Presidential Determination with Respect to the Efforts of Foreign Governments Regarding Trafficking in Persons

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020

September 28, 2020       Presidential Determination No.        2020-12               MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE   SUBJECT:       Presidential Determination with Respect to the                Efforts of Foreign Governments Regarding                Trafficking in Persons     Consistent with section 110 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7107) (the "Act"), as amended, I hereby determine as follows:   As provided for in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act, and subject to the determinations below regarding assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ebola virus disease, and meeting minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons, I determine that the United States will not provide nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related assistance to the Governments of Burundi, China, Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia, and Syria for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 until such governments comply with the Act's minimum standards or make significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with the minimum standards.   As provided for in section 110(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Act, and subject to the determinations below regarding assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ebola virus disease, and meeting minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons, I determine that the United States will not provide nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related assistance to, or allow funding for participation in educational and cultural exchange programs by officials or employees of, the Governments of Cuba, the DPRK, and Syria for FY 2021 until such governments comply with the Act's minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking or make significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with the minimum standards. As provided for in section 110(d)(1)(B) of the Act, and subject to the determinations below regarding assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ebola virus disease, and meeting minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons, I hereby instruct the United States Executive Director of each multilateral development bank, as defined in the Act, and of the International Monetary Fund to vote against and use best efforts to deny any loan or other utilization of the funds of the respective institution (other than for humanitarian assistance; for trade-related assistance; or for development assistance that directly addresses basic human needs, is not administered by the government of such country, and confers no benefit to that government) for the Governments of Burundi, China, Comoros, Cuba, the DPRK, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia, and Syria for FY 2021 until such governments comply with the Act's minimum standards or make significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with the minimum standards.   Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, I determine that a partial waiver to allow assistance described in section 110(d)(1) of the Act for programs, projects, activities, and assistance to respond to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States;   Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, I determine that a partial waiver to allow assistance described in section 110(d)(1) of the Act for programs, projects, activities, and assistance to respond to the threat posed by the Ebola virus disease would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States;   Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, I determine that a partial waiver to allow assistance described in section 110(d)(1) of the Act for programs, projects, activities, and assistance designed to meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States;   Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, I determine that a partial waiver to allow assistance described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act with respect to Burma -- with the exception of Global Health Programs (GHP), Peacekeeping Operations (PKO), Foreign Military Financing (FMF), International Military Education and Training (IMET), Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and Excess Defense Articles -- would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States;   Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, I determine that a partial waiver to allow IMET assistance with respect to Comoros would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States;   Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, I determine that a partial waiver to allow PKO and Development Assistance with respect to South Sudan would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States;   Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, I determine that the provision of all programs, projects, and activities described in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act with respect to the Governments of Afghanistan, Algeria, Belarus, Lesotho, Papua New Guinea, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States; and   Consistent with section 110(d)(4) of the Act, I determine that providing the assistance described in section 110(d)(1)(B) of the Act to Afghanistan, Algeria, Belarus, Burma, Lesotho, Papua New Guinea, South Sudan, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela would promote the purposes of the Act or is otherwise in the national interest of the United States.   You are authorized and directed to submit this determination, the certification required by section 110(e) of the Act, and the Memorandum of Justification, on which I have relied, to the Congress, and to publish the determination in the Federal Register.                                    DONALD J. TRUMP

1600 Daily The White House • October 1, 2020 NEW: President Trump takes action to protect American mining from China

 

