Good afternoon,
It has been a busy week here at the White House. Below are highlights on the Supreme Court ruling, the President’s roundtable discussion on reopening schools, updates on how you can help partner with us to prevent veteran suicide, the Administration’s latest COVID-19 response, and how the President is empowering Hispanic Americans.
Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding Supreme Court Ruling on Religious Liberty
Issued on: July 8, 2020: Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a big win for religious freedom and freedom of conscience. Almost a decade ago, the Obama administration attempted to force employers, including religious nonprofits like the Little Sisters of the Poor, an order of nuns, to provide contraceptive coverage to their employees, in violation of their religious beliefs. Twice before in this ongoing saga, the Supreme Court has blocked these overly rigid and misguided efforts and sided with religious freedom. Today, it has once again vindicated the conscience rights of people of faith.
Since Day One, the Trump Administration has sought to lift burdens on religious exercise for people of all faiths. As the Supreme Court has previously stated, protecting the ability of people to worship and live according to the dictates of their conscience is part of “the best of our traditions.” The Court’s decision today carries forward that noble tradition. This Administration will continue working to protect healthcare, including contraceptive healthcare, for the American people. Unlike the last administration, however, we have the courage of our convictions: We are allowing women who lack access to contraceptive coverage because of their employer’s religious beliefs or moral convictions to more easily access such care through the Title X program at little to no cost. Ensuring that women receive the healthcare they need does not require banishing religious groups that refuse to surrender their beliefs from the public square.
To view and share the Press Statement, click HERE.
President Donald J. Trump is Supporting the Safe and Reopening of America’s Schools
On Tuesday, President Trump is hosting a national dialogue with State, local, and tribal leaders, educators, and families to discuss the importance of reopening all of America’s schools in a safe way. President Trump knows that, for the wellbeing of our children and country, students must begin safely learning again and receiving supportive services from schools. As the American Academy of Pediatrics has said, “all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.”
To watch the White House Event on Safely Reopening America’s Schools, click HERE.
To read more on the Administration’s efforts to reopen schools safely, click HERE.
Partnering with the Faith Community to PREVENT Veteran Suicide
On Wednesday, the Vice President of the United States, the Second Lady of the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiative (CFOI) partnered with PREVENTS (Presidents Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End the National Tragedy of Suicide) and the VA National Chaplain Center to host a Virtual Webinar for faith and community partners.
All Americans also are urged to sign the REACH PREVENTS pledge to prevent suicide and be part of the solution, which is HERE.
For additional questions, contact the VA Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiative (CFOI) through email or through their website .
President Donald J. Trump Has Taken Decisive Action to Combat the Coronavirus
LEADING THE WORLD IN TESTING
· Thanks to President Trump’s leadership in rapidly revolutionizing our testing system, the United States is leading the world in testing.
· The United States has conducted more than 39 million tests so far, with thousands of new tests being done every day.
· The Trump Administration has cut red tape to get new, innovative tests to the market as soon as possible.
· The FDA has authorized 166 different tests under Emergency Use Authorizations, including diagnostic, antibody, and antigen tests.
SUPPORTING IMPACTED AREAS
· The Federal government is offering its full support to state and local leaders to help combat community flare ups as they occur.
· PPE and ventilators supplies remain strong as we support doctors and nurses working on the frontlines to combat the virus.
· The Administration is processing requests to deploy over 1,000 doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel to impacted areas like Arizona, California, and Texas.
RENEWING OUR ECONOMY
· President Trump brought our economy to historic highs before and will do so again.
· Already, we’ve seen 7 million jobs restored in May and June that were lost due to coronavirus.
o June saw the largest single month jobs gain on record, with 4.8 million jobs added.
· The great American comeback continues to defy all expectations, demonstrating the incredible resilience of the American spirit.
· On Saturday, President Trump signed into law legislation that extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application deadline to August 8th. The following links provide information on additional loan options and technical assistance resources that will help you obtain much-needed funds:
· Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) (Application deadline extended to August 8th)
· Lenders Participating in PPP by State
· Lender Match (SBA-approved CDFIs and small lenders participating in PPP)
· Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program
· America's Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
President Trump Signed the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative
On Thursday, President Trump held a roundtable with Hispanic leaders to discuss important issues to our Hispanic community (VIDEO and REMARKS). The President also signed an Executive Order on the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative focused on promoting access to educational and economic opportunities for the Hispanic community (EXECUTIVE ORDER, VIDEO, REMARKS, and FACT SHEET). Along with establishing the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative and Interagency Working Group, this EO also forms the President’s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity (COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENT).