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SUBJECT:       Orderly Implementation of the Air Toxics Standards for Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilizers

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1.  Policy.  The strengthened and updated Clean Air Act standards for ethylene oxide (EtO) emitted into the air from commercial sterilizing facilities issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on April 5, 2024, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review, Final Rule, 89 Fed. Reg. 24,090 (Apr. 5, 2024) (“EtO Rule”), achieved a new milestone in my Administration’s efforts to protect public health for all Americans and to advance the objective of my Administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative to prevent cancer before it starts.  EtO has been associated with elevated cancer risks in communities around the United States and can be particularly harmful to children.  The loss of loved ones from environmentally related cancer is a tragedy that the Nation can and must work together to end, once and for all.  

The EtO Rule was issued after careful consideration of public comments and public hearings.  In this rule, EPA set standards under section 112 of the Clean Air Act, as amended (the “Act”) (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), to control emissions from commercial sterilizers through the use of demonstrated and achievable pollution control technologies and practices.  These standards will significantly reduce emissions of the toxic air pollutant EtO.  

     The EtO Rule applies to facilities that sterilize medical products, including medical devices and pharmaceuticals.  Sterilization is critical to maintaining a safe supply of medical devices for patients and hospitals and providing health care to millions of Americans to help them stay healthy and fight diseases, including cancer.  Consequently, EPA worked closely with the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Food and Drug Administration, to develop a final rule that protects communities exposed to pollution from sterilization facilities while also mitigating and managing the potential risk of any medical device supply disruptions.

EPA concluded that sterilization facilities will be able to install the appropriate technology to meet the standards of the EtO Rule before the compliance deadlines mandated by the Act.  The EtO Rule also recognized that the President’s authority under section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7412(i)(4), to exempt individual facilities from compliance for a set period of time may provide an important mechanism to address the possibility that a facility may be unable to install all appropriate technology before the compliance deadline.  89 Fed. Reg. at 24,103. It is of vital national importance to ensure the reduction of EtO emissions to the level that EPA determined is required to protect public health pursuant to the Clean Air Act, while also avoiding the national security and public health effects that could result from a significant disruption to the medical device supply chain.

It is the policy of my Administration to safeguard the reliability of our Nation’s supply of safe medical products.  To advance orderly implementation of the EtO Rule, I am therefore establishing a process, provided below, for considering requests for Presidential exemptions, the duration of which shall be as short as possible and no longer than two years.  This process will ensure consideration of such requests in the exceptional circumstances in which a commercial sterilizer can demonstrate that, notwithstanding due diligence and best efforts, it will be unable to meet a covered standard or limitation required by the EtO Rule before the compliance deadline due to the unavailability of control technology for the facility, leading to likely shutdown of the facility, and the best available information demonstrates that the shutdown of the facility will likely lead to a serious disruption to the supply of medical products, such as medical devices and pharmaceuticals, necessary for America’s national security and public health.

To achieve the EtO Rule’s critical health protections as soon as practicable, while safeguarding the supply of safe medical products from disruption that would compromise the health and welfare of the American people, I direct you to take the following actions:

Sec. 2.  Implementation of a Process for Considering Presidential Exemptions.  The Administrator of the EPA (Administrator) shall receive requests for a Presidential exemption from a standard or limitation in the EtO Rule under section 112(i)(4) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 7412(i)(4)), review them, and advise the President regarding whether to grant them through the following process:

(a)  Any commercial sterilizer seeking such an exemption shall submit a request to the Administrator no earlier than 12 months and no later than 4 months before the compliance deadline for which an exemption is sought.  The request shall include:

(i)  specific information of sufficient detail to enable verification of the reason or reasons that the technology to implement the applicable standard or limitation is unavailable for installation and that, notwithstanding its due diligence and best efforts, the facility cannot be brought into compliance before the compliance deadline for the covered standard or limitation (e.g., contracts, documentation of communication with vendors or suppliers);

(ii)  a plan for procuring, installing, and operating the technology as soon as feasible in order to achieve compliance with the EtO Rule, and an assurance as described in subsection (h)(ii) of this section;

(iii)  a list of all available practicable measures (i.e., technological and operational) that have already been taken or that are planned to advance compliance and additional measures, if any, that will be implemented to reduce the emissions of EtO and resulting risks during the exemption period;

(iv) a list of any alternative steps available, in progress, or already taken to try to avoid the need for additional time for compliance;

(v)  the type or types of products sterilized at the facility, the volume of products sterilized at the facility, and the facility’s annual sterilization capacity; and

(vi)  the name, title, and signature of the responsible official who is certifying the accuracy of the request.

(b)  In reviewing an exemption request, and the information provided pursuant to this section, the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary), shall consider:

(i)  whether the technology to implement a covered standard or limitation will be unavailable in time for installation and operation of the technology at a specific facility before the compliance deadline for such standard or limitation, due, for example, to shortages of labor, parts, control technology supply, supply-chain disruption, or other factors out of the facility’s control;

(ii)  the amount of time needed for installation and operation to occur in order to achieve compliance with the EtO Rule;

(iii)  the risk of a serious disruption to the supply of medical products (including pharmaceuticals and medical devices) should the facility be required to temporarily pause sterilization activities or reduce capacity until installation and operation can occur (including any potential alternatives to assure a sufficient supply of sterilization and sterilized medical products);

(iv)  the potential effect of any such disruption on public health and welfare, and any other information that may be relevant to an evaluation of whether granting an exemption is in the national security interests of the United States; and

(vi) any other information that the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, deems relevant.

(c)  No later than 30 days after receiving a request pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Administrator shall confirm receipt of the request, notify the requester of any additional information needed to evaluate the request, set a deadline of no later than 15 days for the requester to provide the requested information, and provide public notification that the request was submitted (including the name of, the location of, and any other information regarding the facility requesting the exemption that the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, deems relevant and appropriate to publish).

(d)  As soon as practicable and no later than 30 days after receiving all necessary information to evaluate a request pursuant to this section, the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, shall provide the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) with the request and accompanying information from the requester, any additional information that the Administrator deems relevant, and a recommendation regarding whether an exemption is warranted, including the basis for the recommendation, and if recommending that the President grant an exemption: the recommended duration, and any other accompanying terms or conditions (such as a schedule for status reports regarding planned steps and progress to achieve compliance with the EtO Rule).

(e)  As soon as practicable and generally within 45 days after receiving a recommendation from the Administrator pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, the Chairman of CEQ, in consultation with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, the Director of the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall advise the President concerning the request for an exemption.

(f)  As expeditiously as practicable after the grant or denial of any exemption by the President under this process, and no later than 10 days after such a grant or denial, the Administrator shall notify the applicant.

(g)  Within 60 days of the grant of any exemption by the President under this process, the Administrator shall make publicly available online the name of, location of, and any other appropriate and relevant information regarding the facility receiving the exemption and the duration of any exemption, and shall submit to Congress the report required by section 112(i)(4) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 7412(i)(4)) on behalf of the President.

(h)  The Administrator shall, as appropriate:

(i)  provide technical assistance to any facility that receives an exemption to promote compliance with the EtO Rule;

(ii)  seek information and assurance from any facility that requests an exemption that the facility will use its best efforts and will take reasonable and appropriate steps to demonstrate diligent action to install and operate necessary technology as expeditiously as practicable (including to fulfill any accompanying terms or conditions) to achieve compliance with the EtO Rule; and

(iii)  inform the Chairman of CEQ when installation of such technology is complete.

Sec. 3.  Federal Coordination.  The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall consider taking additional steps, as appropriate, to further advance the goal of protecting the public from cancer and other harms from EtO exposure, including spurring innovation to reduce exposure to EtO and other carcinogenic air pollutants and to expand access to safe, effective, and reliable alternative methods for sterilization of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals that do not depend on EtO, and continuing to strengthen the resilience of our Nation’s medical supply chain.  Within 2 years of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary shall provide a report to the Chairman of CEQ regarding progress toward this directive and any steps taken or planned.

Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

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

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

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

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

(d)  The Administrator is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Oval Office

8:00 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans, I am speaking to you tonight from the Oval Office.

Before I begin, let me speak to important news from earlier today. After eight months of nonstop negotiation, my administration — by my administration, a ceasefire and a hostage deal has been reached by Israel and Hamas, the elements of which I laid out in great detail in May of this year.

This plan was developed and negotiated by my team and will be largely implemented by the incoming administration. That’s why I told my team to keep the incoming administration fully informed, because that’s how it should be: working together as Americans.

This will be my final address to you from — the American people from the Oval Office, from this desk as president. And I’ve been thinking a lot about who we are and, maybe more importantly, who we should be.

Long ago, in New York Harbor, an ironworker installed beam after beam, day after day. He was joined by steelworkers, stone masons, engineers. They built not just a single structure but a beacon of freedom.

The very idea of America was so big, we felt the entire world needed to see — the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France after our Civil War. Like the very idea of America, it was built not by one person but by many people, from every background and from around the world.

Like America, the Statue of Liberty is not standing still.
Her foot literally steps forward atop a broken chain of human bondage. She’s on the march, and she literally moves. She was built to sway back and forth to withstand the fury of stormy weather, to stand the test of time, because storms are always coming. She sways a few inches, but she never falls into the current below — an engineering marvel.

The Statue of Liberty is also an enduring symbol of the soul of our nation, a soul shaped by forces that bring us together and by forces that pull us apart. And yet, through good times and tough times, we’ve withstood it all.

A nation of pioneers and explorers, of dreamers and doers, of ancestors native to this land, of ancestors who came by force, a nation of immigrants who came to build a better life,
a nation holding the torch of the most powerful idea ever in the history of the world that all of us — all of us are created equal. That all of us deserve to be treated with dignity, justice, and fairness. That democracy must defend and be defined and be imposed, moved in every way possible. Our rights, our freedoms, our dreams.

But we know the idea of America — our institution, our people, our values that uphold it — are constantly being tested. Ongoing debates about power and the exercise of power, about whether we lead by the example of our power or the power of our example, whether we show the courage to stand up to the abuse of power or we yield to it.

After 50 years at the center of all of this, I know that believing in the idea of America means respecting the institutions that govern a free society: the presidency, the Congress, the courts, a free and independent press. Institutions that are rooted not — they just — not to reflect the timeless words, but they re- — they — they echo the words of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” Rooted in the timeless words of the Constitution, “We the People.”

