Feed aggregator

Q    President Biden, do you have any plans to speak to the press before you leave office?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Sure.
 
I’m heading home now for a memorial service.
 
Q    Will you hold a press conference before the end of the year?
 
Q    Mr. President, what’s the explanation for all of those drones over New Jersey?  What — what’s behind all of that?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Nothing nefarious, apparently, but they’re checking it all out.  There’s a — they think it’s just one — there’s a lot of drones authorized to be up there.  And I think one started, and they all got — everybody wanted to get in the deal.
 
But I’m — we’re — we’re following it closely.  So far, no sense of a danger.
 
Q    Will you speak to Prime Minister Netanyahu about a ceasefire deal in the next month?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I’ve spoken to him, and I’ll — we’ll speak again.
 
Q    When did you last speak?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you, guys.

The post Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure (December 17, 2024) appeared first on The White House.

Q    President Biden, do you have any plans to speak to the press before you leave office?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Sure.
 
I’m heading home now for a memorial service.
 
Q    Will you hold a press conference before the end of the year?
 
Q    Mr. President, what’s the explanation for all of those drones over New Jersey?  What — what’s behind all of that?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Nothing nefarious, apparently, but they’re checking it all out.  There’s a — they think it’s just one — there’s a lot of drones authorized to be up there.  And I think one started, and they all got — everybody wanted to get in the deal.
 
But I’m — we’re — we’re following it closely.  So far, no sense of a danger.
 
Q    Will you speak to Prime Minister Netanyahu about a ceasefire deal in the next month?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I’ve spoken to him, and I’ll — we’ll speak again.
 
Q    When did you last speak?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you, guys.

The post Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure (December 17, 2024) appeared first on The White House.

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 50, the “Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act of 2024,” which amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to give priority consideration to selecting Pensacola and Perdido Bays as an estuary of national significance.

Thank you to Senators Rubio and Rick Scott for their leadership.

S. 310, the “Disaster Contract Improvement Act,” which requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an advisory working group to encourage collaboration among entities engaged in disaster recovery relating to debris removal.

Thank you to Senators Rick Scott, Peters, and Rosen, and Representatives LaLota and Pappas for their leadership.

S. 1478, which designates as the “National Medal of Honor Highway” United States Route 20 in the States of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts.

Thank you to Senator Ron Wyden, Representative Mike Kelly, and many others for their leadership.

S. 2781, the ” Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024,” which promotes remediation of abandoned hardrock mines.

Thank you to Senators Heinrich and Risch, and Representatives Maloy, Peltola, and Susie Lee for their leadership.

S. 3475, the “Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act,” which allows the Secretary of Transportation to authorize a qualified entity to operate the Commercial Driver’s License Information System.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Young for their leadership.

S. 3613, the “Improving Federal Building Security Act of

2024,” which requires Facility Security Committees to respond to security recommendations issued by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service (FPS) regarding facility security.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Young, and Representatives Ezell and Troy Carter for their leadership.

###

The post Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 50, S. 310, S. 1478, S. 2781, S. 3475, S. 3613 appeared first on The White House.

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 50, the “Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act of 2024,” which amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to give priority consideration to selecting Pensacola and Perdido Bays as an estuary of national significance.

Thank you to Senators Rubio and Rick Scott for their leadership.

S. 310, the “Disaster Contract Improvement Act,” which requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an advisory working group to encourage collaboration among entities engaged in disaster recovery relating to debris removal.

Thank you to Senators Rick Scott, Peters, and Rosen, and Representatives LaLota and Pappas for their leadership.

S. 1478, which designates as the “National Medal of Honor Highway” United States Route 20 in the States of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts.

Thank you to Senator Ron Wyden, Representative Mike Kelly, and many others for their leadership.

S. 2781, the ” Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024,” which promotes remediation of abandoned hardrock mines.

Thank you to Senators Heinrich and Risch, and Representatives Maloy, Peltola, and Susie Lee for their leadership.

S. 3475, the “Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act,” which allows the Secretary of Transportation to authorize a qualified entity to operate the Commercial Driver’s License Information System.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Young for their leadership.

S. 3613, the “Improving Federal Building Security Act of

2024,” which requires Facility Security Committees to respond to security recommendations issued by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service (FPS) regarding facility security.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Young, and Representatives Ezell and Troy Carter for their leadership.

###

The post Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 50, S. 310, S. 1478, S. 2781, S. 3475, S. 3613 appeared first on The White House.

Prince George’s Community College
Largo, Maryland

11:50 A.M. EST

 THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Can we hear it for Lauren?  (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone.  Have a seat, please.  Good morning.

AUDIENCE:  Good morning.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)  Oh, I just love seeing all of our young leaders.  You know, when I look out at all of you, I know and I feel so strongly the future of our country is bright.  It is bright because of all of you.

And I want to thank Lauren for her kind words and her commitment to your community, Lauren, and for the example you are setting.

It is so good to see all of you.  (Laughter.) 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  It’s good to see you!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, I — well, you know what?  (Applause.)

So, l- — let me start with just what has happened, actually, yesterday — before I begin my other comments — about the horrific shooting yesterday in Madison, Wisconsin.

Of course, it’s another school shooting, another community being torn about and — torn apart by gun violence.  And, of course, our nation mourns for those who were killed.  And we pray for the recovery of those who were injured and for the entire community.

But, look, as we hold our loved ones close this holiday season, we as a nation must renew our commitment to end the horror of gun violence — both mass shootings and everyday gun violence — that touches so many communities in our nation. 

We must end it.  And we must be committed to have the courage to know that solutions are in hand, but we need elected leaders to have the courage to step up and do the right thing.  (Applause.)

So, with that, I will return to the reason we are here today. 

And I first want to thank all of the incredible leaders who are with us, including Governor Moore, my dear friend —  (applause); your extraordinary Lieutenant Governor Miller — (applause); and someone I have worked with and known for so many years, your Senator-elect Alsobrooks.  (Applause.)

And to all the young leaders who are here, I thank you for your service to the people of Maryland, because, look, each of you has decided to dedicate yourself to the work of service, the work of lifting up the condition of other people — people who often you may never meet.  The work you do in service will affect people who, for the most part, will never know your names, but their lives, because of your work and your dedication, will forever be touched in a positive way.

You know, I do believe that public service is a noble calling.  It is noble work.  And is a — it is an expression of optimism, which is you know and believe — and it is being verified to each of you every day — that the work you do that can life people up has effect.  It matters.  Your work is about the optimism that comes with knowing that one individual can make a difference in the lives of so many people.  And God knows when you have a whole group like this doing it together, the impact you have on our nation and, by extension, the world.  

So, today, I came by to express my gratitude for the work you, like so many across our nation, have been doing to lift up our fellow American.  And I am here to reaffirm our shared commitment to the work ahead.

You know, over the past several weeks since the election, I have received tens of thousands of letters from people across our nation — many of them young leaders — Americans from every walk of life; people of every age, race, faith, and political party.

These letters share a common theme.  Yes, there is disappointment, but there is also resolve for the future.

One letter in particular stands out, which I’ll share with you.  A young woman named Sasha writes, quote, “There is nothing in the world that will take away my drive, energy, passion, and the destiny that I have to help the people of our country.”  And I think any one of you is Sasha — could be, right?  Nothing is going to take away that drive, that passion, that energy, that commitment. 

So, Sasha, like all of you, inspire me — young people who are rightly impatient for change.  I love that about you — impatient for change.  Who will not let anyone or any circumstance defeat your spirit or your sense of purpose.  You will not allow your spirit or your sense of purpose to be defeated. 

You, who have, I think, by your actions, adopted some advice my mother gave me a long time ago.  She would say to me, “Kamala, don’t just complain about what is wrong.  Do something about it.  Make it right.”  That’s a life you all are living. 

 You reflect the best of the America I have seen, be it during the campaign, during my four years as vice president, and throughout my life.

An America where we recognize that we are all in this together.  That no matter our background, we share the same dreams, aspirations, and ambitions for ourselves and our family.  That we all have so much more in common than what separates us.  That is our knowledge. 

An America, where we are guided by the ideals that have always defined us when we are at our best: dignity and decency, fairness, freedom, and opportunity for all.

An America, where we recognize that the true measure of the strength of a leader is not based on who you beat down; it’s based on who you lift up.  (Applause.)

And the story of America’s progress — you all know history — the story of America’s progress, when we have made progress, in many ways is the story of people who stayed true to their ideals, even in the face of difficulty; the story of Americans who, yes, faced disappointment but did not grow weary — did not grow weary; who faced setbacks but did not give up; people who refused to let the light of America’s promise dim or burn out in moments of challenge.

The movements for civil rights, women’s rights, workers’ rights — the United States of America itself would never have come to be if people had given up their cause after a court case or a battle or an election did not go their way.

