will allow for this surge in humanitarian assistance. 

So we are pushing for that deal on its own terms, for its own purposes, because we want to follow through on our commitment to do everything possible to get the hostages home.  So, there is no link there. 

Of course, we continue to believe in a long-term vision for the region of normalization and integration, and the President has laid that out.  And everything we do, we want to point in that direction.  But I don’t have any updates for you today on the question of normalization. 

Yeah.

Q    Thank you.  Gil Tamari, Channel 13 Israel.  I would like to follow up on one of my colleague’s questions.  The Prime Minister said today that Israel will continue to hold the territory in the buffer zone until there will be a governed force in Syria that will be able to oblige to the 1974 agreement.  And as you may know, this might take years.  So I would like to know if the United States is satisfied with the long-term Israeli position of — possession of the buffer zone. 

And also, is the G7 statement relay also to Israel when talking about the territory of Syria? 

And I know you cannot take us into the negotiation regarding the hostage, but can you give us the feeling?  What makes you this time a little bit more optimistic?  I know you hate to use the word “hopeful,” but what makes you this time a little bit more optimistic?

MR. SULLIVAN:  So, first, on the question of Israel’s move into that border zone in Syria: This is a fluid situation.  Fast-moving.  I would submit that everyone in this room, both sitting in these chairs and behind the cameras, was not thinking about the fall of Assad one month ago.  So that’s how fast things are moving. 

What Israel saw was an immediate threat, the collapse of a structure that had been in place for a long time and the potential for that vacuum to be filled by a direct, proximate threat right across its border.  So it moved in to fill that threat.  That, from the United States’ perspective, is logical and consistent with Israel’s right to self-defense. 

How this plays from here: We are a few days into this, so we will stay in close consultation with our Israeli partners, as well as with stakeholders in Syria, as well as with stakeholders across the region, and we will develop and elaborate a perspective on the best way forward in a coordinated way. 

And I just can’t sit here today and begin projecting out years into the future, given that just days ago, Assad still sat in Damascus. 

With respect to why there is more optimism in the air, shall we say, I think it’s partly for the reason that I laid out, which is: I do believe the ceasefire in Lebanon has generated a different context.  I actually believe that the loss of Iran’s client state in Syria has contributed to that different context.  Israel’s military progress against Hamas’s infrastructure formations and senior leaders has contributed to that context.  So, the surround sound of these negotiations is different today than it has been in the past. 

And then, the other point is that the people involved in these negotiations seem to me to have a little bit of a different feel about things than they did before.  That’s less measurable but I think still present.  And so —

Q    (Inaudible) not negotiating directly with Hamas.

MR. SULLIVAN:  No, I’m not referring to the Prime Minister.  I’m not referring to the Prime Minister. 

So those are the reasons why.  But, look, we have been in a place before where American officials have stood before podiums and said we are close, and we were close but we didn’t get there.  I believe we are close again.  Will we get there?  It is not yet clear whether we will or we won’t, but we are determined to try to drive this across the finish line. 

I’ll take two more questions.  Yeah. 

Q    So as we get ready — Maayan Hoffman from The Media Line.  As we get ready to, potentially, as you said, optimistically sign some kind of ceasefire or hostage deal, that would be, presumably, with Hamas.  And ultimately, the goal was to eradicate Hamas, to move them politically out of ruling Gaza.  As we sign the ceasefire, is there any indication or vision for Hamas continuing, therefore, to rule Gaza in some perspective, or do you have a vision of somebody else taking over in the interim?

MR. SULLIVAN:  So if you go back to President Biden’s speech in late May, laying out the terms of a phased ceasefire and hostage deal, the basic elements of and the basic framework of that deal are still live and part of the discussions that are happening today. 

In that speech, he said that this is a roadmap to end the war, and it’s a roadmap to a future of Gaza without Hamas in power.  Now, there’s a lot of steps between here and there, which is why a deal like this proceeds in phases.  But that has been the stated position of the United States government going back several months. 

Q    But is there any progress (inaudible)?

MR. SULLIVAN:  What I would just say is: The first thing that we need to do is get into the initial phase of the ceasefire and hostage deal; begin to produce the actual releases, the images of hostages being welcomed home to their families, as we saw a year ago with the 78 who were released.  And then, the terms of the deal are built on the idea that there will be ongoing discussions, diplomacy, negotiations to move from phase one to phase two.  So that’s an ongoing process that will continue. 

Final question.  Yeah.

Q    Thank you.  You have said before that you believe Prime Minister Netanyahu is willing to reach an agreement, and the defense minister has said yesterday it is possible; he told it to Secretary Austin.  How close are we?  And have you heard from Israeli officials that they will be willing to stop — to end the war if we will get all the hostages back?  And can you honestly say that, after 14 months, Prime Minister Netanyahu has done everything in his power to bring the hostages back home, and it’s not Hamas have been always the obstacle?

MR. SULLIVAN:  So I expected a question on kind of who’s responsible for this or for that, for the other thing.

I view my job and America’s duty as taking where we are today, which is close — I believe close — and bridging that final distance until we actually get into a deal. 

Again, I want to reinforce that we can’t rest until it actually happens.  It might not happen.  But I believe it can happen with political will on both sides.  The Israeli government has indicated, including the Prime Minister, they would like to see this done.  We see movement from Hamas.  We see commitment from the mediators.  And I will go to Doha and Cairo to try to ensure the final impetus is there to bring this all together. 

Beyond that, I’m not going to characterize the state of play, other than to say the reason that we are so determined to do this is, at one level, fundamentally human, which is to get people safely home to their families and to create calm for a period where suffering people in Gaza can get relief.  But it goes at another level, deeply strategic.  We think it is in the American strategic interest, as well as in the strategic interest of Israel, to do this deal.  That’s true of the current administration.  It is true of the incoming administration.  It is true across the aisle in the United States.  And that’s why we’re going to continue to work together to try to get this done. 

Thank you all very much.

5:53 P.M. IST

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On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the President signed into law:

H.R. 1432, the “VSO Equal Tax Treatment Act” or the “VETT Act,” which amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the deductibility of charitable contributions to certain organizations for members of the Armed Forces.

Thank you to Representatives Wenstrup and Panetta, and Senators Cassidy and Duckworth for their leadership.

H.R. 3821, the “Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023,” which reauthorizes the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2018.

Thank you to the late Representative Bill Pascrell, Representatives Fitzpatrick, Hoyer, and Bost, and Senators Klobuchar, Fischer, Tester, Rubio, and Brown for their leadership.

H.R. 5863, the “Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023,” which provides tax relief with respect to certain Federal disasters.

Thank you to Representatives Steube, LaMalfa, and Mike Thompson, and Senators Cassidy, Butler, and Padilla for their leadership.

S. 91, the “Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act,” which awards a Congressional Gold Medal collectively to 60 diplomats, in recognition of their bravery and heroism during the Holocaust.

Thank you to Senators Hagerty and Kaine, and Representatives Salazar and Ritchie Torres for their leadership.

S. 4243, the “Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act,” which awards posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm.

Thank you to Senators Butler and Warnock, and Representatives Barbara Lee, Jeffries, Waters, Clarke, and Donalds for their leadership.

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WITHDRAWAL SENT TO THE SENATE:

     Ryan Young Park, of North Carolina, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, vice James A. Wynn, Jr., retiring, which was sent to the Senate on July 8, 2024.

# # #

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We, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), reaffirm our commitment to the people of Syria, and lend our full support for an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process in the spirit of the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. We call on all parties to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and national unity, and respect its independence and sovereignty.

We reiterate our support for the UN Disengagement Observer Force monitoring the Golan Heights between Israel and Syria.

We stand ready to support a transition process under this framework that leads to credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian governance that ensures respect for the rule of law, universal human rights, including women’s rights, the protection of all Syrians, including religious and ethnic minorities, transparency and accountability.

The G7 will work with and fully support a future Syrian government that abides by those standards and results from that process.

Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of holding the Assad regime accountable for its crimes and will continue to work with the OPCW and other partners to secure, declare and destroy Syria’s remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.

After decades of atrocities committed by the Assad regime, we stand with the people of Syria.

We denounce terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms. We are hopeful that anyone seeking a role in governing Syria will demonstrate a commitment to the rights of all Syrians, prevent the collapse of state institutions, work on the recovery and rehabilitation of the country, and ensure the conditions for safe and dignified voluntary return to Syria of all those who were forced to flee the country.

###

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MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

SUBJECT:       Establishment of the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group


By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to monitor and address the effects of any efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), either directly or through proxies, to censor or intimidate any United States person, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1.  Policy.  Consistent with section 5515(b) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263, 22 U.S.C. 3363(b)) (the “Act”), I am directing the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Director of the National Economic Council to lead an interagency effort to oversee the development and execution of an integrated Federal Government strategy to monitor and address the effects of any efforts by the PRC to censor or intimidate, in the United States or in any of its possessions or territories, any United States person, including a United States company that conducts business in the PRC, exercising its freedom of speech.

Sec. 2.  Establishment.  There is established within the Executive Office of the President the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group (Task Force).

Sec. 3.  Membership.  (a)  The Task Force shall be chaired by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, or his or her designee, and vice-chaired by the Director of the National Economic Council, or his or her designee.

(b)  In addition to the Chair and the Vice Chair, the Task Force shall consist of representatives from the following executive departments and agencies (agencies), the heads of which shall designate or appoint personnel at the level of Assistant Secretary or above to participate in the Task Force:
     (i)     the Department of State;

     (ii)    the Department of the Treasury;

     (iii)   the Department of Defense; 

     (iv)    the Department of Justice;

     (v)     the Department of Agriculture;

     (vi)    the Department of Commerce;

     (vii)   the Department of Education;

     (viii)  the Department of Homeland Security;

     (ix)    the Office of the Director of National Intelligence;

     (x)     the Office of the United States Trade Representative;

     (xi)    the Central Intelligence Agency;

     (xii)   the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and

     (xiii)  other agencies and offices as the President may, from time to time, designate.

Sec. 4.  Mission and Function.  The Task Force shall meet not less frequently than twice per year to oversee the development and execution of the integrated Federal Government strategy described in section 5515(b)(3)(A) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3363(b)(3)(A)).  That strategy shall reflect the collective views of the members of the Task Force and shall be informed by consultations with agencies and independent agencies that are not represented on the Task Force; relevant stakeholders in the private sector and the media; and relevant stakeholders among foreign allies and partners of the United States.

Sec. 5.  Annual Report of the Task Force.  (a)  Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the Task Force shall submit to the President and the appropriate congressional committees, as defined in section 5515(a)(1) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3363(a)(1)), the strategy described in section 5515(b)(3)(A) of the Act.

(b)  Within 180 days of the date of this memorandum, the Task Force shall submit to the President and the appropriate congressional committees, and make publicly available to the extent consistent with national security and other executive branch confidentiality interests, the first annual report described in section 5515(b)(6)(A)-(B) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3363(b)(6)).

(c)  Within 1 year of submitting the first annual report described in subsection (b) of this section, and every year thereafter, the Task Force shall submit to the President and the appropriate congressional committees, and make publicly available to the extent consistent with national security and other executive branch confidentiality interests, the required follow-on annual reports described in section 5515(b)(6)(A)-(B) of the Act, until the requirement terminates as specified in section 5515(d) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3363(d)).

Sec. 6.  Definition.  For purposes of this memorandum, the term “United States person” shall have the meaning provided in section 5515(a)(3) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3363(a)(3)).

Sec. 7.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This memorandum 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.

(d)  The Attorney General is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

SUBJECT:       Establishment of the Countering Economic Coercion Task Force

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to improve efforts to respond to coercive economic practices of countries of concern, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1.  Policy.  Consistent with section 5514 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263, 22 U.S.C. 3362) (the “Act”), I am directing the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Director of the National Economic Council to oversee an interagency effort to address the increasing use of economic coercion by countries of concern, including the PRC; to assess potential vulnerabilities of countries, including within their private sectors, to such coercion; and to develop concrete recommendations for a comprehensive, effective, and, as appropriate, multilateral response, including to deter future coercive economic behavior.

Sec. 2.  Establishment.  There is established within the Executive Office of the President the Countering Economic Coercion Task Force (Task Force).

Sec. 3.  Membership.  (a)  The Task Force shall be chaired by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, or his or her designee, and vice-chaired by the Director of the National Economic Council, or his or her designee.

(b)  In addition to the Chair and the Vice Chair, the Task Force shall consist of representatives from the following executive departments and agencies (agencies), the heads of which shall designate or appoint personnel at the level of Assistant Secretary or above to participate in the Task Force:

(i)      the Department of State;

(ii)     the Department of the Treasury;

(iii)    the Department of Defense; 

(iv)     the Department of Justice;

(v)      the Department of Agriculture;

(vi)     the Department of Commerce;

(vii)    the Department of Labor;

(viii)   the Department of Health and Human Services;

(ix)     the Department of Energy;

(x)      the Department of Homeland Security;

(xi)     the Office of the Director of National Intelligence;

(xii)    the Office of the United States Trade Representative;

(xiii)   the Central Intelligence Agency;

(xiv)    the United States Agency for International Development;

(xv)     the Export-Import Bank of the United States;

(xvi)    the Trade and Development Agency;

(xvii)   the United States International Development Finance Corporation; and

(xviii)  other agencies and offices as the President may, from time to time, designate.

Sec. 4.  Mission and Function.  The Task Force shall work across agencies and offices to oversee the development and implementation of an integrated United States Government strategy to respond to and deter coercive economic practices by countries of concern, including the PRC.  That strategy shall include the elements outlined in section 5514(c)(1)(A) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3362(c)(1)(A)) and shall, consistent with section 5514(c)(2) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3362(c)(2)), be informed by consultations with relevant stakeholders, including, as necessary and appropriate, stakeholders in the private sector, agencies that are not represented on the Task Force, and foreign allies and partners of the United States.  The Task Force shall also perform the other responsibilities set forth in section 5514(c)(1) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3362(c)(1)).

Sec. 5.  Reporting on the Work and Recommendations of the Task Force.  (a)  Within 180 days of the date of this memorandum, the Task Force shall submit to the Congress the initial report described in section 5514(e)(1) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3362(e)(1)).

(b)  Within 1 year of submitting the initial report described in subsection (a) of this section, the Task Force shall submit to the Congress the first interim report described in section 5514(e)(2)(A) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3362(e)(2)(A)).

(c)  Within 1 year of submitting the first interim report described in subsection (b) of this section, the Task Force shall submit to the Congress the second interim report described in section 5514(e)(2)(B) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3362(e)(2)(B)).

(d)  Within 30 days of submitting the second interim report described in subsection (c) of this section, the Task Force shall submit to the Congress the final report described in section 5514(e)(3) of the Act (22 U.S.C. 3362(e)(3)).

(e)  The Task Force shall also consolidate any input received and submit periodic recommendations to the President on policies and regulatory actions to address systemic harms from PRC economic coercion.

Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This memorandum 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.

