1600 Daily The White House • October 31, 2019 A Halloween Impeachment Hoax—and Other Spooky Stories

The White House • October 31, 2019

A Halloween impeachment hoax—and other spooky stories The first act of House Democrats’ impeachment sham operated in secret, depriving President Donald J. Trump of the due process rights entitled to every American citizen. Today, Democrats moved into phase two of their phony inquiry—and continue to leave both the American people and the White House in the dark. “We don’t [even] know the rules yet, for the White House,” Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham told Fox News today. “Are we even going to get to be involved? I don’t think so. It’s my understanding that we’re not going to get to defend ourselves until it goes to the Judiciary Committee—and that’s not how it works in America.”  White House Press Sec: The President did nothing wrong. Democrats know it. For weeks, Democrats and their media mouthpieces tried to push the narrative that some Republicans in Congress could join Democrats in voting for their impeachment hoax—offering their probe a veneer of bipartisan credibility. The left hoped that repeating that storyline over and over again might help turn it into a reality. The opposite happened. Two House Democrats joined with every single Republican member in voting against the Pelosi–Schiff impeachment sham. So the media was right that a bipartisan consensus might emerge. It’s just not the kind that they’d hoped for. Today’s vote puts Democratic leaders in an awkward spot. Just months ago, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she opposed moving forward with an impeachment effort that didn’t earn overwhelming bipartisan trust. With members of both parties now objecting to impeachment, she must decide whether House Democrats should ignore their own words. “I’m not for impeachment,” she told CNN in March. “Impeachment is so divisive to the country that unless there's something so compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan, I don't think we should go down that path, because it divides the country.” The left’s media allies will try to help spin today’s vote for House Democrats. Over the next few days, watch as the coverage focuses entirely on the Republican response to impeachment—and ignores the Democrats who joined them. They don’t fit the narrative. Americans are clearly frustrated with this hypocrisy. “There’s polls out today that show people are frustrated and disappointed with all the impeachment farce that’s happening,” Press Secretary Grisham said. “We know that in the White House. We’re going to keep working”—to deliver peace, a booming economy, and real national security. Congressional Democrats have declared the President guilty until proven innocent. It doesn’t matter that the released Ukraine transcript contradicts their own version of events. It doesn’t matter that they announced impeachment efforts before gathering any of the evidence—or before even calling for a vote on whether to move forward. This impeachment hoax began with a top Democrat reading a fake phone transcript of President Trump before quickly moving the proceedings behind closed doors. Instead of attracting Republicans, it has only repelled Democrats. Speaker Pelosi is right that a partisan impeachment is wrong for America. It’s time for her to stand by her words. It’s time for the House to have a real leader once again. Read today’s full statement from Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham.   Watch: Democrats are “blatantly ignoring” the real needs of Americans. Video of the day: Trick-or-treat at the White House! President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump celebrated their third Halloween at the White House on Monday evening, welcoming military families and local schoolchildren with their parents for festivities on the South Lawn. With the White House grounds decked out in Halloween decorations, kids dressed as tiny dragons, ghouls, ghosts, witches, and other fun things joined the celebration as the President and First Lady handed out commemorative candy. READ: First Lady announces Halloween at the White House. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the 2019 White House Halloween Event | October 28, 2019