What Sasha wrote and what we here know is that, in moments like this, the true test of our character is how resilient and persistent we are to pursue the future that we all can see.

The true test of our commitment is whether, in the face of an obstacle, do we throw up our hands, or do we roll up our sleeves? 

And as we approach — (applause) — (laughs) — and as we then approach the end of this year, many people have come up to me, telling me they feel tired, maybe even resigned — folks who have said to me that they’re not sure whether they have the strength, much less the desire, to stay in the fight.

But let me be very clear.  No one can walk away.  No one can walk away.  We must stay in the fight, every one of us, including the fight for an economy that works not just for those at the top but for working people, for all Americans; the fight to make sure everyone has a fair shot to pursue their ambitions; the fight for our id- — ideals, including the equality among us, the freedoms to which we are entitled, the dignity that we possess and is possessed by every one of us.

So, we must stay in the fight because that is the responsibility, in my opinion, that comes with the privilege of being an American.  And that responsibility has always, then, fueled the American experiment. 

In our country, you see, the recognition that we are all created equal, with certain fundamental rights and freedoms — the belief that here, in our country, anything is possible — the promise of America itself is a powerful yet fragile idea. 

Powerful because it has inspired billions of people and made it possible for us to become the strongest, most prosperous nation in the world, yet fragile because that idea is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it — only as strong as our faith that we, the people, are the ones who make it real.

So, I will say this as we close out this year.  I ask of you this: that those here and anyone watching, that you will not walk away, that you will stay true to your spirit and your sense of purpose, that you will continue to fight for the promise of America.

And I ask you to remember the context in which you exist.  (Laughter.)  Yeah, I did that.  (Applause.)  Uh-huh.  (Laughs.) 

I ask you to remember that this struggle is not new.  It goes back nearly 250 years to Lexington and Concord.

Generation after generation, it has been driven by those who love our country, cherish its ideals, and refuse to sit passive while our ideals are under assault.

And now, this fight to keep the light of America’s promise and to ensure it burns bright — well, this fight now, it continues with you.  You are its heirs.  We are its heirs. 

So, I’ll end with this.  Get some rest over the holidays.  (Laughter.)  Spend time with the people you love.  You know I believe family comes in many forms.  There’s family by blood, and there is family by love. 

I urge you, then, after you have had some rest — in fact, I challenge you — to come back ready — ready to chart our path to the future, chin up, shoulders back, forever impatient for change, and, like Sasha, ready to summon your drive, your energy, your passion to help our fellow Americans; and be ready to get back to work fighting for opportunity and freedom, fighting for fairness and dignity, and fighting for this country we love and the future we share.

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

                              END                    12:06 P.M. EST

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris to Young Leaders Who Are Active and Engaged in Their Local Communities appeared first on The White House.

Prince George’s Community College
Largo, Maryland

11:50 A.M. EST

 THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Can we hear it for Lauren?  (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone.  Have a seat, please.  Good morning.

AUDIENCE:  Good morning.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)  Oh, I just love seeing all of our young leaders.  You know, when I look out at all of you, I know and I feel so strongly the future of our country is bright.  It is bright because of all of you.

And I want to thank Lauren for her kind words and her commitment to your community, Lauren, and for the example you are setting.

It is so good to see all of you.  (Laughter.) 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  It’s good to see you!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, I — well, you know what?  (Applause.)

So, l- — let me start with just what has happened, actually, yesterday — before I begin my other comments — about the horrific shooting yesterday in Madison, Wisconsin.

Of course, it’s another school shooting, another community being torn about and — torn apart by gun violence.  And, of course, our nation mourns for those who were killed.  And we pray for the recovery of those who were injured and for the entire community.

But, look, as we hold our loved ones close this holiday season, we as a nation must renew our commitment to end the horror of gun violence — both mass shootings and everyday gun violence — that touches so many communities in our nation. 

We must end it.  And we must be committed to have the courage to know that solutions are in hand, but we need elected leaders to have the courage to step up and do the right thing.  (Applause.)

So, with that, I will return to the reason we are here today. 

And I first want to thank all of the incredible leaders who are with us, including Governor Moore, my dear friend —  (applause); your extraordinary Lieutenant Governor Miller — (applause); and someone I have worked with and known for so many years, your Senator-elect Alsobrooks.  (Applause.)

And to all the young leaders who are here, I thank you for your service to the people of Maryland, because, look, each of you has decided to dedicate yourself to the work of service, the work of lifting up the condition of other people — people who often you may never meet.  The work you do in service will affect people who, for the most part, will never know your names, but their lives, because of your work and your dedication, will forever be touched in a positive way.

You know, I do believe that public service is a noble calling.  It is noble work.  And is a — it is an expression of optimism, which is you know and believe — and it is being verified to each of you every day — that the work you do that can life people up has effect.  It matters.  Your work is about the optimism that comes with knowing that one individual can make a difference in the lives of so many people.  And God knows when you have a whole group like this doing it together, the impact you have on our nation and, by extension, the world.  

So, today, I came by to express my gratitude for the work you, like so many across our nation, have been doing to lift up our fellow American.  And I am here to reaffirm our shared commitment to the work ahead.

You know, over the past several weeks since the election, I have received tens of thousands of letters from people across our nation — many of them young leaders — Americans from every walk of life; people of every age, race, faith, and political party.

These letters share a common theme.  Yes, there is disappointment, but there is also resolve for the future.

One letter in particular stands out, which I’ll share with you.  A young woman named Sasha writes, quote, “There is nothing in the world that will take away my drive, energy, passion, and the destiny that I have to help the people of our country.”  And I think any one of you is Sasha — could be, right?  Nothing is going to take away that drive, that passion, that energy, that commitment. 

So, Sasha, like all of you, inspire me — young people who are rightly impatient for change.  I love that about you — impatient for change.  Who will not let anyone or any circumstance defeat your spirit or your sense of purpose.  You will not allow your spirit or your sense of purpose to be defeated. 

You, who have, I think, by your actions, adopted some advice my mother gave me a long time ago.  She would say to me, “Kamala, don’t just complain about what is wrong.  Do something about it.  Make it right.”  That’s a life you all are living. 

 You reflect the best of the America I have seen, be it during the campaign, during my four years as vice president, and throughout my life.

An America where we recognize that we are all in this together.  That no matter our background, we share the same dreams, aspirations, and ambitions for ourselves and our family.  That we all have so much more in common than what separates us.  That is our knowledge. 

An America, where we are guided by the ideals that have always defined us when we are at our best: dignity and decency, fairness, freedom, and opportunity for all.

An America, where we recognize that the true measure of the strength of a leader is not based on who you beat down; it’s based on who you lift up.  (Applause.)

And the story of America’s progress — you all know history — the story of America’s progress, when we have made progress, in many ways is the story of people who stayed true to their ideals, even in the face of difficulty; the story of Americans who, yes, faced disappointment but did not grow weary — did not grow weary; who faced setbacks but did not give up; people who refused to let the light of America’s promise dim or burn out in moments of challenge.

The movements for civil rights, women’s rights, workers’ rights — the United States of America itself would never have come to be if people had given up their cause after a court case or a battle or an election did not go their way.

What Sasha wrote and what we here know is that, in moments like this, the true test of our character is how resilient and persistent we are to pursue the future that we all can see.

The true test of our commitment is whether, in the face of an obstacle, do we throw up our hands, or do we roll up our sleeves? 

And as we approach — (applause) — (laughs) — and as we then approach the end of this year, many people have come up to me, telling me they feel tired, maybe even resigned — folks who have said to me that they’re not sure whether they have the strength, much less the desire, to stay in the fight.

But let me be very clear.  No one can walk away.  No one can walk away.  We must stay in the fight, every one of us, including the fight for an economy that works not just for those at the top but for working people, for all Americans; the fight to make sure everyone has a fair shot to pursue their ambitions; the fight for our id- — ideals, including the equality among us, the freedoms to which we are entitled, the dignity that we possess and is possessed by every one of us.

So, we must stay in the fight because that is the responsibility, in my opinion, that comes with the privilege of being an American.  And that responsibility has always, then, fueled the American experiment. 

In our country, you see, the recognition that we are all created equal, with certain fundamental rights and freedoms — the belief that here, in our country, anything is possible — the promise of America itself is a powerful yet fragile idea. 

Powerful because it has inspired billions of people and made it possible for us to become the strongest, most prosperous nation in the world, yet fragile because that idea is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it — only as strong as our faith that we, the people, are the ones who make it real.

So, I will say this as we close out this year.  I ask of you this: that those here and anyone watching, that you will not walk away, that you will stay true to your spirit and your sense of purpose, that you will continue to fight for the promise of America.

