There is no substitute for what happens in the classroom in those moments of looking over a kids shoulder, seeing what they are working on, being able to correct them. John Martha Maccallum away and in a moment. But the latest on San Francisco schools, hi, claudia. Hi, john. City officials have run out of patience saying the Board Of Education and the School District have failed to lay out a conference of plan to get kids back into classrooms as soon as possible. Thats a violation of state laws of the city is taking its own district to court. Its been nearly 11 months since students here in San Francisco, along with millions of others across the nation started learning remotely. While many other districts and even San Franciscos private schools have resumed in person classes, Public Schools here remain closed. Even though the citys own Health Department says they could reopen safely with proper precautions. The City Attorney says District Leadership needs to get its act together. Unfortunately, the plan that was prepared by the San Francisco unified School District and adopted by the Board Of Education is a plan to make a plan. It is legally insufficient. San franciscos mayor agrees lacking in the school board priorities. Some consider Abraham Lincoln and George Washington at the school board has alienated parents and made National News by renaming 44 of our schools, all where there was not a plan to reopen those very same schools. The District Superintendent says theres a plan in place to reopen, while the School Board Maintains its top priority is the health of both students and staff. We understand this is painful. We all want to get back, this is an embarrassing day for San Francisco. Well not named, much of what happens next depends on labor unions and what working conditions teachers will accept. Previously, they had said they wanted to wait to get back into the classrooms until San Francisco was in the less restrictive orange tear. That is two tears away from where we are now. And this remains a big Sticking Point in the ongoing negotiation. John we feel for teachers in San Francisco and other districts. Sandra . Sandra for the fight to get kids back in the classroom, Martha Maccallum, anchor of the story, hi. I know you have strong thoughts on this. Its tough to follow coming out of the cdc now with these new Covid Briefings from the Biden Administration. Teachers do not need the vaccine to safely return to the classroom. Now the Press Secretary for President Biden is saying those were just personal comments, not speaking on behalf of the cdc. Listen to this, just a short time ago. We spoke to this in a personal capacity, the head of the cdc but we will wait for the guidance to come out. Sandra help me out, martha. Weve heard it from dr. Fauci, now weve heard it from the incoming Education Secretary during his hearing, he believes it would be safe for kids to go Back To School and we also heard it from the new cdc director, although they are trying to walk that back. Theres no denying theres a close relationship between President Biden and he has made that clear. He has spoken out against school choice, which is a very big Teachers Union topic. Parents are sending their kids to catholic schools, doing at home pods. Do you know who doesnt have this kind of option . City school kids, Innercity School kids. Lori lightfoot was so raw and real today and emotional, she said do know who is getting the raw end of this . Kids like me, they grew up in a situation like i grew up in. If you look at what is going on with suicides, abuse, all of the things we dont even know are happening in these homes, you have to look at the health of the child. That is one thing we are not hearing from these Teachers Unions. I didnt become a teacher to become rich, no one people decide to teach. I come from a long line of teachers that are dedicated and want to be in the classroom. I find to be its really putting these Teachers Unions in a very big spotlight. I think the country is seeing it for what it is for the first time. Its also going to be an interesting political factor when it comes to republicans and conservatives that are behind this push to go Back To School and democrats, we look at the suburban world, right . In the urban world. How will people look at the political representatives and where they stand on this issue when it comes time to vote next time around . Sandra shutting down in the early days in New York City, they didnt want to shut down the schools, mayor de blasio said we didnt want to shut down schools because some kids only get that one meal a day. Now it seems its been thrown to the wind, at least in some american cities. With this back and forth going on with alexandria ocasiocortez and nancy mace, what went down at the capitol when those riots occurred . Alexandria ocasiocortez often talks to her supporters on live streams, she said this. Watch. I hear that whoever was trying to get inside got into my office. I just hear where is she . Where is she . And this was the moment where i thought everything was over. Sandra then it emerged that she was about 10 minutes away from where we saw all of those rioters enter the building. Nancy mace took her up on this. She said she didnt know who was at the door. Insurrectionist never stormed our hallways, egregious doesnt even begin to cover it, she says, is there nothing the Mainstream Media wont politicize . Whats going on here . The most interesting thing with alexandria ocasiocortezs a recount what happened to her, she said it was a Capitol Police officer that was looking for her. She looked angry and hostile, she said, and she wasnt sure if he was providing a safe environment for her. I dont know what happened in that office, right . But my assumption, based on what a Capitol Police officers job is is that he was searching for her because she might be under threat, she might be one of the people they were seeking and he was trying to find her to make sure she was safe, okay . There is no recognition of the mission that he was on. Theres no reason to think he was on any other mission, we have no reason to believe that. He is there to protect her and watch out for her. He is obviously amped up and worried, people are breaking into the capitol and in the Cannon Building where she works. Is there an apology in the future for