 OFFICE OF POLITICAL STRATEGY & OUTREACH |
Statement from President Joe Biden on Bipartisan Budget Agreement in PrincipleEarlier this evening, Speaker McCarthy and I reached a budget agreement in principle. Link to the President's Statement Here |
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You may have seen the news last night that Speaker McCarthy and I have reached a budget agreement. I wanted to share some details of that agreement directly with you. This agreement is good news for the American people, because it prevents what could have been a catastrophic default and would have led to an economic recession, retirement accounts devastated, and millions of jobs lost. The agreement protects Congressional Democrats’ and my key priorities and legislative accomplishments, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the PACT Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act -- the most aggressive action in our history to tackle the climate crisis, invest in environmental justice, and create millions of clean energy manufacturing jobs. This agreement also protects the economic gains we’ve made together: 12.7 million jobs created and the lowest unemployment rate in more than 50 years. And, this agreement keeps my commitment to the American people. No one will lose their health care, no one will be pushed into poverty, and we will continue to invest in programs that working families rely on. Now, this agreement represents a compromise, which means not everyone gets what they want. That’s the responsibility of governing. Soon, the agreement will go to the House and Senate. I strongly urge both chambers to pass the agreement right away. Thank you for standing with Kamala and me throughout this process. It means the world. More soon, Joe Joe Biden |
 May 27, 2023 |
Biden-Harris Administration Releases First-Ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism Biden-Harris Administration Highlights Accomplishments on Anniversary of Historic Executive Order to Advance Effective, Accountable Policing and Strengthen Public Safety One Year Since the School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas Statement on Behalf of the Vice President One Year After the Uvalde Shooting Remarks by President Biden Marking One Year Since the School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas Biden-Harris Administration Announces Actions to Protect Youth Mental Health, Safety & Privacy Online The United States is experiencing an unprecedented youth mental health crisis. More than half of parents express concern over their children’s mental well-being, and there is now undeniable evidence that social media and other online platforms have contributed to our youth mental health crisis. The number of children and adolescents with anxiety and depression has risen nearly 30% in recent years. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of teens and young adults with depression more than doubled. According to the CDC, in 2021, 42% of high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, including 57% of girls and 69% of LGBQ+ students, and nearly 1 in 3 high school girls reported having seriously considered suicide. Social media use in schools is affecting students’ mental health and disrupting learning. President Biden has made tackling the mental health crisis a top priority, and he continues to call on Congress to pass legislation that would strengthen protections for children’s privacy, health and safety online. FDA Approves Prescription Nasal Spray to Reverse Opioid OverdoseThis week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Opvee, the first nalmefene hydrochloride nasal spray for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. This is the first FDA approval of nalmefene hydrochloride nasal spray for health care and community use. Drug overdose persists as a major public health issue in the United States, with more than 103,000 reported fatal overdoses occurring in the 12-month period ending in November 2022, primarily driven by synthetic opioids like illicit fentanyl. Nalmefene is an opioid receptor antagonist which is used to treat acute opioid overdose. If nalmefene is administered quickly, it can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression, sedation and low blood pressure (i.e., hypotension). The newly approved product, which delivers 2.7 milligrams (mg) of nalmefene into the nasal cavity, is available by prescription and is intended for use in health care and community settings. FDA Approves Prescription Nasal Spray to Reverse Opioid Overdose Launch of the North American Semiconductor Conference and North American Ministerial Committee on Economic Competitiveness Biden-Harris Administration Takes New Steps to Advance Responsible Artificial Intelligence Research, Development, and DeploymentThis week, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new efforts that will advance the research, development, and deployment of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) that protects individuals’ rights and safety and delivers results for the American people. AI is one of the most powerful technologies of our time, with broad applications. President Biden has been clear that in order to seize the opportunities AI presents, we must first manage its risks. To that end, the Administration has taken significant action to promote responsible AI innovation that places people, communities, and the public good at the center, and manages risks to individuals and our society, security, and economy. This includes the landmark Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and related executive actions, the AI Risk Management Framework, a roadmap for standing up a National AI Research Resource, active work to address the national security concerns raised by AI, as well as investments and actions