Presidential Actions

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY

SUBJECT:       Deferred Enforced Departure for Certain Lebanese Nationals

Humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon have significantly deteriorated due to tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.  While I remain focused on de-escalating the situation and improving humanitarian conditions, many civilians remain in danger; therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Lebanese nationals who are present in the United States.

Pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct the foreign relations of the United States, I have determined that it is in the foreign policy interest of the United States to defer for 18 months the removal of any Lebanese national subject to the conditions and exceptions provided below.

Accordingly, I hereby direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate measures to defer for 18 months the removal of any Lebanese national who is present in the United States on the date of this memorandum, except for those:

(1)  who have voluntarily returned to Lebanon after the date of this memorandum;

(2)  who have not continuously resided in the United States since the date of this memorandum;

(3)  who are inadmissible under section 212(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)) or deportable under section 237(a)(4) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(4));

(4)  who have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States, or who meet any of the criteria set forth in section 208(b)(2)(A) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(2)(A));

(5)  who are subject to extradition;

(6)  whose presence in the United States the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined is not in the interest of the United States or presents a danger to public safety; or

(7)  whose presence in the United States the Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to believe would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.

I further direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate measures to authorize employment for noncitizens whose removal has been deferred, as provided by this memorandum, for the duration of such deferral, and to consider suspending regulatory requirements with respect to F-1 nonimmigrant students who are Lebanese nationals as the Secretary of Homeland Security determines to be appropriate.

The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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     On National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, we honor the service and sacrifice of the American and Korean service members who fought valiantly in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.  We hold in our hearts the memories of the 36,000 Americans and more than 7,000 Korean Augmentation to the United States Army soldiers who laid down their lives for the sacred cause of freedom.  We recommit to upholding their legacy through our alliance with the Republic of Korea and by securing the future they gave everything for — one of peace, stability, and prosperity.  

     Today, I am thinking of Korean War veterans like Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr., USA (Ret.), whom I awarded the Medal of Honor to in 2021.  Prior to his passing in April, Colonel Puckett was the last living Korean War veteran to have received the Medal of Honor.  His story, though one of uncommon valor, was reflected in the experiences and trials of so many of our Nation’s Korean War veterans — trudging through frozen rice paddies, fighting on the rocky terrain of the Korean Peninsula, and persisting in spite of the fact that the enemy often far outnumbered our troops.  Like I said to Colonel Puckett and his family years ago:  Though the Korean War is sometimes called the “Forgotten War,” the heroes who were there under his command will never forget his bravery, and neither will we.  Our entire Nation owes a debt of gratitude to every Korean War veteran for their service and sacrifice.  As we recognize the service and sacrifice of our Nation’s Korean War veterans, we also remember the thousands of service members who went missing in action during the Korean War — we will never stop working to bring each of them home.   

     Last year, I joined President Yoon of the Republic of Korea to mark the 70th anniversary of our countries’ alliance.  It is an unbreakable bond because it was forged in bravery and the sacrifice of both of our peoples — sanctified by the American and Korean troops who fought and died to defend liberty.  Our Korean War veterans are the reason the alliance stands and remains strong today as two vibrant and innovative democracies.  This alliance is why I was proud to sign the Korean American VALOR Act into law, helping Korean veterans who fought alongside American troops and are now American citizens receive access to Department of Veterans Affairs health care services.

     Our Nation’s Korean War veterans answered the call to duty.  Like every generation before them, these veterans knew that freedom is never guaranteed — one has to fight for it and defend it in the battle between autocracy and democracy, between the greed of a few and the rights of many.  As Colonel Puckett said:  “Our country depends on you, me, what you do every day, and how you live…It depends on us.”  May we all show our gratitude for our service members, who show us every day what it means to put our democracy and our Nation first.

     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 July 27, 2024, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.  On this day, I encourage all Americans to reflect on the strength, sacrifices, and sense of duty of our Korean War veterans and bestow upon them the high honor they deserve.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War veterans.

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

                        JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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     Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), one of our Nation’s most significant civil rights laws to protect people with disabilities from discrimination.  For the more than 70 million Americans living with a disability, the ADA enshrines into law the idea that we all deserve opportunity, inclusion, respect, and dignity.  I am proud to have co-sponsored this landmark legislation years ago, and I am honored to celebrate its lasting legacy today.

