It’s Thursday…
President Biden’s public schedule for 06/22/2023:
| 8:00 AMPool Call Time | In-Town Pool Call Time In-Town Pool |
| 9:00 AM Presidential Daily Briefing | The President receives the Presidential Daily Briefing Closed Press |
| 10:00 AMOfficial Schedule | The President, The First Lady, The Vice President, and The Second Gentleman greet Prime Minister Modi of the Republic of India for the Official Arrival Ceremony South Lawn Open Press |
| 10:45 AM Bilateral Meeting | The President holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi of the Republic of India Oval Office In-House Pool Spray |
| 12:45 PM Joint-Presser | The President and Prime Minister Modi of the Republic of India will deliver remarks and take questions from the press East Room Pre-Credentialed Media |
| 6:30 PM Red Carpet | The President and The First Lady greet Prime Minister Modi of the Republic of India on arrival for the State Dinner North Portico Pre-Credentialed Media |
| 6:55 PM Photo Op | The President and The First Lady participate in a photo opportunity with Prime Minister Modi of the Republic of India at the Grand Staircase on the occasion of the State Dinner Grand Staircase In-House Pool |
| 8:45 PM State Dinner | The President and The First Lady host Prime Minister Modi of the Republic of India for a State Dinner; The Vice President and The Second Gentleman attend South Lawn In-House Pool |
The Joint Presser:
Official State Visit Tweets
From Thursday…
The YouTube is 54 minutes and 40 seconds long. The event starts at the 21 minute and 38 second mark. Their remarks from the arrival ceremony will be posted later today.
Yesterday, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden hosted a State Dinner media preview. The YouTube is 15 minutes and 48 seconds long. The First Lady’s remarks open the preview. Her remarks conclude at the 4 minute and 27 second mark.
Her full remarks:
Welcome everyone! It’s a pleasure to be with you.
When we come together around a table, to break bread and share stories—when we sit shoulder to shoulder, and speak heart to heart—we find the invisible threads that tie us to one another. We see the possibilities those connections bring.
It’s a lesson I learned from my mom: that with a handful of fresh flowers and a set of candles, an ordinary dinner could become a magical moment—the laughter and joy and kind words staying with us long after the dishes were cleared away. And I try to bring that same spirit to the events we host here.
With this Official State Visit, we are bringing together the world’s oldest and the world’s largest democracies. After years of strengthening ties, the U.S.-India partnership is deep and expansive as we jointly tackle global challenges. But our relationship isn’t only about governments. We’re celebrating the families and friendships that span the globe—those who feel the bonds of home in both of our countries.
As some of you may know, Prime Minister Modi is a vegetarian. So, we asked chef Nina Curtis—a plant-based pioneer—to work with our White House chefs and create a stunning vegetarian menu. Guests will have the option to add fish to their main course, as well.
Tomorrow night, guests will walk across the South Lawn into a pavilion draped in rich greens with saffron colored flowers at every table: the colors of the Indian Flag. And on the transparent sides, those colors—and the strength and heritage they represent—frame the iconic scenery and symbols of our nation, our democracy and our history: the White House and the Washington Monument.
Inside, each table arrangement is warm and unique. We hope guests feel as if someone has set that table just for them—because we have.
After dinner, we’ll have the opportunity to hear one of our nation’s incredible talents: Grammy award winner, Joshua Bell.
His performance will be followed by Penn Masala, a South Asian acapella group from the University of Pennsylvania, who are bringing a little piece of my hometown to the White House, along with songs inspired by the sounds of India.
Finally, after the last plates are cleared–with new connections forged, and old ones strengthened—guests will end their evening walking across a moonlit lawn. There they will be greeted by hundreds of glowing lanterns guiding them home, illuminating their pathway with all the warmth and love and laughter we hope they take away from our time together.
Now, normally the press comes and you look at these beautiful plates of food our chefs have prepared, and get almost close enough to touch it—but you don’t get to try it. So today, I’ve asked our chefs to prepare a few small bites of tomorrow’s menu—to thank you for taking the time to be with us today.
Every detail of this dinner has been thoughtfully planned by a team of people from across our government. So, I want to thank the White House residence staff, our social team, and the State Department staff who have been working so hard to make this visit meaningful.
