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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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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with President William Ruto of Kenya and thanked him for his partnership and their shared work strengthening the U.S.-Kenya relationship. The Vice President emphasized her continued interest in expanding digital inclusion across the continent of Africa, and making progress in technology, AI, and climate and clean energy, among other areas of partnership, building off the May 2024 Kenya State Visit, and the Vice President’s work with the private sector to invest in digital inclusion. The Vice President reaffirmed her view that African innovators will shape the future of the world. The Vice President welcomed Kenya’s continued global leadership role, including its leadership of the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti. 

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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with President William Ruto of Kenya and thanked him for his partnership and their shared work strengthening the U.S.-Kenya relationship. The Vice President emphasized her continued interest in expanding digital inclusion across the continent of Africa, and making progress in technology, AI, and climate and clean energy, among other areas of partnership, building off the May 2024 Kenya State Visit, and the Vice President’s work with the private sector to invest in digital inclusion. The Vice President reaffirmed her view that African innovators will shape the future of the world. The Vice President welcomed Kenya’s continued global leadership role, including its leadership of the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti. 

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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today to President Emmanuel Macron of France and thanked him for his partnership throughout the Biden-Harris Administration. They reflected on their first meeting in November 2021 in Paris and further meetings in Washington and Munich. The Vice President expressed continued support for a strong, united NATO and thanked President Macron for his support of Ukraine. The Vice President underscored her continued support for the longstanding U.S.-France Alliance, based on shared democratic principles and values, and noted how our partnership has advanced our shared global priorities, from Africa to the Indo-Pacific and space and technology.
 

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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today to President Emmanuel Macron of France and thanked him for his partnership throughout the Biden-Harris Administration. They reflected on their first meeting in November 2021 in Paris and further meetings in Washington and Munich. The Vice President expressed continued support for a strong, united NATO and thanked President Macron for his support of Ukraine. The Vice President underscored her continued support for the longstanding U.S.-France Alliance, based on shared democratic principles and values, and noted how our partnership has advanced our shared global priorities, from Africa to the Indo-Pacific and space and technology.
 

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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and thanked him for his partnership throughout the Biden-Harris Administration. The Vice President underscored the vital importance of the U.S.-Germany Alliance in addressing global challenges, from economic growth to global stability and security, and for standing for democratic principles around the world. The Vice President expressed appreciation for the Chancellor’s personal leadership to support Ukraine following Russia’s unprovoked invasion. The Vice President highlighted her upcoming visit to Spangdahlem Air Base and noted that she is grateful to Germany for hosting U.S. servicemembers and for being a strong NATO Ally, and she reiterated her ironclad commitment to NATO.

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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and thanked him for his partnership throughout the Biden-Harris Administration. The Vice President underscored the vital importance of the U.S.-Germany Alliance in addressing global challenges, from economic growth to global stability and security, and for standing for democratic principles around the world. The Vice President expressed appreciation for the Chancellor’s personal leadership to support Ukraine following Russia’s unprovoked invasion. The Vice President highlighted her upcoming visit to Spangdahlem Air Base and noted that she is grateful to Germany for hosting U.S. servicemembers and for being a strong NATO Ally, and she reiterated her ironclad commitment to NATO.

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Under President Biden’s leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking significant actions to support state and local response efforts for the wildfires in Los Angeles, California. As the fires continue to devastate communities, President Biden is focused on mobilizing life-saving and life-sustaining resources across the region.

The President is closely monitoring ongoing response efforts and is receiving regular briefings, including today from his team and from CalFire and local officials at a Santa Monica fire station. At the President’s direction, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell is also traveling to California on Friday to assess on-the-ground community needs like additional sheltering options and damage assessments.  

Today, President Biden has approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, allowing impacted communities and survivors to immediately access funds and resources to jumpstart their recovery. Additionally, FEMA has approved Fire Management Assistance Grants to reimburse California for firefighting costs last night.

The Biden-Harris Administration has been in constant communication with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, their teams, officials from affected counties, and other local officials from the day the fires started. Additionally, the National Interagency Fire Center is in continuous contact with CalFire and is ready to deploy any additional resources that are needed – including additional firefighting personnel and equipment. 

President Biden and Vice President Harris are praying for those who lost loved ones, had property damaged, were injured, and for everyone affected by this and other devastating fires in the area. 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.

