7/02/2021

Surfside | July 2nd 2021

 White House News in Chinese - About (weebly.com)

Bidens will meet with DeSantis, then sit with grieving families of Florida condo crisis

Jun. 2 - President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are traveling to Florida on Thursday as search and rescue operations continue in the aftermath of a deadly seafront condominium collapse in Surfside.

The White House was hesitant to release details of the president's agenda ahead of the trip, but according to Biden's public schedule distributed to reporters late Wednesday evening, he will start once he lands in South Florida with a briefing from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and other local officials on the current state of play...     more

July 1, 2021
President Biden Receives Briefing on Florida Condo Collapse
President Biden received an update from Florida officials on the deadly condo collapse in Surfside. He pledged to provide whatever federal resources are needed as the search continues for victims. As of the president’s visit, more than 15 people were dead and more than 100 still unaccounted for.

Remarks by President Biden on the Surfside Condo Collapse

July 01, 2021 • Speeches and RemarksSt. Regis Hotel

Surfside, Florida

 
THE PRESIDENT:  
Good afternoon, folks.  Let me begin by saying that the degree of cooperation between local, state, and federal officials down here has been remarkable. 
 
I want to thank our FEMA Director for leading this national effort.   But Governor DeSantis, Senators Rubio and Scott, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Mayor Cava –- Cava — they’ve been — they’ve all cooperated in ways that I haven’t seen in a long time.  And it’s really a testament to — to what’s — how difficult things are down here.  And it’s what, quite frankly, we miss a lot.  You know, we all — we’ve all been working in tandem from the moment we got the news of the collapse of the building. 

 
And I think my colleagues will tell you we cut through the bureaucracy.  The one — the one order I gave federal folks was, “No bureaucracy.  Just cut through it.  Get to whatever they need.”
 
That’s why we’ve decided to cover, for example, 100 percent of the search-and-rescue costs for the first 30 days.  Not done often but necessary here, in my view. 
 
And FEMA is going to provide temporary housing and other urgent needs for the survivors...     more


July 1, 2021
Biden Delivers Remarks in Florida on Condo Collapse
President Biden addressed the deadly condo collapse in Surfside, Florida after visiting with families of the victims and first responders. He commented about the level of cooperation in responding to the emergency and said the federal government would cover the search and rescue costs for the first 30 days. He also spoke about meeting with families whose loved ones were lost or missing assuring them, “We’re here for you as one nation.” When questioned about the Supreme Court’s decision on Arizona voting rights he said it was, “somewhat astounding” and stated it was, “Critical that we make a distinction between voter suppression and suspension.”


Remarks by President Biden Before a Command Briefing from Incident Commander Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Governor Ron DeSantis, Local Leaders, and First Responders

July 01, 2021 • Speeches and Remarks
St. Regis Hotel
Miami, Florida


THE PRESIDENT:  (In progress) — and I’ve got to say that, you know, having been to, unfortunately, a lot of — like many of us have — a lot of disaster sites because of natural disasters, it’s — what you’re doing, in coordination among you all, has been just admirable.  It really is impressive.

And so I just want to say thanks and listen and find out what I can do as President and what I can unleash, in terms of help, for whatever you need.

The governor and the mayor have been completely open with me, asked whatever they — whatever they’ve asked, I think we’ve been able to deliver.  And I think there’s more that we can do, including — I think I have the power — and we’ll know shortly — to be able to pick up 100 percent of the cost for the county and the state for 30 days.


MAYOR LEVINE CAVA:  Oh, my goodness, Mr. President.


THE PRESIDENT:  I think I’m quite sure I can do that.  And so we’re going to do that. 

And there’s going to be a lot — you all know it because a lot of you have been through it as well — there’s going to be a lot of pain and anxiety and suffering and even a need for psychological help in the days and months that follow.

And so, we’re not going anywhere.


MAYOR LEVINE CAVA:  Thank you.  Thank you, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT:  No, for real.  But, again, I just want to, you know, start the day, if I could, getting as thorough briefing as you’re able to give me, and tell me what you need.  And that goes for both the senators and the congresswoman and anyone in Florida, just to pick up the phone to the Oval.  For real.  I’m not joking about it. 

