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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon to congratulate him on his election victory. The Presidents agreed that the time is now to fully implement the cessation of hostilities announced on November 26, 2024, and for Lebanon and its people to recover and rebuild. President Biden pledged to continue U.S. support for Lebanon’s security forces, and for Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction as President Aoun works with the United States and Lebanon’s true friends in the international community towards a Lebanon that is once again secure, sovereign, and prosperous.  President Biden assured President Aoun that he has full confidence President Aoun is the right leader to guide Lebanon through this moment of challenges and opportunities for his country.

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Over the last 24 hours, U.S. Forest Service personnel have suppressed 50 fire starts

Under President Biden’s leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to support life-saving and life-sustaining response efforts for the wildfires impacting Los Angeles, California. President Biden continues to be regularly briefed by his team, including this morning by Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall. Today, President Biden will convene senior White House and Administration officials for a briefing on the full Federal response he has directed to the wildfires. The situation remains extremely dangerous, and the Administration continues to urge residents to heed the warnings of local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so.
 
This morning, in response to the significant outlay of personnel and equipment in support of fire suppression efforts, the National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment, such as bull dozers to build fire lines.
 
Over the last 24 hours, U.S. Forest Service personnel have suppressed 50 fire starts in California. Additionally, the Hollywood Fire has been suppressed, and the evacuation order has been lifted. Additional containment progress is being made on other active fires. CalFire is actively working to supply generators to power water pumps throughout the area to ensure sufficient water to support suppression efforts.
 
Yesterday, President Biden approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, allowing impacted communities and survivors to immediately access funds and resources to get through the coming days and begin to recover from the devastation. The Administration is in regular contact with state and local officials, including Governor Newsom, Mayor Bass, their teams, and other state and local officials throughout the impacted areas.
 
Consistent with the President’s direction for a robust and well-coordinated Federal response, the Administration is continuing to support ongoing response efforts, including:
 
Federal Personnel and Resources
 
At the President’s Direction, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Los Angeles today to meet with state and local officials and firefighting personnel to assess immediate and anticipated needs. FEMA has a team embedded at the California State Emergency Operations Center to provide hands-on assistance to the ongoing response efforts. FEMA, in partnership with the Department of Defense, has also established a staging area at March Air Force Base to help pre-position supplies and equipment to meet immediate needs.  Over the coming days, FEMA will develop options to support lodging for people who have been displaced and cannot return to their homes. FEMA has an Incident Management Assistance Team and a Mobile Emergency Response Support team deploying to Los Angeles County today with additional teams at the ready.
 
Mobilizing Fire Suppression Assets
 
The Federal government is continuing to support local firefighting efforts with three additional CL-415 aerial firefighting aircraft and nine additional helicopters. These supplement the five tankers and 10 firefighting helicopters already in place through the National Interagency Fire Center. The Federal government is also coordinating with the Canadian Interagency Fire Center, which will provide additional two CL-415s from Quebec, Canada, that are expected to move into Southern California on Monday. The State of Colorado mobilized their multi-mission fixed wing aircraft to Southern California yesterday to assist with wildfire detection and provide real-time updates to firefighters on the ground in addition to fielding 50 engine companies to assist with firefighting efforts on the ground.  Additionally, the Department of Defense is providing infrared imaging for perimeter mapping of the fires, and at the President’s direction has activated all eight of its Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems to further support suppression efforts. The first two of those specially equipped aircrafts will be in the air today.
 

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The post FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Continues to Support Life-Saving Wildfire Response Efforts in California appeared first on The White House.

Over the last 24 hours, U.S. Forest Service personnel have suppressed 50 fire starts

Under President Biden’s leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to support life-saving and life-sustaining response efforts for the wildfires impacting Los Angeles, California. President Biden continues to be regularly briefed by his team, including this morning by Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall. Today, President Biden will convene senior White House and Administration officials for a briefing on the full Federal response he has directed to the wildfires. The situation remains extremely dangerous, and the Administration continues to urge residents to heed the warnings of local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so.
 
This morning, in response to the significant outlay of personnel and equipment in support of fire suppression efforts, the National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment, such as bull dozers to build fire lines.
 
Over the last 24 hours, U.S. Forest Service personnel have suppressed 50 fire starts in California. Additionally, the Hollywood Fire has been suppressed, and the evacuation order has been lifted. Additional containment progress is being made on other active fires. CalFire is actively working to supply generators to power water pumps throughout the area to ensure sufficient water to support suppression efforts.
 
Yesterday, President Biden approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, allowing impacted communities and survivors to immediately access funds and resources to get through the coming days and begin to recover from the devastation. The Administration is in regular contact with state and local officials, including Governor Newsom, Mayor Bass, their teams, and other state and local officials throughout the impacted areas.
 
