This is an Open Thread
Howdy TNBers! How is everyone today? I’m dragging a little, but working on my first cup of crack, I mean coffee so maybe things will be looking up soon.
Ugh. I still don’t want to talk about this clock.
When they tell you not to Panic, Thats When you Run!
Here is Biden’s schedule for today, looks like a busy morning so let’s jump right in.
Biden is traveling to Minnesota today.
Here are a couple of highlights
10:45 EST: THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks and signs into law S. 796, “Protecting Moms Who Served Act of 2021,” S. 894, “Hire Veteran Health Heroes Act of 2021,” S.1031, “A bill to require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes,” and S. 1095, “Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021”; THE VICE PRESIDENT and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs also attend
2:50 PM EST: THE PRESIDENT visits Dakota County Technical College, which has programs to train the next generation of workers to build, operate, and maintain infrastructure supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
3:30 PM EST: THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will deliver for the American people, create good-paying union jobs, and lower prices by improving the infrastructure for our supply chains
Let’s finish out Monday. It was a busy one, too, so we had 9 more @POTUS tweets.
For transcript, see here at whitehouse.gov briefing room
Remarks by President Biden Providing an Update on the Omicron Variant
NOVEMBER 29, 2021 | 12:01 P.M. EST
SPEECHES AND REMARKS
Roosevelt Room
For White House statements and releases and statements from the attendees, see here at whitehouse.gov:
President Biden Hosts Roundtable with Leading Retailers About Holiday Shopping, Stocked Shelves and Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges
NOVEMBER 29, 2021 | STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
Many retailers initiated Black Friday deals as early as October, and many Americans did their holiday shopping earlier than usual, spreading out the impact of holiday season shopping.
Click here to read the latest updates on the progress at our ports.
Attendees at the meeting included:
Corie Barry, CEO, Best Buy
KS Choi, CEO, Samsung
Carlos Castro, CEO, Todos Supermarket
Meg Ham, President, Food Lion
Ynon Kreiz, CEO, Mattel
Karen Lynch, President and CEO, CVS Health
Doug McMillon, President and CEO, Walmart
Rodney McMullen, CEO, Kroger
David Rawlinson, President and CEO, Qurate Retail Group
Josh Silverman, CEO, Etsy
Hey, look. Psaki did do a press briefing. For transcript, see here: whitehouse.gov.
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, November 29, 2021
NOVEMBER 29, 2021 | PRESS BRIEFINGS
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
For today, @POTUS [so far] has tweeted 3 times:
President Biden Delivers Remarks and Signs Into Law Bipartisan Veterans Bills
President Biden Delivers Remarks and Signs Into Law S. 796, “Protecting Moms Who Served Act of 2021,” S. 894, “Hire Veteran Health Heroes Act of 2021,” S. 1031, “A Bill to Require the Comptroller General of the United States to Conduct a Study on Disparities Associated with Race and Ethnicity with Respect to Certain Benefits Administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for Other Purposes,” and S.1095, “Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021”
Press Briefing by White House COVID-19 Response Team and Public Health Officials
According to the daily POTUS schedule, Press Secretary Psaki will be hold a gaggle with press aboard AF-1 en route to St. Paul, Minnesota.
From the White House Briefing Room:
President Biden Announces Defense Acquisition Nominee
NOVEMBER 30, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate William LaPlante for Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment at the Department of Defense.
William LaPlante, Nominee for Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, Department of Defense
William LaPlante, Nominee for Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, Department of Defense
Dr. William A. LaPlante is a seasoned national security leader with nearly four decades of experience in acquisition, technology, sustainment and the defense industrial base. Dr. LaPlante has spent much of those decades delivering material as well as conceptual innovations to enhance national security capabilities and efficiency. In his current role as president and chief executive officer of Draper Laboratory, Dr. LaPlante has focused on aligning Draper’s work with emerging technology and the global competitive innovation landscape. Prior to joining Draper, Dr. LaPlante was senior vice president for the MITRE Corporation’s National Sector, where he oversaw the operation of federally funded research and development centers for the Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce. As MITRE National Security lead, he drove the development of advanced command and control, and system of system concepts, as well as cyber systems and supply chain resiliency approaches. Previously, he served in the Obama-Biden Administration as the Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics from 2014–2017. In that capacity, Dr. LaPlante aligned that Service’s 43-billion-dollar acquisition enterprise budget with the Air Force vision and strategy. In addition, he forged a path forward on critical Air Force acquisition programs such as the B-21 long range strike bomber, while realizing nearly $6 billion in “should-cost” savings in other Air Force programs.Dr. LaPlante is a present and past member of several scientific boards and commissions focused on bettering national security, including serving as a commissioner on the congressionally mandated Section 809 Panel, which performed a comprehensive review of Department of Defense acquisition policies, and provided efficiency and improvement recommendations for the Congress. He also served as a multi-decade member of the Defense Science Board, chairing or serving on more than 20 important studies and task forces. He additionally served as a member of the Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow, the Board of the National Defense Industrial Association, the U.S. Strategic Command Senior Advisory Group, and the Naval Research Advisory Committee. Dr. LaPlante earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree in applied physics from Johns Hopkins University, and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the Catholic University of America.
