Politics

Statement from Secretary Mayorkas on the Recognition of DHS Advancement on Partnership for Public Service List of “Best Places to Work” Release Date: May 20, 2024 WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued the following statement regarding the Partnership for Public Service’s recognition of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the most improved large agency in its 2023 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government: “The workforce of the Department of Homeland Security is the best in the world. Our people execute an extraordinarily expansive, diverse, and challenging set of missions. We have a…

The United States is deeply concerned by the decision by Nicolas Maduro and his representatives to withdraw an invitation to European Union election observers. This action runs counter to the commitments made in Barbados in October 2023 to support the integrity of the electoral process. Maduro and his representatives should immediately reverse this decision and allow credible international election observation that will build trust in the electoral process. We will continue to work with the international community to support the aspirations of the Venezuelan people for a more democratic, stable, and prosperous Venezuela. Official news published at https://www.state.gov/maduros-decision-to-withdraw-invitation-to-european-union-election-observers/

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Warrant Applications by the International Criminal Court Official news published at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/20/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-warrant-applications-by-the-international-criminal-court/

The Department of State is publicly designating five current and former Ugandan officials for their involvement in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights. Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is designated due to involvement in significant corruption tied to her leadership of Uganda’s Parliament.  Former Minister of Karamoja Affairs Mary Goretti Kitutu, former Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu, and Minister of State for Finance Amos Lugolobi are being designated due to their involvement in significant corruption related to conduct that misused public resources and diverted materials from Uganda’s neediest communities.  All four officials abused their public positions…

Joint Statement on the Signing of Joint Declaration of Intent to Strengthen Franco-American Customs Cooperation Release Date: May 23, 2024 To strengthen cooperation between France and the United States in customs matters and improve the facilitation of travelers and goods, the Minister Delegate for Public Accounts, Mr. Thomas Cazanave, and the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Ms. Kristie Canegallo, signed today a Joint Declaration of Intent. Improved collaboration as outlined in the Joint Declaration is expected to include intelligence, inspections, investigations, targeting and operational cooperation, and exchange of best practices in…

On Sunday, May 19, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Secretary General Hussein Al Sheikh and Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. They discussed the crisis in Gaza and efforts to end the fighting through a hostage deal and to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance. They also discussed the new PA government’s reform agenda and the importance of the international community providing financial support to enable this new government to succeed. Mr. Sullivan finally commended the efforts of the Palestinian Authority Security Forces to maintain stability in the West Bank.   ### Official news published…

The United States is deeply concerned by the guilty verdicts announced in the National Security Law trial of pro-democracy organizers in Hong Kong.  The defendants were subjected to a politically motivated prosecution and jailed simply for peacefully participating in political activities protected under the Basic Law of Hong Kong.  In response, the Department of State is taking steps to impose new visa restrictions on PRC and Hong Kong officials responsible for implementing the National Security Law, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.  Instead of imposing harsh sentences that would further erode confidence in Hong Kong’s judicial system, Hong…

Today in Israel, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Israeli Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, Chief of Defense Herzi Halevi, and War Cabinet members Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot to discuss the situation in Gaza and the United States’ unwavering support for Israel.  In his discussions with Minister Gallant and General Halevi, Mr. Sullivan received updated briefings on Israeli military operations in Gaza, and reiterated the President’s longstanding position on Rafah. Minister Gallant and General Halevi briefed Mr. Sullivan on new alternative approaches to defeating Hamas in Rafah to address the concerns that have…

Rose Garden 5:30 P.M. EDT THE SECOND GENTLEMAN:  I got to wait for that song to end.  (Laughter.) Good evening.  AUDIENCE:  Good evening. THE SECOND GENTLEMAN:  It is my honor to be standing here with President Biden and Vice President Harris.  (Applause.)  They have both stood strong with the Jewish community time and time again.  There is no one fighting harder to combat hate and to unite our country.  To all of our esteemed guests, it is so great to join you for a Jewish American Heritage Month celebration at the White House.  (Applause.) Tonight, we’ve come together to celebrate…

On May 7, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced $578 million in humanitarian, development, and economic assistance to support partner countries and help communities to respond to urgent humanitarian needs, expand lawful pathways, and support the regularization and integration of migrants during the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection Ministerial in Guatemala City. Of that, nearly $459 million in additional humanitarian assistance responds to the needs of refugees, vulnerable migrants, and other displaced persons across the Western Hemisphere, as well as support for the Safe Mobility Initiative (SMOs).  This life-saving assistance from the American people includes more than $376 million through the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) and nearly $83 million through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  This brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance for the Western Hemisphere to more than $3.9 billion since fiscal year…