this Capitol Police officer . Sandra she does seem to be defending herself and all of this saying she felt threatened and heard things. But nancy mace put out another tweet, saying but now, in typical aoc fashion, you are making this political, saying i dont hear victims of assault. To me of all people, you dont know my story, just stop it. There is a new oped, no one is defending violent rioters, but its insane and dangerous to exaggerate the events of that day. As a way to indict the Republican Party and the 74 million trump voters unless they renounce him and all his work. I dont think this is over, martha, it seems to continue and nancy pelosi doesnt seem to be stepping in to say aoc, you were 10 minutes down the road, so what exactly are you claiming here . She may have feared at that moment that somebody was coming into her office that she had to be afraid of. But i keep going back, look at someone like nancy mace, a congresswoman who has served our country, people we count on to protect us, whether it is Capitol Police officers, or the United States military. I think these folks who were under threat, it was a very frightening day. That i will absolutely give them that, theres no doubt that they were scared. But to make it all about you, you, you, it negates the Bigger Picture of whats going on around the country. Sandra martha, we will see you at 3 00, the story, we watch it everyday. On this next hour, nancy mace will be joining us live on that. She has called on the Media Coverage of aocs claims. She will join us right here on america reports. John . John President Biden is set to meet with the Secretary Of State in the next hour, it comes as the u. S. Militarys Nuclear Arsenal is warning that we have to imagine there is a real possibility of nuclear war with russia or china, senator marco rubio later today their fundamental beliefs, they are the country of the future, we are the country of the past. In the case of russia, it has more to do in many ways with domestic politics. Vladimir putin is largely on his argument for the russian people that i can make russia great again. John Jennifer Griffins live from the pentagon right now. What is this all about . The head of the u. S. Militarys Nuclear Arsenal said in a starkly worded warning this week that the United States should prepare for a potential nuclear war that could break out unintentionally if u. S. Rivals feel they cant win a war without them and that their leaders hold on power is threatened. A regional crisis with russia or china could escalate quickly to a conflict involving nuclear weapons. If a perceived loss to the state is its a very real possibility. That statement from admiral Charles Richard in omaha, nebraska, the u. S. Strategic commander. Who biden has asked to serve as his Defense Secretary. We must stand ready today and modernize and endure. U. S. Nuclear missiles like the Minuteman 33r years old they use china as the biggest challenge for this department. Nobody wants to see things end up in conflict. Certainly not on that scale. The white house has extended by five years the last remaining Nuclear Arms Treaty with russia, known as the new start treaty, to prevent russia from deploying more Strategic Nuclear weapons. Critics say the treaty needs to be expanded, to cover smaller, tactical nukes that russia relies on. John not something we expected to hear, jennifer. Sandra, when did you think youd hear people raise the alarm bells about a potential nuclear war . Clearly the threat is always there because they are nuclear weapons. Did anyone think the temperature was that hot . Sandra absolutely, we will see if we hear more on this in the next couple hours or so. We know the president and Vice President will be traveling with the State Department. We will see what he has to say. John, thank you. Governor andrew cuomo facing growing criticism over his handling of the pandemic. Why some are calling on the doj to step in. Plus, the house voting today on whether to strip Marjorie Taylor greene from her committee assignment. Yesterday, the house stood by both greene and House Republican chair liz cheney. This is a historic thing. They want the whole body to come in, while they know they control it, to start removing republicans. Ill tell you, Marjorie Taylor greene, if this happens, that would just be the start. Cosentyx works on all of this. Cosentyx can help you look and feel better by treating the multiple symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Dont use if youre allergic to cosentyx. Before starting, get checked for tuberculosis. An increased risk of infections and lowered ability to fight them may occur. Tell your doctor about an infection or symptoms, if your Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms develop or worsen, or if youve had a vaccine, or plan to. Serious allergic reactions may occur. Watch me get real relief with cosentyx. Alright, i brought in ensure max protein. To give you the protein you need with less of the sugar you dont Grunting Noise ill take that. Yeeeeeah 30 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar drink, play, and win big in the powered by protein challenge its a new day for Veteran Homeowners with va loans. With Mortgage Rates at record lows just one call to newday can lower your payment and save you 3000 a year. Thats me. The Va Streamline Refi is a benefit you earned with your service. And at newday, theres no income verification, and no appraisal. Thats me. The Va Streamline Refi from newday usa. Get the savings you deserve. Sandra fox news alert, fox news can now confirm House Impeachment Managers are asking former President Donald Trump to testify under oath next week at his impeachment trial, they are asking for him to testify on thursday to provide testimony under oath about his speech ahead of the capitol riots on january 6th. A lot of americans dont trust our government, and that is sad. The problem with that is, though, i was allowed to believe things that werent true. I would ask questions about them and talk about then and that is absolutely what i regret. John that was Georgia Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor greene, a Lightning Rod for criticism over her past, and shes made with comments about School Shootings, 9 11, and Conspiracy Theories fueled by qanon. In her address, she said School