Thursday, April 25, 2019

A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary


WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY, 2019

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

 


    On World Intellectual Property Day, we celebrate the essential role of innovation in the strength and expansion of our economy.  Our free market continues to unleash the imagination of our Nation's talented creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs, enabling them to develop products that improve and elevate lives across our country and around the world.  To maintain and reinforce our economic competitiveness, we must protect intellectual property and related technologies so that new industries and innovations can flourish.  


    Since the founding, our Nation's incredible intellectual property system has empowered Americans to make discoveries that have helped us live healthy, prosperous, and enjoyable lives.  My Administration is determined to build on our country's strong tradition of protecting intellectual property.  Last year, I signed the Orrin G. Hatch–Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act, which will improve our protection of the creative genius of America's extraordinary musicians.  This groundbreaking legislation modernizes our outdated copyright laws so that artists and songwriters are justly compensated for the online use of their music.  Additionally, my Administration negotiated the new United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), modernizing the North American Free Trade Agreement into a 21st century, high-standard agreement.  The USMCA includes the strongest and most comprehensive intellectual property standards of any prior free trade agreement.  Once approved by the Congress, the USMCA will deliver comprehensive protections against misappropriation of trade secrets, robust border enforcement, and enhanced trademark, copyright, and patent provisions that are critical to driving innovation, creating economic growth, and supporting American jobs.  Earlier this month, I also issued a memorandum directing my Cabinet to combat trafficking in counterfeit and pirated goods in online marketplaces.  


    We must stop those actors who engage in unfair and unscrupulous practices, including nation states that sponsor the theft of American intellectual property.  To protect our economic and national security, my Administration is taking aggressive action to enforce both our laws and a fair and reciprocal trade policy.  For example, a critical part of our ongoing negotiations with China includes putting an end to the hundreds of billions of dollars of intellectual property we lose to China each year.  Protecting the innovations, creations, and inventions that power our country are vital to our economic prosperity and national security. 


    The theme of this year's World Intellectual Property Day is intellectual property in sports.  Intellectual property is critical to advancing the ability of our athletes to compete and increasing the enjoyment of sports for fans.  We celebrate the innovations of those working behind the scenes to create new sports equipment, enhance safety, improve branding, and broadcast sporting events.  From new materials that preserve athlete health and promote performance to game-changing technological advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, intellectual property underpins the sports industry.


    Today, we recognize that the success of nearly every industry, from entertainment and sports to agriculture and technology, depends on a framework that protects intellectual property.  A brighter and more hopeful future is dawning because of the increased attention nations are paying to innovation, creativity, and intellectual property.  As the human mind continues to transcend limitations, we will work to empower the creative spirit of today's innovators by protecting their hard work.  


    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 April 26, 2019, as World Intellectual Property Day.  I encourage Americans to observe this day with events and educational programs that celebrate the benefits of intellectual property to our economy and our country.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.




                        DONALD J. TRUMP

 

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REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT TAKE OUR DAUGHTERS AND SONS TO WORK DAY

Office of the Press Secretary
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP
AT TAKE OUR DAUGHTERS AND SONS TO WORK DAY

South Lawn

 
4:42 P.M. EDT

     THE PRESIDENT:  Young, beautiful people -- there’s nothing like it.  So it’s take our beautiful children to work -- sons and daughters.  And it’s a great honor to have -- to have you at the White House.  You’ve made tours.  You’ve been with the Secret Service.  You’ve been with some of the great people, including your parents, right?  Are your parents great people?

     AUDIENCE:  Yes!

     THE PRESIDENT:  I think so.  If they’re not, we have a major story, right?  We have a big story.

But I want to welcome all of the young people -- great people -- the future, it’s the future -- to the White House.  It’s a very special day.  And it’s officially called “Take Our Daughters and Our Sons to Work Day,” right?

AUDIENCE:  Yes!

THE PRESIDENT:  That’s the politically correct term.  And we always have to be politically correct, right?  So that’s good.

     I know your parents are very proud of you.  They’re very, very proud indeed.  And a lot of the parents are here; most of them are here.  And I see, Sarah, your beautiful kids and so many.  They work -- the media.  I even love the media today.  I see these beautiful children, products of the media.  And I actually like you much more than your parents.  (Laughter.)

     But this afternoon, you’ve had an exciting chance to look behind the scenes at the White House, and to see the critical work that your moms and your dads do each year, and that is -- the people that work here and the people that cover it.  And that’s the press.  And just an incredible job they do.  They work very, very hard.  Day and night.  And that’s what they think about.

