President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint Individuals to Key Administration Posts

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2019 President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint Individuals to Key Administration Posts   Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key position in his Administration: Stephen Hahn of Texas, to be the Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Stephen Hahn has been Chief Medical Executive at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, TX, since May 2018 and Gilbert H. Fletcher Memorial Distinguished Chair and Professor of Radiation Oncology at MDACC since January 2015. MDACC is a research-driven patient care organization that has approximately 21,000 employees with an annual revenue of $5 billion and the largest number of clinical trials in the United States. As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Hahn specializes in treating lung cancer and sarcoma. He has authored 220 peer-reviewed original research articles. From 1996-2014, Dr. Hahn was at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was Henry K. Pancoast Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology from 2005-2014. Dr. Hahn was a senior investigator at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) from 1989-1996. Dr. Hahn received his medical degree from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, in 1984 and his B.A. in Biology from Rice University, Houston, TX, in 1980. He completed his residency in radiation oncology at NCI, his fellowship in medical oncology at NCI, and his residency in internal medicine at the University of California, San Francisco Hospitals. He is board-certified in both medical oncology and radiation oncology.   ---   Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key positions in his Administration: Catherine Ann Stevens of Alaska, to be a Member of the Dwight Eisenhower Memorial Commission. Stuart Chikami of Nevada, to be a Member of the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Lee Greenwood of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The following individuals to be Members of the Board of Visitors to the United States Coast Guard Academy: Stephen Flynn of Connecticut Erica Schwartz of Florida Michael Bruno of Hawaii Stacey A. Dixon of the District of Columbia Daniel P. Walsh of New Jersey

2020-2021 White House Fellowship

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2019

2020-2021 White House Fellowship The application for the 2020-2021 White House Fellowship is now open. Today, Robert M. Duncan, Chairman of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships, announced the opening of the application season for the 2020-2021 White House Fellowship year: “This uniquely non-partisan program has a distinguished legacy that reaches back more than half a century, and we hope that Americans with a passion for leadership and public service will take a look at the website, examine the criteria, and consider applying – or urge others to consider applying.”  Founded in 1964, the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships is the Nation’s premiere program for leadership and public service.  The White House Fellowship offers exceptional Americans first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the Federal Government on a strictly non-partisan basis.  Selected individuals spend a year in Washington, D.C., working as a full-time, paid government employees aiding Cabinet Secretaries, senior White House staff, and other top-ranking government officials.  The program has fostered a remarkable legacy of leadership.  Of the more than 800 alumni in the last half-century, scores have gone on to top positions in the military, in business, in education, in the media, and in philanthropy.  Alumni currently serving in the Administration include Secretary of Transportation, Elaine L. Chao and Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, Samuel D. Brownback.  The 2020-2021 White House Fellowship program year will begin in August 2020 and conclude in August 2021.  All applicants must be a United States Citizen and have completed their undergraduate education.  Federal Government employees are not eligible, with the exception of active duty military personnel.  Selection criteria include: A record of remarkable early-career professional achievement.  Evidence of leadership skills and the potential for further growth.  A demonstrated commitment to public service.  The skills to succeed at the highest levels of the Federal Government and the ability work effectively as part of a team.  Interested individuals may apply at: https://fellows.whitehouse.gov/.  The application is available beginning November 1, 2019, and will remain open until January 8, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. EST.  Any applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.  For more information, including details about the Fellowships, its history, and the selection process, please visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/fellows/.  Any questions regarding the White House Fellows program can be directed to whitehousefellows@who.eop.gov.

Presidential Message on National Diabetes Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2019

Presidential Message on National Diabetes Month, 2019 National Diabetes Month is an opportunity to highlight the tremendous progress our Nation has made in treating diabetes, while raising awareness about the lifestyle habits that can help prevent Americans from developing the most common form of this condition—type 2 diabetes. Over the past two decades, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has doubled, with more than 30 million men and women in the United States living with the disease.  Even more alarming is that 1 in 4 Americans with diabetes are unaware they have this debilitating condition, placing their health in grave peril.  Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in America, and we must ensure that we are taking the steps necessary to mitigate the likelihood of being diagnosed with this disease.  Currently, 84 million adults are considered prediabetic, a condition in which blood sugar levels are elevated without rising to the level of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.  Regular exercise, healthy diets filled with lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables, and an active lifestyle can greatly reduce the chance of developing prediabetes or worse, diabetes. With no cure currently available, medical costs can quickly add up for those who need treatment.  That is why my Administration is committed to ensuring our healthcare system does not saddle Americans with hidden or unforeseen costs when receiving treatment.  Earlier this year, I issued an Executive Order on Improving Price and Quality Transparency in American Healthcare to Put Patients First, delivering on my promises to bring transparency to our healthcare system and to foster competition with the goal of driving down costs.  By working to tackle surprise medical billing, expedite approvals of both generic and innovator drugs, and make healthcare and drug pricing more transparent, we are ensuring that patients and their families can focus on their health, not on unexpected or unjustified charges. This National Diabetes Month, Melania joins me in affirming our support for those living with diabetes.  As a Nation, we resolve to work towards a healthier lifestyle that helps those struggling with type 2 diabetes manage the symptoms and helps those at risk of developing the disease reduce the likelihood of receiving a diagnosis.  Together, we can improve the overall well-being of America and live fuller, healthier, and happier lives. ###

