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Dear Mr. Speaker:   (Dear Madam President:)

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date.  In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to the threat from securities investments that finance certain companies of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that was declared in Executive Order 13959 of November 12, 2020, and expanded in scope in Executive Order 14032 of June 3, 2021, is to continue in effect beyond November 12, 2024. 

The PRC exploits United States capital to resource and to enable the development and modernization of its military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses, which continues to allow the PRC to directly threaten the United States homeland and United States forces overseas.  Through the national strategy of Military-Civil Fusion, the PRC increases the size of the country’s military-industrial complex by compelling civilian Chinese companies to support its military and intelligence activities.  Those companies, though remaining ostensibly private and civilian, directly support the PRC’s military, intelligence, and security apparatuses.  At the same time, those companies raise capital by selling securities to United States investors that trade on public exchanges both here and abroad, lobbying United States index providers and funds to include these securities in market offerings, and engaging in other acts to ensure access to United States capital.

The PRC military-industrial complex, by directly supporting the efforts of the PRC’s military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses, continues to constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.  In addition, the use of Chinese surveillance technology outside the PRC and the development or use of Chinese surveillance technology to facilitate repression or serious human rights abuse continue to constitute unusual and extraordinary threats, which have their source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13959, expanded in scope by Executive Order 14032, with respect to the threat from securities investments that finance certain companies of the PRC.

                               Sincerely,

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Threat From Securities Investments That Finance Certain Companies of the People’s Republic of China appeared first on The White House.

    On November 14, 1994, by Executive Order 12938, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States posed by the proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons (weapons of mass destruction) and the means of delivering such weapons.  On July 28, 1998, by Executive Order 13094, the President amended Executive Order 12938 to respond more effectively to the worldwide threat of weapons of mass destruction proliferation activities.  On June 28, 2005, by Executive Order 13382, the President, among other things, further amended Executive Order 12938 to improve our ability to combat proliferation.  The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.  For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12938 of November 14, 1994, with respect to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering such weapons must continue beyond November 14, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12938, as amended.

    This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    November 7, 2024.

The post Notice to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction appeared first on The White House.

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY

THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY

SUBJECT:       Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, after carefully considering the reports submitted to the Congress by the Energy Information Administration, including the report submitted in October 2024, and other relevant factors, including global economic conditions, the level of spare capacity, and the availability of strategic reserves, I determine, pursuant to section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, Public Law 112-81, and consistent with prior determinations, that there is a sufficient supply of petroleum and petroleum products from countries other than Iran to permit a significant reduction in the volume of petroleum and petroleum products purchased from Iran by or through foreign financial institutions.

I will continue to monitor this situation closely.

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

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post Memorandum on Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 appeared first on The White House.

On November 12, 2020, by Executive Order 13959, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the threat from securities investments that finance certain companies of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

     The President found that the PRC is exploiting United States capital to resource and enable the development and modernization of its military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses, which continues to allow the PRC to directly threaten the United States homeland and United States forces overseas.  Through the national strategy of Military‑Civil Fusion, the PRC increases the size of the country’s military-industrial complex by compelling civilian Chinese companies to support its military and intelligence activities.  Those companies, though remaining ostensibly private and civilian, directly support the PRC’s military, intelligence, and security apparatuses and aid in their development and modernization.  At the same time, those companies raise capital by selling securities to United States investors that trade on public exchanges both here and abroad, lobbying United States index providers and funds to include these securities in market offerings, and engaging in other acts to ensure access to United States capital. 

     The President further found that the PRC’s military-industrial complex, by directly supporting the efforts of the PRC’s military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses, constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

     On January 13, 2021, the President signed Executive Order 13974 amending Executive Order 13959.

