7/29/2021

Infrastructure deal | July 29, 2021

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Infrastructure deal: Senate suddenly acts to take up bill

Jul 29 - The Senate voted Wednesday night to begin work on a nearly $1 trillion national infrastructure plan, acting with sudden speed after weeks of fits and starts once the White House and a bipartisan group of senators agreed on major provisions of the package that’s key to President Joe Biden’s agenda.

Biden welcomed the accord as one that would show America can “do big things.” It includes the most significant long-term investments in nearly a century, he said, on par with building the transcontinental railroad or the Interstate highway system.


“This deal signals to the world that our democracy can function,” Biden said ahead of the vote. “We will once again transform America and propel us into the future.”

​After weeks of stop-and-go negotiations, the rare bipartisan showing on a 67-32 vote to start formal Senate consideration showed the high interest among senators in the infrastructure package...     more

Statement by President Joe Biden on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal

JULY 28, 2021•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

I am pleased to join a bipartisan group of United States Senators and announce our deal to make the most significant long-term investment in our infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century.

I want to thank the bipartisan group for working together and the committee chairs for raising their ideas and concerns with me, Vice President Harris, and members of the Cabinet.

This deal signals to the world that our democracy can function, deliver, and do big things. As we did with the transcontinental railroad and the interstate highway, we will once again transform America and propel us into the future.

This deal makes key investments to put people to work all across the country—in cities, small towns, rural communities, and across our coastlines and plains.

It will put Americans to work in good-paying, union jobs repairing our roads and bridges. It will put plumbers and pipefitters to work replacing all of the nation’s lead water pipes so every child and every American can turn on the faucet at home or school and drink clean water—including in low-income communities and communities of color that have been disproportionally affected by dangerous lead pipes.

​Americans will build transmission lines and upgrade our power grid to be more resilient and cleaner. Americans will strengthen our infrastructure, like our levees, in the face of extreme weather like superstorms, wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, and heat waves.

American workers will make a historic investment to install the first-ever national network electric vehicle charging stations and undertake critical environmental clean-ups.

This bipartisan deal is the most important investment in public transit in American history and the most important investment in rail since the creation of Amtrak 50 years ago. It will deliver high speed internet to every American.

And, we’re going to do it without raising taxes by one cent on people making less than $400,000 a year—no gas tax increase and no fee on electric vehicles.

This agreement will help ensure that America can compete in the global economy just when we are in a race with China and the rest of the world for the 21st Century.


And, it comes at a critical time. We are emerging from this pandemic with an economy that is back from the brink. We are seeing the fastest job growth on record. We are experiencing the fastest economic growth in nearly four decades.

Everyone from unions to business leaders and economists left, right, and center believe the public investments in this deal will mean more jobs, higher productivity, and higher growth for our economy over the long term. Experts believe that the majority of the deal’s benefits will flow to working families.

Of course, neither side got everything they wanted in this deal. But that’s what it means to compromise and forge consensus—the heart of democracy. As the deal goes to the entire Senate, there is still plenty of work ahead to bring this home. There will be disagreements to resolve and more compromise to forge along the way.

But the bottom line is—the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is a blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America that will help make our historic economic recovery a historic long-term boom.     source from
JULY 28, 2021
President Biden Delivers Remarks on Manufacturing
​President Biden made remarks in Pennsylvania on his American manufacturing and jobs agenda on the road. Speaking at the Mack Trucks plant, he pushed for more investments and growth of U.S. based companies. He also pledged to have the federal government buy more American made products. The president also confirmed that that Democrats and Republicans have reached an agreement on a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package.

Remarks by President Biden on the Importance of American Manufacturing

JULY 28, 2021SPEECHES AND REMARKS

Mack Lehigh Valley Operations 
Macungie, Pennsylvania

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I’m not going to say anything; I just came to drive a truck.  (Laughter.)  And I’m not sure which one I want to drive.  That one?  There’s one back in the corner you can’t see.  It’s the biggest damn pick-up truck you ever saw in your life.  (Laughter.)  I tell you what. 

Please, everybody have a seat.  Everybody have a seat.

