Politics

A Proclamation on National Volunteer Week, 2024

A Proclamation on National Volunteer Week, 2024

    America’s volunteers embody the core values that define our Nation:  an optimism that is tested yet resolute; a courage that digs deep when we need it most; and an unshakeable faith in one another, our Nation, and the future we can build together.  During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the millions of selfless Americans who keep faith in all of us and give their time, service, and hearts to make sure no one is left behind. I have often said that America is a good Nation because we are a good people — every day, our country’s volunteers…
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The United States of America and Italy Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Collaboration on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation

The United States of America and Italy Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Collaboration on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation

Today, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Italy’s Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Italy on countering foreign state information manipulation. Foreign state information manipulation, which includes disinformation and propaganda, is a transnational security threat that can create or exploit divisions within and among countries, imperil election integrity, and undermine public trust in government.  Recognizing that the threat faced requires coordinated action, this memorandum of understanding demonstrates the U.S. and Italian commitment to…
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A Proclamation on National Volunteer Week, 2024

A Proclamation on National Crime Victims’ Rights, 2024

Each year, millions of Americans become victims of crime and acts of violence.  During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we recommit to pursuing justice for victims and providing them with the support and resources needed to heal from the emotional, psychological, physical, and financial scars of those traumatic experiences.  We continue our work to prevent crime before it occurs.  Every American deserves to know that they, their families, and their communities are safe and free from violence and crime.  Since I first came to office, my Administration has been working tirelessly with law enforcement, crime victims, and other community leaders…
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DHS Releases 2023 Update to Equity Action Plan, Outlines New Commitments

DHS Releases 2023 Update to Equity Action Plan, Outlines New Commitments

DHS Releases 2023 Update to Equity Action Plan, Outlines New Commitments Release Date: February 14, 2024 en français بالعربية trong tiếng việt 讀中文 En español 读中文 한국어로 Lu an Kreyòl Department Strengthens Commitment to Advancing Equity in its Policies, Programs, and Operations WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the release of the 2023 Update to the DHS Equity Action Plan, which builds on the progress made in the 2022 inaugural plan to further embed equity at the center of the Department’s mission. The 2023 Update highlights DHS’s accomplishments over the past three years and identifies…
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The United States of America and Italy Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Collaboration on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Call with European External Action Service Secretary General Sannino

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell spoke with European External Action Service Secretary General Stefano Sannino today. Deputy Secretary Campbell and Secretary General Sannino discussed the challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China, including its support for Russia’s defense-industrial base. They agreed on the need for diverse supply chains to support the transatlantic transition to electric vehicle technology and the need to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Official news published at https://www.state.gov/deputy-secretary-campbells-call-with-european-external-action-service-secretary-general-sannino/
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A Proclamation on National Volunteer Week, 2024

Readout of White House Convening with Mothers Affected by Gun Violence

On March 25, the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) hosted a convening with mothers affected by gun violence, who are also leading victim service organizations and survivor support efforts in their communities. During the convening, panelists shared their personal stories related to gun violence, the work they are doing to help survivors and victims, challenges they have faced in securing resources, and what else is needed to help all those affected by the epidemic of gun violence. White House officials briefed attendees on resources that are available to victims following a shooting or other violent crime, and…
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Ugandan Court Decision on the Anti-Homosexuality Act

Ugandan Court Decision on the Anti-Homosexuality Act

The United States continues to be deeply concerned by reports of human rights abuses in Uganda, including against the LGBTQI+ community. The announcement that some provisions of the Anti-Homosexuality Act have been removed by the Constitutional Court is a small and insufficient step towards safeguarding human rights. The remaining provisions of the AHA pose grave threats to the Ugandan people, especially LGBTQI+ Ugandans and their allies, undermine public health, clamp down on civic space, damage Uganda’s international reputation, and harm efforts to increase foreign investment. Uganda should respect the human dignity of all and provide equal protection to all individuals…
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DHS Releases 2023 Update to Equity Action Plan, Outlines New Commitments

Readout of Secretary Mayorkas’s Bilateral Meeting with People’s Republic of China State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in Vienna, Austria

Readout of Secretary Mayorkas’s Bilateral Meeting with People’s Republic of China State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in Vienna, Austria Release Date: February 18, 2024 VIENNA – On February 18, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas met with People’s Republic of China (PRC) State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in Vienna, Austria to advance cooperation with the PRC in the fight against the scourge of fentanyl, its precursor chemicals, and associated equipment. This meeting builds upon the commitments made at the Woodside Summit between President Biden and President Xi last November, the January…
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A Proclamation on National Volunteer Week, 2024

Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre En Route Raleigh, NC

Aboard Air Force OneEn Route Raleigh, North Carolina 2:00 P.M. EDT MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay.  A couple things at the top.  I know we’re going to have to go real quick here. So, you all heard from President earlier on the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.  This morning, the President conveyed senior members of his team for a briefing — convened, pardon me — senior members of his team for a briefing on the ongoing response. During his — this morning’s briefing, the President directed his team to ensure all federal resources be made available…
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Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen At the Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding To Expand Collaboration on Countering Foreign Information Manipulation

Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen At the Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding To Expand Collaboration on Countering Foreign Information Manipulation

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good morning, everyone.  And I first want to simply say to my friend and colleague, Elina, congratulations.  Congratulations on one year of Finland’s membership in our Alliance.  This has been an extraordinary year, but really made all the more extraordinary by the accession of Finland and now Sweden to NATO, an Alliance that is stronger, bigger, more united than it’s ever been.  Our own bilateral cooperation between Finland and the United States is at a historic high.  Finland has also been unwavering in its support for Ukraine.  We see that every single day. The memorandum of understanding…
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