Our system of separation of powers, checks and balances, it may not be perfect, but it’s maintained our democracy for nearly 250 years — longer than any other nation in history that’s ever tried such a bold experiment.

In the past four years, our democracy has held strong. And every day, I’ve kept my commitment to be president for all Americans through one of the toughest periods in our nation’s history.

I’ve had a great partner in Vice President Kamala Harris.

It’s been the honor of my life to see the resilience of essential workers getting us through a once-in-a-century pandemic, the heroism of service members and first responders keeping us safe, the determination of advocates standing up for our rights and our freedoms.

Instead of losing their jobs to an economic crisis that we inherited, millions of Americans now have the dignity of work; millions of entrepreneurs and companies creating new businesses and industries, hiring American workers, using American products.

And together, we’ve launched a new era of American possibilities — one of the greatest modernizations of infrastructure in our entire history, from new roads, bridges, clean water, affordable high-speed Internet for every American.

We invented the semiconductor — smaller than the tip of my little finger. And now it’s bringing those chip factories and those jobs back to America where they belong, creating thousands of jobs.

Finally giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for millions of seniors.

And finally doing something to protect our children and our families by passing the most significant gun safety law in 30 years and bringing violent crime to a 50-year low.

Meeting our sacred obligation to over 1 million veterans so far who were exposed to toxic materials, and to their families — providing medical care and education benefits and more for their families.

You know, it will take time to feel the full impact of all we’ve done together. But the seeds are planted, and they’ll grow and they’ll bloom for decades to come.

At home, we’ve created nearly 17 million new jobs — more than any other single administration in a s- — single term.

More people have health care than ever before.

And overseas, we’ve strengthened NATO. Ukraine is still free. And we’ve pulled ahead of our competition with China. And so much more.

I’m so proud of how much we’ve accomplished together for the American people. And I wish the incoming administration success, because I want America to succeed.

That’s why I’ve upheld my duty to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power to ensure we lead by the power of our example. I have no doubt that America is in a position to continue to succeed.

That’s why, in my farewell address tonight, I want to warn the country of some things that give me great concern. And this is the dangerous concer- — and that’s the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of very few ultra-wealthy people, and the dangerous consequences if their abuse of power is left unchecked.

Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead.

We see the consequences all across America. And we’ve seen it before, more than a century ago. But the American people stood up to the robber barons back then and busted the trusts.

They didn’t punish the wealthy. They just made the wealthy pay the by — play by the rules everybody else had to. Workers won rights to earn their fair share. You know, they were dealt into the deal, and it helped put us on the path to building the largest middle class and the most prosperous century any nation the world has ever seen, and we’ve got to do that again.

In the last four years, that is exactly what we’ve done.

People should be able to make as much as they can, but pay — play by the same rules, pay their fair share in taxes.

So much is at stake. Right now, the existential threat of climate change has never been clearer. Just look across the country, from California to North Carolina.

That’s why I signed the most significant climate and clean energy law ever — ever — in the history of the world, and the rest of the world is trying to model it now. It’s working, creating jobs and industries of the future.

You know, we’ve proven we don’t have to choose between protecting the environment and growing the economy. We’re doing both.

But powerful forces want to wield their unchecked influence to eliminate the steps we’ve taken to tackle the climate crisis to serve their own interest for power and profit.

We must not be bullied into sacrificing the future, the future of our children and our grandchildren. We must keep pushing forward and push faster. There is no time to waste.

It’s also clear that American leadership in technology is unparalleled — an unparalleled source of innovation that can transform lives. We see the same dangers of the concentration of technology, power, and wealth.

You know, his farewell address, President Eisenhower spoke of the dangers of the military-industrial complex. He warned us then about, and I quote, “the potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power,” end of quote.

Six day lec- — six decades later, I’m equally concerned about the p- — potential rise of a tech-industrial complex that could pose real dangers for our country as well.

Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation enabling the abuse of power. The free press is crumbling. Editors are disappearing. Social media is giving up on fact-checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit.

We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families, and our very democracy from the abuse of power.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is the most consequential technology of our time — perhaps of all time. Nothing offers more profound possibilities and risks for our economy and our security, our society, our very — for humanity.

Artificial intelligence even has the potential to help us answer my call to end cancer as we know it. But unless safeguards are in place, AI could spawn new threats to our rights, our way of life, to our privacy, how we work, and how we protect our nation.

We must make sure AI is safe and trustworthy and good for all humankind.

In the age of AI, it’s more important than ever that the people must govern. And as the land of liberty, America — not China — must lead the world on the development of AI.

You know, in the years ahead, it will help to be — it’s going to be up to the president, the presidency, the Congress, the courts, the free press, and the American people to confront these powerful forces.

We must reform the tax code — not by giving the biggest tax cuts to billionaires, but by making them begin to pay their fair share.

We need to get dark money — that’s that hidden funding behind too many campaigns’ contributions — we need to get it out of our politics.

We need to enact an 18-year time limit — term limit — time and term — for the strongest ethics ref- — and the strongest ethics reforms for our Supreme Court.

We need to ban members of Congress from pra- — from trading stock while they’re in the Congress.

We need to amend the Constitution to make clear that no president — no president — is immune from crimes that he or she commits while in office. The president’s power is limit- — it’s not absolute, and it shouldn’t be.

And in a democracy, there’s another danger to the concentration of power and wealth. It erodes a sense of unity and common purpose. It causes distrust and division. Participating in our democracy becomes exhausting and even disillusioning, and people don’t feel like they have a fair shot.

But we have to stay engaged in the process. I know it’s frustrating.

A fair shot is what makes America, America. Everyone is entitled to a fair shot — not a guarantee, but just a fair shot, an even playing field — going as far as your hard work and talent can take you.

We can never lose that essential truth — remain who we are.

I’ve always believed and I’ve told other world leaders America can be defined by one word: possibilities.

Only in America do we believe anything possible, like a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, sitting behind the — this desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States.

That’s the magic of America. It’s all around us.

Upstairs in the residence of the White House, I’ve walked by a painting of the Statue of Liberty I don’t know how many times. In the painting, there are several workers climbing on the outstretched arm of the statue that holds the torch. It reminds me every day I pass it of the story and soul of our nation and the power of the American per- — people.

There’s a story of a veteran — this is — a veteran, a son of an immigrant, whose job it was to climb that torch and polish the amber panes so rays of light could reach out as far as possible. He was known as the “keeper of the flame.”

He once said of the Statue of Liberty, quote, “speaks a silent universal language, one of hope, that anyone who seeks and speaks freedom can understand.”

Yes, we sway back and forth to withstand the fury of the storm, to stand the test of time — a constant struggle — constant struggle, a short distance between peril and possibility.

But what I believe is the America of our dreams is always closer than we think. And it’s up to us to make our dreams come true.

Let me close by stating my gratitude to so many people. To the members of my administration, as well as public service and first responders across the country and around the world, thank you for stepping up to serve.

To our service members and your families, it’s been the highest honor of my life to lead you as commander in chief.

And, of course, to Kamala and her incredible partner — a historic vice president. She and Doug have become like family. And to me, family is everything.

My deepest appreciation to our amazing first lady, who is with me in the Oval today, for our entire family. You are the love of my life and lifes of my love.

And my eternal thanks to you, the American people. After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands, a nation where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure.

Now it’s your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keeper of the flame. May you keep the faith.

I love America. You love it too.

God bless you all. And may God protect our troops. Thank you for this great honor.

8:17 P.M. EST

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     By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

     I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, in view of changing circumstances on the ground in Syria and in order to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13894 of October 14, 2019 (Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Syria), hereby order:

Section 1.  Amendments to Executive Order 13894.  Executive Order 13894 is hereby amended by:

(a)  striking from the second paragraph the phrase “, and in particular the recent actions by the Government of Turkey to conduct a military offensive into northeast Syria,”;

(b)  striking subsections (1)(a)(i)(B)-(F) and inserting, in lieu thereof, the following:

“(B)  to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or

(C)  to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order.”; and

     (c)  striking subsection 8(f).

Sec. 2.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

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

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

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

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



                                            JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.



THE WHITE HOUSE,
    January 15, 2025.

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TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:


     Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby report that I have issued an Executive Order in order to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13894 of October 14, 2019 (Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Syria).   

     The order makes minimal edits to Executive Order 13894 in light of the fact that certain operations referenced in that order ceased 5 years ago.  In particular, under the amended order, the United States may still sanction any person determined to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged in, or attempted to engage in actions or policies that further threaten the peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of Syria or the commission of serious human rights abuse.

I am enclosing a copy of the Executive Order I have issued. 



                                                                                                 JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.



THE WHITE HOUSE,
    January 15, 2025.

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THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Rhian.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)  Please.  I’m going home now.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Please — please sit down.
 
Rhian, thank you for that introduction.  Your commitment to conservation gives me so much optimism for the future, and I mean that sincerely. 
 
Before I go much further, I want to explain to you why we have these screens up here.  I was hoping we were going to do this in place so the American people — this being covered by the media — would see what we’re talking about — feel it, sort of taste it. 
 
This is as close as we could get.  I’m going to — as I speak, hopefully they’re going to bring up the areas I’m talking about so people get some sense of what we’re talking about.
 
But I want to make a special thanks to Secretary Deb Haaland whose incredible leadership these past four years has scared the hell out of me.  (Laughter and applause.)  I’ve been doing this job a long time not as president but in public life.  I’m afraid to tell her “no.”  (Laughter.)  She doesn’t take no for an answer on anything.  I promise you, she has a list — (laughter) — still. 
 
You’ve done a hell of a job.  I’m so proud to have nominated you for that.  And thanks for the job you’ve done.
 
As you all know, I was in California last week where the event was supposed to be held, but we had to postpone it because of the fires in Los Angeles — among the worst wildfires in California history.  It’s devastating. 
 
For Kamala and for so many of you, it’s home.  She and I and our entire administration have been working closely with Governor Newsom, Senator Padilla, Senator Schiff, the entire congressional delegation to make sure California has every possible resource to fight these fires and help the survivors — (applause) — and fight back against the misinformation that’s going out.
 
You know, that includes our heroic firefighters and first responders.  The hearts of the nation are with the victims and families left behind and all the people who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and so much — so much of the — to these fires.  It’s been devastating.  It’s incredible.  It’s incredible — thousands of homes lost.
 