Our country is doing very well, I will tell you.  Our economy is at a level that perhaps it's never been at.  And all over the world they're talking about our great country and how well we're doing.

     I understand that you've seen my presidential limousine.  That’s called "The Beast."  I guess it's one of the world's most expensive cars, unfortunately.  It's like riding in an army tank.  You have the same kind of protection, but it's something very special.

You've met some of our really great heroes and you've even met our wonderful service dogs.  Our service dogs are incredible.  You know, we have the finest equipment in the world: drug detection equipment.

And while I have you: Never take drugs.  Don’t drink alcohol.  Don’t smoke.  Enjoy your life.  Okay?  No drugs, no alcohol, no smoke.  (Applause.)  All right?  You don’t need it.  You don’t need it.  It causes a lot of problems.  So just remember that.  If you learn one thing -- I didn’t come up here to say that, but I will say it.

I say it all the time to my kids.  I've said it from the time Ivanka was a little girl.  Every day, I'd say, "Ivanka, no drugs.  No alcohol.  No smoking.  Nothing."  And she'd say, "Dad, enough already."  I'd say it so much.  I'd say it so much.  So, I'm saying it to you because I mean it, and I think your parents mean it; I know your parents mean it.

You've become Junior Rangers with the National Park Service, which was exciting.  And that makes the White House really incredible because they make the White House so incredible.

And you've visited with our terrific presidential photographers.  Very talented people.  You take pictures.  You've seen people from all over the world -- some of the great pictures that they get.  Very talented, talented people. I wish they could make me look just a little bit better.  (Laughter.)  Sometimes I think they do it on purpose, actually.  They give me pictures -- always my chin is pulled way in.  I look terrible.  But that’s okay.  They do that on purpose.

     And this afternoon you -- you've all written letters of thank you to the brave warriors of our United States military for defending our American flag.  Very special people.

On behalf of the First Lady and myself -- and she was with you for a large part of the day -- we hope that you've had a terrific time.  Some of you were here last year.  And I remember a couple of you, and you've grown a lot bigger.  It's been 12 months, but you've grown a lot bigger.

As you've seen, the White House is a special place -- a very special place of our nation.  You look back and you see so many other things -- Jefferson Memorial.  You see the Washington Monument.  It's really incredible.  Sometimes I walk up these paths, and I look around and I say, "Wow.  There is no place like this anywhere on Earth.  Anywhere."  No matter where you go, there's no place like right here.  You have beautiful homes.  You have beautiful everything, but there’s just no place like this.

     The White House is a place of history -- 1799.  That’s a long time.  Now, when President Xi comes from China, and I say “1799,” he thinks that’s a modern house because their culture is very, very old -- 5,000 years.  But this is really something that -- no matter where you go, no matter the time, no matter the date, there is nothing like our great White House.

     Your moms and dads are working very hard to keep our country safe from danger and to keep America prosperous, thriving, and strong.  They’re fighting for better healthcare and better schools to help millions of other families just like yours.

And they’re making sure that the White House puts its best foot forward when we welcome foreign leaders on American soil.  We have Prime Minister Abe of Japan coming tomorrow.  It will be a very important meeting.  We will soon be having President Xi from China coming.  We have many, many of the leaders -- ultimately, all of the great leaders come here.

They are reporting -- your parents -- on our country and that’s the White House Press Corps.  They report.  They let you know how we’re doing.  And oftentimes, they report correctly.  (Laughter.)  Actually, most of the time.  Your parents, all the time, right?  All the time or most of the time?  What do you --

AUDIENCE:  All the time!   

THE PRESIDENT:  All right, all the time.  See?  (Laughter.)  I agree.  For purposes of this speech, I agree.  (Laughter.)  But they are.  And they are protecting all of your families and they’re getting the word out.  And they want to get the word out fairly and honestly.

Your parents are serving our entire nation, and I’m sure you will agree with me that they’re doing it to make a better future for you.  It’s all about you.  It’s sort of no longer about us; it’s about you.  They work so hard for you.  And our country works so hard for you.

For the rest of your life, you will be proud to say, “My mom” or “My dad worked at the White House.”  It’s a very big thing.

So I want to do this: I’m going to ask you -- most of your parents are with you -- I’m going to ask you to look around, grab your parents, give them big applause, and give them all a big, fat kiss right now.  (Applause.)  So cute.

All right, isn’t that nice?  Be proud of them.  And I’m proud of them too.  I really am.

I also want to say a special thanks to each of you because it’s your smiles and love of your parents after a long day’s work that helps make everything here possible.  It’s what really makes them come back and back and back.  And it’s what really makes them do a very special job -- the job they do.

