Speeches and Remarks

Vice President’s Ceremonial Office
Eisenhower Executive Office Building

3:46 P.M. EDT

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS:  Well, President Zelenskyy, it is good to see you again.  This is our seventh visit together.  And welcome back to Washington, D.C.

As I have made clear on our six previous meetings and throughout Putin’s brutal aggression and war against Ukraine, my support for the people of Ukraine is unwavering. 

I have been proud to stand with Ukraine.  I will continue to stand with Ukraine.  And I will work to ensure Ukraine prevails in this war. 

To be safe, secure, and prosperous, the United States must continue to fulfill our long-standing role of global leadership.  We must stand with our allies and our partners.  We must des- — defend our democratic values and stand up to aggressors.  And we must stand for international order, rules, and norms.  Each one of these principles is at stake in Ukraine, and that is why Ukraine’s fight matters to the people of America. 

The Ukrainian people are bravely defending their homes and their homeland, their freedom, and their democracy against a brutal dictator, and the American people know well the meaning of freedom, of independence, and the importance of rule of law.  These ideals are central to who we are as Americans, and some of the most important moments in our history have come when we stood up to aggressors like Putin just as we must today. 

Indeed, standing with our friends and defending our ideals against tyranny has helped make America the most powerful and prosperous nation in the world.  Putin’s aggression is not only an attack on the people of Ukraine, it is also an attack on fundamental principles such as sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

 International rules and norms are not some abstract notion.  They provide order and stability in our world.  They support American security and American prosperity.  And when they are threatened anywhere, they are threatened everywhere. 

History has shown us if we allow aggressors like Putin to take land with impunity, they keep going.  And Putin could set his sights on Poland, the Baltic states, and other NATO Allies.  We also know that other would-be aggressors around the world are watching to see what happens in Ukraine.  If Putin is allowed to win, they will become emboldened.  And history reminds us and history is so clear in reminding us: The United States cannot and should not isolate ourselves from the rest of the world.  Isolation is not insulation. 

 So, then, the United States supports Ukraine not out of charity but because it is in our strategic interest.  We will continue to provide the security assistance Ukraine needs to succeed on the battlefield, as demonstrated by President Biden’s significant announcement earlier today.

I’ve been proud to work alongside President Biden and the 50-nation coalition we have built up to allow Ukraine to defend itself.  Thanks to this coalition and the skill and the bravery of the Ukrainian people, along with your courageous leadership, President Zelenskyy, Ukraine has stood up to Russia’s aggression, and today Kyiv stands free and strong. 

President Zelenskyy, I am clear: Putin started this war, and he could end it tomorrow if he simply withdrew his troops from Ukraine’s sovereign territory.  Of course, he has demonstrated no intention of doing that.  Instead, he continues to assault civilian infrastructure and terrorize the people of Ukraine.

In Switzerland, in June, along with 90 other nations at the Uka- — at the Ukraine peace conference, I told you that the United States shares your vision for the end of this war, an end based on the will of the people of Ukraine and the U.N. Charter, and that m- — we must work with the international community se- — to secure a just and lasting peace.  And I told world leaders there: Nothing about the end of this war can be decided without Ukraine. 

However, in candor, I share with you, Mr. President, there are some in my country who would instead force Ukraine to give up large parts of its sovereign territory, who would demand that Ukraine accept neutrality, and would require Ukraine to forego security relationships with other nations.  These proposals are the same of those of Putin.  And let us be clear: They are not proposals for peace.  Instead, they are proposals for surrender, which is dangerous and unacceptable.

So, President Zelenskyy, I look forward to our discussion today, and I will continue to work with you to ensure Ukraine prevails in this conflict and remains a free, democratic, and independent nation. 

Welcome back, again. 

PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY:  Thank you so much.  Madam Vice President, thanks for invitation.  Happy to see you.

Dear journalists, I want to especially thank you for your participation in the peace summit.  And, really, it was very important, and we remember it.  The format was successful.  We are preparing the second one. 

And now, we have to end this war.  We need a just peace, and we must protect our people — Ukrainian families, Ukrainian children, and everyone — from Putin’s evil.  And we are grateful to America for supporting Ukraine all along. 

And we’ll have an important meeting today, right after I talked to President Biden about the plan of victory, and I will share some details of the plan with Vice President Harris.  It’s crucial for us to — to be fully understandable and to work in a full coordination with the United States. 

And this morning, I talked also to — to the congressmen, both chambers, both parties.  And I am thankful for their bipartisan support.  We believe this war can be won and just peace can be close only with a — with the United States. 

Madam Vice President, this is our — you said seventh meeting?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS:  Seventh.

PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY:  Yeah, and it’s not last.  And the third meeting — as far as I remember, the third meeting this year. 

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS:  Yes.

PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY:  Thank you.  And I want to inform you about the latest developments on the battlefield, of course, and about Ukraine’s actions in the Kursk region, on what has been achieved and the ambitions ahead.

Today, we have a new strong support package, as you said, and we have common view on the things that need to be done.  We have to keep pressure on Russia to stop the war and to make truly lasting and just peace.  It’s a top priority for us and for other freedom-loving nations to achieve not a freezing but real — real peace for us. 

So, we need to keep sanctions against Russia strong, and we need to use the proceeds from immobilized Russian assets to protect Ukraine — our people, our cities, our front line — from Russian evil.  And, of course, we must work hard to bring all Russian war criminals to justice. 

And one more thing.  I want to inform Madam Vice President about the latest Russian missile and the Shaheds attacks against Ukrainian energy infrastructure.  We need to urgently strengthen Ukraine’s air defense to save thousands of lives and reduce Russian terror to zero. 

It’s achievable. 

Thank you, again.  Thanks, America.  Thanks to you, Madam Vice President. 

Slava Ukraini.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS:  Thank you.

PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY:  Thank you so much.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS:  It’s good to see you.

PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY:  Good to see you too.

                   END                     3:55 P.M. EDT

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East Room

5:13 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon. (Applause.) Thank you, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Please have a seat. Please have a seat.

Sari, you are extraordinary. You are right, I have been traveling our country for many years meeting with extraordinary heroes, and you are really an extraordinary leader. And when I look at you, I know the future of our country is bright. Thank you, Sari. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

And all of the — all of the leaders here — survivors, family membered [members], loved ones — thank you all for the work that you do and the voice that you carry for so many who are not in this room right now but deserve to be seen, deserve to be known, deserve to be heard. I thank you all for all that you do to sacrifice your time and your hearts to give what you give to so many.

And so, it is good to be with everyone, including our extraordinary president, Joe Biden. (Applause.)

And, you know, I have — I have the great blessing and fortune to work alongside our president. And wherever we are together, whether the cameras are in the room or not, he cares about the American people. He loves the American people. And he — in his leadership, so much of his leadership is always about fighting for the dignity of all people and understanding the pain that many might experience and what we must do as leaders to alleviate that pain.

And I thank you, Mr. President, for all that you are. (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.

THE VICE PRESIDENT: And to all the members of Congress who are here, all of the leaders who are here, I thank you.

So, before I begin, I will say a few words about Hurricane Helene. So, the president and I, of course, are monitoring the case and the situation closely, and we urge everyone who is watching at this very moment to take this storm very seriously and please follow the guidance of your local officials.

And President Biden and I, of course, will continue to work closely with state and local officials to ensure that everyone is safe and to protect communities before, during, and after the storm.

So, with that, I will return to the subject at hand.

I believe the right to be safe is a civil right — (applause) — and that the people of America have a right, then, to live, work, worship, and learn without fear of violence, including gun violence.

And yet our nation is experiencing an epidemic of gun violence. I’m telling a bunch of leaders who know. Today, one in five Americans has a family member that was killed by gun violence. Gun violence is now the number one cause of the death of children in America — not car accidents, not cancer — gun violence — the number one cause of death for the children of America.

And this is the result of many, many issues, including mass shootings and school shootings that are too frequently occurring in our nation. And it is, of course, the result of everyday gun violence, which occurs in cities and neighborhoods and towns across our nation.

And we know that the prevalence of this violence causes trauma that is far too often undiagnosed and untreated, which means that the effect of it is from that moment and lingers for a lifetime if we don’t take seriously what are the seen and visible and unseen injuries that result from this violence.

Over the years, I have held the hands of far too many mothers and fathers to try and comfort them after their child was killed by gun violence.

And let us all agree: It does not have to be this way. We know — (applause) — we have in our possession, we know how to stop these tragedies. And it is a false choice to suggest you are either in favor of the Second Amendment or you want to take everyone’s guns away. (Applause.) I am in favor of the Second Amendment, and I believe we need to reinstate the assault weapons ban — (applause) — and pass universal background checks, safe storage laws, and red flag laws. (Applause.)

When we took office, we promised to take on the crisis of gun violence. And we passed, under the president’s leadership, the first major gun safety law in nearly 30 years, a bipartisan law which includes an historic investment to address the trauma caused by gun violence.

We are hiring 14,000 new mental health counselors in public schools across our nation. (Applause.) We need to hire more. We need to hire more. But it is the single-largest investment in student mental health in history.

And for as much as we have accomplished, more must be done. We need more leaders — we need more leaders like the leaders in this room — in Congress who have the courage to take action, to stand up to the gun lobby, and to put the lives of our children first.

Last week — (applause) — last week, I met with young leader. Her name is Natalie. She is a 15-year-old student at Apalachee High School and a survivor of gun violence. When we met, Natalie was still wearing bandages. And she is extraordinarily brave.

And so, on behalf of her, on behalf of all the survivals — all the survivors that we have lost, let us continue to fight to end the epidemic of gun violence and to keep our communities and our children safe.

And now — (applause) — and now, it is my great honor to introduce a leader and a friend who understands the urgency of this crisis. He is a mayor who knows firsthand what it is like to lose a loved one to gun violence and to see his community shaken by tragedy. A dear friend who is not only a local leader but a national leader, please welcome Mayor Randall Woodfin. (Applause.)

MAYOR WOODFIN: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, thank you.

Thank you, everyone. And thank you for the introduction, Madam Vice President.

As stated, my name is Randall Woodfin. I am honored to serve as mayor of the city of Birmingham, Alabama. I want you all to know that I am not here representing myself. I am here representing the 200,000 residents I serve.

Gun violence — gun violence is very — what I would say, very personal to me because I know the scream of a mother when her child is killed. I know that because I heard it from the voice of my own mother when my brother was killed by gun violence.

I know that scream. I heard that scream again this past Saturday as the lives of 4 people were stolen and 17 other victims were shot during the horrific mass shooting in Birmingham.

Saving lives — saving lives should not be partisan. Saving lives should not be Democrat or a Republican thing. (Applause.) Saving lives, everyone — saving lives shouldn’t even be political. Saving lives is the most American thing we can do together. (Applause.)

And so, we have been working with our U.S. attorney, with the Justice Department to get machine gun conversions, like Glock switches, off our city streets. But still, my community — and I imagine other communities — are still finding the use of these devices at crime scene after crime scene.

And so, that is why I am grateful to our president — that is why I’m so grateful to our vice president as well — who today are taking more action to help people not only in Birmingham but across our country. Today, we work to loosen the grip that gun violence has on our communities.

I know firsthand what it means to have a president who is not only a partner but a friend to a community and cities. The Biden-Harris administration is making historic and transformative investments in our neighborhoods but, most importantly, in our people.

Instead of being overlooked, I am happy to stand on this stage and tell you we have a president who not only sees us but truly believes in us.

And that is why it is my honor to introduce President Joe Biden, who has been a true friend to Birmingham, Alabama. (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Please. Thank you. (Applause.)

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

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you, Joe!

THE PRESIDENT: (Inaudible.) Thank you.

AUDIENCE: Thank you, Joe! Thank you, Joe! Thank you, Joe!

THE PRESIDENT: Please have a seat. That was very nice of you all. Thank you very much. (Laughter.)

Mayor Woodfin, thank you for your introduction — (laughter) — and, quite frankly, for your extraordinary leadership in Birmingham. You know, through your love for your brother, you’re helping ensure that he and all the victims of gun violence di- — have not died in vain.

May I ask a question? How many of you in this audience have lost someone in the family to gun violence?

I know from experience what a loss is. That this is bittersweet. We want us to be doing this, but it brings back the very moment it happened, no matter how long it — since it’s occurred. You’re here, and you remember — you remember the first time you heard my son, my daughter, my mother, my father, my brother, my sister — somebody you lost. I know the feeling in a different context, and it’s heartbreaking.

So, thank you for the courage to be here. I know — I know the intensity of your feelings. But thank you, because it really does require you to relive the moment it occurred, and that’s tough. And I don’t think people who haven’t been the loss of someone through an accident or through violence fully understands it until it happens. And I hope that it doesn’t happen to the rest of you in any circumstance.

So, thank you for — Sari, for sharing your story and your classmates’, your teachers’, your friends’ in Parkland. You know, an extraordinary courage, it inspires the nation. And we stand with you, for real.

Quite frankly, you inspired me when I met many of you after that tragedy.

Before I begin, let me speak to our preparedness and — very briefly for the Hurricane Helena. We’re expecting a catastrophic storm, winds and flooding throughout the Southeast, starting in Florida right now. Kamala and I have been briefed and spent many hours with FEMA, including recently.

Ambassador Griswell [Criswell] is on the scene tomorrow. I’ve directed FEMA to work with the state partners to take proactive measures to ensure the communities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and other states have the support and the resources they need. That includes improving prelandfall emergency declaration requests from the governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama.

At my direction, more than 1,000 federal personnel have already been deployed to those areas. We have search and rescue teams, medical teams, power restoration teams, generators, water, food on the ground and ready to support families throughout the coming days.

But let me say this. Everyone needs to take it seriously — extremely seriously. The potential storm surge is well beyond the immediate path of the hurricane. It could be significant and deadly.

You know, for you and your family’s sake, I urge everyone in and near the path of the hurricane to listen to local officials and follow evacuation orders and been — when told to do so.

Remember two years ago — just two years ago — 150 people were killed when the surge was only 14 feet. Now the surge is expected to be up to 20 feet — 20 feet. So, take this seriously.

I have — from the bottom of my heart, please take it seriously, anybody listening to this. And — because — anyway. The tendency is to say, “I can do this,” but you can’t. Twenty-foot storm surge — you can’t.

Folks, now for the reason we’re here today. I want to thank Vice President Harris and members of our Cabinet, members of the Congress, including Birmingham’s extraordinary congresswoman, Terri Sewell. Terri, stand up. Stand up. (Applause.)

I want to thank Congressman Mike Thompson. Mike, stand up. (Applause.)

And a good friend and one of the brightest people I know, Jamie Raskin. Jamie, stand up. (Applause.)

And Congressman Maxwell Frost, who started by organizing opposition to gun violence and is now the youngest member of Congress. (Applause.) Even when I was the second-youngest senator in history, I never had that much hair. (Laughter.)

And Representative Lucy McBath, whose son Jordan was killed by gun violence. (Applause.) Thanks, Lucy. Thanks for being here. I know events like this are difficult.

Look, folks, I want to thank you for the courage. And I also want to thank the chiefs of police and sheriffs, to all the advocates and allies, and especially to the survivors and families, many of whom I’ve met with. Jill and I have gotten to know some of you very well over the years. Thank you for being here.

With absolute courage, you have turned your pain into purpose — that’s what it’s all about, turning your pain into purpose — your loss into determination, your anger into commitment and the power in — (a child in the audience cries) — of a movement of saving lives.

That’s okay. Babies rule in my house. (Laughter and applause.) Don’t worry about it.

This past Monday, the FBI reased — released data showing how crime is down in America. The year before we came to the presidency, we saw the biggest increase in murder rates on record.

Last year, we saw the largest decrease in murder rates nationwide in recent history — (applause) — thanks to guys like you wearing those uniforms. The homicide rate in 2023 was 16 percent below the year before we became president and vice president. In the first half of 2024, in large cities across the country, homicide rate dropped another 17 percent. Last year, we also saw the lowest rates of all violent crime in more than 50 years. Murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery all dropped, along with burglary, property crime. It matters.

And together, we’re making clear: If we want to talk about reducing crime and violence in America, you need to talk about guns in America — (applause) — you need to talk about guns.

You just heard Kamala cite the statistics all Americans should be ashamed of. Guns are the number one — hard to believe — they’re the number one killer of children in America — more than any other cause: accidents, ca- — more than any other cause. It’s almost in- — in- — unbelievable to think that’s — it’s sick.

Last year, after another school shooting, my predecessor said it — just said, like some mem- — members of Congress say, just go — just “get over it.”

I’m going to be very blunt. Secretary [Senator] Vance of Ohio has called these shootings “facts of life.”

Who the hell do these people think they are? (Applause.) I mean it.

Think about it. The only industry that is ex- — exempted by law from being investigated and being dealt with is the gun industry. Imagine had that be the case with the tobacco industry, what cancer would be li- — I mean this sincerely. Think about this.

This time last year, we stood in the Rose Garden to launch the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention in our nation’s history. (Applause.)

I look around the room, and I see survivors, like our former magnificent congresswoman, who is always out there fighting. Thank you, Gabby. Thank you, Gabby.

And, you know, it’s staffed by gun violence survivors and experts, overseen by our incredible vice president. The purpose is to drive and coordinate the government in a nationwide effort to reduce gun violence in America.

