March 5, 2021 Remarks by President Biden Before Economic Briefing with Treasury Secretary Yellen

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2021   Remarks by President Biden Before Economic Briefing with Treasury Secretary Yellen   Roosevelt Room 2:25 P.M. EST   THE PRESIDENT:  Welcome, folks.  Can you hear me in my mask?   Q    Yes, sir.   THE PRESIDENT:  All right.  We’re about to have an economic meeting, but I want to make a few very brief comments.   Today's jobs report shows that the American Rescue Plan is urgently needed, in our view.   Now, our economy still has 9.5 million fewer jobs than it had this time last year.  And at that rate, it would take two years to get us back on track.  We have 1 million fewer educators -- 1 million fewer educators -- than we did this time last year.  We've lost 400,000 small businesses.  All of those empty storefronts aren't just shattered dreams, they're warning lights that are going off and state and local budgets that are being stretched because of the lack of tax revenue.   And some of last month’s job growth is a result of the December relief package.  But without a rescue plan, these gains are going to slow.  We can't afford one step forward and two steps backwards.  We need to beat the virus, provide essential relief, and build an inclusive recovery.    People need the help now.  In less than two weeks, enhanced unemployment benefits will begin to expire for 11 million people.  At least 7 million kids don't have enough food to eat on a regular basis.  Thirteen million people are behind in their rent.    And the rescue plan is absolutely essential for turning this around, getting kids back to school safely, getting a lifeline to small business, and getting the upper hand on COVID-19.  That's what we're going to be talking about now.    So I thank you all for coming on in.  Thank you.   2:27 P.M. EST

March 5, 2021 Bipartisan Mayors in Colorado Write Op-Ed Urging Congress to Pass the American Rescue Plan

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2021   Bipartisan Mayors in Colorado Write Op-Ed Urging Congress to Pass the American Rescue Plan “Coloradans are suffering. Congress must put aside partisanship and pass the COVID relief plan.” Today, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock (D) and Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman (R) published a joint op-ed in the Denver Post describing COVID-19’s devastating impact on Coloradans and urging the U.S. Senate to put aside their political differences and pass President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The mayors wrote: “As mayors of two of the largest cities in Colorado — one Democrat and one Republican — we don’t see eye to eye on every issue, but we’re united about this: Coloradans need urgent relief, and the American Rescue Plan is the right package for this time.” “The American Rescue Plan is a comprehensive legislative remedy that will help us get shots in the arms of the American people and give a shot in the arm to the economy. As bipartisan mayors, we — along with an overwhelming majority of Americans — are united in our support of this plan because we understand that the cost of inaction is unfathomable. We’ve put aside our political differences to do what’s best for the country to move from rescue to recovery. We’re calling upon our friends in Congress to do the same and pass the American Rescue Plan.” The op-ed follows numerous polls showing broad, bipartisan support for the plan, including a recent Morning Consult poll that shows 77% of voters support the package, including nearly 60 percent of Republican voters. Additionally, just this week, in a letter to the Senate, more than 400 local and national organizations highlighted the need for the plan’s funding for local and state economies and jobs. Denver Post: Hancock and Coffman: Coloradans are suffering. Congress must put aside partisanship and pass the COVID relief plan. [Michael Hancock and Mike Coffman; 3/5/2021] Last week, Americans watched the U.S. House of Representatives voted along party lines for President Joe Biden’s economic relief package, the American Rescue Plan, While some in Washington may view the COVID-19 crisis through a partisan lens, here in Colorado, we see things differently. Nearly 6,000 of our neighbors have died from this virus. More than 12,000 Coloradans applied for unemployment assistance in the past week. Small businesses have shuttered. Our towns are struggling, as the state experiences record losses in revenues. And our children have suffered through an unprecedented period of school closures and virtual learning, the impacts of which may have been detrimental to their ongoing educational and social development. Simply put, Coloradans are suffering. As mayors of two of the largest cities in Colorado — one Democrat and one Republican — we don’t see eye to eye on every issue, but we’re united about this: Coloradans need urgent relief, and the American Rescue Plan is the right package for this time. When we’re talking to and hearing from our residents, the number one question on the minds of our neighbors is, “When can I get a vaccine?” President Biden’s relief plan mounts a national vaccine distribution strategy that will aggressively speed up and streamline vaccinations in Colorado. The American Rescue Plan would invest $20 billion in a national vaccination program in partnership with states and localities to help us fund vaccinations through community health centers and stand up mobile vaccination units that will help us get that vaccine distributed throughout the state of Colorado. The American Rescue Plan will also provide $1,400 in economic relief payments to families who need it the most. These payments will stimulate our local economy and help struggling families pay their rent, buy groceries and cover household expenses during this trying time. As mayors, we understand the toll this pandemic has taken on local small business owners and their employees. The American Rescue Plan provides $15 billion in grants for small businesses, which is estimated to help one million small business owners weather this storm. Coloradans agree that we’re indebted to our essential workers, who, for months, have risked their health and safety to support our communities. We’re pleased that the American Rescue Plan invests $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local and territorial governments to ensure that we can not only pay our essential workers but also safely test, vaccinate and provide other vital services in our communities. We know that safely reopening our schools is top of mind for every parent, grandparent, teacher and student. What our children have endured over this past year seemed unimaginable before. The American Rescue Plan makes a $130 billion investment in schools, to help districts purchase PPE, increase ventilation, hire additional teachers, janitors, and staff, and take additional steps to safely reopen. We don’t have any illusions about the challenges before us. As mayors, we’re engaging with residents from all walks of life every day. We’re hearing from parents who are worried about their children’s education, small business owners who are unsure if they’ll be able to pay their staff, essential workers who need additional PPE and families who are concerned about when their loved ones will be able to get vaccinated. To them, COVID-19 isn’t a Democratic or Republican crisis. It’s an American crisis. The American Rescue Plan is a comprehensive legislative remedy that will help us get shots in the arms of the American people and give a shot in the arm to the economy. As bipartisan mayors, we — along with an overwhelming majority of Americans — are united in our support of this plan because we understand that the cost of inaction is unfathomable. We’ve put aside our political differences to do what’s best for the country to move from rescue to recovery. We’re calling upon our friends in Congress to do the same and pass the American Rescue Plan. Michael B. Hancock is a Democrat and the mayor of Denver. Mike Coffman is a Republican and the mayor of Aurora, Colorado.

