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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will travel to Germany from October 17-18, where he will meet with German leaders to further strengthen the close bond the United States and Germany share as Allies and friends and coordinate on geopolitical priorities, including Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression and events in the Middle East.  The President will also reaffirm our shared commitment to democracy and countering antisemitism and hatred; advance cooperation on the economy, trade, and technology; and strengthen our Euro-Atlantic alliances and partnerships.
  
The first week of December, President Biden will also separately travel to Luanda, Angola, where he will celebrate the transformation of the U.S.-Angola relationship, recognize Angola’s role as a strategic partner and regional leader, and discuss increased collaboration on security, health, and economic partnerships—including the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment support for the Lobito Corridor—that deliver for both our peoples. 

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The post Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s Travel to Germany and Angola appeared first on The White House.

The Biden-Harris Administration continues its response and recovery efforts across the Southeast and Appalachia following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Nearly 8,000 Federal personnel remain on the ground working side-by-side with State and local officials to help survivors with recovery and rebuilding.

As part of our commitment to remaining with impacted communities as long as it takes, under President Biden’s direction, the Administration has already approved more than $1.8 billion in assistance for hurricane recovery efforts.

This includes assistance for individuals – including funding for temporary housing, essential needs like food, water, baby formula, and other emergency supplies – as well as public assistance to states for costs related to debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, and courthouses.

In North Carolina, where the Administration continues to surge resources, more than $100 million in assistance has been approved for more than 77,000 survivors.

This funding supplements additional investments announced by President Biden during his visit to Florida this weekend, where he awarded more than $600 million from the Department of Energy to six projects across the Southeast to enhance the reliability and resilience of the electric grid in the face of more extreme weather events.

Specific funding for impacted communities includes:

For those affected by Hurricane Helene, FEMA has approved over $911 million, which includes $581 million in assistance for individuals and affected communities and over $330 million for public assistance costs like debris removal and other activities to save lives, protect public health and safety, prevent damage to public and private property, and restore public infrastructure.

For individual assistance related to Hurricane Helene, specific funding approved includes:

• Florida: More than $213 million for 71,000 survivors
• South Carolina: More than $132 million for 146,000 survivors
• Georgia: More than $119 million for 118,000 survivors
• North Carolina: More than $100 million for 77,000 survivors
• Tennessee: More than $11.8 million for 2,400 survivors
• Virginia: More than $4.7 million for 1,500 survivors

For those affected by Hurricane Milton, FEMA has already approved over $620 million, which thus far includes $16 million in assistance for individuals and affected communities and over $604 million in public assistance.  

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has offered over $48 million in tentatively approved disaster loan funding to survivors of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The SBA also has hundreds of staff working on the ground supporting communities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia in 48 disaster recovery centers, as well as in loan processing and customer service centers. 

Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout impacted states:

Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are opening throughout the affected communities to provide survivors with in-person assistance. These centers serve as “one stop shops,” offering help with applications for FEMA assistance, information on available resources from other Federal agencies, and guidance on navigating the recovery process. Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams remain on the ground in neighborhoods in all affected states helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary resources.

Survivors can visit Disaster Recovery Centers in the following cities/towns:

Florida:

• Twelve Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Bradenton, Branford, Glen Saint Mary, Homosassa, Lake City, Largo, Live Oak, Madison, Perry, Sarasota, and Tampa, and more will open in the coming days and weeks. DRCs will support survivors impacted by both Helene and Milton. In addition, 120 Disaster Survivor Assistance Team members are going into neighborhoods to connect with survivors.

North Carolina:

• Six Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Asheville, Bakersville, Boone, Lenoir, Marion and Sylva. FEMA expects to open up to ten more Disaster Recovery Centers in impacted communities in the coming days. More than 1,200 FEMA staff are on the ground, and 379 Disaster Survivor Assistance Team members are going into neighborhoods to connect with survivors.

Georgia:

• Four Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Valdosta, Douglas, Sandersville and Augusta. 152 Disaster Survivor Assistance Team members are going into neighborhoods to connect with survivors.

South Carolina:

• Six Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Anderson, Greenville, Barnwell, Batesburg, Easley, and North Augusta. 92 Disaster Survivor Assistance Team members are going into neighborhoods to connect with survivors.

Tennessee:

• One Disaster Recovery Center is open in Erwin. 48 Disaster Survivor Assistance Team members are going into neighborhoods to connect with survivors.

Virginia:

• Four Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Damascus, Dublin, Independence, and Tazewell. 57 Disaster Survivor Assistance Team members are going into neighborhoods to connect with survivors.

Additional assistance to agriculture producers includes:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that people in parts of Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee recovering from Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible for food assistance through the USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Approximately 982,930 households in Georgia, 152,572 households in North Carolina and 54,692 households in Tennessee are estimated to be eligible for this relief to help with grocery expenses. Through this program, which USDA makes available through states in the aftermath of disasters, people who may not be eligible for SNAP in normal circumstances can participate if they meet specific criteria, including disaster income limits and qualifying disaster-related expenses.

USDA also announced additional assistance to help agriculture producers impacted by Hurricane Helene in the recovery process. Producers will receive over $233 million in indemnities for losses from Hurricane Helene. These payments will directly help farmers and rural communities recover.

Currently, Hurricane Helene estimated indemnities by state include:

• Georgia: $207.7 million 
• Florida: $12.8 million
• Alabama: $5.0 million 
• North Carolina: $4.1 million 
• South Carolina: $4.1 million
• Virginia: $61,000

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Corruption poses a grave and enduring threat to U.S. national interests and those of our partners. When officials abuse their entrusted power for personal or political gain, the interests of authoritarians and corrupt actors win – at the expense of citizens, honest businesses, and healthy societies. As the Biden-Harris Administration took office, this longstanding challenge had metastasized. In some countries, oligarchs were teaming up with foreign kleptocrats to warp policy and procurement decisions in exchange for kickbacks – with no accountability. Corrupt officials were laundering stolen assets through the U.S. and global financial systems, while local investigators were ill-equipped to follow the money. Reformers in countries saddled with corruption had scarce public resources to actually address development needs. The Biden-Harris Administration tacked these challenges starting Day One, to ensure democracy delivers and corrupt actors are held to account.

The first National Security Study Memorandum of the Biden-Harris Administration established countering corruption as a “core U.S. national security interest,” leading to the issuance in December 2021 of the first United States Strategy on Countering Corruption. Since then, the United States has taken action at home and around the world to curb illicit finance, hold corrupt actors accountable, forge multilateral partnerships, and equip frontline leaders to take on transnational corruption. The result has been historic progress in protecting the U.S. financial system from money-laundering, including in the residential real estate sector, while enhancing corporate transparency. This Administration has mobilized record levels of foreign assistance dedicated to anti-corruption, including $339 million in Fiscal Year 2023 alone – almost double the yearly average during the previous four years. This new assistance has unlocked support for anti-corruption institutions, leveled the playing field for law-abiding businesses, enabled journalists to team up across borders, and more. Expanded law enforcement cooperation and capacity-building have generated convictions of corrupt actors as well as the seizure, forfeiture, and return of criminal proceeds, while new anti-corruption offices at the Department of State (State) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) energized diplomatic and stakeholder engagement. The United States imposed sanctions on more than 500 individuals and entities for corruption and related activities, and established – for the first time in any jurisdiction globally – a new visa restriction for those who enable corrupt activity.

U.S. progress on anti-corruption has produced concrete benefits for the American people and stakeholders around the world – enhancing prosperity, economic security, safety, and democracy, as outlined below. To bolster and sustain this work, the U.S. government has also modernized its approach to addressing corruption as a cross-cutting priority. Today, Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Daleep Singh will highlight the benefits of this work to American businesses and workers at a White House anti-corruption roundtable with leaders from 15 major U.S. companies.

Advancing economic opportunity abroad

• Improving the business enabling environment: U.S. assistance advanced governments’ capacity to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute corruption, while encouraging anti-bribery compliance. State expanded its Fiscal Transparency Innovation Fund – to help willing partners improve budget transparency – while holding countries to account for progress in its Fiscal Transparency Report. In the past two years alone, a newly expanded State-Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) program facilitated U.S. collaboration with foreign counterparts on more than 50 transnational corruption and money laundering cases with a U.S. nexus. In coordination with State, experienced legal advisors from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) assisted foreign justice partners around the world in investigating and prosecuting corruption and money laundering cases, and recovering assets. And DOJ’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, in partnership with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, has recovered more than $1.7 billion and returned or assisted in returning more than $1.6 billion for the benefit of the people harmed by the corruption.
• Enforcing our bans on foreign bribery and money-laundering – and pressing other countries to do the same: To enable honest companies to compete overseas, the United States upheld its commitments under the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention by enforcing its foreign bribery and related laws and working with partners to monitor other countries’ progress in implementing the Convention, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. Since the start of the Administration, DOJ has imposed more than $3.5 billion in total monetary sanctions under the Foreign Corruption Practices Act (FCPA) in 16 corporate resolutions, and announced charges against more than 70 individuals. For instance, this April the former Comptroller General of Ecuador was convicted of money laundering relating to his receipt of over $10 million in bribes from, among others, the Brazil-based construction conglomerate Odebrecht S.A. The Securities and Exchange Commission continued civil enforcement of the FCPA, with approximately $1 billion in total monetary sanctions in 22 corporate resolutions, spanning conduct in 24 countries, since the start of the Administration. DOJ is also enforcing the recently enacted Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, which criminalizes demands for bribes by foreign officials from U.S. companies and others. In addition, this August DOJ announced a new Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program to uncover and prosecute corporate crime – with a particular focus on foreign and domestic corruption, as well as violations by financial institutions of their obligations to take steps to detect and deter money laundering.
• Seizing windows of opportunity: U.S. assistance has become more agile via the establishment of USAID’s Anti-Corruption Response Fund (providing flexible support to countries experiencing new opportunities or backsliding), the State-DOJ Global Anti-Corruption Rapid Response Fund (providing assistance and case mentoring to foreign partners on short notice), and USAID’s Democracy Delivers initiative (which has marshalled $500 million in funding from the United States and others to help reformers deliver, including on their anti-corruption commitments). These innovations, informed by USAID’s Dekleptification Guide, are enabling the U.S. government to more nimbly pivot toward environments where local momentum can be bolstered by outside assistance.
• Bolstering integrity in high-risk sectors: In April 2024, the United States and its partners launched the Blue Dot Network – a mechanism to certify infrastructure projects that have met global standards for quality and sustainability, including transparency in procurement and provisions to limit opportunities for corruption. The United States also supported the launch of PROTECT, a collective action project to address corruption risk in the supply chain for critical minerals.
• Strengthening corruption safeguards in the Indo-Pacific: In June, the United States and thirteen other partners held a signing ceremony, after concluding eight rounds of negotiations in record time, for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Fair Economy Agreement. The Agreement aims to create a more transparent, predictable trade and investment environment across IPEF partners’ markets, including through binding obligations to prevent and combat corruption. The Department of Commerce (Commerce) and State are accelerating implementation by offering new anti-corruption technical assistance to IPEF partners, including workshops on procurement corruption.
• Dialoguing with the private sector: In 2021, State launched the Galvanizing the Private Sector as Partners in Combatting Corruption initiative, which connects companies and governments to strengthen business integrity and encourage governance reform. Commerce’s International Trade Administration organized the 2024 forum of the Business Ethics for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Small and Medium Enterprises Initiative – the world’s largest public-private partnership on ethical business conduct – at which stakeholders formalized policy recommendations on business integrity in public procurement.

Protecting the U.S. financial system from abuse

• Expanding corporate transparency: To deter kleptocrats and criminals from laundering money through anonymous shell companies, the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) operationalized a new filing system for certain companies operating in the United States to report their beneficial owners – the real people who own or control them – pursuant to the bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act. Treasury held hundreds of outreach events across all states and territories, reaching thousands of stakeholders, to enable companies to quickly and easily comply with this reporting requirement.
• Closing loopholes for money-laundering: Treasury finalized rules to close two major loopholes in the U.S. financial system: (1) to increase transparency in the U.S. residential real estate sector, to ensure that law-abiding homebuyers are not disadvantaged by individuals laundering their ill-gotten gains, and (2) to safeguard the investment adviser industry from illicit finance. Treasury also proposed a rule to modernize financial institutions’ anti-money-laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs, to make them more effective and risk-based. Together, these rulemakings represent historic advances for the U.S. AML/CFT regime, in line with international standards, that will help the United States urge other countries to undertake similar reforms to curb illicit finance. The Biden-Harris Administration has also called on Congress to close even more loopholes that facilitate money-laundering by passing the ENABLERS Act.
• Blocking assets and denying entry to corrupt actors: Since the start of the Administration, Treasury has designated more than 500 individuals and entities for corruption and related activities, across six continents. That includes blocking the assets of 20 individuals and 48 companies in Fiscal Year 2024 for corruption in Afghanistan, Guatemala, Guyana, Paraguay, Western Balkans, and Zimbabwe. In tandem, State publicly issued corruption-related visa restrictions for 76 foreign officials and family members in Fiscal Year 2024, and 292 over the course of the Administration. These actions have protected the U.S. financial system from corrupt actors and promoted accountability in domestic jurisdictions. For example, just one week after the U.S. issuance of a public visa restriction on former Director of Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) Intelligence Services Osman Mehmedagic for significant corruption, he was arrested by BiH authorities for abuse of office.
• Taking aim at enablers of corruption: In December 2023, President Biden issued an historic Presidential Proclamation establishing a visa restriction for those who facilitate and enable significant corruption and their immediate family members. This new visa restriction complements existing commitments to use sanction and law enforcement capabilities to target private enablers of public corruption. Earlier this year, the FBI and DOJ secured a guilty plea and a criminal penalty of $661 million from Gunvor – one of the largest commodities trading firms in the world – for facilitating bribery of Ecuadorian officials and laundering those bribes through U.S. banks. In addition, USAID launched new activities to incentivize integrity within professions that serve as gatekeepers to the international financial system.
• Upholding international standards: The United States has helped lead efforts to expand anti-corruption work at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), including improving assessment tools, mitigating risks associated with “golden passport” programs, and highlighting how non-financial sectors can be abused by corrupt actors.

Keeping America and our partners safe

• Addressing corruption risk in the security sector: Security sector corruption can divert essential supplies, empower malign actors, threaten the safety of U.S. service members, and undermine U.S. military missions writ large. In the past year, the Department of Defense (DOD) incorporated corruption risk into its security cooperation planning – subjecting certain proposals to further scrutiny and identifying risk mitigation measures as needed. State also created new resources to weigh corruption risk as part of security sector assistance decision-making. In addition, State’s Global Defense Reform Program and DOD’s institutional capacity building programs advanced more transparent, accountable, and professional defense institutions. DOD continued running a training course on combatting corruption for partner military commanders and civilian leaders.
• Tackling organized crime and corruption: Transnational criminal organizations often rely on corruption to enable their criminal activities and evade accountability – which fuels narcotrafficking into the United States, human smuggling, cybercrimes, and more. The U.S. government is deploying anti-corruption tools to target criminal networks and their financial enablers, in line with the 2023 White House Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime.
• Standing up to Russia’s aggression: The United States has adapted to address the wartime needs of Ukraine’s anti-corruption stakeholders, as they close off a key vector for Russian dominance and advance Ukraine’s democratic future. In 2023, Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators and prosecutors achieved an 80 percent increase in prosecutions and a 50 percent increase in convictions, plus opened cases against high-ranking officials including the former head of the Ukrainian Supreme Court.  With U.S. support, Ukraine has advanced significant reforms on asset disclosure, launched a whistleblower portal, strengthened the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, and enhanced transparency and integrity in reconstruction.
• Securing a greener future: The United States has integrated an anti-corruption lens across sectors, with particular emphasis on addressing corruption vulnerabilities that threaten a secure, just energy transition for all. This includes USAID support to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), increased mining transparency in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, and innovations that address transnational corruption in green energy mineral supply chains across 15 countries.
• Protecting global health: Corruption curtails the ability of states to respond to pandemics and undercuts access to basic healthcare. USAID is tackling this challenge by releasing cutting-edge guidance on anti-corruption in the health sector and launching integrated programming. For example, in Liberia the United States is working with the government to curb theft of pharmaceuticals through civil society monitoring, law enforcement trainings, and public awareness campaigns.
• Addressing the root causes of migration: Combating corruption is a core component of improving conditions in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras – so people do not feel compelled to leave their homes, in line with the U.S. Strategy for Addressing the Root Causes of Migration in Central America. Recent U.S. actions have included training up to 27,000 justice sector stakeholders in those countries to more effectively address corruption.

