Biden Bits: “Work for the Ages”…

January 3, 2025 11:55 am EST Tiff Biden Tweets (Open Thread) Comments Off on Biden Bits: “Work for the Ages”…
Biden Tweets Logo. Image by Lenny Ghoul.

President Biden’s public schedule for 01/03/2025:

10:00 AM
In-Town Pool Call Time
The White House In-Town Pool
12:20 PM
The President hosts a Medal of Valor Ceremony
Oval Office 
Closed Press
1:15 PM
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
James S. Brady
Press Briefing Room
5:00 PM
The President delivers remarks at a Medal of Honor Ceremony
East Room 
Pre-Credentialed Media

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre @1:15 PM D.C., time:

From the White House…

01/03/2025:

President Biden Announces Recipients of the Medal of Valor

Today, President Biden will announce eight recipients of the Medal of Valor.

Pursuant to the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, which President Biden co-sponsored when serving as a Senator, the President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a Medal of Valor to a public safety officer for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. It is the nation’s highest award for valor by a public safety officer.

The nominees were recommended by the Attorney General and the Medal of Valor Review Board, whose members are appointed to four-year terms by the President, the Senate majority and minority leaders, the Speaker of the House, and the House minority leader. The medal recipients have exhibited exceptional courage—disregarding their own personal safety—in attempting to save or protect human life. 

The President previously awarded Medals of Valor in 2023 for the 2021-2022 class of nine recipients and in 2022 for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 classes of 15 recipients during ceremonies held at the White House. The President also presented the medals as Vice President in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

The awards will be presented at the White House on January 3, 2024. The following individuals will be awarded the Medal of Valor:

Sergeant Jeffrey Mathes, Officer Rex Engelbert, and Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle, and Zachary Plese

On March 27, 2023, Sergeant Jeffrey Mathes, Officer Rex Engelbert, and Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle, and Zachary Plese of the Nashville, Tennessee, Police Department ran towards gunfire to take down an active shooter at The Covenant School, a Nashville elementary school. The heavily-armed shooter had already killed six people, including three nine-year-old students. The officers rushed to the scene, and as they arrived, the shooter opened fire on them. Still, the officers entered the school, cleared classroom after classroom, and ran towards the sounds of gunfire where they encountered the shooter. They took down the shooter. Later that day, the President addressed the nation and commended the police for their swift response and bravery.

Sergeant Tu Tran

On February 22, 2023, Sergeant Tu Tran of the Police Department of Lincoln, Nebraska put his life in danger to courageously save a woman drowning in a frigid pond. Sergeant Tran jumped into the deep water and swam over 30 feet to the middle of the pond where the woman’s vehicle was submerging. He opened the rear door and pulled the woman out before the vehicle fully submerged. Sergeant Tran brought the woman to safety on shore, where she was treated by medics and survived. Sergeant Tran attended the 2024 State of the Union address as a guest of Nebraska Senators Pete Ricketts (R) and Deb Fischer (R).

Lieutenant John Vanderstar

On October 23, 2022, Lieutenant John Vanderstar of the Fire Department of the City of New York rushed into a burning apartment and through flames to rescue a mother and her child, saving both. Upon entering the apartment, without hesitation and without water to hold back the fire, he pushed to the back bedroom, where he found a suffocating mother with a child laying on top of her. He dragged them to the window for fresh air. Once other firefighters arrived with a hose to push back the fire, Lieutenant Vanderstar raced out of the apartment with the child, handing her to paramedics. The mother and child both survived.

Firefighter Brendan Gaffney

On February 5, 2023, firefighter Brendan Gaffney of the Fire Department of the City of New York rushed through an apartment building fire twice to save two unconscious victims. In the apartment, Gaffney moved through the raging fire into a bedroom using a removed door as a shield, where he found a pregnant woman and a child, both unconscious. He first shielded the child with his own body to get him to safety. Gaffney then ran through the fire again and rescued the woman. He performed CPR on the woman while waiting for paramedics. The woman and child both survived.

President Biden Announces Recipients of the Medal of Valor. 01/03/2025.

