The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 12, 2011

President Obama, Vice President Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden Launch National "Joining Forces"Initiative to Support America's Military Families

Washington, DC – President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden today launched Joining Forces, a national initiative to support and honor America’s service members and their families.  The initiative aims to educate, challenge, and spark action from all sectors of our society – citizens, communities, businesses, non-profits, faith based institutions, philanthropic organizations, and government – to ensure military families have the support they have earned.

Joining Forces is spearheaded by Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden, who have been leaders in supporting our nation’s military families and advocating for their priorities.  Joining Forces was created to address the unique challenges and needs of military families that Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden have heard firsthand during meetings with military spouses, briefings with military leaders, and many visits to military communities at home and abroad, and through their work on military family priorities.  Building on this groundwork, the initiative will focus on key priority areas – employment, education, and wellness, while engaging in a comprehensive effort to raise awareness about the service, sacrifice, and needs of military families.

“Joining Forces was created to recognize and serve our nation’s extraordinary military families who, like their loved ones in uniform, serve and sacrifice so much so that we can live in freedom and security,” said Mrs. Obama.  “This is a challenge to every segment of American society not to simply say thank you but to mobilize, take action and make a real commitment to supporting our military families.”

“There are so many ways that every American can lend a hand and make a difference,” said Dr. Biden. “We have met individuals and groups across this country who are supporting our troops and their families and showing all Americans that there are countless ways to help – some large and many small.  But all important.  And I can tell you from personal experience, all appreciated. That is why we are here today – and why Michelle and I are trying to rally American communities to join us.”

Joining Forces also builds upon President Obama’s landmark Presidential Study Directive to establish a coordinated and comprehensive Federal approach to supporting military families.  Released this past January, Strengthening Our Military Families:  Meeting America’s Commitment aims to improve the quality of life of our military families, veterans, and survivors of the fallen.  The report details nearly 50 commitments from Cabinet Agencies to reform, strengthen, and better coordinate the Federal Government’s support for military families.  For example, the Department of the Treasury has established an Office of Service Member Affairs in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, to address the financial challenges that confront military families. The Departments of Labor, Commerce, Defense and the Small Business Administration are partnering with the business community to make it easier for veterans and their spouses to build a career.

President Obama said, “We’re here today because these Americans in uniform have never served alone.  Not at Lexington and Concord, not in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Behind every American in uniform stands a wife or husband; a mother, a father; a son or daughter; a sister or brother.  These families – these remarkable families – are the force behind the force.”

“I have always said we have lots of obligations as a nation – but only one truly sacred moral obligation:  to prepare and protect those we send into harm’s way, and to give them every bit of care they, and their families, need when they return,”  said Vice President Biden.

The Administration has made military families a priority across the federal government, but Joining Forces recognizes that this can’t be the work of government alone.  Joining Forces will reach out broadly to include commitments and efforts from outside government across many different sectors.  As an initial step, the White House convened and worked with leading employers, non-profits and media companies to kick off Joining Forces with meaningful commitments to address military families’ unique needs in employment, education, wellness and public awareness.  Some examples are below:

In employment, Sears Holdings, Walmart and Sam’s Club, Siemens Corporation, Goodwill, the Society for Human Resource Management, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Cisco, and Indeed.com have all committed to major hiring and training initiatives for veterans and family members, and/or transportable job options for military spouses.

In education, the National Math and Science Initiative, Discovery Education, National PTA, the Military Child Education Coalition, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Reach Out and Read, Best Buy’s Geek Squad, McGraw Hill, the Better Business Bureau’s Military Line, and Intel have all committed to major initiatives to support academic achievement of military children, and to expand education and training opportunities for veterans and military spouses.

In wellness, Joining Forces has engaged associations and organizations representing primary care and mental health specialists across military and civilian health services to promote collaboration, sharing of best practices and expansion of exemplary models of care to reach all military families.  WebMD, the American Heart Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, YMCA, National Military Family Association, Sierra Club, and the U.S. Tennis Association have all committed to expand access to wellness programs and resources for military families.

Commitments also include public awareness activities to ensure that Americans know more about the unique challenges and needs of military families and their strength, resilience and service.  Joining Forces will work with Sesame Street, NASCAR, A&E Television Networks, AOL, USO, Viacom’s Nickelodeon and Country Music Channel, Disney ABC, Pixar, Major League Baseball, and the four major entertainment guilds on ongoing public awareness campaigns about military families.  And, Blue Star Families, the Red Cross, and ServiceNation: Mission Serve have developed an initiative enabling people to honor military families by making pledges of service.