Letter to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran

 

March 5, 2021   Dear Madam Speaker: (Dear Madam President:)   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 prior to 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 Iran that was declared on March 15, 1995, is to continue in effect beyond March 15, 2021.   The actions and policies of the Government of Iran continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.   For these reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12957 with respect to Iran and to maintain in force comprehensive sanctions against Iran to respond to this threat.                                Sincerely,                                  JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

March 5, 2021 ICYMI: Maine Mayors’ Coalition Pens Letter Calling on U.S. Senate to Pass American Rescue Plan and Deliver Immediate Relief for Struggling Communities

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2021   ICYMI: Maine Mayors’ Coalition Pens Letter Calling on U.S. Senate to Pass American Rescue Plan and Deliver Immediate Relief for Struggling Communities On Tuesday, Mayor Alan Casavant of Biddeford and Mayor Kate Snyder of Portland, penned a letter on behalf of the Maine Mayors’ Coalition, calling on the United States Senate to take immediate action to pass President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and deliver badly-needed support to struggling communities so they can keep first responders on the job, keep local businesses open, and help struggling families put food on their tables. President Biden’s plan calls for $350 billion in direct assistance to state and local governments, to secure public sector jobs, maintain essential services, and stabilize the economy. The plan would also dramatically ramp up vaccination efforts and expand testing to defeat the virus. The letter from Mayor Casavant and Mayor Snyder echoes the broad, bipartisan support garnered by the American Rescue Plan. New polling from Morning Consult shows that 77% of voters support the package, including nearly 60 percent of Republican voters. Additionally, just this week, in a letter to the Senate, more than 400 local and national organizations highlighted the need for the plan’s funding for local and state economies and jobs. Read the full letter below: Bangor Daily News: It’s time to help our cities [By Mayor Alan Casavant and Mayor Kate Snyder, 3/2/21] Alan Casavant is the mayor of Biddeford. Kate Snyder is the mayor of Portland. They wrote this commentary on behalf of the Mayors’ Coalition. The mayors of many of Maine’s largest cities have witnessed firsthand the struggle the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. Local government is the economic engine of our communities, and we have had no choice but to continue providing the essential services necessary to keep our cities running, even without help from the federal government. We are calling on our United States senators to step up and give us the help we need, help that is included in President Joe Biden’s “American Rescue Plan,” to provide relief to state and local governments. This legislation contains $350 billion in direct aid to states and local communities and would deliver the funds necessary to secure public sector jobs and point us in the direction of a more stable economy. We have been on the frontline overseeing the public health crisis coronavirus has created. This has given us an on-the-ground understanding of the immediate and long-term needs we are facing. Providing quick, direct and flexible relief to communities will be the most effective way to help our greater communities that have gone without help for too long. We understand this has certainly created a time of sacrifice for everyone. Businesses are pinching pennies to keep their doors open, and families are taking on second or third jobs to put food on the table. We commend the fact that these groups will likely receive additional help through the current relief package, but we simply cannot afford to forget local governments once again. We are facing increased costs and demands on our resources that maintain essential services in general assistance, first responder protection, education and more. We’ve tightened our budgets and made necessary cuts that avoid major setbacks, but our dollars will only stretch so far. We do not want to head down the tough road of having to choose between keeping libraries open or further delaying repair of our decaying roads and bridges. Furloughs and job cuts are also on the table for many states and localities. These losses wouldn’t only affect the efficiency of government services, but would further add to the state’s already bogged unemployment. We are here to assist and partner with our senators to provide relief to Mainers. Our federal delegation has a history of standing together in times of crisis and we must do so now. The swift support from our senators for funding to state and local governments is a crucial step to keeping our communities afloat. We thank our senators for their continued leadership during this pandemic.

March 5, 2021 NOTICE - CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO IRAN

 

March 5, 2021 NOTICE   - - - - - - -   CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO IRAN      On March 15, 1995, by Executive Order 12957, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Iran.  On May 6, 1995, the President issued Executive Order 12959, imposing more comprehensive sanctions on Iran to further respond to this threat.  On August 19, 1997, the President issued Executive Order 13059, consolidating and clarifying those previous orders.  The President took additional steps pursuant to this national emergency in Executive Order 13553 of September 28, 2010; Executive Order 13574 of May 23, 2011; Executive Order 13590 of November 20, 2011; Executive Order 13599 of February 5, 2012; Executive Order 13606 of April 22, 2012; Executive Order 13608 of May 1, 2012; Executive Order 13622 of July 30, 2012; Executive Order 13628 of October 9, 2012; Executive Order 13645 of June 3, 2013; Executive Order 13716 of January 16, 2016, which revoked Executive Orders 13574, 13590, 13622, 13645 and provisions of Executive Order 13628; Executive Order 13846 of August 6, 2018, which revoked Executive Orders 13716 and 13628; Executive Order 13871 of May 8, 2019; Executive Order 13876 of June 24, 2019; Executive Order 13902 of January 10, 2020; and Executive Order 13949 of September 21, 2020.      The actions and policies of the Government of Iran -- including its proliferation and development of missiles and other asymmetric and conventional weapons capabilities, its network and campaign of regional aggression, its support for terrorist groups, and the malign activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its surrogates -- continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.      For these reasons, the national emergency declared on March 15, 1995, must continue in effect beyond March 15, 2021. 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 Iran declared in Executive Order 12957.  The emergency declared by Executive Order 12957 constitutes an emergency separate from that declared on November 14, 1979, by Executive Order 12170 in connection with the hostage crisis.  This renewal, therefore, is distinct from the emergency renewal of November 2020.      This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.                                JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.   THE WHITE HOUSE, March 5, 2021.