     The ADA was a historic triumph against discrimination that opened the doors to opportunity and independence for people with disabilities.  But more work still needs to be done.  Disabled Americans often earn less for the same work as nondisabled people.  Additionally, too often, disabled Americans face obstacles that keep them from voting, prohibit them from getting to and from work and school, or limit their ability to enjoy public spaces. 

     I believe in building an America for all Americans.  That is why, in my first few months in office, I signed an Executive Order establishing a Government-wide commitment to advancing equality and equity in Federal employment, including for people with disabilities.  It brought together the Department of Labor and the Office of Personnel Management to ensure that Federal workplaces are fully accessible to people with disabilities and that the dignity and rights of disabled Americans are built into our policies. 

     At the same time, the Department of Labor is also ensuring our workers are protected by ending unjust employment practices across our economy.  For example, my Administration is helping State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofits access Federal funds to hire more disabled Americans.  And we are making the Federal Government a model employer when it comes to wages, accommodations, and opportunities to advance for people with disabilities. 

     Further, we are ensuring that every child with a disability, including early learners, receives a rigorous education in a learning environment that supports their development and well-being and leads to promising pathways after high school.  To that end, the Department of Education announced funding to involve parents of children with disabilities as partners in creating equitable and inclusive schools.

     Concurrently, my Administration is also taking action to improve access to health care for disabled Americans.  Through my Inflation Reduction Act, we have lowered health care costs for people with disabilities.  The Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule to bar denials of medical care related to organ donations or lifesaving care for disabled Americans based on their disability alone.  They also launched long COVID clinical trials to study its debilitating health effects and created the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice with a first-of-its-kind initiative in our history.  The United States Access Board has proposed updated medical diagnostic equipment guidelines to ensure people with disabilities can access health care providers and improve accessibility for manual and powered wheelchair users.  Further, the National Institutes of Health made it easier for scientists to get funding for research on health disparities in the disability community by designating people with disabilities a “health disparity population.”  We also launched the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, which is advancing new biomedical science breakthroughs and is opening up new funding for unmet health needs specific to disabled Americans, like biomedicine to prevent, detect, and treat diseases like cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

     Meanwhile, we are making public spaces and care more accessible to people with disabilities.  The American Rescue Plan provided $37 billion to enhance, expand, and strengthen home-based services.  That empowers more people with disabilities — including intellectual and developmental disabilities — to live independently at home.  In April, the Department of Health and Human Services finalized a rule that will help ensure access to these critical services.  Further, our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes the biggest investment in our history — $1.75 billion — to make transit and rail stations more accessible.  At the same time, we are investing $5 billion to add wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms at airports and other locations.  In addition to issuing a rule that now requires all new single-aisle aircraft over a certain size to have wheelchair-accessible restrooms, the Department of Transportation proposed a new rule to ensure that travelers using wheelchairs can fly safely and with dignity. 

     Everyone in America should be able to share in the benefits of technology.  That is why my Administration has taken action to ensure that we are improving our digital infrastructure for people with disabilities.  The Department of Justice issued standards for State and local governments to make their web content and mobile apps more accessible to Americans with disabilities so they can more easily access local government services, emergency services, voting information, and publicly funded education.  And my Administration is working to make online health services and applications for jobs in the Federal Government more accessible.

     As we celebrate the anniversary of the ADA, we honor the courageous activists who worked so hard to get this historic legislation passed.  We recognize the strength of people with disabilities, who remind us every day that America is stronger when we tap into the talents of all our people.  And we renew our commitment to moving America closer to the promise of equal opportunity for all Americans.

     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 July 26, 2024, as the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  I encourage Americans to celebrate the 34th year of this defining moment in civil rights law and the essential contributions of individuals with disabilities to our Nation.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Val Butler Demings, of Florida, to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for a term expiring December 8, 2030, vice Anton George Hajjar, term expired.

     William Zollars, of Kansas, to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for a term expiring December 8, 2029.  (Reappointment)

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MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE

SUBJECT:       Delegation of Authority Under the Protecting
Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled
  Applications Act

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby order as follows:

     Section 1.  (a)  I hereby delegate to the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, all authorities vested in the President by the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (Division H of Public Law 118-50).

