Proclamation on Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, 2020

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY, BILL OF RIGHTS DAY, AND HUMAN RIGHTS WEEK, 2020   - - - - - - -   BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA   A PROCLAMATION          Nearly 250 years ago, heroes of our Revolution signed the Declaration of Independence, offering a bold enumeration of inalienable rights endowed to us by our Creator.  In time, with independence secured from a tyrannical monarchy, our Nation etched these principles of liberty and equality into the law of our fledgling Nation when we ratified our Constitution.  The revolutionary idea they embodied -- that certain individual rights are beyond the reach of government -- has resonated around the world.  Today, and this week, we celebrate our sacred rights and the example they have set for the rest of history.      James Madison, who drafted the Bill of Rights text, was initially skeptical of the need to secure specific rights explicitly in the Constitution, believing the checks and balances inherent in our system of government would operate to achieve that objective.  But he came to recognize the value that the Bill of Rights could provide and worked to ensure that the individual rights and freedoms of Americans were precisely enumerated in the highest law of the land.  Madison was acutely aware that, while a government formed to serve its people is just and legitimate, "power, lodged as it must in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse."  Accordingly, he worked to imprint essential human rights, including the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of speech, and free exercise of religion in our foundational legal text, empowering generations of Americans by protecting them from government abuses.      The revolutionary understanding of human rights reflected in the Declaration of Independence and encoded in our Constitution has provided a blueprint for the world in advancing individual human rights.  In 1948, looking to our Bill of Rights as a model, the United Nations General Assembly established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the "inherent dignity" and "equal and inalienable rights" of mankind.  Earlier this year, we also celebrated the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Accords, in which the Western World acknowledged similar fundamental human freedoms in defiance of the Soviet Union.      Despite these milestones, the world is still plagued by tragic human rights abuses, including the oppression of women, forced labor, racism, and ethnic and religious persecution.  My Administration continues to fight these injustices on all fronts while calling on other sovereign nations to respect the unalienable rights of their people.  Earlier this year, I signed an Executive Order on Preventing Online Censorship, which protects and fosters freedom of expression for Americans on social media and other platforms and also seeks to combat human rights abuses abroad, like the mass imprisonment of religious minorities in China, which are often obscured by a cloud of false information online.  Additionally, I recently signed an Executive Order on Advancing International Religious Freedom, which prioritizes this fundamental freedom in American diplomacy and recognizes that advancing religious freedom abroad is vital to combating rising levels of violence and crimes against humanity around the globe.  There is no greater defender of liberty than the United States, and we will remain steadfast in our efforts.      During Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, we cherish the unique story of our Nation and celebrate the patriots who helped our country secure our fundamental rights, freedoms, and values for ourselves and our posterity.  We also take pride in the role that this heritage has played in advancing and protecting human rights around the world.  America's commitment to individual liberty and human dignity is at our very core.  We acknowledge that the principles set forth in the Bill of Rights are foundational, and we recommit to ensuring their legacy in our country as we continue to lead the way toward stronger human rights protections around the world.      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 10, 2020, as Human Rights Day; December 15, 2020, as Bill of Rights Day, and the week beginning on December 6, 2020, as Human Rights Week.  I call upon the people of the United States to mark these observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, 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 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2020

