Statement from President Joe Biden on the Death of American Service Members

DECEMBER 05, 2023

Jill and I were heartbroken to learn of the loss of eight American service members when their aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan last week during a routine training mission. Since then, we were focused on search and rescue, which ended today after an extensive week-long effort. Our service members and their families are the backbone of our nation. We owe them everything. Jill and I are praying for the families and friends who lost a loved one in this terrible accident. We are also grateful to the Government of Japan for assisting in the search and rescue and ongoing recovery efforts. Our entire nation mourns this tragic loss.

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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/05/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-death-of-american-service-members-2/

Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton En Route Boston, MA

Aboard Air Force One

En Route Boston, Massachusetts

10:54 A.M. EST

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/12/05/press-gaggle-by-principal-deputy-press-secretary-olivia-dalton-en-route-boston-ma/

Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on an Agreement with the Republic of the Marshall Islands

DECEMBER 05, 2023

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/12/05/letter-to-the-speaker-of-the-house-and-president-of-the-senate-on-an-agreement-with-the-republic-of-the-marshall-islands/

Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on an Agreement With the Federated States of Micronesia

DECEMBER 05, 2023

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/12/05/letter-to-the-speaker-of-the-house-and-president-of-the-senate-on-an-agreement-with-the-federated-states-of-micronesia/

Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meeting with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica

DECEMBER 05, 2023

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica to advance bilateral cooperation on promoting inclusive economic growth and climate resilient infrastructure, combating transnational criminal organization and the trafficking of illicit drugs and firearms, and promoting regional security under Plan Secure Jamaica. During the meeting, National Security Advisor Sullivan thanked Prime Minister Holness for his steadfast support for a Multinational Security Support mission to Haiti and Jamaica’s leadership in facilitating an inclusive political dialogue among Haitian society.

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President Biden Transmits Compacts of Free Association-Related Agreements to U.S. Congress

DECEMBER 05, 2023

Today President Biden transmitted to the U.S. Congress five agreements related to the Compacts of Free Association, signed by the Department of State, with the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI).

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/05/president-biden-transmits-compacts-of-free-association-related-agreements-to-u-s-congress/

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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/05/readout-of-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivans-meeting-with-prime-minister-andrew-holness-of-jamaica/

Statement from President Joe Biden on Lift of Senator Tuberville’s Blockade on Military Appointments

DECEMBER 05, 2023

After 10 months of undermining military readiness and the morale of our troops, Senator Tuberville of Alabama has finally lifted his politically motivated hold on hundreds of military nominations. 425 highly-qualified, patriotic military leaders have now been confirmed by the Senate to perform their duties as they fulfill their sacred oath to keep our country safe. These confirmations are long overdue, and should never have been held up in the first place. Our service members are the backbone of our country and deserve to receive the pay and promotions they have earned. In the end, this was all pointless. Senator Tuberville, and the Republicans who stood with him, needlessly hurt hundreds of servicemembers and military families and threatened our national security – all to push a partisan agenda. I hope no one forgets what he did.

Those who serve this nation deserve better. Thankfully, military leaders will finally be able to take their next post. Military families who for months have been in limbo will finally be able to make plans to move, start new jobs, and enter new schools. Our servicemembers and military families put everything on the line for our country. I thank the Senate for quickly confirming these appointments and urge them to confirm the remaining appointees swiftly.

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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/05/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-lift-of-senator-tubervilles-blockade-on-military-appointments/

Readout of National Security Advisor to the Vice President Phil Gordon’s Trip to Israel

DECEMBER 05, 2023

Following the Vice President’s meetings with Arab leaders in Dubai on December 2, she directed her National Security Advisor, Dr. Phil Gordon, to travel to Israel December 4-5 to update Israeli officials on her meetings and continue our intensive consultations with Israel on the conflict with Hamas. Dr. Gordon will visit Ramallah, the West Bank on December 6 for meetings with senior Palestinian Authority officials. In Israel, Dr. Gordon met with President Isaac Herzog, War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz, National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, observer in the War Cabinet Gadi Eisenkot, and opposition leader Yair Lapid.

Throughout his meetings, Dr. Gordon reiterated the Biden-Harris Administration’s resolute support for Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of the Hamas terrorist threat. He discussed Israeli military objectives and operations in Gaza and underscored the importance of adherence to international humanitarian law and the imperative of increased efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance and protect civilians. Dr. Gordon emphasized that Hamas is a barbaric terrorist organization and that no nation could accept the threat Hamas poses, and that we support Israel’s legitimate military objectives. Dr. Gordon underscored that the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to pursue every effort to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas terrorists, including Americans. Dr. Gordon discussed the situation in the West Bank and expressed our concern with steps that could escalate tensions, including extremist settler violence.

On day-after planning, Dr. Gordon outlined the principles that the Vice President and the Biden-Harris Administration have publicly laid out and discussed efforts on reconstruction, security, and governance in Gaza after the phase of intensive fighting ends. Dr. Gordon made clear that the Palestinian people must have a meaningful political horizon and reiterated our commitment to a two-state solution. Dr. Gordon also discussed broader dynamics in the region and U.S. efforts to deter aggression and help prevent regional escalation.

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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/05/readout-of-national-security-advisor-to-the-vice-president-phil-gordons-trip-to-israel/

Assistant Secretary of Defense Christopher P. Maier Addresses Crucial Role of Irregular Warfare at the Semi-Annual Irregular Warfare Forum

Dec. 5, 2023

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher P. Maier, delivered a keynote address at the semi-annual Irregular Warfare (IW) Forum.

The event, co-hosted by the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and the National Defense University College of International Security Affairs, convened leaders from diverse sectors to discuss critical IW policy, doctrine, training, and education in the context of strategic competition.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3607246/assistant-secretary-of-defense-christopher-p-maier-addresses-crucial-role-of-ir/

Statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Tragic Crash Off the Coast of Japan

Dec. 5, 2023

I am deeply saddened by the loss of eight American troops in a tragic aircraft crash off the coast of Japan. The entire Department of Defense mourns alongside the families and the loved ones of those who lost their lives today in the service of their country. My heart also goes out to those who were serving alongside these brave men and women in Japan.

We continue to gather information on this tragic incident, and we will conduct a rigorous and thorough investigation. The United States is grateful to Japan’s Coast Guard, Self-Defense forces, and local communities – including fishermen – for their search and rescue efforts.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3607331/statement-from-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-the-tragic-crash-off/

DOD Awards $23.4 Million to Expand Domestic Capability to Upcycle Scrap Material into High-Grade Metal

Dec. 5, 2023

The Department of Defense today announced award of $23.4 million via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program to 6k Additive, LLC to expand capability to upcycle waste and scrap material for conversion into higher grade metals for use in defense and commercial supply chains.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3606819/dod-awards-234-million-to-expand-domestic-capability-to-upcycle-scrap-material/

Statement From Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on the Senate's Confirmation of 425 General and Flag Officers

Dec. 5, 2023

While this day is long overdue, I welcome the Senate's confirmation of 425 of our highly qualified general and flag officers, who will at last be able to serve in critical positions to our national security.

These holds have already dragged on needlessly for months, degrading our military readiness and forcing far too many of our outstanding military families to put their lives on hold and endure even greater sacrifices. These unnecessary and unprecedented holds have forced multiple military services to operate without Senate-confirmed leaders and obligated some military leaders to take on two exceptionally demanding jobs at once.

We also look forward to the Senate's confirmation of the remainder of our highly qualified and apolitical military leaders, so that America can have the fully fielded team it deserves during this critical moment for our national security.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3607946/statement-from-secretary-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-the-senates-confirmation-of-425/

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