President Biden to Award Medal of Honor

On January 3, 2025, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will award the Medal of Honor to seven U.S. Army Soldiers:  Private Bruno R. Orig (posthumous), Private First Class Wataru Nakamura (posthumous), Corporal Fred B. McGee (posthumous), Private First Class Charles R. Johnson (posthumous), retired General Richard E. Cavazos (posthumous), Captain Hugh R. Nelson, Jr. (posthumous), and Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth J. David.    

Private Bruno R. Orig will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea, on February 15, 1951.  While returning from a wire laying mission, Private Orig observed a number of his comrades who had been wounded in a fierce enemy attack that was still in progress. With complete disregard for his own safety, he went to the aid of these men and remained in an exposed position in order to administer first aid.  With the assistance of several comrades from the company command post, he began removing the wounded to a place of safety.  While returning from one of these trips, he noticed that all except one man of a machine-gun crew had been wounded. Without hesitation, he volunteered to man the weapon. Remaining in this position, he placed such effective fire on the enemy that a withdrawing friendly platoon was able to move back without a single casualty.  Private Orig continued to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy until their company positions were overrun. Later that day, when the lost ground was recaptured, Private Orig was found dead beside his weapon, and the area in front of his gun was littered with enemy dead. 

Private First Class Wataru Nakamura will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in the vicinity of P’ungch’on-ni, Korea on May 18, 1951.  At daybreak on May 18, 1951, Private First Class Nakamura volunteered to check and repair a communications line between his platoon and the command post. As he made his way along the line in the early morning half-light, he was brought under fire by an enemy force that had surrounded friendly positions and was threatening to break the company defense lines. Immediately, without regard for his own safety and without waiting for help, he rushed the enemy with fixed bayonet engaged.  Singlehandedly, he attacked and destroyed a hostile machine-gun nest and drove the enemy from several of the bunkers they had captured.  When his ammunition was depleted, he withdrew under intense enemy fire.  Then he met an ammunition party ascending the hill. Quickly briefing the officer in charge, Private Nakamura rearmed himself and, covered by the fire of the officer in charge and two comrades, returned to the attack.  In a fierce charge, he killed three of the enemy in one bunker and killed and seriously wounded another in the last enemy-held bunker.  Continuing to press the attack, he was killed by an enemy grenade. 

Corporal Fred B. McGee will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity near Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea, on June 16, 1952, in an assault on enemy fortified positions.  As gunner on a light machine gun in a weapons squad, Corporal McGee delivered a heavy volume of supporting fire from an exposed position despite intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire directly on his location. Though forced to move his gun several times, he continued to support the assault and give covering fire to the assault elements of his platoon.  When his squad leader was wounded, he assumed command and moved the squad even farther forward to a more exposed position in order to deliver neutralizing fire on an enemy machine gun that was sweeping another assault platoon with deadly flanking fire.  When Corporal McGee’s machine gunner was mortally wounded, he took over the gun. On order, he directed his squad to withdraw and voluntarily remained behind to help evacuate the wounded and dead.      Though he was wounded in the face, he heroically exposed himself by standing straight up in intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire and attempting to evacuate the body of the company runner.   Forced to abandon the body of the company runner, he aided in moving a wounded man to the rear to safety through a huge volume of enemy mortar and artillery fire.

Private First Class Charles R. Johnson will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity beyond the call of duty while serving as a Browning Automatic Rifleman with Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, Republic of Korea, June 11-12, 1953.  During the night of June 11, Chinese forces attacked Private First Class Johnson’s unit during a massive nighttime assault. During the ensuing battle, overwhelming numbers of Chinese troops assaulted the trenches and bunkers that were defended by Private First Class Johnson and his squad.  Wounded from a direct artillery hit on his bunker and subsequently from a hand grenade thrown inside the bunker, Private First Class Johnson, without regard for his own injuries, administered first aid to those more seriously injured.  Understanding the seriousness of the situation and under direct fire from the enemy, Private First Class Johnson personally dragged a wounded soldier to the safety of a secure bunker, stopping intermittently to aid injured soldiers and kill several enemy members in hand-to-hand combat.  Recognizing their untenable situation and disregarding his personal safety, Private First Class Johnson exited the bunker, placing himself between the enemy and his injured comrades to hold off the enemy as best as he could.  Private First Class Johnson’s brave and selfless efforts were credited with saving the lives of as many as 10 soldiers.   Private First Class Johnson was killed in action in the early morning of June 12, 1953.

