It’s Wednesday.
When Biden Bits was posted for Tuesday, President Biden had tweeted 2 times. He added 3 tweets giving him a Tuesday Tweeting Total of 5 tweets and 0 retweets.
The video summary of his visit to Asia is 2 minutes and 37 seconds long. It features music, voice overs from speeches he gave, and his shaking hands with different people he met along the way.
President Biden: (05/21/2022) I’m delighted to be back in your beautiful country and at a time when the alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant, or, I might add, more vital.
President Biden: (05/20/2022) Our two nations work together to make the best, most advanced technology in the world. And this factory is proof of that.
President Biden: (05/21/2022) And our relationship with our allies — including, I’m proud to say, the Republic of Korea — are closer than they’ve ever been. And our people are growing even closer as we speak.
President Biden: (05/22/2022) And these investments are part of a trend my administration — in my administration. Manufacturing jobs are coming back to America.
President Biden: (05/22/2022) Hyundai and any company investing in the United States would benefit greatly from entering into partnerships with some of the most highly skilled, dedicated, and engaged workers in the world, anywhere you can find. And that is American union members.
President Biden: (05/23/2022) So thank you again, Prime Minster Kishida, for your strong leadership in this launch and for welcoming us here in Tokyo.
President Biden: (05/23/2022) In recent years, the alliance between Japan and the United States has grown stronger, deeper, and more capable as we work together to take on the challenges — just as important as the opportunities — of a rapidly changing world.
President Biden: (05/23/2022) And I’m excited — I’m excited at the work we will do together on the Gateway Station around the moon, and I look forward to the first Japanese astronaut joining us on the mission to the lunar surface under the Artemis program.
President Biden: (05/23/2022) The Quad is showing the world that cooperation among democracies can get big things done, and I am grateful for your leadership. And thank you for bringing us all together again to keep driving our progress as we advance a positive vision for the future of the Indo-Pacific region.
President Biden: (05/23/2022) I’m looking forward to exploring even more ways that our relationship will help move us toward a future that benefits all people.
Note: Given the nature of the snips taken from several different speeches he gave while abroad I have not included the YouTube videos.
The YouTube is 15 minutes and 25 seconds long. His full remarks can be found here.
President Biden: (05:39) And, well, you’ve heard me say it many times before: Our nation has many obligations but only has one truly sacred obligation — and I mean it; I’ve been saying this for over 35 years — sacred obligation. And that’s to prepare and equip those we send into harm’s way and to care for them and their families when they come home. It’s a sacred obligation. Because veterans are the backbone, the spine of who we are as a country.
The nine bills:
This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs that will be built in Oahu, Hawaii, as the Daniel Kahikina Akaka Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic or the Daniel Kahikina Akaka VA Clinic.
Congress.gov. 05/17/2022.
This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
Congress.gov. 05/11/2022.
This bill expands eligibility for Veterans Health Administration mammography screenings to veterans who served in certain locations during specified periods, including those who were exposed to toxic substances at such locations.
The specified locations and corresponding time periods include
Congress.gov. 05/18/2022.
- Iraq between August 2, 1990, and February 28, 1991, and from March 19, 2003, until burn pits (areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) are no longer used in Iraq;
- the Southwest Asia theater of operations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, from August 2, 1990, until burn pits are no longer used in such locations;
- Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Yemen from September 11, 2001, until burn pits are no longer used in such locations; and
- other locations and time periods as determined by the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.
The bill specifies that the listed locations do not include bodies of water around or airspace above such locations.
This bill designates the Provo Veterans Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Orem, Utah, as the Col. Gail S. Halvorsen “Candy Bomber” Veterans Center.
Congress.gov. 05/17/2022.
This bill addresses the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provision of mammograms and breast cancer treatment.
Among other requirements, the VA must
Congress.gov. 05/18/2022.
- submit a strategic plan for improving breast imaging services for veterans;
- implement a three-year pilot program to provide telescreening mammography services for veterans who live in locations where access to breast imaging services at a VA facility is difficult or unfeasible;
- upgrade all mammography services at its facilities to use three-dimensional breast imaging;
- study the availability of access to testing for the breast cancer gene for veterans diagnosed with breast cancer, as recommended by the guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network;
- update guidelines to increase the use of molecular testing and genetic counseling for veterans diagnosed with breast cancer;
- study the accessibility of breast imaging services at VA facilities for veterans with paralysis, spinal cord injury or disorder, or another disability; and
- update its policies and directives to ensure that it confirms the accessibility of a breast imaging site when referring a veteran with a spinal cord injury or disorder to a non-VA provider.
The Inspector General of the VA must report to the VA and to Congress on mammography services furnished by the VA.
In addition, the VA must enter into a partnership with at least one cancer center of the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in each Veterans Integrated Service Network to expand access to high-quality cancer care for women veterans. In implementing such partnerships, the VA must ensure that veterans with breast cancer who reside in rural areas or states without a partner cancer center are able to receive care through telehealth.
Finally, the VA must collaborate with the Department of Defense and report on all current research and health care collaborations between the departments on treating veterans and members of the Armed Forces with breast cancer.
Congress.gov. 05/18/2022.
This bill gives the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) the authority to subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses as necessary to carry out the duties of the office. Such authority terminates on May 31, 2025, but subpoenas issued prior to that date shall be unaffected by the termination.
The bill prohibits the VA OIG from subpoenaing the attendance and testimony of current federal employees or witnesses as part of any criminal proceeding.