Folks, yet another reminder a tragedy like this is not about blue states and red states, not about conservatives and liberals.  It’s about the United States of America — the United States of America. 
 
And now, to turn to today’s event, in addition to Secret- — Secretary Haaland, we have elected officials of the community and from the Tribal community — the “Indian Nations.”  I learned that a long time ago from Danny Inouye.  Just want you to know that, okay?
 
I once said “those Indian reser-” — he said, “No, no, no.  Joe, come here.”  Anyway, I was only 30 years old, but I learned it really quickly.  (Laughter.)
 
Look, members of the California delegation and Senator Padilla, Representative Ruiz championed legislation to establish these national monuments; key members of my administration, Brenda, chair of the Council of Economic and Quality [Environmental Quality]; and — and — you know, and the staff from the Bureau of Land Management and the Fire Servi- — the Forest Service. 
 
Like many families, Jill and I made it a tradition to take our children and grandchildren to national parks and monuments every year.  I wanted them to see — wanted them to see, feel, smell, taste, look at just what had been preserved. 
 
And every time I looked at it, I thought about Teddy Roosevelt and these people, what they — all the pre- — all they preserved.  Imagine had they not acted.  Imagine — imagine had they not acted. 
 
And I wanted them to witness the majesty and beauty of America.  It’s absolutely majestic.  Our natural wonders are the heart and soul of our nation.  And you all know it in this room.  They unite us.  They inspire us.  It’s a birthright we pass down from generation to generation. 
 
And that’s why, on day one of my administration and since then, we’ve been carrying out the most aggressive climate agenda ever in the history of the world.  (Applause.)  I mean it.  And make no mistake, I was able to do it because of you.  (Applause.)  I — no, I mean it.  But — I’m not kidding you.  Because of you, including the historic steps to conserve our natural resources for the ages. 
 
My second week as president, I signed — I signed an executive order establishing the first-ever conservation goal to protect 30 percent of all our lands and waters everywhere in America by 2030 — 30 percent.  (Applause.) 
 
I call this national campaign “America the Beautiful.”  That’s what it’s called: “America the Beautiful.”  And over the last four years, we have delivered, with your help, putting America on track to meet that bold goal. 
 
Restoring and creating new national monuments; conserving hundreds of millions of acres of lands and waters all across the — America, from New England to Minnesota, Texas to Colorado, Arizona to Alaska. 
 
I’ve also created the first national marine sanctuary in U.S. — in the United States proposed by Indigenous communities.  And I thank you for your push.  I thank you for your push.  (Applause.)
 
It stretches 116 miles along the California coast — 116 miles.  It’s going to protect the natural and cultural resources while also supporting our progress on offshore wind, I might add.  (Applause.)
 
And today, I’m proud to use my authority under the Antiquities Act to designate two more national monuments in California.  First, Chuckwalla National Monument — (applause) — in the southern California desert.  This monument will protect more than 624,000 acres of wildlife habitat and sacred ancestral lands. 
 
Ladies and gentlemen, together [with] prior designations, we’re going to create a contiguous corridor along the Colorado River of nearly 18 million acres of protected land — the largest in the lower 48 states.  And the area — (applause).
 
And for those at home who may be listening, that’s bigger than the entire state of West Virginia.  And it’s called the Moab-Mojave Conservation Corridor. 
 
Look, today’s action will also protect and preserve mountain ranges and rugged canyons, desert floors and deep valleys, sandy slopes, stunning peaks.  Tucked away in this desert landscape are beautiful springs and over 50 rare plants and animals.  Palm trees, cacti, lavender flowers, lizards and mountain lions, bats, bighorn sheep, owls, desert shor- –tortoises — I mean, this is incredible what’s there.
 
This action also preserves the mosaic of trails woven together by Tribal Nations that trace their origins back thousands of years — thousands of years.  And left behind on these trails are ancient ceramics, tools, rock art, sacred ceremonial sites that will also be preserved.
 
We’re also preserving ruins of old mines from the 1800s.  Their construction brove out in- — drove out Indigenous people from their homes, a reminder of the harm that was done. 
 
And there are remnants of a U.S. Army camp — trained units of desert combat shortly after World War — we entered World War II. 
 
For generations, this place of wonder has attracted outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers, horseback riders exploring these vast lands, as well as scientists and geologists who are studying how the earth evolves.  
 
Many veterans also returned here to heal their wounds, mental and physical, and invisible wounds as well — seeking solace and serenity in ways that only nature can provide.  And you all know that.  Only nature can provide some of this.  Nothing else.
 
And next door to this monument, solar energy is being built, which proves what I’ve often said: We don’t have to choose between the environment and the economy or between conservation and clean energy.  We can do both at the same time.  (Applause.)  At the same time.
 
This monument offers a perfect road map for how to strike that balance.  It’s a key element of our climate agenda.  It includes the most significant climate law ever in the history of the world.  That’s not hyperbole.  That’s a fact.
 
A law that’s positioned us to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030; that’s generated $300 billion so far in new private sector clean energy investment — $300 billion — and that’s creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and unleashing a manufacturing boom all across America.  You know, and this matters a great deal. 
 
Second — the second national monument I’m designating today is this — these — this is important.  I — I mispronounced it the first time — (laughter) — Sáttítla Highlands in Northern California.  (Applause.)
 
Two hundred — 240,000 acres of mountains that contain pristine waters and forests and stunning rock formations, laga — lava fields, craters, and volcanic activity from — volcanic activity centuries ago.  At the center of these highlands, a dormant volcano cradles a beautiful lake inside the summit.  
 
The Highlands are home for countless plants, animals, including fox, frogs, bald eagles, bumblebees. 
 
The night skies there are darkest in America, and distant galaxies and stars are extra visible.  It’s incredible.
 
In the 1960s, these lava formations were used by NASA to train astronauts on Apollo missions how to observe and take samples from the moon.  And ever since, this landscape support California’s outdoor recreation economy, from biking, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and so much more. 
 
This area is also sacred in many — sacred to many Tribal Nations so were violently — who were violently forced to leave their homes.  You know, they held ancient ceremonies here.  They found sources of reverence and healing here.  And they’re preserving lands fundamental to who they are and their way of life. 
 
Folks, it’s important.
 
Today’s monument announcements build on another conservation action I took.  Last week, I signed two directives to protect the entire East Coast, West Coast, and Florida Coast of the eastern Gulf and parts of the Alaskan Coast from offshore drilling for natural gas.  (Applause.)  And I might add, that is a big deal.  (Laughter.)
 
My state is only three feet above sea level.  (Laughter.)  Oh, you’re laughing, but it’s important.  Nearly 40 percent of Americans live in coastal communities. 
 
And it’s not only good for the environment; it’s good for our economy.  It’ll protect coastal fishing industry that generates $320 billion of income a year, beach tourism that generates nearly $220 billion annually, and 3 million American jobs.  
 
It also saves us billions in potential damages by avoiding oils spills, like Deepwater Horizon. 
 
You know, in the spirit of conserving not just the waters and lands but our history, I did something else.  I became the first American president to formally recognize a group of mostly Native Hawaiians.  They lived for years on uninhabited Pacific Islands in the run-up to World War II to claim them for the United States.  As a nation, we honor their service, sacrifice as patriots to our country and stewards of the land.  We owe them.
 
Let me close with this.  As president, I’ve had the privilege of bestowing our nation’s highest honors on the world’s preeminent environmental leaders. 
 
Two weeks ago, I bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Jane Goodell [Goodall].  Well, guess what?  She memor- — she has memorialized a global movement to protect the planet.  She’s done an incredible job.
 
In October, I bestowed the National Medal of the Arts on Clyde Butcher, who grew up in California and became America’s most acclaimed landscape photographer today.  Clyde once said, quote, “Wilderness — wilderness is a spiritual necessity.”  I’d add that our wilderness is a national necessity.  
 
Over the past four years, I am proud to have kept my commitment to protect more land and water than any president in American history: more than 670 million acres — bigger than the size of Texas and Alaska combined.  (Applause.)  And without — without you standing up with me, we couldn’t ever done it. 
 
It’s about our planet, our people.  It’s about America itself.  Our outdoor treasures are the pride of our country, a bond between the physical and spiritual world, a bridge to our past and to our future.  Conserving them not only protects the livelihoods of people who depend on them; it preserves a key piece of our history and full — a full American story. 
 
It unites us through the ages.  It connects us to something bigger than ourselves.  And above all, it reminds of who we are — who we are.
 
I just had another baby grandchild born.  Guess what?  (Applause.)  Actually, to be precise — I hate to say it — a great-granddaughter — (laughter) — -son — great-grandson. 
 
And guess what?  Think what this means for your children, your grandchildren, and your great-grandchildren.  I mean it sincerely.  Think of what it means if we don’t do this.
 
Above all, it reminds us of who we are.  We’re the United States of America.  And there’s nothing, nothing, nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together. 
 
I want to thank you all again, because I’m not — this is not hyperbole.  We could’ve never done any of this without the support of the people in this room.  You stepped up.  You made the case.  People listened to you.  Ordinary people listened to you about what — how important this is.
 
And, by the way, if I had my way, I’d make sure everyone can see the natural wonders, because they’d have a more reverent view of who we are.
 
So, folks, God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops.  
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)
 
The first bill I’m signing is the establishment of the California Chuckwalla National Monument.  (Applause.)
 
Today is the 14th, right?
 
PARTICIPANT:  Yes.
 
(The bill is signed.)  (Applause.)
 
And the s- — the signing pen goes to the secretary, because I’m afraid not to give it to her.  (Laughter.)  No, you’ve done an incredible job, and I’ll get each of you a signing pen.
 
All right. 
 
SECRETARY HAALAND:  Thank you, sir.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  You’re welcome.
 
The second I’m signing is the establishment of the Highlands National Monument.  Here we go.
 
I’ve got to fill this in?
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Sáttítla.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I know, Santino [Sáttítla].  I’m trying — why — the day of — on this hand — you’ll fill in the dates here, guys?  (Laughter.)  All right.
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  The 14th, sir.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No, I know that, but I don’t want to —
 
(The bill is signed.) 
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)
 
Thank you very much.  (Applause.)
 
(Inaudible.)  (Laughter.)  Thank you all.  I really mean it, none of this would’ve happened without you guys.  I really, really, genuinely mean it.  This was a national movement you generated.
 
So, thank you.  (Applause.)

The post Remarks by President Biden Establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in California appeared first on The White House.