Then-First Lieutenant Richard E. Cavazos will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the Company Commander, Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, on June 14 and 15, 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea.  On the night of June 14, 1953, Lieutenant Cavazos led his men in a raid on the entrenched enemy, upon whom heavy casualties were inflicted.  When a heavy barrage was laid on the position by the enemy, Lieutenant Cavazos withdrew the company and regrouped his men.  Lieutenant Cavazos twice more led the company through the heavy barrage in assaults on the enemy position, each time destroying vital enemy equipment and personnel.  When the United Nations element was ordered to withdraw, Lieutenant Cavazos remained alone on the enemy outpost to search the area for missing men. Exposed to heavy hostile fire, Lieutenant Cavazos located five battle casualties.  He evacuated them, one at a time, to a point on the reverse slope of the hill from which they could be removed to safety.  Lieutenant Cavazos then made four more trips between the United Nations position and the enemy-held hill, searching for casualties and evacuating scattered groups of men who had become confused. Not until he was assured that the hill was cleared did he get treatment for the wounds sustained during the action.  Lieutenant Cavazos went on to serve for over thirty years, attaining the rank of four-star General.  He retired from military service in 1984 and died on October 29, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas, at age 88.  On May 9, 2023, Fort Hood was renamed Fort Cavazos in honor of General Cavazos.   

Captain Hugh R. Nelson, Jr. will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a member of the 114th Aviation Company (Airmobile Light) on June 5, 1966, near Moc Hoa, Republic of Vietnam.  Captain Nelson was acting as Aircraft Commander of an armed Huey helicopter when it was struck by hostile gun fire, crash landed in the middle of many enemy positions, and had all weapons destroyed in the crash. Captain Nelson exited the aircraft to aid his three wounded comrades: two Specialists and a pilot. He ignored his own injuries, debarked the aircraft, and started to evacuate his fellow soldiers.

Proceeding to the left side of the aircraft, he removed a dazed Specialist who had been pinned in the cargo compartment. After placing the Specialist on the ground and observing that the injured pilot had managed to get out of the aircraft, he climbed into the severely damaged helicopter to assist the other Specialist who was still trapped in the aircraft.  Although the enemy began a heavy volume of automatic and small arms fire at a range of approximately 30 feet from the aircraft, he continued his brave efforts until he freed the second trapped Specialist.  He then forced the second Specialist to the ground while using his own body as a human shield to cover his comrade. Captain Nelson was killed by the gun fire, while the Specialist survived. He saved the life of his fellow soldier at the sacrifice of his own.  Captain Nelson’s selfless sacrifice allowed his wounded comrade to use a smoke grenade to signal supporting aircraft in the area, which responded immediately and successfully evacuated the three wounded crew members and Captain Nelson’s remains.    

Then-Private First Class Kenneth J. David will receive the Medal of Honor for acts of gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a radio-telephone operator during contact with an enemy force near Fire Support Base Maureen, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam, on May 7, 1970.  Private First Class David’s company came under an intense attack from a large hostile force, which resulted in numerous friendly casualties.  He immediately took up a position to engage the enemy in such a way to draw fire away from his comrades.  Without regard for his own life, he moved to a position in front of the perimeter and just to the south. Surrounded on three sides by the larger enemy force, he engaged them with his rifle and hand grenades.  When the enemy attempted to concentrate their fire on the wounded, Private First Class David jumped from his position and yelled to draw the fire back to himself. During this time, he was wounded by an incoming satchel charge.  His comrades came to his aid, but he assured them he was able to continue the fight. He continued to draw the enemy fire away from the friendly Medevac helicopters that were trying to land. It was not until the last helicopter was landing that he retreated from his position in front of the perimeter and continued laying down fire until finally being evacuated himself.