announced earlier this month. Last week, the Administration also convened representatives from leading AI companies for a briefing from experts across the national security community on cyber threats to AI systems and best practices to secure high-value networks and information. Launch of the U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for ActionOn Thursday, May 25, the White House released the first-ever U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action. When President Biden issued the Executive Order establishing the first-ever White House Gender Policy Council, he called on the Gender Policy Council to develop the first U.S. government-wide plan to prevent and address sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and other forms of gender-based violence (referred to collectively as GBV). Gender-based violence is a public safety and public health crisis, affecting urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal communities in the United States. It is experienced by individuals of all backgrounds and can occur across the life course. Though we have made significant progress to expand services and legal protections for survivors, much work remains. The priorities in this National Plan to End GBV, as well as those included in the 2022 update to the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally, reflect our nation’s ongoing commitment to advancing efforts to prevent and address gender-based violence both at home and abroad. As stated in the National Plan, “Ending gender-based violence is, quite simply, a matter of human rights and justice.” U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action Release of the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action Vice President Harris Advances the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda and Highlights Multi-Billion Dollar Semiconductor R&D Investments This week, Vice President Harris visited Applied Materials in Sunnyvale, California to highlight how the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is making historic investments in semiconductor manufacturing and research and development to support American innovation, create jobs, and advance America’s competitiveness. Vice President Harris’ visit coincides with Applied Materials announcing an investment of up to $4 billion in a new research and development facility – the EPIC Center, where it will design the next-generation of tools for semiconductor manufacturing, including in collaboration with leading chipmakers who will ultimately use those tools in their factories. In August, President Biden signed into law the CHIPS and Science Act, which has catalyzed private sector investment, including by impacting the scale of Applied Materials’ investment. During the visit, Vice President Harris will also meet with executives from major semiconductor manufacturing, design, and supply chain companies, to encourage them to invest in America, create American jobs, and revitalize American manufacturing and R&D. The CHIPS and Science Act makes a historic $53B federal investment to strengthen and revitalize the United States’ position in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing, and ensure America is at the forefront of industries of the future – including nanotechnology, clean energy, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. The Act is one component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, which is creating a nationwide manufacturing boom, creating good-paying jobs – many which don’t require a four-year degree, and shoring up American supply chains. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, private companies have announced $470 billion in manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, including over $200 billion in semiconductor manufacturing. 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! |
 Health Community UpdatesMay 26, 2023 |
As a reminder, our next White House Community Health Call is next Biden-Harris Administration Announces Actions to Protect Youth Mental Health, Safety & Privacy Online The United States is experiencing an unprecedented youth mental health crisis. More than half of parents express concern over their children’s mental well-being, and there is now undeniable evidence that social media and other online platforms have contributed to our youth mental health crisis. The number of children and adolescents with anxiety and depression has risen nearly 30% in recent years. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of teens and young adults with depression more than doubled. According to the CDC, in 2021, 42% of high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, including 57% of girls and 69% of LGBQ+ students, and nearly 1 in 3 high school girls reported having seriously considered suicide. Children are subject to the platforms’ excessive data collection, which they use to deliver sensational and harmful content and troves of paid advertising. And online platforms often use manipulative design techniques embedded in their products to promote addictive and compulsive use by young people to generate more revenue. Social media use in schools is affecting students’ mental health and disrupting learning. Advances in artificial intelligence could make these harms far worse, especially if not developed and deployed responsibly. Far too often, online platforms do not protect minors who use their products and services, even when alerted to the abuses experienced online. President Biden has made tackling the mental health crisis a top priority, and he continues to call on Congress to pass legislation that would strengthen protections for children’s privacy, health and safety online. Today, during Mental Health Awareness Month, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing additional