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We applaud the Senate’s passage of H.R. 7888, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act.  This legislation, which passed the House last week and the Senate tonight with broad bipartisan support, will renew and reform Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) – one of the United States’ most vital intelligence collection tools. The Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act will retain essential authority to understand and protect against a wide range of dangerous threats to Americans while enhancing safeguards for privacy and civil liberties through the most robust set of reforms ever included in legislation to reauthorize Section 702.

The President will swiftly sign the bill into law, ensuring that our security professionals can continue to rely on Section 702 to detect grave national security threats and use that understanding to protect the United States.

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The post Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Senate’s Vote on the Reauthorization and Reform of FISA Section 702 appeared first on The White House.

2:04 P.M. EDT

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Good afternoon, everyone.

Q    Good afternoon. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Sorry I’m delayed.  I was actually listening to — to your reporting — your live report from your seat.  (Laughter.)

Q    Got any — any suggestions about things that we need to include next time?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  You know, I have a lot of suggestions.

Q    Yeah.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  But I will keep that to myself.   

Q    Yeah, we’ll chat later. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay.  We’ll — yeah, we’ll chat later.  Circle back.  (Laughter.) 

All right, happy Friday, everyone.  Today, President Biden announced that his administration is taking action to conserve more than 13 million acres in the Western Arctic and to honor the culture, history, and enduring wisdom of the Alaska Natives who lived on these lands for generations.

From safeguarding sacred lands near the Grand Canyon to protecting Alaskan treasures, the Biden-Harris administration is conserving more than 41 million acres of lands and waters.

This administration will continue to take ambitious action to meet the urgency of the climate crisis, protect America’s lands and waters, and fulfil our responsibility to the next generations of Americans.

On a more solemn note, as many of you know, tomorrow marks 25 years since the tragic shooting at Columbine High School.  Two students killed twelve of their fellow classmates and one teacher with guns they obtained from unlicensed dealers and without background checks.

We continue to pray for the families and victims of the Columbine shooting, as well as communities across the country that are being torn apart by gun violence.

Since Columbine, there have been hundreds of school shootings, exposing hundreds of thousands of students to the horrors of gun violence.

As the President has said, this is not normal, and it must end.

That’s why he signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety legislation in decades, and created the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

We’ve also made the largest investment in youth mental health in American history.  And just last week, the Biden-Harris administration implemented the largest expansion of the gun background check requirement since 1993, addressing the very loophole that allowed the Columbine shooters to obtain their weapons.

Under President Biden’s leadership, we are taking action, but we need Congress to finish the job. 

They need to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, require safe storage of guns, pass a national red-flag law, and invest in proven solutions that reduce violence, also enact universal background checks.

And finally, I know there’s a lot — a lot of interest in reports from the Middle East overnight, and we understand that.  We get that. 

I’m going to say it now, though I know you all will — will certainly ask me about it, that we do not have any comment on the reports at this time.  Obviously, you all heard from Secretary Blinken earlier this morning.

But, with that, Darlene, it’s good to see you.

Q    Good to see you.  Thank you.  On the Middle East.  Why is it that you don’t have any comment at this time?  It’s been several hours since the reported strike.  Certainly, that’s enough time for the administration to investigate and come up with something to say.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m just going to be really mindful.  Just going back to what I said just — just before I called on you to ask me this question.  So, I’m not going to speak or speculate about any of the reports that are out there.  I’m not going to comment.  And I’m just going to leave it there.

Q    Can I ask you a domestic question then?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Absolutely. 

Q    Average gasoline prices have risen about 20 cents a gallon in the past month.  Oil production — domestic oil production is down slightly from its recent peak, and now we have the situation in the Middle East.  How concerned is the administration about the combination of all of those things?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, we’re going to continue to watch the markets very carefully.  As you know, this is an adminis- — administration — the Biden-Harris administration is commit- — committed to maintaining a stable and secure energy supply and lowering prices for Americans, as you saw the President — as you all know, when Russia invaded Ukraine and gas prices started to go up, inflation obviously was infected [affected] by that, the President took action and tapped into the SPR.  So, obviously, we are — we are focused on securing energy supply and, like I said, lowering prices for Americans. 

The United States’ current record domestic oil and gas production is helping meet our immediate needs while we make the historic investment needed to transition into clean — a clean energy economy, but obviously we’re going to continue to watch the markets carefully.

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

Q    Thanks, Karine.  This level of silence from you guys about what’s happening in the Middle East is really new, and I — I heard what you had to say, but can you explain why?  Because the official line that “we’re not going to talk about this,” that is the line — that is the choice.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Mm-hmm.

Q    Is it part of your strategy to deescalate?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, I’m going to, again, be super mindful.  And I — I get the interest.  Obviously, I understand the interest.  And — and I’m going to be disappointing many people here this afternoon.  I just don’t have anything to share.  I’m not going to speculate on the reportings out there.

You heard the same — obviously, you said our — our — what we’ve been saying since this morning.  You heard from Secretary Blinken, and so I’m just going to be really, really mindful. 

But as you asked me as well about escalation, I’m going to speak more generally: We — we have been very, very clear from here from the beginning that we do not want to see this conflict escalate.  We continue to consult with our allies and partners, including — including in the region, obviously, and to reduce further risk of escalation in the region.  And that’s — that’s the sentiment that was expressed in the G7 foreign — foreign minister — ministry’s [ministers’] joint statement that went out this morning.  You heard that obviously from — from Secretary Blinken, who was — who — who was part of that — who was part of that meeting.

I’m just going to be super mindful.  I’m not going to speculate or speak to any of the reportings that are out there at this time. 

Q    Okay.  And earlier this month, President Biden said that if Israel did not change its approach with regard to Gaza, then the U.S. would have to change its approach.  Can you bring us up to speed about what Israel has done, other than the steps that it announced in those immediate hours after the President had that phone call?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, we’re continuing to have conversations, obviously, with the — with our counterparts in the Israeli go- — in Israeli government.  You know that th- — as you know, we put out a — a readout of the Rafah meeting yesterday, and it was a constructive meeting. 

So, obviously, the readout speaks out for itself.  And as it says, the United States and Israel agreed on the shared objective to see Hamas defeated in Rafah.  The U.S. side — side continued to express concerns with various courses in a- — in action in Rafah, and Israeli participants agreed to take these concerns into account and to have further follow-up discussions between experts. 

So, certainly, as it relates to that, we’ll have more to share.  And we’re going to continue to have those conversations with our Israeli government — with the Israeli government, with our counterparts there.  And — and, you know, we’re — the President made himself very clear.  He made himself very clear. 

Q    So, I’m actually talking about the commitments to do more to —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No —

Q    — protect civilians —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No —

Q    — and aid workers.  Just this week —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yes.

Q    — an Israeli strike hit a refugee camp that killed several children.  So, I’m asking about the commitments to better protect people —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — and to get more humanitarian aid in. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Well, I think speaking about Rafah is also protecting — right? —

Q    Sure.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — almost 1.5 million Palestinians who are seeking refuge in — in Raf- — in Rafah.  So, that is something that I wanted to make sure that was very clear.  We — we care about that, which is why the President has been consistent about not wanting to see a major military operation. 

So, I think that is important for — for folks out there to — to note. 

And, look, we’ve been really clear.  You know, the President had that conversation with the Prime Minister about making sure that we protect innocent civilians, as I just mentioned, and also the human- — humanitarian aid workers. 

Look, we do not want to see that type of — any — any civilians — any innocent civilian’s life taken.  We don’t want to see any humanitarian aid workers — their lives being taken, as well, as they’re doing really — ta- — undertaking some, you know, really brave, brave actions by making sure that what we’re seeing in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis, that they are attending to that and making sure that people get the food, get the aid that they need. 

And so, we’re going to continue to have those conversation.  Israel said — the Israeli government said that they were going to take action.  And we’re going to continue to obviously speak with our counterparts there. 

Go ahead.

Q    On Rafah.  Did the Israeli delegation give any indication that they were open to changing their plans?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, we’re going to certainly continue to have those conversations.  They — they shared their side of their — their concerns.  We shared our concerns.  I’m not going to go into details.  We have the readout that we shared with all of you.  Just don’t have anything beyond that. 

Q    After the G7 meeting, the Italian Foreign Minister today said that the U.S. was informed by the Israelis at the last minute about this counterstrike in Iran.  Is that accurate?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not going to speak to our diplomatic conversations. 

Q    And then, domestically, here at home, a third Republican is expected to join the motion to vacate Speaker Johnson from his post.  Would the President encourage Democrats to save Speaker Johnson and his job?  Was that part of the conversation that he had with the Speaker on Monday?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Well, I’ll — I’ll say this, and we’ve been very consistent, and I think that what I’ll say will answer the question: We do not get involved when it comes to leadership in — whether it’s the Senate or in the House.  We’re very mindful.  That is something that the members — in this case, the members in Congress have to decide on. 

As it relates to Democrats, Leader — Leader Hakeem Jeffries, that’s something that he and his caucus have to make a decision on.  We do not get involved. 

Q    The President doesn’t have any opinion about whether Democrats —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  We do not —

Q    — should help save a Republican Speaker and his job?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I mean, I’ve been asked this question many times, whether it’s on the Senate side or the House side, in the last two years, almost three years, when we’ve gone through these types of exercises or the House has gone — in particular, has gone through this exercise.  And we’ve been pretty consistent.  There’s nothing new here.  We have said we’re not going to involve ourselves in this.  This is something, in this case, for members of Congress to decide. 

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Just about the call yesterday between U.S. and Israel.  To what extent did Iran come up on the call?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, I’m going to be super mindful.  I’m just not going to speak to diplo- — diplomatic conversations.  Obviously, we put out a — a — we put out a readout.  And so, I’m just going to leave it.  I’m not going to go beyond the readout.

Q    There wasn’t in reference to that, but can you at least talk about —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not — I’m not going to go beyond the readout that —

Q    Okay.  What —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — we shared with all of you yesterday.

Q    –did the U.S. lobby Israel at all on a smaller-scale response?  Can you can you talk to that?  Can you talk about that?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I can say that — I’m going to be mindful because I’m not going to speak or speculate to any of the events from last night.  And I know — I know you all have a lot of questions on this.  I get it.  I understand.  I just — I want to be mindful here. 

Go ahead.

Q    Okay.  Well, on domestic policy, then.  On U.S. Steel, I know you and I spoke a little bit about that yesterday as well.  The transaction is under review at CFIUS.  You know, that process will sort of play out.  And, really, Japan is an ally.  So, what is really the national security concern here?  I mean, is it Nippon’s business in China?  What — and, you know, at the same time, the President is, of course, pledging that, you know, the company will stay in American hands.  So, is he confident that a CFIUS review will come up with national security complications?  And, if that happens, what is his concern primarily?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, let me just first say at the top — and you heard the President say this when he was making the announcement in Pittsburgh — that steel is the backbone of our economy.  It’s the backbone of our national security.  It helped build the middle class.  You heard directly from this President.  The CFIU- — CFIUS has its own process.  I’m not going to get ahead of that. 