(d)  The Attorney General is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Today, the White House is releasing the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate. The Strategy was developed through a whole-of-government collaboration with a broad range of civil society partners to describe and address the bias, discrimination, and threats Muslim and Arab Americans have long faced. Over the past year, this initiative has become even more important as threats against American Muslim and Arab communities have spiked. In October 2023, six-year old Wadee Alfayoumi, an American Muslim boy of Palestinian descent, was viciously killed in his home in Illinois and over the last year there have been other grievous attacks on Muslim and Arab Americans.

The Strategy contains more than 100 Executive Branch Actions and more than 100 Calls to Action to every sector of society to prevent and address such violent attacks and to ensure that Muslim and Arab Americans enjoy the liberties and opportunities that are the bedrock of our country. With this initiative, we are creating a path for progress, in partnership with all levels of government, civil society, and the private sector, both now and over the long term.

In December 2022, when President Biden established an interagency group to increase and better coordinate efforts to counter Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and related forms of bias and discrimination, work began on this Strategy. In 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration released the first-ever National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism and announced the development of the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate. This latest strategy has four priorities:

Increase awareness of hatred against Muslims and Arabs and broaden recognition of these communities’ heritages. Muslims and Arab Americans have helped build our country since its founding, but they have also routinely experienced hate, discrimination, and bias due to baseless stereotypes, fearmongering, and prejudice. While individuals have sometimes been targeted because they are thought to be Muslim, it is also crucial to recognize that Arabs are routinely targeted simply for being who they are. Through new data collection and innovative educational efforts, the Administration is increasing awareness of these forms of hate as well of the proud heritages of Muslim and Arab Americans.      

Improve safety and security for Muslims and Arabs. Everyone deserves to live their lives without fear of violence, harassment, or discrimination. The Strategy addresses the targeting of Muslim and Arab communities, including through unprecedented investments in strengthening the security of nonprofits and increased efforts to ensure easier access to those funds; correction of discriminatory travel restrictions; and new tools to address transnational repression, doxing, swatting, and hoax threats. It also seeks to reduce trust deficits between government and community members such as by sharing successful practices of engaging Muslim and Arab Americans in the reporting of hate crimes. The Strategy recognizes our utmost duty to protect the nation from terrorist threats and attacks while safeguarding everyone’s civil rights and civil liberties.

Tackle discrimination against Muslims and Arabs and appropriately accommodate their religious practices. Muslim and Arab Americans have long faced discrimination in settings such as education, employment, public accommodations, land use, housing, health care, and access to financial services. More agencies are making it clear that discrimination against Muslim and Arab Americans in federally funded activities is illegal, and the Administration has instituted new practices to accommodate religion and produced a wide range of resources and trainings on nondiscrimination and religious freedom.

Continue to build cross-community solidarity and collective action to counter hate. Threats to one community must be treated as threats to all. Increasing cross-community collaboration  continues to be a key part of Administration efforts to protect the safety of all Americans, including through new partnerships that build solidarity among communities of diverse faiths and beliefs.

We urge our state, local, and international counterparts, as well as the nongovernmental sector, to pursue similar initiatives that seek to build greater unity by recognizing our common humanity, affirming our shared values and history, and embracing equal justice, liberty, and security for all.

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1:44 P.M. EST

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Hello.  Hi, everybody. 

Q    Hi.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Happy Thursday.  (Ms. Jean-Pierre adjusts the lectern.)  Just mess- — be messing with this lectern.

Okay.  So, today, President Biden announced that he is granting clemency to approximately 1,500 Americans — the largest act in a single day — who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation as well as a strong commitment to making their communities safer. 

The president is commuting the sentences of 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and who have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities.

He is also pardoning 39 individuals who were convicted of nonviolent crimes. 

The Americans receiving relief today include a decorated military veteran, a nurse who has led response for a number of natural disasters, and an addiction counselor who volunteers his time to help young people.  That’s just to name a few.

Today’s actions build on the president’s record of criminal justice reform to help reunite families, strengthen communities, and reintegrate individuals back into society.

The president has issued more sentence commutations at this point in his presidency than any of his recent predecessors at the same point in their first terms.  He is also the first president ever to issue categorical — categorical pardons to individuals convicted of simple use and possession of marijuana and to former LGBTQI+ service members convicted because of their sexual orientation.

As the president has said before, America was founded on the premise of second chances.  For far too long, our criminal justice system has closed doors of opportunity for too many people who should have the chance to once again participate in daily life and contribute to their communities. 

And as the president said in his statement, he will take more steps in the weeks ahead.  He and his team will continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehab and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.

And with that, I have my colleague here from the National Security Council, Admiral Kirby, to talk about foreign policy news of day.

MR. KIRBY:  Thank you so much, Karine.

Afternoon, everybody. 

Q    Hello, sir.

Q    Hello.

MR. KIRBY:  Sorry?

Q    We’re just saying hi.

Q    Hello, sir.

Q    We’re just saying hi.

MR. KIRBY:  All right.  (Laughs.)  Look, as you all know, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is in Israel today.  He just wrapped up a full day of meetings, including one with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Jake’s meeting with the prime minister focused on the progress we’ve made in the region.  That means ensuring the Lebanon ceasefire continues to hold, that we continue to engage with all Syrian groups to establish a transition toward an independent and sovereign Syria, and, most importantly, that we continue to make progress toward closing a hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza so that the hostages — including Americans — can be reunited with their families, so that civilians in Gaza can receive the humanitarian assistance that they desperately still need, and so that this war can come to an end.

Jake will now travel to Doha and to Cairo to continue these efforts.

His travel, of course, coincides with that of Secretary Blinken, who is traveling to Jordan and Turkey, making clear our commitment to a Syrian-led transition process so that the Syrian people and their aspirations can be realized.

The president is being regularly briefed on all these meetings and remains in close touch with his national security team as the situation in Syria continues to develop — and it does continue to develop.

Tomorrow, he’s going to speak virtually with his fellow G7 leaders.  They will discuss a range of issues: our shared support to Ukraine, which comes, of course, after the United States disbursed $20 billion to a new World Bank fund that will provide economic support for Ukraine as part of the $50 billion G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loan effort. 

And that, of course — I think, as you all know — leverages income earned from frozen Russian sovereign assets and increasingly puts the cost of war on Russia with no burden to the taxpayer here in the United States.  We’re going to continue to explore ways to make maximum use of those assets, by the way.

And I’d note that also today the president approved a new security assistance package for Ukraine that will provide them with additional air defense, artillery, drones, and armored vehicles.  It’s the 72nd such drawdown package announced by the United States.  And as the president made clear, we’re going to continue to provide additional packages right up until the end of this administration.

I think G7 leaders can also be expected to discuss ongoing developments in the Middle East, of course — how we’re helping Israel defend itself against active threats and how we’re all working towards that Syrian-led process we talked about.

Now, I’d also be remiss if I didn’t just take a moment to highlight an important milestone in our efforts to keep faith with Afghan allies.

As of today, the State Department has issued 76,000 Special Immigrant Visas for Afghan partners and their families, surpassing the number of SIVs issued by all previous administrations combined since the program began back in 2009.  They did this by surging staff, by leveraging new technology, by consolidating some cumbersome processing steps, and working hard to verify, in better ways, applicants’ employment status.

And, of course, we’ve requested from Congress more visa numbers so that we can continue to do that.

Now, finally, I just want to add a few comments on the reports of drone activity here on the East Coast, particularly in and around New Jersey.

We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.

The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are investigating these sightings, and they’re working closely with state and local law enforcement to provide resources, using numerous detection methods to better understand their origin.

Using very sophisticated electronic detection technologies provided by federal authorities, we have not been able to — and neither have state or local law enforcement authorities — corroborate any of the reported visual sightings.

To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully.

The United States Coast Guard is providing support to the State of New Jersey and has confirmed that there is no evidence of any foreign-based involvement from coastal vessels.

And, importantly, there are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted airspace.

Now, that said, we certainly take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems, which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports, even though they have uncovered no malicious activity or intent at this particular stage. 

While there is no known malicious activity occurring, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight a gap in authorities.  And so, we urge Congress to pass important legislation that will extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities so that we are better prepared to identify and mitigate any potential threats to airports or other critical infrastructure and so that state and local authorities are provided all the tools that they need to respond to such threats as well. 

Now, tomorrow, there’s a little thing called the Army-Navy game.  We wish both sides a good game.  (Laughter.)  We thank them for their service now, of course, at these service academies and for their service in the future.  We don’t officially take sides here at the National Security Council, but “Go Navy, Beat Army.”  (Laughter.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead.

Q    Thank you, Admiral.  Good luck. 

What is the White House reaction to President Xi being invited to President-elect Trump’s inauguration next month?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, that’s going to be up to President-elect Trump to decide who’s going to sit with him there at the inauguration and who’s going to be there. 

We’ve worked really hard on this most consequential of bilateral relationships.  The president met with Xi Jinping a number of times, including recently and, as you know, at the — at APEC. 

And we — we believe that as we get ready to turn over things to the Trump team that we’re turning ov- — turning over a U.S.-China relationship that is in better shape than the one we found it in.  That doesn’t mean that we don’t have disagreements.  We do and we will, and I’m sure they will too.  But we’re working hard on this relationship, and we’ll do that right to the end. 

Q    Did President Biden invite any foreign leaders to his inauguration in 2021?

MR. KIRBY:  Oh, geez, I don’t — I don’t know.  I’d have to take that question.  I don’t know.

Q    I think one — one other question about Travis Timmerman.  Was the U.S. aware that he was missing and being detained in Syria before this week?

MR. KIRBY:  I am not aware of any indication that we had that this gentleman was in Syria.  I would — I want to remind that we are just getting word of this, and we’re trying to confirm his identity at this point, so the State Department is working hard on that right now.  I — I am not aware that we had any prior indication that — that he was — was in Syria. 

It’s also a good reminder for everybody, if you’re traveling overseas, to enroll in the State Department’s STEP program so that, you know, they have an idea of who you are and where you are.  It’s voluntary, of course, but we recommend that to everybody.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead.

Q    Thank you.  So, regarding Travis Timmerman, have there been any other — I don’t know, have there been any other Americans — or people who have been saying that they’re American uncovered in detention following what — the events in Syria?  And then, regarding Americans, do you have any updates on Austin Tice?

MR. KIRBY:  On your first question: Not that I’m aware of.

On your second question: We don’t have any additional context or information about Austin since the events of the weekend in Syria, but we are working very, very hard.  And as we’ve said in the past, we — we hope that developments in Syria could lead to some opportunities and some — and some more information, but right now we don’t have anything. 

Q    Are you concerned that there isn’t more information around Tice — there isn’t more of an update, considering the fact that we’re seeing these prisons — sort of, people released?  We’re sort of — would you have expected to have more news about Austin Tice at this point?

MR. KIRBY:  We’re concerned about Mr. Tice.  We’re concerned about finding out more about him — where he is, his condition.  We certainly, as the president said on Sunday, want to do everything we can to get him back with his family where he belongs.

Would we like to have had more information in the last 40, 48, 72 hours?  You betcha. 

And we’re working hard.  We’re in touch with interlocutors and counterparts in and outside Syria to try to get as much information as we can, but I just don’t — I don’t have anything additional to report to you today. 

Q    And just following up on the news that President-elect Trump’s press secretary confirmed that she was invited — you yourself have talked about wanting a competitive relationship that doesn’t have conflict — like you said, “a better relationship now than four years ago with China.”  So, what’s your take?  Was it a wise move?

MR. KIRBY:  I’m not going to — it’s — it’s not my place from the podium here to — to pass judgment on the invitations to the inauguration.  That’s really for the Trump transition team to — to speak to. 

Look, I would just again say this.  It is, without doubt, the single most consequential bilateral relation that the United States has in the world, and it is a relationship that is both fraught with peril and with opportunity. 

And when we get ready to turn over to the Trump team, we will — we will make sure they are fully informed about everything President Biden has done — and he has done a lot — to get this relationship on a more stable footing. 

And it’ll be up to them to determine how and to what degree they want to carry that forward.  And if — if that means having a conversation with President Xi around the inauguration that President Trump wants to do, well, again, that’s his prerogative. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead. 

Q    President-elect Trump —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Oh, sorry.

Q    Karine?

Q    Thanks.  Sorry.  President-elect Trump this morning also kind of dismissed a question about protecting Taiwan.  Could you talk at all about conversations that the current Biden administration might be having with Taiwan in this moment, if there’s more security concern with those friends and partners than with an incoming Trump administration?

MR. KIRBY:  I think Taiwanese leaders know very well where President Biden stands on our continued support to Taiwan’s self-defense.  I think that they also clearly understand that we don’t want to see any cross-strait tensions resolved through violence or force and that — that we’re committed to our obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act. 

So, I’m not aware of any additional specific conversations that have happened in recent days, but I think it’s pretty apparent to everybody, including the PRC and President Xi, where we stand on the issue of Taiwan’s self-defense. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead, Danny.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Thanks, Admiral.  What’s your response to President-elect Trump saying in his TIME Magazine interview that it was a “foolish decision” by the Biden administration to let Ukraine fire long-range missiles into Ukraine? 

MR. KIRBY:  Hey, look, I’m not going to get into a back-and-forth with the president-elect and what he’s saying in the media space. 

All I can do is — is reiterate what President Biden’s policy and guidance has been, and that is to do everything we can, including today with this package that we’re announcing, to make sure Ukraine can continue to defend itself so that if and when this comes to some sort of negotiation, that President Zelenskyy is in the best possible position that has the most leverage possible, that he has the most success on the battlefield that he can — that he can take into that negotiation. 

That has included additional policy guidance that President Biden issued not long ago to allow for some long-range missile systems to be used to help Ukraine defend itself across that border, and that policy still stands. 

Q    Very briefly, will you be extending any congratulations to President-elect Trump on his second Time of the — Time Person of the Year award?  (Laughter.)

MR. KIRBY:  I actually didn’t know that — that that had happened.  I — I don’t have any — I don’t have anything more to say on that. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead, Nadia.

Q    Thank you, Karine.  I want to go back to Austin Tice.  Can you give us some information about the U.S. presence on the ground?  Who is there to secure his release?  Because it seems to me like it’s battle between journalists who are trying to reach to any American prisoners there and this — what happened this morning. 

MR. KIRBY:  Now let’s not get ahead of where we are right now.  Two things.  One, U.S. military presence in Syria is predominantly in the east and it’s designed solely to help us with the counter-ISIS missions.  And we’re working with the Syrian Democratic Forces to that end.  That’s why they’re there, and that’s the only reason that they’re there. 

We don’t have enough information right now about Mr. Tice and his whereabouts and his condition to develop any kind of policy options in terms of getting him home.  So, we — let’s just not get ahead of where we are right now. 

Right now, we’re really trying — and we hope that developments in Syria will give us the opportunity to glean more information.

Q    So, you — sorry, I just to follow on this.  So, you’re saying that there’s no FBI agents, there is nobody from the hostage departments that the U.S. was dealing who on the ground now in Syria?  Because I’m aware of the Hostage Aid — that’s an organization that trying to find all hostages all over, American hostages.  They are on the ground.  And there are journalists, including my station, who’s — who actually the first station to reach Mr. Timmerman this morning. 

