Category: The White House

Source: The White House

Intel Groundbreaking Site
New Albany, Ohio

12:35 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Pat, for that introduction.   And pretty amazing — pretty amazing.  It was just back in January when we were together at the White House with Senator Brown and Senator Portman announcing this historic investment. 

In March, I shared the story in my State of the Union Address — the story of the field of dreams in the middle of Ohio where America’s future will be built.  

In August, we were back at the White House as I signed the CHIPS and Science Act, one of the most significant science and technology investments in our history. 

And now, in September, Gov, we’re here breaking ground.  And thanks for the passport to get to the state, Gov.  Appreciate it.  (Laughter and applause.) 

All in nine months in America. 

I want to thank Sherrod Brown for his relentless work, especially making sure that labor is in on this deal.  And Pat just mentioned what Sherrod makes clear: It’s time to bury the label “Rust Belt” and call it, as Pat says, the “Silicon Heartland.”  That’s what’s happening on these 1,000 acres.

I want to thank Rob Portman for being the gentleman and decent man that he is and for showing that Democrats and Republicans can work together to get big things done for our country.  (Applause.)  I really mean it.  Trying to find where he’s sitting, but he’s a good man.  Thank you.  You’re leaving a hell of a legacy as you lead.  What you’re doing is a consequence of you, in large part.

And thanks to the bipartisan group of Ohio’s congressional delegation here today. 

Tim Ryan, thank you for your leadership always representing the interests of working people. 

Thank you, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty.  And, you know, I don’t think we could’ve gotten the infrastructure bill done without Joyce.  She was the final capstone.  We all thought it was hanging in the balance there.  I don’t know what you did that last four hours, but whatever you did, you got it done.  (Applause.)   

And, Dave Joyce, Anthony Gonzales, Mike Carey, Tony [Troy] Balderson for the work in the House. 

We’re also joined by congressional leaders from around the country who fought so hard for this bill.  Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chair of the House Science Committee.  Eddie, this whole bill would have gotten — wouldn’t have gotten done without you.  It really wouldn’t have. 

And we’re also joined by Congressman Ro Khanna.  Ro is a tireless champion for American innovation and seeing that workers — workers are part of the deal. 

While she couldn’t be here, Maria Cantwell also deserves a lot of credit.  She’s Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee from the state of Washington.  Maria was tireless in getting this bill through the Senate. 

And again, Mike, I want to thank you for your work on this project as well. 

And I especially want to thank the labor leaders here: My deep friend — dear friend Lonnie Stephenson of the IBEW; Tim Burga, the President of the [Ohio] AFL-CIO; Brent Booker, Treasurer of the national building trades; and Mike Kinsley, President of Ohio’s building trades. 

You know, it’s fitting to break ground for America’s future here in Ohio.  Think about it.  There’s kind of a tradition here.  The Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn.  They defined America’s spirit — a spirit of daring and innovation. 

Pat just laid out Intel’s vision that builds on that legacy.  A brand new $20 billion campus; 7,000 construction jobs — union construction jobs; 3,000 fulltime jobs that will pay an average of $135,000 a year, and not all of them require college degrees once these facilities are built.

And here’s a critical piece: Intel is using a project labor agreement for this investment.  (Applause.)  For the folks at home, these are agreements that contractors, subcontractors, and unions put in place before construction begins.  They ensure major projects are handled by well-trained, well-prepared, highly skilled workers.  They resolve disputes ahead of time, ensuring safer work sites, avoiding disruptions and work stoppages that can cause expensive delays down the line. 

These agreements make sure construction is top-notch and projects are on time, on task, and on budget. 

Back in February, I signed an executive order to make sure federal construction projects use these project labor agreements.  It’s a big deal that Intel is using one here, and I thank them for that. 

And Intel is going to build a workforce of the future right here in Ohio.  As you already heard, Intel committed $50 million to partner with community colleges and universities like Ohio State University, including Central State University — the only [public] historically Black university in Ohio — (applause) — to build a pipeline for students in the semiconductor industry. 

The Director of National Science Foundation is here, Dr. Ponch.  He’s here.  And NSF and Intel are going to invest $50 million each to support these kinds of partnerships.

Folks at home — at home, you might be wondering why is this such a big deal for manufacturing, something so small in size as a fingerprint, as a — you know, an — a semiconductor. 

Well, semiconductors are small computers that power everyday lives — smartphones, cars, washing machines, hospital equipment, the Internet, electric grid, and so much more, including our national security. 

And here’s the deal: America invented this chip.  America invented it.  It powered NASA’s Moon mission.  Federal investment helped bring down the cost of making these chips, creating a market and an entire industry.   

As a result, over 30 years ago, America had more than 30 percent of the global chip production. 

Then something happened.  America ba- — America manufacturing, the backbone — the backbone of our economy — got hollowed out.  Companies moved jobs overseas, especially from the industrial Midwest.  And as a result, today we’re down to producing barely 10 percent of the world’s chips, despite leading in chip research and design.   

And as we saw during the pandemic, when factories that make these ships [sic] shut down — chips shut down, the global economy comes to a halt, driving up costs for families and everyone not just here, but around the world. 

In fact, one third of the core inflation last year was due to higher prices of automobiles because of the shortage of the semiconductors needed to build those automobiles.  Folks, we need to make these chips right here in America to bring down everyday costs and create good jobs.  (Applause.)  Don’t take my word for it.  You heard Pat.  (Applause.)  Listen to the business leaders across this country.  They’re making decisions right now about where to invest and produce these chips.  

China, Japan, South Korea, European Union — all these places are investing tens of billions of dollars to attract chip manufacturers to their countries.  But industry leaders are choosing us, the United States, because they see America is back and America is leading the way.  (Applause.)

Folks, since I took office, our economy has created nearly 10 million new jobs, more than 668,000 manufacturing jobs — proof of point that “Made in Ohio” and “Made in America” is no longer just a slogan.  It’s happening.  (Applause.)  It’s a reality today.  And it’s just beginning. 

Because I signed into law the CHIPS and Science Act, we’re accelerating the progress.  This new law makes historic investments for companies to build advanced manufacturing facilities here in America.  Since I signed the CHIPS and Science Act, it’s already started happening. 

The American company Micron announced it’s going to invest $40 billion in the next 10 years to build factories, special chips called “memory chips” that store information on your smartphones.  That’s going to create 40,000 good-paying jobs and increase the share — America’s share of the memory chip market 500 percent. 

Two other companies, GlobalFoundries and Qualcomm, announced a $4 billion partnership to produce chips in America that would otherwise have been made overseas.  Qualcomm is one of the world’s largest designers of chips, and planning to boost production by up to 50 percent over the next five years. 

Today in North Carolina, Wolfspeed is investing $5 billion to make chip devices for electric vehicles that are going to create 1,800 good-paying jobs over five years. 

Folks, the future of the chip industry is going to be made in America.  (Applause.)  Made in America.  Folks at home should know the manufacturing of these semiconductors connects countless small businesses and manufacturers into a supply chain that’s going to thrive all because of this law. 

Imagine if we had more of these kinds of factories across the country.  This law makes that a reality.  It matters.  All of this is in our economic interest, and it’s in our national security interest as well. 

Earlier this year, I went to Lockheed’s factory in Alabama.  They’re making the Javelin missile that we’re supplying to Ukraine to defend itself against Putin’s unprovoked war.  We need semiconductors not only for those Javelin missiles, but also for the weapons systems of the future that are only going to be more reliant on computer chips.  This goes well beyond commercial need. 

Unfortunately, we produce zero — zero — of these advanced chips in America.  Zero.  And China is trying to move way ahead of us in manufacturing them.  It’s no wonder — which (inaudible) somewhat unusual — that the Chinese Communist Party actively lobbied U.S. business against this law.  Basically, “You want to do business in our country, don’t do it there.”

The United States has to lead the world in producing these advanced chips, and this law makes sure that we will.  (Applause.)

And to be clear, the CHIPS and Science Act is not handing out blank checks to companies.  I’ve directed my administration to be laser-focused on the guardrails that will protect taxpayers’ dollars.  And we’ll make sure that companies partner with unions, community colleges, technical schools to offer training and apprenticeships and to work with small and minority-owned businesses as well.

We’re going to make sure that companies that take taxpayers’ dollars don’t turn around and make investments in China to undermine our supply chain and national security.  You know, we have the power — we have the power to take back any federal funding if companies don’t meet these requirements. 

The law also requires that companies build these semiconductor facilities by Davis-Bacon prevailing wage so people can live with a little bit of breathing room.  (Applause.)  And this will ensure tens of thousands of new construction jobs and high-paying jobs and, more often, high-paying union jobs.  And will — not only will companies use these funds to buy ba- — they cannot use these funds for stock buybacks and issue dividends.  They have to manufacture. 