     (b)  In exercising the authorities delegated in subsection (a) of this section, the Attorney General may, as appropriate, consult with the Director of National Intelligence and the heads of other relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies).

     Sec. 2.  (a)  There is established a Committee for the Review of Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications (Committee), composed of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence.  Not later than 180 days after the date of this memorandum, the members of the Committee, through a process convened by National Security Council staff consistent with National Security Memorandum 2 of February 4, 2021 (Renewing the National Security Council System), shall determine rules and procedures sufficient for the Committee to exercise the authorities delegated to the Attorney General under section 1 of this memorandum.  Upon conclusion of the 180-day period, the Committee shall exercise those authorities in accordance with such rules and procedures.

     (b)  The Director of National Intelligence and the heads of other relevant agencies, as the Attorney General under section 1 of this memorandum or the Committee under section 2 of this memorandum determines appropriate, shall provide assessments of the threat to national security posed by foreign adversary controlled applications in connection with the discharge of the responsibilities, respectively, of the Attorney General or the Committee.  In providing such assessments, the Director of National Intelligence shall solicit and incorporate the views of the Intelligence Community, as appropriate.

     Sec. 3.  The Attorney General is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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     A dispute exists between the New Jersey Transit Rail Operations and its Locomotive Engineers represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

     The dispute has not heretofore been adjusted under the provisions of the Railway Labor Act, as amended, 45 U.S.C. 151-188 (RLA).

     A party empowered by the RLA has requested that the President establish an emergency board pursuant to section 9A of the RLA (45 U.S.C. 159a).

     Section 9A(c) of the RLA provides that the President, upon such request, shall appoint an emergency board to investigate and report on the dispute.

     NOW, THEREFORE, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 9A of the RLA, it is hereby ordered as follows:

     Section 1.  Establishment of Emergency Board (Board).  There is established, effective 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on July 25, 2024, a Board composed of a chair and two other members, all of whom shall be appointed by the President to investigate and report on the dispute.  No member shall be pecuniarily or otherwise interested in any organization of railroad employees or any carrier.  The Board shall perform its functions subject to the availability of funds.

      Sec. 2.  Report.  The Board shall report to the President with respect to the dispute within 30 days of its creation.

     Sec. 3.  Maintaining Conditions.  As provided by section 9A(c) of the RLA, for 120 days from the date of the creation of the Board, no change in the conditions out of which the dispute arose shall be made by the parties to the controversy, except by agreement of the parties.

     Sec. 4.  Records Maintenance.  The records and files of the Board are records of the Office of the President and upon the Board’s termination shall be maintained in the physical custody of the National Mediation Board.

     Sec. 5.  Expiration.  The Board shall terminate upon the submission of the report provided for in section 2 of this order.



                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.



THE WHITE HOUSE,
    July 24, 2024.

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     Lisa T. Ballance, of Oregon, to be a Member of the Marine Mammal Commission for a term expiring May 13, 2027, vice Frances M.D. Gulland, term expired.

     Gabriel Escobar, of Texas, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Paraguay.

     David Samuel Johnson, of Virginia, to be Inspector General for Tax Administration, Department of the Treasury, vice J. Russell George, deceased.

     Patrice H. Kunesh, of Minnesota, to be Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission for the term of three years, vice E. Sequoyah Simermeyer, term expired.

     Matthew James Marzano, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the term of five years expiring June 30, 2028, vice Jeffery Martin Baran, term expired.

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Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from April 29 to May 10, 2024.

Federal funding is available to Commonwealth 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, flooding, landslides, and mudslides in the municipalities of Adjuntas, Guánica, Lajas, Las Marías, Luquillo, Maricao, Naranjito, Orocovis, Sábana Grande, San Sebastián, Toa Alta, Utuado, and Yauco.

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

Mr. Robert Little III of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

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 Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding from May 19 to May 27, 2024.

The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Texas.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also 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, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding in the counties of Barry, Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Howell, Madison, McDonald, New Madrid, Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Texas.

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

Mr. David R. Gervino 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.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

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 Commonwealth of Kentucky and ordered Federal assistance to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides, and mudslides from May 21 to May 27, 2024.