Consistent with the President’s direction for a robust and well-coordinated federal response, the Administration has taken swift action to support preparedness and response efforts. Specific actions taken to date include:

Mobilizing Fire Suppression Assets

The Federal government has taken action to support local firefighting efforts through the provision of five U.S. Forest Service Large Air Tankers operating in Southern California and 10 Federal firefighting helicopters performing firefighting operations in the area in support of state and local firefighters. In addition, the U.S. Forest Service has prepositioned dozens of fire engines that are ready to be deployed as needed. 

President Biden has directed the Department of Defense to rapidly provide additional firefighting personnel and capabilities. The Federal government is working closely with the National Guard, which is deployed under the Governor’s state of emergency declaration. The California National Guard is adding two Modular Air Firefighting System units, and two more are being readied by the Nevada National Guard. The Department of Defense Northern Command is preparing four more. Additionally, the Department is sending ten Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets are being sent to the region immediately to assist with aerial suppression.

Providing Essential Data, Resources, and Support

• The National Weather Service (NWS) has provided constant weather forecasting support and updated watches and warnings based on changing conditions. NWS began messaging the potential for a significant wind event a week in advance of the current wind storm. Regular email briefings and webinars were conducted by the NWS Los Angeles and San Diego Forecast Offices. NWS has collocated support to the Los Angeles County emergency operations center, and a local NWS Incident Meteorologist is being deployed to the Palisades Fire to work directly with the Incident Management Team to assist firefighters with planning to conduct their fire suppression efforts under extremely hard conditions. Both the NWS Los Angeles and San Diego Forecast Offices continue to support their communities with updated briefings and media interviews.
• The Environmental Protection Agency stands ready to provide resources for air quality assessments and other support as needed.

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The post FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Supporting Robust Response Efforts to California Wildfires appeared first on The White House.

Under President Biden’s leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking significant actions to support state and local response efforts for the wildfires in Los Angeles, California. As the fires continue to devastate communities, President Biden is focused on mobilizing life-saving and life-sustaining resources across the region.

The President is closely monitoring ongoing response efforts and is receiving regular briefings, including today from his team and from CalFire and local officials at a Santa Monica fire station. At the President’s direction, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell is also traveling to California on Friday to assess on-the-ground community needs like additional sheltering options and damage assessments.  

Today, President Biden has approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, allowing impacted communities and survivors to immediately access funds and resources to jumpstart their recovery. Additionally, FEMA has approved Fire Management Assistance Grants to reimburse California for firefighting costs last night.

The Biden-Harris Administration has been in constant communication with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, their teams, officials from affected counties, and other local officials from the day the fires started. Additionally, the National Interagency Fire Center is in continuous contact with CalFire and is ready to deploy any additional resources that are needed – including additional firefighting personnel and equipment. 

President Biden and Vice President Harris are praying for those who lost loved ones, had property damaged, were injured, and for everyone affected by this and other devastating fires in the area. 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.

Consistent with the President’s direction for a robust and well-coordinated federal response, the Administration has taken swift action to support preparedness and response efforts. Specific actions taken to date include:

Mobilizing Fire Suppression Assets

The Federal government has taken action to support local firefighting efforts through the provision of five U.S. Forest Service Large Air Tankers operating in Southern California and 10 Federal firefighting helicopters performing firefighting operations in the area in support of state and local firefighters. In addition, the U.S. Forest Service has prepositioned dozens of fire engines that are ready to be deployed as needed. 

President Biden has directed the Department of Defense to rapidly provide additional firefighting personnel and capabilities. The Federal government is working closely with the National Guard, which is deployed under the Governor’s state of emergency declaration. The California National Guard is adding two Modular Air Firefighting System units, and two more are being readied by the Nevada National Guard. The Department of Defense Northern Command is preparing four more. Additionally, the Department is sending ten Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets are being sent to the region immediately to assist with aerial suppression.

