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Jill and I extend our heartfelt congratulations to President Claudia Sheinbaum on her inauguration.  As a symbol of our respect and the friendship between our two nations, our First Lady is leading the Delegation to President Sheinbaum’s inauguration, along with many senior leaders from my administration. Jill and I wish President Sheinbaum a joyful celebration and a very successful presidency, and we congratulate the people of Mexico on the historic inauguration of their first woman president.  

Mexico and the United States are strong partners and close neighbors and we share deep political, economic, and cultural ties.  The United States is committed to continuing to work with Mexico to deliver the democratic, prosperous, and secure future that the people of our two countries deserve.

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Collective bargaining is the best way for workers to get the pay and benefits they deserve. I have urged USMX, which represents a group of foreign-owned carriers, to come to the table and present a fair offer to the workers of the International Longshoremen’s Association that ensures they are paid appropriately in line with their invaluable contributions. Ocean carriers have made record profits since the pandemic and in some cases profits grew in excess of 800 percent compared to their profits prior to the pandemic. Executive compensation has grown in line with those profits and profits have been returned to shareholders at record rates. It’s only fair that workers, who put themselves at risk during the pandemic to keep ports open, see a meaningful increase in their wages as well.

As our nation climbs out of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, dockworkers will play an essential role in getting communities the resources they need. Now is not the time for ocean carriers to refuse to negotiate a fair wage for these essential workers while raking in record profits. My Administration will be monitoring for any price gouging activity that benefits foreign ocean carriers, including those on the USMX board.

It is time for USMX to negotiate a fair contract with the longshoremen that reflects the substantial contribution they’ve been making to our economic comeback.

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Vice President Harris announces actions to protect consumers and reduce hurdles that prevent individuals from receiving relief from medical bills
 
White House hosts roundtable with Americans impacted by medical debt, including those who received medical debt relief through Biden-Harris Administration actions

Today, Vice President Harris announced a series of actions by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Department of Defense (DOD), and Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) to increase pathways for medical debt relief, to address illegal actions by third-party debt collectors, and to improve our understanding of the impacts of medical debt.
 
Getting sick or taking care of loved ones should not create financial hardship for families. Yet, more than 100 million Americans struggle with medical debt. Over 40 million Americans —1 in 5 adults — owe around $88 billion in medical debt in collections, making it the largest source of debt in collections—more than credit cards, utilities, and auto loans.
 
That is unacceptable to President Biden and Vice President Harris. Vice President Harris has repeatedly highlighted the negative impacts of medical debt, noting that medical debt can stand in the way of someone’s dream to own a car, home, or small businesses. In June, Vice President Harris announced the CFPB’s proposed rule to remove medical debt from the consumer credit reports of more than 15 million Americans and called on states to take action to tackle medical debt. Following the Vice President’s call to action, HHS approved North Carolina’s innovative program to encourage hospitals to relieve medical debt and relieve approximately $4 billion in medical debt for nearly 2 million working families in North Carolina. Further, American Rescue Plan funds are being leveraged to eliminate an estimated $7 billion in medical debt for up to nearly 3 million Americans by the end of 2026.
 
“No one should be denied economic opportunity because they got sick or experienced a medical emergency. That is why I have worked to cancel hundreds of millions in medical debt to date – part of our Administration’s overall plan to forgive $7 billion by 2026 – and make it so medical debt will soon no longer be included in your credit score,” said Vice President Harris. “As someone who has spent my entire career fighting to protect consumers, I am proud to announce today’s new actions to build on our work to reduce the burden of medical debt by increasing pathways for relief and cracking down on predatory debt collection tactics.”
 
To continue addressing the burden of medical debt, today the Vice President is announcing the following actions:
 
Holding Third-Party Debt Collectors Accountable
 
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released an Advisory Opinion on improper medical debt collections. The Advisory Opinion clarifies the responsibilities of debt collectors to confirm that debts are accurate, valid, and substantiated before engaging in collection actions. Further, the CFPB has stated that they will ensure fairness and increase transparency by cracking down on debt collectors that collect on debt that is not owed by patients.
 
CFPB also released a Consumer Advisory that explains to consumers what actions they can take when they suspect that they have been improperly billed or if they have had improper or illegal collection actions taken against them. The Consumer Advisory suggests actions such as: following-up with their provider if a bill looks incorrect, asking their provider for an itemized bill, negotiating bills if the price appears wrong, reporting to the CFPB if they have been improperly billed, and pursuing legal action if appropriate.
 
Increasing Pathways to Reduced Medical Bills
 
The Department of Defense has proposed a rule aimed at providing financial relief for civilians receiving medical care at military medical treatment facilities (MTFs).  If finalized as proposed, this rule would implement fee reductions through a sliding scale discount program as well as catastrophic cap waivers.  Through these measures, the DoD aims to significantly reduce the financial burden on patients while maintaining high-quality care and expanding the range of complex trauma cases that Department healthcare providers may encounter in both deployed and humanitarian settings.
 
Providing Transparency on Tax-Exempt Hospital Debt Collection Practices
 
CFPB released a blog post highlighting billing issues that occur when non-profit hospitals fail to provide financial assistance. Under the law, tax-exempt hospitals are required to offer financial assistance to help offset health care costs for low-income patients. However, the CFPB has previously found evidence that tax-exempt hospitals often bill and initiate collections against patients who have received or are eligible for financial assistance. Today’s blog post shines a light on bills wrongfully ending up in collections.
 
Better Understanding the Impact of Medical Debt on Seniors
 
HHS is collecting evidence and data to inform future actions to address the burden of medical debt. For the first time, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services added new questions on medical debt to their Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS). The MCBS is an annual survey of people covered by Medicare to better understand their health care needs. These new questions will provide essential background on levels of medical debt carried by seniors and those with disabilities and the impacts of these debts on their day-to-day lives. The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality is also adding additional questions to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, one of the largest sources of data on health care in the United States, to capture more granular information on medical debt. Questions will capture information on the amount of medical debt, ability to pay unexpected medical bills, financial sacrifices that individuals may have had to make due to their health or treatment, and other aspects of medical debt and financial well-being. CFPB also recently spotlighted the legal challenges facing surviving spouses who are pursued for their spouse’s medical debt, providing insights into the ways debt collectors take advantage of this vulnerable population.

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Today, I welcome Mark Rutte as the new Secretary General the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which for 75 years has strengthened our collective security, protected democracies, and defended against threats as one.

Secretary General Rutte has an impressive track record as a consensus-builder and decisive leader.  I have full confidence that he will continue to build on our work to create a NATO that is stronger, larger, and more resolute than ever in its mission to create a safer world for our peoples.  The United States remains deeply devoted to the most successful Alliance in the history of the world.  We hold fast to our sacred Article 5 commitment: an attack on one is an attack on all.

Lastly, I want to express my deep gratitude to Jens Stoltenberg, who led the Alliance through the most consequential decade for Euro-Atlantic security since World War II.  I thank him for his remarkable service. 

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Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Georgia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene beginning on September 24, 2024, and continuing.

The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Appling, Brooks, Coffee, Columbia, Jefferson, Liberty, Lowndes, Pierce, Richmond, Tattnall, and Toombs.

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

Federal funding also is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in the counties of Appling, Brooks, Coffee, Columbia, Jefferson, Liberty, Lowndes, Pierce, Richmond, Tattnall, and Toombs.

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

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

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

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

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

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     America’s young people are part of the most gifted and talented generation in our history — and, like anyone, they deserve second chances.  During National Youth Justice Action Month, we recommit to ensuring that our communities are safe and supportive so that young people thrive.  And we recommit to developing a juvenile justice system that reflects our Nation’s most fundamental values of equality, fairness, and opportunity.

     Between 2000 and 2022, the number of young people in our juvenile justice system has declined significantly, but young people of color and young people with disabilities are still disproportionally represented.  Additionally, young people who enter juvenile justice facilities often lack the support, resources, educational opportunities, and guidance necessary for meaningful rehabilitation and, as a result, are not set up for success once they leave.  The young people in the juvenile justice system often spend years in unsafe environments, without treatment for trauma or mental health conditions.