The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Greenup, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren, and Whitley.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to Commonwealth 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, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides, and mudslides in the counties of Adair, Allen, Ballard, Barren, Breckinridge, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Crittenden, Cumberland, Edmonson, Estill, Fulton, Garrard, Graves, Grayson, Green, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Jackson, Knox, Larue, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, McCreary, McLean, Meade, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Owsley, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Whitley, and Woodford.

Lastly, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire Commonwealth.

Mr. E. Craig Levy Sr. 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 Commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

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 Chickasaw Nation and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by severe storms from March 14 to March 15, 2024.

Federal funding is available to the Chickasaw Nation 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.

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

Mr. Maona N. Ngwira 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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MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

               THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY

SUBJECT:       Delegation of Certain Functions and Authorities Under the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby order as follows:

     Section 1.  (a)  I hereby delegate to the Secretary of the Treasury the functions and authorities vested in the President by sections 104(a)(1) and 104(a)(2)(A) of the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act (Division F of Public Law 118-50) (the “Act”).

     (b)  I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the functions and authorities vested in the President by sections 104(g), 104(i), 105(c), 105(e), and 105(g) of the Act.

     Sec. 2.  The delegations in this memorandum shall apply to any provisions of any future public laws that are the same or substantially the same as those provisions referenced in this memorandum.

     Sec. 3.  The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

SUBJECT:       Delegation of Functions and Authorities Under Section 9902(a)(3)(B) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby delegate to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget the functions and authorities vested in the President by section 9902(a)(3)(B) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283) with respect to the certification and reporting requirements regarding Federal investments in individual projects exceeding $3 billion.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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During Captive Nations Week, we remember all those around the world living under oppression and fighting for their liberty.  They remind us that freedom is never free and that even the most brutal regime cannot erase the human yearning for dignity and self-determination.

As we marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day this year, we were reminded of the dark forces that the United States and its allies fought against in World War II, like aggression, greed, and the desire to dominate and change borders by force.  Still today, the struggle between dictatorship and freedom continues.  We see it in various places around the world, where rulers govern with contempt for basic human rights, the rule of law, and democratic governance.  In countries like Belarus, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Nicaragua, the People’s Republic of China, Syria, Russia, Venezuela, and more, millions live without basic freedoms.

In Europe, we see another stark example.  Russia is waging an illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.  For 2 years, the Ukrainian people have fought with extraordinary courage and bravery.  The United States is standing with them, alongside a coalition of more than 50 countries, and we will not walk away or bow down.  The autocrats of the world are watching closely to see what happens in Ukraine and if we will let this illegal aggression go unchecked.  We cannot let that happen.  That is why I signed a national security package into law that provided $61 billion to the people of Ukraine to meet their urgent security and defense needs, ensuring they have the support they need to defend their country.

At the same time, we support the equal and inalienable rights of all people everywhere.  That is why my Administration has been working with the Congress to provide up to $11.8 billion through the end of Fiscal Year 2025 to strengthen democracies across the globe.  This year, at the Third Summit for Democracy, the United States and countries around the world came together to strengthen democratic resilience, respect for human rights, and good governance globally.  But there is still so much we must do.  We must continue working to ensure that women and girls enjoy equal rights and equal participation.  We must ensure that Indigenous groups; racial, ethnic, and religious minorities; and people with disabilities do not have their potential stifled by systemic discrimination.  We must remember wrongfully detained Americans around the world.  And we must ensure that LGBTQI+ people are not targeted with violence because of who they are.  When human rights are not upheld, the effects are felt everywhere.  They are essential to the advancement of human progress that brings us together.

The challenges of our time remind us that we must continue to secure our freedom and democracy here at home.  I signed an Executive Order to promote access to voter registration and election information so every American has an opportunity to exercise their right to vote.  And I signed the Electoral Count Reform Act to ensure that our elections answer to the will of the people.  I continue to call on the Congress to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would further protect the sacred right to vote.

As Americans, we represent something special to the world.  We are the only Nation on Earth founded on the idea that all men and women are created equal.  Both at home and abroad, our actions every day will ensure that our democracy endures, the soul of our Nation endures, and the free world remains free.  This week, we recommit to ensuring that democracy is preserved, is defended, and prevails.

