President Biden expressed his sorrow over the death of Sonya Massey, a young Black woman who a responding officer killed after she called the police about a potential intruder. He highlighted the fear and danger Black Americans often face in such situations and emphasized that everyone should feel safe when seeking help. Biden extended his condolences to Ms. Massey’s family and praised the Springfield State’s Attorney’s swift actions. He urged Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, stressing the importance of justice and the need for systemic change.
Opening Ceremony Delegation (July 26, 2024):
Led by First Lady Jill Biden
Members:
Denise Campbell Bauer, U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco
Chris Coons, U.S. Senator from Delaware
Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator from California
Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles
Casey Wasserman, Chairperson of LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games
Brian Boitano, Olympic gold medalist in figure skating
Dawn Staley, three-time Olympic gold medalist in women's basketball and head coach at the University of South Carolina
Closing Ceremony Delegation (August 11, 2024):
Led by Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff
Members:
Denise Campbell Bauer, U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco
Laphonza Butler, U.S. Senator from California
Robert Garcia, U.S. Representative from California's 42nd District
Chaunté Lowe, four-time Olympian and Olympic bronze medalist in track and field
Briana Scurry, two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion in women's soccer
Delegations for the Paralympic Games will be announced later.
President Biden has issued a memorandum delegating specific functions and authorities under the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act* (Division F of Public Law 118-50).
In this memorandum, President Biden delegates the functions and authorities vested in him by sections 104(a)(1) and 104(a)(2)(A) of the Act to the Secretary of the Treasury. Additionally, he delegates the functions and authorities vested in him by sections 104(g), 104(i), 105(c), 105(e), and 105(g) of the Act to the Secretary of State, who will consult with the Secretary of the Treasury in these matters. The memorandum also states that these delegations will apply to any future public laws with provisions that are the same or substantially the same as those referenced.
Finally, the Secretary of the Treasury is directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. This delegation ensures that the appropriate departments manage specific responsibilities under the Act, facilitating the effective implementation of the Act's provisions.
*The Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act (REPO for Ukrainians Act) aims to support Ukraine by confiscating and utilizing Russian sovereign assets. U.S. financial institutions must report Russian assets to the Treasury, and the President can confiscate these assets within U.S. jurisdiction. Confiscated funds are deposited into the Ukraine Support Fund, managed by the Department of State, to aid Ukraine's reconstruction, provide humanitarian assistance, and support recovery. The President is also directed to work with foreign partners to create an international compensation mechanism for Ukraine. Additionally, the bill promotes U.S. leadership in an international sanctions regime to freeze Russian assets with allies' support.
Kevin C. O'Connor, D.O., FAAFP, Physician to the President, issued a memorandum regarding President Biden's health. President Biden has completed his tenth dose of PAXLOVID and is almost symptom-free. His vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, are normal. His oxygen saturation is excellent, and his lungs are clear. The President continues to perform all his presidential duties. Dr. O'Connor will provide updates if there are any changes in the President's condition or treatment plan.
Vice President Harris delivered remarks at an NCAA event at the White House, expressing gratitude to Senior Vice President For Championships at the NCAA Linda Tiller and acknowledging the presence of leaders, members of Congress, the Administration, and extraordinary athletes. She highlighted President Biden’s unparalleled accomplishments over the past three years, emphasizing his honesty, integrity, commitment to faith and family, and deep love for the country. Harris praised the athletes, calling them national champions and recognizing their representation of the nation on international stages, including the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris. She acknowledged their challenges, perseverance, and the support from their families, coaches, and friends. Harris concluded by congratulating the athletes and introducing Jordan Dudley from the Florida State University women's soccer team, who expressed gratitude to the Biden-Harris Administration and shared her experiences and achievements. Dudley encouraged fellow athletes to find and use their motivations to inspire future generations.
Vice President Harris delivered a speech to campaign staff in Delaware, expressing gratitude and appreciation for their hard work and dedication. She acknowledged her husband, President Biden, and several elected officials, highlighting the collective effort and sacrifices made by the campaign team. Harris emphasized the significance of their work for the country and their shared values of freedom, opportunity, and justice for all.
The Vice President praised President Biden's accomplishments, including handling the COVID-19 pandemic, creating jobs, and implementing bipartisan legislation. Harris spoke about her background as a prosecutor and Attorney General, contrasting her record with Donald Trump's. She reiterated the campaign's focus on the future, advocating for policies that support the middle class, affordable healthcare, reproductive freedom, and gun safety.
Harris concluded by emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election and urging everyone to continue their efforts to ensure victory and uphold the values of freedom, compassion, and the rule of law.
Vice President Harris delivers remarks at NCAA event at the White House