Over the past year, we’ve made tremendous progress: more background checks required for firearms sold at gun shows [and] online; a new interagency response team to support communities after mass shootings.

And I’ve been to all but three mass shootings in — in the United States of America and spent time with surviving families, many of whom I see here in this audience. Because it’s important to raise up what’s happening.

The most comprehensive federal guide ever on safe gun storage of firearms. The first-ever surgeon general’s advisory declaring gun violence to be a public health crisis. (Applause.)

And, by the way, parenthetically, as I travel the world with other world leaders, they ask, “Do you really have a pub- — do you cite that you have a public health crisis with gun violence?”

Well, today, I’m proud to announce a new executive order that’s going to — two additional things.

First, the executive order will establish a new federal task force on emerging firearm threats.

Previously, my administration took action to crack down on private manufacturers of firearms, including kits of so-called “ghost guns.” This is probably the only audience that knows what ghost guns are. They don’t have to have a serial number. When guns don’t have serial numbers, it’s hard for them to track back to the shooter and hold them accountable when something happens.

But today, we’re taking the next step. Our new task force will address 3D printed firearms. And — and for those listening — everybody in this room knows what that is — but they actually can produce a plastic firearm with a 3D printer. That mag- — you know, and magnetometers can’t detect these, or they don’t have a serial number.

This task force is also going to tackle machine gun conversion devices that were mentioned by the mayor, devices that illegally turn semiautomatic weapons, and including handguns, into fully automatic machine guns that can fire up to 20 bullets in tw- — in 1 sec- — in 2 seconds — 20 in 2 seconds.

These devices are already illegal under federal law and can be made on a 3D printer for just 40 cents in less than 30 minutes and sold for as little as $20. But local law enforcement in cities across the country tell me the streets are flooded with machine gun conversion devices — isn’t that right, Captain? —

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Yes, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: — because the parts are small, cheap, and easy to make. The impact of these devices is devasting.

Just this weekend, a machine gun conversion device was found at the scene of a mass shooting in Birmingham. I can tell you, over 100 shell casings — 100 shell casings were found, including 4 killed and 18 injured and a community shattered.

Enough.

Within 90 days of — our task force will send me a ri- — a risk assessment and a strategy to address these emerging firearm threats. It’s about se- — it’s about sending a clear message to — (a child in the audience cries).

Don’t worry about the babe. It’s okay. (Laughter.) Really.

Sending a clear message to local law enforcement and cities all across the country: We’re here to help, and together, we can save lives.

Look, the second part of this executive order relates to active shooter drills in schools. You know, it’s a good thing, but people don’t — you all understand, many of you in here — but the psychological impact that has on a child.

You know, I’m old enough we used to have drills for — you know, duck and cover for nuclear devices. But guess what? Now we’re talking about kids know what’s happening.

Kamala just talked about the worry of parents and the stress and fear students have when they’re told to participate in active school shooter drills. The lack of guidance today on how to prepare students while minimizing the trauma of active shooter drills is — it’s unacceptable.

So, today, I’m directing the members of my Cabinet to return to me within 110 days with resources and information for schools to improve active shooter drills, minimizes harm, create age-appropriate content, and communicate with parents before and after these drills happen so they know what’s going on. (Applause.)

Folks, we — we just have to do better, and we can do better.

But that’s not all. Today, my administration is also announcing a whole series of new actions to address gun violence. We’re releasing a new tool with resources to help schools communicate with parents about safety of storing firearms in their homes. (Applause.)

And, by the way, I, along with Dianne Feins [Feinstein], was the guy that passed the first assault weapons ban. And here’s the deal: It was amazing — amazing how many of those gun violence occurred with those fire- — when they were outlawed, what — with the — with these firearms were a consequence of a parent not being responsible with the guns they own, or in a recent case — I won’t get into because it’s under litiga- — a parent who provided an assault weapon to a young child.

It’s been found that when school administrators communicate with parents about safe storage of firearms in their homes, it motivates parents to act.

We’re awarding $135 million on top of the $238 million we’ve already awarded last year to 48 states for crisis intervention — (applause) — including tools like red flag laws. I’m going to say — be very personal here. My son was attorney general — it was the first state in the nation to institute that statewide. (Applause.)

Removing — temporarily removing firearms from those who are a danger to themselves and others.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Yes.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Right.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, it’s important.

We’re awarding an additional $85 million to 30 community violence intervention programs on top of the $200 million we’ve already invested in these programs. (Applause.)

As you all know, these local intervention programs stop shootings before they happen, utilizing trusted messengers, community members, leaders to work directly with people at risk who are the most vulnerable to gun violence.

And, folks, all these new actions build on historic steps we’ve already taken since I took office to address gun violence in America.

Through the American — American Rescue Plan — which, by the way, not a single one of the opposition voted for — (laughter) — I don’t say that for political re- — I say that to make sure people understand it’s not costless to do — do that — helped deliver more than $15 billion — the largest investment ever in public safety. Let me say it again: All my opponents — all our opponents voted against the largest funding ever in public sa- — safety.

I also announced a dozens executive orders to reduce gun violence, more than any of my predecessors.

And with your help, we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun violence [legislation] in 30 years. (Applause.) And so many things because we had a first-rate prosecutor who had — (applause) — no — who has incredible experience dealing with this. Among many things, it strengthened background checks for anyone under the age of 21 seeking to purchase a firearm.

Since we implemented the background check system last year, we’ve kept almost 1,000 guns out of the hands of people under the age of 21. But, folks, the law also invests over $1 billion, the largest one-time ever investment ever, in seeking to deal with mental health issues in our schools — (applause) — to help them deal with the grief and trauma of gun violence and other traumatic experiences.

We spent a lot of time — didn’t we? — with those kids. Afraid to go back to school. Not an unusual thing to be concerned about if you’ve sat there and you’re — the kid sitting next to at your desk gets shot and killed.

My former Senate deputy chief of staff is here with me today — Roger Harrison — sitting in the back there. He founded an organization that does outreach programs for middle and high school students dealing with mental health issues, and many others around the country are doing similar things.

We still have more to do, but the steps we’ve taken so far in reducing gun violence and saving lives are real. But we have to keep going. There’s so much more we have to do.

I think it’s time to reinstate the assault weapons ban and high-capacity magazines. (Applause.)

When I was a senator and I introduced the first effort to ban them, those weapons, I literally was walking through the swamps of eastern — the Northeast Cor- — excuse me, in southern Delaware, down in the area where the r- — where the swamps and rivers are. There was a guy fishing, and he looked at and me and he said, “Biden, what the hell you going to take my gun for? Why are you going to take my assault weapon?” He was fishing. And I said — (laughter) — true story. And I said, “You need that?” And he said, “Yeah.” (Laughter.) I said, “You must be one hell of a lousy shot.” (Laughter.) “And I don’t see a lot of dear running around here wearing Kevlar vests.” (Laughter.) He said, “Well, that’s not” — “Well, why do you have it?” “Well, I hunt.” “You hunt? Like hell.” (Laughter.)

Look, it’s time we establish universal background checks — (applause) — universal — and require safe storage of firearms. (Applause.) I mean it. Start holding parents accountable for being negligent. (Applause.)

By the way, if you pulled up here — wherever you parked here — and left your key in your car, and a student steals the car and gets in an accident, you are held responsible. Why in the hell would not that be the case if you leaved a gun case open? (Applause.) No, I mean it.

And I’ve been fighting for this. I’m going to continue after I leave this office: End immunity for the gun industry. End it. End it. End it. (Applause.)

Look, folks, I taught constituted law for years — constitutional law. Never was the Second Amendment meant to be absolute. Back when it was passed, you could not own a cannon. (Laughter.) No, well I’m not jo- — I’m not joking. People are like, “The — you know, the — the — the liberty of America is — is watered with the blood of patriots.” Like hell. (Laughter.) I’m serious. Think about it. Think about it. It was never absolute — never, never, never, never.

It’s time we increase funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — (applause) — and other law enforcement agencies that deal with crime and solve crimes faster.

We get a lot of heat from the other guy — she get a lot of heat from the other guy, talking about “We’re not helping” –we’re the ones funding cops.

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Yes, we are.

THE PRESIDENT: We’re the ones funding these things.

It’s time to increase funding to help victims in crime and support community groups helping hun- — and hurting — people hurting from gun violence. No, I really mean it. (Applause.)

Unfortunately, my predecessor and a lot of congressional other people oppose all these steps to reduce gun violence. Instead, they tried to stop the crackdown on ghost gun kits, by the way. You kn- — know, that’s a real big deal to them. “We can’t deny the Second Amendment right to” — oh, give me a break. (Laughter.)

If they got their way, criminals could traffic guns and commit crimes.

Congressional — our opponents are trying to defund the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. There’s an amendment to defund the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. “Bless me, Father,” as we say in my church.

They attack the FBI and want to abolish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives — by the way, that’s out — written out — which is responsible for fighting gun crimes.

Folks, you can’t be pro-law enforcement and be anti-FBI and ATF. It’s outrageous. (Applause.)

Well, that’s why we’re here today and why this is so important. We need your help in fighting and standing up to the gun lobby, gun manufacturers, the politicians who oppose commonsense gun legislation.

Because whether you’re a Democrat or Republican or independent, we all want our families to be safe. We drop families off at the house of worship or a child at a mall or a movie theater or a school — we don’t have to worry about whether it was — that’s the last time we’ll see them. No, I — I mean, think about. Think about it. We all want our kids to have the freedom to learn how to read and write in schools instead of duck and cover.

Let me close with this. I know how difficult this work is, particularly for someone who’s been through the tragedies of consequences of it. But I also have no illusions about the champions and heroes in this fight, including all of you. I really don’t.

Look at what you’ve already done. Look at the movement you’ve built. Look at the elected officials standing alongside me in — that are here today.

Listen to the young people speaking out. That’s the power of your loved ones and their memory. (Applause.) And that’s the power of this movement. That’s the power of America.

We just have to keep going, have — have faith in who we are.

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re the United States of America. There is nothing beyond our capacity — nothing, nothing, nothing. I mean that. I swear to God.

I know I look like I’m only 40, but I’m 100 years old. (Laughter and applause.) I’ve been around a long time.

I really mean it. There’s nothing beyond our capacity. We’re the only nation in the world — as a student of history, I can tell you — that’s come out of every crisis stronger than we went in. And we’ve got to come out stronger now.

Now, I’m going to sign this executive order.

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

(The president moves to signing desk.)

All right. What I’m about to sign is “Combating Emerging Firearms Threats and Improving School-Based Active-Shooter Drills.” I never thought I’d have to sign something like this, but we do.

MR. GUTTENBERG: And we thank you.

MS. GIFFORDS: Thank you.

(The executive order is signed.)

MS. GIFFORDS: Bravo. (Applause.)

(The president gives a pen to Representative McBath.)

(The executive order is signed.)

THE PRESIDENT: Keep it going, boss. (Laughter.)

(The president gives a pen to the vice president.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.)

5:51 P.M. EDT

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Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that an emergency exists in the State of Georgia and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene beginning on September 24, 2024, and continuing. 

The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.

Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, including to direct Federal assistance will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding for the counties of Atkinson, Baker, Banks, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Dawson, Decatur, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Grady, Habersham, Hall, Irwin, Jackson, Lanier, Lee, Lowndes, Lumpkin, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Pickens, Pulaski, Quitman, Rabun, Randolph, Schley, Seminole, Stephens, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Towns, Turner, Union, Webster, White, Wilcox, and Worth.

Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding for the counties of Appling, Bacon, Baldwin, Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Bleckley, Brantley, Burke, Butts, Camden, Carroll, Catoosa, Charlton, Chattahoochee, Chattooga, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Coweta, Crawford, Dade, DeKalb, Dodge, Douglas, Elbert, Emanuel, Fayette, Floyd, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Gordon, Greene, Gwinnett, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Hart, Heard, Henry, Houston, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, McDuffie, Meriwether, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Murray, Muscogee, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Peach, Pierce, Pike, Polk, Putnam, Richmond, Rockdale, Screven, Spalding, Talbot, Taliaferro, Taylor, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Troup, Twiggs, Upson, Walker, Walton, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, Whitfield, Wilkes, and Wilkinson.

Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding for the counties of Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Tattnall.

Mr. Kevin A. Wallace, Sr. of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

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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Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

3:31 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:   Good afternoon, everyone.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  Hi. 

Well, it’s good to be back in Pittsburgh.  Thank you all.  Thank you.  Thank you. 

Please have a seat.  Please have a seat. 

Andrea, thank you so very much for — for that beautiful introduction and for your leadership.  It really is my honor to be with you today.  Thank you.

And thank you to Risa and the Economic Club of Pittsburgh for hosting us today. 

And I also want to thank Mayor Gainey for being here.  (Applause.)  Mayor, you greet me each time I come to Pittsburgh.  I thank you so very much for that and — and your leadership.  Thank you.

So, hello, friends.  Let’s get started.  (Applause.)  Okay.

So, we gather at a moment of great consequence.  In this election, I believe we have an extraordinary opportunity to make our middle class the engine of America’s prosperity, to build a stronger economy where everyone everywhere has a chance to pursue their dreams and aspirations, and to ensure that the United States of America continues to out-innovate and outcompete the world. 

Over the past three and a half years, we have taken major steps forward to recover from the public health and economic crisis we inherited.  Inflation has dropped faster here than the rest of the developed world.  Unemployment is near record low levels.  We have created almost 740,000 manufacturing jobs, including 650 at the batty- — battery manufacturing plant over in Turtle Creek.  (Applause.)  And we have supported another 15,000 jobs at Montgomery Locks.  (Applause.)

So, these are local, great examples of the work that we have achieved thus far. 

And last week, for the first time, of course, in four and a half years, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates, which will make it just a little easier for families to buy a home or a car or just pay down their credit card bill. 

But let’s be clear.  For all these positive steps, the cost of living in America is still just too high.  You know it, and I know it.  And that was true long before the pandemic hit. 

Many Americans who aspire to own a home are unable to save enough for a down payment on a house and starting to think that maybe homeownership is just outside of their reach.  Folks who live in factory towns and in rural communities who have lost jobs are wondering if those jobs will ever come back.  Many Americans are worried about how they’ll afford the prescription medication they depend on. 

All of this is happening at a time when many of the biggest corporations continue to make record profits, while wages have not kept up pace. 

I understand the pressures of making ends meet.  I grew up in a middle-class family, and while we were more fortunate than many, I still remember my mother sitting at that yellow Formica table late at night, cup of tea in hand, with a pile of bills in front of her, just trying to make sure that she paid them off by the end of the month, like so many Americans just trying to make it all work.

Every day, millions of Americans are sitting around their own kitchen tables and facing their own financial pressures because, over the past several decades, our economy has grown better and better for those at the very top and increasingly difficult for those trying to attain, build, and hold on to a middle-class life. 

In many ways, this is what this election is all about.  The American people face a choice between two fundamentally very different paths for our economy.  I intend to chart a new way forward and grow America’s middle class.  Donald Trump intends to take America backward to the failed policies of the past. 

He has no intention to grow our middle class.  He’s only interested in making life better for himself and people like himself: the wealthiest of Americans. 

You can see it spelled out in his economic agenda, an agenda that gives trillions of dollars in tax cuts to billionaires and the biggest corporations while raising taxes on the middle class by almost $4,000 a year, slashing overtime pay, throwing tens of millions of Americans off of health care, and cutting Social Security and Medicare. 

In sum, his agenda would weaken the economy and hurt working people and the middle class.  You see, for Donald Trump, our economy works best if it works for those who own the big skyscrapers, not those who actually build them, not those who wire them, not those who mop the floors.  (Applause.)

Well, I have a very different vision.  I have a very different vision for our economy.  I believe we need to grow our middle class and make sure our economy works for everyone, for people — (applause) — like the people in the neighborhood where I grew up and the hardworking Americans I meet every day across our nation. 

So, I call my vision the “opportunity economy,” and it’s about making sure — (applause) — everyone can find a job and more — and more.  Because, frankly, having a job, I believe, in our ambition and aspiration should be baseline, and we should aspire and have the ambition and plan to do more. 

 I want Americans and families to be able to not just get by but be able to get ahead — (applause) — to thrive — be able to thrive.  I don’t want you to have to worry about making your monthly rent if your car breaks down.  I want you to be able to save up for your child’s education, to take a nice vacation from time to time.  I want you to be able to buy Christmas presents for your loved ones without feeling anxious when you’re looking at your bank statement.  I want you to be able to build some wealth not just for yourself but also for your children and your grandchildren — intergenerational wealth.  (Applause.)

And here’s the thing.  Here’s the thing.  Here’s the beauty of it all.  We know how to build an economy like that.  We do know how to unlock strong, shared economic growth for the American people.  History has shown it time and again: When we invest in those things that strengthen the middle class — manufacturing, housing, health care, education, small businesses, and our communities — we grow our economy and catalyze the entire country to succeed. 

I have pledged that building a strong middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency.  And the reason — (applause) — but let me tell you, the reason is not about politics, and it’s not about ideology.  From my perspective, it’s just common sense.  (Applause.)  It’s just common sense.  It’s actually what works.  When the middle class is strong, America is strong.  And we can build a stronger middle class.