     On June 3, 2021, I signed Executive Order 14032, which expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13959.  I found that additional steps are necessary to address that national emergency, including the threat posed by the military-industrial complex of the PRC and its involvement in military, intelligence, and security research and development programs, and weapons and related equipment production under the PRC’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy.  In addition, I found that the use of Chinese surveillance technology outside the PRC and the development or use of Chinese surveillance technology to facilitate repression or serious human rights abuse constituted unusual and extraordinary threats to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, and I expanded the national emergency to address these threats.  Executive Order 14032 amended Executive Order 13959 and revoked Executive Order 13974 in its entirety.

     The threat from securities investments that finance certain companies of the PRC and certain uses and development of Chinese surveillance technology continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

     For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13959 of November 12, 2020, expanded in scope by Executive Order 14032 of June 3, 2021, must continue in effect beyond November 12, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13959 with respect to the threat from securities investments that finance certain companies of the PRC and expanded in Executive Order 14032.

     This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    November 7, 2024.

The post Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Threat From Securities Investments That Finance Certain Companies of the People’s Republic of China appeared first on The White House.

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Duma Gideon Boko on November 8, 2024, in Gaborone, Botswana. 

The Honorable Howard A. Van Vranken, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana, will lead the delegation.

###

The post President Biden Announces Presidential Delegation to Botswana to Attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Duma Gideon Boko appeared first on The White House.

Dear Mr. Speaker:   (Dear Madam President:)

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date.  In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction declared in Executive Order 12938 of November 14, 1994, is to continue in effect beyond November 14, 2024.

                               Sincerely,

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction appeared first on The White House.

Dear Mr. Speaker:   (Dear Madam President:)

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date.  In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to the threat from securities investments that finance certain companies of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that was declared in Executive Order 13959 of November 12, 2020, and expanded in scope in Executive Order 14032 of June 3, 2021, is to continue in effect beyond November 12, 2024. 

The PRC exploits United States capital to resource and to enable the development and modernization of its military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses, which continues to allow the PRC to directly threaten the United States homeland and United States forces overseas.  Through the national strategy of Military-Civil Fusion, the PRC increases the size of the country’s military-industrial complex by compelling civilian Chinese companies to support its military and intelligence activities.  Those companies, though remaining ostensibly private and civilian, directly support the PRC’s military, intelligence, and security apparatuses.  At the same time, those companies raise capital by selling securities to United States investors that trade on public exchanges both here and abroad, lobbying United States index providers and funds to include these securities in market offerings, and engaging in other acts to ensure access to United States capital.

The PRC military-industrial complex, by directly supporting the efforts of the PRC’s military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses, continues to constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.  In addition, the use of Chinese surveillance technology outside the PRC and the development or use of Chinese surveillance technology to facilitate repression or serious human rights abuse continue to constitute unusual and extraordinary threats, which have their source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13959, expanded in scope by Executive Order 14032, with respect to the threat from securities investments that finance certain companies of the PRC.

                               Sincerely,

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Threat From Securities Investments That Finance Certain Companies of the People’s Republic of China appeared first on The White House.

    On November 14, 1994, by Executive Order 12938, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States posed by the proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons (weapons of mass destruction) and the means of delivering such weapons.  On July 28, 1998, by Executive Order 13094, the President amended Executive Order 12938 to respond more effectively to the worldwide threat of weapons of mass destruction proliferation activities.  On June 28, 2005, by Executive Order 13382, the President, among other things, further amended Executive Order 12938 to improve our ability to combat proliferation.  The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.  For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12938 of November 14, 1994, with respect to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering such weapons must continue beyond November 14, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12938, as amended.

    This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    November 7, 2024.

The post Notice to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction appeared first on The White House.

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY

THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY

SUBJECT:       Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, after carefully considering the reports submitted to the Congress by the Energy Information Administration, including the report submitted in October 2024, and other relevant factors, including global economic conditions, the level of spare capacity, and the availability of strategic reserves, I determine, pursuant to section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, Public Law 112-81, and consistent with prior determinations, that there is a sufficient supply of petroleum and petroleum products from countries other than Iran to permit a significant reduction in the volume of petroleum and petroleum products purchased from Iran by or through foreign financial institutions.

