It’s Wednesday.
When Biden Bits was posted for Tuesday, President Biden had tweeted 3 times. He added 17 tweets giving him a Tuesday Tweeting Total of 20 tweets and 1 retweet.
The YouTube is 12 minutes and 51 seconds long. His full remarks can be found here.
President Biden: Today I’m announcing the United States is targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy. We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy.
President Biden: That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at U.S. ports, and the American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin’s war machine. This is a move that has strong bipartisan support in the Congress and, I believe, in the country. Americans have rallied support — have rallied to support the Ukrainian people and made it clear we will not be part of subsidizing Putin’s war.
This decision today is not without costs here at home. Putin’s war is already hurting American families at the pump — and this will drive up costs further.
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 8, 2022
So, I will take every step we can to minimize Putin’s price hike here at home.
In coordination with our partners, we have already announced a collective release of 60 million barrels of oil from our Strategic Petroleum Reserves — half of that from the United States.
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 8, 2022
We’re taking steps to ensure a reliable supply of global energy.
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 8, 2022
And we’re going to keep working with every tool at our disposal to protect American families and businesses.
Let me say to the oil and gas companies and finance firms that back them: We understand that Putin’s war against the people of Ukraine is causing prices to rise. But that is no excuse for excess price increases, or padding profits, or any kind of effort to exploit this situation.
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 8, 2022
President Biden: The decision today is not without cost here at home. Putin’s war is already hurting American families at the gas pump. Since Putin began his military buildup on Ukrainian borders, just since then, the price of the gas at the pump in America went up 75 cents. And with this action, it’s going to go up further. I’m going to do everything I can to minimize Putin’s price hike here at home. In coordination with our partners, we’ve already announced that we’re releasing 60 million barrels of oil from our joint oil reserves. Half of that — 30 billion — million — excuse me — is coming from the United States. And we’re taking steps to ensure the reliable supply of global energy. And we’re also going to keep working with every tool at our disposal to protect American families and businesses. Now, let me — let me say this. To the oil and gas companies and to the finance firms that back them: We understand Putin’s war against the people of Ukraine is causing prices to rise. We get that. That’s self-evident. But — but, but, but — it’s no excuse to exercise excessive price increases or padding profits or any kind of effort to exploit this situation or Ameri- — or American consumers — exploit them.
President Biden: We are enforcing the most significant package of economic sanctions in history, and it’s causing significant damage to Russia’s economy. It has caused the Russian economy to, quite frankly, crater. The Russian ruble is now down to 50 percent — by 50 percent since Putin announced his war. One ruble is now worth less than one American penny. One ruble is less than one American penny.
President Biden: Over the last week, I’ve spoken with President Zelenskyy several times to hear from him about the situation on the ground and to consult and continuing to consult with our European allies and — about U.S. support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Thus far, we’ve provided more than $1 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. Shipments of defensive weapons are arriving in Ukraine every day from the United States. And we, the United States, are the ones coordinating the delivery of our Allies and partners of similar weapons, from Germany to Finland to the Netherlands. We’re accom- — we’re — we’re working that out.
The White House on Saturday posted the following readout of President Biden’s call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine:
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke this evening with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. President Biden highlighted the ongoing actions undertaken by the United States, its Allies and partners, and private industry to raise the costs on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. In particular, he welcomed the decision this evening by Visa and Mastercard to suspend service in Russia. President Biden noted his administration is surging security, humanitarian, and economic assistance to Ukraine and is working closely with Congress to secure additional funding. President Biden reiterated his concern about the recent Russian attack on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, and he commended the skill and bravery of the Ukrainian operators who have kept the reactors in safe condition. The leaders also discussed the recent talks between Russia and Ukraine.
White House.gov. 03/05/2022.
President Biden: Today I’m announcing the United States is targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy. We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy. That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at U.S. ports, and the American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin’s war machine. This is a move that has strong bipartisan support in the Congress and, I believe, in the country. Americans have rallied support — have rallied to support the Ukrainian people and made it clear we will not be part of subsidizing Putin’s war.