U.S. Department of State
Washington, D.C.

2:23 P.M. EST

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  If I didn’t say anything, this would go on all afternoon — (laughter) — for good reason.

Mr. President, it is an honor to welcome you back to the State Department.

On day one of this administration, you shared a few things with me.  You told me something that we long discussed, reminded me that American engagement, American leadership is essential. 

If we’re not engaged, if we’re not leading, you said, someone else is likely to be doing it and probably not in a way that advances our interests or values.  Or maybe no one’s doing it, and then we’re likely to have a vacuum filled with bad things before it’s filled with good things. 

But the other thing you told me, Mr. President, was that there’s a greater premium than ever before on finding ways to cooperate, to coordinate, to work with other countries if we’re going to get done what we need to get done for the American people. 

And so, you instructed me, you instructed all of us to get out there, to rebuild, to rejuvenate, even to reimagine our alliances and partnerships. 

And I remember what you told me then.  You said, “We don’t know when this is going to make a difference, when we’re going to need these friendships, these partnerships, but someday, some way, somewhere, they’re going to be critical for advancing the national interest.”  And that’s exactly what the men and women of this department have done, and we’ve been able to carry out that charge for two reasons. 

First, the people you see before you and so many others who are out in the field or embassies and consulates — you said when you came here four years ago that the leadership of diplomats of every stripe doing the daily work of government is essential.  And they proved it.

That daily work has become nightly work — (laughter) — 24/7, 7 days a week — hammering out agreements, jumping into action in crisis, creating opportunities for our citizens around the world, producing expert advice for you and your team at the White House. 

Everyone heres know — here knows this work can be tough, it’s often not very glamorous, but it makes us stronger.  It makes the world a better place. 

And we simply couldn’t do it without the extraordinary men and women that you have before us, as well as our remarkable partners in government, starting with the great White House team led by Jake Sullivan, my friends and colleagues from across the administration — the secretary of Defense, Samantha Power at USAID, the secretary of the Treasury, Commerce, and so on.  All of these partnerships that we’ve built and built with their teams have made a difference. 

So, to all of my colleagues, thank you.  Thank you for your friendship.  Thank you for your partnership. 

There’s one other reason that we’ve been able to reengage and rejuvenate our diplomacy.  Mr. President, that’s you. 

You have never wavered in the conviction that when America leads, when America engages, there is little we cannot accomplish and that this country remains a force for good, a force for progress around the world.

Your unshakable belief in the promise of America has inspired me for more than 20 years.  It’s inspired so many people in this department and around the world. 

Simply put, it’s been the privilege of my lifetime to work for you, to work with you, to work with this extraordinary team that you’ve assembled. 

And it’s the honor of a lifetime to be able to introduce, one more time, the 46th president the United States, Joe Biden.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.) 

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

Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

It’s good to be back at the State Department. 

Tony, if I may start by saying this, you’re one of the finest men I’ve ever known in any undertaking for one important reason: You have –- (applause) — you’re not only brilliant, you have incredible character.  You have character.  You have more integrity than almost anybody I know.  Thank you for always sticking with me.  Appreciate it.  (Applause.)

Folks, I’m grateful for his counsel and his friendship as well, but I also want to thank the members of my Cabinet and the members of the Congress who are today.  And to all — all our diplomats and development experts, service members, and intelligence professionals: Many of the achievements we’re going to discuss today were — are the result of your hard work.  And that’s not hyperbole.  It’s true.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for your extraordinary service. 

You know, I come here to the State Department to report on the Ameri- — to the American people on the progress we’ve made in the last four years in our foreign policy in our presidency. 

I’ve said many times: We’re at an inflection point.  The post-Cold War period is over.  A new era has begun.  In these four years, we faced crises that — and we’ve been tested.  We’ve come through those tests stronger, in my view, than we entered those tests.  This is a fierce competition underway — the future of the global economy, technology, human values, and so much else. 

Right now, in my view, thanks to our administration, the United States is winning the worldwide competition.  Compared to four years ago, America is stronger, our alliances are stronger, our adversaries and competitors are weaker, and we have not gone to war to make these things happen. 

During my presidency, I’ve increased America’s power in every dimension.  We’ve increased our diplomatic power, creating more allies the United States has ever had in the history of our nation.  We’ve increased our military power, making the most significant investments in the Defense Industrial Base in decades. 

We’ve increased the technology power, taking the lead on artificial intelligence and other technologies of the future. 

And we’ve increased the economic power, building the most dynamic economy in the world from the bottom up and the middle out, not the top down. 

In short, Kamala and I took office.  Our nation had become stronger at home — are stronger in the world.  And now, America is more capable and, I would argue, better prepared than we’ve been in a long, long time.  While our competitors and adversaries are facing stiff headwinds, we have the wind at our back because of all of you.

This is what we’re heading into.  And over to the next administration, that’s what we’re handing it to.

Today, I want to lay out what we’ve done and the opportunities we’ve created for America and those opportunities going forward. 

Today, I can report to the American people: Our sources of national power are far stronger than they were when we took office.  Our economy is booming, although there is more work to do.  Our technologies, from artificial intelligence to biotech, quantum, and — to advanced semiconductors are the envy of the world. 

And we have made the most significant investments in America and the American workers since the New Deal to rebuild our roads and bridges, our ports and airports, clean water systems, affordable high-speed Internet, and so much more; to build American manufacturing; to make advanced semiconductors, which we invented here at home.  And we made the largest investment in climate and clean energy ever, anywhere on Earth in the history of the world, spurring nearly $500 billion in private-sector investment. 

We’ve also significantly strengthened the defense industrial base, investing almost $1.3 trillion in procurement and research and development.  In real dollars, that’s more than America did in any four-year period during the Cold War.  This is going to ensure that we’re fully equipped to fight and win wars, which is also the best way to deter wars in the first place. 

Today, I can report to the American people: Our alliances are stronger than they’ve been in decades.  NATO is more capable than it’s ever been.  And many more of our Allies are paying their fair share.  Before I took office, nine NATO Allies were spending 2 percent of their GDP on defense.  Now 23 are spending 2 percent. 

And look at the Indo-Pacific.  We’ve made partnerships stronger and created new partnerships to challenge China’s aggressive behavior and to rebalance power in the region.  We did what few thought was possible: to build the first-ever trilateral partnership between the United States, Japan, and South Korea and then another among the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, drawing closer our Pacific allies to defend our shared security and prosperity. 

We brokered a defense pact known as AUKUS among the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific allies as only America is able to do. 

And we’ve taken the Quad to the next level.  The United States, Japan, Austria — Australia, and India.  When we were — had that first meeting, I was dumbfounded when they all called and said, “Can we do this at your house?”  (Laughter.)  You think I’m kidding.  (Laughter.)  My wife said, “No problem.”  (Laughter.) 

It was during the U.N. meeting, and we thought we were going to do it in New York, but they wanted to do it in Delaware.  I said, “Why?”  They said, “We can know — then people will know we’re really friends.”  (Laughter.)

Our democracies, with vibrant ec- — economies, working closely — security, supply chains, technology, and so much more. 

In the Red Sea, we brought together more than 20 countries for (inaudible) civil- — to protect civilian ships from attack by the Houthis, defending freedom of navigation in one of the world’s busiest waterways. 

And we have strengthened partnerships all across the Americas, defending democracy and targeting corruption, addressing migration, increasing prosperity, and protecting Amazon rainforest, which captures billions of tons — billions of tons of carbon from the atmosphere every year. 

Overall, we’ve reinvigorated people’s faith in the United States as a true, true partner. 

Today, I can report to the American people: Our adversaries are weaker than they were when we came into this job four years ago.  Just consider Russia.  When Putin invaded Ukraine, he thought he’d conquer Kyiv in a matter of days.  But the truth is: Since that war began, I’m the only one that’s stood in the center of Kyiv, not him.  Putin never has.  (Applause.)  Think about it.  It was a long train ride, but I’m the only commander in chief to visit a war zone not controlled by U.S. forces.  We helped the Ukrainians stop Putin. 

And now, nearly thr- — three years later, Putin has failed to achieve any of his strategic objectives.  He has failed thus far to subjugate Ukraine; failed to break the — break the unity of NATO; and failed to make large territorial gains. 

But there’s more to do.  We can’t walk away.  We rallied 50 nations to stand with Ukraine.  Not just in Europe but the first — for the first time in Asia as well, because those countries in Asia know what happens in Ukraine matters to them as well. 

We delivered air interceptors, massive numbers of munitions; enacted relentless, unprecedented sanctions to keep Ukraine in the fight.  And now Russia is struggling to replace what they are losing on the battlefield in terms of military equipment and fighters, and the ruble is under enormous pressure.

As I saw it, when Putin launched his invasion, I had two jobs: one, to rally the world to defend Ukraine, and the other is to avoid war between two nuclear powers.  We did both those things.  And today, Ukraine is still free, independent country with the potential — the potential for a bright future.  And we laid the foundation for the next administration so they can protect the bright future of the Ukrainian people. 

And now, look at Iran.  Did you ever think we would be where we are with Iran at this moment?  After those despicable attacks by Hamas on October the 7th, Iran directly attacked Israel twice with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones.  And twice they failed because the United States organized a coalition of countries to stop them and ordered U.S. aircraft to come to the defense of Israel.  

Now Iran’s air defenses are in shambles.  Their main proxy, Hezbollah, is badly wounded.  And as we tested Iran’s willingness to revive the nuclear deal, we kept the pressure with sanctions.  Now Iran’s economy is in desperate straits.  All told, Iran is weaker than it’s been in decades. 

And if you want more evidence that we’ve seriously weakened Iran and Russia, just take a look at Syria.  President Assad was both countries’ closest ally in the Middle East.  Neither — neither could keep him in power.  Quite frankly, neither really tried very hard. 

Now, I cannot claim credit for every factor that led to Iran and Russia growing weaker in the past four years.  They did plenty of damage all by themselves.  But Israel did plenty of damage to Iran and its proxies.  But there’s no question our actions contributed significantly. 

And now, major authoritarian states are aligning more closely with one another — Iran, Russia, China, North Korea.  But that’s more out of weakness than out of strength.  So as the new administration begins, the United States is in a fundamentally stronger position with respect to these countries than we were four years ago. 

Today, I can report to the American people: We’re in a better strategic position in the long-term competition with China than we were when I took office.  You all recall many experts believed — were predicting it was inevitable that China’s economy would surpass ours.  According to many predictions, that would happen by the year 2030 or shortly thereafter. 

