Whitehouse.gov Feed

As I have said many times, steel production—and the steel workers who produce it—are the backbone of our nation.  A strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority and is critical for resilient supply chains.  That is because steel powers our country: our infrastructure, our auto industry, and our defense industrial base. Without domestic steel production and domestic steel workers, our nation is less strong and less secure.

For too long, U.S. steel companies have faced unfair trade practices as foreign companies have dumped steel on global markets at artificially low prices, leading to job losses and factory closures in America. I have taken decisive action to level the playing field for American steelworkers and steel producers by tripling tariffs on steel imports from China.  With record investments in manufacturing, more than 100 new steel and iron mills have opened since I took office, and U.S. companies are producing the cleanest steel in the world. Today, the domestic steel industry is the strongest it has been in years.

We need major U.S. companies representing the major share of US steelmaking capacity to keep leading the fight on behalf of America’s national interests. As a committee of national security and trade experts across the executive branch determined, this acquisition would place one of America’s largest steel producers under foreign control and create risk for our national security and our critical supply chains.

So, that is why I am taking action to block this deal. It is my solemn responsibility as President to ensure that, now and long into the future, America has a strong domestically owned and operated steel industry that can continue to power our national sources of strength at home and abroad; and it is a fulfillment of that responsibility to block foreign ownership of this vital American company. U.S. Steel will remain a proud American company – one that’s American-owned, American-operated, by American union steelworkers – the best in the world.  

Today’s action reflects my unflinching commitment to utilize all authorities available to me as President to defend U.S. national security, including by ensuring that American companies continue to play a central role in sectors that are critical for our national security. As I have made clear since day one: I will never hesitate to act to protect the security of this nation and its infrastructure as well as the resilience of its supply chains.

###

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

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (section 721), 50 U.S.C. 4565, it is hereby ordered as follows:

     Section 1.  Findings.  I hereby make the following findings:

(a)  There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that (1) Nippon Steel Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of Japan (Nippon Steel); (2) Nippon Steel North America, Inc., a New York corporation (Nippon Steel NA); and (3) 2023 Merger Subsidiary, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with Nippon Steel and Nippon Steel NA, the Purchasers), through the proposed acquisition by the Purchasers of United States Steel Corporation, a Delaware corporation (U.S. Steel), might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States; and

(b)  Provisions of law, other than section 721 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), do not, in my judgment, provide adequate and appropriate authority for me to protect the national security in this matter.

     Sec. 2.  Actions Ordered and Authorized.  On the basis of the findings set forth in section 1 of this order, considering the factors set forth in subsection 721(f) of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as appropriate, and pursuant to my authority under applicable law, including section 721, I hereby order that:

(a)  The proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by the Purchasers (Proposed Transaction) is prohibited, and any substantially similar transaction between the Purchasers and U.S. Steel, whether effected directly or indirectly by the Purchasers, through the Purchasers’ shareholders or shareholders’ immediate, intermediate, or ultimate foreign person beneficial owners, or through the Purchasers’ partners, subsidiaries, or affiliates is also prohibited.

(b)  The Purchasers and U.S. Steel shall take all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the Proposed Transaction no later than 30 days after the date of this order, unless such date is extended by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), on such conditions as CFIUS may require.  Immediately upon completion of all steps necessary to abandon the Proposed Transaction, the Purchasers and U.S. Steel shall certify in writing to CFIUS that such abandonment has been effected in accordance with this order and that all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the Proposed Transaction have been completed.

(c)  From the date of this order until the Purchasers and U.S. Steel provide a certification of abandonment of the Proposed Transaction to CFIUS pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the Purchasers and U.S. Steel shall certify to CFIUS on a weekly basis that they are in compliance with this order and include with that certification a description of all efforts to fully and permanently abandon the Proposed Transaction, and a timeline for projected completion of remaining actions necessary to effectuate the abandonment.

(d)  Any transaction or other instrument entered into or method employed for the purpose of, or with the effect of, evading or circumventing this order is prohibited.

(e)  Without limitation on the exercise of authority by any agency under other provisions of law, and until such time as the Purchasers and U.S. Steel provide a certification of abandonment of the Proposed Transaction and such certification is verified to the satisfaction of CFIUS, CFIUS is further authorized to implement measures it determines necessary and appropriate with regard to the Proposed Transaction to protect the national security of the United States, including measures available to it under section 721 and its implementing regulations, which include the remedies available for violations of any order, agreement or condition entered into or imposed under section 721.

(f)  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid because of the lack of certain procedural requirements, the relevant executive branch officials shall implement those procedural requirements.

(g)  The Attorney General is authorized to take any steps necessary to enforce this order.

     Sec. 3.  Reservation.  I hereby reserve my authority to issue further orders with respect to the Purchasers or U.S. Steel as shall in my judgment be necessary to protect the national security of the United States.

     Sec. 4.  Publication and Transmittal.  (a)  This order shall be published in the Federal Register.

(b)  I hereby direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit a copy of this order to the parties to the Proposed Transaction named in section 1 of this order.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    January 3, 2025.

The post Order Regarding the Proposed Acquisition of United States Steel Corporation by Nippon Steel Corporation appeared first on The White House.

On Thursday, January 2, 2025, the President signed into law:

H.R. 1555, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2300 Sylvan Avenue in Modesto, California, as the “Corporal Michael D. Anderson Jr. Post Office Building”;

Thank you to Representative McClintock for his leadership.

H.R. 1823, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 207 East Fort Dade Avenue in Brooksville, Florida, as the “Specialist Justin Dean Coleman Memorial Post Office Building”;

Thank you to Representative Bilirakis for his leadership.

H.R. 3354, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 220 North Hatcher Avenue in Purcellville, Virginia, as the “Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Post Office Building”;

Thank you to Representative Wexton and Senator Kaine for their leadership.

H.R. 4136, the U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson Memorial VA Clinic Act;

Thank you to Representative Self and Senator Cornyn for their leadership.

H.R. 4955, which names the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the “Henry Parham VA Clinic”;

Thank you to Representative Summer Lee, and Senators Fetterman and Casey for their leadership.