actions to safeguard children’s privacy, health, and safety from online harms. These actions build upon the U.S. Surgeon-General’s new Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, which describes the current evidence of the impacts of social media on children and adolescents, and states that we cannot conclude social media is sufficiently safe for children. Biden-Harris Administration Releases First-Ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism Administration announces over 100 new actions and over 100 calls to action to combat antisemitism, including new actions to counter antisemitism on college campuses and online; whole-of-society strategy includes new stakeholder commitments. On Thursday, May 25, the Biden-Harris Administration is releasing the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. This strategy includes over 100 new actions the Administration will take to raise awareness of antisemitism and its threat to American democracy, protect Jewish communities, reverse the normalization of antisemitism, and build cross-community solidarity.  Launch of the U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action On Thursday, May 25, the White House released the first-ever U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action. When President Biden issued the Executive Order establishing the first-ever White House Gender Policy Council, he called on the Gender Policy Council to develop the first U.S. government-wide plan to prevent and address sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and other forms of gender-based violence (referred to collectively as GBV). Gender-based violence is a public safety and public health crisis, affecting urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal communities in the United States. It is experienced by individuals of all backgrounds and can occur across the life course. Though we have made significant progress to expand services and legal protections for survivors, much work remains. The priorities in this National Plan to End GBV, as well as those included in the 2022 update to the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally, reflect our nation’s ongoing commitment to advancing efforts to prevent and address gender-based violence both at home and abroad. As stated in the National Plan, “Ending gender-based violence is, quite simply, a matter of human rights and justice.” RESOURCES:
 One year ago, on May 25, 2022, President Biden signed a historic Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety. (EO 14074). The EO went into effect on the second anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. Through EO 14074, the President put federal policing on the path to becoming the gold standard of effectiveness and accountability by requiring federal law enforcement agencies to: ban chokeholds; restrict no-knock warrants; mandate the use of body-worn cameras; implement stronger use-of-force policies, including with the duty to intervene and duty to render medical aid; provide de-escalation training; submit use-of-force data to the FBI’s Use-of-Force Data Collection; submit officer misconduct records into a new national accountability database; and restrict the sale or transfer of military equipment to local law enforcement agencies, among other things. The EO also directs the use of federal tools, such as guidance on best practices, technical assistance, and grantmaking to support similar reforms within state, Tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) law enforcement agencies. Agencies across the federal government have made significant progress in implementing the requirements of the EO. Recognizing that effective implementation of the EO requires not just a whole-of-government approach, but a whole-of-society effort, agencies also have engaged directly with stakeholders throughout the implementation process, including with law enforcement associations, civil rights groups, labor organizations, technical experts, and families impacted by police violence. The Administration remains committed to fully implementing the EO and strengthening public trust and public safety. And the President continues to call for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to advance accountability, transparency, and public trust in law enforcement. Real change at the state and local level requires Congressional action. HHS Releases Report to Increase Language Access for Persons with Limited English Proficiency Office for Civil Rights issues report to reduce barriers and increase access to persons with limited English proficiency This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a report summarizing the progress the Department has made on improving the provision of meaningful access to language assistance services to persons with limited English proficiency (LEP). The report also identifies steps to continue and strengthen this work across HHS moving forward. Effective communication is critical in health care and human services, where miscommunication may lead to misdiagnosis, improper or delayed medical treatment, and barriers to necessary services and programs. HHS Releases Report to Increase Language Access for Persons with Limited English Proficiency Biden-Harris Administration Announces Proposal to Advance Prescription Drug Transparency in Medicaid The Biden-Harris Administration has made lowering prescription drug costs in America a key priority — and President Biden is continuing to deliver results. Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is proposing steps to further drive down prescription drug costs in Medicaid and build on President Biden’s executive order to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. CMS’ latest notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) would shed light on the actual cost of drugs covered by Medicaid. Under this proposal, Medicaid would have increased ability to hold drug manufacturers accountable for what Medicaid programs pay for drugs. Biden-Harris Administration Announces Proposal to Advance Prescription Drug Transparency in Medicaid HHS and Baby2Baby Announce Partnership to Support New Mothers with a Newborn Supply Kit During Visit by Vice President Kamala Harris Newborn Supply Kits include critical resources to help new moms navigate early motherhood and continue the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to improve maternal and neonatal health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the non-profit organization Baby2Baby announced a new pilot program to distribute a one-time only Newborn Supply Kit made up of essential goods and critical maternal health items to new mothers and their infants. The announcement coincided with a visit by Vice President Kamala Harris, and HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, January Contreras to the nonprofit’s Los Angeles headquarters and warehouse. Harris and Contreras toured the warehouse and met with mothers to discuss maternal health and support for families. Expecting and new parents who feel overwhelmed or are experiencing depression and anxiety, as well as their loved ones, should reach out to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support and resources. Help is just a phone call or text away. |
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Tuesday, May 23, 2023TOP TIDBITS
FROM THE DNC WAR ROOM@DNCWarRoom:  
Debt Limit Talking Points:
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 May 23, 2023 |
Public Trust and Public Safety EO The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs with the White House Domestic Policy Council, White House Counsel’s Office, and White House Office of Public Engagement invite you to join Ambassador Susan Rice, Domestic Policy Advisor and Director of the Domestic Policy Council and Steve Benjamin, Senior Advisor and Director of the Office of Public Engagement, for a (“Public Trust and Public Safety EO”) on Wednesday, May 24th at 12:00pm ET. Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety One-Year Anniversary Briefing on Executive Order 14074: WHO: Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice, Office of Public Engagement Director Steve Benjamin, and other Biden-Harris Administration senior officials On May 25, 2022 -- two years after George Floyd was killed -- President Biden signed the Public Trust and Public Safety EO after Congress failed to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Reflecting months of consultations with civil rights groups, law enforcement organizations, and other critical stakeholders, the historic executive order included key elements of the bill to strengthen public trust and public safety, including by banning the use of choke holds, restricting no-knock warrants, and tightening use-of-force policies to emphasize de-escalation. In this briefing, you will hear from senior officials from the White House, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services about the Biden-Harris Administration’s implementation of the Public Trust and Public Safety EO to date. To confirm your participation, RSVP HERE and join us on May 24th at 12:00pm ET. If time permits, we may hold a brief Q&A period with senior officials following the briefing. If you have a question that you would like considered, please submit that question as part of your RSVP. Please note that this event is CLOSED press and may not be recorded. |
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Friday, May 19, 2023TOP TIDBITS
FROM THE DNC WAR ROOM @DNCWarRoom: ICYMI: Donald Trump wants credit for extreme abortion bans and continues to brag about his role in reversing Roe v. Wade [IMAGE] 
The Biden-Harris Administration Has Taken Action to Make Communities Safer:
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Please join us for our May LGBTQ+ stakeholder call on May 24 featuring Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr, Montana State Representative Donavan Hawk, and Montana State Representative SJ Howell. This will be a special opportunity to hear from prominent LGBTQ+ leaders in the Democratic Party and LGBTQ+ movement and discuss what we have to do to elect more Democrats nationwide. May DNC LGBTQ+ Stakeholders Call Wednesday, May 24, 2023 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET Thanks, and looking forward to having you join us on Wednesday, May 24 at 3:00 p.m. ET! Sincerely, Sam Alleman (he/him) |
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Women's Community Engagement Newsletter National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action Launch On Thursday, May 25, the White House Gender Policy Council will release the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action. This first-ever National Plan advances an unprecedented and comprehensive approach to preventing and addressing sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and other forms of gender-based violence (referred to collectively as GBV). The White House Gender Policy Council will be hosting a launch event that will include two roundtable discussions. During the first roundtable, leaders from key federal agencies will highlight the role of their agencies in strengthening ongoing federal action and interagency collaboration to advance the goals of the National Plan through a whole-of-government approach. During the second roundtable, survivors, advocates, and other leaders from civil society, including community-based organizations and private sector organizations, will discuss the importance of mobilizing a whole of society approach to prevent and address GBV. Launch of the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action