MARCH 17, 2022President Biden Hosts Shamrock Bowl Presentation
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden mark Saint Patrick’s Day with an East Room ceremony and presentation of the Shamrock Bowl.
WATCH LIVE: President Biden hosts White House Shamrock presentation celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day
March 17, 2022
March 17, 2022
Remarks by President Biden at the Presentation of the Shamrocks
MARCH 17, 2022•SPEECHES AND REMARKSEast Room
PRESIDENT BIDEN: Well, Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, everyone. It’s great to see you all here. And last year, because of the pandemic, the Taoiseach and I had to hold our meeting virtually.
How you doing, pal? We got all the Irish here today. (Laughter.)
And this is the first year we’ve had to make some last-minute adjustments as well. Sadly, the Taoiseach and Ms. Martin are not able to join us today, but they both sent their love and their message for this occasion.
And I spoke with the Taoiseach at length this morning, and we had a virtual meeting — bilateral meeting. He is feeling well. And I share his disappointment that we weren’t able to have our meetings in person as we had planned.
This year marks the 70th year of Ireland sending shamrocks to the White House and — to celebrate the friendship between our nations and the bond — the bond that has been strengthened by generations of Irish Americans.
Apparently, President Truman was away when the Irish ambassador dropped off the first bowl of shamrocks in — and that’s why I just removed his bust from my office. (Laughter.) That’s a joke. That’s a joke. That’s a joke. (Laughter.) I didn’t do that. I didn’t do that. (Laughter.) I’m sure he would have been there had he known. (Laughter.) more
MARCH 17, 2022
White House Daily Briefing
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki held a briefing to discuss the administration’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other priorities. Topics discussed included the president’s upcoming call with Chinese President Xi, COVID-19 precautions, and negotiations over the Iran nuclear deal.
White House Daily Briefing
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki held a briefing to discuss the administration’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other priorities. Topics discussed included the president’s upcoming call with Chinese President Xi, COVID-19 precautions, and negotiations over the Iran nuclear deal.
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, March 17, 2022
MARCH 17, 2022•PRESS BRIEFINGS
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
MS. PSAKI: Hi, everyone. Sorry, I think I jumped the two-minute gun. I was just excited to see you all on St. Patrick’s Day.
Okay, a couple of items for all of you at the top. Today, we wanted to highlight the strong unemployment claim data out this morning. In a little over a year, President Biden has brought the American labor market back to one of its strongest positions in history, driving a robust recovery from the economic catastrophe he inherited.
The number of new jobless claims Americans filing for unemployment for the first time fell below the pre-pandemic average in 2019. And the number of Americans who have been receiving unemployment benefits for more than a week fell to the lowest level since 1970.
Three hundred thousand fewer Americans are receiving unemployment claims now than before the pandemic. That means more Americans are getting back to work and fewer are drawing governmental — government benefits.
As we’ve said many times, the data can be volatile week to week or month to month, so it’s important to focus on the broader trends. And those trends show remarkable progress across our economy over the last year, including the fastest year of job growth in U.S. history with 7.4 million jobs created and unemployment down to 3.8 percent.
I also wanted to mark another historic milestone of 500 million vaccines that we have distributed to the world — an unprecedented campaign reaching 113 countries, something that has never been done before.
We did not get here by accident. This is a testament to the same whole-of-government effort we applied domestically, navigating logistical, legal, and regulatory processes to get lifesaving vaccines across the world. more
MARCH 17, 2022•PRESS BRIEFINGS
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
MS. PSAKI: Hi, everyone. Sorry, I think I jumped the two-minute gun. I was just excited to see you all on St. Patrick’s Day.
Okay, a couple of items for all of you at the top. Today, we wanted to highlight the strong unemployment claim data out this morning. In a little over a year, President Biden has brought the American labor market back to one of its strongest positions in history, driving a robust recovery from the economic catastrophe he inherited.
The number of new jobless claims Americans filing for unemployment for the first time fell below the pre-pandemic average in 2019. And the number of Americans who have been receiving unemployment benefits for more than a week fell to the lowest level since 1970.
Three hundred thousand fewer Americans are receiving unemployment claims now than before the pandemic. That means more Americans are getting back to work and fewer are drawing governmental — government benefits.
As we’ve said many times, the data can be volatile week to week or month to month, so it’s important to focus on the broader trends. And those trends show remarkable progress across our economy over the last year, including the fastest year of job growth in U.S. history with 7.4 million jobs created and unemployment down to 3.8 percent.