MR. KIRBY:  The work that we’re doing, the presence that we have in Syria is — is largely around counterterrorism missions. 

Again, I don’t have policy options to speak to right now about finding and retrieving Mr. Tice.  We just don’t have enough information at this point.

Q    Okay.  One more on Gaza, please.  You have called on the Israelis many times from this podium to make sure they avoid civilian casualties and aid workers who have been working in Gaza.  In the last week, every single day there’s at least 50 civilians are being killed, including entire families and 34 aid workers.  So, has your message gone on deaf ears, or are you following up with what’s happening there?  How civilians are being killed every single day, and we don’t hear much about them?

MR. KIRBY:  We talk to the Israelis almost every day about — about their operations and about how we want to see them be more careful and minimize civilian casualties. 

And, my goodness, Jake Sullivan, our national security advisor, is in Israel today, and this very much was a part of the discussions he had with — not — with the Israeli national security team as well as the prime minister.  He brought it up today.  Secretary Blinken is in the region.  I have no doubt that he’ll be bringing it up as well.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead, Patsy.

Q    Thanks you, Karine.  John, two questions.  One on Afghanistan — if you have any thoughts on the death of the Taliban minister Khalil Rahman Haqqani in a suicide bombing claimed by a regional Islamic State affiliate.

MR. KIRBY:  I think that — look, we’re just getting information about this.  I think it’s a little too soon for me to — to make a comment.  The only thing I would say is that we recognize — and we said so at the time — that there was still an ISIS threat inside Afghanistan.  And clearly, they have set their sights on the Taliban.  But I don’t really have anything more say on that. 

Q    Is there anything in terms of U.S. over-horizon capability?  Can you comment on that, in terms of, you know, how — how this kind of suicide bomb- — bombing —

MR. KIRBY:  We maintain and have improved, since our withdrawal from Afghanistan, the ability to conduct over-the-horizon counterterrorism operations anywhere in the world — anywhere in the world — and we’ve proven our ability to do that, including in places like Afghanistan since we left. 

Q    And one quick one on Venezuela, if you don’t mind, John.  So, Argentina is accusing Venezuela of continually harassing members of the opposition that’s sheltering in their diplomatic compound in Caracas.  Do you have any comments on that?

MR. KIRBY:  Let me get back to you on that one.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead.

Q    Yeah.  John, thanks so much.  On Syria again.  What is the United States doing to ensure that there are no clashes between that Turkey-backed SNA and the U.S.-allied Kurdish militia there?

MR. KIRBY:  Yeah.

Q    And then I’ve got one more.

MR. KIRBY:  One of the things we want to make sure is that the Syrian Democratic Forces stay partnered with us on counter-ISIS missions.  And we have seen in the past where — where certain parts of the SDF, if they pursue — perceived other — other threats and challenges, they’ve — in the past, they’ve kind of moved off that mission, and we don’t want to see that happen. 

So, we’re in very close touch with our SDF partners to — to try to maintain that focus on counter-ISIS missions, and we are just as importantly in touch with our Turkish counterparts, including Secretary Blinken, to — to make sure that we understand what they’re trying to do and that we both take steps that — that help preserve the effectiveness of the counter-ISIS mission and that it’s not diminished in any way. 

Q    Okay.  I mean, the relationship with the Turks hasn’t been the best.  So, how do you hope to ensure that this, you know, message gets through and is respected?

MR. KIRBY:  By being there and talking to them, which is what we’re doing today. 

Q    Okay.  And then just one more on — on Syria — or, rather, on Austin Tice.  There have been reports — scattered reports that he could be in Iran.  Can you say anything to that?

MR. KIRBY:  I can’t.  As I said — and it’s an honest answer — we just don’t have enough context right now to make a judgment about his whereabouts or his condition, and that’s why we’re working so hard.  And we are, as we speak — you and me today — we are asking those questions.  And we hope that what happened in Syria over the weekend may give us an opportunity to learn more. 

Q    Are you directly in touch with the Iranians about this at all?

MR. KIRBY:  We have been in touch — I’ll just say this.  As you would expect — or at least I hope you would expect us to be — we have been in touch with interlocutors and groups and leaders all over the region.  And we have various ways of being in touch, some is indirect — some is indirect. 

But I — I think it’s safe for you to assume that, given the events over the weekend, we’re — we’re — it’s a full-court press to see what we can do to find out more about Austin Tice, and that includes having a whole heck of a lot of conversations with a lot of different folks. 

Q    Okay.  And then just one more, quickly, on Gaza.  So, Jake said he thinks the ceasefire deal may be near.  We’ve obviously heard that before.

MR. KIRBY:  And Jake said we’ve heard that before — (laughter) — and we — and we haven’t al- — always been able to get it across the finish line.  We’re being pragmatic about this. 

Q    I know.  But, I mean, what — what — you know, how are the circumstances different now?  What dynamics could be different that would actually make a deal happen?

MR. KIRBY:  That’s a great question.  I think if — if you’re Hamas right now, which is still fairly a — a rudderless organization, and you look at the world today, you know, the options aren’t good.  Your — your military capabilities have been all but decimated.  Your main leader is gone.  The leader of your — your buddy, Hezbollah, he’s gone — Nasrallah is gone.  He- — Hezbollah is now in a ceasefire arrangement, which is still holding, with Israel.  And Iran is not coming to the rescue.  There is no cavalry for the Hamas right now — for Hamas right now. 

So, this is the time, and I think that’s what Jake was alluding to.  The — there has been an awful lot of pressure put on anybody who is supporting Hamas.  And now, given where they are and how weakened they are, this is the moment to make this deal. 

And that’s why, I think, Jake believes that we’re — that we’re getting close.  I mean, this is a great opportunity right now to do it.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead.

Q    Thank you, Karine.  Just to follow on Gaza.  In those comments in Jerusalem earlier today, Jake Sullivan said that the posture of both Prime Minister Netanyahu to do a deal and the posture of Hamas at the negotiating table in the wake of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon had changed favorably toward a deal.  I’m just wondering if you could elaborate a little bit more on that dynamic and what he’s referencing there.

MR. KIRBY:  Well, it’s kind of my — my answer to Andrea.  I mean, i- — the — the situation for Hamas has radically changed, particularly because of what’s happened. 

And I would add — one thing I didn’t add was events in Syria, because now Assad is gone.  And who was Assad’s main backer?  Iran. 

Iran was not only unwilling but unable to come to Assad’s rescue.  It’s just more proof — or should be more proof — to Hamas leaders that there is, as I said, no cavalry coming to the rescue. 

So, th- — they’re — they’re at a moment of weakness and desperation.  This is the time to make this deal and move forward on it.

Now, whether they’ll do it or not, as Jake said, you know, we can’t be certain, but we believe there’s an opportunity here — a moment — and that’s why Jake’s in the region.

Q    On Syria, the U.S. has stated that one of its primary goals is to make sure that ISIS does not reconstitute there.  In the days since the Assad regime has fallen, have you seen any information or any intelligence about cells or larger groups that are trying to exploit this opening?

MR. KIRBY:  Yeah, I’m not going to get into too much on the intel side. 

I’ll just tell you that we’re watching this real closely, and that is a risk.  That is a worry — that ISIS — I mean, this is a group that — that loves ungoverned space.  And you can expect — we have to expect that they’re going to look at what’s happening here with the fall of Assad and now Russia — or Iran not coming to the rescue; Russia now also not coming to rescue.  Russia is worried about their own presence in Syria and how that’s going to look.  You can expect — you would expect that a group like ISIS would try to exploit that. 

So, we’re watching it closely. 

I don’t have any, again, additional intelligence indicators to speak to — to today, but it is something we’re laser-focused on. 

Q    And then just broadly, on foreign policy.  There’s only one president at a time, but we’ve seen the president-elect wade into his preference for what the U.S. does or doesn’t do in Syria, the U.S. approach to Ukraine, to the Middle East.  And now the transition is also, as you guys have said, working hand in glove as you push for a ceasefire in the region there.  He’s also inviting world leaders to inauguration. 

Is this having an impact on your foreign policy?

MR. KIRBY:  No.  No. 

But I want to go back to your first question, though.  The oth- — the other thing I want to stress on this ISIS thing is that that is why — and the president said this Sunday — the — the concerns about ISIS is exactly why that mission in Syria, the mil- — the U.S. military mission and the partnership with the SDF is so important and why we want to see it continue.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Lalit.

Q    Thank you.  Two questions.  One on Bangladesh, then on India.

On Bangladesh.  Over the past few weeks, several Hindu American groups across the country have been holding protest march — one outside the White House over the weekend.  They’re protesting against the continued killings of Hindus and the temples in Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.  Is the president aware about it?  Did he raise this issue when he met his friend and the interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the U.N.?

MR. KIRBY:  We’re watching this very, very, very closely, and the president is following events closely as well.

The security situation in Bangladesh has been difficult following the ouster of the former prime minister, and we’ve been working closely with the interim government to enhance the capability of their law enforcement and security services to deal with the challenge. 

We’ve been very clear in our engagement with all Bangladeshi leaders that protection of religious and ethnic minorities is absolutely critical, and the leaders of the interim government have repeatedly committed to providing security to all Bangladeshis, regardless of religion or ethnicity. 

We hol- — we want to hold them to that.

Q    And on India.  As the president concludes his four-year term, what do you think of the key achievements of India-U.S.’s (inaudible)?

MR. KIRBY:  The president is very proud of the way in which our bilateral relationship with India has transformed during his administration.  I mean, we’ve elevated the Quad now — the Indo-Pacific Quad.  I don’t know how many meetings he’s had now inside the Quad and bilaterally with the — the prime minister. 

There’s an awful lot in our relationship that has improved: military-to-military communication and — and defense security partnerships there in India and in the Indo-Pacific writ large, people-to-people ties, economic ties.  I mean, there’s been an awful lot.

Q    Quick follow-up on — on India.  You mentioned about Quad.  What are the president’s expectations on the coming administration on Quad and other American —

MR. KIRBY:  That’s going to be up to the incoming administration. 

Q    — U2I2 —

MR. KIRBY:  That’s — it’s going to be up to them to determine how they leverage the Indo-Pacific Quad.  We can only speak to the ways President Biden has.

Q    Do you expect there to be the bilateral — sorry, bipartisan support to India’s relationship? 

MR. KIRBY:  Do I expect —

Q    India’s relationship has — has been a bipartisan support — right? — for the — both the sides have supported it.

MR. KIRBY:  I don’t see anything in the future which would indicate a change in that.  There has been strong bipartisan support for growing this bilateral relationship, and I’m — I’m — I would expect that that will continue.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead.

Q    Hey, John. 

MR. KIRBY:  Oh, sorry.

Q    Yeah.  President-elect Trump last night named a new director for the Voice of America: Kari Lake.  Do you think that the president has the authority to name a new director of that news group?

MR. KIRBY:  I understand that there’s — I — I actually don’t — you know what, I — I’m going to — look, I’m — I think I should take the question, because I don’t understand enough about the process there to really weigh in on that.  So, why don’t we take that question?

Q    Could you just react generally to the fact that, you know, this is a nonpartisan agency, and Kari Lake is someone who just ran a Senate campaign?  Just any reaction to the fact that she —

MR. KIRBY:  I — I’m just not going to get into casting judgments on the names that the president-elect is putting forward for various jobs.  That is for him and his team to speak to.

The — but what I can tell you: President Biden and this entire administration — and that includes me, personally — have great respect for Voice of America and the work that they do here and around the world.  We value and we respect that they have an editorial independence, which I think is absolutely vital for them to be able to do their job credibly. 

If you’re going to have the name “Voice of America” on your bumper sticker, then, you know, you can expect that certain people around the world may look askance at that.  But the fact that they are editorially independent and do good, solid reporting on their own, I think, says — speaks volumes about how valuable they are to making sure that the proper news and context and information gets to audiences around the world. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead.

MR. KIRBY:  I’m very proud of them. 

Q    Hi.  Thanks, Karine.  Thanks, John.  At the top of your remarks, you talked about the administration’s commitment to an independent and sovereign Syria.  And, of course, Israel has sent its forces into the buffer zone adjacent to the Golan Heights and apparently beyond it.  The presence of foreign troops would seem inconsistent with an independent and sovereign Syria.  So, will the administration pressure its ally to withdraw those troops?

MR. KIRBY:  We are in discussions with the Israelis, as you might expect us to be, about their operations there inside that buffer zone and staying in close touch, as Jake did today, with better understanding what their goals and objectives are.

I would tell you — or I would point you to what they have said, which is this is a temporary measure to deal with exigent circumstances and what — what we — and we recognize what they recognize, that there are some legitimate threats that they’re trying to —

Q    Have they given any indication what they mean by “temporary,” given that they’ve been, you know, in occupation of the Golan Heights —

MR. KIRBY:  I think I’d point you to —

Q    — since 1967?

MR. KIRBY:  — the Israelis to speak to their military operations.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead, Jacqui.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  John, on the drones, does the U.S. government have any of its own imagery or video of these systems? 

MR. KIRBY:  I’m not aware that we have U.S.-government-produced imagery ourselves.  But as I said in my opening statement, we have certainly done federal analysis of the existing imagery.

Q    Like from people’s cell phones that we’re seeing? Basically, with what you’re looking at, how can you credibly tell people that there is no public safety threat, there’s no national security threat, that there’s no reason to believe that a foreign government is involved?

MR. KIRBY:  Because the analysis thus far, in an investigation that is ongoing, has not revealed any national security or malicious intent or criminal activity. 

But, Jacqui, I would remind you, we’re at the beginning here, not the end.  There’s a lot more work to be done, and we’re working closely with the state and local authorities to gain more information.

Q    It’s taking them a while.

MR. KIRBY:  I — I would argue that it’s — we’re — we’re moving pretty well here with a sense of energy to try to figure out what we can do to learn more about this.  We’re at — we’re still in the middle of an ongoing investigation, and I’m up here explaining to you and to let you know what we know so far, what we believe so far. 

If information comes to light that changes that characterization, then, my goodness, you know, we’ll be the first ones to let you know.  But right now, there’s just no indication that this is some sort of foreign malign activity or, in fact, even criminal. 

Q    Well, what I don’t understand is — you know, this has been happening since late November.  I don’t know that the law enforcement officials or residents in New York and New Jersey, or even the Democratic senators who wrote to Director Wray, Mayorkas, and the FAA administrator today would think that this has been handled with a sense of urgency. 

But, you know, that being said, has —

MR. KIRBY:  I —

Q    — has the president or the secretary of Defense issued any guidance to NORTHCOM or military installations to act on these systems if they are deemed to be a threat in any way?  And what’s the benchmark for that determination? 

MR. KIRBY:  So, two thoughts.  First of all, you — you’re right, late November.  It is now — what? — the 12th of December.  So, I think it shows that we’re moving on with this and we’re going to stay on it.  So, this — don’t — I want to disabuse you of any notion that we’re not taking this seriously, because we are. 

I can also tell you that if the president, as commander-in-chief, believed — based on the information that he’d been given — that there was a national security threat at play here or even a public safety threat at play here, he would issue the appropriate directives to — to not only law enforcement but perhaps even the military if that was needed. 