Defending democracy by rooting out corruption

• Tackling electoral corruption: When candidates can be bankrolled by foreign adversaries and institutions captured by kleptocrats, citizens lose faith in their governments—or even in democracy itself. In response, USAID has launched new programs to bolster electoral integrity, strengthen independent media, and increase the transparency of political finance in high-risk locations.
• Lifting up civil society and independent media: The U.S. government has substantially expanded support to frontline activists and journalists, including through the Global Anti-Corruption Consortium. In addition, a new State Department initiative is training hundreds of journalists in transnational corruption investigations, while USAID’s new investigative journalist networks in Asia and Southern Africa are building capacity to track corruption across sectors and across borders. The Secretary of State established a new award for Anti-Corruption Champions, which has honored dozens of courageous civil society leaders and embattled reformers. In 2022, the United States also hosted the largest regular gathering of civil society activists fighting corruption – the International Anti-Corruption Conference – in Washington, DC, with keynote remarks from APNSA Jake Sullivan.
• Protecting sovereignty: Authoritarian actors like Russia and the PRC use bribery to interfere in the policy, procurement, debt, and electoral processes of other countries – undermining both sovereignty and democracy. The United States is standing up to this tactic by building the resilience of frontline actors to detect and deflect foreign-backed strategic corruption, educating partners about the kleptocrats’ playbook, harnessing sanction tools to deter threats, and increasing collaboration between practitioners working on anti-corruption and those addressing foreign malign influence – both within the USG and with likeminded partners. For example, in June the United States joined with Canada and the UK to expose Russia’s use of corruption and covert financing, among other tactics, to undermine democratic processes in Moldova.
• Restoring trust in American democracy: The Biden-Harris Administration has established the strongest ethics standards of any U.S. presidency. On his first day in office, the President signed an Executive Order requiring administration officials to take a stringent ethics pledge, which extends lobbying bans, limits shadow lobbying, and makes ethics waivers more transparent. The Administration also restored longstanding democratic norms by protecting DOJ cases from political interference, releasing the President’s and Vice-President’s taxes, and voluntarily disclosing White House visitor logs. And in the last year, the Office of Government Ethics finalized rules updating the standards for ethical conduct and legal expense funds for executive branch employees.
• Protecting American democracy from malign finance: Just as we defend democracy around the world, the U.S. government is working to keep American democracy safe from foreign adversaries. Actions to curb money laundering in the United States can help reduce the ability of foreign and domestic actors to make illegal campaign contributions and evade U.S. election laws. President Biden has called on Congress to go even further by passing the DISCLOSE Act, which would curb the ability of foreign entities and special interests to use dark money loopholes to influence our elections.
• Revitalizing participation in the Open Government Partnership (OGP): The United States rejoined the Steering Committee of OGP – a platform for civil society and governments to forge joint commitments and learn from each other– and provided assistance for OGP’s work on anti-corruption. Domestically, the United States has turbocharged OGP implementation by creating the U.S. Open Government Secretariat at the General Services Administration, an Open Government Federal Advisory Committee, an Interagency Community of Practice – spanning federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and engaged with hundreds of stakeholders to exchange lessons and expand transparency, accountability, and public participation. The United States also launched the first-ever Request for Information to feed into the 6th U.S. OGP National Action Plan and announced development of a toolkit to help federal agencies more meaningfully engage with the public.

Modernizing and coordinating U.S. government efforts to fight corruption

• Institutionalizing anti-corruption as an enduring priority: Over the past four years, Departments and Agencies have made substantial organizational improvements to elevate corruption concerns. For example:
  • The State Department’s new Office of the Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption leads the integration of anti-corruption priorities into bilateral and other policy processes, conducts targeted diplomatic engagements, and drives strategic planning, including through the Department’s senior-level Anti-Corruption Policy Board. In the past year, the Office jumpstarted implementation of the Combating Global Corruption Act and completed an analysis of anti-corruption assistance to inform future State Department decision-making.
  • USAID’s new Anti-Corruption Center, within the newly established Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, serves as a hub of technical expertise and thought leadership – driving the integration of corruption considerations across USAID’s portfolio, supporting USAID Missions in developing localized approaches, managing a suite of programming focused on transnational corruption, and using its convening power and policy insights to forge strategic partnerships. Since 2022, USAID has released its first-ever Anti-Corruption Policy, which outlines a cross-sectoral approach to constraining opportunities for corruption, raising the costs of corruption, and incentivizing integrity – plus a host of tools to drive uptake across USAID.
  • FBI’s International Corruption Unit expanded an agreement with the State Department to deploy six regional anti-corruption advisors to strategic locations around the world, where they organize regional working groups with local law enforcement officials, provide case-base mentorship, and facilitate coordination with the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre.

Expanded interagency capacity has been complemented by the National Security Council’s establishment of a dedicated Director for Anti-Corruption position, for the first time, to ensure whole-of-government coordination and advance anti-corruption within key policy processes.

• Leading in multilateral fora: The United States has regained its leadership role in the international bodies that shape anti-corruption norms globally and can sustain momentum across time. In particular, the United States stepped into the presidency of the UN Convention against Corruption Conference of States Parties (UNCAC COSP), proudly hosting in December 2023 thousands of stakeholders in Atlanta, Georgia, led by the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. As part of its commitment to championing the role of non-governmental actors in the fight against corruption, the United States facilitated record civil society participation in UNCAC working group meetings, hosted the first UNCAC Private Sector Forum, and supported inclusive implementation of UNCAC commitments in Latin America, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. The United States also participated in several peer reviews of our own anti-corruption practices over the last three years, and proudly made these results public. Alongside these multilateral fora, we convened the Global Forum on Asset Recovery action series to accelerate practitioner cooperation across the United States, Algeria, Honduras, Iraq, Moldova, Nigeria, Seychelles, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Zambia.
• Understanding corruption dynamics: The Intelligence Community developed and disseminated new resources to bolster intelligence prioritization, collection and analysis on corrupt actors and their networks. USAID commissioned research on topics like countering corruption through social and behavioral change and State initiated an interagency anti-corruption learning agenda and a small grants program to support it.
• Deepening external partnerships: The United States convened a series of coordination meetings with other bilateral donors and philanthropies in order to harmonize our anti-corruption approaches and galvanized anti-corruption resources across the donor community through the Integrity for Development campaign. USAID’s Countering Transnational Corruption Grand Challenge for Development brought together technologists, businesses, activists, and others to collaboratively address concrete corruption challenges.

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Cred Cafe
Detroit, Michigan

6:36 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Aw.  Well, let me thank Tommy — that’s my T-shirt?  (Applause.)  “Detroit vs. Everybody,” I’m with that.  (Applause.)  All right.  

I want to thank everybody so very much.  Tommy (inaudible), thank you for also this incredible — I — I just love this saying: “Detroit vs. Everybody.”  Because, you know, I — I was sharing with some folks, when I got to Howard, when I went to college, coming from Oakland — and my immediate, fast friends were from Detroit.  (Laughter.)  So, before I even knew anything, I knew about that Cass Tech, I knew about — (applause).

And I just feel a kindred spirit whenever I come to Detroit.  But to have the support and the hard work of all the leaders who are here means so much.  And I just — I thank you.  I thank you. 

Look, we have 21 days until this election.  (Applause.)  We will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  But — thank you both.  It — it’s going to be hard work, though.  It’s a tight race. 

But here’s the thing that I know about everybody that’s here: We like hard work.  Hard work is good work.  Hard work is good work.  And there is so much at stake. 

I just finished doing Charlamagne’s show.  And, you know, we talked about a lot of issues, but there’s so much about this election — and, by the way, early voting, everybody knows, it starts in four days in here Michigan, and Detroit is going to help deliver Michigan, by the way.  (Applause.)  And Michigan is going to help us win.  (Applause.)

There is so much about this election and what is in front of us with this election that really is about two different paths and two different visions.  And ours really is about the future, and the other side really is about trying to take us backward. 

And — and what I want to say about the slogan “Detroit vs. Everybody,” about the heart and soul that I know about Detroit: This is a town of people who have grit, who have determination, and who have optimism and ambition and apply to that a lot of hard work, which makes Detroit a first-class city in the United States of America now and always has.  (Applause.)

And so, I am honored to be with everybody and to work with you with what we need to do over these next days.  And, yes, it includes supporting our entrepreneurs. 

You know, I was talking to Charlamagne about it.  I think you guys had a viewing thing here, right?

     AUDIENCE:  Yes!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, you know, a part of my — my feeling about it is that, look, we are a nation of people who have ambition, who have aspirations, who have dreams.  And — and we need to tap into that, knowing that not everybody necessarily has the opportunity to actually achieve their goals but not for lack of innovation and ideas and hard work and grit. 

So, a lot of my vision for what we need to do as we move forward as a new generation of leadership for America is about making sure that people have access to opportunity, which is why a big part of my plan is to build what I call an “opportunity economy,” which includes, for homeownership, giving people who are first-time homeowners a $25,000 down — down payment assistance to be able to buy their first home; which is why I know when I look at the tax code, a $5,000 deduction for startup companies, for small businesses is not enough for anybody to start up a small business in 2024, and I’m extending it to $50,000 to give people that opportunity, which is why I know in building an opportunity economy for young parents what we don’t lack for families and individuals who have a natural desire to parent their children well but not always the resources to do it. 

So, I will extend the Child Tax Credit to $6,000 — (the vice president is handed a new handheld microphone to replace a malfunctioning microphone) — and get a new mic in the process — (laughter and applause) — thank you — to be able — $6,000 Child Tax Credit, which for the first year of that child’s life helps that young family buy a car seat, a crib — things for that child that get them on the path to where we know they will succeed. 

And, you know, it’s interesting because — because when we talked on the show just now, he — we talked about the fact that — you know, I — I think about the economy in a way that is about uplifting people, but it is not to the exclusion of also knowing what strengthens America’s economy overall.

So, when I talk about extending the Child Tax Credit, giving people down payment assistance for the first-time homebuyers, helping our small businesses start up a small business and grow —

When I think about these things, it is, yes, thinking about individuals who just need the opportunity, but also it’s about growing America’s economy overall, which is why I am clear and the best economists in our country are clear that my plan, compared to Donald Trump’s, will strengthen our economy.  His will weaken it.  My plan will strengthen our economy.  He’s — his will exasperate inflation.  His will invite a recession by the middle of next year. 

So, where we stand in this election is about focusing on the future of our nation, but it’s also about building up the strength of our nation. 

And so, I’ll end with this.  This is going to be a hard race.  We are going to win.  And part of the way we are going to win is, over these next 21 days, doing the work that you all are committed to doing, which is why you have taken the time out of your busy lives to be here this afternoon.  We’re going to do the work.

     AUDIENCE:  Yes!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s about knocking on doors and calling people and emailing and reminding them of the power that the people possess to determine the future of our country. 

Ours is a campaign that is about fuel from the power of the people and about building community and building coalitions and, in the process, building up our country to maximize our strength and our potential. 

And I thank everybody here for your — for your hope, for your prayers, for your support, for your hard work.  And I look forward to seeing you out in all of these beautiful neighborhoods that are Detroit as we do the work of bringing home a victory.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  (Applause.)

                             END                6:43 P.M. EDT

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Dear Mr. Speaker:   (Dear Madam President:)     (Dear Minority Leader Jeffries:)   (Dear Majority Leader Schumer:)
(Dear Minority Leader McConnell:)
 
I write to apprise you of developments in Israel and the United States Government’s response to them.
 
On October 1, 2024, Iran launched over 200 ballistic missiles at Israel.  Consistent with our longstanding commitment to Israel’s security and our public indication of our continuing efforts to protect Israel from Iranian and Iranian-aligned threats, I am reporting to you the posture of United States military forces to aid in Israel’s defense against these attacks and any further such attacks.  The outstanding performance of our service members across the Middle East, working in strong support of Israeli forces, contributed to a historic defense of Israel against Iranian threats, much like our shared success on April 13, 2024.  Our shared success on October 1 included downing dozens of incoming Iranian weapons before they could harm civilians in Israel.
 
In recent months, we have adjusted the United States military posture to improve United States force protection and increase support for the defense of Israel.  These adjustments include extension of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, along with its destroyer escorts and carrier air wing that is equipped with F-35C Lightning II Fifth Generation Fighters, to replace the previously extended USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.  We also have deployed additional destroyers, including some that are ballistic missile defense-capable; the guided missile submarine USS Georgia, the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit, multiple fighter and attack squadrons of Fourth and Fifth Generation Fighters including F-22, F-15E, and F-16, as well as A-10 Attack aircraft; and other forces.
 
United States forces will remain postured in the region to serve important national interests, including the protection of United States persons and property from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias, and to continue to support the defense of Israel, to which our commitment remains ironclad.  In this context, I directed the deployment to Israel of a ballistic missile defense system and United States service members capable of operating it to defend against any further ballistic missile attacks while this defensive posture is deemed warranted.
 
I directed this action consistent with my responsibility to protect United States persons and interests abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests, pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive and to conduct United States foreign relations.
 
                               Sincerely,
 
 
 
                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to serve in key roles:

• Michael Guest, to be a Member of the Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State
• Pamela Spratlen, to be a Member of the Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State
• Caroline Tess, to be a Member of the Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State
• Ricardo Zuniga, to be a Member of the Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State
• Kimberly Stegmaier, to be a Member of the National Cancer Advisory Board
• Joan Ferrini-Mundy, to be a Member of the National Science Board
• Yolanda Gil, to be a Member of the National Science Board
• Juan Gilbert, to be a Member of the National Science Board
• Jeffrey A. Isaacson, to be a Member of the National Science Board
• Willie E. May, to be a Member of the National Science Board
• Alondra Nelson, to be a Member of the National Science Board
• Sarah O’Donnell, to be a Member of the National Science Board
• Ryan Panchadsaram, to be a Member of the National Science Board

Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State

The Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State, established by Congress, will advise the President and Congress on changes the Department of State can undertake to respond to modern challenges to diplomacy in the 21st century. The Commission’s recommendations will aim to improve the Department’s structural organization, revamp training requirements for personnel, and improve facilities and embassies around the world. These appointees will join 12 other individuals appointed to the Commission by Members of Congress.

Michael Guest, to be a Member of the Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State

Michael Guest retired from the Department of State in 2007 following 26 years as a career member of the U.S Foreign Service. In Washington, Guest held a number of leadership positions focused on State Department management issues, including Deputy Executive Secretary, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, and Dean of the Leadership and Management School. His overseas tours of duty included service as Ambassador to Romania and Deputy Chief of Mission in the Czech Republic. Across his career, Guest received nine Department of State professional achievement awards, including the Charles E. Cobb Award for Initiative and Success in Trade Development and the Christian A. Herter Award for Constructive Senior-Level Policy Dissent. Post-retirement, Guest returned briefly to diplomatic service in 2010 to lead the U.S. Delegation to the Human Rights Review Conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, held in Warsaw, Poland. He also served two terms as a presidential appointee on the National Security Education Board and on the Department of State Agency Review Team for the presidential transitions of both President-elect Obama and President-elect Biden. Guest currently is a consultant to MidEuropa, a leading private equity investor with deep roots in Central Europe. He and his husband, Alexander Nevarez, reside in Miami, Florida.

Pamela Spratlen, to be a Member of the Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State

Pamela L. Spratlen is an advisor, public speaker, and former diplomat who served for nearly three decades (1990-2019) as a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service. Her tours spanned from Latin America to Western Europe to Russia and Central Asia, and she served as U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic and to the Republic of Uzbekistan. She was lauded for her many efforts to improve diplomatic relations, strengthen human rights, and reinforce regional security. In Washington, she served as Country Director for Western Europe and for Central Asia, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and in the Office of the Inspector General. Spratlen returned to the Department in 2021 to coordinate a special project on employee health incidents that had raised national security concerns. She now serves as a member and leader on non-profit organization boards that address foreign affairs issues, including the American Academy of Diplomacy and the Association of Black American Ambassadors. She chairs the Board of Trustees of the Eurasia Foundation, as well as the Una Chapman Cox (UCC) Foundation Policy Council that advises UCC Foundation trustees on grants to support innovation at the Department of State. Spratlen is also an advisor to and supporter of programs intended to expand diversity across foreign affairs agencies. Spratlen was born in Columbus, Ohio and grew up in California and Washington state. She now lives in Northern Virginia.

Caroline Tess, to be a Member of the Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State

Caroline Tess is the Executive Director of National Security Action, an organization dedicated to advancing American global leadership. She is also a real estate investor, adjunct professor, board member, and mom. In 2020, she served on the Biden-Harris Transition, where she led the team responsible for the confirmation of national security cabinet secretaries. A recognized leader on national security, Congress, and Latin America policy, Tess served as Special Assistant to President Obama and Senior Director for Legislative Affairs at the National Security Council. In addition to her time at the White House, Tess served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of State and as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. She previously worked on Capitol Hill for more than seven years, serving on the Senate Select Intelligence Committee, as well as Senator Harry Reid’s leadership staff and in the office of Senator Bill Nelson. Tess received her M.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and her B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.

Ricardo Zuniga, to be a Member of the Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State

Ricardo Zuniga is a founding partner of Dinámica Americas, a strategic advisory firm. He previously served as a career member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service for 30 years across multiple roles, including Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Special Envoy for the Northern Triangle, and U.S. Consul General in São Paulo, Brazil. Zuniga was detailed from the Department of State to serve as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council from 2012 to 2015, advising President Obama, Vice President Biden, and other senior officials on developments in the Americas. Prior to that role, he served overseas tours in Mexico, Portugal, Cuba, Spain, and Brazil and worked in Washington, D.C. in the Bureau of African Affairs and in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research. Zuniga currently is a member of the Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Policy Board, the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Latin America Program Advisory Board and Brazil Institute Advisory Council, and the board of the Digital Democracy Institute of the Americas. Zuniga received a B.A. in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. He is married and has two daughters.

National Cancer Advisory Board

The National Cancer Advisory Board plays an important role in guiding the Director of the National Cancer Institute in setting the course for the national cancer research program. The National Cancer Advisory Board will complement the Cancer Moonshot, which President Biden reignited to end cancer as we know it – including by making sure his Administration is investing in research and development that will help advance breakthroughs to prevent, detect, and treat diseases like cancer.

