West Wing Reads Retired officer: Trump’s Withdrawal from Syria Saves American Lives from Unwinnable Middle East Conflict

Retired officer: Trump’s Withdrawal from Syria Saves American Lives from Unwinnable Middle East Conflict “President Trump cares about America’s men and women in uniform in a way that his detractors can never fully understand, because he alone bears responsibility when the political class’s visions of glory give way to the grim realities of war,” Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer, retired senior intelligence operations officer, writes in the Sun Sentinel. “The president promised that he would not get America mired in endless, unwinnable foreign wars . . . When presented with an opportunity to disentangle our armed forces from yet another protracted Middle East conflict, the president wisely moved American troops out of harm’s way.” Click here to read more. “Americans pay too much for prescription drugs under the current system. It is not fair. That’s why Republicans have pushed for legislation to increase competition, transparency, and accountability so people pay less at the counter for their prescriptions,” write Reps. Kevin Brady (R-TX), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), and Greg Walden (R-OR) in Fox News. “President Donald Trump’s daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump met with Reddit Inc. co-founder Alexis Ohanian at the White House Tuesday as part of the push by the tech entrepreneur—and husband to tennis star Serena Williams—to promote paid family leave,” Justin Sink reports for Bloomberg. “Through a rarely used stipulation of the Congressional Review Act, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will force a vote for tax cuts on the wealthy. Specifically, he will be trying to repeal the relatively new cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, so that uber-wealthy taxpayers living in high-tax jurisdictions can get a special tax break once again,” Tiana Lowe writes in the Washington Examiner.  “Under President Trump’s leadership, the DEA’s National Take Back Day events have shattered records, collecting 4.6 million pounds of unused or unwanted prescription drugs,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and White House Director of National Drug Control Policy Jim Carroll write in Agri-Pulse.  The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500 · USA · 202-456-1111

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

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2019 President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individuals to Key Administration Posts Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key positions in his Administration: Lanny Erdos of Ohio, to be Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. Lanny Erdos previously worked at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Mineral Resources Management. Mr. Erdos was most recently the Chief at ODNR and had a broad range of responsibilities, including the management and regulation of Ohio’s coal and aggregate resources, as well as management of the ODNR abandoned mine land and mine safety programs. During his 31-years of State service, Mr. Erdos worked with departments and agencies such as the United States and Ohio Environmental Protection Agencies, United States Fish and Wildlife, United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. Michael D. Weahkee of New Mexico, to be the Director of the Indian Health Service at the Department of Health and Human Services. Rear Admiral Michael D. Weahkee, an enrolled member of the Zuni Indian Tribe, has served as Principal Deputy Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Assistant Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Services at the Department of Health and Human Services. Previously, he served as the chief executive officer at the Phoenix Medical Center. Rear Admiral Weahkee received his Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Southern Illinois-Carbondale and Masters of Health Services Administration and Business Administration from Arizona State University. ### The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500-0003 · USA · 202-456-1111