Shootings are absolutely real, 9 11 absolutely happened, did she go far enough to put this behind her . The democrats are trying to strip her of her committee assignment. Some of the crazier things she has said in the past, all of that is well and good but the larger problem is the democrats are focusing on this instead of focusing on far, far more important issues that are far more pressing that are affecting the country. When you walk around today, you dont hear people complaining about this woman but that their kids arent in school, they cant get a vaccine, they have lots of complaints and this woman isnt one of them. The reason we have the house of representatives with, of course, harold, you are a great exception with this, you get people elected to the house that most accurately reflect the American People. Thats why they get elected every two years. Every now and then come you get people that think crazy things or say crazy things. The idea that you want to remove them from the debate because you dont like what they are saying is probably not a very healthy way of addressing the problem. John shes certainly being used as a vessel for the democratic party. Heres what nancy pelosi said a short time ago. I remain profoundly concerned about House Republicans leadership acceptance of extreme conspiracy theory. Particularly to serve their eagerness in a qanon adherence. John had they made the Republican Party the party of qanon . Im not exactly im not convinced thats what the speaker was trying to do. I think some of the words this congresswoman and some of the theories she has either tried to spread via social media or even her words being in congress and even her tweets now leave one to believe that she has some views that are way outside of the mainstream. All americans deserve a Second Chance. Its curious, though, there is a precedent in the congress, john, with republicans having removed the person from the committee. Steve king, in the last few years, with comments around White Supremacy. The standard that the speaker might have been speaking of, im sure there are some politics in it but the standard that was set by the republicans, after listening, i heard excerpts, im curious to know im glad she came to this opinion, that she has found it contrite, im just curious, if she wasnt facing the kind of pressure she was with the vote on the floor, which you have apologized . Thats a question that has been raised. John i know you didnt hear the whole thing, harold ford, jr. , but do you think she did enough . When people apologize, those apologies should be accepted. I hope democrats and republicans alike can do that. I hope, again, and maybe senator mccarthy can talk about the difference between the steve king incident with the incident with this congresswoman today. John we know leader mccarthy tried to come to a compromise with steny hoyer, listen to what he said. If we are willing to remove her shes a Small Business owner. Budget and Small Business . I was more than willing to do that, and steny hoyer in the democrats said no. John charlie hurt, we now have the democrats doing the work the republicans didnt think was appropriate to do. The Opposition Party is trying to kick a member off the committee. It is an overreach by the democrat . I think so but the bigger problem is the entire thing is a distraction from the issues that people actually care about in this country. From a cynical standpoint, its probably a very smart tactic for the democrats to do this. But in a healthy democracy and republic, the way you deal with this sort of thing is beat her at the polls. Same thing whether its ilhan omar or alexandria ocasiocortez. I think a lot of the things that the president says are absolutely nuts and insane but you dont punish them here, beat them at home. John ive got to ask you for a quick answer on this, the house managers sent over a request for President Trump to testify on thursday. Harold ford, jr. , your thoughts . And then to you, charlie. Itll be good tv if that happens. Im a believer that thats probably what should happen for President Trump and we should move on. To charlies point, we have huge issues including the Nuclear Issue that you and sandra just raised before our segment. John do you think you should testify . He may end up regretting that if he does. Sort of like daniel in the lions den. This is where he thrives he thrives. John charlie and harold ford, jr. , thank you. Sandra . Sandra the social media platform, parler, giving its ceo the boot. With the former ceo is saying now. But first, House Democrats passing a budget to pass a covid bill without republican support. Ken bidens pick for Labor Secretary testify on the hill today bring through a 50 minimum wage . It would kill more than a million jobs with the most vulnerable workers. Its velveeta shells cheese versus the other guys. Clearly, velveeta melts creamier. vo businesses are always making choices. 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John Dangerous Levels of toxic heavy metals, including mercury, lead, and even arsenic. Urging the fda to set a limit for toxic metals in baby food. Sandra a manhunt underway for two suspects opening fire on officers there. One sergeant is now in a medically induced coma after getting shot multiple times, the County Sheriff releasing new photos of the suspect, promising to find the cowards that did this. For more on other top stories, download the fox news app, scan the qr code on your screen. John House Democrats approving a budget resolution tied to the covid relief bill that paves the way for them to pass a nearly 2 trillion package without support from republicans. And to raise the federal minimum wage to 15 an hour as a top priority. Lets bring in charles gasparino. Charlie, with the covid relief bill, President Biden and democrats are talking about this idea of bipartisanship and unity, yet theyve got the train on the track for this reconciliation process. Its pretty scary. A Nightmare Scenario republicans were talking about, if they lost it with the two Georgia Senate seats. Thats why you see the Business Community throwing money at that race, particularly to the two republicans that lost. Joe biden republicans have their issues but joe biden has an issue with this coalition that includes not just liberals but, you know, very progressive