Carlo, thank you.  And, Carlo, I’m sorry about your mom.  I really am.  So many — so many people.  Well over 630,000 Americans have lost their lives because of COVID.  And the only thing I’m going to — and the press keeps wanting me to talk about COVID, but I’m going to mention this one thing.

We still have a lot of people not vaccinated.  The pandemic we have now is a pandemic of the unvaccinated.  So, please — please, please, please, if you’re not vaccinated, protect yourself and the children out there.  It’s important...     more


Biden infrastructure deal could create 500,000 manufacturing jobs, business group finds

Jul 28 - A bipartisan infrastructure deal being negotiated in the U.S. Senate could create roughly half a million new manufacturing jobs by 2024, the end of President Biden's first term, an analysis conducted on behalf of the trade group Association of Equipment Manufacturers found.

The analysis by IHS Markit assumes the manufacturing jobs would come from $1.1 trillion spent over eight years starting in 2022, with 75% of funding to be spent in the first five years. It also assumes Congress will authorize an additional $303 billion in transportation spending over five years. 

The jobs estimate comes as businesses place growing pressure on Congress to pass an infrastructure package after negotiations hit snags this week in the Senate. Yesterday, more than 140 major companies including the investment firm BlackRock and the tech giant Microsoft, urged Congressional leaders to pass legislation crafted by the White House...     more

7/28/2021

the intelligence | July 28, 2021

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Intelligence forces arrest Mossad terrorist network in W Iran

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry announced on Tuesday that a network of the members of the Zionist regime’s Spy Organization (Mossad) was arrested on the western border of the country.

Jul 28 - Following the intelligence activities of the forces of Iran’s Intelligence Ministry, a network of members of the Zionist regime’s Spy Organization (Mossad) was arrested on the country's western border, said Director-General of Counterintelligence of the ministry on Tuesday.

He added that a big haul of weapons and ammunition, including, pistols, grenades, Winchester rifles, shotguns and ammunition was also seized during this operation. 

​Stating that Mossad members intended to use the equipment during urban riots and assassinations, he said that during the elections days also, the Zionist regime repeatedly attempted to carry out acts of sabotage in different parts of the country that with the timely action of the forces of Iran’s Intelligence Ministry, their terrorist sabotages were thwarted.     source from


JULY 27, 2021
President Biden Remarks to the Intelligence Community
​President Biden delivered remarks at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in McLean, Virginia. He made a commitment to the intelligence community workforce that he will not politicize their work. After completing remarks, he responded to two pandemic related questions from reporters. President Biden defended the new CDC mask guidance for vaccinated individuals and said they are considering requiring all federal employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Remarks by President Biden at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence

JULY 27, 2021SPEECHES AND REMARKS

National Counterterrorism Center
Liberty Crossing Intelligence Campus
​McLean, Virginia

PRESIDENT:  It’s an honor to be here.  I guess you all are the ones that lost the lottery, huh?  (Laughter.)  You had to be here in person.
 
Well, I’d like to thank Director Haines and Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Christy Abizaid, for showing me around the watch floor. 
 
Folks, the main reason I came — and I mean this sincerely — is to say thank you.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.  The American people, almost by definition, are not able to know what you do.  And you devote so much of your time, your effort, and many of you end up risking your lives in the Intelligence Community to do things to make sure that your families and people back here are safe — make a difference. 
 
And you’d be amazed — as I traveled the world as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee or member of the Intelligence Committee for all those years, or as Vice President of the United States dealing with national security issues, or as President of the United States — how many of now my foreign counterparts thank you for what you do. 
 
I’d like to introduce you, by the way, to my National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.  Jake, would you stand up?  (Applause.)
 
And, you know, the leaders of many of our intelligence agencies are here today.  And I thank you for your diligence and keeping our country safe, and your commitment to supporting your teams.  Because, if there’s anything, a team sport is what y’all are doing if there’s going to be anything that’s going to be accomplished.
 