I will continue to monitor this situation closely.

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

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post Memorandum on Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 appeared first on The White House.

On November 12, 2020, by Executive Order 13959, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the threat from securities investments that finance certain companies of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

     The President found that the PRC is exploiting United States capital to resource and enable the development and modernization of its military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses, which continues to allow the PRC to directly threaten the United States homeland and United States forces overseas.  Through the national strategy of Military‑Civil Fusion, the PRC increases the size of the country’s military-industrial complex by compelling civilian Chinese companies to support its military and intelligence activities.  Those companies, though remaining ostensibly private and civilian, directly support the PRC’s military, intelligence, and security apparatuses and aid in their development and modernization.  At the same time, those companies raise capital by selling securities to United States investors that trade on public exchanges both here and abroad, lobbying United States index providers and funds to include these securities in market offerings, and engaging in other acts to ensure access to United States capital. 

     The President further found that the PRC’s military-industrial complex, by directly supporting the efforts of the PRC’s military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses, constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

     On January 13, 2021, the President signed Executive Order 13974 amending Executive Order 13959.

     On June 3, 2021, I signed Executive Order 14032, which expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13959.  I found that additional steps are necessary to address that national emergency, including the threat posed by the military-industrial complex of the PRC and its involvement in military, intelligence, and security research and development programs, and weapons and related equipment production under the PRC’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy.  In addition, I found that the use of Chinese surveillance technology outside the PRC and the development or use of Chinese surveillance technology to facilitate repression or serious human rights abuse constituted unusual and extraordinary threats to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, and I expanded the national emergency to address these threats.  Executive Order 14032 amended Executive Order 13959 and revoked Executive Order 13974 in its entirety.

     The threat from securities investments that finance certain companies of the PRC and certain uses and development of Chinese surveillance technology continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

     For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13959 of November 12, 2020, expanded in scope by Executive Order 14032 of June 3, 2021, must continue in effect beyond November 12, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13959 with respect to the threat from securities investments that finance certain companies of the PRC and expanded in Executive Order 14032.

     This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    November 7, 2024.

The post Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Threat From Securities Investments That Finance Certain Companies of the People’s Republic of China appeared first on The White House.

Rose Garden

11:24 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Good morning.  (Applause.)  Good morning, good morning.  (Applause.) 

Thank you.  Please.  (Applause.)  Thank you.

Good to see this Cabinet and staff together here.  (Applause.)

Thank you.  (Applause.)

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

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

It’s good to see you all.  Particularly good to see my granddaughter sitting in the front row here.  Hi, Finn.  How are you, honey?

For over 200 years, America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world — and that’s not hyperbole; that’s a fact — where the people — the people vote and choose their own leaders and they do it peacefully and where, in a democracy, the will of the people always prevails. 

Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory.  And I assured him that I would direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition.  That’s what the American people deserve. 

Yesterday, I also spoke with Vice President Harris.  She’s been a partner and a public servant.  She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something that I learned early on to respect so much: her character.  She has a backbone like a ramrod.  She has great character, true character.  She gave her whole heart and effort, and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran. 

You know, the struggle for the soul of America since our very founding has always been an ongoing debate and still vital today.  I know, for some people, it’s a time for victory, to state the obvious.  For others, it’s a time of loss. 

Campaigns are contests of competing visions.  The country chooses one or the other.  We accept the choice the country made.  I’ve said many times you can’t love your country only when you win.  You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree. 

Something I hope we can do no matter who you voted for is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans, bring down the temperature. 

I also hope we can lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system.  It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent.  And it can be trusted, win or lose. 

I also hope we can restore the respect for all our election workers, who busted their necks and took risks at the outset.  We should thank them — thank them for staffing voting sites, counting the votes, protecting the very integrity of the election.  Many of them are volunteers who do it simply out of love for their country. 