Presidential Proclamation on National American History and Founders Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 NATIONAL AMERICAN HISTORY AND FOUNDERS MONTH, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION        Over 243 years ago, our Founders gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at Independence Hall to sign the Declaration of Independence, enshrining in the heart of every American a bedrock principle that all men are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights."  Throughout our Nation's history, countless men and women have boldly defended this principle, often making the ultimate sacrifice on battlefields here and in every corner of the world.  From overthrowing tyrannical rule in the Revolutionary War to liberating Europe from Nazi control during World War II, the United States will always remain steadfast in our dedication to promoting liberty and justice over the evil forces of oppression and indignity.  This same truth fuels us in our efforts to confront the challenges that face our citizens here at home, including protecting precious religious liberties, securing our Nation's borders, and combating the opioid crisis.  During National American History and Founders Month, we celebrate the vibrant American spirit that drives our Nation to remarkable heights.       Our Nation's patriots and heroes have always been guided by the belief that America must shine brightly out into the world.  Indeed, this conviction has been at the forefront of the American experiment since our founding.  This month, we acknowledge the tremendous strides we have made as a people and recognize that our democracy's survival is dependent upon a well-informed electorate.  To ensure the success of our future generations, we pledge to continue to build a more educated citizenry.  We heed the warning of President Ronald Reagan that "freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction."      To continue safeguarding our freedom, we must develop a deeper understanding of our American story.  Studying our country's founding documents and exploring our unique history -- both the achievements and challenges -- is indispensable to the future success of our great Nation.  For more than two centuries, the American experiment in self-government has been the antithesis to tyranny, and our Constitution has secured the blessings of liberty.  From the triumphs of war to the victories of the Civil Rights Movement to placing the first ever man on the moon 50 years ago, our Nation has time and again exhibited an unparalleled ability to achieve extraordinary feats.  To continue to advance liberty and prosperity, we must ensure the next generation of leaders is steeped in the proud history of our country.      On this inaugural National American History and Founders Month, I encourage all citizens to reflect upon the defining tenets that have always united us as Americans, while also taking time to honor those who have contributed to the great story of our country.  As Americans, may we forever strive to preserve their legacy for generations to come.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2019 as National American History and Founders Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.                                DONALD J. TRUMP

NOMINATION SENT TO THE SENATE

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 NOMINATION SENT TO THE SENATE:      Stephen E. Biegun, of Michigan, to be Deputy Secretary of State, vice John J. Sullivan.

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individual to a Key Administration Post

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individual to a Key Administration Post Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key position in his Administration: Stephen E. Biegun of Michigan, to be Deputy Secretary of State. Stephen E. Biegun is the United States Special Representative for North Korea at the Department of State, where he directs all United States policy on North Korea.  Prior to returning to government service in 2018, Mr. Biegun served as Vice President of International Governmental Relations for Ford Motor Company, where he was a third-generation Ford employee.  At Ford, he led an 80-person team located across 20 countries and was responsible for global trade strategy and international risk assessment.  Mr. Biegun has more than two decades of service in the Executive and Legislative Branches of government.  In Congress, he served as national security advisor to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, as Chief of Staff of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and as a senior staff member of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.  At the White House, he served as the National Security Council Executive Secretary, a senior staff position under National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice.  A graduate of the University of Michigan, Mr. Biegun is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has served on the boards of the National Bureau of Asian Research, the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, the U.S.-Russia Foundation for Economic Development and the Rule of Law, and Freedom House.

Statement from the Press Secretary

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 Statement from the Press Secretary The President has done nothing wrong, and the Democrats know it. Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats’ unhinged obsession with this illegitimate impeachment proceeding does not hurt President Trump; it hurts the American people. Instead of focusing on pressing issues that impact real families, like reducing gun violence, passing the USMCA, improving healthcare, lowering prescription drug costs, securing our southern border, and modernizing our aging infrastructure, the Democrats are choosing every day to waste time on a sham impeachment—a blatantly partisan attempt to destroy the President. With today’s vote, Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats have done nothing more than enshrine unacceptable violations of due process into House rules. Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Schiff and the Democrats conducted secret, behind-closed-door meetings, blocked the Administration from participating, and have now voted to authorize a second round of hearings that still fails to provide any due process whatsoever to the Administration. The Democrats want to render a verdict without giving the Administration a chance to mount a defense. That is unfair, unconstitutional, and fundamentally un-American.

Statement from the Press Secretary

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019

Statement from the Press Secretary Yesterday, Senate Democrats tried to adopt a resolution that would have rolled back President Donald Trump’s policies that encourage States to expand healthcare options through “state innovation waivers.”  This failed effort on the Senate floor proves that the Democrats’ plan is to double-down on unaffordable healthcare and excessive government control. At a time when Obamacare has already made healthcare too expensive for Americans who buy their own insurance, the Democrats’ resolution would have discouraged States from working to make health insurance more affordable for their residents.  President Trump’s policies regarding state innovation waivers identify flexibilities for States to develop new strategies that help deliver high-quality care. Everyone knows that Obamacare prices are too high.  The average family monthly premium has increased by over $740 since 2013—more than the average family’s monthly budget for food. Thirteen Republican and Democrat-led States are already using innovation waivers to provide more affordable health insurance options for Americans.  The Administration is doing all it can to help these and other States deliver better options to the American public. Yesterday’s attempt to pass the Democrats’ resolution was a show vote and a waste of time.  Democrats never had the votes to pass it.  These antics will not stop President Trump from continuing to stand against special interests and stand up for American families and workers who deserve affordable healthcare options.