President Biden to Award Medal of Honor. 01/03/2025.

President Biden Delivers Remarks at a Medal of Honor Ceremony @5:00 PM D.C., time:

Celebrating 235 Judicial Confirmations Tweets

From Thursday…

Remarks by President Biden on Securing 235 Judicial Confirmations; the YouTube is 21 minutes and 38 seconds long.

It matters.  Judges matter.  You know, shaping the everyday lives of Americans.  Protecting our basic freedoms.  I never thought we’d be talking about this.  Defending constitutional liberties.  Replacing pr- — you know, respecting the idea precedent matters — precedent matters.

These judges will be independent, they’ll be fair, and they’ll be impartial, and they’ll respect the rule of law.  And most importantly — I know this sounds — I never thought I’d be saying this — they’d up- — they’ll uphold the Constitution.  They’ll uphold the Constitution.

Remarks by President Biden on Securing 235 Judicial Confirmations; the YouTube is 21 minutes and 38 seconds long. 01/02/2025.

When I ran for president, I made a promise that I’d have a bench that looks like America that taps into the full talents of this nation.  And I’m proud we’ve kept our commitment, with the help of these two men and many others, bolstering confidence in judicial decision-making and outcomes. 

[snip]

And today, I want to recognize a major milestone.  The Senate recently confirmed its 235th federal judge, which is the largest number of confirmations in a single presidential term since the early ‘80s.  That includes 1 Supreme Court justice, 45 Circuit Court of Appeal judges, 187 District Court judges, and 2 judges on the Court of International Trade. 

And they represent the best of America.  It’s all about preserving the Constitution.  I made two — three speeches in this campaign — in this — my term as president.  One when I first entered, saying democracy is at stake.  One I later made at — anyway.  I made three major speeches.  The institutions are in jeopardy, in my view.  And some of the decisions coming down, to me, made no constitutional sense.

Remarks by President Biden on Securing 235 Judicial Confirmations; the YouTube is 21 minutes and 38 seconds long. 01/02/2025.

I took this tweet out of order and I’m placing it here, because President Biden opened his remarks to celebrate the Judges confirmation by providing a small update on the terror attack in New Orleans.

I do apologize.  We had a very busy schedule the last — over — from New Year’s Day on, dealing with two crises — one in Louisiana and one in Las — in Las Vegas.  And I’ve assembled the entire Defense and intelligence apparatus of the country in the Situation Room, and we’ve been spending a lot of time there.  But I’m going to take another two minutes to talk a little bit about that and then go on to the — what we’re here for.

I want to give an update on the investigations into yesterday’s terrorist attacks in New Orleans and the truck explosion in Las Vegas.  I’ve just come from the meeting — not “just,” it’s been — while we’ve prepared these remarks — better part of an hour — from my Homeland Security team.  The number of people killed in New Orleans has risen to 15, including the attacker.  Thirty-five people were injured. 

Today, the FBI briefed me that, as of now, no information — we have no information that anyone else was involved in the attack.  They’ve established that the attacker was the same person who planted the explosives in those ice coolers in two nearby locations in the French Quarter just a few hours before he rammed into the crowd with his vehicle. 

They assessed he had a remote detonator in his vehicle to set off those two ice chests.  So, there’s no question that — remember all the talk about other people were involved, placed them?  They have him — they have established he’s there and even established that he had a detonator to explode those — those ice chests.

As I said yesterday, the attacker posted several videos just several hours before the attack, in- — indicating his strong support for ISIS.

Federal law enforcement and the intelligence community are actively investigating any foreign or domestic contacts or connections that could possibly be relevant to the attack. 

And so, we’re also continuing to investigate whether or not there’s any connection between the New Orleans attack and the explosion in Las Vegas.  As of now — as of now, I’ve just briefed they have not found any evidence of such a connection thus far.  I’ve directed them to keep looking.

The individual who rented the truck to explode — that exploded in Las Vegas also served as active duty U.S. Army.  And the FBI is working with the Department of Defense on investigating, including the service member’s possible motives and all those he worked with in — who served with him — what things he’d say and do.