Now I will turn it over to our Social Secretary, who has guided this process, Carlos Elizondo.
White House.gov. 06/21/2023.
The State Dinner live-feed that will go one of two ways…
Way one: it’s gonna be super short like 5 minutes or less.
Way two: it’s gonna start–pause–start–pause–and then it will be a 1 hour and 45 minute YouTube; but in reality it’s less than 30 minutes long.
Investing in America/Economy Tweets
From Wednesday…
Wednesday was the…
The video clip is 28 seconds long. There is no voice-over just music with a list of the places the Biden Admin will be traveling between June 26th thru July 15th. I shared the full announcement of the second leg of the “Investing in America” tour in yesterday’s Biden Bits. The above tweet is his current pinned tweet.
American Rescue Plan.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
CHIPS and Science Act.
Equality Act Tweet
From Wednesday…
The full press release:
Today, Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mark Takano, Chair Mark Pocan, and Co-Chairs Angie Craig, Sharice Davids, Chris Pappas, Ritchie Torres, Becca Balint, Robert Garcia, and Eric Sorensen reintroduced the Equality Act to ensure explicit nondiscrimination protections for all LGBTQI+ Americans. The bill is cosponsored by every Democratic member of the House of Representatives and passed the House with bipartisan support in 2019 and 2021. Senator Jeff Merkley, Equality Caucus Co-Founder Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Senator Cory Booker reintroduced the Senate companion earlier today.
“As our community continues to face attacks from all directions, every Democrat in the House came together today to send a clear message: LGBTQI+ people deserve the same protections from discrimination as every other marginalized group,” said Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02). “In this moment of heightened attacks against the LGBTQI+ community, we are reminded of the importance of enshrining our equality into law. No matter an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics, they should be able to enjoy life free from discrimination.”
“The LGBTQI+ community is one of the only marginalized groups remaining without explicit federal civil rights protections, and we have seen our community face increased instances of discrimination and violence in recent years. Equality shouldn’t depend on your zip code, but not all states offer the same protections against discrimination, and vulnerable members of our community such as trans people and queer people of color are especially impacted by these disparities,” said Co-Chair Mark Takano (CA-39). “As Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus and the first openly gay person of color to serve in Congress, I am proud to carry on the work started by Congressman David Cicilline and reintroduce the Equality Act in this Congress.”
“In the United States – land of the free – every single American should be able to enjoy the same protections and freedoms,” said Co-Chair Angie Craig (MN-02). “Today, I’m proud to be joining my Equality Caucus Co-Chairs in reintroducing the Equality Act to make law the glaringly obvious: that all LGBTQI+ Americans can enjoy the same protection from discrimination as every other American.”
“Every American should have equal protection under the law, but in the majority of states across the country, including Kansas, LGBTQI+ Americans lack explicit nondiscrimination protections in housing, education, public accommodations, and other core areas of daily life,” said Co-Chair Sharice Davids (KS-03). “This kind of legislation saves lives and tells all LGBTQI+ folks, including our youth, that their experiences are valid and that they’re seen and heard by their elected officials. There is no time to waste in getting the Equality Act across the finish line.”
“In order for our nation to fulfill the promise of its founding principles, we must guarantee equality for all under the law by passing the Equality Act,” said Co-Chair Chris Pappas (NH-01). “Every American deserves the same rights and responsibilities, and no one should be discriminated against just because of who they are or whom they love. Passing the Equality Act will move our country forward, and it’s time to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is protected by our nation’s civil rights statutes.”
“In America, no one should be denied service at a restaurant, kicked out of a store, or refused service by a federally-funded program simply because of who they love or how they identify,” said Co-Chair Ritchie Torres (NY-15). “Yet, millions of Americans, particularly in the LGBTQI+ community, still lack these fundamental legal protections and full equality under the law. Congress must once and for all pass the Equality Act, which I am proud to co-lead in the House, particularly at a time when states across the country are passing discriminatory policies attacking the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQI+ community.”