democrats, people like aoc but bernie sanders, Elizabeth Warren who have major positions in the majority right now. Bernie sanders is on the Budget Committee and Elizabeth Warren is on the finance committee. What we are saying is that he has to give in to the left wing of the party and that is minimum wage as we are going to talk about and a blowout budget. My guess is he will probably get most of what he wants. John heres what Chuck Schumer said earlier today on the urgent need, as he sees it, for this Massive Covid relief bill. Lets listen in. Secretary yellen said its her belief that if Congress Fails to demonstrate the necessary resources to meet the needs of the American People and survive this crisis, we will see longterm scarring in our economy and country, it would be mired in the covid crisis for years. John Chuck Schumer is saying theres an urgent need to go big. Youve got to go big or you risk longterm problems but unemployment claims fell again in the last week, still a loss, down 33,000. If schumer saying this on the one hand but then on the other hand, the economy seems to be getting better. The economic launch with the blowout doesnt make sense. They are giving checks to people who have jobs, who are not spending it, right . And they want people to spend money. The best way to get the economy going most economists would agree with this is get vaccines into people arms and give checks to people that dont have jobs. And extend unemployment insurance. This bill is a lot more than that. We have a Budget Deficit of 3 trillion. At some point, we are going to get inflation because when people start spending money again, there will be so much Money Sloshing out there, itll be a problem. And inflation impacts the working class. John with a federal minimum wage of 15 an hour, here is what the Labor Secretary nominee marty walsh said at his Confirmation Hearing earlier this morning. When i think about the minimum wage on a federal level, its been 11 years since we raised the federal minimum wage. The average family on a federal Minimum Wage Salary is roughly 15,000 a year. Its impossible to raise a family of one on that, never mind a family of two, three, four. John if you are in deepest, darkest arkansas, you dont need a 15 an hour minimum wage, may be like 7 or 8. In New York City, you probably need 20. So why have the federal status . Its really a onesizefitsall solution if you look at the studies, real ones not take things out of Ivy League School looking to score political points if you start raising the minimum wage, that really hurts Small Businesses. Employment often goes down. Think about the worst time, to impose a minimum wage in highcost places like New York City . Restaurants are getting screwed in New York City. What restaurant can afford a hike in minimum wage, if you think about that right now . Throughout the country, in california. These are costs on businesses that are going to hurt. If they really want to jumpstart the economy, have people making more than the minimum wage, get vaccines back in peoples arms. Say what you want about President Trump, the average wage rate for low income people started rising pretty dramatically in the prepandemic. That is the way you deal with this minimum wage issue. John all right, charles gasparino, thank you for jumping in today. I appreciate it. Sandra the Biden Administration is calling, your phone is ringing, charlie. When you break this down, what youre hearing from businesses and economists on the 15 potential minimum wage, you have to look at the states. The more rural states. This would be a bigger problem for mississippi, for example. The Wall Street Journal riding half of all workers at that state earn 15 an hour or less, that was in 2019. Its something to take into consideration when you look at the lower Cost Of Living in those states. John regional disparity you have to take into account as well. Sandra its a raging debate. And recommending that President Biden appoint a realities are , reality czar. This is why courts have always been segregated. Thats why it should continue to be segregated, to protect women and give them a fair chance in sports sandra another growing debate over transgender students participating in earls sports, as the president of education nominee Katie Pavlich will weigh in on all of that, next. Hi, katie. Little things. Can become your big moment. Thats why theres otezla. Otezla is not a cream. Its a pill that treats Plaque Psoriasis differently. With otezla, 75 clearer skin is achievable. Dont use if youre allergic to otezla. It may cause severe diarrhea,. Nausea or vomiting. Otezla is associated with an increased risk of depression. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts. Or if these feelings develop. Some people taking otezla reported weight loss. Your doctor should monitor your weight and may stop treatment. Upper respiratory tract infection and. Headache may occur. Tell your doctor about your medicines, and if youre pregnant or planning to be. Otezla. Show more of you. Heres exciting news for Veteran Homeowners who need cash. And if youre pregnant or planning to be. Refiplus from newday usa. It lets you refinance at todays record low rates plus get cash. With Mortgage Rates low and home values high refiplus can help you lower your rate plus turn your home equity into an average of 50,000. Money for security today. Money for retirement tomorrow. Refiplus from newday usa. Age is just a number. And mines unlisted. Try boost® high protein. With 20 grams of protein for Muscle Health versus only 16 grams in ensure® high protein. And now enjoy boost® high protein in cafe mocha flavor. Sandra the wall street Journal Editorial Board responded to the New York Times recommendation for a reality czar under the speed 27 a administration to fight disinformation. To crack down on political speech, for Katie Pavlich, what you think of a reality czar . A reality czar is just statesponsored center to censorship censorship. That you cant have more over, but we are seeing on College Campuses for decades, this idea that you cant have a differing opinion where conservative speakers are constantly protested, and this idea that government is being asked or the Biden Administration to come up with some kind of threshold of what they deem as their truth, so to speak, is ridiculous and