And so, I’m going to just let that process go.  I’m not going to get into hypotheticals.  And we’ve said before that this — this is — looks like this is an action — an action for CFIUS to take on.  And so, that is what’s — they’re going to d- — designed, obviously — they are designated to examine this.  And so, we’re going to let that process be.

Q    Is the White House telling CFIUS — is there sort of any kind of mandated timeframe they’re —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  They’re — they’re independent.  They are independent body, and we’re going to let CFIUS —

Q    So, how is the President —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — move their process.

Q    — as confident as he is pledging that the company will remain in U.S. hands?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, you know, he believes — the President believes that U.S. Steel will remain an — American owned and American operated. 

We’re going to let CFIUS run its operations, do its process.  It is designated to do this process.  I’m just not going to comment. 

But he believes strongly on that, as you just stated in your question. 

Go ahead.

Q    Last weekend, President Biden advised the Israeli Prime Minister in his phone call to think carefully and strategically about next steps following Iran’s attack against Israel.  Is it the U.S. assessment that the Prime Minister took the President’s advice?  And has it tamped down concerns of escalation in the region?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Going to be mindful here.  I — we’re not — I’m not going to speculate or speak on any of the events that’s been reported overnight.  So, I’m just going to leave it there.

We have been very clear — you heard this from Secretary Blinken this morning — about de-escalation, not escalating in the region.  We’ve been very clear about that.

Any question that is related to the reporting out there, I’m just not going to speculate about.

Q    Okay.  Moments ago, someone set themselves on fire in front of the courthouse where Donald Trump’s trial is underway.  Are there any plans to step up the federal authority’s presence, enforcement?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah, so, it’s a very sad news.  We’re just learning this, as you all were reporting this live.  I was watching all of you reporting this live.  So, it’s a developing situation, so I — I would direct your comments, your question at this time, at least to what’s happening currently, to local authorities. 

I don’t have anything beyond what you all are reporting.  It’s just happening, and it’s developing.  It’s obviously a very sad news.

Q    Another question.  More than 100 people protesting the war in Gaza were cleared off the Columbia University campus yesterday and arrested.  Is the President aware of these arrests?  And what is his message to these protesters?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, just let me say at the top, because I have to be mindful here, as you know, there is a — an investigation currently being led by the Department of Education.  It’s an ongoing civil rights investigation of Columbia University.  So, I won’t speak to specifics about the protest here.

There’s a couple things I do want to say — is that — is that we know this is a deeply painful moment for many communities impacted by this conflict.  The President and our administration continues to speak out and forcelly — forcefully condemn antisemitism, and our administration is implementing the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

In recent months, we’ve seen a shocking rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab hate in the U.S. and around the world.  He has also been clear that hate has no place in America, whether it is based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other form of hate, which is why there is no place for discrimination on college campuses or anywhere — anywhere in America.

The President also believes that free speech, debate, and non-discrimination on college campuses are important American values.

When students are subject to hostile environments because of their faith or ethnicity, schools must act.  Students must be safe to learn.  And that’s where we stand on that one.

Go ahead.

Q    And just to follow up on the protests, I get you don’t want to go into specifics, but what does the President think about young people in America saying things like, “We are all Hamas” and “Long live Hamas”?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I will say — look, this is a president that has been — since he’s been in office and the reason why he ran has been very clear about what he witnessed in Charlottesville.  Let’s not forget what we saw — the antisemitism, the bigotry, the hate that we saw in the street of Charlottesville, which, as I just stated, was one of the reasons that he decided to run.  And no president has taken more action to combat antise- — -semitism than this president.

And so, you know, in our national strategy, we made clear that when Jews are targeted because of their beliefs, because of their identity or when Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hate — hatred, that is antisemitism.  And that is completely, completely unacceptable.

Q    I do have to ask you about a different topic.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Oh.

Q    Why is President Biden saying that his Uncle Bosie was eaten by cannibals?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, you know, I th- — I th- — I answered this question yesterday.  I believe I’ve seen some clips on your — on your network about me answering this question.  I don’t have much to say beyond what I said to some of your colleagues.

Look, I was there.  I think you traveled with us, too, to Pennsylvania.  I’m not sure if you were there at the memorial in — in Scranton.  The President had an emotional and, I think, a symbolic moment.  He had an opportunity as president to honor his uncle’s service in uniform.  He had an opportunity to be there, as president, to — to — you know, to speak to the bravery of his uncle — and not just his uncle but many U.S. service members that put their lives on the line on behalf of this country.

So, his uncle who lost his life when the military aircraft he was on crashed in the Pacific after taking off near New Guinea, the Pres- — the President highlighted his uncle’s story as he made the case for honoring our sacred commitment to equip those we sta- — we send to war and take care of them and their families when they come home.

And as he iterated, the last thing American veterans are or the last thing Americans are — should be called are “suckers” and “losers.”  And — and that is — those types of words should not come from a commander-in-chief, as we have in the past, and we should actually be lifting up our American veterans and honoring them.  And that’s what you saw from this president.

Q    And I agree Second Lieutenant Ambrose J. Finnegan was a war hero.  But the Pentagon says, “For unknown reasons, the plane was forced to ditch in the ocean.  Both engines failed at low altitude.” 

Why is President Biden saying he was shot down?  There’s no evidence of that. 

And why is he saying that his uncle was eaten by cannibals?  That is a bad way to go.  (Laughter.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  He lost his life.  It’s not — look, I’m not —

Q    It’s —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  We should not make jokes about this.

Q    It’s not a —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Wait.  Wait.  

Q    President Biden said —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No.

Q    — that his uncle —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No.

Q    — was eaten by cannibals.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I mean, your — your last line is — it’s for a laugh.  It’s for a funny — a funny statement.  And he takes this very seriously.  His uncle, who served and protected this country, lost his life serving.  And that should matter.

You have a president that lifts up our U.S. troops, our American veterans every day, who thinks about them, who actually thinks they’re all heroes.  And they are.  And you have a former president who disrespects that, who doesn’t honor that — said it as president, “suckers” or “losers.”

Q    Where did —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  That’s what he said.

Q    Where did the cannibalism come from?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  But the — I think you’re missing the point.  The point is, you have a president that lifts up American veterans, who lifts up our U.S. service members, and that’s what matters.  He understands how critical and how important it is to be commander-in-chief.

I’m going to move on.  Go ahead.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Does the President support the UAW’s efforts to unionize its Volkswagen plant in Tennessee?  Has he been involved at all or in touch with Shawn Fain?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I’m going to let, obviously, the —

the union speak for themselves.  I’m not going to comment on what’s currently happening. 

You hear the President say this.  He was — he was in Pittsburgh.  You heard — he — he — you saw how — how — how union members reacts to this President. 

He is the most pro-union president ever, and we’re going to continue to lift up union members.  We believe that they should certainly be paid fairly.  We believe that they should get — get a contract that is fair, and we’ve said that over and over again.

As it relates to this particular si- — situation that’s happening, I’m just not going to speak to it.  I’m going to let them — let the union deal.

Go ahead, Gabe.

Q    Karine, I know you alluded to this, and you said that you didn’t want to speculate.  But we’re not asking for speculation.  We’re asking for an official response.  And given that — 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — U.S. taxpayers give more than $3 billion each year for military defense systems in Israel, shouldn’t Americans have a response from this administration more than 12 hours after this attack? 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I appreciate the question, and I understand the importance of the American people who — you are correct, they are taxpayers.  And I want to be incredibly mindful here.  And I understand the interest here.  And I am going to continue to say: I’m not going to speak to this or speculate about the reports out there.  That’s not going to change.  And I’m just going to be super mindful.

Q    So, last week, the President warned Iran.  He said, “Don’t,” when he was asked his message to Iran about retaliation.  They did it anyway.  He urged Israel to show restraint.  And Israel, according to the reporting, has retaliated.  Does the U.S. have any leverage in the region?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I know this is not going to be satisfying.  I’m not going to speak to any of the reports out there.  I’m just not going to do that.  Not going to speculate. 

I will say — and we have se- — you’ve heard this from my NSC colleagues, and you’ve heard this from many of us here at the White House: The President and the Prime Minister have a — a longstanding relationship that goes decades — decades.  And because of that longstanding relationship, they are able to speak very honestly with each other and have difficult conversations when it’s necessary.  That is the type of friendship that they have. 

I’m just not going to speak to any of the events that’s been reported. 

Go ahead, Justin.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  I appreciate you aren’t ready to speak to it right now, but I don’t think we’re expecting to hear from you guys again until Tuesday.  Can you make some sort of commitment to, you know, brief on this before the middle of next week?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, I — what I will say is that I — I

don’t have any schedule to announce or anything to share about,

you know, speaking on — on the reports that are out there or making a comment.  I wouldn’t expect — I wouldn’t expect anything further beyond today. 

But, again, want to be super mindful.  I’m not going to speak to this.  I’m not going to —

Q    Sure.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — give comments. 

Q    I mean, I think it would just be (inaudible) —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No, I — I understand, but it’s –it’s hard for me to — to say to you, “Before Monday.”  That is —

Q    Yeah.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have anything in the docket.  I don’t have any schedule to speak to at this moment.  At this time, I just can’t spec- — speculate or speak to any of the reports from — that —

Q    (Inaudible.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — that are being — any of the — the reporting from the event overnight.

Q    Then a couple of domestic ones, then.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Sure.  Sure, sure. 

Q    There’s reports overnight that Sony is discussing a bid for Paramount that would push consolidation among — in Hollywood and amongst studios to some of the tightest we’ve ever seen it.  Considering the White House’s push for competition, do you guys have any concerns about such a deal?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, as you mentioned, the Competition Council is something that the President put together because he wanted to make sure that we can — there’s fair competition out there.  And so, obviously, it’s important to have that Competition Council.

I’m not going to speak on the potential action that being — may be taken by Sony.  I’m just going to leave that there. 

Q    And then on 702.  Senator Durbin, the Democratic Whip, has not backed down on his push for an amendment that would require warrants for certain information.  Does the White House feel confident that this is going to get through the Senate today to avoid the — the lapse that would happen if it wasn’t reauthorized?  And why is — why do you think you’ve been un- — unable to convince Senator Durbin not to push forward with this?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  On — on which piece?

Q    The amendment on 702.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah, on FISA.  So, also going to be careful here.  I don’t want to get ahead of the most important point here, which is the provision underpinning the government’s most critical foreign intelligence tool.  As you know, Section 702, which is also FISA, is expired to — is — is going to expire today and, you know, with — along with other provisions.

Look, Section 702 provides irreplaceable information on almost every threat that the American people expect their government to find and stop: terrorist plots, illicit fentanyl, ransomware and other cyberattacks, Russian war crimes, and many more.  And so, we’re going to continue to urge the Senate to act to authorize it now. 

It is — the bipartisan bill is currently, as you just stated in your question, in the Senate — in the Senate.  And so, we strongly support it. 