The White House • October 1, 2020

NEW: President Trump takes action to protect American mining from China President Trump signed an executive order yesterday to reduce American dependence on China for critical minerals. The order also expands the domestic mining industry, supports American mining jobs, and reduces unnecessary permit delays.   These minerals—which include aluminum, lithium, titanium, and many others—are essential inputs for airplanes, computers, cell phones, electricity systems, and advanced electronic products. They are crucial both for our economy and our national security.   For several decades, our country’s mining industry has suffered because of political inaction, a broken permitting process, and predatory foreign competition from China. As a result, the United States is heavily reliant on foreign imports for critical minerals despite the presence of significant sources for many of them across our country.   “We will put our miners back to work,” President Trump said.   Yesterday’s action builds on President Trump’s commitment to restore and strengthen our economy as we safely reopen from the global Coronavirus pandemic.   The Trump Administration has already worked to reform outdated bureaucracy, which too often held up vital American infrastructure projects. This year, amid the Coronavirus outbreak from China, President Trump leveraged the Defense Production Act dozens of times to support production of critical medical equipment here in America.   President Trump also placed a pause on new immigrant visas through the end of this year, ensuring that we continue to put American workers first during this recovery.    President Trump is protecting our mining industry!    MORE: Read President Trump’s executive order. White House announces dates for Fall Garden Tours!  President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are opening the White House gardens and grounds to the public on October 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.    “The grounds will open on Oct 17 & 18th for the public to view the beautiful colors of the season & experience the beauty of the gardens, including the newly renovated Rose Garden,” the First Lady shared on Twitter.   Earlier this year, the First Lady unveiled her restoration of the White House Rose Garden. In addition to the Rose Garden, visitors will be able to visit the South Lawn, the First Ladies Garden, and the White House Kitchen Garden.   Tickets are free and will be distributed by the National Park Service on each tour day.     Learn more about the Fall 2020 Garden Tours!    READ: A look back at the history of the White House Gardens Photo of the Day Marine One lifts off from the South Lawn of the White House | October 1, 2020

Message to the Congress on Emergency Funding Designations

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:        In accordance with section 114(b) of division A of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 8337; the "Act"), I hereby designate as emergency requirements all funding (including the rescission of funds) so designated by the Congress in the Act pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as outlined in the enclosed list of accounts.      The details of this action are set forth in the enclosed memorandum from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.                                  DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,     October 1, 2020.

Message to the Congress on Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism Funding Designations

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020 TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:          In accordance with section 114(b) of division A of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 8337; the "Act"), I hereby designate for Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism all funding (including the rescission of funds) so designated by the Congress in the Act pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as outlined in the enclosed list of accounts.      The details of this action are set forth in the enclosed memorandum from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.                                  DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,     October 1, 2020.

Bill Announcement

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020

On Thursday, October 1, 2020, the President signed into law:     S. 2193, the “Charging Helps Agencies Realize General Efficiencies Act” or the “CHARGE Act,” which requires the General Services Administration to issue guidance to clarify that Federal agencies may pay by charge card for the charging of Federal electric motor vehicles; and   S. 3105, which designates a facility of the United States Postal Service located at 456 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the Richard G. Lugar Post Office.

West Wing Reads Amy Coney Barrett Redefines Feminism: 'A New Role Model for Women Instead of the One Size Fits All'

 

Amy Coney Barrett Redefines Feminism: 'A New Role Model for Women Instead of the One Size Fits All' “Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who had her first sit-downs with senators Tuesday, has impressed congressional Republicans by redefining feminism,” Alex Swoyer and Gabriella Muñoz write in The Washington Times.   “A working mother of seven school-age children who rose to the top of the legal ladder, Judge Barrett balanced life as a classroom mother while handing down rulings as a federal circuit court judge . . . A devout Catholic, Judge Barrett also provides Christian conservative women one of their own as a new feminist leader for young women.”   Click here to read more. “More than 80 percent of the world’s population lives in countries with high or severe restrictions on religious freedom,” U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Callista Gingrich writes. “As America has shown time and time again, we will not sit back as individuals are killed, jailed, harassed, or tortured for their faith.” Read more in Fox News. “What’s happening in America today reminds me of life under Communism,” Rod Dreher writes. “Who needs the gulag when you can compel obedience by threatening someone’s job or destroy her reputation on social media? Why bother with the secret police when the masses already hand over detailed personal information to Google” and other massive technology corporations? Read more in the New York Post. “President Donald Trump signed an executive order and declared a national emergency Wednesday to expand the domestic mining industry. The executive order is also meant to support mining jobs, alleviate unnecessary permitting delays and reduce the nation’s dependence on China for critical minerals,” Adelle Whitefoot reports in the Duluth News Tribune.   READ: Executive Order on Addressing the Threat to the Domestic Supply Chain

