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Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Georgia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene beginning on September 24, 2024, and continuing.

The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Appling, Brooks, Coffee, Columbia, Jefferson, Liberty, Lowndes, Pierce, Richmond, Tattnall, and Toombs.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in the counties of Appling, Brooks, Coffee, Columbia, Jefferson, Liberty, Lowndes, Pierce, Richmond, Tattnall, and Toombs.

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

Mr. Kevin A. Wallace, Sr. of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

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

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

Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Georgia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene beginning on September 24, 2024, and continuing.

The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Appling, Brooks, Coffee, Columbia, Jefferson, Liberty, Lowndes, Pierce, Richmond, Tattnall, and Toombs.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in the counties of Appling, Brooks, Coffee, Columbia, Jefferson, Liberty, Lowndes, Pierce, Richmond, Tattnall, and Toombs.

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

Mr. Kevin A. Wallace, Sr. of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

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

###

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

     America’s young people are part of the most gifted and talented generation in our history — and, like anyone, they deserve second chances.  During National Youth Justice Action Month, we recommit to ensuring that our communities are safe and supportive so that young people thrive.  And we recommit to developing a juvenile justice system that reflects our Nation’s most fundamental values of equality, fairness, and opportunity.

     Between 2000 and 2022, the number of young people in our juvenile justice system has declined significantly, but young people of color and young people with disabilities are still disproportionally represented.  Additionally, young people who enter juvenile justice facilities often lack the support, resources, educational opportunities, and guidance necessary for meaningful rehabilitation and, as a result, are not set up for success once they leave.  The young people in the juvenile justice system often spend years in unsafe environments, without treatment for trauma or mental health conditions.

     My Administration remains committed to improving our youth justice system so that young people who are released are set up for success.  My Administration has made historic investments in our youth justice system.  For youth facing juvenile and criminal justice system involvement, we are investing in evidence-based diversion programs.  And we are expanding access to lawyers who will advocate for and advise these youth.  For those who are exiting the system, we are investing in programs that help youth find housing, educational opportunities, mentorship, job training, and other services as they return to their communities.    

     We are also ensuring that young people have good schools to attend, safe communities to live in, and exciting opportunities for their futures.  My Administration launched the National Partnership for Student Success, which will bring together 250,000 tutors and mentors for our students.  And we secured $1.3 billion to fund afterschool and summer learning programs for K-12 students.  To support our Nation’s youth we increased investments in Full-Service Community Schools fivefold, including providing $253 million to create over 2,000 new full-service community schools in the country, providing critical supports to serve more than one million students’ physical, mental health, and academic needs.  

     We are also making it easier for youth to receive mental health care.  When we passed the Nation’s first major gun safety law in nearly three decades, we secured funding to increase the number and diversity of school psychologists and mental health counselors available to our children and made it easier for schools to use Medicaid to deliver these services.  We also launched 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  By texting or calling 988, young people can connect with trained crisis counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week –- and for those who need it, the Lifeline now supports unprecedented access to American Sign Language interpreters.  And we have invested in building mobile crisis response teams so that people in crisis can be connected with trained mental health professionals right away. 

     During National Youth Justice Action Month, we recommit to doing all that we can to ensure that all of our young people can lead full lives.  We show our gratitude to all those supporting youth, both in and out of the juvenile justice system, as they work to build lives full of purpose and meaning.  And we strengthen our resolve to ensure that our juvenile justice system reflects America’s promise of liberty and justice for all.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Youth Justice Action Month.  I call upon all Americans to observe this month by taking action to support our youth and by participating in appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs in their communities.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Youth Justice Action Month, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

     America’s young people are part of the most gifted and talented generation in our history — and, like anyone, they deserve second chances.  During National Youth Justice Action Month, we recommit to ensuring that our communities are safe and supportive so that young people thrive.  And we recommit to developing a juvenile justice system that reflects our Nation’s most fundamental values of equality, fairness, and opportunity.

     Between 2000 and 2022, the number of young people in our juvenile justice system has declined significantly, but young people of color and young people with disabilities are still disproportionally represented.  Additionally, young people who enter juvenile justice facilities often lack the support, resources, educational opportunities, and guidance necessary for meaningful rehabilitation and, as a result, are not set up for success once they leave.  The young people in the juvenile justice system often spend years in unsafe environments, without treatment for trauma or mental health conditions.

     My Administration remains committed to improving our youth justice system so that young people who are released are set up for success.  My Administration has made historic investments in our youth justice system.  For youth facing juvenile and criminal justice system involvement, we are investing in evidence-based diversion programs.  And we are expanding access to lawyers who will advocate for and advise these youth.  For those who are exiting the system, we are investing in programs that help youth find housing, educational opportunities, mentorship, job training, and other services as they return to their communities.    

     We are also ensuring that young people have good schools to attend, safe communities to live in, and exciting opportunities for their futures.  My Administration launched the National Partnership for Student Success, which will bring together 250,000 tutors and mentors for our students.  And we secured $1.3 billion to fund afterschool and summer learning programs for K-12 students.  To support our Nation’s youth we increased investments in Full-Service Community Schools fivefold, including providing $253 million to create over 2,000 new full-service community schools in the country, providing critical supports to serve more than one million students’ physical, mental health, and academic needs.  

     We are also making it easier for youth to receive mental health care.  When we passed the Nation’s first major gun safety law in nearly three decades, we secured funding to increase the number and diversity of school psychologists and mental health counselors available to our children and made it easier for schools to use Medicaid to deliver these services.  We also launched 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  By texting or calling 988, young people can connect with trained crisis counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week –- and for those who need it, the Lifeline now supports unprecedented access to American Sign Language interpreters.  And we have invested in building mobile crisis response teams so that people in crisis can be connected with trained mental health professionals right away. 

     During National Youth Justice Action Month, we recommit to doing all that we can to ensure that all of our young people can lead full lives.  We show our gratitude to all those supporting youth, both in and out of the juvenile justice system, as they work to build lives full of purpose and meaning.  And we strengthen our resolve to ensure that our juvenile justice system reflects America’s promise of liberty and justice for all.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Youth Justice Action Month.  I call upon all Americans to observe this month by taking action to support our youth and by participating in appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs in their communities.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Youth Justice Action Month, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

11:12 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, folks. 

Good morning.

To state the obvious, over the weekend, we had devastating storms in the South.  I spoke with — for a couple hours with leaders yesterday affected by the hurricane and — Governor Kemp of Georgia, Governor Cooper of North Carolina, county officials in the Big Bend region of Florida, and other leaders in South Carolina and Tennessee about the broad and devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. 

It’s not just a catastrophic storm; it’s a historic history-making storm — the entire Southeast and Appalachia.  Damage from the hurricane stretches across at least 10 states.  Winds over 120 miles an hour in some places.  Storm surges up to 15 feet and record flooding. 

Communities are devastated.  Loved ones waiting, not sure if their loved ones are okay because they can’t contact them because there’s no cell phone connections.  Many more folks displaced with no idea when they’ll be able to be — return to their home, if ever — if there’s a home to return to.

So, we’re keeping our — we’re keeping them all in our prayers and all the lives lost — those particularly that are unaccounted for — there’s nothing like wondering, “Is my husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father alive?” — and many more who remain without electricity, water, food, and communications and whose homes and businesses have washed away in an instant. 

