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One year ago, Wadee Alfayoumi, a six-year-old Palestinian American Muslim child, was stabbed to death at home. His mother, Hanan Shaheen, was stabbed 12 times in the same senseless attack. 

There is no place for hate in America. Our nation’s founding principles tell us that every person should have the freedom to live safe from violence, hate, and bigotry – and no American, of any background, should be made to feel unsafe in our nation. That includes Muslim and Arab Americans, who have been a vital part of the American story since our founding days. As I told Wadee’s mother, Hanan, when I spoke with her, I condemn the heinous attack against her family, and all forms of hate and bigotry against Muslim and Arab Americans.

Over the past year, we have seen a rise in Islamophobic and anti-Arab incidents in America, such as bullying, online harassment, and hate crimes. These hate-fueled attacks are unacceptable, and stand against our fundamental values. President Biden and I have made taking on hate a national priority, and we will continue to do everything in our power to combat hate in all its forms, and against any community. We must be unequivocal: in America, no one should be made to fight hate alone.

Today and every day, Doug and I hold Wadee’s memory in our thoughts. And we recommit to doing all we can to continue building a country where all people can live safe from hate, bigotry, and violence.

# # #

The post Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris Marking One Year Since the Killing of Wadee Alfayoumi appeared first on The White House.

Lilly Ledbetter was a fearless leader and advocate for equal pay. Her fight began on the factory floor and reached the Supreme Court and Congress, and she never stopped fighting for all Americans to be paid what they deserve. Before she was a household name, Lilly was like so many other women in the workforce: she worked hard, with dignity, only to find out she was being paid less than a man for the same work.

Because of Lilly’s tireless efforts, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act—a critical step forward in the fight to close the gender and racial wage gaps—became the first bill signed in the Obama-Biden Administration. It was an honor to stand with Lilly as the bill that bears her name was made law.

Lilly’s decades of relentless advocacy inspired us all and have brought us closer to living up to our Nation’s core values of equality and fairness. Vice President Harris and I remain committed to building on Lilly’s legacy and to strengthening equal pay protections for all workers.

Jill and I send our love and condolences to Lilly’s family and all of the women she empowered and continues to inspire.

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Lilly Ledbetter appeared first on The White House.

Lilly Ledbetter was a fearless leader and advocate for equal pay. Her fight began on the factory floor and reached the Supreme Court and Congress, and she never stopped fighting for all Americans to be paid what they deserve. Before she was a household name, Lilly was like so many other women in the workforce: she worked hard, with dignity, only to find out she was being paid less than a man for the same work.

Because of Lilly’s tireless efforts, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act—a critical step forward in the fight to close the gender and racial wage gaps—became the first bill signed in the Obama-Biden Administration. It was an honor to stand with Lilly as the bill that bears her name was made law.

Lilly’s decades of relentless advocacy inspired us all and have brought us closer to living up to our Nation’s core values of equality and fairness. Vice President Harris and I remain committed to building on Lilly’s legacy and to strengthening equal pay protections for all workers.

Jill and I send our love and condolences to Lilly’s family and all of the women she empowered and continues to inspire.

###

The post Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Lilly Ledbetter appeared first on The White House.

Over the past year, the Biden-Harris Administration has continued to take action to fight hatred and violence against Muslim and Arab communities. Members of these communities, including Palestinian Americans, have been murdered or wounded in hate-fueled attacks; shot and subjected to other assaults as they simply walked down streets; bullied at schools, including by having their religious head coverings ripped off; and denied jobs, harassed, or demoted at work merely because of their faith or ethnicity.

President Biden and Vice President Harris are leading efforts to bring about much-needed change and have repeatedly condemned such violence, discrimination, and bias. These efforts are part of a larger Administration initiative to counter hate in all its forms, to keep every community safe, to promote equal justice, and to afford all Americans a fair shot at success. For generations, Muslim and Arab Americans have contributed to the enrichment and prosperity of our nation through their public, military, and community service, in addition to many other invaluable contributions. And like all Americans, they are entitled to the promise and opportunities of our great nation.

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is highlighting some actions taken as part of its forthcoming National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Hatred Against Arabs in the United States, including important steps to address daily concerns regarding safety and discrimination, as well as issues related to travel. The Administration will continue to lead a whole-of-government and a whole-of society effort to counter hate.

Completed executive branch actions that are part of the forthcoming Strategy include:

Improving Safety and Security

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) have completed an unclassified assessment on violent threats facing Muslim and Arab communities in the United States. The assessment will be published this week, and is the first of what will be an annual assessment by these agencies regarding threats facing these communities.

• Since 2021, DOJ has awarded over $100 million in grants to law enforcement and prosecution agencies, community-based organizations, and civil rights groups to address hate crimes through outreach, investigations, prosecutions, community awareness and preparedness, reporting, hotlines, and victim services. This figure includes nearly $30 million in grants announced last month.

• DOJ continues to support law enforcement agencies’ transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Beginning in January 2021, NIBRS became the national standard for law enforcement crime data reporting in the United States and the transition to NIBRS represented a significant improvement in how reported crime is measured and estimated by the federal government. Since 2015, DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the FBI have provided more than $150 million to law enforcement agencies and state Uniform Crime Programs to support their transitions to NIBRS.

• The DOJ Civil Rights Division continues to prosecute Islamophobic and other hate crimes, including hate crimes directed at students on campus. Last week, a New Jersey man pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for breaking into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday and damaging and destroying religious artifacts because of the Islamic faith of those associated with the facility.
• DOJ’s United Against Hate initiative, led by all 94 United States Attorneys’ Offices (USAOs), combats unlawful acts of hate by teaching community members how to identify, report, and help prevent hate crimes and by building trust between law enforcement and communities. To date, at least 45 USAOs have engaged directly with Muslim communities.

• Attorney General Garand directed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and all 94 USAOs across the country to work with local law enforcement and community leaders to protect communities from hate-fueled violence in the last year and recently reaffirmed DOJ’s commitment to combat the disturbing rise in the volume and frequency of threats against Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian as well as Jewish communities here in the United States. DOJ created a webpage aimed at raising awareness of resources for addressing these threats, and it will continue to publicize its efforts.
  
  
• During the September 2024 Protecting Places of Worship Week of Action, the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships hosted workshops to encourage partnerships to take collective action against hate-based violence, including Islamophobic violence and hate crimes against Arabs. This emphasis included promotion of a guide to applying for Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding.
  
  
• DHS has announced that it will distribute $210 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds as the second tranche of additional funding the Biden-Harris Administration secured to protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations against targeted attacks. This funding opportunity will be made available in late October.

• DHS published two resource guides to help faith communities and others address swatting, hoax threats and doxing. The DHS Resources for Swatting and Hoax Threats provides information on how to handle swatting calls and hoax threats, while the DHS Resources for Individuals on the Threat of Doxing infographic defines what doxing is and outlines proactive steps individuals can take to prevent doxing.

Tackling Discrimination and Bias

• The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has published the Workplace Rights Federal Toolkit, a compilation of resources for employees of the federal government regarding their workplace rights, including information about their rights to nondiscrimination and religious accommodation.

• The Department of Labor sent a letter to American Job Centers and other public workforce entities reminding them about their legal obligations to enforce prohibitions on discrimination based on actual or perceived religion, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics — including Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and related forms of discrimination – in federally funded activities and programs. The letter also included a fact sheet with examples of these forms of discrimination in the workforce development system.

• DOJ issued a fact sheet titled Confronting Discrimination Based on Religion in Schools: A Resource for Students and Families, which discusses scenarios involving students’ rights to pray and wear religious attire in schools.

• ED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Fact Sheet on Harassment based on Race, Color, or National Origin on School Campuses, reminding schools of their federal civil rights obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) to take prompt and effective action to respond to harassment that creates a hostile environment. ED OCR continues to investigate and resolve claims of shared ancestry discrimination under Title VI at schools. For example, ED OCR recently entered into a resolution agreement with the Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan to address concerns about a hostile environment for students based on shared Muslim/Arab Palestinian ancestry.

• ED released Free to Learn: Leading Inclusive Learning Environments in Higher Education, a new resource guide for fostering safe and inclusive campuses.

• The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a letter to the over 200 federally-funded Fair Housing Initiatives Programs and Fair Housing Assistance Programs on how to identify and counter Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and related forms of bias and discrimination in housing. Also, HUD created a webpage on protections against housing discrimination on the basis of religion, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics, which include the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

• The Department of Transportation (DOT) provided a number of resources related to travelers’ rights and opportunities to file a complaint when there may be an instance of discrimination by airlines or recipients of federal funding, including discrimination on the basis of religion or national origin. The Passengers’ Right to Fly Free from Discrimination is a guide designed to explain DOT’s role in protecting aviation passengers from unlawful discrimination. Similarly, the Guidance for Airline Personnel on Non-discrimination in Air Travel assists airline personnel in understanding their legal obligations not to discriminate against passengers. For example, this guidance notes that it is impermissible to remove a passenger from a flight simply because he is holding a book that appears to be a Quran.

• DOJ sent a letter to state, county, and municipal officials reminding them of the obligation of public officials to comply with the land use provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and to inform them about documents issued by DOJ that may be of assistance to them in applying this federal civil rights law. RLUIPA is a federal law that protects people and religious institutions from discriminatory and overly burdensome land use regulations. For example, DOJ recently filed a complaint and consent decree in United States v. Hendricks County, settling allegations that Hendricks County violated RLUIPA and the Fair Housing Act by twice unlawfully denying zoning approval to an Islamic educational organization that sought to develop a religious seminary, school, and housing on land in Hendricks County.

• Some Americans, including many Muslims and Arabs, have documented how financial institutions use de-risking, a practice to terminate or restrict business relationships indiscriminately with broad categories of clients rather than analyzing and managing the risks of clients in a targeted manner. To help address de-risking, the U.S. Treasury Department has published its National De-Risking Strategy. The Treasury Department also has issued a proposed rule to improve the effectiveness of how banks manage potential risks associated with anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism in a risk-based manner, while avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches that can lead to financial institutions declining to provide financial services to entire categories of customers.

Addressing Issues Related to Travel

• The FBI published an Overview of the U.S. Government’s Terrorist Watchlisting Process and Procedures. This document advances transparency by providing a general description of this system and mechanisms to ensure that concerns about it are handled in a timely and fair manner.

• On January 20, 2021, President Biden rescinded the previous administration’s discriminatory Muslim Ban, which included many Arab countries and was inconsistent with our nation’s foundation of religious freedom for all. At President Biden’s direction, the U.S. Department of State conducted a review of visa applications and has taken various corrective actions to process applications that were impacted by the prior travel ban, including reconsidering previously denied applications and implementing a one-time fee credit for certain applicants.