Providing Essential Data, Resources, and Support

• The National Weather Service (NWS) has provided constant weather forecasting support and updated watches and warnings based on changing conditions. NWS began messaging the potential for a significant wind event a week in advance of the current wind storm. Regular email briefings and webinars were conducted by the NWS Los Angeles and San Diego Forecast Offices. NWS has collocated support to the Los Angeles County emergency operations center, and a local NWS Incident Meteorologist is being deployed to the Palisades Fire to work directly with the Incident Management Team to assist firefighters with planning to conduct their fire suppression efforts under extremely hard conditions. Both the NWS Los Angeles and San Diego Forecast Offices continue to support their communities with updated briefings and media interviews.
• The Environmental Protection Agency stands ready to provide resources for air quality assessments and other support as needed.

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

I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, in view of events in the Western Balkans, including continued attempts by individuals to challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Western Balkans nations, to undermine post-war agreements and institutions, to engage in significant corruption that erodes the rule of law and trust in democratic governance, and to evade United States Government sanctions, and in order to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001 (Blocking Property of Persons Who Threaten International Stabilization Efforts in the Western Balkans), as amended by Executive Order 13304 of May 28, 2003 (Termination of Emergencies With Respect to Yugoslavia and Modification of Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001), and expanded in scope by Executive Order 14033 of June 8, 2021 (Blocking Property and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Certain Persons Contributing to the Destabilizing Situation in the Western Balkans), hereby order:

Section 1.  Amendments to Executive Order 14033. Executive Order 14033 is hereby amended by striking section 1 and inserting, in lieu thereof, the following:

“Section 1.  (a)  All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in:  any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State:

(i)     to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of any area or state in the Western Balkans;

(ii)    to be responsible for or complicit in, including by involvement in developing, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in the Western Balkans;

(iii)   to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, a violation of, or an act that has obstructed or threatened the implementation of, any regional security, peace, cooperation, or mutual recognition agreement or framework or accountability mechanism, or to pose a significant risk of committing such an act, related to the Western Balkans, including the Prespa Agreement of 2018; the Ohrid Framework Agreement of 2001; United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244; the Dayton Accords; or the Conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference Council held in London in December 1995, including the decisions or conclusions of the High Representative, the Peace Implementation Council, or its Steering Board; or the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, or, with respect to the former Yugoslavia, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals;

(iv)    to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, serious human rights abuse in the Western Balkans;

(v)     to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, corruption related to the Western Balkans, including corruption by, on behalf of, or otherwise related to a government in the Western Balkans, or a current or former government official at any level of government in the Western Balkans, such as the misappropriation of public assets, expropriation of private assets for personal gain or political purposes, or bribery;

(vi)    to be a leader, official, or member of an entity, including a government entity, that has engaged in, or attempted to engage in, any of the activities described in subsections (1)(a)(i)-(v) of this order, or whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order;

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

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

(ix)    to own or control, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or

(x)     to be a spouse or adult child of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to subsections (1)(a)(i)-(v) of this order.

(b)  The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted before the date of this order.”

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

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

(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 persons.

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    January 8, 2025.

The post Executive Order on Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in the Western Balkans 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 the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, in view of events in the Western Balkans, including continued attempts by individuals to challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Western Balkans nations, to undermine post-war agreements and institutions, to engage in significant corruption that erodes the rule of law and trust in democratic governance, and to evade United States Government sanctions, and in order to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001 (Blocking Property of Persons Who Threaten International Stabilization Efforts in the Western Balkans), as amended by Executive Order 13304 of May 28, 2003 (Termination of Emergencies With Respect to Yugoslavia and Modification of Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001), and expanded in scope by Executive Order 14033 of June 8, 2021 (Blocking Property and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Certain Persons Contributing to the Destabilizing Situation in the Western Balkans), hereby order:

Section 1.  Amendments to Executive Order 14033. Executive Order 14033 is hereby amended by striking section 1 and inserting, in lieu thereof, the following:

“Section 1.  (a)  All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in:  any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State:

(i)     to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of any area or state in the Western Balkans;

(ii)    to be responsible for or complicit in, including by involvement in developing, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in the Western Balkans;

(iii)   to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, a violation of, or an act that has obstructed or threatened the implementation of, any regional security, peace, cooperation, or mutual recognition agreement or framework or accountability mechanism, or to pose a significant risk of committing such an act, related to the Western Balkans, including the Prespa Agreement of 2018; the Ohrid Framework Agreement of 2001; United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244; the Dayton Accords; or the Conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference Council held in London in December 1995, including the decisions or conclusions of the High Representative, the Peace Implementation Council, or its Steering Board; or the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, or, with respect to the former Yugoslavia, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals;

