Thursday, April 27, 2023TOP TIDBITS .png?version=1&modificationDate=1682622701617&cacheVersion=1&api=v2) TOP TIDBITS
FROM THE DNC WAR ROOMDNC War Room: The GOP Response to President Biden’s Campaign Launch: Scattered, Scared, and Slow @DNCWarRoom: Trump can’t hide his yearslong record of wanting to cut Medicare and Social Security, including in every budget he proposed. As 2024 Republicans fight over who wants to hurt seniors the most, remember their support of cuts to Social Security and Medicare.FROM THE CHAIR'S DESK@harrisonjaime: Trump called to privatize Social Security, raise the retirement age, and said it’s a “Ponzi scheme.” He also tried to cut Social Security every year in office. All the 2024 GOP hopefuls are focused on gutting this vital program. This is what’s at stake. https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/27/politics/trump-desantis-social-security-ponzi-scheme/index.html @harrisonjaime: President Biden and Vice President Harris are fighting for freedom, more rights not less, and for our democracy. Now they’re running to finish the job for the American people. Watch the first campaign ad here and join us at http://JoeBiden.com. More than 12 million jobs since taking office. Capped the cost of insulin for seniors at $35 a month. First major gun safety legislation in decades. Largest investment to combat climate change in U.S. history. President Biden and Vice President Harris are just getting started. @TheDemocrats (Twitter), (Facebook) House Republican Priorities: 99% voted against codifying Roe v. Wade—twice. 97% voted against protecting your right to cross state lines for safe abortion. 92% voted against protecting access to birth control. @TheDemocrats (Twitter), (Facebook) We’ve helped create over 12 million jobs, lowered prescription drug costs, and taken the largest action to fight climate change in American history. Now it’s time to build on our progress and finish the job. That’s why @JoeBiden and I are running for reelection. @KamalaHarris (Twitter), (Facebook) MAGA extremists are telling women what health care choices they are allowed to make. They’re telling you what books should be in your kids’ schools. And if you don’t like it, tough luck: They’re going after your right to vote, too. That’s not who we are. @JoeBiden (Twitter), (Facebook) Want to help amplify the DNC’s message online? Join the DNC’s Greenfly to start receiving daily content updates and access to social media resources. Click here to download the app and use code DEMSTALKERS at sign up. Please note that individuals working for independent expenditures or Democratic primary campaign candidates are ineligible to join the DNC’s Greenfly. BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION WEEK AHEAD Today, President Biden will take part in a Take Your Child to Work Day greeting on the South Lawn. Later this evening, the president will take part in a campaign call with grassroots supporters. This afternoon, Vice President Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will host a state luncheon for Yoon and his wife Kim Keon Hee at the State Department. This evening, the vice president and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will take part in a campaign call with grassroots supporters. ARTICLES TO AMPLIFY NBC News: Biden launches first TV ad of re-election campaign AP: Cesar Chavez’s legacy lives on in Biden’s new campaign chair CNN: Kamala Harris to make the case for Biden’s reelection at abortion rights rally Atlanta Journal-Constitution: VP Harris to return to Atlanta as second-term bid heats up CNN: American living standards are on the line in the debt ceiling drama Bloomberg: McCarthy’s Debt-Limit Plan Would Slash Education, Biden Administration Says TOP TWEETS @POTUS: Union workers are the best in the world. And they're leading the way – getting shovels in the ground, cranes in the air, and factories opened across America. @POTUS: Let's raise our glasses to our partnership, to our people, to possibilities, and to the future the Republic of Korea and the United States will create. May we go together! @VP: Congressional Republicans want to cut funding for Medicare and Social Security. @POTUS and I are committed to strengthening and protecting these essential programs because we believe every person should be able to retire with dignity. |
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Hi everyone – Today after President Biden and Vice President Harris announced their reelection campaign, Vice President Harris spoke at Howard University on the importance of fighting for reproductive freedom, for more rights not less, and for our democracy. We’d appreciate your help uplifting these items:  |
@CHueyBurns: @VP @KamalaHarris at her alma mater Howard University very much in campaign mode on the issue of abortion: |
@abigailtracy: I am at Reproductive Freedom rally headlined by @VP Kamala Harris at Howard University, her alma mater. After asking everyone to please take a seat, the crowd—advocates and students—broke into a chant of “Four more years." |
@ChrisMegerian: Vice President Harris is headlining an abortion rights rally at Howard University tonight. "Real leaders care about the people and their dignity and their autonomy and their right to determine what is in their own best interest." |
@PhilipWegmann: VP @KamalaHarris on abortion: "One doesn't have to abandon their faith, or deeply held beliefs, to agree that government shouldn't make this decision for her." |
@SamuelRLau: @KamalaHarris is back at her alma mater Howard University and she is fired up!! “I trust the women of America! I trust the people of America!” |
@AlenciaJohnson: It’s really significant that @KamalaHarris’ first campaign event, on the day of their re-election announcement, is a reproductive freedom rally with @PPact @NARAL @emilyslist and @ACLU Abortion is going to play an even bigger role in 2024. As it absolutely should. |
@EugeneDaniels2: VP Kamala Harris at an abortion event at her alma mater: "This is not just about the people of Florida. That's not the plan. The plan isn't just about the state of Texas and attacking their rights. There is a national agenda at play by these extremist so-called leaders." |
Thanks so much, |
 President Biden and Vice President Harris Announce Reelection Campaign Biden names Campaign Manager and Campaign Co-Chairs Exactly Four Years After Launching 2020 Bid Today, President Joe Biden announced his candidacy for President of the United States in the 2024 Presidential Election. In a video released today titled “Freedom,” President Biden harkened back to his 2020 campaign message when he described the country in a battle for the soul of the nation. Today the President said that the battle continues in the face of extreme MAGA Republicans who are focused on taking away Americans’ rights and dividing the country. The President called on all Americans to stand up for our personal freedoms, saying every generation faces a moment when we’ve had to defend democracy, and this election is ours. Today’s announcement from President Biden comes four years to the day after he announced his 2020 candidacy on a platform of restoring the soul of our nation, rebuilding the backbone of the country – the middle class – and uniting the country. “When I ran for President four years ago, I said we are in a battle for the soul of America – and we still are. The question we are facing is whether in the years ahead we have more freedom or less freedom, more rights or fewer,” said President Biden. “I know what I want the answer to be. This is not a time to be complacent. That’s why I’m running for reelection. I know America and I know we are good and decent people. I know we are still a country that believes in honesty and respect, and treating each other with dignity. We’re a nation where we give hate no safe harbor. We believe that everyone is equal, and that everyone should be given a fair shot to succeed in this country.” President Biden continued: “Every generation of Americans has faced a moment when they’ve had to defend democracy, stand up for our personal freedoms, and stand up for our right to vote and our civil rights. This is ours. Let’s finish the job.” Today, President Biden also announced initial campaign leadership. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt-Rochester, Congressman Jim Clyburn, Senator Chris Coons, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer will serve as the campaign’s national co-chairs. Julie Chávez Rodríguez will serve as Campaign Manager and Quentin Fulks will serve as Principal Deputy Campaign Manager. This team forms the backbone of a campaign that will be focused on building and expanding on the coalition that sent President Biden and Vice President Harris to the White House in 2020 with more votes than any Presidential ticket in our country’s history. “This election is a generational moment for Americans across the country to stand up and fight for our democracy and freedoms. To win this fight, we need strong leadership that can build and expand our broad, diverse coalition from 2020,” said President Biden. “With this team leading the charge, we’ll be able to do just that. Julie and Quentin are trusted, effective leaders that know the stakes of this election and will bring their knowledge and energy to managing a campaign that reaches all Americans. Our campaign co-chairs are hardworking public servants that have dedicated their lives to making Americans’ lives better. I’ve been able to count on each and every one of them throughout my career, especially in the most challenging moments. Together, this team brings the expertise, leadership, and work ethic required to win this election and finish the job for the American people.” “This