I want to go back to something I said at the top: There has been no evidence of any of this activity in or near restricted spaces. 

Q    That’s not what the senators said in the letter.  They said, in fact, that they’ve been observed maneuvering near critical infrastructure, sensitive locations, including reservoirs and military installations, and cited a concern from law enforcement about public safety threats because a medevac helicopter was prevented from transporting a seriously injured patient for care because of the presence of these drones.

MR. KIRBY:  I stand by my opening statement. 

Q    Can you make that make more sense?  Because I think people in New York and New Jersey see drones the size of an SUV over their house every night and think that that doesn’t make any sense. 

MR. KIRBY:  Certainly I understand why people would be looking at this and being concerned about it.  I — we’re concerned about it too, which is why we have the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, my goodness, looking at this, and we’re taking it seriously. 

And we — we understand that people are concerned.  We understand that they got questions.  We got questions too, and we’re working hard to get the answers to that. 

What I can tell you, as we sit here today, you know, at 2:16 in the afternoon on the 12th is we haven’t seen any indication thus far that there’s a public safety risk, and we haven’t seen —

Q    But does anyone in the government know what they are?

MR. KIRBY:  We are still investigating this.  I can’t tell —

Q    So, no.

MR. KIRBY:  — you definitively — I cannot characterize for you definitively what these sightings are.  I can just go back to what I said at the opening: We’ve looked at the imagery.  We can’t corroborate some of the reported sightings through our own expert analysis using sophisticated detection techniques.  But that doesn’t mean that, you know, we’re putting our pen down here this afternoon and calling it a day.  We’re going to keep at this. 

Q    What are you doing though?

MR. KIRBY:  We — we are continuing to investigate it, as I said in my opening statement.  Two federal agencies, as well as United States Coast Guard, and state and local law enforcement officials, which we are staying in close touch with.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead.

Q    Picking up on drones.  Has it reached a level or is there a level determined by which the president or the administration, more directly, would prohibit any use of the airspace — since it is regulated — for drones for a period of time to try to figure out who they are and to remove this anxiety that people in the northeast are feeling?

MR. KIRBY:  I don’t know that we’re at a stage right now where we — where we’re considering that sort of a policy option, but I can tell you that we’re going to keep an open mind here.  And I think we’re going to — whatever policy options we determine are appropriate will be informed by the investigation. 

And thus far in this early stage of the investigation, there’s just no national security threat that we see and no public safety risk. 

So, again, you — you want to be careful that you don’t —

that you — you don’t jump to conclusions and you don’t jump to policy options that may not be appropriate at this particular stage.  But we’ll — we’ll obviously see where it goes and we’ll be informed by investigators. 

Q    One other topic.  With Jake in Israel and issues related to Ukraine and Russia, the Middle East, and so forth, with 40 days to go, do you feel that the Biden foreign policy team is in a — cooperate with a very vocal president-elect who is talking about these issues to — to achieve the aims that you have?  Or do you view it as this is really your negotiation to have, whether it’s in Israel, whether it’s with Ukraine?  Is it coordination, competition?  How would you describe —

MR. KIRBY:  I would say consultation.  We are keeping the incoming Trump team fully aware and read in of not only what we’re doing but what we’re thinking about doing so that — that they — there’s nothing they should see in the public domain — nothing I’m saying here, nothing Jake said in Israel — that would surprise them, that we’re keeping them fully informed. 

Q    And has the president or members of this administration asked the president-elect to pull back from public statements or phone calls or anything that might impinge on what you’re trying to do? 

MR. KIRBY:  Not that I’m aware of.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead.  Final question.  Go ahead.

Q    What do you make of reports that were out today that Austin Tice was seen alive at a prison in Damascus in 2022?

MR. KIRBY:  I think I’ve answered this before.  I just don’t have — I — I’ve seen that press reporting.  I — I don’t have any information to verify that reporting, and I certainly don’t have anything today that gives us a sense of his whereabouts right now.

Q    I’m asking, though, because the Israelis bombed that facility over the weekend.  And so, I’m wondering if there are any conversations with the Israelis about, you know, maybe avoiding targets where Austin Tice or other prisoners might be held? 

MR. KIRBY:  We’re — we’re — as I said earlier, it’s a full-court press to get more information about Austin, and we are actively in touch with interlocutors and counterparts throughout the region, and that includes Israel. 

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

MR. KIRBY:  Thank you, Karine.

Q    Thank you, John.

Q    Thanks, John.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Before we continue, I was asked by one of my colleagues to — to flag Rodney’s sweater.  (Laughter.)  The amazing Christmas gear you got going on, sir, and the tie and all of it.  It looks good. 

Q    Thank you.  Thank you so much.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  And I hear that you — this is a normal thing during the season. 

Q    Yeah.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay.  All right.  (Laughter.)

That’s why he’s — this is why he’s behind the camera.  (Laughs.)  He’s like — he’s like —

Q    Aw —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No, I meant that nicely!

Q    No, no.  She’s right.  (Laughter.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I meant that really nicely.  He’s like, “Please don’t talk to me.”  (Laughs.)  That’s what I meant.  I meant “Don’t talk to me.”

Q    (Inaudible.)  (Laughter.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I appreciate you, Rodney.  Thank you for what you do.

Q    Thank you.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay.  With that — jeez.  Tough crowd. 

Colleen.

Q    Thank you.  So, let’s see.  On the pardons. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yes.

Q    I wondered if — you know, there’s been a couple categorical pardons — or categorical, I guess, grants of clemency by the president.  So, I wondered if we could expect more of those sort of categorical pardons, in particular related to the death penalty, which, you know, the president had said during the campaign trail in 2020 he wanted to get rid of.  And, you know, I know it’s paused, but it isn’t gone.  And there’s, I think, 40 people on federal death row.  The president-elect, you know, has made no secret of his — his desire to continue the death penalty. 

So, you know, wondering about that and any other possible categorical ones. 

Sorry to interrupt you.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.  So, I will say that during the president’s remaining weeks — and he said this in his statement overnight, and I said it at the top as well — that we’re going to continue to — he’s going to continue to talk to his team to review any steps that he’s going to be taking. 

He wants to take additional steps, obvi- — obviously, to — to provide meaningful second chances.  This is what this is all about when you look at the — what — the actions that the president not just took today but over, certainly, the last four years. 

And so, they’re going to continue to review clemency petitions, he and his team, in normal course.  And certainly, further — they want to further the criminal justice reforms in a manner that advances equity and justice; promotes public safety; supports rehab and re-entry, which is all the things that I said at the top; and provides, again, meaningful second chances. 

So, when we have more to share, we certainly will update all of you.  But I think if you look at what the president has done over the past four years, as I just — just laid out, granting — in addition to what he talked — what we announced today — granting 21 pardons, 122 commutations, he has certainly done more in — than his last four predecessors at this point in their first term. 

And so, the president takes this very, very seriously and is going to review all options and, especially, as you stated, clemency petitions as we, you know, close out these final — final few weeks.

Q    On pardons still.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Sure.

Q    We had a poll yesterday that just about 2 in 10 Americans approved of President Biden’s decision to pardon his son.  In particular, they were troubled by the fact that he’d gone back on his word.  So, I wondered what the president’s message is to those Americans. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I mean, I’d just go back to his statement that he put out 12 days ago, I think, now — that Sunday.  And I think that last paragraph where he talks really, truly directly to the American people about this decision that he’s made, obviously, as president, as a father. 

But I would say more broadly, you know, legal experts — you’ve heard me say this — you’ve heard from legal experts, specifically an analyst, former U.S. a- — U.S. attorneys from across the country, who have said — and they have all agreed no one would be criminally prosecuted with felony offenses with these facts — the underlying facts that we have — certainly, have gone back and forth on. 

And I have quoted many times, and I’ll do this again, the former attorney general, Eric Holder, who said, “No U.S. attorney would have charged this case given the underlying facts.  Had his name been Joe Smith, the resolution would have been fundamentally and, more fairly, a declination.  Pardon warranted.” 

And so, I think the actions that the president took today, the actions that he’s taken over the last four years when it comes to clemency, I think, shows the president’s commitment when it comes to reforming — trying to reform the criminal justice system and his — obviously, his commitment to that but, also, giving people a second chance. 

And so, you know, I think that — as it relates to the American people, I think that — I understand that you had this poll, and I get that, but I hope that they will understand the decision that he made and — and, you know — and what he’s going to continue to do in these closing weeks as president. 

Q    Do you think he should apologize based on what the polling found?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  What I think is — I think the president hopes that the American people hear him out.  Again, going to that last part of his statement — and I feel that I should continue to reiterate that the American f- — American people out there should take a look at the president’s own words, his statement, how much he wrestled with that decision, and how circumstances did indeed change for him and his view. 

And I quoted many times what Congressman Clyburn said when he spoke to the president two weeks prior — how the president was indeed reticent in making this decision.

And when he saw that Republicans weren’t going to let up, when he s- — you know, we talked about the recently announced Trump appointees for law enforcement who have said themselves that they were going to seek retribution, and there was no reason to not take them by their word.  The sentencing was coming up.  

All of these pieces certainly led to circumstancing — circumstances changing, and so he made a very difficult decision.  And I just hope that in time — in due time, the American people will — will see why he made this decision to move forward.  

In the meantime, I think this announcement — the statement from the president, this announcement today that we’re making: 15- — nearly 1,500 people getting this — their commutation —   I think it’s important.  I think it’s important about second chances, giving people second chances.

And — and so, that’s what the president certainly is going to continue to focus on.

Go ahead.

Q    Thanks.  Different than commuting a sentence, though, or pardoning someone who has been convicted of a crime, there was conversation at one point about the idea of preemptive pardons for somebody who hasn’t been convicted yet but who might be a target of the incoming Trump administration.  Is that still on the table?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not going to get ahead of the president.  As I said, we’ll have more — the president will have more to announce over the upcoming — upcoming weeks as we are — close out our time here.  

I’m not going to get into the president’s thinking.  He’s going to have conversations with his team.  He’s going to review clemency petitions.  He’s going to review options on the table.

And so, I’m — that’s where I’m going to leave it.  

And I think, you know, 1,500 individuals, as you all know, who are — who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and who have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities — and also pardoning 39 individuals –is — is a big deal.  

I think it’s important to those individuals and their families and their communities.  As I’ve said, they’ve rein- — -integrated into — into those really important pieces of their lives, and I think that’s really important — and just building on what the president has done over the past four years.

And I think that’s — I think those — today, I think it’s a good day for many of those folks who deserve that second chance and who have proven — proven to — to be able to take that on.  

Q    Absolutely.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    Some of the names that have been floated around preemptive pardons, though — since it would just be such an unusual, extraordinary step — we’ve talked about — in the news, we’ve seen Liz Cheney, Dr. Fauci, Mark Milley —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  You’re talking about the preemptive pardoning?

Q    Right.  I understand you don’t want to get ahead of the president’s thinking, but are any of those names wrong?  Still — can you tell —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m just —

Q    I mean, do you want to tell us anything about —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I — it would be a bad move on my — on my — on my behalf if I preempted the president or previewed anything that the president was thinking about, considering.  And so, this is a — this is something that he’s going to talk with his team about.  And — and I just don’t have anything beyond that for you.  

Again, I think today is a very important day, as we talk about the criminal justice system, as we talk about giving people who have shown that they can reintegrate into their community, back into their families, a second chance.  I think that’s a big deal, and I think that shows the president’s commitment to this.  

And, you know, the president talks a lot about what this country has to offer and possibilities, and you see that in every — every action that the president certainly has taken when it comes to this issue and so many other policies that he’s put forward.

Go ahead.

Q    So, Karine — 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — I keep asking you this question.  I’m going to ask it one more time.  

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    You have been working on an Islamophobia — or an — a strategy to counter Islamophobia that would partner with the strategy that you’ve already released to countering antisemitism.  We’ve been waiting for it for a long time.  

Do you have any further updates on when that could be released?  Do you anticipate it coming before the end of the year?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I would say: Stay tuned.  This is obviously something that we’re very committed to when it comes to protecting communities across this country.  

You saw that in our antisemitism strategy, and obviously we’ve been talking about this Islamophobia strategy as well — or talking about coming up with a way forward in protecting communities.  Certainly, that’s the President’s commitment.

I don’t have anything to share right now at this moment, at the — at this podium, behind this lectern.  But I would say: Stay tuned.

Q    Given — given the former president’s ban on entry from — for people from Muslim-majority countries — also known as the Muslim ban — at the beginning of his term —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Which — which we — you know, which we repealed and dealt with that very early on.

Q    No, I understand.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    But there were — you know, there were many, many people on no-fly lists.  And there still are some people on no-fly lists. 

You know, do you — is there any preemptive action that the administration can take to guard against that kind of, you know, mass move again this time?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Well, you know where the president stands on this in this administration.  

I don’t have any policy announcement to share with you at this time.  And so, I’ll just leave it there.

Q    All right.  And then, just on the pardons and clemency acts.  You know, numerous groups have sort of asked the administration to go even further, to be even more bold in terms of saying that there’s something like 9,000 addition- — additional petitioners, some of whom are chronically ill, some who are aging, some have very young children.

Can you — I know that you are still reviewing these things, but can you say something about the scale?  I mean, is this the sort of the — you know, is this the big move that we’re going to see and then we’ll see sort of individual pardons coming forward?  Or will there — you know, do you anticipate that there could be another larger-scale move?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not going to get into the strategy.  I’m not going to get into numbers.  I’m not going to get into what the president is currently thinking through.  Not something that I’m going to do from here.

But I don’t want people to forget — and I said this at the top, and I just want to reiterate — we’re talking about Americans who — receiving relief who are decorated military veterans, a nurse who has led response for a number of natural disasters, and an addiction counselor who volunteers his time to help young people.  And that’s just naming a few.

And so, that is important to note, because these are the folks that we’re talking about, who are, again, reintegrating back into their communities in a way that’s effective, in a way that’s incredibly important, giving them second chances.  

And let’s not forget all of the other ways that the president has been able to give second chances to Americans over the past almost four years when he has made these types of important decisions.   So, I’m not going to preview.  I’m not going to get ahead of this president.   It would not be wise for me to do so, because he has to make those final — that final decisions, and he has to review what’s in front of him with his team.  

Q    And I just want to — one more real quick.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Sure.  Sure.

Q    There’s anniversary coming up on Saturday for the Sandy Hook shooting, and I know that this is something that’s very near and dear to the president.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah, obviously.  Yeah. 

Q    Is he planning any kind of action or — or statement? 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, don’t have anything for you.  As you know, we think — during his presidency and, I think, over the past couple of years, even before his presidency, he’s spoken to this day — this tragic, tragic day.  

And you’re right, this is — when it comes to Sandy Hook and any devastating, horrific events like we saw on that day and — you know, the president has always speak — spoken out to it.   This is a president that understands loss, understands what that means to a family, understands what that means to a community.  And Sandy Hook was one of those moments that tore us apart.  