     My Administration remains committed to improving our youth justice system so that young people who are released are set up for success.  My Administration has made historic investments in our youth justice system.  For youth facing juvenile and criminal justice system involvement, we are investing in evidence-based diversion programs.  And we are expanding access to lawyers who will advocate for and advise these youth.  For those who are exiting the system, we are investing in programs that help youth find housing, educational opportunities, mentorship, job training, and other services as they return to their communities.    

     We are also ensuring that young people have good schools to attend, safe communities to live in, and exciting opportunities for their futures.  My Administration launched the National Partnership for Student Success, which will bring together 250,000 tutors and mentors for our students.  And we secured $1.3 billion to fund afterschool and summer learning programs for K-12 students.  To support our Nation’s youth we increased investments in Full-Service Community Schools fivefold, including providing $253 million to create over 2,000 new full-service community schools in the country, providing critical supports to serve more than one million students’ physical, mental health, and academic needs.  

     We are also making it easier for youth to receive mental health care.  When we passed the Nation’s first major gun safety law in nearly three decades, we secured funding to increase the number and diversity of school psychologists and mental health counselors available to our children and made it easier for schools to use Medicaid to deliver these services.  We also launched 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  By texting or calling 988, young people can connect with trained crisis counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week –- and for those who need it, the Lifeline now supports unprecedented access to American Sign Language interpreters.  And we have invested in building mobile crisis response teams so that people in crisis can be connected with trained mental health professionals right away. 

     During National Youth Justice Action Month, we recommit to doing all that we can to ensure that all of our young people can lead full lives.  We show our gratitude to all those supporting youth, both in and out of the juvenile justice system, as they work to build lives full of purpose and meaning.  And we strengthen our resolve to ensure that our juvenile justice system reflects America’s promise of liberty and justice for all.

     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 October 2024 as National Youth Justice Action Month.  I call upon all Americans to observe this month by taking action to support our youth and by participating in appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs in their communities.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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11:12 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, folks. 

Good morning.

To state the obvious, over the weekend, we had devastating storms in the South.  I spoke with — for a couple hours with leaders yesterday affected by the hurricane and — Governor Kemp of Georgia, Governor Cooper of North Carolina, county officials in the Big Bend region of Florida, and other leaders in South Carolina and Tennessee about the broad and devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. 

It’s not just a catastrophic storm; it’s a historic history-making storm — the entire Southeast and Appalachia.  Damage from the hurricane stretches across at least 10 states.  Winds over 120 miles an hour in some places.  Storm surges up to 15 feet and record flooding. 

Communities are devastated.  Loved ones waiting, not sure if their loved ones are okay because they can’t contact them because there’s no cell phone connections.  Many more folks displaced with no idea when they’ll be able to be — return to their home, if ever — if there’s a home to return to.

So, we’re keeping our — we’re keeping them all in our prayers and all the lives lost — those particularly that are unaccounted for — there’s nothing like wondering, “Is my husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father alive?” — and many more who remain without electricity, water, food, and communications and whose homes and businesses have washed away in an instant. 

I want them to know we are not leaving until the job is done. 

I also want you to know I’m committed to traveling to the impacted areas as soon as possible.  But I’ve been told that it’d be disruptive if I did it right now.  We will not do that at the risk of diverting or delaying any — any of the response assets needed to deal with this crisis.

My first responsibility is to get all the help needed to those impacted areas.  And I expect to be there — (coughs) — excuse me, I have a cold — I expect to be there later this week.

I and my team are in constant contact with the governors, mayors, and local leaders.  The head of FEMA, Deanne Griswell [Criswell], is on the ground now in Northern — in North Carolina.  She’s going to stay in Asheville and the Appalachia region for the foreseeable future.

There’s been reports of over 100 dead and — as a consequence of this storm, and there are reports of up 600 mil- — 600 people unaccounted for because they can’t be contacted.  God willing, they’re alive, but there is no way to contact them, again, because of the lack of cell phone coverage.

I’ve directed my team to provide every — every available resource as fast as possible to your communities to rescue, recover, and to begin rebuilding.

In addition to FEMA — it includes the Federal Communications Commission to help establish communications capability, the National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Defense are going to provide all the resources at its disposal to rescue and assist in clearing debris and delivering lifesaving supplies.

So far, that’s over 3,600 personnel deployed.  That number is growing by the day.

I quickly approved requests from governors of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Alabama for an emergency declaration.  And I approved additional requests for the governors of North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina and — for a disaster declaration to pay for — to pay for debris removal, provide financial assistance directly — directly to survivors.

FEMA and the Small Business Administration are there to help the residents whose homes and businesses were literally destroyed — washed away or blown away. 

And the federal search and rescue teams have been working side by side with state and local officials and partners in very treacherous conditions to find those who are missing, and they will not rest until everyone is accounted for. 

And I want to thank all the — all the first responders and everyone who has been working around the clock. 

One of the brave teams that’s volunteered to be there is from San Diego County Fire Department, set to travel all the way from California to North Carolina to help.  But on their way, they were in a — in a terrible car accident in Louisiana.  We pray for their full recovery, but it was a bad accident. 

We know there is more to do, and we will continue to surge resources, including food, water, communications, and lifesaving equipment. We’ll be there, as I said before, and I mean it, as long as it takes to finish this job.

Let me close with this.  As president, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating toll that disasters like this take on families and communities.  I’ve been on the ground at many divat- — disasters areas since I’ve been president — (coughs) — excuse me — and I’ve heard dozens of stories from survivors about how it feels to be left with nothing, not even knowing where or when to get back on track. 

I am here to tell every single survivor in these impacted areas that we will be there with you as long as it takes. 

For the sake of yourselves — excuse me — (coughs) — and your families, I urge everyone — everyone returning to their communities and homes to listen to the local officials and follow all safety instructions.  Take this seriously.  Please be safe. 

Your nation has your back, and the Biden-Harris administration will be there until the job is done.

God bless you all.  And I’m thinking of those that are still wondering where your loved ones are.

Thank you.

Q    Will you need to pass a supplemental to help the people in the Southeast, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT:  Say again.

Q    Will you need to ask Congress for a supplemental to help the people —

THE PRESIDENT:  That’s my estim- — my expectation, yes.

Q    Do you know roughly how much you — you’re thinking at this point?

THE PRESIDENT:  Not yet.  It’s been — this is a historic storm.  It’s devastating.  They’ve not seen anything like this before.  And some of them were back-to-back; there were three storms in a row.  So, it’s really, really devastating.

Q    Would you consider asking Congress to come back for a special session to pass the supplemental?

THE PRESIDENT:  That is something I may have to request, but no decision has been made yet.

Q    Do you have a sense of where you’ll go when you are able to go, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  I told the governor of — of North Carolina I’d go down.  And I — and I expect to be down there by Wednesday or Thursday if it would be clear for me to go. 

You guys who travel with me know there’s an entourage that’s — that is — can be disruptive.

Q    Is it a mistake for — for President Trump to be down there today in Georgia?  Is that disruptive?

THE PRESIDENT:  I — I don’t have any idea.

Q    On another issue on the other side of the world, in the Middle East.  It’s our understanding —

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to stick with this.

Q    What’s that?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to stick with this subject.  But go ahead.  I — I have — a thousand Olympians —

Q    Well, it’s just the fact that Israel may be now launching a limited operation into Lebanon.  Are you aware of that?  Are you comfortable with their plans, as best you know them?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m more aware than you might know, and I’m comfortable with them stopping.  We should have a ceasefire now.

Thank you.

Q    And Mr. President — Mr. President —

Q    Do you expect Iran to retaliate?

Q    On the hurricane, Mr. President.  Why weren’t you and Vice President Harris here in Washington commanding this this weekend?

THE PRESIDENT:  I was commanding.  I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before as well.  I commanded.  It’s called a telephone. 

Q    Is it —

THE PRESIDENT:  I had all of my security people.