is a pivotal moment in our history,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “For two years we have made transformational investments to build a nation in which everyone can be safe and healthy, find a good job, and retire with dignity. In response, extremists have intensified attacks on basic, foundational freedoms and rights. For example, they want to take away a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body. They attack the sacred right to vote and attempt to silence the voice of the people. And they try to block common sense reforms to save lives and keep Americans safe from gun violence. The Republicans running for President want to take our country backwards. We will not let that happen. Just like we did in 2020, we must come together to fight for our democracy, continue to make progress, and make sure all Americans can get ahead and thrive. Joe and I look forward to finishing the job, winning this battle for the soul of the nation, and serving the American people for four more years in the White House.” Julie Chávez Rodríguez, Campaign Manager Julie Chávez Rodríguez currently serves as Senior Advisor to the President and White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. In her role, Chávez Rodríguez works directly with governors, mayors, and local officials across the country to mobilize their support on critical Biden-Harris Administration priorities, as well as leading the White House’s coordination on emergency response efforts. Chávez Rodríguez is also the highest ranking Latina in the White House. Chávez Rodríguez is a trusted and longtime Democratic aide, having previously served as Deputy Campaign Manager on the 2020 Biden-Harris Campaign, working in various senior roles for then-Senator Harris and her Presidential campaign, and in several roles in the Obama-Biden Administration. A native of California, Chávez Rodríguez is the granddaughter of labor leader Cesar Chávez, and is a longtime advocate for women, labor, and Latino issues. Quentin Fulks, Principal Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks is a Democratic strategist, most recently serving as Campaign Manager for Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock’s 2022 successful reelection campaign, the first reelection of a Democratic Senator in Georgia in more than three decades. Prior to that, Fulks served as Deputy Campaign Manager and Senior Political Advisor to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, flipping the Governor’s seat from Republican to Democrat in 2018. A Georgia native, Fulks has also served in positions at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, EMILY‘s List and Priorities USA. Full Transcript of ‘Freedom’ Campaign Launch Video: “Freedom. Personal freedom is fundamental to who we are as Americans. There’s nothing more important. Nothing more sacred. That’s been the work of my first term: To fight for our Democracy. This shouldn’t be a red or blue issue. To protect our rights. To make sure that everyone in this country is treated equally. And that everyone is given a fair shot at making it. But around the country, MAGA extremists are lining up to take those bedrock freedoms away. Cutting social security that you’ve paid for your entire life while cutting taxes for the very wealthy. Dictating what health care decisions women can make, banning books, and telling people who they can love. All while making it more difficult for you to be able to vote. When I ran for President four years ago, I said we are in a battle for the soul of America. And we still are. The question we are facing is whether in the years ahead we have more freedom or less freedom. More rights or fewer. I know what I want the answer to be and I think you do too. This is not a time to be complacent. That’s why I’m running for re-election. Because I know America. I know we are good and decent people. And I know we are still a country that believes in honesty and respect, and treating each other with dignity. That we’re a nation where we give hate no safe harbor. And we believe that everyone is equal, and that everyone should be given a fair shot to succeed in this country. Every generation of Americans has faced a moment when they’ve had to defend democracy. Stand up for our personal freedoms. Stand up for the right to vote and our civil rights. And this is our moment. So if you’re with me, go to http://JoeBiden.com and sign up. Let’s finish this job, I know we can. Because this is the United States of America. And there’s nothing we can’t do if we do it together.” For press inquiries: press@joebiden.com Paid for by Biden for President ### |
 April 23, 2023 |
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Most Sweeping Set of Executive Actions to Improve Care in History This week, President Biden announced the most comprehensive set of executive actions any President has ever taken to improve care for hard-working families while supporting care workers and family caregivers. Joined by people with disabilities, family caregivers, long-term care workers, early educators, veterans, and aging advocates, the President signed an Executive Order that includes more than 50 directives to nearly every cabinet-level agency to expand access to affordable, high-quality care, and provide support for care workers and family caregivers. Too many families and individuals struggle to access the affordable, high-quality care they need. The cost of child care is up 26% in the last decade and more than 200 percent over the past 30 years. For the elderly or people with disabilities long-term care costs are up 40% in the past decade. The result is many Americans – particularly women – stay out of the workforce to care for their families, making it hard for businesses to attract and retain a skilled workforce and for the economy to grow. A BCG brief forecasts losses of $290 billion each year in gross domestic product in 2030 and beyond if the U.S. fails to address the lack of affordable child care. President Biden believes that we must secure significant new federal investments to transform care in this country. That’s why he and Vice President Harris called for investments to support high-quality, affordable child care, preschool, and long-term care in their fiscal year 2024 budget. Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Private and Public Sector Investments for Affordable Electric Vehicles As part of President Biden’s goal of having 50 percent of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030, the White House is announcing public and private commitments to support America’s historic transition to electric vehicles (EV) under the EV Acceleration Challenge. These commitments are part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to spur domestic manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, boost U.S. competitiveness and create good-paying jobs. Because of President Biden’s leadership and historic investments, electric vehicle sales have tripled and the number of publicly available charging ports has grown by over 40 percent since he took office. There are now more than three million EVs on the road and over 135,000 public EV chargers across the country. These incentives will lower the cost of EVs and EV charging infrastructure; increase consumer demand and competition; promote equity and inclusion; and accelerate the growth of the EV market. They are creating good-paying manufacturing jobs in America building EVs, bringing supply chains home, and unleashing unprecedented private sector investments—with more than $100 billion already announced for battery manufacturing alone. The White House announced the EV Acceleration Challenge to bring a clean, safe, affordable, and reliable transportation future to Americans even faster. This week companies and nonprofits including Blink Charging, the National Automobile Dealers Association, Pacific Gas & Electric, Uber, Zipcar and others, are announcing new commitments to expand EV fleets, increase consumer education, and grow the availability of EV charging. President Biden Signs Executive Order to Revitalize Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that every person has a right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live in a healthy community – now and into the future. During his first week in office, President Biden launched the most ambitious environmental justice agenda in our nation’s history. To continue delivering on that vision, this week the President signed an executive order further embedding environmental justice into the work of federal agencies to achieve real, measurable progress that communities can count on. The Executive Order is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government effort to confront longstanding environmental injustices and inequities. For far too long, communities across our country have faced persistent environmental injustice through toxic pollution, underinvestment in infrastructure and critical services, and other disproportionate environmental harms often due to a legacy of racial discrimination including redlining. These communities with environmental justice concerns face even greater burdens due to climate change. For President Biden, protecting our planet starts with ensuring everyone lives in a safe and healthy environment. Throughout Earth Week, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and other Cabinet-level officials are holding events and announcing commitments focused on how the President’s Investing in America agenda is creating good-paying clean energy jobs, lowering costs, meeting our climate goals, advancing environmental justice and conservation, and strengthening communities that for too long were left behind or left out.