###

The post FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Takes New Actions to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate appeared first on The White House.

Over the past year, the Biden-Harris Administration has continued to take action to fight hatred and violence against Muslim and Arab communities. Members of these communities, including Palestinian Americans, have been murdered or wounded in hate-fueled attacks; shot and subjected to other assaults as they simply walked down streets; bullied at schools, including by having their religious head coverings ripped off; and denied jobs, harassed, or demoted at work merely because of their faith or ethnicity.

President Biden and Vice President Harris are leading efforts to bring about much-needed change and have repeatedly condemned such violence, discrimination, and bias. These efforts are part of a larger Administration initiative to counter hate in all its forms, to keep every community safe, to promote equal justice, and to afford all Americans a fair shot at success. For generations, Muslim and Arab Americans have contributed to the enrichment and prosperity of our nation through their public, military, and community service, in addition to many other invaluable contributions. And like all Americans, they are entitled to the promise and opportunities of our great nation.

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is highlighting some actions taken as part of its forthcoming National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Hatred Against Arabs in the United States, including important steps to address daily concerns regarding safety and discrimination, as well as issues related to travel. The Administration will continue to lead a whole-of-government and a whole-of society effort to counter hate.

Completed executive branch actions that are part of the forthcoming Strategy include:

Improving Safety and Security

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) have completed an unclassified assessment on violent threats facing Muslim and Arab communities in the United States. The assessment will be published this week, and is the first of what will be an annual assessment by these agencies regarding threats facing these communities.

• Since 2021, DOJ has awarded over $100 million in grants to law enforcement and prosecution agencies, community-based organizations, and civil rights groups to address hate crimes through outreach, investigations, prosecutions, community awareness and preparedness, reporting, hotlines, and victim services. This figure includes nearly $30 million in grants announced last month.

• DOJ continues to support law enforcement agencies’ transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Beginning in January 2021, NIBRS became the national standard for law enforcement crime data reporting in the United States and the transition to NIBRS represented a significant improvement in how reported crime is measured and estimated by the federal government. Since 2015, DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the FBI have provided more than $150 million to law enforcement agencies and state Uniform Crime Programs to support their transitions to NIBRS.

• The DOJ Civil Rights Division continues to prosecute Islamophobic and other hate crimes, including hate crimes directed at students on campus. Last week, a New Jersey man pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for breaking into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday and damaging and destroying religious artifacts because of the Islamic faith of those associated with the facility.
• DOJ’s United Against Hate initiative, led by all 94 United States Attorneys’ Offices (USAOs), combats unlawful acts of hate by teaching community members how to identify, report, and help prevent hate crimes and by building trust between law enforcement and communities. To date, at least 45 USAOs have engaged directly with Muslim communities.

• Attorney General Garand directed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and all 94 USAOs across the country to work with local law enforcement and community leaders to protect communities from hate-fueled violence in the last year and recently reaffirmed DOJ’s commitment to combat the disturbing rise in the volume and frequency of threats against Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian as well as Jewish communities here in the United States. DOJ created a webpage aimed at raising awareness of resources for addressing these threats, and it will continue to publicize its efforts.
  
  
• During the September 2024 Protecting Places of Worship Week of Action, the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships hosted workshops to encourage partnerships to take collective action against hate-based violence, including Islamophobic violence and hate crimes against Arabs. This emphasis included promotion of a guide to applying for Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding.
  
  
• DHS has announced that it will distribute $210 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds as the second tranche of additional funding the Biden-Harris Administration secured to protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations against targeted attacks. This funding opportunity will be made available in late October.

• DHS published two resource guides to help faith communities and others address swatting, hoax threats and doxing. The DHS Resources for Swatting and Hoax Threats provides information on how to handle swatting calls and hoax threats, while the DHS Resources for Individuals on the Threat of Doxing infographic defines what doxing is and outlines proactive steps individuals can take to prevent doxing.

Tackling Discrimination and Bias

• The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has published the Workplace Rights Federal Toolkit, a compilation of resources for employees of the federal government regarding their workplace rights, including information about their rights to nondiscrimination and religious accommodation.

• The Department of Labor sent a letter to American Job Centers and other public workforce entities reminding them about their legal obligations to enforce prohibitions on discrimination based on actual or perceived religion, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics — including Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and related forms of discrimination – in federally funded activities and programs. The letter also included a fact sheet with examples of these forms of discrimination in the workforce development system.

• DOJ issued a fact sheet titled Confronting Discrimination Based on Religion in Schools: A Resource for Students and Families, which discusses scenarios involving students’ rights to pray and wear religious attire in schools.

• ED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Fact Sheet on Harassment based on Race, Color, or National Origin on School Campuses, reminding schools of their federal civil rights obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) to take prompt and effective action to respond to harassment that creates a hostile environment. ED OCR continues to investigate and resolve claims of shared ancestry discrimination under Title VI at schools. For example, ED OCR recently entered into a resolution agreement with the Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan to address concerns about a hostile environment for students based on shared Muslim/Arab Palestinian ancestry.

• ED released Free to Learn: Leading Inclusive Learning Environments in Higher Education, a new resource guide for fostering safe and inclusive campuses.

• The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a letter to the over 200 federally-funded Fair Housing Initiatives Programs and Fair Housing Assistance Programs on how to identify and counter Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and related forms of bias and discrimination in housing. Also, HUD created a webpage on protections against housing discrimination on the basis of religion, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics, which include the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

• The Department of Transportation (DOT) provided a number of resources related to travelers’ rights and opportunities to file a complaint when there may be an instance of discrimination by airlines or recipients of federal funding, including discrimination on the basis of religion or national origin. The Passengers’ Right to Fly Free from Discrimination is a guide designed to explain DOT’s role in protecting aviation passengers from unlawful discrimination. Similarly, the Guidance for Airline Personnel on Non-discrimination in Air Travel assists airline personnel in understanding their legal obligations not to discriminate against passengers. For example, this guidance notes that it is impermissible to remove a passenger from a flight simply because he is holding a book that appears to be a Quran.

• DOJ sent a letter to state, county, and municipal officials reminding them of the obligation of public officials to comply with the land use provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and to inform them about documents issued by DOJ that may be of assistance to them in applying this federal civil rights law. RLUIPA is a federal law that protects people and religious institutions from discriminatory and overly burdensome land use regulations. For example, DOJ recently filed a complaint and consent decree in United States v. Hendricks County, settling allegations that Hendricks County violated RLUIPA and the Fair Housing Act by twice unlawfully denying zoning approval to an Islamic educational organization that sought to develop a religious seminary, school, and housing on land in Hendricks County.

• Some Americans, including many Muslims and Arabs, have documented how financial institutions use de-risking, a practice to terminate or restrict business relationships indiscriminately with broad categories of clients rather than analyzing and managing the risks of clients in a targeted manner. To help address de-risking, the U.S. Treasury Department has published its National De-Risking Strategy. The Treasury Department also has issued a proposed rule to improve the effectiveness of how banks manage potential risks associated with anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism in a risk-based manner, while avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches that can lead to financial institutions declining to provide financial services to entire categories of customers.

Addressing Issues Related to Travel

• The FBI published an Overview of the U.S. Government’s Terrorist Watchlisting Process and Procedures. This document advances transparency by providing a general description of this system and mechanisms to ensure that concerns about it are handled in a timely and fair manner.

• On January 20, 2021, President Biden rescinded the previous administration’s discriminatory Muslim Ban, which included many Arab countries and was inconsistent with our nation’s foundation of religious freedom for all. At President Biden’s direction, the U.S. Department of State conducted a review of visa applications and has taken various corrective actions to process applications that were impacted by the prior travel ban, including reconsidering previously denied applications and implementing a one-time fee credit for certain applicants.

###

The post FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Takes New Actions to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate appeared first on The White House.

On October 14th, one year ago today, six-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi, a bright and cheerful American Muslim boy of Palestinian descent, was brutally killed in his family’s home in Plainfield, Illinois. The attacker also repeatedly stabbed and seriously wounded Wadee’s mother, Hanan Shaheen, resulting in murder, attempted murder, and hate crime charges in Illinois. After this heinous attack, Jill and I spoke with their family, as did Vice President Harris. We joined Americans from across the country in expressing our horror and offering our condolences and prayers.

One year later, we continue to think about them. We are grateful for Hanan’s recovery and her powerful voice for peace. But we know the hole in their heart that remains without their beloved son. Days like this are hard because it brings it all back. We keep them in our hearts.

On this day, let us all take steps that honor Wadee’s memory and reaffirm together that there is no place for hate in America, including hatred of Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims. We can all reject hatred and expose misinformation and disinformation that is cynically aimed at turning us against one another. We can all reach across divides of background and belief to create greater understanding and unity in our country. No one in this country should be subjected to violence or hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric simply because of who they are. No one of any background in this country should be made to feel unsafe in America.  

Today, we also reaffirm our commitment to mobilize government to counter hate in all its forms. In May 2021, I signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which includes the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer NO HATE Act, to enhance hate crime data collection and provide community-centered solutions to assist hate crime victims and their communities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has elevated hate crimes and criminal civil rights violations to its highest-level national threat priority, which has increased the resources for hate crimes prevention and investigations and made hate crimes a focus for all of the Bureau’s field offices. My Administration will continue to spare no effort in countering hate in all its forms.

Together, we must work to end acts of senseless violence and stand united in support of all of our fellow Americans, no matter their race, ethnicity, or creed. May we summon the courage and the strength to do so. 

May God bless Wadee Alfayoumi and his family.

###

The post Statement by President Joe Biden Marking One Year Since the Killing of Wadee Alfayoumi appeared first on The White House.

On October 14th, one year ago today, six-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi, a bright and cheerful American Muslim boy of Palestinian descent, was brutally killed in his family’s home in Plainfield, Illinois. The attacker also repeatedly stabbed and seriously wounded Wadee’s mother, Hanan Shaheen, resulting in murder, attempted murder, and hate crime charges in Illinois. After this heinous attack, Jill and I spoke with their family, as did Vice President Harris. We joined Americans from across the country in expressing our horror and offering our condolences and prayers.

One year later, we continue to think about them. We are grateful for Hanan’s recovery and her powerful voice for peace. But we know the hole in their heart that remains without their beloved son. Days like this are hard because it brings it all back. We keep them in our hearts.

On this day, let us all take steps that honor Wadee’s memory and reaffirm together that there is no place for hate in America, including hatred of Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims. We can all reject hatred and expose misinformation and disinformation that is cynically aimed at turning us against one another. We can all reach across divides of background and belief to create greater understanding and unity in our country. No one in this country should be subjected to violence or hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric simply because of who they are. No one of any background in this country should be made to feel unsafe in America.  