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2020 NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY, 2020   - - - - - - -   BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA   A PROCLAMATION          On the morning of December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese forces ambushed the Naval Station Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.  Tragically, 2,403 Americans perished during the attack, including 68 civilians.  On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we solemnly honor and uphold the memory of the patriots who lost their lives that day -- "a date which will live in infamy" -- and we reflect on the courage of all those who served our Nation with honor in the Second World War.      Seventy nine years ago, Imperial Japan launched an unprovoked and devastating attack on our Nation.  As torpedo bombers unleashed their deadly cargo on our ships and attack aircraft rained bombs from above, brave members of the United States Navy, Marines, Army, and Army Air Forces mounted a heroic defense, manning their battle stations and returning fire through the smoke and chaos.  The profound bravery in the American resistance surprised Japanese aircrews and inspired selfless sacrifice among our service members.  In one instance, Machinist's Mate First Class Robert R. Scott, among 15 Sailors awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of valor on that day, refused to leave his flooding battle station within the depths of the USS CALIFORNIA, declaring to the world:  "This is my station and I will stay and give them air as long as the guns are going."      Forever enshrined in our history, the attack on Pearl Harbor shocked all Americans and galvanized our Nation to fight and defeat the Axis powers of Japan, Germany, and Italy.  As Americans, we promise never to forget our fallen compatriots who fought so valiantly during World War II.  As a testament to their memory, more than a million people visit the site of the USS ARIZONA Memorial each year to pay their respects to the Sailors entombed within its wreckage and to all who perished that day.  Despite facing tremendous adversity, the Pacific Fleet, whose homeport remains at Pearl Harbor to this day, is stronger than ever before, upholding the legacy of all those who gave their lives nearly 80 years ago.      On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we recall the phrase "Remember Pearl Harbor," which stirred the fighting spirit within the hearts of the more than 16 million Americans who courageously served in World War II.  Over 400,000 gave their lives in the global conflict that began, for our Nation, on that fateful Sunday morning.  Today, we memorialize all those lost on December 7, 1941, declare once again that our Nation will never forget these valiant heroes, and resolve as firmly as ever that their memory and spirit will survive for as long as our Nation endures.      The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2020, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.  I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities.  I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, 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.

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2020 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT          Today, I have signed into law H.R. 835, the "Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act of 2019" (the "Act").  The Act imposes criminal sanctions on certain persons involved in international doping fraud conspiracies and provides restitution for victims of such conspiracies.       Section 6 of the Act requires certain executive agencies, including the Department of Justice, to share information with the United States Anti-Doping Agency "with regard to any investigation related to a potential violation of section 3 of this Act."  I appreciate that section 6 of the Act provides an exception to this disclosure requirement for information that would affect the "integrity of a criminal investigation," but the exception may not cover all information that is protected by executive privilege.  My Administration will treat section 6 of the Act consistent with the President's constitutional authority to control the dissemination of information, the disclosure of which could impair national security, foreign relations, law enforcement, or performance of the President's constitutional duties.                                     DONALD J. TRUMP       THE WHITE HOUSE,     December 4, 2020.

Bill Announcement

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2020 On Friday, December 4, 2020, the President signed into law:   H.R. 835, the “Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act of 2019,” which imposes criminal sanctions on certain persons involved in international doping fraud conspiracies; and requires restitution for victims of such conspiracies;   H.R. 1668, the “Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020,” which establishes security standards for Internet of Things (IoT) devices owned or controlled by the Federal government;   H.R. 3589, the “Greg LeMond Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019,” which provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Greg LeMond, in recognition of his service to the Nation as an athlete, activist, role model, and community leader;   H.R. 4104, the “Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act,” which requires the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Negro Leagues baseball;   H.R. 8276, which authorizes the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Alwyn C. Cashe for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving in the United States Army;   H.R. 8472, the “Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act,” which modifies the application requirements for the Impact Aid Program for fiscal year (FY) 2022 and the requirements for allocations to states under the Migrant Education program for FY 2021;   S. 3147, the “Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2019,” which requires VA to report to the Congress regarding VA policies and procedures on patient safety and quality of care, as well as steps taken to increase patient safety and quality of care both generally and at the VA medical center at Clarksburg, West Virginia; and   S. 3587, the “Department of Veterans Affairs Website Accessibility Act of 2019,” which requires VA to study and report on VA websites' accessibility to individuals with disabilities.