President Biden to Catalyze Global Climate Action through the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate This week, President Biden convened leaders of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF) for the fourth time since taking office to galvanize efforts needed to tackle the climate crisis and keep a 1.5°C limit on warming within reach. At this week's meeting, the President highlighted new steps the United States is taking to meet its ambitious 1.5°C-aligned goal of reducing emissions 50-52 percent in 2030. The President also announced significant new steps the United States is taking to support developing countries in taking stronger climate action – including providing $1 billion to the Green Climate Fund and requesting $500 million for the Amazon Fund and related activities – and invite other countries to join the United States and others in fully leveraging the multilateral development banks to better address global challenges, like climate change. The President was joined by other leaders in new efforts aimed at accelerating progress in four key areas necessary for keeping a 1.5°C limit on warming within reach, specifically:
Resident-Centered Housing ChallengeSubmit Commitments to the Resident-Centered Housing Challenge by Friday, April 28: Early this year, the Biden-Harris Administration launched the Resident-Centered Housing Challenge – a call to action this spring for participants across all levels of government, in the private sector, and in civil society to make tangible commitments that strengthen protections for renters and advance resident-centered housing management practices. These commitments will further the Administration’s historic record of expanding fairness and affordability in the housing market, which includes the release of the Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights and agency actions that promote greater fairness and transparency in the rental market. The Resident-Centered Housing Challenge is ongoing and interested partners should complete this survey by the deadline of next Friday, April 28. Questions regarding the Resident-Centered Housing Challenge can be directed to RCHousingChallenge@who.eop.gov. We look forward to sharing further progress toward these goals in the months ahead! More than 17 Million Households Enroll in Affordable Connectivity Program as Agency Announces Consumer-Friendly Enhancements to Application ProcessesOn April 3, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission announced a series of enhancements to the online consumer application system for the Affordable Connectivity Program, the nation’s largest-ever broadband affordability effort, to make it easier for eligible consumers to apply and enroll in the program. The enhancements are designed to reduce the time it takes to enroll in the ACP by providing clear instructions to decrease steps and to simplify language while continuing to protect against waste, fraud and abuse and guarding the integrity of the program. The enhancements were developed in consultation with digital navigators, digital equity advocates, and Internet Service Providers. The FCC will continue to make improvements to ensure that all qualifying consumers can easily access the ACP. Help Your Community Enroll: Sign up as an enrollment partner today at fcc.gov/ACP.
Spread the Word: Are you organizing school packet pick-ups or a local food drive? Download and print out ACP flyers to include in pick-up materials: fcc.gov/acp-toolkit. Biden Team On the Rebound in Labor Supply In a new blog, the Council of Economic Advisers writes, “The prime-age labor force participation rate, which had taken more than a decade to recover to pre-Great Recession levels, has now returned to those very high levels. That labor force participation took only three years to recover to these highs is actually quite remarkable—and should reframe our thinking about the labor market in the aftermath of the pandemic.” HHS Announces ‘HHS Bridge Access Program For COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments’ to Maintain Access to COVID-19 Care for the Uninsured This week, HHS is announcing the ‘HHS Bridge Access Program For COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Program’(“Program”) to maintain broad access to COVID-19 vaccines for millions of uninsured Americans. The program will create a unique $1.1 billion public-private partnership to help maintain uninsured individuals’ access to COVID-19 care at their local pharmacies, through existing public health infrastructure, and at their local health centers. While fighting COVID-19 remains a key public health priority for the Administration, ensuring that all Americans have continued, easy access to COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments, regardless of insurance status, is critical to that goal. Partners across the United States government (USG) have been developing commercialization transition plans to ensure a smooth transition for the provision of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments from the purchase and distribution by the USG to traditional health care pathways. When that transition occurs, most Americans should continue to pay nothing out-of-pocket for COVID-19 vaccines. For COVID-19 treatments such as Paxlovid and Lagevrio, out-of-pocket expenses for certain treatments may change after these products move to traditional health care models, depending on a person’s health care coverage. These expenses will be similar to costs one may incur for other drugs and treatments through traditional coverage. Biden-Harris Unity Agenda: |
Hi everyone – New reports show that MAGA Republicans’ devastating spending cuts could jeopardize more than 100,000 American manufacturing jobs making us less competitive with China – all so they can give the ultra wealthy and special interests a handout. And of the new good-paying jobs Republicans are threatening, many are in Republicans’ – including Marjorie Taylor Greene’s – congressional districts. We’d appreciate your help lifting this story: USA Today: Exclusive: White House says McCarthy debt ceiling plan would kill thousands of green jobs in GOP districts House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's debt ceiling plan to cut $4.5 trillion in spending would jeopardize more than 100,000 green manufacturing jobs – many in Republican congressional districts – announced as a result of incentives in President Joe Biden's landmark climate law, the White House said Thursday. The Republican bill would rescind parts of the Inflation Reduction Act, which Democrats in Congress passed last year. That includes eliminating green tax credits dangled to companies that build electric vehicles, charging stations, solar and wind facilities, EV batteries and other infrastructure for renewable energy. [..] In a memo shared exclusively with USA TODAY, the White House zeroed in on eight Republican congressional districts – including polarizing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's rural Georgia district – where companies have announced manufacturing projects with aid from the green subsidies. "'Let me kill over 100,000 manufacturing jobs – mostly in red states – or I’ll force America to default on bills we racked up and trigger a recession,' is the opposite of a compelling message," Andrew Bates, White House deputy press secretary, said in the memo. Clean energy companies have announced 101,036 new jobs in 31 states since Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act in August, according to an analysis by Climate Power, which advocates for clean energy. That includes 90 proposed clean energy projects totaling $89.5 billion in new investments. Companies have announced 40 new battery manufacturing sites, 22 new or expanded electric vehicle factories and 24 wind and solar energy projects. The majority of projects are in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas – a mix of purple and red states. Bloomberg reported most of the projects are in traditionally conservatives states. Greene's northern Georgia district has a $2.5 billion solar manufacturing facility planned by Qcells, billed as the largest solar project in U.S. history when it was announced in February. It's projected to create 2,500 jobs. Best, |
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Thursday, April 20, 2023TOP TIDBITS TOP TIDBITS 