Biden-Harris Administration Response to North Carolina’s Abortion Ban Today, Republican state legislators in North Carolina overturned Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of a dangerous bill that is out of touch with the majority of North Carolinians and will make it even more difficult for women to get the reproductive health care they need. We’ve already seen the devastating impacts that state abortion bans have had on the health and lives of Americans living under these draconian laws. In the more than a dozen states with bans, women have been turned away from emergency rooms, left with no choice but to travel hundreds of miles for the care they need, and faced complications that put their lives and health at risk. Like those laws, the North Carolina ban will harm patients and threaten doctors for providing essential care. President Biden and Vice President Harris will continue to work alongside Governor Cooper, state legislators, and Americans who are fighting to protect access to reproductive health care in the face of relentless attacks, and will continue to call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe for all people in every state. Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on North Carolina’s Abortion Ban  Click here to share This Mother’s Day, More Moms Back at Work, but Care Challenges Remain As we marked Mother’s Day 2023 over the weekend, we celebrate the vital role mothers play in our economy–by both doing the important work of raising children and contributing to our country’s productivity and economic growth. Post-pandemic, mothers have reengaged with the labor force, with help from the robust recovery and the American Rescue Plan Labor force participation among all prime-age (25–54 years old) women has not only eclipsed its prepandemic level, it is higher than it has been since this data series began in 1948. As displayed in figure 1, mothers’ employment—particularly that of mothers of young children—is also benefitting from the rapid recovery and strong labor market and is above pre-pandemic levels. Following the profound disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, many mothers who left the labor force have reengaged at high rates, with labor force participation among mothers of young children at 70 percent as of March 2023, and that of mothers of any children under 18 years old at 75 percent.  This Mother’s Day, More Moms Back at Work, but Care Challenges Remain Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Tackle Nation’s Mental Health Crisis Actions include $200 million to scale up 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and new resources for school-based mental health services This Mental Health Awareness Month, we honor all those experiencing mental health challenges and celebrate the mental health professionals, families, and caregivers who support them. It is clear that our country is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis impacting people of all ages. In 2021, two in five American adults reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression and forty-four percent of high school students reported struggling with persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, social media, and gun violence. The Biden-Harris Administration is firmly committed to addressing this crisis. As part of his Unity Agenda, President Biden released a comprehensive national strategy to transform how mental health is understood, accessed, treated, and integrated in and out of health care settings. Across the federal government, thanks to the President’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), the Administration has already invested unprecedented levels of funding to expand access to mental health services. The President’s FY24 budget goes further, proposing tens of billions more to transform behavioral health services for all Americans. Today, which is recognized as Mental Health Day of Action, and throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing additional critical actions to advance the President’s mental health strategy across its three key objectives: strengthening the mental health workforce and system capacity, connecting more Americans to care, and creating a continuum of support. Statement from President Joe Biden on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and TransphobiaEveryone is entitled to be treated with dignity and equality—no matter whom they love, or how they identify. On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, we reaffirm our commitment to this ongoing work and stand with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people around the world. More than 30 years ago today, thanks to the tireless advocacy of LGBTQI+ activists the World Health Organization took the long overdue step of declassifying ‘homosexuality’ as a mental health disorder. Since then, we’ve seen real progress—including a powerful movement for LGBTQI+ liberation, more protections for LGBTQI+ people, and more spaces that recognize and affirm that our diversity is our strength. But sadly, we continue to see reminders of how much work remains. More than 60 countries still criminalize homosexuality and some are considering even more draconian anti-LGBTQI+ legislation. Some governments continue to classify LGBTQI+ individuals as having a medical disorder or permit the use of so-called “conversion therapy”—a dangerous and discredited practice that blatantly violates human rights and causes significant harm, including high rates of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors among LGBTQI+ youth. And right here at home, violent attacks on LGBTQI+ individuals and community spaces have risen dramatically, and more than 600 hateful laws have been introduced this year targeting the LGBTQI+ community, particularly youth.