The American economy — we know this here — the American economy is the most powerful force for innovation and wealth creation in human history.  We just need to move past the failed policies that we have proven don’t work, and like generations before us, let us be inspired by what is possible. 

As president, I will be grounded in my fundamental values of fairness, dignity, and opportunity.  And I promise you, I will be pragmatic in my approach.  I will engage in what Franklin Roosevelt called “bold, persistent experimentation.”  (Applause.)  Because I believe we shouldn’t be constrained by ideology and, instead, should seek practical solutions to problems, realistic assessments of what is working and what is not, applying metrics to our analysis, applying facts to our analysis, and stay focused, then, not only on the crises at hand but on our big goals, on what’s best for America over the long term. 

And part of being pragmatic means taking good ideas from wherever they come.  Listen, you all know my career.  Andrea shared it with you.  I am a devout public servant.  (Laughs.)  I also know the limitations of government. 

I’ve always been and will always be — and be clear about this — I’ve always been and will always be a strong supporter of workers and unions.  (Applause.)  And I — I also believe we need to engage those who create most of the jobs in America. 

Look, I am a capitalist.  I believe in free and fair markets.  (Applause.)  I believe in consistent and transparent rules of the road to create a stable business environment.  And I know the power of American innovation. 

 I’ve been working with entrepreneurs and business owners my whole career, and I believe companies need to play by the rules — (applause) — respect the rights of workers and unions, and abide by fair competition.  And if they don’t, I will hold them accountable. 

And if anyone has a question about that, just look at my record as attorney general.  (Applause.)  Look at my record in California, taking on the big banks for predatory lending — (applause); taking on big health care companies for conspiring to jack up prices — (applause); taking on a big for-profit college for scamming veterans and students. 

At the same time, I believe that most companies are working hard to do the right thing by their customers and the employees who depend on them, and we must work with them to grow our economy.  I believe an active partnership between government and the private sector is one of the most effective ways to fully unlock economic opportunity.  (Applause.)

And that is what I will do when I am president.  I will target the major barriers to opportunity and remove them.  We will identify commonsense solutions to help Americans buy a home, start a business, and build wealth, and we will adopt them.

So, let’s start, then, with the first pillar of an opportunity economy, which is lowering costs.  So, I made that our top priority for obvious reasons, because if we want the middle class to be the growth engine of our economy, we need to restore basic economic security for middle-class families.  To that end, the most practical thing we can do right now is to cut taxes for middle-class families and individuals.  (Applause.)  And that’s what we will do.

Under my plan, more than 100 million Americans will get a middle-class tax break that includes $6,000 for new parents during the first year of their child’s life — (applause) —

to help families cover everything from car seats to cribs.  We’ll also cut the cost of childcare and eldercare — (applause) — and finally give all working people access to paid leave, which will help everyone caring for children, caring for aging parents, and that sandwich generation, which is caring for both.  (Applause.)

So, I have a personal experience with caregiving.  I remember being there for my mother when she was diagnosed with cancer — cooking meals for her, taking her to her appointments,

just trying to make her comfortable, figuring out which clothes were soft enough that they wouldn’t irritate her, and telling her stories to try and make her laugh.  I know caregiving is about dignity.  It really is.

And when we lower the costs and ease the burdens people face, we will not only make it then easier for them to meet their obligations as caregivers, we will also make it more possible for them to go to work and pursue their economic aspirations.  And when that happens, our economy as a whole grows stronger.

Now, middle-class tax cuts are just the start of my plan.  We will also go after the biggest drivers of cost for the middle class and work to bring them down.  And one of those — some would argue, one of the biggest — is the cost of housing.

So, here’s what we will do.  We will cut the red tape that stops homes from being built and take on, in addition, corporate landlords who are hiking rental prices.  (Applause.)  And we will work with builders and developers to construct 3 million new homes and rentals for the middle class because increasing the housing supply will help drive down the cost of housing.  (Applause.)

We will also help first-time homebuyers just get their foot in the door with a $25,000 down payment assistance.  (Applause.)

Because the goal is clear: Let’s help more Americans afford to buy a home, which we know is a critical step in their ability to grow their wealth and intergenerational wealth. 

And we will work to reduce other big costs for middle-class families.  We will take on bad actors who exploit emergencies and drive up grocery prices by enacting the first-ever federal ban on corporate price gouging.  (Applause.)  I had the experience of dealing with that when I was attorney general. 

We will take on Big Pharma and cap the cost of prescription drugs for all Americans — (applause) — just like we did for our seniors.

Now, by contrast, Donald Trump has no intention of lowering costs for the middle class.  In fact, his economic agenda would actually raise prices. 

And, listen, that’s not just my opinion.  A survey of top economists by the Financial Times and the University of Chicago found that by an overwhelming 70 to 3 percent margin, my plan would be better for keeping inflation low.  (Applause.)  Objective economists have been very clear.

The second pillar of an opportunity economy is investing in American innovation and entrepreneurship.  So, for the last century, the United States of America has been a beacon around the world.  And as your vice president now for almost four years, I’ve been traveling the world, meeting with world leaders, meeting with foreign leaders, meeting with business people in various countries with which we have partnership.  And I will tell you, America remains a beacon for what it means to inspire and invest in innovation not only for our ability to come up with some of the most breakthrough ideas but also our ability to turn those ideas into — into some of the most consequential innovations the world has ever known.

I believe the source of our success is the ingenuity, the dynamism, and enterprising spirit of the American people.  To paraphrase — (applause).  Yes, it is.  It’s our nature.  It’s our nature.

To paraphrase Warren Buffett: Since the founding of our nation, there has been no incubator for unleashing human potential like America.  And we need to guard that spirit.  (Applause.)  We have to guard that spirit.  Let it always inspire us.  Let it always be the source of our optimism, which is that spirit that is so uniquely American.

And let that then inspire us by helping us to be inspired to solve the problems that so many face, including our small-business owners. 

So, as I travel the country, what I hear time and again from those who own small businesses and those who aspire to start them is that too often an entrepreneur has a great idea — not too often; that’s good — and they have the willingness to take the risk, but they don’t have access to the capital that they need to make it real. 

And as Andrea said, not everybody was handed on a silver platter $400 million and then filed for bankruptcy six times.  (Applause.)  Oh, I said that.  (Laughs.)  Right?  I sa- — I actually said that.

Well, we can make it easier.  We can make it easier for our small businesses to access capital.  On average, it costs about $40,000 to start a new business.  But currently, the tax deduction for start-ups is only $5,000.  So, currently for start-up costs, the tax deduction is $5,000. 

Well, in 2024, it is almost impossible to start a business on $5,000, which is why, as president, I will make the start-up deduction 10 times richer and we will raise it from $5,000 to $50,000 — (applause) — tax deduction and provide low- and no-interest loans to small businesses that want to expand, all of which will help achieve our ambitious, some would say — but that’s okay; let’s be ambitious — our ambitious goal of 25 million new small-business applications by the end of my first term.  (Applause.)  I know this is very achievable.

And for anyone here who is a small-business owner, works for a small business, or has a small business in your life, you understand what I’m talking about in terms of when we build up our small businesses, what that does to entire communities to lift them up economically, civically, culturally, and in every way.

Small businesses, the point being, help drive our economy, and they create — (applause) — they create nearly 50 percent of private-sector jobs, and they strengthen our middle class. 

And if we can harness the entrepreneurialism of the American people and unlock the full potential of aspiring founders and small-business owners, I am optimistic that no one will be able to outpace us.  (Applause.)

By contrast, Donald Trump, when he was president, has been described by one of the nation’s leading experts on small businesses in a piece he published in a major paper as not being good for small business.  In fact, the title — (laughs) — the title — wait, because I’m burying the lede right now.  (Laughter.)  One of the leading experts on small businesses published a piece in one of the major newspapers, and the title — I’m going to quote — “Does Donald Trump Hate Small Businesses?”  (Laughter.)  And their answer was yes.  (Laughter.)  Their answer was yes. 

Because at the same time that Donald Trump was giving a tax cut to big corporations and billionaires, he tried to slash programs for small businesses and raise borrowing costs for them.  Instead of making it easier, he actually made it more difficult for them to access capital.  And that’s not surprising, because Donald Trump just does not prioritize small businesses.  He does not seem to value, frankly, the essential role they play. 

But, look, when I look at small-business owners, I see some of the heroes of our economy — not only entrepreneurs but, as I said, civic leaders, community leaders, part of the glue that holds communities together.

The third pillar of our opportunity economy is leading the world in the industries of the future and making sure America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century.  (Applause.)

One of the recurring themes in American history is that when we make an intentional effort to invest in our industrial strength, it leads to extraordinary prosperity and security,

not only for years but for generations. 

Think of Alexander Hamilton having the foresight to build the manufacturing capabilities of our new nation.  Think of Lincoln and the transcontinental railroad.  Think of Eisenhower and the Interstate Highway System; Kennedy committing America to win the space race and spurring innovation across our society.

From our earliest days, America’s economic strength has been tied to our industrial strength, and the same is true today.

So, I will recommit the nation to global leadership in the sectors that will define the next century.  We will invest in biomanufacturing and aerospace; remain dominant in AI and quantum computing, blockchain and other emerging technologies; expand our lead in clean energy innovation and manufacturing —  (applause) — so the next generation of breakthroughs from advanced batteries to geothermal to advanced nuclear are not just invented but built here in America by American workers.  (Applause.)

And we will invest in the industries that, for example, made Pittsburgh the “Steel City” by offering — (applause) — tax credits for expanding good union jobs in steel and iron and manufacturing communities like here in Mon Valley.  (Applause.)

And across all these industries of the future, we will prioritize investments for strengthening factory towns — this is so important — for strengthening factory towns; retooling existing factories; hiring locally and working with unions, because no one who grows up in America’s greatest industrial or agricultural centers should be abandoned.

And understand what that means for real people — people we know, people we care about.  We don’t have to abandon a strength we’ve known to achieve a strength that we plan.  (Applause.)

And here’s what else we will do when I am president.  We will double the number of registered apprenticeships by the end of my first term.  (Applause.)  Because I almost made it — a goal of mine — I — I am — I think I am going to fall short, but trying to visit every IBEW Local in America — (laughter) — because I’m going to tell you, those apprenticeship programs, those are tough-duty, man — and women and everyone.  (Laughter.)  They’re tough-duty. 

I mean, talk about the skills that are about engineering and science and math and just the most highly skilled folks who are in those apprenticeships and teaching there. 

And so, one of the things we must do, understanding that and understanding the nature of that part of our educational system, is let’s eliminate degree requirements while increasing skills development.  (Applause.)  And let’s start with something I can do as president — was ensure that we do that for the half a million of federal jobs that are within our ability to make it so — (applause) — showing what is possible and then challenging the private sector to make a similar commitment to emphasizing skills and not just degrees.  (Applause.)

And we will reform our tax laws to make it easier for businesses to let workers share in their company’s success.  And I will challenge the private sector to do more to lift up workers through equity, profits, and benefits so more people can share in America’s success and prosperity.  (Applause.)

And not only must we build the industries of the future in America, we must also build them faster.  You know, there’s a time for patience, and there’s a time for impatience.  That’s not in Ecclesiastics [Ecclesiastes], but — but — (laughter). 

Just went off script for a minute, Mayor.  (Laughter.)

But the simple truth is, in America, it takes too long and it costs too much to build.  Whether it’s a new housing development, a new factory, or a new bridge, projects take too long to go from concept to reality.  It happens in blue states, it happens in red states, and it’s a national problem. 

And I will tell you this.  China is not moving slowly.  They’re not.  And we can’t afford to, either.  If we are to compete, we can’t afford to, either. 

As president, if things are not moving quickly, I will demand to know why, and I will act.  I will work with Congress, workers and businesses, cities and states, community groups and local leaders to reform permitting, to cut red tape, and get things moving faster.  Because, look, as I said, patience may be a virtue but not when it comes to job creation or America’s competitiveness. 

Many of you know — the Empire State Building, you know how long it took to build that?  One year.  The Pentagon, you know how long that took?  Sixteen months. 

No one can tell me we can’t build quickly in our country.  (Applause.)  I’ve got empirical evidence. 

Now, look, my opponent, Donald Trump, well, he makes big promises on manufacturing.  Just yesterday, he went out and promised to bring back manufacturing jobs.  And if that sounds familiar, it should.  In 2016, he went out and made that very same promise about the Carrier plant in Indianapolis.  You’ll remember Carrier then offshored hundreds of jobs to Mexico under his watch. 

And it wasn’t just there.  On Trump’s watch, offshoring went up and manufacturing jobs went down across our country and across our economy.  All told, almost 200,000 manufacturing jobs were lost during his presidency, starting before the pandemic hit, making Trump one of the biggest losers ever on manufacturing.  (Applause.)

Donald Trump also talked a big game on our trade deficit with China, but it is far lower under our watch than any year of his administration.  While he constantly got played by China, I will never hesitate to take swift and strong measures when China undermines the rules of the road at the expense of our workers, our communities, and our companies, whether it’s flooding the market with steel, inferior or at all; unfairly subsidizing shipbuilding; or hurting our small businesses with counterfeits. 

Recall Donald Trump actually shipped advanced semiconductor chips to China, which helps them upgrade their military.  Understand the impact of these so-called policies that really are not about a plan for strengthening our prosperity or our security. 

I will never sell out America to our competitors or adversaries.  (Applause.)  Never.  Never.

And I will always make sure we have the strongest economy and the most lethal fighting force anywhere in the world.  (Applause.)

So, at this pivotal moment, we have an extraordinary opportunity to chart a new way forward, one that positions the United States of America and all of us who are blessed to call this home for success and prosperity in the 21st century. 

You know, there is an old saying that the best way to predict the future is to invent it.  Well, that is the story of the Steel City.  (Applause.)  That is the story of the Steel City, the city that helped build the middle class, birth America’s labor movement, empower the rise of American manufacturing, and the city where Allen Newell and Herbert Simon launched the first AI research hub at Carnegie Mellon — (applause) — and created entirely new fields like machine learning.  And Carnegie Mellon is now home to the largest university robotics center in America.  (Applause.)

So, the proud heritage of Pittsburgh I so strongly believe reveals the character of our nation, a nation that harnesses the ambitions, the dreams, and the aspirations of our people; seizes the opportunities before us because we see them, because we believe in them; and then invents the future. 

That is what we have always done, and that is what we must now do.  And I know we will. 

I thank you all for inviting me. 

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

Thank you all.  (Applause.)

                        END                4:11 P.M. EDT

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Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, New York

5:49 P.M. EDT

THE FIRST LADY: Good evening. (Applause.)

Aren’t all of our U.S. military musicians spectacular? (Applause.) Thank you for all that you — for joining us this evening. It’s great to be with so many friends here.

For Joe, diplomacy is personal. It’s why, for more than 50 years, he’s created deep personal bonds with world leaders. He shows up for our allies and our partners. He listens and is always eager to debate complex international issues to find common ground.

Serving as first lady has be- — of the United States is the honor of my life. This is our — (applause). Thank you.

This is our fi- — our United Nations — our final United Nations General Assembly as president and first lady. So, tonight, I want to take this moment to celebrate Joe and honor the relationships he’s built with all of you — (applause) — to honor these relationships with all of you to shape a brighter future for people around the world.

Please join me in welcoming my husband, President Joe Biden. (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: (Laughs.) That was worth the trip. (Laughter.)

Well, welcome, everyone. I’m delighted to see you all. You know, my fellow leaders and friends we’ve honored here, it’s an honor to welcome you here tonight.

I should start off by saying we owe a special thanks tonight to — to Mayor Bloomberg. He’s not the mayor right now, but he’s still the mayor. (Laughter.) Mr. Mayor, thank you for all you’ve done.

I want to begin by quoting someone who I wish was here tonight: my mom, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden. (Applause.) Growing up, my mom had an expression. She had a lot of expression. She had a backbone like a ramrod. But my mom, she used to say, “Joey, remember, never bow, never bend, never yield, and never give up.”

Folks, as I said yesterday at the United Nations, I recognize the challenges the world faces: Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, war, hunger, poverty, climate change. But my message to you tonight is this: We must never, ever, ever bow, bend, yield, or give up. And most importantly, we must never lose faith — lose faith in our abilities to do so much.

I was first elected to the United States Senate when I was 29 years old, 280 years ago. (Laughter.) Since then, I’ve seen the impossible become — the impossible become reality, for real. I’ve seen the Berlin Wall come down. I’ve seen Poland leave the (inaudible) — I shouldn’t go on, I guess. But I’ve seen apartheid end. I’ve seen humanity pull together to prevent a nuclear war. I’ve seen war criminals and dictators face justice and accountability for human rights violations. And I’ve seen countries in the Middle East make peace. We must always remember.

In America, I was (inaudible) — I spent a lot of time with Xi of China, and we were in the Tibetan Plateau, and it was one of my 90-some hours alone with him. And he looked at me; he said, “Can you define America for me?” This is an absolutely true story. He said, “Can you define America for me?” I said, “Yes. In one word: possibilities — possibilities.” (Applause.) We believe anything is possible. No, I really mean it. Remember, nothing is impossible.

And, folks, look, in our time, we turn the page on the — on the — on a whole range of issues. We turned the page. Nothing is impossible, as I said, but we turned the page on the worst pandemic in a century. We defended Ukraine as a tyrant threatened to wipe it off the map. We made the largest investment in history to fight climate change, the existential threat to humanity.

