Thursday, October 31, 2019

Presidential Proclamation on National American History and Founders Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary
NATIONAL AMERICAN HISTORY AND FOUNDERS MONTH, 2019

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION
 

     Over 243 years ago, our Founders gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at Independence Hall to sign the Declaration of Independence, enshrining in the heart of every American a bedrock principle that all men are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights."  Throughout our Nation's history, countless men and women have boldly defended this principle, often making the ultimate sacrifice on battlefields here and in every corner of the world.  From overthrowing tyrannical rule in the Revolutionary War to liberating Europe from Nazi control during World War II, the United States will always remain steadfast in our dedication to promoting liberty and justice over the evil forces of oppression and indignity.  This same truth fuels us in our efforts to confront the challenges that face our citizens here at home, including protecting precious religious liberties, securing our Nation's borders, and combating the opioid crisis.  During National American History and Founders Month, we celebrate the vibrant American spirit that drives our Nation to remarkable heights.

      Our Nation's patriots and heroes have always been guided by the belief that America must shine brightly out into the world.  Indeed, this conviction has been at the forefront of the American experiment since our founding.  This month, we acknowledge the tremendous strides we have made as a people and recognize that our democracy's survival is dependent upon a well-informed electorate.  To ensure the success of our future generations, we pledge to continue to build a more educated citizenry.  We heed the warning of President Ronald Reagan that "freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction."

     To continue safeguarding our freedom, we must develop a deeper understanding of our American story.  Studying our country's founding documents and exploring our unique history -- both the achievements and challenges -- is indispensable to the future success of our great Nation.  For more than two centuries, the American experiment in self-government has been the antithesis to tyranny, and our Constitution has secured the blessings of liberty.  From the triumphs of war to the victories of the Civil Rights Movement to placing the first ever man on the moon 50 years ago, our Nation has time and again exhibited an unparalleled ability to achieve extraordinary feats.  To continue to advance liberty and prosperity, we must ensure the next generation of leaders is steeped in the proud history of our country.

     On this inaugural National American History and Founders Month, I encourage all citizens to reflect upon the defining tenets that have always united us as Americans, while also taking time to honor those who have contributed to the great story of our country.  As Americans, may we forever strive to preserve their legacy for generations 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 November 2019 as National American History and Founders Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.


 
                             DONALD J. TRUMP

NOMINATION SENT TO THE SENATE

Office of the Press Secretary
NOMINATION SENT TO THE SENATE:

     Stephen E. Biegun, of Michigan, to be Deputy Secretary of State, vice John J. Sullivan.

 

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individual to a Key Administration Post

Office of the Press Secretary
President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individual to a Key Administration Post

Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key position in his Administration:

Stephen E. Biegun of Michigan, to be Deputy Secretary of State.

Stephen E. Biegun is the United States Special Representative for North Korea at the Department of State, where he directs all United States policy on North Korea.  Prior to returning to government service in 2018, Mr. Biegun served as Vice President of International Governmental Relations for Ford Motor Company, where he was a third-generation Ford employee.  At Ford, he led an 80-person team located across 20 countries and was responsible for global trade strategy and international risk assessment.  Mr. Biegun has more than two decades of service in the Executive and Legislative Branches of government.  In Congress, he served as national security advisor to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, as Chief of Staff of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and as a senior staff member of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.  At the White House, he served as the National Security Council Executive Secretary, a senior staff position under National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice.  A graduate of the University of Michigan, Mr. Biegun is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has served on the boards of the National Bureau of Asian Research, the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, the U.S.-Russia Foundation for Economic Development and the Rule of Law, and Freedom House.

Statement from the Press Secretary

Office of the Press Secretary
Statement from the Press Secretary
The President has done nothing wrong, and the Democrats know it. Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats’ unhinged obsession with this illegitimate impeachment proceeding does not hurt President Trump; it hurts the American people. Instead of focusing on pressing issues that impact real families, like reducing gun violence, passing the USMCA, improving healthcare, lowering prescription drug costs, securing our southern border, and modernizing our aging infrastructure, the Democrats are choosing every day to waste time on a sham impeachment—a blatantly partisan attempt to destroy the President.

With today’s vote, Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats have done nothing more than enshrine unacceptable violations of due process into House rules. Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Schiff and the Democrats conducted secret, behind-closed-door meetings, blocked the Administration from participating, and have now voted to authorize a second round of hearings that still fails to provide any due process whatsoever to the Administration. The Democrats want to render a verdict without giving the Administration a chance to mount a defense. That is unfair, unconstitutional, and fundamentally un-American.
 