11:19 A.M. EDT

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FEMA Headquarters
Washington, D.C.

5:02 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Addressing FEMA staff.)  Thank you, thank you, thank you.   (Applause.)  I — thank you all.  (Applause.)

I — I am actually here to — to applaud you, so — and then — but the way we have apparently set this up is I’m going to speak to the press.  And I’m sorry, I’m going to have my back to you for a moment, but then I’m going to visit with you and — because I really am here to thank you all.  I know how everyone here has been working around the clock, as you always do in moments like this.

So, I’m going to address the press, and then we’re going to have a conversation. 

(Addressing the press.)  Okay.  Okay.  Hi. 

So, good afternoon to everyone. 

Deputy Administrator Hooks, I thank you and — and everyone here for their leadership. 

As I — as I said briefly, I know who is here.  I know what you each do.  And you are so selfless in the way that you serve our country and, in particular, at times like this, people who are just so desperately in need of help, support, and just knowing that the resources are going to be expedited to them as they need it in their most vulnerable situation — when their families have been at risk, where their homes may have been destroyed, where they lack just basic, essential needs.  You all do that work around the clock as though these are your family members.  I know how you work, and I know how hard you work. 

So, I am here mostly to thank you all for all that you do, everyone who is here and everyone who is on the ground in the region at the moment. 

And I am here to also talk about where we are based on the briefings I have been receiving over the last couple of days.  I have received regular briefings on the impact of Hurricane Helene, including from Administrator Criswell.  And over the past 24 hours, I have spoken with Governor Kemp of Georgia, Governor Cooper of North Carolina, and many local officials. 

I have shared with them that we will do everything in our power to help communities respond and recover, and I’ve shared with them that I plan to be on the ground as soon as possible — but as soon as possible without disrupting any emergency response operations, because that must be the highest priority and the first order of business. 

The devastation from Hurricane Helene is immense.  Millions of Americans are without power.  Thousands of families have lost their homes.  Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed.  Major roads have been blocked or damaged, leaving entire towns inaccessible at this very moment.  Already, nearly 100 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds more are missing. 

The destruction we have seen in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia is heartbreaking. 

In coordination with state and local officials, President Biden and I will continue to make sure that communities have the support and the resources that they need not only to respond to this storm and its immediate aftermath but also the resources they will need to recover.

So far, more than 3,300 federal personnel are on the ground to assist with recovery efforts.  They are deploying food, water, and generators.  And we continue to work with teams on the ground to restore water and power as quickly as possible.

To everyone who has been impacted by this storm and to all of those of you who are rightly feeling overwhelmed by the destruction and the loss, our nation is with you.  And President Biden and I and all of the folks behind me are with you.  We will continue to do everything we can to help you recover and to help you rebuild, no matter how long it takes. 

And I do believe the true character of a nation is revealed in moments of hardship. 

Over the past few days, our nation has endured some of the worst destruction and devastation that we have seen in quite some time, and we have responded with our best — with the best folks who are on the ground and here doing the kind of work that is about rising to a moment of crisis to do everything we can to lift up folks who deserve to be seen and heard. 

Communities have been coming together.  People are checking in on their neighbors.  Families are opening their doors to strangers in need.  And as they always do, our first responders are working around the clock, putting their own lives at risk to keep our communities safe. 

Moments like this remind us we have so much more in common than what separates us.  And the true measure of our leadership — each one of us — is based on lifting other folks up, knowing how we can make a difference. 

So, I thank everyone for rising to this moment.  And I thank you all here for the work that you each do. 

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

Thank you all very much.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

(The vice president speaks with a FEMA staff member.)

I’m going to move this microphone.  (Laughter.)

(Addressing FEMA staff.)  Hey, guys.  I’m going to do the tour right now, but I — I really do mean what I said.  I know the work that you all are doing, and it is so critically important.

The people on the ground right now — you know, we know that communications are still down for so many people, which means that they don’t know necessarily what is being done right now by all of you to help them.  But I know, based on what you all historically have done, that the folks on the ground who have been impacted, I’m sure, have faith that you all are here right now as you are and that they know, in their hearts, that you all are working around the clock, as you’ve been. 

And I know it takes a lot out of you.  And you’re seeing a lot of pain.  You’ve seen the destruction.  You’re seeing the damage.  And it’s the work that you all have dedicated your lives to doing.  So, I just wanted to come by, truly, to say thank you to all of you, because it takes a lot out of you. 

And when you’re interacting with folks who are on the ground and need help, you know, they look in your eyes to see: Is — is everything going to be okay?  And sometimes you’re not sure, right?  But you do everything you can to make sure everything is going to be okay.  And that’s a strength that you uniquely have when you do this kind of work that you all do. 

So, thank you for all that you are doing.  Let’s keep it up.  I know we have many, many hours ahead of important and critical work, but you guys are just the best of anything that we could hope for in our country. 

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

END                  5:09 P.M. EDT

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Mexico City, Mexico

Thank you, Ambassador.

It’s wonderful to be here representing the United States with so many of you.

Buenas tardes.

As we gather this evening, our hearts are with everyone who has been affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Joe and his team have mobilized a full federal response to save lives and help survivors.

The head of FEMA is on the ground, and we are sparing no resources to help the areas in need. Please keep those families and the first responders in your prayers.

The Mexican-American author Sandra Cisneros once said of the impact of her writing: “It is transmitting light, but I was just the conduit for that light, not the source. I am fortunate and blessed to be the flute, but I recognize and acknowledge I am not the music.”

Being a conduit of light and culture, this is diplomacy at its best.

And when I look around, I see her words come to life in all of you.

Because each of you, in your own way, channels the light and music—the hope and talent and vision—of one nation to the other.

Few country-to-country relationships are as consequential to Americans’ daily lives as that of the United States and Mexico.

I am honored to be with you tonight to celebrate the strength of the relationship between our countries—at such a historic moment.

Ambassador Salazar, thank you for welcoming us to your home. Over the past three years, Joe and I have seen your steady, thoughtful leadership to strengthen our ties with Mexico. We’re grateful to you, Hope, and your beautiful family for your service.

Thank you to the incredibly talented dancers for their performance earlier, and for sharing that vibrant piece of Mexican tradition with us.

And a special thanks to the entire team at the Embassy, including so many staff members who are from Mexico. Every day, you reinforce the connections between our two countries. We’re grateful for your dedication to the U.S. Mission.

There’s something special in the air this evening. I felt it as soon as I landed—a crackle of excitement to see the inauguration of the first woman president of Mexico.

As President-elect, Dr. Sheinbaum, has noted, she didn’t arrive to this historic moment alone. She said: “We all arrived, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our ancestors, our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters.”

Tomorrow, those generations of women will arrive together at the Legislative Palace to see her take the oath of office.

Joe and I—and so many Americans—wish her well and look forward to her leadership.

Under Dr. Sheinbaum’s presidency, I know that we will continue to build a more prosperous, safe, and democratic region. And take the next steps in our U.S.-Mexico partnership.

We are all part of that work.

Together, we can be the conduit for the light of our two nations, illuminating the path toward even brighter tomorrows, lifting up each other and the world.

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When I think of clean energy, I think of good-paying jobs for American workers.  Our Nation is leading the fight against the existential threat of climate change all while growing our economy and transitioning this country to a clean, reliable, and affordable energy future.  During National Clean Energy Action Month, we recommit to investing in America and American workers as we build a cleaner, more energy secure future.  

Since day one of my Administration, in partnership with Vice President Harris, I have been committed to building a clean energy economy that creates good-paying and union jobs for American workers.  That is why my Investing in America agenda is making the most significant investment in climate and clean energy in history.  That investment has helped America unleash a clean energy manufacturing and deployment boom — attracting more than $426 billion in private sector investment commitments.  It has also created more than 330,000 new jobs according to independent estimates.  These investments are disproportionately going to places that have been left behind — including historic energy communities that have powered this Nation for generations and to workers who do not have a 4-year college degree.