As part of the initiative, a new website – JoiningForces.gov – provides ways for all Americans to step up and show their gratitude to our service members and their families. Visitors can send messages of thanks, find opportunities to get involved and share stories of service. The website will highlight Federal Government support and the outstanding American citizens, communities, and businesses that are serving our nation’s military families.

In response to the White House’s call to action, one of the nation’s leading nonpartisan institutions focused on national security, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), has announced it will be coordinating commitments already made and mobilizing ongoing support for the initiative.  The effort at CNAS will be led by a board of distinguished Americans with a life of experience in the armed forces, military families and the private sector.  The two initial members of board will be General Stanley McChrystal (Ret.), and Patty Shinseki.

A full fact sheet is available HERE.

Ending Sexual Violence: One Student on One Campus at a Time

Sara Jane Bibeau
April 04, 2011
07:12 PM EST

I love being a student at the University of New Hampshire.  It’s in a beautiful part of the country, the campus is gorgeous, and there are so many opportunities for students to grow and develop.

But I never imagined those opportunities would include introducing the Vice President of the United States.

Today I was able to stand up and talk about an issue that is so important to me: ending sexual assault.  I believe we can all work together to change the culture so that rape and sexual assault are not tolerated.  Teens and young women experience the highest rates of sexual assault.  Our generation has the chance to make it stop.

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Watch Vice President Joe Biden's full remarks here.

The Vice President feels the same way.  Today he shared the stories of victims, talked about the progress we have made, and challenged us to take the next step and prevent rape before it ever happens. 

Related Topics: Women, New Hampshire

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 04, 2011

Vice President Biden Announces New Administration Effort to Help Nation’s Schools Address Sexual Violence

Vice President, Secretary Duncan introduce guidance on legal obligations to prevent and respond to sexual violence in school and on campus

Washington, D.C. – Today, Vice President Biden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan introduced comprehensive guidance to help schools, colleges and universities better understand their obligations under federal civil rights laws to prevent and respond to the problem of campus sexual assault. The new guidance, announced at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire, makes clear the legal obligations under Title IX of any school, college or university receiving federal funds to respond promptly and effectively to sexual violence. The guidance also provides practical examples to aid educators in ensuring the safety of their students.

Under Title IX – a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities – discrimination can include sexual violence, such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion. The guidance, the first specifically advising schools, colleges and universities that their responsibilities under Title IX include protecting students from sexual violence, also details enforcement strategies that schools and the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) may use to end sexual violence, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects.

“Today we are strengthening our response to sexual assault in schools and on college campuses,” said Vice President Biden. “Students across the country deserve the safest possible environment in which to learn. That's why we’re taking new steps to help our nation’s schools, universities and colleges end the cycle of sexual violence on campus.”

“Every school would like to believe it is immune from sexual violence but the facts suggest otherwise,” said Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “Our first goal is prevention through education.  Information is always the best way to combat sexual violence.  Our larger goal is to raise awareness to an issue that should have no place in society and especially in our schools,” Duncan continued.

“Schools must provide an environment where all students have an equal opportunity to learn,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Russlynn Ali.  “Schools are often in the best position to prevent sexual violence and to respond to it promptly and effectively if it occurs. OCR is already working with schools to help them in their fight against the harmful effects of sexual violence by providing technical assistance and seeking remedies designed to stop such conduct, prevent its recurrence, and remediate its impact.”

For over 20 years, Vice President Biden has led the fight to combat violence against women. As the author of the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994, then-Senator Biden exposed high rates of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking experienced by women every day in this country – redefining the way domestic violence is handled through changes in law enforcement, improvements in the criminal justice system and the establishment of shelters and services for victims. As Vice President, he has continued the cause, creating unprecedented coordination and cooperation across the federal government to combat violence against women.

Yet in spite of the significant progress made since the passage of VAWA, the threat of violence and abuse continues for a new generation of women. Young women aged 16-24 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault, while 1 in 5 will be a victim of sexual assault during college. Today, with Secretary Duncan, the Vice President highlighted the Administration’s commitment to raising awareness and promoting policies to prevent sexual violence against women of all ages.

See HERE for the full text of the guidance, as well as HERE for a fact sheet.

See HERE for a fact sheet on Title IX and sexual violence.
For more information about the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the anti-discrimination statutes that it enforces, please visit their website.

 

Addressing Sexual Violence in Our Schools

April 04, 2011 | 51:12 | Public Domain

Vice President Joe Biden visits the University of New Hampshire to raise awareness and announce a new Administration effort to help the nation's schools address sexual violence.