FROM THE DNC WAR ROOMDNC Press: 2024 Republicans  Please amplify some of our top content from DNC channels below: WATCH: Donald Trump says “there has to be some form of punishment” for women who get an abortion @TheDemocrats (Twitter) Shameful. Instead of protecting our children, Tennessee Republicans are working to protect gun companies after the Nashville elementary school shooting. @TheDemocrats (Twitter), (Facebook) When Speaker McCarthy went to Wall Street, he did not tell the wealthy it was time to start paying their fair share of taxes. Instead, he proposed huge cuts to programs that millions of Americans count on and threatened to become the first speaker to default on our national debt. @JoeBiden (Twitter) Please note that individuals working for independent expenditures or Democratic primary campaign candidates are ineligible to join the DNC’s Greenfly. BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION WEEK AHEAD Today, the president convened the fourth virtual leader-level meeting of the Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate. The president will host President Gustavo Petro of Colombia for a bilateral meeting at the White House. The two leaders will discuss how the United States and Colombia can continue to deepen our strong bilateral relationship by making progress on areas of mutual national interest, including promoting further economic and security cooperation. The two leaders will also discuss joint efforts to combat climate change, counter narcotics trafficking, address our regional migration challenge, and promote democratic values and human and labor rights in the region and the world. ARTICLES TO AMPLIFY USA Today: Exclusive: White House says McCarthy debt ceiling plan would kill thousands of green jobs in GOP districts CNN: White House escalates political pressure on GOP as McCarthy unveils debt limit proposal NBC News: Biden fires at 'MAGA' GOP economic vision amid debt ceiling stalemate Hill: ‘Blueprint to devastate hard-working American families:’ White House bashes House GOP proposal Politico: ‘Tennessee 3’ will meet with Biden at White House next week Reuters: In meeting with big economies, Biden announces funds to fight climate change TOP TWEETS @POTUS: As I address the Major Economies Forum on our climate challenges, let me make a few things clear: @AndrewJBates46: .@POTUS: "Just two days ago the speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy went to Wall Street to describe the MAGA economic vision for America" "Folks, it’s the same old trickle-down dressed up in MAGA clothing" [LINK] @PressSec: Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Speaker McCarthy’s Proposal [LINK] TALKING POINTSTalking Points: House Republicans Threaten Default to Help the Wealthy at Expense of Middle Class
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Women's Community Engagement Newsletter This week President Biden announced the most comprehensive set of executive actions any President has ever taken to improve care for hard-working families while supporting care workers and family caregivers. Joined by people with disabilities, family caregivers, long-term care workers, early educators, veterans, and aging advocates, the President signed an Executive Order that includes more than 50 directives to nearly every cabinet-level agency to expand access to affordable, high-quality care, and provide support for care workers and family caregivers. Resources:  Click here to view the President's remarks ICYMI: American Medical Association President Dr. Jack Resnick: “This Could Be One of the Most Brazen This Could Be One of the Most Brazen Attacks on Americans’ Health Yet Today, American Medical Association President Dr. Jack Resnick Jr., wrote in the New York Times that if the Supreme Court does not reverse the lower courts’ ruling on mifepristone, it would “throw our health care system into chaos in ways that extend far beyond the specific fight over mifepristone, a highly effective drug that has been used safely by millions of patients for medication abortions and for miscarriage care for more than two decades.” Dr. Resnick warned that such a decision “would represent a dangerous and reckless step backward for our country. More people would live sicker, suffer more and die younger while the scientifically proven safe and effective drugs they need remain locked away.” Recent court rulings blocking access to mifepristone threaten to undermine FDA’s medical judgment, put women’s health in danger, and – as the AMA says today – carry risks for everyone in our health care system. This lawsuit is part of an effort by anti-abortion groups to achieve a nationwide abortion ban. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to work to protect reproductive freedom and women’s health.The Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) 2023 OFVPS SAAM Calendar of EventsThe Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) at the Department of Health and Human Services has a 2023 OFVPS SAAM Calendar of Events with information about this year’s public awareness campaigns, webinars, social media events, blogs, and radio shows coordinated by their grantees and partners to promote sexual assault awareness and prevention. Click here for the full calendar. IVice President Harris sat down with Jennifer Hudson to discuss a number of issues including, but not limited to, gun violence and reproductive rights. Top 5 Moments on ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’  Gabriela Cristobal |
Wednesday, April 19, 2023TOP .png?version=1&modificationDate=1681935968064&cacheVersion=1&api=v2) TIDBITS TOP TIDBITS
FROM THE DNC WAR ROOM DNC War Room: TAX DAY REMINDER: MAGA Republicans Prioritize Ultra-Rich, Corporations Over Working Families @DNCWarRoom: MAGA Republicans' latest proposal as they threaten our nation's full faith and credit? Raise prescription drug prices and stunt American manufacturing job growth, all while gifting special interests and big donors huge tax breaks. @DNCWarRoom: House Republicans’ first 100 days in the majority have been dominated by Kevin McCarthy’s weak grip on his caucus, Republicans’ flailing, politically motivated attacks, and infighting. [LINK] FROM THE CHAIR'S DESK @harrisonjaime: Biden’s massive manufacturing push is working and U.S. companies have already committed $200 billion to new projects .MESSAGE TO MOBILIZE Please amplify some of our top content from DNC channels below: The only way to stop those who are committed to taking away women’s rights and freedoms in every state is to elect a Congress who will pass a law restoring Roe v. Wade. Vice President @KamalaHarris and I will continue to lead the fight to protect a woman’s right to an abortion. @JoeBiden (Twitter) Over the last three weeks, the Biden-Harris administration has traveled across the country touting President Biden's Investing in America agenda—bringing manufacturing back, rebuilding the middle class, creating good-paying jobs, and repairing roads and bridges. @TheDemocrats (Twitter), (Facebook) WATCH: Trump brags about appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and paved the way for Republicans to pass abortion bans across the country @TheDemocrats (Twitter), (Facebook) Want to help amplify the DNC’s message online? Join the DNC’s Greenfly to start receiving daily content updates and access to social media resources. Click here to download the app and use code DEMSTALKERS at sign up. Please note that individuals working for independent expenditures or Democratic primary campaign candidates are ineligible to join the DNC’s Greenfly. BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION WEEK AHEAD In the afternoon, the President traveled to a union training facility in Accokeek, Maryland, to deliver remarks contrasting his vision for the economy with MAGA House Republicans’ vision: an economy that grows from the middle out and bottom up instead of an economy that trickles from the top down. The departure from the South Grounds and arrival to International Union of Operating Engineers Local 77 in Accokeek, Maryland, was covered by the in-town travel pool. The remarks were pooled for TV and open for editorials and still photographers. ARTICLES TO AMPLIFY New Yorker: Biden’s New Green Jobs Are Boosting Purple and Red States Bloomberg: Biden Slams McCarthy’s Wall Street Debt Speech as Risking Default The Hill: Biden, top Democrats call on GOP to present ‘clean’ debt limit bill; hold separate budget negotiations The Hill: Biden dings McCarthy for Wall Street speech: ‘What are MAGA Republicans in Congress doing?’ Associated Press: Harris applauds Nevada abortion rights effort at Reno forum The Nevada Independent: Kamala Harris visits UNR, talks reproductive health with Mayor Hillary Schieve TOP TWEETS @POTUS: On a daily basis, care workers and family caregivers do the important work of taking care of our children, parents, and those we love most. We acted to increase access to care and support caregivers. Because it's time we give our caregivers the dignity they give our loved ones. @VP: Gun violence is now the number one cause of death for children in our nation. Leaders in state houses and the United States Congress must have the courage to step up and pass commonsense gun safety laws, which the majority of Americans support. [PHOTO] @WHCommsDir: House Republicans want to repeal President's Bidens legislation that lowers the costs of insulin, energy, health care and reduces the deficit by more than $300 billion, all while the GOP defends the Trump tax cuts for the wealthiest and corporations at a cost of $3 trillion. @HerbieZiskend46: TODAY: @POTUS “will visit a union training facility in Maryland, where he will seek to contrast his economic vision with that of House Republicans after |