H.R. 5867, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 109 Live Oaks Boulevard in Casselberry, Florida, as the “Colonel Joseph William Kittinger II Post Office Building”;

Thank you to Representative Mills for his leadership.

H.R. 6116, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14280 South Military Trail in Delray Beach, Florida, as the “Benjamin Berell Ferencz Post Office Building”;

Thank you to Representative Frankel for her leadership.

H.R. 6162, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 379 North Oates Street in Dothan, Alabama, as the “LaBruce ‘Bruce’ Tidwell Post Office Building”;

Thank you to Representative Barry Moore for his leadership.

H.R. 6188, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 420 Highway 17 North in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, as the “Nancy Yount Childs Post Office Building”;

Thank you to Representative Fry for his leadership.

H.R. 6244, which to designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1535 East Los Ebanos Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas, as the “1st Lieutenant Andres Zermeno Post Office Building”;

Thank you to Representative Vicente Gonzalez for his leadership.

H.R. 6633, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9355 113th Street in Seminole, Florida, as the “Army SSG Ryan Christian Knauss Memorial Post Office Building”;

Thank you to Representative Luna for her leadership.

H.R. 6750, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 501 Mercer Street Southwest in Wilson, North Carolina, as the “Milton F. Fitch, Sr. Post Office Building”;

Thank you to Representative Don Davis for his leadership.

H.R. 6810, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 518 North Ridgewood Drive in Sebring, Florida, as the “U.S. Army Air Corps Major Thomas B. McGuire Post Office Building”

Thank you to Representative Franklin for his leadership.

H.R. 6983, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15 South Valdosta Road in Lakeland, Georgia, as the “Nell Patten Roquemore Post Office”.

Thank you to Representative Austin Scott for his leadership.

###

The post Press Release: Bills Signed: H.R. 1555, H.R. 1823, H.R. 3354, H.R. 4136, H.R. 4955, H.R. 5867, H.R. 6116, H.R. 6162, H.R. 6188, H.R. 6244, H.R. 6633, H.R. 6750 appeared first on The White House.

THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening.  I know I can speak for all Americans when I say our hearts are with the people in New Orleans after the despicable attack that occurred in the early morning hours.

To all the families of those who were killed, to all those who were injured, to all the people in New Orleans who are grieving today, I want you to know I grieve with you.  Our nation grieves with you.  We’re going to stand with you as you mourn and as you heal in the weeks to come. 

I want to thank our brave first responders and law enforcement personnel who stopped the attacker in his tracks before he could kill or injure even more people.

And I want to thank you to everyone at the Department of the Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, including the FBI, for working nonstop to investigate this heinous act.  The FBI is leading the investigation to determine what happened, why it happened, and whether there is any continuing threat to public safety. 

Here’s what we know so far.  The FBI has reported to me the killer was an American citizen, born in Texas.  He served in the United States Army on active duty for many years.  He also served in the Army Reserve until a few years ago. 

The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill — a desire to kill.  The ISIS flag was found in his vehicle, which he rented to conduct this attack.  Possible explosives were found in the vehicle as well, and more explosives were near — were found nearby. 

The situation is very fluid, and the investigation is at a preliminary stage.  And the fact is that right now — excuse me — there you go — the law enforcement and intelligence community are continuing to look for any connections, associations, or coconspirators. 

We have nothing additional to report at this time.  The investigation is continuing to be active, and no one should jump to conclusions.  I’ve directed my attorney general, the FBI director, the secretary of Homeland Security, the head of the National Counterintelli- — -terrorism Center, and the intelligence community to work on this intensively until we have a full and complete information.  And once we have that information, I will share that information as soon as I — we can confirm it. 

Additionally, we’re tracking the explosion of a Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.  Law enforcement and the intelligence community are investigating this as well, including whether there’s any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans.  Thus far, there’s nothing to report on that score at this time.

I directed my team to make sure every resource — every resource — is made available to federal, state, and local law enforcement to complete the investigation in New Orleans quickly and to make sure there’s no remaining threat to the American people. 

And we’ll — we will support the people in New Orleans as they begin the hard work of healing. 

New Orleans is a place unlike any other place in the world.  It’s a city full of charm and joy.  So many people around the world love New Orleans because of its history, its culture, and, above all, its people.  So, I know, while this person committed a terrible assault on the city, the spirit of our New Orleans will never, never, never be defeated.  It always will shine forth. 

We’ve seen that time and time again throughout its history, and I know we’ll see it again in the days and weeks ahead.

May God bless the people in New Orleans.  May our — God bless our police and our first responders.  And may God protect our troops.

And we’ll keep you fully, contemporaneously informed.

Thank you.

The post Remarks by President Biden on the Latest Developments in New Orleans | Catoctin Mountain Park, MD appeared first on The White House.

State Dining Room

3:34 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  I’m sure you’re clapping because I finally showed up.  (Laughter.)

I do apologize.  We had a very busy schedule the last — over — from New Year’s Day on, dealing with two crises — one in Louisiana and one in Las — in Las Vegas.  And I’ve assembled the entire Defense and intelligence apparatus of the country in the Situation Room, and we’ve been spending a lot of time there.  But I’m going to take another two minutes to talk a little bit about that and then go on to the — what we’re here for.

I want to give an update on the investigations into yesterday’s terrorist attacks in New Orleans and the truck explosion in Las Vegas.  I’ve just come from the meeting — not “just,” it’s been — while we’ve prepared these remarks — better part of an hour — from my Homeland Security team.  The number of people killed in New Orleans has risen to 15, including the attacker.  Thirty-five people were injured. 

Today, the FBI briefed me that, as of now, no information — we have no information that anyone else was involved in the attack.  They’ve established that the attacker was the same person who planted the explosives in those ice coolers in two nearby locations in the French Quarter just a few hours before he rammed into the crowd with his vehicle. 

They assessed he had a remote detonator in his vehicle to set off those two ice chests.  So, there’s no question that — remember all the talk about other people were involved, placed them?  They have him — they have established he’s there and even established that he had a detonator to explode those — those ice chests.

As I said yesterday, the attacker posted several videos just several hours before the attack, in- — indicating his strong support for ISIS.