The Congress, by joint resolution approved July 17, 1959 (73 Stat. 212), has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of July of each year as “Captive Nations Week.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 21 through July 27, 2024, as Captive Nations Week.  I call upon all Americans to reaffirm our commitment to championing those around the world who are working, often at great personal risk, to secure liberty and justice for all.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Across the Nation, American workers are writing the greatest comeback story in our country’s history.  After a once-in-a-century pandemic, they are bringing new jobs, businesses, and hope to their communities.  This week, we celebrate the American workers, unions, companies, and innovators who are the backbone of America’s economy, who make “Made in America” not just a slogan but a reality, and who are leading our Nation’s transformation to win the global economic competition of the 21st century.

For decades, manufacturing products here at home created good-paying jobs across the country and forged a clear path to the middle class.  But over the years, trickle-down economics reversed that progress.  American manufacturers shut down their factories.  American jobs were exported overseas.  And American communities were hollowed out.  People and families throughout the United States were robbed of not just their jobs but their dignity, hope, and pride.

My Administration was determined to turn things around by investing in America and Americans once again — building an economy from the middle out and bottom up, not the top down.  The results are clear:  Since I came into office, the economy has created over 15 million jobs — including nearly 800,000 manufacturing jobs.  The unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in half a century.  And manufacturing is roaring back with new factories being built all across the country — in big cities and rural communities.  So far, companies have invested more than $700 billion in American manufacturing.  

On my watch, Federal projects are being made with American products and are being built by American workers.  I signed the “Invent It Here, Make It Here” Executive Order, which directs Federal agencies to prioritize domestic manufacturing when it comes to research, development, innovation, and bringing inventions to market.  We are also using the immense purchasing power of the Federal Government — the largest buyer of consumer goods in the world — to bring manufacturing back home. My Administration has implemented the most robust change to the Buy American Act in almost 70 years by raising the domestic content threshold for Federal procurement from 55 percent to 65 percent in 2024 — and we are set to raise the bar even higher to 75 percent in 2029.

Additionally, thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 60,000 new infrastructure projects have been announced across the country, rebuilding our roads, bridges, airports, ports, rail networks, water systems, and more.  We are investing $90 billion to provide affordable, reliable, high-speed internet to everyone in the United States, which is driving manufacturing jobs in industries like fiber optic cable manufacturing.  My CHIPS and Science Act is investing in more research and development for manufacturing than ever before, attracting $348 billion in private sector investments to build new semiconductor factories.  This manufacturing boom is creating hundreds of thousands of jobs — many of which pay over $100,000 and do not require a college degree. 

At the same time, our Inflation Reduction Act is ensuring that the clean energy future is built here in America.  Our investments have spurred the private sector to build and create new jobs here at home.  To date, the private sector has announced investments in 126 new and expanded solar manufacturing plants; more than 30 wind manufacturing facilities; more than 150 new or expanded sites for electric vehicle assembly, component manufacturing, and charger manufacturing; and more than 250 new or expanded facilities in the battery manufacturing and critical mineral supply chain.  These investments are supporting historic growth in clean energy deployment and adoption and creating good-paying jobs across the country.  Altogether, since taking office, companies have committed more than $400 billion in private-sector investment in manufacturing and deployment of clean energy, electric vehicles, and batteries.

For the first time in a long time, American workers are putting shovels in the ground and leading our Nation’s greatest economic comeback.  Thousands of cities and towns across the country are proving that we can get big things done when we work together.  This Made in America Week, let us celebrate America’s incredible workers who are restoring American pride.  Let us honor the proud legacy and promising future of American products.  And let us recommit to nurturing the spirit of innovation that will continue to drive American prosperity for generations to come.

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 July 21 through July 27, 2024, as Made in America Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe this week by celebrating Made in America and supporting American workers and domestic businesses that are the backbone of building a future here in America.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

SUBJECT:       Delegation of Functions and Authorities Under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act of 2022

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby order as follows:

     Section 1.  (a)  I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State, with input from the Director of National Intelligence, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Commerce, and the heads of other relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies), as appropriate, the functions and authorities vested in the President by section 2(a) of the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-336; 50 U.S.C. 1709) (the “Act”).  To support the Secretary of State’s preparation of the report required under section 2(a) of the Act, the Director of National Intelligence, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Commerce, and, as appropriate, the heads of other relevant agencies, shall provide pertinent information to the Secretary of State at least 90 days before the deadline for submission of the annual report to the appropriate congressional committees.