And I ask you to remember the context in which you exist.  (Laughter.)  Yeah, I did that.  (Applause.)  Uh-huh.  (Laughs.) 

I ask you to remember that this struggle is not new.  It goes back nearly 250 years to Lexington and Concord.

Generation after generation, it has been driven by those who love our country, cherish its ideals, and refuse to sit passive while our ideals are under assault.

And now, this fight to keep the light of America’s promise and to ensure it burns bright — well, this fight now, it continues with you.  You are its heirs.  We are its heirs. 

So, I’ll end with this.  Get some rest over the holidays.  (Laughter.)  Spend time with the people you love.  You know I believe family comes in many forms.  There’s family by blood, and there is family by love. 

I urge you, then, after you have had some rest — in fact, I challenge you — to come back ready — ready to chart our path to the future, chin up, shoulders back, forever impatient for change, and, like Sasha, ready to summon your drive, your energy, your passion to help our fellow Americans; and be ready to get back to work fighting for opportunity and freedom, fighting for fairness and dignity, and fighting for this country we love and the future we share.

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

                              END                    12:06 P.M. EST

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris to Young Leaders Who Are Active and Engaged in Their Local Communities appeared first on The White House.

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 3960, which establishes a good faith exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications related to the reduction of patent-related fees.

Thank you to Senators Coons and Tillis, and Representatives Issa and Hank Johnson for their leadership.

###

The post Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 3960 appeared first on The White House.

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 3960, which establishes a good faith exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications related to the reduction of patent-related fees.

Thank you to Senators Coons and Tillis, and Representatives Issa and Hank Johnson for their leadership.

###

The post Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 3960 appeared first on The White House.

I’ve always put families and hardworking Americans first. That’s why I called on my Administration to do everything we can to lower costs. Today, the Federal Trade Commission is doing just that by banning hidden junk fees when you book a hotel or purchase event tickets. We all know the experience of encountering a hidden fee at the very last stage of check out—these junk fees sneak onto your bill and companies end up making you pay more because they can. Those fees add up, taking real money out of the pockets of Americans.

Today’s announcement builds on work across my Administration to ban junk fees and lower costs—saving many families hundreds of dollars each year. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lowered overdraft and credit card late fees, the Department of Transportation proposed a ban on family seating fees and required upfront disclosure of baggage and change fees, and the Federal Communications Commission ensured consumers see upfront the full price and terms for their internet service. Wherever big corporations try to sneak fees onto bills, my Administration has been fighting on behalf of American families to ban them.

###

The post Statement from President Joe Biden on the FTC Banning Hidden Junk Fees appeared first on The White House.

I’ve always put families and hardworking Americans first. That’s why I called on my Administration to do everything we can to lower costs. Today, the Federal Trade Commission is doing just that by banning hidden junk fees when you book a hotel or purchase event tickets. We all know the experience of encountering a hidden fee at the very last stage of check out—these junk fees sneak onto your bill and companies end up making you pay more because they can. Those fees add up, taking real money out of the pockets of Americans.

Today’s announcement builds on work across my Administration to ban junk fees and lower costs—saving many families hundreds of dollars each year. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lowered overdraft and credit card late fees, the Department of Transportation proposed a ban on family seating fees and required upfront disclosure of baggage and change fees, and the Federal Communications Commission ensured consumers see upfront the full price and terms for their internet service. Wherever big corporations try to sneak fees onto bills, my Administration has been fighting on behalf of American families to ban them.

###

The post Statement from President Joe Biden on the FTC Banning Hidden Junk Fees appeared first on The White House.

East Room

8:12 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  My name — my name is Joe Biden, and I’m Jill Biden’s husband.  (Laughter.) 

And I was raised by — some of you know me well — by a righteous Christian: my dad.  My dad used to come home and rail against the fact that we didn’t let the ship in — let — after Auschwitz, we didn’t — we didn’t bomb the railroad tracks, et cetera.  And my dad would always talk about our obligations.  And my dad was the one who inspired me. 

And I see my fellow father-in-law out there, Ronny Olivere.  Ronny is a good friend.

And my — my — what happened was that — my dad always thought that we had an obligation to — to step up and — and talk about what happened, and he inspired me to take every one of my children and grandchildren — when they reached the age of 14, their first trip in an aircraft overseas was to Ausch- — to — excuse me — to the — to the camp — that I wanted them to see what it was like, wanted them to see that no one could have misunderstood that there — what was going on in those camps.

And so, they toured the camps.  And they toured them, so I wanted them to know that you couldn’t pretend it didn’t happen and it should never happen again.

And so, I learned a long time ago: You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist.  I’m a Zionist.  (Applause.)

A little early, but Happy Hanukkah to everyone.

Jill and I and Kamala and Doug are honored to host you here at the White House. 

Doug, thank you for being such a great friend. 

And thank you, Anne.   You’ve been a true friend and a real leader.  And tell your son how proud of him I am — of you.  She has a beautiful son.

And I want to thank you all for being here tonight. 

Look, when you walk around the White House, you feel the history and the story of our nation, including the story of the Jewish people who came to our shores in the 1600s after fleeing persecution abroad. 

Here in the East Room is a portrait of George Washington.  In 1790, a local Jewish leader from Newport, Rhode Island, wrote a letter to President Washington expressing his hope that America would be a nation of religious freedom for all its citizens, a nation which, quote, “gives bigotry no sanction and persecution no assistance.”

Like the ancient Hanukkah story when Jewish M- — when the Jewish Maccabees fought for religious freedom thousands of years ago, a letter to George Washington echoed the same vision for freedom.  And ever since, the values and contributions of the Jewish Americans have shaped the very foundation and character of our nation. 

That’s why, two years ago, Jill and I displayed the first-ever permanent White House menorah made of the original wood from the White House building.  We displayed it again tonight to make clear that history and vibrancy of the Jewish life is woven into the fabric of America, every aspect of it, and it’s permanent.  It’s permanent.

But I know this year’s Hanukkah falls on the hearts that are still very heavy.  It’s the second Hanukkah since the horrors of October 7th.  Over a thousand slaughtered, hundreds taken hostage, unspeakable sexual violence, and so more.  The trauma of that day and its aftermath is still raw and ongoing. 

I’ve gotten over a hundred hostages out, and I will not stop until I get every single one of them home — every single.  (Applause.)

Last month, we secured a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon so residents can safely return home.  And I’ve said many times before, my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and security of Israel and its right to exist as an independent nation-state is — remains ironclad. 

I know — (applause) — not just me — I know the Jewish community is also suffering from despicable surge of antisemitism in America and all around the world.  It’s immoral.  It’s wrong.  And it must stop now. 

And, Doug, I want to thank you.  Thank you for your leadership in this effort.  I really mean it sincerely.

And I know it’s hard to find hope while — while carrying so much sorrow.  But from my perspective, Jewish people have always embodied the duality of pain and joy. 

You know, the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks said, “A people that can walk through a valley of shadow of death and still rejoice is a people that cannot be defeated by any force or fear.”  “Any force or fear.”  (Applause.)

That resilience and that capacity to find faith and joy despite centuries of persecution and pain is your light, like the light of miracles throughout the Jewish history, from the menorah oil lasting eight days to the miracle of Israel itself. 

Look, let me close with this.  Throughout my life, rabbis, Jewish friends, colleagues have always been there for me and my family when we’ve gone through very tough times — and I mean it sincerely — been there on our doorstep, in our home with us.  They taught us so much about the optimistic spirit of the Jewish people. 

Above all, they taught me one thing we can never lose: hope.  Hope, hope, hope.  I’ve seen the power of that hope in my own life and in the life of our nation. 

Next week, you’ll light the eight candles in your menorahs.  My final Hanukkah message to you is this — as president — this is: to hold onto that hope, shine your light — shine the light of optimism, and above all, keep the faith.  Keep the faith.

May God bless you.  Happy Hanukkah.

And now I turn it over to Rabbi Cosgrove.  (Applause.)

Rabbi Cosgrove, who — by the way, who I visited his — as I was — his synagogue in New York.  He was still nice to me afterward too. 

Rabbi, it’s all yours, kid.  Go get them.  (Laughter and applause.) 

8:19 P.M. EST

The post Remarks by President Biden at a Hanukkah Holiday Reception appeared first on The White House.

East Room

8:12 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  My name — my name is Joe Biden, and I’m Jill Biden’s husband.  (Laughter.) 

And I was raised by — some of you know me well — by a righteous Christian: my dad.  My dad used to come home and rail against the fact that we didn’t let the ship in — let — after Auschwitz, we didn’t — we didn’t bomb the railroad tracks, et cetera.  And my dad would always talk about our obligations.  And my dad was the one who inspired me. 