Federal law enforcement and the intelligence community are actively investigating any foreign or domestic contacts or connections that could possibly be relevant to the attack. 

And so, we’re also continuing to investigate whether or not there’s any connection between the New Orleans attack and the explosion in Las Vegas.  As of now — as of now, I’ve just briefed they have not found any evidence of such a connection thus far.  I’ve directed them to keep looking.

The individual who rented the truck to explode — that exploded in Las Vegas also served as active duty U.S. Army.  And the FBI is working with the Department of Defense on investigating, including the service member’s possible motives and all those he worked with in — who served with him — what things he’d say and do.

I directed my team to accelerate these investigations so we have answers to our unanswered questions.  And I’m making every single resource available to get the job done.  And we’re going to share the facts as soon as I learn them so the American public doesn’t have to wonder. 

In the meantime, like I said last night, New Orleans is a city of tremendous spirit.  It can’t keep it down — you really can’t.  And we are seeing that today.  The Sugar Bowl is back on.  Kick-off is going to take off very shortly.  If I don’t get this damn thing done, we’re going to be in real trouble.  (Laughter.)  And the FBI in handing control to Bourbon Street back to local officials, security of the area has been reinforced, and it should be open for business later today.  The — Bourbon Street. 

The people of New Orleans are sending an unmistakable message: They will not let this attack or the attacks — attacker’s de- — his deluded ideology overcome us.  None of us should fear it’ll — he’ll overcome us. 

And we’re going to relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organizations where they are, and they’ll find no safe harbor here.

I’ll continue to provide updates on New Orleans and Las Vegas as the facts develop.

Now to the business at hand.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate these two men.  Not a joke.  You know, I want to — the fact of the matter is that the Ma- — Majority Leader Schumer and Chair Durbin, they — their leadership has been invaluable. 

You know, from my days of leading the Senate Judiciary Committee 200 years ago — (laughter) — I have made judicial nominations a priority.  And some of you may remember, I was involved in some very contentious Supreme Court nominations over the years.

And today, I want to recognize a major milestone.  The Senate recently confirmed its 235th federal judge, which is the largest number of confirmations in a single presidential term since the early ‘80s.  That includes 1 Supreme Court justice, 45 Circuit Court of Appeal judges, 187 District Court judges, and 2 judges on the Court of International Trade. 

And they represent the best of America.  It’s all about preserving the Constitution.  I made two — three speeches in this campaign — in this — my term as president.  One when I first entered, saying democracy is at stake.  One I later made at — anyway.  I made three major speeches.  The institutions are in jeopardy, in my view.  And some of the decisions coming down, to me, made no constitutional sense.

They’re all highly qualified people (inaudible).  They’ve had distinguished legal, judicial, and academic careers. 

It matters.  Judges matter.  You know, shaping the everyday lives of Americans.  Protecting our basic freedoms.  I never thought we’d be talking about this.  Defending constitutional liberties.  Replacing pr- — you know, respecting the idea precedent matters — precedent matters.

These judges will be independent, they’ll be fair, and they’ll be impartial, and they’ll respect the rule of law.  And most importantly — I know this sounds — I never thought I’d be saying this — they’d up- — they’ll uphold the Constitution.  They’ll uphold the Constitution.

When I ran for president, I made a promise that I’d have a bench that looks like America that taps into the full talents of this nation.  And I’m proud we’ve kept our commitment, with the help of these two men and many others, bolstering confidence in judicial decision-making and outcomes. 

We have a record number of judges with backgrounds and experiences that have long been overlooked in the federal judiciary, like advocates for civil rights, workers rights, immigrant rights, and so much more — the first former public defender to sit in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. 

I’ve also continued to put forward men and women who have been prosecutors and plaintiffs attorneys, which has been a — a distant past in the — of — of courts. 

No matter who they are or where they come from, all these appointees — all these appointees understand the role of a judge and are committed to the rule of law, the institutional safeguards built on our Constitution, that upholds the rights and guarantees of the Constitution. 

You know, I have appointed the most demographically diverse slate of judicial nominees ever in the history of America that represents all of America and the best of America. 

There is numerous s- — there is numerous historic firsts.  The first Black woman on the United States Supreme Court.  I made that promise and we kept it.  More Black women to the Courts of Appeals than every other previous administration in American history combined — combined.  (Applause.) 

Other historic firsts for Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Muslim Americans.  The list goes on. 

Look, the point is: For the first time in a long, long time, we have a bench that looks like and represents all of America.  All of America. 

And a special thank you again to — to Leader Schumer and Chair Durbin for working tirelessly to move these nominees through the committee and onto the Senate floor in a very — I think it’s not an understatement to say — a very contentious political period in American history.  (Laughter.)  I — but think about it.  One — one-vote majority.  I mean, it’s amazing what they did. 

Other senators, Democrats and Republicans alike, worked with my administration to fill vacancies in their states. 

You know, all these Republican senators, they were — they weren’t sending me Democratic nominees.  They were sending me Republican nominees.  But we got the — sort of back to the basics, finding basic commitment to civil rights, civil liberties.  Whether it was your counterpart in the leader of Republican party, in Kentucky, or wherever, we got people who are people who understand the institutional limitations and safeguards in the Constitution.

I don’t want to get anyone in trouble, but this includes some of my conservative friends in Indiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas.  But they’re — also got appointed, and they’re not Democrats, but they’re — understand the institutional structure of the court.

Together, these judges are going to hear cases on issues ruling from everything as whether Americans can cast their ballot.  I mean, literally, where they — how they can cast their ballot, when it will be counted.  Whether workers can unionize — I thought we settled that in 1934 — and make a living wage for their families.  Whether children can breathe clean air and drink clean water, and we mandate it by the Congress to do so.

These judges also are a vital check on the excesses of — of other branches of government, including Congress and the executive branch when they overreach and run afoul of the constitutional and institutional safeguards. 

So, let me close with this.  I’m proud — proud of the legacy that we’ll leave for our nation as it relates to judges.  And I’m proud of the men and women who stepped forward and heeded the call to serve.  I really mean it.

Think about it.  If I looked at some of you and said, “I want to nominate you.”  You said, “In this time?”  (Laughter.)  No, I’m serious.  I — I’m being — I know this room is probably the only room that fully would understand and comprehend that.