March 5, 2021 FACT SHEET: The U.S. Response to Ebola Outbreaks in West and East Africa

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2021 FACT SHEET: The U.S. Response to Ebola Outbreaks in West and East Africa   On February 7, 2021, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) announced a confirmed case of Ebola in North Kivu Province. Separately, on February 14, 2021, the MOH in the Republic of Guinea (Guinea) confirmed an Ebola case in N’Zérékoré Prefecture. Upon confirmation of the outbreaks, the U.S. Government (USG) implemented a forward-leaning, whole-of-government response to help quickly control and end the outbreaks. USG personnel in affected and border countries immediately supported national preparedness and response activities, such as survivor care, surveillance, and overall infection prevention and control, building on capacities strengthened in past Ebola outbreaks.  And, the USG has committed more than $3.5 million in assistance to support the rapid responses.   The COVID-19 outbreak has further confirmed that the health and safety of one country is the health and safety of the world. The Biden administration is committed to being a strong public health partner by supporting DRC, Guinea, and communities experiencing these outbreaks. USG agencies and Embassies are working closely with local, national, and international partners to ensure the response efforts are well integrated and aligned. These efforts include:   Facilitating access to Ebola vaccines and therapeutics: The vaccines that DRC and Guinea are receiving come from a global Ebola vaccine stockpile established January 2021. A $20 million USG contribution, provided to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and specifically dedicated to support a stockpile of licensed Ebola vaccines funded the first deliveries of doses into the stockpile. The USG has coordinated delivery of 120 treatment courses of U.S.-developed Ebola therapeutics to Guinea, with more doses available, if needed.   Increasing response capacity: To increase response capacity and save lives, the USG is helping the DRC, Guinea, and neighboring countries to increase disease surveillance, laboratory, infection prevention and control, and emergency management capacities, as well as access to diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics. The USG is also working to enhance risk communications, access to safe and dignified burials, and supporting survivors.   Increasing surveillance and case management systems:  The CDC has provided guidelines and standard operating procedures for finding cases, and is also supporting critical epidemiology and disease surveillance systems in affected and neighboring countries to establish transmission chains. USAID is funding partners to support active surveillance, community engagement, and supporting the establishment of Ebola treatment and transit centers.   Strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) practices:  In close collaboration with WHO, Africa CDC, and other partners, the USG is creating and deploying IPC training, mobilizing response staff, and engaging Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali to ensure readiness for potential cases. USAID launched a program to strengthen IPC in major health facilities, including hygiene promotion, triage and isolation, and training of health care workers.   Supporting community engagement activities to increase awareness: To promote behaviors that decrease risk of transmission, the U.S. Embassy in DRC is activating its network of exchange program alumni and opinion leaders. USAID is supporting risk communication and community engagement activities. And, CDC is supporting community feedback and mass communication activities, as well as helping to build capacity to report rapidly and accurately community questions, perceptions, and concerns.   Mitigating the risk of spread to the United States: The ability to identify and locate those in the U.S. who may have been exposed to Ebola is critical to help prevent the spread of the disease within U.S. communities. On March 2, 2021, CDC issued an order that went into effect on March 4 requiring airlines and aircraft operators to collect and transmit passenger contact information to the USG for the purposes of public health follow-up. In support of CDC’s order, the Department of Homeland Security is directing operators of aircraft to funnel passengers who in the last 21 days traveled from, or were otherwise present within, the DRC or Guinea to one of six United States airports where the USG is focusing public health resources to implement enhanced public health measures. For more information on the CDC order and flight redirection, please visit HERE.

March 6, 2021 Remarks by President Biden on the Senate Passage of the American Rescue Plan

