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National Security Advisor to the Vice President Dr. Phil Gordon met virtually today with Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian American community leaders from across the United States.

Dr. Gordon discussed the latest developments in the Middle East. He underscored the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to bring the war in Gaza to an end through a ceasefire and hostage release deal, which would relieve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He expressed concern for civilians in Lebanon and underscored the importance of a diplomatic resolution for ultimately achieving lasting stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border so that civilians can safely return to their homes. He also expressed concern about actions that undermine peace, security, and stability in the West Bank. Dr. Gordon heard participants’ views and perspectives about developments in the region and reiterated the Vice President’s commitment to continue to engage with Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities across the United States.

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The post Readout of National Security Advisor to the Vice President Phil Gordon’s Meeting with Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian American Community Leaders appeared first on The White House.

National Security Advisor to the Vice President Dr. Phil Gordon met virtually today with Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian American community leaders from across the United States.

Dr. Gordon discussed the latest developments in the Middle East. He underscored the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to bring the war in Gaza to an end through a ceasefire and hostage release deal, which would relieve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He expressed concern for civilians in Lebanon and underscored the importance of a diplomatic resolution for ultimately achieving lasting stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border so that civilians can safely return to their homes. He also expressed concern about actions that undermine peace, security, and stability in the West Bank. Dr. Gordon heard participants’ views and perspectives about developments in the region and reiterated the Vice President’s commitment to continue to engage with Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities across the United States.

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The post Readout of National Security Advisor to the Vice President Phil Gordon’s Meeting with Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian American Community Leaders appeared first on The White House.

Augusta Utilities
Augusta, Georgia

3:13 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Mayor. 

And I am here in Augusta to — to thank all of the folks who are here on the ground doing this extraordinary work.  And, you know, I’ve been reading and hearing about the work you’ve been doing over the last few days.  And I think it really does represent some of the best of what we each know can be done, especially when we coordinate around local, state, and federal resources to meet the — the needs of people who must be seen and must be heard. 

These are very difficult times.  And in a moment of crisis, I think that really does bring out the best of who we are, and you each epitomize that important and good work.

So, I’m here to thank you and to listen.

And — and, Senator, I want to thank you for the work that you’ve been doing on behalf of the state, because I know you’ve been talking to me and the president and many others about making sure that the federal resources get to this beautiful state.

 So, thank you all.

 And, Mayor, I am now listening. 

                                 END               3:14 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at the Augusta Emergency Operations Center | Augusta, GA appeared first on The White House.

Augusta Utilities
Augusta, Georgia

3:13 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Mayor. 

And I am here in Augusta to — to thank all of the folks who are here on the ground doing this extraordinary work.  And, you know, I’ve been reading and hearing about the work you’ve been doing over the last few days.  And I think it really does represent some of the best of what we each know can be done, especially when we coordinate around local, state, and federal resources to meet the — the needs of people who must be seen and must be heard. 

These are very difficult times.  And in a moment of crisis, I think that really does bring out the best of who we are, and you each epitomize that important and good work.

So, I’m here to thank you and to listen.

And — and, Senator, I want to thank you for the work that you’ve been doing on behalf of the state, because I know you’ve been talking to me and the president and many others about making sure that the federal resources get to this beautiful state.

 So, thank you all.

 And, Mayor, I am now listening. 

                                 END               3:14 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at the Augusta Emergency Operations Center | Augusta, GA appeared first on The White House.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 2228, the “Building Chips in America Act of 2023,” which exempts certain projects relating to the production of semiconductors from environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

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The post Bill Signed: S. 2228 appeared first on The White House.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 2228, the “Building Chips in America Act of 2023,” which exempts certain projects relating to the production of semiconductors from environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

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The post Bill Signed: S. 2228 appeared first on The White House.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 1549, the “Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act,” which allows the Congressional Budget Office to obtain records of individuals from Federal agencies without prior written consent of the individual.

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The post Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 1549 appeared first on The White House.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 1549, the “Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act,” which allows the Congressional Budget Office to obtain records of individuals from Federal agencies without prior written consent of the individual.

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The post Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 1549 appeared first on The White House.

Joint Base Andrews
Prince George’s County, Maryland

12:30 P.M. EDT

Q    Sir, do you have a view on automation with the dockworkers strike?

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I — look, we’re going down to see what — the damage done.  I’m going to be going back again to other states.  But here’s the thing, this natural disaster is incredibly consequential.  The last thing we need on top of that is a man-made disaster: what’s going on at the ports.

We’re getting pushback already, and we’re hearing from the folks recently that they’re having trouble getting product they need because of the port strike. 

And, look, there’s a — there’s a consortium of mak- — basically six owners that control all the ports from all the way to the East Coast, down around the Gulf.  And — and they’ve made — they’ve made incredible profits — over 800 percent profit since the pandemic, and the owners are making tens of millions of dollars in this. 

The last thing they need is to profit off of this.  It’s time to — for them to sit at the table and get this strike done. 

Q    Will you be communicating with them directly about any of this?

THE PRESIDENT:  Oh, we have.  We have.  I haven’t personally, but we have. 

Q    Can you —

THE PRESIDENT:  Okay?

Q    Can you tell us anything about Iran and Israel’s possible —

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  Look —

Q    — retaliation?

THE PRESIDENT:  I called a meeting of the G7 today.  We’re working on a joint statement all of us agree on — from Japan to France to Germany to — et cetera.  And what we’re doing in that regard is we’re making it clear that there are things that have to be done.  And it’s — obviously, Iran has gone way out of — I mean, is way off board.  We’re going to — putting together a joint statement.  Hasn’t been done yet.  It will be done before too long, probably by the time we land.  And there’s going to be some sanctions imposed on Iran. 

Q    Sir, do — do you — sorry.  Do you have a view on the workers’ fight for restrictions on technology or automation for the dockworkers?

THE PRESIDENT:  No — look, they just need to sit down and talk, because I — remember, we negotiated a similar strike on the West Coast before, and they worked it out.  It’s time — they won’t even talk.  So, let’s get that done.

Q    Sir, and — sir — sir, can I ask you: What is your —

Q    Would you support an attack on the — would you support an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites by Israel?

THE PRESIDENT:  The answer is no.  And I think there’s things — we’ll be discussing with the Israelis what they’re going to do, but they — every- — all seven of us agree that they have a right to respond, but they should respond in proportion. 

Thank you. 

Q    Sir, could I ask you: What is your advice to Israel as far as how they should respond to this right now?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll leave that to — I’ll — we’re giving them that advice. 

Q    Okay.  When will you talk to Bibi?

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I — we’ve been talking to Bibi’s people the whole time.  And it’s not necessary to talk to Bibi.  I’ll probably be talking to him relatively soon, my guess.

Thank you.

12:33 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure | Joint Base Andrews, MD appeared first on The White House.

Joint Base Andrews
Prince George’s County, Maryland

12:30 P.M. EDT

Q    Sir, do you have a view on automation with the dockworkers strike?