And so, we’re going to continue to have those conversations with Senate — Senate members on making sure that we move forward with it, encouraging to pass it.  This is something that our Office of Leg Affairs; our, obviously, National Security Council has been on top of not just this past week, not just today, but for several weeks now.  And we want to strongly see it move forward. 

And so, as you can imagine, we’re having conversation with senators.  And so, hopefully, we see that.

Go ahead.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Just going back to the Columbia protests really quickly.  Does the President see these arrests as a threat to freedom of speech or assembly?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I mean, look, I got to be super careful.  I got to be m- — really mindful.  This — there is an investigation currently happening with — ongoing with Columbia University about the Civil Rights Act und- — that’s under the Civil Rights Act.  And so, going to be super mindful.

I talked about — I laid out the importance of — of freedom of speech, but also the importance of making sure that students don’t feel fear- — fearful, and making sure students are — are able to go to school feeling safe.  And so, I have to be really, really careful here because there is an investigation, and so I’m just going to leave it there. 

I did — well, I’ll say one more thing.  We understand that this time is incredibly painful for many Americans.  And at the same time — right? — it’s important for schools to protect students.  It is one of the things that we have to do as — respecting — and, also, they must do this respecting of — of freedom — their freedom, obviously, to debate on their campuses.  But students should feel safe.

Q    And one more, please, if you don’t mind. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    The President has made a lot of policy — like, notable policy moves recently with student loan debt forgiveness and the steel tariffs and the drilling moves in Alaska.  Are all of these — can you just talk about why are these happening right now?  And is there — are they an attempt to kind of just shore up the Democratic base? 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, I would read this as what the President promised in 2020, what the President said when he walked into this administration. 

He said: Climate change is a crisis — is one of the crises that we are dealing with not just here in this country but, obviously, globally.  And he has been incredibly progressive on this, taking actions that we have not seen any other president take.

And so, he’s — this is his commitment.  I would see this as a commitment that he has made not just to young people but to Americans as our role, as the United States — obviously, as the United States of America, to make sure that we are doing our part in dealing with climate crisis.  And that’s what you’re seeing.

You’re seeing that from this — from this announcement today, but from many other announcements.  So, it’s not just now.  He’s been doing this from day one of this administration.

Go ahead, Danny.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Firstly, can I just ask you: Has the President been briefed on these reported events that you don’t wish to speculate on?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So — (laughter) — I knew — I knew some humor would be coming in.  And I appreciate the humor.

So, I will say this: The President is regularly kept up to date in real time by his national security team.  And certainly, the last 24 hours, there’s no exception there.  But, again, as you just stated in your ans- — in your question to me, I’m just not going to speculate on any specific events.

Q    Okay.  And just one other thing on Ukraine, if I may.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    If — if the supplemental passes, how soon do you anticipate that U.S. military aid could start getting through to Ukraine again?  Is there any timeline on that?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Right away.  Right away.  We have been clear since October, since we put forth the original, obviously, national security supplemental, how critical it was to get that Ukraine aid to the brave people of — of Ukraine who have been fighting — who have been fighting to protect their democracy, fighting for their freedom, obviously.

And so, we’ve been saying it is critical.  It is critical.  They have been losing ground because of Congress inaction. 

But we are — and I’ll — I’ll add this: We are very grateful to see that the House is moving, to see that it is moving in a bipartisan way.  We want to get that out of the House, obviously, out of the Senate, to the — to — to the desk of this President, and he will sign it right away so that the brave people of Ukraine can get that aid.

We know what Mr. Putin wants to do.  He wants to take over their sovereign territory.  And we cannot allow that.  We know what happens when you do not stop a tyrant, when you do not stop a dictator.  And we cannot have that history repeat itself.

Go ahead, Jon.

Q    Thanks a lot, Karine.  Following up on that legislation regarding Ukraine that will be likely voted on tomorrow.  Plan A was for the House to take up that bill that passed the Senate 70 to 29.  That apparently has not happened.  Is this, for the administration, a satisfactory plan B, having this standalone bill passed by the House?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Well, we see it as — he said this.  He — I mean, the President said this maybe two days ago.  I’m losing track of my days this week.  But he strongly supports this package to reinforce Israel and Ukraine.  And let’s not forget the humanitarian aid that’s needed in — in — for the Palestinian people, in Haiti, in Su- — in Sudan.  This is important humanitarian aid.  Let’s not forget this — the security in Indo-Pacific.

So, these are — this is what this package is going to do.  The President strongly supports that.  He — as I just stated to Danny, your colleague here, that we want to see — the President wants to see it moved out of the House, which is — I’m going to let the Hou- — obviously, let the House speak to their protocols and their processes.  It’s going to move out of the House.  Then he wants to see it move out of the Senate.  He wants to see it on his desk so he can sign it so we can get that aid — the security assistance, obviously, to Ukraine. 

That’s very needed.  I talked about the humanitarian aid that’s needed.  I tal- — also, the all-important aid that’s needed to Israel as well and Indo-Pacific.  This is important.  But we see it as a package.  That’s how it’s moving forward.

Q    And then in response to Danny’s question, you said that Ukraine has been losing ground because of congressional inaction — 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — inaction in the House.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  That’s something we’ve said multiple times.

Q    So, is it your expectation that because of this package that likely will pass the House, hopefully, from your perspective, pass the Senate, get to the President’s desk, that Ukraine can win back that ground that they’ve lost because of congressional inaction?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, what we need to do right now is make sure that they have the security assistance to defend themselves, to defend their sovereign territory.  I can’t speak to the military operations on the ground.  And what I’m — what I’m repeating is something that the CIA Director said even yesterday.  He said that — to the Big Four when they met very early on this year, that they are losing ground and con- — congressional inaction is hurting — is hurting what Ukraine is trying to do.

So, we want to see — right now we’re seeing action.  I want to be very clear: We’re grateful for the action that we’re seeing coming out of the House.  We want to see it out of the House, out of the Senate, to the desk of the President so that he can sign it.  And so, we are grateful for that — for that movement that we’re seeing. 

And we’re grateful to both the Speaker and Leader Jeffries that they’re moving in a bipartisan way to get that all — very important, needed national security supplemental aid to the — to the — to Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian aid, obviously, and also the security of In- — Indo-Pacific.

Go ahead.

Q    Karine, two questions, both on the aid bill.  The first one is more logistical, kind of a follow-up.  What kind of engagement will the President have over the next day or so?  Is he planning any calls to House members, to Speaker Johnson?  And how is he ingesting, sort of, what’s going on?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, a couple of things.  As you know, earlier this week, the President had a call with the Big Four.  And that was — and you’re talking about the na-

Q    Yeah.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay, national security supplemental.  So, he had a call with the Big — the Big Four.  And I think that’s important to note.

And on Monday, the Speaker — Speaker Johnson reached out to the President to share his plan for the national security supplemental.  Obviously, the President shared his support for moving — moving that package forward.  And throughout the week — but, I mean, not just the week.  It’s been some time now. 

You have — you have our offices here — Office of Leg Affairs, other advisors to the President — meeting, talking regularly with leaders in Con- — in Congress to talk about — to p- — to offer any — any assistant here, but provided consistent briefings — continued consistent briefings — that hasn’t stopped — on pressing national security needs.

And so, those conversations continue.  The President has been very much engaged in this week, this — this past week. 

And so, look, we want to see this moving.  We want to see this moving.  We’re grateful to the leaders for getting this moving — certainly looks like — out of the House.  We want to see it moved out of the Senate, get this signed by the President so we can get that — the — that all-important national security needs to where — to — to protect our national security, obviously.

Q    But anything as it comes over the finish line over the next day or so?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Don’t have anything from the President himself reaching out.  Don’t have anything else to share.  But the President has been engaged.  He was — he talked to the Big Four, and Speaker Johnson called him to lay out what was in — how he was moving forward, what was in the package.  And we appreciated that. 

Q    Let me ask just one more. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah, sure. 

Q    I — the President is a student of history.  He ran largely on returning norms —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — to Washington.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    I — what does he think about the fact that, you know, for the second time in seven months, we’re kind of knocking on the door of ousting another House Speaker? 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I mean, you said something that I probably should have said in — in my answer to you about how we’re moving — how the national security supplemental was moving. 

Look, it’s moving in a bipartisan way.  You’re right, the President believes in — in getting — and the way to get things done for the American people: to do it in a bipartisan way.  And that’s what we’re seeing with this national security supplemental.  Because it’s not just about — it’s not just about Ukraine and Israel and Indo-Pacific.  It’s also about our own national security, which is why it’s important that we step in, and this is why it’s important that we move — move quickly here. 

And so, I think that’s important to note, that we are seeing a bipartisan process here as it relates to our national security. 

Look, you know, that is a question for House members to speak to.  It is their decision on who their Speaker is going to be.  So, that is something that they have to deal with. 

What the President wants to see is to make sure that really important initiatives, really important issues are moving forward.  And that’s what we’re seeing with the national sec- — security supplemental.

Go ahead.  I know I have to wrap.

Q    On the national security —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — supplemental.  There’s language in it that has the — language that would force the sale of TikTok that could eventually lead to a TikTok ban.  That’s stalled in the Senate.  Is the White House concerned about legal challenges that might come to — to that —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look —

Q    — piece of (inaudible)?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, I — we have expressed strong support, obviously, for the package.  And — and certainly, we’ll continue — the national security package — certainly we’ll continue to show our support, as I’ve been doing for the past, you know, few minutes here.  And, you know, it was — this — this bill — obviously, this national pac- — this national security package includes this bill, as you just mentioned.  It i- — which has improved thanks to the leadership of members of the House and the Senate. 

So, in that — what you’re talking about — the TikTok divestment, not a ban, of the app TikTok — there’s been improvements in this made by both — both chambers.  So, we’re proud to see that. 

And just to be very clear, it is not a ban; it is a divestment.  It would ensure that ownership of these apps wouldn’t be in the hands of those who can exploit them and to do us harm.  And so, that’s how we’re seeing.

Q    But if it doesn’t sell, there will be a ban, right?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Well, that’s not — look, let’s — let’s — let’s see where this goes.  We believe — we support the package as it certainly stands.  There’s been improvement made to it.  We think that matters.  We see this as a divestment, not a ban.  And it is important.  This is another piece of our national security and protecting our national security, protecting American people.  So, making sure that they don’t get exploited and that harm could be done. 

Go ahead, Gerren.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Ahead of the cannabis holiday 4/20, a few advocacy groups, including the Drug Policy Alliance and SPLC, sent a letter to the President thanking him for his actions on marijuana reform, but they say that it falls short of promises he made when he was a candidate in 2020 that he would decriminalize marijuana. 

They acknowledge that the rescheduling of marijuana is — is an attempt to address racial equities, but they say that it doesn’t go far enough.  They want the President to publicly support decriminalization. 

Does the White House believe that it has done enough as it relates to the issue of marijuana reform?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I mean, look, on decriminalization, the President has been very, very clear.  He doesn’t believe that anyone should be in jail or be prosecuted just for using or — or possessing marijuana.  He continues to say that.  He believes that. 