President Biden: Russia may continue to grind out its advance at a horrible price, but this much is already clear: Ukraine will never be a victory for Putin. Putin may be able to take a city, but he’ll never be able to hold the country. And if we do not respond to Putin’s assault on global peace and stability today, the cost of freedom and to the American people will be even greater tomorrow.
President Biden: Loosening environmental regulations or pulling back clean energy investment won’t — let me explain — won’t — will not lower energy prices for families. But transforming our economy to run on electric vehicles powered by clean energy with tax credits to help American families winterize their homes and use less energy, that will — that will help. And if we can — if we do what we can, it will mean that no one has to worry about the price at the gas pump in the future. That’ll mean tyrants like Putin won’t be able to use fossil fuels as weapons against other nations.
President Biden: Second, this crisis is a stark reminder: To protect our economy over the long term, we need to become energy independent. I’ve had numerous conversations over the last three months with our European friends of how they have to wean themselves off of Russia — Russian oil. It’s just not — it’s just not tenable. It should motivate us to accelerate the transition to clean energy. This is a perspective, as I said, that our European allies share and the — a future where together we can achieve greater independence.
I did not find a YouTube for the above video. The video is 46 seconds long.
President Biden: We’re going to build this economy from the bottom up and the middle out. The more unions we can have, the better–because you are the reason why we’re going to compete. I’m not even talking about ideology. I’m just talking about decency–treating people with dignity. That’s what got me in this game in the first place. That’s what I think you have the opportunity–hopefully with my help–to re-instill in the public at large. Everybody, everybody, everybody–is entitled to be treated with dignity. Thank you.
The White House posted the following readout:
Today, President Biden and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh met with 39 national union labor leaders. The President and Secretary Walsh met with labor leaders to discuss issues impacting union members and how the administration can help support working Americans.
The President thanked the labor presidents for their support and outlined the steps the administration has taken to help union members in the first year of the administration. Secretary Walsh spoke of the need to work collaboratively to empower American workers and underscored the President’s support for strong unions as key to the middle class. The group further discussed the unprecedented economic growth and jobs numbers which announced 678,000 jobs added in February and a 3.8% drop in the unemployment rate, a total of 7.4 millions jobs added since the start of the administration.
The group discussed the wide range of accomplishments of the administration thus far creating union jobs and protecting Davis-Bacon provisions, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the American Rescue Plan. The group echoed their thanks to the President, the Secretary and the Administration officials for the historic investment the administration has made in American workers.
White House.gov. 03/05/2022.
The YouTube is 28 minutes and 18 seconds long. His full remarks can be found here.
President Biden: But some of the most important next steps need congressional action. Both the United States House of Representatives and the Senate have bills in motion that would extend the eligibility period for VA care for burn pit-related health impacts from 5 years after leaving the military to a minimum of 10 years. That would open enrollment to all veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
President Biden: Let’s get those bills to my desk so I can sign them immediately — immediately. (Applause.)
Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act passed the Senate by voice vote on February 16th, 2022.
The Summary:
This bill updates policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances.
Specifically, the bill extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and were exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or other conditions, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period.
The VA must incorporate into its existing health care screening a screening to help determine potential exposures to toxic substances during military service.
Among other requirements, the VA must also
Congress.gov. 02/16/2022.
- provide annual training to health care and benefits personnel with respect to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances;
- analyze total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates;
- conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001;
- conduct a study to determine trends in the rates of the incidence of cancer in veterans;
- publish a list of VA resources for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits; and
- report on the data quality of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and its usefulness in supporting veterans in receiving VA health care and benefits.
On March 3rd, 2022, the House passed Honoring our PACT Act of 2021. The vote was; yea’s 256 (34 R’s voted in favor) nay’s 174 (all R’s that voted no) and 3 people did not vote at all.
The Summary:
This bill addresses health care, presumption of service-connection, research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service.
The bill provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care to veterans who (1) participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (a qualifying activity that requires a corresponding entry in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record), or (2) served in specified locations on specified dates.
The bill establishes within the VA the Formal Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure, the Science Review Board, and the Working Group to assist with the various procedures in establishing or removing presumptions of service-connection.
