1600 Daily The White House • November 27, 2019 Watch: Vice President Pence delivers a Thanksgiving message to our troops

The White House • November 27, 2019

Watch: Vice President Pence delivers a Thanksgiving message to our troops Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence made a surprise trip overseas this past weekend, visiting brave American soldiers who are stationed in Iraq over this Thanksgiving holiday. “The President wanted us to be here at the start of this holiday week to make sure you all know how thankful we are and every American is for your courageous service here in Iraq,” the Vice President told service members at Al Asad Air Base. During the holiday season, we are reminded again of the sacrifice our military men and women make—especially those who serve far away from their families back home. As the Vice President and Second Lady visited two air bases over the weekend, they offered appreciation on behalf of a grateful nation and handed out Thanksgiving meals. “In gatherings large and small all across the country, I know there’ll be a place saved at Thanksgiving tables for each and every one of you,” the Vice President said. “But I also know that millions of Americans—when they pause to reflect on what they’re thankful for—they’re going to breathe a prayer of thanksgiving for each and every one of you and all of the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States deployed around the world. I promise you that.”  Watch: Vice President and Second Lady serve a Thanksgiving meal to our troops Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks President Donald J. Trump, joined by First Lady Melania Trump, delivers remarks during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning Ceremony in the Rose Garden. “On behalf of the entire Trump family, I wish each and every one of you a very happy Thanksgiving.” | November 26, 2019

Statement from the President on S. 1838 and S. 2710

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2019 Statement from the President on S. 1838 and S. 2710 I signed these bills out of respect for President Xi, China, and the people of Hong Kong.  They are being enacted in the hope that Leaders and Representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences leading to long term peace and prosperity for all.

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2019 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT        Today, I have signed into law S. 1838, the "Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019" (the "Act").  The Act reaffirms and amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, specifies United States policy towards Hong Kong, and directs assessment of the political developments in Hong Kong.  Certain provisions of the Act would interfere with the exercise of the President's constitutional authority to state the foreign policy of the United States.  My Administration will treat each of the provisions of the Act consistently with the President's constitutional authorities with respect to foreign relations.                         DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,     November 27, 2019.

Bill Announcement

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2019

On Tuesday, November 26, 2019, the President signed into law: H.R. 1123, the "Divisional Realignment for the Eastern District of Arkansas Act of 2019 Act," which consolidates the five existing divisions in the Eastern Judicial District of Arkansas into three divisions.