 Gabriela Cristobal |
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Tuesday, May 16, 2023TOP TIDBITS TOP TIDBITS
FROM THE DNC WAR ROOM @DNCWarRoom: As Republicans across the country try to restrict access to abortion, the Biden-Harris administration will continue to lead the fight to protect a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions. [LINK] @DNCWarRoom: Ron DeSantis refuses to say if he thinks the 2020 election — which we all know Donald Trump lost by more than 7 million votes — was rigged. DeSantis has no problem coddling conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. [LINK] @DNCWarRoom: FACT CHECK: Trump proposed cuts to law enforcement programs every single year he was in office. Trump called to defund the DOJ and FBI last month. Trump wants to pardon January 6 rioters who violently attacked police officers. Trump does not stand with law enforcement. [PHOTO] FROM THE CHAIR'S DESK @harrisonjaime: I am saddened to hear about the passing of former DNC Vice Chair Gloria Molina. As the first Latina to serve in the California Assembly, L.A. City Council, and L.A. County Board of Supervisors, she blazed a trail for others to follow. [LINK] @harrisonjaime: @POTUS: I’m doing everything I can to reduce gun violence, but Congress must do more [LINK] @harrisonjaime: This weekend, Trump called into a far-right rally and vowed to rehire Michael Flynn, an extremist who tried to undermine the 2020 election results. [LINK] @harrisonjaime: Trump tried to cut funding for law enforcement programs every single year he was in office. And now, he’s calling to defund federal law enforcement. [PHOTO] MESSAGE TO MOBILIZEPlease amplify some of our top content from DNC channels below: The unemployment rate matches the low from 1969—when Scooby-Doo aired for the first time. @TheDemocrats (Twitter), (Facebook) As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Biden-Harris administration has announced over $220 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, including over 32,000 projects and awards, across over 4,500 communities. @TheDemocrats (Twitter), (Facebook) Under President @JoeBiden, we have passed smart gun safety legislation for the first time in 30 years, but we have more to do. Congress must act to ban assault weapons, enact red flag laws, and require background checks. @KamalaHarris (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 meet with Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, with VP Kamala Harris also in attendance to discuss the debt ceiling. Afterward, Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will deliver remarks at a celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, with Vice President Kamala Harris also in attendance. This afternoon, the vice president will convene a roundtable with young men of color small business owners and entrepreneurs. Later this evening, Vice President Harris will deliver remarks at the We Are EMILY Gala, with Emhoff also in attendance. ARTICLES TO AMPLIFY Hill: Biden administration to launch workforce hubs in Arizona, Georgia, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania Associated Press: Biden administration announces nearly $11 billion for renewable energy in rural communities CNBC: Here’s where Biden and McCarthy stand on debt ceiling talks heading into today’s meeting New York Times: Biden and McCarthy Set for More Talks as Debt Limit Deadline Nears New York Times: No Degree? No Problem. Biden Tries to Bridge the ‘Diploma Divide.’ TOP TWEETS @POTUS: Since taking office we've seen bigger jobs gains in two years than any president has in four. @POTUS: We can’t sit back and pass the problem of gun violence off to the next generation. If we wait, too many kids will never have the chance to grow up. They deserve better than that, as do all of the gun violence survivors and victims’ families asking Congress to do more. [QUOTED TWEET] @VP: One of my greatest joys is meeting so many inspiring small business leaders across our nation. @HerbieZiskend46: “Mr. Biden rarely speaks about his signature piece of legislation, a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, without also emphasizing that it will lead to trade apprenticeships and, ultimately, union jobs.” [LINK] @HerbieZiskend46: "While Biden plans to use his comments to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans, he also will reflect on how his decision to run for the White House in 2020 was shaped by a 2017 neo-Nazi march in Charlottesville, Virginia." [LINK] TALKING POINTSDebt Ceiling Talking Points:
Workforce Initiatives Announcements Talking Points:
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In this newsletter: Join 45+ Dem Groups & Leaders to Urge Climate Emergency Declaration | Biden-Harris Re-election Launch | GND, Rose Garden & VP’s | POTUS EJ Order | White House EJ Meeting |Climate Events Map | Council Events | IRA Grants |Recommended Watches and Reads |
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Are you a pragmatist or an idealist about solving the climate crisis? Last week, I was asked that question. I answered: Both.