Kimberly Stegmaier, to be a Member of the National Cancer Advisory Board

Kimberly Stegmaier, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, and the Ted Williams Investigator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has pioneered the development and application of innovative genomic approaches to identify new therapies for childhood cancer. Her lab has discovered novel technologies, concepts, and targets with translational impact. Stegmaier is the Vice Chair for Pediatric Oncology Research, Co-Director of the Pediatric Hematologic Malignancy Program, and provides clinical care in pediatric oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital. Stegmaier is an Institute Member of the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT where she serves on the Cancer Program’s Scientific Advisory Committee, and she is a Board Member of the American Association for Cancer Research. Stegmaier is the recipient of numerous awards, such as the Joanne Levy, MD, Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement from the American Society of Hematology, a Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) Innovative Research Grant, an E. Mead Johnson Award for Research in Pediatrics, and an NCI Outstanding Investigator R35 Award. She was elected to the American Society of Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians. Her deep commitment to training the next generation of researchers has been recognized with the A. Clifford Barger Excellence in Mentoring Award from Harvard Medical School and the Casty Family Achievement in Mentoring Award from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Stegmaier received her undergraduate degree from Duke University, medical degree from Harvard Medical School, and trained in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

National Science Board

The National Science Board and the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) jointly pursue the goals and function of the NSF, including the duty to “recommend and encourage the pursuit of national policies for the promotion of research and education in science and engineering.” The Board establishes the policies of NSF within the framework of applicable national policies set forth by the President and the Congress. In this capacity, the Board identifies issues that are critical to NSF’s future, approves NSF’s strategic budget directions and the annual budget submission to the Office of Management and Budget, and approves new major programs and awards. The Board also serves as an independent body of advisors to both the President and the Congress on policy matters related to science and engineering and education in science and engineering. In addition to major reports, the Board also publishes occasional policy papers or statements on issues of importance to U.S. science and engineering. The Board is made up of 24 members appointed by the President and the NSF Director, who serves as an ex officio member. Members serve six-year terms.

Joan Ferrini-Mundy, to be a Member of the National Science Board

Joan Ferrini-Mundy is the 21st President of the University of Maine (UMaine) and its regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, and the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for the University of Maine System. 

During her six years as President, Ferrini-Mundy has introduced changes and efforts to position UMaine as a leader in advancing Maine’s workforce and economy, with focus on inclusion, learner success, and the integration of learning and research. In early 2022, UMaine achieved R1 Carnegie classification under her leadership. Ferrini-Mundy is Co-Principal Investigator of a transformative and historic $320 million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation to improve student experiences and educational opportunities of the people of Maine and beyond. She has overseen extensive capital improvement, including completion of the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center, new facilities for soccer and field hockey, and an on-campus hotel developed through a public-private partnership.

Ferrini-Mundy is an active leader nationally and in Maine. She was appointed to the President’s Committee on the National Medal of Science by President Biden, serves on the National Academies Board on Higher Education and the Workforce, and is Chair-elect of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities’ Council of Presidents. She continues her leadership in mathematics education as past Chair of the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences and a member of the Transforming Post-Secondary Education in Mathematics board. In Maine, she chairs the Maine Innovation Economy Advisory Board and serves on the boards of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, Maine & Co., and Maine Public. 

Yolanda Gil, to be a Member of the National Science Board

Yolanda Gil received her bachelor’s degree from the Polytechnic University of Madrid in Spain in 1985, and her PhD in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University in 1992. She then joined the University of Southern California (USC) and is currently Fellow and Senior Director for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science Strategy at the Information Sciences Institute, Director of AI and Data Science Initiatives in the Viterbi School of Engineering, and Research Professor in Computer Science and in Spatial Sciences. She is Director of Data Science Programs with over 1,200 students and has created ten joint interdisciplinary degrees across USC schools.

Her research focuses on AI for science including semantic workflows and knowledge capture, provenance and trust, task-centered collaboration, reproducibility, and automated discovery. She has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles and has received best paper conference awards and journal recognitions for interdisciplinary research in AI for climate, neuroscience, and health. In 2019, Gil co-chaired the Computing Research Association/Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence 20-Year Artificial Intelligence Research Roadmap for the U.S. with key strategic recommendations based on extensive community engagement.

She is a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Cognitive Science Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She is also a Fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence and served as its 24th President. In 2022, she became the first computer scientist to receive the M. Lee Allison Award for Outstanding Contributions to Geoinformatics and Data Science from the Geological Society of America.

Juan Gilbert, to be a Member of the National Science Board

Juan Gilbert is the Andrew Banks Family Preeminence Endowed Professor, University of Florida Distinguished Professor, and Chair of the Computer & Information Science & Engineering Department at the University of Florida where he leads the Computing for Social Good Lab. His research projects are at the intersection of people, technology, and society. He has research projects in election security/usability/accessibility, advanced learning technologies, usability and accessibility, human-centered AI/machine learning, and ethnocomputing/culturally relevant computing. He is a Fellow of the Association of Computing Machinery, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the American Association of the Advancement of Science, and the National Academy of Inventors. He was also named a laureate of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Biden. He received his M.S. and PhD degrees in Computer Science from the University of Cincinnati and his B.S. in Systems Analysis from Miami University in Ohio.

Jeffrey A. Isaacson, to be a Member of the National Science Board

Jeffrey A. Isaacson is President and Chief Executive Officer of Universities Space Research Association (USRA), which operates in partnership with over 120 research universities worldwide in the areas of science, technology, workforce development, and facility management. Prior to joining USRA, he held executive positions at Sandia National Laboratories, RAND Corporation, and Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. Isaacson served 25 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, retiring as Captain. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and a former member of the Army Science Board. He earned degrees at Columbia University, Princeton University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received his PhD in Physics.

Willie E. May, to be a Member of the National Science Board

Willie E. May currently serves as Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Morgan State University, a public historically black research university. Previously, he served as the Senate-confirmed Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, charged with overseeing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Technical Information Service. May began his career as a research chemist at NIST. His research in trace organic analytical chemistry and the physico-chemical properties of organic compounds is documented in over 100 peer-reviewed publications. He has delivered more than 250 invited lectures globally.

In addition to his responsibilities at Morgan State University, May is President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; serves on advisory boards for Consumer Reports, the University of Maryland, College Park’s College of Computer, Math, and Natural Sciences, and Google’s Public Sector Research Technology Board. In the recent past, he served as Vice President of the International Committee on Weights and Measures (CIPM) and President of the CIPM’s Consultative Committee for Chemistry and Biology.

May earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Knoxville College and PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Maryland, College Park. His accolades include honorary doctorates from Wake Forest University and the University of Alabama, Huntsville, multiple awards from the American Chemical Society, and recognition as the federal government’s “Top Chemist” by Chemical and Engineering News in 2015. He is an Honorary Fellow of the American Chemical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Alondra Nelson, to be a Member of the National Science Board

Alondra Nelson is the Harold F. Linder Professor in the School of Social Science at the Institute for Advanced Study and leads the Science, Technology, and Social Values Lab. Past-president of the Social Science Research Council, she was previously the inaugural Dean of Social Science and Professor of Sociology at Columbia University. Nelson began her academic career on the faculty of Yale University and received its Poorvu Award for interdisciplinary teaching excellence.

Nelson was Deputy Assistant to President Biden as well as serving as Principal Deputy Director for Science and Society and performing the duties of the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. In recognition of her public service tenure, Nelson was named to Nature’s global list of “Ten People Who Shaped Science.” In 2023, she was named to the TIME100 list of the most influential people in the field of artificial intelligence and appointed to the United Nations High-Level Advisory Board on AI.

A distinguished sociologist of science and technology, Nelson is the author of acclaimed books, essays, and articles. She has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Political and Social Science, the American Philosophical Society, the National Academy of Medicine, and the Council on Foreign Relations. Nelson received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, magna cum laude, from the University of California at San Diego, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She received her PhD in American Studies from New York University.

Sarah O’Donnell, to be a Member of the National Science Board

Sarah O’Donnell works for the MITRE Corporation and serves as the Chief Engineer for Naval Programs at the National Security Engineering Center (NSEC) Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). MITRE is a not-for-profit organization that operates FFRDCs for the U.S. government. She specializes in providing technical options to resolve complex, emergent mission problems to achieve strategic advantage against adversaries to mitigate risk for the U.S., its allies, and partner operations. Previously, she served as the Program Director for NSEC’s Special Operations Forces program and was responsible for leading technical problem solving, strategic planning, and innovative research. In this capacity, she developed and led initiatives that provided solutions for programs operating at the seams of the intelligence, military, and civilian communities and at the convergence of armed forces, foreign relations, war, and national defense authorities.

Prior to her work leading national security programs, O’Donnell led experimental and theoretical work in condensed matter physics related to nanostructured electronic materials including collaborative experimental work on novel optical switching and the improvement of quantum energy conversion for power and energy prototypes. She authored numerous open literature and specialized works, holds a U.S. patent in the nanotechnology field, and received awards for her contributions to engineering and applied science. Early in her career, she worked as a mechanical engineer at Orbital Sciences Corporation in the Advanced Programs Group, focusing on thermal protection systems and hypersonic sensing. O’Donnell holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Engineering Physics from the University of Virginia.

Ryan Panchadsaram, to be a Member of the National Science Board

Ryan Panchadsaram is an engineer and investor dedicated to building the industries of the future. He has held senior positions in both business and government and has served on the boards of companies and non-profits across the healthcare, climate, and technology sectors. At Kleiner Perkins, he is the technical advisor to the Chair, John Doerr, and together they invest in groundbreaking technologies such as fusion energy, synthetic biology, and AI. Panchadsaram and Doerr co-authored Speed & Scale: An Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now and collaborated on the number one bestseller Measure What Matters.

During the Obama-Biden Administration, Panchadsaram served as a Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the United States in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where he championed entrepreneurship, innovation, and open data. He played a key role in leading the turnaround of HealthCare.gov, which provided healthcare coverage to over 21 million Americans. Following this, he helped launch the United States Digital Service, a White House unit that recruits top technologists to serve in government. Earlier in his career, Panchadsaram held roles at Microsoft and Salesforce.

He received a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from the University of California, Berkeley.

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Sheet Metal Workers International Association
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

6:44 P.M. EDT
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Philadelphia!  (Applause.) 
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello.  (Applause.)
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Look, folks, you know, I represented Delaware, but I wouldn’t have gotten elected without Philadelphia, and that’s the truth.  (Applause.)
 
Thanks to Bryan Bush and the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 for hosting us tonight and — and along with the leaders and members of other labor unions across the country.
 
Folks — and I want to thank my good friend Bobby Brady.  You know — (applause) — if you’re ever in a foxhole and you’re looking for help, you want him next to you, man.  (Applause.) 
 
You know, you’ve got great leadership in this state: Governor Shapiro, who I talk to all the time, and Lieutenant Governor — two of the best in the nation.  (Applause.)  You’ve got two of the best U.S. senators in Bobby Casey, from my hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania — (applause) — and John Fetterman, who is doing a tremendous job.  (Applause.)  He does better in short pants than most people do in long pants.  (Laughter.)  You have an incredible, historic mayor in Cherelle Parker.  Madam Mayor, thank you.  (Applause.)
 
Folks, we’re in the homestretch.  Let me ask you: Are you going to reelect Bob Casey to the U.S. Senate? 
 
AUDIENCE:  Yes!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Are you going to elect Erin McClelland state treasurer? 
 
AUDIENCE:  Yes!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Are you going to elect Eugene — hey, where — is Eugene here? 
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Debate.  He’s on the debate. 
 
THE PRESIDENT:  He’s in a debate.  Well, I tell you what, you better elect him attorney general.  (Applause.)
 
Are you going to elect my buddy Malcolm Kenyatta as the auditor general?  (Applause.)
 
And most importantly, let me ask you: Are you going to elect Kamala Harris president of the United States of America?  (Applause.) 
 
Well, folks, look, four years ago, I picked Kamala to be my vice president.  I picked her because she is smart and tough.  She was a first-rate district attorney in — out in California, an attorney general, and then U.S. senator.  But most of all, I picked her because she has character and she has integrity.  (Applause.)  Incredi- —
 
And I must admit, I picked her because she had one endorsement that mattered most to me.  My son Beau Biden was the attorney general of the state of Delaware, and I give you my word, when — before he left to — headed off to Iraq for a year, he said, “Dad, I met the next generation, man.”  He worked with her.  He worked with Kamala.  I’m no- — I’m not joking.  As attorney generals, they worked together to take on the big corporations. 
 
And, folks, he spent the next year stationed in Iraq with those God-awful burn pits the size of football field and 10-feet deep, incredible — used to incinerate everything from wastes of war to chemicals, tires — just like up in 9/11, all those firemen.  Smoke thick with poison spread through the air and the lungs of our troops. 
 
And Beau, like many others, shortly after he got home, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, which is a death sentence.  He lasted for a wh- —
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, man.   
 
He lasted for a long while. 
 
But Beau was the attorney general of Delaware at the same time she was the attorney general of California.  As I said, he told me — he told me, “Dad, she’s an extraordinary leader.  She’s the next generation.  Take a look at her, Dad.”  And she’s been that and more to me.  (Applause.)
 
 I’m one of the few people in American history who has been vice president and president, and I know both jobs — what they take.  And I can tell you, Kamala Harris has been a great vice president.  She’ll be a great president as well. (Applause.) 
 
When I decided it was time to pass the torch to the next generation, I knew — I knew who I wanted to replace me.  I endorsed Kamala immediately.  And if you’ve seen the campaign Kamala has run, it proves I’m right.  The enthusiasm went off the charts.  Her convention was great.  (Applause.)
 
She beat Trump so badly in the debate he’s scared to death to beat her again.  (Applause.)  That’s a fact.  Tough guy, right?  Tough guy.  Because he knows he’d lose again.  That’s a fact.  He is a loser.
 
Look, now I’m proud of our record the past four years.  Maybe you saw Rachel Maddow last night, who did a whole lot of — raised a lot of questions.  If you’re making business decisions about who’s doing a better job on the economy, she said, “The Biden-Harris economy has been — not only left every other rich country in the world in the dust, it’s left the Trump administration in the dust.”
 
Well, folks, that wasn’t hard to leave him in the dust.  (Laughter.)  I think he lives in the dust. 
 
We created 16 million jobs, more jobs than have been created in a single term in all of American history.  (Applause.)  More people are working today than ever before.  Wages for working people are higher than they have ever been before.  And more people have health care insurance than before. 
 
And what does Trump want to do if he wins?  He wants to use his favorite word: “terminate.”  No, I’m serious.  This guy means what he says, man.  He wants to terminate the Affordable Care Act.  He’s been trying to succeed, and he failed every time.
 
If he does, though, 40 million Americans will lose their health care — 40 million.  And 100 million will lose their protections because they have preexisting conditions. 
 
Trump likes to call himself “pro-business.”  We all know Trump is a failed businessman.  He inherited $100 million, and he got bankrupt — how many times?  I can’t keep track — including bankrupting a casino in Atlantic City, which is pretty hard to do.  (Laughter.)  How’s that possible?  I thought the house always won.  (Laughter.) 
 
Trump wasn’t only a loser in 2020, he’s a loser in everything he does. 
 
Meanwhile, on our watch, businesses of all sizes are surging.  A record number of small-business applications — 19 million so far since we’ve gotten elected — and every single application is an act of hope.  (Applause.) 
 
Folks, remember when Trump got elected — if he got elected, the stock — he told — if I got elected, the stock market would crash?  I just wish to hell I — I was — I was listed for 36 years as the poorest man in Congress, so I didn’t have any stock.  But any rate — (laughter).
 
But if he means the stock market crashed through record highs, he was actually right.  It’s the highest it’s ever been in American history.  And, by the way, it must be irritating to a guy to turn to Fox News and hear the Biden-Harris stock market is stronger than ever in history.  (Applause.) 
 
Look, folks, unemployment is at historic lows for everyone, including Blacks and Latinos.  We have the smallest racial gap — wealth gap in 20 years. 
 
Wages have grown faster than inflation for more than a year now.  Inflation is down to 2.4 percent.  In fact, it’s now back to pre-pandemic levels, and it’s still going down — not up, down.  (Applause.)  Along with it, interest rates are beginning to drop. 
 
The data shows the benefits of economic recovery are benefitting working- and middle-class folks more than the top.  New data from the National Labor Relations Board shows the number of workers filing for union representation has doubled since I became president — doubled.  (Applause.)
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  You got it, man.
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No, I —
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  My grandfather would roll over in his grave if I wasn’t — he’d say, “Joey” — from Scranton — he’d say, “Joey, you’re union from belt buckle to shoe sole.”  He said it a little more colorfully than that.  (Laughter.)
 
The Biden-Harris administration is the first administration in five decades to increase union petitions.  (Applause.)  It’s simple.  They know, you know, Kamala and I know: Wall Street didn’t build America.  The middle class did, and unions built the middle class.  And that’s a fact.  (Applause.)
 
And I make no apologies for being the most pro-union president in American history.  (Applause.)
 
Folks, I mean it.  Under our administration, we’ve made the most significant investment in public safety in history: $15 billion to law enforcement through the American Rescue Plan.  And not a single Republican voted for it.  The result?  Violent crime is down to a 50-year low.  (Applause.)  The murder rate is at the largest ever re- — reduction. 
 
And Trump’s response?  Lie after lie that somehow the stats are fake.  He says they’re making up the numbers.
 
Not only that, for weeks, Kamala and I negotiated the strongest bipartisan border deal in American history.  One of the most conservative senators from Oklahoma and a progressive Democrat from Connecticut worked four weeks on it, got it passed, introduced it in the Congress.  What happened?
 
We funded more agents, judges, high-tech machinery, and all the like.  But Trump knew it was a good deal, so he called for it — he called — he got on the phone and started calling Republicans to say, quote, “You can’t vote for this because it will help Biden and hurt me.”
 
He’s a great American, isn’t he?
 
So, Trump and the Republicans killed the deal.  But Kamala and I didn’t stop.  We surged resources and increased enforcement.  We took executive action.  We worked with Mexico. 
 
And despite what all Trump’s friends say, there are fewer border crossings today than the day he left office — right now.  (Applause.)
 
But let me say it again.  There are fewer people coming into this country illegally as I stand right now than the day he left office.  And we’re going to —
 
And, look, I got to say and Kamala will say: She’s going to do more for comprehensive reform.  That’s one of the main things that got to get done.
 
So, let’s set the record straight.  More people are working today in America than any time since Trump left office.  That’s just a fact. 
 
More people have health insurance than when Trump was president.  More people are earning higher wages.  The stock market is even higher.  (Applause.)
 
401(k)s are stronger.  Violent crime is down.  Murder is down.  And fewer people are crossing the border. 
 