If — I think if you think about that moment and, I think, if you are just a human and you remember that day, it is a heartbreaking, heartbreaking moment.  And obviously our hearts go out to the families and certainly their loved ones who are still dealing with — every year, dealing — dealing with a difficult moment, a difficult anniversary.  And so, I know the president thinks about them almost every day.

And I don’t have anything to — to read out to you on how we’re going to be acknowledging that day, but I’m sure you’ll be continuing to hear from this president.  

Go ahead.

Q    Thank you.  You talk about the clemency actions as historic — the “big deal,” as you called them earlier — and a real relief that is being brought to human individuals by the actions the president has taken.   So, in terms of sequencing, how did he come to the decision to pardon his son before these individuals?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I think we’ve gone back and forth on — on how he made that decision.  The president obviously — as I — as I said, the president put a statement out 12 days ago, made that decision over that weekend. 

It was a decision that he wrestled with.  I think we’ve talked about the — the politics around this, the decision that he made.  He put out a pretty comprehensive statement.  I’ve mentioned Congressman Clyburn’s — his own words, saying that the president, even two weeks before he had made that decision, was reticent in doing so.  And he wrestled this, and I — as I have said many times: For him, there were consequences that changed his decision.  I just laid that out moments ago. 

Q    But this action pending —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.  Yeah.

Q    — for thousands of individuals —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — why not bring the relief to them before —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Well, I mean —

Q    — announcing the pardon on his son?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — and I was about to get to your question.  This is — what you see today, that was far from this being his first — right? — I think we can’t forget that — his first pardon or act of clemency. 

He has issued more — more — we cannot forget this — more sentence commutations at this point in his presidency than any other recent predecessors at this — at the same point of their first term.  And so — and I talked about what he was able to do in April when he issued historic categorical pardons as well to address marijuana possession convictions and military convictions in the LGBTQ+ community.   These are actions that this president has taken.

And, again, today is historic, but he has been taking these types of actions for some time now.  This is far from the first pardon that the president has taken.  

We’ve gone back and forth.  I’ve laid out what the president is thinking.  He has talked about it directly in a statement in his own voice to all of you about 12 days ago. 

And so, I don’t have anything beyond that, but we can’t look at today as being only the first action that he’s taken.  He’s taken many actions to try and deal with giving an opportunity to people who have shown that they deserve a second chance, giving them an opportunity to have that second chance.  

Q    Anita Dunn, who was for a very long time the senior-most communications aide here at the White House, has been very critical of the president’s decision to pardon his son.  She called it extraordinarily bad timing.   She said it was clear that the White House was “not part of this process.”   And she called the president’s rationale “an attack on the judicial system.” 

She goes, “The argument is one that I think many observers are concerned about.  A president who ran to restore the rule of law, who has upheld the rule of law, who has really defended the rule of law kind of saying, ‘Well, maybe not right now.’”

How would you respond to that?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I will respond in this way.  She also agreed that Hunter Biden, and I quote, “absolutely” deserved a pardon.   Those — “deserved a pardon” is her own words.  So, she supported that action and —

Look, I don’t want to take away the record that the president has made on providing the most individual commutations in a single — in a single day, and I think that matters.  And he’ll certainly have more news to share in this — in this area — in the clemency space, obviously, in the near future.  And we’ll have more to share and certainly more to speak to.

Q    Was she right that the White House was boxed out of the process —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I — I —

Q    — in reaching that decision?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  What I can say is that I would obviously continue to refer you to the president’s statement 12 days ago.  He laid out his thought process, I think, in a very comprehensive way.  We’ve go- — we’ve gone back and forth here about how the circums- — circumstances had changed, but I — let’s not forget that she also said that Hunter Biden “absolutely” deserved a pardon, and I think that matters as well. 

Q    Thank you.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go ahead.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  What was President Biden’s reaction to FBI director Christopher Wray’s decision to step down?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  What I will say is that the president ap- — certainly appreciates the service of Christopher Wray, the FBI director, and — and all that he has done to — in his role.  I don’t have anything more to say beyond that.  Certainly, he wishes the FBI director well. 

Q    Was the president disappointed that Wray is not going to be serving his full —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have any —

Q    — 10-year term?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have anything else to share besides the service that the FBI director has been able to provide, and he respects his service.  And I don’t — don’t have anything beyond that.  

Q    Has President Biden spoken to FBI Director Wray since the director made that announcement, or was the White House given a heads-up about the decision?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I would say that I don’t have anything to share of a conversation between the FBI director and the president since this decision was — was made, but the president is grateful — is grateful for the director’s service to our country.  And I just don’t have anything else beyond that to share. 

Go ahead, Kelly O.

Q    Can you — given the breadth of the pardons, can you describe a little bit about the president’s process?  Did he read into the individual cases?  Did he accept a list from those who were working on this on his behalf?  How much did he personally dive into particular stories?  And did he decline on any of the ones brought to him for this time?  Or was it sort of a big package presented to the president?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I’m not going to go into step by step of this process.

What I can say is this is a president who certainly takes this very seriously, understands the importance of when an individual is able to show that they can reconnect with their community, reconnect with their family, be — be part of a community in a way that I just laid out — when you think about military veteran, when you think about a nurse that’s been very helpful in disaster response — he takes that all into account.  He wants to make sure that — that there are specific criterias that are made, if you will. 

In this case, y- — the Bureau of Prisons, obviously, was very involved in the — in wh- — in looking at — when I say “very involved,” when they made the decision on — on the home confinement of these folks.  And so, obviously, that is a big part of it too. 

And, look, they’ve all des- — demonstrated good behavior, have shown that incarceration and at-home confinement has been successful in their rehabilitation.  And those are all important criterias to look at. 

But this is something, obviously, his team reviews.  It’s presented to the president.  He makes this decision on how to move forward. 

I’m not going to get into the nitty-gritty, but these are important facts that I just laid out to, certainly, look at when you think about getting — again, getting back into the community and showing — showing that, you know, it is — it is meaningful to get that second chance because what these individuals have been able to do.

Go ahead, Annie.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  On the pardons today, can you say whether the president has signed all the paperwork and it’s completely finalized with his signature on it?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.  Well, my assumption is that we — this is ready to go, since we made the announcement and that we’ve announced it, obviously, overnight.  And so, this is ready to go, and we’re moving forward.  We wouldn’t have made this announcement if we weren’t.  And so, that’s what I could speak to. 

This is something that the president has decided on, and we’re taking, certainly, the steps to make this happen.

Q    (Inaudible) be able to say sort of precisely when he signed it?  Or maybe (inaudible.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I — I don’t have specifics on signature — when — when it was signed, how the process even works. 

I know that we just made announcement, obviously, overnight on — on this, really — you know, this granted clemency of nearly 1,500 people.  I think that’s a big deal.  Thirty-nine individuals are — were, certainly, pardoned, were — who were convicted of nonviolent crimes.  And I think this is important to — to just not forget. 

But I don’t have the specifics of the process or how it works.  But, obviously, it’s out there, and we’re moving forward with it.

Q    And then one other thing.  You had been asked several times about whether Hunter Biden would receive a pardon and responded to that question.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    In that vein, can you tell me whether the president is considering a pardon for his son [brother] James Biden?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, what I can speak to is the p- — the president made that decision — right? — about Hunter Biden.  He put it in — in his own words.  I don’t have anything to share beyond that.  What I can say is: Not that I’m aware of, but I just don’t have anything else beyond that. 

And the president, certainly, is going to — as it — more broadly speaking, as we move forward to the next couple of weeks, he obviously is going to review with his team about other clemency decisions, and they’re taking additional steps.  And so, that’s what I can speak to at this time.

Go ahead, Zolan.

Q    Thank you.  During the past clemency actions you were talking about, it seemed like most of the time the recipients were nonviolent, you know, drug offenders — low-level drug crimes.  There were a couple recipients here, though — I mean, a judge who participated in a scheme that sent juveniles to for-profit jails; Medicare fraud; you know, real estate fraud.

I guess what I’m wondering is, was the crime that was committed also part of the criteria here?  Or was it the mere fact where, if you were somebody on home confinement — despite the crime you committed, but just the fact that you were on home confinement — you received a commutation? 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, they’re two different things, right?  There is the 1,500 folks who — who were placed on home confinement during COVID —

Q    The examples I listed are part of the 1,500.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Oh, th- — okay. 

Q    Yeah.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I didn’t know, because I — because those are commutation, right?  So, I didn’t know.  So —

Q    S- — those are commutations, right.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay.  So, you were saying “pardoned,” so I just wanted to make sure of that. 

Q    Yeah.  To clarify —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay.  Yes.

Q    — those examples I listed are —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Are the fif- —

Q    — part of the 1,500 that received commutations.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay.  Okay.  Because, as you know, there were 39 people who were — who were pardoned.  So, two different things, so I just want to make sure we were on the same page. 

So, this is definitely related to the home confinement from COVID.  Let’s not forget, there was the CARE[S] Act of 2020, right?  This is all connected, certainly, to that.  And that’s — those are the individuals who were — again, who had home confinement and they successfully reintegrated into their families, into their communities.  And that’s the group of people — that category, if you will — that we were looking at.

Q    But — but —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    Like, if they — just the fact that they were on home confinement, they received a commutation here?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No, no, no.  Because —

Q    Was there — did you factor —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  There was —

Q    — in any — like, in the process, do you also factor in the individual cases and the individual crimes that were committed?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Well, I think what’s important is that they were successfully able to reintegrate into their communities and back into their families, right?  They showed that having a second chance is something that they should be given, right?  And so, that is what’s important. 

That — let’s not forget that — the successfully reintegrating.  And I think that’s a huge factor.  That matters as well.  The home confinement, obviously, those — that’s the category that they — that they were in during that CARE[S] Act of 2020.  They were — they — as you know, there was a decision because of COVID-19 pandemic to move forward, back in 2020, before the president was, obviously, in office.

And these folks, this 1,500 that we’re talking about — the nearly 1,500, were able to successfully reintegrate.  And I think that’s a criteria that we can’t forget.  And that’s a criteria that’s incredibly important here as the president made his decision. 

Q    And to follow up on —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — I think, Kelly’s question.  Just, I know you don’t want to go step by step in the process —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — but c- — can we say accurately that the president reviewed, looked at any of these applications?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  What I can say is this president made this decision.  This is the president that made the decision to move forward on this. 

Q    What was his involvement, though?  Did they present him the applications and he said yes, or —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I mean, obviously the president was presented from his team the — th- — granting the clemency — right? — of these approximately 1,500 Americans and also the 39 that he pardoned.  He was presented that by his team, and he made the decision.

This is a — this would not have happened — we cannot forget: This would not have happened if the president didn’t sign off on it, if the president didn’t decide to move forward. 

And we can’t forget what the president has done.  We’re talking about the — let’s not forget the past.  Yes, we’re talking about today, but we can’t forget the president has also done 122 commutations, 21 pardons before this.  We can’t forget that the president issued — issued categorical pardons for LGBTQ+ service members convicted because of their sexual orientation or identity — gender identity and individuals charged with simply possession of marijuana.  This is — and he just did that back in April. 

So, the president has certainly taken action to show the importance of giving Americans second chances, and this is a continuation.  This is not just a one-day thing.  This is a continuation of the person — of the president taking clemency and giving people second chances very, very seriously and understanding how much that means to families and, certainly, communities.

Go ahead.

Q    Yeah.  Has the president called any of the people he granted pardons to?  Do you have anything to read out on that front?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No.  It’s a good question.  I don’t have

anything to read out on the president calling any — any of the 15- nearly 1,500 people or 39 folks that he was able to — to pardon today.  I just don’t have anything to share.

Q    And is he planning a farewell address at some point?  Is there something in the works?  Do you know where it might be, when it might be? 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I don’t — we’ll certainly have more to share what the next — the last couple of weeks, last couple of days of the president’s administration will look like, if he’s going to be giving any big speeches or giving any important remarks as he — as he ends his presidency. 

I don’t have anything right now in this moment, but I would say stay tuned.  We’ll have a lot more to share as to what January post-holiday will look like. 

Go ahead.  I know — go ahead.  I know I was supposed to call on you and I didn’t.

Q    Thank you.  Back to Austin Tice —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay.

Q    — with apologies.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No.  No apologies.  (Laughter.)  That’s an important — no, no.  It’s important.  No apologies.

Q    So, I believe it was last Friday when the family of Austin Tice said that they had spoken to officials here at the White House. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.  They met with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan at the end of last week, yes.

Q    And then they had a statement at the National Press Club, where they said that they had been told from a reliable source — we assume Sullivan — that — that Austin was alive and that he was being treated well. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    So, now we don’t know any of that.  So, what — how did that — where did they get that information?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, I’m going to let the family speak for themselves.  I can’t e- — can’t even imagine what they’re going through.  I don’t want to imagine what they’re going through.  I know this has been a difficult time for them.

But what I can say is, when it comes to Austin Tice, this is a top priority for this president.  He said that himself.  And there is no indication that he is not alive, but there’s also no indication about his location or condition. 

And so, what our goal is is to bring him home.  And so, we hope, certainly, that he is alive. 

And — and as we have stated many times before, we are talking through the — through — through this with the Turks, and we want to do everything that we can to bring him home.  It is a top priority for this president and this administration, and that’s how we’re going to continue to move forward on this. 

All right, everybody. 

Q    Will there be further —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Oh, go ahead.

Q    Will there be further meetings between now and the end of this administration?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Well, as you know, this administration, including the national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, has met with many family members of — of Americans who are wrongfully detained, held hostage.  That is something — and also the president has done this as well.  The national security advisor, as I just mentioned, just met with Austin Tice’s family just this past week — this past week. 

And so, we’re c- — we’re going to continue to certainly stay engaged and in touch. 

I don’t have any meetings to preview for you at this time, but we’ve been pretty con- — pretty consistent in staying in touch with these families.

Again, I — our hearts go out to them.  Our hearts go out to them as they are dealing with an incredibly, incredibly difficult time.

All right.  Thanks, everybody.

Q    Thank you.

P.M. EST

The post Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is granting clemency consisting of 39 pardons and 1,499 commutations.

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is pardoning the following 39 individuals:

NINA SIMONA ALLEN – Harvest, Alabama
Nina Simona Allen is a 49-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent offense in her 20s. In the years since, Ms. Allen returned to school to earn a post-baccalaureate degree and two master’s degrees. She now works in the field of education. Ms. Allen strengthens her community by volunteering at a local soup kitchen and at a nursing home. Ms. Allen is described by people who know her as a dependable, hardworking woman of integrity.

KELSIE LYNN BECKLIN – Falcon Heights, Minnesota
Kelsie Lynn Becklin is a 38-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense at the age of 21. After successfully serving her sentence, Ms. Becklin has furthered her education and recently completed a Ph.D. program. In addition to her graduate program research and academic writing, Ms. Becklin mentors previously incarcerated individuals who also seek to pursue higher education. She is also an active volunteer in her community. Friends and professors attest to her work ethic, dedication, and genuine care for others.