And as they did — as they did their duty as citizens, I will do my duty as president.  I will fulfill my oath, and I will honor the Constitution.  On January 20th, we will have a peaceful transfer of power here in America. 

To all our incredible staff, supporters, Cabinet members, all the people who have been hanging out with me for the last four years — “God love you,” as my mother would say — thank you so much. 

You put so much into the past four years.  I know it’s a difficult time.  You’re hurting.  I hear you, and I see you.  But don’t forget — don’t forget all that we accomplished. 

It’s been a historic presidency — not because I’m president — because what we’ve done, what you’ve done — a presidency for all Americans. 

Much of the work we’ve done is already being felt by the American people.  The vast majority of it will not be felt — be felt over the next 10 years.  We have a — we have legislation we passed that’s just — only now just really kicking in. 

We’re going to see over a trillion dollars’ worth of infrastructure work done, changing people’s lives in rural communities and communities that are in real difficulty, because it takes time to get it done, and so much more that’s going to take time.  But it’s there.

The road ahead is clear, assuming we sustain it.  There’s so much — so much we can get done and will get done based the way the legislation was passed.  And it’s truly historic.

You know, we’re leaving behind the strongest economy in the world.  I know people are still hurting.  But things are changing rapidly.  Together, we’ve changed America for the better. 

Now we have 74 days to finish the term — our term.  Let’s make every day count.  That’s the responsibility we have to the American people. 

Look, folks, you all know it in your lives: Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable.  Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable.  We all get knocked down, but the measure of our character, as my dad would say, is how quickly we get back up.  Remember, a defeat does not mean we are defeated.  We lost this battle.

The America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up.  That’s the story of America for over 240 years and counting.  It’s a story for all of us, not just some of us. 

The American experiment endures, and we’re going to be okay, but we need to stay engaged.  We need to keep going.  And above all, we need to keep the faith. 

I’m so proud to have worked with all of you.  I really mean it.  I sincerely mean it. 

God bless you all.  God bless America.  And may God protect our troops.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.) 

Thanks.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

11:30 A.M. EST

The post Remarks by President Biden in Address to the Nation appeared first on The White House.

Rose Garden

11:24 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Good morning.  (Applause.)  Good morning, good morning.  (Applause.) 

Thank you.  Please.  (Applause.)  Thank you.

Good to see this Cabinet and staff together here.  (Applause.)

Thank you.  (Applause.)

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

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

It’s good to see you all.  Particularly good to see my granddaughter sitting in the front row here.  Hi, Finn.  How are you, honey?

For over 200 years, America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world — and that’s not hyperbole; that’s a fact — where the people — the people vote and choose their own leaders and they do it peacefully and where, in a democracy, the will of the people always prevails. 

Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory.  And I assured him that I would direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition.  That’s what the American people deserve. 

Yesterday, I also spoke with Vice President Harris.  She’s been a partner and a public servant.  She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something that I learned early on to respect so much: her character.  She has a backbone like a ramrod.  She has great character, true character.  She gave her whole heart and effort, and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran. 

You know, the struggle for the soul of America since our very founding has always been an ongoing debate and still vital today.  I know, for some people, it’s a time for victory, to state the obvious.  For others, it’s a time of loss. 

Campaigns are contests of competing visions.  The country chooses one or the other.  We accept the choice the country made.  I’ve said many times you can’t love your country only when you win.  You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree. 

Something I hope we can do no matter who you voted for is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans, bring down the temperature. 

I also hope we can lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system.  It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent.  And it can be trusted, win or lose. 

I also hope we can restore the respect for all our election workers, who busted their necks and took risks at the outset.  We should thank them — thank them for staffing voting sites, counting the votes, protecting the very integrity of the election.  Many of them are volunteers who do it simply out of love for their country. 

And as they did — as they did their duty as citizens, I will do my duty as president.  I will fulfill my oath, and I will honor the Constitution.  On January 20th, we will have a peaceful transfer of power here in America. 