And, folks, I know — I know they’ll continue to uphold our nation’s founding principles of liberty, justice, equality, and do it for decades to come. 

As we say in my old neighborhood, it’s a big deal.  (Laughter.)  It’s a big deal.  And — and I — bless me, Father, for I have sinned.  (The president makes the sign of the cross.)  (Laughter.) 

But all kidding aside, I really — I’m really proud of the caliber, capacity, willingness, and the academic backgrounds of all these men and women who we appointed.  In fact, we appointed more women than others.  That’s just because I’ve — was raised in a household where all the women are smarter than all the men.  (Laughter.)

But all kidding aside, I really think we’ll be proud of these women and men that have been appointed.  And I think we’re going to reestablish the safeguards that were built into the Constitution.  Everybody, everybody, everybody has an equal opportunity.  That’s what it’s all about.

So, thank you all and all the leaders in this room for all you’ve done.  It wouldn’t have gotten it done without you guys. Thanks for the recommendations and all the help.  But most importantly, these two guys.

The idea that if — in the beginning, when we had that first conversation, Chuck said, “We’re going to appoint all these judges.”  We looked at each other like, “Are we kidding ourselves?”  Right?  (Laughter.)  Thank you, pal.

LEADER SCHUMER:  Thank you, Mr. President.

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

And, Dick — by the way, I’ve ruined his reputation by bragging so much about him.  I — I was hesitant to do it during an election year because it might hurt him.  But all kidding aside, every time we get in trouble, I literally ask my staff — I say, “Durbin is there.”  (Laughter.)  “Durbin is there.”

SENATOR DURBIN:  Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:  You’re the best, pal.

SENATOR DURBIN:  Thank you. 

THE PRESIDENT:  You really are.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

Thank you all so very much.  (Applause.)

 3:46 P.M. EST

The post Remarks by President Biden on Securing 235 Judicial Confirmations appeared first on The White House.

Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists for the Native Village of Kipnuk and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding from August 16 to August 18, 2024.

Federal funding is available to the Native Village of Kipnuk and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm and flooding.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Native Village of Kipnuk.

Mr. Lance E. Davis of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

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

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

###

The post President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Native Village of Kipnuk appeared first on The White House.

On Thursday, January 2, 2025, the President signed into law:

S. 141, the “Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act,” which amends various Department of Veterans Affairs authorities related to health care, economic opportunity, disability and memorial affairs, veteran homelessness, and oversight and investigations.

Thank you to Senators Moran, Tester, and Hassan, Representatives Ciscomani, Bost, Brownley, and Takano, and many others for their leadership.

###

The post Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 141 appeared first on The White House.

     WHEREAS, Proclamation 8336 of January 6, 2009, established the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (Monument); and

     WHEREAS, Proclamation 9173 of September 25, 2014, established the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument Expansion (Monument Expansion);

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, do amend Proclamation 8336 and Proclamation 9173 for the purposes of updating the name of the Monument and the Monument Expansion to recognize the connection of these areas with the cultural heritage of the Indigenous Peoples and communities of the Pacific Islands, and of making the following conforming changes and corrections:

     Section 1.  The title of Proclamation 8336 is amended to read, “Establishment of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.”

     Sec. 2.  The title of Proclamation 9173 is amended to read, “Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument Expansion.”

     Sec. 3.  The phrase “Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument” is amended to read, “Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument,” wherever it appears in Proclamation 8336 and Proclamation 9173.

     Sec. 4.  The titles of the maps of the Monument accompanying Proclamation 8336 are amended to read, “Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.”

     Sec. 5.  The titles of the maps of the Monument Expansion accompanying Proclamation 9173 are amended to read, “Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument Expansion.”

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

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on on Amending Proclamation 8336 to Read, “Establishment of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument” and Amending Proclamation 9173 to Read, “Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument Expansion” appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Biden is taking action to recognize the cultural heritage of the Indigenous Peoples and communities of the Pacific Islands by renaming the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument as the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, and becoming the first President to formally honor the Hui Panalāʻau, Native Hawaiians sent to secure United States territorial claim to the islands in the run up to World War II. This action builds on President Biden’s historic record of delivering for Indigenous communities across the country.

In March 2023, the President issued a Presidential Memorandum directing the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to collaborate with Indigenous cultural leaders to inform renaming of the existing Pacific Remote Islands National Monument to honor the area’s heritage, ancestral pathways, and stopping points for Pacific Island voyagers, and to inform posthumous recognition for the Hui Panalāʻau.

Today’s action supports President Biden’s commitment to telling a fuller story of our Nation’s history and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to advance opportunity, including for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities.

Renaming of the Marine National Monument

The Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument encompasses approximately 490,000 square miles of open ocean, coral reef, and island habitats in the Pacific Ocean and includes seven National Wildlife Refuges associated with Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll. The national monument is home to one of the largest collections of tropical islands, coral reef, seamounts, and deep sea protected areas on the planet, and provides large migration and foraging ranges for sea turtles, marine mammals, whales, sharks, and manta rays.

At President Biden’s direction, the Udall Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), led an 18-month collaborative renaming process to engage Indigenous Peoples and other Pacific Island communities on developing a recommendation for a new name for the Marine National Monument. This included participating in the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, where the Administration convened sessions with the Pacific Island delegations, cultural practitioners, voyagers, language experts, and the broader Pacific Island community to seek comment and input on a new name.

The renaming of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument reaffirms the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to recognize and acknowledge the tradition of voyaging and other cultural and ancestral connections to the monument area and the historic and scientific objects it contains as core to Pacific Island communities’ heritage. The name also honors the many people, cultures, languages, and resources that have existed in the region for thousands of years and will continue to thrive in the future.

President George W. Bush first established this marine national monument in 2009, and President Barack Obama designated a marine national monument expansion area in 2014. Today’s action applies the new name to the existing monument, without altering its boundaries or any applicable requirements.

Recognition for the Hui Panalāʻau

From 1935 to 1942, the United States government sent 135 mainly Native Hawaiian men – known collectively as the Hui Panalāʻau – to live for six weeks to several months at a time on the uninhabited Pacific equatorial islands of Howland, Baker, Jarvis, Enderbury, and Canton to claim the islands for the United States. Today, President Biden issued a Presidential Message officially recognizing for the first time their contributions to the United States.