As you know, he asked the Secretary of HHS and the Attorney General to initiate the administrative process to review how marijuana is being scheduled. 

HHS concluded their independent review, which was guided by evidence, by science, which is how we — what we believe here in this administration.  And now the scheduling review is now with the Department of Justice. 

And so, would certainly — the process is still going, the review is still going, so DOJ has this.  But the President has been really, really clear about how he feels about — you know, about the pros- — people being prosecuted just for pr- — using or possessing marijuana.  That has not sta- — changed. 

And now HHS has — did their review, and now DOJ — it’s in the hands of DOJ.

Q    (Inaudible) — any future announcements whether par- — future pardons or anything else?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t ha- — as it relates to pardons, I don’t have anything to preview at this time. 

But, look, there’s a review that Department of Justice is currently undergoing.  So, we got to let them do their review.  The President has been pretty clear on where he stands on this. 

And so, I would refer you to Department of Justice on any — you know, on rescheduling and their review. 

I do have to wrap it up.

Go ahead.

Q    Thank you, Karine.  In light of recent events that we’re not discussing, is there less pressure on the President to condition aid to Israel?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  (Laughs.)  Not going to speculate on any of the events that have been reported.  Me answering that question would be speculating on those said events.  So, I’m not going to speculate on those events or any of the reports that are out there. 

And I know that is not satisfying to all of you.  But that is where we are. 

Q    Can I just follow up?  The House —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yep.

Q    The House Israel bill includes a provision that congressional notification of foreign military financing obligation may be waived under emergency authority of the Secretary of State, which means up to $3.5 billion

of weapons can potentially be provided to Israel without notifying lawmakers. 

Does the administration believe that the American taxpayers have the right to know what kind of weapons we’re sending to Israel?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, let’s let the process move forward.  But you have heard from me, you’ve heard the President: We support this package.  This is about our national security.  This is about, you know, making sure — we saw what happened, obviously, with Iran and what happened recently, earlier this week, and how they — and what they did and how they attacked Israel. 

So, we understand — right? — we understand that we have to continue our strong commitment to Israel’s security.  That is — continues to be ironclad.  But it’s not just that that’s in the national security package.  We’re also talking about Ukraine, we’re also talking about humanitarian aid to — to the Palestinian people, to the people of Sudan and Haiti.  And this is really — and the security of Indo-Pacific, obviously. 

So, we support that package.  I’m not going to get into speculation here.  Let’s let the House do their process and the Senate do their process. 

Q    And then just one last one, Karine.  I know that Jake told us that he’s consulting with allies and partners on the Middle East issue.  I was wondering: Has the administration had any conversation with China regarding the Middle East since last Saturday?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have any- — anything to — to share beyond the readout that we had when the President spoke to President Xi.  Outside of that, don’t have anything else. 

All right.  Thanks, everybody.  Thank you. 

Q    (Inaudible) on the 911 outage?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Thanks, everybody.  Have a good weekend.

2:48 P.M EDT

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Congratulations to the workers at Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on their historic vote for union representation with the United Auto Workers. I was proud to stand alongside auto workers in their successful fight for record contracts, and I am proud to stand with auto workers now as they successfully organize at Volkswagen. Across the country, union members have logged major wins and large raises, including auto workers, actors, port workers, Teamsters, writers, warehouse and health care workers, and more. Together, these union wins have helped raise wages and demonstrate once again that the middle-class built America and that unions are still building and expanding the middle class for all workers.

Six Republican governors wrote a letter attempting to influence workers’ votes by falsely claiming that a successful vote would jeopardize jobs in their states. Let me be clear to the Republican governors that tried to undermine this vote: there is nothing to fear from American workers using their voice and their legal right to form a union if they so choose. In fact, the growing strength of unions over the last year has gone hand-in-hand with record small business and jobs growth alongside the longest stretch of low unemployment in more than 50 years. I will continue to stand with American workers and stand against Republican’s effort to weaken workers’ voice.  

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on UAW Vote in Tennessee appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Vermont and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe winter storm from January 9 to January 13, 2024.

Federal funding also 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 the severe winter storm in the counties of Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Lamoille, and Orleans.

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

William F. Roy 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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Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of New Hampshire and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from January 9 to January 14, 2024.

Federal funding is available to state 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 the severe storms and flooding in the counties of Grafton and Rockingham.

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

Mr. William F. Roy 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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Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from January 29 to
February 9, 2024.
 
Federal funding is available to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding.
 
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.
 
Mr. Andrew F. Grant 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 Tribal Nation 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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Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists for the Hoopa Valley Tribe and ordered Federal aid to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by a severe winter storm from January 30 to January 31, 2024.

Federal funding is available to the Hoopa Valley Tribe certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by a severe winter storm.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Hoopa Valley Tribe.

Mr. Andrew F. Grant 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 Tribal Nation 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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Washington Hilton Hotel
Washington, D.C.

12:08 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello!  (Applause.)  Hello, hello, hello!  (Applause.)  It’s good to be home.  (Applause.)

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  As my mother would say, “God love you.”  Please have a seat if you have one.  I don’t wa- — (laughs) — want you all to have to stand for me.  (Laughter.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Four more years, Joe!

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I tell you what, man — (applause) —

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT:  The reason I got the first four years is the IBEW, and that’s no malarkey.  You guys stood up first.  (Applause.)

Kenny, thanks for that introduction.  I tell you what, I caught the tail end of the little film there.  Pretty impressive.  He’s now a movie star.  (Laughter.)

Look, most of all, I want to thank Kenny and all of you for your partnership and your friendship.  Union workers, IBEW, I’m President and that’s not — no malarkey, because of you.  That’s no joke.  I wouldn’t be standing here had you not stepped up when you did in 2020.  (Applause.)

I was home in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where I was raised, and I visited a — the place I used to live in, et cetera.  I tell you what, my grandfather, Ambrose Finnegan, he’d be proud as hell I’m listed as the most pro-union president in history.  He — (applause).

I had an uncle named Ed Finnegan.  He’d say, “Joey, you are union from belt buckle to shoe sole.”  Well, I tell you what, it’s because you built the country.  You’re proof of what I’ve always known.

And I mean this sincerely.  I’ve been saying it for a long time, and it’s finally getting through — not to you but to everybody.  Wall Street didn’t build America.  The middle class built America.  And unions — unions built the middle class.  (Applause.)  And that’s no — you built the middle class.  There would be no middle class without you.

Folks, you’ve been hosting this conference for a long time.  But it’s fair to say in the last four years, there’s been more excitement and energy than ever — of all the work you’re doing.  I know because I see you all across America as I go across the country. 

Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 51,000 new infrastructure projects have been announced so far, and we’re just beginning — roads, bridges, ports, airports, clean water systems, affordable high-speed Internet — all across America, installed by IBEW workers.  (Applause.)

I said when you guys endorsed me, “When I think of climate, I think of unions.  I think of jobs.  Jobs.” 

Improved power grids, new offshore wind turbines put up by the IBEW workers.

A national network of 500,000 electric vehicle stations are going to be built by IBEW workers.

And let’s hear it for Davis-Bacon requirements.  (Applause.)  They guarantee these projects will pay a prevailing wage.

Project Labor Agreements that make sure they hire highly skilled workers who have a voice on the job. 

And, by the way, these projects are using American-made materials, creating even more good-paying American jobs — union jobs.  (Applause.)

You know, since the 1930s — and I have to admit to you, in my early days in the Senate, I didn’t realize this law said it would — the law that established the rights of a union to organize back in the ‘30s — well, that law said — a little piece in it no one paid much attention to.

The law said that when the federal government spends taxpayers’ dollars, it has to — it has to buy American products with it and it has to use American labor.  But that was honored in a — in the exception.  The vast majority of the presidents didn’t do it, and the last guy didn’t even know it.  (Laughter.)  A lot of things he doesn’t know.  (Applause.)

But, look, that’s “Buy American.”  Past administrations, including my predecessor, failed to uphold it. 

But not anymore.  My administration uses American products and American labor to build those products.  (Applause.) 

And, by the way, for all you trade — skilled trade representatives out there, it’s totally within all the rules and regulations.  And there’s no violation.  We’re not violating anything, man, except we’re showing the world what we can do.

At the same time, we’re making the most significant climate investments ever.  When I think — I said, when I think of climate, I think of jobs: union jobs, good-paying jobs, many that don’t require a college degree.  And that’s what we’re seeing. 

We’ve attracted $700 billion in private investments in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and more here in America, creating tens of thousands of good-paying IBEW jobs. 

The bottom line is — this is not an exaggeration — the next decade and beyond, you’ll be coming to this conference seeing how critical the IBEW is and how transformative the proje- — the process you’re going to be making for the country.  And I mean transformative.  

Take nuclear power, the biggest source of clean energy.  It employs over 60,000 workers, including many of you.  The key to meeting the goal of a 100 percent clean power grid by 2035 depends a lot on it.  That’s why we’re keeping existing plants open, restarting shuttered plants, and building America’s first new nuclear plants in decades.  (Applause.) 

And we’re investing to make sure America leads the way on new technologies, like advanced small modular reactors of the future.  That also means manufacturing the fuel that’s needed to run these reactors. 

For too long, we’ve relied on imported uranium to power nuclear reactors — imports from places like Russia, who we can’t trust at all.  My administration is working to change all that.  We’re investing $3.4 billion — $3.4 billion in producing advanced nuclear fuel right here in America. 

You know, folks — (applause) — this — this is — I know we — we’re going to look back on this 20 years from now and be talking about what a revolutionary period this was for the country.  We’re going to make a real gigantic difference. 

Today, I can announce that the IBEW plant in southern Ohio has already produced the first 200 pounds of that powerful enriched uranium — the first ever — first ever made in America.  And it’s on track to produce nearly a ton by the end of the year, enough to power 100,000 homes in this country. 

Folks, thanks to your partnership revitalizing key American industries, we’re reducing reliance on imported oil, creating more jobs for IBEW workers.  So far, more than 2,000 new clean energy projects have come online nationwide since I took office, creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. 

We’re giving tax breaks that are five-times greater to projects that are prevailing — providing a prevailing wage.  If you don’t provide a prevailing wage, you don’t get the tax break.  And we use registered apprenticeships to train their workers. 

Look, we’ve invested $440 million to expand registered apprenticeship programs.

Most Americans may not know — and I love it.  And you guys should talk more about it, in my humble opinion.  Everybody thinks, “I — I want to be an electrician; I’ll show up and I….”  “Well, here.  Here, here’s your card.”  Come on, man.  (Laughter.)  Think about it.  (Applause.)

You — by the way, go on out and ask people who know you — that you’re acquainted with who aren’t in the business at all, “What’s it take to be an electrician?”  You say, “Oh, well, you just say (inaudible).  You get a little bit of training.”  Four to five years of training to become an electrician.  You’re the best in the world.  That’s why it’s the (inaudible).  (Applause.) 

