It’s Wednesday.
7:00 a.m. CA., time, mood…
When Biden Bits was posted for Tuesday, President Biden had tweeted 2 times. He added 7 tweets giving him a Tuesday Tweeting Total 9 tweets and 0 retweets.
HHS.gov announced yesterday; As President Biden and his Administration work to lower costs for working families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced the release of $100 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help families pay their outstanding heating and cooling bills. This funding comes on top of investment in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the American Rescue Plan and the Continuing Resolution most recently passed by Congress. The $100 million is the first installment of the five-year, $500 million investment in the program provided from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With historic investments from the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,and Continuing Resolution, the Biden-Harris Administration has spearheaded the largest distribution of funds over a 12-month period since LIHEAP was established in 1981.
They also said; The $500 million included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is the Administration’s third appropriation of LIHEAP funding in the past year. In March 2021, Congress more than doubled the annual amount of LIHEAP funding – appropriating $4.5 billion in supplemental funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, in order to account for higher needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2021, Congress appropriated $3.7 billion in annual LIHEAP funding through the Continuing Resolution – PDF. In total, the three appropriations mark a historic investment of nearly $8 billion over a 12-month period. A state-by-state breakdown of how this historic funding is being allocated can be found below.
On Wednesday of last week, then again on Saturday I explained:
[US Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday announced; The U.S. Army announced today the Civil Works studies, projects and programs that the Corps would implement in Fiscal Year 2022 with the $22.81 billion in supplemental funding provided in two recently enacted laws — the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; and the 2022 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
The snip regarding the Infrastructure law:]Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58
With the $17.099 billion provided in Public Law 117-58, the Army will fund Army Civil Works studies and projects, maintain existing infrastructure, and repair damage and dredge channels in response to floods and coastal storms. Through this investment in water resources infrastructure, over $5 billion will help improve community resilience in the face of global climate change and $3.936 billion will address commercial navigation improvements at coastal ports and on the inland waterways. The Army plan funds the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration program at $1.098 billion, a historic funding level that will enable significant progress in restoring Florida’s nationally significant Everglades ecosystem. In the coming year, the Army will engage with environmental justice communities in the development of a strategy to allocate $130 million in two pilot programs authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 that target economically disadvantaged community’s needs.As part of this effort, the Army plan funds to completion 15 feasibility studies, the Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED) phase of 5 projects, and 19 construction projects in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. Additionally, in FY 2022, 22 new projects will be funded in the Construction account.
USACE.Army.Mil. 01/19/2022.
The “ice cream shop” is having an event to try and set a world record for the most people eating ice cream for breakfast…
He apparently bought a hoodie, a necklace, and a coffee mug with the VP’s face on it…
His full remarks can be found here.
His full statement:
The House took an important step forward today in advancing legislation that will make our supply chains stronger and reinvigorate the innovation engine of our economy to outcompete China and the rest of the world for decades to come.
The proposals laid out by the House and Senate represent the sort of transformational investments in our industrial base and research and development that helped power the United States to lead the global economy in the 20th century and expand opportunity for middle class families. They’ll help bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States, and they’re squarely focused on easing the sort of supply chain bottlenecks like semiconductors that have led to higher prices for the middle class. Building on the historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I signed last year – and on signs of progress like last week’s Intel announcement and today’s GM announcement – comprehensive competitiveness legislation will power our economy to create good-paying jobs for all Americans, no matter where you live or whether you have a college degree, and will help tackle the climate crisis.
I’m heartened by Congress’ bipartisan work so far, and its commitment to quick action to get this to my desk as soon as possible. Together, we have an opportunity to show China and the rest of the world that the 21st century will be the American century – forged by the ingenuity and hard work of our innovators, workers, and businesses
White House.gov. 01/25/2022.
From House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s website; speaker.gov.
Today, the House posted text of the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength Act of 2022. The America COMPETES Act of 2022 includes a historic investment to surge production of American-made semiconductors, tackles supply chain vulnerabilities to make more goods in America, turbocharges America’s scientific research and technological leadership, and strengthens America’s economic and national security at home and abroad.
“The United States has long been a beacon of excellence in science and engineering,” said Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. “If we’re going to continue to lead, the time is now to chart our own course. That’s what my colleagues and I in the House plan to do with the America COMPETES Act of 2022. I am so proud of the bipartisan Science Committee provisions that are included in this package. Our bills were built from the ground up with rigorous input from the scientific community on what they need most to succeed in the 21st century. They will bolster our nation’s competitiveness and reaffirm our global leadership in innovation and technology. These transformative investments in science and innovation will help us to revitalize our research infrastructure, create STEM opportunities for all, build clean energy solutions, address the climate crisis, reinforce our national security, enhance our semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, and so much more. By leveraging our scientific investments and talent to develop solutions that improve the lives of each and every American – including those in historically underserved communities – we help ensure the durability of our leadership. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate, Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, and President Biden as we come together to put America on a path to prosperity and leadership.”
“It’s beyond time for the U.S. to place itself on a path to compete at a global level in the modern era, and that includes creating long-term economic growth and quality jobs for the American people,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter DeFazio. “I’m pleased the America COMPETES Act includes provisions from my committee that would authorize $4 billion in new grants to help communities that have historically been left behind finally get ahead and stay ahead in the 21st century economy.”