So I want to thank you for supporting your moms and your dads.  They are special people.  Do we agree?  They’re special.  Say “I love you Mom and Dad.”

AUDIENCE:  I love you Mom and Dad.

     THE PRESIDENT:  That’s true.

     To every young person here today, thank you again for coming to the White House.  Now I want to take a good look around because if you keep learning, you keep trying, and you keep dreaming, one day you might be standing exactly right here where I’m standing.

     I want to tell you, it’s not that easy.  (Laughter.)  It’s not easy but it’s really something very special.  We’re doing a special job and you’re doing a special job.  And your parents are very incredible people.

     So I want to thank them for being here.  I want to thank them for bringing you.  We’ll see you again next year.  You’ll be a little bit bigger and a lot wiser.  And go to school and learn and work hard.  Do the best you can.  And remember what I said: no drugs, no alcohol.  You’ll lead a great life.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  And no smoking.

THE PRESIDENT:  No smoking.  (Laughter.)  No smoking.  And just have a great, great life.  And congratulations to you and your incredible parents.

Thank you for being here.  Appreciate it.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you all.  Thank you.  
 
                         END                 4:54 P.M. EDT
 

1600 Daily The White House • April 25, 2019 MSNBC has Noticed the Border Crisis. Will Congressional Democrats?

1600 Daily
The White House • April 25, 2019

MSNBC has noticed the border crisis. Will Congressional Democrats?


President Donald J. Trump was among the first to call attention to the growing crisis on America’s southern border. Most important, he was also the first to take action, issuing a national emergency in February that put more resources behind the hardworking law enforcement officers who safeguard our immigration system.

Critics called that emergency a “manufactured” crisis. That’s a convenient argument, because if they pretend a problem doesn’t exist, they don’t have to try to solve it.

But even MSNBC—not exactly most Americans’ idea of a hard-right news outlet—is challenging that narrative. Today, the cable network highlighted the surge of alien families overwhelming communities near our border, speaking with a San Diego shelter that has seen its resources overstretched by the recent influx.

“American communities are struggling to deal with the surging numbers of families who are crossing into the United States,” MSNBC’s Craig Melvin reported. “ICE tells us that their transportation is completely overwhelmed. CBP used the word ‘strained.’ That is the situation of many of these cities,” reporter Mariana Atencio added.

“When you look at the numbers, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to stop any time soon.”

That situation is a far cry from how Congressional Democrats described the problem at our southern border just a few weeks ago. The full extent of the crisis remains underreported, but it’s encouraging to see mainstream media attention finally being given to the communities most affected by the recent illegal immigration surge.

Congress has stayed on the sidelines for far too long. Voters across the political spectrum agree that America needs a safe, lawful, and fair immigration system. How much worse does the problem need to get before Washington finally delivers?

President Trump is taking action to reduce visa overstays and uphold our laws. 

In case you missed it: Watch the President visit the border in Calexico, California

Kids get a behind-the-scenes look at the White House


President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have hosted some very special guests at the White House this week. It started on Monday, when the First Family welcomed children for the 141st White House Easter Egg Roll. More than 30,000 people celebrated with the President and First Lady on the South Lawn.
 
The fun continued today, when hundreds of children got a behind-the-scenes look at the White House during the annual “Bring Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.” Children of both White House staffers and the press corps toured the grounds and participated in a special kid-friendly briefing with Press Secretary Sarah Sanders—including a drop-in visit from Vice President Mike Pence.

President Trump concluded the festivities by greeting children on the South Lawn.

Take an inside look at Bring Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day at the White House!

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks
Press Secretary Sarah Sanders holds a mock briefing on Bring Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day | April 25, 2019

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: USMCA DRAWS WIDESPREAD SUPPORT AS AN ECONOMIC WIN FOR AMERICA

Office of the Press Secretary


WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
USMCA DRAWS WIDESPREAD SUPPORT AS AN ECONOMIC WIN FOR AMERICA

Following the release of the International Trade Commission’s report on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, industry leaders touted the positive economic impact the agreement will have

 

The Advanced Medical Technology Association Executive Vice President Ralph Ives: “AdvaMed welcomes the ITC report demonstrating the USMCA’s substantially positive impact on the U.S. economy compared to NAFTA.”

American Automotive Policy Council President Former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt: “AAPC and its member companies believe the Trump administration delivered a solid agreement that will maintain U.S. global competitiveness, especially in the automotive sector.  We urge Congress to pass the USMCA, which will bring much needed jobs, economic stimulation and certainty to the North American automotive sector.”