No, I really mean it.  I mean it.  You’re the best in the world.  It’s like having to go college, for God’s sake.  I’m serious.  (Applause.) 

And I tell you what, every businessman I talk to, I remind them of who you are.  Not a joke.  Not a joke. 

And once workers are trained, we’re making sure they get the good pay and benefits they deserve.  

Through my American Rescue Plan, I also enacted the Butch Lewis Act, the most pro-labor union worker law for retirees in 50 years.  (Applause.)  All we’re doing is protecting pensions for thousands of IBEW workers and others.  The idea made — they made it hard for you to get it done is just — it blows my mind.

But we made it happen, while my predecessor never lifted a finger to do hel- — any help.  A matter of fact, he lifted a finger — he put a thumb on it.

Look, not only that, he put union busters on the National Labor Relations Board.  The people I’ve appointed to the National Labor Relations Board actually care about American workers.  (Applause.)  No, I’m not kidding. 

And despite the Supreme Court and our Republican friends trying to block us, they haven’t stopped me from pursuing an alternative path to relieve the crushing burden of student debt.  That includes forgiving loans for vocational schools, community college, and some apprentice programs as well.  (Applause.) 

And, by the way, all these things are saving America money.  We’re not costing money.  It’s saving America.  It’s growing the economy, for God’s sake.  People are doing better.

I could go on, but I’m not going to.  I’m going to resist the temptation.  (Laughter.)  Because, boy, I’m tempted these days.  (Laughter.) 

Together, we’re doing what always worked best for this country: We’re investing in America.  It’s — that’s not complicated.  We’re investing in Americans — not just America, Americans — building an economy from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down — not the top down.  Because when you do that, the poor have a ladder up, the middle class does very well, and the wealthy still do very well, except they don’t pay enough taxes.  (Applause.) 

By the way, just parenthetically, you know how much — we have a thousand billionaires in America.  You know what the average federal tax rate is for them?  Billionaire — billion — not million, billion.  8.3 percent federal tax.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE PRESIDENT:  No, I’m serious.  Isn’t it bizarre?  Anybody willing to trade their tax rate for yours — (laughter) — raise your hand.

Look — and, folks, our plan is working.  So far, we’ve created 15 million new jobs.  Unemployment hasn’t been this low for this long in 50 years.  And that includes record-low unemployment for Black and Hispanic workers as well.  Wages are rising.  Manufacturing is booming.  We’ve created close to eight hun- — you’ve created close to 800,000 new manufacturing jobs since I became president.  (Applause.) 

And I got to tell you, when I was a senator and vice pre- — I got so sick and tired — I know a little about corporations.  There are more corporations in — in — (laughs) — registered in my home state of Delaware than every other state in the Union combined.  They’re not all bad guys, but they ain’t all good guys, either.  (Laughter.)

Look, think what’s happened, all kidding aside, for the years — the previous 15 years, 20 years.  Corporations look for the cheapest labor in the world, sent the jobs — sent the product to those — sent the jobs to those laborers, whether they’re in Asia or Europe, wherever they were, and then they sent the product back home.

Well, instead of importing foreign products, I’m exporting f- — their products, and we’re making those jobs American jobs, created here in America where they belong.  (Applause.)

It’s not that complicated.  No, I really mean it.

Five hundred fifty thousand jobs brought home — home, home home.  (Applause.)

But it’s pretty basic stuff.  I won’t get off course here talking about chips, but all those computer chips, we — we invented.  We s- — we made s- — about the tip of the finger, the size of it.  Well, guess what?  I — you know, I went over to South Korea.  They said, “What are you doing that for?”  I said, “I’m going to get them to invest in America instead of us having to import all of this stuff.”  We had this — this space between what we needed and what we could get.

Well, guess what?  We’ve been — we created $500 bi- — $50 billion in investments here.  They’re bringing it here.  And I asked the guy at Samsung why.  You know what he said to me?  He said, “You have the best workers in the world, and you have the safest place in the world to invest.”

But, look, folks, my predecessor and his MAGA f- — allies have a very different view. 

He promised “Infrastructure Week” every week for four years and never built a damn thing.  (Laughter and applause.)  That’s a fact.

Now, he’s saying Republicans, they want — this is not your father’s Republican party; this is a different breed of cat — these MAGA Republicans.  Now they want to repeal the climate law that would gut all those new jobs and industries we’re creating here in America. 

My predecessor rolled back protection for American workers.  He opposed increases in federal minimum wage.  And he was proud — very proud of his $2 trillion tax cut when he was president that overwhelmingly benefitted the — the wealthy and created the — and the biggest corporations and exploded — exploded the federal debt.  I cut the federal deficit.  He exploded it.  (Applause.)

By the way, this is no — there’s no exaggeration here. It’s going to expire.  And if I’m reelected, it’s going to stay expired.  (Applause.)

Look, let me close with this.  There are two different ways of looking at our economy.  Some folks learn very different lessons growing up than you and I did.  I learned the best way to get — I — or they learned and my opponent learned the best way to get rich is inherit it.  (Laughter.)  I can’t argue much with that, but they — you know?  They learned that paying taxes is for working people, not the super wealthy.  They learned that telling people “you’re fired” is something to be laughed about.

Not where I come from, not where I was raised.  I guess that’s how they look at the world from Park Avenue and Mar-a-Lago, but I grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware — working-class and middle-class towns, like many of you did as well. 

Nobody handed you anything.  You paid your taxes.  And being told you were fired wasn’t entertainment; it was a devastating nightmare to a family. 

Folks, where we come from it matters. 

That’s why when I look at the economy, I don’t see it through the eyes of Mar-a-Lago.  I literally see through the eyes of Scranton and where I grew up and my grandpop’s kitchen table.  I see it through the eyes of working people like you and the basic value set you represent: honesty, decency, hard work, faith.  It matters.  Fairness matters. 

And if you believe like I do everyone in America deserves just an even shot — no guarantee, just a shot — but guaranteed to have a shot.  In America, we leave nobody behind where we come from. 

Folks, that’s the America you all are building.  That’s the America you’re recreating. 

And let me ask you: Are you going to keep doing it?  (Applause.)

I know we can do this because of you, the American worker. 

And I give you my — I’ve never been more optimistic about our future than I am today.  Folks, we just have to remember who the hell we are.  We’re the United States of America.  And there’s nothing beyond our capacity — nothing, nothing, nothing.  (Applause.)

God bless you all.  Thank you, thank you.  And on behalf of America, thank you.  You’ve really done it.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.

12:25 P.M. EDT

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Each year, millions of Americans become victims of crime and acts of violence.  During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we recommit to pursuing justice for victims and providing them with the support and resources needed to heal from the emotional, psychological, physical, and financial scars of those traumatic experiences.  We continue our work to prevent crime before it occurs.  Every American deserves to know that they, their families, and their communities are safe and free from violence and crime. 

Since I first came to office, my Administration has been working tirelessly with law enforcement, crime victims, and other community leaders across the country to keep Americans safe.  Together, we have made historic progress.  Last year, the United States had one of the lowest rates of all violent crime in more than 50 years.  Murder, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery all dropped sharply, as did burglary, property crime, and theft. 

Reducing violence and crime is a top priority for my Administration.  We helped cities, counties, and States invest over $15 billion in fighting crime and preventing violence.  We made the largest-ever Federal investment in public safety, enabling law enforcement to better serve their communities — helping to keep everyone safe.  Our investment also has been used to implement proven crime-prevention strategies like community violence intervention programs that leverage community leaders and formerly incarcerated people to work with young people and those at most risk of violence, intervening before it is too late with culturally competent strategies.

As a United States Senator, I supported the law that established the Crime Victims Fund, which directly compensates victims and finances victim assistance services.  As President, I signed a law to replenish and strengthen the fund so that victims can continue to access the resources they need. 

My Administration is also supporting survivors of gender-based violence.  As a Senator, I wrote the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which brought survivors’ stories into the forefront of the American consciousness and combatted the scourge of gender-based violence in America.  VAWA has helped fund helplines, shelters, and rape crisis centers; offered survivors housing and legal assistance; and trained law enforcement agencies and courts on ways the justice system could better assist survivors of gender-based violence.  When we reauthorized VAWA in 2022, we expanded Tribal courts’ jurisdiction so that non-Native perpetrators of sexual assault, sex trafficking, stalking, and child abuse can be prosecuted for the crimes they commit on Tribal lands.  VAWA newly empowered individuals whose intimate visual images are disclosed without their consent to take perpetrators to court through a Federal civil cause of action.  This year, I worked with the Congress to increase VAWA’s funding to its highest level in history.  Now, more survivors have access to trauma-informed care, including those in the LGBTQI+ community and from rural areas.  Additionally, I have spearheaded historic military justice reforms to better protect victims of crime in our military and ensure that prosecutorial decisions in cases of gender-based violence are fully independent from the chain of command. 

To address the gun violence epidemic in America, I signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety law in nearly 30 years.  It helps prevent domestic abusers from purchasing guns, tackles gun trafficking, provides funding for implementation of red flag laws, expands background checks, and strengthens crisis intervention programs and youth mental health programs.  I also formed the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and my Administration has taken more executive actions to stop the flow of illegal guns than any other Administration in history. This new office is coordinating the first centralized Federal response to mass shootings and surges in gun violence in order to help victims and communities address the economic, physical, and emotional effects of gun violence.

Additionally, my Administration is cracking down on hate-fueled violence.  Early on, I signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act that includes the Khalid Jabara-Heather Heyer NO HATE Act.  These legislative actions help government agencies track and prosecute hate-fueled acts of violence against people from marginalized groups and establish State-run hotlines through which victims can report hate crimes.  For the first time in history, we made lynching a Federal hate crime through the Emmett Till Antilynching Act.  We also hosted the first-of-its-kind United We Stand Summit — bringing together civic, faith, philanthropic, and business leaders to ensure that hate has no safe harbor in America.

I also signed a historic Executive Order to advance effective and accountable community policing and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.  My Administration provided States billions of dollars to purchase body-worn cameras, reduce court backlogs, and support crime victims.  We are investing in more crisis responders who are able to de-escalate situations and respond to non-violent crimes.  In addition, we are hiring more Federal prosecutors so justice for victims is not delayed, recruiting more United States Marshals to apprehend violent fugitives, and investing in better technology and training to clear court backlogs and solve murders.   

This National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, as each of us asks, “How should I help?” let us recommit to doing all we can to prevent crime and violence, support victims and help them secure the justice and healing they deserve, and make our Nation safer and more secure for all Americans.  For more information on the rights of crime victims, visit Crimevictims.gov.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 21 through April 27, 2024, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe this week by participating in events that raise awareness of victims’ rights and services and by volunteering to serve and support victims in their time of need.

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

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

 
 

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    America’s volunteers embody the core values that define our Nation:  an optimism that is tested yet resolute; a courage that digs deep when we need it most; and an unshakeable faith in one another, our Nation, and the future we can build together.  During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the millions of selfless Americans who keep faith in all of us and give their time, service, and hearts to make sure no one is left behind.