obviously unconstitutional just based on First Amendment liberties, you have the Biden Justice department saying we need to adjust domestic terrorism but this idea that we have to do it by some kind of committee to regulate what is and is not their reality based on a government standard driven by academics and leftleaning media is hardly something that is about free speech. Its more about controlling a narrative and putting out information that they deem appropriate for americans to consume. Sandra with the wall street Editorial Board digging into this, weve been reporting on this throughout the week as the New York Times but thats out there, this idea of a reality czar. The Progressive Press wants you to know two things. First, conservative claims with Social Media Bias are bogus and theres a much wider crackdown on political speech with intellectuals that dont if they are now suggesting the government should police the flow of ideas and assume the authority to define reality itself. That is a scary thought, katie. Sandra, you notice the wording of the policing of ideas. When we are dealing with Policing Ideologies or speech, there has to be a punishment for that. What is there to enforce that the government would come up with . Shutting down a news agency, conservative Points Of View . There is a very arrogant position to take to say we want the government to come up with some kind of commission to the police free speech. What happens when a different ideological government is in place . A more conservative, rightleaning government, to come into the white house . Do they want the New York Times to be canceled out at the idea that maybe the conservative government doesnt believe the New York Times is living a reality . It goes both ways. They should be careful about what they wish for. Sandra before i move on, katie, this sound bite struck me earlier, senator kennedy from the state of louisiana, really talking about the elites and hypocrisy from john kerry and his private plane, talking about attacking Climate Change for the world, he said this. Listen in. The American People are so tired, so tired of being lectured by the managerial elite. The insurance politicians, the media, the academics, the corporate phonies, the tuna tartar crowd that live in the expensive condos with the high ceilings and the imported art on the wall, who think theyre better than the American People. Sandra we will let his words speak for themselves but i want to move onto the transgender story that we had been following and move from the Biden Administration per the Wall Street Journal wrote up about joe bidens first day as the beginning of the end for girls sports. For the nominee of the Education Secretary for joe biden, on exactly this with the rand paul. Watch. Do you think its fair to have boys running in girls track . The legal responsibility of schools to provide opportunities for students to participate in activities come of this includes students who are transgender. You are okay with boys competing with girls . Frankly, senator, i answer the question. Sandra the debate with this most recent change from the administration, katie. This is a topic we are going to see continued to be debated in congress. In connecticut, there is a lawsuit that has been filed by the Alliance Defending freedom, female athletes that have been disenfranchised by Transgender Males, biological males running in their sports. For example, they have lost out on qualification to get scholarships to college, for example. They are suing. Remember that tulsi gabbard, who is a democrat, entered legislation last year that would determine and talk about title ix in its original intent. You cant discriminate against girls and women in sports. This is something thats going to be debated on capitol hill. There are lawsuits in place. Theres a big question about whether biological males are displacing female athletes. Not just in track meets as a hobby or dont have any consequences but women that are missing out on real opportunities as a result of having to compete against biological males in their high schools. Sandra katie, there are so many other lawsuits like that. We had a High School Athlete on this program talk about how she felt it put her at a disadvantage. She appeared with her lawyer. We arent seeing it in one specific area but across the country. And now with the most recent change, final thoughts, katie . The original intention of title ix is going to be debated thoroughly here. Being used by advocates for Transgender Males competing against women in sports as a backup, and used in these lawsuits filed on behalf of email athletes saying you are discriminating against women by forcing them to compete against biological males. Sandra its difficult to find both sides peace for both sides on both issues. So many outlets are writing about just that. John fox news alert. President biden and Vice President harris meeting with state officials. The president has just begun speaking. President biden this has been a difficult few years. Weve been dealing with the state for a long time. Those of you who work here, including the new class of diplomats that are on the screen behind me, you are among the most educated, brightest Group America has to offer. When i come today to talk to everyone at the state, watching remotely, and those that wont see this but will be able to hear about it, this is an Incredible Group of diplomats ive had the chance to work with. You not only have great intellectual capacity but great courage. I remember some of you have been shot at, where youve been in places you had no idea you wanted to be when you were in school for Foreign Policy or in Foreign Service, you never told that that was going to happen. But you are an Incredible Group of individuals. I have said many times over the years, those of you who are stationed overseas and have been stationed overseas, you are americas face. You are what america sees, they look at you, the face of america. It matters, it matters a great Deal Value Support yourself and how you deal with the folks who are dealing with in that particular country. I find it that many of you among the most by the way, i think what we dont do enough, we dont think your families. We dont think your families for the sacrifices they make, to make real sacrifices. I dont know how many