American Soybean Association President Davie Stephens: “We know that the modernizations included in USMCA will make trade with our North American neighbors even smoother.”

Association of Equipment Manufacturers President Dennis Slater: “This is a win for equipment manufacturers, the 1.3 million men and women of our industry, and the entire U.S. economy. This new report by the United States International Trade Commission shows that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) not only preserves duty-free market access to two of our most important trading partners, it also shows that we can create 176,000 American jobs and add more than $68 billion to the U.S. economy.”

Business Roundtable Trade and International Committee Chair Tom Linebarger: “Business Roundtable appreciates the work of the U.S. International Trade Commission, and its report on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement marks a key step under Trade Promotion Authority to advance Congressional consideration of implementing legislation. This comprehensive analysis shows that all broad industry sectors across the U.S. economy will benefit from USMCA.”

Farmers for Free Trade Co-Executive Director Brian Kuehl: “USMCA will guarantee that [American farmers’] most important export markets remain open for business and free from red tape.”

International Dairy Foods Association President and CEO Michael Dykes: “We believe the USMCA is a big win for the U.S. dairy industry and this report confirms that fact. The next step is for Congress to swiftly take up the agreement and vote to pass the USMCA.”

Internet Association Director of Trade Policy Jordan Haas: “The release of the USITC report is an important step in the congressional approval process of USMCA, which represents a new standard for digital trade agreements. This report underlines that the digital trade provisions in USMCA mean jobs and opportunities in every state.”

National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of International Economic Affairs Linda Dempsey: “The USMCA is a win for manufacturers. This agreement will level the playing field for manufacturers in the United States and support the 2 million American manufacturing jobs that depend on our exports to Canada and Mexico.”

National Association of Wheat Growers President Ben Scholz: “A vote for USMCA means more jobs for Americans, stronger export markets for farmers to sell their crop, and billions of dollars added to the economy.”

National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp: “In 2016 alone, American corn growers exported $3.2 billion in corn and corn co-products to Mexico and Canada. USMCA secures and builds upon this important partnership, which is why ratifying USMCA is so important for agriculture.”

National Pork Producers Council Vice President Nick Giordano: “NPPC supports ratification of USMCA, an agreement that preserves zero-tariff access to markets that represent more than 30 percent of total U.S. pork exports.”

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council President and CEO Karen Kerrigan: “America’s small businesses greatly benefit from trade with Canada and Mexico, and the USITC report shows enhanced value and growth for our economy and all industry sectors under USMCA. The biggest gains noted in the USITC report are for the service sector and manufacturing, which are dominated by small businesses. The findings clearly demonstrate the value of USMCA to workers, small businesses, entrepreneurs and our economy and is another reason why every member of Congress needs to get behind passage of this important agreement.”

United States Chamber of Commerce: “In the end, the facts about North American trade and the USMCA are staring us in the face: Millions of American jobs, trillions in trade, and benefits for every state in the union. These facts should guide lawmakers as they consider their vote.”

United States Dairy Export Council CEO Tom Vilsack: “Congress must pass USMCA to shore up our market in Mexico and harness the gains made in other areas through USMCA.”

Trade Works for America Co-Chairs Phil Cox and Former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp: “The ITC report is further proof that the USMCA is a win for the American worker, from almond growers in California to auto workers in Michigan.”

 

West Wing Reads Border Patrol Says Apprehensions in the Rio Grande Valley Have Already Surpassed All of 2018



West Wing Reads

Border Patrol Says Apprehensions in the Rio Grande Valley Have Already Surpassed All of 2018


“Less than seven months into the fiscal year, the number of undocumented immigrants who have been apprehended or turned themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley has already surpassed last year’s total,” Julian Aguilar reports for The Texas Tribune.

“The increase is the result of an ongoing surge of migrants, most of them from Central America, who are crossing the border to seek asylum. The 2019 total for the Rio Grande Valley includes 15,310 unaccompanied minors apprehended from October through March — compared to 23,760 during the entire 2018 fiscal year.”