“At a time when the LGBTQI+ community is under continued attack, we cannot take any of our rights for granted. Passing the Equality Act will mean protection for our most basic freedoms no matter what state you live in,” said Co-Chair Becca Balint (VT-AL). “The current lack of protections leaves LGBTQI+ Americans at risk of being denied entry or service at our local restaurants or stores just because of who we are or who we love. So this Pride, I’m proud of how far we’ve come and I’m focused on what’s left to accomplish. Let’s get to work and pass the Equality Act.”
“Despite progress on marriage equality and equal protection safeguards in the courts, current law continues to leave millions of LGBTQI+ people vulnerable to discrimination,” said Co-Chair Robert Garcia (CA-42). “The Equality Act addresses this by codifying explicit and consistent non-discrimination protections for LGBTQI+ people among key areas. LGBTQI+ people deserve to live a life free from the ramifications of hate, and the Equality Act ensures this.”
“As the first openly LGBTQI+ member elected from Illinois, I recognize the importance of proudly standing together to advance the rights of all members of our community,” said Co-Chair Eric Sorensen (IL-17). “The Equality Act explicitly protects LGBTQI+ people against discrimination in all aspects of life, including housing and employment, and its re-introduction marks a historic step to ensuring equal rights for all.”
lgbtq.house.gov. 06/21/2023.
The Equality Act would amend existing civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination against LGBTQI+ people in:
- Employment
- Housing
- Public Accommodations
- Education
- Federally Funded Programs
- Credit; and
- Jury Service
The Equality Act would also prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in public accommodations and federally funded programs.
The Equality Act expands the definition of public accommodations in the Civil Rights Act, strengthening protections not just on the basis of sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics), but also on the basis of race, color, national origin, and religion.
lgbtq.house.gov. 06/21/2023.
The Equality Act was reintroduced by CA., Rep. Mark Takano (D) on Wednesday.
His full statement:
Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the reintroduction of the Equality Act.
“The promise of democracy means a great deal to me personally because I have felt the sting of its denial. As the first openly gay person of color to serve in Congress, I am acutely aware of the impacts lawful discrimination has on our marginalized communities in the United States, and the LGBTQI+ community have been subject to discrimination, violence, and the denial of their full personhood under the law for far too long. I’m proud to reintroduce the Equality Act as a long-overdue guarantee to all members of our community that we, too, benefit from explicit civil rights protections and the full promise of American democracy,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus.
“As extreme MAGA state legislators across the country continue their assault on LGBTQ+ Americans, especially the trans community, the fight against bigotry and discrimination remains urgent as ever,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “The landmark Equality Act – twice passed by the Democratic House – would extend the crucial protections of the Civil Rights Act to all LGBTQ+ Americans, in the workplace and in every place. Today, Congressional Democrats proudly reintroduce our Equality Act: another strong step in our fight for a future of justice, equality and dignity for all.”
“I am grateful for the leadership of Rep. Takano and Sen. Merkley and proud that the Equality Act is being reintroduced as one of our priority bills in the 118th Congress,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “This year, we’ve seen a wave of right-wing, anti-LGBTQ legislation across the nation at every level of government. House Democrats will not allow extreme MAGA Republicans to roll back progress. We are determined to get the Equality Act across the finish line so that we can ensure our nation lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.”
“As our community continues to face attacks from all directions, every Democrat in the House came together today to send a clear message: LGBTQI+ people deserve the same protections from discrimination as every other marginalized group,” said Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02). “In this moment of heightened attacks against the LGBTQI+ community, we are reminded of the importance of enshrining our equality into law. No matter an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics, they should be able to enjoy life free from discrimination.”
The Equality Act amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to extend non-discrimination protections to the LGBTQ+ community. This landmark legislation would explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in employment, education, access to credit, jury service, federal funding housing, and public accommodations.
Full text of the Equality Act is available here. Background information can be found here. The Senate companion bill has been reintroduced by Senator Jeff Merkley.
Takano.House.gov. 06/21/2023.
Congress.gov has no summary of H.R.15–Equality Act at this time.
PhRMA is Suing Tweet
From Wednesday…
PhRMA’s press release:
Today, the National Infusion Center Association (NICA), the Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA) and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas asserting the price setting provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act are unconstitutional.