Because the people I most want to honor and thank today are the intelligence professionals whose names the public is never, ever going to know, never have any notion of what you’ve done for us: the analysts; the linguists; the collectors and field officers; scientists; support staff; so many others who are real experts, whose careers started much longer before my administration and whose service to our nation is going to extend well beyond my presidency...     more  
Statement by President Joe Biden on CDC Guidance

JULY 27, 2021STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

When I ran for President, I promised to be straight with you about COVID—good news or bad. And I promised to follow the science. That strategy has worked: in my first six months in office, we’ve given out over 300 million shots—and have 60% of adults fully vaccinated and nearly 70% started on vaccinations. Cases are down, and deaths are down dramatically. One estimate suggests that our rapid deployment of the vaccine has saved 100,000 American lives—perhaps more.

Today’s announcement by the CDC—that new research and concerns about the Delta variant leads CDC to recommend a return to masking in parts of the country—is another step on our journey to defeating this virus. I hope all Americans who live in the areas covered by the CDC guidance will follow it; I certainly will when I travel to these areas.


Today, the CDC also reaffirmed that we can safely reopen schools this fall—full time. Masking students is inconvenient, I know, but will allow them to learn and be with their classmates with the best available protection.

Most importantly, today’s announcement also makes clear that the most important protection we have against the Delta variant is to get vaccinated. Although most U.S. adults are vaccinated, too many are not. While we have seen an increase in vaccinations in recent days, we still need to do better.

On Thursday, I will lay out the next steps in our effort to get more Americans vaccinated. Vaccinations are free, safe, and effective to every American. They’ve been available to every adult in this country for more than three months—at locations within 5 miles of 90% of the US population.

By following the science, and by doing our part by getting vaccinated, America can beat COVID. In the meantime, more vaccinations and mask wearing in the areas most impacted by the Delta variant will enable us to avoid the kind of lockdowns, shutdowns, school closures, and disruptions we faced in 2020. Unlike 2020, we have both the scientific knowledge and the tools to prevent the spread of this disease. We are not going back to that.     source from
JULY 27, 2021
White House Daily Briefing
​White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki addressed new CDC mask guidance for vaccinated individuals amid rising cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant. During this briefing, she also highlighted the president’s other agenda items including infrastructure, immigration and the crime rate.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, July 27, 2021

JULY 27, 2021PRESS BRIEFINGS

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

MS. PSAKI:  Hi, everyone.  Okay, I have a couple of notes for you at the top.

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, awarded $121 million in American Rescue Plan funding to support the work of trusted community-based efforts to increase vaccinations in underserved communities.


This is the second round of funding for community-based groups.  Back in June, HHS awarded $125 million to similar groups for these efforts.

And these groups will undertake efforts such as mobilizing community outreach workers to educate and assist individuals in accessing and receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, organize pop-up or mobile vaccine locations, and assist in making vaccine appointments or arranging transportation and childcare assistance for vaccine appointments.

One grantee in Jacksonville, Florida — one of the states where there, as you know, has been the highest transmission rates — one of the highest transmission rates — will use the funding to establish a sustainable community-based workforce and infrastructure to maximize COVID-19 vaccine uptake, minimize disparities, and advance health equities in vulnerable populations.

Another grantee in Oklahoma will reach rural communities, including Hispanic community members, and will recruit and train community health workers.

I also wanted to give you a small preview of the President’s visit to ODNI this afternoon.  As we announced earlier — last week, I guess it was — he will visit the Office of the Director of National Intelligence later this afternoon to meet with leaders of the Intelligence Community and to thank all of our intelligence professionals for their service to our nation.

After the meeting — after meeting with Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, the President will tour the National Counterterrorism Center Operations Center with NCTC Director Christy Abizaid to see firsthand how we remain ever vigilant in fighting threats to our country.


He’s particularly proud of Director Haines and Director Abizaid, who are both the first Senate-confirmed women to hold these positions.

He will then address the intelligence community workforce to express his admiration and appreciation for their service.  In his remarks, he will highlight the integral role our public servants play in shaping national security decision-making and protecting the American people.  He will also underscore the importance of intelligence collection and analysis that is free from political interference or pressure.