Bill Announcement

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019

On Thursday, October 31, 2019, the President signed into law: S. 1196, which designates a facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1715 Linnerud Drive in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, as the Fire Captain Cory Barr Post Office Building.

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Sudan

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 NOTICE - - - - - - - CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO SUDAN        On November 3, 1997, by Executive Order 13067, the President declared a national emergency with respect to Sudan pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) and took related steps to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the actions and policies of the Government of Sudan.  On April 26, 2006, by Executive Order 13400, the President determined that the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region posed an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067, and ordered the blocking of property of certain persons connected to the Darfur region.  On October 13, 2006, by Executive Order 13412, the President took additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067 and expanded in Executive Order 13400.  In Executive Order 13412, the President also took steps to implement the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-344).      On January 13, 2017, by Executive Order 13761, the President found that positive efforts by the Government of Sudan between July 2016 and January 2017 improved certain conditions that Executive Orders 13067 and 13412 were intended to address.  Given these developments, and in order to encourage the Government of Sudan to sustain and enhance these efforts, section 1 of Executive Order 13761 provided that sections 1 and 2 of Executive Order 13067 and the entirety of Executive Order 13412 would be revoked as of July 12, 2017, provided that the criteria in section 12(b) of Executive Order 13761 had been met.      On July 11, 2017, by Executive Order 13804, I amended Executive Order 13761, extending until October 12, 2017, the effective date in section 1 of Executive Order 13761.  On October 12, 2017, pursuant to Executive Order 13761, as amended by Executive Order 13804, sections 1 and 2 of Executive Order 13067 and the entirety of Executive Order 13412 were revoked.      Despite recent positive developments, the crisis constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Sudan that led to the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13067 of November 3, 1997; the expansion of that emergency in Executive Order 13400 of April 26, 2006; and with respect to which additional steps were taken in Executive Order 13412 of October 13, 2006, Executive Order 13761 of January 13, 2017, and Executive Order 13804 of July 11, 2017, has not been resolved.  These actions and policies continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  I have, therefore, determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067, as expanded by Executive Order 13400, with respect to Sudan.      This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.                              DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,     October 31, 2019.

Presidential Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Sudan

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES: Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days before the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date.  In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to Sudan declared in Executive Order 13067 of November 3, 1997, is to continue in effect beyond November 3, 2019. Despite recent positive developments, the crisis constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Sudan that led to the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13067; the expansion of that emergency in Executive Order 13400 of April 26, 2006; and with respect to which additional steps were taken in Executive Order 13412 of October 13, 2006, Executive Order 13761 of January 13, 2017, and Executive Order 13804 of July 11, 2017, has not been resolved.  These actions and policies continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067, as expanded by Executive Order 13400, with respect to Sudan.   DONALD J. TRUMP                               THE WHITE HOUSE,     October 31, 2019.

Presidential Proclamation on National Family Caregivers Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 National Family Caregivers Month, 2019 - - - - - - - By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation        Selfless Americans across our country consistently dedicate themselves and their resources to providing ailing and aging loved ones with the care and support they need to live in their own homes and communities.  Throughout National Family Caregivers Month, we pause to recognize the men and women who tirelessly work to improve the quality of life for Americans in need of care.      Caregivers help their family members live fulfilling lives by providing vital assistance in domestic, financial, and medical affairs.  The responsibility of serving and supporting another person can be challenging, and the strength and compassion exhibited by caregivers is one of the greatest manifestations of genuine love we witness in this world.  Their unrelenting support enables family members to live with dignity.      As we honor the innumerable sacrifices made in homes across the country, we affirm our resolve to ensure all caregivers are given the resources and respect they deserve.  This support requires a commitment from community stakeholders and Federal, State, and local governments to equip caregivers with training and tools to use to safeguard their family's health and security.  This past summer, the Administration for Community Living held the inaugural meetings of the Family Caregiving Advisory Council and the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.  The strategies, informational resources, and technical assistance being developed by these councils will strengthen our Nation's support for family caregivers and their work enhancing the lives of millions of Americans.      This November, we recognize and honor the commitment of those who exemplify the essential American tenets of devotion to family and compassion toward those who matter most in our lives.  Through caregivers' generosity, our vulnerable communities are able to fully experience the many blessings of our great Nation.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim November 2019 as National Family Caregivers Month.  I encourage all Americans to reach out to those who provide care for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need, to honor and thank them.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.                                DONALD J. TRUMP