Download mp4 (489MB) | mp3 (47MB)

Read the Transcript

Vice President Biden Announces New Administration Effort to Help Nation’s Schools Address Sexual Violence

Vice President, Secretary Duncan introduce guidance on legal obligations to prevent and respond to sexual violence in school and on campus

Washington, D.C. – Today, Vice President Biden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan introduced comprehensive guidance to help schools, colleges and universities better understand their obligations under federal civil rights laws to prevent and respond to the problem of campus sexual assault. The new guidance, announced at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire, makes clear the legal obligations under Title IX of any school, college or university receiving federal funds to respond promptly and effectively to sexual violence. The guidance also provides practical examples to aid educators in ensuring the safety of their students.

Under Title IX – a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities – discrimination can include sexual violence, such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion. The guidance, the first specifically advising schools, colleges and universities that their responsibilities under Title IX include protecting students from sexual violence, also details enforcement strategies that schools and the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) may use to end sexual violence, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects.

“Today we are strengthening our response to sexual assault in schools and on college campuses,” said Vice President Biden. “Students across the country deserve the safest possible environment in which to learn. That's why we’re taking new steps to help our nation’s schools, universities and colleges end the cycle of sexual violence on campus.”

“Every school would like to believe it is immune from sexual violence but the facts suggest otherwise,” said Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “Our first goal is prevention through education.  Information is always the best way to combat sexual violence.  Our larger goal is to raise awareness to an issue that should have no place in society and especially in our schools,” Duncan continued.

“Schools must provide an environment where all students have an equal opportunity to learn,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Russlynn Ali.  “Schools are often in the best position to prevent sexual violence and to respond to it promptly and effectively if it occurs. OCR is already working with schools to help them in their fight against the harmful effects of sexual violence by providing technical assistance and seeking remedies designed to stop such conduct, prevent its recurrence, and remediate its impact.”

For over 20 years, Vice President Biden has led the fight to combat violence against women. As the author of the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994, then-Senator Biden exposed high rates of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking experienced by women every day in this country – redefining the way domestic violence is handled through changes in law enforcement, improvements in the criminal justice system and the establishment of shelters and services for victims. As Vice President, he has continued the cause, creating unprecedented coordination and cooperation across the federal government to combat violence against women.

Yet in spite of the significant progress made since the passage of VAWA, the threat of violence and abuse continues for a new generation of women. Young women aged 16-24 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault, while 1 in 5 will be a victim of sexual assault during college. Today, with Secretary Duncan, the Vice President highlighted the Administration’s commitment to raising awareness and promoting policies to prevent sexual violence against women of all ages.

See HERE for the full text of the guidance, as well as HERE for a fact sheet.

See HERE for a fact sheet on Title IX and sexual violence.
For more information about the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the anti-discrimination statutes that it enforces, please visit their website.

 

Close Transcript

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 01, 2011

Readout of Vice President Biden's Meeting with Latvian President Zatlers

Vice President Biden welcomed President Zatlers of Latvia to the White House today, as part of the Administration’s continuing consultations with our European allies.  The Vice President thanked President Zatlers for Latvia’s substantial contributions to our common effort in Afghanistan, including through the sacrifices made by its troops serving in the International Security Assistance Force and through its pivotal role in the Northern Distribution Network.  The two leaders exchanged views on European security and their recent visits to Russia, and agreed on the importance of expanding our cooperation with Russia.  The leaders also praised the Baltic American Freedom Foundation and agreed on the importance of people-to-people contacts between the United States and Latvia.  Finally, the Vice President received the Order of Three Stars from President Zatlers, Latvia’s highest honor, and expressed his commitment for continuing our strong bilateral relations.
 

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
March 30, 2011

Vice President Biden's Press Gaggle at the U.S. Capitol

U.S. Capitol

Washington, DC

THE VICE PRESIDENT: I think we’re making good progress. We’re all working off the same number now, $73 billion (inaudible). The appropriations committees met today.  Obviously, there’s a difference in the composition of that number -- what’s included, what’s not included.  It’s going to be a thorough negotiation.  We’re getting back -- we got to roll up our sleeves.  They’re going back, meeting tomorrow morning at what, 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. -- whatever it is tomorrow morning.

There is no reason why, with all that’s going on in the world and with the state of the economy, we can’t reach an agreement to avoid a government shutdown, because the bottom line here is we’re working off the same number.  This is -- it’s about how.

And we have very firm -- the Democrats are in full agreement on what we don’t want to do in that number.  We don’t want to eviscerate the ability of the economy to grow.  So we’re going to have a little debate.  And the negotiation between the appropriators is going on.  I’m not going to get into any detail of that.