But we in this room said, “No.  If we make the investments in ourselves, if we protect our workers and technologies, that will not happen.”  Now, according to the latest predictions on China’s current course, they will never surpass us.  Period.

I met one on one with President Xi in consequential summits.  He and I have always been direct and straightforward with each other.  I made it clear we expect China and everyone to abide by the international rules.  And so, we stood up against unfair trade practices, taking action when China dumped subsidized goods — incredibly subsidized — on our markets to undercut our workers. 

We imposed target tariffs on critical sectors like cars, steel, and semiconductors, rather than across-the-board tariffs.  We imposed historic export controls on investments restrictions to ensure that China cannot — cannot use the most advanced technology and sensive data — and sens- — sensitive data against us. 

And critically, we enlisted our allies and partners to join us, building more convergence among our allies on a shared approach to China than ever existed and showing that it’s more effective to deal with China alongside of partners, rather than going it alone. 

But even while we compete vigorously, we’ve managed our relationship with China responsibly so it’s never tipped over into conflict.  We’ve created lines of communication between President Xi and myself and between the leaders of our militaries to avoid misunderstanding. 

We found ways to work with each other to address climate change, to reduce the flow of fentanyl into the United States — which, by the way, overdor- — overdose deaths are coming down across our nation.  And in my administration, we’ve seized more fentanyl at our border in two years than the previous five years combined. 

Today, I can also report to the American people: We’re [I’m] the first president in decades who is not leaving a war in Afghanistan to his successor.  When we got bin Laden during the Obama-Biden administration, the primary objective of war had been accomplished, and I believed that going forward, the primary threat of al-Qaeda would no longer be emanating from Afghanistan but from elsewhere and so we did not need to station sizable number of American forces in Afghanistan.

So, when I took office, I had a choice.  Ultimately, I saw no reason to keep thousands of servicemen in Afghanistan.  I think I had my schedule with me and I keep it on my — I don’t here.  I don’t have it, but I keep it on the back of my card, the actual number of dead and wounded that occurred in our longest war, to remind myself.  Keep spending hundreds of millions of dollars a day.  We’re now [no] longer doing that. 

In my view, it was time to end the war and bring our troops home, and we did. 

I commend the courage of all those who served in Afghanistan.  We grieve all 2,461 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the longest war in American history.  And I grieve those brave service members whose lives were lost during the withdrawal. 

We also thank those inside and outside our government who have done so much to help thousands of Afghan families resettle in the United States. 

Remember, critics said if we ended the war, it would damage our alliances and it would create threats to our homeland from foreign-directed terrorism out of a safe haven in Afghanistan.  Neither has occurred.  Neither has occurred.  And our alliances have stayed strong. 

We’ve used our over-the-horizon capabilities to strike in Afghanistan and elsewhere when we had to — for instance, eliminating Zawahiri, the leader of al-Qaeda, who helped orchestrate the September 11th attacks.  And we did it without putting more American boots on the ground. 

And by ending the war, we’ve been able to focus our energy and resources on more urgent challenges.  There is nothing — I can tell you from my conversations with both Xi and Putin — nothing our adversaries and competitors, like Russia and China, would have liked more than seeing us continue to be tied down in Afghanistan for another decade. 

For all those reasons, ending the war was the right thing to do, and I believe history will reflect that. 

And from the moment I entered office, I also worked to free as many Americans as possible being held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas.  We brought home more than 75 Americans, by last count.  And in some cases, it took months, even years, of effort, like the prisoner swap with Russia over the past summer, a feat of diplomacy v- — involving all — many of you and involving multiple countries who joined complex negotiations at our request — another example of the power of our alliances.  If we did not have these relationships, those women and women [men] would likely still be in prison. 

And finally, I can report to the American people that we’ve restored our leadership on a range of other generational priorities. 

When I took office, we were no longer part of the international climate agreement.  We announced on day one that re- — we would join the Paris Accord — rejoin. 

And we’ve led by example; we’ve conserved hundreds of millions of acres — hundreds of millions of acres of land and water, more than any president in American history; making investments in clean energy and convincing other nations to join us. 

Thanks to our efforts, the world has reached the goal of investing $100 billion every year in public and private funds to reduce greenhouse emissions, to drive down the cost of clean energy, to help developing nations adapt to climate change. 

Our administration has launched a transformative initiative to build high-impact infrastructure in developing nations.  It’s called PGI.  You all know that better than anyone.  This is our alternative to what China offers with its massive projects across Africa and beyond.  But their approach features no workers’ rights, no environmental protections, unmanageable debt, shoddy construction — all in exchange for military access to ports and other exploitative purposes. 

By contrast, we’ve leveraged $600 billion and unleashed the private sector to build an infrastructure in order to grow economies and combat climate change.  As an example, I was recently in Angola to see a major project being built with the help of American public funding, which brought in even more private investment. 

We’re building the first-ever transcontinental railroad across Africa that will significantly improve the economies of the region, will help farmers transport crops to new global markets, will transport critical minerals that would — that need — that are needed for electric vehicles and semiconductors.  China used to control the supply chains and these materials, but not for long. 

Now, make no mistake: There are serious challenges that the United States must continue to deal with in Ukraine, in the Middle East, in the Indo-Pacific.  We must keep the pressure on the Houthis, who are attacking ships in the Red Sea, launching missiles at Israel, and firing at American forces.  We must deter North Korea as they rattle their saber and draw closer to Russia.  And new challenges will certainly emerge in the months and years ahead. 

But even — but even so, it’s clear: My administration is leaving the next administration with a very strong hand to play.  And we’re leaving them an America with more friends and stronger alliances, whose adversaries are weaker and under pressure; an America that once again is leading, uniting countries, setting the agenda, bringing others together behind our plans and visions; an America which is no longer at war, which has made historic investments in American workers, American energies, Am- — American factories, generating the strongest economy in the world, which is now in a much better position to win the future against any competitor. 

These wins are not partisan.  They’re American.  They benefit all Americans and reflect America’s endless capacity for leadership and reinvention. 

Look, folks, the United States should take full advantage of our diplomatic and geopolitical opportunities we’ve created to keep bringing countries together to deal with challenges posed by China; to make sure Putin war — Putin’s war ends in a just and lasting peace for Ukraine; and to capitalize on a new moment for a more stable, integrated Middle East. 

To do that, the next administration must make sure the fall of Assad does not lead to the resurgence of ISIS in Syria and across the region.  It must carry forward the commitment that America will never, never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. 

And on the war between Israel and Hamas, we’re on the brink of a proposal that I laid out in detail months ago finally coming to fruition.  I have learned in many years of public service to never, never, never, ever give up. 

So, I spoke to prime minister of Israel yesterday.  I spoke to the amir of Qatar today.  I look forward to speaking with President Sisi soon.  We’re pressing hard to close this. 

The deal we have structured would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel, and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians, who have suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started.  They’ve been through hell.  So many innocent people have been killed.  So many communities have been destroyed. 

The Palestinian people deserve peace and the right to determine their own futures.  Israel deserves peace and real security.  And the hostages and their families deserve to be reunited.  And so, we’re working urgently to close this deal. 

And as we deal with immediate challenges, in my view, we have to look to the future.  I urge the next administration to carry forward two issues that have been central to my presidency and which shape the future, in my view. 

On artificial intelligence, we are in the lead and we must stay in the lead.  We must not offshore artificial intelligence, as we once did with computer chips and other critical technologies.  AI has the power to reshorp — reshape economies, governments, national security, entire societies.  And it must be the United States and our closest allies that lead the way to ensure people’s rights are respected, their safety is protected, and their data is secure. 

And likewise, the clean energy transition will race ahead in the years to come.  I know in some incoming administration — some in the incoming administration are skeptical about the need for clean energy.  They don’t even believe climate change is real.  I think they come from a different century. 

They’re wrong.  They are dead wrong.  It’s the single greatest existential threat to humanity.  And the clean energy transition is already happening. 

China is trying to dominate the clean energy, manufacturing critical minerals, supply chains.  They want to capture the market of the future and create new dependencies. 

The United States must win that contest, and we will shape the global economy and the planet for decades to come. 

Let me close with this.  Like many of you, I’ve dedicated a significant portion of my career to our nation’s foreign policy — as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee as a senator, as vice president for eight years, and now president of the United States.  I put together one of the most competent foreign policy teams, I would argue, in American history, sitting in this room and before my eyes.  

Throughout my career, the world has gone — undergone tremendous change.  But certain things have always held true.  At our best, America leads not only by the example of our power but the power of our example. 

In the past four years, we’ve used that power not to go it alone but, instead, to bring countries together, to increase shared security and prosperity, to stand up to aggression, and to solve problems through diplomacy wherever possible; and to relentlessly defend democracy, civil rights, and human rights, because that’s who we are.  That’s who we are.

You’ve heard me say it many times before.  We’re the only country on Earth founded on an idea.  Every other country is founded on geography, religion, ethnicity, or some other unifying factor.  But America was built on an idea — on an idea — literally, not figuratively.  That idea was all women and men are created equal, the idea that has inspired the world for 250 years and counting. 

We’re always reaching to do better, always looking to the future, and, at our best, always seeking progress for our people and for people everywhere. 

It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president.  And today, I’m optimistic about our future — as optimistic as I’ve ever been. 

We just have to remember who in the hell we are.  You’ve heard me say it many times.  We’re the United States of America, for God’s sake.  There is nothing, nothing, nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together and commit to it — nothing.

So, thank you all for all you’ve done.  I hope many of you are going to be staying in the next administration to keep this moving. 

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

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

2:51 P.M. EST

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The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) has issued Rising Together, its final report to President Joe Biden. The report offers a comprehensive review of the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and includes:

• A broad summary of WHIAANHPI’s activities to uplift AA and NHPI visibility, support communities in crisis, strengthen federal employment pathways, and promote capacity building;

• Updates from 29 federal agencies detailing the implementation of their action plans and steps they have undertaken since the release of the National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AA and NHPI Communities;

• 86 community-centered, expert-informed recommendations from the President’s Advisory Commission on AA and NHPIs to address systemic barriers in the federal government’s policies and programs, many of which have already been implemented under the Biden-Harris Administration; and

• A snapshot of progress made across seven strategic priority areas, including combating anti-Asian hate, promoting belonging, advancing data disaggregation, improving language access, addressing COVID-19 recovery, expanding outreach and engagement, and diversifying the federal workforce.