President Donald J. Trump Announces Judicial Nominee

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020 President Donald J. Trump Announces Judicial Nominee Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate:   Joseph Dawson of South Carolina, to serve as Judge on the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.   Joseph Dawson is the County Attorney for the County of Charleston, South Carolina, where he is responsible for managing and overseeing all legal matters for the County and its officials.  Mr. Dawson also operates his own solo law practice and focuses on general civil litigation and providing strategic advice to small businesses.  Mr. Dawson earned his B.A. from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Presidential Message on Down Syndrome Awareness Month, 2020

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020 Presidential Message on Down Syndrome Awareness Month, 2020 In the United States, around 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome every year.  These treasured members of our society are sources of inspiration to the many families and communities graced by their lives.  Those living with Down syndrome face unique challenges, reminding us every day that it is incumbent upon us as a Nation, to continue empowering them to reach their full potential.  Throughout this Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the First Lady and I celebrate these remarkable people, members of our families, communities, and Nation, and my Administration reasserts its commitment to standing against those who seek to discriminate, devalue, and demean the sanctity of their lives.   The future for Americans with Down syndrome is more exciting and more hopeful than ever before, as we continue cutting edge research and develop therapies.  In 2019, the National Institutes of Health invested $35 million toward more advanced Down syndrome research.  In September 2020, an additional $60 million was dedicated to bolster funding for Downs syndrome research.  These funds will lead to scientific breakthroughs and broaden our understanding of Down syndrome so that we can more effectively improve the health of these American citizens and expand their opportunities to thrive in our society.   As our society progresses toward a more inclusive future, there are still those who pass judgment on which lives are worth living.  As President, I denounce radical proposals to terminate pregnancies of unborn children with Down syndrome.  Our Nation will continue to emphatically affirm the self-evident ideal that all children—born and unborn—are created in the image of God, are worthy of life, and deserve to be loved.    Our country must never run astray from the certitude that the lives of those with Down syndrome are precious and full of potential.  During Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we are reminded that we must never waver in our efforts to support these individuals so that they can enrich the soul of our Nation with their joy and love.

 

Presidential Message on National Dyslexia Awareness Month, 2020

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020 Presidential Message on National Dyslexia Awareness Month, 2020 This National Dyslexia Awareness Month, the First Lady and I join our fellow Americans in recognizing those countless individuals who have enriched our country while also living with dyslexia.  Together, we commit to continuing to improve our learning environments, expand innovation in our workplaces, and strengthen our communities to ensure these individuals can seize every opportunity to achieve success and prosperity and to contribute to greatness of our country.   Dyslexia affects Americans of all backgrounds and does not distinguish between persons of different races, ethnicities, sexes, zip codes, or socioeconomic backgrounds.  Millions of men, women, and children adapt their everyday routines to overcome this most common language-based learning disability.  Students are particularly affected by the challenges associated with reading and writing that are caused by dyslexia.  This month, we thank the educators, the administrators, and—most importantly—the parents who continue to work tirelessly in their efforts to give every child the resources they need to overcome this disability and continue to learn, grow, and become confident in their abilities and potential.  And we salute all the students who refuse to give in and who work every day to overcome dyslexia to achieve educational success.   This October, let us resolve to ensure that future generations affected by dyslexia have even more opportunities to strengthen their communities, workplaces, and country.