Beginning in 1935, the United States government recruited young Hawaiian students and recent graduates of the Kamehameha School for Boys to serve a colonization mission to the uninhabited islands. Although military interests justified occupation of the islands, the Hui Panalāʻau members were not informed of the true nature of the project. The men recorded weather conditions, cultivated plants, maintained a daily log, recorded the types of fish that they caught, observed bird life, and collected specimens for the Bishop Museum on O’ahu, and also endured personal sacrifice and hardship living on the islands. Several Hui Panalāʻau members died on the islands, including in an attack by the Empire of Japan the day after the Japanese military attacked Pearl Harbor.

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration acknowledges the accomplishments and sacrifices of the members of the Hui Panalā‘au, and extends to them and their families the deep appreciation of the people of the United States. The United States also extends condolences to the families of Carl Kahalewai, Joseph Keliihananui, and Richard Whaley for the loss of their loved ones in the service of the United States. The previously unsung contributions and sacrifices of these young men and their loved ones must be recognized as a part of the history of our Nation and of their beloved home, Hawai‘i.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) conducted a thorough review of records relevant to the Equatorial Pacific colonization program and was able to verify a participant roster that reflects, to the very best of their ability, a list of 135 individuals involved in this United States Government project. NARA corroborated this list with individual employment records. The records are from the Office of the Territories: Central Classified Files Relating to the Equatorial Islands, and this series consists of 15 containers which are fully digitized and available in the National Archives Catalog.

Today, the United States honors their memory for their service and sacrifices for our Nation:

Ahia, Charles; Ahia, Henry; Akaka, Lewellyn; Akana, Albert; Akana, Bernard; Akana, George; Akana, Theodore; Anahu, William; Anakalea, Joseph; Au, Charles; Aune, Edward; Awana, Theodore; Beatty, Rupert; Bederman, Thos. W.; Bell, Kenneth; Blake, Hartwell; Boyd, Andrew; Braun, Charles; Braun, Clarence; Bruhn, James Ferdinand; Burke, Eugene; Burke, Walter; Bush, Harry; Calley, Chas. D., Jr.; Carroll, James; Chang, Herbert; Ching, Archie; Ching, Lawrence; Cockett, Frank; Cockett, Herbert; Collins, Austin; Cowden, Lawrence; Coyle, James W.; Duff, Leonard; Dyen, Samuel; Faufata, Folina; Feigenbaum, Ralph; Fialkowaski, Henry; Graf, Wyman; Haili, Jacob; Hall, Bernard H.; Harbottle, Isaac; Harris, Arthur; Hartwell, David Kawila; Henderson, Waldron; Hooper, Herbert; Hutchinson, William; Jacobson, Victor; Jensen, Hans P.; Jensen, Karl Emil; Kaahea, Henry; Kahalewai, Carl; Kahalewai, Samuel; Kahanu, George; Kahapea, Alexander; Kahapea, William; Kaina, Wm.; Kalama, David H.; Kalama, Samuel; Kalama, Solomon; Kamakaiwi, James C., Jr.; Kaninau, Charles; Kauahikaua, Archie; Kaulu, Albert Kelii; Keliihananui, Jos. K.; Kepoo, Joseph; Kilbey, John Gibson; Kim, Bak Sung; Kim, Harold; Kim, Joseph; Kim, Victor; King, Kenneth Lum; Kinney, James; Knell, Henry Crockett; Lawler, Vernon; Lee, Francis; Lee, Frederick; Lee, Henry Kong; Leong, Ah Kin; Lieson, Robert W.; Lum, Harold Chin; Lum, Kam; Lum, Paul Yat; Lum, Yau Fai; MacKellar, Ian; Mahikoa, Henry; Makua, Blue; Markham, Wm. S.; Mattson, Elvin K.; McCorriston, Edward M.; Medeiros, Henry; Newton, Edmond; Ohumukini, Henry; Opiopio, Killarney; Paoa, Melvin; Paquette, Maurice; Pea, Aki Kini Levi; Pea, Wm. Kane; Pease, James K.; Phillips, Manley Woodrow; Phillips, Paul Gordon; Piianai, Abraham; Pires, Manuel; Rahe, Bernard; Renken, Ernest Kalane; Riley, James Jos.; Roberts, John; Roberts, Oliver K.; Robinson, Alexander; Ruddle, Francis; Smith, Henry M.; Sproat, Manuel; Stein, Charles; Stillman, Francis; Stillman, Geo. C.L.; Suares, Louis; Summers, Carl; Surber, George; Tavares, William; Theiss, Harry; Toomey, Daniel; Toomey, John Kauwe; Toomey, William; Victor, Gabriel; Waiwaiole, Luther; West, George; Whaley, Richard; Wilhelm, Frederick; Williamson, Elmer; Wilson, Ralph; Wong, Alexander; Wood, Joshua; Yomes, William; Young, Edward; and Zagara, Dominic P.

###

The post FACT SHEET: President Biden Recognizes Fuller Story of Pacific Islands Heritage appeared first on The White House.

WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden named twenty recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal.

The Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others. The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice.

The awards will be presented at the White House on January 2, 2025. The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal:

Mary L. Bonauto

Attorney and activist Mary Bonauto first fought to legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine before arguing before the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, which established marriage equality as the law of the land. Her efforts made millions of families whole and forged a more perfect Union.

Bill Bradley

Raised in small-town Missouri, Bill Bradley showed a dedication to basketball that would define his courage, discipline, and selflessness. A two-time NBA Champion and Hall-of-Fame New York Knick, he served three terms as a United States Senator from New Jersey and was a candidate for president, advancing tax reform, water rights, civil rights, and more, while still today seeking to deepen our common humanity with humility and heart.

Frank K. Butler, Jr.

As a pioneering innovator, Navy Seal, and leader in dive medicine, Dr. Frank Butler introduced Tactical Combat Casualty Care to the medical world that set new standards for tourniquet use not only for injuries in war, but injuries across daily civilian life. He has transformed battlefield trauma care for the United States military and saved countless lives.