And Trump calls that a hellscape?  Talks about America being a failed nation.  Where the hell is he from?  (Laughter.)
 
No, I’m serious.  Think about it.  A president calling America a “failed nation.”  It makes me angry.
 
I say America is winning.  (Applause.)  We’re the most powerful nation in the world, the most respected nation in the world, and every other country in the world would like to be like —
 
Trump says we’re losers, but the only loser I know is Donald Trump.  (Applause.)
 
Look, don’t get me wrong.  There’s more work to be done.  Kamala and I have specific plans to bring down the cost of housing, childcare, eldercare, and more.  How we solve these challenges is going to — will help make the next president — who is president.  Every president has to cut their own path. 
 
That’s what I did.  I was loyal to Barack Obama, but I cut my own path as president.  And that’s what Kamala is going to do.  She’ll be — she’s been loyal so far, but she’s going to cut her own path — (applause) — how to further economic growth, how to keep making it easier to start and grow a business, how to make a border more secure, how to make health care even more affordable, how to make housing more affordable, how to make childcare and eldercare more affordable — all of which, if we do, actually grows the economy and cuts the deficit.  (Applause.) 
 
Folks, Kamala will take the country in her own direction.  And that’s one of the most important differences in this election.  Kamala’s perspective on our problems will be fresh and new.  Donald Trump’s perspective is old and failed and, quite frankly, thoroughly, totally dishonest. 
 
Look, what is — what’s his idea for our economy?  He says he wants to give another tax cut — a $5 trillion tax — that’s not a joke — a $5 trillion tax cut for the wealthy.  Last time he did a $2 trillion tax cut and set the biggest debt — increased the national debt more than any other president has in any single term. 
 
And, by the way, to pay your ta- — his taxes to the wealthy, he wants to cut Social Security and Medicare.
 
AUDIENCE:  Booo —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No- — not a joke.  Not a joke.
 
In addition to t- — in addition to terminating the Affordable Care Act, he wants to repeal what we did to lower prescription drug costs.  He wants to bow down to Big Pharma again. 
 
Kamala and I finally beat Big Pharma — (applause) — and we gave Medicare the — Medipare —  Medicare the power to negotiate presiction drugs — prescription drugs, like the FA does for veterans — look — the VA.
 
And seniors with disabilities are now paying $35 a month instead of $400.  (Applause.)  And starting in January, all the seniors on Medicare will have a total prescription drug cost capped at $2,000 a year, no matter how much they have to spend.  (Applause.) 
 
Cancer drugs — (coughs) — excuse me.
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We’re not going back!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  We ain’t going back.
 
AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  And, by the way, our Medicare reforms not only save seniors on Medicare money.  Do you know how much they — know how much they save the taxpayers?  $160 billion, that one passage.  (Applause.)  Why?  Because Medicare is paying $35 instead of $400, for example.
 
Trump wants to take all that away.  But Kamala wants to expand everything so it — gets for everybody in the nation.
 
Look, she wants to cover the elder under Medicaid. 
 
Trump would get rid of the $369 billion Kamala and I passed — the most ever in the history of the world — to deal with climate change. 
 
And, by the way, no climate change out there, right?  (Laughter.)  I just spent a week — from Florida to North Carolina.  It’s devasting.  You know why?  Because the ocean water is warming, increasing significantly the threats of significant weather. 
 
How does it make you feel, after the latest hurricane that have ripped through the country, knowing that we’re going to cut back on —
 
And I — just, look, Trump wants a new sales tax — a new sales tax on goods we — go- — go- — excuse me — on goods we import in sig- — in significant numbers.  Up to 85 percent of all the seafood we eat is imported, 60 percent of the fresh fruit, 40 percent of the vegetables.  We import coffee, clothing, and so much more.  And according to all the economists, if his sales tax were to, in fact, pass, the average family would have an increase in their cost of $400 a year — or $4,000 a year — excuse me — $4,000.
 
And, look, it’s a surprise that we got a guy who can’t afford to say the word “union” wants to get overtime on hardworking folks taken away. 
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  He’s a scab!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No, no.  He’s doing it again.  That’s what he says.  He said — he and his allies say they support workers and the middle class.   Give me a break. 
 
Look, this is from the same guy who calls himself a great protector of women. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Booo —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  (The president makes the sign of the cross.)  Come on. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Fire Trump again!  Fire Trump again!  Fire Trump again!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  And, folks, look, this is the same guy who has been held liable for $83 million for sexual abuse and mu- — and defamation.  Same guy, for getting rid of Roe v. Wade.  The same guy who has three other major cases waiting for him when he loses. 
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Thirty-four felonies!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  And, by the way, 34 felonies.  And so far, he hadn’t gotten sentenced.  He got the sentence kicked back, but I want to watch that sentence.  (Laughter.)  
 
Look, Donald Trump is not running for you; he’s running for himself.  I think he’s running to stay out of jail. 
 
What’s he got left?  Trump’s whole came down — come down to demonizing immigrants, calling immigrants “animals,” saying they don’t have “good genes,” saying they poison the blood of our country.  It’s sick. 
 
You know, it’s designed to prey on our worst fears.  It’s un-American.  Think about it. 
 
Trump hides all his racism — or used to.  But now it’s just out front.  He has the same ideas on race as the 1930s.  Trump’s ideas on the economy are from the ‘20s.  Trump’s idea on women are from the ‘50s.  And, folks, this is 2024.  We can’t go back.  (Applause.) 
 
AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!
 
THE PRESIDENT: We’ve made too much progress.  We have to keep moving forward. 
 
And, folks, for all the talk about issues and policies — it’s all important, the real measure of a president is character, integrity, judgment, temperament.  Because here’s what I can tell you: Every president is confronted with crises no one saw coming.  And in that moment, what matters about a president is the president.  Does he have integ- — does she have integrity, a code of honor that they live by?  What belief system guides their decisions?  How do they handle pressure?  How do they respond when things don’t go their way?  Will they uphold their oath and honor the Constitution? 
 
With Donald Trump, we know the answer.  Just ask yourself:  How did Donald Trump handle COVID — the crisis when he saw it coming? 
 
How — we know from Bob Woodward’s book how Trump lacks character and can’t be trusted.  Trump deliberately led the American people to believe that it wasn’t a dangerous thing, COVID.  I remember how he told us to inject bleach.  Remember that?  Bless me, Father.
 
In the middle of the COVID crisis, this guy gave Putin — when it came out recently, he gave Vladimir Putin te- — COVID tests that were desperately needed by Americans and he — at home, and he gave it to Putin.  Trump cares more about kissing up to Putin than he cares about your sons and daughters.  (Applause.) 
 
You know, we lost over a million people in COVID.  Think about how many we could have saved if it wasn’t for his pure incompetence and selfishness. 
 
Think about the 2020 election Trump lost.  Kamala and I beat him by 7 million votes, but Trump couldn’t accept it, despite the rulings of more than 60 courts, including the Supreme Court. 
 
He embraced the Big Lie that threatened the lives of elected officials and poll workers.  He sent violent mobs to the U.S. Capitol on January 6th to stop a peaceful transfer of power. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Booo —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  He sat in the dining room over by — off of my present office, the Oval Office, and did nothing for three hours as police were being alack — attacked and killed, lawmakers were forced to hide for their lives.
 
According to the report, when Trump saw — told the mob was looking for Mike Pence to hang him, you know what Trump’s response was?  “So what?”
 
AUDIENCE:  Booo —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Let me tell you something.  You can’t be pro-insurrection and pro-American.  If you can’t denounce January 6th, you have no business being president.  (Applause.) 
 
And, look, Trump hasn’t changed.  I would argue he’s gotten worse.  Clearly, he lost the election in 2020.  He snapped.  No, I mean it.  He’s become unhinged.  Look at his rallies.
 
Last night — last night, his rally stopped taking questions because someone got hurt, and guess what?  He stood on the stage for 30 minutes and danced.  (Laughter.)  I’m serious.  What’s wrong with this guy?  (Laughter.) 
 
Listen to him.  How he’s going to — after the institution of democracy, if Trump is elected again, he says he’ll use the Justice Department to attack his political enemies.  He says he’ll fire 500,000 civil servants and replace them with Trump loyalists. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Booo —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  He just said he could use the U.S. military to go after U.S. citizens he disagrees with.  He said it. 
 
He still refuses to accept the results of 2020, and he’s refusing to accept the results of the 2024 election if he loses again. 
 
Look, folks, every generation faces a moment where democracy has to be defended.  This is our moment.  I believe it in — I believe it in my core.  (Applause.) 
 
When we beat Trump in 2020 — when we beat Trump in 2020, we saved American democracy.  Now we have to do it again in 2024.  (Applause.)
 
Folks, let me close with this.  More than anything in this election, we have to decide who we want, what we want America to be.  Who is America? 
 
Kamala will be a president who believes in the America that still stands for the core proposition that stated in this — this nation — started this nation right here in Philly — (applause) — where the Declaration of Independence was signed, where the Constitution was written, and where we determined the power of our institutions of government are determined by the power of the people.  The power based — the very idea of America: We’re all created equal, deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. 
 
We’ve never fully lived up for it, but, unlike Trump, we’ve never walked away from it.  And I’ll be damned if we’ll walk away from it now.  (Applause.)
 
Folks, we got a lot of work to do, especially here in Pennsylvania, especially in Philadelphia.  (Applause.)  How you go and what you turn out is going to determine the outcome of this election.  (Applause.) 
 
We have to talk to our friends, our families, our neighbors, our coworkers.  We have to beat back the lies with truth.  And most of all, we have to vote and get out the vote.  (Applause.)
 
Philadelphia, are you ready?  (Applause.) 
 
Well, let’s get this done, and let’s remember who we are.  (Applause.)  We’re the United States of America.  (Applause.)  And nothing, nothing is beyond our capacity when we work together.  (Applause.)
 
God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops.  Thank you.  (Applause.)
 
Thank you. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  By the way, I married a Philly girl.  (Applause.)  
 
7:09 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by President Biden at a Political Event | Philadelphia, PA appeared first on The White House.

Via Teleconference

1:47 P.M. EDT

MODERATOR:  Hey, everyone.  Thanks for joining.  As always, sorry we’re a little bit late.  Kirby has a few words here at the top, and then we’ll get through as many questions as we can. 

MR. KIRBY:  Hey.  Good afternoon, everybody. 

So, just real quick on Moldova, if you’ll indulge me.  In recent months, the U.S. government, Moldovan President Sandu, the Moldovan security services, and other allies and partners have warned that Russia is seeking to undermine Moldovan democratic institutions in the lead-up to the presidential election and referendum on Moldova’s EU membership. 

Now, with Moldova’s election just days away, we remain confident in our earlier assessment that Russia is working actively to undermine Moldova’s election and its European integration. 

Today, I’m here to reaffirm that the United States and its allies stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all Moldovans in their efforts to uphold the integrity and the security of their elections.  The U.S. government and the government of Moldova have worked hand-in-hand to expose Russian influence efforts and sanction those involved.

Since September, when we last spoke publicly about Russian efforts to undermine Moldova’s election, we have become aware that Russia is spending millions of dollars to support its preferred candidates.  In fact, in the last several months, Moscow has dedicated millions of dollars to influencing Moldova’s presidential election.  We assess that this money has gone toward financing its preferred parties and spreading disinformation on social media in favor of their campaigns.  The Russian state has authorized this effort to spend significant sums of money to influence the election. 

Additionally, known Russian influence actor Ilan Shor has invested tens of millions of dollars per month into non-profit organizations that spread narratives about the election that are in line with Russian interests.  These nonprofits have promoted pro-Russian content on traditional media, on local websites, and, of course, through social media applications as well.

As we’ve said before, we continue to have full confidence in Moldova’s ability to manage these foreign influence threats.  We are taking a range of measures to support those efforts.  We have shared the information outlined above with our Moldovan partners, of course, so that they can further investigate, further attempt to thwart and disrupt Russia’s plans, and, again, preserve their democratic institutions. 

Since Moldova’s 2021 elections, the United States has used its sanction authority to target Russia’s malign influence campaigns in Moldova. 

In 2022, Treasury designated Mr. Shor and his network of cronies, Russian businessman Igor Chayka and his Russian enablers. 

In 2023, Treasury imposed additional sanctions on seven leading members of a Russian intelligence-linked project. 

Most recently, in September 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on other entities and individuals for attempting to influence the Moldovan election.  So that’s just last month.

Our allies have implemented sanctions as well to support Moldova.  The United States has partnered with the Moldovan government, private companies, and others to offer critical expertise and technical assistance to bolster Moldova’s cybersecurity across the government, across critical infrastructure, and, of course, through independent media. 

So, look, our message today is very clear: The United States will continue to support Moldova and the Moldovan people, and to expose and counter Russian efforts to undermine Moldovan democracy. 

With that, we can take some questions.

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our first question will go to Aamer with the AP. 

Q    Hey.  Thank you both.  It’s nice to hear you back, John.  I hope your family and loved ones in South Florida are doing okay. 

I wanted to ask you about Secretary Austin and Secretary Blinken’s letter calling for the potential reassessment of military assistance to Israel if food and other aid to Gaza is not increased within a month.  Can you talk about why they saw the need to send this letter now?  And what does it say, that this had to be put into a letter form, about the relationship?  And can you explain the rationale in also giving Israel 30 days before facing potential consequences?

MR. KIRBY:  Yeah, thanks, Aamer.  And thanks for the kind words.  I appreciate that very much. 

So, look, I can confirm that Secretary Austin and Secretary Blinken co-signed the letter you’re talking about, and it was sent to their Israeli counterparts. 

I would note that the Biden-Harris administration made a similar request for concrete measures with respect to humanitarian assistance back in April through a similar form, a letter.  And that letter did receive a constructive response from the Israelis. 

This particular letter that we’re talking about now follows a relatively recent decrease in humanitarian assistance reaching the people of Gaza, which is obviously something we’ve been very, very concerned about since the beginning of the conflict and through which we aim to try to get more concrete measures in place to increase that humanitarian assistance. 

So the question on why and when: Again, because there’s been a decrease in humanitarian assistance and it matters to us is the “why.”  When?  Why now?  Because, again, tied to a recent decrease.  But it’s not like we haven’t communicated these concerns in writing before to the Israelis.  We have.  And, you know, we’ll continue to stay on this very, very important topic.

As for the 30 days, I would refer you to the State Department to speak to the timeframe itself.  I really don’t have a good answer on why it’s exactly 30 days.  The only thing I would address with respect to that particular question is just the sense of urgency that we all have here about the desperate need of the people of Gaza for this humanitarian assistance.  So, when we take the step of talking to our Israeli counterparts orally or in writing about this, there’s obviously a deep sense of urgency about it.  But why 30 days in particular?  I’d have to refer you to State.

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question will go to Trevor with Reuters.

Q    Hey, thanks for doing this, John.  Really appreciate it.  Just one more on the letter.  Could you talk about whether the President was aware of the letter and signed off on it?

And then, on India, could you talk a little bit about what intelligence the United States has about whether the Modi government has been involved in these extrajudicial killings and assassination attempts?  And what concerns are there about Sikhs being targeted on U.S. soil at this point?

MR. KIRBY:  Thanks, Trevor.  On the first question, the President has been very consistent in expressing our concerns to the Israelis about humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza, and certainly he’s mindful of our efforts to communicate those concerns to the Israelis, whether that communication is, as I said, done orally or in writing. 

So this is not an issue, this is not an effort, this is not an initiative that the President was at all surprised by.  It’s very much in keeping with the communications that he has had with Prime Minister Netanyahu and we’ve all had across the government with the Israelis.

On your second question, I would just say a couple of things.  One, the Indians have an inquiry committee that is looking into these issues.  That committee is visiting here in the United States today to deal with the U.S. case specifically.  I can’t speak to the case in Canada, and I wouldn’t speak for the Canadians one way or another. 

But we have expressed our deep concerns about this to our Indian counterparts.  They have expressed to us that they are taking it seriously.  The fact that they sent an inquiry committee here I think demonstrates that they are taking this seriously.  It is something they absolutely need to take seriously. 

But beyond that, I really can’t say much given that it’s an ongoing case, and the Justice Department is really the best place to go for that.

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question will go to MJ with CNN.

Q    Hey, John.  Thank you.  Two Israel questions for you.  First, in terms of both the potential timing and the contours of Israel’s retaliation against Iran, is Israel sensitive to the upcoming U.S. presidential election?  You know, have they indicated to U.S. officials in any way that they would not want whatever actions they take to affect the politics here?

MR. KIRBY:  Hey, MJ.  I’m going to let the Israelis speak to any prospective operations they may or may not conduct, and therefore would let them speak to, you know, issues of timing, scope, scale, size, that kind of thing.  That’s not really for me to get into. 

And as for their decision-making process and whether and to what degree it’s tied to our election cycle here, again, I wouldn’t be qualified to speak to that one way or another. 

Again, whether and to what degree Israel conducts any kind of response is really for them to speak to and not us, and we need to be very circumspect about not inserting ourselves into that kind of operational decision-making by the Israelis. 

Q    Okay.  My second question was on the decision to deploy a THAAD system, along with U.S. personnel, to Israel.  Was that a direct —

MODERATOR:  Sorry, MJ, you got cut off there.  Do you want to try again?

Q    Hi.  Can you hear me?

MODERATOR:  Yeah. 

Q    I don’t know if you heard the first part of my question, but just the decision to deploy a THAAD system to Israel.  I was asking whether that was a direct result of certain assurances that the Prime Minister offered to the President about how Israel would conduct itself going forward, whether it’s related to Iran or otherwise.  Did that come from the conversation that they most recently had last week?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, you know, we issued a readout of that

conversation, and I’m not going to go beyond that one way or another.  We’re not going to get into the details of the specific back-and-forth beyond what we issued in a readout.  So that’s sort of point one.

