The White House In Action: December 29

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr

Significant Actions By The Biden Administration, December 29, 2023

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Polish Secretary of State Jacek Siewiera regarding a missile incident in Polish airspace. Sullivan conveyed U.S. solidarity, pledged technical assistance, and assured President Biden’s close monitoring of the situation. Siewiera appreciated U.S. support, and both sides committed to maintaining close communication.

A proclamation issued by President Biden outlines several actions related to trade and the designation of beneficiary countries. Here’s a summary:

  1. In December 2018, Mauritania’s designation as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country was terminated due to insufficient progress in meeting specified requirements.
  2. The President has determined that Mauritania now meets eligibility requirements and is designated as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country.
  3. Certain African countries (Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, Uganda) were initially designated as beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries. However, their designations are now terminated, effective January 1, 2024, as they did not meet the specified requirements.
  4. The United States and Israel have an agreement on agricultural trade and duty-free access for specified quantities of certain agricultural products of Israel is extended through December 31, 2024, to maintain mutually advantageous concessions.
  5. The modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) reflect the changes in beneficiary designations and tariff commitments.
  6. The proclamation is effective from January 1, 2024, and supersedes any inconsistent provisions in previous proclamations or Executive Orders.

In conclusion, the proclamation addresses trade actions, beneficiary designations, and tariff commitments, focusing on sub-Saharan African countries and Israel.

President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning Russia’s recent extensive aerial assault on Ukraine, marking the largest attack since the beginning of the war. The assault utilized drones, missiles, and hypersonic-capable missiles to target cities and civilian infrastructure, resulting in casualties and damage. President Biden emphasized that Putin’s objective remains unchanged: to obliterate Ukraine and subjugate its people. He commended Ukraine for deploying air defense systems provided by the United States and allies, urging Congress to take urgent action in the new year to continue supporting Ukraine. President Biden underscored the broader implications of the conflict, stating that it affects the NATO Alliance, European security, and the Transatlantic relationship. He warned against allowing dictators to act unchecked in Europe, highlighting the risk of direct U.S. involvement and emphasizing the global consequences. The President reaffirmed the coalition of over 50 countries supporting Ukraine’s defense, stressing the importance of standing by allies and answering the call for freedom.

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. issued a proclamation declaring January 2024 as National Mentoring Month. The president celebrates the millions of mentors across the country who dedicate their time and efforts to ensuring that every young person has an opportunity to achieve the American Dream. The proclamation emphasizes the impact of positive relationships and conversations on young people’s lives, introducing them to new goals and ideas. President Biden highlights the efforts of his administration to support such relationships in schools, communities, and the workforce through initiatives like the American Rescue Plan, funding for K-12 schools, AmeriCorps, and programs like the National Partnership for Student Success. The president encourages Americans of all ages to become mentors or tutors and emphasizes the importance of mentoring in shaping the future success of the nation’s youth. The proclamation concludes by calling upon Americans to observe National Mentoring Month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

In a proclamation on National Human Trafficking Prevention Month for January 2024, Joseph R. Biden underscored the global prevalence of human trafficking, affecting over 27 million individuals, and acknowledged the threat it poses to security, safety, and human dignity. The proclamation reaffirms the commitment to combatting these crimes through international collaboration and domestic efforts.

The President highlighted the 2021 National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, emphasizing prevention, prosecution of perpetrators, and support for survivors. The plan addressed the root causes of trafficking, advocates for workers’ rights, and aims to eliminate forced labor in global supply chains.

President Biden emphasized the vulnerability of women and girls as the majority of trafficking victims and highlighted legislative actions, such as the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and the American Rescue Plan, providing housing vouchers for survivors. The administration pledges to support marginalized groups affected by trafficking, collaborating with survivors to enhance prevention efforts.

The proclamation calls on Americans to educate themselves on identifying signs of trafficking, promoting the National Human Trafficking hotline (888-373-7888) for reporting tips and seeking help. President Biden urged businesses, civil society organizations, faith communities, families, and all Americans to actively participate in preventing human trafficking through relevant programs and activities during the designated month.

The proclamation concludes with the official designation of January 2024 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, encouraging collective efforts to combat human trafficking and uphold the dignity and freedom of every individual.

President Biden issued a proclamation declaring January 2024 as National Stalking Awareness Month. The proclamation highlights the impact of stalking on individuals and emphasizes the need for a future free from fear, threats, and abuse. President Biden acknowledges stalking as an abuse of power, affecting a significant number of people and describes its various forms, including in-person and online incidents. He reflects on his achievements, such as championing the Violence Against Women Act. He discusses recent efforts to combat stalking, such as reauthorizing the law and creating the White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse. The proclamation emphasizes the importance of staying abreast of technological advancements to protect against online harassment and cybercrime. President Biden also mentions the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, addressing stalking on multiple fronts. The proclamation concludes by calling on all Americans to speak out against stalking and support the efforts of advocates, courts, service providers, and law enforcement in combating this crime.