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2021   Remarks by President Biden on the Senate Passage of the American Rescue Plan   State Dining Room       2:05 P.M. EST   THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon.  It’s a good day today.  You know, when we took office 45 days ago, I promised the American people that help was on the way.  Today, I can say we’ve taken one more giant step forward in delivering on that promise that help is on the way.   I want to thank -- start off by thanking the Vice President, but I want to thank all of the senators who worked so hard to reach a compromise to do the right thing for the American people during this crisis and voted to pass the American Rescue Plan.  It obviously wasn’t easy, it wasn’t always pretty, but it was so desperately needed -- urgently needed.   Also, I also need to say a few words about the Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who I spoke with many times on this and again this morning.  I served in the Senate, as you all know, for many years.  I’ve never seen anyone work as skillfully, as ably, as patiently, with determination, to deliver such a consequential piece of legislation that was so urgently needed as the American Rescue Plan.   Chuck Schumer -- Senator Chuck Schumer, when the country needed you most, you led, Chuck, and you delivered.  Neither I nor the country will ever forget that.  And it’s not a moment too soon.  I’ve been talking about the urgency of this need.   For -- for over a year, the American people were told they were on their own.  They were seeing -- we’ve seen how hard that has been on so many Americans.  As of last night, 519,064 lives lost to the virus.  That many empty chairs this morning -- the breakfast table -- gone.  More than four hundred [thousand] small businesses closed unnecessarily.  Millions of people out of work through no fault of their own.  I want to emphasize that: through no fault of their own.  Food bank lines stretching for miles.  Did any of you ever you’d see that in America, in cities all across this country?  Families facing the threat of eviction.   This nation has suffered too much for much too long.  And everything in this package is designed to relieve the suffering and to meet the most urgent needs of the nation and put us in a better position to prevail, starting with beating this virus and vaccinating the country.    The resources in this plan will be used to expand and speed up manufacturing and distribution of vaccines so we can get every single American vaccinated sooner than later.  I believe by -- we’ll have enough by the end of -- by the middle of May to vaccinate.  It’s going to take longer to take longer to get it in their arm, but that’s how much vaccine we’ll have.   Because of all the funding, we’ll be able to hire more vaccinators, set up more vaccination sites to get the country in a place to get back to normal.  This plan will get checks out the door, starting this month, to the American people who so desperately need the help, many of whom are lying in bed at night, staring at the ceiling, wondering, “Will I lose my job, if I haven’t already?  Will I lose my insurance?  Will I lose my home?”   Over 85 percent of American households will get direct payments of $1,400 per person.  For a typical middle-class family of four -- husband and wife working, making $100,000 a year total, with three kids -- they’ll get $5,600 -- I mean, with two kids -- will get $5,600, and it’ll be on the way soon.   That means the mortgage can get paid.  That means the child can stay in community college.  That means maintaining the health insurance you have.  It’s going to make a big difference in so many of lives in this country.   Unemployment benefits will be extended for 11 million Americans who have lost their jobs and who, last night, again were lying in bed, just thinking, “My lord, I’m going to lose my unemployment insurance in a week or so.”  It was about to expire.   Schools are going to have the resources they need to open safely.  States and local governments that have lost tens of thousands of essential workers will be -- have the resources they need available to them, to those laid-off police officers, firefighters, teachers, and nurses they can rehire.  These are essential personnel.   Look, the American Rescue Plan lowers healthcare premiums.  Food and nutrition assistance.  It’s hard to believe that 24 million adults and 11 million children, as I speak, in the United States suffer from food insecurity.  That means, simply, they don’t have enough food to eat.  Did you ever imagine in the United States of America, you’d see lines, literally miles long -- kids -- folks in their automobiles, waiting for a box of food to be put in their trunk.  I stood in line, handing out food.  The people coming up never, ever, ever thought they’d be in that position.    This helps families who are behind on their rent and their mortgage payments so they aren’t thrown out of their homes.    