And point two that I think is really critical to make is that it’s not the first time that a THAAD has been deployed into the region.  We deployed one after the October 7th attacks in the region specifically. 

It’s also not the first time that a THAAD has gone to Israel.  I mean, back in 2019, we sent one there for some training and exercise purposes.  So that’s — it’s not a completely unprecedented move.

But the main point I want to make is that it is very much in keeping with our commitment to help Israel defend itself.  It’s commensurate with putting fighter jets in the air to knock out drones and missiles.  It’s commensurate with deploying guided missile destroyers that are ballistic missile defense capable in and around the waters off of Israel.  So it’s very much in keeping with the President’s strong desire that, from an air defense perspective, our ally has what they need to defend themselves against clearly a very real, present, viable threat by Iran and its proxies.

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question will go to Weijia with CBS.

Q    Thank you, Sam.  And thank you, Admiral.  So, days before that conversation between the President and the Prime Minister, President Biden told us that they would speak after Israel made a decision about how to respond.  So, during that phone call, did Netanyahu brief President Biden on his intentions with how to respond?  And did the President offer any guidance with regard to how to respond?  For example, not to attack nuclear sites or oil refineries, et cetera.

MR. KIRBY:  Yeah, I do appreciate the question, and it’s similar to MJ’s, and I hope you’ll appreciate that I’m simply not going to get into the specific back-and-forth between the Prime Minister and the President.  We issued a readout, and I’m not going to go beyond that, and certainly not going to detail operational discussions one way or another. 

Q    Okay —

MR. KIRBY:  If, when, how — wait a second.  If, when, and how Israel decides to conduct some kind of counterstrike, that’s going to have to be for them to speak to: how they do it, if they do it, when and in what manner they do it.  That’s not something that we’re going to speak to here.  And we’re certainly not going to get ahead of any of that operational decision-making and characterize it publicly. 

The President and the Prime Minister had, as they have had since the beginning of this conflict, another constructive but very candid conversation, and we stand by the need for Israel to defend itself.  They live in a tough neighborhood.  Got very viable threats against them; we saw that on the 1st of October.  They absolutely have a right and responsibility to defend themselves.  And they need to know, as I think they do, that the United States will continue to do what we can to help them — help them in that regard. 

Q    Thank you.  And just because we haven’t had a chance to talk to you since the report came out, have you ever heard the President characterize Prime Minister Netanyahu with flowery language that was reported by Bob Woodward?

MR. KIRBY:  I’m not going to get into the details that — you know, that are written about in the book.  I would just tell you, as I’ve said many, many times before, these are two guys that know each other very, very well, going on four decades now.  They are able to be very frank and forthright with one another.  And they, frankly, I think, appreciate the fact that they can speak plainly to one another.  I’d leave it at that. 

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question will go to David with the New York Times.

Q    Thanks, John, and hope that all is well in your house in Florida.

There have been a lot of reports lately, most of them coming from the Ukrainians, a little bit from the South Koreans, both of whom are (inaudible) interested in this, about North Korean troops who are being used by the Russians in the war in Ukraine.  Should be a significant change in the North Korean approach to this.  Do you have any independent confirmation that, in fact, the North Koreans have moved from just being a supplier of missiles and other weaponry to a supplier of actual troops?

MR. KIRBY:  Yeah, David — no, we cannot independently confirm those reports.  That said, those reports are concerning to us.  This idea of North Korean soldiers fighting on behalf of Russia, we believe, if true, would mark a significant increase in the DPRK and the Russia defense relationship, a relationship I would remind that we’ve been talking about now for many months as burgeoning and growing and deepening.  And this, if true, would represent a significant deepening of that relationship. 

It would also, if true, David, indicate what I think can only be classified as a new level of desperation by Putin as he continues to try to make progress in Ukraine. 

And I think it’s — you know, again, I’m not confirming the reporting, but I think it’s important to put it in some context.  I mean, if it’s true, it’s coming at a time when Russia continues to suffer extraordinary — in fact, I’d go so far as to say historic levels of casualties in a modern conflict.  I mean, more than a thousand casualties per day just in recent months. 

So it would be important, again, if true, to keep it in that context. 

Q    John, I understand why you said “if true,” but has anybody been tasked to go, given the magnitude of the import here, to go figure this out?  Because (inaudible).

MR. KIRBY:  Yeah, look, I mean, the reports are concerning, so I don’t think it should surprise anybody that we’re obviously looking into those reports to see if it’s accurate.  Of course, we’re going to do that.

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question will go to Andrea Mitchell with NBC.  Andrea, you should be able to unmute yourself. 

Q    Hi, John.  Let me join in saying that we’re hoping that your family is well and that you’ve done what you can in this terrible situation.  We’re sorry for what you’ve been going through, and thanks for doing this today. 

Let me ask you about Lebanon and Hezbollah.  Could you talk about the complaints by the United Nations about UNIFIL, but the strong complaints from Israel that UNIFIL permitted — which is unarmed — but permitted Hezbollah to store weapons in tunnels right under their noses in what should have been — what was supposed to be a buffer zone, and whether there is now an opening for the U.S. to try to, with Hezbollah weakened, restore or help the Lebanese restore their independence from Hezbollah, in terms of their leadership and the Lebanese army?

MR. KIRBY:  Just a couple of points on that.  First of all, the U.N., through UNIFIL, plays an important role, a peacekeeping role in Lebanon, and we respect that role.  We want everybody to respect that role, including Israel. 

And I think — you know, as we’ve said, we’ve told Israel very directly that we oppose their near-daily strikes here in densely populated areas in Beirut, and we understand that they’re conducting targeted operations that are designed to go after Hezbollah infrastructure.  And we recognize that they have a right to do that, but they also have a commensurate responsibility to do it in a way that doesn’t threaten the lives of civilians or U.N. peacekeepers or, quite frankly, members of the Lebanese Armed Forces who have suffered some casualties here.  It’s unacceptable, and we’ve pressed the Israelis for more details about that. 

I’m in possession of no information that confirms that the U.N. was witting in terms of what Hezbollah infrastructure was nested beneath their buildings.  I can’t confirm that particular allegation.  But, again, it doesn’t even — you know, I mean, again, I can’t confirm that, but it doesn’t diminish our concerns about the lives and livelihoods of U.N. peacekeepers.

Q    But can you — the U.S. is not going to challenge the evidence that Israel has provided of weaponry being stored in tunnels and homes along their border, are they?

And secondly, do you see opportunities here, with Hezbollah as diminished in its leadership, to have a diplomatic initiative, a U.S. diplomatic initiative, which we’ve been seeing evidence of, to try to help the LAF stand up?

MR. KIRBY:  I mean, I don’t want to get the cart before the horse here, so a couple of things. 

One, certainly we’re not challenging the idea that Hezbollah, like Hamas, uses hidden facilities underground for storing arms and ammunition or for facilitating the freedom of movement of their fighters.  No challenge to that allegation. 

On your second point, all I can say at this point is that we continue to believe that a diplomatic initiative is important to pursue to bring the conflict to an end — yes, up there in the north as well — and to try to prevent further escalation of the conflict in the region. 

So I don’t want to get into the guts of what that diplomacy is considering in terms of whose role and how it would be facilitated, just except to say that we continue to support a diplomatic initiative and a diplomatic resolution to this. 

Q    Thank you.

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question will go to Nick with PBS.

Q    Hey, John.  Thanks very much.  And let me add my words about your house and everything that you’ve been through.  Thank you. 

If you’ll forgive me, three quick ones.  Just to put a point on the NSM-20 conversation at the top, because we saw language from Secretary Austin and Blinken about this, is the President willing to cut off some weapons to Israel, as U.S. law would dictate, if indeed the U.S. decided that Israel was arbitrarily blocking U.S. aid into Gaza?  That’s number one.

MR. KIRBY:  Yeah, Nick, look, I don’t want to get into speculating here on a hypothetical.  We have made clear our concerns to Israel since the beginning of the conflict about the way in which they prosecute their operations, about the need to get humanitarian assistance in and to increase that flow.  I mean, heck, that’s one of the reasons why we were pushing so hard for, you know, a six-month ceasefire so that we could supervise or help — I shouldn’t say “supervise” — help facilitate a surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.  So it’s deeply concerning to us that there has been a decrease in that assistance.

And the letter just simply restates what we made clear to the Israelis back in April in a similar letter, which is, you know, we have to follow the law of the land here.  We don’t want to have to have any kind of an impact on our assistance to Israel, which is why, as friends and allies do, we have those kinds of frank and honest conversations, and we lay bare our forthright concerns about humanitarian assistance.

Q    And then, on Iran, has the U.S. communicated to Iran that if Israel only attacks military targets, this should be the end of this round?  And have the steps the U.S. taken — including the THAAD, including sanctioning Iran, including trying to get a new Lebanese president — have those helped convince the Israelis to get the conversation about the nature of their response closer to (inaudible) the U.S.?

MR. KIRBY:  Look, our deployment of the THAAD, as I said earlier, is very much in keeping with our commitment to Israel’s defense.  That’s what it’s all about.  I’m not going to get into direct communications or indirect communications that we might have with other parties in the region, to include Iran, except to say that we have spoken in deed, not just in word, about how important it is that Israel is able to defend itself and how critical we take our obligations to help them in their defense.  And there’s little doubt that the Iranians know how seriously we take that commitment and that requirement.  But I don’t think it’d be useful for me one way or the other to get into the specifics of the diplomacy.

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question will go to Alex Ward with the Wall Street Journal. 

Q    Thank you, John.  A couple questions.  Just want to be sure about this letter, and then I’ll move on to another subject.  But is the intent of this letter to signal that Israel actually is at risk of losing military aid funding?  Like, is that an actual credible threat that is now on the table thanks to this letter?

MR. KIRBY:  The letter was not meant as a threat.  The letter was simply meant to reiterate the sense of urgency we feel and the seriousness with which we feel it, about the need for an increase — a dramatic increase in humanitarian assistance.  And that’s what you can do with your friend.  That’s what you can do with your ally.  And it’s not the first time we’ve communicated that to Israel, but hopefully we won’t have to communicate it again.

Q    Okay, thanks.  Appreciate that.  And then one quick follow-up on that, and then I’ll move to the last subject.

You mentioned before you couldn’t confirm the 30 days.  Does that mean that was a solely State Department decision not coordinated with the NSC?

MR. KIRBY:  No, no, no, no.  What I said was I can’t speak to why the 30 days.  I wasn’t separating myself from the 30 days.  It’s in the letter.  I just don’t know, you know, why that timeframe was chosen, and I’d refer you to the State Department to speak to that with more specificity.  That’s just really a reflection of my ignorance, not necessarily any kind of talking point.

Q    Gotcha.  And then quickly, on this India inquiry.  You mentioned that the Indians have said that they are serious about this.  What have they done to prove to you and the administration that they are serious about this inquiry and that it isn’t just a box-checking exercise where there won’t be any accountability in the end?  What specifically have they done to show you that they are serious about this, especially after what we’ve seen in Canada, where they — clearly, the Canadians are — don’t seem to believe that there’s a lot of credibility in their process?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, look, they got their inquiry committee here today.  We take that as a sign that they’re taking this seriously.  Sending over a team here today to talk to the Justice Department to glean and to learn perspectives from us about the U.S. case specifically — can’t talk about the Canada one, of course — but we take that as a step in the right direction. 

And I would also point to conversations that we’ve had with Indian officials at various levels, including at the leader level, about our deep concern over this and how that’s been reflected in those conversations. 

But we’re going to monitor this going forward, Alex.  We’re going to stay in close touch with them as they move forward with their own inquiry, and we’ll be watching closely.  But thus far, in the main, it appears to us that they are taking this seriously.

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question will go to Akayla with Bloomberg.

Q    Hey, John.  We’ve reported that Biden is traveling to Germany this week.  Can you preview that trip at all?  And can you speak to why Angola is no longer part of that trip?

MR. KIRBY:  I can’t confirm any travel for the President later this week, but I would just say stay tuned.  There’s not a lot I can do to answer that question today.

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question will go to Asma with NPR.

Q    Hey.  Thanks, John.  An iteration — I realized that my question was just actually asked, but I guess I have a quick follow-up here on the letter.  We saw the VP yesterday — or the other day tweet out that the U.N. was reporting no food had entered northern Gaza in nearly two weeks.  I just want to understand: Is that the administration’s assessment as well that no food has been able at all to enter in two weeks? 

And then, if I can go back to the 30-day timeframe then.  I guess that seems like an awfully long time then, from two weeks plus 30 days, for food to come in and for folks to survive.  So I just wanted to understand that timeframe and what you all are seeing. 

MR. KIRBY:  I’m going to take your first question, Asma.  I don’t know the answer to that.  And so, rather than guess, I’ll ask the team to go look at that and get back to you on the delivery of food.

And again, on the 30 days, I truly just don’t know.  I’m not trying to be cute with you all.  I just don’t know why the 30-day limit was put in that letter.  You know, and that’s really a question I think better put to the State Department, Secretary Blinken and his team, about that particular point of the letter. 

The only thing that I would add, which doesn’t necessarily answer your second question but I do want to foot-stomp, again, is that we all have a sense of urgency here.  So while I can’t speak to 30 days, it’s not as if our messages to the Israelis are, you know, “You can do nothing for 30 days.”  We want humanitarian assistance increased now.  The letter follows a marked decrease in humanitarian assistance, which has us concerned and which prompted the expression of those concerns in writing. 

We want that situation turned around now, as soon as possible.  You know, yesterday would have been a better day to increase humanitarian assistance into Gaza.  So there’s a keen sense of urgency throughout the administration on this. 

I just — again, I can’t speak to that particular point in the letter.  I apologize — I probably should have anticipated that question before the gaggle, but I just don’t have the context for it, and the State Department’s probably the best place to go.

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question will go to Jihan with The National.

Q    Thank you, John.  I have a question about the letter again.  Is this concern over the entry of humanitarian aid — is there, with it, a concern for the wider conduct of the Israeli army in Gaza?  We saw over the weekend the burning of a tent camp.  There’s an image of a man on an IV burning to death.  Have you seen those images? 

And like I said, is there concern, with the no access to food to Gaza, that there’s also the targeting of civilians in Gaza that should perhaps not happen? 

MR. KIRBY:  Of course there’s concern about destruction of civilian infrastructure and civilian casualties.  And, yes, I’ve seen some of those images, and they’re ghastly.  They’re deeply troubling.  And we have asked the Israelis urgently, over the weekend, for more details about those operations specifically.  But, of course, there’s deep concern about that. 

The letter itself — I mean, again, I’d refer you to State and DOD.  It’s Secretary Austin and Secretary Blinken who signed that letter.  But as you, I’m sure, have read the letter, it’s primarily focused on humanitarian assistance.  But that doesn’t mean that we aren’t deeply concerned as well about civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure in general.  As I said earlier, the way in which the Israelis prosecute their operations matters greatly to us.

Q    And so, what measures will there be in order to curb that sort of — that behavior?  I mean, is there also a time limit to the target- — to stopping the targeting of civilians, or is it a separate conversation?  I mean, in what context is that conversation being had?

MR. KIRBY:  Look, I think I would add, you know, if you look at the letter — in the last paragraph of the letter, it talks about civilian harm mitigation and setting up a channel between the United States and Israel to — a channel that had been agreed to previously, and that still has not been put in place, to mitigate civilian harm.  So, no civilian casualty should be accepted, and we aren’t.

Q    Finally, on Lebanon, is there concern now that humanitarian aid —

MR. KIRBY:  You asked how long is it going to — we don’t want to see any civilian casualties.  So that is a perennial concern here with respect to this conflict, and it’s why, again, we’ve been working very closely with our Israeli counterparts to see what can be done to ensure greater precision and discriminant targeting, to improve deconfliction with aid workers on the ground and other civilian institutions on the ground, and to, again, try to develop civilian harm mitigation measures that we can help our Israeli counterparts develop and deploy.

Q    Yeah, is there a concern now that humanitarian aid and food will also now not be accelerated in Lebanon?

MR. KIRBY:  That remains a concern.  I mean, one of the reasons why we’ve been trying to prevent escalation and to bring that conflict up in the north to an end as well is because of the effect that it’s already having on the Lebanese population who have fallen victim to this conflict between Hezbollah and Israel at no fault of their own. 

So, yes, that remains a concern.  And that’s why, again, we’ve been working so hard diplomatically to try to find a way to bring the conflict to an end. 

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question will go to Nathan with KAN TV.

Q    Hi.  Thanks for that.  I’d like to know if there’s any negotiations going on, on behalf of the U.S., regarding the hostages and the hostage ceasefire deal in Gaza.  Or are these talks on hold?  And if so, is there any thought in the administration to try and advance an alternative deal to release the hostages?

MR. KIRBY:  We still, obviously, want to see a ceasefire in place so we can get all them home and to get that surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.  I wish I could tell you that there are fresh negotiations at hand.  There aren’t.  But that’s because Mr. Sinwar has shown absolutely zero interest in continuing that discussion. 

So we’re going to keep at it.  We’re still working on it.  We still believe that that’s the best way to get those hostages back home with their families where they belong.  And we’re not going to give up on those efforts.

MODERATOR:  Thank you.  That is all the time we have, but I think Kirby has a few words he wants to close with. 

MR. KIRBY:  I just wanted to thank you all for the kind words with respect to how me and my family fared during the storm.  

I just wanted to add, you know, that I’m very lucky.  This is just a — it’s a little cottage on the beach.  It’s a second home.  It’s not my primary home.  And unlike — I mean, unlike friends I know, and so many other people down in Florida, particularly the Tampa Bay area where I’m from, I mean, my losses are minuscule and insignificant compared to what so many other people have gone through.  I know people who are literally homeless, and I am fortunate that that is not my situation. 

So I do appreciate the kind words.  I really do.  But I’d ask you to throw those prayers and those thoughts to people that are much, much more in need and much more heavily impacted by the devastation of those two hurricanes than me and my family. 