And I think the Gov will tell you — anything you ask for, we got.  And we have another group of teams coming from FEMA today.  How many people will it be?...     more

Blinken Meets Top Tajik, Uzbek Diplomats, With Afghanistan In Sharp Focus

Jul. 2 - Even as U.S. troops leave Afghanistan, the United States has vowed to continue to provide support to the Afghan government and security forces, including the option of launching air strikes against the Taliban using warplanes from outside the country.


When President Joe Biden earlier this year announced U.S. forces would exit Afghanistan by September, he said the United States would “not take our eye off the terrorist threat in Afghanistan.”

“The United States will reorganize our counterterrorism capabilities and assets in the region to prevent the reemergence of a terrorist threat in Afghanistan,” he said.

In recent weeks, media reports, including from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, have suggested U.S. officials are looking to reposition some forces in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in order to keep track of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, given the two countries’ proximity to Afghanistan.

Potential options, according to U.S. officials, include putting troops, drones, bombers, and intelligence assets at bases or facilities in the two Central Asian countries... 
    quoted from


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Kamilov
July 1, 2021

As stated by Spokesperson Ned Price:

Today in Washington, D.C., Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. The Secretary expressed the United States’ desire to deepen its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan, noting that the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations this year. The Secretary offered support for Uzbekistan’s continuing reforms, including strengthening human rights and democracy. The Secretary commended Uzbekistan’s initiatives to improve relations within Central Asia, noting the two countries’ active cooperation through the C5+1 regional diplomatic platform. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Uzbekistan’s continued support for a just and durable peace settlement in Afghanistan. He also welcomed Uzbekistan’s focus on regional connectivity, including closer political and economic cooperation with Afghanistan in ways that would support prosperity and growth across Central and South Asia.     source from


'12 kids?' When Biden kneeled before Rivlin's haredi aide

President Biden expresses his respect for Israeli president's haredi chief of staff after learning she has 12 children.

Jul 2 - President Joe Biden made an unusual gesture of respect for the chief of staff of his Israeli counterpart earlier this week.
President Reuven Rivlin and his chief of staff and bureau chief Rivka Ravitz met with President Biden in the Oval Office Monday, during President Rivlin’s final trip to the US while in office.

While speaking with Rivlin and Ravitz, Biden learned that Ravitz has twelve children, prompting him to kneel down before her.

“I have a picture of my mother here,” Biden said during the meeting, “You must see who she was.”

After the meeting, Rivlin told reporters he believes Biden is a ‘friend of Israel’ and that he is working to ensure Israel’s safety.

Biden also met with President Rivlin’s daughter, telling reporters he spoke with the Rivlins about their family.
“I’m so delighted his daughter is here. She’s in the back right there. And I got to — I got to meet her and talk about our kids and grandkids and all the like.”     source from
Picture
Blinken Meets Top Tajik, Uzbek Diplomats, With Afghanistan In Sharp Focus

Jul. 2 - Even as U.S. troops leave Afghanistan, the United States has vowed to continue to provide support to the Afghan government and security forces, including the option of launching air strikes against the Taliban using warplanes from outside the country.


When President Joe Biden earlier this year announced U.S. forces would exit Afghanistan by September, he said the United States would “not take our eye off the terrorist threat in Afghanistan.”

“The United States will reorganize our counterterrorism capabilities and assets in the region to prevent the reemergence of a terrorist threat in Afghanistan,” he said.

In recent weeks, media reports, including from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, have suggested U.S. officials are looking to reposition some forces in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in order to keep track of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, given the two countries’ proximity to Afghanistan.