     (b)  I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of other relevant agencies, as appropriate, the authority to select the types of sanctions to be imposed under section 2(b)(1) of the Act.  Once applicable sanctions are selected pursuant to section 2(b)(1) of the Act, I hereby delegate to the heads of other relevant agencies the authority to implement such sanctions, commensurate with their respective areas of responsibility.

     (c)  I hereby delegate to the Secretary of the Treasury the functions and authorities vested in the President by section 2(b)(2)(A) and section 2(d) of the Act.

     (d)  I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State the functions and authorities vested in the President by section 2(c) of the Act.

     Sec. 2.  The delegations in this memorandum shall apply to any provisions of any future public laws that are the same or substantially the same as the provisions referenced in this memorandum.  Any reference in this memorandum to the Act shall be deemed to be a reference to such Act as amended from time to time.

     Sec. 3.  The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Montana and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe winter storm and flooding from May 6 to May 9, 2024.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm and flooding in the counties of Blaine, Chouteau, Fergus, Hill, Judith Basin, Petroleum, Pondera, Teton, Toole, and Wheatland and the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and the Fort Belknap Indian Community.

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

Mr. Edwin J. Martin 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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     By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to advance equity in economic and educational opportunities, strengthen the capacity of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to provide a high-quality education, increase opportunities for these institutions to participate in and benefit from Federal programs, and ensure that HSIs can continue to be engines of educational opportunity and economic mobility, it is hereby ordered as follows

     Section 1.  Policy.  Hispanic-Serving Institutions have a history of expanding educational opportunities for generations of Hispanic and Latino students.  As defined in section 502(a)(5) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(5)), HSIs are institutions of higher education that have an enrollment of at least 25 percent Hispanic undergraduate full-time-equivalent students and satisfy other criteria, including with respect to enrollment of needy students and expenditures per full-time-equivalent undergraduate student.

     Today, more than 500 HSIs, located in 27 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, serve more than 4.7 million students annually.  Hispanic-Serving Institutions vary in size; support a range of academic interests; and serve urban, rural, and suburban communities.  Over half of Hispanic and Latino postsecondary students in America attend an HSI, and nearly 40 percent of those students attend a 2-year HSI.  Hispanic-Serving Institutions serve a significant number of students from low-income backgrounds.  Students enrolled at HSIs account for approximately 30 percent of all Pell Grant recipients, even though these colleges and universities make up only 13 percent of all postsecondary degree-granting institutions.  Further, HSIs can play a critical role in fostering diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.  Notably, 69 percent of doctoral students in HSIs are enrolled in science- and engineering-related degrees, highlighting the significant role HSIs can play in ensuring a workforce that meets the Nation’s evolving needs in technical fields.

     As Hispanic and Latino college enrollment has grown to historic levels over the last few decades, so has the number of HSIs, making HSIs’ success vital to the strength of the Nation.  These institutions are creating and implementing evidence-based practices that lead to Hispanic and Latino student success.  

     Despite the fact that HSIs represent a large and fast-growing segment of the Nation’s colleges and universities, per-student Federal funding at HSIs is 25 percent less than at other degree-granting institutions.  Over the last 30 years, the number of HSIs has more than doubled and Hispanic or Latino student enrollment at HSIs has more than tripled.  But per-student Federal funding at HSIs remains low compared to degree-granting institutions generally, and many HSIs report having unmet physical and digital infrastructure needs.  This scarcity of resources often leaves HSIs at a disadvantage when compared with better-resourced institutions.  Students, faculty, and staff at under-resourced HSIs often face challenges in accessing the resources they need to excel.

     Despite these funding disparities, research has shown that HSIs tend to do more for Hispanic and Latino student success than non-HSI colleges and universities — and do so with fewer resources.  Many HSIs are leaders in promoting economic mobility for Hispanic and Latino students, including by closing college access, completion, and success gaps.  Hispanic-Serving Institutions could further improve outcomes for students if they were adequately funded.  The Federal Government must strengthen the capacity of HSIs to improve and expand their reach, while recognizing that HSIs face discrete challenges and opportunities that reflect their history and the communities they serve.