A Proclamation on World AIDS Day, 2021
NOVEMBER 30, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
For decades, World AIDS Day has been recognized as an opportunity for people around the world to stand together in the fight against HIV. This year on World AIDS Day, we are focused on addressing health inequities and inequalities and ensuring that the voices of people with HIV are at the center of our work to end the HIV epidemic globally.
While we have made remarkable progress in the 40 years since the first-known reported case of AIDS, this disease remains a serious public health challenge — and we join the international community to honor and remember the more than 36 million people, including 700,000 Americans, who have tragically died from AIDS-related illness since the start of the epidemic. We also renew our commitment to stand with the nearly 38 million people living with HIV around the world as we pursue our shared goal of ending the HIV epidemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the challenges our heroic health care and frontline workers face, yet they continue to deliver essential HIV prevention services and provide vital care and treatment to people living with HIV. The pandemic has also interrupted HIV research and highlighted the work that still remains to achieve equitable access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment in every community — particularly for communities of color, adolescent girls and young women, and the LGBTQI+ community.
My Administration remains steadfast in our efforts to end the HIV epidemic, confront systems and policies that perpetuate entrenched health inequities, and build a healthier world for all people. Earlier this year, I reinstated the White House Office of National AIDS Policy to coordinate our efforts to reduce the number of HIV infections across our Nation. This week, my Administration is releasing an updated National HIV/AIDS Strategy to decrease health inequities in new diagnoses and improve access to comprehensive, evidence-based HIV-prevention tools. This updated strategy will make equity a cornerstone of our response and bring a whole-of-government approach to fighting HIV.
My budget request includes $670 million to support the Department of Health and Human Services’ Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. Initiative — to reduce HIV diagnoses and AIDS-related deaths. My Administration has also strengthened the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS by adding members from diverse backgrounds who bring the knowledge and expertise needed to further our Nation’s HIV response.My Administration is committed to helping the world end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. Through the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), we have saved more than 21 million lives, prevented millions of HIV infections, and supported at least 20 countries around the world to reach epidemic control of HIV or achieve their ambitious HIV treatment targets. This remarkable progress over the past 18 years has been made possible through strong, bipartisan United States leadership and American generosity. Now, together with partner governments and communities, my Administration is setting a bold vision for achieving sustained epidemic control of HIV by supporting equitable health services and solutions, contributing to improved health for all in PEPFAR-supported countries, and working with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; UNAIDS; and other regional and local partners toward the goal of ending the HIV epidemic everywhere.
Ending the HIV epidemic is within our reach, and we are committed to finishing this work. On World AIDS Day, we rededicate ourselves to building on the progress of the last 4 decades; upholding and advancing human rights; supporting research, science, and data-driven solutions; expanding access to housing, education, and economic empowerment; and fighting stigma and discrimination. No one living with HIV should suffer the undeserved guilt and prejudice that too many continue to experience. We must innovate and explore new ways to help address HIV/AIDS in communities here at home and around the world.
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 December 1, 2021, as World AIDS Day. I urge the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and the American people to join the HIV community in activities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and to provide support, dignity, and compassion to those living with HIV.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
A Proclamation on National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2021
NOVEMBER 30, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
Every year, thousands of lives are needlessly lost on our Nation’s roadways because of alcohol — and drug-impaired driving. These are avoidable tragedies that leave deep holes in our Nation’s families and communities. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to preventing impaired driving. We remember the victims and honor their memory by making the responsible decision to drive sober and ensure that others do the same.
Driving while impaired by any substance — legal or illegal — is dangerous. Alcohol, illicit drugs, and even over-the-counter and prescription medications can impair a driver’s judgment, decrease motor coordination, and slow the reaction time necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle. Alcohol-impaired driving has led to over 10,000 deaths each year.My Administration is committed to reducing the number of impaired drivers and raising awareness about the dangers of driving impaired. The new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act calls for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a new standard for “advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology” for new vehicles, which would help prevent impaired drivers from taking the wheel.
My Administration is building our capacity to end impaired driving by supporting innovative strategies that reduce impaired driving-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities while safeguarding against bias and ensuring racial equity. To identify and support people with substance use disorders, we are increasing impaired driving risk screening, supporting evidence-based prevention programs, and providing access to evidence-based treatment and recovery support services. My Administration is also raising awareness about the effects of impairment on driving ability through the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and If You Feel Different, You Drive Different national media campaigns.
While our technology continues to advance and may one day help solve the problem of impaired driving, everyone must take individual responsibility and pledge to never drive while impaired and to deter others from making that fateful decision.During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit ourselves to doing all we can to stop these preventable crashes and remember those who lost their lives as a result of impaired driving. We must also share our appreciation for the law enforcement officers who risk their lives each day to keep our communities safe while keeping impaired drivers off of our roadways.
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 December 2021 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. I urge all Americans to make responsible decisions and take appropriate measures to prevent impaired driving.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
Alright, let’s wrap this puppy up for the day. Woot! I’m only going to be about 20 minutes late. Which means you’ve missed all the live remarks and statements and will have to watch them recorded.
Tiff will be back tomorrow. I’ll see you all in the comments.
Later, Gators!
This is an Open Thread