And, folks, time and again — and I mean this sincerely — time and again, our nation and our world found a way forward. But make no mistake: It didn’t happen by accident. Nothing was inevitable. It took people like all of you assembled here tonight refusing to give up, rejecting the forces that pull us apart, believing that change is possible, and fighting to make it so every single day. That’s what you in this room assembled have done.

Ladies and gentlemen, that’s our change. Together, we can broker deals, end wars and suffering. We can stop the spread of disease and dangerous weapons alike. We can make AI
empower people, not shackle them. We can cut our emissions and achieve our climate ambitions. We can leave our children, literally, a better world.

That’s our obligation, and we can. We can do this.

I can say to you — and I mean this sincerely — I’ve never more optimistic in my life because of all of you, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Keep it up.

And every time I’d walk out of my grandpop’s house up in Scranton, he’d yell, “Joey, keep the faith.” My grandmother would go, “No, Joey, spread it.” Spread it. Spread it. Spread it. (Applause.)

Folks, remember, nothing is beyond our capacity when we work together. Nothing at all.

So, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’re doing. I appreciate it very, very much.

It’s an honor to be with you. Thank you. (Applause.)

5:54 P.M. EDT

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Today, we stand together to lift up and reflect on the progress we are making as a nation – progress propelled by the hard work of the American people, endowed with the inventiveness to imagine a better future and inspired with the willingness to roll up our sleeves and build it.

Over the last few years, we have come together around this hopeful calling – united in this important task at this important time. We are building back not only from an awful economic crisis, but also from decades of underinvestment in our infrastructure, our communities, and our industrial strength – truly, an underinvestment in America.

So many times, each of us has driven by that idled factory or blighted plot, some place where the loss of opportunity is fenced in and the chance for a comeback seemingly fenced out. These are monuments to underinvestment and a failed economic policy that promised prosperity will just trickle down – but never delivered.

Fortunately, if we invest in America, there is a better way forward.

Under President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, that is exactly where we are headed – bringing down the barriers to economic opportunity, lowering costs for American families, and, in just three and a half years, creating 16 million jobs with rising wages and with unemployment at its lowest level in 50 years.

We see the bet on America’s promise, our potential and possibilities, paying off as we reclaim the lead in the global race on clean energy and in the interconnected fight against the pollution that fuels the climate crisis.

And we see that bet paying off as we find solutions to what felt like unsolvable problems.

Today, finally, America is leading in the race to innovate the technologies needed to tackle climate pollution in the industrial sector.

The largest source of global climate pollution and the source of about 30 percent of U.S. climate pollution, the industrial sector has long been considered “hard to decarbonize.”

But we’re changing the game. To meet our climate goals, we are innovating and modernizing the way we make steel, aluminum, cement, and other bedrock materials of our economy.

The transformation is underway, and not by accident. The Biden-Harris Administration has deployed all tools in its policy toolbox to expand clean manufacturing. Buoyed by this support, American manufacturers and workers are stepping up.

Yet, as they reach for scale, their efforts have found some critical scaffolding missing – an inability to measure progress.

The U.S. government lacks a comprehensive emissions intensity measurement system. That has been an inhibitor.

Today, we are making progress to help fill that gap – to build the data infrastructure we need to drive forward our clean manufacturing strategy.

We are launching a new and critical effort at the Department of Energy – a pilot program that will offer data tools to track and accelerate reductions in industrial emissions, and to ensure that clean manufacturing remains competitive.

It is a meaningful move to build not just a foundation, but a launch pad for our ambition in this space.

Before offering more details on this data effort, let me describe how this data puzzle piece fits into our broader clean manufacturing strategy.

To fuel today’s industrial transformation, the Biden-Harris Administration is currently deploying the largest investment in clean manufacturing in U.S. history.

These investments are supporting game-changing projects that transform how we manufacture materials that form the backbone of our economy.

A couple of projects will make the U.S. one of the first nations in the world to convert clean hydrogen into clean steel.

One project will build a new clean aluminum smelter – the first primary aluminum smelter to be built in the U.S. in 45 years – which will avoid about 75 percent of the emissions of a conventional facility.

Other projects will virtually eliminate the emissions associated with making cement – a millennia-old process that is responsible for about 8 percent of global, human-caused carbon emissions.

Meanwhile, we’re pairing this supply push with a demand pull. We’re working to ensure that there’s a market on the other end of these investments for the clean steel and cement that’s produced.

Buy Clean, a flagship initiative of the Biden-Harris Administration, leverages the U.S. government’s sway as the largest purchaser on Earth to spur demand for low-emissions construction materials. When the government buys steel for federal buildings or concrete for highways, Buy Clean ensures that we support businesses that are investing in clean production.

Right now, agencies are deploying more than $4 billion under Buy Clean to support government purchases of low-emissions materials. And we’ve recruited a dozen states to do the same, harnessing the power of their procurement as a spur for innovation and scale.

As we invest in clean manufacturing, we are reminded of the importance to not let unfair trade undercut this industrial transformation.

For too long, trade policies that ignore climate change have incentivized a shift in energy-intensive manufacturing to countries with lower standards and higher climate pollution.

We need to level the playing field, and we need to level it up.

Take a look at aluminum. The U.S. used to be the world’s biggest producer of aluminum. Many of our aluminum smelters were powered by clean hydropower. But starting in the 1990s, smelter after smelter closed down under divestment and unfair trade. Each closure spelled lost jobs for workers and lost tax revenue for industrial communities. Today, we have only four primary aluminum smelters left in the country – four.  

As U.S. production declined, production in China rose to take its place, driven in part by China’s non-market policies. Today, more than half of the world’s aluminum is made in China. That’s an industrial competitiveness problem. It’s also a climate problem. Because the average ton of aluminum made in China is 65 percent more emissions-intensive than in the U.S.

This race to the bottom has undercut our climate goals, the competitiveness of clean manufacturers, and the good jobs they offer to industrial workers and communities.

Our workers and communities deserve a race to the top – one that supports climate action across borders while buttressing our investments to expand clean manufacturing at home.

That is why earlier this year we created the new White House Task Force on Climate, Trade, and Industrial Competitiveness. To develop tools and approaches that will help close the climate loophole in our trade policies. To ensure a level playing field for our clean manufacturers and workers. To accelerate industrial decarbonization globally.

We want to work with trade partners, Congress, and industry, labor, and environmental stakeholders to help build a new trade framework that actually rewards clean manufacturing.

The Task Force is taking a strategic, cross-governmental approach, building on decades of research and policy expertise. The work of the Task Force includes: identifying and developing data and methodologies for measuring the emissions intensity of traded goods; identifying opportunities to accelerate industrial decarbonization in emissions-intensive, trade exposed sectors; exploring a broad set of potential climate and trade policy options that help us achieve both our domestic and international climate goals; and coordinating engagement with key stakeholders, Congress, and trading partners.

The Task Force is working with like-minded trade partners and allies at all levels of development to develop compatible approaches that foster a level playing field, incentivize industrial decarbonization, reduce the emissions embodied in traded goods, and ensure developing countries have the opportunity and capacity to participate in this low-carbon trade system.

We are engaging with them as they pursue similar efforts, including on questions of data and methodologies, administrability, and policy design. We seek to build a fair and compatible framework for supporting and rewarding clean manufacturing, not a patchwork of divergent approaches.

Data is one area that has been a priority for us – an area we see as primed for progress. Reliable, transparent emissions intensity data is the foundation of effective climate-aligned trade policies. As you know, part of the work of our Task Force is to help ensure that we have credible, robust, and granular data for climate and trade policies.

In addition, as we invest billions in new, emissions-cutting technologies for manufacturing, policymakers and manufacturers need reliable estimates of how quickly we’re reducing the emissions intensity of essential materials.

So do the buyers of these materials. Global demand is rising for steel, aluminum, cement, and other materials that are made with a low level of emissions. New climate-focused trade policies around the world, national green procurement efforts such as Buy Clean, industry commitments, and consumer preferences are all driving this rising demand for clean manufacturing.

As the market for clean manufacturing grows, the United States, our trading partners, and consumers need an accurate and transparent system for measuring the emissions intensity of energy-intensive industrial products.

So far, the United States has not had a comprehensive emissions intensity measurement system.

But today we can report progress to help fill in this missing puzzle piece. The pilot program that the Department of Energy is announcing today will help coordinate data sources across the federal government to assemble rigorous, timely, and accurate emissions intensity statistics.

These metrics will support our climate and clean manufacturing goals alike. An accurate, whole-of-government emissions intensity framework will help to incentivize further reductions in industrial emissions and support the competitiveness of clean manufacturing as the emissions intensity of traded goods becomes increasingly important.

The White House Task Force on Climate, Trade, and Industrial Competitiveness looks forward to continued work with Congress and industry, labor unions, environmental advocates, and academic stakeholders to develop the data infrastructure we need. In fact, we will be following up today’s announcement with a webinar laying out more details and drawing our stakeholders in to be even closer thought partners.

Critically, we also look forward to continued work with trade partners to explore compatible, coordinated approaches to emissions intensity data so we can avoid a patchwork of divergent approaches.

With solid data, we can accelerate the Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive clean manufacturing strategy – an interlocking mix of investment, procurement, and trade policies to tackle a major source of climate pollution while boosting a major source of good jobs.

Working together, we can win the industrial transformation we need for a livable climate and a more equitable economy. We can launch the race to the top that our workers and communities deserve.

The promise is what I saw last year in Toledo, Ohio. What was once a brownfield is now the site of a new manufacturing plant, where union steel workers are forging a cleaner product than what we used to import from overseas. The Hot Briquetted Iron from that Cleveland Cliffs factory is the start of a supply chain critical to U.S. automotive manufacturing – for UAW workers an hour away in Michigan making next generation vehicles and helping America lead that global industry. This is the real promise: not just steel in the ground, but steel in the spine of the American middle class. A real chance to win the future.

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InterContinental New York Barclay
New York, New York

2:17 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, General Secretary, it’s great to see you again, have you here in the United States.  We appreciate it.

Is this simultaneous interpretation?

One year ago, in Hanoi, we began a new era of relations with Vietnam and the United States, and we elevated our partnership to the highest level as possible.  Since then, we’ve been — I’ve been very proud of the progress we’ve made.

First of all, we made historic investments in semiconductors and supply chains.  And I want to note this was made possible through our CHIPS and Science Act here at home.

Second, we launched unprecedented cooperation on cybersecurity.

And third, we stood united building a more open and secure Indian Ocean committed to freedom of navigation and the rule of law.

And finally, we continue our pathbreaking work to heal the wounds of war.  I’m proud that we, the United States, have committed $215 million to complete the detox — the tox- — the detox remediation, as well as — as we have many more things to do as well.

Secretary General, as I — or General Secretary, I should say — I suggested at the U.N. address, there’s nothing beyond our capacity when we work together.  So, we welcome you all and looking forward to our conversation.

The floor is yours.

GENERAL SECRETARY LÂM:  (As interpreted.)  It’s a great pleasure to meet with you again, Mr. President.  Well, this is the third time we met.  As the Vietnamese proverb says, “It feels like a destined encounter.”

First, on behalf of the party, the state, and people of Vietnam and the family of the late General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, I wish to convey our heartfelt gratitude to you, Mr. President, for your sincere condolences on his passing and thank you for dispatching State Secretary Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to pay their respects.

We deeply value the warm regards from the United States and from you personally, President Biden, towards late General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng.  And even during his lifetime, the late general secretary often spoke of you with fond memories and sincere appreciation.

His historic visit to the U.S. in 2015 followed by your visit to Vietnam in September last year were historic milestones and have significantly advanced the growth of the Vietnam-U.S. relations, resulting in a higher level of the relations that we enjoy today.

We appreciate very much your liking towards Vietnam, and your historic contributions have been pivotal in elevating our bilateral relations to the comprehensive strategic partnership as we enjoy today. 

Thank you very much, once again, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you.  And, again, welcome.  And welcome to all of you. 

Thank you.

2:22 P.M. EDT

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InterContinental New York Barclay
New York, New York

4:03 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)  Welcome to Washington.

Fellow leaders, friends, nine hundred and f- — for 944 days, Putin has waged his vicious onslaught against Ukraine.  For 944 days, the Ukrainian people have stood unwavering, unbroken, and unbowed. 

Today, we’re launching a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukrainian Recovery and Reconstruction to make it clear: We stand with Ukraine now and in the future. 

That starts on the battlefield.  I am determined to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to prevail in its fight for its survival.  Tomorrow, I will announce a series of actions to accelerate support for Ukraine’s military. 

But we know Ukraine’s future victory is about more than what happens on the battlefield.  It’s also about what Ukrainians do to make the most of a free and independent future, of which so many have sacrificed so much. 

With this declaration, over 30 countries and the European Union have made important commitments. 

First, as Ukraine continues to make necessary reforms to fight corruption, we are committed to providing Ukraine with the resources it needs to build back stronger than it was before. 

Folks, it’s no secret Russian attacks have caused significant damage to Ukraine.  And less well-known is the story of Ukraine’s economic resilience. 

Ukraine’s GDP is stable and actually growing.  Ukraine’s defense industry, forged in the fire, is six times larger than it was a year ago.  And Ukraine is now exporting almo- –exporting almost as much grain as it did before the war, feeding people and the world once again. 

Ukraine’s economy is resilient, and together, we can help Ukraine go from economic resilience to economic revival.  

Second, we commit to hold Russia accountable for the damage it has caused.  This builds on a historic effort by the G7.  Back in 2022, two days after Russia’s invasion, members of the G7 and the EU worked together to freeze $280 billion in Russian Central Bank funds outside of Russia. 

This summer, at the G7, the United States and our partners reached a decision to unlock $50 billion from the proceeds of those frozen assets to put that money to work for Ukraine as it rebuilds and recovers its economy. 

Today, we reaffirm that with all our respective countries and legal systems, Russia’s sovereign assets will remain immobilized until Russia ends its aggression and pays for the damage it has caused. 

Finally, we’re committed to coordinate closely, through efforts like the Ukraine Donor Platform, so we can make sure that each dollar goes as far as possible, reinforcing one another instead of duplicating work. 

Let me close with this.  This war has shown the Ukrainians can do anything they set their minds to. 

Today, we show the Ukrainians you’re not alone.  You’re not alone in this fight.  You’re not alone in the reconstruction that comes after.  

Ukrainian people have fought and died to win a future of freedom and independence.  Mr. President, we all — we all stand by your side to help Ukraine make the most of it. 

Thank you all very much.  (Applause.) 

4:07 P.M. EDT

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The Plaza Hotel
New York, New York

5:08 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, hello, hello.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  If I — thank you.  (Applause.) 

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  If I were smart, I’d leave now.  (Laughter.)

Thank you all so very much. 

Mr. Mayor, Michael, thank you.  You know, I awarded the Presidential Medar [Medal] of — of Freedom because you’ve literally revolutionized our economy.  It’s not hyperbole.  You transformed how we consume information.  You challenged and solved the toughest issues.  And thank you for hosting this important forum. 

And thank all the business leaders here today, and thank my Cabinet members for their work as well.  Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is here.  The EPA administrator, Michael Regan, is here. 

You know, four years ago, Kamala and I inherited the worst pandemic in a century, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. 

I got to hold a minute here and tell you a little story.  When I — when I — I sat in the Oval Office every morning at 9 o’clock and then ended the day with Barack for eight years.  And there was only one — there was only one portrait above the fireplace: a portrait of George Washington — fairly small but a beautiful portrait. 

And so, I — when — I didn’t realize it at the time, all the times I’d been in the Oval, that the incoming president cannot go into the Oval on the 20th until after 4 o’clock, and the outgoing president has to leave by 10:00, although the outgoing president never showed up.  Anyway.  (Laughter.)

But — so, I asked my brother Jim, who has better taste than I do, to pick what we needed for th- — to pick what desk you want, what rug you — you know, the things you want in your office.  And I said I only wanted a couple things.  I wanted to make sure I had the Resolute Desk, and I wanted a — looking next to the — at the — next to the fireplace, I wanted a — the bust of Martin Luther King, who was one of my heroes as I was coming up as a young civil rights guy, and Bobby Kennedy. 

I have great — great admir- — admiration for John Kennedy, but I could never picture him at my kitchen table.  Any rate.  (Laughter.)  

So, we’re standing — I walk in, and my brother is showing me, and I look up, and there’s this giant portrait of Franklin Roosevelt.  And — and Jon Meacham was on the phone — on the speaker.  And I said, “Why Franklin Roosevelt?  I admire him, but why Franklin Roosevelt?”  He said, “Well, no one has inherited an economy in more disarray than when Franklin Roosevelt was president.”  I said, “Isn’t that wonderful?”  (Laughter.)  Swear to God.  True story.  (Laughter.)

I looked to the left, there’s Abraham Lincoln.  I said, “Why Abraham Lincoln?  I admire the hell out of Lincoln, but why?”  He said, “The country has never been as divided since the Civil War.”  (Laughter.)  I said, “I’m the hell out of here.”  Anyway.  (Laughter.) 

But, look, a lot has changed.  A lot has changed.  When we came into office, the climate is in crisis and one existential threat that faced all the nations. 