We are also making investments that help ensure our clean energy future will be built here in America — by American workers.  My Inflation Reduction Act is delivering on my commitment to be the most pro-worker, pro-union President in history.  For the first time ever, we are attaching strong labor protections and incentives to climate and clean energy tax credits.  My Administration finalized a rule through the Inflation Reduction Act incentivizing companies to pay clean energy workers a prevailing wage and employ registered apprentices.  These provisions help ensure jobs building wind farms, installing solar panels, and constructing hydrogen and carbon capture facilities will be good-paying and support proven pathways into the clean energy industry that allow workers to earn while they learn.  Outside estimates suggest the Inflation Reduction Act could help create as many as 1.5 million jobs over the next decade.  And I launched the American Climate Corps to train this next generation of clean energy, conservation, and resilience workers. 

My Administration is making significant progress toward our ambitious goals of securing 100 percent clean electricity by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.  That is in no small part due to our Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits and rebates, which families can use to install solar panels, buy energy-saving appliances, get heat pumps, and purchase American-made electric cars.  Not only will this law help triple wind power generation and increase solar production eight-fold by 2030 — tens of billions of dollars will go to the pockets of American families.  And through Federal programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, we are lowering Americans’ energy bills and making millions of homes safer and more energy efficient.

But there is still so much more to do to ensure that we are leading American industries into the 21st century and tackling climate change.  That is why my Administration made the largest investment in America’s power grid ever — making it more resilient to severe weather, laying new transmission lines, and upgrading existing infrastructure so clean and affordable energy can reach every corner of the country.  At the same time, we are speeding up permitting for clean energy and transmission projects while implementing new emissions standards to reduce pollution from oil and gas producers, power plants, and vehicles — which will save American lives, improve the well-being of our people, and save tens of billions of dollars in healthcare costs.    

Across the country, Americans are writing the next chapter in our Nation’s clean energy future — they are getting shovels in the ground and working hard in good-paying jobs all while supporting their families and restoring pride to their communities.  During National Clean Energy Action Month, we celebrate all the progress in clean energy, and we recommit to coming together to secure the future of clean energy here at home.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Clean Energy Action Month.  I call upon all Americans to explore whether new tax credits and rebates can help them lower emissions and save money on energy bills, cars, and home upgrades, and to recognize this month by talking to neighbors, friends, and coworkers about opportunities to address the climate crisis, and working together to mitigate climate change and achieve a healthier environment for all.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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    Too many Americans know the pain of losing a mother, sister, wife, daughter, or loved one to breast cancer.  During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the memories of all those we have lost to this devastating disease.  We give strength and support to their families, to their caregivers, to survivors, and to women still undergoing treatment.  And we express our gratitude to all the medical professionals and health researchers working tirelessly to end cancer as we know it. 

     Today, there are more than four million breast cancer survivors in America — and this year alone, hundreds of thousands more will be diagnosed.  While scientists have made significant breakthroughs to better prevent, detect, and treat breast cancer, a diagnosis is frightening and overwhelming.  Patients and families are often flooded with complex medical information and forced to advocate for themselves to receive basic care.  Additionally, some patients are left saddled with exorbitant medical bills while undergoing grueling treatments.

     For my family and Vice President Harris’ family — along with millions of families across the country — cancer is personal.  Ending cancer as we know it has been a top priority for my Administration since day one.  The First Lady and I reignited the Cancer Moonshot to cut the cancer death rate by at least 50 percent over the next 25 years and improve the experience of those diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones.  I also established the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, securing $4 billion in bipartisan funding to help the scientists, innovators, and public health professionals who are working around the clock to improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancers and other deadly diseases.

     My Administration has also worked hard to make cancer treatment more affordable for patients.  I strengthened Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), expanding health coverage to millions of Americans and saving millions of families $800 per year on their health insurance premiums.  My Inflation Reduction Act will cap total out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year for seniors and other people on Medicare — including expensive cancer medications, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. 

     Moreover, to increase support for patients and their families, we have ensured that people facing cancer can access patient navigation services that are fully paid for through Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance.  This personalized assistance helps lift the burden of managing the complex medical journey alone from millions of patients.

     Furthermore, my Administration is committed to ensuring women have access to screening and early detection services, which are critical in catching breast cancer early and saving lives.  Toward that aim, we expanded coverage under the ACA, which requires insurers to pay for recommended cancer screenings — including mammograms — for many more Americans.  We expanded access to free breast cancer screenings for any veteran exposed to burn pits during their military service.  And we will continue to forge partnerships with community health centers to help ensure underserved communities have access to early detection and support services.

     For more information about breast cancer, go to cancer.gov/types/breast or call 1-800-422-6237 to speak to information specialists at the National Cancer Institute in English and in Spanish.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program also offers breast cancer screenings or diagnostic services to low-income individuals who are uninsured or otherwise qualify for the program — go to cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/ to learn more.

     This National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us each recommit to doing our part to give more support, hope, and care to patients, families, and survivors of breast cancer.  Let us rise above party and politics and unite as Americans to help all of our loved ones struggling with this terrible disease.  And let us strengthen our resolve together as a Nation to end cancer as we know it — for all the lives we have lost and all those we can still save. 

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control breast cancer and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to this disease.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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   Defending our digital world is essential to ensuring the safety and security of our Nation and the American people.  During National Cybersecurity Month, we recommit to protecting our data and technologies from malicious hackers and cyber threats.  We encourage all Americans to learn more about cybersecurity.  And we promise to ensure that America can realize the positive impacts of our digital future.

     My Administration is committed to securing the digital ecosystems that touch nearly every aspect of American life.  That is why I released the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which lays out 100 actions the Federal Government, along with our public and private sector partners, is taking to defend our increasingly digital world.  This strategy aims to ensure primary responsibility for creating a safe digital future is borne by technology companies and the Federal Government, entities that are most capable and best-positioned to reduce cyber-related risks for all of us.  I have signed Executive Orders to secure the digital infrastructure of the Nation’s ports, fortify our supply chains, and strengthen our industrial base.  Furthermore, my Administration launched the “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark” program, which works with leading product manufacturers and retailers to ensure Americans have the option of choosing safer smart devices.  Through executive action, we are also setting a higher standard of security for the software purchased by the Government.  

     To keep our digital world safe, we are supporting efforts to build a strong cyber workforce that is ready to meet this moment.  My Administration is committed to investing in the next generation of cybersecurity experts and opening up more opportunities for Americans to pursue a cyber-based career.  We have invested in infrastructure projects across the country, where America’s workers are building semiconductors and making our electric grids more resilient to cyber threats.  We also released a National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy focused on giving more Americans access to the skills and education needed to pursue good-paying jobs in the cyber field.  We have made the Federal Government a model for that work by transitioning the hiring process for cyber positions in the Federal Government to be skills-based –- focusing on required skills and removing unnecessary degree requirements.  We launched the “Service for America” campaign with a recruiting and hiring sprint to connect more people to cyber jobs and fill critical vacancies.  And we are working with academia and the public and private sectors to grow the national cyber workforce by providing high-quality training, scholarships, paid internships, and Registered Apprenticeships.

     My Administration is ensuring that America leads the world in cybersecurity, and we are working with our international partners to combat cyber threats.  We are convening the nearly 70 member countries and international organizations of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative launched by my Administration to address the scourge of ransomware at both an operational and a policy level.  We are working closely with allies and partners to bolster our cyber defense so that we can communicate and support one another in response to cyberattacks.  And we have established cybersecurity goals that are rooted in protecting our shared democratic values.

     During National Cybersecurity Month, we recognize the important role that cybersecurity plays in keeping Americans safe, protecting our institutions, and upholding our democracy.  We honor all of the cybersecurity professionals, who are working tirelessly to defend our digital world.  And we look forward to all that we will accomplish as we work together to advance cybersecurity.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Cybersecurity Month.  I call upon the people, businesses, and institutions of the United States to recognize and act on the importance of cybersecurity and to observe National Cybersecurity Month in support of our national security and resilience.  I also call upon businesses and institutions to take action to better protect the American people against cyber threats and create new opportunities for American workers to pursue good-paying cyber jobs.  Americans can also take immediate action to better protect themselves by turning on multifactor authentication, updating software on computers and devices, using strong passwords, and remaining cautious of clicking on links that look suspicious.