Today, we also reaffirm our commitment to mobilize government to counter hate in all its forms. In May 2021, I signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which includes the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer NO HATE Act, to enhance hate crime data collection and provide community-centered solutions to assist hate crime victims and their communities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has elevated hate crimes and criminal civil rights violations to its highest-level national threat priority, which has increased the resources for hate crimes prevention and investigations and made hate crimes a focus for all of the Bureau’s field offices. My Administration will continue to spare no effort in countering hate in all its forms.

Together, we must work to end acts of senseless violence and stand united in support of all of our fellow Americans, no matter their race, ethnicity, or creed. May we summon the courage and the strength to do so. 

May God bless Wadee Alfayoumi and his family.

###

The post Statement by President Joe Biden Marking One Year Since the Killing of Wadee Alfayoumi appeared first on The White House.

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of South Carolina and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Debby from August 4 to August 22, 2024.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Debby in the counties of Bamberg, Barnwell, Berkeley, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Orangeburg, and Union.

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

Mr. Brett H. Howard of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.   

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

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

###

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

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of South Carolina and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Debby from August 4 to August 22, 2024.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Debby in the counties of Bamberg, Barnwell, Berkeley, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Orangeburg, and Union.

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

Mr. Brett H. Howard of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.   

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

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

###

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

East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina

4:39 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  North Carolina!  Good afternoon, North Carolina!  (Applause.)  Oh, my goodness.

Can we hear for Thomas?  (Applause.)

Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  It is good to be at E.C.U.  (Applause.)  And it’s so wonderful to be back in North Carolina.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  It is so good — I see you. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  North Carolina loves you!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And — thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you.

And I want to thank — there — this is — this is an auditorium packed with incredible leaders.  And I thank you all for taking the time this Sunday afternoon with all that you have going on.  (Applause.)  I thank you.  I thank you.  Thank you all. 

I want to also thank State Senator Smith; State Senator Hunt, your next lieutenant governor — (applause); Congressman Davis, a proud graduate of ECU.  (Applause.)  And let’s elect Josh Stein as your next governor.  (Applause.) 

And he and Governor Cooper are not here today because they are s- — they’ve been working around the clock dealing with the hurricane recovery efforts.  (Applause.)  And we want to always thank them and all the — the incredible local, state, and federal leaders who have been working together for North Carolina. 

I was here eight days ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.  And since then, of course, another powerful storm — Hurricane Milton — cut a path of destruction through Florida.  And our hearts — I know, all of us — and our prayers go out to everyone who’s been impacted by these storms.  (Applause.)

I have spoken to both state and local officials, both Republican and Democrat, to let them know we will be with you every step of the way as you recover — (applause) — because in times like this, we stand together as one nation.  That is who we are.  (Applause.)

So, North Carolina — (applause) — we have 23 days until Election Day.  And we are nearing the homestretch.  We are nearing the homestretch.

Now, listen, let me just say, I know we are really excited to see each other.  I couldn’t be more excited to see everybody here, but I’m going to tell you: It’s going to be a tight race until the very end, and we are running as the underdog. 

So, we have some hard work ahead of us, but we like hard work.  (Applause.)  Hard work is good work. 

And with your help, in 23 days, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  We will win.  Yes, we will.  We will win. 

So, what we know —

AUDIENCE:  We will win!  We will win!  We will win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We will win.  And here’s why — and here’s why.  One of the reasons is that — we all know and we are gathered here together because we know this election really is about two very different visions for our nation.  One, his, focused on the past.  The other, ours, focused on the future.  (Applause.)

Ours is a campaign focused on issues that matter, for example, to working families across America, like bringing down the cost of living, investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs.  (Applause.)  How many small-business owners do we have here?  (Applause.)  Thank you. 

We are focused on protecting reproductive freedom.  (Applause.)  We are focused on keeping our nation secure.  (Applause.) 

But none of that is what we hear from Donald Trump.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Instead — instead, from him, we are just hearing from that same old, tired playbook.  He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people.  He is only focused on himself. 

And he’s not — but here’s the thing, North Carolina — and he’s not being transparent with the voters.  He’s not being transparent. 

So, check this out.  He refuses to release his medical records. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I’ve done it.  Every other presidential can- — every other presidential candidate in modern era has done it. 

He is unwilling to do a “60 Minutes” interview, like every other major party candidate has done for more than half a century. 

He is unwilling to meet for a second debate. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And here’s the thing — here’s the thing.  It makes you wonder.  It makes you wonder: Why does his staff want him to hide away? 

One must question — one must question: Are they afraid that people will see that he is too weak and unstable to lead America?  (Applause.)  Is that what’s going on?

So, folks, for these reasons and so many more, it is time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  It is time to turn the page, because America is ready to chart a new way forward, ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership — (applause) — which is why Democrats, independents, and Republicans are supporting our campaign — (applause) — because they and we know we need a president who works for all the American people.  (Applause.) 

And that has been the story of my entire career.  I have only ever had one client: the people.  (Applause.)

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children against predators.  (Applause.)  As attorney general of California, I took on the big banks and delivered $20 billion for middle-class families who faced foreclosure.  (Applause.)  I stood up for veterans and students being scammed by the big for-profit colleges.  (Applause.)  I stood up for workers being cheated out of the wages they were due, stood up for seniors facing elder abuse. 

And as president, it is my pledge to you that I will always fight for all the American people.  (Applause.) 

And together, we will build a brighter future for our nation, and that future includes building what I call an opportunity economy, where everyone can compete and have a real chance to succeed. 

Under my economic plan, we will bring down the cost of housing and help first-time homebuyers with a $25,000 down payment assistance.  (Applause.)  We will expand Medicare to cover home health care for seniors — (applause) — so more seniors can live at home with dignity; and give more support to the sandwich generation, to those of you who are raising young children and taking care of your parents.  (Applause.)

And, look, I just have to say something about home health care and the need that I know so many people have for help.  Look, so, when my mother was sick, after she had been diagnosed with cancer, I took care of her.  And for those of you who have taken care of somebody who needs that kind of help, it’s about trying to cook something that they have a taste for and want to eat.  It’s about trying to find something that they can wear that — that is not irritating their skin and is soft enough.  It’s about trying, from time to time, to figure out something you can do to just bring a smile to their face or make them laugh, right? 

It’s the work that is about giving folks dignity.  But far too many people — on this issue of home health care — if you need the support to give that care to your family member, it means either paying down and losing as much as you can to be able to afford to have Medicaid or having to leave your job, which means cutting off a very important part of your income, just to give people in your life the dignity and the support they deserve.

That’s why I’m saying we’re going to have Medicare cover that home health care — (applause) — to help you — to help you. 

We will lower costs, including on everything from health care to groceries.  I will take on corporate price gouging.  I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.  (Applause.)

I will give a middle-class tax cut to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 during the first year of your child’s life, knowing that the vast majority of parents have a natural desire to parent their children well but not always the resources to be able to do it.  And so, extending the Child Tax Credit to $6,000 to give folks the ability to be able to buy that car seat or that crib in that most fundamental phase of their child’s development. 

So, all this to say, I will always put the middle class and working people first.  (Applause.)  I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)

Now, Donald Trump, well, he has a different plan.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Just Google “Project 2025.”  It is a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what he will do if he is elected president. 

Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts, cut Social Security and Medicare, make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He would get rid of that $35 cap on insulin for seniors. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He would impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” a 20 percent tax on everyday basic necessities which will cost the average American family $4,000 more a year. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And on — on top of all of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And he has no plan to replace it. 

Did you see the debate?  He has “concepts of a plan.”  (Applause.)

So — okay, so he’s going to threaten the health insurance coverage of 45 million people based on a concept — come on — and take us back to when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions?  You know where I’m going. 

Well, we are not going back!  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)  No, we’re not.  No, we’re not. 

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No, we’re not going back.

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Because we will move forward.  (Applause.)

Ours is a fight for the future, and it is a fight for freedom, like the fundamental freedom of a woman to be able to make decisions about her own body and not have her government telling her what to do.  (Applause.)

Because we know Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended. 

And now, more than one in three women in America lives in a state with the Trump abortion ban, including right here in North Carolina. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Many of these bans have no exceptions even for rape and incest, which is immoral.  To tell a survivor of a violation to their body that they have no right to make a decision about what happens to their body next?  That’s immoral.

And let us agree — let us agree: One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree it shouldn’t be the government telling her what to do — (applause) — not the government.  If she chooses, she will talk with her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam, but not the government telling her what to do. 

And when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law — (applause) — proudly.

And North Carolina, across our nation — I’m telling you, I’m traveling — we are witnessing a full-on assault on other hard-fought, hard-won fundamental freedoms and rights, like the freedom to vote — (applause); the freedom to be safe from gun violence — (applause); the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So much is on the line in this election.  And this is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher, because a few months ago, the United States Supreme Court basically told the former president that he would effectively be immune from whatever he does in office.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  But let’s think about that.  You know, you all have heard me say: I do believe Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the effects of him being back in the White House would be brutally serious. 

Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.  He who has vowed, if reelected, he would be a dictator on day one; that he would weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies.  He has called for the, quote, “termination” —

AUDIENCE:  Lock him up!  Lock him up!  Lock him up!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, wait.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.

AUDIENCE:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hold on, because here’s the thing — here’s the thing.  Let’s let the courts handle that, and let’s handle November.  (Applause.)  We’ll handle November.  How about that?  (Laughs.)

Because, listen, here’s why — this is what we know.  Anybody who wants to be president of the United States who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States should never again have the ability to stand behind the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)  Never again.  Never again. 

And the people who know him best know it.  His former national security adviser, two of his former Defense secretaries, his former chief of staff in the White House, his own vice president have all warned America: Donald Trump is unfit to serve.  (Applause.)

Or just listen most recently to what we heard General Milley said.  General Milley, chairm- — former chairman of the Joint Chiefs under Donald Trump.  It was just reported he said, quote, “No one has ever been as dangerous to this country,” in referring to Donald Trump.  Think about that.  Think about that.

And we can already see the harm he’s up to as a candidate.  Most recently, spreading disinformation in the wake of natural disasters, blocking real solutions that would stop drug cartels from crossing the border when he tried to kill — and did — that border security deal.

Because, you see, Donald Trump cares more about scaring people, creating fear, running on a problem, instead of what real leaders do, which is to participate in fixing problems.  (Applause.) 

Well, I care about fixing problems, and as president of the United States, I will be focused each and every day on solving problems that affect you and your family.  (Applause.)

So, North Carolina, it all comes down to this.  We — we are here together this Sunday afternoon because we know what is at stake.  We are here together this Sunday afternoon because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country. 