Mayor Bloomberg, Michael, you’ve con- — you’ve convened leadership — national and international levels — to lead the charge and change the mindset. 

You know, I just met with the president of the UAE, who was a massive investor in clean energy around the world.  That’s what he wanted to talk to me about. 

I just hosted a three-day conference with the Quad in Delaware, it — with the prime minister of India, Australia, and Japan, three of the fastest-growing economies in the world.  They understand you can’t remain dependent on fossil fuels.  They need to lead the clean energy future. 

I had a discussion with the president of Kenya, whom I hosted in the state — for a state visit.  Kenya is also a global leader in clean energy.  Together — together, we’ve launched the U.S.-Kenya Climate and Clean Energy In- — Industrial Partnership. 

All this matters.

Now I want to pivot to home here.  Since I’ve been president, I’ve flown over more wildfires — unfortunately, this is the God’s truth — in helicopters, from Arizona, Idaho, Mo- — all the way to Montana, and I’ve — more acreage I’ve looked down on — seen more acreage burned on the ground — to the ground than the entire state of Maryland, in terms of area.  Just wildfires. 

They — they — I — we — I’ve toured the community ravaged by tornadoes and floods and more than — more — that cost lives and livelihoods, it costs taxpayers billions of dollars in damage. 

But when Kamala and I came into office, there was no real plan in place to do anything about it.  As a government, we were doing nothing — virtually nothing. 

We were determined not only to deliver immediate economic relief to the American people but to transform our — how our economy works in the long term; to write a new economic playbook to grow the economy from the middle out and the bottom up instead of the top down — that way, workers do well, no one is left behind, and the wealthy still do very well; and wanted to leave no — and foster fair competition; invest in all of America and all Americans. 

And I’ve been pointing out, when it comes to the climate, every time I talk about it — whether I was trying to convince labor or business to come along, I’d say, “When I think climate, I think jobs.  I think jobs.”  And I mean it — good union-paying jobs. 

In fact, I’m proud to have kept my commitment to bring unions and business to — to the climate table.  That’s what we’re seeing. 

Rather than the climate conservation about sacrifice — con- — conversation about sacrifice, we’re focused on doing less.  Kamala and I have pursued an ambitious climate policy focused on growth.  And the public and private sector led — lead to all the — you — all of you in this audience, you’ve led, building our economic capacity.

Together, we’ve proven that a strong middle class, thriving innovation, and manufacturing are the key to winning climate here at home and abroad.

Here — here are the key climate pages from the new economic playbook.  We rejoined the Paris Agreement immediately after my predecessor had walked away.  We got to work planning private capital off — pulling private capital off the sidelines, getting our workers in the game, and, once again, leading the world on climate.  Bringing jobs back home — manufacturing and technology we invented here in the United States decades ago, bringing it back.  We’re bringing back hope and pride in communities, opening shuttered factories in zip codes too often left behind. 

I might point out I was criticized very much for having done more to invest in red states than blue states, but I made a commitment that when I ran, I’d be president for all people — all people, whether they voted for me or not.  And we’re doing that in what I call Investing in America agenda. 

I wrote and signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, the most significant climate law ever passed in the history of the world.  We were told it couldn’t get done, but we did it.  More than $369 billion in climate and en- — and clean energy.  The si- — not a single Republican voted for it. 

But the In- — the Inflation Reduction Act lowers energy costs for families with rebates and tax credits to install rooftop solar and energy-efficient appliances, weatherizing your windows and doors and high-tech insulation and more efficient heating and cooling systems, and so much more.  And you get a tax credit for doing it.

The groundbreaking laws also catalyze clean energy innovation in areas like battery technology, nuclear energy, geothermal that will create hundreds of thousands of jobs for American workers. 

In fact, along with other historic investments in infrastructure — and our infrastructure bill was a trillion three hundred billion dollars in science and technology — private companies in the United States and globally have announced investments of nearly $1 trillion in clean energy manufacturing here in America in the last three years.  (Applause.)

And you all are the leaders of that.  You’re the ones.  And we’re just getting started.

In the face of the dangerous and deadly impacts of climate change, we’re also making our cities and towns more resilient. 

This is a new formula on climate: creating jobs, reducing pollution, cleaning up our water and air, improving our quality of life, building a better America.

For example, a once-in-a-generation modernization of our grid means this year we’ll add more new electric capacity than we have in two decades, and 96 percent of what it — that will be clean energy.  (Applause.)

I went to the University of Delaware, and the university professor was the first professor — the first solar-powered building that inspired residential solar adaptation. 

And more than 80 percent of the solar panels and — and components are manufactured in China though, but now we’re turning that around.  American solar panel manufacturing is up four times what it was four years ago, with more to come. 

America inher- — invented the lithium-ion battery technology that’s powering our clean energy transformation, including electric vehicles and the grid.  But when Kamala and I came into office, America was barely making any — any of these batteries, while other countries were commercializing them.  But not anymore.  (Applause.)

There are more than 14 gigafactories — massive, large-scale factories op- — opening or under construction to make advanced batteries here in America and more to come.  We’re also making the battery components here in America, making sure that we — the supply chain starts in America. 

And all of this is helping power an electric revolution in transportation.  We’ve quadrupled the development of electric vehicles since I took office.  We’re deploying a fleet of clean school busses that will not only — will not pollute the air.  Our Postal Service is going fully electric.  We’ve invested $45 billion in electric trains in America, because if a person can choose between a car and a train to get to their destination in the same time, 70 to 80 percent of that — they will take the train, and it’s 70 to 80 percent less pollution than driving the same distance. 

And we now have tools to lower emissions from building materials.  For the first time ever, we’re beginning to produce clean steel, cement, and aluminum.  I think most Americans had no idea how much pollution has occurred when you — when you make cement. 

Well, the American people know how much pollution heavy industries produce, since each one produces as much pollution as a small country. 

We’re now making the most significant investment ever in rural America.  Eighty thousand farms across America are implementing climate-smart agriculture — cover crops, nutrient management, storing carbon in the soil — which creates new sources of wealth for farmers, families at the same time.

We’re also carrying out the most ambitious conservation agenda in a long time.  We’re on track to conserve — a commitment I made — 30 percent of all our lands and waters by the year 2030.  Since taking office, my administration has already conserved over 42 million acres. 

The Inflation Reduction Act is also the most significant law ever advancing environmental justice for disadvantaged and so-called fence-line communities, like Cancer Alley in Louisiana or Route 9 corridor in Delaware.  We’re making sure these communities receive 40 percent of the benefits in — of the key investments in pollution reduction, clean energy, and infrastructure. 

All this matters.  It matters a great deal. 

In just under four years, the economy has created nearly 16 million jobs — the most ever in a single presidential term. 

In just two years since the Inflation Reduction Act, we’ve created more than 330,000 clean energy jobs.  (Applause.)

I should say “you’ve created.”  You created that.

Clean energy jobs are growing twice as fast in the economy — as the economy overall.  Clean energy workers are joining unions at the highest level in history. 

And I’m really proud to have launched the American Climate Corps, patterned after the Peace Corps and America Corps [AmeriCorps], to put tens of thousands of young people on the path to good-paying clean energy jobs to improve our environment and grow our economy. 

And, you know, the United States has reasserted America’s position as a global leader in climate.  We’re leading an all-out effort to partner with nations to reduce global emissions, to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

You all remember when Putin invaded Ukraine, which sent food and energy prices soaring around the world and showing just how volatile and fragile a fossil fuel-based economy can be.  The United States rallied the world against Putin’s aggression.  We’ve led the world in releasing oil reserves and stabilizing global energy markets while also working quickly as possible to deploy clean energy resources. 

You know, I convened summit leaders on climate and the American Leaders’ Summit — or the African Leaders’ Summit, I should say.  In COP28, the United States galvanized the world to commit for the first time to transition away from unabated fossil fuels. 

Across the board, America’s climate leadership is encouraging American companies to invest in private capital for clean energy development into low- to middle-income nations and so much more. 

I thank the business leaders who are here today for leading the way, and I mean that. 

All this historic climate change is in stark contrast to my predecessor.  He says he’d re- — repeal the Inflation Reduction Act.  He’d let our factories shut down.  He’d move the world backwards.  His denial of climate change condemns our future generations to a more dangerous world. 

And, by the way, windmills do not cause cancer.  (Laughter and applause.)

I think we’ve laid out a better choice.  And today, we are better positioned than any other nation in the world to fo- — to promote a clean energy future.  In fact, it’s the perfect time to go big. 

The market for clean energy is booming.  Inflation is way down in America.  The Federal Reserve just announced lowering interest rate, and I — I predict they’ll go fur- — further down. 

We should give business even more confidence to invest trillions of dollars that are on the sidelines in the clean energy industries of the future. 

I’m doing my part.  Now I’m calling on other companies with the capital in the room to invest more and do more.  Now is the time. 

Let me close with this.  Four years though, we’ve gone from historic crisis to histor- — historic process — progress and in doing it with a new playbook based on one of the oldest truths of our nation: invest in America, believe in America, believe in possibilities, and share it with the world. 

That’s what I see — if I could see all of you — when I look at all of you.  (Laughter.) 

I really mean this.  I know I only look like I’m 40 years old, but I’m a little older.  (Laughter.)  You know, I’ve been doing this a long time — 51 years in elective office, and — (applause) — that’s hard to say.  That’s hard to say.

But I give you my word as a Biden: I’ve never been more optimistic about America’s future. 

And, Michael, let me go back to you.  Your initiative, your commitment, your vision, your dedication have literally changed the world and gone a long way to encourage the Americans to be convinced once again that there’s — we can do anything.  We just have to remember who the hell we are.  We’re the United States of America.  There is nothing beyond our capacity when we act together.

Folks, as a student of history, we’re the only nation in the world that’s come out of every major crisis we’ve entered stronger than we went in — every single time.  Every single time. 

You know, this assembly in this room, you’re the leaders not only in America, you’re the world.  The rest of the world looks to us. 

And it’s not about my being president.  I give you my word.  Think about it.  If we didn’t lead, who the hell leads?  Who fills the vacuum without America leading? 

That’s who we are.  That’s our obligation.  And that’s our — an incredible opportunity. 

So, folks, I really am optimistic.  I really mean it.  You listened, and I didn’t even go into all of the things that are going on in the rest of the world in terms of how they want to transition away from — from fossil fuels: want to use peaceful nuclear technology, a whole range of things, hydrogen.  So many things are on the table. 

And we can do this.  We really can.  And we owe it to our children.  And, quite frankly, we owe it to lead the world. 

If my mom was here, she’d say, “Joey, end it.  Okay?”  (Laughter.)  And I will.

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

Thank you very, very much.  (Applause.)

Every time — every time I’d walk out of my Grandfather Finnegan’s house up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he’d yell, “Joey, keep the faith.”  My grandmother would yell, “No, Joey, spread it.”  Let’s spread the faith.  (Applause.)

Thank you.

5:26 P.M. EDT

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Good afternoon.  I am Liz Sherwood-Randall, President Biden’s Homeland Security Advisor.  
 
In closing, on behalf of the Biden-Harris Administration, I want to thank each of you for joining us here today. In particular, I want to express our gratitude to each of the Heads of State and Government and your cabinet members who accepted President Biden’s invitation to participate and make an enduring commitment to this vital endeavor.  
 
This is the first ever gathering on this scale of leaders from every continent across the planet who are dedicated to the fight against fentanyl and synthetic drugs.  And that reflects how seriously we take the threat that it is creating in our respective homelands.
 
As you may know, I have devoted much of my life to countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. I view fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. The lessons from that enduring challenge are directly relevant to the fight against illicit fentanyl and synthetic drugs today.
 
This is a global problem that requires a global solution.  None of us can meet it effectively alone. We need to weave a strong and resilient web of committed countries, and we need to work in close collaboration with partners in international organizations and the private sector.  That is the only way we can meet the moment.  And the moment is now. We are in a fight to save lives.
 
So I especially want to thank each of the Coalition Members whose leaders have agreed to mobilize new initiatives to: 
 
Disrupt the supply chain for fentanyl and other illicit goods 


Detect emerging drug trends; and


Prevent and treat those affected by this crisis, through increased public health interventions and distribution of life-saving medications.
 
Because of the new initiatives, we will be doing even more than we have already done to map and disrupt transit routes, establish early warning systems to detect new drug trends before they reach crisis levels, and prevent deaths by expanding treatment, training more health care workers, and distributing life-saving medications.

I urge each of you to participate in these accelerated efforts.  And I also encourage each of you to sign on to the Member Pledge that we shared with you. This pledge to take additional steps in each of our countries reinforces our collective commitment to turn words into concrete actions.  Together we can make a real difference in our communities by disrupting drug traffickers and protecting our people from harm.

On behalf of President Biden, thank you again for joining us here in New York today, and I look forward to our ongoing work together. 

###

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10:38 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hey, guys.  How are you doing?  (Laughter.)  Holy mackerel.  I like your tie.  (Laughter.) 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Can you guys say thank you?

THE PRESIDENT:  “Dad, you didn’t tell me the president was going to talk to me.”

Please, have a seat. 

Well, good morning.  For the first time — for the first time in National Women’s Soccer League history, welcome to the White House to the 2023 championships [champions] the Gotham F.C.  (Applause.)  
It’s so good to be joined by so many friends from New York and New Jersey — (applause) — team owners, the Tisch family — 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Yes!

THE PRESIDENT:  There you go.  God love you.  We go back a long way.  (Laughter.)  Led by Carolyn.  

And — and the team — the fellow team governors and investors, Ed, as well as the great Sue Bird — (applause) — was here a few years ago to celebrate the Seattle Storm’s WNBA championship, and she’s simply incredible.  No, you are.  I tell you what, man.  (Applause.) 

I also want to thank the founding team owners, and good friends of mine, the Murphys and, particularly, Tammy, to continues the — to be the champions for women’s sports.  They couldn’t be here today because they are representing the great state of New Jersey on a trade mission abroad.  

But I also want to thank New Jersey’s newest United States senator, George Helmy.  Where — where are you, George?  (Applause.)  There you are, George.  George, you don’t get to take the trophy home.  (Laughter.) 

And, of course, a special thanks to the incredible players.  You know — (applause) — one thing is clear: This organization is no stranger to adversity.  In 2022, Gotham placed last in the entire league.  There were doubts about turning things around.  But you never gave up.  You never gave up.  And you kept the faith, as my mother would say.  You retooled the roster, hired a new coach.  Something clicked.  

 And after a tough season, you were in — the final team to make the playoffs.  But as the saying goes, winners simply win.  Back-to-back playoff wins holding North Carolina and Portland scoreless and then beating Seattle to win it all.  The new Tiffany trophy is one at — new home now in Gotham.  

Look, just yesterday, you clinched the playoff spot, so maybe you’ll be back here next year.  (Applause.)  Now, if you are, I won’t be president but ask if I can come and listen.  (Laughter.) 

What’s really important is your championship win also set an attendance record.  I think it’s fair to say everyone — everyone watches women’s sports.  (Applause.)  It’s about time.   

I got some All-State soccer players as well as — a goalie as well as lacrosse champions in my family.  And, by the way, in my family, we have a — an advantage: All the women are smarter than all the men — (laughter) — including me. 

Look, and when fans watch you play, they also see the power of the example off the field as well.  It matters.  And I really mean it.  You lead the way in providing sports medicine and health care focused on women.  My wife is deeply involved in trying to make sure there’s enough attention paid and research done on women’s diseases as men.  As a matter of fact, we’re going to the United Nations after this to make that very case.

You helped establish the Players Association fighting for the dignity of work all across the league.  And most powerful — I’m — you know, I get — I get categorized as the most pro-union president in American history.  I am, and I approve of what you’re doing, man.  (Laughter.)    

You know, and your teammate Midge came to the White House with the U.S. Women’s National Team to highlight the campaign and equal — for equal pay.  That’s happening too.  Matter of fact, it’s going to get unequal here; you’re going to be paid a hell of a lot more, I think (inaudible).

But let’s be clear.  And I mean this sincerely.  I was raised by my best friend in the world, who is my sister.  She — she — anyway.  I won’t get into all that, but — (laughter) — you know, I mean this sincerely: A woman can do anything a man can do — anything a man can do, including being president of the United States.  (Applause.)  

Let me close by thanking you all.  You really represent our nation with such dignity.  You inspire all of us — and you really do; you’re an inspiration.  Think — I bet you wh- — you can’t walk down the street in your hometown without some young girl coming up to you just wanting to talk to you, just wanting to touch you, just wanting to hold your hand.  It’s amazing.  

And congratulations to the Bats of Gotham.  You like being called the “Bats of Gotham”?  (Laughter.)

GOTHAM FC PLAYERS:  Batties.  

MS. PURCE:  The Batties.  

THE PRESIDENT:  (Inaudible.)  

MS. KRIEGER:  Batties.

MS. PURCE:  The Batties.  

THE PRESIDENT:  I like that.  (Laughter.)

Look, I’m going to turn it over to the top Bat — no, the top — (laughter) — to Ali, last year’s team captain, who, by the way, I watched in 2015 win the World Cup in — when I was vice president — in Canada.  Ali, it’s great to see you again, kiddo.  (Laughter.)  The floor is yours.  (Applause.)

MS. KRIEGER:  Thank you.  