The bill modifies or establishes the presumption of service-connection for certain conditions or purposes for various groups of veterans.
Among other requirements, the VA must
Congress.gov. 02/22/2022.
- provide a veteran with a medical examination regarding the nexus between a disability and toxic exposure risk activity if a veteran submits a disability compensation claim for a service-connected disability with insufficient evidence,
- incorporate a clinical questionnaire to help determine potential toxic exposures as part of the initial screening conducted for veterans with a VA primary care provider,
- establish a registry for current or past members of the Armed Forces who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances due to the environmental release of aqueous film-forming foam at a Department of Defense location, and
- establish and maintain the Fort McClellan Health Registry.
According to Stripes.com the Republicans cite cost as the reason for voting against the bill.
The article says that; The bill would increase spending by about $208 billion during the next decade because of the expanded eligibility for disability compensation, according to the latest estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. The office estimated the bill would cost an additional $110 billion in the following 10 years for the expansion of health care.
The House bill now heads to the Senate.
I shared his full statement on International Women’s Day in yesterday’s Biden Bits.
For Wednesday, March 9th, 2022, President Biden has received his daily brief. This afternoon he and the Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo will meet with business leaders and bipartisan Governors to discuss the importance of passing competitiveness legislation. This evening the President will deliver remarks at the Democratic Senators Issues Conference.
President Biden has tweeted 2 times so far for Wednesday…
The video snip is 47 seconds long. Taken from his remarks posted at the top of the article.
President Biden: Putin is now targeting cities and has been targeting cities and civilians — schools, hospitals, apartment buildings. Last week, he attacked the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, with an apparent disregard for the potential of triggering a nuclear meltdown. He has already turned 2 million Ukrainians into refugees. Russia may continue to grind out its advance at a horrible price, but this much is already clear: Ukraine will never be a victory for Putin. Putin may be able to take a city, but he’ll never be able to hold the country. And if we do not respond to Putin’s assault on global peace and stability today, the cost of freedom and to the American people will be even greater tomorrow. So we’re going to continue to support the brave Ukrainian people as they fight for their country. And I call on Congress to pass the $12 billion Ukraine assistance package that I have asked them for of late.
The White House posted a background press call with a Senior Admin Official regarding the ban of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas, and coal:
Okay, thanks, [senior administration official]. Hi, everybody. I’ll make a few comments and happy to take your questions afterwards.
America is united in its resolve to stand up to Putin. And there’s broad support across the country for degrading the strength of Putin’s economy and war machine through energy exports.
Today, President Biden signed an executive order to ban the import of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas, and coal to the United States. This is a significant action with widespread bipartisan support that will further deprive President Putin of the economic resources he uses to fund his needless war of choice.
Let me give you some details on the mechanics, our consultation with allies, and also the domestic implications.
First, in terms of mechanics: Our ban blocks any new purchases of Russian crude oil and certain petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, and coal, and winds downs the deliveries of existing purchases that have already been contracted for. It also bans new U.S. investment in Russia’s energy sector, which will ensure that American companies and American investors are not underwriting Putin’s efforts to expand energy production inside of Russia.
And finally, Americans will be prohibited from participating in foreign investments that flow into Russia’s energy sector.
Second, in taking this action, we consulted with European allies closely, but we do not expect them and did not ask them to join us. The United States is able to take this step because of our strong domestic energy production and infrastructure. And we recognize that not all of our Allies and partners are currently in a position to join us.And specifically, let me maybe add two points of detail on this point. First in 2021, Russian oil was just under 10 percent of our overall imports of oil but a third of Europe’s imports.
As of last year, Europe imports more than six times more oil from Russia than we do — about four and a half million barrels for Europe versus seven hundred thousand barrels of oil for the U.S. per day.Second, the U.S. produces far more oil domestically than any of our allies. In fact, we’re a net exporter, the leading oil and gas producer in the world. And we produced more oil and gas in the first year of President Biden’s term than in his predecessor’s first year.
Third, in terms of domestic impact, the reality is Putin’s unprovoked and brutal war has led to higher energy prices and raised costs for Americans at home — about 75 cents at the gas pump — since Putin began to amass troops at the Ukrainian border in early November.