Potential options, according to U.S. officials, include putting troops, drones, bombers, and intelligence assets at bases or facilities in the two Central Asian countries... 
    quoted from


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Kamilov
July 1, 2021

As stated by Spokesperson Ned Price:

Today in Washington, D.C., Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. The Secretary expressed the United States’ desire to deepen its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan, noting that the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations this year. The Secretary offered support for Uzbekistan’s continuing reforms, including strengthening human rights and democracy. The Secretary commended Uzbekistan’s initiatives to improve relations within Central Asia, noting the two countries’ active cooperation through the C5+1 regional diplomatic platform. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Uzbekistan’s continued support for a just and durable peace settlement in Afghanistan. He also welcomed Uzbekistan’s focus on regional connectivity, including closer political and economic cooperation with Afghanistan in ways that would support prosperity and growth across Central and South Asia.     source from


'12 kids?' When Biden kneeled before Rivlin's haredi aide

President Biden expresses his respect for Israeli president's haredi chief of staff after learning she has 12 children.

Jul 2 - President Joe Biden made an unusual gesture of respect for the chief of staff of his Israeli counterpart earlier this week.
President Reuven Rivlin and his chief of staff and bureau chief Rivka Ravitz met with President Biden in the Oval Office Monday, during President Rivlin’s final trip to the US while in office.

While speaking with Rivlin and Ravitz, Biden learned that Ravitz has twelve children, prompting him to kneel down before her.

“I have a picture of my mother here,” Biden said during the meeting, “You must see who she was.”

After the meeting, Rivlin told reporters he believes Biden is a ‘friend of Israel’ and that he is working to ensure Israel’s safety.

Biden also met with President Rivlin’s daughter, telling reporters he spoke with the Rivlins about their family.
“I’m so delighted his daughter is here. She’s in the back right there. And I got to — I got to meet her and talk about our kids and grandkids and all the like.”     source from
NBC Nightly News Broadcast (Full) - July 1st, 2021
Jul 2, 2021
Trump Organization charged with tax-related crimes, Bill Cosby returns home after court overturns conviction, and CDC reports rise in Covid cases as delta variant spreads.

NBC Nightly News Broadcast (Full) - July 1st, 2021
Jul 2, 2021
Trump Organization charged with tax-related crimes, Bill Cosby returns home after court overturns conviction, and CDC reports rise in Covid cases as delta variant spreads.


7/01/2021

Wildfire | July 1st 2021

 White House News in Chinese - About (weebly.com)

With The West Facing Brutal Fire Season, Biden Says He’ll Hire More Federal Firefighters And Raise Pay

Jul. 1 - The Biden administration said Wednesday it is hiring more federal firefighters – and immediately raising their pay – as officials ramp up response efforts in the face of a severe drought that is setting the stage for another destructive summer of intense wildfires across the West.

President Joe Biden announced the moves during a virtual meeting with governors from Western states and as a huge swath of the Pacific Northwest endures one of the worst heat waves in recent memory.


“This is an area that has been under-resourced, but that’s going to change and we have to do it,” Biden told the governors. “We can’t cut corners when it comes to managing our wildfires or supporting our firefighters. Right now we have to act and act fast”...     more

Related Articles:
As Fires Break Out In California, President Biden Announces Federal Firefighter Pay Increase

Readout of President Biden’s Wildfire Preparedness Meeting with Cabinet Officials, Governors and Private Sector Partners

JUNE 30, 2021•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

Today, President Biden convened a meeting with Governors from Western States, Cabinet and agency officials, and energy sector partners to discuss the critical need to work together to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response efforts for this wildfire season, which is on track to outpace last season.  In the meeting, the President emphasized the importance of making much-needed investments to prepare our country to do everything we can to address the growing and severe threat of wildfires and save lives.  The President highlighted the series of actions his Administration is taking immediately to respond to wildfires this year, including making substantial investments in our firefighter personnel, increasing Federal firefighter pay and providing access to retention incentives, and extending the hiring of temporary firefighters to ensure a more effective response throughout this year’s fire season.  The President also shared how the Biden Administration is improving our wildfire response capabilities including through the use of new technologies, and helping vulnerable communities mitigate the impact of fires through new funding.  President Biden announced a $37 million grant award to California to support fire mitigation efforts as part of FEMA’s new Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program.  Last month, President Biden announced the Administration will double funding for the program to $1 billion next year in order to invest in pre-disaster resilience and mitigation resources and help strengthen the ability of communities, families, and businesses to withstand extreme weather events and other disasters.