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I — look, we’re going down to see what — the damage done.  I’m going to be going back again to other states.  But here’s the thing, this natural disaster is incredibly consequential.  The last thing we need on top of that is a man-made disaster: what’s going on at the ports.

We’re getting pushback already, and we’re hearing from the folks recently that they’re having trouble getting product they need because of the port strike. 

And, look, there’s a — there’s a consortium of mak- — basically six owners that control all the ports from all the way to the East Coast, down around the Gulf.  And — and they’ve made — they’ve made incredible profits — over 800 percent profit since the pandemic, and the owners are making tens of millions of dollars in this. 

The last thing they need is to profit off of this.  It’s time to — for them to sit at the table and get this strike done. 

Q    Will you be communicating with them directly about any of this?

THE PRESIDENT:  Oh, we have.  We have.  I haven’t personally, but we have. 

Q    Can you —

THE PRESIDENT:  Okay?

Q    Can you tell us anything about Iran and Israel’s possible —

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  Look —

Q    — retaliation?

THE PRESIDENT:  I called a meeting of the G7 today.  We’re working on a joint statement all of us agree on — from Japan to France to Germany to — et cetera.  And what we’re doing in that regard is we’re making it clear that there are things that have to be done.  And it’s — obviously, Iran has gone way out of — I mean, is way off board.  We’re going to — putting together a joint statement.  Hasn’t been done yet.  It will be done before too long, probably by the time we land.  And there’s going to be some sanctions imposed on Iran. 

Q    Sir, do — do you — sorry.  Do you have a view on the workers’ fight for restrictions on technology or automation for the dockworkers?

THE PRESIDENT:  No — look, they just need to sit down and talk, because I — remember, we negotiated a similar strike on the West Coast before, and they worked it out.  It’s time — they won’t even talk.  So, let’s get that done.

Q    Sir, and — sir — sir, can I ask you: What is your —

Q    Would you support an attack on the — would you support an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites by Israel?

THE PRESIDENT:  The answer is no.  And I think there’s things — we’ll be discussing with the Israelis what they’re going to do, but they — every- — all seven of us agree that they have a right to respond, but they should respond in proportion. 

Thank you. 

Q    Sir, could I ask you: What is your advice to Israel as far as how they should respond to this right now?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll leave that to — I’ll — we’re giving them that advice. 

Q    Okay.  When will you talk to Bibi?

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I — we’ve been talking to Bibi’s people the whole time.  And it’s not necessary to talk to Bibi.  I’ll probably be talking to him relatively soon, my guess.

Thank you.

12:33 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure | Joint Base Andrews, MD appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Biden joined a call with the G7 to discuss Iran’s unacceptable attack against Israel and to coordinate on a response to this attack, including new sanctions. President Biden and the G7 unequivocally condemned Iran’s attack against Israel. President Biden expressed the United States’ full solidarity and support to Israel and its people, and reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security

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The post Readout of President Biden’s call with the G7 appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Biden joined a call with the G7 to discuss Iran’s unacceptable attack against Israel and to coordinate on a response to this attack, including new sanctions. President Biden and the G7 unequivocally condemned Iran’s attack against Israel. President Biden expressed the United States’ full solidarity and support to Israel and its people, and reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security

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The post Readout of President Biden’s call with the G7 appeared first on The White House.

The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to fostering international partnerships to disrupt the global scourge of ransomware. This week, the White House convened the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) for its fourth meeting in Washington, D.C. During the four-day event, the Initiative’s nearly seventy members discussed methods to counter ransomware attacks in the healthcare industry, collaboration with cyber insurers and the private industry to reduce ransomware payments and increase incident reporting, the security of our critical infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT), efforts to increase the capacity and incident response capabilities of members, and best practices to counter the flow of money through virtual assets that motivates ransomware actors.

This year, the Initiative welcomed 18 new members—Argentina, Bahrain, Cameroon, Chad,  the Council of Europe, Denmark, the ECOWAS Commission, Finland, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, Hungary, Morocco, the Organization of American States, the Philippines, the Republic of Moldova, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, and Vietnam—who participated in the gathering along withAlbania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Estonia, the European Union, France, Germany, Greece, India, INTERPOL, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay.

At the gathering, CRI members advanced the Initiative’s commitments to resilience, cooperation, and disruption through the CRI’s Policy Pillar, Diplomacy and Capacity Building Pillar, and the International Counter Ransomware Task Force (ICRTF). The Initiative launched a new Public-Private Sector Advisory Panel, led by Canada, establishing a trusted set of private sector partners for CRI members to rely on when faced with responding to ransomware attacks. 

The CRI Policy Pillar

Under the leadership of Singapore and the United Kingdom, the Policy Pillar oversaw several projects focused on policy areas impacting ransomware. The Pillar developed policy guidance, with support from France, the Netherlands, and Kenya, to minimize the overall impact of a ransomware incident on an organization. France and the Netherlands led a project on cyber insurance, and facilitated a workshop for insurers to discuss how the insurance sector could support companies during a ransomware incident and increase their insurance accessibility. Under the auspices of the Pillar’s workplan, Australia released an international ‘Ransomware Playbook’ providing guidance to businesses on how to prepare for, deal with, and recover from a ransomware or cyber extortion attack. Switzerland and the United States led an incident reporting project, sharing best practices on mandatory reporting, factors to consider during implementation, outlining key information to provide at the first instance of a ransomware attack. Albania led a project to enhance implementation of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Recommendation 15 on the regulation of virtual assets and related services providers, which will help stem the illicit flow of funds and disrupt the ransomware payment ecosystem that fuel the ransomware industry. The US and UK completed a project on secure software and labeling principles, producing a report that summarizes the most common software vulnerabilities and misconfigurations that lead to ransomware attacks, and provided actions for software manufacturers to take to address them. The UK and Singapore also led a simulation exercise focused on enhancing members’ policy and operational coordination during a ransomware attack in the healthcare sector.

In 2025, the Pillar plans to advance policies to reduce ransomware payments globally, enhance incident reporting frameworks, explore how partnerships with cyber insurance industry can assist in countering ransomware, and raise the overall cybersecurity posture against ransomware attacks through cybersecurity standards and best practices.

The CRI Diplomacy and Capacity Building Pillar

The Diplomacy and Capacity Building Pillar, led by Germany and Nigeria, expanded the CRI’s reach by adding eighteen new members to the coalition and incorporating capacity building efforts throughout all CRI efforts. Among the Pillar’s substantial contributions was a project taking stock of CRI members’ capacity building assets and needs, continued support for the mentorship and onboarding program, and the promotion of the CRI to potential new members. Throughout the coming year, the Pillar will further elevate the initiatives’ global profile and set out to leverage existing capacity building initiatives to provide opportunities to members and help bridge their capacity gaps.