Look, the bottom line is this:  This plan puts us on the path to beating the virus.  This plan gives those families who are struggling the most the help and the breathing room they need to get through this moment.  This plan gives small businesses in this country a fighting chance to survive.   And one more thing: This plan is historic.  Taken altogether, this plan is going to make it possible to cut child poverty in half.  Let me say that again -- it’s significant, historic: It will cut child poverty in half.   There’s much more to this bill, but, for now, let me make one final point.  When I was elected, I said we were going to get the government out of the business of battling on Twitter and back in the business of delivering for the American people, of making a difference in their lives, giving everyone a chance -- a fighting chance, of showing the American people that their government can work for them.  And passing the American Rescue Plan will do that.   And, you know, it may sound strange, but a lot of senators and congressmen I want to thank, but I really want to thank the American people for making all of this possible.  You say, “Well, how do they make it possible?”  Well, quite frankly, without the overwhelming bipartisan support of the American people, this would not have happened.  Your elected officials heard you.  Overwhelming public support -- every public opinion poll shows overwhelming support for this plan.  And for the last weeks, it’s shown that.  Every public opinion poll shows the people want this, they believe it’s needed, and they believe it’s urgent.    And now this bill returns to the House of Representatives, which has done a great job from the beginning, where I hope it will find quick passage so it can be sent to my desk to be signed into law.   By passing the American Rescue Plan, we’ll have heeded the voice of the American people, not ignored their voices.  By passing this plan, we will have delivered real, tangible results for the American people and their families, and they’ll be able to see and know and feel the change in their own lives.  And by passing this plan, we’ll have proved that this government, this democracy can still work.  What has to be done -- it’ll improve people’s lives.     And one more thing: The vast majority of economists -- left, right, and center -- from Wall Street to the -- to the private -- private economic polling initiatives -- the economists -- as I’ve said, left, right, and center -- say, “In addition to the needs the people have, we need this to grow the economy.”  That if we haven’t spent this money and recreated the kind of incentive for people to be able to make a good living, that we’d be in real trouble.    This will create millions of new jobs -- it’s estimated over 6 million new jobs by itself; increase the Gross Domestic Product by a trillion dollars; put our nation in a position to out-compete the rest of the world -- because the rest of the world is moving, particularly China; and to know that as tough as this moment is, there are brighter days ahead.  There really are.    As I’ve said before, it’s never a good bet to bet against America.  It’s never been a good bet to bet against the American people.  We are America.  We’re going to get there.  We’re going to remain the leading economy in the world and going to be the most successful economy in the world because of you, the American people.   Thank you, and God bless you all.  May God protect our troops.  Thank you.   Q    Mr. President, why do you think you didn’t get a single Republican vote, and what does the drama of the last 24 hours, including with Senator Manchin, tell you about the next four years?   THE PRESIDENT:  They’re going to be good.  I’m going to succeed.  We’re going to succeed moving forward.   Look, the American people strongly support what we’re doing.  That’s the key here.  And that’s going to continue to seep down through the public, including from our Republican friends.  There’s a lot of Republicans who came very close.  They’ve got a lot of pressure on them.  I still haven’t given up on getting their support.    Thank you.   Q    (Inaudible) the compromises?   THE PRESIDENT:  Pardon?   Q    Your message to House Democrats who were frustrated with some of the compromises in the Senate bill, particularly --   THE PRESIDENT:  They’re not frustrated.  Bernie Sanders said this is the most progressive bill he’s ever seen passed since he’s been here.  And the compromises were all compromises that didn’t affect the substance and the essence of what the bill is.  Going from $300 -- from $400 to $300, to the unemployment excess.  Well, it got extended until September.  The end result is the essentially about the same.  And so, I don’t think any of the compromises have in any way fundamentally altered the essence of what I put in the bill in the first place.   Thank you.   2:14 P.M. EST