Vice President Harris spoke about how this administration is investing in resilience to protect against wildfires and extreme weather...     more


June 30, 2021
President Biden Signs Congressional Review Acts into Law
During a bill signing ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, President Biden signed three Congressional Review Acts into law. The newly signed laws deal with lowering greenhouse gas emissions, protecting borrowers from predatory lenders, and strengthening worker protections against employment discrimination.


Remarks by President Biden Signing Three Congressional Review Act Bills into Law: S.J.Res.13; S.J.Res.14; and S.J.Res.15

JUNE 30, 2021•SPEECHES AND REMARKS


South Court Auditorium
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
 
THE PRESIDENT: 
 Thank you.  (Applause.)  Madam Speaker, welcome to almost the other side.  (Laughter.)  It’s great to see you guys.  And it’s strange to have congressmen stand up for me; that’s an unusual thing to do.  But thank you so much.
 
Well, welcome to the adjunct to the White House here.  The — I’m about to sign into law three bills which you all have written and passed protecting our planet from climate-disturbing greenhouse gas, particularly methane, which is devastating; protecting consumers from predatory lenders; and protecting workers from employment discrimination. 
 
Each of these bills — each of these bills reflects a return to common sense and commitment to the common good, and I want to thank every one of you for your leadership in getting this done...     more


June 30, 2021
White House Daily Briefing
EPA Administrator Michael Regan joined White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki to brief reporters on the bipartisan infrastructure framework deal. Other topics discussed included the COVID-19 delta variant, U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and policing reform negotiations.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Michael Regan, June 30, 2021

JUNE 30, 2021PRESS BRIEFINGS
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room


MS. PSAKI:  Hi, everyone.

Q    Good afternoon. 

Q    Good to see you.  

MS. PSAKI:  Good afternoon.  Good to see you, too.  Okay, it is so great to welcome back our Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Michael Regan.  He’s here to talk more about the bipartisan Infrastructure Framework, which includes the largest investments in the nation’s clean water infrastructure, including funds needed to eliminate and replace 100 percent of lead water pipes and service lines.

Across the country, pipes and treatment plants are aging, and polluted drinking water is endangering public health.  Studies show that ki- — for kids, higher exposure to lead negatively affects academic performance and can lead to cardiovascular disease later in life.

The investments in water infrastructure in the framework are unprecedented and also include funding to modernize waste water systems across the country, including in rural areas and on Tribal lands.

He also just came from the President’s meeting on wildfire preparedness with western governors as well. 

And after that, we’ll do a full briefing.  As always, I’ll be the bad cop when we’re ready to take questions and he needs to go.  Thank you so much. 

ADMINISTRATOR REGAN:  Thank you, Jen.  Good afternoon.  I just came from the President’s meeting on wildfires with western governors.  The increasing intensity of wildfires and heat out West is a major public health challenge.  President Biden is bringing leadership and resources — the resources of the federal government to help those on the frontlines in our western states...     more

6/30/2021

Pentagon | Jun. 30 2021

 White House News in Chinese - About (weebly.com)

June 29, 2021
President Biden Remarks on Infrastructure in La Crosse, Wisconsin
President Biden spoke about his infrastructure proposals, at the La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility in La Crosse Wisconsin.

Remarks by President Biden on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework

JUNE 29, 2021•SPEECHES AND REMARKS

La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility
La Crosse, Wisconsin


THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon.  Thank you, Laurie.  Please, please, please sit down.  I once said that to a big crowd; it was in the evening.  I said, “Please, sit down.”  And there were no seats.  They were out in a football field.  (Laughter.)  And the press pointed out, “Biden is losing it.”  (Laughter.)  Well, I can see you all have seats.  (Laughter.)

Laurie, thank you very much.  I told Laurie, when she was showing me the bus she’s driving now: Back when I was in law school, I drove a school bus during the summers to pick up spending money.  And from one bus driver to another, Laurie, I want to thank you for all you do to make this city run, to help folks get where they need to go.  And you do it in a way that sometimes is not always easy. 