The Democrats agree with the President and me, with the administration, on what the makeup of that $73 billion should be.  But the key point here is, in my view -- and, by the way there’s no deal until there’s a whole deal.  So the composition of the $73 billion makes a big difference.  But we are no longer working off $100 billion -- we are at the same place of where -- what number we’re working off, but the composition of that $73 billion.  

Q    What about riders?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That is all part of what will be negotiated here.  The President and I are not really big on any riders at all.  But this is a process which is normal for the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to get into the details.  We’ve made it clear what we think are non-starters, both in numbers and riders.  But I’m not going to go -- I’m not going to negotiate out here.

But the main reason of being here today is to make sure that Democrats in the Senate and the President are both on the same page.  We’re on the same page.

Q    (Inaudible) $73 billion?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, yes.  Look, here’s the point.  The appropriators sat down.  Rogers’ and Inouye’s committee sat down and they started off with we’re working off of $73 billion.  Now, I spoke to John.  John makes it clear.  It’s the same as our position.  There is no deal until there’s a total deal, okay.

So if we do not get the makeup of that $73 billion the way we want it, we may not even be prepared to go that high.  If they don’t get the makeup of this, they may argue they’re not going to go -- they’re going to go higher.

Q    So you’re saying the makeup of the $73 billion is the equivalent of the riders (inaudible)?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No, no, no.  I’m not saying that.  Let me be very precise.  The makeup(inaudible) everything from discretionary spending to defense, mandatory to non-mandatory, it makes up all of the budget.  That’s what it makes up, the totality of what they want to put in the $73 billion and what we want to put in the $73 billion.

Part of the negotiation in there doesn’t relate to dollar amounts.  It relates to what they will swallow and we could swallow relative to riders.  There are certain things we’re just not going to do on riders, even if you agree with everything else.  We’re just not going to do it.  They may have positions that are equally as strongly as held.

So that’s why it’s not a deal until it’s a whole deal.  Thank you all.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
March 30, 2011

Readout of Vice President Biden's Meeting with British Deputy Prime Minister Nicholas Clegg

Vice President Biden welcomed British Deputy Prime Minister Clegg today back to the White House where the two leaders discussed developments in North Africa and the Middle East, including the international community’s efforts to protect the Libyan people in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 and to help the Libyan people prepare for a post-Qadhafi future.  They reaffirmed the United States’ and United Kingdom’s commitment to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, and discussed progress in transitioning to an Afghan security lead.  In addition, they reviewed developments in Pakistan, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to Pakistan’s economic and social development.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
March 29, 2011

Readout of Vice President Biden's Meeting with South African Deputy President Motlanthe

Earlier today, the Vice President met with South African Deputy President Motlanthe at the White House, building upon a conversation begun during the Vice President's June 2010 trip to South Africa.  In a substantive and wide-ranging discussion, the Vice President noted the importance of South Africa’s leadership across Africa and within the international community. Both leaders welcomed continued and increased cooperation through the Strategic Dialogue, established between our two nations last year, to address many pressing issues of mutual importance. The Vice President also lauded our bilateral partnerships in support of South Africa's commitment to increase trade and investment, counter the scourge of HIV and AIDS, improve access to education and promote agricultural development.  The Vice President and Deputy President Motlanthe discussed common efforts to meet aggressive global goals on climate change, nuclear security and nonproliferation, and to promote regional security, including progress toward peaceful outcomes in Libya, Cote D’Ivoire, Sudan and Zimbabwe. The meeting reflected the continuing strength and breadth of the bilateral relationship and both leaders agreed to continue the conversation on key issues of mutual interest.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
March 27, 2011

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa

The Vice President spoke today to Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa to reiterate U.S. support for the Crown Prince’s efforts to initiate a National Dialogue on political reform.  The Vice President recognized the important steps taken by the Crown Prince to reach out to the opposition and that law and order are necessary in order for a productive dialogue to proceed.  The Vice President encouraged additional outreach and meaningful reform that is responsive to the aspirations of all Bahrainis.  The Vice President and Crown Prince agreed that only a political solution would give Bahrain long-term stability.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
March 26, 2011

Statement by the Vice President on the Passing of Geraldine Ferraro

It's with deep sadness that Jill and I reflect today on the passing of a truly tremendous figure in our nation's history. It was Gerry's pioneering spirit that inspired a new generation of women leaders -- both at home and around the world. I had the pleasure to serve with her in Congress, where I quickly learned her clear-eyed passion for justice and equality would be her enduring trademark. From the classroom to the national campaign trail, and everything in between, she never once abandoned the ideals that brought her to Washington. On behalf of Jill and me, our thoughts and prayers go out to John and her entire family.