And finally, the law is about more than chips.  It’s about science as well.   You know, decades ago, the United States of America invested 2 percent of its gross domestic product — 2 percent — in research and development.  We led in everything.  We created everything from the Internet to the GP- — to GPS.  Today, we invest somewhere between seven tenths but less than 1 percent in research and development.  

The United States of America, we used to rank number one in the world in research and development; now we rank number nine.  China was number eight a decade [decades] ago; now China is number two.  And other countries are closing in fast. 

The CHIPS and Science Act moves us up once again.  It authorizes funding to boost our research and development investment back closer to 1 percent of our GDP.  That’s the fastest single-year growth in 70 years, but it’s still not enough.   

We’re going to make sure we lead the world in industries of the future — from quantum computing, to artificial intelligence, to advanced biotechnology.  Think of the things and the kinds of investment we deliver: vaccines for cancer, cures for HIV, inventing the next be- — best thing that hasn’t even been imagined yet.  That’s who America has always been.

It’s something that’s really important: We’re going to make sure that any company that uses federal funding for research and development to invent new technologies will have to make that technology here in America.  (Applause.)

And that means we will invent it in America and make it in America.  And we’re going to make sure we include all of America.

We’re going to support entrepreneurs and technology hubs all across the country, including historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, Tribal colleges.   We’re going to — going to tap into the greatest competitive advantage we have: our diverse and talented workforce that’s urban, rural, and suburban.  

Folks, I’ve asked Pat and many other leading businessmen — leaders this question: When the United States decides to invest in considerable resources in a new industry that we need to build, does that encourage business to invest as well?  And the answer is yes, overwhelmingly.  Ask any major businessperson, because they say if we think it’s worth investing in and we’re putting tax dollars into it, it has an increased possibility of being usable and workable. 

Federal investments attract private investment.  It creates jobs.  It creates industries.  It demonstrates we’re all in this together. 

And I believe there’s another reason why companies are choosing the United States.  It’s because we’re better positioned globally than we have been in a long, long time.  We’ve seen a faster, stronger economic recovery than any other advanced nation on Earth. 

I met with one of the leading companies — research companies in South Korea.  I asked why they’re going to invest billions of dollars in the United States.  He said, “Because you’re the most secure nation in the world.  We know if we invest, it will be secure.  And secondly…” — this surprised me — “…you have the best workforce in the world.”  (Applause.)  

Folks, and we have the best universities in the world, dynamic venture capitalist system, a rule of law that protects intellectual property. 

And thanks to the infrastructure law that I signed with the help of many of the members who are here today, that means better roads, bridges, ports, airports, clean water, high-speed Internet for every American.  And it’s going to create millions of jobs all by itself.  This is a gamechanger.   

Let me close with this: This is about our economic security.  It’s about our national security.  It’s about good-paying, union jobs that you can raise a family on — as my dad would say — and have a little bit of breathing room.  Jobs now.  Jobs for the future.  Jobs in every part of the country.  We’re not going to leave a part behind.  There’s no need to not develop the whole country.  Jobs that show the industrial Midwest is back — the industrial Midwest is back.  (Applause.)

 And that’s what you’ll see in this field of dreams: PhD engineers and scientists alongside community college graduates, skilled craftsmen — men and women; people of all ages, races, backgrounds with advanced degrees or no degrees, working side by side doing the most sophisticated manufacturing that’s ever done. 

Pat was explaining to me what these are going to look like.  Correct me if I’m wrong, Pat, but I was — I was impressed.  You’re going to dig down 60 feet, 10 football fields long.  You’re going to have — make that all cement.  You’re going to use that as a basis to build on.  Because you need security, you need stability for what you have on top.  And you’re going to build up stories beyond — I mean, this is incredible.

Making a tiny computer chip the size of a fingertip. 

They’re showing what we’ve always believed — and I want to emphasize this, and then I’ll get out of your hair.  And I mean this.  You’ve heard me say this for a long time.  There is nothing –- I mean this from the bottom of my heart — there is nothing — not a single thing beyond our capacity as a nation if we do it together as the United States of America.  And that’s what we’re going to do.  This is an inflection point on everything.  (Applause.)   We’re going to look back on this period 20 years from now and say, “That’s when it began to change.”

God bless you all.   And may God protect our troops.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)  And, Pat, thank you. 

12:51 P.M. EDT

Source: The White House

Aboard Air Force One

En Route Columbus, Ohio

10:17 A.M. EDT
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Hi.  Okay.  Just one thing at the top.
 
Q    The Queen? 
 
(Laughter.)  Sorry.
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  As you all know, we are on our way to Licking County, Ohio, for the groundbreaking of Intel’s new semiconductor manufacturing facility.
 
Thanks to the passage of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, companies across the country, including right here in Ohio — where we’re headed — are investing in American manufacturing and creating tens of thousands of new jobs. 
 
As the President has said many times, he is committed to being a President for all Americans — for Americans in red states, blue states, and every state in between. 
 
As this week — as the first in a series of Communities in Action events, we hosted nearly 50 local elected officials and community leaders from Ohio at the White House to explain how the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS Act are delivering for the people in — of Ohio.  The White House will continue hosting state and local leaders from across the country to demonstrate how our administration is delivering results for the American people.
 
And with that, Aamer, you want to kick us off?
 
Q    Yeah.  That would be great.  So, yesterday, Congressman Ryan had made a comment, I believe in a Youngstown television interview, when asked if the President should seek a second term, and that his hunch is that we needed new leadership and that it was a time for a generational move.  And he also described himself as an “independent,” not as a Democrat.  I — just generally, do you have any response to that?  And is there any concern that he’s almost running as if he’s not on the same team as President Biden?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, when it comes to that — the last part of your question, I’ll just let Congressman Tim Ryan speak to that and explain that further.
 
What I can say is we’re — as you know, we’re headed to Ohio to celebrate this groundbreaking of Intel’s new $20 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility. 
 
As you know, Congressman Tim Ryan is going to be attending, along with several other elected officials from across the aisle will be joining us as well, because this is something that a critical, important — that is critically important to our economy and to our national security.  And that’s really going to be our focus.
 
Anything else, I would just point you back to the congressman.
 
Q    Any plans for — any updates on the Queen’s funeral and if the President will be attending?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, one of the things that we want to be mindful of — as you all know, there’s a process, there’s a protocol here — official protocol through which leaders are invited.  So we’re not going to get ahead of that protocol.  And when we have an update, we’ll certainly share that.
 
Q    But the President did say that he would probably go.  So that’s his intention, is it not?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Well, I’ll — I’ll just say: We just want to be mindful of the protocol.  I’ll let the President’s statement stand for itself.
 
I do want to say one thing.  You know, her — just more broadly, her loss will be felt by people around the world, as we have seen already.  Like the President said yesterday, the Queen was a stead — “steadying presence” and admired around the world.  As Queen, she met 13 Presidents — or 14 Presidents.  Most around the world have not known a United Kingdom without her.  Our nations and people have a strong bond.  And — and I think I speak for the country when we say our thoughts are with the people of the United Kingdom.
 
Q    Karine, two questions.  One, on Ukraine: The Ukrainians appear to be making rapid advances east of Kharkiv.  What is the U.S. government’s assessment of what’s going on there?  Is — are the Russians retreating?  Are their forces collapsing there?  What is — what are people thinking?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So we have always — we have always said, you know, we leave, you know, the military assessment — the military movement of what Ukraine is doing to Ukraine.  That is — that is, they know the best way to be fighting for their independence, to be fighting for their freedom.
 
What we are going to continue to do — and the President has been clear, our allies and partners have been clear — is we’re going to provide the assistance that’s needed to give them, you know, a strong — a strong hand on the battlefield and also at the negotiating table when that presents itself.
 
But we’re not going to get into specifics of, kind of, their military movements or how they’re — how they’re fighting for — fighting for their own — for their sovereign country.
 
Q    Secretary Blinken was on the ground in Ukraine yesterday.  Did he give the President his assessment or any assessment of what he saw there, what his sense of it on the ground is?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have anything to read out to you as any calls or conversation that the President had with Secretary Blinken. 
 
Q    Karine —
 
Q    Karine —
 
Q    I’m sorry.  So, related to Ukraine, has that changed the assessment on what the administration is going to ask Congress for as it relates to continued military assistance, how large that package needs to be, and how quickly a package like that would need to be approved by Congress?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, let me just give you a little bit about what we’re asking for:
 
So, four-point — $4.5 billion to provide critical defense capabilities and equipment for Ukraine, including replenishments of DOD stocks.  Nearly two thirds of previous emergency appropriations from Congress for this purpose have already been committed.  And we expect another $3.5 billion to be committed before the end of the fiscal year. 
 
We are relatedly asking for an additional $3.6 billion in President — Presidential Drawdown Authority, $2.7 billion in funding to continue military intelligence and other defense support. 
 