1600 Daily The White House • October 22, 2019 Vice President Pence: The American People Deserve Better

The White House • October 22, 2019

Vice President Pence: The American people deserve better  Yesterday, Vice President Mike Pence traveled to Pennsylvania and got a firsthand look at SCHOTT North America’s original optical glass manufacturing plant in the United States. The facility first opened its doors 50 years ago. In photos: Vice President Pence speaks directly to Pennsylvania workers. “Since then, this facility, I’m told, has expanded nearly five times over,” he said. SCHOTT’s success story symbolizes the manufacturing renaissance that’s happened under President Donald J. Trump. In the less than 3 years since Election Day 2016, SCHOTT has invested $32 million in this one facility alone and expanded its workforce by 15 percent. Then, they watched their sales soar by a third. “Each one of you are proving every single day that as long as the playing field is level, American workers can out-compete, out-innovate, and out-work anybody in the world,” the Vice President told employees. But that level playing field is at risk, despite President Trump’s continued push to renegotiate America’s aging, failing trade deals. The reason is that when it comes to our most important trading relationship—that with Canada and Mexico, covered by the outdated NAFTA—House Democrats continue to shelve President Trump’s new deal. USMCA, or the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, updates the quarter-century old NAFTA to the tune of a projected $68 billion in new economic growth. That amounts to another 175,000 jobs, of which 50,000 will be on factory floors across America. “As I stand here today, the USMCA is languishing in the House of Representatives,” Vice President Pence said. “You see the headlines. These days, Democrats are spending all their time on endless investigations and a partisan impeachment. But the American people deserve better.” States like Pennsylvania can’t afford this political waiting game. Today, the Keystone State exports more than $15 billion of its goods and services to Canada and Mexico. That number would dramatically increase if USMCA passes. Democrats wrongly assume that obstructing and declining to update NAFTA will hurt President Trump politically. They’re wrong. But more important, putting partisan politics before the very labor and environmental improvements they once fought for is Washington at its swampiest. House Democrats, Speaker Nancy Pelosi claims your 24/7 hearing circus won’t keep Congress from doing its job. Prove it. Pass USMCA, and put American workers first. Democrats, keep America growing with USMCA. Photos: Vice President Pence tours Pennsylvania plant Video of the Day: Ivanka Trump at the World Bank “Investing in women and engaging more women in the workforce is not only the right thing to do—it’s good business,” Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump told a group assembled at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., on Friday. She is helping lead a $2.6 billion international fund, called the Women’s Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), aimed at helping women in countries where they face discrimination in getting loans and starting businesses. The United States has contributed $50 million to the program to date. Photo of the Day Official White House photo by D. Myles Cullen Vice President Mike Pence delivers remarks at SCHOTT North America | October 21, 2019

The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500 · USA · 202-456-1111

Presidential Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2019

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES: Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days before the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date.  In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared in Executive Order 13413 of October 27, 2006, is to continue in effect beyond October 27, 2019. The situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been marked by widespread violence and atrocities that continue to threaten regional stability, continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States.  For this reason, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13413 with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.                                  DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,     October 22, 2019.   ###

The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500-0003 · USA · 202-456-1111

Text of a Notice to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2019

NOTICE - - - - - - - CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO       On October 27, 2006, by Executive Order 13413, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706), ordered related measures blocking the property of certain persons contributing to the conflict in that country.  The President took this action to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been marked by widespread violence and atrocities and continues to threaten regional stability.  The President took additional steps to address this national emergency in Executive Order 13671 of July 8, 2014.     The situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States.  For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13413 of October 27, 2006, as amended by Executive Order 13671 of July 8, 2014, and the measures adopted to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond October 27, 2019.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared in Executive Order 13413, as amended by Executive Order 13671.     This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.                                DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,     October 22, 2019. ###

The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500-0003 · USA · 202-456-1111

Statement from the Press Secretary

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2019 Statement from the Press Secretary Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump authorized $4.5 million in direct support to the Syria Civil Defense (SCD) to continue United States support for the organization’s important and highly valued work in the country.  Over the course of the 8-year conflict in Syria, the SCD has rescued more than 115,000 people, including many ethnic and religious minorities.  The United States encourages our allies and partners to join us in our support for the SCD and in our efforts to protect civilians, religious and ethnic minorities, and other innocent victims of the Syrian conflict.  ### The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500-0003 · USA · 202-456-1111

President Donald J. Trump Announces Appointment of Individuals to Key Administration Posts

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2019

President Donald J. Trump Announces Appointment of Individuals to Key Administration Posts   Today, President Donald J. Trump announced the appointment of the following individuals to be Members of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology: Catherine P. Bessant of North Carolina Dario Gil of New York Sharon Hrynkow of Virginia H. Fisk Johnson of Wisconsin Attiganal Sreeram of Michigan Shane Wall of Oregon K. Birgitta Whaley of California

The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500-0003 · USA · 202-456-1111

Executive Order on President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2019