To view the full report, please visit: wh.gov/whiaanhpireport2025.

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Today, Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall convened current and future Cabinet members to conduct a statutorily-mandated Principals-Level Presidential Transition Exercise in accordance with President Biden’s direction to carry out a professional transition. This traditional meeting provided a structured opportunity to share lessons learned over the last four years and help the incoming team prepare to protect the Homeland beginning at 12 noon on January 20, 2025. Over the course of two hours, current and future Cabinet members discussed a range of scenarios, including preventing and responding to terrorist attacks as well as managing pathogens like avian flu. Participants underscored the interconnectedness between homeland incidents and global challenges. Participants in the dynamic and interactive discussion included:

Outgoing Administration 

• Secretary of Homeland Security Ali Mayorkas
• Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo  
• FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell
• Attorney General Merrick Garland
• Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dennis McDonough
• Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland
• Deputy Secretary of Defense Kath Hicks
• Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs ADM Chris Grady
• Small Business Administrator Isabel Guzman
• Deputy Director for National Intelligence for Mission Integration Morgan Muir
• Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochi Torres-Small
• Acting Under Secretary of State for Policy John Bass
• Deputy Sectary of Energy David Turk
• Acting EPA Administrator Jane Nishida
• Acting NCTC Director Brett Holmgren
• U.S. Coast Guard Commandant ADM Linda Fagan 
• Deputy Director of the FBI Paul Abbate
• Deputy Director of CISA Nitin Natarajan 
• Director of the CDC Dr. Many Cohen (virtual)
• Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (HHS) Dawn O’Connell
• Administrator of TSA Dave Pekoske 

Incoming Administration 

• Secretary of Homeland Security Nominee Kristi Noem
• Secretary of Transportation Nominee Sean Duffy
• Secretary of Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs Nominee Douglas Collins
• Secretary of State Nominee Marco Rubio
• Director of National Intelligence Nominee TulsiGabbard
• Secretary of Energy Nominee Chris Wright
• Administrator of the EPA Nominee Lee Zeldin
• Secretary of Commerce Nominee Howard Lutnick
• Secretary of Labor Nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer  
• Deputy Secretary of HHS Nominee Jim O’Neill
• Secretary of Education Nominee Linda McMahon
• Secretary of Treasury Nominee Scott Bessent  
• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Nominee Scott Turner
• National Security Advisor Mike Waltz
• Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Alex Wong
• Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hasset

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President Biden spoke today with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel to congratulate him on the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. The two leaders discussed the unimaginable conditions the hostages – including Americans – have experienced over their 15 months in captivity and the terrible suffering their families have faced, and expressed their joy that hostages will soon be reunited with their families.

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   On February 11, 2022, by Executive Order 14064, I 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 and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan.

     The widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan — including the urgent needs of the people of Afghanistan for food security, livelihoods support, water, sanitation, health, hygiene, and shelter and settlement assistance, among other basic human needs — and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  In addition, the preservation of certain property of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) held in the United States by United States financial institutions is of the utmost importance to addressing this national emergency and the welfare of the people of Afghanistan.  Various parties, including representatives of victims of terrorism, have asserted legal claims against certain property of DAB or indicated in public court filings an intent to make such claims.  This property is blocked under Executive Order 14064.

     For these reasons, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14064 of February 11, 2022, must continue in effect beyond February 11, 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 14064 with respect to the widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.



THE WHITE HOUSE,
    January 15, 2025.

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TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:


     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 widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan declared in Executive Order 14064 of February 11, 2022, is to continue in effect beyond February 11, 2025.

     The widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan — including the urgent needs of the people of Afghanistan for food security, livelihoods support, water, sanitation, health, hygiene, and shelter and settlement assistance, among other basic human needs — and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  In addition, the preservation of certain property of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) held in the United States by United States financial institutions is of the utmost importance to addressing this national emergency and the welfare of the people of Afghanistan.  Various parties, including representatives of victims of terrorism, have asserted legal claims against certain property of DAB or indicated in public court filings an intent to make such claims.  This property is blocked under Executive Order 14064.

     Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14064 with respect to the widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.




THE WHITE HOUSE,
    January 15, 2025.

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Presidential Determination

No.        2025-03        

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Subject:       Eligibility of the Republic of Cyprus to Receive

Defense Articles and Defense Services Under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act

Pursuant to the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 503(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and section 3(a)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, I hereby find that the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to the Republic of Cyprus will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace.

You are authorized and directed to transmit this determination and the accompanying memorandum of justification to the Congress and to publish this determination in the Federal Register.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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The Mayflower Hotel
Washington, D.C.

10:09 A.M. EST
 
     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good morning.  (Laughs.)  Good morning, everybody.  (Applause.)
 
Good morning.  Good morning.  (Laughs.)  Good morning, everyone.  (Applause.)
 
Good morning.  (Laughs.) (Applause.)  Oh, good morning, NAN.  Good morning to everyone.  (Applause.)  Please have a seat.
 
I — I heard everybody was hanging out this morning.  I thought I’d come by and say hi.  (Laughter.)
 
And mostly, I just wanted to come by to thank everybody, starting with our Reverend Sharpton.
 
For the truth tellers who are here, in the spirit of Dr. King and this day that we celebrate him — his birthday, January 15th — and every day, and the spirit with which he did what he did — Reverend Sharpton, you and the leaders of NAN live that legacy in every way that is important.
 
This is about soldiers who understand the importance of using our feet, praying, doing good works that are about lifting up the people — with a sense of optimism and purpose.  Always, NAN, Reverend Sharpton, speaking truth, even when it is difficult to speak and more difficult to hear.
 
The leaders here understand, as I often say, that the true measure of the strength of a leader is not based on who you beat down.  It is based on who you lift up.  (Applause.)
 
I thank you for always lifting me up.  But more importantly, I thank you for lifting up whole communities of people who must be seen and heard, and who deserve all the dignity that God gave them to be able to live a life that is productive and a life where they have a quality of life where they know how important they are and how powerful they are.
 
     So, I came by to say thank you. 
 
As you all know, I am a native Californian — born in Oakland, California.  (Applause.)  But I do want to speak about the California fires and the devastation that has occurred in southern California because of these most recent wildfires.
 
You know, communities like Altadena — you know, you’re talking about generations of families that have lived there.  Some of the first hardworking Black families who were able to buy property in California and then pass down those homes through generations.  Many of those families who live in those homes and live intergenerationally within a block of each other, who have lost everything.
 
So, I want to speak about them.  I know we pray for them.  
 
But also, I — I’ve been thinking about it also in the context of what I saw when I was in North Carolina, when I talked to families in Georgia after, most recently, Hurricane Helene.
 
And so, NAN, as we move forward with this new year, one of the — the requests that I make of the leaders here is let’s use the voice of NAN in a way that lifts up what these moments of tragedy and th- — these extreme weather events are doing to the communities that you have historically worked to uplift, because there are a couple things going on that I see as patterns. 
 
One is this, and it’s about what the insurance companies are not doing — (applause) — to extend coverage.  They are canceling coverage, making it more difficult for young homeowners who are just first time buying their home, not even insuring them.  And what that means to those families and whole communities with these predictable extreme weather events, which are increasing.
 
     Climate change is real.  We have long known that some of the communities that will be most devastated by them are communities of color, hardworking communities, Black folks — we know when we talk about the Gulf states.  Right?
 
     So, that’s one issue.  The other issue that these extreme weather events are highlighting but is a big issue for all of us to deal with is the rampant amount of mis- and disinformation that is transiting throughout communities and the work that we then must do to not only recognize that it’s happening but figure out how we’re going to jump into that stream of mis- and disinformation in a way that we, at the very least, can debate it based on the facts that we know to be true, in terms of what’s happening on the ground, but also to rebut the sources of that mis- and disinformation because it often leads the people who NAN has historically worked for in a — in a place of despair and in a place of helplessness and hopelessness.
 
     Again, using as the example extreme weather events, when people are being told, “Oh, there will be no FEMA response.  Oh, you are not entitled to this or that.”  Or leading them astray with information that is misinformation about what they will be entitled to, which exceeds what it might be, and then they feel disappointed and they turn the whole system off.
 
     So, I’m here to talk about these couple of things because they’ve just been on my mind in the last — (laughs) — week — but for quite some time.
 
     But — but again, I’m going to just close my comments by saying this.  This is an extraordinary group of leaders.  And what Dr. King taught us — and — and the King family is here; you know I’m always quoting Coretta Scott King — (laughs) — ours is a journey.  Ours is a journey. 
 
     And the fight that we are in, which is the fight to uplift the people, the fight for freedom, the fight for civil rights, the fight for dignity, the fight for human rights must be fought and won with each generation.
 
     And what we know is that our definition of the win is the definition that takes us over a period of time, where part of how we measure the win is: Are we making progress?  How we measure the win is based on the knowledge that it is an enduring fight and that we must be strong and that whatever the outcome of any particular moment, we can never be defeated.  Our spirit can never be defeated, because when that happens, we won’t win.
 
     And as far as I know and am concerned, when I look at the group of leaders here, this is a group of winners.  (Applause.)  This is a group of winners.  So, let’s stay in the fight.  Let’s do what we got to do.
 
     And, again, I thank you, NAN, for all that you have done for me and so many people who are not in this room. 
 
     Be blessed.  Have a wonderful New Year.  Thank you.  (Applause.)
 
                             END                10:17 A.M. EST
 

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Thanks to the leadership of President Joe Biden, a ceasefire and hostage deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas. I thank the mediators – Emir al-Thani of Qatar and President el-Sisi of Egypt – and I am grateful for the work of U.S. officials whose diligent diplomacy allowed us to arrive at this significant moment.
 
Doug and I pray for all the hostages, and we are grateful that some, including Americans, will soon be reunited with their loved ones. In my meetings with the families of American hostages, I vowed they will never be in this fight alone. President Biden and I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans, and are determined that all the American hostages be returned home as part of this deal.
 
We will never forget the lives taken as a result of the brutal Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, and the horrors endured by countless innocent people in the war that followed. In my many conversations with leaders in the region, my unwavering focus has been to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.
 
Today’s agreement will begin to bring desperately needed relief to the people of Gaza through a surge in humanitarian aid and an end to the fighting. While there is more work to be done, I believe this agreement can be the foundation on which we build toward a two-state solution that creates a more peaceful future for Israeli and Palestinian people. I will never stop working to achieve a future of greater peace, dignity, and security for all people in the region.
 