(iv)    to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, serious human rights abuse in the Western Balkans;

(v)     to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, corruption related to the Western Balkans, including corruption by, on behalf of, or otherwise related to a government in the Western Balkans, or a current or former government official at any level of government in the Western Balkans, such as the misappropriation of public assets, expropriation of private assets for personal gain or political purposes, or bribery;

(vi)    to be a leader, official, or member of an entity, including a government entity, that has engaged in, or attempted to engage in, any of the activities described in subsections (1)(a)(i)-(v) of this order, or whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order;

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

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

(ix)    to own or control, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or

(x)     to be a spouse or adult child of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to subsections (1)(a)(i)-(v) of this order.

(b)  The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted before the date of this order.”

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

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

(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 persons.

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    January 8, 2025.

The post Executive Order on Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in the Western Balkans appeared first on The White House.

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

    Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby report that I have issued an Executive Order in order to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001 (Blocking Property of Persons Who Threaten International Stabilization Efforts in the Western Balkans), as amended by Executive Order 13304 of May 28, 2003 (Termination of Emergencies With Respect to Yugoslavia and Modification of Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001), and expanded in scope by Executive Order 14033 of June 8, 2021 (Blocking Property and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Certain Persons Contributing to the Destabilizing Situation in the Western Balkans).
    The order is intended to provide additional prongs for targeting persons for designation under Executive Order 14033 and deter individuals from attempting to evade United States sanctions.  This includes amendments to:  add attempt as a basis for designation throughout the order; add a prong for leadership of membership in a sanctioned entity; add a prong for ownership or control of a sanctioned person; and add a prong for being a spouse or adult child of a sanctioned person.
    I am enclosing a copy of the Executive Order I have issued. 

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    January 8, 2025.

The post Message to the Congress on Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in the Western Balkans appeared first on The White House.

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

    Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby report that I have issued an Executive Order in order to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001 (Blocking Property of Persons Who Threaten International Stabilization Efforts in the Western Balkans), as amended by Executive Order 13304 of May 28, 2003 (Termination of Emergencies With Respect to Yugoslavia and Modification of Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001), and expanded in scope by Executive Order 14033 of June 8, 2021 (Blocking Property and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Certain Persons Contributing to the Destabilizing Situation in the Western Balkans).
    The order is intended to provide additional prongs for targeting persons for designation under Executive Order 14033 and deter individuals from attempting to evade United States sanctions.  This includes amendments to:  add attempt as a basis for designation throughout the order; add a prong for leadership of membership in a sanctioned entity; add a prong for ownership or control of a sanctioned person; and add a prong for being a spouse or adult child of a sanctioned person.
    I am enclosing a copy of the Executive Order I have issued. 

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    January 8, 2025.

The post Message to the Congress on Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in the Western Balkans appeared first on The White House.

President Biden announces nearly 24 million consumers have signed up for Affordable Care Act Marketplace coverage, nearly doubling enrollment during the last 4 years

President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that health care is a right, not a privilege. Since day one of their Administration, they have taken steps to ensure that every American has access to affordable, quality health care. And, as a result of these efforts, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing that it has set another all-time record for ACA Marketplace enrollment, with nearly 24 million Americans signing up for coverage with one week left in the 2025 Open Enrollment Period. A total of 45 million Americans have coverage through the ACA – either the Marketplace or Medicaid expansion – and more people have health insurance today than ever in our nation’s history.

Statement from the President: “Today, we have once again set a record when it comes to ensuring access to affordable, quality health care: nearly 24 million Americans have signed up for Affordable Care Act coverage. That means that enrollment has nearly doubled since I took office. That’s no coincidence. When I took office, I made a promise to the American people that I would bring down the cost of health care and prescription drugs, make signing up for coverage easier, and strengthen the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid. I’m proud that my Administration delivered – even as Republican elected officials, who have been eager to put millions of Americans’ coverage at risk, stood in the way. I urge Congress to double down on the progress we have made and ensure Americans have access to quality, affordable health care by extending the ACA premium tax credit this year.”

Today’s announcement builds upon a remarkable record of success over the last four years. More Americans have health insurance than ever before, with the uninsured rate at record lows. In fact, in every year of the Biden-Harris Administration, we have set a new all-time record for ACA Marketplace enrollment. 

