It’s Friday…
There are only 2 days left in 2024–3 if you count today…
I want to thank Halodoc for covering for me on Thursday, while I visited the dark ages…
President Biden’s public schedule for 12/29/2023:
On Vacation | On Friday, the President has no public events scheduled Residence of Bill and Connie Neville, Christiansted, VI Out-of-Town Pool |
11:00 AM | Out-of-Town Pool Call Time Residence of Bill and Connie Neville, Christiansted, VI Out-of-Town Pool |
Vacation Tweet
From Thursday…
Fifty years ago, Congress passed one of the world's most critical conservation laws, the Endangered Species Act.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 28, 2023
Today, I'm committed to strengthening it so our kids and grandkids can marvel at the wonders of American wildlife for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/MHTsk7OmdI
The video clip is 15 seconds long. Features an Eagle.
From the White House…
12/27/2023:
A Proclamation on the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, 2023:
Fifty years ago, the Congress passed one of the world’s most critical conservation laws — the Endangered Species Act. Ever since, the Endangered Species Act has prevented 99 percent of all fish, wildlife, and plants under its protection from going extinct. This law has safeguarded the incredible biodiversity across our Nation, supported the recovery of imperiled species, and conserved the habitats they depend on. As we observe this anniversary, my Administration recommits to conserving America’s flora and fauna for generations to come.
Before the Endangered Species Act, Federal law lacked a unified framework to protect species facing extinction, including plants and animals that have long populated this country. When these species vanish, it jeopardizes the ecosystems and people that depend on them. Because America’s biodiversity is central to our national heritage and identity, courageous activists and scientists refused to let our precious wildlife disappear. With these activists and scientists leading the way, a group of bipartisan members of Congress came together to pass the Endangered Species Act. This law expanded the endangered species list, established new protections for them, and empowered agencies to enforce any violations of those protections. I was proud to vote for and contribute to the passage of the Endangered Species Act back then, and I am proud now of its lasting legacy. Because of these protections, nearly 300 species have avoided extinction — from the American alligator to the bald eagle, our national symbol.
My Administration has remained committed to restoring the full power and promise of the Endangered Species Act and conserving our Nation’s lands and waters. We proposed two rules that restore critical parts of the Endangered Species Act that were weakened during the previous administration and recommit to using the best available science to manage species. Additionally, our Inflation Reduction Act invests billions of dollars in conservation efforts — like forest management, ecosystem restoration, watershed protection, and other efforts that will support the recovery of imperiled wildlife and their habitats. That funding also includes $125 million for endangered species, directly benefiting more than 300 species currently listed under the Endangered Species Act.From day one of my Administration, I have taken historic steps to conserve our natural treasures for the ages. During my first week in office, I issued an Executive Order establishing the country’s first-ever National Conservation Goal to conserve at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030. That goal is at the heart of my “America the Beautiful” initiative to support locally led, voluntary conservation and restoration efforts across the country. We are delivering on those efforts — during my first year in office, we protected more lands and waters than any American President since John F. Kennedy. As we have pursued these conservation efforts, we have continued to work with farmers, ranchers, fishermen, landowners, Indigenous peoples, and rural communities, who do the everyday work of sustaining and cultivating our lands.
Additionally, my Administration began the designation process for multiple new national marine sanctuaries, including the Hudson Canyon in the Atlantic Ocean, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Southern California, and more than 700,000 square miles around the Pacific Remote Islands. If completed, the Pacific Remote Islands sanctuary would be among the largest marine protected areas on the planet. The Department of the Interior has also begun the process of conserving more than 13 million acres of lands of significant natural and cultural value in America’s Western Arctic.