I want them to know we are not leaving until the job is done. 

I also want you to know I’m committed to traveling to the impacted areas as soon as possible.  But I’ve been told that it’d be disruptive if I did it right now.  We will not do that at the risk of diverting or delaying any — any of the response assets needed to deal with this crisis.

My first responsibility is to get all the help needed to those impacted areas.  And I expect to be there — (coughs) — excuse me, I have a cold — I expect to be there later this week.

I and my team are in constant contact with the governors, mayors, and local leaders.  The head of FEMA, Deanne Griswell [Criswell], is on the ground now in Northern — in North Carolina.  She’s going to stay in Asheville and the Appalachia region for the foreseeable future.

There’s been reports of over 100 dead and — as a consequence of this storm, and there are reports of up 600 mil- — 600 people unaccounted for because they can’t be contacted.  God willing, they’re alive, but there is no way to contact them, again, because of the lack of cell phone coverage.

I’ve directed my team to provide every — every available resource as fast as possible to your communities to rescue, recover, and to begin rebuilding.

In addition to FEMA — it includes the Federal Communications Commission to help establish communications capability, the National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Defense are going to provide all the resources at its disposal to rescue and assist in clearing debris and delivering lifesaving supplies.

So far, that’s over 3,600 personnel deployed.  That number is growing by the day.

I quickly approved requests from governors of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Alabama for an emergency declaration.  And I approved additional requests for the governors of North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina and — for a disaster declaration to pay for — to pay for debris removal, provide financial assistance directly — directly to survivors.

FEMA and the Small Business Administration are there to help the residents whose homes and businesses were literally destroyed — washed away or blown away. 

And the federal search and rescue teams have been working side by side with state and local officials and partners in very treacherous conditions to find those who are missing, and they will not rest until everyone is accounted for. 

And I want to thank all the — all the first responders and everyone who has been working around the clock. 

One of the brave teams that’s volunteered to be there is from San Diego County Fire Department, set to travel all the way from California to North Carolina to help.  But on their way, they were in a — in a terrible car accident in Louisiana.  We pray for their full recovery, but it was a bad accident. 

We know there is more to do, and we will continue to surge resources, including food, water, communications, and lifesaving equipment. We’ll be there, as I said before, and I mean it, as long as it takes to finish this job.

Let me close with this.  As president, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating toll that disasters like this take on families and communities.  I’ve been on the ground at many divat- — disasters areas since I’ve been president — (coughs) — excuse me — and I’ve heard dozens of stories from survivors about how it feels to be left with nothing, not even knowing where or when to get back on track. 

I am here to tell every single survivor in these impacted areas that we will be there with you as long as it takes. 

For the sake of yourselves — excuse me — (coughs) — and your families, I urge everyone — everyone returning to their communities and homes to listen to the local officials and follow all safety instructions.  Take this seriously.  Please be safe. 

Your nation has your back, and the Biden-Harris administration will be there until the job is done.

God bless you all.  And I’m thinking of those that are still wondering where your loved ones are.

Thank you.

Q    Will you need to pass a supplemental to help the people in the Southeast, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT:  Say again.

Q    Will you need to ask Congress for a supplemental to help the people —

THE PRESIDENT:  That’s my estim- — my expectation, yes.

Q    Do you know roughly how much you — you’re thinking at this point?

THE PRESIDENT:  Not yet.  It’s been — this is a historic storm.  It’s devastating.  They’ve not seen anything like this before.  And some of them were back-to-back; there were three storms in a row.  So, it’s really, really devastating.

Q    Would you consider asking Congress to come back for a special session to pass the supplemental?

THE PRESIDENT:  That is something I may have to request, but no decision has been made yet.

Q    Do you have a sense of where you’ll go when you are able to go, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  I told the governor of — of North Carolina I’d go down.  And I — and I expect to be down there by Wednesday or Thursday if it would be clear for me to go. 

You guys who travel with me know there’s an entourage that’s — that is — can be disruptive.

Q    Is it a mistake for — for President Trump to be down there today in Georgia?  Is that disruptive?

THE PRESIDENT:  I — I don’t have any idea.

Q    On another issue on the other side of the world, in the Middle East.  It’s our understanding —

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to stick with this.

Q    What’s that?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to stick with this subject.  But go ahead.  I — I have — a thousand Olympians —

Q    Well, it’s just the fact that Israel may be now launching a limited operation into Lebanon.  Are you aware of that?  Are you comfortable with their plans, as best you know them?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m more aware than you might know, and I’m comfortable with them stopping.  We should have a ceasefire now.

Thank you.

Q    And Mr. President — Mr. President —

Q    Do you expect Iran to retaliate?

Q    On the hurricane, Mr. President.  Why weren’t you and Vice President Harris here in Washington commanding this this weekend?

THE PRESIDENT:  I was commanding.  I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before as well.  I commanded.  It’s called a telephone. 

Q    Is it —

THE PRESIDENT:  I had all of my security people.

11:19 A.M. EDT

The post Remarks by President Biden on his Administration’s Continued Response Efforts to Hurricane Helene appeared first on The White House.

11:12 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, folks. 

Good morning.

To state the obvious, over the weekend, we had devastating storms in the South.  I spoke with — for a couple hours with leaders yesterday affected by the hurricane and — Governor Kemp of Georgia, Governor Cooper of North Carolina, county officials in the Big Bend region of Florida, and other leaders in South Carolina and Tennessee about the broad and devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. 

It’s not just a catastrophic storm; it’s a historic history-making storm — the entire Southeast and Appalachia.  Damage from the hurricane stretches across at least 10 states.  Winds over 120 miles an hour in some places.  Storm surges up to 15 feet and record flooding. 

Communities are devastated.  Loved ones waiting, not sure if their loved ones are okay because they can’t contact them because there’s no cell phone connections.  Many more folks displaced with no idea when they’ll be able to be — return to their home, if ever — if there’s a home to return to.

So, we’re keeping our — we’re keeping them all in our prayers and all the lives lost — those particularly that are unaccounted for — there’s nothing like wondering, “Is my husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father alive?” — and many more who remain without electricity, water, food, and communications and whose homes and businesses have washed away in an instant. 

I want them to know we are not leaving until the job is done. 

I also want you to know I’m committed to traveling to the impacted areas as soon as possible.  But I’ve been told that it’d be disruptive if I did it right now.  We will not do that at the risk of diverting or delaying any — any of the response assets needed to deal with this crisis.

My first responsibility is to get all the help needed to those impacted areas.  And I expect to be there — (coughs) — excuse me, I have a cold — I expect to be there later this week.

I and my team are in constant contact with the governors, mayors, and local leaders.  The head of FEMA, Deanne Griswell [Criswell], is on the ground now in Northern — in North Carolina.  She’s going to stay in Asheville and the Appalachia region for the foreseeable future.

There’s been reports of over 100 dead and — as a consequence of this storm, and there are reports of up 600 mil- — 600 people unaccounted for because they can’t be contacted.  God willing, they’re alive, but there is no way to contact them, again, because of the lack of cell phone coverage.

I’ve directed my team to provide every — every available resource as fast as possible to your communities to rescue, recover, and to begin rebuilding.

In addition to FEMA — it includes the Federal Communications Commission to help establish communications capability, the National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Defense are going to provide all the resources at its disposal to rescue and assist in clearing debris and delivering lifesaving supplies.