Click here to read more.
“One of the proudest moments of my life was standing beside President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office to witness him sign the First Step Act, a historic criminal-justice reform bill that would make American communities safer, improve hundreds of thousands of lives and change the way we think about prisons,” Senior Advisor to the President Jared Kushner writes in TIME. “America’s democracy is the greatest governing system in the world. It was designed to be stubborn and slow, yet open to change when enough citizens agree on needed progress.”
“With House Democrats in full witch-hunt mode, President Trump is unquestionably right to dismiss them — that is, to cite executive privilege and other legitimate reasons to frustrate Rep. Jerry Nadler & Co.’s fishing expeditions,” the New York Post editorial board writes. “Nadler’s Judiciary Committee is looking to win points with the Democratic base by conducting endless re-investigations of everything covered by special counsel Bob Mueller’s extensive probe.”
“Speaking at the 2019 Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit at a downtown Atlanta hotel, the first lady said saving Americans from opioid addiction was an issue ‘close to all of our hearts,’” FOX 5 Atlanta reports. “I have seen firsthand the medical and personal results of this crisis,” Mrs. Trump said, highlighting her experiences touring medical facilities as part of her “Be Best” initiative. “Speaking about the damage the epidemic has inflicted on families, the first lady said she and the administration are committed to supporting additional treatment facilities that would help ‘both mothers and babies recover and replace the bond of addiction with the bond of love.’”

EXECUTIVE ORDER - TRANSFERRING RESPONSIBILITY FOR BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Press Secretary


EXECUTIVE ORDER

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TRANSFERRING RESPONSIBILITY FOR BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS
TO THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE


    By the power vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

    Section 1.  Findings and Purpose.  Section 925 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (10 U.S.C. 1564 note) provides that the Secretary of Defense has the authority to conduct security, suitability, and credentialing background investigations for Department of Defense personnel and requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, to provide for a phased transition to the Department of Defense of the conduct of such investigations conducted by the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB).  Implementing that legislative mandate while retaining the benefit of economies of scale in addressing the Federal Government's background investigations workload, avoiding unnecessary risk, promoting the ongoing alignment of efforts with respect to vetting Federal employees and contractors, and facilitating needed reforms in this critical area requires that the primary responsibility for conducting background investigations Government-wide be transferred from the Office of Personnel Management to the Department of Defense.

    Sec. 2.  Transfer or Delegation of Background Investigation Functions; Further Amendments to Executive Order 13467 of June 30, 2008, as amended.  (a)  The heading of section 2.6 of Executive Order 13467 of June 30, 2008, as amended, (Executive Order 13467) is revised to read as follows:  "Roles and Responsibilities of the Department of Defense, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Office of Management and Budget."

    (b)  Section 2.6(a) of Executive Order 13467 is further amended by inserting ", until such functions are transferred or delegated, as applicable, to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency" before the colon, by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (9) as paragraphs (i) through (ix), by striking the period at the end of newly designated paragraph (ix) and inserting in lieu thereof a semicolon, and by inserting, after newly designated paragraph (ix), an undesignated paragraph to read as follows:  "except that throughout the transition period ending on or before September 30, 2019, as described in sections 2.6(d)(vi) and 2.6(e)(viii) of this order, the National Background Investigations Bureau and its personnel may continue to perform background investigations for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency."

    (c)  Section 2.6(b) of Executive Order 13467 is revised by adding paragraphs (i) through (xi) to read as follows:

       "(i)     Pursuant to sections 113 and 191 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall rename the Defense Security Service (DSS) as the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).  Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense and as further described in subsections (b)(ii) through (b)(iv) of this section, the DCSA shall serve as the primary Federal entity for conducting background investigations for the Federal Government.  The DCSA shall, as a continuation of the former DSS, serve as the primary Department of Defense component for the National Industrial Security Program and shall execute responsibilities relating to continuous vetting, insider threat programs, and any other responsibilities assigned to it by the Secretary of Defense consistent with law.  The Secretary of Defense may rename the DCSA and reassign any of its responsibilities to another Department of Defense component or components, provided, however, that the Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Directors of National Intelligence, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Office of Management and Budget before renaming the DCSA or reassigning the responsibilities specified in section 2.6(b)(ii) and (iv) of this order to another Department of Defense component."

       "(ii)    Pursuant to and consistent with section 3001(c) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (50 U.S.C. 3341(c)), sections 925(a)(1) and (d)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (10 U.S.C. 1564 note), and in accordance with subsection (d) of this section, no later than June 24, 2019, the DCSA shall serve as the primary entity for conducting effective, efficient, and secure background investigations for the Federal Government for determining whether covered individuals are or continue to be eligible for access to classified information or eligible to hold a sensitive position."