I directed my team to accelerate these investigations so we have answers to our unanswered questions.  And I’m making every single resource available to get the job done.  And we’re going to share the facts as soon as I learn them so the American public doesn’t have to wonder. 

In the meantime, like I said last night, New Orleans is a city of tremendous spirit.  It can’t keep it down — you really can’t.  And we are seeing that today.  The Sugar Bowl is back on.  Kick-off is going to take off very shortly.  If I don’t get this damn thing done, we’re going to be in real trouble.  (Laughter.)  And the FBI in handing control to Bourbon Street back to local officials, security of the area has been reinforced, and it should be open for business later today.  The — Bourbon Street. 

The people of New Orleans are sending an unmistakable message: They will not let this attack or the attacks — attacker’s de- — his deluded ideology overcome us.  None of us should fear it’ll — he’ll overcome us. 

And we’re going to relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organizations where they are, and they’ll find no safe harbor here.

I’ll continue to provide updates on New Orleans and Las Vegas as the facts develop.

Remarks by President Biden on Securing 235 Judicial Confirmations; the YouTube is 21 minutes and 38 seconds long. 01/02/2025.

From the White House…

01/01/2025:

01/02/2025:

President Biden and the First Lady will travel to New Orleans on Monday (01/06/2025). According to a media advisory posted on Forth.news.

Medicare Tweet

From Thursday…

From the White House…

12/31/2024:

Statement from President Biden on Medicare’s New $2,000 Cap on Prescription Drug Costs Taking Effect

I believe that health care should be a right – not a privilege – and throughout my presidency I have advanced that goal. This week, we take another step closer to an America where everyone can afford the quality health care they need, as Medicare’s new $2,000 cap on prescription drug costs from my Inflation Reduction Act goes fully into effect.

Before I took office, people with Medicare who took expensive drugs could face a crushing burden, paying $10,000 a year or more in copays for the drugs they need to stay alive. When I took on Big Pharma and won, we changed that, capping seniors’ out-of-pocket spending on drugs they get at the pharmacy for the first time ever. Costs were capped at about $3,500 in 2024, and in just the first six months of the year, this policy saved people with Medicare $1 billion in cost-sharing. On January 1, 2025, the cap on drug costs fully phases in, and costs are now capped at $2,000 per year. As a result, 19 million people are expected to save an average of $400 each. That’s a game changer for the American people.

My Inflation Reduction Act has changed Medicare for the better, and as a result Americans will have more money back in their pockets in the years to come.

Statement from President Biden on Medicare’s New $2,000 Cap on Prescription Drug Costs Taking Effect. 12/31/2024.

Presidential Citizens Medal Ceremony Tweets

From Thursday…

The YouTube is 18 minutes and 24 seconds long; the White House hasn’t uploaded his remarks.

The shitty auto generated transcript posted via YouTube confirms the above tweet text appears in his remarks.

Former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney (WY) was among those that received a medal.

From the White House…

01/02/2025:

President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal

Today, President Biden named twenty recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal.

The Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others. The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice.

The awards will be presented at the White House on January 2, 2025. The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal:

Mary L. Bonauto

Attorney and activist Mary Bonauto first fought to legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine before arguing before the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, which established marriage equality as the law of the land. Her efforts made millions of families whole and forged a more perfect Union.

Bill Bradley

Raised in small-town Missouri, Bill Bradley showed a dedication to basketball that would define his courage, discipline, and selflessness. A two-time NBA Champion and Hall-of-Fame New York Knick, he served three terms as a United States Senator from New Jersey and was a candidate for president, advancing tax reform, water rights, civil rights, and more, while still today seeking to deepen our common humanity with humility and heart.

Frank K. Butler, Jr.

As a pioneering innovator, Navy Seal, and leader in dive medicine, Dr. Frank Butler introduced Tactical Combat Casualty Care to the medical world that set new standards for tourniquet use not only for injuries in war, but injuries across daily civilian life. He has transformed battlefield trauma care for the United States military and saved countless lives.