times i have moved, again, moved to see to it for your spouses, theyve given up their careers for yours, they are sometimes consequential or more consequential than yours and they are to be thanked. But the main message i want to communicate to you all is whether you are part of the newest class of Foreign Service officers and have worked for decades in the Civil Service or Foreign Service, or you are stateemployed staff, we depend in no small part on you. Im going to go up to the eighth floor and sent a clear message to the world. America is back. America is back. Diplomacy is back. You are the center of all that i intend to do. You are the heart of it. We are going to rebuild our alliances. We are going to reengage the world and take on the enormous challenges we face dealing with a pandemic, dealing with global warming, and, again, standing up for democracy and human rights around the world. Again, as i said, you are the face of america abroad. In our administration, you are going to be trusted and you are going to be empowered. Trusted and empowered to do your job. I asked each of you to abide by a few core tenets. Integrity in all you do. Ill say it again, integrity and all you do. Transparency and accountability, to rebuild trust in america, around the world. Working the service of the American People, not self interest, promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility across the board. Because our diplomats at all levels will reflect the full diversity of this great country. I know how much we ask of you and your families, i mean that. I do know. Ive spent a long time building in this building with your predecessors. The sacrifices you make are real and not recognized much by the country as a whole. They dont know all of that you do. I also know that youve never let us down. I believe in you. I believe in you. We need you, badly. I trust you. Im going to have your back. That, i promise you. Just like you will have the backs of the American People. In years when i was general of the Foreign Relations committee, i made sure my Foreign Relations Committee Staff came to my home state and worked with constituent services. Many thought that was beneath them, because they were Foreign Policy specialists. But its all about who you work for, who i work for, who we work for. The foreign policies is about promoting the interest of the people of the United States with a rubric and a set of principles to treat everyone with decency. So i promise you im going to have your back. I promise you. And i will expect you to have the back of the American People. Ive got a lot of work to do and a lot of catching up to do. A lot of rebuilding to do. And i cant think of any group of people that are capable of doing it more readily than all of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I look forward to working with you, seeing you, and coming back when this auditorium is filled and no one has to wipe down the podium. [laughter] President Biden again, folks, thank you. You are the heart and soul of our country and the face of our country to the world. Thank you all very much. May god bless you and keep you safe here and abroad. Thank you. John President Biden with remarks to the diplomatic board of the State Department, an indication of how he is going to run his Foreign Policy in terms of what he will do with the State Department. Sandra, he is saying that america is back, diplomacy is back, we will rebuild our alliances and rebuild the world. There are people on the other side of the aisle that would suggest we continue to engage the world and perhaps more aggressively in certain areas than we ever did before. Under the trump administration. Sandra Kamala Harris, Vice President Kamala Harris also addressed State Diplomat employees as well. We will expect that President Biden will make remarks about 50 minutes from now could he went on to tell the State Department employees, john, that they have great personal courage for the president , i believe in you, i trust in you, hes getting his message out in the State Department will carry out their remarks later as well. John a lot going on in the world as the president gets up and running on Foreign Policy. We also understand that to his National Security advisor will make a couple moves in ending americas military support for what is going on in yemen. And stopping President Trumps plans to take u. S. Troops out of germany. Clearly, a lot will be happening on the Foreign Policy front. Sandra laying out his plan, we will continue to provide our views. Meanwhile, the new Secretary Of Defense Making Plans for a literary standdown. Lloyd austin says he will pause Military Training over the next few months to fight extremism. Lucas tomlinson on that, live from the pentagon. Hi, lucas. 1 out of 5 of the rioters were military veterans. Something better in lloyd austin says can never happen again. The job is to keep america safe from our enemies. We cant do that if some of those enemies lie within our own ranks. Austin held a meeting with the Military Service chief, depending on Press Secretary kirby admitted part of the problem is defining extremism. Not only because of the deadly riot at the capitol but an activeduty air force force sergeant was arrested for killing a federal officer outside the u. S. Courthouse in oakland. The air force sergeant ambushed and killed a sheriffs deputy and wounded four other officers. Last year, the fbi opened 143 investigations involved in current and former u. S. Military members. Nearly half involved domestic extremism. Lloyd austin spoke about his experience in the mid 90s while serving in the Second Airborne Division at fort bragg, saying that there were some skinheads in the ranks. We woke up one day and discovered we had extremist elements in our ranks and they did that things that we certainly held them accountable for. But the signs for that activity where they are all along. We just didnt know what to look for, what to Pay Attention to, but we learned from that. Does, he does not say how long that standdown will last. We want to start a brandnew hour on america reports, many in the media under fire for their coverage of congresswoman alexandria ocasiocortez and the dramatic story that she is telling about the january 6th capitol riot. Good afternoon, i am john roberts in washington. Hi, sandra. Sandra