But thanks again.  It was very thoughtful of you.  I appreciate it.  Very glad to be back in D.C. and back at work.  Thank you.

MODERATOR:  Thank you again, everyone, for joining.  As always, if we weren’t able to get to you, please reach out to the NSC distro and we’ll try to get back as soon as we can.  Thanks, everyone.

2:27 P.M. EDT

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When I took office, I promised to be the most pro-union, pro-worker President in history. I have kept that promise. Today’s data from the National Labor Relations Board shows the number of workers filing for union representation has doubled since the start of my Administration—the first administration in five decades to have an increase in union petitions. I am proud to have secured the NLRB’s first budget increase in almost a decade, and I will continue fighting for more funding so the Board can empower workers on the job.

After the previous administration sided with big corporations to undermine workers—from blocking overtime pay protections to making it harder to organize—my Administration has supported workers, including restoring and extending overtime pay protections to 4 million workers, holding employers accountable for union-busting, and calling on Congress to pass the PRO Act. Because when unions do well, all workers do well and the entire economy benefits.

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on Increased Worker Organizing appeared first on The White House.

Erie Insurance Arena
Erie, Pennsylvania

7:45 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good evening, Pennsylvania!  (Applause.)  Can we hear for Karen?  (Applause.)  Wow. 

Hey, everybody.  Hi.  All right.  Oh, it is good to be back in Pennsylvania.  (Applause.) 

Hey, everybody.  All right.  All right.  All right.  Come on.  We got work to do.  We got work to do.  Okay. 

AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, sweetheart.  Hi.

Okay, okay, thank you.  Thank you everybody.  Thank you everybody.  (Applause.)

And I want to thank all of the leaders who are here.  Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to be here this evening and for all of us to be together. 

Can we hear for Senator Fetterman — (applause); your next state attorney general Eugene DePasquale — (applause); Mayor Schember — (applause); Bob Casey, who could not be here tonight because he’s out doing what he needs to do to get reelected to the United States Senate.  (Applause.)

All right.  Okay, let’s get to work.  Let’s get to work. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!  (Applause.) 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Okay.  Okay, so here’s the thing, Pennsylvania, we got just 22 days until Election Day — 22 days — (applause) — and we are nearing the home stretch. 

But here’s the thing, this is going to be a tight race until the very end.  Okay?  We are the underdog.  We are running like the underdog.  We have some hard work ahead of us.  But here’s the thing also: we like hard work.  (Applause.)  Hard work is good work.  And with your help, in 22 days, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win. 

AUDIENCE:  We will win!  We will win!  We will win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We will win.  We will win.

And here’s why — and here’s why, because this election is about two very different visions for our nation.  One, his, focused on the past.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And ours, focused on the future.  (Applause.)

We are focused on issues that matter most to families across America, like bringing down the cost of living, investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs, protecting reproductive freedom — (applause) — and keeping our nation secure. 

But that is not what we hear from Donald Trump.  Instead, it is just the same old, tired playbook.  He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people and American families.  He is only focused on himself. 

Well, folks, it’s time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  It’s time to turn the page.  Turn the page, because America is ready to chart a new way forward.  (Applause.) 

And America is ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership — (applause) — which is why Democrats, Republicans, independents are supporting our campaign — (applause) — because we need a president who works for all the American people.  (Applause.)  We are all in this together. 

And as you all know, this has been the story of my entire career.  My entire career, I’ve only had one client: the people.  (Applause.)

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children against predators.  As attorney general of California, I took on the big banks, fought to deliver $20 billion for middle-class families who faced foreclosure.  (Applause.) 

I stood up for veterans and students who were being scammed by for-profit colleges — (applause); for workers who were being cheated out of the wages they were due — (applause); for seniors facing elder abuse. 

And it is my pledge to you, as president, I will always fight for all the American people — (applause) — always.  And together — together, we all will build a brighter future for our nation.  (Applause.)  Together, we will build a future where we have what I call an “opportunity economy,” where everyone can compete and have a real chance to succeed — not just to get by, but to get ahead.  (Applause.)

Under my economic plan — and, by the way, you know, so, dude wants to talk about his plans, which really are about cutting taxes for the richest people.  Please do check out the Wall Street Journal or Goldman Sachs or the 16 Nobel laureates or Moody’s, who have all analyzed the plans and said mine will strengthen the economy, his will make it weaker.  (Applause.)  Okay?

So, under my economic plan, we will bring down the cost of housing — (applause) — and help first-time homebuyers — giving them $25,000 for down payment assistance, so you can just — (applause) — so you can just get your foot in the door.  You’ll do the rest.  You’ll save up.  You’ll work hard.  But just to help people get their foot in the door.  (Applause.)

We will help entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses.  How many small-business owners do we have here?  (Applause.)  Right?  I love our small businesses.  I love — you guys know — it’s a part of my story — you know, my mother worked hard.  We grew up — we lived in an apartment above a daycare center, and it was owned —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Woo!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — by our — yes, daycare centers.  Bless you.  (Laughter.)

And it was owned by Ms. Shelton, who we think of and thought of as — as our second mother.  And she was a small-business owner.  And Ms. Shelton, she was like all of you who do this work.  You are business leaders, but you are community leaders.  You are civic leaders.  You mentor.  You hire locally.  I love our small businesses.  Small businesses are part of the backbone of America’s economy.  (Applause.)

So, you all know what I’m talking about.  And as we move forward, what we are going to do in terms of knowing that small businesses must get the support you need to start up and to grow. 

We will expand, under my economic policy, Medicare to cover home health care for seniors — (applause) — so more seniors can live at home with dignity.  And like so many of my priorities, it is born out of a personal experience. 

Look, when my mother got diagnosed with cancer, I took care of her.  And for any of you who have taken care of someone — a senior, in particular — you know what that’s like, and it’s about trying to cook something for them that they might enjoy eating.  It’s about trying to make sure that they have something that they can wear that won’t irritate their skin, right?  It’s about trying to, from time to time, find a way to just bring a smile to their face or make them laugh.  It’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity.  (Applause.)

But far too many people who want and need to take care of family members, either you have to leave your job or spend down everything you have to be able to qualify for Medicaid.  That’s not right. 

I look at the sandwich generation.  So, we — we refer to folks who are raising young children and taking care of your parents, “the sandwich generation.”  You’re right in between balancing all of that.  It’s a lot of pressure, and you need and deserve to have the support to be able to handle all of that in a way that we know you are adding so much to our community, societies, and our economies. 

So, I have a plan, and my plan is to make sure Medicare — not so you have to pay down everything and get on Medicaid — so that Medicare helps pay for home health care — (applause) — so you can do the work you need to get done in terms of the seniors in your life. 

Under our plan, we will lower the cost on everything from health care to groceries. 

Look, I’m going to take on corporate price gouging, just like I’ve done before.  I’m going to do it again.  (Applause.)

And give a middle-class tax cut to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 during the first year of your child’s life — (applause) — knowing, again, the vast majority of parents want to parent their children well, but don’t always have the resources to do it.  And so, by expanding the Child Tax Credit that helps a young family buy a car seat, buy a crib, do the things in that so fundamental stage of their child’s development just to get them on the road to what they desire and want to do.  And we all benefit from it.  We all benefit from it.  (Applause.)

So, all of this is to say I will always put the middle class and working families first.  I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)  Never forget where I come from.  Never. 

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So — so I just outlined for you a little bit — a little bit about my plan.  Now let’s talk about Donald Trump.  Well —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He — he had — he has a very different plan.  Take, for example, Project 2025.  Just google it. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  It is a detailed and dangerous plan for what he will do if he is elected president. 

You know, you all probably heard me say Donald Trump — I think in our collective opinion, certainly mine — is — is an unserious man.  (Laughter.)  But the consequences of him ever being president again are brutally serious — brutally serious. 

So, on Project 2025 and his plan, Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts, like he’s done before, cut —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — cut Social Security and Medicare.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  The plan on that end is to get rid of the $35 cap on insulin for seniors —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — to make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You g- — you got to read the plan. 

I mean, the fact they put it in writing is a whole other thing to be discussed.  (Laughter.) 

And he plans to impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” a 20 percent tax on everyday necessities, which economists have measured will cost the average American family more than $4,000 a year. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And on top of all of this, Donald Trump intends to get rid of the Affordable Care Act —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and he has no plan to replace it.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Concepts!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  You guys watched the debate.  (Laughs.)  Right.  He has, quote, “concepts of a plan.”  “Concepts.”

But seriously, think about it — in all seriousness, he’s going to then threaten health insurance coverage for 45 million people based on a concept?  (Laughter.)  The seriousness of this cannot be overlooked.  Think about that — taking us back to a time we all remember when insurance companies could deny people with preexisting conditions.  You remember what that was?

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, we are not going back.  We are not going back.

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We are not going back.  No.  We —

And why are we not going back?  Because we will move forward — (applause) — because ours is a fight for the future.

And it is a fight for freedom, like the fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government telling her what to do.  (Applause.)

And we all remember how we got here.  Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, and they did. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And now — now, in America, one in three women lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban.  Think about that.  Many of these bans have no exceptions, even for rape and incest, which is saying to a survivor of a crime of a violation to their body that you have no right to make a decision about what happens to your body next.  That’s immoral.  That’s immoral.

And let us agree: One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do — not the government.  (Applause.)  No.  No. 

If she chooses, she will talk with her priest, her rabbi, her pastor, her imam, but not the government telling her what to do.  Not a bunch of folks up at a state capitol telling her what to do, as though she doesn’t know what’s in her own best interest and they know better.  Come on. 

And it is my pledge to you, when Congress passes a bill to restore the protections and reproductive freedom nationwide, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law.  (Applause.)  Proudly sign it into law.  Yes, I will.  Yes, I will. 

So much is on the line in this election. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Love you!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So much is on — I love you back.  (Applause.)  And listen, so much — so much is on the line in this election. 

And we have to remember, this is not 2016 or 2020; the stakes are even higher, because a few months ago, the United States Supreme Court just told the former president that he would be essentially immune —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — from anything he does while he’s in office. 

Now, just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails, right?

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He — he who has vowed, if reelected, that he will be a dictator on day one.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That he would weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies.  He who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

Lock him up!  Lock him up!  Lock him up!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well — well — well —

AUDIENCE:  Lock him up!  Lock him up!  Lock him up!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on. 

Because see, here’s the thing, the courts will handle that.  Let’s handle November, shall we?  (Applause.)  We’ll handle November.  We’ll handle November. 

And we are clear.  Look, anybody who says they would terminate the Constitution of the United States should never again stand behind the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)  Never again.  Never again.  Never again.

And so, after all these years, we know who Donald Trump is.  He is someone who will stop at nothing to claim power for himself.

And you don’t have to take my word for it.  I’ve said for a while now: Watch his rallies, listen to his words.  He tells us who he is, and he tells us what he would do if he is elected president.  So, here tonight, I will show you one example of Donald Trump’s worldview and intentions.

Please roll the clip.

(A video is played.)

AUDIENCE:  Booo — 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So — so, you heard him — so, you heard his words.  You heard his words coming from him.  He’s talking about the enemy within Pennsylvania.  He’s talking about the enemy within our country, Pennsylvania.  He’s talking about that he considers anyone who doesn’t support him or who will not bend to his will an enemy of our country. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  It’s a serious issue.  He’s saying — he is saying that he would use the military to go after them.  Think about this. 

And — and we know who he would target.  And we know he — who he would target because he has attacked them before: journalists whose stories he doesn’t like, election officials who refuse to cheat by filling extra votes and finding extra votes for him, judges who insist on following the law instead of bending to his will. 

This is among the reasons I believe so strongly that a second Trump term would be a huge risk for America and dangerous.  (Applause.) 

Donald Trump — Donald Trump is increasingly unstable and unhinged — (applause) — and he is out for unchecked power.  That’s what he’s looking for.  He wants to send the military after American citizens.  He — he has worked to prevent women from making their own health care decisions and threatened your fundamental freedoms and rights like the freedom to vote, the freedom to be safe from gun violence, the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water, the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So, here in Pennsylvania, I say to those who know best: When freedom is on the line, Americans always answer the call.  We always answer the call.  (Applause.)

And in this election —

AUDIENCE:  Vote!  Vote!  Vote!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Vote.  Vote. 

And so, to your point, in this election, we will answer the call again, because it all comes down to this.  We are all here together because we know what’s at stake, and we are here together because we love our country.  We love our country.  We love our country.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.  That’s right.  We love our country.  And — and I do believe one of the highest forms of patriotim — patriotism that there is — one of the highest forms of patriotism is to fight for the ideals of our country.  (Applause.)  That is borne out of love of country to fight to realize the promise of America. 

So, Election Day is in 22 days — 22 days.  And here in Pennsylvania, early voting has already started.  (Applause.)  Yep.  And, Erie County, you are a pivot county.  (Applause.)  How you all vote —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.) 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And — and thank you, because how you all vote in presidential elections often ends up predicting the national result.  (Applause.)  Yeah.  Yes. 

AUDIENCE:  Erie!  Erie!  Erie!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  The chant is “Erie.”  “Erie.”  (Laughs.)  That’s right. 

And so, in Erie County, you can vote early in person at the Erie County Voter Registration Office — (applause) — from now until Tuesday, October 29th.  And so, now is the time to make your plan to vote. 

And if you have already received your ballot in the mail, please do not wait.  Fill it out and return it today or tomorrow, but please get it out. 

And remember the deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania is Monday, October 21st.  So, if you or anyone you know has not yet registered, now is the time because, look, the election is here and we need to organize.  We need to mobilize.  We need to energize folks.  And we need to remind everybody that their vote is their voice, and your voice is your power.  (Applause.)

So, Erie, I ask you, then, are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in the promise of America?  (Applause.)

And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

And when we fight —

AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win. 

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.) 

                        END                8:13 P.M. EDT

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Lilly Ledbetter was a tireless leader in the fight for equal rights. 

After finding out that she had been systematically underpaid for nearly two decades compared to her male colleagues, Lilly became an advocate for equal pay. Her efforts contributed to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which strengthened protections against pay discrimination, and which was the first bill signed into law during the Obama-Biden Administration.

I have always believed when we lift up the economic status of women, we lift up the economic status of families and communities – and all of society benefits. That’s why I co-sponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act in the United States Senate, a bill that Lilly was a powerful supporter of, and which would further increase pay transparency. And that’s why I continue to fight for the Paycheck Fairness Act – to honor Lilly’s legacy, and continue building a more fair and equitable future for women, and all Americans.

Lilly’s advocacy has improved the lives of millions, and will inspire generations to come. Doug and I send our condolences and prayers to the Ledbetter family.
 

# # #

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One year ago, Wadee Alfayoumi, a six-year-old Palestinian American Muslim child, was stabbed to death at home. His mother, Hanan Shaheen, was stabbed 12 times in the same senseless attack. 

There is no place for hate in America. Our nation’s founding principles tell us that every person should have the freedom to live safe from violence, hate, and bigotry – and no American, of any background, should be made to feel unsafe in our nation. That includes Muslim and Arab Americans, who have been a vital part of the American story since our founding days. As I told Wadee’s mother, Hanan, when I spoke with her, I condemn the heinous attack against her family, and all forms of hate and bigotry against Muslim and Arab Americans.

Over the past year, we have seen a rise in Islamophobic and anti-Arab incidents in America, such as bullying, online harassment, and hate crimes. These hate-fueled attacks are unacceptable, and stand against our fundamental values. President Biden and I have made taking on hate a national priority, and we will continue to do everything in our power to combat hate in all its forms, and against any community. We must be unequivocal: in America, no one should be made to fight hate alone.

Today and every day, Doug and I hold Wadee’s memory in our thoughts. And we recommit to doing all we can to continue building a country where all people can live safe from hate, bigotry, and violence.

# # #

The post Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris Marking One Year Since the Killing of Wadee Alfayoumi appeared first on The White House.

Lilly Ledbetter was a fearless leader and advocate for equal pay. Her fight began on the factory floor and reached the Supreme Court and Congress, and she never stopped fighting for all Americans to be paid what they deserve. Before she was a household name, Lilly was like so many other women in the workforce: she worked hard, with dignity, only to find out she was being paid less than a man for the same work.

Because of Lilly’s tireless efforts, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act—a critical step forward in the fight to close the gender and racial wage gaps—became the first bill signed in the Obama-Biden Administration. It was an honor to stand with Lilly as the bill that bears her name was made law.

Lilly’s decades of relentless advocacy inspired us all and have brought us closer to living up to our Nation’s core values of equality and fairness. Vice President Harris and I remain committed to building on Lilly’s legacy and to strengthening equal pay protections for all workers.

Jill and I send our love and condolences to Lilly’s family and all of the women she empowered and continues to inspire.

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Over the past year, the Biden-Harris Administration has continued to take action to fight hatred and violence against Muslim and Arab communities. Members of these communities, including Palestinian Americans, have been murdered or wounded in hate-fueled attacks; shot and subjected to other assaults as they simply walked down streets; bullied at schools, including by having their religious head coverings ripped off; and denied jobs, harassed, or demoted at work merely because of their faith or ethnicity.

President Biden and Vice President Harris are leading efforts to bring about much-needed change and have repeatedly condemned such violence, discrimination, and bias. These efforts are part of a larger Administration initiative to counter hate in all its forms, to keep every community safe, to promote equal justice, and to afford all Americans a fair shot at success. For generations, Muslim and Arab Americans have contributed to the enrichment and prosperity of our nation through their public, military, and community service, in addition to many other invaluable contributions. And like all Americans, they are entitled to the promise and opportunities of our great nation.

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is highlighting some actions taken as part of its forthcoming National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Hatred Against Arabs in the United States, including important steps to address daily concerns regarding safety and discrimination, as well as issues related to travel. The Administration will continue to lead a whole-of-government and a whole-of society effort to counter hate.