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yes, that’s right.

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.  That’s right.  That’s right.

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We love our country.  And I do believe it is one of the highest forms of patriotism to then fight for the ideals of our country and to fight to realize the promise of America — the promise of America. 

So, Election Day is in 23 days.  And in just four days, early voting will begin statewide.  (Applause.)  Starting Thursday, you can go to the polls and cast your ballot.  (Applause.) If you haven’t already registered to vote, you could do it right then and there: register to vote and vote. 

And so, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  And if you’ve not received your ballot in the mail, look for it, because if you have, I would like you to fill it out right away.  (Laughter.)  Please don’t wait, because, to my friends, I say, look, the election is here.  The election is here. 

And remember always that your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power — (applause) — is your power. 

And so, North Carolina, today I then ask you: Are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in the promise of America?   (Applause.)

And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

And when we fight —

AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win.

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

God bless you all.  God bless you.  (Applause.)

END                 5:03 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Greenville, NC appeared first on The White House.

East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina

4:39 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  North Carolina!  Good afternoon, North Carolina!  (Applause.)  Oh, my goodness.

Can we hear for Thomas?  (Applause.)

Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  It is good to be at E.C.U.  (Applause.)  And it’s so wonderful to be back in North Carolina.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  It is so good — I see you. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  North Carolina loves you!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And — thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you.

And I want to thank — there — this is — this is an auditorium packed with incredible leaders.  And I thank you all for taking the time this Sunday afternoon with all that you have going on.  (Applause.)  I thank you.  I thank you.  Thank you all. 

I want to also thank State Senator Smith; State Senator Hunt, your next lieutenant governor — (applause); Congressman Davis, a proud graduate of ECU.  (Applause.)  And let’s elect Josh Stein as your next governor.  (Applause.) 

And he and Governor Cooper are not here today because they are s- — they’ve been working around the clock dealing with the hurricane recovery efforts.  (Applause.)  And we want to always thank them and all the — the incredible local, state, and federal leaders who have been working together for North Carolina. 

I was here eight days ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.  And since then, of course, another powerful storm — Hurricane Milton — cut a path of destruction through Florida.  And our hearts — I know, all of us — and our prayers go out to everyone who’s been impacted by these storms.  (Applause.)

I have spoken to both state and local officials, both Republican and Democrat, to let them know we will be with you every step of the way as you recover — (applause) — because in times like this, we stand together as one nation.  That is who we are.  (Applause.)

So, North Carolina — (applause) — we have 23 days until Election Day.  And we are nearing the homestretch.  We are nearing the homestretch.

Now, listen, let me just say, I know we are really excited to see each other.  I couldn’t be more excited to see everybody here, but I’m going to tell you: It’s going to be a tight race until the very end, and we are running as the underdog. 

So, we have some hard work ahead of us, but we like hard work.  (Applause.)  Hard work is good work. 

And with your help, in 23 days, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  We will win.  Yes, we will.  We will win. 

So, what we know —

AUDIENCE:  We will win!  We will win!  We will win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We will win.  And here’s why — and here’s why.  One of the reasons is that — we all know and we are gathered here together because we know this election really is about two very different visions for our nation.  One, his, focused on the past.  The other, ours, focused on the future.  (Applause.)

Ours is a campaign focused on issues that matter, for example, to working families across America, like bringing down the cost of living, investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs.  (Applause.)  How many small-business owners do we have here?  (Applause.)  Thank you. 

We are focused on protecting reproductive freedom.  (Applause.)  We are focused on keeping our nation secure.  (Applause.) 

But none of that is what we hear from Donald Trump.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Instead — instead, from him, we are just hearing from that same old, tired playbook.  He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people.  He is only focused on himself. 

And he’s not — but here’s the thing, North Carolina — and he’s not being transparent with the voters.  He’s not being transparent. 

So, check this out.  He refuses to release his medical records. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I’ve done it.  Every other presidential can- — every other presidential candidate in modern era has done it. 

He is unwilling to do a “60 Minutes” interview, like every other major party candidate has done for more than half a century. 

He is unwilling to meet for a second debate. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And here’s the thing — here’s the thing.  It makes you wonder.  It makes you wonder: Why does his staff want him to hide away? 

One must question — one must question: Are they afraid that people will see that he is too weak and unstable to lead America?  (Applause.)  Is that what’s going on?

So, folks, for these reasons and so many more, it is time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  It is time to turn the page, because America is ready to chart a new way forward, ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership — (applause) — which is why Democrats, independents, and Republicans are supporting our campaign — (applause) — because they and we know we need a president who works for all the American people.  (Applause.) 

And that has been the story of my entire career.  I have only ever had one client: the people.  (Applause.)

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children against predators.  (Applause.)  As attorney general of California, I took on the big banks and delivered $20 billion for middle-class families who faced foreclosure.  (Applause.)  I stood up for veterans and students being scammed by the big for-profit colleges.  (Applause.)  I stood up for workers being cheated out of the wages they were due, stood up for seniors facing elder abuse. 

And as president, it is my pledge to you that I will always fight for all the American people.  (Applause.) 

And together, we will build a brighter future for our nation, and that future includes building what I call an opportunity economy, where everyone can compete and have a real chance to succeed. 

Under my economic plan, we will bring down the cost of housing and help first-time homebuyers with a $25,000 down payment assistance.  (Applause.)  We will expand Medicare to cover home health care for seniors — (applause) — so more seniors can live at home with dignity; and give more support to the sandwich generation, to those of you who are raising young children and taking care of your parents.  (Applause.)

And, look, I just have to say something about home health care and the need that I know so many people have for help.  Look, so, when my mother was sick, after she had been diagnosed with cancer, I took care of her.  And for those of you who have taken care of somebody who needs that kind of help, it’s about trying to cook something that they have a taste for and want to eat.  It’s about trying to find something that they can wear that — that is not irritating their skin and is soft enough.  It’s about trying, from time to time, to figure out something you can do to just bring a smile to their face or make them laugh, right? 

It’s the work that is about giving folks dignity.  But far too many people — on this issue of home health care — if you need the support to give that care to your family member, it means either paying down and losing as much as you can to be able to afford to have Medicaid or having to leave your job, which means cutting off a very important part of your income, just to give people in your life the dignity and the support they deserve.

That’s why I’m saying we’re going to have Medicare cover that home health care — (applause) — to help you — to help you. 

We will lower costs, including on everything from health care to groceries.  I will take on corporate price gouging.  I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.  (Applause.)

I will give a middle-class tax cut to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 during the first year of your child’s life, knowing that the vast majority of parents have a natural desire to parent their children well but not always the resources to be able to do it.  And so, extending the Child Tax Credit to $6,000 to give folks the ability to be able to buy that car seat or that crib in that most fundamental phase of their child’s development. 

So, all this to say, I will always put the middle class and working people first.  (Applause.)  I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)

Now, Donald Trump, well, he has a different plan.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Just Google “Project 2025.”  It is a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what he will do if he is elected president. 

Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts, cut Social Security and Medicare, make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He would get rid of that $35 cap on insulin for seniors. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He would impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” a 20 percent tax on everyday basic necessities which will cost the average American family $4,000 more a year. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And on — on top of all of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And he has no plan to replace it. 

Did you see the debate?  He has “concepts of a plan.”  (Applause.)

So — okay, so he’s going to threaten the health insurance coverage of 45 million people based on a concept — come on — and take us back to when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions?  You know where I’m going. 

Well, we are not going back!  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)  No, we’re not.  No, we’re not. 

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No, we’re not going back.

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Because we will move forward.  (Applause.)

Ours is a fight for the future, and it is a fight for freedom, like the fundamental freedom of a woman to be able to make decisions about her own body and not have her government telling her what to do.  (Applause.)

Because we know Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended. 

And now, more than one in three women in America lives in a state with the Trump abortion ban, including right here in North Carolina. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Many of these bans have no exceptions even for rape and incest, which is immoral.  To tell a survivor of a violation to their body that they have no right to make a decision about what happens to their body next?  That’s immoral.

And let us agree — let us agree: One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree it shouldn’t be the government telling her what to do — (applause) — not the government.  If she chooses, she will talk with her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam, but not the government telling her what to do. 

And when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law — (applause) — proudly.

And North Carolina, across our nation — I’m telling you, I’m traveling — we are witnessing a full-on assault on other hard-fought, hard-won fundamental freedoms and rights, like the freedom to vote — (applause); the freedom to be safe from gun violence — (applause); the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So much is on the line in this election.  And this is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher, because a few months ago, the United States Supreme Court basically told the former president that he would effectively be immune from whatever he does in office.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  But let’s think about that.  You know, you all have heard me say: I do believe Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the effects of him being back in the White House would be brutally serious. 

Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.  He who has vowed, if reelected, he would be a dictator on day one; that he would weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies.  He has called for the, quote, “termination” —

AUDIENCE:  Lock him up!  Lock him up!  Lock him up!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, wait.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.

AUDIENCE:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hold on, because here’s the thing — here’s the thing.  Let’s let the courts handle that, and let’s handle November.  (Applause.)  We’ll handle November.  How about that?  (Laughs.)

Because, listen, here’s why — this is what we know.  Anybody who wants to be president of the United States who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States should never again have the ability to stand behind the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)  Never again.  Never again. 

And the people who know him best know it.  His former national security adviser, two of his former Defense secretaries, his former chief of staff in the White House, his own vice president have all warned America: Donald Trump is unfit to serve.  (Applause.)

Or just listen most recently to what we heard General Milley said.  General Milley, chairm- — former chairman of the Joint Chiefs under Donald Trump.  It was just reported he said, quote, “No one has ever been as dangerous to this country,” in referring to Donald Trump.  Think about that.  Think about that.

And we can already see the harm he’s up to as a candidate.  Most recently, spreading disinformation in the wake of natural disasters, blocking real solutions that would stop drug cartels from crossing the border when he tried to kill — and did — that border security deal.

Because, you see, Donald Trump cares more about scaring people, creating fear, running on a problem, instead of what real leaders do, which is to participate in fixing problems.  (Applause.) 

Well, I care about fixing problems, and as president of the United States, I will be focused each and every day on solving problems that affect you and your family.  (Applause.)

So, North Carolina, it all comes down to this.  We — we are here together this Sunday afternoon because we know what is at stake.  We are here together this Sunday afternoon because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country. 

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yes, that’s right.

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.  That’s right.  That’s right.

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We love our country.  And I do believe it is one of the highest forms of patriotism to then fight for the ideals of our country and to fight to realize the promise of America — the promise of America. 

So, Election Day is in 23 days.  And in just four days, early voting will begin statewide.  (Applause.)  Starting Thursday, you can go to the polls and cast your ballot.  (Applause.) If you haven’t already registered to vote, you could do it right then and there: register to vote and vote. 