This record-breaking enrollment is no accident, and due to this Administration’s efforts to lower health care costs and make it easier to sign up for coverage. We also made health care more affordable for Americans purchasing their health insurance on the ACA Marketplace, saving consumers an average of $800 annually on their premiums. For example, this Administration made the largest ever investment in outreach and enrollment assistance, especially those in rural or underserved communities while at the same time eliminating bureaucratic red tape that makes it harder for people to enroll in coverage.

But all of these efforts to lower health care costs and expand coverage are now in danger. If Republicans in Congress take away the enhanced premium tax credits that make ACA coverage more affordable, premiums will skyrocket and people will lose coverage. For many families the results will be catastrophic:

• A single parent earing $50,00 per year could see their premiums increase by $1600 per year.
• A retired couple earning $85,000 per year could see their premiums increase by $18,000 per year.
• Experts estimate that 3 to 5 million people would become uninsured. 

The Affordable Care Act Marketplaces are just one part of this Administration’s commitment to health care coverage. Today, Medicaid covers about 80 million people. Thanks to the President’s leadership, over one million Americans in four states now have Medicaid expansion coverage, driving total ACA-related enrollment to over 45 million. This Administration has also cut red tape to make applying for and renewing Medicaid coverage easier, and established new standards to ensure people have access to the care they need when they need it.

In addition to today’s record-breaking enrollment numbers, we are also releasing a report and a data chart pack detailing the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic progress to improve the health of millions of Americans– from making health care and prescription drugs more affordable, to tackling crises in mental health, maternal health, and more, and investing in public health infrastructure. Some highlights include:

• In its first year alone, President Biden’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program outperformed expectations, achieving negotiated prices that are 38 to 79 percent lower than U.S. list prices for the ten first round negotiated drugs. These prices are $6 billion per year lower than what Medicare pays today and, once in effect, will put $1.5 billion dollars back into the pockets of Medicare beneficiaries. Seniors with Medicare are protected by the new $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs, and insulin is capped at just $35 per month.

• The Administration ended the “family glitch,” making millions of family members finally eligible for affordable ACA Marketplace coverage with about one million people projected to either gain coverage or have lower premiums.

• The 988 lifeline, created under this Administration, has answered more than 11 million calls, chats, and texts and made it easier for individuals experiencing distress to access immediate care.

• Following the Administration’s efforts to reduce overdose deaths, recent data shows a 17% reduction in overdose deaths in the 12 months ending July 2024 compared to the prior year—the largest decline in U.S. history.

• After the release of a comprehensive strategy to improve maternal health, 46 states and DC extended Medicaid postpartum coverage from two to twelve months for hundreds of thousands of new mothers.

• Following the launch of a comprehensive national strategy to end the HIV epidemic by the end of the decade, rates of new HIV infections are also down.

Read the Biden-Harris Administration’s full report on progress made to lower health care costs and strengthen coverage for the American people.

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The post FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Record-Breaking 2025 Open Enrollment Period Under the Affordable Care Act appeared first on The White House.

As a nation, there is no more sacred obligation than properly preparing those we send into harm’s way and taking care of them and their families when they come home. This is especially critical when we know that many who return home experience long-term health problems related to their service. That’s why, as President, I have made supporting veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors a key priority and central to my Unity Agenda for the Nation.

Among my key priorities for supporting veterans has been addressing the harmful toxic exposures that are too often associated with military service. Agent Orange, radiation, burn pits, and other hazards create devastating consequences for those exposed. When I signed the PACT Act into law in 2022, I enacted the most significant expansion of benefits and services for toxic-exposed veterans in more than thirty years. This law has been transformational and has enabled VA to serve more veterans, more quickly than ever before. And I’ve directed my Administration to accelerate all aspects of implementing the law, including using new PACT Act authorities to make sure that more conditions could be recognized as presumptive – lowering the burden of proof for veterans to receive disability benefits related to toxic illnesses, including cancer.

Today, I’m proud that VA is adding more cancers to the list of those presumed related to burn pit exposure. This includes bladder cancer, ureter cancer, other genitourinary cancers, acute and chronic leukemias, and multiple myeloma. Veterans with these conditions, as well as survivors of veterans who passed away due to these conditions, can immediately apply for benefits. I encourage them to do so.