Statement from the Press Secretary

Office of the Press Secretary
Statement from the Press Secretary
Yesterday, Senate Democrats tried to adopt a resolution that would have rolled back President Donald Trump’s policies that encourage States to expand healthcare options through “state innovation waivers.”  This failed effort on the Senate floor proves that the Democrats’ plan is to double-down on unaffordable healthcare and excessive government control.

At a time when Obamacare has already made healthcare too expensive for Americans who buy their own insurance, the Democrats’ resolution would have discouraged States from working to make health insurance more affordable for their residents.  President Trump’s policies regarding state innovation waivers identify flexibilities for States to develop new strategies that help deliver high-quality care.

Everyone knows that Obamacare prices are too high.  The average family monthly premium has increased by over $740 since 2013—more than the average family’s monthly budget for food.

Thirteen Republican and Democrat-led States are already using innovation waivers to provide more affordable health insurance options for Americans.  The Administration is doing all it can to help these and other States deliver better options to the American public.

Yesterday’s attempt to pass the Democrats’ resolution was a show vote and a waste of time.  Democrats never had the votes to pass it.  These antics will not stop President Trump from continuing to stand against special interests and stand up for American families and workers who deserve affordable healthcare options.

Bill Announcement

Office of the Press Secretary
On Thursday, October 31, 2019, the President signed into law:


S. 1196, which designates a facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1715 Linnerud Drive in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, as the Fire Captain Cory Barr Post Office Building.

 

Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Sudan

Office of the Press Secretary

NOTICE

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CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO SUDAN
 

     On November 3, 1997, by Executive Order 13067, the President declared a national emergency with respect to Sudan pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) and took related steps to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the actions and policies of the Government of Sudan.  On April 26, 2006, by Executive Order 13400, the President determined that the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region posed an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067, and ordered the blocking of property of certain persons connected to the Darfur region.  On October 13, 2006, by Executive Order 13412, the President took additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067 and expanded in Executive Order 13400.  In Executive Order 13412, the President also took steps to implement the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-344).

     On January 13, 2017, by Executive Order 13761, the President found that positive efforts by the Government of Sudan between July 2016 and January 2017 improved certain conditions that Executive Orders 13067 and 13412 were intended to address.  Given these developments, and in order to encourage the Government of Sudan to sustain and enhance these efforts, section 1 of Executive Order 13761 provided that sections 1 and 2 of Executive Order 13067 and the entirety of Executive Order 13412 would be revoked as of July 12, 2017, provided that the criteria in section 12(b) of Executive Order 13761 had been met.

     On July 11, 2017, by Executive Order 13804, I amended Executive Order 13761, extending until October 12, 2017, the effective date in section 1 of Executive Order 13761.  On October 12, 2017, pursuant to Executive Order 13761, as amended by Executive Order 13804, sections 1 and 2 of Executive Order 13067 and the entirety of Executive Order 13412 were revoked.

     Despite recent positive developments, the crisis constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Sudan that led to the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13067 of November 3, 1997; the expansion of that emergency in Executive Order 13400 of April 26, 2006; and with respect to which additional steps were taken in Executive Order 13412 of October 13, 2006, Executive Order 13761 of January 13, 2017, and Executive Order 13804 of July 11, 2017, has not been resolved.  These actions and policies continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  I have, therefore, determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067, as expanded by Executive Order 13400, with respect to Sudan.

     This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.



                             DONALD J. TRUMP

 

THE WHITE HOUSE,
    October 31, 2019.
 
 

Presidential Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Sudan

Office of the Press Secretary
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 Sudan declared in Executive Order 13067 of November 3, 1997, is to continue in effect beyond November 3, 2019.

Despite recent positive developments, the crisis constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Sudan that led to the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13067; the expansion of that emergency in Executive Order 13400 of April 26, 2006; and with respect to which additional steps were taken in Executive Order 13412 of October 13, 2006, Executive Order 13761 of January 13, 2017, and Executive Order 13804 of July 11, 2017, has not been resolved.  These actions and policies continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067, as expanded by Executive Order 13400, with respect to Sudan.

 
DONALD J. TRUMP                            

 
THE WHITE HOUSE,
    October 31, 2019.

Presidential Proclamation on National Family Caregivers Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary
National Family Caregivers Month, 2019

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By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

 
     Selfless Americans across our country consistently dedicate themselves and their resources to providing ailing and aging loved ones with the care and support they need to live in their own homes and communities.  Throughout National Family Caregivers Month, we pause to recognize the men and women who tirelessly work to improve the quality of life for Americans in need of care.

     Caregivers help their family members live fulfilling lives by providing vital assistance in domestic, financial, and medical affairs.  The responsibility of serving and supporting another person can be challenging, and the strength and compassion exhibited by caregivers is one of the greatest manifestations of genuine love we witness in this world.  Their unrelenting support enables family members to live with dignity.