I have often said that America is a good Nation because we are a good people — every day, our country’s volunteers prove that to be true.  They lead by the power of their example.  From helping rebuild homes after devastating disasters to tutoring our youth and helping ensure orderly elections, volunteers strengthen our communities and improve the lives of people across our Nation and around the world.  Through these extraordinary acts of service, volunteers also have the opportunity to engage with new communities and try new things — building professional networks and friendships, learning skills, and finding a sense of purpose.  Volunteering is truly at the heart of our American spirit:  working together to build a future of greater possibilities. 

My Administration is proud to have put more volunteering opportunities within reach of Americans.  More than one million Americans have served as AmeriCorps volunteers, donating their time to improve communities across the country.  This includes the 140,000 older Americans who serve as AmeriCorps’ senior volunteers.  Together, AmeriCorps volunteers have stepped up in the face of national emergencies — from helping put shots in arms during the COVID-19 pandemic to serving as recovery coaches for those impacted by the opioid crisis and responding to natural disasters. 

My Administration is proud to have made a historic $1 billion investment in AmeriCorps through our American Rescue Plan so they could expand operations and strengthen their programs.  Around the world, our Peace Corps volunteers work alongside the members of thousands of communities to improve people’s lives by helping small-scale farmers succeed, teaching small business skills in classrooms, promoting health equity, and so much more.

During National Volunteer Week, we remember that even one act of service — big or small — can make a difference.  Volunteers spread hope and, in the process, inspire so many to give back to their communities.  I encourage everyone to look for ways to volunteer in their own communities, show up for one another, and step up for those in need.  For more information, visit AmeriCorps.gov and peacecorps.gov/volunteer. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 21 through April 27, 2024, as National Volunteer Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in service projects across the country and pledging to make service a part of their daily lives.

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

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

 
 

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    More than 50 years ago today, some 20 million Americans came together across the country to demand that we prioritize our planet’s well-being.  They came from every walk of life and political background, and were united around a common vision:  to protect the Earth and our natural treasures for future generations. Their actions that day ignited an environmental movement and proved that nothing is beyond our capacity if we do it together.  Today, we carry on their legacy by building a greener, more sustainable planet and, with it, a healthier, more prosperous Nation.

     This work has never been more urgent.  Climate change is the existential crisis of our time; no one can deny its impacts and staggering costs anymore.  We have seen historic floods from Vermont to Kentucky to California.  Droughts and hurricanes are growing more frequent and intense.  Wildfires are destroying entire communities and spreading harmful smoky haze for thousands of miles while temperatures keep reaching record highs.  Season after season, I have met with families who have lost everything to major storms, wildfires, and other climate disasters, and I have stood with the brave first responders and firefighters who sacrifice so much to protect their neighbors.  Deforestation, nature loss, toxic chemicals, and plastic pollution also continue to threaten our air, lands, and waters, endangering our health, other species, and ecosystems.    Our actions matter, and together we can protect our planet and our futures.

     I am proud that my Administration has made the biggest investment ever to fight climate change.  Through the Inflation Reduction Act, we are building a clean energy economy that creates good-paying jobs and investing in research and development here at home.  We are building a cleaner, more resilient power grid; expanding solar, wind, nuclear, and geothermal power; and upgrading the transmission system to bring clean electricity to more communities.  We are saving families hundreds of dollars per year on their electric bills by providing tax credits to invest in efficient electric heat pumps.  We are providing thousands of dollars in tax credits to people who buy new or used electric cars.  Additionally, we are supporting farmers and ranchers in the adoption of climate-smart practices like cover crops and rotational grazing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Meanwhile, our American Rescue Plan has also helped States and cities become more energy efficient and resilient to extreme weather, including helping people weatherize their homes, restoring wetlands to protect against storm surges and flooding, and opening cooling centers where people can stay safe from extreme heat.  We have also made America’s biggest investment in infrastructure in generations.  As a result, we are expanding our transit and rail systems to reduce traffic and emissions, and we are building a national network of 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations.

     When I think about climate change, I think about jobs — the good-paying union jobs that our legislation is creating nationwide in this clean energy revolution.  Our historic investments across the clean energy economy are creating good jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities for thousands of workers — from manufacturers and electricians to construction workers and linemen.  American workers are installing solar panels, servicing wind turbines, capping old oil wells, manufacturing electric vehicles, and more.  We are making sure coal and power plant communities, which have powered our economy for decades, have access to these jobs — we will not leave them behind.  At the same time, we launched the American Climate Corps, which will put more than 20,000 young Americans to work restoring our lands and waters, deploying clean energy technologies, and helping communities prepare for and rebuild from extreme weather.

     We are also bringing clean air, clean water, and clean energy to those who have historically been left behind.  Through our Justice40 Initiative, we set a historic goal to direct 40 percent of the overall benefits of Federal clean energy, clean transit, and other investments that fight climate change to communities that are overburdened by pollution and disadvantaged by underinvestment.  We set the strongest-ever pollution standards for cars and trucks, which will reduce carbon emissions by more than 7 billion tons while also slashing emissions of other pollutants.  We are also tackling pollution from fossil fuel power plants, which have denied many Americans the clean air and water they deserve.  We are replacing every lead pipe in America so that everyone can turn on their faucet and drink clean water.  We are working to clean up toxic waste sites and partnering with communities to get dangerous “forever chemicals” out of their water supplies.   

     Today, I am on track to conserve more lands and waters than any President in history — getting us closer to my Administration’s historic goal of conserving at least 30 percent of our Nation’s lands and waters by 2030.  It is a part of our “America the Beautiful” Initiative that supports locally led conservation, protection, and restoration through partnerships with Tribal Nations, local communities, and private landowners.  So far, I have protected over 41 million acres of our Nation’s lands and waters — from establishing national monuments like Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni on the outskirts of the Grand Canyon and Camp Hale high in the Colorado Rockies, to strengthening protections for treasures like the Tongass National Forest and Bristol Bay in Alaska.  These majestic places unite and inspire us and should be preserved for the ages.  To restore and protect the health of our ocean, my Administration is advancing America’s first-ever Ocean Climate Action Plan, accelerating offshore wind energy development, and working to designate new national marine sanctuaries in California and the Pacific Remote Islands.

     Climate change is a global issue.  Certainly no one nation can tackle the climate crisis alone; we have to work together.  On my first day in office, I immediately rejoined the Paris Climate Accord, reclaiming American leadership in this critical work.  We have rallied the international community to tackle vital climate challenges, including collaborating with over 150 nations to commit to slashing methane emissions and over 140 nations to commit to halting and reversing forest loss by 2030 as we find new ways to boost resilience, strengthen our economies, and sustain our planet.  Last year, the United States galvanized other countries to agree for the first time to transition away from the fossil fuels that jeopardize the health of our people and planet.  Through our Women in the Sustainable Economy Initiative, we are working to ensure that women around the world have access to good-paying jobs in sectors such as clean energy, fisheries, recycling, forest management, and environmental conservation, that are critical to our future.  By pledging a historic $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund to help reduce emissions and boost climate resilience in developing countries, we are catalyzing further global action.

     Last fall, we released the Fifth National Climate Assessment, our Government’s preeminent report on the impacts, risks, and responses to climate change nationwide and a go-to resource on emerging climate solutions.  Together — climate activists and business leaders; farmers, manufacturers, union workers, and Indigenous communities; courageous young people; and anyone concerned about the future we leave for our kids — we can make the changes needed to protect our planet.  America has emerged from every crisis we have ever faced stronger than when we went in.  We can do that now for the world.  On Earth Day, I urge everyone to do their part in that fight.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2024, as Earth Day.  Today, I encourage all Americans to reflect on the need to protect our precious planet; to heed the call to combat our climate and biodiversity crises while growing the economy; and to keep working for a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.
 
 
                                        JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
 
 

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    America’s natural wonders and historic treasures are the heart and soul of our Nation.  From the high plateaus and deep ravines of the Grand Canyon to the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg and the rolling forests of the Great Smoky Mountains, our national parks unite and inspire us, connecting us to something bigger than ourselves.  This week, we recommit to protecting and caring for all 429 parks and encourage Americans everywhere to enjoy them.

     Protecting our national parks preserves their majestic beauty as well as meaningful pieces of our Nation’s history and future.  They contain irreplaceable ecosystems that help sustain the air we breathe and the water we drink, and make our Nation more resilient to the threat of climate change. They give families priceless memories of sharing the great outdoors and exploring our past, and create hundreds of thousands of jobs in recreation.  Many of them help preserve sites and places that are sacred to Tribal Nations, who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial.

     My Administration has pursued the most ambitious land and water conservation agenda in American history — and I am on track to conserve more lands and waters than any other President in history.  That work began with setting our first-ever national conservation goal:  to protect and conserve at least 30 percent of all our Nation’s lands and waters by 2030 by investing in locally led, voluntary conservation and restoration efforts through our “America the Beautiful” Initiative.  I signed an Executive Order protecting America’s forests and harnessing the power of nature to fight climate change while also launching a new National Nature Assessment to help evaluate the status of our lands, waters, and wildlife.  

     Since I took office, my Administration has conserved over 41 million acres of our Nation’s precious lands and waters — from safeguarding the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the Nation’s largest national forest, to restoring protections for the desert buttes of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah.  I established five new national monuments, including Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni on the edge of the Grand Canyon, a place that is sacred to many Tribal Nations, and the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, which tells the story of the events surrounding Emmett Till’s murder and their significance in the civil rights movement.  Just last month, I signed an Executive Order to better recognize and integrate the history of women and girls into the parks, monuments, and historic sites that the National Park Service helps protect.

     National parks and the complex ecosystems they contain also help make our Nation more resilient to the existential threat of climate change.  My Administration has made the biggest investment in conservation and climate action in history, including $700 million in our national parks for increased staff and much-needed maintenance.  My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests in sustaining our lands and waters with projects to protect salt marshes, remove invasive species from sagebrush ecosystems to reduce wildfire risk, and more.  It is helping to build new trails, roads, bridges, and other transportation for our national parks as well, making our parks easier to visit.  It pays for bonuses and training opportunities for over 20,000 wildland firefighters.  Meanwhile, we have been working closely with Tribal Nations to recognize the value of their Indigenous Knowledge and expand Tribal co-stewardship of national parks.  My recent Budget asks for over $3 billion for the National Park Service itself to upgrade park infrastructure, work with Tribal Nations in stewarding and managing culturally significant lands, support youth programs that can lead to good-paying jobs, and more.  Through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, the National Park Service is helping to create and renovate parks and outdoor spaces in communities that have been without them for too long.    

     I encourage everyone to explore America’s national parks — and on April 20, entry will be free. Each time my family and I have visited one, we have left feeling inspired by our Nation’s natural beauty and humbled by the responsibility that we all share to make sure that it endures.  This National Park Week, we recommit to the work of protecting our Nation’s natural treasures for the ages.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 20 through April 28, 2024, as National Park Week.  I encourage all Americans to find their park, recreate responsibly, and enjoy the benefits that come from spending time in the natural world.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.
 