THE PRESIDENT:  I like your kicks.

MS. KRIEGER:  Thank you.  They’re — I wore them for you, so — (laughter).  Yeah.

Mr. President and esteemed guests, thank you for hosting Gotham FC, the reigning NWSL champions.  (Applause.)  

We are deeply honored to be the first NWSL team to receive this recognition, marking a pivotal moment for women’s sports.  

Firstly, I have to thank my teammates for their grit and perseverance to enable us to be the champions standing here today.  (Applause.)

Starting the 2023 season, coming off of the last place finish — from worst to first — (laughter) — nobody backed this team to do what we did.

Reflecting on my career, I recall times when women’s soccer lacked coverage and support.  Our progress since those days have been remarkable, from our humble beginnings to becoming champions.  

Both Gotham and the NWSL have seen tremendous growth with more fans, greater engagement, and increased recognition.  

Yet, despite these strides, we are reminded that our work is far from over.  

Every time we step on the field, we think of young girls who dream the future in sports.  This moment is not just about titles or trophies, it’s about paving the way for them.  Being the first is historic, but it’s even more important that we ensure we are not the last.  

We all know that we are committed to build on this momentum for future generations. 

As a token of our appreciation and commitment to advancing women’s sports, we are delighted to present you with a Gotham FC jersey.  (Applause.)

We expect you to be wearing that under the suit soon, okay?  (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll wear it over it.

MS. KRIEGER:  Yeah, great.  (Laughter.)

On behalf of my exceptional teammates and the entire organization, thank you again for this incredible honor, for sup- — and for supporting the growth of women’s sports.  

THE PRESIDENT:  All right.

MS. KRIEGER:  Thank you.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  You know, I thought when I got to be president, I’d get to do things that I wanted to do, but my staff tells me what I can’t do.  (Laughter.)  But I’m going to do it anyway.  All the young women — young kids out there that are wa- — are out there, come on up and do this when we — stand behind me when we do this.  Come on.

AUDIENCE:  Aww.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  And the guys.  Come on.  (Applause.)  

(The president greets children coming to the stage.)

THE PRESIDENT:  All right.

MS. KRIEGER:  So, our head coach, Juan Carlos Amorós, and the — the championship 2023 MVP, Midge Purce.  (Applause.) 

(The president is presented with a Gotham FC jersey.) 

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you. 

10:49 A.M. EDT

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1:57 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  To all the — my fellow leaders from nations around the world, thank you for being here.  It makes a big difference.

A couple of years ago, a father who I got to meet from a small town here in the United States wrote me a letter about his daughter.  Her name was Courtney.  She was bright and smart, she had a laugh that was contagious, and wanted to travel the world.  But in high school, she became addicted to pills. 

Her father eventually brought her to a treatment facility, but his insurance company wouldn’t cover the cost.  They said, quote, “It wasn’t a matter of life and death.”

A month later, Courtney died from a fe- — fentanyl overdose.  She was just 20 years old — 20 years old. 

In his letter that he wrote to me, he described life without his child.  He said, and I quote, “There is no greater pain.”  “There is no greater pain.”

I told him I know what it’s like, having lost several children myself — two children.  There is no greater pain.  They still live in your heart, but there’s no greater pain.

Ladies and gentlemen, that’s why we’re here. 

Too many people all across our nation have stories like this.  Too many families have suffered unbearable pain and unbearable loss. 

Opioids are the deadliest drug threat in our history.  I’ve been working on drug control for a long, long time — since the days I was a senator, but this is the deadliest of them all.

For years, too little has been done to beat this threat here at home and around the world. 

In fact, before I came to office, overdose deaths in our country were increasing by more than 30 percent year over year. 

But when I became president, I made beating the opioid endemic [epidemic] a central part of the Unity Agenda, something that our entire nation could rally around and has. 

For over the last four years, we’ve turned that agenda into action.  My administration made Nal- — excuse me, Na- — made Naloxone, a lifesaving overdose reversal medicine, available over the counter.  You can purchase it over the counter for the first time.  We invested over $80 billion across 50 states to expand access to addiction treatment and support.  I issued an executive order that cut cartel leaders off from fina- — our financial system, including issuing 300 sanctions.  And I’ve deployed hundreds of advanced X-ray ou- — machines to stop the threat of pills and powder coming across our border. 

Because I want to be clear: This is — this is a national security threat. 

In July of this year, I signed a national security memorandum.  It officially recognized that fact, that it is a national security threat.  It calls on every part of our government to do more to stop fentanyl and protect our homeland from this threat. 

But as all of you know, this a global challenge and it requires a global solutions. 

So, we established the Tri- — the Trilateral Fentanyl Committee with Canada and Mexi- — and Mexico to stop narcotics from crossing our border. 

I reignited counternarcotics cooperation with China to increase law enforcement cooperation and tackle the supply chains of precursor chemicals and pill presses. 

And I directed my team to build this coalition — this Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drugs.  As all of you here know, this coalition now has, as the secretary of State said, 150 nations as part of it. 

The result of these efforts: More fentanyl has been seized at our border in the last two years than the previous five years combined — in the previous five years combined.  Nearly 60,000 pounds of fentanyl have been seized.  That’s enough to kill every single American many times over. 

Dozens of major cartel leaders and traffickers are now behind bars. 

And I’m proud to announce, for the first time in five years, overdose deaths are actually coming down across America.  The latest data shows a 10 percent drop.  That’s the largest decrease on record. 

Folks, this matters.  These aren’t just facts and figures.  They’re families — families who don’t have to bear the loss of a child, a parent, a spouse — families who are kept whole. 

But there are too many that are still dying.  There’s so much more that needs to be done. 

So, my message today is very simple: We can’t let up.  We cannot let up.

Drug manufacturers and cartels continue to adapt their practices, develop new chemicals, move fast to evade our efforts.  We have to move faster.

They continue to exploit the global supply chains to expand their networks.  We’ve got to cut them off. 

They continue to fuel violence, corruption, and instability.  We’ve got to protect our people and our communities. 

So, that’s why I’m calling on every nation here to commit to our new global coalition pledge.  This lays out the action we must all take to seize more drugs, stop more cartels, save more lives. 

I also want to thank the leaders here who are stepping up and launching a new initiatives today to advance coalition efforts all across three key — key areas.  First, disrupting supply chain, including production and distribution of illicit — of illicit drugs.  Secondly, detecting emerging drug threats and increasing information sharing across all our countries.  And thirdly, preventing more deaths by treating more people through public health interventions, increased access to lifesaving medications.

It’s possible.  It’s about disrupt, detect, prevent, and treat. 

Together, we’re making it clear: Enough is enough is enough. 

Let me close with this.  As leaders, we all have one solemn responsibility: protect our people from harm. 

Together, through this coalition, I believe we can do just that.  We can disrupt the cycle of violence and instability that drug cr- — traffickers create.  We can get our people the care they need and deserve.  We can save lives, but only — but only if we come together and work together.  The choice is ours. 

And I believe there can be only one answer: We can, we will, and we must. 

So, thank you all for being here.  Let’s get to work.

And I want to — you to hear from other leaders in this room as well. 

So, thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)  

2:04 P.M. EDT

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United Nations Headquarters
New York, New York

10:12 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  My fellow leaders, today is the fourth time I’ve had the great honor of speaking to this assembly as president of the United States.  It will be my last.

I’ve seen a remarkable sweep of history.  I was first elected to office in the United States of America as a U.S. senator in 1972.  Now, I know I look like I’m only 40.  I know that.  (Laughter.) 

I was 29 years old.  Back then, we were living through an inflection point, a moment of tension and uncertainty.  The world was divided by the Cold War.  The Middle East was headed toward war.  America was at war in Vietnam, and at that point, the longest war in America’s history. 

Our country was divided and angry, and there were questions about our staying power and our future.  But even then, I entered public life not out of despair but out of optimism. 

The United States and the world got through that moment.  It wasn’t easy or simple or without significant setbacks.  But we would go on to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons throughout the — through arms control and then go on to bring the Cold War itself to an end.  Israel and Egypt went to war but then forged a historic peace.  We ended the war in Vietnam. 

The — last year, in Hanoi, I was — met with the Vietnamese leadership, and we elevated our partnership to the highest level.  It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for reconciliation that today the United States and Vietnam are partners and friends, and it’s proof that even from the horrors of war there is a way forward.  Things can get better. 

We should never forget that.  I have seen that throughout my career. 

In the 1980s, I spoke out against apartheid in South Africa, and then I watched the racist regime fall. 

In the 1990s, I worked to hold Milošević accountable for war crimes.  He was held accountable.  

At home, I wrote and passed the Violence Against Women Act to end the scourge of violence against women and girls not only in America but across the world, as many of you have as well.  But we have so much more to do, especially against rape and sexual violence as weapons of war and terror.  

We were attacked on 9/11 by Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.  We brought him justice. 

Then I came to the presidency in another moment in a crisis and uncertainty.  I believed America had to look forward.  New challenges, new threats, new opportunities were in front of us.  We needed to put ourselves in a position to see the threats, to deal with the challenges, and to seize the opportunities as well. 

We needed to end the era of war that began on 9/11.  As vice president to President Obama, he asked me to work to wind down the military operations in Iraq.  And we did, painful as it was. 

When I came to office as president, Afghanistan had replaced Vietnam as America’s longest war.  I was determined to end it, and I did.  It was a hard decision but the right decision. 

Four American presidents had faced that decision, but I was determined not to leave it to the fifth.  It was a decision accompanied by tragedy.  Thirteen brave Americans lost their lives along with hundreds of Afghans in a suicide bomb.  I think those lost lives — I think of them every day.

I think of all the 2,461 U.S. military deaths over a long 20 years of that war.  20,744 American servicemen wounded in action.  I think of their service, their sacrifice, and their heroism. 

I know other countries lost their own men and women fighting alongside us.  We honor their sacrifices as well.  

To face the future, I was also determined to rebuild my country’s alliances and partnerships to a level not previously seen.  We did — we did just that, from traditional treaty alliances to new partnerships like the Quad with the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. 

I know — I know many look at the world today and see difficulties and react with despair, but I do not.  I won’t. 

As leaders, we don’t have the luxury. 

I recognize the challenges from Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan and beyond: war, hunger, terrorism, brutality, record displacement of people, a climate crisis, democracy at risk, strains within our societies, the promise of artificial intelligence and its significant risks.  The list goes on. 

But maybe because of all I’ve seen and all we have done together over the decades, I have hope.  I know there is a wa- — a way forward.  

In 1919, the Irish poet William Butler Yeats described a world, and I quote, where “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,” end of quote.

Some may say those words describe the world not just in 1919 but in 2024.  But I see a cri- — a critical distinction. 

In our time, the center has held.  Leaders and people from every region and across the political spectrum have stood together.  Turned the page — we turned the page on the worst pandemic in a century.  We made sure COVID no longer controls our lives.  We defended the U.N. Charter and ensured the survival of Ukraine as a free nation.  My country made the largest investment in climate and clean energy ever, anywhere in history.

There will always be forces that pull our countries apart and the world apart: aggression, extremism, chaos, and cynicism, a desire to retreat from the world and go it alone. 

Our task, our test is to make sure that the forces holding us together are stronger than those that are pulling us apart, that the principles of partnership that we came here each year to uphold can withstand the challenges, that the center holds once again.  

My fellow leaders, I truly believe we are at another inflection point in world history where the choices we make today will determine our future for decades to come. 

Will we stand behind the principles that unite us?  We stand firm against aggression.  We — will we end the conflicts that are raging today?  Will we take on global challenges like climate change, hunger, and disease?  Will we plan now for the opportunities and risk of a revolutionary new technologies?

I want to talk today about each of those decisions and the actions, in my view, we must take.

To start, each of us in this body has made a commitment to the principles of the U.N. Charter, to stand up against aggression.  When Russia invaded Ukraine, we could have stood by and merely protested.  But Vice President Harris and I understood that that was an assault on everything this institution is supposed to stand for. 

And so, at my direction, America stepped into the breach, providing massive security and economic and humanitarian assistance.  Our NATO Allies and partners in 50-plus nations stood up as well.  But most importantly, the Ukrainian people stood up.  And I ask the people of this chamber to stand up for them.

The good news is Putin’s war has failed in his — at his core aim.  He set out to destroy Ukraine, but Ukraine is still free.  He set out to weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger, and more united than ever before with two new members, Finland and Sweden.  But we cannot let up.

The world now has another choice to make: Will we sustain our support to help Ukraine win this war and preserve its freedom or walk away and let aggression be renewed and a nation be destroyed?

I know my answer.  We cannot grow weary.  We cannot look away.  And we will not let up on our support for Ukraine, not until Ukraine wins a just and durable peace [based] on the U.N. Charter.  (Applause.)

We also need to uphold our principles as we seek to responsibly manage the competition with China so it does not veer into conflict.  We stand ready to cooperate on urgent challenges for the good of our people and the people everywhere.  

We recently resumed cooperation with China to stop the flow of deadly synthetic narcotics.  I appreciate the collaboration.  It matters for the people in my country and mether- — many others around the world.

On matters of conviction, the United States is unabashed, pushing back against unfair economic competition and against military coercion of other nations in — in the South China Sea, in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, in protecting our most advanced technologies so they cannot be used against us or any of our partners. 

At the same time, we’re going to continue to strengthen our network of alliances and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.  These partnerships are not against any nation.  They are building blocks for a free, open, secure, and peaceful Indo-Pacific.  

We are also working to bring a greater measure of peace and stability to the Middle East.  The world must not flinch from the horrors of October 7th.  Any country — any country would have the right and responsibility to ensure that such an attack can never happen again. 

Thousands of armed Hamas terrorists invaded a sovereign state, slaughtering and massacring more than 1,200 people, including 46 Americans, in their homes and at a music festival; despis- — despicable acts of sexual violence; 250 innocents taken hostage. 

I’ve met with the families of those hostages.  I’ve grieved with them.  They’re going through hell. 

Innocent civilians in Gaza are also going through hell.  Thousands and thousands killed, including aid workers.  Too many families dislocated, crowding into tents, facing a dire humanitarian situation.  They didn’t ask for this war that Hamas started. 

I put forward with Qatar and Egypt a ceasefire and hostage deal.  It’s been endorsed by the U.N. Security Council.  Now is the time for the parties to finalize its terms, bring the hostages home, en- — secure security for Israel, and Gaza free of Ha- — of Hamas’ grip, ease the suffering in Gaza, and end this war.  

On October 7th — (applause) — since October 7, we have also been determined to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire region.  Hezbollah, unprovoked, joined the October 7th attack launching rockets into Israel.  Almost a year later, too many on each side of the Israeli-Lebanon border remain displaced. 

Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest.  Even as the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible.  In fact, it remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely.  And that’s what working — that’s what we’re working tirelessly to achieve.  

As we look ahead, we must also address the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank and set the conditions for a better future, including a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalized relations with all its neighbors, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own.  (Applause.)

Progress toward peace will put us in a stronger position to deal with the ongoing threat posed by Iran.  Together, we must deny oxygen to terrorists — to its terrorist proxies, which have called for more October 7ths, and ensure that Iran will never, ever obtain a nuclear weapon.  

Gaza is not the only conflict that deserves our outrage.  In Sudan, a bloody civil war unleashed one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises: eight million — eight million on the brink of famine, hundreds of thousands already there, atrocities in Darfur and elsewhere. 

The United States has led the world in providing humanitarian aid to Sudan.  And with our partners, we have led diplomatic talks to try to silence the guns and avort — and avert a wider famine.  The world needs to stop arming the generals, to speak with one voice and tell them: Stop tearing your country apart.  Stop blocking aid to the Sudanese people.  End this war now.  (Applause.)

But people need more than the absence of war.  They need the chance — the chance to live in dignity.  They need to be protected from the ravages of climate change, hunger, and disease. 

Our administration has arri- — has invested over $150 billion to make progress and other Sustainable Development Goals.  It includes $20 billion for food security and over $50 billion for global health.  We’ve mobilized billions more in private-sector investment. 

We’ve taken the most ambitious climate actions in history.  We’ve moved to rejoin the Paris Agreement on day one.  And today, my country is finally on track to cut emissions in half by 2030, on track to honor my pledge to quadruple climate financing to developing nations with $11 billion thus far this year. 

We’ve rejoined the World Health Organization and donated nearly 700 million doses of COVID vaccine to 117 countries.  We must now move quickly to face mpox outbreak in Africa.  We are prepared to commit $500 million to help African countries prevent and respond to mpox and to donate 1 million doses of mpox vaccine now.  (Applause.)  We call on our partners to match our pledge and make this a billion-dollar commitment to the people of Africa. 

Beyond the core necessities of food and health, the United States, the G7, and our partners have embarked on an ambitious initiative to mobilize and deliver significant financing to the developing world.  We are working to help countries build out their infrastructure, to clean energy transition, to their digital transformation to lay new economic foundations for a prosperous future. 

It’s called the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.  We’ve already starting to see the fruits of this emerge in Southern Africa and in Southeast A- — Asia and in the Americas.  We have to keep it going. 

I want to get things done together.  In order to do that, we must build a stronger, more effective, and more inclusive United Nations.  The U.N. needs to adapt to bring in new voices and new perspectives.  That’s why we support reforming and expanding the membership of the U.N. Security Council.  (Applause.) 