hi, john. I am sandra smith. Welcome. Alexandria ocasiocortez has taken to social media to sound off about her experience that day, saying she feared for her life, here is how some of the media have covered that. The country was riveted to congresswoman alexandria ocasiocortezs account recently of her time waiting out this threat and the horrors that she experienced. New harrowing details of her experience during the January 6th Insurrection at the capitol. What seemed to me to be a neardeath experience. Barricading themselves inside a fellow congresswomans office as rioters raged. With the mortal fear that she might not survive. Sandra those news outlets now being criticized for failing to examine some critical parts of the story. The fact that they werent even in the same building altogether, they were about 10 minutes away. John republican congresswoman nancy mace joins us live. Congresswoman, good to see you. You blame the media, in part, we saw that montage, spreading the story of what happened in the Cannon Office building, which is a meeting away. Alexandria ocasiocortez said that rioters entered her office, forcing her to take refuge inside her bathroom. She was told to hide, hide, run and hide. Right, i was two doors down from aoc. Not at one moment during the events of january 6th was any insurrectionist coming down the hallways where our offices are located. I initially, we had took the task to the press, making these claims to apocalyptic levels. All i did was state the facts. I live in reality. I deal with facts, not fiction. I said there were no rioters in the hallways of canon. I am two doors down from you. She lost it today. She doesnt deal in reality. She lost it today. We take members to task when they are not being honest with the American People. This division is hurting our country. Sandra congresswoman, are you alleging that she fabricated this entire story for political reasons . Or is it possible she had a different experience . She knew this was going on. Im not going to discount the trauma. I know the accounts that day, they were dramatic. I felt like i was a sitting duck and like my life was in danger. These are all things i said, i sent my Children Home early that week because i was worried about violence that might transpire. But no time where there rioters at our doors and banging to get in. And also attacking the Capitol Police this week, she did that this week and last month. The only Thing Standing between us and the rioters were the Capitol Police. Im not going to discount the trauma that each of us experienced. But we need to be factual and describe what happened. Im telling the truth today. John alexandria ocasiocortez tweeted a whole bunch about this. The latest manipulative take on the right, they are manipulating the fact that most people dont know the layout of the capitol complex. We were all on the capitol complex, the attack wasnt just on the dome. The bombs Trump Supporters planted our offices too. I do know how to get to the Cannon Building from the capital via a tunnel but those bombs were placed at the dnc and rnc. It seems to me as though these things dont add up. I will be the first one to admit, i walk by the Rnc Headquarters On My Way to the office that morning, later to find out there with a pipe bomb planted there. I am not discounting any of that. Those are very important details. But in our offices where we were, we were barricaded, our doors were locked. We had to evacuate twice that day, the Capitol Police came around to each office, just like aocs, for our own safety because of this threat at the dnc and rnc. Many of us were stuck in the tunnel under the capitol. Two weeks ago, i read that some of the rioters were sneaking down there and trying to find a way to get down there. These are all serious things, we have to realize that they were not in our hallways or doors banging to get in. That didnt happen. We were locked in our office. Sandra we just had a map up that clearly showed the very different locations of the buildings where the riots were happening and where you and the congresswoman were in your offices. Aocs response to this, she is calling you deeply cynical and says this is a disgusting attack that you launched on her, directly tweeting at you. None of us knew in the moment what areas were compromised. You previously told reporters yourself that you barricaded in your office, afraid youd be hurt. I believe you said that on the record here as well. Can you comment on that and respond . I will also ask why you felt this was a fight you so strongly want to engage in. I didnt intend to engage in the fight, i was just commenting on the fact that the rioters were not banging on our doors and in the Cannon Building. The threat that was on her life, using the words like sandra why do you think, as you are alleging, that she fabricated the story about rioters being in the hallways . Why would she do that . Shes good at politicizing events to her advantage. We have seen that throughout her tenure in congress. These are reasons why americans are upset with politics today, seeing the culture of personality and both parties continuously divides our country. We have real work to do. Yesterday and today, being distracted from the work of the people, people out of jobs, kids that are not back in school, stations that need to get the vulnerable and compromised americans so we can withstand the effects of covid19. I feel like this is an episode of Jerry Springer right now, its a circus bid we are paid a lot of money to do a job, i am here to work and thats what we need to be doing. Thats what each of us need to be focusing on today for the remainder of our term in congress. John a big political event as democrats hold a vote in the house today to determine whether or not Marjorie Taylor greene will hold onto her committee assignment. Im sure you saw her on the house where recently, in which she said the School Shootings are absolutely real, 9 11 absolutely happened, regarding her qanon post, these were words of the past, they dont represent me, they dont represent my district, they dont represent my values. Did she do enough for you . I dont know how you felt about her prior to this but did she do enough for you to redeem herself . Everyone deserves a second she said, and thats a step in the right direction. Ive