And so, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  And if you’ve not received your ballot in the mail, look for it, because if you have, I would like you to fill it out right away.  (Laughter.)  Please don’t wait, because, to my friends, I say, look, the election is here.  The election is here. 

And remember always that your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power — (applause) — is your power. 

And so, North Carolina, today I then ask you: Are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in the promise of America?   (Applause.)

And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

And when we fight —

AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win.

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

God bless you all.  God bless you.  (Applause.)

END                 5:03 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Greenville, NC appeared first on The White House.

Koinonia Christian Center
Greenville, North Carolina

12:35 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, church.  Good afternoon.

Oh, please have a seat.  Please have a seat.  (Laughter.) 

Bishop O’neal, I thank you so very much.  We — we’ve had some time to visit before we came out into the sanctuary, and I just thank you for the leadership that you have provided for so long. 

You know, in times of crisis, and — and we’re looking at the images of the aftermath of the hurricane.  But it — it is easy in these moments of crisis to — to question our faith, to sometimes lose our faith for a moment, because what we see is so hard to see that we lose faith or a vision of those things we cannot see but must know.  (Applause.)

And you are such a leader in all of those ways, and I thank you.  (Applause.)  I’m honored to be with you.  I’m honored to be with you.  I’m honored to be with you.  Thank you.

 And, KCC family, thank you for welcoming me today.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  Thank you.  And thank you for the opportunity to allow me to worship with you.  It does my heart and soul good. 

So, scripture teaches, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  (Applause.)

So, I first encountered the words of Galatians as a young girl at 23rd Avenue Church of God in Oakland, California, which is where I sang in the children’s choir and first learned the teachings of the Bible.  My earliest memories of those teachings are about a loving God, a God who asks us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, to defend the rights of the poor and the needy. 

And so, at an early age, I learned that faith is a verb.  It is something we show in action and in service.  And we show it by heeding the words of my pastor, who Bishop spoke with yesterday, Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown, who often invokes the words that we all know: One must do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. 

That truth is important at all times and especially in moments of difficulty and disaster, especially in moments like this, as we navigate storms that have inflicted so much harm across our country.

And to all those who have loved ones who have been affected by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, Doug and I, my husband, are holding of you close in our hearts and in our prayers.  And we are thinking of everyone who has been affected by these storms. 

Now, I know Helene’s impact was further west, but I also know that the people of Greenville, like all Americans, have been inspired by the way communities are coming together, Bishop, in the wake of these storms.  Amid ruined homes, downed power lines, swollen rivers that have been choked with debris, we have seen — we have seen children rescued by neighbors in a kayak; we have seen those who have lost everything gathering donations for others. 

You know, it’s been my experience to see that in a moment of crisis, isn’t it something when you know that, often, it is the people who have the least, give the most?  (Applause.)  Right?

Moments of crisis, I believe, do have a way of revealing the heroes among us, the angels among us, and of showing us all the best of who we are.  And these hurricanes have revealed heroes around all of us, heroes who do not ask the injured or stranded whether they are a Republican or a Democrat — (applause) — but who simply ask, “Are you okay?”; who ask, “What can I do to help?” — heroes who, as I like to say, see in the face of a stranger, a neighbor. 

Yet, church, there are some who are not acting in the spirit of community.  And I am speaking of those who have been literally not telling the truth — lying — about people who are working hard to help folks in need; spreading disinformation, when the truth and facts are required.  And the — the problem with this, beyond the obvious, is it’s making it harder, then, to get people lifesaving information, if they’re led to believe they cannot trust. 

And that’s the pain of it all, which is the idea that those who are in need have somehow been convinced that the forces are working against them in a way that they would not seek aid.  

And let’s let that sink in for a moment.  Right now, fellow Americans are experiencing some of the most difficult moments in their lives.  Yet, instead of offering hope, there are those who are channeling people’s tragedies and sorrows into grievance and hatred.  And one may ask, “Why?”  And I think, sadly, frankly, the motives are quite transparent: to gain some advantage for themselves, to play politics with other people’s heartbreak.  And it is unconscionable. 

Now is not a time to incite fear.  (Applause.)  It is not right to make people feel alone.  That is not what — and this is a church full of leaders — that is not what leaders, as we know, do in crisis. 

Now is a time to bring folks together, to come together, to be there for one another, and follow the example of all of the heroes all around us.  And now is the time to live up to the fundamental values that reflect our nation at its best: the values of compassion and community and honesty and decency — the values that define the people of Greenville, the — the people of North Carolina, and — and the people like a fellow who I met recently.  His name is Eddie Hunnell.  And I’m going to tell you a quick story about Eddie Hunnell.

So, I met him in Charlotte the other week.  He was visiting Grassy Creek for his son’s wedding when he saw a woman in the raging floodwaters.  First, he tried to rescue her by canoe.  When that didn’t work, this ma- — a perfect stranger, he’s watching — he jumped in the river and pulled her ashore. 

And when I talked with Eddie about his act of courage, here’s what he said to me.  He said, “Well I didn’t feel I had a choice.”  But, of course, he had a choice.  Of course, he had a choice.

But his choice was to take a risk for the sake of another.  Didn’t even reflect on the risk he might have been taking.  (Applause.)  Right? 

His choice was to follow his conscience.  His choice was, in the words of Isaiah, to be “a refuge for the needy in their distress.”  (Applause.)  He chose to remember that we are all in this together.

And if that is true during a terrible storm, it is also true when the storm passes.  (Applause.)  It is true in our everyday lives.

When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Galatia, he knew folks might feel the weight of the burden of doing good, that they may feel a temptation to turn away from others in their time of need, to believe, “What does it matter?”  But Paul reminded them and us that God calls us not to become weary of doing good. 

Because we each have the power — God tells us this — the power, each one of us, to make a difference.  And that tells us that the measure of our strength will be clear when we see what we can do to lift other people up — (applause) — just as Eddie did and as the heroes and the angels in this church and all over are doing after these storms.  Across North Carolina, Florida, and impacted communities, we are witnessing faith in action.  (Applause.)

So, I close with this.  Let us continue to look in the face of a stranger and see a neighbor.  (Applause.)  Let us recognize that when we shine the light in moments of darkness, it will guide our feet onto the path of peace.  And let us always remember that while weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.) 

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

Thank you, church.  (Applause.) END    

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Church Service | Greenville, NC appeared first on The White House.

Koinonia Christian Center
Greenville, North Carolina

12:35 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, church.  Good afternoon.

Oh, please have a seat.  Please have a seat.  (Laughter.) 

Bishop O’neal, I thank you so very much.  We — we’ve had some time to visit before we came out into the sanctuary, and I just thank you for the leadership that you have provided for so long. 

You know, in times of crisis, and — and we’re looking at the images of the aftermath of the hurricane.  But it — it is easy in these moments of crisis to — to question our faith, to sometimes lose our faith for a moment, because what we see is so hard to see that we lose faith or a vision of those things we cannot see but must know.  (Applause.)

And you are such a leader in all of those ways, and I thank you.  (Applause.)  I’m honored to be with you.  I’m honored to be with you.  I’m honored to be with you.  Thank you.

 And, KCC family, thank you for welcoming me today.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  Thank you.  And thank you for the opportunity to allow me to worship with you.  It does my heart and soul good. 

So, scripture teaches, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  (Applause.)

So, I first encountered the words of Galatians as a young girl at 23rd Avenue Church of God in Oakland, California, which is where I sang in the children’s choir and first learned the teachings of the Bible.  My earliest memories of those teachings are about a loving God, a God who asks us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, to defend the rights of the poor and the needy. 

And so, at an early age, I learned that faith is a verb.  It is something we show in action and in service.  And we show it by heeding the words of my pastor, who Bishop spoke with yesterday, Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown, who often invokes the words that we all know: One must do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. 

That truth is important at all times and especially in moments of difficulty and disaster, especially in moments like this, as we navigate storms that have inflicted so much harm across our country.

And to all those who have loved ones who have been affected by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, Doug and I, my husband, are holding of you close in our hearts and in our prayers.  And we are thinking of everyone who has been affected by these storms. 

Now, I know Helene’s impact was further west, but I also know that the people of Greenville, like all Americans, have been inspired by the way communities are coming together, Bishop, in the wake of these storms.  Amid ruined homes, downed power lines, swollen rivers that have been choked with debris, we have seen — we have seen children rescued by neighbors in a kayak; we have seen those who have lost everything gathering donations for others. 

You know, it’s been my experience to see that in a moment of crisis, isn’t it something when you know that, often, it is the people who have the least, give the most?  (Applause.)  Right?

Moments of crisis, I believe, do have a way of revealing the heroes among us, the angels among us, and of showing us all the best of who we are.  And these hurricanes have revealed heroes around all of us, heroes who do not ask the injured or stranded whether they are a Republican or a Democrat — (applause) — but who simply ask, “Are you okay?”; who ask, “What can I do to help?” — heroes who, as I like to say, see in the face of a stranger, a neighbor. 

Yet, church, there are some who are not acting in the spirit of community.  And I am speaking of those who have been literally not telling the truth — lying — about people who are working hard to help folks in need; spreading disinformation, when the truth and facts are required.  And the — the problem with this, beyond the obvious, is it’s making it harder, then, to get people lifesaving information, if they’re led to believe they cannot trust. 

And that’s the pain of it all, which is the idea that those who are in need have somehow been convinced that the forces are working against them in a way that they would not seek aid.  

And let’s let that sink in for a moment.  Right now, fellow Americans are experiencing some of the most difficult moments in their lives.  Yet, instead of offering hope, there are those who are channeling people’s tragedies and sorrows into grievance and hatred.  And one may ask, “Why?”  And I think, sadly, frankly, the motives are quite transparent: to gain some advantage for themselves, to play politics with other people’s heartbreak.  And it is unconscionable. 

Now is not a time to incite fear.  (Applause.)  It is not right to make people feel alone.  That is not what — and this is a church full of leaders — that is not what leaders, as we know, do in crisis. 

Now is a time to bring folks together, to come together, to be there for one another, and follow the example of all of the heroes all around us.  And now is the time to live up to the fundamental values that reflect our nation at its best: the values of compassion and community and honesty and decency — the values that define the people of Greenville, the — the people of North Carolina, and — and the people like a fellow who I met recently.  His name is Eddie Hunnell.  And I’m going to tell you a quick story about Eddie Hunnell.

So, I met him in Charlotte the other week.  He was visiting Grassy Creek for his son’s wedding when he saw a woman in the raging floodwaters.  First, he tried to rescue her by canoe.  When that didn’t work, this ma- — a perfect stranger, he’s watching — he jumped in the river and pulled her ashore. 