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

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America’s economy is stronger when every American has an opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully.  During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we honor the incredible contributions of disabled Americans to our country and economy.  And we recommit to opening the doors of opportunity wider for people with disabilities, making our Nation more equal, accessible, and fair.

Not too long ago, a person with a disability in America could be denied employment because of their disability.  They could even be denied access to public spaces and basic needs like service in a restaurant or a grocery store.  One of my early acts as a United States Senator was co-sponsoring the Rehabilitation Act.  It was the first time in our Nation’s history that we declared in law what we knew to be true:  that Americans with disabilities deserve dignity, respect, and an equal chance at the American Dream.  The Rehabilitation Act is one of the most consequential civil rights laws in our Nation’s history, banning discrimination on the basis of disability by any entity the Federal Government funds. 

The Rehabilitation Act laid the groundwork for another landmark law:  the Americans with Disabilities Act.  I was enormously proud to co-sponsor that bill and remain even prouder of its lasting legacy today.  For more than 61 million Americans living with a disability, these laws are a source of opportunity, meaningful inclusion, participation, respect, and -‑ as my dad would say — dignity.  And in the Obama-Biden Administration, we built on the lasting legacy of these laws by setting hiring goals in Federal contracts for people with disabilities, which we have upheld and continued to pursue in the Biden-Harris Administration.

My Administration is committed to ensuring people with disabilities have access to good jobs.  In my first few months in office, I signed an Executive Order establishing a Government-wide commitment to advancing equality and equity in Federal employment, including for people with disabilities.  It brought together the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Office of Personnel Management to ensure that Federal workplaces are fully accessible to people with disabilities so that the dignity and rights of disabled Americans are lifted in every policy we pursue.  That includes making sure our Nation’s largest employer — the Federal Government — is the model for fair, accessible, and decent practices in the workplace.  This Executive Order directs agencies to address the challenges faced by job applicants and employees with disabilities.  Additionally, the General Services Administration adopted the United States Access Board’s new guidelines to ensure people with disabilities have access to the over 300,000 Federal Government buildings.  Furthermore, my Administration ended the use of unfair subminimum wages in Federal contracts — no longer will employers be permitted to pay workers with disabilities less than minimum wage through the AbilityOne Federal contracting program.  And the Department of Labor has launched a comprehensive review of the subminimum wage program.  We are working to increase hiring for people with disabilities in every sector — from helping State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofits access Federal funds to hire more disabled Americans to appointing people with disabilities to positions in my Administration.

My Administration is also strengthening our Nation’s infrastructure and making it more accessible so that people with disabilities have no problems commuting to work or other places.  My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes the biggest investment ever — $1.75 billion — to expand accessibility in transit and rail stations.  It also includes $65 billion to expand access to high-speed internet so more disabled Americans can work, study, and stay connected from home.  Further, the Department of Justice finalized standards for State and local governments to make their internet content and mobile apps more accessible so that digital workplaces are accessible to disabled Americans.

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the talent, impact, and legacy of people with disabilities across our Nation by working to make our country stronger, more prosperous, and more just.  And we recommit to ensuring people with disabilities have every opportunity to pursue the American Dream.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  I urge all Americans to embrace the talents and skills of workers with disabilities and to promote the right to equal employment opportunity for all.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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On Monday, September 30, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 3764, the “United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2024,” which extends and authorizes annual appropriations for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom through fiscal year 2026.

Thank you to Senators Rubio, Cardin, Cruz, Coons, and Lankford, and Representatives Chris Smith, Eshoo, Bilirakis, and Cuellar for their leadership.

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The Biden-Harris Administration continues to lead a robust Federal response to help impacted communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The Administration is working around the clock and mobilizing every resource available to support life-saving response efforts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.
 
The President and Vice President continue to receive regular briefings from their teams, including today, and Administration officials remain in constant communication with state and local officials to ensure they have the support and resources they need. President Biden has spoken with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, along with other state and local officials in the impacted areas to offer further assistance as needed. This afternoon, the President was briefed by Governor Cooper and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell from the field following surveys of Helene’s impacts across the State. Vice President Harris also received an in-person briefing at FEMA today and has been in touch with Governor Cooper, Governor Kemp, Greenville Mayor Knox White, and Savannah Mayor Van Johnson.
 
President Biden directed Administrator Criswell to determine what more can be done to accelerate delivering support to those who are having the most difficult time accessing assistance in isolated communities. At the President’s direction, Administrator Criswell has been on the ground to survey damage and determine any unmet needs, and at the President’s direction she will remain on the ground in Asheville, North Carolina, until the situation has stabilized.
 
On Wednesday, President Biden will travel to North Carolina. He will also travel to Georgia and Florida as soon as possible.
 
Additionally, the Federal government is closely monitoring an additional weather disturbance in the Caribbean Sea that has the potential to form into another storm in the coming week. Residents throughout the Gulf Coast should remain alert, listen to local officials, and make additional preparations as needed.
 
Additional Administration actions to support ongoing response and recovery efforts include:
 
Supporting On-The-Ground Response Efforts
 
As of today, more than 3,500 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed and supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts across the impacted states. This includes the most experienced incident management teams to help identity Federal resources to address unmet needs, as well as Urban Search and Rescue personnel using high water rescue equipment for rescue missions across the region.
 
Search and rescue efforts by state, local and Federal partners are ongoing, and hundreds of additional personnel are arriving in the region in the coming days. Over 1,250 Urban Search and Rescue personnel are deployed across Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Together with local and state responders, teams have rescued or supported more than 1,900 people, including nearly 900 in North Carolina.
 
The Department of Defense has 30 high-water trucks ready to assist rescuers and 18 helicopters with lift capabilities that can transport supplies, equipment and assist with search and rescue operations.
 
Approving Major Disaster Declarations
 
President Biden approved a Major Disaster declaration for South Carolina yesterday, allowing survivors to immediately access funds and resources to jumpstart their recovery. This is in addition to approving declarations for Florida and North Carolina earlier in the weekend.
 
FEMA assistance in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina may include a one-time $750 payment to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. After registering for disaster assistance, individuals may also qualify to receive disaster-related financial assistance to repair storm-related damage to homes and replace personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.
 
Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Hurricane Helene.
 
People in 17 counties in Florida, 25 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, as well as 13 counties in South Carolina can now apply for assistance with FEMA. People can apply in four ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 1-800-621-3362, on the FEMA App, or via disaster recovery centers.
 
Emergency declarations were also approved for Florida, North Carolina Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Alabama. Under an emergency declaration, FEMA provides direct Federal support to states for life saving activities and other emergency protective measures, such as evacuation, sheltering, and search and rescue.
 
Restoring Power to Impacted Communities
 
At least 50,000 personnel from 34 states and the District of Columbia and Canada are responding to power outages and working around the clock throughout parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to restore power to those communities that can receive power. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is moving generators and additional power restoration assets into the hardest hit areas of South and North Carolina as flood waters recede and debris removal allows. As power is being restored throughout parts of Florida and Georgia, power crews are being moved into other states to assist with their restoration efforts. Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles are in place to support responder communication and assist impacted communities. We are working with private sector partners to augment and restore cellular services in several states.
 
In North Carolina, 40 Starlink satellite systems are available to help with responder communications, and an additional 140 satellites are being shipped to assist with communications infrastructure restoration. One Starlink will be deployed per county Emergency Operations Center to assist with communications.
 
Power outage numbers are improving as restoration teams gain access to communities and debris is removed. As of this morning, approximately 2.1 million customers are without power, down more than 54% from the region-wide peak of 4.6 million on September 27.
 
Additional Interagency Support Efforts
 
Together with state and local partners, the Federal government is actively supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts and is coordinating requests for Federal assistance.