So far, that’s over 3,600 personnel deployed.  That number is growing by the day.

I quickly approved requests from governors of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Alabama for an emergency declaration.  And I approved additional requests for the governors of North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina and — for a disaster declaration to pay for — to pay for debris removal, provide financial assistance directly — directly to survivors.

FEMA and the Small Business Administration are there to help the residents whose homes and businesses were literally destroyed — washed away or blown away. 

And the federal search and rescue teams have been working side by side with state and local officials and partners in very treacherous conditions to find those who are missing, and they will not rest until everyone is accounted for. 

And I want to thank all the — all the first responders and everyone who has been working around the clock. 

One of the brave teams that’s volunteered to be there is from San Diego County Fire Department, set to travel all the way from California to North Carolina to help.  But on their way, they were in a — in a terrible car accident in Louisiana.  We pray for their full recovery, but it was a bad accident. 

We know there is more to do, and we will continue to surge resources, including food, water, communications, and lifesaving equipment. We’ll be there, as I said before, and I mean it, as long as it takes to finish this job.

Let me close with this.  As president, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating toll that disasters like this take on families and communities.  I’ve been on the ground at many divat- — disasters areas since I’ve been president — (coughs) — excuse me — and I’ve heard dozens of stories from survivors about how it feels to be left with nothing, not even knowing where or when to get back on track. 

I am here to tell every single survivor in these impacted areas that we will be there with you as long as it takes. 

For the sake of yourselves — excuse me — (coughs) — and your families, I urge everyone — everyone returning to their communities and homes to listen to the local officials and follow all safety instructions.  Take this seriously.  Please be safe. 

Your nation has your back, and the Biden-Harris administration will be there until the job is done.

God bless you all.  And I’m thinking of those that are still wondering where your loved ones are.

Thank you.

Q    Will you need to pass a supplemental to help the people in the Southeast, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT:  Say again.

Q    Will you need to ask Congress for a supplemental to help the people —

THE PRESIDENT:  That’s my estim- — my expectation, yes.

Q    Do you know roughly how much you — you’re thinking at this point?

THE PRESIDENT:  Not yet.  It’s been — this is a historic storm.  It’s devastating.  They’ve not seen anything like this before.  And some of them were back-to-back; there were three storms in a row.  So, it’s really, really devastating.

Q    Would you consider asking Congress to come back for a special session to pass the supplemental?

THE PRESIDENT:  That is something I may have to request, but no decision has been made yet.

Q    Do you have a sense of where you’ll go when you are able to go, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  I told the governor of — of North Carolina I’d go down.  And I — and I expect to be down there by Wednesday or Thursday if it would be clear for me to go. 

You guys who travel with me know there’s an entourage that’s — that is — can be disruptive.

Q    Is it a mistake for — for President Trump to be down there today in Georgia?  Is that disruptive?

THE PRESIDENT:  I — I don’t have any idea.

Q    On another issue on the other side of the world, in the Middle East.  It’s our understanding —

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to stick with this.

Q    What’s that?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to stick with this subject.  But go ahead.  I — I have — a thousand Olympians —

Q    Well, it’s just the fact that Israel may be now launching a limited operation into Lebanon.  Are you aware of that?  Are you comfortable with their plans, as best you know them?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m more aware than you might know, and I’m comfortable with them stopping.  We should have a ceasefire now.

Thank you.

Q    And Mr. President — Mr. President —

Q    Do you expect Iran to retaliate?

Q    On the hurricane, Mr. President.  Why weren’t you and Vice President Harris here in Washington commanding this this weekend?

THE PRESIDENT:  I was commanding.  I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before as well.  I commanded.  It’s called a telephone. 

Q    Is it —

THE PRESIDENT:  I had all of my security people.

11:19 A.M. EDT

The post Remarks by President Biden on his Administration’s Continued Response Efforts to Hurricane Helene appeared first on The White House.

FEMA Headquarters
Washington, D.C.

5:02 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Addressing FEMA staff.)  Thank you, thank you, thank you.   (Applause.)  I — thank you all.  (Applause.)

I — I am actually here to — to applaud you, so — and then — but the way we have apparently set this up is I’m going to speak to the press.  And I’m sorry, I’m going to have my back to you for a moment, but then I’m going to visit with you and — because I really am here to thank you all.  I know how everyone here has been working around the clock, as you always do in moments like this.

So, I’m going to address the press, and then we’re going to have a conversation. 

(Addressing the press.)  Okay.  Okay.  Hi. 

So, good afternoon to everyone. 

Deputy Administrator Hooks, I thank you and — and everyone here for their leadership. 

As I — as I said briefly, I know who is here.  I know what you each do.  And you are so selfless in the way that you serve our country and, in particular, at times like this, people who are just so desperately in need of help, support, and just knowing that the resources are going to be expedited to them as they need it in their most vulnerable situation — when their families have been at risk, where their homes may have been destroyed, where they lack just basic, essential needs.  You all do that work around the clock as though these are your family members.  I know how you work, and I know how hard you work. 

So, I am here mostly to thank you all for all that you do, everyone who is here and everyone who is on the ground in the region at the moment. 

And I am here to also talk about where we are based on the briefings I have been receiving over the last couple of days.  I have received regular briefings on the impact of Hurricane Helene, including from Administrator Criswell.  And over the past 24 hours, I have spoken with Governor Kemp of Georgia, Governor Cooper of North Carolina, and many local officials. 

I have shared with them that we will do everything in our power to help communities respond and recover, and I’ve shared with them that I plan to be on the ground as soon as possible — but as soon as possible without disrupting any emergency response operations, because that must be the highest priority and the first order of business. 

The devastation from Hurricane Helene is immense.  Millions of Americans are without power.  Thousands of families have lost their homes.  Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed.  Major roads have been blocked or damaged, leaving entire towns inaccessible at this very moment.  Already, nearly 100 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds more are missing. 

The destruction we have seen in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia is heartbreaking. 

In coordination with state and local officials, President Biden and I will continue to make sure that communities have the support and the resources that they need not only to respond to this storm and its immediate aftermath but also the resources they will need to recover.

So far, more than 3,300 federal personnel are on the ground to assist with recovery efforts.  They are deploying food, water, and generators.  And we continue to work with teams on the ground to restore water and power as quickly as possible.

To everyone who has been impacted by this storm and to all of those of you who are rightly feeling overwhelmed by the destruction and the loss, our nation is with you.  And President Biden and I and all of the folks behind me are with you.  We will continue to do everything we can to help you recover and to help you rebuild, no matter how long it takes. 

And I do believe the true character of a nation is revealed in moments of hardship. 

Over the past few days, our nation has endured some of the worst destruction and devastation that we have seen in quite some time, and we have responded with our best — with the best folks who are on the ground and here doing the kind of work that is about rising to a moment of crisis to do everything we can to lift up folks who deserve to be seen and heard. 

Communities have been coming together.  People are checking in on their neighbors.  Families are opening their doors to strangers in need.  And as they always do, our first responders are working around the clock, putting their own lives at risk to keep our communities safe. 

Moments like this remind us we have so much more in common than what separates us.  And the true measure of our leadership — each one of us — is based on lifting other folks up, knowing how we can make a difference. 

So, I thank everyone for rising to this moment.  And I thank you all here for the work that you each do. 

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

Thank you all very much.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

(The vice president speaks with a FEMA staff member.)