RESOLUTE READS - FIVE STORIES PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS

 

FIVE STORIES PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS US Hopes to Vaccinate 20m This Year, 100m by End of February -New York Post “If vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna soon get emergency approval—as expected—20 million of the most vulnerable Americans could get shots by the end of the year,” Lee Brown reports. “Another 30 million could get shots in January and then 50 million in February—possibly even more if other leading vaccine candidates get approved by then, too.” China Is National Security Threat No. 1 -The Wall Street Journal “The People’s Republic of China poses the greatest threat to America today, and the greatest threat to democracy and freedom world-wide since World War II,” National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe writes. “Beijing is preparing for an open-ended period of confrontation with the U.S. Washington should also be prepared.” Trump Administration Sues Facebook, Alleges Company Discriminated Against U.S. Workers -The Hill Following a nearly two-year investigation, the Justice Department believes “Facebook created a separate hiring process for certain temporary immigration status holders, such as H-1B visa holders, and alleges Facebook did not consider U.S. workers for more than 2,600 positions,” Rebecca Klar reports. “Our message to all employers—including those in the technology sector—is clear: you cannot illegally prefer to recruit, consider, or hire temporary visa holders over U.S. workers,” an Assistant Attorney General said. To Reform Health Insurance, Let Employees Rather Than Bureaucrats Be in Charge -The Federalist “In addition to the lack of portability—when people lose their job, they generally lose their health coverage—employer-provided health insurance also tends to raise health costs,” Christopher Jacobs writes. “Thankfully, regulations put into place by the Trump administration will solve the portability problem, while also working to realign incentives in ways that will make the health-care system more efficient.” Trump to Award Wrestling Legend Dan Gable the Presidential Medal of Freedom -Fox News “President Trump will award Olympic gold medalist and college wrestling legend Dan Gable the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday,” Ryan Gaydos reports. “The president awards such honors to ‘individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.’”   WATCH: President Trump awards Medal of Freedom to Lou Holtz!

President Donald J. Trump to Award the Medal of Freedom to Dan Gable

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2020 President Donald J. Trump to Award the Medal of Freedom to Dan Gable On Monday, President Donald J. Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Danny Mack Gable. This prestigious award is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, which may be awarded by the President to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Mr. Gable is undoubtedly one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Born and raised in Iowa, Gable represented his home state on the mat at Iowa State University, where he compiled an astonishing 117-1 record. During the course of his collegiate career, Gable was a two-time NCAA Wrestling Champion, three-time All-American, and three-time Big Eight Champion. After college, Gable represented the United States of America on the world stage. He won titles in the 1971 Pan American Games, the World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, the 1972 Tbilisi Tournament, and in six Midlands Opens. He also won a Gold Medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. Gable’s wrestling career was just the beginning of his success.  He went on to become the winningest coach in the history of the University of Iowa, as Gable’s teams won 15 NCAA National Team Titles and compiled an overall career record of 355-21 from 1976 to 1997. Gable coached 152 All-Americans, 45 National Champions, 106 Big Ten Champions, and 12 Olympians. Gable also coached at 5 Olympic Games, 6 United States World Teams, and at 10 World Cups, among several other international tournaments. Gable has earned many well-deserved accolades for his unmatched accomplishments, including being named the ‘Nation’s Outstanding Wrestler’ by the Amateur Athletic Union and the United States Wrestling Federation and one of the top coaches in the twentieth century and Iowa’s top sports figure in the past 100 years by ESPN. He is also in the United States of America Wrestling Hall of Fame, the United States Olympic Hall of Fame, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Gable has inspired thousands of athletes in Iowa, the United States, and the world. Today, Gable still resides in the Hawkeye State with his wife, Kathy. He is an author, motivational speaker, father, and grandfather.

Memorandum on Extension of Governors' Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 and to Facilitate Economic Recovery (Iowa)