And I see my fellow father-in-law out there, Ronny Olivere.  Ronny is a good friend.

And my — my — what happened was that — my dad always thought that we had an obligation to — to step up and — and talk about what happened, and he inspired me to take every one of my children and grandchildren — when they reached the age of 14, their first trip in an aircraft overseas was to Ausch- — to — excuse me — to the — to the camp — that I wanted them to see what it was like, wanted them to see that no one could have misunderstood that there — what was going on in those camps.

And so, they toured the camps.  And they toured them, so I wanted them to know that you couldn’t pretend it didn’t happen and it should never happen again.

And so, I learned a long time ago: You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist.  I’m a Zionist.  (Applause.)

A little early, but Happy Hanukkah to everyone.

Jill and I and Kamala and Doug are honored to host you here at the White House. 

Doug, thank you for being such a great friend. 

And thank you, Anne.   You’ve been a true friend and a real leader.  And tell your son how proud of him I am — of you.  She has a beautiful son.

And I want to thank you all for being here tonight. 

Look, when you walk around the White House, you feel the history and the story of our nation, including the story of the Jewish people who came to our shores in the 1600s after fleeing persecution abroad. 

Here in the East Room is a portrait of George Washington.  In 1790, a local Jewish leader from Newport, Rhode Island, wrote a letter to President Washington expressing his hope that America would be a nation of religious freedom for all its citizens, a nation which, quote, “gives bigotry no sanction and persecution no assistance.”

Like the ancient Hanukkah story when Jewish M- — when the Jewish Maccabees fought for religious freedom thousands of years ago, a letter to George Washington echoed the same vision for freedom.  And ever since, the values and contributions of the Jewish Americans have shaped the very foundation and character of our nation. 

That’s why, two years ago, Jill and I displayed the first-ever permanent White House menorah made of the original wood from the White House building.  We displayed it again tonight to make clear that history and vibrancy of the Jewish life is woven into the fabric of America, every aspect of it, and it’s permanent.  It’s permanent.

But I know this year’s Hanukkah falls on the hearts that are still very heavy.  It’s the second Hanukkah since the horrors of October 7th.  Over a thousand slaughtered, hundreds taken hostage, unspeakable sexual violence, and so more.  The trauma of that day and its aftermath is still raw and ongoing. 

I’ve gotten over a hundred hostages out, and I will not stop until I get every single one of them home — every single.  (Applause.)

Last month, we secured a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon so residents can safely return home.  And I’ve said many times before, my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and security of Israel and its right to exist as an independent nation-state is — remains ironclad. 

I know — (applause) — not just me — I know the Jewish community is also suffering from despicable surge of antisemitism in America and all around the world.  It’s immoral.  It’s wrong.  And it must stop now. 

And, Doug, I want to thank you.  Thank you for your leadership in this effort.  I really mean it sincerely.

And I know it’s hard to find hope while — while carrying so much sorrow.  But from my perspective, Jewish people have always embodied the duality of pain and joy. 

You know, the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks said, “A people that can walk through a valley of shadow of death and still rejoice is a people that cannot be defeated by any force or fear.”  “Any force or fear.”  (Applause.)

That resilience and that capacity to find faith and joy despite centuries of persecution and pain is your light, like the light of miracles throughout the Jewish history, from the menorah oil lasting eight days to the miracle of Israel itself. 

Look, let me close with this.  Throughout my life, rabbis, Jewish friends, colleagues have always been there for me and my family when we’ve gone through very tough times — and I mean it sincerely — been there on our doorstep, in our home with us.  They taught us so much about the optimistic spirit of the Jewish people. 

Above all, they taught me one thing we can never lose: hope.  Hope, hope, hope.  I’ve seen the power of that hope in my own life and in the life of our nation. 

Next week, you’ll light the eight candles in your menorahs.  My final Hanukkah message to you is this — as president — this is: to hold onto that hope, shine your light — shine the light of optimism, and above all, keep the faith.  Keep the faith.

May God bless you.  Happy Hanukkah.

And now I turn it over to Rabbi Cosgrove.  (Applause.)

Rabbi Cosgrove, who — by the way, who I visited his — as I was — his synagogue in New York.  He was still nice to me afterward too. 

Rabbi, it’s all yours, kid.  Go get them.  (Laughter and applause.) 

8:19 P.M. EST

The post Remarks by President Biden at a Hanukkah Holiday Reception appeared first on The White House.

South Court Auditorium
Eisenhower Executive Office Building

Good evening.

We owe our schools and our communities better. We cannot accept this as normal. We must protect our children and educators from gun violence.

Thank you for being here.

It’s hard to believe that this is one of our last gatherings of educators at the White House.

The day after Joe was inaugurated, nearly four years ago, I began my time as First Lady by thanking our nation’s educators, alongside Randi and Becky.

The pandemic was still raging, so we sat six feet apart. And on that day, I promised you that as long as Joe was in the White House, educators would always have a seat at the table. That promise has been my guiding light over the last four years, and I hope you have felt your impact in all we’ve accomplished together. 

We began this journey together.

I asked Randi and Becky to help gather us again as this chapter comes to a close.

And my message to you is simple: thank you.

Over the last four years, we’ve built an even stronger education system in this country—and it took all of us. Because policies don’t work unless we implement them in our classrooms. And our schools don’t transform lives without educators who are dedicated to this calling.

So thank you.

Thank you for opening your hearts and your classrooms to me, all across the country. For joining me for the first-ever Teachers of the Year State Dinner here at the White House. For coming together during the last election. For using your “teacher voice” to organize and get out the vote.

And I know that you will continue to push our nation forward in the way that only teachers can, making sure that our students are front and center.

Joe and I will be there with you every step of the way.

Most of all, I want to thank you for devoting your lives to our nation’s students through the good days and tough ones, through setbacks and breakthroughs, through careful lesson plans and all the surprises we could never plan for.

Being your First Lady has been the honor of my life. But being your colleague has been the work of my life.

Last Thursday, I taught my last class of the semester, and my final class ever at Northern Virginia Community College.

I will always love this profession, which is why I continued to teach full-time while serving as your First Lady.

And I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of fellow educators.

At every turn, you’ve stood by my side, lifted my spirits, and helped me remember that we’re in this together.

And I will always be grateful to those who lead us forward.

Becky, thank you for being a bold champion of students and educators—and for encouraging them to become change-makers too. You help us set our sights on a brighter future, and show us how to fight for every inch of progress.

Randi, you are a force, and you use your power to lift up educators so that we can lift up our students. You remind us that we are not alone, and that we are unstoppable when we act together.

Joe and I are so grateful to both of you, and all of the educators that you represent.

And now, I’ll turn it over to Randi.

***

Thank you, Becky.

Just a couple of weeks ago, on one of my final overseas trips, the U.S. Ambassador in Qatar told me about how, all of these years later, he still remembers the English teacher who changed his life.

All of us have someone we credit for creating an inflection point in our lives. And you are that someone.

Every day, you see something in your students—a spark of passion, a glimmer of talent—and you say, don’t let the world miss out on your light.

Thanks to you, light shines out of your classrooms, every student a sun ray of your legacy.

We don’t always see how far that light travels.

But right now, someone out there is standing a little taller because you helped them find the confidence they needed.

Someone is working a little harder because you pushed them to try.

Someone is braver because you helped them find their courage.

And someone has become a teacher and mentor to their own students, because all of us are links in an endless chain of educators.

And while the world shifts under our feet, we will always have each other.

So right now, more than anything else, my message to you is this: Lean on each other. Be each other’s strength. And never forget the power of education to transform lives.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, and happy holidays.

###

The post Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Virtual Thank You Event for Educators appeared first on The White House.

South Court Auditorium
Eisenhower Executive Office Building

Good evening.

We owe our schools and our communities better. We cannot accept this as normal. We must protect our children and educators from gun violence.

Thank you for being here.

It’s hard to believe that this is one of our last gatherings of educators at the White House.

The day after Joe was inaugurated, nearly four years ago, I began my time as First Lady by thanking our nation’s educators, alongside Randi and Becky.

The pandemic was still raging, so we sat six feet apart. And on that day, I promised you that as long as Joe was in the White House, educators would always have a seat at the table. That promise has been my guiding light over the last four years, and I hope you have felt your impact in all we’ve accomplished together. 

We began this journey together.

I asked Randi and Becky to help gather us again as this chapter comes to a close.

And my message to you is simple: thank you.

Over the last four years, we’ve built an even stronger education system in this country—and it took all of us. Because policies don’t work unless we implement them in our classrooms. And our schools don’t transform lives without educators who are dedicated to this calling.

So thank you.