And I think many of you have been on these trips with him.  He’s visited a number of national security agencies, and it’s part of his effort to support the workforce...     more

NBC Nightly News Broadcast (Full) - July 27th, 2021
Jul 28, 2021
CDC reverses indoor mask guidance as Covid cases rise, police officers deliver emotional testimony at Jan. 6 committee hearing, and cycling means freedom for Olympian Masomah Ali Zada of the refugee team.
00:00 Intro
01:54 CDC's Mask Guidance Reversal
05:11 Dr. Fauci On New Mask Reversal
07:38 Capitol Riot Officer Testimony
10:03 Refugee Olympics Team

7/27/2021

Iraq & Cuba | July 27, 202

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US President Joe Biden, right, speaks as Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, left, listens during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, July 26, 2021.
Biden announces end of American combat mission in Iraq

​Main US focus is already assisting Iraqi forces rather than fighting; US president doesn’t say if he plans to reduce the number of troops in Iraq, now about 2,500

Jul 27 - ​President Joe Biden said Monday the US combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year, an announcement that reflects the reality on the ground more than a major shift in US policy.

Even before Biden took office, the main US focus has been assisting Iraqi forces, not fighting on their behalf. And Biden did not say if he planned to reduce the number of troops in Iraq, now about 2,500.

The announcement comes on the heels of Biden’s decision to withdraw fully from Afghanistan nearly 20 years after the US launched that war in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Together, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have heavily taxed the US military and kept it from devoting more attention to a rising China, which the Biden administration calls the biggest long-term security challenge.

For years, US troops have played support roles in Iraq and in neighboring Syria, which was the origin of the Islamic State group that swept across the border in 2014 and captured large swaths of Iraqi territory, prompting the US to send troops back to Iraq that year.

​Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office session with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Biden said his administration remained committed to a partnership with Iraq — a relationship that has been increasingly complicated by Iranian-backed Iraqi militia groups. The militias want all US troops out of Iraq immediately and have periodically attacked bases that house American troops...     more


JULY 26, 2021
President Biden Meets with Iraqi Prime Minister
​President Biden met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in the Oval Office at the White House. Following statements by both leaders, President Biden was asked about the U.S. role in Iraq. The president said, “I think things are going well... we’re not going to be by the end of the year in a combat mission.” He was also asked about COVID-19 vaccinations for Veterans Affairs staff. The president responded, “Veterans Affairs is going to in fact require that all doctors working in facilities are going to have to be vaccinated.” 

Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi of the Republic of Iraq Before Bilateral Meeting

JULY 26, 2021SPEECHES AND REMARKS

Oval Office

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, I’m honored to welcome the Prime Minister.  We’ve known each other for some time.  And welcome to the White House, welcome to the Oval, Mr. Prime Minister. 
 
Iraq has been a vital part for the — partner of the United States for some time now in the Middle East.  And we’ve en- — I’ve engaged deeply in Iraq for my entire career back in the Senate, as Vice President, and as President.  And I’ve worked with Iraq to — and matter of fact, my son Beau was in Iraq for a year with the Am- — with the Army National Guard. 
 
And the sacrifices that so many — so many have made to build the U.S.-Iraq partnership has been real, and it’s consequential.  And my administration is committed to strengthening that partnership, Mr. Prime Minister...     more
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Meeting with Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi of Iraq

​JULY 26, 2021•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi of Iraq to strengthen bilateral coordination under the Strategic Framework Agreement.  Together they discussed expanded initiatives on climate, energy, education, and combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.  They committed to a continued security partnership to ensure that ISIS can never resurge and to allow communities recovering from terror to rebuild with dignity even as the United States shifts to a purely advisory role. The leaders reaffirmed their respect for Iraq’s democracy, the rule of law, and promoting a secure environment for Iraq’s upcoming elections in October. The leaders agreed on the vital importance of holding these elections on time, and welcomed the UN monitoring mission to support their full transparency and fairness. 

​Together, they discussed the important role of Iraq in the region and the significant diplomatic efforts led by Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi to improve and strengthen Iraq’s relationships in the region.  They lauded the historic visit of Pope Francis to Iraq earlier this year, the trilateral summit with Egypt and Jordan, and the important role Iraq plays in promoting interfaith tolerance and the common bonds of humanity in the Middle East.  They agreed that Iraq’s stability was central to the stability of the entire region.      source from
Crowds gather outside the Cuban embassy in Washington in support of anti-government protests in Cuba

Hundreds rally in Washington against Cuban govt

Jul 17 - Hundreds of Cuban Americans, political refugees and activists marched on the US capital Monday to protest against the Cuban government and its crackdown on anti-communist demonstrations earlier this month.