Presidential Message on National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2019 Presidential Message on National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, 2019 Throughout the month of November, we come together as one country to acknowledge the challenges faced by Americans struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, while also pledging our support for the compassionate individuals who care for the men and women living with this devastating condition.  As we solemnly remember the family and friends we have lost to this deadly disease, we vow never to relent in our determination to find a cure. As the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, Alzheimer’s disease not only affects the ability to recount precious memories but also disrupts the capacity to perform tasks essential to a full, independent life.  The friends and family of the more than 5 million Americans living with this abominable disease dedicate countless hours and financial resources to enhancing the quality of life of their loved ones. As a Nation, we must—and we will—do more to give patients and their families hope when it comes to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.  That is why I signed into law the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act in December of 2018.  This critical, bipartisan legislation will help to enhance Alzheimer’s-focused public health infrastructure, improve disease-related information-sharing, and raise awareness about the disease. Additionally, the BOLD Act authorizes activities that will build on the progress made by cutting-edge physicians and scientists to increase early detection and diagnosis, reduce health disparities, support and enhance care plans, and ultimately help us find a cure. As we observe National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we take this time to remind those struggling just how much we love and cherish them, and we honor the caregivers, doctors, nurses, behavioral therapists, and other health professionals who aid and comfort these individuals and their families.  Together, we will continue to pursue new research in search of a breakthrough that will alleviate the suffering of the millions of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Presidential Proclamation on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AND RESILIENCE MONTH, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION        Our Nation's infrastructure is critical to supporting our economy, national security, and way of life.  We live in an increasingly interconnected world, where our infrastructure networks -- from power grids to communication platforms -- take on an added degree of importance in the day-to-day lives of every American.  During Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, we recognize that securing and enhancing the resilience of our infrastructure plays an important role in keeping our Nation safe and fueling our economy.  That is why my Administration is persistently investing in resilient infrastructure systems and networks that alleviate risks, thwart attacks, and minimize disruptions to the productivity and well‑being of our citizens.      When our infrastructure is threatened, our physical and economic security comes under duress as the systems that provide us with essentials like food, clean water, electricity, healthcare, and communication are placed in jeopardy.  America's infrastructure relies on an interdependent environment in which cyber and physical systems converge.  A disruption in one area can quickly impact multiple infrastructure sectors to create disruptions across communities, States, and the Nation.  The threats we face today -- human-made, technological, and natural -- are more complex and more diverse than at any point in our history.  Determined international adversaries and malign actors continue to target America's infrastructure networks, and severe weather and natural disasters present frequent hazards.      In response to these threats, my Administration has remained committed to strategic investments to secure and enhance the resilience of our infrastructure.  In March, I issued an Executive Order on Coordinating National Resilience to Electromagnetic Pulses, and my Administration released the National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan.  Together, these measures enable us to anticipate and adapt to the risks posed by electromagnetic threats while seeking to identify the fundamental infrastructure systems, assets, and networks that protect the American people, the homeland, and the American way of life.  These measures also help us promote American prosperity, preserve peace through strength, and advance American influence.  To guarantee our status as the world leader in securing infrastructure and making it more resilient to disruption, I signed legislation in 2018 creating the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Department of Homeland Security. Along with other partners across governments and private industry, CISA is leading the Federal effort to strengthen our Nation's critical cyber and physical infrastructure and bolster America's ability to construct secure, resilient infrastructure systems for the future.      It is also imperative that foreign strategic competitors do not gain access to our critical supply chain.  To fully protect our critical infrastructure, we must secure the process of delivering products, supplies, and materials from supplier to the manufacturer to the customer.  We cannot allow our Nation's supply chain to be built and maintained with components from foreign adversaries that may weaken our ability to provide the functions and services upon which Americans depend each day.  In May, I issued an Executive Order on Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain to address concerns about foreign adversaries creating and exploiting vulnerabilities in our information technology and communications networks.  These networks are critical to the effective operations of our government and businesses.  I encourage owners and operators of those networks to take heightened measures to protect every aspect of their organizations' security and resiliency by maintaining business continuity and emergency management plans, protecting against cyberattacks and insider threats, and reducing vulnerabilities due to natural disasters.  Working together, public and private owners and operators of critical infrastructure must continue to take actions to mitigate these threats.      Critical infrastructure owners and operators, local and State governments, and the Federal Government all have critical roles in reducing the risks to our Nation's critical infrastructure.  Owners and operators ensure that critical infrastructure is properly run and maintained, while local governments certify that critical infrastructure is sited properly and built to the latest codes and standards.  As the States provide oversight for operations, the Federal Government, in turn, must provide support for all of these needs.      While Federal, State, and local governments are doing everything within their power to protect our infrastructure, today's threats also require cooperation from partners in the private sector to ensure maximum security and enhance our resilience.  Every American has a role to play in this endeavor, whether it is through investing in technologies to make our systems more resilient, making and exercising preparedness plans, or simply remaining alert and raising concerns to potential threats.  This month, we reaffirm our commitment to developing new strategies to address the ever-present and increasingly complex threats facing our Nation's infrastructure, and we pay tribute to the men and women who work diligently to safeguard the United States from any threat.      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 Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of protecting our Nation's infrastructure and to observe this month with appropriate measures to enhance our national security and resilience.      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