Presidential Proclamation on National Impaired Driving and Prevention Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2019 NATIONAL IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH, 2019   - - - - - - -   BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA   A PROCLAMATION      Every day, lives are shattered and lost on our Nation's roadways as a result of alcohol, drugs, and distracted driving.  The statistics are alarming:  In 2018, impaired driving took more than 10,000 lives in the United States -- almost 30 of our fellow Americans each day.  During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to preventing tragedies from impaired driving by making the responsible decision to drive sober.  We also remember the victims of impaired driving, pray for the grieving families of those whose lives have been taken, and honor the law enforcement professionals who work to keep our roads safe.      Irresponsible and impulsive choices that interfere with the ability to drive can irrevocably destroy hopes, dreams, and families.  The influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, and some over-the-counter and prescription medications diminishes judgment, negatively impacts motor coordination, and decreases reaction time necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle.  Innocent drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians are endangered when impaired individuals get behind the wheel.  We can and must prevent this senseless loss of life and property.      My Administration will continue to raise awareness nationwide of the importance of personal responsibility and the dangers of driving while impaired by alcohol or other drugs, including marijuana, opioids, and certain medications.  Since the first day of my Administration, addressing substance use disorder and helping the millions of Americans affected by addiction find pathways to recovery have been high priorities.  We support health professionals treating Americans struggling with substance use disorder and faith-based and non-profit organizations that address this critical issue through outreach and support of individuals seeking recovery.  By eliminating unnecessary and burdensome regulations, we are supporting the creation of innovative technologies that help to reduce impaired driving on our roads, such as ride-sharing services and Advanced Vehicle Technology.  Additionally, we are improving data collection and toxicology practices and continuing to provide vital resources to our Nation's law enforcement officers and public safety professionals, bolstering their efforts to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by impaired driving.      Our Nation has lost too many lives to substance use, yet every day impaired drivers recklessly put others and themselves at risk.  Driving sober is non-negotiable.  This holiday season, and every day, I urge all Americans to choose wisely, act responsibly, drive sober, and implore friends and loved ones not to get behind the wheel while impaired.  We must all commit to confronting this careless behavior, which inflicts unnecessary suffering and senseless loss, stealing the lives of our fellow Americans.      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 December 2019 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.  I urge all Americans to make responsible decisions and take appropriate measures to prevent impaired driving.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of November, 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 Thanksgiving Day, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2019 THANKSGIVING DAY, 2019   - - - - - - -   BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA   A PROCLAMATION        On Thanksgiving Day, we remember with reverence and gratitude the bountiful blessings afforded to us by our Creator, and we recommit to sharing in a spirit of thanksgiving and generosity with our friends, neighbors, and families.      Nearly four centuries ago, determined individuals with a hopeful vision of a more prosperous life and an abundance of opportunities made a pilgrimage to a distant land.  These Pilgrims embarked on their journey across the Atlantic at great personal risk, facing unforeseen trials and tribulations, and unforetold hardships during their passage.  After their arrival in the New World, a harsh and deadly winter took the lives of nearly half their population.  Those who survived remained unwavering in their faith and foresight of a future rich with liberty and freedom, enduring every impediment as they established one of our Nation's first settlements.  Through God's divine providence, a meaningful relationship was forged with the Wampanoag Tribe, and through their unwavering resolve and resilience, the Pilgrims enjoyed a bountiful harvest the following year.  The celebration of this harvest lasted 3 days and saw Pilgrims and Wampanoag seated together at the table of friendship and unity.  That first Thanksgiving provided an enduring symbol of gratitude that is uniquely sewn into the fabric of our American spirit.      More than 150 years later, it was in this same spirit of unity that President George Washington declared a National Day of Thanksgiving following the Revolutionary War and the ratification of our Constitution.  Less than a century later, that hard-won unity came under duress as the United States was engaged in a civil war that threatened the very existence of our Republic.  Following the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, in an effort to unite the country and acknowledge "the gracious gifts of the Most High God," President Abraham Lincoln asked the American people to come together and "set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."  Today, this tradition continues with millions of Americans gathering each year to give their thanks for the same blessings of liberty for which so many brave patriots have laid down their lives to defend during the Revolutionary War and in the years since.      Since the first settlers to call our country home landed on American shores, we have always been defined by our resilience and propensity to show gratitude even in the face of great adversity, always remembering the blessings we have been given in spite of the hardships we endure.  This Thanksgiving, we pause and acknowledge those who will have empty seats at their table.  We ask God to watch over our service members, especially those whose selfless commitment to serving our country and defending our sacred liberty has called them to duty overseas during the holiday season.  We also pray for our law enforcement officials and first responders as they carry out their duties to protect and serve our communities.  As a Nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to both those who take an oath to safeguard us and our way of life as well as to their families, and we salute them for their immeasurable sacrifices.      As we gather today with those we hold dear, let us give thanks to Almighty God for the many blessings we enjoy.  United together as one people, in gratitude for the freedoms and prosperity that thrive across our land, we acknowledge God as the source of all good gifts.  We ask Him for protection and wisdom and for opportunities this Thanksgiving to share with others some measure of what we have so providentially received.      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 Thursday, November 28, 2019, as a National Day of Thanksgiving.  I encourage all Americans to gather, in homes and places of worship, to offer a prayer of thanks to God for our many blessings.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of November, 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 World AIDS Day, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2019