• FEMA distribution centers are fully stocked and ready to provide commodities and equipment to any impacted state, as required.
• FEMA is sending additional generators, 150 ambulances, trailers full of meals and water and 215 additional Search and Rescue personnel to North Carolina.
• Thus far, FEMA has shipped over 1.9 million meals, more than 1 million liters of water, 30 generators and over 95,000 tarps to impacted states.
• FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are deploying to Florida and North Carolina to help survivors register for disaster assistance, answer questions and help people jumpstart their recovery.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a Public Health Emergency for Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, giving health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Medical responders are in affected states along with medical equipment and supplies, to help protect the delivery of health care services following the landfall of Hurricane Helene.
• The U.S. Coast Guard crews have saved 19 lives and five pets in the response so far, with rescues continuing in North Carolina. They have thousands of personnel working on response efforts and are providing surface and air rescue assets to support search and rescue missions. Personnel continue addressing transportation concerns by ensuring ports and waterways are reopened safely.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed teams for temporary emergency power, debris removal and infrastructure assessment of water/wastewater treatment facilities and road/bridges.
• The Environmental Protection Agency has personnel on the ground who are working closely with federal, state, local, and Tribal partners to prepare for and safely remove hazardous materials and debris, and maintain critical public health and environmental protections in place as storm impacts are assessed.
• The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey activated its Landslide Team to help with assessments in the impacted areas.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration deployed more than 50 personnel to support people and small businesses as they recover from the hurricane.
• The U.S. Department of Energy has responders deployed to the Emergency Operations Centers in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina and is closely monitoring impacts and working to advance restoration efforts, including power, fuel and supply chain interruptions.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has offices in virtually every county with personnel who stand ready to provide technical assistance, disaster programs, and emergency credit to farmers and agriculture producers who lost crops and livestock. USDA has deployed 132 emergency support staff to assist FEMA at their Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta and their National Response Coordination Center in Washington. USDA has also approved Florida’s request for waivers for food assistance programs to Florida and is standing by to render additional flexibilities and assistance as requested by the states. In addition, USDA is working to locate those with housing impacts related to Hurricane Helene and connect them with housing assistance and is prepared to assist with infrastructure assistance.

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Presidential Determination

No.        2024-14        

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SUBJECT:       Presidential Determination with Respect to the Efforts of Foreign Governments Regarding Trafficking in Persons

Consistent with section 110 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7107) (the “Act”), as amended, I hereby determine as follows:

As provided for in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act, that the United States will not provide nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related assistance to the Governments of Burma and Iran for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 until such governments comply with the Act’s minimum standards or make significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with the minimum standards;

As provided for in section 110(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Act, that the United States will not provide nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related assistance to, or allow funding for participation in educational and cultural exchange programs by officials or employees of, the Governments of Belarus, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Eritrea, Macau (Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)), Nicaragua, the PRC, Russia, and Syria for FY 2025 until such governments comply with the Act’s minimum standards or make significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with the minimum standards;

As provided for in section 110(d)(1)(B) of the Act, I hereby instruct the United States Executive Director of each multilateral development bank, as defined in the Act, and of the International Monetary Fund to vote against and use best efforts to deny any loan or other utilization of the funds of the respective institution (other than for humanitarian assistance; for trade‑related assistance; or for development assistance that directly addresses basic human needs, is not administered by the government of such country, and confers no benefit to that government) for the Governments of Belarus, Burma, Cuba, the DPRK, Eritrea, Iran, Macau (Special Administrative Region of the PRC), Nicaragua, the PRC, Russia, South Sudan, and Syria for FY 2025 until such governments comply with the Act’s minimum standards or make significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with the minimum standards;

Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, I determine that the provision of all nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related foreign assistance programs, projects, activities, and funding for educational and cultural exchange programs described in sections 110(d)(1)(A) and 110(d)(1)(B) of the Act to Brunei, Djibouti, Papua New Guinea, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States;

Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, I determine that providing the assistance described in section 110(d)(1)(B) of the Act to Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Sudan would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States;

Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, I determine that a partial waiver with respect to Belarus, Eritrea, Macau (Special Administrative Region of the PRC), the PRC, and Russia to allow funding for educational and cultural exchange programs described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Act would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States;

Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to Afghanistan, I determine that a partial waiver of the restriction described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act to allow for Economic Support Fund and Global Health Programs (GHP) assistance would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States;

Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to Cambodia, I determine that a partial waiver of the restriction described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act to allow for all assistance and programs other than education programs funded from Development Assistance (DA) would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States;

Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to South Sudan, I determine that a partial waiver of the restriction described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act to allow for GHP assistance would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States; and

Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, with respect to Sudan, I determine that a partial waiver of the restriction described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act to allow for DA and GHP assistance would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States.

In addition, with respect to the Government of Sint Maarten, consistent with the United States Government’s firm stand against human trafficking, and until such government takes steps consistent with compliance with the minimum standards of the Act or makes significant efforts to do so, I hereby:  (i) direct that executive departments and agencies shall not provide nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related foreign assistance, as described in section 110(d)(1)(A) of the Act, to the Government of Sint Maarten; (ii) instruct the United States Executive Director of each multilateral development bank, as defined in the Act, and of the International Monetary Fund to vote against and use best efforts to deny any loan or other utilization of the funds of the respective institution (other than for humanitarian assistance, for trade-related assistance, or for development assistance that directly addresses basic human needs, is not administered by such government, and confers no benefit to that government) to Sint Maarten, as described in section 110(d)(1)(B) of the Act; and (iii) direct that funding for participation by officials or employees of the Government of Sint Maarten in educational and cultural exchange programs shall continue to be permitted in FY 2025, consistent with the foreign policy and all applicable laws of the United States.

You are authorized and directed to submit this determination, the certification required by section 110(e) of the Act, and the Memorandum of Justification, on which I have relied, to the Congress, and to publish this determination in the Federal Register.

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Presidential Determination

No.        2024-15        

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SUBJECT:       Presidential Determination and Certification with Respect to the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008

Pursuant to section 404 of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 (22 U.S.C. 2370c-1) (CSPA), I hereby:

Determine that it is in the national interest of the United States to waive in part the application of the prohibition in section 404(a) of the CSPA with respect to Cameroon to allow for the provision of International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) assistance, the issuance of direct commercial sales (DCS) licenses, and support provided pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 331 and 10 U.S.C. 333, to the extent that the CSPA would restrict such assistance or support; to waive in part the application of the prohibition in section 404(a) of the CSPA with respect to Libya to allow for the provision of IMET and PKO assistance, the issuance of DCS licenses in connection with the export or reexport of transport aircraft and related parts, components, and technical data, and support provided pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 331 and 10 U.S.C. 333, to the extent that the CSPA would restrict such assistance or support; to waive in part the application of the prohibition in section 404(a) of the CSPA with respect to Somalia to allow for the provision of IMET and PKO assistance and support provided pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 331 and 10 U.S.C. 333, to the extent that the CSPA would restrict such assistance or support; to waive in part the application of the prohibition in section 404(a) of the CSPA with respect to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Yemen to allow for the provision of IMET and PKO assistance, to the extent that the CSPA would restrict such assistance; to waive in part the application of the prohibition in section 404(a) of the CSPA with respect to the Central African Republic to allow for the provision of IMET assistance, to the extent that the CSPA would restrict such assistance; and to waive the application of the prohibition in section 404(a) of the CSPA to allow for the issuance of DCS licenses related to other United States Government assistance for the above countries and, with respect to the Russian Federation, solely for the issuance of DCS licenses in connection with the International Space Station; and

Certify that the governments of the above countries are taking effective and continuing steps to address the problem of child soldiers.

Accordingly, I hereby waive such applications of section 404(a) of the CSPA.

You are authorized and directed to submit this determination and certification to the Congress, along with the Memorandum of Justification, and to publish this determination in the Federal Register.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Presidential Determination
No.        2024-13        

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
 
SUBJECT:       Presidential Determination on Refugee
               Admissions for Fiscal Year 2025
 
 
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, in accordance with section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (the “Act”) (8 U.S.C. 1157), and after appropriate consultations with the Congress, I hereby make the following determinations and authorize the following actions:
 
The admission of up to 125,000 refugees to the United States during Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 is justified by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest.
 