EXECUTIVE ORDER - - - - - - - PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL OF ADVISORS ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY     By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to establish an advisory council on science and technology, it is hereby ordered as follows:     Section 1.  Purpose.  In every age of our Nation's history, American ingenuity has driven technological progress and the promise of the American Dream. Scientific advancement has improved the lives of our citizens, created jobs and better futures for American workers, and kept the American people safe at home and abroad.  American thinkers, inventors, and entrepreneurs, empowered by free market capitalism and driven by bold ideas, have created an ecosystem of innovation that is the envy of the world, making our Nation prosperous and strong.     Since World War II, our Nation's greatest scientists and engineers have advised the Federal Government, guiding the United States through the nuclear age, the mission to the moon, and the transformations of the digital revolution.  Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum information science are now on the horizon, and how we address their development will determine whether they give rise to new American industries or challenge American values.  With American leadership facing fierce global competition, today more than ever our Nation is in need of new approaches for unleashing the creativity of our research enterprise and empowering private sector innovation to ensure American technological dominance.     Through collaborative partnerships across the American science and technology enterprise, which includes an unmatched constellation of public and private educational institutions, research laboratories, corporations, and foundations, the United States can usher extraordinary new technologies into homes, hospitals, and highways across the world.  These technologies would have American values at their core.  By strengthening the ties that connect government, industry, and academia, my Administration will champion a new era of American research and innovation, which will give rise to new discoveries that create the industries of the future.     Sec. 2.  Establishment.   The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is hereby established.  The PCAST shall be composed of the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (the "Director"), and not more than 16 additional members appointed by the President.   These additional members shall include distinguished individuals from sectors outside of the Federal Government.  They shall have diverse perspectives and expertise in science, technology, education, and innovation.  The Director shall serve as the Chair of the PCAST.     Sec. 3.  Functions.   (a)  The PCAST shall advise the President on matters involving science, technology, education, and innovation policy.  The Council shall also provide the President with scientific and technical information that is needed to inform public policy relating to the American economy, the American worker, national and homeland security, and other topics.  The PCAST shall meet regularly and shall:         (i)    respond to requests from the President or the Director for information, analysis, evaluation, or advice;         (ii)   solicit information and ideas from a broad range of stakeholders on contemporary topics of critical importance to the Nation in order to inform policy making.  Stakeholders include the research community, the private sector, universities, national laboratories, State and local governments, and non profit organizations;         (iii)  serve as the advisory committee identified in subsection 101(b) of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-194), as amended (15 U.S.C. 5511(b)).  In performing the functions of such advisory committee, the PCAST shall be known as the President's Innovation and Technology Advisory Committee; and         (iv)   serve as the advisory panel identified in section 4 of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (Public Law 108-153), as amended (15 U.S.C. 7503).  In performing the functions of such advisory committee, the PCAST shall be known as the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel.     (b)  The PCAST shall provide advice to the National Science and Technology Council in response to requests from that Council.     Sec. 4.  Administration.   (a)  The heads of executive departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide the PCAST with information concerning scientific and technological matters when requested by the PCAST Chair.     (b)  In consultation with the Director, the PCAST may create standing subcommittees and ad hoc groups, including technical advisory groups to assist the PCAST and provide preliminary information to the PCAST.     (c)  The Director may request that members of the PCAST, its standing subcommittees, or ad hoc groups who do not hold a current clearance for access to classified information, receive security clearance and access determinations pursuant to Executive Order 12968 of August 2, 1995 (Access to Classified Information), as amended, or any successor order.     (d)  The Department of Energy shall provide such funding and administrative and technical support as the PCAST may require.     (e)  Members of the PCAST shall serve without any compensation for their work on the PCAST, but may receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in the government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707).     Sec. 5.  Termination.   The PCAST shall terminate 2 years from the date of this order unless extended by the President.     Sec. 6.  General Provisions.   (a)  Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.) (FACA), may apply to the PCAST, any functions of the President under the FACA, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall be performed by the Secretary of Energy in accordance with the guidelines and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services.     (b)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:         (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or         (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.     (c)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.     (d)  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.     Sec. 7.  Revocation.   Executive Order 13539 of April 21, 2010 (President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology), as amended, is hereby revoked.                           DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,     October 22, 2019.  ###

The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500-0003 · USA · 202-456-1111

West Wing Reads It's a Middle-Class Boom -- How Americans are Really Doing Under Trump Economy