Presidential Proclamation on National Veterans and Military Families Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 NATIONAL VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES MONTH, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION        The United States is a beacon of hope, freedom, and opportunity to people around the world.  The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who fight to defend our liberty embody courage, patriotism, and loyalty.  These patriots safeguard the values that keep our great Nation strong.  During National Veterans and Military Families Month, we honor and express our deep appreciation for these brave men and women and their families.      Throughout our Nation's history, our military men and women have boldly answered the call of duty to defend our Nation's independence and precious liberties, risking life and limb for their fellow Americans.  At the inception of our Republic, General George Washington and his men struggled to keep the spark of faith and hope alive through the scourge of disease and the brutal winter months at Valley Forge.  One hundred and forty years later during World War I, American service members shed blood in the trenches of Western Europe, leaving a legacy of heroism and courage under fire at places like Belleau Wood and the River Somme.  Earlier this year, we commemorated the 75th anniversary of D-Day, when thousands of American heroes charged through a hail of machine gun fire and left their gallant mark on the pages of history.  The courage of our men and women who served and fought during that war freed the world from the shroud of tyranny and ended the oppression of millions across the globe.  In the decades since World War II, Americans have remained at the vanguard in defending freedom around the world, and our service members, veterans, and their families continue to spearhead this noble undertaking.      America's military men and women and their families are vital to the security and prosperity of our Nation.  We have a responsibility to protect and serve those who have made countless sacrifices for love of country.  As President Lincoln once said:  "Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause.  Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as best he can, the same cause."  We also recognize the integral role our more than 2.6 million military family members play in supporting our Armed Forces and contributing to their mission.  While our military men and women are serving at home or overseas, it is our duty to provide their families with the resources they need to thrive in our communities.  Accordingly, under my Administration, the Department of Defense has created programs for military families that support access to quality childcare and spousal employment and promote occupational licensure reciprocity between States.      We also recognize that our obligation to our military men and women does not end after their time in uniform.  We are a Nation that leaves no American behind, and that includes our veterans and their family members.  For this reason, I was pleased to sign into law the VA MISSION Act of 2018, which helps provide all veterans with access to trusted, high-quality healthcare.  I have also made it a top priority of my Administration to address the tragedy of veteran suicide, establishing the President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS).  The PREVENTS initiative will encourage a better understanding of veteran suicide and work across all levels of government and the private sector to implement strategies that will strengthen support networks for veterans and their families.      My Administration remains committed to providing our veterans and their families with the financial resources they have rightfully earned.  Last year, we secured $201.1 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) -- the most in the history of the VA -- including $8.6 billion to support mental health services for veterans.  Additionally, I recently directed the Department of Education to discharge some types of Federal student loans owed by totally and permanently disabled veterans.  This unprecedented action lessens the financial burden for our seriously wounded warriors who have sacrificed so much for our country, and it underscores the appreciation and undying loyalty of the American people.      Each warrior who fights for our Nation, along with their families, has earned our eternal gratitude, and I ask that all Americans thank and support them.  Together, we remain committed to fostering a national community of support for these brave heroes and their families.      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 Veterans and Military Families Month.  I encourage all communities, all sectors of society, and all Americans to acknowledge and honor the service, sacrifices, and contributions of veterans and military families for what they have done and for what they do every day to support our great Nation.      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