And when I talked with Eddie about his act of courage, here’s what he said to me.  He said, “Well I didn’t feel I had a choice.”  But, of course, he had a choice.  Of course, he had a choice.

But his choice was to take a risk for the sake of another.  Didn’t even reflect on the risk he might have been taking.  (Applause.)  Right? 

His choice was to follow his conscience.  His choice was, in the words of Isaiah, to be “a refuge for the needy in their distress.”  (Applause.)  He chose to remember that we are all in this together.

And if that is true during a terrible storm, it is also true when the storm passes.  (Applause.)  It is true in our everyday lives.

When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Galatia, he knew folks might feel the weight of the burden of doing good, that they may feel a temptation to turn away from others in their time of need, to believe, “What does it matter?”  But Paul reminded them and us that God calls us not to become weary of doing good. 

Because we each have the power — God tells us this — the power, each one of us, to make a difference.  And that tells us that the measure of our strength will be clear when we see what we can do to lift other people up — (applause) — just as Eddie did and as the heroes and the angels in this church and all over are doing after these storms.  Across North Carolina, Florida, and impacted communities, we are witnessing faith in action.  (Applause.)

So, I close with this.  Let us continue to look in the face of a stranger and see a neighbor.  (Applause.)  Let us recognize that when we shine the light in moments of darkness, it will guide our feet onto the path of peace.  And let us always remember that while weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.) 

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

Thank you, church.  (Applause.) END    

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This year’s Nobel Peace Prize winners embody determination and resilience in the face of tragedy. For decades, the members of Nihon Hidankyo have served as a human testament to the catastrophic human toll of nuclear weapons, telling a story that humanity needs to hear. On behalf of the United States, I congratulate them on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their historic work to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again. We also congratulate Japan for this recognition of the moral clarity and steadfast commitment of its people and government to prevent the spread and use of nuclear weapons. 

As I was powerfully reminded last year when I visited Hiroshima and met with a survivor of the bombing, we must continue making progress toward the day when we can finally and forever rid the world of nuclear weapons. The United States stands ready to engage in talks with Russia, China, and North Korea without preconditions to reduce the nuclear threat. There is no benefit to our nations or the world to forestall progress on reducing nuclear arsenals. Reducing the nuclear threat is important not despite the dangers of today’s world but precisely because of them. These nuclear risks erode the norms and agreements we have worked collectively to put in place and run counter to the vital work of today’s Nobel Laureates.  

Yesterday’s announcement by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee reminds us that we must continue our progress toward a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons. Let us all take inspiration from this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winners and recommit ourselves to the vital work of building a safer world. 

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The post Statement from President Biden Congratulating Nobel Peace Prize Winners appeared first on The White House.

This year’s Nobel Peace Prize winners embody determination and resilience in the face of tragedy. For decades, the members of Nihon Hidankyo have served as a human testament to the catastrophic human toll of nuclear weapons, telling a story that humanity needs to hear. On behalf of the United States, I congratulate them on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their historic work to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again. We also congratulate Japan for this recognition of the moral clarity and steadfast commitment of its people and government to prevent the spread and use of nuclear weapons. 

As I was powerfully reminded last year when I visited Hiroshima and met with a survivor of the bombing, we must continue making progress toward the day when we can finally and forever rid the world of nuclear weapons. The United States stands ready to engage in talks with Russia, China, and North Korea without preconditions to reduce the nuclear threat. There is no benefit to our nations or the world to forestall progress on reducing nuclear arsenals. Reducing the nuclear threat is important not despite the dangers of today’s world but precisely because of them. These nuclear risks erode the norms and agreements we have worked collectively to put in place and run counter to the vital work of today’s Nobel Laureates.  

Yesterday’s announcement by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee reminds us that we must continue our progress toward a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons. Let us all take inspiration from this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winners and recommit ourselves to the vital work of building a safer world. 

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The post Statement from President Biden Congratulating Nobel Peace Prize Winners appeared first on The White House.

Following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impacts across the Southeast and Appalachia, the Biden-Harris Administration continues its robust Federal efforts to help communities recover and rebuild. The storm heavily impacted North Carolina, where the Administration continues to surge resources and assist families, business owners, farmers, and other impacted communities receive the support and assistance they need and deserve.

Federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene survivors has surpassed $474 million – including more than $86 million in housing and other types of assistance for survivors in North Carolina. Survivors can register for assistance at one of three Disaster Recovery Centers in Caldwell, McDowell, and Buncombe Counties, or on disasterassistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or via the FEMA app.

The Department of Defense continues to support search-and-rescue operations, route clearance, and commodities distribution across western North Carolina with 1,500 active-duty troops. The Department of Defense is also employing additional capabilities to assist with increasing situational awareness across the remote terrain of Western North Carolina. The Army Corps of Engineers continues missions supporting debris removal, temporary emergency power installation, infrastructure and water and wastewater assessments, and technical assistance. Over 2,000 North Carolina National Guard personnel along with over 200 Guardsmen from 15 States are conducting response operations in western North Carolina.

As response efforts continue in North Carolina, more than 1,250 FEMA staff remain on the ground, with more arriving daily. Nearly 400 Urban Search and Rescue personnel remain in the field helping people. These teams have rescued or supported over 3,200 survivors to date.  

Power has been restored to more than approximately 96 percent of customers, as a result of 10,000 utility personnel working around the clock. Cellular restoration also continues to improve, with more than 93 percent of cellular sites in service. FEMA is boosting response coordination by providing 40 Starlink units to ensure first responders can communicate with each other.

Commodity distribution, mass feeding, and hydration operations continue in areas of western North Carolina. FEMA continues to send commodity shipments and voluntary organizations are supporting feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft. Mobile feeding operations are reaching survivors in heavily impacted areas, including three mass feeding sites in Buncombe, McDowell and Watauga counties. The Salvation Army has 20 mobile feeding units supporting this massive operation and has provided emotional and spiritual care to survivors. To date, the American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage.

Additional recovery efforts in North Carolina include:

Supporting Infrastructure Recovery

As part of the robust, whole-of-government response to Hurricane Helene, the U.S. Department of Transportation is supporting response and recovery efforts in impacted communities in North Carolina. DOT personnel are on the ground in multiple locations of the state.

On October 5, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced $100 million in Quick Release Emergency Relief funding to support North Carolina. The funding helps pay for the costs of immediate emergency work resulting from Hurricane Helene flood damage. Additional funding will flow to affected communities from the Emergency Relief program.

FHWA worked closely with North Carolina and other federal agencies to assess infrastructure damage, including supporting hundreds of bridge inspections and other critical infrastructure assessments across the Southeast. On October 8, FHWA Acting Administrator Kristin White visited the region with Governor Roy Cooper, North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins and other federal, state and local officials and got a first-hand look at impacts from the storm and recovery efforts.   

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to work with partners in affected parts of North Carolina and Tennessee, as the national airspace steadily returned to normal operations.

The FAA Air Traffic Organization Technical Operations Team is on-site and leading communications restoration efforts at air traffic facilities. FAA also supported the North Carolina Air National Guard by providing advisory services at Rutherford County Airport and Avery County Airport.

The FAA worked with state and local governments, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and first responders to enable drones to support response and recovery. The FAA granted permission to allow Wing to temporarily conduct beyond visual line of sight drone package deliveries for Walmart’s pharmacy in western North Carolina, delivering essential items including prescription medicine, medical supplies, and medical equipment to hard-to-reach locations.

Additionally, President Biden’s approval of a Presidential Emergency Declaration for North Carolina affords the state a period of emergency regulatory relief from Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, including flexibility around driving time for property- and passenger-carrying vehicles. This allows truck drivers to get essential supplies to affected areas in North Carolina. It may also provide opportunities for motorcoach buses to deliver relief teams to response locations and allow for the transport and evacuation of residents.

On October 10, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan joined Governor Cooper, Senator Tillis, Congressman Edwards and local officials to assess federal and state recovery efforts in response to Hurricane Helene. EPA and its state partners have made significant progress bringing drinking water and wastewater systems back online, including restoring service to more than 75 drinking water systems that serve approximately 260,000 people in the Asheville area. EPA is also providing technical assistance and drinking water testing to systems and private drinking water well owners across the Asheville area through their Mobile Drinking Water lab – giving residents clear data and confidence that their water is safe to drink. The lab is capable of testing 100 samples per day. Water utilities and private well owners must request sampling services through their local health departments. EPA will remain on the ground in North Carolina helping area residents as long as their assistance is needed.  

The Department of Energy’s Energy Response Organization remains activated to respond to storm impacts, and responders remain deployed to FEMA regional response coordination centers. Via the Electricity Sub-Sector Coordinating Council and Oil and Natural Gas Sub-Sector Coordinating Council, the Department of Energy has been coordinating continuously with energy sector partners on the ongoing Hurricane Helene response. As noted above, there are 10,000 line workers supporting power restoration efforts.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration continues to support post-disaster imagery flights following Hurricane Helene, already totaling over 68 flight hours during 20 flights, including over western North Carolina. This imagery not only supports FEMA and the broader response community, but the public at large.

Providing Financial Flexibilities to Homeowners and Taxpayers

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as well as foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. Additionally, affected homeowners that have mortgages through Government-Sponsored Enterprises – including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – and the FHA are eligible to suspend their mortgage payments through a forbearance plan for up to 12 months.

HUD announced $3 million for the State of North Carolina to support people experiencing homelessness in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Funding from the Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing program will help residents and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have needs that are not otherwise served or fully met by existing Federal disaster relief programs.

This summer, HUD launched a new streamlined process for requesting additional flexibility on existing grants after a disaster is declared. Recipients of annual HUD funding – including in North Carolina – may request waivers to unlock and accelerate the use of their funding for disaster response and recovery. With the updated waiver process, HUD is proactively issuing maximum flexibility to communities impacted by disasters. These flexibilities will expedite the recovery process, reduce administrative burden, and allow impacted jurisdictions to quickly tailor programs and activities to address the post disaster needs of their communities. The Disaster Assistance and Recovery Team within HUD’s Office of Housing Counseling continues to conduct focused meetings with housing counseling agencies in each state impacted by these disasters to discuss their unique response and recovery challenges and identify resources available to assist.

The Internal Revenue Service announced disaster tax relief for all individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. North Carolina taxpayers now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

Protecting Public Health

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a Public Health Emergency for North Carolina to address the health impacts of Hurricane Helene. HHS’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) continues to provide medical support for Hurricane Helene, predominantly onsite in North Carolina. These ASPR personnel are deployed to support Hurricane Helene response operations, which include four Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and personnel from a Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) in North Carolina. ASPR Health and Medical Task Forces and ASPR Disaster Medical Assistance Teams from the National Disaster Medical System are providing 24-hour surge support to three hospitals: Mission Hospital in Asheville, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, and Caldwell Memorial in Lenoir. To date, ASPR teams have seen nearly 1000 patients. ASPR will continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to prioritize medical assistance to other areas affected by Hurricane Helene as required and requested.  