Elizabeth L. Cheney

Throughout two decades in public service, including as a Congresswoman for Wyoming and Vice Chair of the Committee on the January 6 attack, Liz Cheney has raised her voice—and reached across the aisle—to defend our Nation and the ideals we stand for: Freedom. Dignity. And decency. Her integrity and intrepidness remind us all what is possible if we work together.

Christopher J. Dodd

Chris Dodd has served our Nation with distinction for more than 50 years as a United States Congressman, Senator, respected lawyer, and diplomat. From advancing childcare, to reforming our financial markets, to fostering partnerships across the Western Hemisphere—he has stood watch over America as a beacon to the world.

Diane Carlson Evans

After serving as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War, Diane Carlson Evans founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation to ensure female service members received the recognition they deserve—one of our Nation’s most sacred obligations. Her duty and devotion embody the very best of who we are as Americans.

Joseph L. Galloway (posthumous)

From Vietnam to the Persian Gulf, Joe Galloway spent decades sharing first-hand accounts of horror, humanity, and heroism in battle. Known as the soldier’s reporter and the soldier’s friend, he embedded with American troops, rescued wounded soldiers under fire, and became the only civilian awarded a Bronze Star for combat valor by the United States Army as one of the most respected war correspondents of his era.

Nancy Landon Kassebaum

The first woman to represent Kansas, Nancy Kassebaum was a force in the United States Senate. From supporting a woman’s right to choose to reforming health care, she stood up for what she believed in even if it meant standing alone, and she reached across the aisle to do what she believed was right.

Ted Kaufman

For decades, including as a United States Senator from Delaware, Ted Kaufman has served the Nation with honesty and integrity. A master of the Senate who championed everyday Americans and public servants, he’s been at the forefront of consequential debates about the courts, the financial system, and more.

Carolyn McCarthy

As a nurse, Carolyn McCarthy had an instinct to heal and serve. When her husband and son were shot on a local commuter train, she became an advocate so persuasive that she was recruited to run for Congress. She served 18 years, championing gun safety measures including improved background checks, as a citizen legislator devoted to protecting our Nation’s welfare.

Louis Lorenzo Redding (posthumous)

A groundbreaking civil rights advocate, Louis was the first Black attorney admitted to the bar in Delaware, where he argued against segregation in the seminal cases of Bulah v. Gebhart and Belton v. Gebhart—laying the legal framework for Brown v. Board of Education. A towering figure and a generous mentor, he opened doors of equity and opportunity for all Americans.

Bobby Sager

A Boston native, Bobby Sager travels the world as a photographer and philanthropist grounded in family and empathy, wielding his camera and influence to connect with people in war-torn countries, capture their hope and humanity, and inspire others to take action and see a fuller portrait of the planet we all share.

Collins J. Seitz (posthumous)

As a state judge in Delaware, Judge Seitz became the first judge in America to integrate a white public school, dismantling the doctrine of “separate but equal” with exacting detail and reverence for the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment of our Constitution. His brave ruling tore down walls of separation to help us see each other as fellow Americans.

Eleanor Smeal

From leading massive protests and galvanizing women’s votes in the 1970s to steering progress for equal pay and helping the Violence Against Women Act become law, Ellie Smeal forced the Nation to not only include women in political discourse but to value them as power brokers and equals. Her strategic vision over more than 40 years embodies the American pursuit to create a fairer, more just world.

Bennie G. Thompson

Born and raised in a segregated Mississippi, as a college student inspired by the Civil Rights movement, Bennie Thompson volunteered on campaigns and registered southern Black voters. That call to serve eventually led him to Congress, where he chaired the House January 6th Committee—at the forefront of defending the rule of law with unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to truth.

Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi (posthumous)

In a shameful chapter in our Nation’s history, Mitsuye Endo was incarcerated alongside more than 120,000 Japanese Americans. Undaunted, she challenged the injustice and reached the Supreme Court. Her resolve allowed thousands of Japanese Americans to return home and rebuild their lives, reminding us that we are a Nation that stands for freedom for all.

Thomas J. Vallely

A United States Marine during the Vietnam War, Thomas Vallely has never given up on peace. Over the course of five decades, he has brought Vietnam and the United States together—establishing Fulbright University Vietnam, fostering greater economic and cultural exchange, and overcoming the perils of the past to seize the promise of the future. His service remains a symbol of American leadership in the world.