Completed executive branch actions that are part of the forthcoming Strategy include:

Improving Safety and Security

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) have completed an unclassified assessment on violent threats facing Muslim and Arab communities in the United States. The assessment will be published this week, and is the first of what will be an annual assessment by these agencies regarding threats facing these communities.

• Since 2021, DOJ has awarded over $100 million in grants to law enforcement and prosecution agencies, community-based organizations, and civil rights groups to address hate crimes through outreach, investigations, prosecutions, community awareness and preparedness, reporting, hotlines, and victim services. This figure includes nearly $30 million in grants announced last month.

• DOJ continues to support law enforcement agencies’ transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Beginning in January 2021, NIBRS became the national standard for law enforcement crime data reporting in the United States and the transition to NIBRS represented a significant improvement in how reported crime is measured and estimated by the federal government. Since 2015, DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the FBI have provided more than $150 million to law enforcement agencies and state Uniform Crime Programs to support their transitions to NIBRS.

• The DOJ Civil Rights Division continues to prosecute Islamophobic and other hate crimes, including hate crimes directed at students on campus. Last week, a New Jersey man pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for breaking into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday and damaging and destroying religious artifacts because of the Islamic faith of those associated with the facility.
• DOJ’s United Against Hate initiative, led by all 94 United States Attorneys’ Offices (USAOs), combats unlawful acts of hate by teaching community members how to identify, report, and help prevent hate crimes and by building trust between law enforcement and communities. To date, at least 45 USAOs have engaged directly with Muslim communities.

• Attorney General Garand directed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and all 94 USAOs across the country to work with local law enforcement and community leaders to protect communities from hate-fueled violence in the last year and recently reaffirmed DOJ’s commitment to combat the disturbing rise in the volume and frequency of threats against Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian as well as Jewish communities here in the United States. DOJ created a webpage aimed at raising awareness of resources for addressing these threats, and it will continue to publicize its efforts.
  
  
• During the September 2024 Protecting Places of Worship Week of Action, the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships hosted workshops to encourage partnerships to take collective action against hate-based violence, including Islamophobic violence and hate crimes against Arabs. This emphasis included promotion of a guide to applying for Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding.
  
  
• DHS has announced that it will distribute $210 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds as the second tranche of additional funding the Biden-Harris Administration secured to protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations against targeted attacks. This funding opportunity will be made available in late October.

• DHS published two resource guides to help faith communities and others address swatting, hoax threats and doxing. The DHS Resources for Swatting and Hoax Threats provides information on how to handle swatting calls and hoax threats, while the DHS Resources for Individuals on the Threat of Doxing infographic defines what doxing is and outlines proactive steps individuals can take to prevent doxing.

Tackling Discrimination and Bias

• The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has published the Workplace Rights Federal Toolkit, a compilation of resources for employees of the federal government regarding their workplace rights, including information about their rights to nondiscrimination and religious accommodation.

• The Department of Labor sent a letter to American Job Centers and other public workforce entities reminding them about their legal obligations to enforce prohibitions on discrimination based on actual or perceived religion, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics — including Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and related forms of discrimination – in federally funded activities and programs. The letter also included a fact sheet with examples of these forms of discrimination in the workforce development system.

• DOJ issued a fact sheet titled Confronting Discrimination Based on Religion in Schools: A Resource for Students and Families, which discusses scenarios involving students’ rights to pray and wear religious attire in schools.

• ED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Fact Sheet on Harassment based on Race, Color, or National Origin on School Campuses, reminding schools of their federal civil rights obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) to take prompt and effective action to respond to harassment that creates a hostile environment. ED OCR continues to investigate and resolve claims of shared ancestry discrimination under Title VI at schools. For example, ED OCR recently entered into a resolution agreement with the Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan to address concerns about a hostile environment for students based on shared Muslim/Arab Palestinian ancestry.

• ED released Free to Learn: Leading Inclusive Learning Environments in Higher Education, a new resource guide for fostering safe and inclusive campuses.

• The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a letter to the over 200 federally-funded Fair Housing Initiatives Programs and Fair Housing Assistance Programs on how to identify and counter Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and related forms of bias and discrimination in housing. Also, HUD created a webpage on protections against housing discrimination on the basis of religion, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics, which include the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

• The Department of Transportation (DOT) provided a number of resources related to travelers’ rights and opportunities to file a complaint when there may be an instance of discrimination by airlines or recipients of federal funding, including discrimination on the basis of religion or national origin. The Passengers’ Right to Fly Free from Discrimination is a guide designed to explain DOT’s role in protecting aviation passengers from unlawful discrimination. Similarly, the Guidance for Airline Personnel on Non-discrimination in Air Travel assists airline personnel in understanding their legal obligations not to discriminate against passengers. For example, this guidance notes that it is impermissible to remove a passenger from a flight simply because he is holding a book that appears to be a Quran.

• DOJ sent a letter to state, county, and municipal officials reminding them of the obligation of public officials to comply with the land use provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and to inform them about documents issued by DOJ that may be of assistance to them in applying this federal civil rights law. RLUIPA is a federal law that protects people and religious institutions from discriminatory and overly burdensome land use regulations. For example, DOJ recently filed a complaint and consent decree in United States v. Hendricks County, settling allegations that Hendricks County violated RLUIPA and the Fair Housing Act by twice unlawfully denying zoning approval to an Islamic educational organization that sought to develop a religious seminary, school, and housing on land in Hendricks County.

• Some Americans, including many Muslims and Arabs, have documented how financial institutions use de-risking, a practice to terminate or restrict business relationships indiscriminately with broad categories of clients rather than analyzing and managing the risks of clients in a targeted manner. To help address de-risking, the U.S. Treasury Department has published its National De-Risking Strategy. The Treasury Department also has issued a proposed rule to improve the effectiveness of how banks manage potential risks associated with anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism in a risk-based manner, while avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches that can lead to financial institutions declining to provide financial services to entire categories of customers.

Addressing Issues Related to Travel

• The FBI published an Overview of the U.S. Government’s Terrorist Watchlisting Process and Procedures. This document advances transparency by providing a general description of this system and mechanisms to ensure that concerns about it are handled in a timely and fair manner.

• On January 20, 2021, President Biden rescinded the previous administration’s discriminatory Muslim Ban, which included many Arab countries and was inconsistent with our nation’s foundation of religious freedom for all. At President Biden’s direction, the U.S. Department of State conducted a review of visa applications and has taken various corrective actions to process applications that were impacted by the prior travel ban, including reconsidering previously denied applications and implementing a one-time fee credit for certain applicants.

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On October 14th, one year ago today, six-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi, a bright and cheerful American Muslim boy of Palestinian descent, was brutally killed in his family’s home in Plainfield, Illinois. The attacker also repeatedly stabbed and seriously wounded Wadee’s mother, Hanan Shaheen, resulting in murder, attempted murder, and hate crime charges in Illinois. After this heinous attack, Jill and I spoke with their family, as did Vice President Harris. We joined Americans from across the country in expressing our horror and offering our condolences and prayers.

One year later, we continue to think about them. We are grateful for Hanan’s recovery and her powerful voice for peace. But we know the hole in their heart that remains without their beloved son. Days like this are hard because it brings it all back. We keep them in our hearts.

On this day, let us all take steps that honor Wadee’s memory and reaffirm together that there is no place for hate in America, including hatred of Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims. We can all reject hatred and expose misinformation and disinformation that is cynically aimed at turning us against one another. We can all reach across divides of background and belief to create greater understanding and unity in our country. No one in this country should be subjected to violence or hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric simply because of who they are. No one of any background in this country should be made to feel unsafe in America.  

Today, we also reaffirm our commitment to mobilize government to counter hate in all its forms. In May 2021, I signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which includes the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer NO HATE Act, to enhance hate crime data collection and provide community-centered solutions to assist hate crime victims and their communities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has elevated hate crimes and criminal civil rights violations to its highest-level national threat priority, which has increased the resources for hate crimes prevention and investigations and made hate crimes a focus for all of the Bureau’s field offices. My Administration will continue to spare no effort in countering hate in all its forms.

Together, we must work to end acts of senseless violence and stand united in support of all of our fellow Americans, no matter their race, ethnicity, or creed. May we summon the courage and the strength to do so. 

May God bless Wadee Alfayoumi and his family.

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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of South Carolina and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Debby from August 4 to August 22, 2024.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Debby in the counties of Bamberg, Barnwell, Berkeley, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Orangeburg, and Union.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Mr. Brett H. Howard of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.   

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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

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East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina

4:39 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  North Carolina!  Good afternoon, North Carolina!  (Applause.)  Oh, my goodness.

Can we hear for Thomas?  (Applause.)

Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  It is good to be at E.C.U.  (Applause.)  And it’s so wonderful to be back in North Carolina.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  It is so good — I see you. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  North Carolina loves you!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And — thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you.

And I want to thank — there — this is — this is an auditorium packed with incredible leaders.  And I thank you all for taking the time this Sunday afternoon with all that you have going on.  (Applause.)  I thank you.  I thank you.  Thank you all. 

I want to also thank State Senator Smith; State Senator Hunt, your next lieutenant governor — (applause); Congressman Davis, a proud graduate of ECU.  (Applause.)  And let’s elect Josh Stein as your next governor.  (Applause.) 

And he and Governor Cooper are not here today because they are s- — they’ve been working around the clock dealing with the hurricane recovery efforts.  (Applause.)  And we want to always thank them and all the — the incredible local, state, and federal leaders who have been working together for North Carolina. 

I was here eight days ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.  And since then, of course, another powerful storm — Hurricane Milton — cut a path of destruction through Florida.  And our hearts — I know, all of us — and our prayers go out to everyone who’s been impacted by these storms.  (Applause.)

I have spoken to both state and local officials, both Republican and Democrat, to let them know we will be with you every step of the way as you recover — (applause) — because in times like this, we stand together as one nation.  That is who we are.  (Applause.)

So, North Carolina — (applause) — we have 23 days until Election Day.  And we are nearing the homestretch.  We are nearing the homestretch.

Now, listen, let me just say, I know we are really excited to see each other.  I couldn’t be more excited to see everybody here, but I’m going to tell you: It’s going to be a tight race until the very end, and we are running as the underdog. 

So, we have some hard work ahead of us, but we like hard work.  (Applause.)  Hard work is good work. 

And with your help, in 23 days, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  We will win.  Yes, we will.  We will win. 

So, what we know —

AUDIENCE:  We will win!  We will win!  We will win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We will win.  And here’s why — and here’s why.  One of the reasons is that — we all know and we are gathered here together because we know this election really is about two very different visions for our nation.  One, his, focused on the past.  The other, ours, focused on the future.  (Applause.)

Ours is a campaign focused on issues that matter, for example, to working families across America, like bringing down the cost of living, investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs.  (Applause.)  How many small-business owners do we have here?  (Applause.)  Thank you. 

We are focused on protecting reproductive freedom.  (Applause.)  We are focused on keeping our nation secure.  (Applause.) 

But none of that is what we hear from Donald Trump.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Instead — instead, from him, we are just hearing from that same old, tired playbook.  He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people.  He is only focused on himself. 

And he’s not — but here’s the thing, North Carolina — and he’s not being transparent with the voters.  He’s not being transparent. 

So, check this out.  He refuses to release his medical records. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I’ve done it.  Every other presidential can- — every other presidential candidate in modern era has done it. 

He is unwilling to do a “60 Minutes” interview, like every other major party candidate has done for more than half a century. 

He is unwilling to meet for a second debate. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And here’s the thing — here’s the thing.  It makes you wonder.  It makes you wonder: Why does his staff want him to hide away? 

One must question — one must question: Are they afraid that people will see that he is too weak and unstable to lead America?  (Applause.)  Is that what’s going on?

So, folks, for these reasons and so many more, it is time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  It is time to turn the page, because America is ready to chart a new way forward, ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership — (applause) — which is why Democrats, independents, and Republicans are supporting our campaign — (applause) — because they and we know we need a president who works for all the American people.  (Applause.) 

And that has been the story of my entire career.  I have only ever had one client: the people.  (Applause.)

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children against predators.  (Applause.)  As attorney general of California, I took on the big banks and delivered $20 billion for middle-class families who faced foreclosure.  (Applause.)  I stood up for veterans and students being scammed by the big for-profit colleges.  (Applause.)  I stood up for workers being cheated out of the wages they were due, stood up for seniors facing elder abuse. 

And as president, it is my pledge to you that I will always fight for all the American people.  (Applause.) 

And together, we will build a brighter future for our nation, and that future includes building what I call an opportunity economy, where everyone can compete and have a real chance to succeed. 

Under my economic plan, we will bring down the cost of housing and help first-time homebuyers with a $25,000 down payment assistance.  (Applause.)  We will expand Medicare to cover home health care for seniors — (applause) — so more seniors can live at home with dignity; and give more support to the sandwich generation, to those of you who are raising young children and taking care of your parents.  (Applause.)

And, look, I just have to say something about home health care and the need that I know so many people have for help.  Look, so, when my mother was sick, after she had been diagnosed with cancer, I took care of her.  And for those of you who have taken care of somebody who needs that kind of help, it’s about trying to cook something that they have a taste for and want to eat.  It’s about trying to find something that they can wear that — that is not irritating their skin and is soft enough.  It’s about trying, from time to time, to figure out something you can do to just bring a smile to their face or make them laugh, right? 

It’s the work that is about giving folks dignity.  But far too many people — on this issue of home health care — if you need the support to give that care to your family member, it means either paying down and losing as much as you can to be able to afford to have Medicaid or having to leave your job, which means cutting off a very important part of your income, just to give people in your life the dignity and the support they deserve.

That’s why I’m saying we’re going to have Medicare cover that home health care — (applause) — to help you — to help you. 

We will lower costs, including on everything from health care to groceries.  I will take on corporate price gouging.  I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.  (Applause.)

I will give a middle-class tax cut to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 during the first year of your child’s life, knowing that the vast majority of parents have a natural desire to parent their children well but not always the resources to be able to do it.  And so, extending the Child Tax Credit to $6,000 to give folks the ability to be able to buy that car seat or that crib in that most fundamental phase of their child’s development. 

So, all this to say, I will always put the middle class and working people first.  (Applause.)  I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)

Now, Donald Trump, well, he has a different plan.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Just Google “Project 2025.”  It is a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what he will do if he is elected president. 

Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts, cut Social Security and Medicare, make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He would get rid of that $35 cap on insulin for seniors. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He would impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” a 20 percent tax on everyday basic necessities which will cost the average American family $4,000 more a year. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And on — on top of all of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And he has no plan to replace it. 

Did you see the debate?  He has “concepts of a plan.”  (Applause.)

So — okay, so he’s going to threaten the health insurance coverage of 45 million people based on a concept — come on — and take us back to when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions?  You know where I’m going. 

Well, we are not going back!  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)  No, we’re not.  No, we’re not. 

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No, we’re not going back.

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Because we will move forward.  (Applause.)

Ours is a fight for the future, and it is a fight for freedom, like the fundamental freedom of a woman to be able to make decisions about her own body and not have her government telling her what to do.  (Applause.)

Because we know Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended. 

And now, more than one in three women in America lives in a state with the Trump abortion ban, including right here in North Carolina. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Many of these bans have no exceptions even for rape and incest, which is immoral.  To tell a survivor of a violation to their body that they have no right to make a decision about what happens to their body next?  That’s immoral.

And let us agree — let us agree: One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree it shouldn’t be the government telling her what to do — (applause) — not the government.  If she chooses, she will talk with her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam, but not the government telling her what to do. 

And when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law — (applause) — proudly.

And North Carolina, across our nation — I’m telling you, I’m traveling — we are witnessing a full-on assault on other hard-fought, hard-won fundamental freedoms and rights, like the freedom to vote — (applause); the freedom to be safe from gun violence — (applause); the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So much is on the line in this election.  And this is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher, because a few months ago, the United States Supreme Court basically told the former president that he would effectively be immune from whatever he does in office.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  But let’s think about that.  You know, you all have heard me say: I do believe Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the effects of him being back in the White House would be brutally serious. 

Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.  He who has vowed, if reelected, he would be a dictator on day one; that he would weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies.  He has called for the, quote, “termination” —

AUDIENCE:  Lock him up!  Lock him up!  Lock him up!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, wait.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.

AUDIENCE:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hold on, because here’s the thing — here’s the thing.  Let’s let the courts handle that, and let’s handle November.  (Applause.)  We’ll handle November.  How about that?  (Laughs.)

Because, listen, here’s why — this is what we know.  Anybody who wants to be president of the United States who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States should never again have the ability to stand behind the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)  Never again.  Never again. 

And the people who know him best know it.  His former national security adviser, two of his former Defense secretaries, his former chief of staff in the White House, his own vice president have all warned America: Donald Trump is unfit to serve.  (Applause.)

Or just listen most recently to what we heard General Milley said.  General Milley, chairm- — former chairman of the Joint Chiefs under Donald Trump.  It was just reported he said, quote, “No one has ever been as dangerous to this country,” in referring to Donald Trump.  Think about that.  Think about that.

And we can already see the harm he’s up to as a candidate.  Most recently, spreading disinformation in the wake of natural disasters, blocking real solutions that would stop drug cartels from crossing the border when he tried to kill — and did — that border security deal.

Because, you see, Donald Trump cares more about scaring people, creating fear, running on a problem, instead of what real leaders do, which is to participate in fixing problems.  (Applause.) 

Well, I care about fixing problems, and as president of the United States, I will be focused each and every day on solving problems that affect you and your family.  (Applause.)

So, North Carolina, it all comes down to this.  We — we are here together this Sunday afternoon because we know what is at stake.  We are here together this Sunday afternoon because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country. 

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yes, that’s right.

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.  That’s right.  That’s right.