I’m glad to be here with great Wisconsin leaders.  Gov, I guess I landed at the airport just a few minutes before you did.  Thank you for making the effort to be here.  And my good friend, Tammy Baldwin — Senator Baldwin is here.  And Congressman Ron Kind is — and, Mom, thank you for raising a good kid...     more


Fact Sheet: Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework Will Address Barriers Communities of Color Face to Economic Opportunity

JUNE 29, 2021•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework addresses economic disparities in our economy and the consequences of decades of disinvestment in America’s infrastructure that have fallen most heavily on communities of color. Through critical investments, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework increases access to good-paying jobs, affordable high-speed internet, reliable public transit, clean drinking water and other resources to ensure communities of color get a fair shot at the American dream.

These critical investments are first steps in advancing equity and racial justice throughout our economy. The President believes additional investments are needed in our nation’s caregiving infrastructure, housing supply, regional development, and workforce development programs to ensure that communities of color and other underserved communities can access economic opportunity and justice. And, earlier this month in Tulsa, OK, President Biden announced a whole-of-government effort to increase the share of federal contracts going to small disadvantaged businesses by 50 percent over the next five years, leveraging the government’s purchasing power to help more Americans realize their entrepreneurial dreams.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework:

DELIVERS HIGH SPEED INTERNET TO EVERY AMERICAN HOUSEHOLD...     more
June 29, 2021
Department Briefing
Defense Department Spokesman John Kirby briefs reporters at the Pentagon.


Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing

JUNE 29, 2021

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby

PRESS SECRETARY JOHN F. KIRBY: There's a happy face.

Q: Hidden behind the mask, can't tell.

MR. KIRBY: All right. A couple of things at the top, we'll get right to it. As some of you know, General Gus Perna, who serves as the chief operating officer of the Countermeasures Acceleration Group, who is going to retire at the end of the week. His deputy, retired Lieutenant General Paul Ostrowski, a 35-year veteran himself, will also step down from his position as director of supply production and distribution, and return to civilian service.

...On a new topic, as I mentioned last week, this Monday -- yesterday, U.S. Navy Europe and the Ukrainian Navy kicked off Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 in the Black Sea with the largest number of participants in the exercise's 21 iterations.

During the opening ceremony, Deputy Commander Captain Kyle Gantt explained that there is nothing provocative about a naval exercise in international waters, and he's absolutely right. This longstanding exercise continues to support security and stability in the region through interoperability with our Black Sea NATO allies and partners...     quoted from

USS Ross during a previous visit to the Black Sea, April 25, 2019
U.S. Destroyer Shows Up Right Off Crimea On Vessel Tracking Sites But It Never Left Port

This bizarre spoofing incident around the Crimean Peninsula in the Black Sea is the second of its kind in the last two weeks.

Jun. 30 - Acouple of hours ago, in what appeared to be the latest development in the cat-and-mouse naval activities being played out by Russia and NATO in the Black Sea, online ship tracking services showed the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Ross (DDG-71), sailing together with a Ukrainian patrol boat just five miles off the coast of the contested Crimean Peninsula in the middle of the night. The Navy has denied that ship was ever anywhere near Crimea. What looked at first sight like a deliberate passage through what NATO recognizes as Ukrainian territorial waters, but which are also claimed by Russia, now seems to have been a case of deliberate spoofing of maritime tracking data, something that also occurred two weeks ago in the same area.

Earlier this evening, MarineTraffic and VesselFinder, aggregators that provide real-time information on ship movements, showed USS Ross sailing very close to the Crimean coast, causing a big stir in the online open source intelligence community. If true, this would have put the ship closer to the Russian-occupied peninsula than the U.K. Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender had been on June 23...     more

6/29/2021

Rivlin | Jun. 29, 2021

 White House News in Chinese - About (weebly.com)

June 28, 2021
White House Daily Briefing
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki fielded questions from reporters on a range of issues including President Biden’s statements regarding linking the bipartisan infrastructure deal and reconciliation. Other topics included the U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, the upcoming Olympic games in Japan, the White House’s plans for a July 4 celebration, and the federal government’s response to the deadly building collapse in Florida.