Frances M. Visco

As president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Fran Visco has fought tirelessly and fearlessly to increase Federal funding for breast cancer research, early detection education, and access to women’s healthcare. As a breast cancer survivor, she turned pain into purpose, changed the landscape of breast cancer advocacy, and has become a powerful symbol of hope for the Nation.

Paula S. Wallace

A lifelong educator and trailblazer of the arts, Paula Wallace dreamt of a school that would transform how we think about professional education. By establishing the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design and serving as its president, she has guided thousands of students into creative industries.

Evan Wolfson

By leading the marriage equality movement, Evan Wolfson helped millions of people in all 50 states win the fundamental right to love, marry, and be themselves. For 32 years, starting with a visionary law school thesis, Evan Wolfson worked with singular focus and untiring optimism to change not just the law, but society—pioneering a political playbook for change and sharing its lessons, even now, with countless causes worldwide.

President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal. 01/02/2025.

Nippon Steel Tweets

From Friday…

From the White House…

01/03/2025:

Order Regarding the Proposed Acquisition of United States Steel Corporation by Nippon Steel Corporation

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (section 721), 50 U.S.C. 4565, it is hereby ordered as follows:

     Section 1.  Findings.  I hereby make the following findings:

(a)  There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that (1) Nippon Steel Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of Japan (Nippon Steel); (2) Nippon Steel North America, Inc., a New York corporation (Nippon Steel NA); and (3) 2023 Merger Subsidiary, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with Nippon Steel and Nippon Steel NA, the Purchasers), through the proposed acquisition by the Purchasers of United States Steel Corporation, a Delaware corporation (U.S. Steel), might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States; and

(b)  Provisions of law, other than section 721 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), do not, in my judgment, provide adequate and appropriate authority for me to protect the national security in this matter.

     Sec. 2.  Actions Ordered and Authorized.  On the basis of the findings set forth in section 1 of this order, considering the factors set forth in subsection 721(f) of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as appropriate, and pursuant to my authority under applicable law, including section 721, I hereby order that:

(a)  The proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by the Purchasers (Proposed Transaction) is prohibited, and any substantially similar transaction between the Purchasers and U.S. Steel, whether effected directly or indirectly by the Purchasers, through the Purchasers’ shareholders or shareholders’ immediate, intermediate, or ultimate foreign person beneficial owners, or through the Purchasers’ partners, subsidiaries, or affiliates is also prohibited.

(b)  The Purchasers and U.S. Steel shall take all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the Proposed Transaction no later than 30 days after the date of this order, unless such date is extended by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), on such conditions as CFIUS may require.  Immediately upon completion of all steps necessary to abandon the Proposed Transaction, the Purchasers and U.S. Steel shall certify in writing to CFIUS that such abandonment has been effected in accordance with this order and that all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the Proposed Transaction have been completed.

(c)  From the date of this order until the Purchasers and U.S. Steel provide a certification of abandonment of the Proposed Transaction to CFIUS pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the Purchasers and U.S. Steel shall certify to CFIUS on a weekly basis that they are in compliance with this order and include with that certification a description of all efforts to fully and permanently abandon the Proposed Transaction, and a timeline for projected completion of remaining actions necessary to effectuate the abandonment.

(d)  Any transaction or other instrument entered into or method employed for the purpose of, or with the effect of, evading or circumventing this order is prohibited.

(e)  Without limitation on the exercise of authority by any agency under other provisions of law, and until such time as the Purchasers and U.S. Steel provide a certification of abandonment of the Proposed Transaction and such certification is verified to the satisfaction of CFIUS, CFIUS is further authorized to implement measures it determines necessary and appropriate with regard to the Proposed Transaction to protect the national security of the United States, including measures available to it under section 721 and its implementing regulations, which include the remedies available for violations of any order, agreement or condition entered into or imposed under section 721.

(f)  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid because of the lack of certain procedural requirements, the relevant executive branch officials shall implement those procedural requirements.