DURAN ARTHUR BROWN – Cleveland, Ohio
Duran Arthur Brown is a 44-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Mr. Brown received early termination of his probationary sentence and has advanced his education and maintained consistent employment in the field of education. Mr. Brown is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and during his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and several other medals and awards. Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Brown served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He is described by colleagues as caring and compassionate.

NORMAN O’NEAL BROWN – Washington, DC
Norman O’Neal Brown is a 56-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent drug offenses when he was 22 years old. If Mr. Brown had been sentenced under current law and today’s sentencing practices, he likely would have received a shorter sentence. After serving over 20 years in prison, President Obama commuted his sentence in 2015. Since then, Mr. Brown has worked with several non-profit organizations, including those focused on rehabilitation, reentry, and justice-impacted youth. Mr. Brown volunteers at several national and community-based organizations that help support incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated people and serves as a board member for a non-profit dedicated to sentencing reform. Family members and colleagues describe Mr. Brown as a man of grace and integrity and an exceptional human being.

ARTHUR LAWRENCE BYRD – Clinton, Maryland
Arthur Lawrence Byrd is a 58-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses at the age of 23. In the years since, Mr. Byrd has been employed as an equipment operator, where he has received various certificates in recognition and appreciation for his work and safety record. He is also active in his church community and contributes to the church’s coat drive and food pantry. People who know him attest to his willingness to help others, his work ethic, and his character.

SARAH JEAN CARLSON – Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Sarah Jean Carlson is a 49-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. She received early termination of her probationary sentence. Since then, she has furthered her education and worked in addiction counseling at a faith-based rehabilitation center. Ms. Carlson also volunteers in her local community and at her church. Community members emphasize that Ms. Carlson goes above and beyond to help as many people in crisis as possible.

BRANDON SERGIO CASTROFLAY – Alexandria, Virginia
Brandon Sergio Castroflay is a 49-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent, drug-related offenses at age 21. After successfully completing his sentence, Mr. Castroflay continued his career in the U.S. Army and then went on to work as a civilian for both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Castroflay received multiple awards related to his work. He also took night classes to earn a bachelor’s degree while also working full-time. Mr. Castroflay volunteers for several charitable organizations that support Gold Star families and wounded service members. Mr. Castroflay has been described as exceptionally hard working, dedicated, and trustworthy by those who know him.

ROSETTA JEAN DAVIS – Colville, Washington
Rosetta Jean Davis is a 60-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses. After successfully serving her sentence, Ms. Davis has maintained steady employment, including by working as a peer supporter for those struggling with substance abuse. Colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors all speak highly of her, citing her hard work, dependability, and willingness to serve as an example of rehabilitation to those with criminal records or who are battling addiction.

STEVONI WELLS DOYLE – Santaquin, Utah
Stevoni Wells Doyle is a 47-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses at the age of 24. After her conviction, she completed a master’s program and has worked as a licensed substance use disorder counselor. She volunteers in her community and fosters animals. Community members describe her as a great mentor and a person of integrity.

GREGORY S. EKMAN – Fountain Valley, California
Gregory S. Ekman is a 58-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense at the age of 25. After successfully serving his sentence, Mr. Ekman has maintained consistent employment and has engaged in extensive community service, including with a youth group and with his local church. Friends and associates uniformly praise his character, honesty, and dedication to family. During his U.S. Air Force service, Mr. Ekman received the Training Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award.

SHANNAN RAE FAULKNER – Muldrow, Oklahoma
Shannan Rae Faulkner is a 56-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. After successfully serving her sentence, she furthered her education and now works as a counselor and recovery coach with female trauma victims and people with disabilities. Ms. Faulkner also volunteers with organizations dedicated to preventing sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as with local charities. Colleagues attest to her inspirational character, her integrity, and the remarkable impact she makes on the lives of those she helps.

TRYNITHA FULTON – New Orleans, Louisiana
Trynitha Fulton is a 46-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses she committed when she was 23 years old. Since her conviction, she has earned a master’s degree and worked in the education field. Ms. Fulton also contributes to her community by coaching and volunteering, including for an organization that feeds homeless individuals. She also founded two non-profits dedicated to supporting and helping youth. Ms. Fulton has been described as someone who goes above and beyond for her community.

PAUL JOHN GARCIA – Las Vegas, New Mexico
Paul John Garcia is a 72-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent theft offenses. Since his conviction, he has maintained steady employment in the medical field. Mr. Garcia engages in community service, including with a charity supporting and mentoring youth. Mr. Garcia is a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, where he received the National Defense Service Medal and other medals and awards. He is known for his extraordinary and compassionate delivery of patient care and his volunteerism.

KIM DOUGLAS HAMAN – Lima, Ohio
Kim Douglas Haman is a 75-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses. Mr. Haman is also a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served in the Vietnam War and earned awards, including the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged. After his conviction, Mr. Haman worked at a vehicle parts production facility and retired after 16 years of service. Mr. Haman has gained the reputation of being an excellent handyman and a devoted family man who is sincere, honest, and hardworking.

SHERRANDA JANELL HARRIS – Norwalk, Connecticut
Sherranda Janell Harris is a 43-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense when she was 24 years old. In the years since, Ms. Harris has maintained employment in the finance and real estate fields. Ms. Harris is an engaged parent and spends most of her free time with her child. She is also committed to her church and has taken care of fellow parishioners. Ms. Harris has been described as a role model for young women in her community.

TERENCE ANTHONY JACKSON – Seattle, Washington
Terence Anthony Jackson is a 36-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense he committed when he was 23 years old. If Mr. Jackson had been sentenced under current law and sentencing practices, he would have likely received a shorter sentence. In the years since his release, Mr. Jackson has worked in the legal industry and is pursuing a degree while he works full-time. In addition to studying, Mr. Jackson has volunteered in his community, including as a barber to children in need. He is described by those who know him as dependable and caring and as someone who always tries to help others.

EDWIN ALLEN JONES – Paducah, Kentucky
Edwin Allen Jones is a 60-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses. Mr. Jones served in the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged. Since successfully completing his sentence, Mr. Jones has had a notable legal career. Mr. Jones also participates in local government and volunteers for addiction recovery groups. Mr. Jones is described by community members as thoughtful, forward thinking, and trustworthy.

JAMAL LEE KING – North Ridgeville, Ohio
Jamal Lee King is a 53-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Mr. King is a U.S. Army veteran. He received the National Defense Service Medal and several other awards before being honorably discharged. He received early termination of his probationary sentence and has since worked in various jobs. Mr. King contributes to his community through his church and by caring for his elderly neighbors. His community members describe him as trustworthy and honest.

JERRY DONALD MANNING – Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Jerry Donald Manning is a 70-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent offenses. Mr. Manning received early termination of his probationary sentence and has since advanced his education and career in aviation. He is active in his community, coaching soccer, attending church, and serving as a bible study teacher. Mr. Manning is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in service, he was awarded a medal during Operation Desert Storm, and was honorably discharged. Friends and colleagues attest to his character, describing him as a good, honest man and a great leader.

HONI LORI MOORE – Rock Springs, Wyoming
Honi Lori Moore is a 46-year-old woman who committed a non-violent drug offense when she was 19 years old. Since her release, she has maintained consistent employment in the mining industry and has furthered her education by earning certificates. Ms. Moore is a member of two charitable organizations and has provided critical support to individuals in need, including fire safety, rescue, and first aid. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues describe Ms. Moore as honest, courageous, trustworthy, and dependable.

EMILY GOOD NELSON – Indianapolis, Indiana
Emily Good Nelson is a 39-year-old woman who was convicted of non-violent drug offenses when she was 19 years old. Since her release, she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and now works in the healthcare field. She has spoken publicly about drug use and has volunteered as a counselor at an in-patient psychiatric facility. She is described as kind, committed to recovery and helping others, and as someone with tremendous talent and ability.

DENITA NICOLE PARKER – Gaffney, South Carolina
Denita Nicole Parker is a 43-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense when she was in her 20s. Since her conviction, she has been a dedicated parent to her two children and works full-time. Ms. Parker also volunteers with a charitable organization delivering meals at least two to three times per month, organizes donations for the homeless, and buys holiday gifts for children in her community. She and her husband also started a program that feeds approximately 100 families. Friends, work associates, and neighbors describe Ms. Parker as law-abiding, trustworthy, dependable, and dedicated person.

MICHAEL GARY PELLETIER – Augusta, Maine
Michael Gary Pelletier is a 67-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Mr. Pelletier served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 14 years on active duty, where he participated in more than 790 search and rescue operations and saved 32 lives. He also previously worked with the U.S. Secret Service and received several citations and awards for his meritorious service. He was honorably discharged and later served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. After his conviction, Mr. Pelletier worked for almost 20 years at a water treatment facility. He volunteered for his county HAZMAT team, assisting first responders at hazardous material spills, accidents, and natural disasters. Additionally, he has grown vegetables for a local soup kitchen and volunteered at an organization supporting wounded veterans and their families. Friends, colleagues, and those who know Mr. Pelletier describe him has honest, dependable, and committed to his country and community.

RUSSELL THOMAS PORTNER – Toutle, Washington
Russell Thomas Portner is a 74-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. Mr. Portner served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged after earning several decorations, including the Bronze Star. Since his conviction, he married, raised four children, operated a successful business, and developed a reputation for charitable generosity and community service. He is currently a member of several veterans organizations. Neighbors, business associates, and friends describe him as trustworthy, loyal, and as a respected businessperson.

NATHANIEL DAVID REED III – San Antonio, Texas
Nathaniel David Reed III is a 46-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent offenses at the age of 21. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years after his conviction, including many overseas deployments, and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and earned numerous good conduct awards before retiring with an honorable discharge. Mr. Reed has volunteered for numerous causes benefitting both the U.S. Air Force and the civilian community, such as training local firefighters, teaching fire prevention in various settings, and organizing fire prevention weeks. He has also served as a certified sexual assault prevention and response advocate and has used his experience in overcoming the stigma of his conviction to help mentor fellow airmen. Friends, neighbors, and former U.S. Air Force colleagues consistently describe Mr. Reed as highly motivated, reliable, patient, family-oriented, trustworthy, patriotic, dependable, upstanding, honest, hardworking, and personable.

GARY MICHAEL ROBINSON – Redmond, Oregon
Gary Michael Robinson is a 70-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. Mr. Robinson is a distinguished U.S. Army veteran. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and other awards. He was honorably discharged and served as a reservist for several years. Since his conviction, he has built a successful firefighting and habitat preservation business. He volunteers in his community, gives regularly to charity, and is well-regarded by friends and associates. Mr. Robinson is described by those who know him as honest, trustworthy, and professional.

JOSE ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ – Coral Springs, Florida
Jose Antonio Rodriguez is a 55-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense at the age of 26. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy and received several medals and awards for his service, including the U.S. Navy Achievement Medal. Since his conviction, Mr. Rodriguez has started a family, committed himself to higher education, and has maintained employment in the medical field. Colleagues and friends describe Mr. Rodriguez as compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated to treating patients.

PATRICE CHANTE SELLERS – Bear, Delaware
Patrice Chante Sellers is a 49-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense when she was in her 20s. If Ms. Sellers had been sentenced under current law and sentencing practice, she likely would not have been prosecuted federally. Since her conviction, Ms. Sellers enrolled in school, earning multiple certifications and licenses. She gives back to her community by donating clothing and toiletries to a transitional housing program and offering encouragement to its residents. Community members describe Ms. Sellers as someone who goes above and beyond for others.

AUDREY DIANE SIMONE (AUDREY CLARK) – Prescott, Wisconsin
Audrey Diane Simon is a 63-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent offense. In the years since, Ms. Simon has worked in the field of addiction recovery and earned a bachelor’s degree and a permanent counseling license. She also contributes to her community through her church where she serves as a deacon and works in the church’s prison ministry. Community members describe her as inspirational, trustworthy, positive, and caring.

JAMES RUSSELL STIDD – Groveport, Ohio
James Russell Stidd is a 79-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense at the age of 20. After his conviction, he served in the U.S. Air Force until he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. He reenlisted and served another four years, including during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon being honorably discharged, Mr. Stidd worked as a contractor and as a road and park maintenance worker. He has participated in various charitable activities through his church and is a member of a disabled veterans organization. Mr. Stidd is described as a man of integrity and honor.

DIANA BAZAN VILLANUEVA – La Grange, Illinois
Diana Bazan Villanueva is a 51-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense in her 20s. In the years since, Ms. Villanueva has been a dedicated mother to her children and has worked in payroll and accounts. Ms. Villanueva also regularly volunteers at school events, fundraisers, and annual autism-related charitable events. Friends and coworkers uniformly praise Ms. Villanueva and describe her as warm, reliable, and always eager to help.

LASHAWN MARRVINIA WALKER – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Lashawn Marrvinia Walker is a 51-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses in her 20s. Ms. Walker received early termination of her probationary sentence for her exemplary probation record. Since then, Ms. Walker has worked in the healthcare field, is an engaged parent, and regularly assists others in her community, including during the holidays when she helps serve dinner at a retirement home. People in her community describe Ms. Walker as caring, good-hearted, and responsible. They also note her willingness to meaningfully help others.

MIREYA AIMEE WALMSLEY – La Porte, Texas
Mireya Aimee Walmsley is a 57-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent offense at the age of 25. Since her conviction, she has earned an associate’s degree, a nursing license, and a bachelor’s degree. She has maintained steady employment in the healthcare field. Additionally, she has led emergency response teams during several natural disasters (including Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, and Harvey, and Tropical Storm Allison) and spearheaded vaccination efforts during the H1N1 epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic. Her contributions to public health have been recognized on numerous occasions. She has been commended for her loyalty, integrity, compassion for people of all backgrounds, and is universally described as honest and steadfast in crisis.

KIMBERLY JO WARNER – Portville, New York
Kimberly Jo Warner is a 54-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Since her conviction, Ms. Warner earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and works in the healthcare field. She has volunteered at a non-profit that provides therapeutic services to veterans and first responders and serves as a mentor. She also participates in the Gold Star Wives Program and speaks at the local veterans organization meetings. Ms. Warner has been described as positive, empathetic, caring, and nurturing by those who know her.

JOHNNIE EARL WILLIAMS – Denver, Colorado
Johnnie Earl Williams is a 58-year-old man who was convicted of a non-violent offense. In the years since, Mr. Williams has worked as a criminal justice specialist and addiction counselor. He gives back to his community through volunteering and serving in his church. Mr. Williams has received many awards for his charitable work, including an award that honors individuals who work with young men of color. Community members describe Mr. Williams as honest, loyal, and compassionate.

SHAWNTE DOROTHEA WILLIAMS – Columbia, South Carolina
Shawnte Dorothea Williams is a 45-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense in her 20s. In the years since, Ms. Williams has been steadily employed in several fields. Ms. Williams is involved in her community, working in her church’s food pantry and serving as a greeter on Sunday mornings. Ms. Williams has been described by those who know her as a loyal and dependable community member.

