7/16/2021

Angela Merkel | July 16, 2021

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

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

Biden, Merkel discuss controversial pipeline during White House meeting

Jul. 16 - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday became the first European leader to meet President Biden at the White House, where they discussed the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that will go from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea.

Biden has shared his concerns over the pipeline, which is nearly complete, saying it will make Europe more reliant on Russian gas and puts Russia in a position where it can place pressure on Ukraine. During their joint press conference on Thursday, Merkel said the "idea is and remains that Ukraine remains a transit country for natural gas, that Ukraine just as any other country in the world has a right to territorial sovereignty." Germany, she added, will take action "should Russia not respect this right of Ukraine that it has as a transit country."


They both agreed that Russia can't be allowed to weaponize energy. "We stand together and will continue to stand together to defend our eastern flank allies at NATO against Russian aggression," Biden said. The leaders also spoke about the coronavirus pandemic, with Biden saying he has asked the head of his coronavirus task force for an idea of when Europeans might be able to freely travel again to the U.S.

​Merkel is the second-longest-serving chancellor in German history, and will not be seeking re-election in September. Biden told Merkel that "on a personal note, I will miss seeing you at our summits. I truly will." He praised the "cooperation" between Germany and the United States, saying it is "strong and we hope to continue that, and I'm confident that we will." Merkel agreed, adding, "I value the friendship."     source from

JULY 15, 2021
President Biden and German Chancellor Merkel Hold News Conference
President Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a joint news conference at the White House. Topics addressed included U.S-Germany relations, global COVID-19 vaccine distribution, climate change, Russia’s Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, and relations with China. During the news conference, President Biden was asked about the current political situations in Haiti and Cuba. The president responded, in part, by saying, “Communism is a failed system--universally failed system. I don’t see socialism as a very useful substitute.” Following the event, the president and first lady were scheduled to host a private dinner for Chancellor Merkel in the State Dining Room.

Remarks by President Biden and Chancellor Merkel of the Federal Republic of Germany in Press Conference

JULY 15, 2021SPEECHES AND REMARKS

​East Room
 
PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank you all. Please have a seat. Today, it’s been my great honor — and I mean that — to welcome a dear friend back to the White House.
 
And before I say anything else, Chancellor Merkel, I want to express to you and to the people of Germany my sincere condolences and the condolences of the American people for the devastating loss of life and the destruction due to the flooding over the past 24 hours in Germany and neighboring countries. It’s a tragedy, and our heart goes out — our hearts go out to the families who’ve lost loved ones.

 
Chancellor Merkel has been here frequently over the past 16 years. Matter of fact, she knows the Oval Office as well as I do. But all kidding aside, through — though this administration — she’s been there for four years — for four Presidents.
 
But I want to take a moment to acknowledge the historic nature of her chancellorship. First woman chancellor in German history. The first chancellor from the former East Germany. And now, the second largest — longest-serving chancellor since Helmut Kohl. Here’s an exemplary life of groundbreaking service to Germany and, I might add — and I mean it from the bottom of my heart — to the world.
 
On behalf of the United States, thank you, Angela, for your career of strong, principled leadership. And thank you for speaking out for what is right and for never failing to defend human dignity...  
   more
The US president has hosted Angela Merkel at the White House for the final time before she steps down as chancellor
Joe Biden bids Angela Merkel farewell as he hosts the German chancellor for the final time

Jul 16 - Welcoming Angela Merkel to the White House for a final time, President Joe Biden renewed his concerns to the German chancellor Thursday about a major, nearly complete Russia-to-Germany gas pipeline but said they agreed Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon.

The two discussed — though made no apparent headway — on differences over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline during a largely friendly farewell visit for Merkel as she nears the end of a political career that has spanned four American presidencies.


“On a personal note, I must tell you I will miss seeing you at our summits,” Biden said as he stood by Merkel, the second-longest serving chancellor in Germany's history, at a late afternoon White House press conference. "I truly will.”