Most of the funding for these purposes from previous appropriations will be used by the end of the year, of this fiscal year: $4.5 billion to continue to provide direct budget support to the Government of Ukraine through the next quarter, $2 billion to help address the impacts Putin’s war has had on domestic energy supply and reduce energy costs in the future.
 
So that’s kind of what the breakdown is — is there.
 
And so, we’ve been very clear that what we’re going to be doing is we’re going to be working the phones and holding briefings to express urgency of our requests as it relates to the CR.  Senior administration officials, including OMB Director Shalonda Young, have held numerous calls with lawmakers to explain the need and highlight the emergency nature of this request. 
 
We’re also holding multiple bipartisan and bicameral briefings with the Hill to walk through our requests and answer questions.
 
So, expect us to continue to press lawmakers, as we have been, to make sure that we deliver on these bipartisan issues.
 
Q    Karine, North Korea has codified its stances on nuclear power.  They say they’re — that position is irreversible and that they’re considering first-strike capability.  Is that a reflection of your administration’s failure to get them to the table to start talking about their nuclear program?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I mean, we were aware of these reports.  And we’ve been very clear, since the beginning of this President’s administration, that our policy — and our policy remains unchanged.  The United States remains focused on continuing to coordinate closely with our allies and partners to address the threats posed by DPRK and to advance our shared objective of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.  That has not changed.
 
And we have made clear: We have no hostile intent toward the DPRK.  And as we have said — and North Korean officials, including Kim Jong Un, have publicly noted — we continue to seek diplomacy and are prepared to meet without preconditions.  The DPRK continues to not respond.  And we’ve been very clear and upfront about that.
 
But again, we remain fully committed to the defense of the Republic of Korea, using the full range of defense capabilities.
 
Q    You released a 60-page economic framework this morning talking about your comprehensive strategies.  The word “trade” does not appear in there and neither does tariffs.  Two years into this administration nearly, and there’s no real strategy or direction from this President on trade or tariffs — not just China, but more broadly.  Why is that?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, I’m not going to get into any decisions or thinking process of the administration.  You know, I would refer you to Ambass- — Administrator — Ambassador Kai [sic] — Tai, who is clearly focusing on these issues.  But I don’t have anything specific more to share on that.
 
Q    Karine, could the President talk about marijuana legalization before the midterms?  Is that a thing that’s on his agenda?  Because it’s — it’s coming up from a lot of his allies.
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So — yeah, and I know this question has come up a couple of times.
 
Q    Yes.  It’s come up.  Yeah.  Yeah.  No, I realize.
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’ve talked about it — 
 
Q    Yeah.  Yeah. 
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — in the briefing room —
 
Q    Yeah.
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — a couple — I think a couple of weeks back. 
 
Q    Yeah, but just like, you know —
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.
 
Q    — generally speaking, what’s — what is his position? 
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So —
 
Q    And could it be something he talks about before midterms?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I mean, look, the President has — believes that there are too many people serving unduly long sentences for nonviolent drug crimes, a disproportionate number who — of whom are Black and brown. 
 
That’s why in April, during the second month — Second Chance Month, President Biden announced 75 sentence commutations and three pardons, which are more grants of clemency at this point in a presidency than any of his five recent — most recent predecessors. 
 
As I’ve said before, as you know — because we just said that — the President supports leaving decisions regarding legalization for recreational use up to the states, rescheduling cannabis as a Schedule II drug so researchers can study its positive and negative impacts.  And at the federal level, he supports decriminalizing marijuana use and automatically expunging any prior criminal records. 
 
I don’t have anything else to share in up — in the upcoming weeks.
 
Q    Karine, you mentioned working the phones just a little bit ago.  What is the President going to do on the same-sex marriage legislation?  Is he working the bill?  Is he calling Republicans to get some of those that are kind of on the fence off the fence?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, Alex, as you know, when it comes to the — you know, the same-sex marriage bill or same-sex marriage just more broadly and where the President stands, he’s been very clear — he was very clear as a vice president, certainly throughout his career.  That is something that he supports and has — and has been a proud advocate of that issue. 
 
Look, as it — as it relates to this particular legislation that’s in Congress, we put forward a SAP — a statement that supports this legislation that is before — that’s coming before the Senate, as you just laid out.
 
Look, our office — you know, our White House officials are going to continue to do what they do on every legislation that’s important to the President, and that’s talk to staff — staff on the Hill and congressional members. 
 
And the President has been — it is — I know you’re asking me what he’s going to do, but it’s very clear where the President stands on this issue.  And he has been, again, a leading advocate, a leading voice, and I don’t think anyone is confused by that.
 
Q    Okay.  But precisely, is he going to pick up the phone and start calling?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, as you know, we do not share out conversations that the President has or specific conversations on specific issues.  We have been very clear about that these past — especially these past several months.
 
So what we are going to do is we’re going to continue to have the conversations that we always do when it’s — when it is an issue or a piece of legislation that is important to the administration — but not just the administration, to the American people.
 
Q    The President the other day sort of indicated — he was asked, I think, by Sebastian, maybe, about meeting with President Xi in — at the G20.  Tell us about the conversations — any planning conversations to make that conversation happen.
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I’m not going to get — get ahead of the President.  I’m not going to get ahead of any potential announcement that may be coming forth around the G20.
 
Q    Is that something — is that something the administration wants to see happen, though?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Again, I’m not — as you know, the President has talked to President Xi multiple times.  And they’ve had frank, you know, leader-to-leader conversation.  We have read out all of those conversation that they have had.  I just don’t have anything further to share.
 
Q    How about if he runs into Putin at the G20?  Would — would — you know, would —
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:   All these hypotheticals, Sebastian. (Laughs.)
 
Q    Well, it’s not that hypothetical, right?  I mean, really.  You know —
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I mean, look, we have a long way to go before we get — get to — get to that.  So —
 
Go ahead.  Last question.
 
Q    Okay.  So European leaders are obviously —
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  (Inaudible.)  (Laughter.)
 
Q    European leaders are obviously focused on trying to address a potential energy crisis there.  What’s the level of concern inside the White House?  And are you worried about a potential spillover impact in the U.S.?
 
And then, separately, does the President plan to visit Jackson, Mississippi?
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, on your — on your last question, I don’t have anything to read out or — we don’t have anything to share on any visit to Jackson, Mississippi.  We’ve been very clear on the assistance and — that we have provided — the surge of assistance that the President called for after we got the declaration from the governor last week for need for federal assistance. 
 
As you all know, the FEMA Administrator was there recently. She’s been working very closely with local officials.  Our EPA Administrator was there very recently.  So we have EPA on the ground.  We have FEMA on the ground.  We have the Army Corps on the ground.  They are doing everything to make sure that bottled water is being handed out.  Millions of bottled water — more than 5 million — has been already given out.  And we are expediting the equipment that is needed to really get that facility moving in a way that they can — they can actually provide clean water to the community.
 
So that is something that — we are making that a priority.  Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, American Rescue Plan — there’s funding there for the state — for the state of Mississippi, including Jackson more specifically. 
 
And so we’re going to continue to work with officials, making sure that the people of Mississippi get that relief that they so- — they sorely need.
 
Look, as it comes to, you know, the — the threat — the exports and the — and the energy that we — that is happening in Europe, look, we’ve been very clear here: Putin’s weaponizing of energy is only strengthening our unity and resolve in the face of Putin’s aggression.  That’s how we see it.
 
The President and our partners in Europe predicted this playbook.  The President and EU President von der Leyen set up a joint task force back in March.  And we have been working for months to increase alternative sources of natural gas to Europe and help reduce Europe’s demand for Russian energy through increased efficiency and clean energy deployment.
 
But we know that we — there’s more work that needs to be done.  And so, we’re going to continue to work closely with our — with our allies in looking for ways to increase gas stockpiles in Europe and to help bolster other sources of energy where possible.
 
Q    On Tuesday —
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Last question.
 
Q    Yeah, last one to me.  Last one to the ladies — the ladies.  Yeah.
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  The ladies’ question.  Okay.  (Laughs.)
 
Q    On Tuesday, the President is hosting a bunch of lawmakers and, you know, allies at the White House to celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.  We’re expecting the latest inflation numbers to come out the same day.
 
I’m wondering if you could give us a sense of what your economic aides are expecting from that number.
 
MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I don’t have anything to predict.  What I can say — as you know, Nancy; as many of you know — this has been an economic priority for this President as it relates to lowering inflation, lowering costs, more specifically for the American people.
 
That’s why the Inflation Reduction Act is so important as you look at what it’s going to do on the healthcare side — bringing down Medicare costs for our seniors; really dealing with climate change in a real way, the most robust investment ever in our history.
 
And we always know there’s more work to do.  But as we’ve seen from other reports — CPI report last month, showing that — in July, the easing of inflation, which is a good sign.
 