Under the bill, the VA OIG must notify the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the intended witness of the intent to issue a subpoena. If DOJ objects to the subpoena because it will interfere with an ongoing investigation, the VA OIG may not issue the subpoena.
Congress.gov. 04/07/2022.
This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to transfer the name of a facility, structure, real property, or a major part of such properties (e.g., a wing) to another VA facility under certain circumstances.
Specifically, the VA may transfer the name if (1) the original property was designated with its name by law; (2) the VA no longer offers benefits or services at the original property; (3) the other property is similar in type and purpose to the original property; (4) the other property is located in a different location or a different address from the original property within the town, city, or other local government area specified in the designation; and (5) such transfer occurs at least 30 days after the VA notifies Congress of the intent to transfer the name.
Congress.gov. 05/17/2022.
This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from charging any entitlement to retraining assistance under the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program in situations where an individual was unable to complete a course or program as a result of the closure of an educational institution or the disapproval of a program by the state approving agency or the VA. The period for which retraining assistance is not charged must be equal to the full amount of retraining assistance provided for enrollment in the program of education.
In the event of a closure or disapproval, the educational institution must not receive any further payments under the program, and any payment already made must be considered an overpayment and constitute a liability of the institution to the United States.
Congress.gov. 05/18/2022.
This bill extends a program that compensates individuals who were exposed to radiation from atomic weapons testing or uranium mining or processing and who subsequently developed specified cancers or other medical conditions. The bill terminates the program two years after the bill’s enactment.
Congress.gov. 05/11/2022.
For Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, the President has departed the White House headed for Los Angeles, California. White in L.A., President Biden will tape an appearance for Jimmy Kimmel Live, greet the heads of delegations at the Ninth Summit of the Americans, and participate in the inaugural ceremony of the Ninth ceremony of the Ninth Summit of Americas. He will also offer remarks.
The White House posted the following fact-sheet; Biden-Harris Administration Advances Democratic Renewal Agenda at the Ninth Summit of the Americas
Promoting democratic values and good governance has been a core component of the Summit of the Americas since the first Summit in 1994, with leaders at the Third Summit in 2001 articulating the principles that would later be embodied in the Inter-American Democratic Charter and pledging to further fight corruption that undermines democratic governance at the Eight Summit in 2018. This Summit, with the theme “Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future,” continue this tradition. Our Administration and partners will push back against the threats to our democracies by fortifying democratic institutions, investing in civil society, strengthening independent media, and following through on a regional digital transformation that is transparent and equitable.
White House.gov. 06/07/2022.
- Implementing the Inter-American Action Plan on Democratic Governance: The Administration announced the “Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal” at the December 2021 Summit of Democracy, and the Department of State and USAID have dedicated over $477 million to support democracy, human rights, fighting corruption, and the rule of law in the Western Hemisphere. We will also advance the work of governments in the Western Hemisphere related to financial transparency and justice reform in line with the Summit for Democracy Year of Action. Our continued contributions will support the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation Review Mechanism and the Follow-Up Mechanism to the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption (MESICIC).
- Investments in Civil Society: A resilient, effective, and thriving civil society is an essential building block of democracy, fighting corruption, and inclusive, equitable development. Working with Congress, the Administration will invest approximately $75 million over three years across 300 locally based, community-led organizations via the U.S. Government’s Inter-American Foundation to empower local civil society organizations, including underrepresented and underserved populations. Additional support will strengthen the Citizen Forum of the Americas to build civil society’s capacity to engage with governments and monitor implementation of Summit commitments, and expand the Citizen Corruption Observatory, which provides technical assistance for civil society’s anti-corruption efforts.
- USAID will launch the interagency Voices (Voces) Initiative, devoting $42 million to protect, defend, and promote civic space in Central America. These programs will focus on Promoting Digital Democracy and Countering Digital Authoritarianism; Promoting Freedom of Expression and Strengthening Independent Media; and Countering Criminalization and Providing Protection. The Unite States will work alongside like-minded partners—governments in the region and beyond, the international community, civil society, the private sector, and others—to advocate for protection of internationally recognized human rights such as freedom of expression and association.
- Promoting Independent Media and Information Integrity: The United States joined Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay as inaugural members of the Organization of American States (OAS) Group of Friends of Freedom of Expression and Journalism and will work with these countries to address attacks against media and efforts to silence critical voices. In parallel, we will provide seed funding and will endorse the OAS and U.S.-based non-government partners to launch the Center for Media and Information Integrity program. The United States will also expand its Digital Communications Network, a cross-section of digital leaders, developers, influencers, educators, and specialists to bridge the divide between digital, traditional media, and new media, to the Americas to enable local partners to better address disinformation.
- Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse: Online harassment and abuse is a shared challenge to the full and equal participation of women and girls, one that spans hemispheres. Reinforcing our countries’ shared commitments to advancing the status of women and girls as a precondition of strengthening our democracies, Canada and Chile will join the United States as members of the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse. First announced at the U.S. Summit for Democracy, the Global Partnership brings together a core set of partner countries to jointly commit to a Year of Action—in consultation with government partners, international organizations, academics, civil society, and the private sector—to improve the response to technology-facilitated gender-based violence and promote effective prevention strategies.
President Biden has tweeted…
President Biden has not tweeted as of 8:43 a.m. CA., time.
The daily press briefing will take place aboard Air Force One; it’s scheduled for 1:15 p.m. D.C., time.
President Biden’s remarks are scheduled for 5:15 p.m. CA., time.