 
                                       JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
 

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Alaska’s majestic and rugged lands and waters are among the most remarkable and healthy landscapes in the world, sustaining a vibrant subsistence economy for Alaska Native communities. These natural wonders demand our protection. I am proud that my Administration is taking action to conserve more than 13 million acres in the Western Arctic and to honor the culture, history, and enduring wisdom of Alaska Natives who have lived on and stewarded these lands since time immemorial. From safeguarding sacred lands near the Grand Canyon to protecting Alaskan treasures, my Administration has conserved more than 41 million acres of lands and waters. But as the climate crisis imperils communities across the country, more must be done. My Administration will continue to take ambitious action to meet the urgency of the climate crisis, protect America’s lands and waters, and fulfill our responsibility to the next generation of Americans.

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Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer met today with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to underscore steadfast U.S. support for Ukraine’s self defense and recovery from Russian aggression.  Prime Minister Shmyhal thanked the people of the United States for their support, and stressed the need for additional U.S. security assistance given Ukraine’s urgent battlefield needs.  The pair also discussed Ukraine’s continued reforms, and the importance of continued progress on these for its Euro-Atlantic integration. 

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I offer my deepest condolences to President William Ruto, the Kenyan Defence Forces, and the Kenyan people on the loss of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Omondi Ogolla and several other passengers in a helicopter crash earlier today. During his nearly four decades of service, General Ogolla was a valuable partner in Kenyan-U.S. relations, dedicating his life to making his country – and all of us – safer and more secure. From combatting terrorist threats posed by al-Shabaab to leading efforts to bolster regional cooperation across a range of domains, he has left an indelible mark. Throughout his career, the United States enjoyed a close relationship with General Ogolla, who received pilot training alongside our own officers in the United States and developed strong relationships with U.S. diplomatic and defense leaders, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, and U.S. Africa Command Commander General Langley. Our hearts go out to General Ogolla’s family and the loved ones of all the victims in today’s crash. We share Kenya’s grief for this tragedy and offer our resolute support in the days ahead.

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     Miranda L. Holloway-Baggett, of Alabama, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama for the term of four years, vice Mark F. Sloke, term expired.

     Carmen G. Iguina González, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years, vice Loren L. AliKhan.

     Joseph Russell Palmore, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years, vice Kathryn A. Oberly, retired.

     Curtis Raymond Ried, of California, a Foreign Service Officer of Class One, to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with the rank of Ambassador.

     John Bradford Wiegmann, of the District of Columbia, to be General Counsel of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, vice Christopher Charles Fonzone, resigned.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2:16 P.M. EDT
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I tell you what, I’m not sure I want this night to be over with.  (Laughter.)
 
I tell you what, man, this is a bit of a dream for me.  I mean it sincerely.  Having the Kennedy clan here supporting me like they are, that really means a lot to me.
 
You know, when I was the age of some of you guys in this audience, the — all I had to look to — not all I had — had to look at the Kennedy family. 
 
I have — as I said, I have — I have President John F. Kennedy’s desk, the Resolute, where John-John came out through the front of the desk, you know?  And I sit there and I look at the — those two — those two busts by the fireplace.  I’m sitting at my desk, from here to the wall, there’s President — or excuse me — Martin Luther King and there’s Teddy Kennedy, whose brother is the one sitting — brings to my head about what we got to do, but his brother sitting there on that other — other pedestal, Robert F. Kennedy. 
 
And, look, you’re — you’re my ticket to the White House:  you, Pennsylvania.  No, it’s not hyperbole.  You’re the ticket to the White House. 
 
And I was able — (applause) — and you’re getting a whole hell of a lot of people on board. 
 
I went home, as they say, to Scranon — (pronounced in an accent) — (laughter).  There’s no “T” in Scranton if you’re from Scranton.  (Laughter.) 
 
I went home to Scranton, and we got a chance to talk about a lot of things.  But the main thing we got to talk about is the value set that’s up there, just like it is throughout the working-class areas of this state — you know, an awful lot of good people, decent people I grew up with, people who taught me, for real, that — that everything was about treating everybody with dignity, no matter who you were.  Not a joke.  Not a joke. 
 
And so, then we headed off to Pittsburgh.  And, you know, Pittsburgh is back — the “City of Bridges,” 438 of them, as a matter of fact.  They keep building them too — (laughter and applause) — a whole hell of a lot of them. 
 
But — but, you know, steel — you know, I’ve always joked and said that this not only a steel state, this is — this is a state that has a spine of steel.  And the folks in Pittsburgh are really working like hell, and they’re doing well. 
 
And we’re finally making sure that United States Steel stays United States Steel.  It’s not going to be anything — anybody else’s steel.  (Applause.)
 
And then, you know, we — I’m here because — some of you remember — some of you — I’m only 42, but — (laughter) — some of you who are a little bit older may remember that, for the longest time, my little state of Delaware, just south of here — I was raised in — after Scranton, in Claymont, Delaware, right on the border.  And, you know, for the longest time, Delaware had no television station.  We — we were covered by Philly. 
 
And one of the proudest moments of my life — I nearly got killed politically — was when I was the most popular senator in Pennsylvania.  (Laughter.)  No, really.  Remember that?  It was — because they had to cover — I was on tele- — Philadelphia television as much as both the senators were from Pennsylvania.  (Laughter.)
 
But, look, there’s a lot at stake.  And I’m only going to take a few seconds.
 
AUDIECE MEMBER:  Take as long as you want.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No, no, no, no, no, no.  (Laughter.)
 
It really is about — our democracy is really at risk.  It’s not a joke.  I mean, I’m being deadly earnest.  And this guy means what he says.  If we haven’t learned that now, we’re kidding ourselves.  He means what he says.
 
And when he talks about being a dictator on the first day, he means being able to negate elements of the Constitution.  He’s named where they were.  He said what he would do.  
 
The idea that he thinks that those insurrectionists were “patriots” and he’s going to free them all if, in fact, he gets elected — I mean, this is a full-blown attack on the Capitol in a way that hadn’t happened since the Civil War.
 
So, there’s a lot going on.  He’s committed to be opposed to — not — not just figuratively, literally — everything you’ve helped me get done — everything.  He wants to get rid of the Affordable Care Act.  He wants to get rid — just go down the list.
 
So, what you’re doing here is bigger than me, bigger than you, bigger than any — all of us combined.  It’s about what kind of country our kids are going to live in.  Not because I’m running — not Joe Biden.  I mean this sincerely.  Not because of me, but because of the op- — the opposite, what happens if we lose this election.
 
And it’s — you know, Joe has done a hell of a job.  I asked Joe to be the Envoy to Ireland when we were — (applause) — no, it’s a big deal.  The Irish accords, we were not sure they were going to — weren’t going to fall apart.  He went over, he gained the respect of the Republic as well as the North, and he made sure they stayed in place.
 
So, Joe, I got to warn you: If I win, you’re not going anywhere, pal.  (Laughter and applause.)  Y- — you may — you may be out of the country, but you’re going to be working with us.  (Laughter.)
 
Any rate.  So, I just want to — I just want to thank you all.  You’ve been incredible to me.  Philadelphia has always been the base of how I’ve won all my elections.  I mean, for real.  (Applause.)   So, I’m counting on it.
 
And, you know, Pennsylvania is — I think Pennsylvania is one of those states where it’s kind of unique.  It’s a very successful state.  It’s a wealthy state.  But it’s also a working-class state, where people keep their word, where people mean what they say, where people show up and do what they say they’re going to do.  And that’s who we are. 
 
So, I’ll end by saying: For the longest time, as a young senator, I heard about trickle-down economics.  You know, there used to be — there was a law that was passed in 1934.  It was about unions and could they be — were they legal or not, so on and so forth.  But the law that ended up being passed said not only are unions legit and they have a right to — you can’t artificially stop them from organizing, but they did a second thing.
 
It said that, in the United States of America, if a president is given money from the Congress to do something that is for America — build a new aircraft carrier deck, build a highway, build — whatever it is the money is given for — he should do two things or she should do two things: Number one, make sure they use American products and, number two, American workforce.
 
That was honored in the breach for the vast majority of the years.  When I came to office — and the only excuse could be is there weren’t workers that could do the job in America and if there weren’t materials to be able to do the job. 
 
But since I’ve been President, it’s been investing in America.  The longest time we spent, including some administrations — even some Dem- — (inaudible) some Democratic administrations.  
 
What did we do?  Corporate America — and I know a little bit about corporate America, being from Delaware — more corporations incorporated there than every other state in the union.  That’s not a joke. 
 
But I’ve always been straight with them.  But what did corporate America decide to do?  If they had to build something, they found the cheapest labor in the world to build it with.  So, they go overseas so they — the labor was cheaper — whether it was to Taiwan, South Korea, wherever it was — and then they’d import the product back home.  We changed that.  We are making sure we build it here and sending the product over there.  (Applause.)   And that’s why we’re working.
 
And for the longest time, you notice, the — the mainstream economists criticized me, said I didn’t get it right.  But guess what they’re saying now?  No, I’m serious.  Not — not the right wing, but even the conservative economists.  It’s working.  Invest in wor- — because they started to say, “This about the government making judgments of what’s best for the country.  Let the free enterprise system do it.”  The free enterprise system didn’t do it as well as we’re doing it now.  It’s still a free enterprise system.  We decide where to invest the money. 
 
So, thank you for all you’ve done.  We’re going to do well here in the state because of you.  But it gets down to basic things.  As Joe said, it’s about picking up the phone.  It’s about knocking on doors.  It’s about standing in the shopping centers.  It’s about showing up and just asking, “What do you care about?  What’s on your mind?”  Because an awful lot of people become very sour.  Think about it. 
 
It used to be the way we would communicate.  Most people picked up the paper and read the, quote, “Philadelphia Inquirer,” in the old days, picked up the phone, or turned on the TV and watch the nightly news.  They don’t do it anymore.  It’s on this phone.  It sounds —
 
No, that’s not a joke.  If you — if you look at the percentages of people where they get their news, and there’s so much on — and it’s not — you can almost not blame them because so much of what you read is just flat lies.  Simply not true. 
 
And so, the only way to get through is eye to eye.  That’s the best way to do it.  And that’s why I’m counting on all of you. 
 
And lastly, I’ll point out that, you know, we have 11 headquarters here in Pennsylvania and still we’re going — keep going.  But we also have more people employed here as volunteers — volunteers for full-time employees as well in this effort.  He doesn’t have one single headquarter in this state.  The one he had, he closed.  No, I’m serious.  He doesn’t have any headquarters around the country.
 
You know how much money we raised so far?  We raised a whole hell of a lot of money.  We got one point — but here’s the deal: 1.6 million people.  Let me make sure that’s — either two or six.  I — the press is here and I don’t want to be misquoted.  (Laughter.)  Get the exact number.  Hang on.
 
AIDE:  1.6.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Is it one si- — it’s 1.6, isn’t it?
 