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In this newsletter: Earth Month Actions & Events | |
Adrianne,
This Earth Month, Democrats across the U.S. and abroad are organizing to tackle the climate crisis, counter environmental injustice, and fight climate disinformation. From EV livestreams and showcases to rallies to Earth Day Celebrations — and from New Jersey to Washington State, from Dems Abroad to Young Democrats of America — we are working to build the sustainable, vibrant future that is still possible, if we act now.Don’t miss out on your chance to make a difference this month and every month with these meaningful events in fellowship with others who are part of our movement for people and planet. Because every month is Earth Month.
In solidarity,
Michelle DeatrickChair, DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council |
 CALLS TO ACTION: Join or Host Earth Month Events through June 5 (World Environment Day!) |
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Click here to RSVP and get more details about each event.
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WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Tonight 4/18 8pm ET. Young Dems Environmental Workshop
Young Dems: Want to found an environmental caucus in your Young Dems chartered unit? Or need assistance coordinating future programming? Join this workshop led by two experienced Democrats, Igor Tregub and Ciara Hart. Ciara is the President of the Louisiana Young Democrats. Igor is the Chair of the California Environmental Caucus, and has been an active, crucial advisor to the DNC Climate Council.
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APPLY to the DNC: PAID Summer Internships
The DNC is looking for summer interns! Apply for different internship opportunities: General, Civic Engagement and Voter Protection, Design, or Tech Team. Details and application. Deadline is April 30 for summer 2023 internships. |
RSVP & GET INVOLVED: Public Comment at the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board Meeting
On Tuesday, April 25 from 1 - 4:30pm ET, the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board will hold a meeting open to the public, including an opportunity for public comment. The Board provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on the Administration's energy policies, advises on DOE’s research and development activities, economic and national security policy, and other activities and operations of the Department of Energy. More about the Advisory Board here. More about DOE’s environmental work here.
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WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Dems Abroad April 19 Livestream,The Race to Electric Vehicles with Aaron Fishbone, Policy Director for EU Greenway
Join an important conversation with the Democrats Abroad Environment and Climate Crisis Council on April 19 at 10am ET. The livestream will discuss the impact and pace of the transition to electric vehicles in the U.S. and in the EU — and what this means for broader progress on climate. RSVP here. |
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COUNCIL ON THE ROAD: Toronto. Chair Deatrick Featured as Poet andSpeaker at Environmental Concert |
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At the recent premiere performance of Fractures, an environmental song cycle about fracking, Council Chair Michelle Deatrick's poem was included as part of the lyrics. Composer Frank Horvat, soprano Meredith Hall and other performers created a moving and meaningful concert. Michelle, speaking on the post-concert panel, stated: |
“Fracking poisons our water and soil. It contaminates our air inside and out, harms public and mental health, hurts workers, and harms wildlife and ecosystems. And it is responsible for massive greenhouse gas pollution that is heating our climate.” |
Fractures will be available as an album and future live performances will be announced. Find more inspiring events on our Earth Months of Action Map! |
RECOMMENDED: Watches and Reads |
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The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote any day on H.R. 734, a nationwide ban on trans kids participating in sports. It’s despicable the U.S. House is prioritizing this discriminatory legislation that benefits no one and only harms children, while ignoring more pressing matters. Take action now, use the link below courtesy of our friends at the Human Rights Campaign to take action. Click Here To Take Action Now STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY For students nationwide, participating in sports and being part of a team is an important part of growing up, staying engaged in school, and learning leadership and life skills. H.R. 734 would deny access to sports for many families by establishing an absolute ban on transgender students—even those as young as elementary schoolers—playing on a team consistent with their gender identity. Schools, coaches, and athletic associations around the country are already working with families to develop participation rules that are fair and that take into account particular sports, grade levels, and levels of competition. As a national ban that does not account for competitiveness or grade level, H.R. 734 targets people for who they are and therefore is discriminatory. Politicians should not dictate a one-size-fits-all requirement that forces coaches to remove kids from their teams. At a time when transgender youth already face a nationwide mental health crisis, with half of transgender youth in a recent survey saying they have seriously considered suicide, a national law that further stigmatizes these children is completely unnecessary, hurts families and students, and would only put students at greater risk. Discrimination has no place in our nation’s schools or on our playing fields. Instead of addressing the pressing issues that families and students face today—such as raising teacher pay, keeping guns out of schools, addressing the mental health crisis our youth face, and helping students learn and recover academically from unprecedented disruptions—Congressional Republicans have instead chosen to prioritize policies that discriminate against children. If the President were presented with H.R. 734, he would veto it." |
 Health Community UpdatesApril 17, 2023 |
As a reminder, our next White House Community Health Call will be President Biden Announces Plan to President Biden announced a plan to expand health coverage for DACA recipients. If finalized, the rule would allow DACA recipients to enroll in Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Programs, and the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplaces, where they may qualify for financial assistance based on income, and through their state Medicaid agency. President Biden believes that DACA recipients strengthen our economy and enrich our workplaces, our schools and communities, and our country as a whole. That’s why on his first day in office, he called on Congress to give Dreamers a pathway to citizenship and he has repeated that call in every State of the Union address since. Resources:
Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare AccessLast week, the Vice President convened the Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access to discuss steps the Administration is taking to protect women's access to reproductive health care.