Elizabeth L. Cheney

Throughout two decades in public service, including as a Congresswoman for Wyoming and Vice Chair of the Committee on the January 6 attack, Liz Cheney has raised her voice—and reached across the aisle—to defend our Nation and the ideals we stand for: Freedom. Dignity. And decency. Her integrity and intrepidness remind us all what is possible if we work together.

Christopher J. Dodd

Chris Dodd has served our Nation with distinction for more than 50 years as a United States Congressman, Senator, respected lawyer, and diplomat. From advancing childcare, to reforming our financial markets, to fostering partnerships across the Western Hemisphere—he has stood watch over America as a beacon to the world.

Diane Carlson Evans

After serving as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War, Diane Carlson Evans founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation to ensure female service members received the recognition they deserve—one of our Nation’s most sacred obligations. Her duty and devotion embody the very best of who we are as Americans.

Joseph L. Galloway (posthumous)

From Vietnam to the Persian Gulf, Joe Galloway spent decades sharing first-hand accounts of horror, humanity, and heroism in battle. Known as the soldier’s reporter and the soldier’s friend, he embedded with American troops, rescued wounded soldiers under fire, and became the only civilian awarded a Bronze Star for combat valor by the United States Army as one of the most respected war correspondents of his era.

Nancy Landon Kassebaum

The first woman to represent Kansas, Nancy Kassebaum was a force in the United States Senate. From supporting a woman’s right to choose to reforming health care, she stood up for what she believed in even if it meant standing alone, and she reached across the aisle to do what she believed was right.

Ted Kaufman

For decades, including as a United States Senator from Delaware, Ted Kaufman has served the Nation with honesty and integrity. A master of the Senate who championed everyday Americans and public servants, he’s been at the forefront of consequential debates about the courts, the financial system, and more.

Carolyn McCarthy

As a nurse, Carolyn McCarthy had an instinct to heal and serve. When her husband and son were shot on a local commuter train, she became an advocate so persuasive that she was recruited to run for Congress. She served 18 years, championing gun safety measures including improved background checks, as a citizen legislator devoted to protecting our Nation’s welfare.

Louis Lorenzo Redding (posthumous)

A groundbreaking civil rights advocate, Louis was the first Black attorney admitted to the bar in Delaware, where he argued against segregation in the seminal cases of Bulah v. Gebhart and Belton v. Gebhart—laying the legal framework for Brown v. Board of Education. A towering figure and a generous mentor, he opened doors of equity and opportunity for all Americans.

Bobby Sager

A Boston native, Bobby Sager travels the world as a photographer and philanthropist grounded in family and empathy, wielding his camera and influence to connect with people in war-torn countries, capture their hope and humanity, and inspire others to take action and see a fuller portrait of the planet we all share.

Collins J. Seitz (posthumous)

As a state judge in Delaware, Judge Seitz became the first judge in America to integrate a white public school, dismantling the doctrine of “separate but equal” with exacting detail and reverence for the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment of our Constitution. His brave ruling tore down walls of separation to help us see each other as fellow Americans.

Eleanor Smeal

From leading massive protests and galvanizing women’s votes in the 1970s to steering progress for equal pay and helping the Violence Against Women Act become law, Ellie Smeal forced the Nation to not only include women in political discourse but to value them as power brokers and equals. Her strategic vision over more than 40 years embodies the American pursuit to create a fairer, more just world.

Bennie G. Thompson

Born and raised in a segregated Mississippi, as a college student inspired by the Civil Rights movement, Bennie Thompson volunteered on campaigns and registered southern Black voters. That call to serve eventually led him to Congress, where he chaired the House January 6th Committee—at the forefront of defending the rule of law with unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to truth.

Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi (posthumous)

In a shameful chapter in our Nation’s history, Mitsuye Endo was incarcerated alongside more than 120,000 Japanese Americans. Undaunted, she challenged the injustice and reached the Supreme Court. Her resolve allowed thousands of Japanese Americans to return home and rebuild their lives, reminding us that we are a Nation that stands for freedom for all.

Thomas J. Vallely

A United States Marine during the Vietnam War, Thomas Vallely has never given up on peace. Over the course of five decades, he has brought Vietnam and the United States together—establishing Fulbright University Vietnam, fostering greater economic and cultural exchange, and overcoming the perils of the past to seize the promise of the future. His service remains a symbol of American leadership in the world.

Frances M. Visco

As president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Fran Visco has fought tirelessly and fearlessly to increase Federal funding for breast cancer research, early detection education, and access to women’s healthcare. As a breast cancer survivor, she turned pain into purpose, changed the landscape of breast cancer advocacy, and has become a powerful symbol of hope for the Nation.

Paula S. Wallace

A lifelong educator and trailblazer of the arts, Paula Wallace dreamt of a school that would transform how we think about professional education. By establishing the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design and serving as its president, she has guided thousands of students into creative industries.

Evan Wolfson

By leading the marriage equality movement, Evan Wolfson helped millions of people in all 50 states win the fundamental right to love, marry, and be themselves. For 32 years, starting with a visionary law school thesis, Evan Wolfson worked with singular focus and untiring optimism to change not just the law, but society—pioneering a political playbook for change and sharing its lessons, even now, with countless causes worldwide.

###

The post President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Oregon and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires from July 10 to August 23, 2024.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the wildfires in the counties of Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler.

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

Ms. Yolanda J. Jackson of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

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

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

###

The post President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Oregon Major Disaster Declaration appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Missouri and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from November 3 to November 9, 2024.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding in the counties of Carter, Crawford, Dent, Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas, Washington, and Wright.

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

Mr. Andrew P. Meyer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

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

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

###

The post President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Missouri Major Disaster Declaration appeared first on The White House.

I have been continually briefed since early this morning by federal law enforcement leadership and my homeland security team, including Secretary of Homeland Security Ali Mayorkas, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and the Mayor of New Orleans regarding the horrific incident that occurred there overnight. The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism. I am grateful for the brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing even greater death and injury. I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind. 

I will continue to receive updates throughout the day, and I will have more to say as we have further information to share. In the meantime, my heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.