I’m going to move this microphone.  (Laughter.)

(Addressing FEMA staff.)  Hey, guys.  I’m going to do the tour right now, but I — I really do mean what I said.  I know the work that you all are doing, and it is so critically important.

The people on the ground right now — you know, we know that communications are still down for so many people, which means that they don’t know necessarily what is being done right now by all of you to help them.  But I know, based on what you all historically have done, that the folks on the ground who have been impacted, I’m sure, have faith that you all are here right now as you are and that they know, in their hearts, that you all are working around the clock, as you’ve been. 

And I know it takes a lot out of you.  And you’re seeing a lot of pain.  You’ve seen the destruction.  You’re seeing the damage.  And it’s the work that you all have dedicated your lives to doing.  So, I just wanted to come by, truly, to say thank you to all of you, because it takes a lot out of you. 

And when you’re interacting with folks who are on the ground and need help, you know, they look in your eyes to see: Is — is everything going to be okay?  And sometimes you’re not sure, right?  But you do everything you can to make sure everything is going to be okay.  And that’s a strength that you uniquely have when you do this kind of work that you all do. 

So, thank you for all that you are doing.  Let’s keep it up.  I know we have many, many hours ahead of important and critical work, but you guys are just the best of anything that we could hope for in our country. 

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

END                  5:09 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris Before a Briefing on the Ongoing Impacts of Hurricane Helene and the Federal Actions Being Taken to Support Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts Across Several States appeared first on The White House.

FEMA Headquarters
Washington, D.C.

5:02 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Addressing FEMA staff.)  Thank you, thank you, thank you.   (Applause.)  I — thank you all.  (Applause.)

I — I am actually here to — to applaud you, so — and then — but the way we have apparently set this up is I’m going to speak to the press.  And I’m sorry, I’m going to have my back to you for a moment, but then I’m going to visit with you and — because I really am here to thank you all.  I know how everyone here has been working around the clock, as you always do in moments like this.

So, I’m going to address the press, and then we’re going to have a conversation. 

(Addressing the press.)  Okay.  Okay.  Hi. 

So, good afternoon to everyone. 

Deputy Administrator Hooks, I thank you and — and everyone here for their leadership. 

As I — as I said briefly, I know who is here.  I know what you each do.  And you are so selfless in the way that you serve our country and, in particular, at times like this, people who are just so desperately in need of help, support, and just knowing that the resources are going to be expedited to them as they need it in their most vulnerable situation — when their families have been at risk, where their homes may have been destroyed, where they lack just basic, essential needs.  You all do that work around the clock as though these are your family members.  I know how you work, and I know how hard you work. 

So, I am here mostly to thank you all for all that you do, everyone who is here and everyone who is on the ground in the region at the moment. 

And I am here to also talk about where we are based on the briefings I have been receiving over the last couple of days.  I have received regular briefings on the impact of Hurricane Helene, including from Administrator Criswell.  And over the past 24 hours, I have spoken with Governor Kemp of Georgia, Governor Cooper of North Carolina, and many local officials. 

I have shared with them that we will do everything in our power to help communities respond and recover, and I’ve shared with them that I plan to be on the ground as soon as possible — but as soon as possible without disrupting any emergency response operations, because that must be the highest priority and the first order of business. 

The devastation from Hurricane Helene is immense.  Millions of Americans are without power.  Thousands of families have lost their homes.  Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed.  Major roads have been blocked or damaged, leaving entire towns inaccessible at this very moment.  Already, nearly 100 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds more are missing. 

The destruction we have seen in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia is heartbreaking. 

In coordination with state and local officials, President Biden and I will continue to make sure that communities have the support and the resources that they need not only to respond to this storm and its immediate aftermath but also the resources they will need to recover.

So far, more than 3,300 federal personnel are on the ground to assist with recovery efforts.  They are deploying food, water, and generators.  And we continue to work with teams on the ground to restore water and power as quickly as possible.

To everyone who has been impacted by this storm and to all of those of you who are rightly feeling overwhelmed by the destruction and the loss, our nation is with you.  And President Biden and I and all of the folks behind me are with you.  We will continue to do everything we can to help you recover and to help you rebuild, no matter how long it takes. 

And I do believe the true character of a nation is revealed in moments of hardship. 

Over the past few days, our nation has endured some of the worst destruction and devastation that we have seen in quite some time, and we have responded with our best — with the best folks who are on the ground and here doing the kind of work that is about rising to a moment of crisis to do everything we can to lift up folks who deserve to be seen and heard. 

Communities have been coming together.  People are checking in on their neighbors.  Families are opening their doors to strangers in need.  And as they always do, our first responders are working around the clock, putting their own lives at risk to keep our communities safe. 

Moments like this remind us we have so much more in common than what separates us.  And the true measure of our leadership — each one of us — is based on lifting other folks up, knowing how we can make a difference. 

So, I thank everyone for rising to this moment.  And I thank you all here for the work that you each do. 

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

Thank you all very much.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

(The vice president speaks with a FEMA staff member.)

I’m going to move this microphone.  (Laughter.)

(Addressing FEMA staff.)  Hey, guys.  I’m going to do the tour right now, but I — I really do mean what I said.  I know the work that you all are doing, and it is so critically important.

The people on the ground right now — you know, we know that communications are still down for so many people, which means that they don’t know necessarily what is being done right now by all of you to help them.  But I know, based on what you all historically have done, that the folks on the ground who have been impacted, I’m sure, have faith that you all are here right now as you are and that they know, in their hearts, that you all are working around the clock, as you’ve been. 

And I know it takes a lot out of you.  And you’re seeing a lot of pain.  You’ve seen the destruction.  You’re seeing the damage.  And it’s the work that you all have dedicated your lives to doing.  So, I just wanted to come by, truly, to say thank you to all of you, because it takes a lot out of you. 

And when you’re interacting with folks who are on the ground and need help, you know, they look in your eyes to see: Is — is everything going to be okay?  And sometimes you’re not sure, right?  But you do everything you can to make sure everything is going to be okay.  And that’s a strength that you uniquely have when you do this kind of work that you all do. 

So, thank you for all that you are doing.  Let’s keep it up.  I know we have many, many hours ahead of important and critical work, but you guys are just the best of anything that we could hope for in our country. 

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

END                  5:09 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris Before a Briefing on the Ongoing Impacts of Hurricane Helene and the Federal Actions Being Taken to Support Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts Across Several States appeared first on The White House.

Mexico City, Mexico

Thank you, Ambassador.

It’s wonderful to be here representing the United States with so many of you.

Buenas tardes.

As we gather this evening, our hearts are with everyone who has been affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Joe and his team have mobilized a full federal response to save lives and help survivors.

The head of FEMA is on the ground, and we are sparing no resources to help the areas in need. Please keep those families and the first responders in your prayers.

The Mexican-American author Sandra Cisneros once said of the impact of her writing: “It is transmitting light, but I was just the conduit for that light, not the source. I am fortunate and blessed to be the flute, but I recognize and acknowledge I am not the music.”

Being a conduit of light and culture, this is diplomacy at its best.

And when I look around, I see her words come to life in all of you.

Because each of you, in your own way, channels the light and music—the hope and talent and vision—of one nation to the other.

Few country-to-country relationships are as consequential to Americans’ daily lives as that of the United States and Mexico.