The International Counter Ransomware Task Force (ICRTF)

ICRTF, led by Australia and Lithuania, developed an INTERPOL-led comparative report analyzing Ransomware Interventions and Remediation in CRI members’ jurisdictions. Australia, in their role as ICRTF co-chair, launched a website and member portal for the CRI to share information and best practices between members as well as foster collaboration.

Advancing the Initiative through Action

Together, members of the CRI took bold new actions to further advance the initiative, including:

• Establishing the CRI Fund: The United States launched a new fund that will strengthen members’ cybersecurity capabilities through both rapid assistance in the wake of a cyber attack as well as targeted support to improve cybersecurity skills, policies, and response procedures. The Fund will be supported through contributions from CRI members and private sector partners.

• Guidance for Victim Organizations: This guidance, endorsed by CRI members and insurance bodies, offers a practical guide to help organizations experiencing a ransomware attack. Building on last year’s CRI statement on ransomware payments, the guidance underscores the important role cyber insurance can play in helping to build resilience to cyber attacks and highlights actions organizations should explore during an incident, aiming to reduce disruption and cost, the number of ransoms paid, and the size of ransoms paid. The ultimate goal is to minimize the overall impact of a ransomware incident on an organization.

• Private Sector Engagement Working Group (PSEWG): Canada developed a Public-Private Sector Advisory Panel to advise and support CRI members in combating ransomware. The advisory panel will catalyze effective information sharing, build trust through clear expectations and person to person collaboration, and develop best practices to navigate practical hurdles.

• Responsible Behavior in Cyberspace: The ICRTF called on members to join a statement that calls for responsible behavior in cyberspace and encourages members to hold bad actors accountable and deny them safe haven using all of the cyber diplomacy and law enforcement tools at their disposal. The CRI continues to call for responsible behavior in cyberspace and encourage members to call out malicious acts.
• Artificial Intelligence to Counter Ransomware: The CRI hosted its first-ever event dedicated to examining the use of AI to counter cyber attacks. Topics of discussion included the use of AI to track threat actor use, AI for Software Security, AI systems to ensure the security of critical infrastructure to include healthcare networks, and tools such as watermarking to counter disinformation.

• Information Sharing: Many members are now using CRI’s information sharing platforms developed by Belgium, Israel, Lithuania, and the UAE to quickly share intelligence related to ransomware attacks, attack tactics, techniques, procedures, and indicators of compromise. Additionally, a CRI website developed by Australia includes a forum for members to easily request assistance from CRI members.

• Building Collective Cyber Resilience: The implementation of secure software and labeling principles are important preventive measures against ransomware actors gaining access to data, related services, and connected infrastructure. CRI members were encouraged to take a coordinated, multi-national approach to developing a plan to institute secure software and labeling principles, including mapping existing cybersecurity requirements, and regulations, standards and guidelines for IoT devices. Recognition and implementation of such standards and schemes by multiple countries will set the foundation for global initiatives that enhance our collective resilience against ransomware and cyber attacks.

• Enhancing Cybersecurity of Supply Chains: The United States Department of Energy facilitated a panel discussion with executives from eight critical infrastructure equipment manufacturers to educate CRI members on the new U.S. supply chain cybersecurity efforts: GE Vernova, Hitachi Energy, Honeywell, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Siemens Energy, and Westinghouse Electric Company. This session provided an opportunity for the United States to demonstrate leadership in developing the Supply Chain Cybersecurity Principles, released in June with support from industry partners, while inviting international participation in coordinated efforts to advance the principles throughout the global supply chain.

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The post FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Convenes Fourth Global Gathering to Counter Ransomware appeared first on The White House.

The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to fostering international partnerships to disrupt the global scourge of ransomware. This week, the White House convened the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) for its fourth meeting in Washington, D.C. During the four-day event, the Initiative’s nearly seventy members discussed methods to counter ransomware attacks in the healthcare industry, collaboration with cyber insurers and the private industry to reduce ransomware payments and increase incident reporting, the security of our critical infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT), efforts to increase the capacity and incident response capabilities of members, and best practices to counter the flow of money through virtual assets that motivates ransomware actors.

This year, the Initiative welcomed 18 new members—Argentina, Bahrain, Cameroon, Chad,  the Council of Europe, Denmark, the ECOWAS Commission, Finland, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, Hungary, Morocco, the Organization of American States, the Philippines, the Republic of Moldova, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, and Vietnam—who participated in the gathering along withAlbania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Estonia, the European Union, France, Germany, Greece, India, INTERPOL, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay.

At the gathering, CRI members advanced the Initiative’s commitments to resilience, cooperation, and disruption through the CRI’s Policy Pillar, Diplomacy and Capacity Building Pillar, and the International Counter Ransomware Task Force (ICRTF). The Initiative launched a new Public-Private Sector Advisory Panel, led by Canada, establishing a trusted set of private sector partners for CRI members to rely on when faced with responding to ransomware attacks. 

The CRI Policy Pillar

Under the leadership of Singapore and the United Kingdom, the Policy Pillar oversaw several projects focused on policy areas impacting ransomware. The Pillar developed policy guidance, with support from France, the Netherlands, and Kenya, to minimize the overall impact of a ransomware incident on an organization. France and the Netherlands led a project on cyber insurance, and facilitated a workshop for insurers to discuss how the insurance sector could support companies during a ransomware incident and increase their insurance accessibility. Under the auspices of the Pillar’s workplan, Australia released an international ‘Ransomware Playbook’ providing guidance to businesses on how to prepare for, deal with, and recover from a ransomware or cyber extortion attack. Switzerland and the United States led an incident reporting project, sharing best practices on mandatory reporting, factors to consider during implementation, outlining key information to provide at the first instance of a ransomware attack. Albania led a project to enhance implementation of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Recommendation 15 on the regulation of virtual assets and related services providers, which will help stem the illicit flow of funds and disrupt the ransomware payment ecosystem that fuel the ransomware industry. The US and UK completed a project on secure software and labeling principles, producing a report that summarizes the most common software vulnerabilities and misconfigurations that lead to ransomware attacks, and provided actions for software manufacturers to take to address them. The UK and Singapore also led a simulation exercise focused on enhancing members’ policy and operational coordination during a ransomware attack in the healthcare sector.

In 2025, the Pillar plans to advance policies to reduce ransomware payments globally, enhance incident reporting frameworks, explore how partnerships with cyber insurance industry can assist in countering ransomware, and raise the overall cybersecurity posture against ransomware attacks through cybersecurity standards and best practices.

The CRI Diplomacy and Capacity Building Pillar

The Diplomacy and Capacity Building Pillar, led by Germany and Nigeria, expanded the CRI’s reach by adding eighteen new members to the coalition and incorporating capacity building efforts throughout all CRI efforts. Among the Pillar’s substantial contributions was a project taking stock of CRI members’ capacity building assets and needs, continued support for the mentorship and onboarding program, and the promotion of the CRI to potential new members. Throughout the coming year, the Pillar will further elevate the initiatives’ global profile and set out to leverage existing capacity building initiatives to provide opportunities to members and help bridge their capacity gaps.