Consistent with the President’s direction for a robust and well-coordinated Federal response, the Administration is continuing to support ongoing response efforts, including:
 
Federal Personnel and Resources
 
At the President’s Direction, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Los Angeles today to meet with state and local officials and firefighting personnel to assess immediate and anticipated needs. FEMA has a team embedded at the California State Emergency Operations Center to provide hands-on assistance to the ongoing response efforts. FEMA, in partnership with the Department of Defense, has also established a staging area at March Air Force Base to help pre-position supplies and equipment to meet immediate needs.  Over the coming days, FEMA will develop options to support lodging for people who have been displaced and cannot return to their homes. FEMA has an Incident Management Assistance Team and a Mobile Emergency Response Support team deploying to Los Angeles County today with additional teams at the ready.
 
Mobilizing Fire Suppression Assets
 
The Federal government is continuing to support local firefighting efforts with three additional CL-415 aerial firefighting aircraft and nine additional helicopters. These supplement the five tankers and 10 firefighting helicopters already in place through the National Interagency Fire Center. The Federal government is also coordinating with the Canadian Interagency Fire Center, which will provide additional two CL-415s from Quebec, Canada, that are expected to move into Southern California on Monday. The State of Colorado mobilized their multi-mission fixed wing aircraft to Southern California yesterday to assist with wildfire detection and provide real-time updates to firefighters on the ground in addition to fielding 50 engine companies to assist with firefighting efforts on the ground.  Additionally, the Department of Defense is providing infrared imaging for perimeter mapping of the fires, and at the President’s direction has activated all eight of its Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems to further support suppression efforts. The first two of those specially equipped aircrafts will be in the air today.
 

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The post FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Continues to Support Life-Saving Wildfire Response Efforts in California appeared first on The White House.

Today, the Speaker of Lebanon’s Parliament convened a session of Parliament to elect Lebanon’s next President, and an overwhelming majority of Lebanon’s Parliament voted in favor of Joseph Aoun.  I congratulate him on his election as President of Lebanon.

President Aoun’s election comes just six weeks after the United States secured an end to the hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.  Now, President Aoun will provide critical leadership as Lebanon and Israel fully implement that cessation of hostilities and as hundreds of thousands of people return to their homes and Lebanon recovers and rebuilds.  President Aoun has my confidence.  I believe strongly he is the right leader for this time.

For more than two years, the Lebanese people have suffered – not only from a devastating war and continuing financial crisis, but also from the absence of national leadership.  Now, through their elected parliamentarians, the people of Lebanon have exercised their democratic right to choose their own future.  They have chosen a path aligned with peace, security, sovereignty, and reconstruction, in partnership with the international community.  And the United States will support them as they walk that path.

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on Lebanon’s Presidential Election appeared first on The White House.

Today, the Speaker of Lebanon’s Parliament convened a session of Parliament to elect Lebanon’s next President, and an overwhelming majority of Lebanon’s Parliament voted in favor of Joseph Aoun.  I congratulate him on his election as President of Lebanon.

President Aoun’s election comes just six weeks after the United States secured an end to the hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.  Now, President Aoun will provide critical leadership as Lebanon and Israel fully implement that cessation of hostilities and as hundreds of thousands of people return to their homes and Lebanon recovers and rebuilds.  President Aoun has my confidence.  I believe strongly he is the right leader for this time.

For more than two years, the Lebanese people have suffered – not only from a devastating war and continuing financial crisis, but also from the absence of national leadership.  Now, through their elected parliamentarians, the people of Lebanon have exercised their democratic right to choose their own future.  They have chosen a path aligned with peace, security, sovereignty, and reconstruction, in partnership with the international community.  And the United States will support them as they walk that path.

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on Lebanon’s Presidential Election appeared first on The White House.

Santa Monica Fire Station #5
Santa Monica, California

11:16 A.M. PST

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, the governor asked for a declaration that provides for everything the federal government can do, and I’m prepared to sign it today.

The — folks, the fact is that I’ve directed DOD — the Department of Defense — to rapidly provide additional firefighting personnel and capabilities.  I’ve also — the California National Guard is adding two Modular Air Fire Fighting Systems units, and two more are being readied by the National Guard — the Na- — the Nevada National Guard.  And four more are coming from Northern — from the Northern Command.  And 10 Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets are coming down from San Diego.

We’re prepared to do anything and everything as long as it takes to contain these fires and to help reconstruct and make sure we get back to normal.  It’s going to be a hell of a long way. 

The — it’s going to take time.  But we’re in it.  The federal government is here to stay as long as you need us and everything you need. 

Is there anything you’ve asked that you haven’t gotten yet?

GOVERNOR NEWSOM:  Quite the contrary.  Mr. President, just, first of all, that major disaster declaration being approved — next level appreciation on behalf of all the residents here in Southern California.