     As we honor the innumerable sacrifices made in homes across the country, we affirm our resolve to ensure all caregivers are given the resources and respect they deserve.  This support requires a commitment from community stakeholders and Federal, State, and local governments to equip caregivers with training and tools to use to safeguard their family's health and security.  This past summer, the Administration for Community Living held the inaugural meetings of the Family Caregiving Advisory Council and the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.  The strategies, informational resources, and technical assistance being developed by these councils will strengthen our Nation's support for family caregivers and their work enhancing the lives of millions of Americans.

     This November, we recognize and honor the commitment of those who exemplify the essential American tenets of devotion to family and compassion toward those who matter most in our lives.  Through caregivers' generosity, our vulnerable communities are able to fully experience the many blessings of our great Nation.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim November 2019 as National Family Caregivers Month.  I encourage all Americans to reach out to those who provide care for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need, to honor and thank them.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.


 
                             DONALD J. TRUMP

Message to the Congress

Office of the Press Secretary
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:


     In accordance with section 506A(a)(3)(B) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2466a(a)(3)(B)), I am providing notice of my intent to terminate the designation of the Republic of Cameroon (Cameroon) as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

     I am taking this step because I have determined that the Government of Cameroon currently engages in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, contravening the eligibility requirements of section 104 of the AGOA.

     Despite intensive engagement between the United States and the Government of Cameroon, Cameroon has failed to address concerns regarding persistent human rights violations being committed by Cameroonian security forces.  These violations include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and unlawful detention, and torture.

     Accordingly, I intend to terminate the designation of Cameroon as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under the AGOA as of January 1, 2020.  I will continue to assess whether the Government of Cameroon engages in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, in accordance with the AGOA eligibility requirements.


 
                             DONALD J. TRUMP

 
THE WHITE HOUSE,
    October 31, 2019.

 

West Wing Reads Adam Schiff’s Drive to Impeach Trump Based on Opinions, Deception and Illusions – Not Facts

West Wing Reads

Adam Schiff’s Drive to Impeach Trump Based on Opinions, Deception and Illusions – Not Facts


“Rep. Adam Schiff is a poor man’s Harry Houdini. He is a cheap illusionist performing amateurish parlor tricks of deception in his quest to convince his audience that he possesses damning evidence of an impeachable offense committed by President Trump,” Gregg Jarrett writes in Fox News.

“Schiff, D-Calif., has no such evidence, of course. But like most illusionists, Schiff employs misdirection and confusion. He attempts to convince you that opinions are evidence, while facts are not.”

The bottom line: “Anyone with computer access can download and read the transcript while forming their own opinion.” In fact, you can read it for yourself here.

Click here to read more.
The decision of Reddit administrators to “quarantine” one of President Trump’s largest and most vocal groups of supporters online is an “egregious example of social media sites meddling in political affairs,” Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) writes for RealClearPolitics.

“Republicans need to start speaking out about the treatment we’ve received from technology companies. We need to understand that nobody else will stand up for us.”
“The White House is making a strong push against Democrats’ ‘Medicare for All’ proposal, laying out a ‘Health Care for You’ agenda to boost competition and transparency, lower prescription prices, and produce greater affordability in health-related costs,” Fred Lucas reports in The Daily Signal.
“The nation’s deadly opioid epidemic shows signs of ebbing as the Trump administration Oct. 30 reported a 5.1% drop in overdose deaths, with sharper declines in some of the most hard-hit states,” Shira Stein reports for Bloomberg Law.
“You have to give the Democrats credit. When their narratives collapse, they invent a new one. Their misrepresentation of the phone conversation and the president’s inquiry into Ukrainian corruption and potential influence in our 2016 election are somehow being conflated into a most amorphous allegation of ‘abuse of power,’” Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) writes in The Washington Times.

Statement from the Press Secretary

Office of the Press Secretary
Statement from the Press Secretary
The President has done nothing wrong, and the Democrats know it. Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats’ unhinged obsession with this illegitimate impeachment proceeding does not hurt President Trump; it hurts the American people. Instead of focusing on pressing issues that impact real families, like reducing gun violence, passing the USMCA, improving healthcare, lowering prescription drug costs, securing our southern border, and modernizing our aging infrastructure, the Democrats are choosing every day to waste time on a sham impeachment—a blatantly partisan attempt to destroy the President.

With today’s vote, Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats have done nothing more than enshrine unacceptable violations of due process into House rules. Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Schiff and the Democrats conducted secret, behind-closed-door meetings, blocked the Administration from participating, and have now voted to authorize a second round of hearings that still fails to provide any due process whatsoever to the Administration. The Democrats want to render a verdict without giving the Administration a chance to mount a defense. That is unfair, unconstitutional, and fundamentally un-American.