These actions build upon other recent announcements to expand eligibility for GI Bill benefits, lower health care costs for veterans, and increase resources to help eliminate veteran homelessness – bringing Veteran homelessness to a record low in 2024. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as Commander-in-Chief and to support and care for our service members, veterans, and their families.

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President Biden announces nearly 24 million consumers have signed up for Affordable Care Act Marketplace coverage, nearly doubling enrollment during the last 4 years

President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that health care is a right, not a privilege. Since day one of their Administration, they have taken steps to ensure that every American has access to affordable, quality health care. And, as a result of these efforts, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing that it has set another all-time record for ACA Marketplace enrollment, with nearly 24 million Americans signing up for coverage with one week left in the 2025 Open Enrollment Period. A total of 45 million Americans have coverage through the ACA – either the Marketplace or Medicaid expansion – and more people have health insurance today than ever in our nation’s history.

Statement from the President: “Today, we have once again set a record when it comes to ensuring access to affordable, quality health care: nearly 24 million Americans have signed up for Affordable Care Act coverage. That means that enrollment has nearly doubled since I took office. That’s no coincidence. When I took office, I made a promise to the American people that I would bring down the cost of health care and prescription drugs, make signing up for coverage easier, and strengthen the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid. I’m proud that my Administration delivered – even as Republican elected officials, who have been eager to put millions of Americans’ coverage at risk, stood in the way. I urge Congress to double down on the progress we have made and ensure Americans have access to quality, affordable health care by extending the ACA premium tax credit this year.”

Today’s announcement builds upon a remarkable record of success over the last four years. More Americans have health insurance than ever before, with the uninsured rate at record lows. In fact, in every year of the Biden-Harris Administration, we have set a new all-time record for ACA Marketplace enrollment. 

This record-breaking enrollment is no accident, and due to this Administration’s efforts to lower health care costs and make it easier to sign up for coverage. We also made health care more affordable for Americans purchasing their health insurance on the ACA Marketplace, saving consumers an average of $800 annually on their premiums. For example, this Administration made the largest ever investment in outreach and enrollment assistance, especially those in rural or underserved communities while at the same time eliminating bureaucratic red tape that makes it harder for people to enroll in coverage.

But all of these efforts to lower health care costs and expand coverage are now in danger. If Republicans in Congress take away the enhanced premium tax credits that make ACA coverage more affordable, premiums will skyrocket and people will lose coverage. For many families the results will be catastrophic:

• A single parent earing $50,00 per year could see their premiums increase by $1600 per year.
• A retired couple earning $85,000 per year could see their premiums increase by $18,000 per year.
• Experts estimate that 3 to 5 million people would become uninsured. 

The Affordable Care Act Marketplaces are just one part of this Administration’s commitment to health care coverage. Today, Medicaid covers about 80 million people. Thanks to the President’s leadership, over one million Americans in four states now have Medicaid expansion coverage, driving total ACA-related enrollment to over 45 million. This Administration has also cut red tape to make applying for and renewing Medicaid coverage easier, and established new standards to ensure people have access to the care they need when they need it.

In addition to today’s record-breaking enrollment numbers, we are also releasing a report and a data chart pack detailing the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic progress to improve the health of millions of Americans– from making health care and prescription drugs more affordable, to tackling crises in mental health, maternal health, and more, and investing in public health infrastructure. Some highlights include:

• In its first year alone, President Biden’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program outperformed expectations, achieving negotiated prices that are 38 to 79 percent lower than U.S. list prices for the ten first round negotiated drugs. These prices are $6 billion per year lower than what Medicare pays today and, once in effect, will put $1.5 billion dollars back into the pockets of Medicare beneficiaries. Seniors with Medicare are protected by the new $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs, and insulin is capped at just $35 per month.

• The Administration ended the “family glitch,” making millions of family members finally eligible for affordable ACA Marketplace coverage with about one million people projected to either gain coverage or have lower premiums.

• The 988 lifeline, created under this Administration, has answered more than 11 million calls, chats, and texts and made it easier for individuals experiencing distress to access immediate care.

• Following the Administration’s efforts to reduce overdose deaths, recent data shows a 17% reduction in overdose deaths in the 12 months ending July 2024 compared to the prior year—the largest decline in U.S. history.