Presidential Proclamation on National Entrepreneurship Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP MONTH, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION     Throughout our American story, the trailblazers who have been willing to take great risks and chart new frontiers have changed the landscape of business, science, and technology, often setting the global pace for productivity and prosperity.  Their relentless pursuit of success has launched new industries, created millions of jobs, and fueled an economy that is the envy of the world.  During National Entrepreneurship Month, we recognize the men and women who have turned their passion into innovation, and we pledge to continue fostering economic freedom so the next generation of transformational entrepreneurs is able to unlock their full potential.     Our Nation is home to the greatest entrepreneurs in the world because we provide an environment in which they can thrive.  American entrepreneurs have access to an unmatched research and development infrastructure that includes 8 of the world's 10 most innovative universities.  Additionally, our Nation's highly developed private capital markets and other alternative investment models provide our entrepreneurs with access to necessary funding to develop and commercialize their revolutionary ideas.  We have a strong intellectual property rights system, and my Administration has aggressively responded to the theft of American intellectual property in order to protect our entrepreneurs' most valuable assets -- their ideas and innovation.     To help entrepreneurs succeed, my Administration continues to reduce unnecessary regulations, bolstering investment and improving global competitiveness for small business owners.  We have cut 8.5 regulatory actions for every significant regulatory action added, setting up our country's bold risk takers for success rather than hindering their undertakings with burdensome red tape.  These efforts have helped create ripe conditions for entrepreneurs to flourish, encouraging business expansion and increasing hiring for startups.     The United States economy and the American people are also continuing to reap the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that I signed into law during my first year in office.  Entrepreneurs are one of the biggest beneficiaries of this landmark legislation, which delivered much-needed tax relief for small businesses.  Certain pass-through businesses are now able to deduct 20 percent of their qualified business income and business owners can fully deduct the cost of new capital investments, endowing start-ups and small businesses with a greater percentage of their hard-earned revenue for further investment.  Additionally, this historic tax reform legislation includes a key provision that creates Opportunity Zones, helping to facilitate the necessary funding for entrepreneurs to start new businesses and create jobs in economically depressed communities.  The Opportunity Zone tax incentive will unlock resources for entrepreneurs to substantially grow and scale their businesses at unprecedented rates while simultaneously reinvigorating struggling communities.     The results of my Administration's tax reform and focused deregulation have been tremendous.  Since my election, the American economy has added more than 6.4 million jobs, and last month the unemployment rate dropped to a half-century low.  We remain committed to extending economic opportunities further and ensuring that the economic boom currently taking place across our country provides opportunities for all Americans.     The qualities needed to start and grow new businesses -- industriousness, courage, determination, hard work, and a penchant for innovation -- are those which continue to define the American spirit and push humankind to new levels of discovery and success.  This month, we recognize the countless American entrepreneurs who embody these values and continue to redefine the limits of what is possible.  Together, we celebrate their drive and boundless tenacity, and we reaffirm our support for them as they continue to shape and strengthen 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 Entrepreneurship Month.  I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities and to celebrate November 19, 2019, as National Entrepreneurs' Day.     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

Presidential Proclamation on National Native American Heritage Month, 2019

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

NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION       American Indians and Alaska Natives continue to make immeasurable contributions to our Nation.  We honor the sacrifices many tribal citizens have made in defense of our great Nation.  We also recognize that our culture is more vibrant because of the special government-to-government relationship between the United States and Indian tribes.  During National Native American Heritage Month, we reaffirm our commitment to work with tribal communities to address serious issues affecting them and to help protect their rich and diverse heritage.     Few acts of service better embody the intrepid spirit of our country than the willingness to answer the call of duty and defend our Nation's precious liberties.  American Indians and Alaska Natives have done so at one of the highest rates of any ethnic group in the United States, serving admirably in every branch of our military.  Their legacy of service spans the history of our Nation, and includes the Indian Home Guard during the Civil War and the Code Talkers during World War II.  Today, 31,000 courageous men and women from American Indian and Alaska Native communities serve on active duty in our Armed Forces.     My Administration is committed to advancing shared priorities with tribal governments and leaders to address their most pressing challenges, including the devastating threat posed by drugs.  In 2018, the Department of Interior's Opioid Reduction Task Force seized more than 3,200 pounds of illegal narcotics with an estimated value of approximately $9 million.  In addition to our efforts to address the drug crisis, we are focused on healthcare access, delivery, and safety.  In March 2019, my Administration created a task force charged with developing recommendations to protect Native American children receiving care at Indian Health Service clinics, and we look forward to continuing these efforts.     Additionally, my Administration began a series of public safety listening sessions with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal leaders and communities.  These sessions, which are called Reclaiming our Native Communities, are focused on strategies to address the trend of violence and illicit activity affecting these populations and have addressed the problem of missing and murdered indigenous women.  So far, these sessions have been held in Sacaton, Arizona; Nome and Bethel, Alaska; and Rapid City, South Dakota.  Through collaboration with Federal, State, local, and tribal partners, we will continue working to address these and other issues that American Indian and Alaska Native communities face today.     My Administration has also played a role in helping to preserve the proud heritage of American Indians and Alaska Natives.  In October, my Administration was pleased to secure the commitment of President Sauli Niinisto of Finland to facilitate the historic return of ancestral remains and artifacts to an assembly of 26 pueblos and tribes in the Mesa Verde region.  More than 600 items of cultural patrimony will be returned to this region, which includes areas of Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.     During National Native American Heritage Month, we affirm our commitment to working toward a society that fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity of culture and history of the 573 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native nations in our country.  This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our 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 Native American Heritage Month.  I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities and to celebrate November 29, 2019, as Native American Heritage Day.      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