Message to the Congress

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:      In accordance with section 506A(a)(3)(B) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2466a(a)(3)(B)), I am providing notice of my intent to terminate the designation of the Republic of Cameroon (Cameroon) as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).      I am taking this step because I have determined that the Government of Cameroon currently engages in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, contravening the eligibility requirements of section 104 of the AGOA.      Despite intensive engagement between the United States and the Government of Cameroon, Cameroon has failed to address concerns regarding persistent human rights violations being committed by Cameroonian security forces.  These violations include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and unlawful detention, and torture.      Accordingly, I intend to terminate the designation of Cameroon as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under the AGOA as of January 1, 2020.  I will continue to assess whether the Government of Cameroon engages in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, in accordance with the AGOA eligibility requirements.                                DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,     October 31, 2019.

West Wing Reads Adam Schiff’s Drive to Impeach Trump Based on Opinions, Deception and Illusions – Not Facts

Adam Schiff’s Drive to Impeach Trump Based on Opinions, Deception and Illusions – Not Facts “Rep. Adam Schiff is a poor man’s Harry Houdini. He is a cheap illusionist performing amateurish parlor tricks of deception in his quest to convince his audience that he possesses damning evidence of an impeachable offense committed by President Trump,” Gregg Jarrett writes in Fox News. “Schiff, D-Calif., has no such evidence, of course. But like most illusionists, Schiff employs misdirection and confusion. He attempts to convince you that opinions are evidence, while facts are not.” The bottom line: “Anyone with computer access can download and read the transcript while forming their own opinion.” In fact, you can read it for yourself here. Click here to read more. The decision of Reddit administrators to “quarantine” one of President Trump’s largest and most vocal groups of supporters online is an “egregious example of social media sites meddling in political affairs,” Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) writes for RealClearPolitics. “Republicans need to start speaking out about the treatment we’ve received from technology companies. We need to understand that nobody else will stand up for us.” “The White House is making a strong push against Democrats’ ‘Medicare for All’ proposal, laying out a ‘Health Care for You’ agenda to boost competition and transparency, lower prescription prices, and produce greater affordability in health-related costs,” Fred Lucas reports in The Daily Signal. “The nation’s deadly opioid epidemic shows signs of ebbing as the Trump administration Oct. 30 reported a 5.1% drop in overdose deaths, with sharper declines in some of the most hard-hit states,” Shira Stein reports for Bloomberg Law. “You have to give the Democrats credit. When their narratives collapse, they invent a new one. Their misrepresentation of the phone conversation and the president’s inquiry into Ukrainian corruption and potential influence in our 2016 election are somehow being conflated into a most amorphous allegation of ‘abuse of power,’” Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) writes in The Washington Times.

Statement from the Press Secretary

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 Statement from the Press Secretary The President has done nothing wrong, and the Democrats know it. Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats’ unhinged obsession with this illegitimate impeachment proceeding does not hurt President Trump; it hurts the American people. Instead of focusing on pressing issues that impact real families, like reducing gun violence, passing the USMCA, improving healthcare, lowering prescription drug costs, securing our southern border, and modernizing our aging infrastructure, the Democrats are choosing every day to waste time on a sham impeachment—a blatantly partisan attempt to destroy the President. With today’s vote, Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats have done nothing more than enshrine unacceptable violations of due process into House rules. Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Schiff and the Democrats conducted secret, behind-closed-door meetings, blocked the Administration from participating, and have now voted to authorize a second round of hearings that still fails to provide any due process whatsoever to the Administration. The Democrats want to render a verdict without giving the Administration a chance to mount a defense. That is unfair, unconstitutional, and fundamentally un-American.