To all our incredible staff, supporters, Cabinet members, all the people who have been hanging out with me for the last four years — “God love you,” as my mother would say — thank you so much. 

You put so much into the past four years.  I know it’s a difficult time.  You’re hurting.  I hear you, and I see you.  But don’t forget — don’t forget all that we accomplished. 

It’s been a historic presidency — not because I’m president — because what we’ve done, what you’ve done — a presidency for all Americans. 

Much of the work we’ve done is already being felt by the American people.  The vast majority of it will not be felt — be felt over the next 10 years.  We have a — we have legislation we passed that’s just — only now just really kicking in. 

We’re going to see over a trillion dollars’ worth of infrastructure work done, changing people’s lives in rural communities and communities that are in real difficulty, because it takes time to get it done, and so much more that’s going to take time.  But it’s there.

The road ahead is clear, assuming we sustain it.  There’s so much — so much we can get done and will get done based the way the legislation was passed.  And it’s truly historic.

You know, we’re leaving behind the strongest economy in the world.  I know people are still hurting.  But things are changing rapidly.  Together, we’ve changed America for the better. 

Now we have 74 days to finish the term — our term.  Let’s make every day count.  That’s the responsibility we have to the American people. 

Look, folks, you all know it in your lives: Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable.  Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable.  We all get knocked down, but the measure of our character, as my dad would say, is how quickly we get back up.  Remember, a defeat does not mean we are defeated.  We lost this battle.

The America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up.  That’s the story of America for over 240 years and counting.  It’s a story for all of us, not just some of us. 

The American experiment endures, and we’re going to be okay, but we need to stay engaged.  We need to keep going.  And above all, we need to keep the faith. 

I’m so proud to have worked with all of you.  I really mean it.  I sincerely mean it. 

God bless you all.  God bless America.  And may God protect our troops.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.) 

Thanks.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

11:30 A.M. EST

The post Remarks by President Biden in Address to the Nation appeared first on The White House.

Howard University
Washington, D.C.

4:25 P.M. EST

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  Good —

AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

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

Good afternoon.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)

Thank you all.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

So, let me say —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And I love you back.  And I love you back.  (Applause.)

So, let me say, my heart is full today.  My heart is full today — full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve.

The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for, but hear me when I say — hear me when I say: The light of America’s promise will always burn bright — (applause) — as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.  (Applause.)

To my beloved Doug and our family, I love you so very much.  (Applause.)

To President Biden and Dr. Biden, thank you for your faith and support.  (Applause.)

To Governor Walz and the Walz family, I know your service to our nation will continue.  (Applause.)

And to my extraordinary team; to the volunteers who gave so much of themselves — (applause); to the poll workers and the local election officials — (applause) — I thank you.  I thank you all.

Look, I am so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it — (applause) — and the way we ran it.  Over the 107 days of this campaign, we have been intentional about building community and building coalitions, bringing people together from every walk of life and background, united by love of country with enthusiasm and joy in our fight for America’s future.  (Applause.)

And we did it with the knowledge that we all have so much more in common than what separates us.  (Applause.)

Now, I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now.  I get it.  (Laughs.)  But we must accept the results of this election. 

Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.  (Applause.)

A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results.  That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it.

At the same time, in our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or a party but to the Constitution of the United States — (applause) — and loyalty to our conscience and to our God. 

My allegiance to all three is why I am here to say: While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign — (applause) — the fight — the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness, and the dignity of all people — a fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation, the ideals that reflect America at our best.  That is a fight I will never give up.  (Applause.) 

I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations, where the women of America have the freedom to make decisions about their own body — (applause) — and not have their government telling them what to do.

We will never give up the fight to protect our schools and our streets from gun violence.  (Applause.)

And, America, we will never give up the fight for our democracy, for the rule of law, for equal justice, and for the sacred idea that every one of us, no matter who we are or where we start out, has certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld.  (Applause.)