       "(iii)   Pursuant to and consistent with sections 925(a)(1) and (d)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (10 U.S.C. 1564 note) and in accordance with subsection (d) of this section, no later than June 24, 2019, the DCSA shall serve as the primary entity for conducting effective, efficient, and secure background investigations for determining the suitability or, for employees in positions not subject to suitability, fitness for Department of Defense employment; fitness to perform work for or on behalf of the Department of Defense as a contractor; fitness to work as a nonappropriated fund employee, as defined in Executive Order 13488 of January 16, 2009, as amended; and authorization to be issued a Federal credential for logical and physical access to facilities or information systems controlled by the Department of Defense."

       "(iv)    Consistent with and following an explicit delegation from the Director of the Office of Personnel Management pursuant to section 1104 of title 5, United States Code, and consistent with subsection (e) of this section, no later than June 24, 2019, the DCSA shall serve as the primary entity for conducting effective, efficient, and secure background investigations for the Federal Government not described in subsections (b)(ii) and (b)(iii) of this section, for determining suitability or, for employees in positions not subject to suitability, fitness for Government employment; fitness to perform work for or on behalf of the Government as a contractor; fitness to work as a nonappropriated fund employee, as defined in Executive Order 13488 of January 16, 2009, as amended; and authorization to be issued a Federal credential for logical and physical access to federally controlled facilities or information systems."

       "(v)     The DCSA shall conduct other background investigations as authorized by law, designation, rule, regulation, or Executive Order."

       "(vi)    The DCSA shall provide information to the Council established by section 2.4 of this order regarding matters of performance, including timeliness and continuous improvement, capacity, information technology modernization, and other relevant aspects of its operations.  The DCSA shall be subject to the oversight of the Security Executive Agent, including implementation of Security Executive Agent policies, procedures, guidance, and instructions, in conducting investigations for eligibility to access classified information or to hold a sensitive position.  The DCSA, through the Secretary of Defense, also shall be subject to the oversight of the Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent, including implementation of Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent policies, procedures, guidance, and instructions, and applicable Office of Personnel Management regulations, in conducting investigations of suitability or fitness and eligibility for logical and physical access."

       "(vii)   The Secretary of Defense shall design, develop, deploy, operate, secure, defend, and continuously update and modernize, as necessary, information technology systems that support all personnel vetting processes conducted by the Department of Defense.  Design and operation of these information technology systems shall comply with applicable information technology standards and, to the extent practicable, ensure security and interoperability with other personnel vetting or related information technology systems.  The Secretary of Defense shall maintain and safeguard the information relevant to the granting, denial, or revocation of eligibility for access to classified information, or eligibility for a sensitive position, or relevant to suitability, fitness, or credentialing determinations pertaining to military, civilian, or Government contractor personnel.  The Secretary of Defense shall operate the database in the information technology systems containing appropriate data relevant to the granting, denial, or revocation of eligibility for access to classified information or eligibility for a sensitive position pertaining to military, civilian, or Government contractor personnel, see section 3341(e) of title 50, United States Code, consistent with, as applicable, an explicit delegation from the Director of the Office of Personnel Management pursuant to section 1104 of title 5, United States Code."

       "(viii)  The Secretary of Defense shall, by June 24, 2019, execute a written agreement with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management designating the appropriate support functions to be transferred as part of the investigative mission, consistent with section 925(d)(2)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (10 U.S.C. 1564 note), and setting forth expectations for the transition period, including for detailing personnel, funding background investigations, using and safeguarding information technology, managing facilities and property, contracting, administrative support, records access, and addressing any claims."

       "(ix)    The Secretary of Defense shall, upon finalization of the agreement described in paragraph (viii) of this subsection and in accordance with its terms:

           (A)  establish the Personnel Vetting Transformation Office within the Department of Defense, which will include personnel from the Department of Defense and other stakeholder agencies, as appropriate; and

           (B)  commence efforts to receive transferred or delegated functions and, as appropriate, associated Office of Personnel Management operations, resources, and personnel, to the DCSA."

        "(x)     The Secretary of Defense shall:

           (A)  no later than June 24, 2019, and every 180 days thereafter until the transfer is complete, provide a report to the President, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management and through the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, regarding the status of the transfer, including any resource or funding shortfall and gaps in authority;

           (B)  take necessary actions to enable the Department of Defense to receive any resources, including personnel, made available as a result of subsection (d) of this section; and

           (C)  notify the President upon completion of the transition period."

    "(xi)    In the event the agreement described in paragraph (viii) of this subsection and section 2.6(e)(v) of this order is not executed by June 24, 2019, beginning on such date, the Secretary of Defense shall begin to take necessary actions to begin execution of paragraph (ix) until the agreement described in paragraph (viii) of this subsection is executed, at which time the Secretary of Defense shall ensure actions subject to such agreement under paragraph (ix) of this subsection are executed in accordance with its terms."