###

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

Leading by the power of their example, mentors represent the very best of America’s spirit of community and care for one another.  During National Mentoring Month, we honor all the Americans who give their time and their hearts to mentor our Nation’s young people. 

My Administration has been committed to giving youths the resources they need to thrive, including by ensuring students feel supported and have opportunities to connect to meaningful mentors.  My American Rescue Plan secured a record $130 billion for K-12 schools, putting more teachers, counselors, social workers, and staff in our schools, who are so often our young people’s first mentors.  And that law gave AmeriCorps funding to support new mentors and volunteers who can serve our communities.  Moreover, my Administration created the National Partnership for Student Success, which recruited more than 300,000 tutors and mentors to help young people reach their full potential, as well as student success coaches and postsecondary transition coaches.  We also called on colleges and universities to use at least 15 percent of their Federal work study funds to assist their students in serving as mentors and other critical volunteer roles that support our Nation’s children and youth.

At the same time, my Administration recognizes the value of mentorship in the workplace, and Registered Apprenticeships not only help provide it, they also produce some of the best workers in the world.  That is why I am proud to have worked with labor unions and made historic investments in pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs that provide the training and skills necessary to get a good job and launch a fulfilling career.  My Administration also launched the American Climate Corps to put over 20,000 Americans to work in fast-growing green sectors like clean energy and conservation.  

I have often said that we are a great Nation because we are a good people.  During National Mentoring Month, we honor all the good people across our Nation, who are helping young people find direction, grow, and tap into our Nation’s unlimited possibilities.  As so many mentors know, being a mentor can be a transformative and enriching life experience.  I encourage every American — whether you are a college student, community leader, or person hoping to make a difference — to explore opportunities to mentor or tutor by visiting americorps.gov/serve and partnershipstudentsuccess.org. 

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 January 2025 as National Mentoring Month.  I call upon Americans across the country to observe this month with mentoring, appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Mentoring Month , 2025 appeared first on The White House.

During National Stalking Awareness Month, we honor the courage and resilience of the millions of people in America who have suffered from stalking and recommit to ensuring every American feels safe and protected from this abuse.  And we recommit to building a world where every person can walk through life knowing they are safe, secure, and will be treated with respect.

For the one in three women and one in six men who have endured stalking, the fear it causes can be all-consuming.  No matter where it was committed or who it was committed by — at home, at work, online, or by a stranger or a neighbor — stalking can destroy a person’s sense of security and safety.  And it can have immense consequences on their lives:  some have to leave everything behind to flee at a moment’s notice or are haunted by their experience forever.  It is wrong.

For too long, people refused to talk about stalking and other forms of gender-based violence, leaving survivors feeling alone, isolated, and forgotten.  That changed with the passage of the landmark Violence Against Women Act more than 30 years ago — a law I was proud to write and champion as a United States Senator.  It helped shine a harsh light on the scourge of gender-based violence in America and ensured that survivors were getting the support they needed.  In 2022, I signed a reauthorization of the law, giving survivors of stalking more support and cracking down on perpetrators.  It expanded the jurisdiction of Tribal courts to prosecute non-Native perpetrators of stalking and other gender-based violence, while ensuring survivors can bring a civil lawsuit in Federal court against someone who shared intimate images of them online without their consent.

My Administration has taken action to crack down on stalking and gender-based violence in America.  We released our Nation’s first-ever National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, laying out a strategy to best support survivors, work on prevention, and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.  The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women has continued providing grants to community organizations, prosecutors, and law enforcement to stop stalking and other gender-based crimes.  And to ensure victims have a safe place to call home and rebuild their lives, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has provided tens of thousands of emergency housing vouchers.  Furthermore, I established the White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse to make sure we are stopping gender-based violence committed online. 

My father used to say that one of the greatest sins a person could commit is the abuse of power — and that is fundamentally what stalking is.  During National Stalking Awareness Month, we recommit to supporting survivors of stalking and reaffirm that harassment, abuse, and violence have no place in America. 

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 January 2025 as National Stalking Awareness Month.  I call on all Americans to speak out against stalking and to support the efforts of advocates, courts, service providers, and law enforcement to help those who are targeted and send the message to perpetrators that these crimes will not go unpunished.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Stalking Awareness Month, 2025 appeared first on The White House.

I believe that health care should be a right – not a privilege – and throughout my presidency I have advanced that goal. This week, we take another step closer to an America where everyone can afford the quality health care they need, as Medicare’s new $2,000 cap on prescription drug costs from my Inflation Reduction Act goes fully into effect.

Before I took office, people with Medicare who took expensive drugs could face a crushing burden, paying $10,000 a year or more in copays for the drugs they need to stay alive. When I took on Big Pharma and won, we changed that, capping seniors’ out-of-pocket spending on drugs they get at the pharmacy for the first time ever. Costs were capped at about $3,500 in 2024, and in just the first six months of the year, this policy saved people with Medicare $1 billion in cost-sharing. On January 1, 2025, the cap on drug costs fully phases in, and costs are now capped at $2,000 per year. As a result, 19 million people are expected to save an average of $400 each. That’s a game changer for the American people.

My Inflation Reduction Act has changed Medicare for the better, and as a result Americans will have more money back in their pockets in the years to come.

###

The post Statement from President Biden on Medicare’s New $2,000 Cap on Prescription Drug Costs Taking Effect appeared first on The White House.

Across the world, more than 27 million people, including thousands here at home, are subjected to the shameful, abhorrent abuse of human trafficking and forced labor.  Human trafficking targets the most vulnerable in society and exploits them — denying their human rights, freedom, and dignity.  It is a stain on our collective conscience and an affront to basic human dignity.  During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we recommit to working to end human trafficking in America and around the globe.

Any form of trafficking in people — from forced labor to sex trafficking — must not be tolerated, in the United States or anywhere around the world.  That is why in 2021, I signed an updated National Action Plan (NAP) to Combat Human Trafficking, detailing my Administration’s focus on prosecuting perpetrators, protecting survivors, and partnering with governments and organizations around the globe to end this scourge.  The NAP also recognizes that human traffickers target people considered vulnerable in society — people from racial and ethnic minorities, women and girls, LGBTQI+ individuals, and others from marginalized backgrounds. 