“The America COMPETES Act helps put us on course to lead the pack in creating the strongest and most advanced economy of the future,” Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr, said. “This legislation strengthens our nation’s supply chains so more critical goods are manufactured here in the United States instead of China. It also bolsters our Strategic National Stockpile and invests in the next generation of cutting-edge technology. This comprehensive legislation brings together many bills that have garnered strong bipartisan support in the past, and I’m hopeful it will pass with that same bipartisan spirit.”
“This legislation is more than just talk – it’s a bill with teeth that cracks down on China’s abuses of U.S. trade laws,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal. “Strengthening our supply chains and combatting China’s trade practices that distort the global market are bipartisan priorities, and I know members on both sides of the aisle want to ensure American workers, manufacturers, and farmers have all the tools they need to succeed in the world economy. With key improvements to Trade Adjustment Assistance programs, this bill expands and modernizes the support available to workers and firms under strain due to international competition. The America COMPETES Act of 2022 is the boldest, best option we have to stand up to China’s harmful actions and support American workers.”
“Right now, China and other bad actors are threatening our national security and global financial stability,” said Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters. “This is why The America COMPETES Act is commonsense, long overdue legislation that will finally hold countries like China accountable for the ways that they engage in illicit or aggressive activity to harm our nation’s financial system. With this bill, our country and our allies will be stronger and better suited to compete and push back against these attacks. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to get this bill across the finish line.”
“As our nation competes to win the 21st century, Congress has a duty to invest in American workers and safeguard American innovation,” said Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler. “The strategic, bipartisan investments in this bill will enhance protections for consumers, promote competition in our economy, and strengthen scientific research and development for generations to come. Our nation will benefit greatly from this historic legislation, and I look forward to its swift passage by the House of Representatives.”
“To ensure U.S. innovation and global leadership in emerging technology, we must develop and foster programs within the federal government to attract top cyber talent,” said Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney. “At the same time, we must protect the privacy and civil liberties of Americans as we explore new technological frontiers. The Oversight Committee’s provisions in the America COMPETES Act of 2022 will help our nation meet those challenges. I applaud Speaker Pelosi for bringing this comprehensive package to the House floor to codify these essential national security and economic priorities.”
“The success and competitiveness of the American economy depends on the strength of our nation’s workforce. The America COMPETES Act will connect our nation’s students and workers with the skills they need to succeed in high-tech industries while keeping our economy competitive in the years ahead. These investments will allow more K-12 schools to offer their students classes in computer sciences and create low-cost pathways for college STEM credits, and it builds on the bipartisan support for apprenticeships by expanding high-quality Registered Apprenticeship opportunities. Importantly, the jobs created by this legislation include protections to ensure workers are paid a decent wage. I am grateful to my colleagues for working together to produce a proposal that will secure a brighter future for our nation’s workers and the American economy,” said Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott.
“I am proud that the House has put together strong, bipartisan legislation to ensure America remains competitive in the world, while boosting our economic and national security,” said Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson. “Homeland security provisions in this bill will boost domestic sourcing of vital homeland security equipment and supplies, create new opportunities for small businesses, and improve the security of DHS’ supply chain. The House bill holds real promise to spur economic opportunity and warrants consideration in short order.”
“America COMPETES builds a foundation for America to succeed for decades to come, not just in our competition with the PRC, but in our fight for a more peaceful, prosperous, and just world. At home, it does so by investing in innovation in critical industries and bolstering our institutions. Through the inclusion of my bill, the EAGLE Act, America COMPETES will also ensure that America leads with diplomacy on the world stage to bring our partners and allies with us. It will elevate our leadership in international forums and on global issues to counter China’s efforts to undermine global rules. And it will ensure that the US Government stands up for our values by holding the PRC to account for its gross violation of human rights from Xinjiang, to Tibet, to Hong Kong. I praise the Speaker and my House colleagues for putting together a comprehensive strategy to tackle the China challenge,” said Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory W. Meeks.
“I’m proud to sponsor this bill, which strengthens America’s legacy as a world leader in both environmental conservation and labor standards. These bipartisan provisions to protect our oceans and combat wildlife trafficking set us apart from Chinese government practices, help us hold bad actors accountable and secure America’s long term economic security,” said Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl M. Grijalva.
Speaker.gov. 01/25/2022.
Bill text can be found here.
Breakdowns can be found here.
The Fact-sheet can be found here.
All links found via Speaker.gov., and are in searchable PDF form…
On Monday the News Blender reported that two officers were shot, one fatally in Harlem. A third officer shot the suspected shooter. Sadly the NYPD News Twitter account announced on Tuesday that the second officer shot, 27 year old Wilbur Mora, has also passed away.
CBS News reported that the suspected shooter died from his wounds on Monday.
For Wednesday, January 26th, 2022, President Biden has received his daily brief. This afternoon President Biden will meet with private sector CEO’s to discuss how his Build Back Better agenda will help grow the economy; among other things. Later this afternoon President Biden will sign an Executive Order that makes sexual harassment an offense in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and to strengthen the military’s response to domestic violence and the wrongful broadcast or distribution of intimate visual images.
President Biden has tweeted 2 times so far for Wednesday…
At least most other countries try to beat the pandemic ours has basically decided…
The President’s meeting with the CEO’s is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. D.C., time.
The daily press briefing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. D.C., time.
P.S.,
So far there is no feed for the EO he intends to sign this afternoon. Also, nothing on the White House website at this time announces the later signing of the EO…
P.S.S.,
Justice Breyer has not confirmed the news himself at this time. According to the news clip, the official announcement is expected in the next couple of days…
And of course…
This is an Open Thread.