March 3, 2021 Statement by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on 2021 Special Health Insurance Enrollment Period Coverage Progress

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 3, 2021   Statement by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on 2021 Special Health Insurance Enrollment Period Coverage Progress Health care is a right, not a privilege — and ensuring that every single American has access to the quality, affordable health care they need is a national imperative. Never has that been more important than today, in the midst of a deadly pandemic that has infected nearly 30 million Americans. On February 15, my administration opened HealthCare.gov for three months to provide all Americans the opportunity to sign up for health insurance through a special enrollment period. In the two weeks since, more than 200,000 Americans have gotten covered. These numbers are an encouraging sign — but we can’t slow down until every American has the security and peace of mind that quality, affordable health coverage provides. There is plenty of time left to sign up, and I encourage everyone who needs health insurance to go to HealthCare.gov before May 15. If you already have coverage, you can help family members and friends who are uninsured get themselves covered. Getting more Americans covered is an important part of the equation — but we also need to lower health costs. Last week, the House of Representatives passed my American Rescue Plan, which includes big steps to drive down people’s premiums and expand access to care for all Americans, including those who have lost their employer plans. This plan will increase federal subsidies and decrease premiums in order to ensure that no one ever pays more than 8.5 percent of their income on health coverage — though most Americans will pay far less. And it incentivizes states to expand coverage to an additional four million people with low incomes, and extend coverage for a year to low-income women who have recently given birth. The American Rescue Plan is essential to defeating the pandemic — allowing us to ramp up testing, tracing, and our national vaccination program to get shots into as many arms as possible as quickly as we can. But it also lays an important foundation for better health, a stronger economy, and peace of mind for more Americans as we come out of the crisis and build back better. The American people have united in historic numbers around this plan — Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike. Now, it is up to the Senate to hear them, and act quickly to pass the bill.