As the chief said, we had pre-positioned assets this weekend in anticipation of these weather events: the complexity of multiple fires; the likelihood these weather events — this wind event would continue over the course of the next many days; impacts of over a thousand structures already that have been destroyed; a hundred-plus thousand people that have been evacuated; lives lost; traditions, lifestyles, places torn asunder.  This means the world to us.

And — and just publicly, because I think this is important: The president happened to be in the region, in town.  It’s impossible for me to express the level of appreciation and cooperation we received from the White House and this administration. 

So, on behalf of all of us, Mr. President, thank you for being here — and not just being here today.  Thank you for being here since the minute of this incident when it was a 10-acre fire less than 24-or-so hours ago.  My deep gratitude.

THE PRESIDENT:  It’s astounding what’s happened. 

There’s only one piece of good news.  My son lives out here and his wife.  Their — they got a notification yesterday that their home is probably burned to the ground.  Today, it appears that maybe it’s still standing.  We’re not sure.

But the good news is I’m a great-grandfather as of today.  My eldest granddaughter.  (Applause.)  A 10-pound, 4-ounce baby girl — baby boy.

So, I — I’m going to remember this day for a lot of the wrong reasons.  But anyway.

11:19 A.M. PST

The post Remarks by President Biden During Briefing on the Palisades Wildfire | Santa Monica, CA appeared first on The White House.

Santa Monica Fire Station #5
Santa Monica, California

11:16 A.M. PST

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, the governor asked for a declaration that provides for everything the federal government can do, and I’m prepared to sign it today.

The — folks, the fact is that I’ve directed DOD — the Department of Defense — to rapidly provide additional firefighting personnel and capabilities.  I’ve also — the California National Guard is adding two Modular Air Fire Fighting Systems units, and two more are being readied by the National Guard — the Na- — the Nevada National Guard.  And four more are coming from Northern — from the Northern Command.  And 10 Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets are coming down from San Diego.

We’re prepared to do anything and everything as long as it takes to contain these fires and to help reconstruct and make sure we get back to normal.  It’s going to be a hell of a long way. 

The — it’s going to take time.  But we’re in it.  The federal government is here to stay as long as you need us and everything you need. 

Is there anything you’ve asked that you haven’t gotten yet?

GOVERNOR NEWSOM:  Quite the contrary.  Mr. President, just, first of all, that major disaster declaration being approved — next level appreciation on behalf of all the residents here in Southern California.

As the chief said, we had pre-positioned assets this weekend in anticipation of these weather events: the complexity of multiple fires; the likelihood these weather events — this wind event would continue over the course of the next many days; impacts of over a thousand structures already that have been destroyed; a hundred-plus thousand people that have been evacuated; lives lost; traditions, lifestyles, places torn asunder.  This means the world to us.

And — and just publicly, because I think this is important: The president happened to be in the region, in town.  It’s impossible for me to express the level of appreciation and cooperation we received from the White House and this administration. 

So, on behalf of all of us, Mr. President, thank you for being here — and not just being here today.  Thank you for being here since the minute of this incident when it was a 10-acre fire less than 24-or-so hours ago.  My deep gratitude.

THE PRESIDENT:  It’s astounding what’s happened. 

There’s only one piece of good news.  My son lives out here and his wife.  Their — they got a notification yesterday that their home is probably burned to the ground.  Today, it appears that maybe it’s still standing.  We’re not sure.

But the good news is I’m a great-grandfather as of today.  My eldest granddaughter.  (Applause.)  A 10-pound, 4-ounce baby girl — baby boy.

So, I — I’m going to remember this day for a lot of the wrong reasons.  But anyway.

11:19 A.M. PST

The post Remarks by President Biden During Briefing on the Palisades Wildfire | Santa Monica, CA appeared first on The White House.

Collective bargaining plays an important role when it comes to building a strong economy from the middle out and the bottom up. Today’s tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance shows that labor and management can come together to benefit workers and their employers. 

I applaud the dockworkers’ union for delivering a strong contract. Their members kept our ports open during the pandemic, as we worked together to unsnarl global supply chains. Thank you to the carriers and port operators who play an essential role in our nation’s economy.

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on the ILA and USMX Tentative Agreement appeared first on The White House.

Collective bargaining plays an important role when it comes to building a strong economy from the middle out and the bottom up. Today’s tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance shows that labor and management can come together to benefit workers and their employers. 

I applaud the dockworkers’ union for delivering a strong contract. Their members kept our ports open during the pandemic, as we worked together to unsnarl global supply chains. Thank you to the carriers and port operators who play an essential role in our nation’s economy.

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on the ILA and USMX Tentative Agreement appeared first on The White House.

This is a big deal. 