I also wanted to mark another historic milestone of 500 million vaccines that we have distributed to the world — an unprecedented campaign reaching 113 countries, something that has never been done before.
We did not get here by accident. This is a testament to the same whole-of-government effort we applied domestically, navigating logistical, legal, and regulatory processes to get lifesaving vaccines across the world. more
MARCH 17, 2022
Friends of Ireland Luncheon
President Biden spoke on his Irish heritage while delivering remarks at the annual Friends of the Ireland luncheon hosted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) at the U.S. Capitol. He also addressed Ireland’s support for the people of Ukraine and the impact Irish immigrants, and those from other countries, have had in the United States.
Friends of Ireland Luncheon
President Biden spoke on his Irish heritage while delivering remarks at the annual Friends of the Ireland luncheon hosted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) at the U.S. Capitol. He also addressed Ireland’s support for the people of Ukraine and the impact Irish immigrants, and those from other countries, have had in the United States.
Remarks by President Biden at the Annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon
MARCH 17, 2022•SPEECHES AND REMARKS
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Nancy. That was very kind. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thanks.
Father, before I begin — bless me, Father, for I’m about to sin. (Laughter.) I — well, I just want you to know, I may be Irish, but I’m not stupid. I married Dominic Giacoppa’s daughter. (Laughter.) Okay? (Inaudible.)
Look, thank you very much, Nancy, for that very gracious and very over-the-top introduction. I appreciate it very much.
You know, I just got off the — on the way up, before I came up here, I was on the Zoom, as we say, with the Taoiseach for about 45 minutes. And he is — he’s looking well, he feels well. He’s tested positive, but he feels well. He looks good. And he wanted to — I know the Ambassador is here to bring his regards, but he is — he’s really sorry he can’t be here, and he was looking forward to it, as was his wife.
You know, the good spirits and feelings, as well, that exist on St. Patrick’s Day seems to be one of those few times and not — well, not — I shouldn’t say “a few” — we should have more times like this where Democrats and Republicans get together, and we actually not only agree on one thing, but we remind ourselves we actually like each other. (Laughs.) And it’s a useful thing. (Applause.) And, I — more
MARCH 17, 2022•SPEECHES AND REMARKS
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Nancy. That was very kind. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thanks.
Father, before I begin — bless me, Father, for I’m about to sin. (Laughter.) I — well, I just want you to know, I may be Irish, but I’m not stupid. I married Dominic Giacoppa’s daughter. (Laughter.) Okay? (Inaudible.)
Look, thank you very much, Nancy, for that very gracious and very over-the-top introduction. I appreciate it very much.
You know, I just got off the — on the way up, before I came up here, I was on the Zoom, as we say, with the Taoiseach for about 45 minutes. And he is — he’s looking well, he feels well. He’s tested positive, but he feels well. He looks good. And he wanted to — I know the Ambassador is here to bring his regards, but he is — he’s really sorry he can’t be here, and he was looking forward to it, as was his wife.
You know, the good spirits and feelings, as well, that exist on St. Patrick’s Day seems to be one of those few times and not — well, not — I shouldn’t say “a few” — we should have more times like this where Democrats and Republicans get together, and we actually not only agree on one thing, but we remind ourselves we actually like each other. (Laughs.) And it’s a useful thing. (Applause.) And, I — more
MARCH 17, 2022
President Biden Meets with Taoiseach of Ireland
President Biden applauded the Taoiseach of Ireland, Prime Minister Micheál Martin, for his country’s condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine during a virtual meeting at the White House. The Prime Minister, who was unable to attend in person after a COVID-19 diagnosis, said “I think it’s extremely important that we keep this unity of purpose,” while discussing Russia’s aggression. President Biden also touched on climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the contributions of Irish immigrants to the United States.
President Biden Meets with Taoiseach of Ireland
President Biden applauded the Taoiseach of Ireland, Prime Minister Micheál Martin, for his country’s condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine during a virtual meeting at the White House. The Prime Minister, who was unable to attend in person after a COVID-19 diagnosis, said “I think it’s extremely important that we keep this unity of purpose,” while discussing Russia’s aggression. President Biden also touched on climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the contributions of Irish immigrants to the United States.
Readout of President Biden’s Virtual Meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin of Ireland
MARCH 17, 2022•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met virtually today with Taoiseach Micheál Martin of Ireland, upholding a longstanding White House tradition on St. Patrick’s Day that symbolizes the deep ties and historic partnership between our countries. The President expressed regret that he and the Taoiseach were unable to meet in person and wished him a speedy recovery. The leaders discussed the coordinated international response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war in Ukraine, including the imposition of significant economic costs on Russia and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine who are displaced by the conflict. They welcomed the growing trade and investment ties between our countries, as well as our close cooperation on shared global challenges, including through the United Nations Security Council. The leaders also underscored their enduring commitment to the Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) and the importance of preserving political and economic stability in Northern Ireland.