I am honored to be with you tonight to celebrate the strength of the relationship between our countries—at such a historic moment.

Ambassador Salazar, thank you for welcoming us to your home. Over the past three years, Joe and I have seen your steady, thoughtful leadership to strengthen our ties with Mexico. We’re grateful to you, Hope, and your beautiful family for your service.

Thank you to the incredibly talented dancers for their performance earlier, and for sharing that vibrant piece of Mexican tradition with us.

And a special thanks to the entire team at the Embassy, including so many staff members who are from Mexico. Every day, you reinforce the connections between our two countries. We’re grateful for your dedication to the U.S. Mission.

There’s something special in the air this evening. I felt it as soon as I landed—a crackle of excitement to see the inauguration of the first woman president of Mexico.

As President-elect, Dr. Sheinbaum, has noted, she didn’t arrive to this historic moment alone. She said: “We all arrived, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our ancestors, our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters.”

Tomorrow, those generations of women will arrive together at the Legislative Palace to see her take the oath of office.

Joe and I—and so many Americans—wish her well and look forward to her leadership.

Under Dr. Sheinbaum’s presidency, I know that we will continue to build a more prosperous, safe, and democratic region. And take the next steps in our U.S.-Mexico partnership.

We are all part of that work.

Together, we can be the conduit for the light of our two nations, illuminating the path toward even brighter tomorrows, lifting up each other and the world.

###

The post Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Reception Hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar appeared first on The White House.

Mexico City, Mexico

Thank you, Ambassador.

It’s wonderful to be here representing the United States with so many of you.

Buenas tardes.

As we gather this evening, our hearts are with everyone who has been affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Joe and his team have mobilized a full federal response to save lives and help survivors.

The head of FEMA is on the ground, and we are sparing no resources to help the areas in need. Please keep those families and the first responders in your prayers.

The Mexican-American author Sandra Cisneros once said of the impact of her writing: “It is transmitting light, but I was just the conduit for that light, not the source. I am fortunate and blessed to be the flute, but I recognize and acknowledge I am not the music.”

Being a conduit of light and culture, this is diplomacy at its best.

And when I look around, I see her words come to life in all of you.

Because each of you, in your own way, channels the light and music—the hope and talent and vision—of one nation to the other.

Few country-to-country relationships are as consequential to Americans’ daily lives as that of the United States and Mexico.

I am honored to be with you tonight to celebrate the strength of the relationship between our countries—at such a historic moment.

Ambassador Salazar, thank you for welcoming us to your home. Over the past three years, Joe and I have seen your steady, thoughtful leadership to strengthen our ties with Mexico. We’re grateful to you, Hope, and your beautiful family for your service.

Thank you to the incredibly talented dancers for their performance earlier, and for sharing that vibrant piece of Mexican tradition with us.

And a special thanks to the entire team at the Embassy, including so many staff members who are from Mexico. Every day, you reinforce the connections between our two countries. We’re grateful for your dedication to the U.S. Mission.

There’s something special in the air this evening. I felt it as soon as I landed—a crackle of excitement to see the inauguration of the first woman president of Mexico.

As President-elect, Dr. Sheinbaum, has noted, she didn’t arrive to this historic moment alone. She said: “We all arrived, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our ancestors, our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters.”

Tomorrow, those generations of women will arrive together at the Legislative Palace to see her take the oath of office.

Joe and I—and so many Americans—wish her well and look forward to her leadership.

Under Dr. Sheinbaum’s presidency, I know that we will continue to build a more prosperous, safe, and democratic region. And take the next steps in our U.S.-Mexico partnership.

We are all part of that work.

Together, we can be the conduit for the light of our two nations, illuminating the path toward even brighter tomorrows, lifting up each other and the world.

###

The post Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Reception Hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar appeared first on The White House.

When I think of clean energy, I think of good-paying jobs for American workers.  Our Nation is leading the fight against the existential threat of climate change all while growing our economy and transitioning this country to a clean, reliable, and affordable energy future.  During National Clean Energy Action Month, we recommit to investing in America and American workers as we build a cleaner, more energy secure future.  

Since day one of my Administration, in partnership with Vice President Harris, I have been committed to building a clean energy economy that creates good-paying and union jobs for American workers.  That is why my Investing in America agenda is making the most significant investment in climate and clean energy in history.  That investment has helped America unleash a clean energy manufacturing and deployment boom — attracting more than $426 billion in private sector investment commitments.  It has also created more than 330,000 new jobs according to independent estimates.  These investments are disproportionately going to places that have been left behind — including historic energy communities that have powered this Nation for generations and to workers who do not have a 4-year college degree.

We are also making investments that help ensure our clean energy future will be built here in America — by American workers.  My Inflation Reduction Act is delivering on my commitment to be the most pro-worker, pro-union President in history.  For the first time ever, we are attaching strong labor protections and incentives to climate and clean energy tax credits.  My Administration finalized a rule through the Inflation Reduction Act incentivizing companies to pay clean energy workers a prevailing wage and employ registered apprentices.  These provisions help ensure jobs building wind farms, installing solar panels, and constructing hydrogen and carbon capture facilities will be good-paying and support proven pathways into the clean energy industry that allow workers to earn while they learn.  Outside estimates suggest the Inflation Reduction Act could help create as many as 1.5 million jobs over the next decade.  And I launched the American Climate Corps to train this next generation of clean energy, conservation, and resilience workers. 

My Administration is making significant progress toward our ambitious goals of securing 100 percent clean electricity by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.  That is in no small part due to our Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits and rebates, which families can use to install solar panels, buy energy-saving appliances, get heat pumps, and purchase American-made electric cars.  Not only will this law help triple wind power generation and increase solar production eight-fold by 2030 — tens of billions of dollars will go to the pockets of American families.  And through Federal programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, we are lowering Americans’ energy bills and making millions of homes safer and more energy efficient.

But there is still so much more to do to ensure that we are leading American industries into the 21st century and tackling climate change.  That is why my Administration made the largest investment in America’s power grid ever — making it more resilient to severe weather, laying new transmission lines, and upgrading existing infrastructure so clean and affordable energy can reach every corner of the country.  At the same time, we are speeding up permitting for clean energy and transmission projects while implementing new emissions standards to reduce pollution from oil and gas producers, power plants, and vehicles — which will save American lives, improve the well-being of our people, and save tens of billions of dollars in healthcare costs.    

Across the country, Americans are writing the next chapter in our Nation’s clean energy future — they are getting shovels in the ground and working hard in good-paying jobs all while supporting their families and restoring pride to their communities.  During National Clean Energy Action Month, we celebrate all the progress in clean energy, and we recommit to coming together to secure the future of clean energy here at home.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Clean Energy Action Month.  I call upon all Americans to explore whether new tax credits and rebates can help them lower emissions and save money on energy bills, cars, and home upgrades, and to recognize this month by talking to neighbors, friends, and coworkers about opportunities to address the climate crisis, and working together to mitigate climate change and achieve a healthier environment for all.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Clean Energy Action Month, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

When I think of clean energy, I think of good-paying jobs for American workers.  Our Nation is leading the fight against the existential threat of climate change all while growing our economy and transitioning this country to a clean, reliable, and affordable energy future.  During National Clean Energy Action Month, we recommit to investing in America and American workers as we build a cleaner, more energy secure future.  