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT PRESENTATION OF THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR FOR MASTER SERGEANT MATTHEW WILLIAMS, U.S. ARMY

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 30, 2019 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT PRESENTATION OF THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR FOR MASTER SERGEANT MATTHEW WILLIAMS, U.S. ARMY   East Room 5:17 P.M. EDT      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much, Chaplain.  I appreciate that.  Please, sit down. Well, this afternoon, it's my privilege to present our nation’s highest and most revered military distinction.  It's called the “Congressional Medal of Honor.”  There’s nothing like it.  Please join me in welcoming today’s extraordinary recipient, Master Sergeant Matthew Williams.  (Applause.)  Thank you very much. We are delighted to have with us the Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper.  Thank you, Mark.  And great job to you and to everybody and General Milley for the incredible act you performed seven days ago with al-Baghdadi.  He -- he was hit hard, the way he should've been.  And I just want to say, for all of our military: We're very proud of you.  That was something very special.  The whole world is proud of you, frankly.  So thank you very much.  Thank you, Mark.  Great job.  (Applause.) Also with us is Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Byrne -- thank you -- thank you, Jim; Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy -- thank you; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley -- thank you, General -- great job, incredible job; Army Chief of Staff James McConville; and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston.  Thank you very much.  Thank you very much for being here. Also thank you to some very special warriors -- in a little different kind of war, maybe, but they are warriors: Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and Thom Tillis.  Thank you very much, fellas.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Along with Representative Richard Hudson for being here.  We have a few other great politicians here, but we won't bother because we want to get on with this one.  This is a very special thing.  It's such a great honor. Joining Matt for this special ceremony is his wife Kate, his father Michael, his mother Janet, brother Cody, and his sister Amy.  Please stand up.  Please.  Thank you.  Great family.  (Applause.)  Each of you has strengthened our nation through your steadfast love and support.  And we want to just thank you.  You're a very, very special family. We're also honored to be in the presence of eight previous Congressional Medal of Honor winners -- recipients are here.  And I thought maybe we should -- what do you think? -- we should introduce them.  I think so, right?  Huh?  Come on, let's do that. William Swenson.  William, thank you very much, William.  (Applause.) Ronald Shurer.  Thank you.  Thank you, Ronald.  Thank you.  (Applause.) Walter Marm.  Hi, Walter.  (Applause.) Robert Foley.  Thank you, Robert.  Thank you, Robert.  (Applause.) Brian Thacker.  Thank you very much.  (Applause.) Florent Groberg.  Thank you.  Thank you, Florent.  (Applause.) David Bellavia.  David.  (Applause.)  I heard you, maybe, are going to be running for office -- but someday, I know, huh? I'll tell you.  Boy, I'll tell you what: He has my vote.  (Laughter.)  You have a brave politician for a change, right?  That’s great.  Nice to see you, David.  Thank you very much. And Salvatore Giunta.  Thank you, Salvatore.  (Applause.)  Thank you very much.  Thank you. Matt Williams grew up in the small town of Boerne, Texas -- a very small town.  He met Kate for the first time in elementary school.  In college, he planned to pursue a career in law enforcement.  But after 9/11, Matt decided his place was on the frontlines of the war on terror.  He wanted to be the best of the best; he worked so hard at it.  So, after graduation, he enlisted in the Army to become a Green Beret.  Matt finished his Special Forces training in August 2007 and deployed to Afghanistan by October.  On April 6th, 2008, he joined dozens of American Special Forces and Afghan commandos on a mission to take down a terrorist leader in a remote mountain village.  It sounded simple -- not simple. On that cold spring morning, the soldiers arrived in helicopters and jumped 10 feet from their Chinooks into the rocky and freezing terrain of Shok Valley. When the first Americans reached the edge of the valley, at the base of a 100-foot mountain, a handful of Special Forces scouted ahead.  The lead group was 60 feet up the slope when roughly 200 insurgents savagely attacked.  And it was a big surprise -- a very unwelcome surprise, I might add. The terrorists filled the valley with a hail of bullets and explosions.  Matt soon received word that the soldiers on the mountain were pinned down and suffering from mounting casualties.  He organized the Afghan infantry under his command and he led a bold counterassault to stop the enemy advance. As machinegun fire rained down from above, Matt and his fellow American soldiers, Scott Ford and Ronald Shurer, charged up the mountain.  Once they reached their trapped comrades, Matt realized that several of them were too gravely wounded to be quickly evacuated.  He ran down the mountain to get support and then climbed back up with bullets spraying all around.  Not a good place to be.  Again and again, Matt exchanged fire with the enemy and rescued his fellow soldiers.  