Transitioning to a renewable, sustainable future is both the most practical and the most ideal path forward. The fact is, we know how to move away from fossil fuel dependence and how to create a vibrant, liveable future. Yet last year, emissions nationally and globally rose again. Every tenth of a degree of warming averted makes a difference. And every thing we do together toward that goal makes a difference. So big gratitude to the Democrats who organized actions and events for Earth Month all over the U.S. and abroad. From organizing meetings to panels, from EV showcases to Earth Month celebrations, from Florida to Washington State: Democratic climate organizers are taking action for our future. |
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Gratitude to the local Democratic leaders creating climate action plans. To all the volunteers for this Council. To President Biden for our historic IRA investments. To Vice President Harris for prioritizing climate as she engages with world leaders, youth and Democrats everywhere. And gratitude to you, for all you do. Michelle DeatrickChair, DNC Council on the Environment and Climate Crisis |
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JOIN: With 45+ Dem Environmental & Youth Leaders and Organizations, Tell Our Leaders to Declare a National Climate Emergency 
More than 45 Democratic environmental, youth and progressive leaders and organizations have joined our campaign for the declaration of a National Climate Emergency: Read our Statement. |
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ANNOUNCING: President, Vice President Launch Re-election CampaignPresident Biden and Vice President Harris launched their campaign for re-election in 2024. We will be sharing calls to action and ways to help. And you can act now:
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COUNCIL IN DC: Green New Deal, VP Residence & Rose Garden Events
The Council Applauds the Reintroduction of the Green New Deal and the Introduction of the Green New Deal for Health Chair Deatrick attended the press conference announcement of these pieces of legislation sponsored by Congresspeople Sen. Markey, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Khanna, and more. |
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Vice President Harris’ Invigorating Earth Day Gathering Was Attended by Several Council Officers Secretary Allison Stephens, Youth Engagement Director Paul Presendieu, and Chair Michelle Deatrick attended at the Naval Observatory, where the Vice President spoke about the importance of the climate movement and organizing. The Vice President also spoke about her travel across the country discussing the climate and environmental justice crises, and her visit to the continent of Africa focusing on climate. |
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President Biden’s Environmental Justice Action & Rose Garden Event Several Council leaders, with environmental justice champions from across the U.S., attended the signing of an Environmental Justice Order in the Rose Garden. The historic announcement included expanding Justice40 programs, creating the first-ever environmental justice scorecard, taking steps to combat plastic pollution at all stages, and more. The Council team reconnected with leaders who generously advised our work in significant ways: Peggy Shepard of WE ACT and Council Policy Advisor Rev. Michael Malcom of the People’s Justice Council. |
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ATTEND 5/17 WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING: White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Online Environmental Justice Meeting
The CEQ is holding a public briefing on Wednesday, May 17 at 4pm ET to share recent announcements from the Biden-Harris Administration on the Administration’s whole-of-government commitment to environmental justice. Register and submit questions or comments. |
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DON’T MISS: Events on the Council’s Action Map for AANHPI Month & More
Democrats care about climate!