But look, we’re going to continue to do the work.  Regardless of what those numbers are or what — what we’re going to see on that day, we are going to continue to do the work that we have been doing — for example, lowering gas prices, as we have seen for the last 86, 87 days, getting that to — lowering that by more than a dollar — more than a dollar at — per gallon at gas pumps across the country.
 
And so, that is going to be the President’s priority. That’s — we’re going to Ohio to talk about the CHIPS Act, which is going to create jobs — manufacturing jobs; protect our — protect our national security; strengthen — will strengthen our national security, strengthen our supply chain.
 
All of these things are part of the President’s economic plan to really not leave anybody behind, to build the economy from the bottom up and the middle out.  And that’s going to be the focus for us continuing.
 
All right.  Thanks, everybody.  I’ll see you on the ground.
 
10:35 A.M. EDT

Source: The White House

Columbus International Airport
Columbus, Ohio

1:32 P.M. EDT

Q Are you going to the Queen’s funeral, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes. I don’t know what the details are yet, but I’ll be going.

Q Have you called the King, sir? Have you spoken to the King?

THE PRESIDENT: I know him. I haven’t spoken to him. I did not call him yet.

Okay? Thank you.

1:32 P.M. EDT

Source: The White House

    On World Suicide Prevention Day, our Nation joins the World Health Organization, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and countries across the globe in mourning those who have died by suicide.  Suicide is a devastating tragedy that leaves loved ones with unanswered questions and families missing a piece of their soul, wishing for more time together.  We are still in the early stages of learning about the conditions that can lead to suicide, including job strain or loss; serious illnesses; and financial, criminal, legal, and relationship problems.  Acknowledging suicide and the impact it has on our communities is a first step to understanding how it can be prevented more effectively. 
     Suicide accounts for 1 of every 100 deaths globally, and it is the second leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 10 and 34.  In the United States, American Indians, Alaska Native youth, LGBTQI+ youth, and rural men are disproportionately affected.  Far too many service members, veterans, and law enforcement officials have taken or considered taking their own lives.  And too frequently, these patriots and public servants do not receive the help they need due both to stigmas surrounding mental health challenges and lack of access to necessary resources.
     During my State of the Union Address, I discussed tackling the mental health crisis as a key component of my Administration’s Unity Agenda.  My Administration released a comprehensive Government strategy designed to address mental health with the same substance and specificity as our approach to physical health.  It connects more Americans to care and creates a full spectrum of prevention and recovery support.  My Administration’s budget proposes investing over $22.8 billion in Fiscal Year 2023 to bolster our mental health and care workforce, to establish new nontraditional health delivery sites, and to integrate quality mental health and substance use care into primary care settings.  As we look ahead, we must advance equity in mental health and transform how mental health is understood, perceived, and treated.  We also remain committed to expanding mental health research and services around the world.
     Over the last 2 years, we have invested heavily in expanding the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which we transitioned from a 10-digit number to the 3-digit dialing code, 9-8-8, this summer.  This new, easier-to-access tool connects people in crisis to trained professionals, 24-hours per day, 365 days per year.
     This summer, I signed into law the first meaningful gun safety bill in nearly 30 years, which helps States implement red-flag laws that make it harder for people more likely to harm themselves and others to purchase guns.  It funds more crisis intervention services and improves mental health access for children and families.  With funding from my American Rescue Plan, my Administration strengthened our support for the Garrett Lee Smith State and Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Program, which awards money to States and Tribes implementing critical strategies to save lives.
     Last November, my Administration released a comprehensive public health strategy for reducing military and veteran suicide, which we are now working to implement.  In March, the Department of Defense established the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee to prevent suicide in the military and address suicide risk for service members who have experienced sexual assault.  I also signed an Executive Order directing the Department of Health and Human Services to expand mental health care access to LGBTQI+ youth as a means of preventing suicide.
     From committed crisis counselors who serve on hotlines and in schools to clinicians, behavioral health care practitioners, faith leaders, teachers, friends, and family members — we each have a role to play.  Together, we can reduce the stigmatization of mental health issues, learn how to respond to suicide risk, and offer individuals and populations most impacted the essential care they need when a crisis arises.  Together, we can save lives.
     On this day of commemoration and action, we commit to studying the risk factors associated with suicide and to making mental health care accessible and affordable.  Finally, to those experiencing emotional distress:  please know that you are loved, and that you are not alone.  There is hope, and there is help, and I encourage you to call or text 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
     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 September 10, 2022, as World Suicide Prevention Day.  I call upon all Americans, communities, organizations, and all levels of government to join me in creating hope through action and committing to preventing suicide across America.
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Source: The White House

     On National Grandparents Day and every day, we give thanks to grandparents for their wisdom, strength, and love.

     Grandparents are storytellers and gatekeepers of family tradition.  They are wellsprings of knowledge and experience.  They are the centerpieces of family gatherings and the glue that keeps so many families together.  Grandparents also help raise children.  They shuttle grandkids to-and-from school, babysit when parents are away from home, and offer advice and comfort when it is needed most.  Sometimes they fill in as primary caregivers, putting aside their own needs and working full-time to provide the blessing of a loving family.  I know from my own experience how grandparents can step up in critical moments.  When my father lost his job in Scranton, Pennsylvania, my grandpop welcomed us into his home and offered us stability during a time of uncertainty.

     While this is a day of celebration, it is also an opportunity to remember the grandparents who are no longer with us.  The COVID-19 pandemic cut short the lives of too many loved ones — especially our seniors.  My Administration sends strength to families who are no longer whole and to families whose grandparents are fighting for their health today.  We also send encouragement to families who postponed gatherings and loving embraces during the pandemic. 

For Jill and me, our grandchildren are the love of our lives and the life of our love.  We know how difficult it can be to remain physically apart, and we hope that the progress we have made — and continue to make — in ending the COVID-19 pandemic will allow more families to safely enjoy precious time together.  Finally, we acknowledge that, for many Americans, grandparents live on only through the stories of relatives who were fortunate enough to have known them, but that these bonds can be powerful too.

     As we look ahead, my Administration will continue advocating for grandparents, especially as they care for children.  The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is preparing a National Caregiving Strategy to present the Congress with new recommendations to better support family caregivers.  And, my Administration is committed to making health care more affordable for more Americans, including seniors — many of whom are grandparents.  As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries will have the peace of mind of knowing that their prescription drug costs are capped at $2,000 annually. And millions of seniors will benefit from Medicare finally being able to negotiate prescription drug costs.  My Administration will always protect Medicare and Social Security.  Ensuring that seniors can age with dignity, security, and respect is not only the right thing to do — it is integral to our character as a Nation.

     Many of our grandparents arrived in this country with nothing but a dream and an unwavering commitment to ensure that the lives of their children and grandchildren would be better than their own.  Regardless of where they came from or how they got here, they have worked hard, planted roots, and built communities.  They have had big hopes for us, and through our ups and downs, they have continued to love us just the same — because that is what grandparents do.  On National Grandparents Day, let us honor the grandparents who teach us lessons, imbue us with family pride, and shower us with affection.  On behalf of a grateful Nation, we thank you for the gifts of life and love.

     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 September 11, 2022, as National Grandparents Day.  I call upon all Americans to celebrate the important role that grandparents play in the lives of their families and the children they love.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.
                               

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Source: The White House

     Today, Hispanic students make up nearly 20 percent of college undergraduates in the United States.  They are our future leaders — the next generation of doctors and teachers, entrepreneurs and artists, first responders and scientists, elected officials and activists.  Ensuring that these young people are prepared to take on the challenges of tomorrow is critical to the future of our Nation.

     That is why this week we celebrate Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which foster cultures of belonging and respect on their campuses and offer Hispanic students a nurturing, inclusive environment to learn and grow.  Recently, I was pleased to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Julieta García, the first Mexican-American woman to lead the University of Texas at Brownsville, a center of excellence for countless students who have been inspired by her example.  Committed to the value of education as a critical tool to uplift an entire community, Dr. García has demonstrated how HSIs can enable student success across the country.

     My Administration knows that more needs to be done to support these places of higher learning that stand for the ideals of opportunity, dignity, and respect.  Despite their many accomplishments, HSIs have been hit hard in recent years.  Data show that Hispanic undergraduate enrollment has fallen by 7 percent since the pandemic began, and for the first time in 20 years, the number of these institutions has declined.  That is why we are strengthening our commitment to help HSIs provide a pathway to opportunity and economic mobility for their students. 

     My Administration has invested approximately $11 billion from our American Rescue Plan to keep students and staff at HSIs safe from the COVID-19 pandemic and provide students emergency grants so they can stay enrolled.  I also signed a bill to increase the maximum Pell Grant award by the greatest amount in over a decade, which will help approximately half of all Hispanic students, who depend on Pell Grants to pay for college.