Here at home, we have worked to crack down on human trafficking and combat gender-based violence in America.  I remain proud that I first wrote the Violence Against Women Act as a United States Senator and I have worked to strengthen it ever since.  That is why when I reauthorized it in 2022, I expanded Tribal court jurisdiction to prosecute non-Native sex traffickers.  Furthermore, through my American Rescue Plan, my Administration delivered tens of thousands of housing vouchers to ensure people fleeing human trafficking or other violence have a safe home to go to.  At the same time, we have been committed to working with survivors to support their path to recovery and healing, and improving our approach to preventing, identifying, and prosecuting these crimes.  We have also taken steps to prevent trafficking in the United States by strengthening protections for vulnerable workers, including issuing new rules to improve worker protections and strengthen program integrity in temporary visa programs and releasing an updated version of the Department of State’s Wilberforce “Know Your Rights” pamphlet.

Around the world, we are also working with governments and organizations to put a stop to human trafficking.  I signed the bipartisan Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in 2021 and, from the moment the law took effect in 2022, Federal agencies have been working to ensure that no American imports are produced using forced labor.  I signed the first-ever Presidential Memorandum to prioritize strong labor standards in our Nation’s foreign policy as we work to build a world where our economic system gives predatory traffickers no safe harbor.  In the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report, the Department of State measured progress in 188 countries, including the United States, by deploying powerful technology tools to combat this scourge, and sanctioned over 240 individuals and entities for serious human rights abuses under the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Program.

During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, I encourage Americans to learn the signs of human trafficking and share the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888), where one can report a tip or ask for help.  Together, we can create a world where every person is treated with dignity and respect, lives free from fear, and can lead a life full of freedom and liberty.

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 January 2025 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.  I call upon businesses, civil society organizations, communities of faith, families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role we play in combating human trafficking and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities aimed at preventing all forms of human trafficking.

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2025 appeared first on The White House.

By this Message, I officially inform you of the death of James Earl Carter, Jr., the thirty-ninth President of the United States.

     President Carter was a man of character, courage, and compassion, whose lifetime of service defined him as one of the most influential statesmen in our history.  He embodied the very best of America:  A humble servant of God and the people.  A heroic champion of global peace and human rights, and an honorable leader whose moral clarity and hopeful vision lifted our Nation and changed our world.

     The son of a farmer and a nurse, President Carter’s remarkable career in public service began in 1943 as a cadet at the United States Naval Academy.  He later served in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets before becoming a decorated lieutenant, and being selected to join the elite nuclear submarine program.

     After his father died, he shifted from active duty to the Navy Reserve and returned home to Plains, Georgia, to help manage his family’s peanut farm.  He worked hard stewarding the land while leading his community as a church deacon, Sunday school teacher, and board member of a hospital and library.  His deep faith inspired a passion for public service that led him to be elected State Senator, Georgia’s 76th Governor, and ultimately President of the United States.

     As President, he understood that Government must be as good as its people — and his faith in the people was boundless just as his belief in America was limitless and his hope for our common future was perennial.

     With President Carter’s leadership, the modern Department of Education and the Department of Energy were created.  He championed conservation and his commitment to a more just world was at the heart of his foreign policy, leading on nuclear nonproliferation, signing the Panama Canal treaties, and mediating the historic 1978 Camp David Accords.  His partnership with Vice President Walter Mondale is one that future administrations strived to achieve.

     Following his Presidency, President Carter advanced an agenda that elevated the least among us.  Guided by an unwavering belief in the power of human goodness and the God-given dignity of every human being, he worked tirelessly around the globe to broker peace; eradicate disease; house the homeless; and protect human rights, freedom, and democracy.

Through his extraordinary moral leadership, President Carter lived a noble life full of meaning and purpose.  And as a trusted spiritual leader, he shepherded people through seasons of pain and joy, inspiring them through the power of his example and healing them through the power of his guidance.

     As we mourn the loss of President Carter, we hold the memory of his beloved Rosalynn, his wife of over 77 years, close in our hearts.  Exemplifying hope, warmth, and service, she and her husband inspired the Nation.  The love Rosalynn and President Carter shared is the definition of partnership, and their devotion to public service is the definition of patriotism. 

     May President Carter’s memory continue to be a light pointing us forward.  May we continue to be guided by his spirit in our Nation and in our world.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    December 30, 2024.

The post Message to the Congress on Death of James Earl Carter, Jr. appeared first on The White House.

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

Section 1.  All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed on January 9, 2025, as a mark of respect for James Earl Carter, Jr., the thirty-ninth President of the United States. 

Sec. 2.  The heads of executive departments and agencies may determine that certain offices and installations of their organizations, or parts thereof, must remain open and that certain employees must report for duty on January 9, 2025, for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need.

Sec. 3.  January 9, 2025, shall be considered as falling within the scope of Executive Order 11582 of February 11, 1971, and of 5 U.S.C. 5546 and 6103(b) and other similar statutes insofar as they relate to the pay and leave of employees of the United States. 

Sec. 4.  The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall take such actions as may be necessary to implement this order.

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

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

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

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

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

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    December 30, 2024.

The post Executive Order Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on January 9, 2025 appeared first on The White House.

Today, I am proud to announce nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression.  

Since Russia launched its further assault against Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the Ukrainian people, and it has been a top priority of mine to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail. Today’s announcement—which includes an additional $1.25 billion drawdown package for the Ukrainian military and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package—builds on this effort and will provide Ukraine with both an immediate influx of capabilities that it continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems.

As I committed earlier this year, the Department of Defense has now allocated all remaining USAI funds appropriated by Congress in the supplemental that I signed in April, and my Administration is fully utilizing the funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine. I’ve directed my Administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible—including drawing down older U.S. equipment for Ukraine, rapidly delivering it to the battlefield, and then revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base to modernize and replenish our stockpiles with new weapons. The Department of Defense is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles which will strengthen Ukraine’s hand as it heads into the winter.  At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office.

###

The post Statement from President Joe Biden on U.S. Support for Ukraine’s Defense appeared first on The White House.