The statute includes no requirement for checks and balances through public feedback and cuts off administrative and judicial review, violating the Constitution’s separation of power and due process clauses. Additionally, the statute includes an extreme excise “tax” to force manufacturer compliance with the government mandated price that is disproportionate to the purported offense making it an excessive fine prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. Taken together, these claims clearly demonstrate the price setting provisions should be declared unconstitutional.
PhRMA.org. 06/21/2023.
NICA Chief Executive Officer Brian Nyquist stated:
NICA supports lower costs for patients, but infusion providers have no control over setting the prices of the medications they administer. NICA’s members have an interest in being adequately reimbursed for the treatments they provide, and they have an interest in continuing to operate their healthcare business. The government price setting provisions in the IRA may inadvertently set reimbursement below acquisition cost, exacerbating existing consolidation trends and reducing our nation’s community-based infusion capacity. This would leave patients with the hospital as their only option – which is by far the most expensive setting. A recent analysis projected an almost 50% average reduction to add-on payments across all office-based infusion centers because of the price setting provisions, which is an overnight drop in income few businesses could survive. That is why we felt that litigation was our only option to protect our members from the unintended consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act and to preserve access to community-based infusion centers.
PhRMA.org. 06/21/2023.
GCCA Executive Director Andrew Spiegel stated:
The rate of colorectal cancer in Americans under 55 has nearly doubled since the 1990s, and scientists don’t really know why. In less than 7 years, colorectal cancer is predicted to become the leading cause of cancer deaths for people under 50, and it is already the second leading cause of all cancer deaths, behind only lung cancer. We need more and better treatments, and we need them now. The price setting provisions in the IRA thwart the progress we have made and lead to less hope for patients battling this disease. To make matters worse, the IRA is implementing a process where patient voices and concerns have no real seat at the table. Our patients deserve better, and that’s why we have joined this lawsuit today
PhRMA.org. 06/21/2023.
PhRMA President and CEO Stephen J. Ubl stated:
The price setting scheme in the Inflation Reduction Act is bad policy that threatens continued research and development and patients’ access to medicines. It also violates the U.S. Constitution because it includes barriers to transparency and accountability, hands the executive branch unfettered discretion to set the price of medicines in Medicare and relies on an absurd enforcement mechanism to force compliance. We hope the court recognizes the serious concerns raised and declares the price setting provisions unconstitutional.
PhRMA.org. 06/21/2023.
Additional Information:
The price setting provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act should be declared unconstitutional because of the following violations.
PhRMA.org. 06/21/2023.
- Separation of Powers: Congress has impermissibly delegated broad authority to HHS to set prices within Medicare with no meaningful constraints on the agency’s exercise of this new price-setting authority. This is in conflict with fundamental separation-of-powers and nondelegation principles in the Constitution.
- Due Process: Unlike virtually any other statutory program affecting the public, the price setting scheme denies manufacturers the right both to front-end input on how the policy will be implemented and to back-end judicial or administrative review after critical implementation decisions have been made. And HHS has proposed in guidance to make the process even less transparent, preventing manufacturers from disclosing any information about the price setting process. This violates the Plaintiffs’ and their members’ Fifth Amendment due process rights.
- Excessive Fines: The excise tax aims to force manufacturer compliance with the price setting scheme by imposing a staggering tax that serves as a severe penalty that violates the Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause. Imposed each day that a manufacturer has not agreed to “negotiate” it increases swiftly to 1,900% of a drug’s total sales revenues.
The complaint seeks the following relief:
- Declare that the IRA price setting scheme violates nondelegation and separation-of-powers principles and is unconstitutional
- Declare that the IRA excise tax violates the Eight Amendment Excessive Fines Clause and is unconstitutional
- Declare that the IRA price setting scheme violates Plaintiffs’ and their members’ Fifth Amendment due process rights and is unconstitutional
- Enjoin HHS from implementing the IRA price setting scheme in a manner that does not incorporate adequate procedural processes, including the opportunity for public notice and comment regarding key implementation decisions and for judicial review regarding issues of statutory interpretation
- Enjoin the government from enforcing the IRA excise tax
A more detailed summary and the full complaint can be found here.
This is an Open Thread.