 As part of Black Maternal Health Week, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Ambassador Susan Rice, Assistant to the President and Domestic Policy Advisor, and Jennifer Klein, Assistant to the President and Director of the Gender Policy Council, convened state legislators from across the country working to advance legislation to improve maternal health. Resources:
 At a time when the global illicit fentanyl supply chain has changed how illicit substances are produced and trafficked, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing a strengthened whole-of-government approach to save lives by disrupting the trafficking of illicit fentanyl and its precursors into American communities. This approach builds on the President’s National Drug Control Strategy and helps deliver on his State of the Union call to beat the opioid and overdose epidemic by cracking down on the production, sale, and trafficking of illicit fentanyl to help save lives, protect the public health, and improve the public safety of our communities. Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesIn addition, this week the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a categorical waiver designed to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions from health care facilities by permitting new and existing health care facilities subject to CMS requirements to generate backup power utilizing alternative and green sources of power such as a solar and battery storage microgrid system. This change allows health care facilities to take advantage of critical climate and cost saving provisions of the Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. |
STAY IN THE KNOW |
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Tuesday, April 18, 2023TOP TIDBITS TOP TIDBITS
FROM THE DNC WAR ROOM DNC Press: NEW VIDEO: DeSantis Brings His MAGA Anti-Choice Agenda to D.C.  Please amplify some of our top content from DNC channels below: Extremists across our country attack our fundamental freedoms and then they dare to tell us they’re fighting for our freedoms. @KamalaHarris (Twitter), (Facebook) 2017: Trump proposed a budget to cut Social Security & Medicare Every. Single. Year. @TheDemocrats (Twitter), (Facebook) It is within Congress’ power to require safe storage of firearms, require background checks for all gun sales, eliminate gun manufacturers’ immunity from liability, and ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines—and this should happen without delay. @JoeBiden (Twitter) Want to help amplify the DNC’s message online? Join the DNC’s Greenfly to start receiving daily content updates and access to social media resources. Click here to download the app and use code DEMSTALKERS at sign up. Please note that individuals working for independent expenditures or Democratic primary campaign candidates are ineligible to join the DNC’s Greenfly. BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION WEEK AHEAD This afternoon, President Biden will deliver remarks on actions to help families access care, support care workers and family caregivers, and strengthen the economy. Later this evening, Vice President Harris will participate in a moderated conversation with Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and actress Rosario Dawson on reproductive rights in Reno, Nevada. ARTICLES TO AMPLIFY CNN: Biden will sign executive order aimed at expanding access to long-term care and child care Associated Press: Biden signs executive order to improve access to child care ABC News: Biden administration announces new EV investments, including from Uber, Zipcar MarketWatch: Biden adds more EV charging across U.S., with pledges from Uber, Walmart, PG&E and others LA Daily News: In LA, VP Harris calls for investing in diverse, clean energy entrepreneurs TOP TWEETS @POTUS: It's Tax Day, America. I'm not done fighting to build a fairer tax code and make the super-wealthy pay their fair share. An economy where a millionaire pays less in taxes than an educator is an economy that doesn't work. @VP: Entrepreneurs like John and Kameale don’t just see challenges, they build solutions. @POTUS and I are investing in the great potential of America's entrepreneurs to take action on climate and build a clean energy economy. [PHOTO] @WhiteHouse: MAGA House Republicans are threatening default and holding the economy hostage, all to make devastating cuts to programs that working families rely on to lower costs and make ends meet. @JenMolina46: Today @POTUS will sign an executive order in the Rose Garden aimed at bolstering the care economy. [LINK] |
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Monday, April 17, 2023 TOP TIDBITS .png?version=1&modificationDate=1681799974008&cacheVersion=1&api=v2) TOP TIDBITS
FROM THE DNC WAR ROOM DNC War Room: McCarthy’s Speech: Putting Wall Street Over Working Families DNC War Room: REMINDER: Trump Proposed Cuts to Social Security and Medicare EVERY YEAR He Was in Office DNC War Room: MAGA Republicans Want to Defund Law Enforcement FROM THE CHAIR'S DESK @harrisonjaime: 2024 Republican presidential hopefuls are struggling because they support extreme abortion bans that are out of step with the majority of Americans. @harrisonjaime: While the last administration failed to take real action to bring jobs back to America, President Biden is delivering results and has unleashed a manufacturing boom. @harisonjaime: .@SpeakerMcCarthy addressing Wall Street today serves as yet another reminder who Republicans are fighting for – and it’s not working families. MESSAGE TO MOBILIZE Please amplify some of our top content from DNC channels below: From pushing to ban abortion in all 50 states to criminalizing doctors and nurses, extremist elected officials continue to attack reproductive freedom. We will keep fighting back. Donald Trump: “There has to be some form of punishment” for women who get an abortion. @TheDemocrats (Twitter), (Facebook) Less than two weeks after a tragic mass shooting in their state, Tennessee Republicans expelled lawmakers for speaking out to end gun violence. This past week, Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were reinstated and now return to the Tennessee state House. @TheDemocrats (Twitter), (Facebook) MAGA Republicans have put forward plans to cut Social Security and Medicare. I’m determined to protect those programs. @JoeBiden (Twitter), (Facebook) Want to help amplify the DNC’s message online? Join the DNC’s Greenfly to start receiving daily content updates and access to social media resources. Click here to download the app and use code DEMSTALKERS at sign up. Please note that individuals working for independent expenditures or Democratic primary campaign candidates are ineligible to join the DNC’s Greenfly. BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION WEEK AHEAD Today, Vice President Harris will tour and deliver remarks at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator to highlight how the Biden-Harris administration is investing in America and supporting entrepreneurs to build a clean energy future for all. Axios: Manufacturing companies double commitments Hill: ‘Outrageous and unacceptable’: Biden slams GOP for standing with NRA in wake of Alabama, Kentucky gun violence Spectrum News: VP Harris closes White House infrastructure tour touting bridge grants WCBS: Biden administration pledges $10 million to Harlem-based environmental group Associated Press: Kamala Harris rallies as high court eyes abortion pill rules Washington Examiner: White House invokes Trump and Reagan to attack McCarthy's debt 'brinkmanship' @VP: Yesterday, I spoke at a rally with leaders on the front lines of the movement for reproductive freedom and liberty. This is a moment that requires each of us to stand up and fight for the rights of all people. Because when we fight, we win. @HerbieZiskend: "Harris has hosted scores of events since it became apparent last year that the Supreme Court would overturn Roe v. Wade. Looking ahead, she is set to hold at least one event a week focused on reproductive rights...keeping the issue front and center." [LINK] @AndrewJBates46: One of the only bipartisan norms the Trump Administration didn't break? Not negotiating over avoiding default. @SpeakerMcCarthy agreed with him. Trump in 2019: "I can’t imagine anybody ever even thinking of using the debt ceiling as a negotiating wedge." [LINK] |