Supporting Workers and Worker Safety

Working alongside the Department of Labor, the States of North Carolina has announced that eligible workers can receive federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance to compensate for income lost directly resulting from Hurricane Helene. And, through the Department of Labor’s innovative partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, displaced workers in North Carolina can now go to the post office in any other state and verify their ID for purposes of getting their benefits quickly.

Supporting Farmers and Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put contingency plans and program flexibilities into place to ensure farmers, foresters and communities are able to get the support they need, such as by extending program signup opportunities, expediting crop insurance payments, and using waivers and emergency procedures to expedite recovery efforts on working lands. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has issued flexibilities and waivers for North Carolina to ensure that food and nutritional assistance reaches those in need as soon as possible. In North Carolina, waivers have been issued to increase access to WIC products, replace benefits through Summer EBT, allow the purchase of hot foods through SNAP, and more.

Additionally, USDA is currently coordinating over 200 staff on the ground in North Carolina, including saw support teams and emergency road clearance teams, to help clear trees and debris, including in Waterville, Marion, Newton, and Weaverville.

Supporting Students and Student Loan Borrowers

The Department of Education has offered technical assistance to states and local educational agencies to support recovery efforts and shared critical resources, including those developed by other federal agencies and organizations, to support restoring the teaching and learning environment.

The Department’s office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) has flexibilities that are automatically available to affected institutions of higher education to help their continued management of the federal student aid programs. These flexibilities help schools if they need to adjust their academic calendars, such as due to unexpected closures, and also help students who may need to take a leave of absence. The flexibilities also help students avoid reductions in their federal aid due to any state or federal disaster assistance provided. FSA will also work with affected institutions that need help on other areas, such as paying credit balances. FSA has communicated with schools located in the areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. Those communications included existing Department guidance about how natural disasters impact schools and their administration of financial aid, resources, and links to FEMA disaster aid information. FSA’s communications also included a way for schools to share more information about the disaster impact on their campus and submit questions about administrative relief and flexibilities.

The Department is ensuring affected borrowers in areas impacted by the hurricanes can focus on their critical needs without needing to worry about missing their student loan payments. Direct Loan borrowers and federally-serviced FFEL borrowers in the affected area who miss their payments will be automatically placed into a natural disaster forbearance. During forbearance, payments are temporarily postponed or reduced, and interest is still charged. Thanks to regulations issued by the Biden-Harris Administration, months in this forbearance will count toward PSLF and IDR forgiveness. Direct Loan and federally serviced FEEL borrowers are not required to take an action but have the option to call their servicer if they wish to enroll in the forbearance proactively. Perkins loan borrowers should contact their loan holder to request natural disaster forbearance. 

Continuing to Survey Data

The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continues working to measure river levels and flow, and repair streamgages that transmit critical data. USGS crews continue working to determine the extent of flooding by surveying for high-water marks. These flood-peak data and high-water marks are used to determine flood frequency and are critical in the design of infrastructure and in determining flood plain boundaries. USGS stood up a landslide response team that now includes 32 USGS scientists, 19 of which ware mapping landslides, to provide technical assistance to the North Carolina Geological Survey and Tennessee Geological Survey. Their work includes reconnaissance using satellite imagery, flights, and on-the-ground assessments to map landslides.

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The post FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Continues Recovery Efforts in North Carolina Following Hurricane Helene appeared first on The White House.

Following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impacts across the Southeast and Appalachia, the Biden-Harris Administration continues its robust Federal efforts to help communities recover and rebuild. The storm heavily impacted North Carolina, where the Administration continues to surge resources and assist families, business owners, farmers, and other impacted communities receive the support and assistance they need and deserve.

Federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene survivors has surpassed $474 million – including more than $86 million in housing and other types of assistance for survivors in North Carolina. Survivors can register for assistance at one of three Disaster Recovery Centers in Caldwell, McDowell, and Buncombe Counties, or on disasterassistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or via the FEMA app.

The Department of Defense continues to support search-and-rescue operations, route clearance, and commodities distribution across western North Carolina with 1,500 active-duty troops. The Department of Defense is also employing additional capabilities to assist with increasing situational awareness across the remote terrain of Western North Carolina. The Army Corps of Engineers continues missions supporting debris removal, temporary emergency power installation, infrastructure and water and wastewater assessments, and technical assistance. Over 2,000 North Carolina National Guard personnel along with over 200 Guardsmen from 15 States are conducting response operations in western North Carolina.

As response efforts continue in North Carolina, more than 1,250 FEMA staff remain on the ground, with more arriving daily. Nearly 400 Urban Search and Rescue personnel remain in the field helping people. These teams have rescued or supported over 3,200 survivors to date.  

Power has been restored to more than approximately 96 percent of customers, as a result of 10,000 utility personnel working around the clock. Cellular restoration also continues to improve, with more than 93 percent of cellular sites in service. FEMA is boosting response coordination by providing 40 Starlink units to ensure first responders can communicate with each other.

Commodity distribution, mass feeding, and hydration operations continue in areas of western North Carolina. FEMA continues to send commodity shipments and voluntary organizations are supporting feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft. Mobile feeding operations are reaching survivors in heavily impacted areas, including three mass feeding sites in Buncombe, McDowell and Watauga counties. The Salvation Army has 20 mobile feeding units supporting this massive operation and has provided emotional and spiritual care to survivors. To date, the American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage.

Additional recovery efforts in North Carolina include:

Supporting Infrastructure Recovery

As part of the robust, whole-of-government response to Hurricane Helene, the U.S. Department of Transportation is supporting response and recovery efforts in impacted communities in North Carolina. DOT personnel are on the ground in multiple locations of the state.

On October 5, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced $100 million in Quick Release Emergency Relief funding to support North Carolina. The funding helps pay for the costs of immediate emergency work resulting from Hurricane Helene flood damage. Additional funding will flow to affected communities from the Emergency Relief program.

FHWA worked closely with North Carolina and other federal agencies to assess infrastructure damage, including supporting hundreds of bridge inspections and other critical infrastructure assessments across the Southeast. On October 8, FHWA Acting Administrator Kristin White visited the region with Governor Roy Cooper, North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins and other federal, state and local officials and got a first-hand look at impacts from the storm and recovery efforts.   

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to work with partners in affected parts of North Carolina and Tennessee, as the national airspace steadily returned to normal operations.

The FAA Air Traffic Organization Technical Operations Team is on-site and leading communications restoration efforts at air traffic facilities. FAA also supported the North Carolina Air National Guard by providing advisory services at Rutherford County Airport and Avery County Airport.

The FAA worked with state and local governments, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and first responders to enable drones to support response and recovery. The FAA granted permission to allow Wing to temporarily conduct beyond visual line of sight drone package deliveries for Walmart’s pharmacy in western North Carolina, delivering essential items including prescription medicine, medical supplies, and medical equipment to hard-to-reach locations.

Additionally, President Biden’s approval of a Presidential Emergency Declaration for North Carolina affords the state a period of emergency regulatory relief from Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, including flexibility around driving time for property- and passenger-carrying vehicles. This allows truck drivers to get essential supplies to affected areas in North Carolina. It may also provide opportunities for motorcoach buses to deliver relief teams to response locations and allow for the transport and evacuation of residents.

On October 10, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan joined Governor Cooper, Senator Tillis, Congressman Edwards and local officials to assess federal and state recovery efforts in response to Hurricane Helene. EPA and its state partners have made significant progress bringing drinking water and wastewater systems back online, including restoring service to more than 75 drinking water systems that serve approximately 260,000 people in the Asheville area. EPA is also providing technical assistance and drinking water testing to systems and private drinking water well owners across the Asheville area through their Mobile Drinking Water lab – giving residents clear data and confidence that their water is safe to drink. The lab is capable of testing 100 samples per day. Water utilities and private well owners must request sampling services through their local health departments. EPA will remain on the ground in North Carolina helping area residents as long as their assistance is needed.  

The Department of Energy’s Energy Response Organization remains activated to respond to storm impacts, and responders remain deployed to FEMA regional response coordination centers. Via the Electricity Sub-Sector Coordinating Council and Oil and Natural Gas Sub-Sector Coordinating Council, the Department of Energy has been coordinating continuously with energy sector partners on the ongoing Hurricane Helene response. As noted above, there are 10,000 line workers supporting power restoration efforts.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration continues to support post-disaster imagery flights following Hurricane Helene, already totaling over 68 flight hours during 20 flights, including over western North Carolina. This imagery not only supports FEMA and the broader response community, but the public at large.

Providing Financial Flexibilities to Homeowners and Taxpayers

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as well as foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. Additionally, affected homeowners that have mortgages through Government-Sponsored Enterprises – including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – and the FHA are eligible to suspend their mortgage payments through a forbearance plan for up to 12 months.

HUD announced $3 million for the State of North Carolina to support people experiencing homelessness in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Funding from the Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing program will help residents and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have needs that are not otherwise served or fully met by existing Federal disaster relief programs.

This summer, HUD launched a new streamlined process for requesting additional flexibility on existing grants after a disaster is declared. Recipients of annual HUD funding – including in North Carolina – may request waivers to unlock and accelerate the use of their funding for disaster response and recovery. With the updated waiver process, HUD is proactively issuing maximum flexibility to communities impacted by disasters. These flexibilities will expedite the recovery process, reduce administrative burden, and allow impacted jurisdictions to quickly tailor programs and activities to address the post disaster needs of their communities. The Disaster Assistance and Recovery Team within HUD’s Office of Housing Counseling continues to conduct focused meetings with housing counseling agencies in each state impacted by these disasters to discuss their unique response and recovery challenges and identify resources available to assist.

The Internal Revenue Service announced disaster tax relief for all individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. North Carolina taxpayers now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

Protecting Public Health

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a Public Health Emergency for North Carolina to address the health impacts of Hurricane Helene. HHS’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) continues to provide medical support for Hurricane Helene, predominantly onsite in North Carolina. These ASPR personnel are deployed to support Hurricane Helene response operations, which include four Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and personnel from a Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) in North Carolina. ASPR Health and Medical Task Forces and ASPR Disaster Medical Assistance Teams from the National Disaster Medical System are providing 24-hour surge support to three hospitals: Mission Hospital in Asheville, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, and Caldwell Memorial in Lenoir. To date, ASPR teams have seen nearly 1000 patients. ASPR will continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to prioritize medical assistance to other areas affected by Hurricane Helene as required and requested.  