The International Counter Ransomware Task Force (ICRTF)

ICRTF, led by Australia and Lithuania, developed an INTERPOL-led comparative report analyzing Ransomware Interventions and Remediation in CRI members’ jurisdictions. Australia, in their role as ICRTF co-chair, launched a website and member portal for the CRI to share information and best practices between members as well as foster collaboration.

Advancing the Initiative through Action

Together, members of the CRI took bold new actions to further advance the initiative, including:

• Establishing the CRI Fund: The United States launched a new fund that will strengthen members’ cybersecurity capabilities through both rapid assistance in the wake of a cyber attack as well as targeted support to improve cybersecurity skills, policies, and response procedures. The Fund will be supported through contributions from CRI members and private sector partners.

• Guidance for Victim Organizations: This guidance, endorsed by CRI members and insurance bodies, offers a practical guide to help organizations experiencing a ransomware attack. Building on last year’s CRI statement on ransomware payments, the guidance underscores the important role cyber insurance can play in helping to build resilience to cyber attacks and highlights actions organizations should explore during an incident, aiming to reduce disruption and cost, the number of ransoms paid, and the size of ransoms paid. The ultimate goal is to minimize the overall impact of a ransomware incident on an organization.

• Private Sector Engagement Working Group (PSEWG): Canada developed a Public-Private Sector Advisory Panel to advise and support CRI members in combating ransomware. The advisory panel will catalyze effective information sharing, build trust through clear expectations and person to person collaboration, and develop best practices to navigate practical hurdles.

• Responsible Behavior in Cyberspace: The ICRTF called on members to join a statement that calls for responsible behavior in cyberspace and encourages members to hold bad actors accountable and deny them safe haven using all of the cyber diplomacy and law enforcement tools at their disposal. The CRI continues to call for responsible behavior in cyberspace and encourage members to call out malicious acts.
• Artificial Intelligence to Counter Ransomware: The CRI hosted its first-ever event dedicated to examining the use of AI to counter cyber attacks. Topics of discussion included the use of AI to track threat actor use, AI for Software Security, AI systems to ensure the security of critical infrastructure to include healthcare networks, and tools such as watermarking to counter disinformation.

• Information Sharing: Many members are now using CRI’s information sharing platforms developed by Belgium, Israel, Lithuania, and the UAE to quickly share intelligence related to ransomware attacks, attack tactics, techniques, procedures, and indicators of compromise. Additionally, a CRI website developed by Australia includes a forum for members to easily request assistance from CRI members.

• Building Collective Cyber Resilience: The implementation of secure software and labeling principles are important preventive measures against ransomware actors gaining access to data, related services, and connected infrastructure. CRI members were encouraged to take a coordinated, multi-national approach to developing a plan to institute secure software and labeling principles, including mapping existing cybersecurity requirements, and regulations, standards and guidelines for IoT devices. Recognition and implementation of such standards and schemes by multiple countries will set the foundation for global initiatives that enhance our collective resilience against ransomware and cyber attacks.

• Enhancing Cybersecurity of Supply Chains: The United States Department of Energy facilitated a panel discussion with executives from eight critical infrastructure equipment manufacturers to educate CRI members on the new U.S. supply chain cybersecurity efforts: GE Vernova, Hitachi Energy, Honeywell, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Siemens Energy, and Westinghouse Electric Company. This session provided an opportunity for the United States to demonstrate leadership in developing the Supply Chain Cybersecurity Principles, released in June with support from industry partners, while inviting international participation in coordinated efforts to advance the principles throughout the global supply chain.

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The post FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Convenes Fourth Global Gathering to Counter Ransomware appeared first on The White House.

The 68 members of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI)—Albania, Argentina,  Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Council of Europe, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, the ECOWAS Commission, Egypt, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, Hungary, India, INTERPOL, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, the Organization of American States, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, and Vietnam—met in Washington, D.C. from September 30 – October 3, 2024 for the Fourth CRI Gathering. Previously participating members welcomed Argentina, Bahrain, Cameroon, Chad, the Council of Europe, Denmark, the ECOWAS Commission, Finland, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, Hungary, Morocco, the Organization of American States, the Philippines, the Republic of Moldova, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, and Vietnam as new CRI members.

During the Fourth CRI Gathering, members reaffirmed our joint commitment to develop collective resilience to ransomware, support members if they are faced with a ransomware attack, pursue the actors responsible for ransomware attacks and not allow safe haven for these actors to operate within our jurisdictions, counter the use of virtual assets as part of the ransomware business model, partner with the private sector to advise and support CRI members, and forge international partnerships so we are collectively better equipped to counter the scourge of ransomware.

Over the past year, this coalition has grown and continues to build upon the commitments made at the Third CRI Gathering in 2023. The United States launched a new fund for CRI members to strengthen members’ cybersecurity capabilities through both rapid assistance in the wake of a cyber attack, as well as targeted support to improve cybersecurity skills, policies, and response procedures.

The Policy Pillar, led by Singapore and the United Kingdom, spearheaded efforts to build resilience against ransomware attacks and leverage the ecosystem to disrupt the ransomware criminal industry. These efforts seek to undercut the business model that underpins the ransomware ecosystem by driving forward work on secure software and labeling, methods to counter the use of virtual assets as part of the ransomware business model, policies to reduce ransom payments, increase and improve reporting, cyber insurance, and a playbook to guide businesses on how to prepare for, deal with, and recover from a ransomware attack. Of note, CRI members and insurance bodies have endorsed guidance to help organizations experiencing a ransomware attack. The guidance underscores the important role cyber insurance can play in helping to build resilience to cyber attacks and highlights actions organizations should explore during an incident. In addition, the Pillar held a table-top-exercise to assist members in identifying gaps in their processes, learning best practices and supporting members develop effective responses to ransomware attacks on the healthcare sector.

The Diplomacy and Capacity Building Pillar, led by Germany and Nigeria, expanded the CRI’s partnerships with the addition of 18 new members to the coalition and mapped out the capacity building assets and needs of members. To foster collaboration, forge new partnerships, and recruit new members into the Initiative, CRI members hosted regional events throughout the year.

Under the leadership of Australia and Lithuania, the ICRTF focused its work on building resilience against malicious cyber attacks through international cooperation. Lithuania and Australia, as ICRTF co-chairs, worked to develop governance for information sharing and increase onboarding of members to the information sharing platforms led by Lithuania and Belgium as well as Israel and UAE. These platforms will allow members to easily share threat information and indicators of compromise. In a project led by INTERPOL and Australia, a comparative report was produced analyzing Ransomware Interventions and Remediation in CRI members’ jurisdictions. Australia launched a website and member portal so CRI members can easily share information and best practices, foster collaboration, and use as a mechanism to request assistance from the CRI community when experiencing a ransomware attack. The ICRTF co-chairs presented a statement for members to join that calls for responsible behavior in cyberspace and encourages members to hold malicious actors accountable and deny them safe haven using all of the cyber diplomacy and law enforcement tools at their disposal.