Merkel, who had a famously difficult relationship with former President Donald Trump, showed her ease and familiarity with Biden, who has long been a fixture in international politics, repeatedly referring to him as "Dear Joe”...     more

JULY 15, 2021
White House Daily Briefing
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy joined Press Secretary Jen Psaki for the White House briefing to announce a new campaign against COVID-19 misinformation. “Today we live in a world where misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation’s health,” said the surgeon general. “Simply put, health misinformation has cost us lives.” Other topics included the White House’s response to protests in Cuba, spending bill negotiations, and combating ransomware attacks. 

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, July 15, 2021

JULY 15, 2021PRESS BRIEFINGS

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
 
MS. PSAKI: Hi, everyone. We have another special guest today. Doesn’t sing as well as our guest from yesterday — (laughter) — but very knowledgeable.
 
SURGEON GENERAL MURTHY: Definitely don’t ask me to sing.

 
MS. PSAKI: (Laughs.) Today, we have a special guest, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. The Surgeon General has been one of our leading voices on public health in the administration, in particular around the COVID-19 response.
 
Today, he published an advisory on health misinformation as an urgent public health crisis, and he is here to talk more about this issue and take a few of your questions.
 
With that, I will turn it over.
 
SURGEON GENERAL MURTHY: Hello, everyone. How are you?
 
Q  Good, thank you.
 
SURGEON GENERAL MURTHY: It’s nice to see you all today. And thank you, Jen, for that very kind introduction.
 
As all of you know, we’ve come a long way in our fight against COVID-19, and we’ve come a long way thanks to the efforts of many, many people across communities in the United States....     more


US, Germany will continue to stand together to support Ukraine - Biden

Jul 16 - U.S. President Joe Biden has said that the United States and Germany will continue to stand together to support Ukraine, its reforms, and the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Ukrainian citizens.He said this at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Washington on Thursday, July 15, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We agree on the importance of further integrating the Western Balkans into the European — into European institutions and in our continued support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as the continued importance of reforms in the support of their Euro-Atlantic aspirations," Biden said.

He said that the United States and Germany would continue to stand together to defend their Eastern Flank allies at NATO against Russian aggression.

Biden also mentioned the Russian gas pipeline being built in the Baltic Sea.


"I reiterated my concerns about Nord Stream 2. Chancellor Merkel and I are absolutely united in our conviction that Russia must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon to coerce or threaten its neighbors," he said.

He also said that today, Germany and the United States were launching a climate and energy partnership "to support energy security and the development of sustainable energy, sustainable energy technologies, and emerging economies, including in Central Europe and Ukraine."     source from


7/15/2021

Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework | July 15, 2021

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

Popstar Olivia Rodrigo visits White House, promotes COVID-19 youth vaccination at press briefing

​The 18-year-old singer influences the younger demographic as her songs address teenage grievances like heartbreak and parallel parking

Jul 15 - Teen pop star Olivia Rodrigo was looking happy and healthy at the podium of Wednesday’s White House press briefing to promote coronavirus vaccinations for young Americans.


The "Drivers License" singer met with President Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci and became the latest celebrity to assist in the administration’s vaccination efforts. Rodrigo spoke about vaccinating those who were apprehensive before joining Press Secretary Jen Psaki in addressing reporters on the matter.

Rodrigo began her short speech stating how "humbled" she felt to be chosen as an advocate for the cause.

"I am beyond honored and humbled to be here today to help spread the message about the importance of youth vaccination," she said. "I’m in awe of the work President Biden and Dr. Fauci have done and was happy to help lend my support to this important initiative." 

"It’s important to have conversations with friends and family members including all communities to get vaccinated and actually get to a vaccination site which you can do more easily than ever before given how many sites we have and how easy it is to find them at vaccines.gov"...     more

JULY 14, 2021
White House Daily Briefing
​Actress and singer Olivia Rodrigo joined White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki to discuss the importance of getting youth vaccinated against COVID-19. Ms. Psaki also discussed other topics on the president’s agenda including infrastructure, Cuba, and getting Afghan interpreters out of the country ahead of a complete U.S. withdrawal.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, July 14, 2021

JULY 14, 2021PRESS BRIEFINGS

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

MS. PSAKI:  Hi, everyone.  All right.  So I have a special guest with me today.  Joining us in the briefing room is actress and multiplatinum recording singer/songwriter, Olivia Rodrigo, who traversed red lights and stop signs to see us.  If you know her music, you’ll get that dad joke there.  And we just want to thank you for using your platform and your voice for elevating the important issue of young people getting vaccinated. 