And we will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square.  And we will also wage it in quieter ways: in how we live our lives, by treating one another with kindness and respect, by looking in the face of a stranger and seeing a neighbor, by always using our strength to lift people up, to fight for the dignity that all people deserve. 

The fight for our freedom will take hard work.  But like I always say, we like hard work.  (Applause.)  Hard work is good work.  Hard work can be joyful work.  And the fight for our country is always worth it.  It is always worth it.  (Applause.)

To the young people who are watching, it is —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!  (Applause.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  I love you back.  (Applause.)

To the young people who are watching, it is okay to feel sad and disappointed.  But please know it’s going to be okay.  On the campaign, I would often say, “When we fight, we win.”  But here’s the thing.  Here’s the thing.  Sometimes the fight takes a while.  That doesn’t mean we won’t win.  That doesn’t mean we won’t win.  (Applause.)

The important thing is don’t ever give up.  Don’t ever give up.  Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place.  You have power.  You have power.  And don’t you ever listen when anyone tells you something is impossible because it has never been done before.  (Applause.)

You have the capacity to do extraordinary good in the world.  And so, to everyone who is watching, do not despair.  This is not a time to throw up our hands.  This is a time to roll up our sleeves.  (Applause.)  This is a time to organize, to mobilize, and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice and the future that we all know we can build together.

Look, many of you know I started out as a prosecutor.  And throughout my career, I saw people at some of the worst times in their lives — people who had suffered great harm and great pain and yet found within themselves the strength and the courage and the resolve to take the stand to take a stand, to fight for justice, to fight for themselves, to fight for others.

So, let their courage be our inspiration.  Let their determination be our charge. 

And I’ll close with this.  There’s an adage an historian once called a “law of history” true of every society across the ages.  The adage is: Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. 

I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case.  But here’s the thing: America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars — (applause) — the light — the light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service.  (Applause.) 

H.U.  (Laughter.)

AUDIENCE:  You know!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And may that work guide us, even in the face of setbacks, toward the extraordinary promise of the United States of America.

I thank you all.  May God bless you.  And may God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

I thank you all.  I thank you.  I thank you all.  (Applause.)

                   END                     4:37 P.M. EST

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris Following the 2024 Election appeared first on The White House.

What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire.

She’s been a tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character.

Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what’s possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans.

As I’ve said before, selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made when I became the nominee for president in 2020. It was the best decision I made. Her story represents the best of America’s story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story.

She will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy. She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Above all, she will continue to be a leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America’s future. 

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

What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire.

She’s been a tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character.

Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what’s possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans.

As I’ve said before, selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made when I became the nominee for president in 2020. It was the best decision I made. Her story represents the best of America’s story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story.

She will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy. She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Above all, she will continue to be a leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America’s future. 

###

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

Today, we honor generations of America’s veterans — patriots who have stood on the frontlines of freedom and kept the light of liberty shining bright around the world.  Just as they have kept the ultimate faith in our Nation, we must keep ultimate faith in them.

     Each one of our Nation’s veterans is a link in a chain of honor that stretches back to our founding days — bound by a sacred oath to support and defend the United States of America.  Throughout history, whenever and wherever the forces of darkness have sought to extinguish the flame of freedom, America’s veterans have been fighting to keep it burning bright.  I remember so clearly the pride the First Lady and I felt in our son Beau during his service in Iraq.  He — like all our veterans from Belleau Wood, Baghdad, and Gettysburg to Guadalcanal, Korea, and Kandahar and beyond — lived, served, and sacrificed by a creed of duty.  We owe them a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay, not just for fighting for our democracy, but for giving back to our communities and inspiring the next generation to serve, even after they hang up their uniforms.