Since day one of my Administration, in partnership with Vice President Harris, I have been committed to building a clean energy economy that creates good-paying and union jobs for American workers.  That is why my Investing in America agenda is making the most significant investment in climate and clean energy in history.  That investment has helped America unleash a clean energy manufacturing and deployment boom — attracting more than $426 billion in private sector investment commitments.  It has also created more than 330,000 new jobs according to independent estimates.  These investments are disproportionately going to places that have been left behind — including historic energy communities that have powered this Nation for generations and to workers who do not have a 4-year college degree.

We are also making investments that help ensure our clean energy future will be built here in America — by American workers.  My Inflation Reduction Act is delivering on my commitment to be the most pro-worker, pro-union President in history.  For the first time ever, we are attaching strong labor protections and incentives to climate and clean energy tax credits.  My Administration finalized a rule through the Inflation Reduction Act incentivizing companies to pay clean energy workers a prevailing wage and employ registered apprentices.  These provisions help ensure jobs building wind farms, installing solar panels, and constructing hydrogen and carbon capture facilities will be good-paying and support proven pathways into the clean energy industry that allow workers to earn while they learn.  Outside estimates suggest the Inflation Reduction Act could help create as many as 1.5 million jobs over the next decade.  And I launched the American Climate Corps to train this next generation of clean energy, conservation, and resilience workers. 

My Administration is making significant progress toward our ambitious goals of securing 100 percent clean electricity by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.  That is in no small part due to our Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits and rebates, which families can use to install solar panels, buy energy-saving appliances, get heat pumps, and purchase American-made electric cars.  Not only will this law help triple wind power generation and increase solar production eight-fold by 2030 — tens of billions of dollars will go to the pockets of American families.  And through Federal programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, we are lowering Americans’ energy bills and making millions of homes safer and more energy efficient.

But there is still so much more to do to ensure that we are leading American industries into the 21st century and tackling climate change.  That is why my Administration made the largest investment in America’s power grid ever — making it more resilient to severe weather, laying new transmission lines, and upgrading existing infrastructure so clean and affordable energy can reach every corner of the country.  At the same time, we are speeding up permitting for clean energy and transmission projects while implementing new emissions standards to reduce pollution from oil and gas producers, power plants, and vehicles — which will save American lives, improve the well-being of our people, and save tens of billions of dollars in healthcare costs.    

Across the country, Americans are writing the next chapter in our Nation’s clean energy future — they are getting shovels in the ground and working hard in good-paying jobs all while supporting their families and restoring pride to their communities.  During National Clean Energy Action Month, we celebrate all the progress in clean energy, and we recommit to coming together to secure the future of clean energy here at home.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Clean Energy Action Month.  I call upon all Americans to explore whether new tax credits and rebates can help them lower emissions and save money on energy bills, cars, and home upgrades, and to recognize this month by talking to neighbors, friends, and coworkers about opportunities to address the climate crisis, and working together to mitigate climate change and achieve a healthier environment for all.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Clean Energy Action Month, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

    Too many Americans know the pain of losing a mother, sister, wife, daughter, or loved one to breast cancer.  During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the memories of all those we have lost to this devastating disease.  We give strength and support to their families, to their caregivers, to survivors, and to women still undergoing treatment.  And we express our gratitude to all the medical professionals and health researchers working tirelessly to end cancer as we know it. 

     Today, there are more than four million breast cancer survivors in America — and this year alone, hundreds of thousands more will be diagnosed.  While scientists have made significant breakthroughs to better prevent, detect, and treat breast cancer, a diagnosis is frightening and overwhelming.  Patients and families are often flooded with complex medical information and forced to advocate for themselves to receive basic care.  Additionally, some patients are left saddled with exorbitant medical bills while undergoing grueling treatments.

     For my family and Vice President Harris’ family — along with millions of families across the country — cancer is personal.  Ending cancer as we know it has been a top priority for my Administration since day one.  The First Lady and I reignited the Cancer Moonshot to cut the cancer death rate by at least 50 percent over the next 25 years and improve the experience of those diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones.  I also established the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, securing $4 billion in bipartisan funding to help the scientists, innovators, and public health professionals who are working around the clock to improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancers and other deadly diseases.

     My Administration has also worked hard to make cancer treatment more affordable for patients.  I strengthened Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), expanding health coverage to millions of Americans and saving millions of families $800 per year on their health insurance premiums.  My Inflation Reduction Act will cap total out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year for seniors and other people on Medicare — including expensive cancer medications, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. 

     Moreover, to increase support for patients and their families, we have ensured that people facing cancer can access patient navigation services that are fully paid for through Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance.  This personalized assistance helps lift the burden of managing the complex medical journey alone from millions of patients.

     Furthermore, my Administration is committed to ensuring women have access to screening and early detection services, which are critical in catching breast cancer early and saving lives.  Toward that aim, we expanded coverage under the ACA, which requires insurers to pay for recommended cancer screenings — including mammograms — for many more Americans.  We expanded access to free breast cancer screenings for any veteran exposed to burn pits during their military service.  And we will continue to forge partnerships with community health centers to help ensure underserved communities have access to early detection and support services.

     For more information about breast cancer, go to cancer.gov/types/breast or call 1-800-422-6237 to speak to information specialists at the National Cancer Institute in English and in Spanish.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program also offers breast cancer screenings or diagnostic services to low-income individuals who are uninsured or otherwise qualify for the program — go to cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/ to learn more.

     This National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us each recommit to doing our part to give more support, hope, and care to patients, families, and survivors of breast cancer.  Let us rise above party and politics and unite as Americans to help all of our loved ones struggling with this terrible disease.  And let us strengthen our resolve together as a Nation to end cancer as we know it — for all the lives we have lost and all those we can still save. 

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control breast cancer and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to this disease.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

    Too many Americans know the pain of losing a mother, sister, wife, daughter, or loved one to breast cancer.  During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the memories of all those we have lost to this devastating disease.  We give strength and support to their families, to their caregivers, to survivors, and to women still undergoing treatment.  And we express our gratitude to all the medical professionals and health researchers working tirelessly to end cancer as we know it. 

     Today, there are more than four million breast cancer survivors in America — and this year alone, hundreds of thousands more will be diagnosed.  While scientists have made significant breakthroughs to better prevent, detect, and treat breast cancer, a diagnosis is frightening and overwhelming.  Patients and families are often flooded with complex medical information and forced to advocate for themselves to receive basic care.  Additionally, some patients are left saddled with exorbitant medical bills while undergoing grueling treatments.

     For my family and Vice President Harris’ family — along with millions of families across the country — cancer is personal.  Ending cancer as we know it has been a top priority for my Administration since day one.  The First Lady and I reignited the Cancer Moonshot to cut the cancer death rate by at least 50 percent over the next 25 years and improve the experience of those diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones.  I also established the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, securing $4 billion in bipartisan funding to help the scientists, innovators, and public health professionals who are working around the clock to improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancers and other deadly diseases.

     My Administration has also worked hard to make cancer treatment more affordable for patients.  I strengthened Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), expanding health coverage to millions of Americans and saving millions of families $800 per year on their health insurance premiums.  My Inflation Reduction Act will cap total out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year for seniors and other people on Medicare — including expensive cancer medications, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. 

     Moreover, to increase support for patients and their families, we have ensured that people facing cancer can access patient navigation services that are fully paid for through Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance.  This personalized assistance helps lift the burden of managing the complex medical journey alone from millions of patients.