 (d)  Section 2.6(c) of Executive Order 13467 is revised to read as follows:

    "(c)  Existing delegations of authority to conduct background investigations made by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, as the Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent or as otherwise authorized by statute or Executive Order, to any agency relating to suitability, fitness, or credentialing determinations, existing designations made by the Director of National Intelligence, as the Security Executive Agent or as otherwise authorized by statute or Executive Order, relating to investigating persons who are proposed for access to classified information or for eligibility to hold a sensitive position, or existing delegations of authority to conduct background investigations made by the President to any other agency through any Executive Order shall remain in effect.  Nothing in this order shall be construed to limit the authority of any agency to conduct its own background investigations when specifically authorized or directed to do so by statute or any preexisting delegation from the President."

 (e)  New sections 2.6(d), 2.6(e), and 2.6(f) are added to Executive Order 13467 to read as follows:

    "(d)  Consistent with section 3503 of title 5, United States Code, subchapter I of chapter 83 of title 10, United States Code, and section 925(d)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (10 U.S.C. 1564 note), the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Security Executive Agent, shall, consistent with applicable law, provide for the transfer of the functions described in sections 2.6(b)(ii) and (iii) of this order from the Office of Personnel Management's NBIB to DCSA, and any appropriate Office of Personnel Management-associated personnel and resources, including infrastructure and the investigation-related support functions.  The transfer shall commence no later than June 24, 2019, and shall:

       (i)    be executed with the assistance of the Personnel Vetting Transformation Office established pursuant to paragraph (b)(ix) of this section, which shall, in providing such assistance, consider input from other stakeholder agencies, as appropriate;

       (ii)   be conducted in accordance with a risk management approach that is consistent with Office of Management and Budget Circular A-123;

       (iii)  include any appropriate funds that the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, with the concurrence of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, determine to be available and necessary to finance and discharge the functions transferred;

       (iv)   be consistent with the transition from legacy information technology as required by subsection (b)(vii) of this section;

       (v)    build upon the implementation plan developed pursuant to section 951(a)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328), which is being implemented pursuant to section 925 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (10 U.S.C. 1564 note); and

       (vi)   permit NBIB to conduct background investigations for DCSA, as necessary, until September 30, 2019."

    "(e)  The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall:

       (i)     no later than June 24, 2019, take any steps necessary to make effective the delegation, pursuant to section 1104(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, of the functions described in subsection (b)(iv) of this section;

       (ii)    promptly establish appropriate performance standards and oversight as required by section 1104(b) of title 5, United States Code;

       (iii)   work in coordination with the Secretary of Defense to reassign appropriate resources, including personnel, to the DCSA and provide all necessary and appropriate support to the DCSA in a timely manner to enable it to fulfill its responsibilities under this order;

       (iv)    no later than June 24, 2019, provide the Secretary of Defense with a complete inventory of NBIB personnel, resources, and assets, and other Office of Personnel Management personnel and resources that primarily support NBIB;

       (v)     no later than June 24, 2019, execute a written agreement with the Secretary of Defense designating the appropriate support functions to be transferred as part of the investigative mission, consistent with section 925(d)(2)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (10 U.S.C. 1564 note), as described in section 2.6(b)(viii) of this order;

       (vi)    immediately upon the finalization of the agreement described in paragraph (v) of this subsection and section 2.6(b)(viii) of this order, commence efforts to transition transferred or delegated functions and, as appropriate, associated Office of Personnel Management authorities, operations, resources, and personnel, to the DCSA;

       (vii)   during the transition period, coordinate with the Department of Defense regarding any decisions concerning NBIB's personnel structure, finances, contracts, or organization to the extent provided in the written agreement described by paragraph (b)(viii) of this section;

       (viii)  no later than September 30, 2019, complete the transfer of all designated administrative and operational functions to the Department of Defense and revoke any applicable delegation or designation to NBIB of investigative or other authority; and

       (ix)    in the event the agreement described in paragraph (v) of this subsection and section 2.6(b)(viii) of this order is not executed by June 24, 2019, beginning on such date, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall begin to take necessary actions to begin execution of paragraphs (iii) through (viii) of this subsection until the agreement described in paragraph (v) of this subsection and section 2.6(b)(viii) of this order is executed, at which time the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall ensure actions subject to such agreement under paragraphs (iii) through (viii) of this subsection are executed in accordance with its terms."