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COUNCIL ON THE ROAD: Michigan, YDA, Netroots |
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Chair Deatrick keynoted Ann Arbor for Public Power’s Earth Day event. This organization is leading a fight for accessible, affordable, publicly owned renewable energy for all. Upcoming Council Events include presentations at the YDA Convention in June and more. In July, we are holding an important panel discussion, Running on Climate: 2022 Lessons that Can Help Democrats Win in 2024 at Netroots, the largest progressive convention in the U.S. Register in advance for Netroots. |
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$ SHARE WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT & ELECTEDS: Grant Info We are highlighting some of the many federal funding opportunities coming up. See more here and here. Climate-resilient projects from ports to mass transit: IRA PROTECT Grants The Department of Transportation’s PROTECT Grants fund climate-resilient surface transportation projects — from ports to public transportation — and should include nature-based solutions like native vegetation, bioswales, or shade trees. For tribal, local, territorial and state governments. Applications due Friday, August 18.
Cleaner School Buses: EPA BIL Grants EPA has announced $400 million in grants for cleaner school buses, thanks to the Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Reducing school bus pollution is key to cleaning up our air and protecting children's health. The next informational webinar is Thursday, May 18 at 1pm ET. For updates: sign up. Apply by Tuesday, August 22. |
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RECOMMENDED: Watches and Reads |
Monday, May 15, 2023TOP TIDBITS TOP TIDBITS
FROM THE DNC WAR ROOM @DNCWarRoom: REMINDER: Donald Trump continues to embrace and defend January 6 insurrectionists. Trump STILL won’t accept the results of the 2020 election, which he lost by over 7 million votes. [WATCH] @DNCWarRoom: ICYMI: Ron DeSantis was endorsed by a congressman who wants a total national abortion ban. This is the company that DeSantis keeps. [QUOTED TWEET] @DNCWarRoom: Donald Trump thinks Republicans "have to do a default" if they don't get the cuts they want — which could lead to economic calamity and destroy millions of American jobs. [LINK] FROM THE CHAIR'S DESK DNC Press: Statement From DNC on the Passing of Head Councilman Joe Garcia of Ohkay Owingeh @harrisonjaime: SC Dems let’s go!!! #FITN @scdp @TheDemocrats @harrisonjaime: This rule change by the FDA represents a real move toward progress for gay and bisexual men, and we will keep fighting until the entire LGBTQ+ community achieves full equality. MESSAGE TO MOBILIZE Please amplify some of our top content from DNC channels below: Reminder: 217 House Republicans voted for a bill that could jeopardize American manufacturing jobs. @TheDemocrats (Twitter), (Facebook) The unemployment rate matches the low from 1969—when Sesame Street had just debuted. @TheDemocrats (Twitter) Record job growth. Largest investment in climate action in history. Manufacturing is growing faster than it has in decades. Greatest two years of small business creation on record. President @JoeBiden and I are delivering for working families, and we're just getting started. @KamalaHarris (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.ARTICLES TO AMPLIFYHill: White House: Proposed GOP spending cuts would be ‘gut punch’ to border guards Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Jolt: President Joe Biden praises big labor win in rural Georgia USA Today: President Biden: I’m doing everything I can to reduce gun violence, but Congress must do more Associated Press: Biden, congressional leaders likely to meet Tuesday for talks on raising the debt limit Associated Press: Housing advocates warn GOP spending plan would be ‘disastrous’ Politico: Biden calls white supremacy ‘most dangerous terrorist threat’ in speech at Howard Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Kamala Harris visit to Georgia lays down a 2024 marker for Biden TOP TWEETS @POTUS: We know sending kids to school earlier increases the chance they graduate high school.
@POTUS: It’s time to finish the job and ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. @WhiteHouse: Under President Biden’s economic agenda, our economy gained 253,000 jobs in April. That’s 12.7 million jobs created since taking office. @POTUS’ plan to build an economy from the bottom up and the middle out is working.[PHOTO] @RFreidlander46: NEC Director Lael Brainard: TALKING POINTS Debt Ceiling Talking Points:
Investing in America weekly highlights:
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