He guided his injured team sergeant, Scott Ford, down the mountain to safety.  When Matt noticed two combatants moving toward a group of the badly wounded, he immediately engaged the enemy fighters and killed them both. But Matt was not done yet.  In order to rejoin the battle on the mountain, he and Sergeant Seth Howard scaled a sheer cliff completely exposed to attack.  Matt quickly reengaged the adversary and shielded the injured from falling rubble as American warplanes bombed insurgent positions above and rocked the mountain from top to bottom.  He then helped evacuate the wounded down a very, very steep cliff. As the terrorists continued to try to overrun their position, Matt raced back into battle.  He fought for several more hours, valiantly protecting the wounded and putting his own life in great peril to save his comrades. Matt’s incredible heroism helped ensure that not a single American soldier died in the Battle of Shok Valley.  His ground commander later wrote: “I’ve never seen a troop so poised, focused, and capable during a… fight.”  And Matt is without question and without reservation, “one of the bravest soldiers” and people “I have ever met.”  But Matt wants all Americans to know that he was not alone in his heroism that day.  Joining us this afternoon are other heroes of Shok Valley.  Please rise when I read your name: Lieutenant Colonel Kyle Walton.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you.  Master Sergeant Scott Ford.  Thank you, Scott.  (Applause.)  And Luis Morales.  Thank you very much.  Thank you, Luis.  (Applause.)  Karl Wurzbach.  Where is Karl?  Thank you, Karl.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Sergeants First Class Seth Howard, Dave Sanders, John Walding, Dillon Behr, and Ryan Wallen.  Thank you, fellas.  (Applause.)  Thank you, fellas. And very importantly, as you know better than anyone, Afghan translators Bahroz Mohmand and Zia Ghafoori.  (Applause.)  How was that?  Okay?  Not bad?  Good.  He said it was okay.  He said it was okay.  Thank you both very much.  Fantastic job.  Fantastic job.  Thank you. I assume you all agree with this choice, right?  Okay?  Your last chance, eh?  They all agree.  Thank you very much.  I agree, too.  We all do. Staff Sergeant Ronald Shurer was with us and privileged to be here.  And we had a, not so long ago -- a great ceremony with the Medal of Honor and that was really amazing that you both here are together. To each and every one of you, I want to thank you and I want to thank the fearless defense and what you’ve done for our country.  It’s incredible.  Your valor, your bravery, your strength, your heart, your soul -- it’s incredible.  Incredible what you’ve done.  The Battle of Shok Valley is a testament to the overwhelming strength, lethal skill, and unstoppable might of the United States Army Special Forces and all of our military. The enemy that really held a high ground, superior numbers, and an element of surprise -- they had it all going; everything they're not supposed to have, they had.  But they had one major disadvantage: They were facing the toughest, strongest, and best-trained soldiers anywhere in the world.  We showed that a few days ago.  And these guys didn't know what the hell hit them.  (Laughter.)  No adversary on Earth stands a chance against the American Green Berets. A few years after that first perilous deployment, Matt married Kate.  Did you make a good decision, Kate, in allowing this to happen, right?  (Laughter.)  Well, you definitely have a brave guy.  I can't speak for the rest.  Okay?  (Laughter.)  He's a brave guy and he's a great guy, so good luck.  That's nice. Today, they have a young son, Nolan, who will turn three next week.  That's beautiful.  In the years to come, Nolan will learn that his father stands among the ranks of our nation’s greatest heroes. For more than a decade, Matt has stared down our enemies, fought back the forces of terror, and exemplified the virtue and gallantry of the American warrior.  He has completed five tours in Afghanistan, a deployment in Africa, and he continues to serve our country on active duty today.  That's something -- to have Congressional Medal of Honor and be serving in active duty.  It's very rare. Matt, we salute your unyielding service, your unbreakable resolve, and your untiring devotion to our great nation and the nation that we all love.  Your spirit keeps our flag waving high, our families safe at home, and our hearts beating with American pride.  On behalf of the entire nation -- our great USA, our incredible United States of America -- we are forever grateful for your life of service and your outstanding courage. It's now my privilege to present Master Sergeant Matthew Williams with the Congressional Medal of Honor.  And I would like to ask the military aide to come forward and please read the citation.  Thank you. MILITARY AIDE:  The President of the United States of America has awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor to Sergeant Matthew O. Williams, United States Army.     Sergeant Williams distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on April 6, 2008, while serving as a Weapons Sergeant, Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 336 [3336], Special Operations Task Force-33, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant Williams's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, Special Operations Command Central, and United States Army. (The Medal of Honor is presented.)  (Applause.)                                 END               5:33 P.M. EDT