Canada established a new Public-Private Sector Advisory Panel to advise and support CRI members in combating ransomware. This advisory panel will catalyze effective information sharing, build trust through clear expectations and person to person collaboration, and develop best practices to navigate practical hurdles.

The Initiative also hosted its first-ever event dedicated to examining the use of AI to counter ransomware attacks. Topics of discussion included the use of AI to track threat actor use, AI for Software Security, scenario planning around ransomware attacks on the healthcare industry, and tools such as watermarking to counter disinformation.

Through the Initiative’s annual gathering as well as the dedicated work and regional meetings occurring between each meeting, we commit to working together at both a policy and operational level to counter ransomware threats and hold perpetrators of these malicious attacks accountable. CRI continues to call for responsible behavior in cyberspace and encourage members to call out malicious acts, and we remain committed to using all appropriate tools to achieve these goals, and are jointly committed to the following actions in support of this mission.

###

The post International Counter Ransomware Initiative 2024 Joint Statement appeared first on The White House.

The 68 members of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI)—Albania, Argentina,  Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Council of Europe, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, the ECOWAS Commission, Egypt, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, Hungary, India, INTERPOL, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, the Organization of American States, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, and Vietnam—met in Washington, D.C. from September 30 – October 3, 2024 for the Fourth CRI Gathering. Previously participating members welcomed Argentina, Bahrain, Cameroon, Chad, the Council of Europe, Denmark, the ECOWAS Commission, Finland, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, Hungary, Morocco, the Organization of American States, the Philippines, the Republic of Moldova, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, and Vietnam as new CRI members.

During the Fourth CRI Gathering, members reaffirmed our joint commitment to develop collective resilience to ransomware, support members if they are faced with a ransomware attack, pursue the actors responsible for ransomware attacks and not allow safe haven for these actors to operate within our jurisdictions, counter the use of virtual assets as part of the ransomware business model, partner with the private sector to advise and support CRI members, and forge international partnerships so we are collectively better equipped to counter the scourge of ransomware.

Over the past year, this coalition has grown and continues to build upon the commitments made at the Third CRI Gathering in 2023. The United States launched a new fund for CRI members to strengthen members’ cybersecurity capabilities through both rapid assistance in the wake of a cyber attack, as well as targeted support to improve cybersecurity skills, policies, and response procedures.

The Policy Pillar, led by Singapore and the United Kingdom, spearheaded efforts to build resilience against ransomware attacks and leverage the ecosystem to disrupt the ransomware criminal industry. These efforts seek to undercut the business model that underpins the ransomware ecosystem by driving forward work on secure software and labeling, methods to counter the use of virtual assets as part of the ransomware business model, policies to reduce ransom payments, increase and improve reporting, cyber insurance, and a playbook to guide businesses on how to prepare for, deal with, and recover from a ransomware attack. Of note, CRI members and insurance bodies have endorsed guidance to help organizations experiencing a ransomware attack. The guidance underscores the important role cyber insurance can play in helping to build resilience to cyber attacks and highlights actions organizations should explore during an incident. In addition, the Pillar held a table-top-exercise to assist members in identifying gaps in their processes, learning best practices and supporting members develop effective responses to ransomware attacks on the healthcare sector.

The Diplomacy and Capacity Building Pillar, led by Germany and Nigeria, expanded the CRI’s partnerships with the addition of 18 new members to the coalition and mapped out the capacity building assets and needs of members. To foster collaboration, forge new partnerships, and recruit new members into the Initiative, CRI members hosted regional events throughout the year.

Under the leadership of Australia and Lithuania, the ICRTF focused its work on building resilience against malicious cyber attacks through international cooperation. Lithuania and Australia, as ICRTF co-chairs, worked to develop governance for information sharing and increase onboarding of members to the information sharing platforms led by Lithuania and Belgium as well as Israel and UAE. These platforms will allow members to easily share threat information and indicators of compromise. In a project led by INTERPOL and Australia, a comparative report was produced analyzing Ransomware Interventions and Remediation in CRI members’ jurisdictions. Australia launched a website and member portal so CRI members can easily share information and best practices, foster collaboration, and use as a mechanism to request assistance from the CRI community when experiencing a ransomware attack. The ICRTF co-chairs presented a statement for members to join that calls for responsible behavior in cyberspace and encourages members to hold malicious actors accountable and deny them safe haven using all of the cyber diplomacy and law enforcement tools at their disposal.

Canada established a new Public-Private Sector Advisory Panel to advise and support CRI members in combating ransomware. This advisory panel will catalyze effective information sharing, build trust through clear expectations and person to person collaboration, and develop best practices to navigate practical hurdles.

The Initiative also hosted its first-ever event dedicated to examining the use of AI to counter ransomware attacks. Topics of discussion included the use of AI to track threat actor use, AI for Software Security, scenario planning around ransomware attacks on the healthcare industry, and tools such as watermarking to counter disinformation.

Through the Initiative’s annual gathering as well as the dedicated work and regional meetings occurring between each meeting, we commit to working together at both a policy and operational level to counter ransomware threats and hold perpetrators of these malicious attacks accountable. CRI continues to call for responsible behavior in cyberspace and encourage members to call out malicious acts, and we remain committed to using all appropriate tools to achieve these goals, and are jointly committed to the following actions in support of this mission.

###

The post International Counter Ransomware Initiative 2024 Joint Statement appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Biden is announcing 1,000 active-duty troops will be immediately deployed to assist with response and recovery efforts

President Biden and Vice President Harris continue to mobilize an intensive Federal response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The Administration is prioritizing life-saving and life-sustaining response efforts in impacted communities, as well as ensuring people displaced from the storm have prompt access to Federal resources that will enable them to both purchase essential items and begin their road to recovery and rebuilding.

As part of this coordinated response, today, President Biden is announcing he has directed the Department of Defense to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support the delivery of food, water, and other critical commodities to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The announcement is effective immediately, and these forces will be available for deployment starting today. This action will provide additional manpower and logistics capabilities, enabling FEMA and other interagency partners to reach the hardest hit areas as quickly as possible.

This comes as the President is traveling to North Carolina and South Carolina. He will take an aerial tour of areas impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, receive operational briefings, and meet with first responders and local officials. He will also engage with first responders and officials in South Carolina. The President will also visit Florida and Georgia in the coming days. The Vice President will travel to Georgia today. She will receive operational briefings, meet with residents impacted by the storm, and provide updates to local officials on actions that are being taken to support emergency response and recovery efforts in Georgia. She will also travel to North Carolina in the coming days.

Yesterday, President Biden received a briefing from his Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall and leaders across his Administration, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, Department of Defense Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks, Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves, Department of Energy Deputy Secretary David Turk, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer LTG William H. (Butch) Graham Jr., Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed, Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Robert Bonnie, and Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Dawn O’Connell.