Finally, we cannot adequately protect our Nation’s biodiversity if we do not combat the existential threat of climate change. That is why my Inflation Reduction Act made the largest investment in climate and conservation ever. Along with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these investments have helped protect our iconic outdoor spaces, implement climate-smart agriculture practices, preserve our historic sites, and make our Nation more resilient to the devastating impacts of climate change. I also signed an Executive Order to protect America’s forests, support nature-based solutions to climate change, and initiate the first National Nature Assessment to evaluate the state of our lands, waters, and wildlife.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, we recognize the incredible progress we have made over the past five decades to protect endangered species as well as all that is possible when we come together to conserve our planet. Together, we can ensure that all our Nation’s treasures — its lands, water, and all the incredible wildlife it holds — will be enjoyed for generations to come.
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 28, 2023, as the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. I call upon Americans to honor all the progress we have made toward protecting endangered species and to work together to conserve our Nation’s incredible biodiversity.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.
White House.gov. 12/27/2023.
From Congress.gov (pretty sure this is the right one)…
Date | Actions Overview |
---|---|
12/28/1973 | Public law 93-205. |
12/28/1973 | Signed by President. |
12/21/1973 | Measure presented to President. |
12/20/1973 | Conference report agreed to in House: House agreed to conference report, roll call #714 (355-4). |
12/19/1973 | Conference report agreed to in Senate: Senate agreed to conference report. |
12/19/1973 | Conference report filed: Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 93-740. |
09/18/1973 | Passed/agreed to in House: Measure passed House, amended in lieu of H.R. 37. |
07/24/1973 | Passed/agreed to in Senate: Measure passed Senate, amended, roll call #322 (92-0). |
07/01/1973 | Reported to Senate from the Committee on Commerce with amendment, S. Rept. 93-307. |
06/12/1973 | Introduced in Senate |
Hamas Hostages Tweet
From Thursday…
Jill and I are devastated to learn that Judy Weinstein, an American citizen, is believed to have been killed by Hamas on October 7. This cuts deep following the news that Gad Haggai, Judy's husband, is also believed to have been killed by Hamas.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2023
Earlier this month I spoke with…
Show more =s’ their daughter and will never forget the words she shared with me. I reaffirm the pledge we have made to all the families of those still held hostage: we will not stop working to bring them home.
His full statement:
Jill and I are devastated to learn that American Judy Weinstein is also believed to have been killed by Hamas on October 7. This tragic development cuts deep, coming on the heels of last week’s news that Judy’s beloved husband, Gad Haggai, is believed to have been killed by Hamas. We are holding Judy and Gad’s four children, seven grandchildren, and other loved ones close to our hearts. I will never forget what their daughter, and the family members of other Americans held hostage in Gaza, have shared with me. They have been living through hell for weeks. No family should have to endure such an ordeal. And I reaffirm the pledge we have made to all the families of those still held hostage: we will not stop working to bring them home.
White House.gov. 12/28/2023.
From the White House; Israel/Hamas/Gaza
10/07/2023:
- Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson Condemning Terrorist Attacks Against Israel
- Statement from President Joe Biden Condemning Terrorist Attacks in Israel
- Remarks by President Biden on the Terrorist Attacks In Israel; the YouTube is 3 minutes and 11 seconds long.
- Background Press Call by a Senior Administration Official Regarding Hamas Terrorist Attacks in Israel
10/08/2023:
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
- Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with President Isaac Herzog of Israel
10/09/2023:
10/10/2023:
- Virtual On-the-Record Gaggle by NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby on Hamas Terrorist Attacks in Israel; posted on 10/10/2023–held on 10/09/2023.
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan; the YouTube is 43 minutes and 32 seconds long.
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
10/11/2023:
- Readout of President Biden and Vice President Harris’ Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; The YouTube is 1 hour and 15 minutes long. The Press briefing starts at the 19 minute and 18 second mark.
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with President Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates
- Remarks by President Biden on New Actions to Protect Consumers from Hidden Junk Fees and Put More Money Back in the Pockets of Hardworking Americans (opening remarks)
10/12/2023:
- Meeting with Jewish Leaders on Biden-Administration’s Commitment to Supporting Israel and Countering Antisemitism
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 55 minutes and 38 seconds long.