Thank you for opening your hearts and your classrooms to me, all across the country. For joining me for the first-ever Teachers of the Year State Dinner here at the White House. For coming together during the last election. For using your “teacher voice” to organize and get out the vote.

And I know that you will continue to push our nation forward in the way that only teachers can, making sure that our students are front and center.

Joe and I will be there with you every step of the way.

Most of all, I want to thank you for devoting your lives to our nation’s students through the good days and tough ones, through setbacks and breakthroughs, through careful lesson plans and all the surprises we could never plan for.

Being your First Lady has been the honor of my life. But being your colleague has been the work of my life.

Last Thursday, I taught my last class of the semester, and my final class ever at Northern Virginia Community College.

I will always love this profession, which is why I continued to teach full-time while serving as your First Lady.

And I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of fellow educators.

At every turn, you’ve stood by my side, lifted my spirits, and helped me remember that we’re in this together.

And I will always be grateful to those who lead us forward.

Becky, thank you for being a bold champion of students and educators—and for encouraging them to become change-makers too. You help us set our sights on a brighter future, and show us how to fight for every inch of progress.

Randi, you are a force, and you use your power to lift up educators so that we can lift up our students. You remind us that we are not alone, and that we are unstoppable when we act together.

Joe and I are so grateful to both of you, and all of the educators that you represent.

And now, I’ll turn it over to Randi.

***

Thank you, Becky.

Just a couple of weeks ago, on one of my final overseas trips, the U.S. Ambassador in Qatar told me about how, all of these years later, he still remembers the English teacher who changed his life.

All of us have someone we credit for creating an inflection point in our lives. And you are that someone.

Every day, you see something in your students—a spark of passion, a glimmer of talent—and you say, don’t let the world miss out on your light.

Thanks to you, light shines out of your classrooms, every student a sun ray of your legacy.

We don’t always see how far that light travels.

But right now, someone out there is standing a little taller because you helped them find the confidence they needed.

Someone is working a little harder because you pushed them to try.

Someone is braver because you helped them find their courage.

And someone has become a teacher and mentor to their own students, because all of us are links in an endless chain of educators.

And while the world shifts under our feet, we will always have each other.

So right now, more than anything else, my message to you is this: Lean on each other. Be each other’s strength. And never forget the power of education to transform lives.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, and happy holidays.

###

The post Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Virtual Thank You Event for Educators appeared first on The White House.

Over the weekend, our nation paused to remember the innocent children and brave educators who were taken from us 12 years ago when someone armed with a weapon of war walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Today, senseless gun violence has once again visited our classrooms as students and teachers in Madison, WI had their last week of school before Christmas break tragically interrupted by a deadly shooting.
 
Doug and I are mourning the student and teacher who were killed and we are praying for all those who were injured, including those who remain hospitalized. We are also thinking of the young people and families who have had their lives forever changed by this act of gun violence. And we are sending our gratitude to the educators, members of law enforcement, first responders, and medical professionals who quickly and selflessly jumped into action to ensure that even more lives were not lost in this community. 
 
As we hold our loved ones closer this holiday season, we must resolve to do everything in our power to end this epidemic that has become the leading cause of death for kids throughout America. While we have made necessary progress together over the last four years, including through the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years and our first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, there is more work to be done to ensure that every person has the freedom to live safe from the horror of gun violence. Congress and state legislatures must make background checks universal, pass red flag and safe storage laws, and ban assault weapons. These commonsense solutions will save lives and make our children and communities safer.

# # #

The post Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on the School Shooting in Madison, WI appeared first on The White House.

Over the weekend, our nation paused to remember the innocent children and brave educators who were taken from us 12 years ago when someone armed with a weapon of war walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Today, senseless gun violence has once again visited our classrooms as students and teachers in Madison, WI had their last week of school before Christmas break tragically interrupted by a deadly shooting.
 
Doug and I are mourning the student and teacher who were killed and we are praying for all those who were injured, including those who remain hospitalized. We are also thinking of the young people and families who have had their lives forever changed by this act of gun violence. And we are sending our gratitude to the educators, members of law enforcement, first responders, and medical professionals who quickly and selflessly jumped into action to ensure that even more lives were not lost in this community. 
 
As we hold our loved ones closer this holiday season, we must resolve to do everything in our power to end this epidemic that has become the leading cause of death for kids throughout America. While we have made necessary progress together over the last four years, including through the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years and our first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, there is more work to be done to ensure that every person has the freedom to live safe from the horror of gun violence. Congress and state legislatures must make background checks universal, pass red flag and safe storage laws, and ban assault weapons. These commonsense solutions will save lives and make our children and communities safer.

# # #

The post Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on the School Shooting in Madison, WI appeared first on The White House.

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

12:38 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello.  (Applause.)  It’s a good day.  (Applause.) 

Thank you, Acting Secretary Su.

AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe! 

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  I — I had no choice.  (Laughter.)  My grandfather would come down from Heaven if I didn’t do this.  (Laughter.)

(Coughs.)  Excuse me, I have a little bit of a cold. 

Folks, you know, this is an incredible honor.  I really mean that.  And I want to thank Acting Secretary Su and the Department of Labor for this incredible honor.

You know, I measure the importance of the — any award I ever received based on the character and consequence of the organization that’s bestowing it.  And the Department of Labor is an organization of character and consequence.  And I’m honored — (coughs) — I’m honored to be joined today by leaders of character and conscious, many of them sitting right here in the front row.  Half of my Cabinet is here.  (Laughter and applause.)

I want to thank all — all the labor leaders here today, including Liz and the AFL-CIO; members of the Cabinet, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.  You know, you talked about that list that she — that the secretary brought in her pocket when she met with Trump — I mean, with Roosevelt — Trump? — Freudian slip — (laughter) — and — but I — I think she had a relative she left behind. 

Would you stand up, Madam Secretary — secretary of Interior?  (Applause.)

I’ve been around a long time, and she’s the only secretary I’ve ever worked with or had working for me who when I say, “That’s done,” she’d — “No, no, no.  We have this to do now.”  (Laughter.) 

Thank you, kiddo.

Look, you know, former Labor secretary, who is now in the White House, senior advisor (inaudible), is Tom Perez.  (Applause.)  Where is he? 

Tom, thanks for sticking with me. 

And members of Congress, including Maine — Maine senator, Angus King, and Cherlie [Chellie] Pingree — where — where is Ch- — where are you guys?  All over here.  Okay.  There you are.  (Applause.) 

And, by — and, by the way, last night, we were doing a — a Christmas event at the house, and I got finished talking to a group of folks from Labor, and my wife said, “And, by the way, his wife is a member of a labor union too.”  (Laughter and applause.) 

I’m Jill Biden’s husband.  She’s not here today, but she’s been a long-time union member of the National Education Association.  (Applause.)

And it’s fitting, with all these powerful women here, that we’ve gathered at headquarters of the Department of Labor, named after one of America’s greatest labor leaders — and that’s not hyperbole — Frances Perkins.

You know, we’re honored to be joined by her grandson, Tomlin.  Where are you, Tomlin?  (Applause.)  Thank you, bud.

Saturday, March 25th, 1911, Frances sat down for afternoon tea at her home with a close friend from New York City.  Suddenly, they hear the sound of a distant screams and sirens.  The building was in flames.  Her instinct was to run to the scene.

As she approached the fire and smoke, she recognized the Triangle Shirt[waist] Factory, a company that employed hundreds of workers, mostly immigrants and women, who worked long hours crammed into tight quarters, where managers locked them inside to make clothing.

In an instant, those workers were trapped in a brutal blaze.  With no safe exit, some workers forced to climb out the windows, holding on for dear life until their fingers gave out.  Others just jumped — prayed and jumped.

A total of 150 lives were lost that day.  It was the deadliest industrial disaster in American history. 

Frances was devastated.  But that fire ignited a passion in her.  It strengthened her resolve to fight even harder for working Americans and working families.

In her decades of service, she became a fierce defender of unions and workers’ rights, an architect of the New Deal, the first woman Cabinet secretary — the first woman Cabinet secretary.  I increased on that a little bit — (laughter) — because I know what my family is like.  All of — all the really bright people in my family are women.  (Laughter.)  And the longest-serving secretary of Labor in American history, God love you.

And the story goes, after Franklin Roosevelt asked her to become his Labor secretary, Frances Perkins immediately responded by outlining her goals, what she wanted done.  She said, “I want unemployment relief, overtime pay, child labor laws, minimum wage, worker’s compensation, national health insurance, and Social Security” — (laughs) — many of the benefits we take for granted as a consequence of Frances’s dedication to inciting courage. 

But that — can you imagine walking up to Roosevelt and saying, “Hey, I’ll take the job, but here’s the deal, man.”  (Laughter.)  “Let’s get this straight.”  Like I said, a little bit like when I asked Frances to do my job.