Additional updates on the Administration’s response efforts include:

Mobilizing Defense Department Resources to Support Prompt and Effective Hurricane Response

Today, the President is announcing he has directed the Department of Defense to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support response efforts. These soldiers are part of an Infantry Battalion Task Force, based out of Fort Liberty, North Carolina, which includes a Forward Support Company with the necessary support structure (fuel, water, mechanics, etc.) to conduct operations.

These soldiers are in addition to the support the Department of Defense is already providing to FEMA for the response to Hurricane Helene including:

• US Army and US Navy helicopters, soldiers, and sailors to provide critical capability to move personnel and supplies in areas where access via roads is not available or viable.
• US Air Force aircraft, helicopters, and airmen to provide search-and-rescue capabilities.
• US Army soldiers and high wheeled vehicles to move personnel and supplies over roads and terrain damaged or impassable to normal vehicles.
• The Army Corps of Engineers is supporting with response efforts with Temporary Power Teams and subject matter experts to support for debris removal, water and wastewater management, and bridge inspections. 

At the President’s direction, the Department of Defense has activated 22 helicopters to aid in search and rescue operations and provided dozens of high-water vehicles. The National Guard, in its state capacity, is also aiding these efforts. 700 National Guard from North Carolina are supporting debris removal, air lifts, and search and rescue. They are accompanied by National Guard from eight additional states under Emergency Mutual Assistance Compacts, with helicopters and rescue vehicles to further assist with road clearance, commodities, transport, and search and rescue.

Although not operating under Department of Defense authority, over 6,000 National Guard personnel from 12 states are spearheading the response effort across the impacted region in support of their Governors, providing critical life-saving and life-sustaining support to the victims of this unprecedented natural disaster.

Supporting On-The-Ground Response and Emergency Efforts

More than 4,800 personnel from across the Federal workforce are deployed and supporting state-led response efforts across the region. FEMA and other agencies have more than 1,200 personnel in North Carolina, with more resources and staff arriving daily.

Search and rescue efforts by state, local, and Federal partners are ongoing, and nearly 600 additional personnel are arriving in the region in the coming days, increasing the total number of Urban Search and Rescue personnel to over 1,250.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra declared Public Health Emergencies for South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. These declarations give the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. HHS has established a National Disaster Medical System medical treatment site at the Mission Hospital campus in Asheville and Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pines, North Carolina. HHS Health and Medical Task Force Teams are supporting state medical needs shelters in Hickory and Mills Springs, North Carolina. An HHS Incident Management Team is working closely with state officials to identify health care needs including in rural communities and areas which may be cut off from transportation systems. HHS has also deployed two Disaster Mortuary Assistance Team (DMAT) to assist state mortuary services in mortuary care of victim identification. HHS has made 9 DMAT teams available nationwide. Additionally, 200 Federal ambulances have been provided to North Carolina.

In total, FEMA has shipped over 8.5 million meals, more than 7 million liters of water, 150 generators and over 220,000 tarps to aid response efforts for this historic storm.

Restoring Power and Communications to Impacted Communities

Power outage numbers are improving as restoration teams from across the nation gain access to communities and debris is removed, although much more work remains to bring power back to badly impacted areas across the region. As of this morning, approximately 1.6 million customers are still without power, which is a reduction of more than 65% from the region-wide peak of 4.6 million on September 27.

In addition to intensive efforts to restore power, crews are working around the clock to restore cell service and communications to impacted communities. FEMA, the FCC, and private telecommunications providers are working together to help restore temporary communications as quickly as possible by establishing temporary cell sites and allowing for roaming where possible, where a resident can connect to any network available, even if they aren’t subscribed to that network.

FEMA has provided 50 Starlink satellite systems to help with responder communications and 65 satellite phones have been shipped to assist with communications.

Restoring Road Access

The Department of Transportation activated its 24-hour toll-free Routing Assistance Hotline to provide routing assistance for first responders conducting relief missions. The Hotline supports the movement of Federal, state, local, Tribal, and Territorial response personnel and contractors, equipment, and goods by providing recommended safe routes using a variety of data sources. To reach the Hotline, responders can call 511 from their mobile phones or 833–99-ROADS (833-997-6237).  The Department of Transportation also announced that with the President’s approval of Emergency Disaster Declarations it has initiated a 14-day period of emergency regulatory relief from Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, including maximum driving time for property- and passenger-carrying vehicles from the date of declaration. This allows truck drivers to get essential supplies to affected areas. 

Extending Housing Aid to Impacted Families

Following President Biden’s approval of a Major Disaster declaration in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) began implementing supplemental assistance, which includes a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of FHA-insured mortgages and mortgages guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program, as well as an automatic 90-day extension for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.

Anyone whose home has been destroyed or severely damaged is also eligible to apply for HUD mortgage insurance. HUD is also enabling homeowners to finance rehabilitation and repairs for damaged homes.

To support households and communities through disaster recovery, HUD will provide Housing Counseling assistance and offer waivers and additional flexibilities to Public Housing Agencies, Tribes, and recipients of designated federal funding to allow communities to use existing resources to aid in response and recovery efforts. Additionally, HUD offered a suite of waivers and alternative requirements to allow impacted communities to use existing community development and homelessness assistance funds to aid in response and recovery efforts.  

Approving Additional Emergency Assistance

President Biden has now also approved Major Disaster Declarations for Georgia and Virginia, allowing individuals in 41 counties in Georgia and 6 in Virginia to apply for FEMA assistance. Administration officials are in touch with Georgia emergency management officials, and based on their ongoing assessments of impacts on the ground, FEMA is in the process of approving federal assistance for additional counties. This is in addition to approving Major Disaster declarations for Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina earlier in the weekend.

To date, more than $10 million in Individual Assistance has been provided to survivors who have been affected by Hurricane Helene, and we expect that number to increase over the coming days. In North Carolina, through the expedited Serious Needs Assistance program, FEMA has paid out more than $1 million to over 1,400 households in less than 24 hours.

FEMA assistance in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia can include a one-time $750 payment to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. After registering for disaster assistance, individuals may also qualify to receive disaster-related financial assistance to repair storm-related damage to homes and replace personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Hurricane Helene.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are deployed to Florida and North Carolina to help survivors register for disaster assistance, visiting shelters and going door to door to help people get Federal assistance where they need it as quickly as feasible.

###

The post FACT SHEET: UPDATE: Biden-Harris Continues Life-Saving Response Efforts in Response to Hurricane Helene appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Biden is announcing 1,000 active-duty troops will be immediately deployed to assist with response and recovery efforts

President Biden and Vice President Harris continue to mobilize an intensive Federal response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The Administration is prioritizing life-saving and life-sustaining response efforts in impacted communities, as well as ensuring people displaced from the storm have prompt access to Federal resources that will enable them to both purchase essential items and begin their road to recovery and rebuilding.