March 2, 2021 ICYMI: The National Restaurant Association Calls on Congressional Leadership to Pass President Biden’s American Rescue Plan

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2021     ICYMI: The National Restaurant Association Calls on Congressional Leadership to Pass President Biden’s American Rescue Plan   The National Restaurant Association sent a letter on behalf of their members to Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McCarthy, and Leader McConnell urging them to pass the American Rescue Plan and give restaurants the assistance they desperately need. The letter states: “The National Restaurant Association has completed our sixth national survey of our membership since the March 2020 pandemic started – drawing from restaurants of every type and in every community. The results demonstrate a continued vulnerability for the nation’s second-largest private sector employer, and one that warrants prompt passage of the $25 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund in the American Rescue Plan….”   “While many other industries have moved into a recovery phase, the restaurant industry ended last year in a double-dip recession and with 2.5 million fewer jobs. At this point, we forecast the industry has lost $255 billion in revenue…”   Help for restaurants is help for employees and communities, and a signal that our country is one step closer to turning a corner. We urge prompt passage of the American Rescue Plan.   The support from the National Restaurant Association follows a similar letter last week from over 160 business leaders supporting the Biden’s American Rescue Plan, a survey from CNBC that showed 63% of small business owners support the rescue plan, and numerous polls showing bipartisan support for the plan, including a recent Navigator poll that shows 76% of Americans – and 60% of Republicans support the American Rescue Plan. This latest letter also follows the endorsement of  more than 400 more bipartisan mayors across the nation.   The National Restaurant Association also joins a long list of individuals and organizations who are showing the benefits of urgent relief including Brookings, Moody’s Analytics, and the Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund.

March 2, 2021 ICYMI: Education Secretary Cardona: Here is my plan to get students back in schools full-time

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2021     ICYMI: Education Secretary Cardona: Here is my plan to get students back in schools full-time   Today, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona wrote an op-ed in USA Today naming quickly and safely reopening schools as his top priority. He detailed his plan TO make sure communities have the tools and resources they need to re-open safely.   He writes, “Earlier today, the President announced steps to accelerate school reopening nationwide by treating in-person learning as the essential service that it is and prioritizing educators for vaccinations in every state in the country…Under my leadership, the Department of Education (ED) will take a problem-solving, solutions-oriented approach to working with schools, educators, and families to get students back in the classroom full time.”   See full op-ed below:   USA Today: Education Secretary Cardona: Here is my plan to get students back in schools full-time  [Secretary Miguel Cardona, 3/2/21]     The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest and most complex challenge our education system has experienced. It has been extraordinary to see schools, educators, and families face this challenge head on and continue to educate our students.      But despite heroic work by educators and staff, the year-long pandemic has led to fewer learning opportunities, more kids going hungry, greater stress and a growing sense of social isolation. The disruption in school has taken the heaviest toll on students of color, students from families with low-incomes, English learners, students in rural communities, and students with disabilities -- impacting their social, emotional, and mental health, and academic well-being.       We must continue to reopen America’s schools for in-person learning as quickly and safely as possible. As Secretary of Education, this is my top priority.  Earlier today, the President announced steps to accelerate school reopening nationwide by treating in-person learning as the essential service that it is and prioritizing educators for vaccinations in every state in the country.     This is an important step, but there’s much more work we must also do to safely reopen schools in every community in the country. As the Education Commissioner in Connecticut, my team and I offered clear, science-based guidance and communicated with all stakeholders involved: teachers and staff, administrators, district leaders, parents, and students. We knew there was no one-size-fits-all solution; that different districts know their schools best and would adjust to local COVID-19 data. My approach with our nation’s schools will be the same.      Thanks to the work of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) our nation’s schools and educators have a clear operational strategy from public health experts on how to safely reopen for in-person instruction.     Under my leadership, the Department of Education (ED) will take a problem-solving, solutions-oriented approach to working with schools, educators, and families to get students back in the classroom full time. Here’s our plan.     First, we’ll convene the experts. The Department of Education will host a national summit on safe school reopening this month that will bring students, teachers, families, community organizations, and school leadership together not only to get the critical feedback we need to make reopening as seamless as possible for students and staff, but also to work together to solve problems. We’ll also talk about and hear from leaders about addressing the academic, social and emotional needs of students. Because it’s not just enough to get our students physically back to school. We have to support them.     Second, we’ll share best practices about the incredible work already happening in our schools. In Connecticut, I started an effort called “Learn Together, Grow Together CT” where we elevated schools using innovative solutions to solve common problems – and shared those practices with other schools. As Secretary of Education, I will ensure that ED, as directed by the President, creates a best practices clearinghouse that removes the silos in education, collects innovative, solutions-oriented approaches and shares them with schools everywhere.      Third, we’re getting to work right away on the second volume of the ED’s COVID-19 Handbook. It will provide schools and educators with practical, research-based strategies to help effectively meet the social, emotional, mental health and academic needs of students; address the loss of instructional time; bridge the digital divide; extend learning time; stabilize the education workforce, and much more.      Fourth, we need to collect better data about how schools are operating during the pandemic. To that end, ED recently announced the largest representative and highest quality national survey yet to collect information about schools’ reopening status and how students are learning. This month, we look forward to having a clearer picture of where students are able to safely access in person learning and where they cannot. We’ll continue to collect that data so we can track our progress moving forward, and use that data to inform our decision-making.      Finally, and most importantly, schools need financial help to reopen classrooms safely, stay open, address students’ learning needs, and support students’ mental health. President Biden has asked Congress for at least $130 billion in funding to ensure that schools can make the best decisions for their students, teachers, and staff about how to address these needs.    Some schools will need to reduce class sizes to maintain physical distancing – which could mean hiring more staff to teach more classes or providing broadband access and technology for students to learn from home in a hybrid learning model.  Some schools will have to provide more transportation and bus routes or adjust food service plans to keep physically distanced.  All schools should make sure their students and staff wear masks.     And it will require tremendous investment from the federal government to meet the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students -- during and after the pandemic.  Over the summer, investments in academic enrichment activities, including in-person accelerated learning, experiential learning, tutoring, and wraparound social, emotional, and mental health services -- with additional resources for communities with the greatest needs -- could start to level the playing field for the next school year.      If I’ve learned anything in my career as an educator, it’s this: with the right support, students are remarkably resilient. America’s students have risen to this unprecedented occasion and adapted in ways that inspire me as an educator and father.     For all of the hardship and heartache this year, I firmly believe that we – and most of all, this rising generation -- can emerge from this challenge stronger.  We can do the most American thing imaginable: forge opportunity out of crisis, draw on our resolve, our ingenuity, and our tireless optimism to create something better than we’ve ever had before. America’s students deserve nothing less.