     Additionally, to address the financial harms of the pandemic, my Administration is providing up to $20,000 in debt relief as part of a comprehensive effort to address the burden of growing college costs.  This action will have a significant impact on Hispanic borrowers, given that among Hispanic undergraduate borrowers, 65 percent receive Pell Grants. My Administration is also working to fix the broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness program by giving public servants –- many of whom are educators at HSIs and alumni -– appropriate credit toward forgiveness.  These proposed changes build on the transformations already made with the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that expire on October 31, 2022.  For more information, please visit PSLF.gov.

     I have reestablished the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.  And since my Administration began, the First Lady and the Secretary of Education have visited HSIs across our Nation to support efforts to keep students engaged, enrolled, and moving toward the completion of a degree or certificate.

     There is still much more work to be done.  We have a long way to go to fulfill the full potential of America, and my Administration sees HSIs as a critical gateway to making that promise a reality.  I am proposing that we double the maximum Pell Grant amount by 2029 and continue to make higher education more affordable for all Americans.  I am also requesting increased funding from the Congress to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and minority-serving institutions, such as HSIs, expand their research and development infrastructure and strengthen their curricula in science, technology, and agriculture.

     Every day, Hispanic Americans contribute immensely to our Nation’s economy, security, and culture.  It is our duty to ensure that the next generation of Hispanic students can make the most of their God-given talents.  During National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, we recommit our support for the institutions helping to make this promise a reality.

     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 September 11 through September 17, 2022, as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.  I call on public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that acknowledge the many ways these institutions and their graduates contribute to our country.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Source: The White House

Today, at the second convening of the National Space Council, Vice President Kamala Harris is announcing new commitments from the U.S. government, private sector companies, education and training providers, and philanthropic organizations to support space-related STEM initiatives to inspire, prepare, and employ the next generation of the space workforce.

In order to address the challenges of today and prepare for the discoveries of tomorrow, the country needs a skilled and diverse space workforce. This is why the White House released the Interagency Roadmap to Support Space-Related STEM Education and Workforce. This Roadmap outlines the initial set of coordinated Administration actions to bolster our nation’s capacity to inspire, prepare and employ a diverse and inclusive space workforce, starting with increasing awareness of the wide range of space careers, providing resources and opportunities to better prepare jobseekers for the workplace, and placing a focus on strategies to recruit, retain and advance professionals of all backgrounds in the space workforce. 

In order to meet the current and future needs of a thriving space workforce, the public, private, and philanthropic sectors must work together.  To magnify the Administration’s efforts, the Vice President is announcing a new coalition of space companies that will focus on increasing the space industry’s capacity to meet the rising demand for the skilled technical workforce. The new coalition’s work will kick off in October 2022 and be anchored by Blue Origin, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.  Other industry partners will include Amazon, Jacobs, L3Harris, Planet Labs PBC, Rocket Lab, Sierra Space, Space X and Virgin Orbit, and will be joined by the Florida Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program and its sponsors, SpaceTEC, Airbus OneWeb Satellites, Vaya Space, and Morf3D. 

The coalition, with the support of Aerospace Industries Association and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, will stand up three regional pilot programs in Florida’s Space Coast, the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Mississippi, and Southern California, and collaborate with service providers such as community colleges, unions and others, to demonstrate a replicable and scalable approach to attracting, training and creating employment opportunities particularly for people from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in STEM jobs. 

Additionally, federal agencies and the private sector have coordinated their efforts to promote space STEM education and workforce with the following commitments: 
 

Federal Space STEM Resources for Educators  

• “Your Place in Space” Online Resources Hub: Federal agencies and the Smithsonian Institute launched “Your Place in Space”, a new website with free space-related resources for K-12 educators. The website also promotes career awareness through the Space Career Resource Guide which showcases space career opportunities across the United States Government and the diversity of the space STEM professionals.

• $1.25 million for After School Learning Centers: The Department of Education is providing $1.25M to support NASA’s engagement in 21^st Century Community Learning Centers which provide academic enrichment opportunities for students from under-resourced schools during after school hours.

• Military Space Careers Website:  The Department of Defense will launch a space STEM careers page  during World Space Week (Oct 4-Oct 12) to showcase career paths, increase awareness about military space career opportunities and will feature a U.S. Space Force member during its monthly DoD Innovators Spotlight Series in October. 

• Artemis Moon Trees Educator Resources: The Department of Agriculture and NASA are announcing the Artemis Moon Trees Program with online educational resources to engage individuals learning about Moon Trees and inspire exploration of space careers. The agencies are collaborating on the next generation of Moon Trees, which will be grown from seeds which orbit the Moon via NASA’s Artemis I mission.
   
• Artemis Educator Resources Hub:  NASA released Artemis I STEM Learning Pathway educator resources hub  and the LEGO Build to Launch Series, to explore the technology, STEM concepts and careers behind the Artemis I mission. NASA announced $4M for Space Grant Kids to bring the excitement of NASA to middle and high school students who are underserved and underrepresented in STEM.

Federal Opportunities for Hands-On Learning Experiences

• Space-focused Apprenticeship Accelerator:  The Department of Labor will conduct a Registered Apprenticeship Accelerator focused on the space sector’s skilled technical workforce —particularly critical manufacturing occupations—by the end of 2023. This Accelerator will bring together apprenticeship stakeholders, including employers, industry, labor, equity, and other workforce partners, to accelerate the use of Registered Apprenticeships to meet space industries’ workforce needs and meet diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

• Partnership with University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez: University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez became a member of The Department of Defense’s United States Space Force (USSF) University Partnership Program, which will enhance collaboration on research projects that further national security objectives in the space domain, and grow and develop a qualified, diverse, and inclusive space workforce.  USSF through, the Air Force ROTC program, is increasing the value of scholarships for high school students to cover their full college tuition and fees. 

• Research Funding for Existing NSF grantees: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is accepting applications from existing NSF grantees to support awareness of and preparation for space-related careers. These supplements will contribute to the development of a space workforce that reflects the diversity of America by increasing the participation of institutions, geographic regions, and communities currently underrepresented in space-related careers.

The following private sector companies and organizations join the Administration’s actions to inspire, prepare, and employ the space workforce.

To inspire youth to pursue space STEM careers

• “Noggin’s Space Place” Series: Noggin, Nickelodeon’s standards-aligned media platform that reaches of millions of young children and families, will release Noggin’s Space Place, a collection of animated and live action videos and resources during World Space Week, October 4-12, featuring children’s questions for astronauts in the International Space Station, a special episode of Noggin Knows, and free educator guides to help teachers use the learning media.

• Mission Unstoppable to Feature Women in Space Jobs: CBS’s weekly television show, Mission Unstoppable, produced by Hearst Media Production Group and Lyda Hill Philanthropies, with more than 1 million viewers, will feature four women with space-focused careers in October 2022 during its fourth season.  Additionally, during World Space Week, Oct 4-12, Mission Unstoppable, on its social media platforms, will share stories of women, from diverse backgrounds, who contribute to the exploration, discovery, and application of space-related knowledge, including systems engineers, climate scientists, satellite maintenance technicians, astronomers, and solar physicists.

• 10,000 Learning Lunchbox STEM kits:  Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio will provide more than 10,000 National Space Council-themed STEM Learning Lunchbox kits to underserved youth and families at foodbanks and other anchoring community resources nationwide. Each box includes hands-on STEM activities, including a game board highlighting space careers. For more information, contact: LearningLunchbox@cosi.org

• Expansion of Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew Program:  STEM Next Opportunity Fund is expanding its Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew program to include youth representatives from every U.S. state and territory. Each Flight Crew member will receive resources and training related to space career opportunities and STEM learning in afterschool and summer programs. For more information, contact info@milliongirlsmoonshot.org.

• Space Exploration Theme for Hour of Code Activities:  Code.org will highlight connections between computer science and space exploration in the 2022 Hour of Code. Students will have the opportunity to explore and develop coding skills through engaging, space-themed tutorials and create shareable projects. Through a collaboration with NASA, US Space Force, Department of Energy, and US Geological Survey, students will also learn about different careers and pathways for space careers in these agencies. Code.org reaches approximately 15 million students annually.  For more information, contact: space@code.org

• Space Days Series by Blue Origin:  Blue Origin’s Club for the Future’s (Club) is launching Space Days to engage millions of students, teachers and school administrators in the excitement of space and space careers. In October, Club will host 20 community events across New Orleans, LA; Lynchburg, VA; Atchison, KS; Hazard, KY and Lanham, MD with NASA Opportunity rover mission experts for more than 10,000 children and their families in advance of the Amazon Studios movie Good Night Oppy release.  In November, Club will also partner with HBCUs, including Texas Southern University, Howard University, Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University and Tuskegee University, to host screenings of the NASA documentary, The Color of Space and highlight the stories of African American astronauts. For more information, contact: Gwen Griffin, ggriffin2@blueorgin.com.

 
To provide space STEM resources and professional development for educators

• Launch of Moon Colony Kit Project and Educator Professional Development:  On October 7, 2022, Space Foundation will kick off its Moon Colony Kit (MCK) project for 20,000 students from Title 1 schools to explore 50 STEAM careers needed for a Moon colony. The kick off will include a live mission briefing for students to discuss the Artemis Mission.  With the goal of equipping 5,000 educators to confidently engage students on STEAM and the space careers featured in the MCK, Space Foundation is hosting a free national teacher development event on September 19, 2022. For more information, please contact:  educationVision@spacefoundation.org 

• New Educator Resource Hub for Space STEM Materials: 100Kin10, a national network of academic institutions, nonprofits, foundations, companies, and government agencies, will launch a new website, which the goal of reaching 10,000 users, with free space-inspired science curricular materials and learning resources for PreK-12 teachers and students on October 3, 2022 as part of World Space Week 2022. These science-focused resources for STEM educators inspire young people about space and teach critical concepts and skills that lay the foundation for STEM careers. For more information, contact: info@100Kin10.org. 

• Aerospace and Rocketry Curriculum:  The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), in partnership with Estes Education and National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), is expanding their Exploration Generation program for K-12 educators to include lessons on aerospace, engineering, and rocketry and provide a curriculum aligned with Next Generation Science Standards in October 2022. Free professional development webinars will assist educators in implementing the lessons to reach up to 1 million students. For more information, contact: K-12STEM@aiaa.org

• Special Collection of Space STEM Educator Resources:  Discovery Education will curate a special “Space Week” collection of space STEM resources on its digital learning platform during World Space Week 2022, Oct 4-12. This collection will include space-focused STEM career videos, and instructional resources for educators from content partners, including NASA, National Science Foundation, and Boeing, to inspire curiosity and help students learn about career pathways that focus on space exploration.

 
 To ensure that the space workforce reflects the diversity of America

• Increasing the Diversity in Space Internships: The Aerospace Corporation is announcing the Space Workforce 2030 Internship program to grow and diversify the space workforce.  The thirty SWF2030 pledge signatories will increase the number of diverse interns by hiring at least 3000 interns by summer of 2023. Interested students will be placed in a pool of applicants from which the 30 companies will interview and hire. For more information, contact: swf2030@aero.org.

• Aerospace Allyship Award:  Women in Aerospace (WIA) will present the first-ever industry Allyship award to an academic, government or industry leader during their October 2022 awards ceremony to a leader who has actively mentored, promoted and aspired to accelerate a culture of inclusion for women in aerospace. For more information contact: info@womeninaerospace.org.

• Aerospace Systems Conference and Rocket Challenge:  During the National Society of Black Engineers  (NSBE) Fall Regional Conferences, its Aerospace Special Interest Group will host the Aerospace Systems Conference, October 6-8, 2022, to increase networking opportunities and launch the “How to use your degree in the Aerospace Industry” series. In addition, NSBE and the Fire Rocket Challenge Pre-college competition are accepting teams until September 15, 2022, for a 9-month Fire Rocketry Challenge to develop model rockets and prepare for rocketry challenges and future space careers. For more information, contact: aerospace.comms@nsbe.org.

• Data Science for Space and Sustainability Event: Hines Family Foundation, in partnerships with the Atlanta University Consortium Data Science Initiative, and the NASA Georgia Space Grant Consortium at Georgia Tech, will host “From STEM To Esteem: Space-motived Tools and Strategies to Enable the 21st Century Underrepresented Workforce.”  The event, which will take place during World Space Week, will aim to increase the participation of Black and HBCU data scientists in the space and sustainability industries. Reaching more than 1,000 students, educators, and organizations in the Metro Atlanta, this event will highlight the application of data science in space research and data science space careers. For more information contact: jballenger@aucenter.edu or john@hinesfamilyfoundation.org.

Source: The White House

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
Forest Heights, Maryland
 
(September 8, 2022)

7:28 P.M. EDT
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, folks!  (Applause.)  Jaime, thanks for the introduction.  Folks, thank you all for being here.  And thank you, Jaime, for your leadership.
 
Before I begin, I want to say a few words about Queen Elizabeth.  I just stopped by the British Embassy to sign the condolence book in her honor.  I had the opportunity to meet her before she passed, and she was an incredibly gracious and decent woman.  And the thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in their grief.
 
Now — now, let me talk about why we’re all here.  Sixty days — 60 days from the midterm elections.  So I want to be crystal clear about what’s at stake in the ballot.
 
Your right to choose is on the ballot. 
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Yeah!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No, this is a fact.  These are not — it’s not hyperbole, any of this.  Your Social Security that you pay for is on the ballot.  Look at what they put out — they want to do away with.  They want to, every year, to have to make it — decide whether or not it continues or not.
 
Your safety of your kids from gun violence is on the ballot.  The survival of our planet is literally on the ballot.  Your right to vote — even our democracy — is on the ballot.  Are you ready to fight for these things?  (Applause.)  Not to — I really mean it.  We need to do everything we can to get folks organized, mobilized, and vote, vote, vote, vote!  
 
Look, folks, I believe America is at an inflection point — one of those moments that — where everything changes.  America has to choose: Are we going to move forward or backwards?  Are we going to build the future or obsess about the past?  To be a nation of unity and hope and optimism or a nation of division, violence, and hatred? 
 
You know, I want to be very clear up front.  Not every Republican is a MAGA Republican.  Not every Republican embraces the extreme ideology.  I know because I’ve worked with them — and the mainstream Republicans that are still a few of them left. 
 
But the extreme set of MAGA Republicans has chosen to go backwards, full of anger, violence, hate, and division.  And that’s what their game is.
 
And together, Democrats, independents, and mainstream Republicans can choose a different path forward to a future of unity and hope and some optimism, and choose — we choose, the Democrats — to build a better America.  And we have such an opportunity to do it.  There’s no question it’s been a hard few years, but we’ve come a long way.  And it didn’t just happen.  It took a lot of hard work on your part.  It took Democrats delivering, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and powerful special interest.
 
And now, even as our critics are forced to acknowledge real progress, a record of big accomplishments — (applause) — matched by few administrations in American history: 10 million more new jobs, more than ever created before at this point in a presidency.  3.7 percent unemployment rate near record low in history of this country.
 
Last year, more people applied to start small businesses than any year in the history of the United States of America.  (Applause.)  A 15 percent drop in child poverty compared to two years ago.  More than 220 million — 220 million people vaccinated. 
 
A big reason for all this is the American Rescue Plan that I signed shortly after we took office, with only Democratic votes, because not a single Republican — not a single one, House or Senate, voted for that legislation.
 
We also passed once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s roads, highways, bridges, railroad, ports, airports, water system, high-speed Internet.  We got a little help from Republicans, but not a lot, but enough to get it passed.
 
But the truth is there are a lot more Republicans taking credit for that bill than actually voted for it.  (Laughter.)  I see them out there: “And now we’re going to build this new bridge here.  We’re all for it.”  (Laughter.)  “And, by the way, there’s new road, and we’re going have an Internet that’s going to be all…”  (Laughter.) 
 
I love them, man.  They ain’t got no shame.  (Applause.)  They don’t have any shame.  (Laughs.) 
 
And we passed the CHIPS and Science Act.  It’s a groundbreaking law.  We’ll once again manufacture semiconductor chips that power our everyday lives, from our smartphones to our dishwashers, automobiles.  But we’re going to do it right here in America.  This law is going to create — mark my words: This law is going to create tens of thousands of jobs, and it’s going to bring billions of dollars — billions, not millions; I didn’t misspeak — billions of dollars in investments to Amer- — to revitalize American manufacturing.  (Applause.)
 
Folks, it means we’re going to build a future here in America, with American workers and American factories, using American-made products.  And, folks, we took on the NRA and we beat them.  (Applause.)  We flat beat them.
 
I signed the first significant new gun safety law in nearly 30 years.  But I want to make it clear to you: I’m not stopping here.  I’m determined to ban assault weapons.  (Applause.)  I did it once before, and we’re going do it again.  We’re going to do it for those families in Buffalo and Uvalde, in Newtown, El Paso, Parkland, Charleston, Las Vegas, Orlando. 
 
I’ve met with those families, virtually every one of them over these years.  It’s devastating what happened to them.  Ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to do it all for those kids who are gunned down in the streets every single day and never get recorded.
 
Folks, we’re going to do it for your kids who are learning how — instead of learning how to read and write, are learning how to duck and cover.
 
Think of the kids going back to school in those places.  You saw what happened.  They’re scared to death.  It’s just wrong.  It’s just wrong. 
 
So, this November, we have to ask every candidate, “Are you for banning assault weapons?  Yes or no?”  If they say “no,” vote them out of office.  (Applause.) 
 