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 2020

December 3, 2020         MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE                THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY   SUBJECT:       Extension of Governors' Use of the National Guard                to Respond to COVID-19 and to Facilitate Economic                Recovery     By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (the "Stafford Act"), and section 502 of title 32, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:        Section 1.  Policy.  It continues to be the policy of the United States to foster close cooperation and mutual assistance among the Federal Government and the States and territories in the battle against the threat posed by the spread of COVID-19.  To date, activated National Guard forces around the country have provided critical support to Governors as the Governors work to address the needs of those populations within their respective States and territories especially vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, including those in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care or congregate settings.  Additionally, the States and territories will need assistance in fighting hot spots as they emerge.  Therefore, to continue to provide maximum support to the States and territories as they make decisions about the responses required to address local conditions in their respective jurisdictions with respect to combatting the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and, where appropriate, facilitating their economic recovery, I am taking the actions set forth in sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this memorandum:        Sec. 2.  Additional Twenty-Five Percent Federal Cost Share.  To maximize assistance to the Governor of the State of Iowa and to facilitate Federal support with respect to the use of National Guard units under State control, I am directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the Department of Homeland Security to fund an additional 25 percent of the emergency assistance activities associated with preventing, mitigating, and responding to the threat to public health and safety posed by the virus that Iowa undertakes using its National Guard forces, to be applied retroactively from August 3, 2020, as authorized by sections 403 (42 U.S.C. 5170b) and 503 (42 U.S.C. 5193) of the Stafford Act.  This, in addition to the 75 percent Federal cost share established in my prior memorandum dated August 3, 2020, titled "Extension of the Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 and to Facilitate Economic Recovery," shall provide the State of Iowa with a 100 percent Federal cost share.        Sec. 3.  Additional Twenty-Five Percent Federal Cost Share Termination.  The additional 25 percent Federal cost share for the State's use of National Guard forces for the State of Iowa shall extend to, and shall be available for, orders of any length authorizing duty through December 31, 2020.  Such orders include duty necessary to comply with health protection protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services or other health protection measures agreed to by the Department of Defense and FEMA.        Sec. 4.  Seventy-Five Percent Federal Cost Share.  To maximize assistance to the Governor of the State of Iowa, and to facilitate Federal support with respect to the use of National Guard units under State control, I am directing FEMA, beginning on January 1, 2021, to fund 75 percent of the emergency assistance activities associated with preventing, mitigating, and responding to the threat to public health and safety posed by the virus that the State of Iowa undertakes using its National Guard forces, as authorized by sections 403 (42 U.S.C. 5170b) and 503 (42 U.S.C. 5193) of the Stafford Act.        Sec. 5.  Seventy-Five Percent Federal Cost Share Termination.  The 75 percent Federal cost share provided for in section 4 of this memorandum shall be available for orders of any length authorizing duty through March 31, 2021.  Such orders include duty necessary to comply with health protection protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services or other health protection measures agreed to by the Department of Defense and FEMA.        Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:             (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or             (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.        (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.        (c)  This memorandum 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.        (d)  The Secretary of Defense is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.                                  DONALD J. TRUMP

Bill Announcement

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 2020

On Thursday, December 3, 2020, the President signed into law:     H.R. 5901, the “Information Technology Modernization Centers of Excellence Program Act,” which requires the General Services Administration to establish an Information Technology Modernization Centers of Excellence Program to facilitate the adoption of modern technology by executive agencies on a reimbursable basis.

Bill Announcement

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 2020

On Thursday, December 3, 2020, the President signed into law:     H.R. 1773, the “Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019,” which provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the women in the United States who joined the workforce during World War II, referred to as "Rosie the Riveter";   H.R. 1833, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 35 Tulip Avenue in Floral Park, New York, as the Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson Post Office Building;   H.R. 3207, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 114 Mill Street in Hookstown, Pennsylvania, as the Staff Sergeant Dylan Elchin Post Office Building;   H.R. 3317, which permits the Scipio A. Jones Post Office in Little Rock, Arkansas, to accept and display a portrait of Scipio A. Jones;   H.R. 3329, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5186 Benito Street in Montclair, California, as the Paul Eaton Post Office Building;   H.R. 4734, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 171 South Maple Street in Dana, Indiana, as the Ernest "Ernie" T. Pyle Post Office;   H.R. 4794, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8320 13th Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, as the Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini Post Office Building;   H.R. 4981, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2505 Derita Avenue in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the Julius L. Chambers Civil Rights Memorial Post Office;   H.R. 5037, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3703 North Main Street in Farmville, North Carolina, as the Walter B. Jones, Jr. Post Office;   H.R. 5384, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Crosby Street in Mansfield, Louisiana, as the Dr. C.O. Simpkins, Sr., Post Office; and   S. 327, the “Wounded Veterans Recreation Act,” which authorizes the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture to issue a lifetime National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass without charge to veterans with service-connected disabilities.