     Furthermore, my Administration is committed to ensuring women have access to screening and early detection services, which are critical in catching breast cancer early and saving lives.  Toward that aim, we expanded coverage under the ACA, which requires insurers to pay for recommended cancer screenings — including mammograms — for many more Americans.  We expanded access to free breast cancer screenings for any veteran exposed to burn pits during their military service.  And we will continue to forge partnerships with community health centers to help ensure underserved communities have access to early detection and support services.

     For more information about breast cancer, go to cancer.gov/types/breast or call 1-800-422-6237 to speak to information specialists at the National Cancer Institute in English and in Spanish.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program also offers breast cancer screenings or diagnostic services to low-income individuals who are uninsured or otherwise qualify for the program — go to cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/ to learn more.

     This National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us each recommit to doing our part to give more support, hope, and care to patients, families, and survivors of breast cancer.  Let us rise above party and politics and unite as Americans to help all of our loved ones struggling with this terrible disease.  And let us strengthen our resolve together as a Nation to end cancer as we know it — for all the lives we have lost and all those we can still save. 

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control breast cancer and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to this disease.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

   Defending our digital world is essential to ensuring the safety and security of our Nation and the American people.  During National Cybersecurity Month, we recommit to protecting our data and technologies from malicious hackers and cyber threats.  We encourage all Americans to learn more about cybersecurity.  And we promise to ensure that America can realize the positive impacts of our digital future.

     My Administration is committed to securing the digital ecosystems that touch nearly every aspect of American life.  That is why I released the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which lays out 100 actions the Federal Government, along with our public and private sector partners, is taking to defend our increasingly digital world.  This strategy aims to ensure primary responsibility for creating a safe digital future is borne by technology companies and the Federal Government, entities that are most capable and best-positioned to reduce cyber-related risks for all of us.  I have signed Executive Orders to secure the digital infrastructure of the Nation’s ports, fortify our supply chains, and strengthen our industrial base.  Furthermore, my Administration launched the “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark” program, which works with leading product manufacturers and retailers to ensure Americans have the option of choosing safer smart devices.  Through executive action, we are also setting a higher standard of security for the software purchased by the Government.  

     To keep our digital world safe, we are supporting efforts to build a strong cyber workforce that is ready to meet this moment.  My Administration is committed to investing in the next generation of cybersecurity experts and opening up more opportunities for Americans to pursue a cyber-based career.  We have invested in infrastructure projects across the country, where America’s workers are building semiconductors and making our electric grids more resilient to cyber threats.  We also released a National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy focused on giving more Americans access to the skills and education needed to pursue good-paying jobs in the cyber field.  We have made the Federal Government a model for that work by transitioning the hiring process for cyber positions in the Federal Government to be skills-based –- focusing on required skills and removing unnecessary degree requirements.  We launched the “Service for America” campaign with a recruiting and hiring sprint to connect more people to cyber jobs and fill critical vacancies.  And we are working with academia and the public and private sectors to grow the national cyber workforce by providing high-quality training, scholarships, paid internships, and Registered Apprenticeships.

     My Administration is ensuring that America leads the world in cybersecurity, and we are working with our international partners to combat cyber threats.  We are convening the nearly 70 member countries and international organizations of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative launched by my Administration to address the scourge of ransomware at both an operational and a policy level.  We are working closely with allies and partners to bolster our cyber defense so that we can communicate and support one another in response to cyberattacks.  And we have established cybersecurity goals that are rooted in protecting our shared democratic values.

     During National Cybersecurity Month, we recognize the important role that cybersecurity plays in keeping Americans safe, protecting our institutions, and upholding our democracy.  We honor all of the cybersecurity professionals, who are working tirelessly to defend our digital world.  And we look forward to all that we will accomplish as we work together to advance cybersecurity.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Cybersecurity Month.  I call upon the people, businesses, and institutions of the United States to recognize and act on the importance of cybersecurity and to observe National Cybersecurity Month in support of our national security and resilience.  I also call upon businesses and institutions to take action to better protect the American people against cyber threats and create new opportunities for American workers to pursue good-paying cyber jobs.  Americans can also take immediate action to better protect themselves by turning on multifactor authentication, updating software on computers and devices, using strong passwords, and remaining cautious of clicking on links that look suspicious.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
 
 
                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

   Defending our digital world is essential to ensuring the safety and security of our Nation and the American people.  During National Cybersecurity Month, we recommit to protecting our data and technologies from malicious hackers and cyber threats.  We encourage all Americans to learn more about cybersecurity.  And we promise to ensure that America can realize the positive impacts of our digital future.

     My Administration is committed to securing the digital ecosystems that touch nearly every aspect of American life.  That is why I released the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which lays out 100 actions the Federal Government, along with our public and private sector partners, is taking to defend our increasingly digital world.  This strategy aims to ensure primary responsibility for creating a safe digital future is borne by technology companies and the Federal Government, entities that are most capable and best-positioned to reduce cyber-related risks for all of us.  I have signed Executive Orders to secure the digital infrastructure of the Nation’s ports, fortify our supply chains, and strengthen our industrial base.  Furthermore, my Administration launched the “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark” program, which works with leading product manufacturers and retailers to ensure Americans have the option of choosing safer smart devices.  Through executive action, we are also setting a higher standard of security for the software purchased by the Government.  

     To keep our digital world safe, we are supporting efforts to build a strong cyber workforce that is ready to meet this moment.  My Administration is committed to investing in the next generation of cybersecurity experts and opening up more opportunities for Americans to pursue a cyber-based career.  We have invested in infrastructure projects across the country, where America’s workers are building semiconductors and making our electric grids more resilient to cyber threats.  We also released a National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy focused on giving more Americans access to the skills and education needed to pursue good-paying jobs in the cyber field.  We have made the Federal Government a model for that work by transitioning the hiring process for cyber positions in the Federal Government to be skills-based –- focusing on required skills and removing unnecessary degree requirements.  We launched the “Service for America” campaign with a recruiting and hiring sprint to connect more people to cyber jobs and fill critical vacancies.  And we are working with academia and the public and private sectors to grow the national cyber workforce by providing high-quality training, scholarships, paid internships, and Registered Apprenticeships.

     My Administration is ensuring that America leads the world in cybersecurity, and we are working with our international partners to combat cyber threats.  We are convening the nearly 70 member countries and international organizations of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative launched by my Administration to address the scourge of ransomware at both an operational and a policy level.  We are working closely with allies and partners to bolster our cyber defense so that we can communicate and support one another in response to cyberattacks.  And we have established cybersecurity goals that are rooted in protecting our shared democratic values.

     During National Cybersecurity Month, we recognize the important role that cybersecurity plays in keeping Americans safe, protecting our institutions, and upholding our democracy.  We honor all of the cybersecurity professionals, who are working tirelessly to defend our digital world.  And we look forward to all that we will accomplish as we work together to advance cybersecurity.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Cybersecurity Month.  I call upon the people, businesses, and institutions of the United States to recognize and act on the importance of cybersecurity and to observe National Cybersecurity Month in support of our national security and resilience.  I also call upon businesses and institutions to take action to better protect the American people against cyber threats and create new opportunities for American workers to pursue good-paying cyber jobs.  Americans can also take immediate action to better protect themselves by turning on multifactor authentication, updating software on computers and devices, using strong passwords, and remaining cautious of clicking on links that look suspicious.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
 
 
                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

America’s economy is stronger when every American has an opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully.  During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we honor the incredible contributions of disabled Americans to our country and economy.  And we recommit to opening the doors of opportunity wider for people with disabilities, making our Nation more equal, accessible, and fair.