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 In light of the recent undersea cable incidents in the Baltic Sea, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger spoke with her Nordic-Baltic counterparts from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden to deepen cooperation on protecting undersea cables. 

The meeting participants affirmed the need to deepen practical cooperation through NATO and to jointly implement the New York Joint Statement on the Security and Resilience of Undersea Cables in a Globally Digitalized World, the principles of which outline a shared global approach to ensure the reliability, interoperability, and resiliency for the deployment, operations, and repair and maintenance of undersea cable communications networks.  All participants shared concerns about the range of threats to the security of undersea cable infrastructure whether communication networks or energy, recognizing the critical importance of this infrastructure to nearly every aspect of essential public services, international commerce, and digital economic prosperity.  

In their discussion, the participants emphasized the importance of enhancing public-private cooperation to improve regional security in addition to other efforts to protect critical undersea infrastructure, and discussed the following areas:   

• Harmonize and develop channels and procedures for sharing real-time situational awareness and incident information within national governments, across Allies, and between public and private sector stakeholders, including incorporating private sector disruption notifications,
• Identify opportunities for public-private partnerships to improve repair and maintenance fleet capacity, including through security of supply chain mechanisms, consortium investment and development funding mechanisms;
• Encourage commercial cable operators, where possible, to establish a repository or database to collect and share information between operators regarding accidental cable faults/damage, completed repair work, time taken to repair, and reasons for any repair delays;
• Streamline equipment import/export processes and allow for faster transportation of necessary commercial equipment to facilitate repairs, as appropriate/necessary; and

The participants intend to increase coordination in these areas through NATO, ongoing U.S.-Nordic-Baltic consultations, and all other relevant fora between Allies and partners.

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MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY

SUBJECT:       Extending and Expanding Eligibility for Deferred Enforced Departure for Certain Hong Kong Residents

The United States supports the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the residents of Hong Kong.  The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has continued to significantly erode those rights and freedoms.  I am therefore directing an extension and expansion of the deferral of removal of certain Hong Kong residents, regardless of country of birth, who are present in the United States.

By unilaterally imposing on Hong Kong the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (NSL) in June 2020, the PRC has undermined the enjoyment of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, including those protected under the Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration.  Following the NSL’s enactment, the PRC has continued its assault on Hong Kong’s autonomy, undermining its remaining democratic processes and institutions, imposing limits on academic freedom, and cracking down on freedom of the press.  Since June 2020, at least 200 opposition politicians, activists, and protesters have been taken into custody on politically motivated NSL-related charges including secession, subversion, terrorist activities, and collusion with a foreign country or external elements.  On November 19, 2024, Hong Kong authorities also sentenced 45 pro-democracy advocates to prison for their peaceful participation in political activities protected under the Basic Law of Hong Kong.

There are compelling foreign policy reasons to extend Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for an additional period for those residents of Hong Kong presently residing in the United States who were under a grant of DED until February 5, 2025, as well as to defer enforced departure for other Hong Kong residents who arrived in the United States subsequent to the initial grant of DED.  The United States is committed to a foreign policy that unites our democratic values with our foreign policy goals, which is centered on the defense of democracy and the promotion of human rights around the world.  Offering safe haven for Hong Kong residents who have been deprived of their guaranteed freedoms in Hong Kong furthers United States interests in the region.  The United States will continue to stand firm in our support of the people in Hong Kong.

Pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct the foreign relations of the United States, I have determined that it is in the foreign policy interest of the United States to defer for 24 months the removal of any Hong Kong resident, regardless of country of birth, who is present in the United States on the date of this memorandum, except for those:

(1)  who have voluntarily returned to Hong Kong or the PRC after the date of this memorandum;

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

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

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

(5)  who are subject to extradition;

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

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

I further direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate measures to authorize employment for noncitizens whose removal has been deferred, as provided by this memorandum, for the duration of such deferral, including by extending through February 5, 2027, employment authorization for individuals with current employment authorization under prior grants of DED for certain Hong Kong residents, and to consider suspending regulatory requirements with respect to F-1 nonimmigrant students who are Hong Kong residents as the Secretary of Homeland Security determines to be appropriate.  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall also provide for the prompt issuance of new or replacement documents in appropriate cases.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal. This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed-humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity.

I laid out the precise contours of this plan on May 31, 2024, after which it was endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council. It is the result not only of the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under and the changed regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran — but also of dogged and painstaking American diplomacy. My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done.

Even as we welcome this news, we remember all the families whose loved ones were killed in Hamas’s October 7th attack, and the many innocent people killed in the war that followed. It is long past time for the fighting to end and the work of building peace and security to begin. I am also if thinking of the American families, three of whom have living hostages in Gaza and four awaiting return of remains after what has been the most horrible ordeal imaginable. Under this deal, we are determined to bring all of them home. 

I will speak more about this soon. For now, I am thrilled that those who have been held hostage are being reunited with their families.

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Today, we are announcing that an additional over 91,500 UNITE HERE workers and retirees will have their pension benefits protected from expected future cuts thanks to my American Rescue Plan.

These workers, the unsung heroes of our economy, take care of many of us while we are away from home at airports and in hotels, and these newly approved benefits will allow our nation to take care of them.

When Vice President Harris and I came into office, we promised to fight on behalf of workers to create an economy that grows from the middle out and the bottom up and to ensure a secure retirement for every American. That’s why we worked with Congressional Democrats to include the Butch Lewis Act in my American Rescue Plan.

With today’s actions, our Administration has provided security to over 1.3 million workers and retirees and will ultimately restore or protect the earned retirement benefits of roughly 2 million Americans so that they receive the full retirement benefits that they have earned over the next several decades.

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     Faith sustains many of us across our Nation, sharpening our sense of purpose, uniting us in shared belief, and reminding us of our obligations to each other.  Whether you worship in a church, synagogue, temple, or mosque, the Constitution of the United States protects every American’s right to practice their faith freely or to practice no faith at all.  Today, we celebrate our constitutional right to religious freedom which makes us a beacon of liberty and recommit to protecting that right, both here at home and around the world.

     We are all blessed to live in a Nation that is home to people of many faiths.  However, even in our land of liberty, too many people are afraid that practicing their faith will bring fear, violence, and intimidation.  Over the past year, we have seen a shocking rise in antisemitism in the wake of Hamas’s terrorist attack against Israel and a disturbing rise in Islamophobia.  Hate has no safe harbor here in America.  And around the world, minority communities continue to live in fear of violence and are denied equal protections under the law, including Christians in some countries.

     My Administration is committed to ensuring that people of every faith and belief can live out their deepest conviction freely, peacefully, and safely.  Working with the Congress, my Administration secured the largest ever increase in funding for the physical security of non-profit organizations, including places of worship.  Through that program and many related efforts, we continue to work across government to ensure that all religious communities are able to practice their faith without fear.  Additionally, I created the inter-agency group to counter Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Related Forms of Bias and Discrimination within the United States.  We released the first-ever United States National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, which works to counter antisemitism and protect Jewish communities.  We also released the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate, which works to combat these forms of hate and safeguard Muslim and Arab Americans.  Both strategies seek to strengthen coalitions across religious communities to bring an end to hate.

     We are also working to promote and protect religious freedom worldwide, because it is not only an American constitutional right — it is a human right, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  And so, around the globe, we are working with governments and organizations to end discrimination against religious groups.  My Administration has provided $100 million to promote religious freedom worldwide.  We have also provided hundreds of millions more to support victims fleeing religious repression.  And we have been cracking down on forced labor, which is often connected to the targeting of religious minorities.  My Administration sanctioned more than 240 individuals and entities for serious human rights abuses under the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Program.  The Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism at the Department of State promoted the United States-led “Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism,” a set of international best practices for effective public policy against antisemitism, which more than 40 countries and entities have endorsed.  My Administration also ended the discriminatory travel ban that prevented individuals from several Muslim-majority and African countries from entering the United States.  And the Department of State conducted a review of visa applications and took various corrective actions to process applications that were impacted by that ban, including reconsidering previously denied applications.

     Today, we recognize how religious freedom is at the core of who we are as a Nation. It is central to the freedom we offer all Americans. And it is threaded throughout all our work to advance human freedom and dignity in the world.  The task for all of us is to defend and protect religious liberty for everyone, to build a world where no one is endangered for what they believe, and to see one another as neighbors.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2025, as Religious Freedom Day.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Nearly three years after the reignition of the Biden Cancer Moonshot, the work to end cancer as we know it has had a direct impact on American lives.

Today, the Biden Cancer Moonshot convened leaders and advocates to recognize the important progress made on a central priority of the Biden-Harris Administration, ending cancer as we know it. The event brought together the powerful and diverse Cancer Moonshot community to spotlight collective achievements and chart a course for the future through The Biden Cancer Moonshot: Ending Cancer As We Know It report and celebrate the enduring legacy of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden’s historic leadership of the Cancer Moonshot.  

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the Cancer Moonshot mobilized a whole-of-society approach through the first-ever Cancer Cabinet, collaborating on new actions to better prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer and support those facing this diagnosis. This includes significant impact against a core set of accomplishments:

• Making extraordinary investments to prevent cancer—including protecting 100 million Americans from exposure to PFAS (so-called forever chemicals) and taking action to decrease smoking, the single largest driver of cancer deaths;
• Bringing cancer screenings to more communities—effectively recovering from 10 million missed screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on equity;
• Creating a new research agency, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)—and driving investment and innovation to reach more people and communities with breakthrough advances; and,
• Delivering first-ever reimbursable navigation services—impacting millions of Americans facing cancer and other serious illness, and improving access and affordability of cancer care for all Americans.

Even as the Biden Cancer Moonshot has made historic progress to reduce cancer deaths and improve the experience of those touched by cancer, the work continues across the government and private sector, to achieve these ambitious goals.