AIDE:  1.6.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  1.6.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  One point six million individual contributions.  Okay.  (Applause.)  Those of you that have been involved in politics before know what — the next number I’m going to give you is important: 97 percent of those contributions are under — under $200.  (Applause.)  Ninety-seven percent.  
 
Five hundred fifty new contribut- — individual contributors just since the last election.  I mean, is the — and we raised a lot of money last time around. 
 
So, folks, we’re really moving.  And I think we’re going to see in all the — in — I didn’t even get into the — into the issues which you all know so well. 
 
But I mean — and isn’t it amazing how principled the opposition is?  (Laughter.)  Trump: “I am the reason why Roe v. Wade was overturned.  I think it should be state’s rights issue now.”  (Laughter.)  “But, wait, I don’t know.  Maybe….”
 
These guys — I’m going to get in trouble.  Anyway.  (Laughter and applause.) 
 
Thank you all so very, very much.  Appreciate it, appreciate it, appreciate it.  Thank you.  And thank you.  (Applause.)
 
      2:28 P.M. EDT
 

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Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1:47 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Please, have a seat if you have one.  (Laughter.)

Mom and Dad, I hope you were listening.  (Laughter.) 

What an incredible honor.  What an incredible honor.  I don’t want to become emotional, but what an incredible honor to have the support of the Kennedy family.

John White Jr., thanks for those kind words and for carrying on your family’s civil rights legacy.  And so is your son Kellan, who — who’s doing a hell of a job on our campaign.  (Applause.)  He’s helping us win Pennsylvania.  (Applause.)

Kerry, I — that was — that was the most meaningful introduction I’ve ever gotten in my life, other than when my sister introduced me.  And I want to thank you for your friendship, well beyond the introduction.

It’s an incredible honor to receive the endorsement of your family.  And it means so much to me. 

Your mom, Ethel, whom I spoke with on the phone a couple weeks ago — well, I guess, last week — to wish her happy birthday, she’s always been so gracious to my family during the most difficult time of my life.  She’s done so much for the country and the world in her own right. 

And, of course, your dad, who I never got to meet — I just missed — he was a senator from Syra- — from New York.  He came up to Syracuse University and spoke, and I waited in line, but I didn’t get a chance to physically meet him.  I never got — but he inspired me.  And his passion and courage inspired my generation. 

Like millions of Americans, I remember that night on April 4th, 1968.  I was finishing law school at Syracuse University when we heard Dr. King had been assassinated.  The pain and the outrage sparked riots and despair all across the country, including in my home state of Delaware. 

And then we heard a familiar voice I’d listened to many times — your dad, Bobby Kennedy, standing in the back of a truck in Indianapolis asking for peace and quoting one of his favorite Greek poets.  He said, and I quote, “Even in our sleep, our pain, which cannot forget, falls drop by drop upon the heart until, our own despair — in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.” 

I had a hard time to believe that day that there was any wisdom, trying to work out from despair where — where we’d go.

It was even harder to believe just two months later, on June the 5th [6th].  I had just graduated from law school, earned an incredible — and learned about an incredible man, later that night, had been assassinated.  Yet another tragedy in your family and a gigantic tragedy for the country. 

Only two political heroes I had growing up were gone within a month of each other — months of each other. 

We faced a real inflection point as a nation. 

When I returned home to my city of Wilmington, one of the cities — only city since Reconstruction to be occupied by the military, the National Guard, with drawn bayonets on every street corner for nine straight months following Dr. King’s murder. 

When I graduated that summer, I went home to take a job at one of the oldest law firms in the state.  But after only a matter of months, I left that law firm and took a job as a public defender because I wanted to be more engaged in the effort. 

I went on to run for the county council, for the United States Senate, and then as Vice President of the United States.  I’ve done so in large part because I thought that’s something your dad would have done.

I’m not — I’m not exaggerating that.  He’s always been on my mind, been one of my heroes.  

Today, I sit behind the Resolute Desk, where President John F. Kennedy once sat.  And as I look from the desk — if you’ve ever taken a tour of the White House, I sit in that desk and I look — in front of the fireplace, to the left is a bust of Martin Luther King and to the right is a bust of your dad.  And I remember to keep — keep looking and remind myself what they would do in tough calls.  (Applause.)

The principles Bobby Kennedy embodied were principles taught by my grandparents and parents around our kitchen table.  And that’s not hyperbole; that’s a fact.  My dad said everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter what their station — no matter what.  

And they thought — I was taught the worst sin of all — I mean this from the bottom of my heart — the worst sin of all was the abuse of power — physical power, economic power, or psycholo- — that was the worst sin of all — abusing power.  (Applause.)  

And then we have an obligation to each other: to leave no one behind, to give hate no safe harbor. 

It’s up to all of us to preserve and protect the very idea of America. 

You know, we’re unique — we’re in unique in America — in world history.  We’re the only nation founded on an idea.  Every other nation in the world is founded on geography, ethnicity, race, religion — except us.  Think about it.  The idea was, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men and women are created equal,” in the image of God, and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives.  (Applause.)

We’ve never fully lived up to it, but we’ve never walked away from it.  We’ve never walked from it.  And we’re not going to walk away from it now.  (Applause.)  

Today, we face another inflection point in history.

The 2024 election is about two fundamentally different visions of — for America.  Donald Trump’s vision is one of anger, hate, revenge, and retribution.  He embraces the insurrectionists of January the 6th.  He’s running on it.  And as mentioned already, he promised to be a dictator on “day one” — his own words.  And he calls for —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE PRESIDENT:  No, he — you know he means it.  And he calls for another “bloodbath” when he loses again.  (Applause.)

Look, your family, the Kennedy family, has endured such violence.  Denying January 6th and whitewashing what happens is absolutely outrageous.

I have a very different view of America, one of hope and optimism, like I hope all of you do — optimism that Bobby Kennedy embodied. 

I see an America where we defend democracy, not diminish it.  I see an America where we protect our freedoms, not take them away.  And I see an America where the economy grows from the middle out and the bottom up — and that way, the middle class does well and the poor have a shot — and where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.  (Applause.)

By the way, all the stuff we’ve done so far — we’ve done it, and guess what?  We’ve cut the budget by a lot of money: $172 billion so far.  So, don’t tell me it can’t be done.  (Applause.)

I see a future where the planet — we save the planet — as this guy is busting his neck doing — from climate change, literally — the climate crisis in — in America.

And we’ve got to do something — the idea we send our kids to school teaching them to duck and cover.  Think about that.  The idea, in the United States of America, (inaudible) duck and cover at school.  More kids being killed by gun violence than almost anything else.

Folks, the America we’re building is significantly different.  We’re going to get it done.  And now, it’s time to keep going and not slow down, because there is so much at stake.  

Let me close with this.  I know Bobby Kennedy liked Greek poets, and they’re great, but I prefer Irish poets.  (Laughter.)  And that’s not a joke, unfortunately.  (Laughter.)  My colleagues used to always kid me for quoting Irish poets on the floor of the Senate.  They thought I did it because I’m Irish.  That’s not the reason.  They’re the best poets in the world.  (Laughter.)

The one I enjoy particularly is Seamus Heaney.  He wrote a poem called “The Cure at Troy” that reminds me of the courage of Bobby Kennedy, and I mean this from the bottom of my heart.  And it goes like this, one stanza.  It says, “History teaches us do not hope on this side of the grave.  But then, once in a lifetime, that longed-for tidal wave of justice will rise up, and hope and history rhyme.”

In 2024, we have a chance to make hope and history rhyme again.  Are you ready to do that with me?  (Applause.)

Are you ready to move forward, not back?  (Applause.)

Are you ready to choose unity over division, dignity over demolition, and choose truth over lies?  (Applause.)  Are you ready to choose freedom over [and] democracy?  Because that’s America.  (Applause.)

Folks, I’ve been doing this a long — I know I only look like I’m 40, but I’ve been doing this a long time.  (Laughter.)  But I’ve never been more optimistic about our future, and I mean it. 

We just have to remember who we are.  We’re the United States of America.  There is nothing — I mean this sincerely.  Think about it.  We’re the only nation in the world — as a student of history, I can say — that’s come out of ever crisis stronger than we went in. 

There’s nothing — nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together.

God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops.

Thank you.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

 1:58 P.M. EDT

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WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his administration:

• John Bradford Wiegmann, Nominee to be General Counsel of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
• Curtis Raymond Ried, Nominee to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with the rank of Ambassador

John Bradford Wiegmann, Nominee to be General Counsel of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence

John Bradford Wiegmann is a Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the U.S. Department of Justice. In that position, he spearheads the National Security Division’s efforts to develop and implement policies relating to intelligence, counterterrorism, counterespionage, nation-state threats, and other national security matters, in addition to providing legal assistance and advice on matters of national security law and legislation. Wiegmann also oversees appeals in national security-related prosecutions, supports the Department’s participation in interagency groups established by the National Security Council, and works with foreign partners on issues of common concern. Before joining the U.S. Department of Justice, Wiegmann was an Assistant Legal Adviser at the U.S. Department of State, a Deputy Legal Adviser at the National Security Council, and Special Counsel to the General Counsel at the Department of Defense. He has been a career government attorney since 1996. Before joining the government, Wiegmann worked at Shea & Gardner in Washington, D.C., where he focused on civil litigation, and he served as a law clerk for Judge Patrick E. Higginbotham on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Duke University and a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School. He and his wife, Theresa, have two children and live in Washington, D.C.

Curtis Raymond Ried, Nominee to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with the rank of Ambassador

Curtis Raymond Ried, a Career Member of the Foreign Service, currently serves as Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary of the White House National Security Council (NSC). Prior to becoming Chief of Staff, he served as the NSC’s Senior Director for Multilateral Affairs. Ried was most recently assigned overseas as Deputy Political Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Israel. Previously, Ried served on the NSC as Senior Advisor to the National Security Advisor, and prior to that, as the NSC’s Director for United Nations Affairs. Earlier, Ried was a political advisor, and later Political Counselor, at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York. Other assignments include tours in Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Timor-Leste, and the United Kingdom. A native of California, Ried holds a BA from the George Washington University and an MA from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) in Paris, France. He speaks French, German, and Hebrew.  

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Today, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan convened the U.S.-Israel Strategic Consultative Group (SCG) to consult on a series of issues in the wake of Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack against Israel. The Israeli side was led by Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi. The discussion began in a small group format to discuss the Iran attack and the collective efforts to further enhance Israel’s defense through advanced capabilities as well as cooperation with a broad coalition of military partners. Mr. Sullivan also briefed the Israeli side on new sanctions and other measures that began today, in coordination with Congress and G7 capitals, following on the President’s call with G7 leaders held the morning after Iran’s attack.

The two sides then broadened to include interagency delegations to discuss Rafah. The two sides agreed on the shared objective to see Hamas defeated in Rafah. U.S. participants expressed concerns with various courses of action in Rafah, and Israeli participants agreed to take these concerns into account and to have further follow up discussions between experts, overseen by the SCG. Participants will meet again soon. 

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