Not too long ago, a person with a disability in America could be denied employment because of their disability.  They could even be denied access to public spaces and basic needs like service in a restaurant or a grocery store.  One of my early acts as a United States Senator was co-sponsoring the Rehabilitation Act.  It was the first time in our Nation’s history that we declared in law what we knew to be true:  that Americans with disabilities deserve dignity, respect, and an equal chance at the American Dream.  The Rehabilitation Act is one of the most consequential civil rights laws in our Nation’s history, banning discrimination on the basis of disability by any entity the Federal Government funds. 

The Rehabilitation Act laid the groundwork for another landmark law:  the Americans with Disabilities Act.  I was enormously proud to co-sponsor that bill and remain even prouder of its lasting legacy today.  For more than 61 million Americans living with a disability, these laws are a source of opportunity, meaningful inclusion, participation, respect, and -‑ as my dad would say — dignity.  And in the Obama-Biden Administration, we built on the lasting legacy of these laws by setting hiring goals in Federal contracts for people with disabilities, which we have upheld and continued to pursue in the Biden-Harris Administration.

My Administration is committed to ensuring people with disabilities have access to good jobs.  In my first few months in office, I signed an Executive Order establishing a Government-wide commitment to advancing equality and equity in Federal employment, including for people with disabilities.  It brought together the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Office of Personnel Management to ensure that Federal workplaces are fully accessible to people with disabilities so that the dignity and rights of disabled Americans are lifted in every policy we pursue.  That includes making sure our Nation’s largest employer — the Federal Government — is the model for fair, accessible, and decent practices in the workplace.  This Executive Order directs agencies to address the challenges faced by job applicants and employees with disabilities.  Additionally, the General Services Administration adopted the United States Access Board’s new guidelines to ensure people with disabilities have access to the over 300,000 Federal Government buildings.  Furthermore, my Administration ended the use of unfair subminimum wages in Federal contracts — no longer will employers be permitted to pay workers with disabilities less than minimum wage through the AbilityOne Federal contracting program.  And the Department of Labor has launched a comprehensive review of the subminimum wage program.  We are working to increase hiring for people with disabilities in every sector — from helping State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofits access Federal funds to hire more disabled Americans to appointing people with disabilities to positions in my Administration.

My Administration is also strengthening our Nation’s infrastructure and making it more accessible so that people with disabilities have no problems commuting to work or other places.  My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes the biggest investment ever — $1.75 billion — to expand accessibility in transit and rail stations.  It also includes $65 billion to expand access to high-speed internet so more disabled Americans can work, study, and stay connected from home.  Further, the Department of Justice finalized standards for State and local governments to make their internet content and mobile apps more accessible so that digital workplaces are accessible to disabled Americans.

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the talent, impact, and legacy of people with disabilities across our Nation by working to make our country stronger, more prosperous, and more just.  And we recommit to ensuring people with disabilities have every opportunity to pursue the American Dream.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  I urge all Americans to embrace the talents and skills of workers with disabilities and to promote the right to equal employment opportunity for all.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

America’s economy is stronger when every American has an opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully.  During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we honor the incredible contributions of disabled Americans to our country and economy.  And we recommit to opening the doors of opportunity wider for people with disabilities, making our Nation more equal, accessible, and fair.

Not too long ago, a person with a disability in America could be denied employment because of their disability.  They could even be denied access to public spaces and basic needs like service in a restaurant or a grocery store.  One of my early acts as a United States Senator was co-sponsoring the Rehabilitation Act.  It was the first time in our Nation’s history that we declared in law what we knew to be true:  that Americans with disabilities deserve dignity, respect, and an equal chance at the American Dream.  The Rehabilitation Act is one of the most consequential civil rights laws in our Nation’s history, banning discrimination on the basis of disability by any entity the Federal Government funds. 

The Rehabilitation Act laid the groundwork for another landmark law:  the Americans with Disabilities Act.  I was enormously proud to co-sponsor that bill and remain even prouder of its lasting legacy today.  For more than 61 million Americans living with a disability, these laws are a source of opportunity, meaningful inclusion, participation, respect, and -‑ as my dad would say — dignity.  And in the Obama-Biden Administration, we built on the lasting legacy of these laws by setting hiring goals in Federal contracts for people with disabilities, which we have upheld and continued to pursue in the Biden-Harris Administration.

My Administration is committed to ensuring people with disabilities have access to good jobs.  In my first few months in office, I signed an Executive Order establishing a Government-wide commitment to advancing equality and equity in Federal employment, including for people with disabilities.  It brought together the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Office of Personnel Management to ensure that Federal workplaces are fully accessible to people with disabilities so that the dignity and rights of disabled Americans are lifted in every policy we pursue.  That includes making sure our Nation’s largest employer — the Federal Government — is the model for fair, accessible, and decent practices in the workplace.  This Executive Order directs agencies to address the challenges faced by job applicants and employees with disabilities.  Additionally, the General Services Administration adopted the United States Access Board’s new guidelines to ensure people with disabilities have access to the over 300,000 Federal Government buildings.  Furthermore, my Administration ended the use of unfair subminimum wages in Federal contracts — no longer will employers be permitted to pay workers with disabilities less than minimum wage through the AbilityOne Federal contracting program.  And the Department of Labor has launched a comprehensive review of the subminimum wage program.  We are working to increase hiring for people with disabilities in every sector — from helping State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofits access Federal funds to hire more disabled Americans to appointing people with disabilities to positions in my Administration.

My Administration is also strengthening our Nation’s infrastructure and making it more accessible so that people with disabilities have no problems commuting to work or other places.  My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes the biggest investment ever — $1.75 billion — to expand accessibility in transit and rail stations.  It also includes $65 billion to expand access to high-speed internet so more disabled Americans can work, study, and stay connected from home.  Further, the Department of Justice finalized standards for State and local governments to make their internet content and mobile apps more accessible so that digital workplaces are accessible to disabled Americans.

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the talent, impact, and legacy of people with disabilities across our Nation by working to make our country stronger, more prosperous, and more just.  And we recommit to ensuring people with disabilities have every opportunity to pursue the American Dream.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  I urge all Americans to embrace the talents and skills of workers with disabilities and to promote the right to equal employment opportunity for all.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

On Monday, September 30, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 3764, the “United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2024,” which extends and authorizes annual appropriations for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom through fiscal year 2026.

Thank you to Senators Rubio, Cardin, Cruz, Coons, and Lankford, and Representatives Chris Smith, Eshoo, Bilirakis, and Cuellar for their leadership.

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The post Bill Signed: S. 3764 appeared first on The White House.

On Monday, September 30, 2024, the President signed into law:

S. 3764, the “United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2024,” which extends and authorizes annual appropriations for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom through fiscal year 2026.

Thank you to Senators Rubio, Cardin, Cruz, Coons, and Lankford, and Representatives Chris Smith, Eshoo, Bilirakis, and Cuellar for their leadership.

###

The post Bill Signed: S. 3764 appeared first on The White House.