Today’s announcements from the Biden Cancer Moonshot include:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposed rule that, if finalized, would set a maximum nicotine level in certain combustible tobacco products, including cigarettes, thereby making them minimally or non-addictive. Smoking is the single largest driver of cancer deaths in this country. This rule would be the first of its kind globally—and a major step forward to reduce tobacco-related disease and death for millions of Americans.  This rule puts the power back in the hands of individuals, enabling those who want to quit to be successful and preventing millions of youths and others from starting in the first place.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) will double its investment in research on early-onset cancers. With rising rates of early-onset cancers nationally, that is, cancers that typically impact older Americans being diagnosed at increasing levels in young adults, NCI commits to ensuring that accurate and meaningful data are available to researchers and the public. To this end, NCI is leading a new effort to focus on this issue and will leverage new investment in studies into the underlying biology, as well as those that will improve understanding for prevention, treatment, and post-diagnosis care.

NCI will post a Decentralizing Clinical Trials guide with strategies to improve trial efficiencies and expand access to trial participants. The White House Office of Science Technology and Policy convened experts in 2023 to identify strategies for incorporating more decentralized trial elements into cancer clinical trials aligned with recent FDA guidance. The group developed resources that will help agencies, researchers and providers design and conduct clinical trials with decentralized elements, e.g., relaxed or more lenient eligibility criteria, allowing telehealth visits, etc.—encompassing regulatory, site infrastructure, financial, and education elements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is supporting community groups in addressing cancer-causing environmental exposures. CDC is partnering with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the National Center for Healthy Housing, and the Children’s Environmental Health Network to provide grants, subject matter expertise, and technical assistance for up to six community groups to examine concerns around cancer and the environment.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will expand access to cancer genetic testing and at-home colorectal cancer screening. By the end of fiscal year 2025, VA’s Comprehensive Genetic Service will increase cancer genetic testing use by 25%. Genetic testing looks for certain mutations in an individual’s genes that might indicate a higher risk of getting certain cancers, enabling preventative and screening interventions. Additionally, over the same timeframe, VA’s National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program will facilitate mailed fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) in at least 80% of eligible VA facilities. Currently, over 25,000 veterans receive mailed FIT kits each month. This outreach effort is expected to increase the proportion of veterans who are up to date with colorectal cancer screening, thereby promoting early detection and improved outcomes for those who develop cancer.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will finalize new actions to prevent cancer caused by the chemical ethylene oxide (EtO). EtO—a pesticide used in several applications including medical device sterilization and production of dried herbs and spices—is known to cause multiple cancers, including breast cancer, lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and myeloma. Workers who use EtO and people who live, work, and go to school near EtO facilities are at higher cancer risk due to their exposures. EPA’s new action will continue to lower worker exposure limits, finalize bans on several uses, improve air quality in facilities where EtO is used, and enhance monitoring—important steps forward to prevent EtO-caused cancers. The EPA previously took action on three chemicals associated with cancer. In December 2024, EPA finalized a rule to fully ban trichloroethylene—a carcinogenic chemical—to protect consumers, workers, and communities.  In addition, EPA banned most uses of perchloroethylene, and required worker protections for carbon tetrachloride, both of which are also known carcinogens.

An interagency task force through the Cancer Cabinet developed a Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) toolkit to guide data collection from those directly impacted by cancer. Successful implementation of PROs has been associated with increased patient-provider communication and improvements in survival and other health outcomes. Collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) included the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Agency for Healthcare Research (AHRQ), the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP), and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

CMS integrated electronic health record standards to improve standardized patient data collection, an important step to ensuring patients have access to usable forms of their medical data. The Enhancing Oncology Model was the first model to successfully deploy Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, a set of standards that allow for exchanging health care data between health systems, to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. This use case for USCDI+ Cancer is pioneering work in data standardization, which is critical to enable patients accessing their health data.

Expanding the ASCEND for Better Health Initiative at the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department will fund three new nutrition hubs in 2025 to advance community engagement efforts in Hispanic, Tribal, and Insular Territory communities. These hubs, in addition to the existing USDA Nutrition Hubs focused in Black communities, will translate precision nutrition research into culturally-appropriate nutrition messaging that will promote healthy eating and support the prevention of diet-related cancers, among other relevant chronic diseases and conditions.

Adding to the over 220 private, academic, and community organizations across the country who have made important progress as part of the Biden Cancer Moonshot, the following organizations stepped up to announce new actions to ensure all Americans can equitably benefit from cancer advancements, innovation, screening, and more:

Academy Health, through funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, launched the Transforming Cancer Navigation with Open Data & APIs Challenge to expand and enhance patient navigation, while leveraging clinical cancer research and health outcomes data sources. The challenge is to create solutions that are inclusive, user-friendly, and capable of providing comprehensive support to cancer patient navigators, helping them perform their duties more efficiently and effectively These solutions could improve patient outcomes by reducing diagnosis-to-treatment times, ensuring treatment adherence, and addressing social determinants of health such as food, housing, and transportation needs. The challenge is being run on the HeroX platform, in coordination with the American Cancer Society, CancerX, MITRE, EMI Advisors, VA, HHS ASTP, and Innovation Horizons, among others.

To ensure equitable access to supportive care, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Moving Through Cancer Initiative mapped exercise oncology program availability in the U.S. and identified disparities by race/ethnicity, SES, and geography. ACSM, American Cancer Society, and American Society of Clinical Oncology published clinical guidelines recommending exercise to improve symptoms and treatment outcomes for people living with cancer. To further address symptoms of underserved people living with cancer, Moving Through Cancer is developing a toolkit and course to integrate exercise programming that will be available in 2026 through the University of Pittsburgh Center for Teaching and Learning.

The Anticancer Lifestyle Program (ACLP) is expanding access to evidence-based, actionable tools for reducing environmental and toxic exposures. In early 2025, ACLP will launch the Spanish translation of a 7-Day Healthy Home Environment Kickstart, ensuring that Spanish-speaking communities can access this free, week-long program to reduce toxic chemicals in their homes and lower cancer risk. This initiative reflects ACLP’s commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting underserved communities.

Earli will expand their novel diagnostics platform to therapeutics beginning in 2025, using their technology to turn cancer cells into factories that consistently produce any desired marker or protein for better outcomes in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Ambiguous or non-existent cancer biomarkers, especially in early cancers, often make consistent diagnoses and treatment across patients very difficult. This will help stop unclear cancer diagnoses and treatment failures for millions of patients and fundamentally change how we approach cancer treatment by genetically forcing cancer cells to activate the immune system to attack cancer.Earli has now raised a total of $100M for this mission. 

In 2025, Elsevier Inc.’s oncology decision support, ClinicalPath, plans to launch new capabilities prompting oncologists to incorporate precision medicine in their treatment decision making while helping to reduce administrative burden. Supplemental to the latest evidence and guidance, these enhancements will enable clinicians to have direct access to their patient’s biomarker results at the point of care. This functionality helps to ensure that people living with cancer have access to innovative precision medicine treatment, including the latest clinical trials that apply to their disease and genomics.

Massive Bio is launching an advanced AI-powered clinical trial matching platform and pre-screening hubs to empower patients and communities with culturally competent, seamless trial navigation and ongoing support. This system ensures timely, personalized clinical trial access by leveraging real-world data and comprehensive genomic profiling to match patients with optimal trial opportunities. Launching in January 2025, this expansion initiative represents an initial investment of $15 million, and is expected to impact over 50,000 unique patients living with cancer annually, with a scalable goal of reaching 250,000 patients per year globally by 2027. The platform particularly focuses on underserved and underrepresented populations to ensure equitable access to clinical trials. Through this effort, Massive Bio is bridging critical gaps in care, accelerating access to the latest cancer treatments and improving outcomes for all.

The National Association for Veterans’ Research & Education Foundations (NAVREF) & the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) are launching an initiative to better enable the placement of prostate cancer clinical trials across the country to improve veterans’ health and wellbeing. As part of PCF’s $65 million Veterans’ Health Initiative, PCF is providing $50,000 to NAVREF to pilot a new data dashboard that would allow industry sponsors to more quickly identify communities across the country with veterans that would most benefit from potential studies and clinical trials.

POETIC, a network of 13 leading institutions for the treatment of children, adolescents and young adults with cancer, will enhance access to innovative clinical trials for kids facing cancer in underserved areas of the United States to advance the Cancer Moonshot goal of bringing the latest progress to patients and communities. Beginning in 2025, POETIC will collaborate with new sites to conduct an infant study across 27 institutions. This work builds on existing efforts who engage families in 10 states with high-need areas by providing education about clinical trials, and on-going collaboration with Stanford’s Office of Child Health Equity to strengthen state-led advocacy efforts.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation is launching the ShareForCures Alliance, a groundbreaking initiative designed to harness the collective power of women and transform the future of breast cancer research. The Alliance brings together diverse nonprofit organizations united in a shared goal: end breast cancer by accelerating the search for the cures. ShareForCures empowers individuals diagnosed with breast cancer to share their unique health data through Komen’s secure research platform, unlocking vital insights that drive meaningful progress against this disease.

The Together for Supportive Cancer Care coalition, the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation and Healing Works Foundation have partnered with TFA Analytics and C-TAC to develop pilot programs to align clinical and administrative standards and expand the evidence of delivering interdisciplinary supportive care to people with cancer. These organizations are putting together a national clinical advisory council and will convene health systems, health plans, serious illness coalitions in 4 states.  The project will work with partners to develop the care model and referral pathways, provide technical assistance and convene the sites regularly. The final report, data and tools will be finalized by December 2025. This study will help to demonstrate that early palliative care results in better outcomes, better quality of life and lower costs.  An update on this project will be presented at the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) conference in March.

To dramatically reduce mortality from lung cancer and improve access disparities by better enabling at-home screening, VisionGate will launch clinical collaborations to deploy its at-home collection test for early-stage lung cancer. Working with major cancer centers including Northwestern Medicine, HCA Healthcare (Sarah Cannon), and Kaiser Permanente in order to complete clinical trials, VisionGate will advance at-home lung cancer screening through its proprietary Cell-CT 3D cell analysis platform, which detects often symptomless stage 1 lung cancer with published 94% sensitivity, and without the burden of false positive indications.

ZERO Prostate Cancer will launch a transformative initiative to increase prostate cancer survival rates among the highest-risk populations. This is a bold patient-centric approach to increasing awareness and screening and improving the quality and quantity of life by implementing solutions in the highest-risk, underserved communities. Launching in 2025, the initiative aims to achieve an unprecedented reduction in late-stage diagnoses, especially among Black Men and Veterans.

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The post FACT SHEET: Marking Historic Progress, the Biden Cancer Moonshot Convenes Mission Report and Announces New Government and Private Sector Actions to Accelerate Progress Against Cancer appeared first on The White House.