She’s here today to meet with the President and Dr. Fauci later this afternoon, but she agreed to come say a quick hello to all of you first. 

With that, I’ll turn it over to you, Olivia.
 

MS. RODRIGO:  Hi.  First, I want to say I am beyond honored and humbled to be here today to help spread the message about the importance of youth vaccination.  I’m in awe of the work President Biden and Dr. Fauci have done, and was happy to help lend my support to this important initiative...     more 

JULY 14, 2021
​President Biden Meets with Governors and Mayors on Infrastructure
President Biden met with a bipartisan group of the nation’s governors and mayors to discuss infrastructure. When asked about the deal, President Biden said they have an agreement and “it will be paid for.”

Remarks by President Biden Before a Meeting with Bipartisan Governors and Mayors to Discuss the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework

JULY 14, 2021SPEECHES AND REMARKS

Roosevelt Room
 
THE PRESIDENT: Well, we’re going to talk about infrastructure and how we’re going to have to widen this room so you all can get in. (Laughter.)
 
I want to thank you for being here, all of you, to discuss an issue that has been always bipartisan for the longest time. When I got here 180 years ago, it was a bipartisan issue.

 
Mayors and governors more than anyone else knows what it means to be accountable to people, and you have to solve problems every single day in your communities. And — and there’s no — there are no Democratic roads or Republican bridges.
 
But — you know, but there are families in need of shorter commute times, safer commutes; kids that need to be able to drink clean drinking water that doesn’t have lead in it; and communities need to have reliable transit systems...     more

Readout of the President’s Discussion with the Senate Democratic Caucus

JULY 14, 2021STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

​This afternoon the President thanked the Senate Democratic Caucus for the groundbreaking work they had done to reach the budget resolution agreement announced last night, and highlighted that it would grow the middle class, generate strong economic growth, and create millions of jobs. 

He also touted the benefits of the historic bipartisan infrastructure framework that forms the other half of his domestic economic agenda, describing how he’s travelling the country and making a case about it and that polling data show the framework resonating strongly with voters in both parties.

The President credited the Senators for their successful work to pass the American Rescue Plan, noting that economic experts have cited it as a leading cause for the record job creation that has taken place since he took office and the doubling of the rate of economic growth in forecasts. And he described the Build Back Better agenda as a follow on to the Rescue Plan, to ensure that we’re rebuilding a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient middle class. 

He emphasized that what tied the economic policies they are working on together was that they were built from the bottom up, with a recognition for the role that a good job plays in peoples’ lives, the rising costs families have had to bear from child care, elder care, and tuition, and the fact that when working and middle class families do well, everyone does well.

He also discussed how the means for funding these critical investments is popular with the American people, who know that the wealthiest individuals and corporations often pay a lower tax bill than teachers and firefighters.


The President repeatedly hit on how the effects of climate change are undeniable, and that the public is demanding action that the budget resolution will deliver. And he also spoke to the urgent need to overcome anti-voter laws, especially in a time when autocracies are trying to undermine democracy around the world.      source from

7/14/2021

A Real Horror Movie | July 14, 2021

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

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

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



Biden calls Trump's claim of a stolen election 'a big lie'

Jul 14 - Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition on Tuesday joined a rising chorus of progressive voices demanding changes in the US Senate’s filibuster rules. It’s what recently blocked Democrats from passing new, federal voting rights legislation.

​"We must get rid of the filibuster now!" said Bishop Tavis Grant, National Field Director of Rainbow PUSH, at a South Side news conference.

He spoke after President Joe Biden delivered an at time passionate speech about election-related issues in Philadelphia.