LASHUNDRA TENNEAL WILSON – Arlington, Texas
Lashundra Tenneal Wilson is a 49-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense she committed when she was a teenager. In the years since, Ms. Wilson pursued her education and has worked in the healthcare field. Ms. Wilson gives back to the community by volunteering at community health fairs and raising funds for non-profit health organizations. Ms. Wilson has been praised for her work ethic, trustworthiness, and dependability by community members.

LORA NICOLE WOOD – Maxwell, Nevada
Lora Nicole Wood is a 39-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense when she was 19 years old. Since her release, Ms. Wood has maintained steady employment and is an engaged parent. She has spent time volunteering with animal welfare and canine therapy service organizations and has organized food drives and fundraisers. Ms. Wood has been praised her work ethic, devotion to her children, and volunteer endeavors.

JAMES EDGAR YARBROUGH – Arlington, Tennessee
James Edgar Yarbrough is a 79-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent offenses. Mr. Yarbrough is a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran who earned a Purple Heart Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and over 10 other medals and awards throughout his service. He was honorably discharged after attaining the rank of Captain. Since his conviction, he worked for a shipping company for nearly 30 years. Now retired, he spends much of his time volunteering and is active in his church. Mr. Yarbrough’s business acquaintances, neighbors, church members, and friends all reflect a consistent high level of regard for Mr. Yarbrough, commenting on his impressive civic engagement, good character, and generosity.

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is commuting the sentences of the following 1,499 individuals:

NameReg. No.ANTWON ABBOTT16383-028RLS AR ABDUL AZIZ02438-095EDWARD ABELL III00566-138ANTHONY ABREU-MATOS44903-069FAYEZ ABU-AISH67402-018JOSE ABUNDIZ11828-085JORGE ACEVEDO04413-028MARK ACKERMAN30428-047SETH ACOSTA47417-177FELIX ACOSTA78804-198KARA ADAMS61718-019JOHN ADAMS17769-029LONZINE ADAMS39134-018DARRYL ADAMS32351-009HERMAN ADAMS03791-480ADEMOLA ADEBAYO17711-104AYODELE ADENIRAN78249-054PAMELA ADENUGA45171-177SHELINDER AGGARWAL34768-001MANUEL AGUILAR26463-009RAMON AGUILAR III50500-177VINCENTER JIMENES19899-026RAY AGUILLARD05451-095ALBERTO AGUIRRE68408-079CHELSEY AGUIRRI57387-177TOYOSI ALATISHE63492-037DENNIS ALBA89560-012BRIAN ALCORTA44752-380MAHMOUD ALDISSI60832-018ROBERT ALDRIDGE00195-120ANTHONY ALFARO22710-026MUHAMMAD ALI42233-379NAGY ALI13500-479ASIF ALI57844-177MICHAEL ALLEN14822-042DEVORD ALLEN05097-041KRISTIE ALLEN18933-023BENJAMIN ALLMON17008-029KAHEIM ALLUMS78040-054GUMARO ALMANZA57815-380JORGE ALOMAR-BAELLO74170-053WILLIAM ALONZO51061-039JAMES ALTOM27680-045JUAN ALVAREZ18027-097CARLOS AMADOR64899-279FRANK AMODEO48883-019ROBERT ANDERSON14686-076ROBERT ANDERSON09350-021THOMAS ANDERSON JR41952-044MELVIN ANDERSON32689-074JULIE ANDRADE75726-112MARK ANDREOTTI67620-050WILFREDO ANDUJAR23432-058ANTONIO ESCOBAR
CHRISTOPHER ANZALONE29230-479
06975-104JOSE APONTE71104-050CLYDE APPERSON14058-031ROY APPLEWHITE13755-040DWAYNE APPLING12383-273ALVARO ARGUELLES36944-479MINEL ARIAS85794-054GABRIEL ARIAS MADURO16089-104RICHARD ARLEDGE16769-078GENNY ARMENTA54202-177TRACY ARNOLD52198-074ERIC ARNOLD45771-074BERNARD ARRE04052-029BENJAMIN ARZOLA27539-050JAMES ASKEW III27100-001NICHOLAS AUDETTE72060-018CARLOS AVANT22833-076ANGELA AVETISYAN68350-112ERICA AYALA49030-177ISMAEL AYALA42295-018FRANK BADILLA JR43595-480ALCIDES BAEZ37504-004JACKIE BAGLEY63477-037SANDRA BAILEY27281-076JAMES BAILEY05406-010RYAN BAIRD15870-028ULYSEE BAKER JR56979-083BRIAN BALLANGEE11907-033JOHN BANKS15023-075KIMBERLY BANKS96188-020JEFFREY BANKS78927-083FRAENCHOT BANKS15638-041ANDRE BARBARY97866-004EVIZAEL BARBOSA-DELGADO76036-066RUBEN BARCELO-SEVERINO63353-018COY BARKER22321-078HAROLD BARNETT15762-033YESENIA BARRAGAN80567-298JOSE BARRERA28336-078JOSE BARRERAS15114-028ONEIL BARRETT57578-298PHILIP BARRY77573-053DION BARTLETT51593-083KURT BARTON71720-280RAMIRO BASALDUA64458-079HARVEY BASS55769-018SHALLIN BAST22296-040PATRICK BATES33795-058DERRICK BEALS04143-043CARLOS BECERRA16447-179LYDIA BECK71137-019DONALD BECK29104-057EDDIE BECKHAM34320-058TODD BEHRENDS22602-047ANTHONY BELL26231-013JEAN BENITEZ-REYES52753-069AUNDEL BENOIT36312-004SHANNON BENTLEY71366-018LARRY BENTLEY JR24069-044LEON BENZER47521-048MARC BERCOON66081-019ROGER BERGMAN04825-104CARLOS BASTARD72419-054AUSTIN BERTCH14003-029CORDARRYL BETTON21389-043ANTONIO BEVERLY02712-104TRACY BIAS70248-061DAVID BILES40371-074MICHAEL BINDAY66389-054MICKEY BIRGE10240-028DOYLE BIVENS40031-074KIMBERLY BLACK-MCCORMICK26518-045KEVIN BLALOCK42597-074JAMES BLANTON50960-509ANIS BLEMUR19380-104KEVIN BLEVINS32128-177ERIC BLOOM44727-424JOHN BLOUNT17880-035KENDALL BLUE55802-056VILAWOE BOADU76454-408ANDREW BOGDANOFF68251-066ANASTASSIA BOGOMOLOVA60833-018LASHAUN BOLTON30504-057AMANDA BONEL22810-078RICARDO BONILLA-ROJAS40498-069CHRISTOPHER BOOTH07502-043LISA BOOTON30658-047RANDALL BOSTIC42523-074SYLVESTER BOSTON JR50221-039ROBERT BOSTON33525-058ALICIA BOULDIN58421-177AUDRA BOWDEN50705-177MELVIN BOWEN19666-078PAUL BOWMAN53747-074MICHAEL BOWMAN19060-084VERNON BOWSER14524-074CHRISTOPHER BOX22026-084QUINBY BOYD30446-058WILLIAM BOYLAND JR79751-053KENNETH BRADLEY09488-021MACK BRADLEY08073-043WILLIAM BRADLEY87078-054BENJAMIN BRADLEY50878-039JUSTIN BRANON89595-408DONALD BRELJE09657-041MATTHEW BREMOND20559-006STEVEN BREWER24281-077TREAVOR BRIGGS32708-009SHAMICHAEL BRIGHT14688-035MITCHELL BROOKS24135-016ANDREA BROOKS28601-380TERRICIOUS BROOKS54557-056SHELLE BROOKS04027-029DONALD BROOMFIELD61304-018BOBBIE BROWN40453-424ATARI BROWN54681-039JERMAINE BROWN62269-019KEVIN BROWN32427-016JB BROWN JR19409-026EDDIE BROWN06900-063DARRYL BROWN46329-074ISAAC BROWN33651-058TRAMAINE BROWN91240-053JAMES BROWN31677-171TERESA BROWN22766-045JONATHAN BRUMBACK22506-031TORRIE BRUMFIELD32473-034ROCKY BRUMMETT12354-032MICHAEL BRUNER17984-032MICHAEL BRYANT54559-004GREGORY BUCK26568-081TAMATHA BUCKHOLT63353-280KEVIN BUI26874-017DENNIS BUNCH78044-083JOHN BURGESS59495-177JAMES BURKHART15426-028PAUL BURKS29723-058ALEKSANDR BURMAN50234-054VICTOR BURNETT54977-039ANTHONY BURNETT16708-028PIERRE BURNETT15146-028LAMEL BURNS42334-424SIRRICO BURNSIDE24037-171NATHANIEL BURRELL III71431-066REBECCA BURRESS30393-074KERI BURROUGHS14152-010CRYSTAL BUSBY-TETZLAFF08770-046ANTONIO BUSSIE66847-019RUBEN BUSTOS47273-380DANNY BUTLER19107-033SHAWN BUTLER83619-083JOHN BUTLER JR20040-018MICHAEL BYERS34932-058ERNESTO CABANAS-TORRES59340-408YERITHZA CABAUATAN64824-298LYNN CADY55388-380BRIAN CALLAHAN82618-053THOMAS CAMBIANO28886-031PIO CAMPOS09314-089ROSETTA CANNATA62780-018XAVIER CARDONA36123-380LUIS CARIBE-GARCIA16113-069JAMES CARLSON16784-041ALLEN CARNES02783-061TERRELL CARNEY33927-034LUSHAWN CAROLINA58659-083KELLI CARON13604-059HORRIS CARPENTER27422-076PEDRO CARRASCO JR07532-046CARMELO CARRASQUILLO-LOPEZ53078-069JIMMY CARRASQUILLO-RODRIGUEZ33484-069JOSE CARRILLO62730-080CLIFFORD CARROLL13905-104DEWEY CARROLL50232-037RASHAUN CARTER21884-084ERIK CARTER51330-039MAURICE CARTER97740-020JOSEPH CARTER16691-075RANDY CARVER53579-074JAMES CARVER25084-014MELISSA CASEY48834-074SHARLENE CASH33128-064NORMA CASILLAS52244-179VLADIMIR CASTANEDA62039-018ROLAND CASTELLANOS62970-019RONALD CASTILLE JR63882-280DANNY CASTILLO26164-014NELVING CASTRO69551-066DESHON CATCHINGS47363-039JOSE MORA CATES17496-028DWELLY CAULEY69830-004SEUI CAVAN08947-030PEDRO CAVAZOS JR52624-080OSVALDO CEBALLO01241-104RAFAEL CEBALLOS-CASTILLO06988-028DOMINGO CEDANO-MARTINEZ59126-177ISRAEL CEDENO-MARTINEZ66258-050ROMAN CHAIDEZ-ALVAREZ17137-424AMANDA CHAMBERLAIN54101-177SHAUNTEL CHAMBERS17381-027KAWANA CHAMPION71021-019NIGEL CHANDLER32455-177JAMES CHANEY17746-032DONNIE CHASTAIN60461-019LIZA CHAVERA84866-380JOSE CHAVEZ07920-027CARLOS CHAVEZ-LOZANO08285-063JUAN CHAVIRA-GUERRERO26392-078MARCUS CISNEROS55251-177XAVIER CISNEROS87026-280EMMA CLARK27724-078BERNARD CLARK27715-171ROBERT CLARK JR10732-078NEIL CLARK06923-032KASIMU CLARK49960-066GEORGE CLARKE24708-052NORMA CLAUDIO01722-138TIMOTHY CLINE08718-062BRADLEY CLOUGH12318-028MARIAN CLUFF92132-379MIKE COFFELT42779-074GAYBBRELL COFIELD53224-056CLARENCE COHEN43732-039DALE COLBERT63077-112KEVIN COLEMAN30836-076KEITH COLEMAN09587-021VLADIMIR COLLAZO-FLORIDO13775-069NICHOLAS COLLINS26482-034MARLON COLLINS05871-041RUSSELL COLLINS05959-032LEON COMBS07917-032MICHAEL CONAHAN15009-067BRUCE CONANT25387-045HUMBERTO CONCEPCION-ANDRADES50411-069KARIN CONDON08979-059RAYMOND CONLEY11368-035NOEL CONTRERAS89187-008VANESSA COOPER58397-018DEWAYNE COOPER24919-034CHERIE COPELAND34593-045BRYAN COPELAND55708-018JOSEPH COPELAND16683-089CHAYANEE CORCINO-SERRANO52234-069MATTHEW CORDERO09956-087RAFAEL CORDERO68437-066JARVOR COSSE37473-034JACORY COULTER28564-078CLARENCE COUNTERMAN58238-380HENDRICK COUSAR23407-171DONALD COX JR49022-177GARRY CRAIGHEAD62952-380ZAN CRANDALL JR17023-003WILLIAM CRANE31603-001QUANTEZ CRIBBS10735-029RACHEL CROWE14291-509KACEY CROXTON54049-177RITA CRUNDWELL44540-424RICHARD CRUZ70012-054ANNA CUARTAS15923-104CHAD CURRY00527-120JONATHAN CURSHEN90293-054SALAH DADO45816-039COURTNEY DAILY25700-075AUGUSTIN DALUSMA71080-018AARON DAN94757-022MELVIN DANIELS32900-171ETHEL DANIELS66014-019JAMIE DARBY16934-002VIKRAM DATTA64542-054PAUL DAUGERDAS62444-054KENDRICK DAVENPORT14089-179ARNULFO DAVILA32490-177ERIC DAVIS31339-044AMANDA DAVIS52217-074MICHAEL DAVIS55247-060MARTEE DAVIS31634-001LISA DAVIS14202-029KOBIE DAVIS17745-026PIERRE DAWSON20863-424FEDERICO DE LA CRUZ08369-379MERCEDES DE LA PAZ65423-298DAVID DE LOS SANTOS49817-177NICHOLAS DEANGELIS71691-004CHRISTINE DELACRUZ20753-006GERARDO DELBOSQUE16494-078OSCAR DELGADILLO88249-479VINCENT DELGADO27854-039RODNEY DELOACH04816-061DAVID DEMATHEWS11256-112DONNA DEMPS66889-018GUY DERILUS94425-004ANITA DESORMEAUX17404-035EDUARDO DIAZ31301-045RICARDO DIAZ79173-479HECTOR DIAZ JR04822-508RAFAEL DIAZ-ALICEA63755-018ALAN DIAZ-FELICIANO50584-069JOSE DIAZ-MEDINA16909-069JERRY DICE18137-026CLINTON DICKERSON10113-078EARLIE DICKERSON08369-380JON DIRK DICKERSON24921-045WALTER DIGGLES25054-078EDWARD DIMARIA16900-104NATHANIEL DIXSON16028-028KRISANDREA DOBBS56495-177JUAN DOMINGUEZ76727-004FELICIA DONALD94272-083LAMON DONNELL16879-078RONALD DOTSON52832-074DARREN DOUGLAS16921-047RICK DOWDEN09130-028JACK DOWELL05225-017WILLIAM DOWNS11865-033ROBERTA DRAHEIM11325-090MARC DREIER70595-054GORDON DRIVER47270-048JOHN DRULLINGER JR50200-177PHOUMANO DUANGTAVILAY27955-055JOHN DUBOR28044-479CORRIE DUDLEY28056-045JADE DUGAN17343-273CHAD DUNAWAY15039-078BRUCE DUNKELBURGER97329-020TOMMY DUONG21598-017BARBARA DUPREY RIVERA69394-018RANDY DURAN55401-177WILLIAM DYER52295-074GERARD EASILEY71989-279MELODIE ECKLAND52863-509ROBERT EDWARDS55683-018VERNON EDWARDS28300-171BENJAMIN EDWARDS SR31320-034VICTOR EHLERS25357-052GARY EISEMAN13633-059MATTHEW ELDER17041-408VIOLET ELDRIDGE57294-019MICHAEL ELLIOTT JR18076-030RYAN ELLIS07971-036DARIEN ELLSWORTH-DAWAY71967-066RUDOLPH ENGEL08084-059JOSEPH ENOX41328-177ERIC EPSTEIN16513-104JUSTIN ERWIN26283-058CHRISTOPHER ERWIN63427-050CINTHIA ESCOBAR-RAMOS50975-069ALFONSO ESPARZA75902-097HAROLD ESQUILIN-MONTANEZ49768-069EDUARDO ESTERAS-ROSADO47753-069MICHELLE ESTEVEZ55439-066ENRIQUE ESTRADA76531-112DANIEL EVANS43012-044RONALD EVANS SR31084-018TERRY EVELAND15669-028BRENDA EVERSOLE16161-032DAITWAUN FAIR25880-052EDWARD FARLEY61330-019DAVID FARNSWORTH16241-059AVION FARR31852-009ANTWONE FARRAL13864-028RONALD FAULK JR43628-054ROOSEVELT FAZ85345-079JOHANNY FELICIANO-GONZALEZ50771-069FRANCISCO FELIX65558-208HERIBERTO FELIX RUIZ31715-009MELVIN FELIZ16314-054SELICA FENDER16834-059BRYAN FERRER-VAZQUEZ27465-055TERI FIEDLER46285-044STEPHEN FIELDS80657-083JESUS FIGUEROA01197-138ROLANDO FIGUEROA62539-018DANIEL FILLERUP25270-052DERRICK FINCHER20128-085STEVEN FINKLER39327-053NORRIS FISHER41251-177JENNA FITZHUGH-THOMAS36732-034TIMOTHY FITZPATRICK24140-055FABIAN FLEIFEL57575-018TERRY FLENORY32454-044PATRICK FLORANG09860-029GUSTAVO FLORES91742-051MARGARITO FLORES41922-080SHIRLEY FLORES83175-179ALEXIS FONTANEZ NIEVES66943-018DAMON FORBES49337-019WILLIAM FORD11612-002KEITH FORD67064-018NIGEL FORDE91548-083MARSHALL FOSKEY94169-020BRIAN FOSTER59970-019NATHAN FOSTER17583-002JOSHUA FOUNTAIN05960-017MELISSA FOX20767-045DAVID FRANCIS38679-068MONICA FRAZEE68730-298DEXTER FRAZIER71019-019BOBBY FROMAN38833-177JERRY FRUIT53517-054JAMES FRY15927-041PEGGY FULFORD37001-034KATHY FUNTILA06000-122CALVIN FURLOW60885-019ANTONIO GADDIST28288-171KRYSTA GAINES54427-177WILLIAM GALLION11492-032FREDERICK GANG72630-054DANIELS GARCES28327-078REYNALDO GARCIA29332-479JACQUELINE GARCIA12667-091GABRIEL GARCIA28966-180AMBAR GARCIA57152-380MANUEL GARCIA ZUNIGA18857-030DENNIS GARCIA-CATALAN56897-177NEYDIE GARCIA-PEREZ20096-479NOEL GARCIA-RIVERA23164-069MERRILL GARDNER13729-046JODY GARDNER12401-104RAMON GARIBAY42552-280VICKI GARLAND65459-112RICHARD GARRETT43830-112BABY GARRISON22813-021TREMAINE GARRISON67131-054KEVIN GARVIN63886-019JAMES GARY08922-379HUMBERTO GARZA80485-079JEREMY GASAWAY10910-028AMBER GAUCH55287-177ALFRED GEREBIZZA63188-019COURTLAND GETTEL60857-298ADAM GETTS17474-027DENNIS GIBBONS JR47362-074LC GILLS JR30067-076GEOFFREY GISH62152-019BYRON GLOVER27413-034ALEXIO GOBERN15002-057JAJUAN GODSEY43961-060TISHA GOFF54112-074CARL GOLDEN04099-095WILLIAM GOLDSTEIN66083-019JAMIE GOLLADAY71142-097SOTERO GOMEZ91525-054LIDERRICK GOMEZ33532-171BRYAN GOMEZ NEVAREZ70388-018RANDY GOMILLA14460-025DANEL GONZALEZ49687-069ISAAC GONZALEZ56372-177JOSE GONZALEZ00727-138MARTHA GONZALEZ56710-177MARCOS GONZALEZ86617-054NORMA GONZALEZ94484-380DAVID GONZALEZ-PEREZ35448-069ROBERT GOOD32794-068STEVEN GOODMAN27355-009WILLIAM GOODWILL14116-026CLARENCE GOODWIN42129-074CLINTON GOSWICK33728-177GEORGE GRACE SR05652-095DAMON GRAHAM13787-014DANIELLE GRAVES17929-030MARCEL GRAVES20408-043LARRY GRAVES35377-408ANDREA GRAY15761-076SHERRY GRAY05057-088JOHN GRAY33954-058SHAWN GREEN31359-171HENRY GREEN JR42575-074JAMIE GREEN26213-078DAVID GREENBERG59059-053CHARLES GREESON60784-019RODRICK GRIMES05892-078MICHAEL GROVE07811-002JAMES GUERRA36611-001CLOYD GUILLORY25713-479TREMAYNE GUIN64374-060JEFFREY GUNSELMAN01056-380SAVANNAH GUTHERY31479-064FRANK GUTIERREZ07626-051SANTOS GUTIERREZ60107-097MARC GUYTON32201-034ERIC GUZMAN72056-050LEGUSTER HACKWORTH III34685-001ANDREW HAIR54106-056DAMON HAIRSTON17753-027JAMES HALD17170-047HENRY HALL35370-016KRIS HALL08407-063HARRISON HALL47294-424JANET HALLAHAN11744-026FRANZ HAMBRICK16770-179FRANK HAMILTON34162-171LESLIE HAMILTON07068-089BUCK HAMMERS08202-063JOHN HANCOCK14341-078ASHLEY HANNA28294-078HUNTER HANSON17369-059PETER HANSON03640-041AARON HARBOR49351-177BRANDON HARDERS17362-029DAVID HARDY14486-078Cynthia Harlan
MELISSA HARLESS63290-018
20400-084CHRISTOPHER HARLESS68123-280DANNY HARMON10089-028JOSHUA HARNED32207-001SANDRA HARO13202-479JAMES HARPER33908-171CHARLES HARRIS42637-379DONTAI HARRIS70182-018VICTORIA HARRIS09002-025BOBBY HARRIS46169-177JIMMY HARTLEY06148-028MALCOLM HARTZOG02391-043LAMONT HARVEY51237-039JOHNNY HATCHER31418-074LARRY HAWKINS16918-077WOODROW HAYES12732-035JAMAL HAYNES25575-017WILLIAM HEARN17282-003STEVEN HEBERT30953-034ROBERTO HECKSCHER14400-111KATHRYN HELLEN21895-040ROBERT HELM23180-047SHAQUAN HEMINGWAY02815-509JEROME HENNESSEY21756-041JOHN HENOUD25198-083WENDI HENRY43511-074KYLE HENSON20303-076MARCELA HEREDIA76424-097MICHAEL HERMAN75169-067ERNEST HERNANDEZ32005-479PAUL HERNANDEZ SR46860-177SIRIA HERNANDEZ14847-104JOHNNY HERNANDEZ52595-280MARCOS HERNANDEZ07452-078LEONARD HERNANDEZ91393-380GUILLERMO HERNANDEZ16555-078RICK HERRERA59037-177PEDRO HERRERA51600-177NELLY HERRERA47398-008ALEXANDER HEYING17863-041RAYMOND HIBBERT70563-066JERRY HICKS27657-078JAMES HILL06343-088BRANDON HILL52282-074JOHNNIE HILL83187-083AMY HILL68340-479PHILLIP HILL56433-019TIMOTHY HILLIARD43262-424TERRANCE HILTON09034-095TED HILTON SR33634-045WILLIAM HILTS24063-052SIDNEY HINES11120-030CLAUDIA HIRMER07035-017MARK HOBBY49441-019TERENCE HODGE32479-171DERRICK HODGE42709-074THOMAS HOEY JR92147-054RICO HOGAN48458-044STEPHANIE HOLBROOK17997-029BRIAN HOLLAND57325-177EDWARD HOLLIMAN79670-054MARCUS HOLLIMAN65049-019BERNARD HOLLINGER JR95775-020CHARLES HOLLIS JR97818-020SAMUEL HOLLOMAN30964-057LAWRENCE HOLMAN28077-018KEITH HOLMES00224-509WAYNE HOLROYD10096-007DAVID HOLT50520-177TIMOTHY HOLT52097-074JON HOLT12172-041JACLYN HOOKER48726-177RALPH HOOPER77365-054MICHAEL HORN28838-177WILLIAM HORTON JR66940-479JOHN HOSKINS17570-032GEORGE HOUSER60799-019GEORGE HOUSTON16032-018JAMES HOWARD III04067-017FRED HOWARD07757-089Gilbert Howard
SHELDON HOWARD12704-032
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The post Clemency Recipient List appeared first on The White House.