As part of this coordinated response, today, President Biden is announcing he has directed the Department of Defense to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support the delivery of food, water, and other critical commodities to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The announcement is effective immediately, and these forces will be available for deployment starting today. This action will provide additional manpower and logistics capabilities, enabling FEMA and other interagency partners to reach the hardest hit areas as quickly as possible.

This comes as the President is traveling to North Carolina and South Carolina. He will take an aerial tour of areas impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, receive operational briefings, and meet with first responders and local officials. He will also engage with first responders and officials in South Carolina. The President will also visit Florida and Georgia in the coming days. The Vice President will travel to Georgia today. She will receive operational briefings, meet with residents impacted by the storm, and provide updates to local officials on actions that are being taken to support emergency response and recovery efforts in Georgia. She will also travel to North Carolina in the coming days.

Yesterday, President Biden received a briefing from his Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall and leaders across his Administration, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, Department of Defense Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks, Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves, Department of Energy Deputy Secretary David Turk, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer LTG William H. (Butch) Graham Jr., Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed, Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Robert Bonnie, and Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Dawn O’Connell.

Additional updates on the Administration’s response efforts include:

Mobilizing Defense Department Resources to Support Prompt and Effective Hurricane Response

Today, the President is announcing he has directed the Department of Defense to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support response efforts. These soldiers are part of an Infantry Battalion Task Force, based out of Fort Liberty, North Carolina, which includes a Forward Support Company with the necessary support structure (fuel, water, mechanics, etc.) to conduct operations.

These soldiers are in addition to the support the Department of Defense is already providing to FEMA for the response to Hurricane Helene including:

• US Army and US Navy helicopters, soldiers, and sailors to provide critical capability to move personnel and supplies in areas where access via roads is not available or viable.
• US Air Force aircraft, helicopters, and airmen to provide search-and-rescue capabilities.
• US Army soldiers and high wheeled vehicles to move personnel and supplies over roads and terrain damaged or impassable to normal vehicles.
• The Army Corps of Engineers is supporting with response efforts with Temporary Power Teams and subject matter experts to support for debris removal, water and wastewater management, and bridge inspections. 

At the President’s direction, the Department of Defense has activated 22 helicopters to aid in search and rescue operations and provided dozens of high-water vehicles. The National Guard, in its state capacity, is also aiding these efforts. 700 National Guard from North Carolina are supporting debris removal, air lifts, and search and rescue. They are accompanied by National Guard from eight additional states under Emergency Mutual Assistance Compacts, with helicopters and rescue vehicles to further assist with road clearance, commodities, transport, and search and rescue.

Although not operating under Department of Defense authority, over 6,000 National Guard personnel from 12 states are spearheading the response effort across the impacted region in support of their Governors, providing critical life-saving and life-sustaining support to the victims of this unprecedented natural disaster.

Supporting On-The-Ground Response and Emergency Efforts

More than 4,800 personnel from across the Federal workforce are deployed and supporting state-led response efforts across the region. FEMA and other agencies have more than 1,200 personnel in North Carolina, with more resources and staff arriving daily.

Search and rescue efforts by state, local, and Federal partners are ongoing, and nearly 600 additional personnel are arriving in the region in the coming days, increasing the total number of Urban Search and Rescue personnel to over 1,250.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra declared Public Health Emergencies for South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. These declarations give the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. HHS has established a National Disaster Medical System medical treatment site at the Mission Hospital campus in Asheville and Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pines, North Carolina. HHS Health and Medical Task Force Teams are supporting state medical needs shelters in Hickory and Mills Springs, North Carolina. An HHS Incident Management Team is working closely with state officials to identify health care needs including in rural communities and areas which may be cut off from transportation systems. HHS has also deployed two Disaster Mortuary Assistance Team (DMAT) to assist state mortuary services in mortuary care of victim identification. HHS has made 9 DMAT teams available nationwide. Additionally, 200 Federal ambulances have been provided to North Carolina.

In total, FEMA has shipped over 8.5 million meals, more than 7 million liters of water, 150 generators and over 220,000 tarps to aid response efforts for this historic storm.

Restoring Power and Communications to Impacted Communities

Power outage numbers are improving as restoration teams from across the nation gain access to communities and debris is removed, although much more work remains to bring power back to badly impacted areas across the region. As of this morning, approximately 1.6 million customers are still without power, which is a reduction of more than 65% from the region-wide peak of 4.6 million on September 27.

In addition to intensive efforts to restore power, crews are working around the clock to restore cell service and communications to impacted communities. FEMA, the FCC, and private telecommunications providers are working together to help restore temporary communications as quickly as possible by establishing temporary cell sites and allowing for roaming where possible, where a resident can connect to any network available, even if they aren’t subscribed to that network.

FEMA has provided 50 Starlink satellite systems to help with responder communications and 65 satellite phones have been shipped to assist with communications.

Restoring Road Access

The Department of Transportation activated its 24-hour toll-free Routing Assistance Hotline to provide routing assistance for first responders conducting relief missions. The Hotline supports the movement of Federal, state, local, Tribal, and Territorial response personnel and contractors, equipment, and goods by providing recommended safe routes using a variety of data sources. To reach the Hotline, responders can call 511 from their mobile phones or 833–99-ROADS (833-997-6237).  The Department of Transportation also announced that with the President’s approval of Emergency Disaster Declarations it has initiated a 14-day period of emergency regulatory relief from Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, including maximum driving time for property- and passenger-carrying vehicles from the date of declaration. This allows truck drivers to get essential supplies to affected areas. 

Extending Housing Aid to Impacted Families

Following President Biden’s approval of a Major Disaster declaration in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) began implementing supplemental assistance, which includes a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of FHA-insured mortgages and mortgages guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program, as well as an automatic 90-day extension for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.

Anyone whose home has been destroyed or severely damaged is also eligible to apply for HUD mortgage insurance. HUD is also enabling homeowners to finance rehabilitation and repairs for damaged homes.

To support households and communities through disaster recovery, HUD will provide Housing Counseling assistance and offer waivers and additional flexibilities to Public Housing Agencies, Tribes, and recipients of designated federal funding to allow communities to use existing resources to aid in response and recovery efforts. Additionally, HUD offered a suite of waivers and alternative requirements to allow impacted communities to use existing community development and homelessness assistance funds to aid in response and recovery efforts.  

Approving Additional Emergency Assistance

President Biden has now also approved Major Disaster Declarations for Georgia and Virginia, allowing individuals in 41 counties in Georgia and 6 in Virginia to apply for FEMA assistance. Administration officials are in touch with Georgia emergency management officials, and based on their ongoing assessments of impacts on the ground, FEMA is in the process of approving federal assistance for additional counties. This is in addition to approving Major Disaster declarations for Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina earlier in the weekend.

To date, more than $10 million in Individual Assistance has been provided to survivors who have been affected by Hurricane Helene, and we expect that number to increase over the coming days. In North Carolina, through the expedited Serious Needs Assistance program, FEMA has paid out more than $1 million to over 1,400 households in less than 24 hours.