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We love our country.  And I do believe it is one of the highest forms of patriotism to then fight for the ideals of our country and to fight to realize the promise of America — the promise of America. 

So, Election Day is in 23 days.  And in just four days, early voting will begin statewide.  (Applause.)  Starting Thursday, you can go to the polls and cast your ballot.  (Applause.) If you haven’t already registered to vote, you could do it right then and there: register to vote and vote. 

And so, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  And if you’ve not received your ballot in the mail, look for it, because if you have, I would like you to fill it out right away.  (Laughter.)  Please don’t wait, because, to my friends, I say, look, the election is here.  The election is here. 

And remember always that your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power — (applause) — is your power. 

And so, North Carolina, today I then ask you: Are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in the promise of America?   (Applause.)

And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

And when we fight —

AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win.

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

God bless you all.  God bless you.  (Applause.)

END                 5:03 P.M. EDT

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Koinonia Christian Center
Greenville, North Carolina

12:35 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, church.  Good afternoon.

Oh, please have a seat.  Please have a seat.  (Laughter.) 

Bishop O’neal, I thank you so very much.  We — we’ve had some time to visit before we came out into the sanctuary, and I just thank you for the leadership that you have provided for so long. 

You know, in times of crisis, and — and we’re looking at the images of the aftermath of the hurricane.  But it — it is easy in these moments of crisis to — to question our faith, to sometimes lose our faith for a moment, because what we see is so hard to see that we lose faith or a vision of those things we cannot see but must know.  (Applause.)

And you are such a leader in all of those ways, and I thank you.  (Applause.)  I’m honored to be with you.  I’m honored to be with you.  I’m honored to be with you.  Thank you.

 And, KCC family, thank you for welcoming me today.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  Thank you.  And thank you for the opportunity to allow me to worship with you.  It does my heart and soul good. 

So, scripture teaches, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  (Applause.)

So, I first encountered the words of Galatians as a young girl at 23rd Avenue Church of God in Oakland, California, which is where I sang in the children’s choir and first learned the teachings of the Bible.  My earliest memories of those teachings are about a loving God, a God who asks us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, to defend the rights of the poor and the needy. 

And so, at an early age, I learned that faith is a verb.  It is something we show in action and in service.  And we show it by heeding the words of my pastor, who Bishop spoke with yesterday, Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown, who often invokes the words that we all know: One must do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. 

That truth is important at all times and especially in moments of difficulty and disaster, especially in moments like this, as we navigate storms that have inflicted so much harm across our country.

And to all those who have loved ones who have been affected by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, Doug and I, my husband, are holding of you close in our hearts and in our prayers.  And we are thinking of everyone who has been affected by these storms. 

Now, I know Helene’s impact was further west, but I also know that the people of Greenville, like all Americans, have been inspired by the way communities are coming together, Bishop, in the wake of these storms.  Amid ruined homes, downed power lines, swollen rivers that have been choked with debris, we have seen — we have seen children rescued by neighbors in a kayak; we have seen those who have lost everything gathering donations for others. 

You know, it’s been my experience to see that in a moment of crisis, isn’t it something when you know that, often, it is the people who have the least, give the most?  (Applause.)  Right?

Moments of crisis, I believe, do have a way of revealing the heroes among us, the angels among us, and of showing us all the best of who we are.  And these hurricanes have revealed heroes around all of us, heroes who do not ask the injured or stranded whether they are a Republican or a Democrat — (applause) — but who simply ask, “Are you okay?”; who ask, “What can I do to help?” — heroes who, as I like to say, see in the face of a stranger, a neighbor. 

Yet, church, there are some who are not acting in the spirit of community.  And I am speaking of those who have been literally not telling the truth — lying — about people who are working hard to help folks in need; spreading disinformation, when the truth and facts are required.  And the — the problem with this, beyond the obvious, is it’s making it harder, then, to get people lifesaving information, if they’re led to believe they cannot trust. 

And that’s the pain of it all, which is the idea that those who are in need have somehow been convinced that the forces are working against them in a way that they would not seek aid.  

And let’s let that sink in for a moment.  Right now, fellow Americans are experiencing some of the most difficult moments in their lives.  Yet, instead of offering hope, there are those who are channeling people’s tragedies and sorrows into grievance and hatred.  And one may ask, “Why?”  And I think, sadly, frankly, the motives are quite transparent: to gain some advantage for themselves, to play politics with other people’s heartbreak.  And it is unconscionable. 

Now is not a time to incite fear.  (Applause.)  It is not right to make people feel alone.  That is not what — and this is a church full of leaders — that is not what leaders, as we know, do in crisis. 

Now is a time to bring folks together, to come together, to be there for one another, and follow the example of all of the heroes all around us.  And now is the time to live up to the fundamental values that reflect our nation at its best: the values of compassion and community and honesty and decency — the values that define the people of Greenville, the — the people of North Carolina, and — and the people like a fellow who I met recently.  His name is Eddie Hunnell.  And I’m going to tell you a quick story about Eddie Hunnell.

So, I met him in Charlotte the other week.  He was visiting Grassy Creek for his son’s wedding when he saw a woman in the raging floodwaters.  First, he tried to rescue her by canoe.  When that didn’t work, this ma- — a perfect stranger, he’s watching — he jumped in the river and pulled her ashore. 

And when I talked with Eddie about his act of courage, here’s what he said to me.  He said, “Well I didn’t feel I had a choice.”  But, of course, he had a choice.  Of course, he had a choice.

But his choice was to take a risk for the sake of another.  Didn’t even reflect on the risk he might have been taking.  (Applause.)  Right? 

His choice was to follow his conscience.  His choice was, in the words of Isaiah, to be “a refuge for the needy in their distress.”  (Applause.)  He chose to remember that we are all in this together.

And if that is true during a terrible storm, it is also true when the storm passes.  (Applause.)  It is true in our everyday lives.

When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Galatia, he knew folks might feel the weight of the burden of doing good, that they may feel a temptation to turn away from others in their time of need, to believe, “What does it matter?”  But Paul reminded them and us that God calls us not to become weary of doing good. 

Because we each have the power — God tells us this — the power, each one of us, to make a difference.  And that tells us that the measure of our strength will be clear when we see what we can do to lift other people up — (applause) — just as Eddie did and as the heroes and the angels in this church and all over are doing after these storms.  Across North Carolina, Florida, and impacted communities, we are witnessing faith in action.  (Applause.)

So, I close with this.  Let us continue to look in the face of a stranger and see a neighbor.  (Applause.)  Let us recognize that when we shine the light in moments of darkness, it will guide our feet onto the path of peace.  And let us always remember that while weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.) 

Thank you.  May God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.

Thank you, church.  (Applause.) END    

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This year’s Nobel Peace Prize winners embody determination and resilience in the face of tragedy. For decades, the members of Nihon Hidankyo have served as a human testament to the catastrophic human toll of nuclear weapons, telling a story that humanity needs to hear. On behalf of the United States, I congratulate them on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their historic work to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again. We also congratulate Japan for this recognition of the moral clarity and steadfast commitment of its people and government to prevent the spread and use of nuclear weapons. 

As I was powerfully reminded last year when I visited Hiroshima and met with a survivor of the bombing, we must continue making progress toward the day when we can finally and forever rid the world of nuclear weapons. The United States stands ready to engage in talks with Russia, China, and North Korea without preconditions to reduce the nuclear threat. There is no benefit to our nations or the world to forestall progress on reducing nuclear arsenals. Reducing the nuclear threat is important not despite the dangers of today’s world but precisely because of them. These nuclear risks erode the norms and agreements we have worked collectively to put in place and run counter to the vital work of today’s Nobel Laureates.  

Yesterday’s announcement by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee reminds us that we must continue our progress toward a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons. Let us all take inspiration from this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winners and recommit ourselves to the vital work of building a safer world. 

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Following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impacts across the Southeast and Appalachia, the Biden-Harris Administration continues its robust Federal efforts to help communities recover and rebuild. The storm heavily impacted North Carolina, where the Administration continues to surge resources and assist families, business owners, farmers, and other impacted communities receive the support and assistance they need and deserve.

Federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene survivors has surpassed $474 million – including more than $86 million in housing and other types of assistance for survivors in North Carolina. Survivors can register for assistance at one of three Disaster Recovery Centers in Caldwell, McDowell, and Buncombe Counties, or on disasterassistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or via the FEMA app.

The Department of Defense continues to support search-and-rescue operations, route clearance, and commodities distribution across western North Carolina with 1,500 active-duty troops. The Department of Defense is also employing additional capabilities to assist with increasing situational awareness across the remote terrain of Western North Carolina. The Army Corps of Engineers continues missions supporting debris removal, temporary emergency power installation, infrastructure and water and wastewater assessments, and technical assistance. Over 2,000 North Carolina National Guard personnel along with over 200 Guardsmen from 15 States are conducting response operations in western North Carolina.

As response efforts continue in North Carolina, more than 1,250 FEMA staff remain on the ground, with more arriving daily. Nearly 400 Urban Search and Rescue personnel remain in the field helping people. These teams have rescued or supported over 3,200 survivors to date.  

Power has been restored to more than approximately 96 percent of customers, as a result of 10,000 utility personnel working around the clock. Cellular restoration also continues to improve, with more than 93 percent of cellular sites in service. FEMA is boosting response coordination by providing 40 Starlink units to ensure first responders can communicate with each other.

Commodity distribution, mass feeding, and hydration operations continue in areas of western North Carolina. FEMA continues to send commodity shipments and voluntary organizations are supporting feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft. Mobile feeding operations are reaching survivors in heavily impacted areas, including three mass feeding sites in Buncombe, McDowell and Watauga counties. The Salvation Army has 20 mobile feeding units supporting this massive operation and has provided emotional and spiritual care to survivors. To date, the American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage.

Additional recovery efforts in North Carolina include:

Supporting Infrastructure Recovery

As part of the robust, whole-of-government response to Hurricane Helene, the U.S. Department of Transportation is supporting response and recovery efforts in impacted communities in North Carolina. DOT personnel are on the ground in multiple locations of the state.

On October 5, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced $100 million in Quick Release Emergency Relief funding to support North Carolina. The funding helps pay for the costs of immediate emergency work resulting from Hurricane Helene flood damage. Additional funding will flow to affected communities from the Emergency Relief program.

FHWA worked closely with North Carolina and other federal agencies to assess infrastructure damage, including supporting hundreds of bridge inspections and other critical infrastructure assessments across the Southeast. On October 8, FHWA Acting Administrator Kristin White visited the region with Governor Roy Cooper, North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins and other federal, state and local officials and got a first-hand look at impacts from the storm and recovery efforts.   

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to work with partners in affected parts of North Carolina and Tennessee, as the national airspace steadily returned to normal operations.

The FAA Air Traffic Organization Technical Operations Team is on-site and leading communications restoration efforts at air traffic facilities. FAA also supported the North Carolina Air National Guard by providing advisory services at Rutherford County Airport and Avery County Airport.

The FAA worked with state and local governments, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and first responders to enable drones to support response and recovery. The FAA granted permission to allow Wing to temporarily conduct beyond visual line of sight drone package deliveries for Walmart’s pharmacy in western North Carolina, delivering essential items including prescription medicine, medical supplies, and medical equipment to hard-to-reach locations.

Additionally, President Biden’s approval of a Presidential Emergency Declaration for North Carolina affords the state a period of emergency regulatory relief from Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, including flexibility around driving time for property- and passenger-carrying vehicles. This allows truck drivers to get essential supplies to affected areas in North Carolina. It may also provide opportunities for motorcoach buses to deliver relief teams to response locations and allow for the transport and evacuation of residents.

On October 10, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan joined Governor Cooper, Senator Tillis, Congressman Edwards and local officials to assess federal and state recovery efforts in response to Hurricane Helene. EPA and its state partners have made significant progress bringing drinking water and wastewater systems back online, including restoring service to more than 75 drinking water systems that serve approximately 260,000 people in the Asheville area. EPA is also providing technical assistance and drinking water testing to systems and private drinking water well owners across the Asheville area through their Mobile Drinking Water lab – giving residents clear data and confidence that their water is safe to drink. The lab is capable of testing 100 samples per day. Water utilities and private well owners must request sampling services through their local health departments. EPA will remain on the ground in North Carolina helping area residents as long as their assistance is needed.  

The Department of Energy’s Energy Response Organization remains activated to respond to storm impacts, and responders remain deployed to FEMA regional response coordination centers. Via the Electricity Sub-Sector Coordinating Council and Oil and Natural Gas Sub-Sector Coordinating Council, the Department of Energy has been coordinating continuously with energy sector partners on the ongoing Hurricane Helene response. As noted above, there are 10,000 line workers supporting power restoration efforts.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration continues to support post-disaster imagery flights following Hurricane Helene, already totaling over 68 flight hours during 20 flights, including over western North Carolina. This imagery not only supports FEMA and the broader response community, but the public at large.

Providing Financial Flexibilities to Homeowners and Taxpayers

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as well as foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. Additionally, affected homeowners that have mortgages through Government-Sponsored Enterprises – including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – and the FHA are eligible to suspend their mortgage payments through a forbearance plan for up to 12 months.

HUD announced $3 million for the State of North Carolina to support people experiencing homelessness in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Funding from the Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing program will help residents and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have needs that are not otherwise served or fully met by existing Federal disaster relief programs.

This summer, HUD launched a new streamlined process for requesting additional flexibility on existing grants after a disaster is declared. Recipients of annual HUD funding – including in North Carolina – may request waivers to unlock and accelerate the use of their funding for disaster response and recovery. With the updated waiver process, HUD is proactively issuing maximum flexibility to communities impacted by disasters. These flexibilities will expedite the recovery process, reduce administrative burden, and allow impacted jurisdictions to quickly tailor programs and activities to address the post disaster needs of their communities. The Disaster Assistance and Recovery Team within HUD’s Office of Housing Counseling continues to conduct focused meetings with housing counseling agencies in each state impacted by these disasters to discuss their unique response and recovery challenges and identify resources available to assist.

The Internal Revenue Service announced disaster tax relief for all individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. North Carolina taxpayers now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

Protecting Public Health

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a Public Health Emergency for North Carolina to address the health impacts of Hurricane Helene. HHS’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) continues to provide medical support for Hurricane Helene, predominantly onsite in North Carolina. These ASPR personnel are deployed to support Hurricane Helene response operations, which include four Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and personnel from a Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) in North Carolina. ASPR Health and Medical Task Forces and ASPR Disaster Medical Assistance Teams from the National Disaster Medical System are providing 24-hour surge support to three hospitals: Mission Hospital in Asheville, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, and Caldwell Memorial in Lenoir. To date, ASPR teams have seen nearly 1000 patients. ASPR will continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to prioritize medical assistance to other areas affected by Hurricane Helene as required and requested.  

Supporting Workers and Worker Safety

Working alongside the Department of Labor, the States of North Carolina has announced that eligible workers can receive federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance to compensate for income lost directly resulting from Hurricane Helene. And, through the Department of Labor’s innovative partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, displaced workers in North Carolina can now go to the post office in any other state and verify their ID for purposes of getting their benefits quickly.

Supporting Farmers and Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put contingency plans and program flexibilities into place to ensure farmers, foresters and communities are able to get the support they need, such as by extending program signup opportunities, expediting crop insurance payments, and using waivers and emergency procedures to expedite recovery efforts on working lands. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has issued flexibilities and waivers for North Carolina to ensure that food and nutritional assistance reaches those in need as soon as possible. In North Carolina, waivers have been issued to increase access to WIC products, replace benefits through Summer EBT, allow the purchase of hot foods through SNAP, and more.

Additionally, USDA is currently coordinating over 200 staff on the ground in North Carolina, including saw support teams and emergency road clearance teams, to help clear trees and debris, including in Waterville, Marion, Newton, and Weaverville.

Supporting Students and Student Loan Borrowers

The Department of Education has offered technical assistance to states and local educational agencies to support recovery efforts and shared critical resources, including those developed by other federal agencies and organizations, to support restoring the teaching and learning environment.

The Department’s office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) has flexibilities that are automatically available to affected institutions of higher education to help their continued management of the federal student aid programs. These flexibilities help schools if they need to adjust their academic calendars, such as due to unexpected closures, and also help students who may need to take a leave of absence. The flexibilities also help students avoid reductions in their federal aid due to any state or federal disaster assistance provided. FSA will also work with affected institutions that need help on other areas, such as paying credit balances. FSA has communicated with schools located in the areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. Those communications included existing Department guidance about how natural disasters impact schools and their administration of financial aid, resources, and links to FEMA disaster aid information. FSA’s communications also included a way for schools to share more information about the disaster impact on their campus and submit questions about administrative relief and flexibilities.

The Department is ensuring affected borrowers in areas impacted by the hurricanes can focus on their critical needs without needing to worry about missing their student loan payments. Direct Loan borrowers and federally-serviced FFEL borrowers in the affected area who miss their payments will be automatically placed into a natural disaster forbearance. During forbearance, payments are temporarily postponed or reduced, and interest is still charged. Thanks to regulations issued by the Biden-Harris Administration, months in this forbearance will count toward PSLF and IDR forgiveness. Direct Loan and federally serviced FEEL borrowers are not required to take an action but have the option to call their servicer if they wish to enroll in the forbearance proactively. Perkins loan borrowers should contact their loan holder to request natural disaster forbearance. 

Continuing to Survey Data

The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continues working to measure river levels and flow, and repair streamgages that transmit critical data. USGS crews continue working to determine the extent of flooding by surveying for high-water marks. These flood-peak data and high-water marks are used to determine flood frequency and are critical in the design of infrastructure and in determining flood plain boundaries. USGS stood up a landslide response team that now includes 32 USGS scientists, 19 of which ware mapping landslides, to provide technical assistance to the North Carolina Geological Survey and Tennessee Geological Survey. Their work includes reconnaissance using satellite imagery, flights, and on-the-ground assessments to map landslides.

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