     As set forth in Executive Order 14045 of September 13, 2021 (White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics), the Federal Government must collaborate with Hispanic and Latino communities to ensure their long-term success, including by eliminating barriers to Federal funding and strengthening the capacity of HSIs.  This order builds on those policies by establishing the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the President’s Board of Advisors on Hispanic-Serving Institutions. 

     It is the policy of my Administration to advance educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity through strong partnerships with HSIs to ensure that they have access to Federal resources to help current and future generations of students succeed.  The Federal Government must collaborate with HSIs and the students, families, and communities they serve to address and overcome barriers that may impede educational attainment and upward economic mobility.  Strengthening the capacity of the Nation’s HSIs is critical to fulfilling that objective.

     Sec. 2.  White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through Hispanic-Serving Institutions.  (a)  In furtherance of the policy set forth in section 1 of this order, there is established within the Department of Education (Department) the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through Hispanic-Serving Institutions (Initiative), of which the Secretary of Education (Secretary) shall serve as Chair.  The Secretary shall designate an Executive Director for the Initiative (Executive Director).  The Executive Director shall manage the day-to-day operations of the Initiative, in consultation with the Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, as appropriate, and coordinate with senior officials in the Executive Office of the President, who shall lend their expertise and advice to the Initiative.

     (b)  The Initiative shall advance educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity through HSIs by focusing on the following goals:

(i)     identifying and promoting the availability of Federal programs and resources to enhance HSIs’ educational capacity, including with respect to research and infrastructure development, while also breaking down barriers and expanding pathways for HSIs to access such programs and resources;

(ii)    identifying best practices for HSIs on developing, implementing, expanding, and sustaining strategies, programs, and initiatives that support the educational success and economic mobility of their students;

(iii)   improving the ability of HSIs to align their program offerings with the Nation’s economic needs and promote opportunities for careers in critical professions, with an emphasis on increasing the number of students preparing for careers in in-demand and high-wage fields, such as science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as teaching, including bilingual and multilingual education;

(iv)    coordinating efforts to improve the fiscal security of HSIs;

(v)     developing new relationships, and fostering collaboration, among HSIs and philanthropic organizations, public- and private-sector organizations, elementary and secondary education providers, labor unions, and other entities to improve postsecondary affordability and degree attainment, pathways for students to enroll in HSIs, career preparation at HSIs, and employment opportunities that advance economic mobility for HSI students and graduates;

(vi)    strengthening Federal recruitment activities at HSIs to build accessible and equitable pathways into Federal career opportunities for HSI students, faculty, staff, and alumni;

(vii)   encouraging HSIs, as institutions that provide students with degrees that lead to upward economic mobility, to participate in Federal policymaking processes;

(viii)  encouraging the development of highly qualified, diverse, multilingual, and culturally responsive educators who support and instruct HSI students and contribute to effectively meeting those students’ social, emotional, and academic needs; and

(ix)    providing data, tools, and analytics to support HSIs in improving educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity for students.

     (c)  On an annual basis, the Executive Director, in consultation with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, shall report to the President on the Initiative’s progress in carrying out its mission and function under this order.

     (d)  The Executive Director shall meet regularly with HSI students, leaders, and other representatives to discuss matters related to the Initiative’s mission and function.

     (e)  The Department shall provide funding and administrative support for the Initiative to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations.  To the extent permitted by law, including the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535), and subject to the availability of appropriations, other executive departments and agencies (agencies) and offices may detail personnel to the Initiative to assist the Department in meeting the objectives of this order.

     (f)  To advance shared priorities and policies that advance educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity through HSIs, the Initiative shall collaborate and coordinate with other White House Initiatives, including by sharing best practices on improving student success — including the success of Hispanic and Latino students — between HSIs and other institutions of higher education.

     Sec. 3.  President’s Board of Advisors on Hispanic-Serving Institutions.  (a)  In furtherance of the policy described in section 1 of this order, there is established within the Department the President’s Board of Advisors on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (Board).