FEMA assistance in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia can include a one-time $750 payment to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. After registering for disaster assistance, individuals may also qualify to receive disaster-related financial assistance to repair storm-related damage to homes and replace personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Hurricane Helene.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are deployed to Florida and North Carolina to help survivors register for disaster assistance, visiting shelters and going door to door to help people get Federal assistance where they need it as quickly as feasible.

###

The post FACT SHEET: UPDATE: Biden-Harris Continues Life-Saving Response Efforts in Response to Hurricane Helene appeared first on The White House.

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 133, the “NAPA Reauthorization Act,” which extends and amends the National Alzheimer’s Project and the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care, and Services.

Thank you to Senators Collins, Warner, Capito, Markey, Moran, Murkowski, and Stabenow, and Representatives Tonko, Chris Smith, and Waters for their leadership.

S. 134, the “Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act,” which requires direct transmittal of the annual National Institutes of Health budget estimate for the National Alzheimer’s Project.

Thank you to Senators Collins, Warner, Capito, Markey, Moran, Murkowski, and Stabenow, and Representatives Chris Smith, Tonko, and Waters for their leadership.

S. 612, the “Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act,” which reauthorizes the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act through September 30, 2034.

Thank you to Senators Cortez Masto, Rosen, Padilla, and Butler, and Representatives Amodei, Susie Lee, Titus, Horsford, Garamendi, Kiley, and Duarte for their leadership. Thank you to the late Senator Dianne Feinstein for her leadership as well.

S. 656, the “Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023,” which revises the rules for VA approval of commercial driver education programs for purposes of veterans education assistance.

Thank you to Senators Fischer and Padilla, and Representatives Edwards, Pappas, Crane, and Spanberger for their leadership.

S. 670, the “IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act,” which establishes two programs within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to provide: outreach and training to HSI employees who have been exposed to various forms of trauma in working with victims of human trafficking; and services for trafficking victims.

Thank you to Senators Peters, Lankford, and Cornyn, and Representatives Dave Joyce, Titus, Wagner, and Slotkin for their leadership.

S. 679, the “GAO Database Modernization Act of 2023,” which requires Federal agencies to submit to the Government Accountability Office reports on rules that the agency revokes, suspends, replaces, or amends, or that are otherwise made ineffective.

Thank you to Senators Rick Scott and Peters, and Representative Bentz for their leadership.

S. 794, the “Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act of 2023” or the “CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023,” which requires the Department of Homeland Security to carry out a pilot program to assess whether allowing certain third-party logistics providers to participate in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism would enhance port security or otherwise help meet the goals of the program.

Thank you to Senators Cornyn, Carper, Lankford, and Hassan, and Representatives Slotkin, Luttrell, Menendez Jr., and Miller-Meeks for their leadership.

S. 2685, the “Reuse Excess Property Act,” which requires the General Services Administration to make data and internal guidance on excess personal property of Federal agencies publicly available.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Lankford, and Representatives McClain and Porter for their leadership.

S. 3639, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2075 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the Robert Hayden Post Office.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Stabenow for their leadership.

S. 3640, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 155 South Main Street in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Stabenow for their leadership.

S. 3851, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan, as the Sojourner Truth Post Office.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Stabenow, Representative Huizenga, and the entire Michigan delegation for their leadership.

S. 4698, the “DHS Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2024,” which extends by two years, until September 30, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security’s authority to establish and operate departmental Joint Task Forces.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Lankford, and Representatives Higgins and Suozzi for their leadership.

###

The post Bills Signed: S. 133, S. 134, S. 612, S. 656, S. 670, S. 679, S. 2685, S. 3639, S. 3640, S. 3851, S. 4698 appeared first on The White House.

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 133, the “NAPA Reauthorization Act,” which extends and amends the National Alzheimer’s Project and the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care, and Services.

Thank you to Senators Collins, Warner, Capito, Markey, Moran, Murkowski, and Stabenow, and Representatives Tonko, Chris Smith, and Waters for their leadership.

S. 134, the “Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act,” which requires direct transmittal of the annual National Institutes of Health budget estimate for the National Alzheimer’s Project.

Thank you to Senators Collins, Warner, Capito, Markey, Moran, Murkowski, and Stabenow, and Representatives Chris Smith, Tonko, and Waters for their leadership.

S. 612, the “Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act,” which reauthorizes the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act through September 30, 2034.

Thank you to Senators Cortez Masto, Rosen, Padilla, and Butler, and Representatives Amodei, Susie Lee, Titus, Horsford, Garamendi, Kiley, and Duarte for their leadership. Thank you to the late Senator Dianne Feinstein for her leadership as well.

S. 656, the “Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023,” which revises the rules for VA approval of commercial driver education programs for purposes of veterans education assistance.

Thank you to Senators Fischer and Padilla, and Representatives Edwards, Pappas, Crane, and Spanberger for their leadership.

S. 670, the “IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act,” which establishes two programs within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to provide: outreach and training to HSI employees who have been exposed to various forms of trauma in working with victims of human trafficking; and services for trafficking victims.

Thank you to Senators Peters, Lankford, and Cornyn, and Representatives Dave Joyce, Titus, Wagner, and Slotkin for their leadership.

S. 679, the “GAO Database Modernization Act of 2023,” which requires Federal agencies to submit to the Government Accountability Office reports on rules that the agency revokes, suspends, replaces, or amends, or that are otherwise made ineffective.

Thank you to Senators Rick Scott and Peters, and Representative Bentz for their leadership.

S. 794, the “Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act of 2023” or the “CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023,” which requires the Department of Homeland Security to carry out a pilot program to assess whether allowing certain third-party logistics providers to participate in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism would enhance port security or otherwise help meet the goals of the program.

Thank you to Senators Cornyn, Carper, Lankford, and Hassan, and Representatives Slotkin, Luttrell, Menendez Jr., and Miller-Meeks for their leadership.

S. 2685, the “Reuse Excess Property Act,” which requires the General Services Administration to make data and internal guidance on excess personal property of Federal agencies publicly available.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Lankford, and Representatives McClain and Porter for their leadership.

S. 3639, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2075 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the Robert Hayden Post Office.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Stabenow for their leadership.

S. 3640, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 155 South Main Street in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Stabenow for their leadership.

S. 3851, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan, as the Sojourner Truth Post Office.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Stabenow, Representative Huizenga, and the entire Michigan delegation for their leadership.

S. 4698, the “DHS Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2024,” which extends by two years, until September 30, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security’s authority to establish and operate departmental Joint Task Forces.

Thank you to Senators Peters and Lankford, and Representatives Higgins and Suozzi for their leadership.

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The post Bills Signed: S. 133, S. 134, S. 612, S. 656, S. 670, S. 679, S. 2685, S. 3639, S. 3640, S. 3851, S. 4698 appeared first on The White House.