Today’s announcement will commute the sentences of close to 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement and will pardon 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes

Today, President Biden announced that he is granting clemency to nearly 1,500 Americans – the most ever in a single day – who have shown successful rehabilitation and a strong commitment to making their communities safer. The President is commuting the sentences of close to 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and who have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities. He is also pardoning 39 individuals who were convicted of non-violent crimes. These actions represent the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history.

Together, these actions build on the President’s record of criminal justice reform to help reunite families, strengthen communities, and reintegrate individuals back into society. The President has issued more sentence commutations at this point in his presidency than any of his recent predecessors at the same point in their first terms. He is also the first President ever to issue categorical pardons to individuals convicted of simple use and possession of marijuana, and to former LGBTQI+ service members convicted of private conduct because of their sexual orientation. In the coming weeks, the President will take additional steps to provide meaningful second chances and continue to review additional pardons and commutations.

Americans receiving relief today include:

• A decorated military veteran and pilot who spends much of his time helping his fellow church members who are in poor health or unable to perform strenuous tasks;

• A nurse who has led emergency response for several natural disasters and who helped spearhead vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

• An addiction counselor who volunteers his time to help young people find their purpose, make better choices, and refrain from destructive behaviors and gang involvement.

As the President has said, the United States is a nation of second chances. The President recognizes how the clemency power can advance equal justice under law and remedy harms caused by practices of the past.

The nearly 1,500 individuals who received commutations today have been serving their sentences at home for at least one year under the COVID-era CARES Act. These Americans have been reunited with their families and shown their commitment to rehabilitation by securing employment and advancing their education. The 39 individuals receiving pardons today were convicted of non-violent crimes, including drug offenses, and have turned their lives around. These individuals are parents, veterans, health care professionals, teachers, advocates, and engaged members of their communities. Many of them have used their experiences in the criminal justice system to inspire and encourage others.

Individual Clemency Actions Throughout the Biden-Harris Administration

The President is intent on granting clemency to individuals convicted of non-violent crimes who were sentenced under outdated laws, policies, and practices that left them with longer sentences than if the individuals were sentenced today.

To address these injustices, President Biden has taken several bold clemency actions throughout his Administration, including:

• In April 2022, the President granted clemency to individuals with various drug-related offenses and some individuals on CARES Act home confinement. In total, he granted three pardons and 75 commutations.
  
  
• In December 2022, the President granted clemency to recipients with various drug- and alcohol-related offenses. In total, he granted six pardons.
  
  
• In April 2023, the President granted clemency to recipients on CARES Act home confinement. In total, he granted 31 commutations.
  
  
• In December 2023 and April 2024, the President granted clemency to individuals sentenced for non-violent drug offenses. In total, he granted 11 pardons and 16 commutations.
  
  

These individual actions have helped to transform these individuals’ lives and positively impact their communities. Federal convictions make it difficult to secure housing, jobs, educational opportunities, benefits, and health care; all essential to living a healthy and productive life. Through his use of the clemency power, President Biden has taken steps to unlock doors of opportunity that would have otherwise remained closed to these recipients, who deserve a second chance.

Categorical Clemency Actions throughout the Biden-Harris Administration

In addition to these individual clemency actions, President Biden has issued a number of categorical pardons to certain groups of people. The President has used categorical clemency more than any of his predecessors, which has allowed him to widely and systemically respond to historic injustices. His bold and unprecedented categorical actions, broadly outlined below, include the following:

• In October 2022, the President issued a full, complete, and unconditional categorical pardon for the offense of simple possession of marijuana.
  
  
• In December 2023, the President issued another proclamation that expanded earlier relief for the offenses of simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana, regardless of whether the individual had been charged with or prosecuted for the offenses on or before the date of the proclamation. 
  
  
• In June 2024, the President issued a full, complete, and unconditional categorical pardons to certain former military service persons convicted of offenses based on their sexual orientation, specifically unaggravated offenses based on consensual, private conduct with persons age 18 and older occurring between May 31, 1951, and December 26, 2013, as well as attempts, conspiracies, or solicitations of such conduct.

 The President’s categorical approach to clemency has also inspired leaders across the country to take similar action. Over ten states and localities, including Maryland and Massachusetts, have issued categorical clemency for marijuana convictions, impacting hundreds of thousands of people and allowing individuals to move past their convictions and move on with their daily lives.

While today’s announcement marks important progress, there is more to come. President Biden will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver criminal justice reform in a manner that advances equity and justice, promotes public safety, supports rehabilitation and reentry, and provides meaningful second chances.

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America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances. As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.

That is why, today, I am pardoning 39 people who have shown successful rehabilitation and have shown commitment to making their communities stronger and safer. I am also commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who are serving long prison sentences – many of whom would receive lower sentences if charged under today’s laws, policies, and practices. These commutation recipients, who were placed on home confinement during the COVID pandemic, have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities and have shown that they deserve a second chance.

I will take more steps in the weeks ahead. My Administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on Providing Clemency for Nearly 1,500 Individuals on Home Confinement and Pardons for 39 Individuals Convicted of Non-Violent Crimes appeared first on The White House.

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date.  In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13818 of December 20, 2017, is to continue in effect beyond December 20, 2024.

The prevalence and severity of human rights abuse and corruption that have their source, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States, continue to threaten the stability of international political and economic systems.  Human rights abuse and corruption undermine the values that form an essential foundation of stable, secure, and functioning societies; have devastating impacts on individuals; weaken democratic institutions; degrade the rule of law; perpetuate violent conflicts; facilitate the activities of dangerous persons; undermine economic markets; and continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13818 with respect to serious human rights abuse and corruption.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    December 11, 2024.

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