WORLD AIDS DAY, 2019   - - - - - - -   BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA   A PROCLAMATION      Our Nation unites on World AIDS Day to show support for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).  We also pause to solemnly remember those worldwide who have lost their lives to HIV and AIDS-related illnesses.  As we mourn this tragic loss of life, we acknowledge the remarkable advancements in medical care, treatment, acceptance, and understanding surrounding the virus.  While admirable progress has been made, it is not enough, and we must continue to work toward a vaccine and a cure.  Today, we reaffirm our commitment to control this disease as a public health threat and end its devastating impact on families and communities worldwide.      Approximately 1.1 million people in the United States and 38 million around the world are living with HIV.  While we have made tremendous strides through American ingenuity and innovation in combatting HIV/AIDS over more than three decades, infections unfortunately persist.  Thankfully, due to the availability of antiretroviral therapy, HIV is now considered a manageable chronic condition rather than a fatal diagnosis.  New laboratory and epidemiological techniques allow us to identify where HIV infections are spreading most rapidly so health officials can respond with resources to stop the further spread of new infections.  Proven interventions, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and syringe services programs, are assisting in preventing new HIV transmissions.  Still, a combination of prevention and treatment approaches is needed to integrate and implement our most effective biomedical and socio-behavioral tools.  In addition, increased efforts are necessary to reach those populations disproportionately affected by HIV.      To strengthen our response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, my Administration launched an unprecedented initiative, Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America, to eliminate at least 90 percent of new HIV infections in the United States within 10 years by focusing on diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and response.  Through this initiative, we will continue to lead the charge in applying the latest science to better diagnose, treat, care for, and save the lives of individuals living with HIV by focusing on the cities and States most impacted by the disease.  The Department of Health and Human Services is coordinating this cross-agency initiative to include efforts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Indian Health Service to bring us closer than ever to ending the HIV epidemic.      American leadership in the global response to HIV/AIDS is clear and as strong as ever through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  The United States has invested more than $85 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response -- the largest commitment made by any nation to address a single disease.  Overseen by the Department of State, PEPFAR's life-saving work in more than 50 countries is made possible through our country's unwavering commitment to the program and the American people's compassion and generosity.  These efforts have saved more than 18 million lives, prevented millions of new HIV infections, and moved the HIV/AIDS pandemic from crisis toward control -- community by community.  Several PEPFAR-supported countries have either approached or exceeded targets for HIV/AIDS epidemic control, putting them on pace to reach this critical milestone by 2020.  For millions of men, women, and children around the world, PEPFAR has replaced death and despair with vibrant life and hope.      On World AIDS Day, we are reminded that no challenge can defeat the unyielding American spirit.  As a Nation, we must come together to remove the stigma surrounding HIV and to address disparities facing people living with this disease.  Our success is contingent upon collaboration across all levels of government here in the United States and around the world, community interaction and outreach to people with HIV and at‑risk populations, and a citizenry motivated by compassion for the suffering of humankind and hope for the future. Together, we will continue to make progress in our efforts to find a cure for HIV/AIDS and to ensure that all Americans live healthier and happier lives.      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 December 1, 2019, as World AIDS Day.  I urge the Governors of the States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and all Americans to join me in appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and to provide support and compassion to those living with HIV.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of November, 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

West Wing Reads Congress Isn’t Working this Week, but President Trump Is

Congress Isn’t Working this Week, but President Trump Is Congress broke for the Thanksgiving holiday late last week. Unfortunately, thanks to the far left’s recent impeachment stunt, Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s House has been effectively shut down for weeks. That isn’t stopping President Donald J. Trump from working hard for the American people, though. “Donald Trump signed the first animal cruelty bill of his presidency on Monday, outlawing narrow types of egregious violence usually committed for the purpose of videotaping them. The Senate unanimously passed the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act this month,” David Martosko reports for the Daily Mail. Click here to continue reading. “President Trump signed an executive order establishing a task force to address the rash of violence against missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska natives, an issue the administration has been focusing on in recent months.” The President was joined by “a number of Native American tribal leaders,” Grace Segers reports for CBS News. President Trump participated in the annual White House turkey pardoning ceremony yesterday in the Rose Garden. “Following the tradition of earlier presidents, Trump spared the lives of both of the turkeys presented to him, but he announced an official presidential pardon only for Butter, who was officially designated this year's National Thanksgiving Turkey,” David Jackson reports for USA Today. “Unfortunately for the American people, those looking to Congress for real solutions to real problems, the Democrat majority is continuing to waste time engaging in an any-means-necessary impeachment that seeks to pacify the Washington echo chamber. This partisan impeachment investigation is coming at a tremendous cost to Pennsylvanians and the American people at large,” Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA) writes in the Washington Examiner.

Statement from the Press Secretary

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2019 Statement from the Press Secretary Yesterday, a single district court in Oregon has decided immigration policy for the Nation. Congress plainly provided the President with broad authority to impose additional restrictions or limitations on the entry of aliens into the United States. The relevant portion of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides: “Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.” And in a landmark decision last year, the Supreme Court recognized the President’s broad authority to so impose such restrictions. That broad authority formed the foundation of this most recent proclamation that was designed to protect the United States from the detrimental effects of uninsured immigrants. The district court's decision enjoining the proclamation disregards the statute's text, in violation of the Supreme Court's decision. We look forward to defending the President's lawful action.