Hard-fought battles and — with Teamsters and, you know, at her — look, a real testament to her skill as an advocate for public servants.

An example that, through the Fair Labor Standards Act, she cemented the idea that if you’re working a full-time job, you shouldn’t have to live in poverty — a simple proposition.  If you work a little extra, you should have extra money for overtime.  Not a crazy idea.  Even — some even argue about it now.

Frances understood what my dad taught me, and I — you’ve heard me say this a thousand times, but it — he really would say this.  He said, “Joey, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck.  It’s about your dignity.  It’s about respect.  It’s about your place in the community.  It’s about being able to look your kid in the eye and say, ‘Honey, it’s going to be okay,’ and mean it.”  That’s my dad. 

In fact, during her 12 years in office, she accomplished everything on her list, except expanded health care for health insurance.  It took 65 years later and a guy named Barack Obama and I to get the Affordable Care Act passed.  (Applause.)  And thank God all of us here have protected and expanded the Affordable Care Act.

Look, it’s clear that Frances Perkins and a generation of activists and labor leaders laid the groundwork for much of what we’ve accomplished in the last four years.

We’re fundamentally transforming the economy by breaking an economic orthodoxy that has failed this nation for generation after generation, in my view: trickle-down economics, the notion that if you — every — the wealthy do very, very well, a little will trickle off — off their tables onto our kitchen table. 

My dad used to say, “Nothing ever trickled on my table, honey.”  (Laughter.)  No, I’m serious. 

My dad was a really well-read man who didn’t get to go — he went — accepted to Johns Hopkins, but during the war, he never got to go.  But my dad was a well-read guy. 

Well, you know, the primary benefits to the very wealthy and the biggest corporations were trickle-down economics, and that didn’t do much for working people and the middle class and left too many people behind. 

Together, we built an economy from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down, and because we know this simple truth: Wall Street didn’t build America; the middle class built America, and u- — (applause) — and unions built the middle class.  (Applause.)  Un- — and that’s a fact. 

In fact, as th- — as the secretary of Treasury will tell you, I asked her to do a study because I was going to get hit, because I knew they’d say by having unions increase in their numbers and their wages go up, we were going to cost people thing.  Guess what?  The study the Treasury did showed that when unions do well, all workers do well -– union and non-worker [non-union], across the board.  (Applause.)

It matters.  It works.  It’s fair.

Kamala and I are so proud of the great job creation record of any — actually, the greatest job correction [creation] of any single president in a single term: over 6 [16] million jobs so far, including over 1.5 million manufacturing and construction jobs — good-paying jobs you can raise a family on and don’t have to require a four-year degree.  And get this: There are more women, especially mothers, in the workforce than ever before in American history.  (Applause.)

We’re so damn proud to have protected pensions of millions of union workers and retirees — (applause) — when I signed the Butch Lewis Act. 

You know, think about that.  Imagine what the average American would say if you were going to do that with their Social Security, which this guy wants to do.  Imagine if he said, “Your pension, you can’t count on it anymore.” 

In addition, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion in back wages and damages for over 600,000 workers here in America.  (Applause.)

We wo- — we’ve pushed for a right to a living wage and your right to overtime pay.

Jobs and factories are coming back home to America because we invested in the American agenda.  We’re modernizing American infrastructure. 

Last time, this guy had — last guy had the job, he had “Infrastructure Week” every week — didn’t build a damn thing.  (Laughter.)  Well, guess what?  We’re — we built a lot.  And guess what’s coming? 

Look, folks, one of the things that is frustrating — I knew this was going to happen because I’ve been around a long time, and I talked over to the secretary of Agriculture and other places.  Guess what?  All the things — we have $1.4 trillion in economic — in — in infrastructure growth.  That’s thousands of good-paying jobs. 

The CHIPS and Science Act investing billions of dollars — billions of dollars — building these fabs that are going to house hundreds of people working, thousands, and they’re going to be ba- — getting paid about average of $102,000 a year and don’t need a college degree.

So much — so much is going on.  But it’s going to take a little bit of time.  But we got to make sure to protect — protect the — the onslaught that’s going to come, because it’s hard to see right away.

And, by the way, I know I got criticized by putting as many of these programs in red states as blue states — actually more.  Well, guess what?  The red state guys screwed it up.  (Laughter.)  And we got a be- — benefit — we — we represent all of America, not just — not just blue America, not just Democrats, but all of America. 

Look, as we do all this, we’re — we’re buying America, using American workers, using American products.  And we’re standing up to Amer- — for American steelworkers against China’s unfair trade practices.

We appointed a National Labor Relations Board that actually believes in unions and has pro-union members on the board.  (Applause.)  A strange notion.  And a special thank you to the chair of the board, Lauren McFerran — (applause) — (inaudible) — who is here.  Where are you, Lauren?  There — thank you, Lauren. 

Don’t be so shy.  Raise your — stand up.  Let everybody see you.  (Laughter and applause.)

And it’s no accident — no accident that petitions to form unions have doubled — doubled under my presidency.  (Applause.) 

I got all this credit for walking the picket line.  It never crossed my mind not to walk the picket line.  (Laughter.)  No, I’m serious.  I didn’t think it was any big deal.  I walked a lot of picket lines.  The fact that I was president, I hadn’t thought about that.  And then Pamela [Kamala] walked the picket line.  We support the right to fair contracts.  

Here’s one, you know, that doesn’t get enough attention: When workers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, mining inhale toxic silica dust on the job, it can lead to lung cancer and other deadly diseases.  It’s been a major problem for decades, even under Secretary Perkins.  She led an investigation, but despite the science, big business blocked the regulation.

But not on our watch.  Not on your watch.  With your help, we carried Frances’s — Frances’s mantle and issued a rule that finally reduces such dangerous exposure. 

And, by the way — (applause) — our secretary — the secretary of Veterans Affairs is sitting in front of me here — one of the really good guys.  I really mean it.

And, you know, we — what we’ve done — what we did for the CHIPS and Science Act, and then we went — made sure we were going to take care of veterans.  We said all those folks, in my generation, exposed to Agent Orange couldn’t prove that their illness was a consequence of it and all those, like my son’s generation, that were exposed to toxic burn pits in Iraq and other places, that it’s assumed that — my son came back, for example, with Stage Four glioblastoma.  More brain injuries than anything else.  And guess what?  They’re entitled to the benefits that they were going to get if they had not lost their lives — their family.  (Applause.)

And to ad-lib here a little bit, I — I think the American people are beginning to figure out all we’re doing is what’s basically decent and fair — just basically decent and fair.

We have a lot of sacred obligations — I got into trouble for saying this before, but we only have one truly sacred obligation: to prepare those we send into harm’s way and pre- — care for them and their families when they come home.  And that’s a simple proposition.  Finally, that’s happening.

What — what you got?  Another million now?  A million you’re taking care of.

I make no apologies.  I’m so damn proud of that.  (Applause.)

Look, folks, in our four years together, we’ve made historic investments that have changed the course of the nation’s future and will have a lasting impact for decades to come.

And I’m here to say, to state the obvious, we could not have done this without the dedicated professionals here at the Department of Labor and all across this administration.  (Applause.)  Could not have done.

And I’m damn proud to be known as the most pro-labor administration in American history, because we are.  We are.  We make no apologies.  (Applause.)

Look, let me close with this.  Frances Perkins once said, “The people are what matter to government, and the government should aim to give people — all people under its jurisdiction the best possible life” — “the best possible life.”

For my dad, it was a simple proposition: Everybody deserves a shot.  No guarantee, but a shot.  Everybody deserves a shot.

All of you have helped the — upheld that vision, putting the people first, no matter who they are.

Another important legacy of our administration is making sure we learn from history, lift up stories that often have gone untold.

Earlier this year, during Women’s History Month, I signed the first-ever executive order on recognizing and honoring women’s history to increase representation of women and historic sites — in historic sites all across America.

Today, I’m proud to stand here in the Frances Perkins — Perkins Building, headquarters of the Labor Department, to designate Frances Perkins Homestead in Newcastle, Maine, a national monument.  (Applause.)

And Secretary Haaland is also going to be announcing five new national historic landmarks to honor women’s contributions to American history.  (Applause.)

They includes Charleston Cigar Factory — (coughs) — excuse me — where Black women led a workers’ strike that opposed gender and racial discrimination and advocated for better pay for working conditions.

Look, too many people want to rewrite history or ignore it.  Look, we wa- — all we want to do is make — le- — make sure we record history — record history — the good, bad, and the indifferent — who we are. 

I was able to show up at Indian Country and apologize for what we did to the Indian Americans, for the schools we made them go to and took them away, off the reservations with their parents.