• After the release of a comprehensive strategy to improve maternal health, 46 states and DC extended Medicaid postpartum coverage from two to twelve months for hundreds of thousands of new mothers.

• Following the launch of a comprehensive national strategy to end the HIV epidemic by the end of the decade, rates of new HIV infections are also down.

Read the Biden-Harris Administration’s full report on progress made to lower health care costs and strengthen coverage for the American people.

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As a nation, there is no more sacred obligation than properly preparing those we send into harm’s way and taking care of them and their families when they come home. This is especially critical when we know that many who return home experience long-term health problems related to their service. That’s why, as President, I have made supporting veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors a key priority and central to my Unity Agenda for the Nation.

Among my key priorities for supporting veterans has been addressing the harmful toxic exposures that are too often associated with military service. Agent Orange, radiation, burn pits, and other hazards create devastating consequences for those exposed. When I signed the PACT Act into law in 2022, I enacted the most significant expansion of benefits and services for toxic-exposed veterans in more than thirty years. This law has been transformational and has enabled VA to serve more veterans, more quickly than ever before. And I’ve directed my Administration to accelerate all aspects of implementing the law, including using new PACT Act authorities to make sure that more conditions could be recognized as presumptive – lowering the burden of proof for veterans to receive disability benefits related to toxic illnesses, including cancer.

Today, I’m proud that VA is adding more cancers to the list of those presumed related to burn pit exposure. This includes bladder cancer, ureter cancer, other genitourinary cancers, acute and chronic leukemias, and multiple myeloma. Veterans with these conditions, as well as survivors of veterans who passed away due to these conditions, can immediately apply for benefits. I encourage them to do so.

These actions build upon other recent announcements to expand eligibility for GI Bill benefits, lower health care costs for veterans, and increase resources to help eliminate veteran homelessness – bringing Veteran homelessness to a record low in 2024. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as Commander-in-Chief and to support and care for our service members, veterans, and their families.

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My heart goes out to all those being impacted by the devasting wildfires in Southern California. Doug and I are praying for our fellow Californians who have evacuated, and we are thinking of the families whose homes, businesses, and schools remain in harm’s way. We are deeply grateful for the heroic first responders who are risking their own safety to fight the flames and help keep communities safe.
 
I was briefed earlier tonight and will continue to receive regular updates about these damaging wildfires and the coordinated efforts to contain them. I am also urging residents in the affected areas to listen to local officials, remain vigilant, and evacuate immediately if told to do so.
 
President Biden and I are committed to ensuring that no community has to respond to this disaster alone. We have already mobilized federal resources to help suppress the fires, provide overhead support, and begin assisting those impacted. FEMA also quickly approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help reimburse the state for immediate firefighting costs.
 
As a proud daughter of California, I know the damage that wildfires have on our neighbors and communities. I also know that the impact is often felt long after the fire is contained. As we respond and as Californians recover, I will ensure that our administration is in constant contact with state and local officials.

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My heart goes out to all those being impacted by the devasting wildfires in Southern California. Doug and I are praying for our fellow Californians who have evacuated, and we are thinking of the families whose homes, businesses, and schools remain in harm’s way. We are deeply grateful for the heroic first responders who are risking their own safety to fight the flames and help keep communities safe.
 
I was briefed earlier tonight and will continue to receive regular updates about these damaging wildfires and the coordinated efforts to contain them. I am also urging residents in the affected areas to listen to local officials, remain vigilant, and evacuate immediately if told to do so.
 
President Biden and I are committed to ensuring that no community has to respond to this disaster alone. We have already mobilized federal resources to help suppress the fires, provide overhead support, and begin assisting those impacted. FEMA also quickly approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help reimburse the state for immediate firefighting costs.
 
As a proud daughter of California, I know the damage that wildfires have on our neighbors and communities. I also know that the impact is often felt long after the fire is contained. As we respond and as Californians recover, I will ensure that our administration is in constant contact with state and local officials.

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I am being frequently briefed on the wildfires in west Los Angeles. My team and I are in touch with state and local officials, and I have offered any federal assistance that is needed to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire. Earlier tonight, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support areas that are impacted and help reimburse the state of California for the immediate firefighting costs. My Administration will do everything it can to support the response.

I urge the residents of the Pacific Palisades and the surrounding areas of Los Angeles to stay vigilant and listen to local officials.

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