10/13/2023:
- Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer’s Calls with Senior UN Officials on the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
- Remarks by President Biden on Creating Good-Paying Union Jobs, Investing in America, and Building the Clean Energy Future (opening remarks); the YouTube is 27 minutes and 17 seconds long. The transcript was posted on 10/14/2023.
10/14/2023:
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority
- Remarks by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the 2023 Human Rights Campaign National Dinner (his closing remarks); the YouTube is 27 minutes and 37 seconds long.
10/15/2023:
- Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Appointment of David Satterfield as Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues
- Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer’s Meetings with Arab and Muslim American Community Leaders
10/16/2023:
- Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani of Iraq
- Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt
- Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s Travel to Israel and Jordan
10/17/2023:
- Statement from President Joe Biden on the Hospital Explosion in Gaza
- Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby En Route Tel Aviv, Israel
10/18/2023:
- Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel Before Bilateral Meeting | Tel Aviv, Israel
- Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel Before Expanded Bilateral Meeting | Tel Aviv, Israel
- U.S. Announcement of Humanitarian Assistance to the Palestinian People
- Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and the War Cabinet
- Remarks by President Biden on the October 7th Terrorist Attacks and the Resilience of the State of Israel and its People | Tel Aviv, Israel; the YouTube is 15 minutes and 49 seconds long.
- Remarks by President Biden at Community Engagement to Meet with Israelis Impacted or Involved in the Response to the October 7th Terrorist Attacks | Tel Aviv, Israel
- Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt
- WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Biden Visits Israel Following Hamas Terrorist Attacks
- Press Gaggle by President Biden and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby | Ramstein Air Base, Germany
10/19/2023:
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine
- Remarks by President Biden on the United States’ Response to Hamas’s Terrorist Attacks Against Israel and Russia’s Ongoing Brutal War Against Ukraine; the YouTube is 15 minutes and 8 seconds long.
10/20/2023:
- FACT SHEET: White House Calls on Congress to Advance Critical National Security Priorities
- On-the-Record Press Call with OMB Director Shalanda Young and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Supplemental Request for Critical National Security Funding Needs
- Statement from President Joe Biden on Securing the Release of Two Americans Taken Hostage
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
- Remarks by President Biden, European Council President Charles Michel, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Before Trilateral Meeting
- WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Biden Gives Oval Office Address on the United States’ Response to Hamas’ Terrorist Attacks Against Israel and Russia’s Ongoing Brutal War Against Ukraine
- U.S.-EU Summit Joint Statement
10/21/2023:
- Statement from President Joe Biden on the Delivery of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with His Holiness Pope Francis
10/22/2023:
- Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.’s Call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel
- Joint Statement on Israel
10/23/2023:
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 57 minutes and 40 seconds long.
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
10/24/2023:
- Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 56 minutes and 6 seconds long.
10/25/2023:
- United States-Australia Joint Leaders’ StatementBuilding an Innovation Alliance
- Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia Before Bilateral Meeting
- Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia in Joint Press Conference; the YouTube is 32 minutes and 37 seconds long.
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
10/26/2023:
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard, and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 1 hour and 4 minutes long.
10/29/2023:
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt
10/30/2023:
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 47 minutes and 50 seconds long.
- Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meeting with Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud
- Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on House Republicans Politicizing National Security
10/31/2023:
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 55 minutes and 49 seconds long.
- Washington Post Opinion| Antony Blinken: Defending Israel is essential. So is aiding civilians in Gaza.
11/01/2023:
- Press Gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Emilie Simons and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby En Route Minneapolis, MN; the audio only YouTube is 35 minutes and 41 seconds long.
- Remarks by President Biden on How Bidenomics and His Investing in America Agenda are Ensuring Rural Americans Do Not Have to Leave Their Hometowns to Find Opportunity | Northfield, MN; the YouTube is 24 minutes and 45 seconds long.
11/02/2023:
- Readout of Vice President Harris’s Meeting with Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 1 hour and 2 minutes long.
