Politics

U.S. Special Envoy Kennedy Travels to Ireland

U.S. Special Envoy Kennedy Travels to Ireland

U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs Joseph Kennedy, III is on official travel to Belfast and Dublin January 30 to February 2. In Belfast, Special Envoy Kennedy is engaging with an array of business and industry leaders, Chamber of Commerce members, and young entrepreneurs. The trip will include visits to Queens University Belfast and Stranmillis University College. In Dublin, Special Envoy Kennedy will participate in a fireside chat with Ambassador Claire Cronin. His trip will focus on Northern Ireland business and investment priorities for 2024 and highlight the continued, important role U.S. investors play in preserving the…
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Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Latest House Republican Bill

Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Latest House Republican Bill

For months the administration has been working with a bipartisan group of Senators on a national security agreement that secures our border and provides support for the people of Ukraine and Israel. Just as legislative text is imminent, the House Republicans come up with their latest cynical political maneuver. The security of Israel should be sacred, not a political game. We strongly oppose this ploy which does nothing to secure the border, does nothing to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves against Putin’s aggression, and denies humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, the majority of them women and children, which the…
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Imposing Sanctions on Burma’s Military Regime Three Years After the Military Coup

Imposing Sanctions on Burma’s Military Regime Three Years After the Military Coup

The United States is today designating four individuals and two entities linked to Burma’s military regime.  We are taking this action to target the regime’s sources of revenue which support military activities against civilians.  The action also targets those who provide material and support for the production of arms in Burma. Since the military coup d’etat on February 1, 2021, the military regime has continued to carry out a campaign of violence and repression against the people of Burma.  The military has conducted airstrikes that have killed hundreds of civilians.  Regime forces have burned tens of thousands of homes across…
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Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status Release Date: January 26, 2024 Redesignation Allows Additional Eligible Syrian Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents  WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from April 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Syria that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about how to register as a new or current beneficiary for TPS…
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Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Latest House Republican Bill

Remarks by President Biden and Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Wilmington, DE

Biden for President Campaign HeadquartersWilmington, Delaware THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Delaware!  (Applause.) Can we please give it up for Julie, who is an extraordinary human?  (Applause.) I have to tell you, I have worked with Julie for years, and she is someone who really just represents all that I know that we all stand for — about the people, about organizing, about coalition building, bringing people together, and the work that it requires around the clock.  Julie, thank you for all of your work.  (Applause.) And Mr. President, Dr. Biden, the first Second Gentleman of the United States — my husband.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)   I…
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Designating IRGC-QF and Hizballah Financial Facilitators

Designating IRGC-QF and Hizballah Financial Facilitators

The United States is today designating three entities and one individual as part of a network generating funding for the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Hizballah by selling Iranian commodities and receiving funds from the Syrian government. The IRGC-QF and its proxy network persist in their attempts to generate revenue from illicit commercial activity that funds terrorism and destabilizing activities in the region.  The United States remains committed to curbing these organizations’ ability to generate revenue. The Department of the Treasury action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended.  For more information on this designation, see…
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Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Latest House Republican Bill

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Namibian President Hage Geingob

Jill and I offer our deepest condolences to First Lady Monica Geingos and the rest of the Namibian people on the loss of President Hage Geingob. President Geingob was a fearless leader, fighting for independence, overseeing the drafting of the new nation’s constitution, and serving his country twice as prime minister and finally as president. He was an eloquent advocate for his country and continent, who stood up for his values and beliefs. We will continue to build on his legacy, strengthening our partnerships and shared vision for deeper mutual support. Throughout his life, he maintained close ties to the United States and the…
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Designating Entities in Sudan that Contribute to War Efforts

Designating Entities in Sudan that Contribute to War Efforts

The United States is designating today three Sudanese entities that have helped finance and secure materiel for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).  Zadna International Co for Development Ltd is a major component of the SAF’s commercial empire and is used by SAF to launder funds.  Al-Fakher Advanced Works Co. Ltd. is a holding company for the RSF’s gold export business, helping generate millions of dollars for the RSF’s war effort.  Al Khaleej Bank Company, Ltd has played a central role in funding RSF’s operations.  All three entities have undermined the peace, security, and stability…
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Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Latest House Republican Bill

Statement from President Joe Biden on Bipartisan Senate National Security Agreement

For too long, going back decades, the immigration system has been broken. It’s time to fix it. That’s why over two months ago I instructed members of my administration to work with a bipartisan group of Senators to – finally – seriously address the issue. And, that’s what they’ve done – working around the clock, through the holidays and over weekends. Now we’ve reached an agreement on a bipartisan national security deal that includes the toughest and fairest set of border reforms in decades. I strongly support it. It will make our country safer, make our border more secure, treat…
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Assistant Secretary of State Satterfield Travels to Los Angeles

Assistant Secretary of State Satterfield Travels to Los Angeles

From January 31 – February 5, 2024, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Lee Satterfield will travel to Los Angeles to build on Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative and expand it by engaging with leaders in the music industry, as well as attend the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards presented by The Recording Academy®. In September 2023, Secretary Blinken launched the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, and outlined three initial efforts by the United States to elevate music as a diplomatic tool, including a new public-private partnership with The Recording Academy® and the…
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