Throughout our history, women’s vision and achievements have strengthened this nation, to state the obvious.

That’s why I’ve kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America, and that includes having more women in senior access all across the board, starting with my amazing vice president, Kamala Harris.  (Applause.)

It’s about time we honor them in building the American Women’s Museum and — History Museum on the Mall — (applause) — and the Women’s Suffrage National Monument on the National Mall.  (Applause.)  

And, by the way, it’s time for Congress to move in authorizing that legislation — moving it forward.  They should do it now, before this Congress ends.  (Applause.) 

Folks, our administration is coming to an end, but our work continues.

We get up.  We keep going.  We keep the faith.  I know I will.  I know you will.  We just have to remember who in the hell we are.

We’re the United States of America.  (Applause.)  There is nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together — nothing, nothing, nothing.  (Applause.)

May God bless you all.  And may God prote- — protect our troops.  (Applause.)

And now I will sign the proclamation.

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

Here.

(The proclamation is signed.)  (Applause.)

12:57 P.M. EST

The post Remarks by President Biden Honoring our Nation’s Labor History and the Biden-Harris Administration’s Work to Strengthen America’s Workforce appeared first on The White House.

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

12:38 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello.  (Applause.)  It’s a good day.  (Applause.) 

Thank you, Acting Secretary Su.

AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe! 

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  I — I had no choice.  (Laughter.)  My grandfather would come down from Heaven if I didn’t do this.  (Laughter.)

(Coughs.)  Excuse me, I have a little bit of a cold. 

Folks, you know, this is an incredible honor.  I really mean that.  And I want to thank Acting Secretary Su and the Department of Labor for this incredible honor.

You know, I measure the importance of the — any award I ever received based on the character and consequence of the organization that’s bestowing it.  And the Department of Labor is an organization of character and consequence.  And I’m honored — (coughs) — I’m honored to be joined today by leaders of character and conscious, many of them sitting right here in the front row.  Half of my Cabinet is here.  (Laughter and applause.)

I want to thank all — all the labor leaders here today, including Liz and the AFL-CIO; members of the Cabinet, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.  You know, you talked about that list that she — that the secretary brought in her pocket when she met with Trump — I mean, with Roosevelt — Trump? — Freudian slip — (laughter) — and — but I — I think she had a relative she left behind. 

Would you stand up, Madam Secretary — secretary of Interior?  (Applause.)

I’ve been around a long time, and she’s the only secretary I’ve ever worked with or had working for me who when I say, “That’s done,” she’d — “No, no, no.  We have this to do now.”  (Laughter.) 

Thank you, kiddo.

Look, you know, former Labor secretary, who is now in the White House, senior advisor (inaudible), is Tom Perez.  (Applause.)  Where is he? 

Tom, thanks for sticking with me. 

And members of Congress, including Maine — Maine senator, Angus King, and Cherlie [Chellie] Pingree — where — where is Ch- — where are you guys?  All over here.  Okay.  There you are.  (Applause.) 

And, by — and, by the way, last night, we were doing a — a Christmas event at the house, and I got finished talking to a group of folks from Labor, and my wife said, “And, by the way, his wife is a member of a labor union too.”  (Laughter and applause.) 

I’m Jill Biden’s husband.  She’s not here today, but she’s been a long-time union member of the National Education Association.  (Applause.)

And it’s fitting, with all these powerful women here, that we’ve gathered at headquarters of the Department of Labor, named after one of America’s greatest labor leaders — and that’s not hyperbole — Frances Perkins.

You know, we’re honored to be joined by her grandson, Tomlin.  Where are you, Tomlin?  (Applause.)  Thank you, bud.

Saturday, March 25th, 1911, Frances sat down for afternoon tea at her home with a close friend from New York City.  Suddenly, they hear the sound of a distant screams and sirens.  The building was in flames.  Her instinct was to run to the scene.

As she approached the fire and smoke, she recognized the Triangle Shirt[waist] Factory, a company that employed hundreds of workers, mostly immigrants and women, who worked long hours crammed into tight quarters, where managers locked them inside to make clothing.

In an instant, those workers were trapped in a brutal blaze.  With no safe exit, some workers forced to climb out the windows, holding on for dear life until their fingers gave out.  Others just jumped — prayed and jumped.

A total of 150 lives were lost that day.  It was the deadliest industrial disaster in American history. 

Frances was devastated.  But that fire ignited a passion in her.  It strengthened her resolve to fight even harder for working Americans and working families.

In her decades of service, she became a fierce defender of unions and workers’ rights, an architect of the New Deal, the first woman Cabinet secretary — the first woman Cabinet secretary.  I increased on that a little bit — (laughter) — because I know what my family is like.  All of — all the really bright people in my family are women.  (Laughter.)  And the longest-serving secretary of Labor in American history, God love you.

And the story goes, after Franklin Roosevelt asked her to become his Labor secretary, Frances Perkins immediately responded by outlining her goals, what she wanted done.  She said, “I want unemployment relief, overtime pay, child labor laws, minimum wage, worker’s compensation, national health insurance, and Social Security” — (laughs) — many of the benefits we take for granted as a consequence of Frances’s dedication to inciting courage. 

But that — can you imagine walking up to Roosevelt and saying, “Hey, I’ll take the job, but here’s the deal, man.”  (Laughter.)  “Let’s get this straight.”  Like I said, a little bit like when I asked Frances to do my job.

Hard-fought battles and — with Teamsters and, you know, at her — look, a real testament to her skill as an advocate for public servants.

An example that, through the Fair Labor Standards Act, she cemented the idea that if you’re working a full-time job, you shouldn’t have to live in poverty — a simple proposition.  If you work a little extra, you should have extra money for overtime.  Not a crazy idea.  Even — some even argue about it now.

Frances understood what my dad taught me, and I — you’ve heard me say this a thousand times, but it — he really would say this.  He said, “Joey, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck.  It’s about your dignity.  It’s about respect.  It’s about your place in the community.  It’s about being able to look your kid in the eye and say, ‘Honey, it’s going to be okay,’ and mean it.”  That’s my dad. 

In fact, during her 12 years in office, she accomplished everything on her list, except expanded health care for health insurance.  It took 65 years later and a guy named Barack Obama and I to get the Affordable Care Act passed.  (Applause.)  And thank God all of us here have protected and expanded the Affordable Care Act.

Look, it’s clear that Frances Perkins and a generation of activists and labor leaders laid the groundwork for much of what we’ve accomplished in the last four years.

We’re fundamentally transforming the economy by breaking an economic orthodoxy that has failed this nation for generation after generation, in my view: trickle-down economics, the notion that if you — every — the wealthy do very, very well, a little will trickle off — off their tables onto our kitchen table. 

My dad used to say, “Nothing ever trickled on my table, honey.”  (Laughter.)  No, I’m serious. 

My dad was a really well-read man who didn’t get to go — he went — accepted to Johns Hopkins, but during the war, he never got to go.  But my dad was a well-read guy. 

Well, you know, the primary benefits to the very wealthy and the biggest corporations were trickle-down economics, and that didn’t do much for working people and the middle class and left too many people behind. 

Together, we built an economy from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down, and because we know this simple truth: Wall Street didn’t build America; the middle class built America, and u- — (applause) — and unions built the middle class.  (Applause.)  Un- — and that’s a fact. 

In fact, as th- — as the secretary of Treasury will tell you, I asked her to do a study because I was going to get hit, because I knew they’d say by having unions increase in their numbers and their wages go up, we were going to cost people thing.  Guess what?  The study the Treasury did showed that when unions do well, all workers do well -– union and non-worker [non-union], across the board.  (Applause.)

It matters.  It works.  It’s fair.

Kamala and I are so proud of the great job creation record of any — actually, the greatest job correction [creation] of any single president in a single term: over 6 [16] million jobs so far, including over 1.5 million manufacturing and construction jobs — good-paying jobs you can raise a family on and don’t have to require a four-year degree.  And get this: There are more women, especially mothers, in the workforce than ever before in American history.  (Applause.)

We’re so damn proud to have protected pensions of millions of union workers and retirees — (applause) — when I signed the Butch Lewis Act. 

You know, think about that.  Imagine what the average American would say if you were going to do that with their Social Security, which this guy wants to do.  Imagine if he said, “Your pension, you can’t count on it anymore.” 

In addition, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion in back wages and damages for over 600,000 workers here in America.  (Applause.)

We wo- — we’ve pushed for a right to a living wage and your right to overtime pay.

Jobs and factories are coming back home to America because we invested in the American agenda.  We’re modernizing American infrastructure. 

Last time, this guy had — last guy had the job, he had “Infrastructure Week” every week — didn’t build a damn thing.  (Laughter.)  Well, guess what?  We’re — we built a lot.  And guess what’s coming? 

