Biden: sending Patriot missiles to Ukraine “not escalatory”

President Biden is defending his administration’s decision to send a Patriot missile battery to Ukraine.
The latest U-S military aid package includes advanced weaponry that Ukraine has requested. However, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has said the delivery of the advanced surface-to-air missile system would be considered a provocative step. President Biden disagrees, saying “It’s not escalatory — it’s defensive.” The Pentagon said the Patriot training for Ukrainian forces could take several months.

Biden promises Ukraine aid “for as long as it takes”

President Biden is vowing to provide assistance to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion.
In a show of solidarity, President Biden stood side by side with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at a joint White House news conference, pledging ongoing support. Zelenskyy thanked America for its support, but also made clear he will continue to press Mr. Biden and other Western leaders for even more assistance. The Ukrainian leader’s wartime visit came 300 days after Russia’s invasion.

Biden welcomes Ukraine’s Zelenskyy at White House

President Biden welcomed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to Washington [WED] in a gesture of continued support. At the start of talks in the Oval Office, President Zelenskyy thanked President Biden and the American people for their ongoing support. Mr. Biden said Russia’s Vladimir Putin has been waging a “brutal” war against Ukraine for 300 days, including an escalating assault on citizens. And he pledged continued financial, military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

U.S. sending Patriots to Ukraine under $1.85B aid package

The Biden administration has announced nearly two-billion dollars in new military aid to Ukraine, including a Patriot missile battery.  The new assistance package is noteworthy because it includes the Patriot for the first time. It’s the most advanced surface-to-air missile system the West has provided to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February. The Pentagon will also send an undisclosed number of Joint Direct Attack Munitions kits to Ukraine. And the U-S will fund satellite communications terminals and services. The Biden administration described the aid as “critical new and additional military capabilities to help Ukraine defend itself.”

Biden to host Ukraine’s Zelenskyy at White House

U.S. slams Taliban’s barring of women from universities

Biden admin wants to end Title 42, but not before Christmas

Biden to attend North American leaders summit in Mexico in Jan.

President Biden will travel to Mexico next month for North American leaders summit. Mexico announced the summit last month, but the U-S had not publicly confirmed it until now. The White House says the president will meet with Mexico’s president and Canada’s prime minister on January 9 and 10. National Security spokesman John Kirby says the leaders will discuss economic stability, security, and immigration, among other topics. Last year, Mr. Biden hosted the summit here in the nation’s capital.

Set to expire, Title 42 asylum restriction hangs in balance

White House withholds comment on Trump criminal referrals

Biden unveils plan to reduce homelessness

Biden to condemn antisemitism at Hanukkah reception

President Biden plans to deliver an antisemitism message at a White House Hanukkah reception. The president will address a rise in antisemitic events in the U-S when he gathers this evening for a menorah lighting and Hanukkah blessing. The White House says he will tell guests that silence is complicity and will add that it’s imperative that hate, violence and antisemitism are condemned. Last week, the White House hosted a discussion on the topic with Jewish leaders.

Migrants pack the southern border with asylum policy ending

It’s shaping up to be a critical week involving immigration policy. A public-health rule called Title 42 is scheduled to expire on Wednesday, but Republican-led states have asked an appeals court to keep it in place. The Trump-era policy has denied asylum seekers entering the United States on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Meanwhile, thousands of migrants are packing shelters on Mexico’s border with the U-S, waiting for the policy to end.

The Federal Reserve has signalled that interest rate increases will continue through all of 20-23

The Federal Reserve has signalled that interest rate increases will continue through all of 20-23

VERBATIM:

Last week, the Fed ended its final meeting of the year by raising its short-term interest rate by half a percentage point, its seventh straight increase this year. Wall Street had been hoping that the central bank would signal an easing of rate increases heading into 2023, but the Fed instead said the opposite. Fed policymakers suggested that the central bank’s rate will go from about 4 and-a-quarter percent to a range of 5 to 5 and-a-quarter percent by the end of next year. GC, Wash.

The United States is beginning to replenish the strategic oil reserves after a drawdown the past few months

The United States is beginning to replenish the strategic oil reserves after a drawdown the past few months

VERBATIM:

Back in March, President Biden approved the withdrawal of 180 million barrels from the nation’s strategic reserves in a bid to stop rising gasoline prices. The move came amid production cuts by OPEC and a ban on Russian oil imports. Now, the Biden administration says the U.S. is buying 3 million barrels of oil to begin adding to the stockpile, which is at its lowest level since the 1980s. Officials say the new purchase will begin in January, with additional purchases likely to follow. GC, Wash.

President Biden is facing pushback over his intention to run for reelection

President Biden is facing pushback over his intention to run for reelection

VERBATIM:

There’s a new 60-second ad airing in New Hampshire urging the president not to launch a 2024 campaign.

(Ad):

But the ad isn’t from conservatives or Republicans. It’s from the progressive organization RootsAction. The spot features liberal Democrats who criticize Mr. Biden for not doing more on the environment and universal healthcare. And they express concerns about the president’s ability to take on a Republican candidate in 2024. GC, Wash.

Liberal Democrats urge Biden not to run in 2024

Fed forecasts continued interest rate hikes in 2023

The Federal Reserve has signaled that interest rate increases will continue through all of 2023. Last week, the Fed ended its final meeting of the year by raising its short-term interest rate by half a percentage point, its seventh straight increase this year. Wall Street had been hoping that the central bank would signal an easing of rate increases heading into 2023, but the Fed instead said the opposite. Fed policymakers suggested that the central bank’s rate will go from about 4 and-a-quarter percent to a range of 5 to 5 and-a-quarter percent by the end of next year.

U.S. to start replenishing strategic oil reserves

The United States is beginning to replenish the strategic oil reserves after a drawdown the past few months. Back in March, President Biden approved the withdrawal of 180 million barrels from the nation’s strategic reserves in a bid to stop rising gasoline prices. The move came amid production cuts by OPEC and a ban on Russian oil imports. Now, the Biden administration says the U.S. is buying 3 million barrels of oil to begin adding to the stockpile, which is at its lowest level since the 1980s. Officials say the new purchase will begin in January, with additional purchases likely to follow.

Judge: Biden wrong to end “Remain in Mexico” policy

A federal judge has ruled that the Biden administration wrongly ended the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” immigration policy. On his first day in office, President Biden suspended the policy, which makes asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court. After this week’s court ruling, the Department of Homeland Security said it was evaluating its next steps. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who sued to keep “Remain in Mexico” in place, called it a victory “for now.” The ruling had no immediate impact but could prove a longer-term setback for the White House.

White House unveils winter COVID-19 plans

TSA raising fines after finding record guns in carry-ons

Fines are increasing for air travelers caught with a firearm in their carry-on bag. The Transportation Security Administration says it has intercepted a record-high 6-thousand 301 guns so far this year at U.S. airports. As a result, the TSA is raising the fine for people caught attempting to bring a firearm onboard. It’s raising the maximum fine by a little more than $1,000 to $14,950. Passengers may also face arrest depending on local and state laws. Firearm possession laws vary by location, but guns are never allowed in carry-on bags at any airport security checkpoint.

Biden signs bill to keep government open through Dec. 23

Biden touts PACT Act health benefits for veterans