Today, SEIU reunited with the AFL-CIO, America’s largest federation of labor unions and a key voice for workers across the country. SEIU is one of the most powerful unions in America representing two million care and service workers. Their affiliation will help workers across the country to organize, earn higher wages, receive better benefits and build retirement security. 

I am proud to be the most pro labor President in American history – and I’m proud to congratulate American workers on this important milestone.  

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on AFL-CIO and SEIU Reuniting appeared first on The White House.

This is a big deal. 

Today, SEIU reunited with the AFL-CIO, America’s largest federation of labor unions and a key voice for workers across the country. SEIU is one of the most powerful unions in America representing two million care and service workers. Their affiliation will help workers across the country to organize, earn higher wages, receive better benefits and build retirement security. 

I am proud to be the most pro labor President in American history – and I’m proud to congratulate American workers on this important milestone.  

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on AFL-CIO and SEIU Reuniting appeared first on The White House.

After returning this evening from Los Angeles, where earlier today he had met with police, fire and emergency personnel fighting the historic fires raging in the area and approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, President Biden made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead. Additional details to follow.

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The post Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre appeared first on The White House.

After returning this evening from Los Angeles, where earlier today he had met with police, fire and emergency personnel fighting the historic fires raging in the area and approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, President Biden made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead. Additional details to follow.

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The post Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of California and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires and straight-line winds beginning on January 7, 2025, and continuing.

The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Los Angeles County.

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, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in Los Angeles County.

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

Mr. Curtis Brown 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.

The post President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves California 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 California and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires and straight-line winds beginning on January 7, 2025, and continuing.

The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Los Angeles County.

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, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in Los Angeles County.

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

Mr. Curtis Brown 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.

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

Vice President Kamala Harris today spoke to Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and thanked her for her partnership. The Vice President emphasized her belief that U.S. economic and strategic interests are intertwined with those of our neighbors in the Caribbean. They reviewed progress in the U.S.-Caribbean partnership, and the Vice President’s leadership in strengthening the relationships throughout the region, including four leader-level summits that the Vice President hosted and the launch of the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030. The Vice President welcomed shared progress on climate adaptation and resilience, food security, and renewable energy investments and reaffirmed her interest in continuing to strengthen the bonds between the American people and people throughout the Caribbean.
 

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The post Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados appeared first on The White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris today spoke to Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and thanked her for her partnership. The Vice President emphasized her belief that U.S. economic and strategic interests are intertwined with those of our neighbors in the Caribbean. They reviewed progress in the U.S.-Caribbean partnership, and the Vice President’s leadership in strengthening the relationships throughout the region, including four leader-level summits that the Vice President hosted and the launch of the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030. The Vice President welcomed shared progress on climate adaptation and resilience, food security, and renewable energy investments and reaffirmed her interest in continuing to strengthen the bonds between the American people and people throughout the Caribbean.
 

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The post Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados appeared first on The White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica and thanked him for his partnership. The Vice President underscored the strength of the U.S.-Jamaica partnership and the longstanding bonds between the American and Jamaican people. The Vice President expressed her continued support for strengthening U.S. partnerships throughout the Caribbean region and they discussed progress made throughout the Biden-Harris Administration, including through four leader-level summits the Vice President hosted and the launch of the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030. The Vice President welcomed shared progress, including on climate adaptation and resilience, food security, and renewable energy investments. The Vice President expressed appreciation for Jamaica’s leadership role in the Caribbean, including its deployment of personnel in support of the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti.
 

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The post Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Prime Minister Holness of Jamaica appeared first on The White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica and thanked him for his partnership. The Vice President underscored the strength of the U.S.-Jamaica partnership and the longstanding bonds between the American and Jamaican people. The Vice President expressed her continued support for strengthening U.S. partnerships throughout the Caribbean region and they discussed progress made throughout the Biden-Harris Administration, including through four leader-level summits the Vice President hosted and the launch of the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030. The Vice President welcomed shared progress, including on climate adaptation and resilience, food security, and renewable energy investments. The Vice President expressed appreciation for Jamaica’s leadership role in the Caribbean, including its deployment of personnel in support of the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti.
 

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The post Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Prime Minister Holness of Jamaica appeared first on The White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala and thanked him for his partnership. They discussed progress made in addressing irregular migration through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Root Causes Strategy and through Central America Forward, the public-private partnership led by the Vice President which has helped reduce irregular migration to the United States by generating more than $5.2 billion in private sector investments and creating economic opportunities in northern Central America. The Vice President reaffirmed her commitment to good governance, countering corruption, labor and human rights, and reducing gender-based violence—all of which are essential to reduce irregular migration. She welcomed continued efforts by President Arévalo and his administration to support democratic institutions and the rule of law in Guatemala.
 

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