It's a Middle-Class Boom -- How Americans are Really Doing Under Trump Economy “The median or average-income family has seen a gain of $5,003 since Trump came into office. Median family income is now (August 2019) $65,976,” Steve Moore writes for Fox Business. “Under George W. Bush, the household income gains were a little over $400 in eight years, and under Barack Obama the gains were $1,043. That was in eight years for each. Under Trump, in less than three years, the extra income is about three times larger.” Click here to read more. “House Democrats’ top impeachment inquisitor abruptly changed from repeatedly insisting on the testimony of a whistleblower against President Donald Trump to working to prevent it,” Mollie Hemingway writes in The Federalist. “Democrats have dramatically switched from demanding transparency about the whistleblower complaint to hiding depositions, transcripts, and evidence.” “The past several weeks in Washington have shown us the worst of the swamp,” Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA) writes for Fox News. “The people in my district, both Republicans and Democrats, have repeatedly told me they are sick and tired of the way this non-transparent inquiry is going and the fact that Congress fails to do anything other than focus on tearing down the duly-elected president.”  “The United States government identified hundreds of migrants allegedly falsely claiming familial status and numerous other migrant adults attempting to pose as minors,” Jason Hopkins reports for The Daily Caller. U.S. immigration officials in the El Paso, Texas, area have identified 238 such fraudulent families. The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500 · USA · 202-456-1111

Statement from President Donald J. Trump Regarding the Enthronement Ceremony of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2019

Statement from President Donald J. Trump Regarding the Enthronement Ceremony of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan On behalf of the American people, Melania and I offer our warmest congratulations to the people of Japan on the occasion of the enthronement of the new Emperor and Empress. The advent of the imperial era known as “Reiwa,” meaning “beautiful harmony,” comes at a time in which the bonds of friendship between the American and Japanese people have never been stronger. Our global partnership is an unshakeable pillar of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world. It is a testament to the noble endeavor of advancing democracy, liberty, and human dignity for all. We wish the people of Japan our fondest regards and utmost respect on this auspicious and joyous occasion.

1600 Daily The White House • October 21, 2019 WATCH: One Giant Leap for Womankind

The White House • October 21, 2019

WATCH: One giant leap for womankind Far above our atmosphere, Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir stepped outside the International Space Station on Friday—the first-ever all-female spacewalk. President Donald J. Trump called them from the White House during their historic mission, marking the first time since 1969 that an American President has spoken to our astronauts while they were outside their spaceship. “I just want to congratulate you both. You’re very brave, brilliant women, and you represent this country so well,” the President said. “Our country is very proud of you.” During the call, the astronauts praised all the female pioneers who came before them and made this incredible moment possible. “There has been a long line of female scientists, explorers, engineers, and astronauts, and we have followed in their footsteps to get us where we are today,” Dr. Meir said. “We hope that we can provide an inspiration to everybody [who] has a big dream and that is willing to work hard to make that dream come true,” she added. “Something that all of us that have made our way up here have done all throughout our lives. And I can tell you, the hard work certainly did pay off.” In photos: President Trump calls in for the first all-female spacewalk.  President Trump: This is a “first step”—the next stop is the Moon. See the biggest moments from today’s Cabinet meeting President Trump allowed the press to sit in on his Cabinet meeting for over an hour today—yet another example of how this President is the most open, transparent, and media-friendly leader in our country’s recent history. Three important moments from the President’s opening remarks are worth your time in particular:  “We’re bringing our troops back home. I got elected on bringing our soldiers back home.” It might not be very popular with defense contractors inside the Beltway, the President said, but it draws the loudest cheers across America.    On impeachment, you don’t have to guess Congressional Democrats’ motives: They’ve told you themselves. “If we don't impeach this President, he will get re-elected,” according to one Democrat member.    The blue-collar, middle-class Trump Economy also speaks for itself, even if the Washington media and political classes aren’t listening. Wage growth under President Trump has topped the past two administrations—multiple times over. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence, delivers remarks during a Cabinet meeting | October 21, 2019 The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500 · USA · 202-456-1111