After the bilateral meeting, the President attended the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Speaker’s Lunch on Capitol Hill, hosted by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. In the evening, the President and the First Lady will host at the White House the presentation of the shamrocks, a gesture of friendship and goodwill between the United States and Ireland that dates back to 1952.
MARCH 17, 2022•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met virtually today with Taoiseach Micheál Martin of Ireland, upholding a longstanding White House tradition on St. Patrick’s Day that symbolizes the deep ties and historic partnership between our countries. The President expressed regret that he and the Taoiseach were unable to meet in person and wished him a speedy recovery. The leaders discussed the coordinated international response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war in Ukraine, including the imposition of significant economic costs on Russia and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine who are displaced by the conflict. They welcomed the growing trade and investment ties between our countries, as well as our close cooperation on shared global challenges, including through the United Nations Security Council. The leaders also underscored their enduring commitment to the Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) and the importance of preserving political and economic stability in Northern Ireland.
After the bilateral meeting, the President attended the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Speaker’s Lunch on Capitol Hill, hosted by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. In the evening, the President and the First Lady will host at the White House the presentation of the shamrocks, a gesture of friendship and goodwill between the United States and Ireland that dates back to 1952.
White House Summit: Developing a Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy
Mar 18, 2022
Watch as the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) hosts a summit on Developing a Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy. This summit will convene fusion energy leaders from government, industry, academia, and other stakeholder groups to showcase progress made and have inclusive conversations about an updated fusion strategy. The event is led by White House and DOE leaders, including: - Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy - Gina McCarthy, National Climate Advisor - Dr. Alondra Nelson, Head of OSTP and Deputy Assistant to the President - Brenda Mallory, Chair of Council on Environmental Quality - Dr. Geraldine Richmond, DOE Under Secretary for Science and Innovation - Shalanda Baker, DOE Secretarial Advisor on Equity and Deputy Director for Energy Justice in the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity - Dr. Sally Benson, OSTP Deputy Director for Energy and Chief Strategist for the Energy Transition Fusion – the same reaction that powers the sun – has the potential to be a game-changing technology to help us achieve net-zero by 2050, protect national security, and enhance U.S. technology leadership. Decades of public investment, rapid growth in private investment, and major recent scientific advances suggest that now is the time to quickly move toward demonstrating commercial fusion energy.
Mar 18, 2022
Watch as the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) hosts a summit on Developing a Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy. This summit will convene fusion energy leaders from government, industry, academia, and other stakeholder groups to showcase progress made and have inclusive conversations about an updated fusion strategy. The event is led by White House and DOE leaders, including: - Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy - Gina McCarthy, National Climate Advisor - Dr. Alondra Nelson, Head of OSTP and Deputy Assistant to the President - Brenda Mallory, Chair of Council on Environmental Quality - Dr. Geraldine Richmond, DOE Under Secretary for Science and Innovation - Shalanda Baker, DOE Secretarial Advisor on Equity and Deputy Director for Energy Justice in the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity - Dr. Sally Benson, OSTP Deputy Director for Energy and Chief Strategist for the Energy Transition Fusion – the same reaction that powers the sun – has the potential to be a game-changing technology to help us achieve net-zero by 2050, protect national security, and enhance U.S. technology leadership. Decades of public investment, rapid growth in private investment, and major recent scientific advances suggest that now is the time to quickly move toward demonstrating commercial fusion energy.
White House Summit: Developing a Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy
Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET
Watch live as the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) host a summit on Developing a Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy. This summit will convene fusion energy leaders from government, industry, academia, and other stakeholder groups to showcase progress made and have inclusive conversations about an updated fusion strategy.
See the full agenda below or download it here . The event will be livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUknjLH4HEo.
Fusion – the same reaction that powers the sun – has the potential to be a game-changing technology to help us achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, increase energy security, and enhance U.S. technology leadership. Decades of public investment, billions of dollars of new private investment, and major recent scientific advances suggest that now is the time to move boldly to accelerate development of commercial fusion energy.
See the White House Fact Sheet on Developing a Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy here... more
Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET
Watch live as the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) host a summit on Developing a Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy. This summit will convene fusion energy leaders from government, industry, academia, and other stakeholder groups to showcase progress made and have inclusive conversations about an updated fusion strategy.