Look, in my State of the Union Address, I put forward a Unity Agenda that included taking care of veterans who were exposed to those burn pits.  These pits are the size, literally, of football fields — 8, 9, 10 feet deep — in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere.  They’re — that incinerate the wastes of war — tires, poisonous chemicals, jet fuels, and so much more — in some cases, bodies.  And guess what?  Too many of our soldiers are sleeping in corridors within 200 to 500 yards from these toxic pits.  My son was one of them.  They’re inhaling this — these poisonous fumes.  They came home with headaches and numbness and dizziness and cancer — highest cancer rates ever.  I just signed the PACT Act — it’s called — to take care of these veterans.  (Applause.) 
 
They need medical assistance to provide compensation.  And we also have to provide compensation for those families that lost — lost a soldier as a consequence of these burn pits.  Folks, this is the least we could do for them. 
 
I believe the nation — this nation has many obligations, but we only have one truly sacred obligation, and I’ve been saying this my whole career: It’s to prepare those we send into harm’s way and care for them and their families when they come home.  It’s a sacred obligation. 
 
And we’re making progress on global inflation caused by the pandemic and Putin’s war in Ukraine.  Gas prices are down over a dollar since we started this effort.  (Applause.) 
 
I just signed into law the historic Inflation Reduction Act.  It wasn’t easy.  (Applause.)  Wasn’t easy.  We had to take on big drug companies, and we did. 
 
You know, we pay for — more for prescription drugs — excuse me — (coughs) — than any other developed nation in the world — than any other developed nation in the world.  And for years, back when I was a senator and when I was Vice President, many of us tried to fix this problem.  But for years, Big Pharma blocked Medicare from negotiating for lower drug prices, but not this year.  We beat them.  We won.  (Applause.)  Big Pharma lost for the first time.  Now Medicare will have the power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. 
 
And seniors in America will see their out-of-pocket costs for drugs limited to $2,000 a year no matter how much they have to spend — (applause) — whether it’s for cancer drugs or any other disease. 
 
And if you’re on Medicare and you have diabetes, the cost of insulin will be capped at $35 a month rather than $1,000 a month.  (Applause.) 
 
One more thing.  We wanted to cut insulin costs for everyone, including the hundreds and thousands of young people with Type 2 diabetes. 
 
I was in Virginia a couple of months ago, meeting with a family, and it was a — at an event.  And I stood up, and this mother with two kids, and had Type 1 diabet- — Type 2 diabetes, paying 675 bucks a month for their insulin.  She said, “I can’t do it anymore.  We got to cut the dosage.  You’ve got to skip.” 
 
Imagine — I mean, this sincerely.  Think about this.  Imagine being a parent, looking at your child, knowing they have Type 2 diabetes, knowing they need this insulin, and you don’t have the money to pay for it.  You don’t have the insurance, and you don’t qualify for anything.  Imagine.  It costs them $10 to make this insulin and package it.  Ten.  Drug companies charge families at least 30 times that. 
 
My God, being that parent, not having the insurance.  What the hell.  Just imagine.  But guess what?  The Republicans knocked that out of the — my legislation.  They said we weren’t going to pay for it — they weren’t going to pay for it.  I’m committed to coming back and getting it done, dammit.  (Applause.)
 
And for decades, climate deniers have blocked any meaningful progress dealing with the climate crisis.  But guess what?  Unfortunately, what’s happening now, nobody denies we have a climate crisis. 
 
You know, I’ve traveled all around the country, from California to Idaho, up all — you know, more — more land is burned to the ground, more forest is burned to the ground than the entire state of New Jersey — from New York all the way down to Virginia.  Think of that — more land.
 
Look at the temperatures: over 125 degrees in some places — the Great Salt Lake, the Dead Sea.  I mean, this is — things are changing. 
 
But guess what?  Even in spite of that, where are these guys?  These climate deniers have blocked any meaningful progress dealing with the climate crisis, but not this year.  This year we won.  (Applause.)  $362 billion to deal with climate.
 
The climate deniers lost.  We’re taking on the most aggressive action to confront the climate crisis ever in our history.  It’s going to create 1 million good-paying jobs, for real.  It’s going to triple wind and solar power, unleash American manufacturing to own the global market in electric vehicles.  (Applause.)  
 
Look, that’s a future that’s made in America.  For decades, the biggest corporations, the wealthiest Americans have fought to block fairer a tax code. 
 
Under Donald Trump, the Republicans had no problem enacting a $2 trillion tax cut basically going to the top 1 percent.  It mainly benefited big corporations.  Fifty-five corporations in 2020 made $40 billion and didn’t pay a single, solitary penny in federal taxes. 
 
But this year, the biggest companies in America flooded Capitol Hill with lobbyists and money, and they lost and American won.  (Applause.)  Because now corporations will pay a minimum tax of 15 percent — just 15 percent, but they’ll pay it.  The days of billion-dollar companies paying zero taxes is over.  (Applause.) 
 
And by the way, while we’re doing all this — I’m not going to take all your time because you’re standing, but while we’re doing all this — (laughter) — guess what?  You know, Republicans talk about being fiscally responsible.  We are reducing the deficit while all this — things we’re doing to spend money.  (Applause.)  Not a joke. 
 
Last year, I reduced the deficit $350 billion.  You know how much this year, not counting the Medicaid changes?  One trillion seven hundred billion dollars.  (Applause.) 
 
So I don’t want to hear it from Republicans about fiscal responsibility.  I don’t want to hear it.  I mean it.  I — these — ugh.  (Laughter.)  I don’t want to get going here. 
 
You’d think if they really cared about inflation, reducing it, they would have voted for the Inflation Reduction Act.  But every single Republican, House and Senate — every single one — every Republican in the House, every Republican in the Senate, they voted against it.  Every one. 
 
Look, hear — hear this, America: Every single Republican voted against lowering prescription drug costs — every one — every one; against lowering healthcare costs — every one; against tackling the climate cris- — crisis — every one; against lower energy cost; against creating good-paying jobs; against a fairer tax system — every single one. 
 
Now every single American needs to return the favor and vote them out of office.  (Applause.)
 
Look, every election is a choice.  My dad used to say, “Don’t compare me to the Almighty, Joey.  Compare me to the alternative.” 
 
Well, just take a look at what’s happened since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.  In 14 states, abortion is not available beyond six weeks of pregnancy, when most women don’t even know they’re pregnant.  In most of these states, there is no exception for rape or incest.  In the coming weeks and months, another 13 states may ban abortion depending on the outcome of this election in November — another 13. 
 
That means, in just weeks and months, more than half of America will have banned abortion if we don’t win this off-year election.  And they’re not going to stop there.  If they win control of the House and Senate, they’ve made it clear: They’re going to try to pass a national ban. 
 
But as long as I’m President, they ain’t going to get it done, because I’ll veto it.  (Applause.) 
 
Look, if they had their way, it won’t matter where you live in America, women won’t have a right to choose anywhere — anywhere.  I’m not going to let that happen.  I really mean that. 
 
If they had their way, they’d come after the contraception and marriage equality, the whole right to privacy.  They were very straightforward when this passed.  They didn’t kid about it.  We can’t let that happen either.  Democrats won’t let that happen — not today, not tomorrow, not ever.  (Applause.) 
 
Look, Republicans — Republicans awakened a powerful force in this nation: women.  W-O-W- — no, I’m not joking.  I’m not joking.  Those of you who are lawyers, read the decision.  And the court says that women have a right to vote to change this if they don’t like it at the state level. 
 
Well, guess what, pal?  Here you come.  Here you come.  Republicans don’t have a clue about the power of women.  Not a clue.  Let me tell you something: They’re about to find out.  They’re about to find out.  I mean it.  (Applause.) 
 
And when you think — I’m talking about radical Republicans coming — look, they’re coming at your Social Security.  You think I’m kidding.
 
Look, just go read the only election year plan that Republicans have put out this year.  Rick Scott from Florida, who’s the guy who’s in charge of the — electing Republicans to the United States Senate wrote it in black and white and did it also in the Wall Street Journal article.  He wants to require Congress to vote on the future of Social Security every five years, which means that if you don’t affirmatively vote for it, it is out of existence.  Not a joke, now.  Check it out.  I’m not making it up.
 
I spoke to a large labor crowd a couple — a month ago, and they didn’t believe it, so I put it up on a big board — exactly what they said. 
 
Think about it.  I mean, think — I mean, every five years, the Congress has to vote to change, cut, reduce, or entirely eliminate Social Security.  If they do nothing, it goes out of existence.  How does that make you feel, knowing that some of our MAGA Republicans are going to be moving hard? 
 
And it’s not just Social Security.  Senator Scott — Senator Scott — he wants everything in the federal budget voted on every five years.  That includes veterans benefits, Pell Grants, everything else. 
 
And then comes along — along comes Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.  God love him.  (Laughter.)  He thinks five years is too long to take to savage the programs that the people depend on.  He wants to put Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block every year. 
 