The president made no mention of the filibuster, but promised to campaign for a federal law that could overrule some voting rights changes Republicans are enacting in more than dozen different states. Biden suggested some are racially inspired.

​"The 21st century Jim Crow assault is real," Biden said at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. "It’s unrelenting. And we’re going to challenge it vigorously."

The president also delivered his strongest defense yet of the legitimacy of his own election last year. Former President Donald Trump has recently ramped up his rhetoric claiming Democrats "stole" the 2020 election.
"The big lie is just that," Biden said. "A big lie!"

In Washington, Vice President Kamala Harris met with a group of Democratic state lawmakers from Texas. They fled their capitol in Austin to deny majority Republicans the legislative quorum needed to enact what Republicans call a ballot integrity measure. Democrats and the vice president say it’s intended to suppress voter turnout, especially among poor and minority voters.

"Defending the right of the American people to vote is as American as apple pie," said Harris.

​Texas Republicans use similar language, saying their election law proposal would be less restrictive than current voting rules in the heavily Democratic state of New York.

"This is a bill about verification of signatures in the mail, and allowing people to mail in their ballots, to track their, their mail-in ballots," said Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

The voting rights fight is one of the big issues that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says may force the Senate to delay its usual summer break, set for August.     source from Fox 32
The Washington Post released its entry in the summer horror movie category on Monday.

​These Profoundly un-American Activities Occur Every Sunday

That the Mercy Culture faithful are devoted to a man who is inarguably the biggest heathen ever elected to public office in the history of the country is only slightly terrifying.


Jul. 12 - ...And you thought the CPAC clown show in Dallas was the most dangerous gathering of crazy people in Texas this past weekend. CPAC is a one-shot—or, for some reason this year, a two-shot—while this exercise in profoundly un-American activities apparently happens every Sunday. This is the gathering threat...     more details on this real horror movie

Biden blasts ‘un-American’ voting limits; Texas Dems act

Jul. 14 - ...Biden’s remarks came a day after Texas Democrats decamped for Washington in an effort to deny their GOP-controlled Legislature the necessary quorum to pass a bill placing new restrictions on voting in the state.

The lawmakers, who arrived in the nation’s capital Monday night, said they were prepared to stay in Washington — out of the reach of Texas law enforcement — until a special legislative session concludes early next month. Their action marks a dramatic new showdown over voting in America.


Standing near the steps of the U.S. Capitol for a news conference ahead of a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the Democrats promised to “stay out and kill this bill.”

However, state Rep. Chris Turner, the leader of the Texas Legislature’s House Democrats, said their efforts would ultimately be futile unless congressional Democrats take bolder action to overcome a Senate Republican blockade of the sweeping federal voting bill. The legislation, known as the For the People Act, would create national standards for voting that could roll back some of the restrictions that have been approved or are advancing in Republican-led states, including Texas...     quoted from

JULY 13,
Biden Delivers Remarks on Voting Rights
President Biden said the United States is facing “the most significant test of our democracy since the Civil War,” during a speech he delivered at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. He accused Republicans of committing “election subversion” and called on Congress to pass both the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which he promised to sign. The president also said the Justice Department would fight laws passed by state legislatures that make it more difficult for people to vote.

BRIEFING ROOM

​Remarks by President Biden on Protecting the Sacred, Constitutional Right to Vote

JULY 13, 2021SPEECHES AND REMARKSNational Constitution Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

THE PRESIDENT:   Thank you.  (Applause.)  I see an awful lot of good friends out there.  Please have a seat if you have one. 

I — let me begin by saying I used to be important.  (Laughter.)  I used to be the chairman of the board of this place.  And Jeffrey Rosen allowed me to do that for a while.

But thank you all for being here.  I truly appreciate it.  Governor, it’s above and beyond the call.  Mr. Mayor, I’d compli- — I thought you were a great mayor — still think you are — but your judgment in fiancées is even stronger.  And — but — but all of you.  And a good friend, Bobby Brady.  I see so many friends out.  Al Sharpton — Al, how are you, pal?  It’s great to see you.  (Applause.)