- Readout of President Biden’s Meeting with President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic
- Readout of President Biden’s Meeting with President Gabriel Boric of Chile
11/03/2023:
- Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre En Route Brunswick, ME; there is no White House YouTube.
- Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on Israel and Gaza; released on the 11/04/2023–conducted on 11/03/2023.
11/06/2023:
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
- Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with President Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates
- Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain
11/07/2023:
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 1 hour and 5 minutes long.
- Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with President Isaac Herzog of Israel
11/08/2023:
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 1 hour and 5 minutes long.
11/09/2023:
- Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure
- Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure | Joint Base Andrews, MD
- Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton En Route Belvidere, IL; the YouTube is 17 minutes and 15 seconds long.
- Press Gaggle with NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; teleconference
11/17/2023:
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar
- Readout of Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer’s Call with UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees on the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
11/19/2023:
11/20/2023:
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 54 minutes long.
11/21/2023:
- Statement from President Joe Biden on the Hostage Release in Gaza
- Statement by Vice President Harris on the Hostage Release in Gaza
11/22/2023:
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt
11/24/2023:
- Remarks by President Biden on the Release of Hostages from Gaza; the YouTube is 10 minutes and 8 seconds long.
11/25/2023:
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar
- YouTube; President Biden Delivers Remarks on the Release of Hostages: no transcript is posted at this time…
11/26/2023:
11/27/2023:
- Statement from President Joe Biden on Extension of Humanitarian Pause in Gaza
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 55 minutes and 36 seconds long.
- Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on Humanitarian Aid
11/28/2023:
- Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Airlift of Critical Humanitarian Supplies to Egypt to Support Aid Delivery in Gaza
- Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby En Route Denver, CO
11/29/2023:
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with President Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates
- Statement from President Joe Biden on the Release of American Hostage from Gaza
- Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure | Pueblo, CO
11/30/2023:
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 35 minutes and 19 seconds long.
12/02/2023:
- Readout of Vice President Harris’s Meeting with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt
- Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar
- Readout of Vice President Harris’s Meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates
- Readout of Vice President Kamala Harris’s Meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan
- Remarks by Vice President Harris on the Conflict Between Israel and Hamas
12/03/2023:
- Readout of the Vice President’s Call with President Isaac Herzog of Israel
- Readout of the Vice President’s Call with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority
12/04/2023:
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan; the YouTube is 52 minutes and 22 seconds long.
12/05/2023:
12/06/2023:
- G7 Leaders’ Statement
- Readout of President Biden’s Virtual Meeting with G7 Leaders
- Readout of National Security Advisor to the Vice President Phil Gordon’s Travel to the West Bank
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 1 hour and 3 minutes long.
12/07/2023:
- Readout of National Security Advisor to the Vice President Phil Gordon’s Meeting with Families of Hostages Held in Gaza
- Readout of White House Meeting with Israel’s Chair of the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan
12/08/2023:
- Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby En Route Las Vegas, NV; the YouTube is 32 minutes and 6 seconds long.
12/11/2023:
- Press Gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates and NSC Coordinator For Strategic Communications John Kirby En Route Philadelphia, PA; the YouTube is 16 minutes and 53 seconds long.
12/13/2023:
- Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on Travel of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to Israel
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 1 hour and 2 minutes long.
- Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meeting with Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
12/14/2023:
- Readout of President Biden’s Call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye
- Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meetings with Israeli Officials
- Background Press Call on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Travel to Israel
12/15/2023:
- Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Government of Israel Decision to Open Kerem Shalom for Direct Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance
- Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meetings with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas
- On-the-Record Press Gaggle by NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby
12/17/2023:
12/18/2023:
12/19/2023:
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 54 minutes and 38 seconds long.
12/20/2023:
- Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the Audio Only YouTube is 26 minutes and 8 seconds long.
12/21/2023:
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby; the YouTube is 57 minutes 45 seconds long.
12/22/2023:
12/23/2023:
12/26/2023:
12/28/2023:
This is an Open Thread.
Have a nice weekend everyone!