The admissions numbers shall be allocated among refugees of special humanitarian concern to the United States in accordance with the following regional allocations:
 
Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30,000-50,000
East Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10,000-20,000
Europe and Central Asia . . . . . . .  2,000-3,000
Latin America/Caribbean . . . . . .  35,000-50,000
Near East/South Asia . . . . . . . . 30,000-45,000
 
The above allocation ranges are intended to provide flexibility as needs arise, but the total admissions among all of the regions may not exceed 125,000.  Upon providing notification to the Judiciary Committees of the Congress, you are hereby authorized to transfer unused admissions allocated to a particular region to one or more other regions, if there is a need for greater admissions for the region or regions to which the admissions are being transferred.
 
Consistent with section 2(b)(2) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 (22 U.S.C. 2601(b)(2)), I hereby determine that assistance to or on behalf of persons applying for admission to the United States as part of the overseas refugee admissions program will contribute to the foreign policy interests of the United States and designate such persons for this purpose.
 
Consistent with section 101(a)(42) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)), and after appropriate consultation with the Congress, I also specify that, for FY 2025, the following persons may, if otherwise qualified, be considered refugees for the purpose of admission to the United States within their countries of nationality or habitual residence:

1. Persons in Cuba;
2. Persons in Eurasia and the Baltics;
3. Persons in Iraq;
4. Persons in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras; and
5. In certain circumstances, persons identified by a United States Embassy or by an authorized State Department referral partner in any location.

 
You are authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register.
 
 
 
                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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South Lawn

12:01 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, hello, hello!  (Applause.) 

If I didn’t say this, my dad would come down from heaven and you know what — (laughter): Please excuse my back while I’m speaking.  I apologize.  (Laughter.)

Folks, hello, Team USA!  (Applause.)

You got a few fans out there on the South Lawn.  (Laughter.)  (Applause.)  Yeah, let’s hear you.  (Applause.)  Let’s hear the South Lawn.  (Applause.)

Paul, thank you to the introduction.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  USA!  USA!

THE PRESIDENT:  You got it, kid.  (Laughter.)  You got it.

And, Paul, for your incredible courage.  Adrina, I thank you.  I [don’t] doubt you’ll be representing Team USA one day as well.  I think it’s going to happen.

Paul, along with Torri, thank you for representing your fellow Olympians and Paralympians.  But, Torri, let me say, this is not my house; this is your house.  This is your house.  (Applause.)  That’s the God’s truth: Team USA’s house.  (Applause.)  I’m just a temporary resident.  It’s only a couple months left.  (Laughter.)

But thank you to all your family and friends who support these incredible athletes. 

Torri’s dad said it best, only in America — (applause) — only in America do we believe anything is possible.

I spent close to 100 hours alone with Xi Jinping of China.  He asked me — when I was in the Tibetan Plateau with him, when I was vice president, he said, “Can you define America for me?”  It’s the God’s truth.  And I said, “Yes, in one word.”  He looked at me.  I said, “Possibilities.”

We’re the only nation that thinks anything is possible when we di- — set mind to do it.  That’s what all of you embody.

On behalf of the entire nation and thousands of fans here today, thank you.  Thank you for representing the very best of America.  (Applause.)

And because I’m president and I cause commotion when I go places — (laugher) — they wouldn’t let me go the Olympics.  But I watched it all.  Jill, my wife, went to the Olympics.  (Applause.)  Guess what?  I was supposed to be introducing at the inauguration of the president of Mexico, who is a fine woman — I’m going to be seeing her shortly — but I said I’m staying here and meeting you guys.  (Applause.)  She’s going to represent the United States.  She’s in Mexico.  (Laughs.)

But she was able to say hi to many of you this morning before you left.  I said, “Where were you this morning?  I was looking for you.”  She said, “I was out saying hello to the Olympians.”  (Laughter.)

Now, as you know, she led the U.S. delegation to Paris.  All she did when she came back home — I mean this from the bottom of my heart — was talk about how amazing you all are, talk about the amazing resilience, the courage, and the commitment, and your loyalty to one another.

My staff would have their TVs on watching you as I was trying to get briefed on national security.  (Laughter.)  But in fairness, I had the TV on in the Oval Office as well.  (Laughter.)

We felt so much pride, and I’m honored to welcome 400 athletes from (inaudible) — USA — Team USA today here at the capital.  (Applause.)  Part of a nation so vast, so diverse, and so talented, it’s like no other country on Earth.

Two hundred and thirty total medals win — won at this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games to finish the top of overall medal count, period.  (Applause.)

When you competed, it wasn’t just you in the spotlight.  You re- — you represented all the people who sacrificed for you, as was mentioned earlier, just as you’ve sacrificed yourselves — early hours, long days, intense training, sometimes overcoming extreme disappointment.

For many of you, you hold down multiple jobs to fund your dreams.

And, by the way, we need to do more to support all of our Team USA al- — athletes.  (Applause.)  You’re parents.  You’re caretakers.  And 28 of you have also worn a uniform representing our country and one of our armed forces.  (Applause.)

As your commander in chief, I say thank you for your service, wherever the hell you are.  (Laughter and applause.)  We owe you.  That’s not hyperbole.  We owe you.

Yes, you’ve sacrificed, but you look at — you have to look at who you lift up.  Your families wept with joy, filled with pride.  Your hometowns honor you.  And to your fellow Americans, most of whom have never known — you’ve never known, you’ve become their heroes — their heroes. 

How many stu- — how many parents talk to their kids who are having difficulty and say, “You can do this.  You can overcome anything”?  I think we underestimate how much you do, what incentives you provide for people.  You know, they see you and they begin to believe in themselves. 

And, by the way, I told her, when she’s president of the United States — (laughter and applause) — and they say, “Joe Biden is in the waiting,” she promised me she won’t say “Joe who?”  (Laughter.)

Whether this was your first time at the Games or the peak of a distinguished career, your legacy is one of discipline, success, joy, and loyalty to one another.  And that legacy is part of something bigger than yourselves: It’s about your country, the greatest sports nation in the history of the world.  (Applause.)

In the next few years, we get to showcase to the world from our own backyard.  (Applause.) 

The World Cup in 2026, hosted by the United States of America.  (Applause.) 

And the Los Angeles Summer Games in ‘28. (Applause.)  I won’t be president.  They can’t stop me from going there then.  (Laughter.)  That will include distinctly Amer- — distinctly American sports for the first time: flag football, lacrosse — and making their return — baseball and softball.  (Applause.) 

And the Salt Lake City Winter Games of 2034.  (Applause.)  It matters. 

Let me close with this.  Last May, I awarded the nation’s highest honor, an Presidential Medal of Freedom, to the late Jim Thorpe. 

(Inaudible) hold for a moment, my grandfather, Ambrose Finnegan, was an All-American in college at Santa Clara.  And he was — always talked sports all the time in Scranton.  He always talked about Jim Thorpe.  I mean it sincerely.  And why — why we didn’t pay enough attention, why we didn’t honor one of the greatest la- — athletes in American history.  The first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal; world record settler in the — settler [setter] in the decathlon — (applause); world-class football, baseball, and basketball player.  Put simply, the greatest ever. 

And his legacy wasn’t just cemented by example of his power but by the power of his example.  (Applause.)

He overcame vile racism and shameful bigotry, and he broke barriers.  Just like his given name, Bright Path — that was his name, Bright Path — he led a way for future generations. 

And now it’s your turn — your turn to take the torch from those before you, to run the race to the fullest, and then pass the torch to those who follow.  I know something about that. 

Look, folks, Kamala and I had a wonderful time leading this U.S. del- — delegation. (Applause.) 

We know the power of sports to empi- — empower and bring us together. 

There’s nothing like the simple truth that’s already been stated: only in America.  And it’s a great honor to represent our nation and to hear those letters: USA.  USA.  USA.

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA! 

THE PRESIDENT:  I mean it.