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Hi all – On the heels of several devastating mass shootings, many 2024 Republicans are making another pilgrimage to the NRA Convention in Indianapolis this week. Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, Chris Sununu, Kristi Noem, and Asa Hutchinson are among the 2024 hopefuls rubbing shoulders this week with the gun lobby as part of their race for the MAGA base. Their appearances this week serve as a reminder to Americans, once again, that the Republican Party puts the gun lobby ahead of the safety of our communities, schools, and children. In the ten-plus years since the Sandy Hook shooting, the NRA has spent over $130 million to help elect Republicans who will support their agenda and against gun safety measures:
2024 GOP contenders have spent their political careers pandering to the NRA, parroting their talking points, and proudly praising the gun lobby.
The NRA has spent millions of dollars to help get 2024 Republicans elected to past and current positions and, in turn, they’ve spent years pandering to and standing with the gun lobby. As 2024 Republicans race for the MAGA base, we expect to see them continue to push for more and more extreme and dangerous gun laws. As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.Best, |
 April 15, 2023 |
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Investments Repairing Bridges Across America President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is growing the American economy from the bottom up and middle-out, not top-down, and as part of that is rebuilding our nation’s bridges in cities and towns across America. This week, to close out the Investing in America tour, Vice President Harris and senior administration officials announced nearly $300 million for nine bridge projects in both rural and urban areas in eight states and the District of Columbia, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Bridge Investment Program. These bridges serve over 230,000 vehicles combined per day, and the investments will save taxpayers time and money by reducing congestion and making long-overdue improvements. To highlight this important announcement, Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., Transportation Secretary Buttigieg will visit upstate New York, Senior Advisor and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu will visit Madison, Wisconsin, and other senior Biden-Harris Administration officials will fan out across the country to highlight additional bridge projects receiving grant funds this week. Fact Sheet on the Biden-Harris Administration Announcing New Investments Repairing Bridges Biden-Harris Administration Proposes New Standards to Protect Public Health that Will Save Consumers Money, and Increase Energy Security This week, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new proposed vehicle pollution standards to make all vehicles, including gas-powered cars and heavy-duty trucks, cleaner and more efficient. The proposed standards would protect public health by cutting nearly 10 billion tons of CO2 emissions – twice the annual U.S. emissions today. They would also save consumers on average $12,000 over the lifetime of a vehicle. And they would strengthen American energy security by reducing reliance on 20 billion barrels of imported oil. Cars and truck manufacturers have made clear that the future of transportation is electric. The market is moving. Since President Biden took office, the private sector – including the American auto industry – has invested more than $120 billion in the American-made electric vehicle and battery supply chain. The United States can seize this moment to secure American leadership in the global race to a clean transportation future, or let competitors like China out-compete us for the jobs and investments building that future. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also proposing new health protections to reduce exposure to Ethylene Oxide (EtO), including more stringent air emissions standards and additional protections for workers who are exposed to the gas used to sterilize medical devices and certain spices. If finalized, EPA’s proposals are estimated to cut EtO emissions to the air from commercial sterilization facilities by 80% per year and apply more protective standards to control those emissions under the law. Together, these proposals will provide a comprehensive approach to addressing EtO pollution concerns, including cancer risk, that will increase safety in communities and for workers while providing a path to maintain a robust supply chain for sterilized medical equipment. The two new proposals announced this week mark significant progress as EPA continues to leverage the full range of its regulatory authority under the law to protect public health by reducing the risk posed by EtO. Long-term exposure to EtO over the course of a 35-year career or 70-year lifetime in or near a commercial sterilizer can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. People who go to school near places where EtO is used are also potentially at an elevated risk of cancer due to EtO levels in the air. Actual risks will vary based upon a facility’s control measures for workers and community members and the distance and amount of time people live, work, or go to school near a facility. Biden-Harris Administration Announces Historic Funding to Expand Access to Trees and Green Spaces in Disadvantaged Urban Communities This week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the availability of $1 billion in grants to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces in urban and community forests where more than 84% of Americans live, work and play as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The White House Celebrates Earth Week!Ahead of Earthy Day on April 22nd, the White House will celebrate “Earth Week” from Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 21. Each day, the White House will focus on specific themes that showcase progress on the Administration’s climate goals and highlight how President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda is creating a clean energy economy that lowers costs for working families, creates good-paying jobs, unleashes American manufacturing, and benefits communities that for too long were left out or left behind.