Presidential Proclamation on National Adoption Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2019 NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION        Every child is precious and deserves a loving family of his or her own.  During National Adoption Month, we honor the adoptive parents who provide homes -- and the invaluable gifts of hope, love, and stability -- to thousands of infants, children, and youth.  We also recognize the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to sustain their families through compassion and hard work.      The families who provide forever homes to children and youth in the foster care system should be recognized for their loving adoptions.  While preliminary data show a fortunate decline in the foster care population over the past year, foster care numbers are still too high.  In Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 alone, nearly 690,000 children and youth were served by the foster care system.  While there were more than 63,000 adoptions from the foster care system in FY 2018, thousands of children and youth are still waiting to find permanent, loving families.  The need is urgent.  We must improve efforts to recruit new adoptive families while faithfully supporting, equipping, and encouraging those families who have already taken one of our Nation's young people into their home to love and care for.      This month, we also reaffirm our commitment to our Nation's most vulnerable and valuable resource -- our children, especially those at greatest risk of neglect.  Thousands of older youth in the foster care system desperately need the ongoing guidance and support of a nurturing family.  Too many of our youth transition to the next stage of their lives without stable family connections or positive role models to help them navigate the challenges of adulthood.  Additionally, children with disabilities and those with siblings typically wait longer for permanent placement in a home.  These children need a family who will provide a foundation of acceptance, mentorship, and unconditional love that will motivate and help them to reach their full potential in life.      The health and well-being of all young people is a top priority in my Administration, and a strong family bond is one of life's greatest joys and richest blessings.  That is why we will continue to champion adoption as a profound way to transform lives, strengthen families, and ignite hope across America.  In addition, we will protect our country's long and vital tradition of faith-based agencies helping children find their forever homes.  We are committed to ensuring that faith-based agencies are able to unite children with families while following their deeply held religious beliefs.      During this annual observance of National Adoption Month, we acknowledge that every child -- born and unborn -- is uniquely gifted by their Creator and endowed with both potential and immeasurable value.  We recognize the loving and devoted individuals who are part of God's plan for every child by taking on the role of a parent through adoption.  We also celebrate the beautiful families created through the generous act of adoption, and we hold all the children and youth still waiting for their forever families close in our hearts and lift them up in our prayers.      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 Adoption Month.  I encourage all Americans to observe this month by helping children and youth in need of a permanent home secure a more promising future with a forever family and enter adulthood with the love and connections we all need.      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

Executive Order on Improving Federal Contractor Operations by Revoking Executive Order 13495

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

EXECUTIVE ORDER - - - - - - - IMPROVING FEDERAL CONTRACTOR OPERATIONS BY REVOKING EXECUTIVE ORDER 13495        By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, 40 U.S.C. 101 et seq., and in order to promote economy and efficiency in Federal Government procurement, it is hereby ordered as follows:      Section 1.  Revocation of Prior Order.  Executive Order 13495 of January 30, 2009 (Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts), which requires that successor Federal contractors in certain circumstances offer a right of first refusal of employment to employees employed under the predecessor contract, is hereby revoked.      Sec. 2.  Agency Implementation.  The Secretary of Labor (Secretary), the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, and heads of executive departments and agencies shall, consistent with law, promptly move to rescind any orders, rules, regulations, guidelines, programs, or policies implementing or enforcing Executive Order 13495.      Sec. 3.  Enforcement.  The Secretary shall terminate, effective immediately, any investigations or compliance actions based on Executive Order 13495.      Sec. 4.  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, 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,     October 31, 2019.