March 2, 2021 Readout of the White House’s Meeting with Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Leaders

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2021   Readout of the White House’s Meeting with Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Leaders Today, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, alongside senior staff from the National Economic Council, the Council on Environmental Quality, and Department of Transportation, held a virtual meeting with CEOs from electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure companies to discuss shared priorities from tackling the climate crisis to supporting the economic recovery to build back better.   National Climate Advisor McCarthy underscored President Biden’s commitment to investments that will strengthen domestic supply chains, bolster American manufacturing, create good-paying, union jobs in sectors that support vehicle electrification, and she noted the Administration’s goal to build more than 500,000 EV chargers. Administration officials and EV charging infrastructure leaders discussed the importance of accelerating the development and deployment of EV charging technologies and infrastructure to empower American workers and manufacturers to win the 21st century.   The Administration officials asked leaders from the companies at the cutting edge of EV charging infrastructure and associated technologies to share their perspectives and insights about how to most effectively accelerate and scale a national network of EV charging stations. The officials and EV charging infrastructure leaders agreed it was important to encourage collaboration across the government, automotive industry, and other sectors involved in vehicle electrification as the country aims to lead the world in a clean energy revolution while supporting the economic recovery and creating good-paying, union jobs. ###

March 2, 2021 Readout of Vice President Kamala Harris Call with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2021   Readout of Vice President Kamala Harris Call with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia   Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia, and reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Australia alliance. The Vice President and Prime Minister discussed opportunities for further cooperation on global and regional challenges, including those posed by climate change, China, Burma, and other regional issues. They also agreed on the importance of working together, alongside other allies and partners, on promoting economic recovery from the pandemic and advancing democratic values globally. The Vice President and Prime Minister pledged to further U.S.-Australia cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.