And I’m — I’m going to get in trouble here because I’m going to recognize my congresswoman from the state of Delaware, Lisa Blunt Rochester — (applause) — and her sister who used to run my office.  Stand up.  (Applause.)

Well, folks, good afternoon.  There’s a serious subject I’d like to talk about today.  I’m here in Philadelphia at the National Constitution Center — the city and the place where the story of “We the People” — “We the People” began.

It’s a story that’s neither simple nor straightforward.  That’s because the story is the sum of our parts, and all those parts are fundamentally human.  And being human is to be imperfect, driven by appetite and ambition as much as by goodness and grace.

But some things in America should be simple and straightforward.


Perhaps the most important of those things — the most fundamental of those things — is the right to vote.  The right to vote freely.  (Applause)  The right to vote freely, the right  — the right to vote fairly, the right to have your vote counted.  The democratic threshold is liberty.  With it, anything is possible.  Without it, nothing — nothing. 


And for our democracy and the work — and to deliver our work and [for] our people, it’s up to all of us to protect that right.  This is a test of our time and what I’m here to talk about today...     more

Texas Democrats flee to Washington, D.C.
00:00
/
02:25



Biden applauds 'courage' of Texas Democrats who fled state to avoid voting on election bills

​Jul. 13 - ​President Joe Biden supports Democratic state lawmakers who fled Texas to delay Republican bills the GOP claims will help secure elections, according to the White House.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with the 50-plus lawmakers this week after they flew to Washington, D.C., White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday. The legislators' absence blocks consideration of the elections proposal in the 150-member House because not enough of them were present. The Texas Senate will vote on its version Monday.


"He applauds their courage and adds to the urgency for passage of the For the People and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement acts, along with the all-of-government effort we have launched and the movement he's calling for today to overcome this moment with voter turnout and voter education," Jean-Pierre said aboard Air Force One.

Jean-Pierre briefed reporters en route to Philadelphia, where Biden spoke Tuesday to elevate the issue of voter access as Republicans around the country work to pass bills they say are aimed at shoring up election integrity. Democrats contend the provisions make it harder for people, particularly minorities, to cast ballots, and minority voters, especially in the black community, have historically identified with the Democratic Party.

The Texas proposals are part of "a concerted attack on our democracy," Jean-Pierre added. She also parroted Biden's description of it as "wrong" and "un-American"...     more

Related Articles:
BIDEN WADES DEEPER INTO VOTING ACCESS DEBATE TO FIRE UP PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRATS


Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre En Route Philadelphia, PA

JULY 13, 2021PRESS BRIEFINGS 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  In the birthplace of American democracy, President Biden will articulate how to meet the greatest threat to the right to vote and the integrity of our elections since the Civil War, renew his call for vital legislation to overcome the rash of anti-voter legis- — laws motivated by the Big Lie, and underline the all-of-government efforts the Biden-Harris administration launched to use the powers of the executive branch to protect and advance the sacred constitutional right to vote.
 
The President will highlight that the greatest irony of the 28 voter suppression laws that have been passed across 17 states this year alone is that the 2020 election stands as a model for the trustworthiness and precision of our system, given that over 80 judges, including judges appointed by his predecessor, threw out every challenge to it.

 
The President will give Democrats credit for unanimously voting to advance the For the People Act and decry the Republican obstruction of its path, and he will reiterate that the work to pass it and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement are only beginning.
 
He will also blast the denial of the right to vote as grounded in autocracy, under- — undemocratic and un-American and unpatriotic.

 
And he will note that while voter suppression — that vote — while voter suppression that these 21st century Jim Crow laws represent is sadly not unprecedented in American history, these new insidious moves to empower partisans over independent election authorities, in terms of who counts the votes, are new and extremely dangerous.
 
Such efforts, which could allow partisans to throw out the votes of anyone for made-up reasons, are the most significant threat to today to the integrity of our elections and to the security of the right to vote.
 
The President will call for a new coalition made up of advocates, activists, students, faith leaders, labor leaders, and business execs — executives to overcome this un-American trend and meet the moment as far as turnout and voter education...     more