Proclamation on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2020

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2020   - - - - - - -   By the President of the United States of America   A Proclamation          All Americans deserve a life free from the threat of physical and psychological harm.  Tragically, far too many Americans are deprived of this right by perpetrators of domestic violence.  During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we offer our support to the victims and survivors of this unacceptable atrocity and reaffirm our commitment to bringing justice to their abusers and offering hope to those who currently reside in volatile and unsafe living conditions.      Domestic violence is an evil that threatens the social fabric of our Nation.  It is a widespread attack on the most sacred and intimate of institutions -- the American family.  Domestic violence tears families apart, with devastating consequences that can last for generations.  Tragically, more than 10 million Americans suffer at the hands of loved ones each year, and women are twice as likely to be targets of this heinous crime as men.       My Administration will always stand with and protect victims of domestic violence.  My Fiscal Year 2020 budget allocated nearly $500 million for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to support respectful, nonviolent relationships and reduce domestic violence.  In fiscal years 2018, 2019, and 2020, we also provided the DOJ Office for Victims of Crime with $10 billion in funding so it can provide comprehensive and effective services, including to victims of domestic violence.  Thousands of domestic violence survivors have received critical assistance because of this funding.  My Administration has also provided funding for domestic violence shelters throughout the country so that people affected by this crime have a safe place to go to escape from their abuser.  While our work will not be done until we end domestic violence, these initiatives are helping victims hold their abusers accountable and recover from the trauma inflicted upon them.      As our Nation continues to combat the coronavirus pandemic, we are forced to face the consequences of increased domestic abuse.  We must protect and support those who have found themselves locked down with an abuser.  Now more than ever, we must do our part to provide domestic violence survivors with the tools and resources they need to escape their abuse and secure justice for the harm inflicted upon them.  The pandemic has also underscored the need for well-trained law enforcement professionals, who often respond to domestic violence calls and provide assistance in situations that very often involve physical injury, psychological trauma, or even death.  As we recommit to ending this unconscionable cycle of abuse, we also commend the heroes who courageously answer the call for help time and time again.      There is no room for violence of any kind in our country.  This month, we recognize that the victims and survivors of the unspeakable ordeal of domestic violence deserve our compassion, respect, and support.  Let us marshal every tool at our disposal to continue the national, sustained, and coordinated campaign to end domestic violence forever.      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 October 2020 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.                              DONALD J. TRUMP

Bill Announcement

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020 On Thursday, October 1, 2020, the President signed into law:   H.R. 8337, the “Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act,” which provides fiscal year (FY) 2021 appropriations to Federal agencies through December 11, 2020, for continuing projects and activities of the Federal Government.  Division B of the enrolled bill extends surface transportation programs.  Division C extends various health programs.  Division D of the enrolled bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to establish and collect certain immigration-related premium fees; extends the United States Parole Commission; extends the Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform program;  authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to renew certain Head Start agency designations; and extends certain nutrition and commodities programs.  Division E of the enrolled bill extends certain Department of Veterans Affairs programs.

Proclamation on National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2020

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2020   - - - - - - -   By the President of the United States of America   A Proclamation          As technology continues to progress and new kinds of threats arise around the world, cybersecurity is playing an increasingly central role in our national security and daily lives.  During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we recommit to ensuring our Nation's cybersecurity, and we raise awareness of the responsibility all Americans have to protect their Internet-connected devices, technology, and networks from cyber threats at work, home, and school.      My Administration is proud of the steps we have taken to promote technological innovation and bolster cybersecurity measures.  We continue to prioritize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and employment opportunities, and my Pledge to America's Workers has encouraged companies to provide educational opportunities for nearly 15 million American workers, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and secure 5G.  I also signed the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act, which encourages veterans to study and pursue careers in STEM and computer science when they leave military service.  These measures are vital to advancing our defenses and ensuring that the American people have the cyber skills necessary to defend our country.      As our Nation continues to innovate, 5G technology will have a major effect on how we live our daily lives in the future.  New opportunities, however, also bring new risks, which is why my Administration is leading 5G risk mitigation efforts to ensure that Americans can fully benefit from this new connectivity while keeping their devices safe and secure.  In addition, in March, I signed the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, which is strengthening our network defenses against threats from hostile actors.  The American people and our allies deserve to know that our 5G networks will be reliable, private, and secure.      We must all work together to create a safer, more secure, and more resilient cyber world.  As my Administration collaborates with private industry partners to strengthen and enhance the security of our Nation's technological infrastructure, I encourage all Americans to embrace their responsibility to protect their sensitive data and to familiarize themselves with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign.  All devices are potentially vulnerable.  But you can greatly enhance the safety of your personal information and that of your family, friends, and employers by adhering to the advice offered by the campaign and improving your cyber hygiene.      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 October 2020 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.  I call upon the people, companies, and institutions of the United States to recognize the importance of cybersecurity and to observe this month through events, training, and education to further our country's national security and resilience.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.                            DONALD J. TRUMP