We would love to hear of any events, social posts, statements, or announcements that you make in your community around Earth Week. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Record on Protecting Access to Medication Abortion Protecting access to reproductive health care has been a priority since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, made even more urgent by the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The President and Vice President are focused on ensuring access to mifepristone, which the FDA first approved as safe and effective to end early pregnancy more than twenty years ago and which accounts for more than half of abortions in the United States. Despite this decades-long safety record, a single court in Texas has taken the dangerous step of attempting to override FDA’s approval of medication abortion—which is used not only for abortion but also for helping women manage miscarriages. If this decision stands, it will put women’s health at risk and undermine FDA’s ability to ensure patients have access to safe and effective medications when they need them. Fact Sheet on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Record on Protecting Access to Medication Abortion Biden-Harris Administration Announces Actions to Protect Patient Privacy at the Third Meeting of the Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access This week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new actions to safeguard patient privacy at the third meeting of the Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access with Vice President Harris. These announcements build on actions that the Administration has taken to protect privacy and access to accurate information in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, as the President directed in his first Executive Order to protect access to reproductive health care, including abortion. Efforts to protect sensitive health information, including related to reproductive health care, have taken on renewed importance, as states seek to penalize and criminalize health care providers and interfere in deeply personal medical decisions. At the meeting, the Cabinet discussed their ongoing efforts to defend reproductive rights and support access to reproductive health care more broadly. The Task Force also discussed updates on the Administration’s response to Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, as well as efforts to implement the Presidential Memorandum on ensuring safe access to medication abortion, which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective for over two decades. Biden-Harris Administration Announces Strengthened Approach to Crack Down on Illicit Fentanyl Supply Chains At a time when the global illicit fentanyl supply chain has changed how illicit substances are produced and trafficked, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing a strengthened whole-of-government approach to save lives by disrupting the trafficking of illicit fentanyl and its precursors into American communities. This approach builds on the President’s National Drug Control Strategy and helps deliver on his State of the Union call to beat the opioid and overdose epidemic by cracking down on the production, sale, and trafficking of illicit fentanyl to help save lives, protect the public health, and improve the public safety of our communities. Less than a decade ago, the supply of illicit drugs was dominated by plant-based drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, or illicit synthetic stimulants, like methamphetamine. These drugs were produced in crude labs, packaged, and then moved into the United States through an illicit production and distribution process managed by established, hierarchical drug trafficking organizations. Biden-Harris Administration Designates Fentanyl Combined with Xylazine as an Emerging Threat to the United States This week, Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), has officially designated fentanyl adulterated or associated with xylazine as an emerging threat to the United States. Xylazine is a non-opioid tranquilizer approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for veterinary use but not human use. This designation comes after careful review of the impact of xylazine on the opioid crisis, including its growing role in overdose deaths in every region of the United States. ONDCP is required to monitor novel and evolving patterns of substance use, establish criteria for determining when a substance or combination of substances should be designated an emerging threat, and declare emerging threats when the Director deems appropriate based on the criteria. These criteria were published earlier this year, and focus on geographic presence of an emerging threat, as well as impact measured by metrics such as overdoses in the course of a year. President Biden Announces Plan to Expand Health Coverage to DACA Recipients  President Biden believes that DACA recipients strengthen our economy and enrich our workplaces, our schools and communities, and our country as a whole. That’s why on his first day in office, he called on Congress to give Dreamers a pathway to citizenship and he has repeated that call every State of the Union address since. While Congress has failed to act, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken significant measures to protect Dreamers. This includes, issuing regulations by the Department of Homeland Security to “preserve and fortify” DACA and fighting political opponents in court as they attempt to strip them of the only home they have ever known. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing Dreamers the opportunities and support they need succeed. This week President Biden is announcing a plan to expand health coverage for DACA recipients. The Department of Health and Human Services will shortly propose a rule amending the definition of “lawful presence,” for purposes of Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage, to include DACA recipients. We recognize that every day counts, and we expect to get the proposed rule done by the end of the month. If finalized, the rule will make DACA recipients eligible for these programs for the first time. Under the proposed rule, DACA recipients will be able to apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, where they may qualify for financial assistance based on income, and through their state Medicaid agency. Like all other enrollees, eligibility information will be verified electronically when individuals apply for coverage. Fact Sheet on President Biden Announcing Plan to Expand Health Coverage to DACA Recipients Biden-Harris Unity Agenda: Mental Health Updates This week, The Webby Awards recognized Surgeon General’s priority website. Public health impacts all of us. The aim for the website is to help everyone understand these important issues and how we can work together to take action. The Surgeon General's priorities include: COVID-19, health misinformation, health worker burnout, workplace wellbeing, and mental health. Learn More About the Surgeon General's Current Priorities   Statement from President Joe Biden on the 55th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act"Today, we commemorate the 55th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act — a landmark law that guarantees that all people in America have the right to obtain the housing of their choice, free from discrimination. The importance of this law cannot be overstated, but we have far to go to meet its full promise. Statement from President Joe Biden on the Shooting in Louisville, Kentucky"Once again, our nation is in mourning after a senseless act of gun violence. Jill and I are praying for those killed and injured in the tragic shooting in Louisville, and for the survivors who will carry grief and trauma for the rest of their lives. We are grateful to the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department officers who quickly and courageously stepped into the line of fire to save others. How many more Americans must die before Republicans in Congress will act to protect our communities? It’s long past time that we require safe storage of firearms. Require background checks for all gun sales. Eliminate gun manufacturers’ immunity from liability. We can and must do these things now. A strong majority of Americans want lawmakers to act on commonsense gun safety reforms. Instead, from Florida to North Carolina to the U.S. House of Representatives, we’ve watched Republican officials double down on dangerous bills that make our schools, places of worship, and communities less safe. It’s unconscionable, it’s reckless, and too many Americans are paying with their lives." A Proclamation on Black Maternal Health Week A Proclamation on National Mental Health Awareness Month Biden-Harris Administration Resources ReproductiveRights.Gov for the one-stop shop on resources regarding abortion access, insurance coverage, and your reproductive rights. COVID.gov for the one-stop shop for COVID resources, including vaccines, tests, treatments and masks. Whitehouse.gov/BIL to learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Whitehouse.gov/ARP to learn more about how the American Rescue Plan is helping the American people. State Medicaid and CHIP Telehealth Toolkit to learn more about facilitating widespread adoption of telehealth services, especially those that reside outside the authority of a Medicaid or CHIP program. Cleanenergy.gov to learn how the Inflation Reduction Act will help American families access cost-saving clean energy resources. Whitehouse.gov/TheRecord to learn more about this Administration’s progress. State-by-State Fact Sheet to view the progress in all 50 states, DC, and territories. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Maps to view the more than 20,000 projects and funding awards. New Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Opportunities which include both open and upcoming NOFOs for the rest of the year. BUILD.gov to stay updated on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's signature projects. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Jobs - Advancing Equitable Workforce Development for Infrastructure Jobs, a guide to federal resources. Good Jobs Initiative led by the Department of Labor, focused on providing critical information to workers, employers, and government as they work to improve job quality and create access to good jobs free from discrimination and harassment for all working people. Apprenticeship.gov the one-stop source to connect career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources. Weekly IGA Call Tune in weekly for Administration updates Thursdays at 4 PM ET. When: Every Thursday at 4 PM ET See you next week! |