Picture

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, June 28, 2021

JUNE 28, 2021•PRESS BRIEFINGSJames S. Brady Press Briefing Room


MS. PSAKI:  Hi, everyone.  Happy Monday.  Okay, just a couple of items for you at the top.  As you all know, last week, the President and a bipartisan group of senators announced a historic infrastructure deal that would put Americans back to work with the biggest investments in our roads and bridges since the creation of the Interstate Highway System; connect every American to broadband; make unprecedented strides in climate and clean energy leadership; eliminate all lead drinking water pipes for the biggest investment in clean drinking water in our history; and make the biggest investment in rail since the creation of Amtrak...     more


June 28, 2021
President Biden Meets With Israeli President at White House
President Biden met with outgoing Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in the Oval Office, where the two leaders discussed U.S.-Israeli relations and Iran. “"Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch” President Biden reiterated to the Israeli President. Following their remarks, President Biden responded to a shouted question on infrastructure, telling reporters, “My bottom line on infrastructure is exactly what I negotiated.”

Picture

Remarks by President Biden and President Rivlin of the State of Israel Before Bilateral Meeting


JUNE 28, 2021•SPEECHES AND REMARKS
Oval Office

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, I’m really happy to have President Rivlin here.  And I don’t want to — it’s not technically appropriate, but I — I’m so delighted his daughter is here.  She’s in the back right there.  And I got to — I got to meet her and talk about our kids and grandkids and all the like.

At any rate, I just want to thank the President for being here and for your dedication to strengthening the relationship between the United States and Israel.


PRESIDENT RIVLIN:  Thank you.


PRESIDENT BIDEN:  And as the American press here can tell you, my commitment to Israel is — well, they can’t tell you anything actually; they’re not supposed to — but it’s ironclad.  It’s real.  It’s something that — I often say, if there weren’t an Israel, we’d have to invent one. 


And so, this includes we’re — you know, we’re committed to unwavering commitment to your self-defense.  And today we’re going to be discussing a broad range of challenges, including Iran.  What I can say to you: Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch, as they say...     more


Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Meeting with President Reuven Rivlin of Israel

JUNE 28, 2021•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with President Reuven Rivlin of Israel to honor President Rivlin as he approaches the conclusion of his term and to demonstrate the enduring strength of the U.S.-Israel partnership.  President Biden conveyed his unwavering support for Israel’s security and his commitment to deepening the cooperation between the two countries across all fields.  The leaders discussed the many challenges facing the region, including the threat posed by Iran.  The President emphasized that under his administration, Iran will never get a nuclear weapon.  He also assured President Rivlin that the United States remains determined to counter Iran’s malign activity and support for terrorist proxies, which have destabilizing consequences for the region.

The leaders also consulted on opportunities to enhance peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.  In that regard, the President expressed his strong support for the normalization of relations between Israel and other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.  

The leaders also discussed recent developments in Gaza and the West Bank and the President emphasized the importance of Israel taking steps to ensure calm, stability, and to support greater economic opportunities for the Palestinian people.  President Biden affirmed his view that a negotiated two-state solution remains the best avenue to achieving a lasting peace.  The leaders discussed the importance of enhancing efforts to strengthen moderate voices and promote the cause of coexistence while weakening extremists who advocate for hatred and violence.  

The President warmly extended an invitation for Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to meet with him soon at the White House and reaffirmed that this administration looks forward to close collaboration with the new Israeli government on the many important issues on the bilateral agenda.     source from

6/28/2021

Kirby | Jun. 28 2021

 White House News in Chinese - About (weebly.com)

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement by the Department of Defense

JUNE 27, 2021

(Attributable to Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby)

"At President Biden's direction, U.S. military forces earlier this evening conducted defensive precision airstrikes against facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in the Iraq-Syria border region. The targets were selected because these facilities are utilized by Iran-backed militias that are engaged in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq. Specifically, the U.S. strikes targeted operational and weapons storage facilities at two locations in Syria and one location in Iraq, both of which lie close to the border between those countries. Several Iran-backed militia groups, including Kata'ib Hezbollah (KH) and Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), used these facilities.