Proclamation on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2020

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2020   - - - - - - -   By the President of the United States of America   A Proclamation          During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the incredible fortitude of breast cancer survivors and offer our heartfelt support and prayers to those currently battling this disease.  As one Nation, we remember the precious lives lost to breast cancer and the families forever changed as a result.  This month, we devote ourselves to fighting to eradicate breast cancer, working with conviction and compassion to develop treatments and find a cure.      This year, an estimated 276,000 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 42,000 will likely die from this terrible disease.  Thankfully, through early detection and improved treatments, today there is a 90 percent five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer.  The First Lady and I strongly encourage all Americans to meet with their physicians and discuss their individual risks for breast cancer.  Increased awareness, especially of family history and other common risk factors, preventive care, and regular screenings, including mammograms, can help save lives through early diagnosis and prompt treatment.      As President, I am deeply committed to ensuring that Americans have access to cutting-edge treatments and life-saving medications for conditions like breast cancer.  In 2018, I signed into law historic "Right to Try" legislation, which ensures those diagnosed with a terminal illness greater autonomy in choosing their treatment path and increases their access to potentially lifesaving drugs.  My Administration also has taken decisive action to lower prescription drug prices and eliminate burdensome regulations that, for too long, undercut the potential of our researchers to develop innovative treatments and medications.  We are also relentlessly committed to protecting Americans with pre-existing conditions, including conditions that may put someone at a greater risk of developing breast cancer.  In the fight against this disease, we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to provide Americans with the best possible treatments and medications to save lives.      This month, as we celebrate the incredible resilience of breast cancer survivors and remember those lost to this disease, we also pray for comfort and strength for those currently battling breast cancer.  Together, united by compassion and resolve, we will continue in our effort to find new treatments, medications, and a cure to eradicate this disease from 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 October 2020 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, the media, and other interested groups must increase awareness of what we can do to fight breast cancer.  I also invite the Governors of the States and Territories and officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to join me in recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

Proclamation on National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, 2020

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020 National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, 2020   - - - - - - -   By the President of the United States of America   A Proclamation          Addiction to alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications fuels havoc, heartache, and hopelessness in the lives of far too many Americans, as well as their friends and family members.  During National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our unyielding commitment to breaking the grip of alcohol and drug addiction.  Through our continued national effort, we will save lives and work to ensure a stronger and healthier country.      It has been my priority and promise to win the critical battle against opioid misuse, which has ravaged our Nation for too long.  In total, close to 400,000 Americans have lost their lives to opioid overdoses since the turn of the century.  While one life lost to drug addiction is too many, nearly half a million is unconscionable.  In response, I declared a Public Health Emergency and initiated a whole-of-government approach dedicated to ending this tragedy.  To bolster this effort, I signed the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act, a law that reduces access to opioids while expanding access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services.  The SUPPORT Act is the single largest commitment to combatting the drug crisis in our Nation's history, and it is making a difference.      In addition to the opioids public health emergency, my Administration is also advancing several initiatives to address substance abuse more broadly.  We have strengthened the Drug‑Free Communities program, which provides grants that mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use at the local level.  We created the Rural Community Toolbox, which is an online resource that connects small town leaders with funding, data, and information to combat drug addiction in rural America.  And the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program is collaborating with community-based organizations and coalitions to fund evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention activities within the HIDTA communities.  These initiatives, along with actions taken by State, local, tribal, and territorial stakeholders, including faith-based organizations, are helping families and communities save lives by engaging young people most at risk of developing a substance use disorder.      As our Nation continues its unprecedented fight against the coronavirus pandemic, we are acutely aware of how isolation affects mental health and can encourage the misuse of legal and illegal substances.  Through collaborative, community-based efforts, we are strengthening the support systems that deter our Nation's young people from drug use and improve overall mental health and wellness.      This month, we pause to remember the lives lost to addiction, and recommit to protecting all Americans -- particularly our Nation's young people -- from the devastating effects drugs can have on them and their loved ones.  We also commend the healthcare professionals, law enforcement officials, educators, family members, and community volunteers who raise awareness about the risks and dangers of alcohol and drug use, treat the afflicted, and support prevention.  Together, we will build healthy families, safe neighborhoods, and thriving communities by preventing substance misuse.      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 October 2020 as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP

Proclamation on National Energy Awareness Month, 2020

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020 National Energy Awareness Month, 2020   - - - - - - -   By the President of the United States of America   A Proclamation          From coast to coast, our country is blessed with an abundance of natural resources that help power our homes, light our cities, and provide us transport to school and work.  However, for too long, we failed to reap their full benefits, nor did we properly steward these God-given gifts.  My Administration reversed that trend, and today, I am proud to proclaim that the United States is finally energy independent.  During National Energy Awareness Month, we recognize the newly restored, preeminent importance of our Nation's energy industry to the comfort of our daily lives and to our national security.      Since the beginning of my Administration, I have taken action to reduce the regulatory burden on the American energy sector.  The last administration had stifled this industry with one costly job-killing regulation after another.  For decades, special interest groups, bureaucrats, and radical environmental activists stymied the maintenance, repair, growth, and expansion of our Nation's energy infrastructure, preventing us from achieving energy independence.  My Administration has ended all that and is promoting stronger production of crude oil and other liquids and empowering the private sector to explore and drill for oil and gas.  We are also eliminating regulatory obstacles to building the major energy infrastructure needed to transport our Nation's energy from the source of production to end users and exporters.  We have issued timely approvals for the Keystone XL, Dakota Access and Mountain Valley Pipelines, and addressed the obstacles to exporting coal through West Coast ports.  As a result of these policies, our country is a net energy exporter for the first time since 1952 and is now the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world.       Under my Administration, we are no longer beholden to foreign powers or domestic radicals.  We are powering our Nation on our own terms.      My Administration's commitment to promoting robust energy development has proven that energy production can go hand in hand with responsible stewardship of our natural environment.  America's energy independence is critical to environmental stewardship.  While boosting energy production, the United States still continues to be a world leader in clean air, including in the reduction of energy-related CO2 emissions.  Emissions of common air pollutants have dropped by 77 percent over the last 50 years, including a 7 percent reduction under my Administration.        By empowering our domestic energy industry and its workers, my Administration has made American innovation -- rather than foreign influence -- the cornerstone of our clean energy policy.  Due to these efforts, we remain the world's top producer of nuclear power and recently became the second largest generator of solar power.  Allowing American companies to chart their own paths to dependable renewable energy sources, rather than forcing them to adhere to top-down government programs, has enabled us to lead the world in emissions reductions.        To continue our progress, I proudly signed the Great American Outdoors Act, which will direct royalties from energy production on Federal lands and waters toward conserving and repairing our national parks, forests, refuges, public lands, and tribal schools.  As a result, the energy industry will play a crucial role in our sustainability and conservation efforts going forward.      This month, we recommit to supporting our Nation's workers who produce, transport, and refine our energy.  We recognize the vital role they play in creating opportunities, developing technologies, and advancing our country toward an even more prosperous future.  My Administration will always support these hardworking men and women, and together, we will sustain our energy dominance and independence for years to come.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2020 as National Energy Awareness Month.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.                                   DONALD J. TRUMP