Folks, I’ve never been more optimistic about our future, and I mean that.  We just have to remember who the hell we are.  We’re the United States of America.  (Applause.)  And I mean this from the bottom of my heart: There is nothing we can’t do when we do it together — nothing.

God bless you all.  May God protect our troops.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done.  (Applause.)

12:11 P.M. EDT

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Via Teleconference

11:44 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hey, Sean.  Thanks for that introduction, pal.  We go back a long way, you and I.  And we go back — look, the fact is the building trades have been a significant part of my career my whole career — all 800 years of it. 

Hey, look, good morning, tradeswomen of North America and Chair Vicki O- — O’Leary; and I want to talk — Brandon Bishop, the secretary; and Liz Shuler, my AFL-CIO president.  You’ve always had my back.  I never forget it. 

Julie Su, my acting secretary of Labor, is in the crowd.  She just spoke.  I got to hear her, even though I’m up in — up northeast. 

Look, I kept my commitment.  I have an administration that looks like America.  That includes having more women senior role — in senior roles than at any time in — ever, starting with the amazing vice president, Kamala Harris. 

And together, we’re proud to have most pro-union administration in American history. 

I know this simple truth: Wall Street didn’t build America.  You know damn well they didn’t build the middle class.  Unions built the middle class.  Unions built the middle class.

And we’re beginning to thrive.  In fact, I asked the secretary of Treasury to — to study what my — I was getting criticized that — my being so supportive of unions was going to cost money. 

Well, guess what?  When unions do well, the studies shows, all Americans — all — union and non-union — do better.  It’s a big reason why our economy is the strongest in the world. 

It comes down to something my dad used to — that Dad taught me.  He said, “Joey, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck.”  You’ve heard me say this before.  “It’s about your dignity.  It’s about your place in the community.  It’s about being able to look your kid in the eye and say ‘Honey, everything is going to be okay’ and mean it.”

That’s why Kamala and I are so damn proud to have the greatest job creation record of any single presidential term: nearly 16 million new jobs so far, 800,000 manufacturing jobs, and over 300,000 more women in manufacturing than when I took office. 

Where the hell is it written to say we can’t lead the world in manufacturing?  We are leading, and we will continue to. 

The economy has also created 848,000 construction jobs, a record 8.2 million jobs across the construction industry, including over 100,000 more women in construction.  And construction is booming. 

That’s not all.  We’ve achieved the lowest unemployment rate for women in 70 years.  We narrowed the gender pay gap.  And there are more women, especially mothers, in the workforce than ever before. 

And here’s how we’re making that progress.  My predecessor promised “Infrastructure Week” every week for four years, and he never build a damn thing, literally. 

Well, with your support, we’re going to have Infrastructure Decade.  We — we provided well over a trillion dollars for infrastructure in America.

And Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — we’re investing over 5 — so far — just so far, 50,000 projects have been designated across America so far, modernizing our roads, bridges, ports, airports, clean water systems, affordable high-speed Internet, and so damn much more. 

It’s creating tens of thousands of good jobs for the building trades.  You’re literally building back America.  And we’re just getting started.

When I signed the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, which is the most significant laws ever for climate and clean energy, science and innovation, so far, it’s not only generated what we put in — remember the criticism of “Biden put in too much federal money”?  “He shouldn’t be making that debt.”  Well, guess what?  It’s attracting nearly $1 trillion in private-sector investment in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, clean energy, and more here in America, creating tens of thousands of good-paying building trades jobs.

And these are construction jobs now.  And in the future, they’re going to maintain these factories.  They’re going to be needed for a long time. 

In fact, construction of new factories has more than doubled.  Clean energy workers are joining unions at the highest rate level in all of American history. 

And guess what?  With your support, I signed an executive order to make — make sure large federal construction projects are pro- — are pro-labor; they’re project- — they have project labor agreements; and that contractors, subcontractors, unions are all put in place before the construction begins so we know exactly who’s going to get paid what.  These agreements make sure construction is top-notch, on time, on task, and on budget. 

Buy America has been the law of the land for — since the 1930s.  And to tell you the truth, no one paid attention.  I didn’t even realize it was written into the law until about 12 years ago — 15 years ago, when we were deciding whether — how labor would have a fair shot of organizing. 

But it said, when you send me money as a president, you — I should use that money to build or buy — we use American labor and American products, whatever that I’m spending that money for.

Past administrations, including my predecessor, failed to Buy America.  Not anymore.  Federal projects helping build American roads, bridges, highways will be made with American products, built by American workers, creating good-paying jobs, instead of doing what they did: send the job overseas for cheaper labor and bring home the product, which costs more. 

In fact, we’re requiring these kinds of jobs to pay Davis-Bacon prevailing wage for jobs that don’t require a college degree and jobs you can raise a family on.  And these increase — and this is going to increase wages for more than a million construction workers. 

I also signed an executive order strengthening the pipeline for good jobs. 

In fact, we expanded the register- — and Julie Su just spoke about it — registered apprenticeships, resulting in hiring of a million apprenticeships since I came to office.  Remember they wanted to keep making private?

Under my administration, the number of women in apprenticeships has increased by nearly 50 percent.  And a lot of folks don’t realize it, but apprenticeship is like earning a college degree.  I’ve urged — I’ve urged Sean and all the labors leaders: Let them know the reason why people are hiring us, want us is because you’re the best-trained workers in the world.  And when you — when you go through an apprentice program, it’s like earning a college degree. 

An apprentice is you train for four to five years before you get full — before you’re re- — recognized for your trade.  These were — you’re some of the best workers in the world.

And I’ve always believed the National Labor Relations Board should be pro-labor.  National Labor Relations Board.  Pro-labor.  That’s why one of the most significant things we’ve done is appointed National Labor Relations Board members who — that actually believe in unions and believe in the right to organize. 

Remember what Trump did?  Trump appointed union busters on that board. 

Also, we made incredible progress and we know there’s more to do to support women’s economic security. 

All around the country, local governments are using dollars from my Invest in America agenda for — to fund childcare — to fund childcare, requiring, for example, semiconductor companies applying for new federal subsidies to make sure that all their workers have access to affordable childcare. 

I recently signed an executive order encouraging even more federal agencies to prioritize projects that provide affordable childcare and other benefits the workers need. 

I signed into law the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the PUMP Act, giving pregnant and postpartum workers long-overdue protections, and so much more.

I’d go on, except I know you have to — they’re going to shut down that parade if I don’t make this shorter. 

And that’s a stark contrast to my predecessor.  You know, do you think he has any idea about the work you do every day?  Hell, with regard to picket lines, he’d rather cross one than — instead of walking one. 

But Kamala and I have no problem walking in it.  We did.  And we’ll always walk alongside you, the union workers who built this country. 

Let me close with this.  Two years ago, Jill and I invited an ironworker from Cincinnati to be our guest at the State of the Union.  She joined her local union more than 20 years ago, working her way up.  The job helped her raise a family.  The career gave her pride in her community.  Her union is known as the “Cowboys in the Sky” because they built Cincinnati’s skyline.

And because of the historic investments we’re making, she’s going to be working 10 stories over the Ohio River, building a new billion-dollar bridge — literally building a bridge of — to American dreams.  That’s all of you. 

I spent my whole career believing in unions.  I’m honored to be considered the most pro-union president ever, and I make no apologies for that. 

I’m here to tell you that if you care about increasing the strength of unions, if you care about hardworking people who just want a fair shot, if you think about the dignity of work, look at the record of the Biden-Harris administration, we’re providing a woman can — we’re proving it. 

And I’ve raised this — I was raised from the time I can remember: A woman can do anything a man can do.  That’s how I was raised by my mom and by my family.  That includes being president of the United States of America.

And I’ve never been more optimistic about America’s future.  We just have to remember who we are.  We’re the United States of America, damn it.  There’s nothing beyond our capacity when we work together, and we’re working together. 

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

I’m sorry to go so fast, but you got to get out there and let them see who you are.  Thank you. 

11:53 A.M. EDT

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