As demonstrated by this evening's strikes, President Biden has been clear that he will act to protect U.S. personnel. Given the ongoing series of attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. interests in Iraq, the President directed further military action to disrupt and deter such attacks. We are in Iraq at the invitation of the Government of Iraq for the sole purpose of assisting the Iraqi Security Forces in their efforts to defeat ISIS. The United States took necessary, appropriate, and deliberate action designed to limit the risk of escalation - but also to send a clear and unambiguous deterrent message.

As a matter of international law, the United States acted pursuant to its right of self-defense. The strikes were both necessary to address the threat and appropriately limited in scope. As a matter of domestic law, the President took this action pursuant to his Article II authority to protect U.S. personnel in Iraq."     source from



US President Joe Biden said being denied holy communion by the Catholic church is 'not going to happen'
Biden Launches Airstrikes Against Iran-Backed Militias' Facilities

Jun. 28 - ..“As demonstrated by this evening's strikes, President Biden has been clear that he will act to protect U.S. personnel. Given the ongoing series of attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. interests in Iraq, the President directed further military action to disrupt and deter such attacks,” the Defense Department’s news release read. 

“As a matter of international law, the United States acted pursuant to its right of self-defense. The strikes were both necessary to address the threat and appropriately limited in scope. As a matter of domestic law, the President took this action pursuant to his Article II authority to protect U.S. personnel in Iraq.”

Iran-backed militias have launched at least five attacks against U.S. facilities since April. The attacks targeted bases used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Special Operations units. 
The militias used small, armed drones programmed to divebomb and crash into their selected targets, according to The New York Times...     quoted from

Search and Rescue teams look for possible survivors in the partially collapsed 12-story Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, Florida, on Sunday. 

Death toll reaches 9 from Florida condo collapse, 152 people missing

Jun. 28 - The death toll from the Surfside, Fla., building collapse rose to nine, as rescue and recovery efforts continued amid the rubble of Champlain Towers South on Sunday.


The big picture: Four more bodies were found Sunday along with "additional human remains," Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said at a news conference. Levine Cava stressed at a briefing later Sunday confirming 152 people were still missing that the count was "fluid and subject to change."

  • Levine Cava said rescuers were still searching Sunday for survivors from the collapse, which happened about 1:30a.m. Thursday. Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett made arrangements for loved ones to gather nearer to the rubble in order to pray and grieve, per the Miami Herald.
  • Dozens of family members arrived at the scene through buses escorted by Police officers. Some families worry the planned visit will slow the search and rescue effort, per the New York Times.
Victims identified...     more

Statement from President Joe Biden on Call with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell

June 27, 2021 • Statements and Releases

I spoke this afternoon with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to hear firsthand about her visit today to Surfside, FL and the scene of the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers residential building. What I heard from Administrator Criswell was excruciating: she reiterated that words can’t describe the scene on the ground and she gave me an update on meetings she had with state and local officials to ensure they have everything they need.

I am grateful for the heroic first responders, search and rescue teams, and all FEMA, state, county, local, and volunteer personnel who are working around the clock to try to save lives and for those who are dedicated to helping survivors with many needs, including temporary housing. We will continue to coordinate closely with officials on the ground throughout this terrible ordeal and my administration is ready to provide any support or assistance that is needed. 


This is an unimaginably difficult time for the families enduring this tragedy. For those who are waiting in anguish for word of their loved ones as search and rescue efforts continue in the aftermath of this catastrophic incident, the pain of the uncertainty is an added, heartbreaking burden. My heart goes out to every single person suffering during this awful moment.
      source from
U.S. Conducts Airstrikes Against Iran Backed Militia Group
Jun 28, 2021
On Sunday, the U.S. conducted airstrikes against an Iran-backed militia group in the Iraq and Syria border region. President Biden ordered the military action, according to a Pentagon statement. The militias are believed to be behind recent drone attacks against U.S. military personnel in Iraq.