Under President Biden’s leadership, the U.S. will continue to mitigate the pain American families feel at the pump and reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels. And let me make three points in this regard.
First, the administration has already committed to releasing more than 90 million barrels from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve this fiscal year. This is the result of intensive, around-the-clock coordination and consultation by President Biden. And it led to IEA member countries agreeing to a collective release of an initial 60 million barrels of crude oil from our Strategic Petroleum Reserves, with the U.S. committing about half of that emergency sale.
We also remain in active conversations with a range of energy producers and energy consumers on further steps we can take to ensure a global supply — a stable global supply of energy.
Second, U.S. oil and gas production is approaching record highs while thousands of drilling permits on federal lands go unused. So federal policies are not limiting the production of oil and gas. To the contrary, the Biden administration has been clear that in the short term, supply must keep up with demand at home and around the world while we make the shift to a secure clean energy future.
We are one of the world’s largest producers with a strong domestic oil and gas industry. Natural gas production in the U.S. has never been higher, and crude oil production is expected to hit a new record high next year.
As major energy company leaders have themselves said, they have the resources and the incentives they need to further increase production in the U.S.
Third, in the long run, the way to avoid high gas prices is to speed up, not slow down, our transition to a clean energy future. The reality is we can’t drill our way out of dependence on a global commodity that’s controlled, in part, by foreign nations and their leaders, including Putin. The only way to eliminate Putin’s and every other producing country’s ability to use oil as an economic weapon is to reduce our dependency on oil.
So even as President Biden does everything in his power in the short term to make sure we can readily access the oil — readily access oil and gas, we need to protect American consumers and allied countries, including through greater U.S. domestic production.
This crisis reinforces our resolve to make America truly energy independent, which means reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.Last point I’ll make: You know, this announcement builds on unprecedented economic costs the U.S. and our allies and partners have imposed on Russia.
Just to remind everyone: As a result of our historic coordination, Russia has become a global economic and financial pariah. Over 30 counties, representing well over half the world’s economy have announced sanctions that impose immediate and debilitating economic costs on Russia, cut off its access to high tech, and sap its growth — growth potential and weaken its military for years to come.
You all have seen the Russian ruble is now worth much less than a penny; it’s hit an all-time low after losing well over half its value since Putin announced his further invasion of Ukraine.
By isolating Russia’s Central Bank from the global financial system, we’ve disarmed his war chest of foreign reserves and he can do very little to slow the freefall of his currency.
By blocking transactions with and freezing the assets of his largest banks, we’ve shut down Putin’s ability to do business with the world.
And the U.S. and governments all over the world are going after Putin’s assets and those of his cronies and their families by identifying where they are and freezing them in our respective jurisdictions. And that includes their yachts and luxury apartments and money and other ill-gotten gains.
White House.gov. 03/08/2022.
The White House posted a Message to Congress on; Prohibiting Certain Imports and New Investments With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Efforts to Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine
Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I report that I have issued an Executive Order finding that the Russian Federation’s unjustified, unprovoked, unyielding, and unconscionable war against Ukraine, including its recent further invasion in violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter, further threatens the peace, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and thereby constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
As a result, I have prohibited the following: (i) the importation into the United States of the following products of Russian Federation origin: crude oil; petroleum; petroleum fuels, oils, and products of their distillation; liquefied natural gas; coal; and coal products; (ii) new investment in the energy sector in the Russian Federation by a United States person, wherever located; and (iii) any approval, financing, facilitation, or guarantee by a United States person, wherever located, of a transaction by a foreign person where the transaction by that foreign person would be prohibited by this section if performed by a United States person or within the United States.
I am enclosing a copy of the Executive Order I have issued.
White House.gov. 03/08/2022.
The fact-sheet on the; United States Bans Imports of Russian Oil, Liquefied Natural Gas, and Coal
Today, President Biden will sign an Executive Order (E.O.) to ban the import of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas, and coal to the United States – a significant action with widespread bipartisan support that will further deprive President Putin of the economic resources he uses to continue his needless war of choice.