    "(f)  The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall:

       (i)  facilitate an effective transfer of functions, including personnel and resources;

       (ii)  support the Department of Defense's efforts to establish a single, centralized funding capability for its background investigations, as required by section 925(e)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (10 U.S.C. 1564 note);

       (iii)  mediate any disagreements between the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management that may arise during or outside of the transition period and facilitate resolution of the conflicting positions; and

       (iv)  develop, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, an appropriate funding plan for the activities undertaken pursuant to this order."

    (f)  Sections 2.4(b) and 2.5(e)(vi) of Executive Order 13467 are further amended by striking "National Background Investigations Bureau" each place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency."

    Sec. 3.  Amendment to Executive Order 12171 of November 18, 1979, as amended.

    (a)  Determinations.  Pursuant to section 7103(b)(1) of title 5, United States Code, the DCSA, previously known as the DSS, is hereby determined to have as a primary function intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.  It is further determined that chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code, cannot be applied to the DCSA in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations.

    (b)  Exclusion.  Executive Order 12171 of November 18, 1979, as amended, is further amended by revising section 1-208 to read as follows:  "1-208.  The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, Department of Defense."

    Sec. 4.  Conforming References to the Defense Security Service and the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.  Any reference to the Defense Security Service or NBIB in any Executive Order or other Presidential document that is in effect on the day before the date of this order shall be deemed or construed to be a reference to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency or any other entity that the Secretary of Defense names, consistent with section 2(b)(i) of Executive Order 13467, and agencies whose regulations, rules, or other documents reference the Defense Security Service or NBIB shall revise any such respective regulations, rules, or other documents as soon as practicable to update them for consistency with this order.

    Sec. 5.  Review of Vetting Policies.  No later than July 24, 2019, the Council Principals identified in section 2.4(b) of Executive Order 13467 shall review the laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and guidance relating to the Federal Government's vetting of Federal employees and contractors and shall submit to the President, through the Chair of the Council, a report recommending any appropriate legislative, regulatory, or policy changes, including any such changes to civil service regulations or policies, Executive Order 13467 or Executive Order 13488.

    Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

        (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

        (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.


 

                        DONALD J. TRUMP



 

THE WHITE HOUSE,
    April 24, 2019.

 

1600 Daily The White House • April 24, 2019 President Trump and First Lady Join Leaders in America’s war on Drug Abuse


1600 Daily
The White House • April 24, 2019

President Trump and First Lady join leaders in America’s war on drug abuse 


This afternoon, President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump addressed the Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. The annual event brings together practitioners and stakeholders from the front lines of the war on drug abuse.

Past Presidents have attended the summit, but today President Trump was able to share evidence of real progress from his Administration’s fight to end the opioid epidemic. 
 
The Trump Administration has unveiled numerous programs across the Government since President Trump launched his Initiative to Stop Opioid Abuse last year. Those efforts include securing $6 billion in funding, increasing law enforcement efforts through the Department of Justice, and signing the bipartisan SUPPORT Act into law.

Another crucial part of the President’s plan is to cut off the flow of illicit drugs before they flood into our communities. The Department of Homeland Security recently seized 1.2 billion lethal doses of fentanyl over a single 12-month period—enough of the deadly drug to kill every American four times over. President Trump’s efforts to secure our border and crack down on illegal distributors are drying up this lucrative drug supply.

The death toll from this “crisis next door" is nothing short of a national tragedy, but there are signs of progress from the Administration’s massive push. In the President’s first year in office, 68 percent fewer Americans over the age of 26 began using heroin than in the previous year. Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizures of fentanyl alone are up 265 percent over the last two full fiscal years.

We will not solve this epidemic overnight,” the President told leaders in the fight against drug abuse today in Atlanta. But “we will never stop until our job is done.”

Join other Americans and share your story from the crisis next door.

Watch: First Lady says we will replace the bond of addiction with the bond of love

The American car industry is back. Let’s keep it that way.


This afternoon, Vice President Mike Pence traveled to the Ford Motor Company’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Detroit, Michigan. It’s the same factory town that has produced some of the most iconic Ford automobile lines in American history, from the Model A and Mustang to the newer F-150.

Today, the plant is home to some 7,500 employees—each one of them using innovative techniques to help develop America’s next generation of cars.

“The automotive industry is the backbone of American manufacturing today,” Vice President Pence told workers. “The [United States–Mexico–Canada trade agreement] will finally give workers the level playing field and be able to compete and win on a global stage as never before.” The USMCA, which President Trump negotiated late last year, will replace NAFTA once it is approved by Congress.  

Vice President Pence: New trade agreement puts auto industry first

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead
President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks at the Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta, GA | April 24, 2019