Foreign Affairs

Lebanon - Emergency humanitarian aid from France (13 Dec. 2024)

In line with the pledge made by President Macron at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty held in Paris on October 24, France has sent 100 tons of humanitarian aid to Lebanon aboard three aircraft, chartered with the assistance of the Airbus Foundation and the EU. These flights took place on November 1 and 18, and December 13. In today's shipment, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs provided 39 tons of humanitarian aid for Lebanon's civilian (…)

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Toys for Tots Event with Military Families

<p>The White House Thank you, Lieutenant General Anderson. Joe and I are so grateful to you and Lieutenant General Laster for your decades of service and leadership. Both of you have built inspiring careers guiding troops and giving back to our communities alongside your amazing Toys for Tots team. To the senior spouses who are&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/13/remarks-as-prepared-for-delivery-by-first-lady-jill-biden-at-a-toys-for-tots-event-with-military-families-2/">Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Toys for Tots Event with Military Families</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Remarks by APNSA Jake Sullivan in Press Conference | Tel Aviv, Israel

<p>Tel Aviv, Israel 5:23 P.M. IST MR. SULLIVAN: Good afternoon, everyone. I want to start by taking a moment to reflect on the last year and take stock of where we are. This is my seventh time visiting Israel as National Security Advisor. I was here on October 18th of last year when I joined&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/12/remarks-by-apnsa-jake-sullivan-in-press-conference-tel-aviv-israel/">Remarks by APNSA Jake Sullivan in Press Conference | Tel Aviv, Israel</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Romania and Bulgaria join the Schengen Area (12 Dec. 2024)

France welcomes the agreement reached at the Council of the EU to authorize Romania's and Bulgaria's full, effective integration into the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025. The decision, adopted unanimously by ministers of the European Union Member States during the Schengen Council on 11 December, will allow internal land-border checks with Romania and Bulgaria to be removed. Internal air- and maritime-border checks were removed in March 2024. The Schengen Area guarantees the free movement (…)

Biden-Harris Administration Releases First-Ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate

<p>Today, the White House is releasing the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate. The Strategy was developed through a whole-of-government collaboration with a broad range of civil society partners to describe and address the bias, discrimination, and threats Muslim and Arab Americans have long faced. Over the past year, this initiative&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/12/biden-harris-administration-releases-first-ever-u-s-national-strategy-to-counter-islamophobia-and-anti-arab-hate/">Biden-Harris Administration Releases First-Ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Clemency Recipient List

<p>Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is granting clemency consisting of 39 pardons and 1,499 commutations. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is pardoning the following 39 individuals: NINA SIMONA ALLEN – Harvest, AlabamaNina Simona Allen is a 49-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent offense in her 20s. In the years since, Ms. Allen&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/12/clemency-recipient-list-7/">Clemency Recipient List</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Clemency for Nearly 1,500 Americans

<p>Today’s announcement will commute the sentences of close to 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement and will pardon 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes Today, President Biden announced that he is granting clemency to nearly 1,500 Americans – the most ever in a single day &#8211; who have shown successful rehabilitation and a&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/12/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-clemency-for-nearly-1500-americans/">FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Clemency for Nearly 1,500 Americans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

G7 Leaders’ statement on Syria

<p>We, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), reaffirm our commitment to the people of Syria, and lend our full support for an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process in the spirit of the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. We call on all parties to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and national&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/12/g7-leaders-statement-on-syria/">G7 Leaders&#8217; statement on Syria</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Memorandum on the Establishment of the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group

<p>MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES SUBJECT:       Establishment of the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to monitor and address the effects of any efforts by the People&#8217;s Republic of China (PRC),&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/12/memorandum-on-the-establishment-of-the-china-censorship-monitor-and-action-group/">Memorandum on the Establishment of the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Memorandum on the Establishment of the Countering Economic Coercion Task Force

<p>MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES SUBJECT: Establishment of the Countering Economic Coercion Task Force By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to improve efforts to respond to coercive economic practices of countries of concern, including the People&#8217;s Republic&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/12/memorandum-on-the-establishment-of-the-countering-economic-coercion-task-force/">Memorandum on the Establishment of the Countering Economic Coercion Task Force</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby

<p>1:44 P.M. EST MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Hello. Hi, everybody. Q Hi. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Happy Thursday. (Ms. Jean-Pierre adjusts the lectern.) Just mess- &#8212; be messing with this lectern. Okay. So, today, President Biden announced that he is granting clemency to approximately 1,500 Americans &#8212; the largest act in a single day &#8212; who have demonstrated remorse&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2024/12/12/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-and-national-security-communications-adviser-john-kirby-3/">Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Press Release: Bills Signed: H.R. 1432, H.R. 3821, H.R. 5863, S. 91, S. 4243

<p>On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the President signed into law: H.R. 1432, the &#8220;VSO Equal Tax Treatment Act&#8221; or the &#8220;VETT Act,&#8221; which amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the deductibility of charitable contributions to certain organizations for members of the Armed Forces. Thank you to Representatives Wenstrup and Panetta, and&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation/2024/12/12/press-release-bills-signed-h-r-1432-h-r-3821-h-r-5863-s-91-s-4243/">Press Release: Bills Signed: H.R. 1432, H.R. 3821, H.R. 5863, S. 91, S. 4243</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Press Release: Withdrawal Sent to the Senate

<p>WITHDRAWAL SENT TO THE SENATE: Ryan Young Park, of North Carolina, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, vice James A. Wynn, Jr., retiring, which was sent to the Senate on July 8, 2024. # # #</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/12/press-release-withdrawal-sent-to-the-senate/">Press Release: Withdrawal Sent to the Senate</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Statement from President Joe Biden on Providing Clemency for Nearly 1,500 Individuals on Home Confinement and Pardons fo