     (b)  The Board shall consist of not more than 21 members, appointed by the President, and may include individuals who serve as representatives of their respective organizations and institutions, such as educational institutions, educational advocacy organizations, labor organizations, research institutions, public and private philanthropic organizations, private-sector organizations, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations.  Members of the Board should be knowledgeable about the experiences of those who attend, work for, and work to strengthen HSIs.

     (c)  The President shall designate one member of the Board to serve as its Chair, and may designate another member of the Board to serve as Vice Chair.  The Chair, in consultation with the Executive Director of the Initiative, shall convene regular meetings of the Board, determine the Board meeting agenda, and support the work of the Board consistent with this order.

     (d)  The Department shall provide funding and administrative support for the Board to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations.  Members of the Board shall serve without compensation, but may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in the Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707).  Insofar as chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Advisory Committee Act), may apply to the Board, any functions of the President under that Act, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall be performed by the Secretary, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Administrator of General Services.

     (e)  The Board shall provide advice to the President through the Secretary on how to advance the policy goals set forth in section 2(b) of this order, including with respect to:

(i)    increasing the visibility of and participation by HSIs in Federal policymaking, including participation in Federal grant review processes;

(ii)   providing HSIs, including those that have newly satisfied the criteria for the statutory definition, information about and access to Federal programs and Federal resources;

(iii)  supporting the development of institutions on an enrollment trajectory to become an HSI, such as through mentorship with existing HSIs and sharing of best practices on how to improve the fiscal security of HSIs; and

(iv)   establishing partnerships between HSIs and philanthropic organizations, public- and private-sector organizations, elementary and secondary education schools and their school districts, and labor unions.

     (f)  The Board shall periodically report to the President, through the Secretary and after consulting with the Executive Director, on the Board’s progress in carrying out its mission and function under this order.

     Sec. 4.  Administrative Provisions.  (a)  As used in this order, the terms “Hispanic-Serving Institutions” and “HSIs” mean those institutions that meet the definition of “Hispanic-serving institution” in section 502(a)(5) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(5)).

     (b)  The heads of agencies shall assist and provide information to the Initiative and the Board established in this order, consistent with applicable law, as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Initiative and the Board.

     (c)  Each agency shall bear its own expenses of participating in the Initiative established in this order.

     Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

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

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

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

     (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    July 17, 2024.

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Presidential Determination

No.        2024-07        

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
              THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY

SUBJECT: Presidential Determination on the Proposed
              Amendment to the 1958 Agreement Between the
              Government of the United States of America and
              the Government of the United Kingdom of Great
              Britain and Northern Ireland for Cooperation
              on the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual
              Defense Purposes


I have reviewed and concur with the positions taken in your joint memorandum of April 19, 2024, recommending approval of a proposed Amendment to the 1958 Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for Cooperation on the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defense Purposes of July 3, 1958, as amended (the “1958 Agreement”).  I note your joint recommendation and concur with your assessment that the United Kingdom, by participating with the United States pursuant to an international arrangement, is making substantial and material contributions to our mutual defense and security.  The proposed Amendment to the 1958 Agreement will permit cooperation, which will further improve our mutual defense posture and support our interests under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.  I hereby:

• approve the proposed Amendment to the 1958 Agreement;
• determine that the performance of the proposed Amendment will promote, and will not constitute an unreasonable risk to, the common defense and security;
• approve the program outlined in the proposed Amendment and determine that such program will promote, and will not constitute an unreasonable risk to, the common defense and security; and
• authorize the execution of the proposed Amendment for the Government of the United States of America in a manner specified by the Secretary of State.

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Dear Mr. Speaker:   (Dear Madam President:)

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date.  In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to hostage-taking and the wrongful detention of United States nationals abroad declared in Executive Order 14078 of July 19, 2022, is to continue in effect beyond July 19, 2024.

Hostage-taking and the wrongful detention of United States nationals are heinous acts that undermine the rule of law.  Terrorist organizations, criminal groups, and other malicious actors who take hostages for financial, political, or other gain — as well as foreign states that engage in the practice of wrongful detention, including for political leverage or to seek concessions from the United States — threaten the integrity of the international political system and the safety of United States nationals and other persons abroad.  Hostage-taking and the wrongful detention of United States nationals abroad continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.  Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14078 with respect to hostage-taking and the wrongful detention of United States nationals abroad.

                             Sincerely,

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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