And let me remind you all: You pay for your Social Security in every paycheck.  You pay for your Medicare.  It’s not like this a gift.  It’s taken out of your paychecks. 
 
This is the same guy who said that if Republicans get control the Congress, they’re going to go back at getting rid of the Affordable Care Act, which is the only thing that guarantees people who have a preexisting condition can get insurance.  (Applause.)
 
Folks, they tried over 20 times to do it.  And the last time — the — when the last guy was there — what was his name?  I can’t remember.  (Laughter.)  This guy never stops.  And we’ll never stop either, because we can’t let this happen. 
 
Folks, Democrats offer a vision for a better America.  It’s within the reach — our reach.  It’s in our hands if we just get out and vote. 
 
And again, that’s not hyperbole, because we’re not finished.  Imagine if we just elected two more Democrats to the Senate and keep the House of Representatives.  Imagine.  (Applause.)  We’ll codify Roe v. Wade.  (Applause.)  We’ll ban assault weapons.  We’ll protect Social Security and Medicare.  We’ll pass universal pre-K.  We’ll restore the Child Care Tax Credit.  (Applause.)  We’ll protect voting rights.  We’ll pass election reform.  We’ll make sure no one ever tries to steal an election again in America.  (Applause.)  As we’ll continue to build an economy — build an economy from the bottom up and the middle out, not the top down. (Applause.)   
 
Because we understand something Republicans don’t: Wall Street did not build this country.  Working people, the middle class built this nation.  And I got news for you: Unions built the middle class.  (Applause.) 
 
And we’re not going to let anyone or anything tear America apart. 
 
I’m going to close with this.  We’re at a serious moment in this nation’s history.  And again, to use the word three times: That’s not hyperbole.  We’re literally in a battle for America’s soul.  I know I’ve been saying it for a year and a half, but I mean it. 
 
Extreme MAGA Republicans just don’t threaten our personal and economic rights; they embrace political violence.  Think about it.  They refuse to accept the will of the people.  They threaten our very democracy.  They — and that’s not hyperbole.  To this day, they defend the mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6th. 
 
Look, I’ve known every major world leader because of the nature of my job as the head of the Foreign Relations Committee, then doing foreign policy for Barack, and now.  I’ve known them all. 
 
Imagine if we leave here tonight and you turn on the television and you found out that, whether it’s the Bundestag in Germany or in the parliament in Great Britain, a couple thousand people stormed those buildings, broke down the doors of the parliament, killed some cops, beat the hell out of people to try to change the outcome of the election of a woman who just got picked to be prime minister.  Imagine what you’d think.  Not a joke now.  Think about it.  I’m being deadly earnest.  Think about what you’d think, what kind of confidence you’d have in our European friends. 
 
Look, folks, I went to the first what they call a “G7” meeting of the major economic powers.  And I sat in that meeting in England.  And I said the following — I used the following phrase — they all know me because I’ve known them for years.  I said, “America is back.”  And they looked at me and they said, “For how long?”  No, no, I’m not joking now.  I give you my word.  I’m not kidding.  This is deadly earnest.  They said, “For how long?”
 
And look what they see on television in their countries every single day: what Trump is doing and the Trumpers are doing.
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Lock him up!

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, let me tell you something.  They’re looking and wondering. 
 
We have to win this off-year election for more — for more reasons — (applause) — for more reasons than just being able to move our agenda forward.  We have to.
 
And it doesn’t do a whole lot to show the new polls showing me beating Trump by six or eight points — whatever the hell the numbers are. 
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Yeah!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No, no, no, but it really doesn’t matter very much now, in this off year. 
 
Folks, you can’t be pro-insurrection and pro-democracy.  Not a joke.  I’m being deadly earnest now.  You can’t be pro-insurrection and pro-democracy. 
 
You can’t support law enforcement and call the mob that attacked the police on January 6th in the United States Capitol “patriots.”
 
And heard what he recently said?  He said if he gets elected again, he’ll pardon them all.  He’ll pay their legal fees. 
 
How can you call yourself a democrat with a small “d”? How can that be? 
 
Folks, that’s why those who love this country — Democrats, independents, and mainstream Republicans — have to be stronger, more determined, and more committed to saving American democracy than the MAGA Republicans are to literally destroying American politics. 
 
You just have to vote.  We have to vote.  (Applause.)  You have to organize, mobilize, get out the vote. 
 
You just need to remember who we are.  We are the United States of America.  (Applause.)  And there’s nothing — nothing, nothing — beyond our capacity if we do it together.  So let’s get moving.  (Applause.)
 
God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops. 
 
Please, please, please, vote.  Vote.  Vote.  (Applause.) 
 
Thank you all very much.  And thank you for volunteering your services as you do.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)
 
7:53 P.M. EDT

Source: The White House

     On September 11, 2001, ordinary Americans performed extraordinary acts of heroism.  Firefighters and police officers rushed into crumbling buildings and raging fires to save others.  EMTs, construction workers, colleagues, and strangers tended to the wounded.  Passengers and crewmembers gave their lives to thwart another attack.  And a generation of women and men answered the call of duty by joining our Armed Forces to defend our freedom and our democracy.
   These patriots — people of undaunted courage, uncommon resolve, and unwavering perseverance — are forever ingrained in our national character.  They are reminders that we are a great country because we are a good people.  On this Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, we pay tribute to the heroes and victims who lost their lives on September 11, and we recommit ourselves to the spirit of unity, patriotism, and service that carried our Nation through in the days that followed.
     Before they were national heroes, the women and men we honor were already heroes to so many others.  They were the mothers who tucked their kids into bed at night.  They were the fathers who drove the neighborhood carpools to school.  They were the daughters who made their parents proud and the sons who lifted up their friends.  To the families around America whose pain is especially personal on this day:  Our entire Nation, including Jill and I, holds you close in our hearts and sends you our love.  I know from personal experience that memorials can bring everything back as painfully as if it happened today
— the moment you got the phone call — no matter how many years go by.
     On this day, let us honor the memory of the innocent victims we lost and carry on the legacy of the selfless heroes who served our Nation on September 11 and in its aftermath.  Let us also recognize the members of our intelligence and counterterrorism communities who worked with dedication and determination to deliver justice to Ayman al-Zawahiri, the emir of al-Qaeda and a key planner of this and other cruel attacks against our people.
     I invite all Americans to observe this day with service; you can find opportunities in your community by visiting americorps.gov/911-day.  Unity is what makes us who we are as Americans — it is our greatest strength.  When we come together on this day, and every day, we demonstrate that even in the darkness, America remains a bright beacon of light and hope for the world.
     By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day,” and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized “National Day of Service and Remembrance.”
     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2022, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.  I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  I invite the Governors of the United States and its Territories and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance.  I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Source: The White House

Today, the White House is releasing the President’s Economic Blueprint, explaining how his historic legislative successes, and executive actions the Administration has taken, are rebuilding the economy from the bottom up and middle out now and for years ahead.

The President’s first two years in office have been two of the most productive in American history, and as the Blueprint explains, these accomplishments are all part of one economic vision. This Congressional session, the President and Congressional Democrats passed the most aggressive economic recovery package since FDR, the most substantial infrastructure investment since Eisenhower, the most significant investment in manufacturing and research and development in history, and a historic law to lower costs for families and accelerate clean energy manufacturing.

The Blueprint is being released as the President travels to Ohio for the groundbreaking of Intel’s new manufacturing facility – the result of the President’s CHIPS and Science Act – and ahead of next week when he will sign the Inflation Reduction Act into law.  

President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Congressional Democrats quickly spurred the strongest and most equitable economic and labor market recovery in modern history, after inheriting a pandemic economic crisis. While it will take time and there is more work to do, including immediate work to support the U.S. economy’s transition from historic recovery to stable, steady, growth with lower inflation, the Biden-Harris Administration has laid the foundation to begin tackling decades-long economic challenges and finally deliver an economy that works for working families.

Read the Blueprint here.

President Biden’s economic blueprint has five pillars:

1. Empowering Workers, with more, good-paying jobs and greater worker power to unionize and have dignity at work.
2. Making and Building it in America, by investing in infrastructure, making America the world’s leader in clean energy jobs and innovation, bolstering our manufacturing base, and buying American.
3. Giving Families Breathing Room, by lowering costs and expanding access to prescription drugs and high-quality health care, high-speed internet, education, child care and long-term care, housing, and other essential needs.
4. Making American Industry More Competitive, Less Concentrated, and More Resilient, by taking on corporate concentration, promoting small businesses and entrepreneurs including minority and women owned businesses, and supporting resilient supply chains.
5. Rewarding Work, Not Wealth, with worker-centric tax reform that ensures the wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share, while never raising taxes on households with incomes below $400,000, as was done in the Inflation Reduction Act.

###