Supporting Workers and Worker Safety

Working alongside the Department of Labor, the States of North Carolina has announced that eligible workers can receive federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance to compensate for income lost directly resulting from Hurricane Helene. And, through the Department of Labor’s innovative partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, displaced workers in North Carolina can now go to the post office in any other state and verify their ID for purposes of getting their benefits quickly.

Supporting Farmers and Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put contingency plans and program flexibilities into place to ensure farmers, foresters and communities are able to get the support they need, such as by extending program signup opportunities, expediting crop insurance payments, and using waivers and emergency procedures to expedite recovery efforts on working lands. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has issued flexibilities and waivers for North Carolina to ensure that food and nutritional assistance reaches those in need as soon as possible. In North Carolina, waivers have been issued to increase access to WIC products, replace benefits through Summer EBT, allow the purchase of hot foods through SNAP, and more.

Additionally, USDA is currently coordinating over 200 staff on the ground in North Carolina, including saw support teams and emergency road clearance teams, to help clear trees and debris, including in Waterville, Marion, Newton, and Weaverville.

Supporting Students and Student Loan Borrowers

The Department of Education has offered technical assistance to states and local educational agencies to support recovery efforts and shared critical resources, including those developed by other federal agencies and organizations, to support restoring the teaching and learning environment.

The Department’s office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) has flexibilities that are automatically available to affected institutions of higher education to help their continued management of the federal student aid programs. These flexibilities help schools if they need to adjust their academic calendars, such as due to unexpected closures, and also help students who may need to take a leave of absence. The flexibilities also help students avoid reductions in their federal aid due to any state or federal disaster assistance provided. FSA will also work with affected institutions that need help on other areas, such as paying credit balances. FSA has communicated with schools located in the areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. Those communications included existing Department guidance about how natural disasters impact schools and their administration of financial aid, resources, and links to FEMA disaster aid information. FSA’s communications also included a way for schools to share more information about the disaster impact on their campus and submit questions about administrative relief and flexibilities.

The Department is ensuring affected borrowers in areas impacted by the hurricanes can focus on their critical needs without needing to worry about missing their student loan payments. Direct Loan borrowers and federally-serviced FFEL borrowers in the affected area who miss their payments will be automatically placed into a natural disaster forbearance. During forbearance, payments are temporarily postponed or reduced, and interest is still charged. Thanks to regulations issued by the Biden-Harris Administration, months in this forbearance will count toward PSLF and IDR forgiveness. Direct Loan and federally serviced FEEL borrowers are not required to take an action but have the option to call their servicer if they wish to enroll in the forbearance proactively. Perkins loan borrowers should contact their loan holder to request natural disaster forbearance. 

Continuing to Survey Data

The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continues working to measure river levels and flow, and repair streamgages that transmit critical data. USGS crews continue working to determine the extent of flooding by surveying for high-water marks. These flood-peak data and high-water marks are used to determine flood frequency and are critical in the design of infrastructure and in determining flood plain boundaries. USGS stood up a landslide response team that now includes 32 USGS scientists, 19 of which ware mapping landslides, to provide technical assistance to the North Carolina Geological Survey and Tennessee Geological Survey. Their work includes reconnaissance using satellite imagery, flights, and on-the-ground assessments to map landslides.

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MacDill Air Force Base
Tampa, Florida

12:35 P.M. EDT

Q    Mr. President, where was Governor DeSantis?  Did you speak with him while you were here?

THE PRESIDENT:  No, I didn’t. 

But I — by — by the way, I think we’re making real progress.  Everybody seems pretty happy with the way it’s going.  We’re not leaving.  We’re provi- — we’re going to — the next thing to do, we’re trying to make sure we get the money in there for small businesses; talking to the Congress to see if they can get the money quickly.  It’s important. 

So, you saw, I mean, Republicans and Democrats are happy with what we’re doing.  And so, we’re making progress.  We’re making progress.

Q    Sir, could you —

Q    On the THAAD.  Did you — wh- — why did you decide to give the permission for the THAAD to be deployed in Israel?

THE PRESIDENT:  To defend Israel.

Q    Any — any worries about it?

Q    Is the misinformation hurting FEMA’s ability to respond?

12:36 P.M. EDT

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MacDill Air Force Base
Tampa, Florida

12:35 P.M. EDT

Q    Mr. President, where was Governor DeSantis?  Did you speak with him while you were here?

THE PRESIDENT:  No, I didn’t. 

But I — by — by the way, I think we’re making real progress.  Everybody seems pretty happy with the way it’s going.  We’re not leaving.  We’re provi- — we’re going to — the next thing to do, we’re trying to make sure we get the money in there for small businesses; talking to the Congress to see if they can get the money quickly.  It’s important. 

So, you saw, I mean, Republicans and Democrats are happy with what we’re doing.  And so, we’re making progress.  We’re making progress.

Q    Sir, could you —

Q    On the THAAD.  Did you — wh- — why did you decide to give the permission for the THAAD to be deployed in Israel?

THE PRESIDENT:  To defend Israel.

Q    Any — any worries about it?

Q    Is the misinformation hurting FEMA’s ability to respond?

12:36 P.M. EDT

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Residential Area
St. Pete Beach, Florida

11:34 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, folks. 

I just met a number of the homeowners, been wiped out, and the — everything from the Coast Guard to the fire department.  It’s a hell of a deal.

I’m here in Florida for the second time in two weeks and — to survey the damage from another catastrophic storm: Hurricane Milton.  Thankfully, the storm’s impact was not as cataclysmic as had — we had predicted.  But on top of two [one] before it, it just keeps s- — seem we got to get — getting worse. 

And bu- — you know, but for some individuals, it was cataclysmic — all those folks who not only lost their homes but, more importantly, those folks who lost their lives, lost family members, lost all their personal belongings.  Entire neighborhoods were flooded, and millions — millions were without power.

Earlier this morning, I did an aerial tour of Saint Petersburg and the battered coastline.  I flew over Tropicana Field and — where the Tampa Bays play — Rays play, and the roof was almost completely off.  But thank God not many people were injured.

I spoke with first responders who’ve been working around the clock.  I also met with small-business owners here and homeowners who’ve taken a real beating — these back-to-back storms.  And they’re heartbroken and exhausted, and their expenses are piling up.

And I know from experience how devastating it is to lose your home.  Several years ago, my home was struck by lightning.  It didn’t all burn down, but we were out of the home for seven months while it was being repaired.  The thing I was most concerned about was not just the home; it was all those things, all those — all those pictures I saved, my — and my daughter had drawn when she was little, all the — all the family photographs, all the albums, all the things that really matter.  

Folks, the — the fact is that when you lose your wedding ring and the old photos of your children, family keepsakes, things that can’t be replaced — but sometimes, from my own experience, that’s the part that hurts the most.

And I’m standing next to the mayor of Pete’s Beach and the Chairwoman Peters.  Both their homes were damaged in Hurricane Milton.  The mayor’s home flooded, family vehicles washed away.  The county chair’s home had experienced significant damage in the past two storms previous.  They just finished rebuilding and settling back in, and now they have to do it all over again.   

Both their families lost precious personal belongings, but they’ve stepped up not only to look out for themselves but to help other families, help their neighbors.  You know, that’s the resilience of the people of West Florida.

And I want to thank them and all the public officials who suffered consequential losses because of the storm but who are out there doing things to help other people who had serious losses.  It matters.  The American people should know the sacrifices they’re making.

You know, they’ve been steadfast partners as well.  We’ve been in frequent contact.

And it’s in moments like this we come together to take care of each other, not as Democrats or Republicans but as Americans — Americans who need help and Americans who would help you if you were in the same situation.  We are one United States — one Unites States.

I also came here to talk about all the progress we have made together.  This is a whole-of-government effort, from state and local to FEMA to U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, the Energy Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Defense, just to name a few.

FEMA has delivered 1.2 million meals, over 300,000 liters of water, 2 million gallons of fuel.  And so far, we’ve installed 100 satellite terminals to restore communications in impacted areas so families can ton- — contact their loved ones to be sure everything is okay and be able to reach out for help as well.

Speaking of help, so far, we’ve opened 10 disaster recovery centers in Florida, with more to come, so people can have one stop to meet with officials, get the federal help they’re entitled to that’s available to them, such as direct, immediate financial aid and no [low-]interest payment loans, mortgage relief, and so much more.

You can also go online to DisasterAssistance.gov — DisasterAssistance.gov — or call 1-800-621-FEMA — F-E-M-A.

Yesterday, after I signed the major disaster declaration, more than 250,000 Floridians registered for help — 250,000 — the most in sin- — any — a single day ever in the history of this country — 250,000.

I know you’re concerned about the debris removal, and it’s obvious why.  We’re prioritizing debris removal and working with the state and local partners to clear roads, to get wreckage into — of the two hurricanes off properties, and so more folks can return home and businesses can receive much-needed deliveries of food, fuel, medicine, and other essentials.  That’s a priority for me.

Power has also been restored to over 2 million people in a matter of days.  And thanks to tens of thousands of power workers from 43 states and Canada working nonstop, even more people will have more power restored soon. 

Today, I’m proud to announce $612 million to six new cutting-edge projects to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton.  That includes $47 million for Gainesville Regional Utilities and another $47 million for Florida Power & Light.

This funding will not only restore power, but it’ll make the region’s power system stronger and more capable and reduce the frequency and duration of power outages while extreme weather events become more frequent. 

In fact, we’ve been able to restore power quicker because of critical infrastructure investments were made both when I was vice president and president to harden the grid.  For folks at home, “the grid” means the electrical power system that transmits energy from the — where it’s produced in a power plant to where it’s used in homes and businesses. 

We’ve been hardening the grid, like b- — like burying transmission lines underground, replacing wood power poles with concrete or composite poles so they don’t snap in the wind.

Energy Secretary Granholm is here with me today leading this effort, and she’ll tell you more about it and other cutting-edge technologies on the grid in a moment.

Let me close with this.  I’m here to porsonally — personally say thank you to the brave first responders — and I don’t want to underestimate that — brave first responders, men and women in uniform, utility workers.  (Inaudible) look at the number that showed up from around the country — from Canada — California, Nebraska, all over the country — to come here to help. 

Men and women in uniform, as I said; health care personnel; neighbors helping neighbors; and so many more people.  This is all a team effort, folks.  You made a big difference.  And it’s saved lives.

But there’s much more to do, and we’re going to do everything we can to get power back into your homes, not only helping you recover but to help you build back stronger.

God bless you all.  And may God protect our first responders and protect our troops.

Now I’m going to turn this over to Secretary Granholm.  Madam Secretary. 

11:42 A.M. EDT

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