See the full agenda below or download it here . The event will be livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUknjLH4HEo.
Fusion – the same reaction that powers the sun – has the potential to be a game-changing technology to help us achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, increase energy security, and enhance U.S. technology leadership. Decades of public investment, billions of dollars of new private investment, and major recent scientific advances suggest that now is the time to move boldly to accelerate development of commercial fusion energy.
See the White House Fact Sheet on Developing a Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy here... more
MARCH 17, 2022
Secretary of State Blinken Holds News Conference
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a briefing with the press that he agreed with President Biden that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine. “Intentionally targeting civilians is a war crime. After all the destruction of the past three weeks, I find it difficult to conclude that the Russians are doing otherwise,” said the secretary. He went on to discuss Russia’s potential use of chemical warfare, the impact of sanctions on Russia, additional military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and recent attacks on journalists.
Secretary of State Blinken Holds News Conference
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a briefing with the press that he agreed with President Biden that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine. “Intentionally targeting civilians is a war crime. After all the destruction of the past three weeks, I find it difficult to conclude that the Russians are doing otherwise,” said the secretary. He went on to discuss Russia’s potential use of chemical warfare, the impact of sanctions on Russia, additional military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and recent attacks on journalists.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability
REMARKS TO THE PRESS
ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE
PRESS BRIEFING ROOM
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MARCH 17, 2022
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon, everyone.
Three weeks ago, Russia launched its unprovoked war on Ukraine.
With every day that passes, the numbers of civilians, including children, killed and wounded continues to climb.
Russia continues to attack civilian sites, including – this week alone – a hospital, three schools, a boarding school for visually impaired kids in the Luhansk region of Ukraine.
Yesterday Russian forces bombed a theater in Mariupol, where hundreds of people had been taking shelter.
The word “children” had been written in Russian in giant white letters on the pavement outside the building, so that you could know from the air that there were children inside.
Russian forces also opened fire on 10 civilians in who were waiting in line for bread.
These incidents join a long list of attacks on civilian – not military – locations across Ukraine, including apartment buildings, public squares, and, last week, a maternity hospital in Mariupol.
I doubt that any of us who saw those images will ever forget them.
We’ve seen Russia use similar tactics before in Grozny and Aleppo. They stepped up their bombardment with the goal of breaking the will of the people.
Yesterday President Biden said that, in his opinion, war crimes have been committed in Ukraine.
Personally, I agree.
Intentionally targeting civilians is a war crime.
After all the destruction of the past three weeks, I find it difficult to conclude that the Russians are doing otherwise.
The consequences of Moscow’s war are being felt around the world – in rising food costs, concerns about fuel supplies, more broadly in worries about how this war will affect the global economy and the fight against COVID-19.
These are serious issues that the global community urgently needs to address. This war is making that much more difficult.
In this way, Russia’s actions are having an impact on every person on the planet, wherever they live... more
REMARKS TO THE PRESS
ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE
PRESS BRIEFING ROOM
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MARCH 17, 2022
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon, everyone.
Three weeks ago, Russia launched its unprovoked war on Ukraine.
With every day that passes, the numbers of civilians, including children, killed and wounded continues to climb.
Russia continues to attack civilian sites, including – this week alone – a hospital, three schools, a boarding school for visually impaired kids in the Luhansk region of Ukraine.
Yesterday Russian forces bombed a theater in Mariupol, where hundreds of people had been taking shelter.
The word “children” had been written in Russian in giant white letters on the pavement outside the building, so that you could know from the air that there were children inside.
Russian forces also opened fire on 10 civilians in who were waiting in line for bread.
These incidents join a long list of attacks on civilian – not military – locations across Ukraine, including apartment buildings, public squares, and, last week, a maternity hospital in Mariupol.
I doubt that any of us who saw those images will ever forget them.
We’ve seen Russia use similar tactics before in Grozny and Aleppo. They stepped up their bombardment with the goal of breaking the will of the people.
Yesterday President Biden said that, in his opinion, war crimes have been committed in Ukraine.
Personally, I agree.
Intentionally targeting civilians is a war crime.
After all the destruction of the past three weeks, I find it difficult to conclude that the Russians are doing otherwise.
The consequences of Moscow’s war are being felt around the world – in rising food costs, concerns about fuel supplies, more broadly in worries about how this war will affect the global economy and the fight against COVID-19.
These are serious issues that the global community urgently needs to address. This war is making that much more difficult.
In this way, Russia’s actions are having an impact on every person on the planet, wherever they live... more