     As a Nation, we have one truly sacred obligation:  to prepare and equip those we send into harm’s way and to care for them and their families when they return home.  Since I came into office, I have signed more than 34 bipartisan laws to support our veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors.  That includes the landmark Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which enacted the most significant expansion of benefits and services for veterans exposed to toxins in more than 30 years.  Today, more than 1.1 million veterans and 11,000 survivors of deceased veterans are now receiving new service-connected disability benefits, and over 5.8 million veterans have been screened for toxic exposure — a critical step to ensuring they get access to the care they need.  And as of last March, any exposed veteran who served during any conflict outlined in the PACT Act will be able to enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care.  My Administration is ensuring that women veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care have equitable access to benefits and health services.  My Administration has worked to reduce barriers and reach out to veterans to make sure they can access their earned benefits.  As a result, the VA is delivering more benefits to more veterans than ever before.  In 2024, the VA processed more claims than ever and is providing record level health care services.  We have taken steps to eliminate barriers and disparities for all veterans, including people of color, LGBTQI+ people, and women.  We have made progress in addressing veteran homelessness, and we are working to end the silent scourge of suicide by addressing financial and legal risk factors, promoting secure storage of firearms, and expanding access to mental health services.  Last year, the VA housed nearly 48,000 veterans, expanded access to health care and legal assistance for homeless veterans, and helped more than 158,000 veterans and their families keep their homes.  And we are committed to assisting the roughly 200,000 service members who transition from the military each year with finding good-paying jobs, including by connecting them to Registered Apprenticeship programs.  My Administration has also prioritized supporting veteran entrepreneurship.  This year, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses secured almost $32 billion in Federal contracts, nearly $4 billion more than in the prior year. 

     While our veterans are the steel spine of this Nation, their families are the courageous heart — they also serve and sacrifice so much for our country.  Last year, I signed an Executive Order calling for the most comprehensive set of administrative actions in our Nation’s history to support the economic security of military and veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors.  The Executive Order increases training and employment opportunities for military spouses in the workforce and encourages Federal agencies to do more to retain military and veteran spouses through flexible policies.  Additionally, through the First Lady’s Joining Forces initiative, my Administration is working to better support military and veteran families on everything from making school transitions easier for military children to expanding economic opportunities and improving well-being for military spouses, caregivers, and survivors. 

     Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day alongside so many World War II veterans.  Their service and sacrifice helped free the world from tyranny.  We learned then what we still know now:  Democracy is never guaranteed.  Every generation must preserve it, defend it, and fight for it.  Today, we honor all our veterans, who have preserved, defended, and fought for our democracy.  They prove that we are a Nation that can meet darkness with light again and again, no matter how high the cost or how heavy the burden.  May we all strive to be worthy of their sacrifices for us, doing our part to keep the light of liberty burning bright for generations to come.

     In respect and recognition of the contributions our veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation’s veterans.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2024, as Veterans Day.  I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor, courage, and sacrifice of these patriots through appropriate ceremonies and private prayers and by observing two minutes of silence for our Nation’s veterans.  I also call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States of America and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on Veterans Day, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

Today, we honor generations of America’s veterans — patriots who have stood on the frontlines of freedom and kept the light of liberty shining bright around the world.  Just as they have kept the ultimate faith in our Nation, we must keep ultimate faith in them.

     Each one of our Nation’s veterans is a link in a chain of honor that stretches back to our founding days — bound by a sacred oath to support and defend the United States of America.  Throughout history, whenever and wherever the forces of darkness have sought to extinguish the flame of freedom, America’s veterans have been fighting to keep it burning bright.  I remember so clearly the pride the First Lady and I felt in our son Beau during his service in Iraq.  He — like all our veterans from Belleau Wood, Baghdad, and Gettysburg to Guadalcanal, Korea, and Kandahar and beyond — lived, served, and sacrificed by a creed of duty.  We owe them a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay, not just for fighting for our democracy, but for giving back to our communities and inspiring the next generation to serve, even after they hang up their uniforms.