<p>America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances. As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/12/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-providing-clemency-for-nearly-1500-individuals-on-home-confinement-and-pardons-for-39-individuals-convicted-of-non-violent-crimes/">Statement from President Joe Biden on Providing Clemency for Nearly 1,500 Individuals on Home Confinement and Pardons for 39 Individuals Convicted of Non-Violent Crimes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Syria - Chemical weapons (12 Dec. 2024)

Bashar al-Assad's fallen regime was responsible for the use of chemical weapons on multiple occasions. These crimes must be punished. France stresses that the use of chemical weapons by anyone anywhere at any time and under any circumstances is unacceptable, and those who use them must be punished. The fight against impunity for the use of chemical weapons is a priority for France, and one of our main focuses with regard to Syria. It was in this spirit that France launched the International (…)

Syria - Minister speaks to representatives of the Syrian opposition and civil society (12 Dec. 2024)

Memorandum on the Delegation of Functions and Authorities Under Sections 1352 and 1353 of the National Defense Authoriza

<p>MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATETHE SECRETARY OF DEFENSETHE SECRETARY OF ENERGYTHE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET SUBJECT: Delegation of Functions and Authorities Under Sections 1352 and 1353 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/11/memorandum-on-the-delegation-of-functions-and-authorities-under-sections-1352-and-1353-of-the-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2024/">Memorandum on the Delegation of Functions and Authorities Under Sections 1352 and 1353 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade

<p>TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES: Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/11/message-to-the-congress-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-the-global-illicit-drug-trade-3/">Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

President Biden Announces Presidential Delegation to attend the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne,

<p>President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Belgium and Luxembourg to attend the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge on December 13-14, 2024. The Honorable Bill Nelson, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, will lead the delegation. Members of the Presidential&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/11/president-biden-announces-presidential-delegation-to-attend-the-80th-anniversary-of-the-battle-of-the-bulge-in-bastogne-belgium-and-luxembourg-city-luxembourg/">President Biden Announces Presidential Delegation to attend the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, Belgium and Luxembourg City, Luxembourg</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers Jared Bernstein

<p>James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 2:31 P.M. EST MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right. Good afternoon, everybody. Q Good afternoon. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Foggy day. Foggy day. So, this afternoon, President Biden delivered a major address on his economic legacy. After decades of trickle-down econ- &#8212; economics, President Biden has written a new playbook that&#8217;s growing&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2024/12/11/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-and-chair-of-the-council-of-economic-advisers-jared-bernstein-2/">Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers Jared Bernstein</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Press Release: Bills Signed: H.R. 2950, H.R. 5302, H.R. 5536, H.R. 5799, H.R. 7218, H.R. 7438, H.R. 7764, H.R. 8932

<p>On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the President signed into law: H.R. 2950, the &#8220;Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023,&#8221; which codifies the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service&#8217;s Costal Program and supports efforts to assess, protect, and enhance important costal landscapes. Thank you to Representatives Huffman and González-Colón, and Senators Cardin and Graham for their leadership.&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation/2024/12/11/press-release-bills-signed-h-r-2950-h-r-5302-h-r-5536-h-r-5799-h-r-7218-h-r-7438-h-r-7764-h-r-8932/">Press Release: Bills Signed: H.R. 2950, H.R. 5302, H.R. 5536, H.R. 5799, H.R. 7218, H.R. 7438, H.R. 7764, H.R. 8932</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Press Release: Notice to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Global Illicit D

<p>On December 15, 2021, by Executive Order 14059, I declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by global illicit drug trafficking.   The trafficking into&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/11/press-release-notice-to-the-congress-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-the-global-illicit-drug-trade/">Press Release: Notice to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Readout of Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer’s Meeting with Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto

<p>Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer welcomed Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo to the White House yesterday to discuss a range of regional and bilateral issues.  Mr. Finer thanked Foreign Minister Murillo for Colombia’s leadership in serving as the first Country Chair for the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, an initiative the United States and&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/11/readout-of-principal-deputy-national-security-advisor-jon-finers-meeting-with-colombian-foreign-minister-luis-gilberto-murillo/">Readout of Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer’s Meeting with Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Remarks by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the First-Ever White House Conference on Women’s Health Research

<p>East Room 11:36 A.M. EST THE FIRST LADY:  You’re so quiet.  It’s like a classroom.  (Laughter and applause.)  So, in the intermission, were you all, like, dancing and everything?  (Laughter.)  Get a little movement.  You know, you’ve been sitting for a while. So, thank you for standing.  But, you know, I’m glad you get a little &#8212; like&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/11/remarks-by-president-biden-and-first-lady-jill-biden-at-the-first-ever-white-house-conference-on-womens-health-research/">Remarks by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the First-Ever White House Conference on Women’s Health Research</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Remarks by President Biden at a Christmas For All Dinner in Celebration of Unity, America, and Special Olympics

<p>East Room 7:25 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Loretta, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You know, first of all, welcome to the White House, all the Special Olympics. And thank you, Loretta, for that introduction and your leadership &#8212; and one of our nation&#8217;s great special athletes. You&#8217;ve appeared in 8 World Games,&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/11/remarks-by-president-biden-at-a-christmas-for-all-dinner-in-celebration-of-unity-america-and-special-olympics/">Remarks by President Biden at a Christmas For All Dinner in Celebration of Unity, America, and Special Olympics</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>