​Cubans from across the United States waving "freedom" signs and Cuban and American flags gathered outside the White House to demand President Joe Biden take action against the island's regime.

Human rights groups accuse Cuba's rulers of using censorship and fear tactics to repress historic anti-government demonstrations -- the biggest protests since the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power in 1959.

"We decided to come to get the attention of the American people," said Carlos Rodriguez, 29, who flew to Washington from Miami to show his support.

"We need (the White House) to declare the Cuban government illegitimate," said Elena Cruz, 32, a Florida-based realtor who left Cuba at 16 years old.
On July 11, scores of demonstrations erupted across Cuba triggered by economic strife, medical and food shortages and anger at the regime.

Clashes with police left one person dead, while the ensuing crackdown targeted hundreds of others arrested and charged with contempt, public disorder, vandalism and negligent conduct in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic...     more


GOP lawmakers request Cuba meeting with Biden

RJul 26 - ​A group of 19 Republican lawmakers penned a letter to President Biden on Monday requesting a meeting to discuss the ongoing situation in Cuba, which has escalated in recent weeks following protests against the government.

The coalition of GOP lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) and Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), specifically requested the meeting to discuss how Congress and the administration “can work together to bring an end to the oppressive communist regime in Havana and liberate the Cuban people.”

“Now is the time to act,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter.

The situation in Cuba has received increased attention in recent weeks, after the country saw one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in memory break out earlier this month.

The protesters were demonstrating against food shortages and high prices sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dozens of activists and journalists have been arrested since the protests broke out, and at least one person has been killed...     more

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Cuba says its Paris embassy targeted by gasoline bombs

JULY 26, 2021
​White House Daily Briefing
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki held a briefing on the Biden administration’s policy agenda. She announced the White House would be maintaining its travel restrictions due to a rise in COVID-10 cases linked to the Delta variant. She discussed a variety of other topics including vaccine mandates and the use of masks, the January 6 Select Committee’s inaugural hearing, troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan as well as ongoing negotiations on an infrastructure package.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, July 26, 2021

JULY 26, 2021PRESS BRIEFINGS 

MS. PSAKI:  Hi, everyone.  Happy Monday.  Okay.  Today, I wanted to start by providing a brief note on where we are with our battle against the pandemic at home.
 
First, taking a step back: In December, the percentage of Americans willing to get a shot was in the 30s.  We now have 70 percent of adult — almost 70 percent, I should say, of adult Americans who have been vaccinated.  That is a positive step forward, and it is an encouraging sign to us that we can still get more people vaccinated.
 
Where we are today signals we’ve made pretty incredible progress with our vaccination effort.  Sixty percent of adult Americans are fully vaccinated, including 80 percent of seniors.  Nearly 90 percent of teachers have gotten a shot.  Ninety-five percent-plus of physicians have been fully vaccinated.
 
For the second week in a row, last week the five states with the highest case rates — Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and California — had a higher rate of people getting newly vaccinated compared to the national average.  Again, this is a positive trend. 
 
And just one more recent proof point: In the reporting period from yesterday, nearly half a million Americans made the decision to get their first shot.
 
Numbers like this signal to us people are understanding the urgency and importance of getting vaccinated, and rightfully so. 
 
So, as you’ve heard me say in here a number of times, 162-plus million Americans are fully vaccinated.  They have a very strong degree of protection against the variants.  They are overwhelmingly avoiding severe illness, hospitalization, and, critically important, death.  Unvaccinated individuals account for virtually all of the hospitalizations and deaths in the United States...     more 

NBC Nightly News Broadcast (Full) - July 26th, 2021
Jul 27, 2021
Hospitals overwhelmed amid a surge in new Covid patients, firefighters struggling to contain Northern California’s Dixie Fire, and House Republicans divided over the Capitol riot committee.
00:00 Intro
01:35 New Vaccine Mandates
04:22 Covid Hospitalizations Surging
07:08 Raging Wildfires In The West
09:48 U.S. To End Iraq Combat Mission