The United States made this decision in close consultation with our Allies and partners around the world, as well as Members of Congress of both parties. The United States is able to take this step because of our strong domestic energy infrastructure and we recognize that not all of our Allies and partners are currently in a position to join us. But we are united with our Allies and partners in working together to reduce our collective dependence on Russian energy and keep the pressure mounting on Putin, while at the same taking active steps to limit impacts on global energy markets and protect our own economies.
This announcement builds on unprecedented economic costs the United States and our Allies and partners have imposed on Russia. As a result of our historic, multilateral coordination, Russia has become a global economic and financial pariah. Over 30 countries representing well over half the world’s economy have announced sanctions that impose immediate and severe economic costs on Russia, cut off access to high-tech technology, sap its growth potential, and weaken its military for years to come. The Russian ruble is now worth less than a penny and has hit an all-time low after losing almost half of its value since Putin announced his further invasion of Ukraine. By isolating Russia’s Central Bank and cutting off the largest Russian banks from the international financial system, we have disarmed his war chest of foreign reserves and left Putin to soften the blow of our sanctions. U.S. and allied export controls are impacting industrial production in Russia, Russian commercial aviation, and other key sectors of the Russian economy. The United States and governments all over the world are going after Putin’s cronies and their families by identifying and freezing the assets they hold in our respective jurisdictions – their yachts, luxury apartments, money, and other ill-gotten gains.
Today’s Executive Order bans:
White House.gov. 03/08/2022.
- The importation into the United States of Russian crude oil and certain petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, and coal. Last year, the U.S. imported nearly 700,000 barrels per day of crude oil and refined petroleum products from Russia and this step will deprive Russia of billions of dollars in revenues from U.S. drivers and consumers annually.
- New U.S. investment in Russia’s energy sector, which will ensure that American companies and American investors are not underwriting Vladimir Putin’s efforts to expand energy production inside Russia.
- Americans will also be prohibited from financing or enabling foreign companies that are making investment to produce energy in Russia.
Putin’s brutal war has led to higher energy prices and raised costs for Americans at home. Today, President Biden made clear that he will keep working to mitigate the pain American families feel at the pump and reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels:
White House.gov. 03/08/2022.
- The Administration has already committed to releasing more than 90 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve this fiscal year, with an emergency sale of 30 million barrels announced just last week. After intensive around-the-clock coordination and consultation by President Biden, the International Energy Agency (IEA) Member countries agreed to a collective release of an initial 60 million barrels of crude oil from our strategic petroleum reserves, with the United States committing half of that in the emergency sale. We are in conversations with a range of energy producers and consumers on further steps we can take to ensure a stable global supply of energy.
- U.S. oil and gas production is approaching record highs, while thousands of drilling permits on federal lands go unused. Federal policies are not limiting the production of oil and gas. To the contrary, the Biden Administration has been clear that in the short-term, supply must keep up with demand, at home and around the world while we make the shift to a secure clean energy future. We are one of the world’s largest producers with a strong domestic oil and gas industry. Natural gas production has never been higher, and crude oil production is expected to hit a new high next year. Oil and gas companies, and the finance firms that back them, should not use Putin’s war as an excuse for excess price increases or padding profits, and, as major energy company leaders have themselves said, they have the resources and incentives they need to further increase production in the United States.
- In the long run, the way to avoid high gas prices is to speed up – not slow down – our transition to a clean energy future. We cannot drill our way out of dependence on a global commodity controlled in part by foreign nations and their leaders, including Putin. The only way to eliminate Putin’s and every other producing country’s ability to use oil as an economic weapon, is to reduce our dependency on oil. So, even as President Biden does everything in his power in the short term to make sure we can readily access the oil and gas necessary to protect American consumers and allied countries– including through greater U.S. domestic production that is expected to hit record highs next year – this crisis reinforces our resolve to make America truly energy independent, which means reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. This is a shared goal with our European allies, that we will work together to achieve.
The Executive Order can be found here.
See above for more on his visit to Texas.
The daily press briefing is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. D.C., time.
This is an Open Thread.