Look, folks, one of the things that is frustrating — I knew this was going to happen because I’ve been around a long time, and I talked over to the secretary of Agriculture and other places.  Guess what?  All the things — we have $1.4 trillion in economic — in — in infrastructure growth.  That’s thousands of good-paying jobs. 

The CHIPS and Science Act investing billions of dollars — billions of dollars — building these fabs that are going to house hundreds of people working, thousands, and they’re going to be ba- — getting paid about average of $102,000 a year and don’t need a college degree.

So much — so much is going on.  But it’s going to take a little bit of time.  But we got to make sure to protect — protect the — the onslaught that’s going to come, because it’s hard to see right away.

And, by the way, I know I got criticized by putting as many of these programs in red states as blue states — actually more.  Well, guess what?  The red state guys screwed it up.  (Laughter.)  And we got a be- — benefit — we — we represent all of America, not just — not just blue America, not just Democrats, but all of America. 

Look, as we do all this, we’re — we’re buying America, using American workers, using American products.  And we’re standing up to Amer- — for American steelworkers against China’s unfair trade practices.

We appointed a National Labor Relations Board that actually believes in unions and has pro-union members on the board.  (Applause.)  A strange notion.  And a special thank you to the chair of the board, Lauren McFerran — (applause) — (inaudible) — who is here.  Where are you, Lauren?  There — thank you, Lauren. 

Don’t be so shy.  Raise your — stand up.  Let everybody see you.  (Laughter and applause.)

And it’s no accident — no accident that petitions to form unions have doubled — doubled under my presidency.  (Applause.) 

I got all this credit for walking the picket line.  It never crossed my mind not to walk the picket line.  (Laughter.)  No, I’m serious.  I didn’t think it was any big deal.  I walked a lot of picket lines.  The fact that I was president, I hadn’t thought about that.  And then Pamela [Kamala] walked the picket line.  We support the right to fair contracts.  

Here’s one, you know, that doesn’t get enough attention: When workers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, mining inhale toxic silica dust on the job, it can lead to lung cancer and other deadly diseases.  It’s been a major problem for decades, even under Secretary Perkins.  She led an investigation, but despite the science, big business blocked the regulation.

But not on our watch.  Not on your watch.  With your help, we carried Frances’s — Frances’s mantle and issued a rule that finally reduces such dangerous exposure. 

And, by the way — (applause) — our secretary — the secretary of Veterans Affairs is sitting in front of me here — one of the really good guys.  I really mean it.

And, you know, we — what we’ve done — what we did for the CHIPS and Science Act, and then we went — made sure we were going to take care of veterans.  We said all those folks, in my generation, exposed to Agent Orange couldn’t prove that their illness was a consequence of it and all those, like my son’s generation, that were exposed to toxic burn pits in Iraq and other places, that it’s assumed that — my son came back, for example, with Stage Four glioblastoma.  More brain injuries than anything else.  And guess what?  They’re entitled to the benefits that they were going to get if they had not lost their lives — their family.  (Applause.)

And to ad-lib here a little bit, I — I think the American people are beginning to figure out all we’re doing is what’s basically decent and fair — just basically decent and fair.

We have a lot of sacred obligations — I got into trouble for saying this before, but we only have one truly sacred obligation: to prepare those we send into harm’s way and pre- — care for them and their families when they come home.  And that’s a simple proposition.  Finally, that’s happening.

What — what you got?  Another million now?  A million you’re taking care of.

I make no apologies.  I’m so damn proud of that.  (Applause.)

Look, folks, in our four years together, we’ve made historic investments that have changed the course of the nation’s future and will have a lasting impact for decades to come.

And I’m here to say, to state the obvious, we could not have done this without the dedicated professionals here at the Department of Labor and all across this administration.  (Applause.)  Could not have done.

And I’m damn proud to be known as the most pro-labor administration in American history, because we are.  We are.  We make no apologies.  (Applause.)

Look, let me close with this.  Frances Perkins once said, “The people are what matter to government, and the government should aim to give people — all people under its jurisdiction the best possible life” — “the best possible life.”

For my dad, it was a simple proposition: Everybody deserves a shot.  No guarantee, but a shot.  Everybody deserves a shot.

All of you have helped the — upheld that vision, putting the people first, no matter who they are.

Another important legacy of our administration is making sure we learn from history, lift up stories that often have gone untold.

Earlier this year, during Women’s History Month, I signed the first-ever executive order on recognizing and honoring women’s history to increase representation of women and historic sites — in historic sites all across America.

Today, I’m proud to stand here in the Frances Perkins — Perkins Building, headquarters of the Labor Department, to designate Frances Perkins Homestead in Newcastle, Maine, a national monument.  (Applause.)

And Secretary Haaland is also going to be announcing five new national historic landmarks to honor women’s contributions to American history.  (Applause.)

They includes Charleston Cigar Factory — (coughs) — excuse me — where Black women led a workers’ strike that opposed gender and racial discrimination and advocated for better pay for working conditions.

Look, too many people want to rewrite history or ignore it.  Look, we wa- — all we want to do is make — le- — make sure we record history — record history — the good, bad, and the indifferent — who we are. 

I was able to show up at Indian Country and apologize for what we did to the Indian Americans, for the schools we made them go to and took them away, off the reservations with their parents.

Throughout our history, women’s vision and achievements have strengthened this nation, to state the obvious.

That’s why I’ve kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America, and that includes having more women in senior access all across the board, starting with my amazing vice president, Kamala Harris.  (Applause.)

It’s about time we honor them in building the American Women’s Museum and — History Museum on the Mall — (applause) — and the Women’s Suffrage National Monument on the National Mall.  (Applause.)  

And, by the way, it’s time for Congress to move in authorizing that legislation — moving it forward.  They should do it now, before this Congress ends.  (Applause.) 

Folks, our administration is coming to an end, but our work continues.

We get up.  We keep going.  We keep the faith.  I know I will.  I know you will.  We just have to remember who in the hell we are.

We’re the United States of America.  (Applause.)  There is nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together — nothing, nothing, nothing.  (Applause.)

May God bless you all.  And may God prote- — protect our troops.  (Applause.)

And now I will sign the proclamation.

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

Here.

(The proclamation is signed.)  (Applause.)

12:57 P.M. EST

The post Remarks by President Biden Honoring our Nation’s Labor History and the Biden-Harris Administration’s Work to Strengthen America’s Workforce appeared first on The White House.

Today, families in Madison, Wisconsin, are grieving the loss of those who were killed and wounded at Abundant Life Christian School. It’s shocking and unconscionable.

We need Congress to act. Now.

From Newtown to Uvalde, Parkland to Madison, to so many other shootings that don’t receive attention – it is unacceptable that we are unable to protect our children from this scourge of gun violence. We cannot continue to accept it as normal. Every child deserves to feel safe in their class room. Students across our country should be learning how to read and write – not having to learn how to duck and cover.

Jill and I are praying for all the victims today, including the teacher and teenage student who were killed and those who sustained injuries. We are grateful for the first responders who quickly arrived on the scene, and the FBI is supporting local law enforcement efforts. At my direction, my team has reached out to local officials to offer further support as needed.

My administration has taken aggressive action to combat the gun violence epidemic. We passed the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years, I have taken more executive action to reduce gun violence than any other President in history, and I created the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. But more is needed. Congress must pass commonsense gun safety laws: Universal background checks. A national red flag law. A ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

We can never accept senseless violence that traumatizes children, their families, and tears entire communities apart.

###

The post Statement from President Joe Biden on Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin appeared first on The White House.

Today, families in Madison, Wisconsin, are grieving the loss of those who were killed and wounded at Abundant Life Christian School. It’s shocking and unconscionable.

We need Congress to act. Now.

From Newtown to Uvalde, Parkland to Madison, to so many other shootings that don’t receive attention – it is unacceptable that we are unable to protect our children from this scourge of gun violence. We cannot continue to accept it as normal. Every child deserves to feel safe in their class room. Students across our country should be learning how to read and write – not having to learn how to duck and cover.

Jill and I are praying for all the victims today, including the teacher and teenage student who were killed and those who sustained injuries. We are grateful for the first responders who quickly arrived on the scene, and the FBI is supporting local law enforcement efforts. At my direction, my team has reached out to local officials to offer further support as needed.

My administration has taken aggressive action to combat the gun violence epidemic. We passed the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years, I have taken more executive action to reduce gun violence than any other President in history, and I created the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. But more is needed. Congress must pass commonsense gun safety laws: Universal background checks. A national red flag law. A ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

We can never accept senseless violence that traumatizes children, their families, and tears entire communities apart.

###

The post Statement from President Joe Biden on Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin appeared first on The White House.