My U.N. ambassador just laid out our detailed vision to reflect today’s world, not yesterday’s.  It’s time to move forward. 

And the Security Council, like the U.N. itself, needs to get back to the job of making peace; of brokering deals to end wars and suffering; th- — (applause) — and to stop the spread of the most dangerous weapons; of stabilizing troubled regions in East Africa — from East Africa to Haiti, to Kenya-led mission that’s working alongside the Haitian people to turn the tide.

We also have a responsibility to prepare our citizens for the future.  We’ll see more technological change, I argue, in the next 2 to 10 years than we have in the last 50 years.

Artificial intelligence is going to change our ways of life, our ways of work, and our ways of war.  It could usher in scientific progress at a pace never seen before.  And much of it could make our lives better. 

But AI also brings profound risks, from deepfakes to disinformation to novel pathogens to bioweapons. 

We have worked at home and abroad to define the new norms and standards.  This year, we achieved the first-ever General Assembly resolution on AI to start developing global rules — global rules of the road.  We also announced a Declaration of — on the Responsible — Responsible Use of AI, joined by 60 countries in this chamber.

But let’s be honest.  This is just the tip of the iceberg of what we need to do to manage this new technology. 

Nothing is certain about how AI will evolve or how it will be deployed.  No one knows all the answers.  

But my fellow leaders, it’s with humility I offer two questions. 

First: How do we as an international community govern AI?  As countries and companies race to uncertain frontiers, we need an equally urgent effort to ensure AI’s safety, security, and trustworthiness.  As AI grows more powerful, it must grow also — it also must grow more responsive to our collective needs and values.  The benefits of all must be shared equitably.  It should be harnessed to narrow, not deepen, digital divides.  

Second: Will we ensure that AI supports, rather than undermines, the core principles that human life has value and all humans deserve dignity?  We must make certain that the awesome capabilities of AI will be used to uplift and empower everyday people, not to give dictators more powerful shackles on human — on the human spirit. 

In the years ahead, there wa- — they may be — may well be no greater test of our leadership than how we deal with AI.   

Let me close with this.  Even as we navigate so much change, one thing must not change: We must never forget who we’re here to represent. 

“We the People.”  These are the first words of our Constitution, the very idea of America.  And they inspired the opening words of the U.N. Charter. 

I’ve made the preservation of democracy the central cause of my presidency. 

This summer, I faced a decision whether to seek a second term as president.  It was a difficult decision.  Being president has been the honor of my life.  There is so much more I want to get done.  But as much as I love the job, I love my country more.  I decided, after 50 years of public service, it’s time for a new generation of leadership to take my nation forward. 

My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power.  It’s your people — (applause) — it’s your people that matter the most. 

Never forget, we are here to serve the people, not the other way around.  Because the future will be — the future will be won by those who unleash the full potential of their people to breathe free, to think freely, to innovate, to educate, to live and love openly without fear. 

That’s the soul of democracy.  It does not belong to any one country. 

I’ve seen it all around the world in the brave men and women who ended apartheid, brought down the Berlin Wall, fight today for freedom and justice and dignity. 

We saw it — that universal yearning for rights and freedom — in Venezuela, where millions cast their vote for change.  It hasn’t been recognized, but it can’t be denied.  The world knows the truth. 

We saw it in Uganda LBGT [LGBT] activists demanding safety and recognition of their common humanity. 

We see it in citizens across the world peacefully choosing their future — from Ghana to India to South Korea, nations representing one quarter of humanity who will hold elections this year alone. 

It’s remarkable, the power of “We the People,” that makes me more optimistic about the future than I’ve ever been since I was first elected to the United States Senate in 1972.  

Every age faces its challenges.  I saw it as a young man.  I see it today. 

But we are stronger than we think.  We’re stronger together than alone.  And what the people call “impossible” is just an illusion. 

Nelson Mandela taught us, and I quote, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”  “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

My fellow leaders, there is nothing that’s beyond our capacity if we work together.  Let’s work together.

God bless you all.  And may God protect all those who seek peace. 

Thank you.  (Applause.)

10:36 A.M. EDT

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New York Hilton Midtown
New York, New York

5:45 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.) 

I — this is what you call being trapped.  (Laughter.)

Mr. President, Hillary — Bill and — you’ve been — when you ran — please have a seat.  I’m not going to be long — (laughter) — because I didn’t think I was going to be talking about this.

You know, I’ve known the Clintons a long time.  I think it’s fair to say, Bill, I was one of the earliest supporters of your presidency, because what I saw in you was not an incredible intellect but a decency that you talked — you gave me credit for.  It was always about the other guy, always about somebody else.

And you and I have something very much in common.  We w- — married way above our station.  (Laughter and applause.)  I’m Jill Biden’s husband; he’s Hillary Clinton’s husband.  (Laughter.) 

And you’re a great friend, and CGI has actually transformed philanthropy.

Hillary, I want to thank you — and I maybe shouldn’t do this publicly — but thank you personally for the way you have helped me, the way you’ve spoken up for me with such passion.  I can’t tell you — I — you can ask Jill.  I — anyway, I — I love you.  I love you.  (Applause.)

We have something else in common.  We have beautiful, very bright daughters who — who ended up, to their detriment, listening to their fathers and mothers.  (Laughter.) 

My w- — my daughter is in Philadelphia running — she got deeply involved in the Violence Against Women Act with me.  She runs homeless shelters.  She’s providing housing for abused women in Philadelphia.  That’s what she spends all her time doing.

And I — I tell you what, you make us incredibly proud.  You know, as a point of personal pride, I think Jill’s work on women’s health research — and this is Jill’s idea.  I mean, this was Jill’s — Jill’s movement — that was going to go down as one of the most significant programs in our administration.

So, I want to thank you for — for being here.  Especially Chelsea, thank you.  Dr. Rice, thank you for your leadership.  She’s (inaudible). 

And — and most important issue I can say is that, you know, I was — we were talking inside before — while we were watching this take place back in the — behind the curtain.  My dad used to have an expression.  He’d say, “Everybody — everybody deserves a chance.  Just a chance, no guarantee.”  I mean this — my — my — that was my dad.  “Everybody deserves an even chance.”

And the thing that I was pointing out — you know, the majority of women — of all the — all the commencements I’ve done since I’ve been vice president and president of the United States, close to 70 percent of all the valedictorians have been women.  (Applause.)

And so, folks, thank you for everything.  Thank you for supporting CGI.  Thank you for what you’ve been doing.

And I — you know, when — I remember when I was ill some years ago with a cranial aneurysm and I was being wheeled down into the operating room, and they had one of these observatories there — you know, where all the docs sit up and watch it go on.  And I — before they started to put me under, I said, “Would all the Democrats please raise their hand?”  (Laughter.)  Not many did.

And I a- — I asked the anesthesiologist on the way down, I said, “What are my chances?”  “Oh, they’re good.  They’re between, you know, 30 and 50 percent.”  And I said, “Good.”  (Laughter.)

After it was all over, we were discussing whether it’s congenital — that — that the — an aneurysm is congenital or environmental, and he just looked at me and he said, “I — I don’t know.”  I tried to explain to him.  I said, “Just do what you have to do.”  And he looked at me, and he said, “You know what your problem is, Senator?”  I said, “No.”  He said, “You’re a congenital optimist.”  (Laughter.)

I am congenitally optimistic about this country.  I really am.  You’re such — we’re — we’re good people.  We really are.  We just have to live up to what we expect of others.

So, thank you all very much.  And I’ll get out of your way.  (Applause.) 

5:50 P.M. EDT

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New York City, New York

Thank you, Ambassador.

I’m grateful for your leadership and tireless work.

It’s an honor to be here.

Mrs. Zelenska—Olena—when I found out that you were gathering this group of leaders, including the incredible First Ladies here to my left, I knew I had to show my support, even if briefly.

You and I met more than two years ago in Ukraine after Putin’s invasion.

We walked through a public school that had been converted into a shelter—a place of learning forced to become a refuge from war.

I saw the tears of mothers, permanently brimming on the edges of their eyes.

The slope of their shoulders.

The tension in their bodies.

The way they reached for their children’s hands or touched their hair as if they couldn’t bear to lose connection, even for a moment.

The Ukrainian mothers I met are never far from my mind.

We continue to stand with them and with all the people of Ukraine.

The past several years have been a painful reminder that when children are in danger anywhere in the world, they are more vulnerable everywhere.

But the reverse is also true.

Seeing the plight of children at home helps us see the challenges that children face across the world—and then we can share our resources and solutions to make all of them safer.

As an educator, I know that when one student has a breakthrough, they lift up the entire class.

I also know that when we support schools, we strengthen homes and neighborhoods.

And defending our children today, allows us to fight for their future.

A future where they learn, play, and explore without fear, no matter where they live.

Where they can build the promise of long, flourishing lives.

And where mothers can stand with clear eyes, shoulders at ease, trusting that their beloved children will come back to them safe.

Mrs. Karis—Sirje—and Olena, I’m so grateful that you’ve brought us together to lay the foundation for that future.

I know it will be stronger because of our partnerships.

Olena, we continue to admire your selfless courage.

Amid such suffering at home, it would have been enough for you to just speak out for the people of Ukraine.

But you chose to look beyond your borders, calling on world leaders to see our shared challenges with new clarity and boldness.

We’re here to offer our continued love and support to you.

We stand with Ukraine today and for the future. 

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Oval Office

12:30 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Sheikh Mohamed, welcome back to Washington. 

PRESIDENT BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN:  Thank you, sir.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  You’ve been a good friend.  Our countries have — our strategic partners have rooted in decades — literally decades of close cooperation and friendship.  And I welcome the chance to open a new chapter. 

We — UAE is a nation of trailblazers, always looking — always looking to the future, always making big bets.  And that’s something our countries have in common and our people have in common.

In fact, it’s a cornerstone of our growing cooperation in AI, in clean energy, in space, and investing in infrastructure to connect regions.  And for many years, our forces also stood shoulder to shoulder in the same most difficult places.

Today, we honor that legacy and carry our relationship forward, as UAB — UAE is going to become a major defense partner of the United States, joining only one other country: India.

We also will discuss our efforts to end the war in Gaza and a number of regional issues.  I’ve been briefed on the latest developments in Israel and Lebanon.  My team is in constant contact with their counterparts, and we’re working to de-escalate in a way that allows people to return to their home safely. 

Mr. President, I want you to know that I remain committed to the UAE’s security.  And I look forward to our discussion; it’s going to cover a lot of areas. 

So, again, welcome.

PRESIDENT BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN:  Thank you, Mr. President.

(As interpreted.)  Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am pleased to meet with you once again, and I would like to thank you for the warm reception.  And I look forward to continuously discussing our relationship between the two nations. 

And I would like to reaffirm that the United Arab Emirates has a firm and unwavering commitment to work with the United States of America for the sake of deepening the strategic partnership between our two nations. 

Once again, Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am pleased to meet you, and I would like to extend to you and the American people the best of wishes. 

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you.

Thank you, everyone.

12:34 P.M. EDT

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New York City, New York

Thank you.

It’s great to be with so many world leaders, your Excellencies from Malawi, the Dominican Republic, and Nepal.

Director General of the World Health Organization and President Banga of the World Bank, I’m glad to see you both again. And I appreciate your support of this new coalition.

I’m also grateful to Open Philanthropy, which has been at the forefront of the fight against lead poisoning in children for many years.

To Cathy Russell and Administrator Power: thank you for inviting me to join you today.

Cathy and I have known each other for decades. Beyond the causes we both care so deeply about—from expanding opportunities for women to protecting and lifting up children—I’m grateful for our friendship. You and the team at UNICEF take on some of the world’s toughest challenges and you make a difference in every life you touch. Thank you.

And Samantha Power, Joe’s intrepid Administrator of USAID, I am inspired by all that you do. The only thing greater than your determination to tackle humanitarian challenges around the world is your optimism for creating a healthier, safer, brighter future for people everywhere.

Several years ago, I traveled to Jordan.

There, I met Ms. Maha, a principal of an all-girls’ school.

More and more families were arriving to her community from Syria after fleeing violence. And Ms. Maha’s school was already at capacity.

One day, a mother showed up, desperate to enroll her daughter.

The mother had tried and been turned away at so many other schools.

So, with tears in her eyes, she pleaded with Ms. Maha to find a place for her daughter.

Ms. Maha loves her students. And she said, “I think love is giving as much as you can.”

So she made a promise.

Send your daughter to class with a chair, and she can enroll.

In the days that followed, more and more young girls showed up—carrying any chair they could find—so they could go to school and learn.

As educators, we don’t sit with problems.

We solve them.

I saw this in the classrooms I visited in rural Malawi.

The teachers found inventive ways for their students to learn through songs, rhythm, and repetition.

Even from my own experience, like four years ago, when the pandemic hit and schools in the United States went silent.

Overnight, educators had to learn how to use Zoom and reimagine lesson plans so we could reach our students.

Our world is full of complexities and conflicts.

But for the problems we can solve we can’t hesitate.

In Principal Maha’s words: We must give as much as we can.

Every year, the United Nations General Assembly meets to recognize our shared challenges and to find ways to overcome them.

Right now, around the world, parents give their children toys so they can learn and play.

They prepare meals with everyday cookware to keep their family fed.

All the while, dangerous amounts of lead seep into their lives.

And the consequences are irreversible.

These children will never reach the full potential they were born with because lead poisoning is so pervasive.

But it’s a problem we can solve.

I’m proud that this new partnership is committing more than $150 million, which will jumpstart efforts to end childhood lead exposure in developing countries.

This funding is 10 times more than what’s been spent annually on this problem to date.

And it has a coalition behind it: Partners—from governments to industry to advocates—who will phase out lead from everyday products, enforce safe standards, and create a lead-free future for every child.

Through the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future, UNICEF and USAID believe we can end childhood lead poisoning by 2040.

Education is my life’s work.

And I often think of what leaders might learn from teachers, who know that the future isn’t some far off place.

It’s right before them, in their students who are striving to learn and grow. 

Teachers who don’t stop at problems, they push through.

Teachers who love what they do. And love is giving as much as you can.

Children will reach for the promise that resides within them—if we do our part, everything we can, to break down the barriers in their way.

It’s going to take all of us, pulling up chairs and joining this coalition to end lead poisoning.

That future is within our grasp.

Let’s reach for it, together.

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New York City, New York

Thank you, Special Envoy Stern.

Your Excellencies and distinguished guests, it’s an honor to join you, along with THE courageous human rights activists who are speaking here today.

Each year, we come together in New York to “reaffirm the dignity and worth of the human person.” Those words, written in the United Nations Charter, ring in our hearts today.

Our humanity—that simple fact—guarantees us certain rights. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you were born, or who your parents are: being human is enough.

To deserve safety.

To deserve freedom.

To deserve love.

To deserve a future.

That should be true for LGBTQI people.

But it wasn’t enough for a woman whose family sent men to rape her in an effort to “correct” her sexual orientation.

Or for two men who were targeted and shot outside a gay bar.

Not for a young man, right here in New York, stabbed to death at a gas station for voguing.

In 2023, the Human Rights Campaign declared a “state of emergency” for LGBTQI people in America, because states across our country passed an unprecedented number of discriminatory laws.

And in more than 60 countries around the world, LGBTQI people are criminalized for who they are.

But we’re not going to stand for hate, discrimination, and violence in our own country. We won’t stand for it anywhere in the world.

Because, yes, being human is enough.

It’s what we share across time and place, across borders and oceans.

At our core, we are all just people, filled with love and hope, reaching toward a better future.

And, as poets and civil rights leaders have said over the centuries, until all of us are free, no one is.

Right now, it feels like we are caught in the push and pull of progress.

By gathering here today, we are saying loud and clear: you are enough. And this community is never alone. Joe and I are with you.

In just the last few years, we’ve seen more countries legalize same-sex relationships, and recognize marriage equality.

These are big victories—ones that bloom across history.

But our triumphs live in the small moments too—moments that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago: Walking down the street without fear. Co-workers who use your chosen name and pronouns. Kids with two moms or two dads at the playground. Coming together for LGBTQI rights during the United Nations General Assembly!

That progress, in moments small and large, may almost feel inevitable now.

But it took tens of thousands of people fighting for decades to have their humanity recognized. People who kept shouting, even when they were tired, even when they were censored, even when they were jailed.

Because change never happens on its own. 

It takes people—just like the ones in this room—speaking with one voice and declaring what is right. To say, change is coming. Let us lead the way.

That’s the power of this community. To hold each other up, in all of our humanity. To heal one another. To share our inner strength. To create lasting change.

To leave no one behind.

Thank you.

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Detroit Economic Club, Detroit, Michigan

As Prepared for Delivery

Thank you to the Detroit Economic Club for hosting me today. It is a pleasure to be back in the Motor City where I had a great time working on autos in one of my first jobs. 

I want to thank Governor Whitmer for her important partnership, along with Mayor Duggan, County Executive Evans, Senators Stabenow and Peters, and Representatives Dingell, Stevens, Tlaib, Thanedar, and many others.

The President and Vice President are determined that America’s iconic automakers and autoworkers are positioned to win the future. Our auto strategy is designed to invest in America’s world class autos supply chain from end to end; take tough, targeted enforcement actions against China’s unfair practices; and invest in America’s best-in-class autos workforce. 