(g)  The Attorney General is authorized to take any steps necessary to enforce this order.

     Sec. 3.  Reservation.  I hereby reserve my authority to issue further orders with respect to the Purchasers or U.S. Steel as shall in my judgment be necessary to protect the national security of the United States.

     Sec. 4.  Publication and Transmittal.  (a)  This order shall be published in the Federal Register.

(b)  I hereby direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit a copy of this order to the parties to the Proposed Transaction named in section 1 of this order.

Order Regarding the Proposed Acquisition of United States Steel Corporation by Nippon Steel Corporation. 01/03/2025.

Statement from President Joe Biden

As I have said many times, steel production—and the steel workers who produce it—are the backbone of our nation.  A strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority and is critical for resilient supply chains.  That is because steel powers our country: our infrastructure, our auto industry, and our defense industrial base. Without domestic steel production and domestic steel workers, our nation is less strong and less secure.

For too long, U.S. steel companies have faced unfair trade practices as foreign companies have dumped steel on global markets at artificially low prices, leading to job losses and factory closures in America. I have taken decisive action to level the playing field for American steelworkers and steel producers by tripling tariffs on steel imports from China.  With record investments in manufacturing, more than 100 new steel and iron mills have opened since I took office, and U.S. companies are producing the cleanest steel in the world. Today, the domestic steel industry is the strongest it has been in years.

We need major U.S. companies representing the major share of US steelmaking capacity to keep leading the fight on behalf of America’s national interests. As a committee of national security and trade experts across the executive branch determined, this acquisition would place one of America’s largest steel producers under foreign control and create risk for our national security and our critical supply chains.

So, that is why I am taking action to block this deal. It is my solemn responsibility as President to ensure that, now and long into the future, America has a strong domestically owned and operated steel industry that can continue to power our national sources of strength at home and abroad; and it is a fulfillment of that responsibility to block foreign ownership of this vital American company. U.S. Steel will remain a proud American company – one that’s American-owned, American-operated, by American union steelworkers – the best in the world.  

Today’s action reflects my unflinching commitment to utilize all authorities available to me as President to defend U.S. national security, including by ensuring that American companies continue to play a central role in sectors that are critical for our national security. As I have made clear since day one: I will never hesitate to act to protect the security of this nation and its infrastructure as well as the resilience of its supply chains.

Statement from President Joe Biden. 01/03/2025.

Today starts the 119th Congress.

I decided to include this shitshow here since it starts at noon D.C., time.

Now, we have no idea if the current Speaker of the House Mike Johnson wins on the first ballot; he could, if enough members follow Shitshows lead.

He also endorsed him the other day, but I didn’t feel like scrolling back to find it.

We do guess that at least one Rep., will not be voting in favor of Speaker Johnson (aside from all the D’s in the House…)

The Hill Reporters I follow…

Show more =’s As of now, he has @RepThomasMassie against him. @chiproytx and a ton of others undecided. He’s not negotiating deals. His allies are saying he won’t make Roy rules chair – as some hardliners are demanding. He’s not negotiating on the rules package. One more no besides Massie could sink him. Multiple ballots weakens him, and people will begin looking for alternatives. ALSO: Trump world is growing bearish on Johnson’s chances Day 436 of the JOHNSON speakership. 119 begins at 12p today.

Show more =’s While the author remains unnamed, it hits the talking points being shared by Johnson’s critics ahead of the Jan. 3 vote: How Rs have repeatedly added to the nation’s debt, passed aid to Ukraine without the support of the majority of the GOP majority, and reauthorized FISA. In particular, they took issue with how the latest government spending bill was handled ahead of the Christmas Holiday.

They are not serious people…

Brian Kilmeade: I got bad news Congressman Bob Good just tweeted out he will not be voting for Mike Johnson…

Rep. Jim Jordan (Clown car driver–OH): a bunch of stammering where he finally spits out that “Bob Good lost that primary”.

Live Feed to the Congressional shitshow:

C-SPAN:

This is an open thread

About the opinions in this article…

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About Tiff 3036 Articles
Member of the Free Press who is politically homeless and a political junkie.