     As a Nation, we have one truly sacred obligation:  to prepare and equip those we send into harm’s way and to care for them and their families when they return home.  Since I came into office, I have signed more than 34 bipartisan laws to support our veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors.  That includes the landmark Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which enacted the most significant expansion of benefits and services for veterans exposed to toxins in more than 30 years.  Today, more than 1.1 million veterans and 11,000 survivors of deceased veterans are now receiving new service-connected disability benefits, and over 5.8 million veterans have been screened for toxic exposure — a critical step to ensuring they get access to the care they need.  And as of last March, any exposed veteran who served during any conflict outlined in the PACT Act will be able to enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care.  My Administration is ensuring that women veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care have equitable access to benefits and health services.  My Administration has worked to reduce barriers and reach out to veterans to make sure they can access their earned benefits.  As a result, the VA is delivering more benefits to more veterans than ever before.  In 2024, the VA processed more claims than ever and is providing record level health care services.  We have taken steps to eliminate barriers and disparities for all veterans, including people of color, LGBTQI+ people, and women.  We have made progress in addressing veteran homelessness, and we are working to end the silent scourge of suicide by addressing financial and legal risk factors, promoting secure storage of firearms, and expanding access to mental health services.  Last year, the VA housed nearly 48,000 veterans, expanded access to health care and legal assistance for homeless veterans, and helped more than 158,000 veterans and their families keep their homes.  And we are committed to assisting the roughly 200,000 service members who transition from the military each year with finding good-paying jobs, including by connecting them to Registered Apprenticeship programs.  My Administration has also prioritized supporting veteran entrepreneurship.  This year, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses secured almost $32 billion in Federal contracts, nearly $4 billion more than in the prior year. 

     While our veterans are the steel spine of this Nation, their families are the courageous heart — they also serve and sacrifice so much for our country.  Last year, I signed an Executive Order calling for the most comprehensive set of administrative actions in our Nation’s history to support the economic security of military and veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors.  The Executive Order increases training and employment opportunities for military spouses in the workforce and encourages Federal agencies to do more to retain military and veteran spouses through flexible policies.  Additionally, through the First Lady’s Joining Forces initiative, my Administration is working to better support military and veteran families on everything from making school transitions easier for military children to expanding economic opportunities and improving well-being for military spouses, caregivers, and survivors. 

     Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day alongside so many World War II veterans.  Their service and sacrifice helped free the world from tyranny.  We learned then what we still know now:  Democracy is never guaranteed.  Every generation must preserve it, defend it, and fight for it.  Today, we honor all our veterans, who have preserved, defended, and fought for our democracy.  They prove that we are a Nation that can meet darkness with light again and again, no matter how high the cost or how heavy the burden.  May we all strive to be worthy of their sacrifices for us, doing our part to keep the light of liberty burning bright for generations to come.

     In respect and recognition of the contributions our veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation’s veterans.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2024, as Veterans Day.  I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor, courage, and sacrifice of these patriots through appropriate ceremonies and private prayers and by observing two minutes of silence for our Nation’s veterans.  I also call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States of America and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on Veterans Day, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Milton beginning on October 5, 2024, and continuing.

The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

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

Federal funding is also available to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Milton.  For a period of 90 days of the Tribal Nation’s choosing within the first 120 days from the start of the incident period, assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program is authorized at 100 percent of the total eligible costs.

Lastly, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Ms. Leda M. Khoury of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

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

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

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

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The post President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Seminole Tribe of Florida appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Milton beginning on October 5, 2024, and continuing.

The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

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

Federal funding is also available to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Milton.  For a period of 90 days of the Tribal Nation’s choosing within the first 120 days from the start of the incident period, assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program is authorized at 100 percent of the total eligible costs.

Lastly, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Ms. Leda M. Khoury of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

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

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

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

###

The post President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Seminole Tribe of Florida appeared first on The White House.

Last night, the International Association of Machinists (IAM) ratified a strong contract that recognizes the contribution of over 33,000 workers. I want to congratulate Boeing and the IAM for reaching an agreement that secures historic wage increases and benefits for these workers.  This agreement represents a positive step for Boeing’s future as a leader in the aerospace industry. As I always say: collective bargaining works.
 

# # #

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