Today, I am pleased to announce two important new steps to advance our autos strategy. We are proposing a first-of-its-kind rule to safeguard America from the risks posed by connected vehicles from China. And we are building out the Michigan Workforce Hub to give workers the skills they need to contribute to this dynamic sector and expanding access to capital for small- and medium-sized auto manufacturers.

The American Auto Sector

The auto sector is an iconic American industry and our largest manufacturing sector. Over 3.2 million Americans work in the auto industry, and one third of those are in manufacturing jobs. The auto sector creates good-paying, union jobs that provide a ladder to the middle class, a sense of community, and the opportunity to work and retire with dignity.

Nowhere is that more evident than right here in the proud city of Detroit and the great state of Michigan.

While it wasn’t born here, America quickly made the auto industry our own. Here in Detroit, Henry Ford revolutionized transportation by mass producing a car for the common man. By 1930, the Big 3 had come to dominate global auto sales. The legendary Flint sit-down strike in 1936 gave rise to the United Autoworkers, and by 1941, hundreds of thousands of UAW members had good-paying, middle class jobs and pensions at the Big 3. During World War II, the auto industry became the center of the Arsenal of Democracy, churning out bombers, tanks, and engines by the thousands.

When the Global Financial Crisis hit our auto sector hard, President Obama and then-Vice President Biden came to the rescue of the Big 3 and Detroit. UAW members made difficult sacrifices to get the industry back on its feet.

Just a decade later, the pandemic brought new challenges. Decades of offshoring had left our supply chains fragile, and shutdowns of semiconductor factories in Asia and shipping disruptions led to layoffs on shop floors here and unfinished vehicles piling up in parking lots.
Our automakers and autoworkers are no stranger to a tough fight. And this Administration has always stood with them.

We worked tirelessly with business and labor to move semiconductors to auto plants and repair snarled transportation and logistics networks. These actions and our recovery plan enabled U.S. auto production to rebound three times faster than Europe. During this Administration, the U.S. auto industry has created more than 275,000 new jobs – in contrast to the loss of 86,000 auto jobs under the previous administration.

Now our automakers and autoworkers face another seismic shift – the growing presence of clean vehicles, the rise of connected cars, and a wave of underpriced Chinese auto exports hitting global markets due to Chinese overcapacity.

Investing in America’s Auto Supply Chain

The President and Vice President have a comprehensive strategy to position the American auto sector to win the future.

First — we are investing in America’s auto supply chain from end to end to make sure American autos remain best in class. That means investing in every stage, from small suppliers to final assembly, and using every tool at our disposal, from grants and loans to tax credits. This investment approach deploys demand- and supply-side incentives, from removing barriers to providing upfront consumer rebates to bolstering our domestic supply chains.

Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are building a nationwide network of EV charging stations and building a domestic supply chain for batteries and critical minerals. Just last week, we announced $3 billion in selections for projects through the Battery Supply Chain Awards, including several projects in Michigan, to boost domestic production of advanced batteries, funding the expansion and construction of new facilities for critical minerals, battery components, battery manufacturing, and recycling.

Through the CHIPS and Science Act, we are supporting dedicated investments for the legacy chips that power cars and the advanced chips and materials that enable electric vehicles to drive further and charge faster.

Through the clean energy incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, we are providing families with an up-front rebate of up to $7,500 when they choose to buy a U.S.-made electric vehicle with U.S. batteries and materials. The Department of Energy’s Domestic Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Grant Program is providing $1.7 billion of federal investment that is leveraging $5 billion in total investment to help retool 11 auto plants across eight states to produce electric vehicles and electric vehicle (EV) components while protecting good jobs and union jobs. Michigan is receiving $650 million of federal investment from this one program alone.

These incentives have already driven historic investment totaling more than $177 billion in the EV supply chain, including in the battery supply chain that China dominates. They are supporting investments that are projected to transform the United States into a major lithium producer by the end of the decade and that are now projected to produce batteries to meet all forecasted U.S. demand for EVs by 2030.

Protecting American Autos from Unfair Competition

Second — we are taking tough, targeted action to protect our auto sector from security risks and to ensure China does not unfairly undercut our auto sector. Americans should drive whatever car they choose – gas powered, hybrid, or electric. But, if they choose to drive an EV, we want it to be made in America, not in China.

In order for companies to invest in innovative new designs and models here in America, they need to be assured that their investments won’t be undercut by unfairly underpriced cars from China. And in order for consumers to be safe and secure in increasingly connected cars on American roads, we need to guard against national security risks from China.

China is flooding global markets with a wave of auto exports at a time when they are experiencing overcapacity. We have seen this playbook before in the China shock of the early 2000s that harmed our manufacturing communities. We saw it in Michigan – according to one analysis, the Detroit metro area lost more than 55,000 manufacturing jobs due to import competition from China. We are seeing that same playbook in EVs and batteries after a period when China compelled American automakers to form joint ventures and license their technology in China.

The Administration is determined to avoid a second China shock, which means putting safeguards in place before a flood of underpriced Chinese autos undercuts the ability of the U.S. auto sector to compete on the global stage. That’s why this Administration imposed a new 100% tariff on EVs imported from China. It’s why we increased tariffs on China to diversify the autos supply chain, including on EV batteries, legacy semiconductors, and critical minerals.

Many of our allies, including Canada and the European Union, have followed our lead. Moving forward, we will partner with Mexico and Canada to ensure that our North American supply chains remain free from state-owned enterprises and foreign entities of concern. China’s overcapacity in EVs will be a major area of focus as we look to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement mid-term review in 2026.

And today, we are taking action to guard against safety and security risks in connected cars and ensure that our auto supply chains are resilient from foreign threats. Connected cars have the ability to exchange data with other cars, your personal devices, America’s infrastructure, our power grid, and auto manufacturers. The computer systems that power these cars can control vehicle movement and collect sensitive driver and passenger data, and the cameras and sensors embedded within them can record detailed information about our country and citizens.

There are many benefits associated with connected vehicle systems, such as promoting safety, assisting drivers with navigation, and reducing emissions. But where we source these technologies has important implications for our national security, safety on our roads, and the resilience of our auto supply chains.

China has taken steps to dominate the future of connected vehicles by dominating the software and hardware systems associated with those cars. But connected vehicles with Chinese software and hardware systems could expose the American people to new risks. Without the appropriate safeguards in place, sensitive data on Americans could be passed to Chinese authorities, or connected vehicles might provide a backdoor for malicious foreign actors to engage in espionage or sabotage.

That is why, today, the Department of Commerce is using its ICTS (Information and Communications Technology Services) authorities for the first time to propose a new rule that would ban vehicles that rely on Chinese software and hardware from driving on American roads.

Recall that for years China has required vehicle and battery makers to rely on Chinese data centers and software providers as a condition of operating in China.

In effect, this rule will protect against potential vulnerabilities while allowing Americans to benefit from all that connected vehicles and technological innovation have to offer. 

Investing in America’s Auto Workforce and Small Suppliers

Third — we are investing in the autoworkers and small suppliers that are the backbone of our auto sector. We want to ensure that the next generation of leading American autos is produced by union autoworkers and that no auto community is left behind, especially here in Michigan.

Today, we are unveiling new resources for workers through the new Michigan Workforce Hub. This spring, the President designated Michigan as a Workforce Hub to help Michigan workers prepare for the good jobs created by historic investments in the EV supply chain. The Workforce Hub, which we’ve developed in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, will expand pathways to EV and battery manufacturing jobs and union jobs, particularly for underserved communities in the state.

Today, the Department of Labor and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity are announcing a new pilot program to train workers in Wayne County for over 140 high-quality jobs in the auto supply chain, partnering with local automotive employers to enable workers to earn a paycheck while they train, addressing a major barrier to enrollment.

In addition, the Department of Energy’s Battery Workforce Challenge Program is announcing over $1 million to fund curriculum, equipment, internships, and job placements in community colleges, high-schools, and training institutions across the state. Henry Ford Community College, for example, will receive $200,000 in seed funding to establish a state-of-the-art Battery and Electric Vehicle Technical Center. Key partners in these programs will include the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, high schools, vocational institutions, community colleges and universities, and battery and automotive manufacturers.

Through our Good Jobs Executive Order, we’re ensuring the benefits of federal grants and investments accrue to workers and communities. For instance, the projects receiving Domestic Conversion Grants will create nearly 3,000 new good-paying auto jobs and retain 15,000 high skilled, union jobs. As a condition for these grants, manufacturers committed to supporting their local communities and workforce. By supporting strong investments, we also support pathways to the middle class, including through union jobs.

For instance, Blue Bird pledged to expand training programs in local high schools and invest in childcare for working parents at its facilities. And ZF North America is using their Conversion grant to retain and retrain 536 workers – mostly UAW workers – at its facility in Marysville, Michigan, for the production of components to electrify vehicles.

Last year, the UAW secured record contracts with the Big 3 that will help ensure an equitable transition to electric vehicles. Since then, we have seen a large number of additional automakers announce record wages, and a rise in new labor organizing. From Tennessee to Georgia, and in new battery plants in Ohio and Michigan, workers in the EV supply chain are seeing the benefits of joining a union.

Our auto workforce also includes hundreds of small and medium-size suppliers manufacturing products ranging from screws and bolts to e-axles. The U.S. economy has added more than 55,000 jobs in manufacturing automobile parts and bodies during this Administration. Many are based here in Michigan: in fact, 96 of the top 100 auto suppliers in North America do business in Michigan and 60 are headquartered here.

This summer, Vice President Harris came here to Detroit to announce more than $100 million from across the federal government to support small- and mid-sized suppliers and parts manufacturers. That includes. millions of dollars we set aside from the manufacturing conversion grants program for states to make awards to small- and medium-sized suppliers because we heard from officials and suppliers right here in Michigan that smaller manufacturers struggle to tap into large federal grant programs directly.

Today, we are building on the Vice President’s announcement with additional actions to support capital access for small- and medium-sized suppliers. This includes a commitment from Monroe Capital to launch a new fund of up to $1 billion to provide lower-cost debt capital to auto manufacturers, as well as a $9.1 million grant from the Department of Treasury to launch the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program, which will help small and underserved automotive manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers secure financing to scale and shift to supply the EV supply chain.
Conclusion

Our economic resilience and national security have been tied to the strength of our auto sector for the past century. Now it is critical the U.S. auto sector is positioned to lead the 21st century.

We believe that an investment in our auto supply chain – especially here in Michigan – is one of the best investments we can make. That’s why we are investing across the supply chain and strengthening our suppliers, small businesses, workers, and communities that are the lifeblood of the industry.

Today’s announcements underscore our commitment to auto communities, union jobs, and to the competitiveness and safety of the U.S. auto sector. It is part of a comprehensive approach that is forward looking and leverages the strengths of American manufacturing and the talents of American automakers – here in Detroit, throughout Michigan, and across the country.

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Archmere Academy
Claymont, Delaware

4:05 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, I’ll say to my fellow leaders: Welcome to Delaware.  Welcome to Claymont, Delaware.  It used to be a steel town here years ago.  And welcome to the border of Wilmington, Delaware.  (Laughs.) 

And I’m really pleased that you were able to be in my home and — and see where — where I grew up.  I got a chance to do that in Hiroshima.  I got a chance to do that in other places, and I’m glad you got to see it.

You know, welcome.  We’re democracies.  We’re democracies who know how to get things done.  That’s why, within the first days of my presidency, I reached out to each of you — each of your nations to propose we elevate the Quad, make it even more consequential.

Four years later, our four countries have more strategically — are more strategically aligned than ever before.  And today, we’re announcing a series of initiatives to deliver real, positive impact for the Indo-Pacific that includes providing new maritime technologies to our regional partners so they know what’s happening in their waters; launching cooperation between coast guar- — coast guards for the first time; and expanding the Quad fellowship to include students from Southeast Asia.

So, I want to thank you all again for being here.  You’ve come a long way to get here, and I appreciate it. 

And while challenges will come, the world will change, because the Quad is here to stay, I believe — here to stay.

And I’m going to turn it over now to all of you.  And I’d like to start by recognizing Prime Minister Modi. 

PRIME MINISTER MODI:  (As interpreted.)  Your Excellencies, President Biden, Prime Minister Kishida, and Prime Minister Albanese, it gives me immense pleasure to participate at this Quad Summit today with friends very early on in my third term. 

There cannot be a better place than President Biden’s own hometown of Wilmington to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Quad.  The way you are associated with this city and with Delaware as “Amtrak Joe,” your relationship with Quad also is somewhat similar. 

Under your leadership, in 2021 the first summit was held.  And in such a short span of time, we have enhanced our cooperation in every sphere in ways unprecedented.  Your personal role in this has been extremely important.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your firm commitment, your leadership, and your contribution towards the Quad.

Friends, we are meeting at a time when the world is surrounded by conflicts and tension.  At such a time, it is important for all of humanity that the members of the Quad move forward based on shared democratic values. 

We are not against anybody.  All of us support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of all disputes.  A free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific is our shared priority and shared commitment. 

We have together taken several positive and inclusive initiatives in areas such as health security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change, and capacity-building. 

Our message is clear: Quad is here to stay — to assist, to partner, and to complement.

Once again, my warmest greetings to President Biden and all friends present here.  In 2025, we will be happy to host the Quad Leaders’ Summit in India. 

Thank you.  Thank you very much.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you very much, Prime Minister. 

Now I’d like to hear from my good friend, Prime Minister Kishida.  Over to you.

PRIME MINISTER KISHIDA:  (As interpreted.)  It is a pleasure to get together with the leaders of the Quad at the alma mater of Joe to discuss the future of the Indo-Pacific.  May I express my gratitude to Joe’s friendship for ourselves and for your leadership and hospitality, which demonstrates your emphasis on the Quad.

During my tenure, I have consistently emphasized, underscored the efforts by the Quad.  Following the last meeting held in my hometown of Hiroshima, this meeting, I believe, could not have been better suited for my last foreign visit as the prime minister. 

The security environment surrounding ourselves are becoming increasingly severe, and a free and open international order based on the rule of law is under threat. 

Under this backdrop, it is ever more important for us, the Quad, who share values such as freedom and democracy, to continue to demonstrate our firm commitment to our common vision of FOIP, the free and open Indo-Pacific, to the international community.

In order to realize a FOIP, it is crucial to coordinate with the regional countries and to materialize our vision by concrete actions.

I look forward to a fruitful discussion today so that we may listen to the voices of the regional countries, including ASEAN, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands, and to further promote practical cooperation that will be a genuine benefit for the region.

Thank you.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you.  (Inaudible) Prime Minister.  (Laughs.)  (Inaudible.)

PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE:  “Anthony” is fine.  (Laughs.)

Thank you, Mr. President.  And can I thank you for giving us the honor of hosting us in this wonderful venue where you went to school and for your very warm welcome here to your home state.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  (Inaudible.)

PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE:  (Laughs.)  I’m — I’m sure — I’m absolutely certain that my headmaster would be shocked that I find myself here as well.  (Laughter.)

So, it is — it is absolutely delightful to be here amongst friends.  And I thank — I thank you, Mr. President, for hosting us in your — your home state, your home school, and for giving us an insight into what’s made you such an extraordinary world leader.

And it’s fantastic as well to be here, of course, with Prime Minister Kishida.  We met earlier, and we — we certainly wish you well.  And Prime Minister Modi will be hosting us next year, and I look forward to that as well.

Unlike some international forums, the — the Quad is not — it doesn’t have a long history.  That means it’s not defined by tradition, but it also means it’s not confined by it.  It means that, as it develops, it can evolve.  And that is, I believe, what is happening.

We represent, in this region, the — the fastest-growing region of the world in human history.  With that comes enormous opportunity but also comes some challenges.  Through the Quad, our four countries collaborate and we coordinate on the issues facing our communities but the region as a whole. 

Through the Quad, we leverage our significant resources and expertise to contribute in meaningful ways to dealing with challenges facing countries in the region, and we ensure that we assert the view that national sovereignty is important, that security and stability is something that we strive for, as well as shared prosperity in our region. 

The Quad is about practical, meaningful outcomes in strategic areas, ranging from clean energy and dealing with the challenge but also the opportunity that climate change represents, health security, to critical and emerging technologies, cyber resilience, infrastructure, and maritime security, and, of course, counterterrorism as well. 

We’ll always be better off when like-minded countries and our four great democracies work together.  All of this, the promise in the region, does depend on continued peace and stability and the wise management of strategic competition and disputes. 

Partnerships like the Quad are crucial, providing us with an avenue to discuss shared responsibilities and goals and strengthening the enduring relationships necessary for lasting stability, which is why we commit today to continue to work with our Indo-Pacific neighbors, our friends, and our partners.

So, I think, today, we have some practical initiatives that we’ve been working on together.  The sum of the four individual parts, when comes — when it comes together, mean that it’s more effective, the work that we can do.  And — and I look forward to some practical outcomes in the tradition that the Quad has — has created.

And it’s wonderful to be here, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, thank you very much.  (Inaudible.)

4:17 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by President Biden, Prime Minister Modi of the Republic of India, Prime Minister Kishida of Japan, and Prime Minister Albanese of Australia Before Quad Leaders’ Summit Meeting | Claymont, DE (September 21, 2024) appeared first on The White House.