been evidently disavow bigotry, things that had been said on social media before she was elected to congress. What we have to do today, essentially, this has never been done. A full vote on that floor of the house. The democrats have never done this can look at the history of bigotry, in the fringes of their party, and the rhetoric that has been used this summer with blm and antifa attacks, like Maxine Waters saying we need to confront and go after members of the administration in public, that helps ratchet up the division in this country. This is problematic and troubling. We got to move forward to get to the work of the people. They are not doing that. Sandra i want to ask you about qanon. Democrats are trying to paint republicans as the party of qanon, americans that have read or heard about qanon, its a deep hole. 76 the sounds about right to me, when youre out and about, not a lot of people can explain to you what this group stands for. My understanding, you have had to educate yourself obviously as a member of congress, 23 say they know a little, 20 say they know a lot. 18 of republicans have an understanding, democrats, 28 . This came down to Congressman Mccarthy to pursue resolution on congresswoman Marjorie Taylor greene, they say the Conspiracy Theories spread antisemitic tropes. He has condemned the conspiracies tied to qanon in the group as a whole but said he doesnt really know much about it. What is qanon to you and do you announce it . I thought it was a joke, i really had no idea. But after january 6th and seeing tshirts with the q, i had to google it and read about it. Its scary, some of the Conspiracy Theories that they peddle online. People actually believe this. We have to condemn it in the strongest way possible. Theres no room in the Republican Party for qanon conspiracy theorists. Ive been one of the most vocal members of our party condemning it since the actions of january 6th. Its something we need to take seriously and disavow it and every means possible. John heres one thing im wondering about, we have the sirens in washington, d. C. , in the background, democrats have never done this or taken about to force a member of the Opposition Party from their committee assignment. Is there a chance here the democrats could overstep and provoke a real backlash among conservatives in this country, conservatives who might not ordinarily come to support somebody who espoused qanon Conspiracy Theories but now feels shes being unfairly treated Cuesta Mexico it is unprecedented. I told folks i will consider it when democrats file a resolution holding their own accountable for their own antisemitism, bigotry, rhetoric, even just several years ago, another democrat from georgia cynthia mckinney, when she physically assaulted a Capitol Police officer, no one held her accountable. She didnt get expelled, she wasnt removed from committees, i think she got better committees after that. And when she returned to get reelected, she wasnt. She lost the democratic primary. Just a normal person in this country, we dont like hypocrisy. Thats whats going on today. Thats what this vote is about. Its all political. Sandra regardless of what happens with committee assignments, what you know about what she has said about these Conspiracy Theories and ideas, is she like karl rove said this week, a problem for your party . Absolutely, this is problematic. I spoke last night at a republican conference paired i was glad to see leadership bring this out so we could have a hearttoheart and get all of the ugly off our chest and have this discussion. If we want to rebuild our country, we have to maintain seats like mine, swing seats and appeal to the rest of america, who feels like their voices are not being heard. That is why the radical left and right appeal to many folks in our country. They feel they are not heard or represented. Those extremes happen. What we have to do is turn our back to that and say no more, we are not going to participate, we dont condone it, we wont accept it and if she make these kind of mistakes Going Forward, she will be held accountable. But the democrats have to hold their own accountable too where we will have a repeated cycle of divisiveness in this country for years to come. Im sick of it. I think most americans are too. John you mentioned the meeting last night at the g. O. P. House conference. One issue that hook up with liz cheney and her vote in favor of impeachment 1 issue they took up was liz cheney and her vote in favor of impeachment. To get her out of her leadership position, in the end, the vote was 145 in favor and 61 against. What happened and what do you think of the Liz Cheney Situation . The vote wasnt even close. Seeing everyone that came forward, we spent six hours meeting and discussing the issue, part of the american experiment is that we are able to have a debate, discussion, ideas of policies and positions, and not attack one another. It was a great meeting and i praise leadership for allowing us to have our voices heard. To accept that, life is sometimes a series of Second Chances. Its really important to recognize this is a Second Chance for all of us to move forward from this day Going Forward, that we work with the people of this country to get them back to work, get our kids back in school so we can recover from the covid19 pandemic as soon as possible and get our economy back in order. This is really important for us to come together, have this debate, have this disagreement in some cases, and move forward. Sandra you said a lot of really interesting things. I would ask what role you see donald trump playing in your party and when you look out two years from now, knowing that next week, democrats are moving on with his impeachment as we see that trial, now democrats are saying they want him to testify in person, on his rule on the events that led up to the january 6th riots. What role does former President Trump have in your Party Going Forward . The events with next week would be impeachment, i voted against it because its unconstitutional. You cant take away someones due process. It is a matter who they are, you need to have an investigation and hearings. But the problem with the impeachment next week in the senate, they cant take up the business of the people, everything is on pause and on hold and we cant address the needs of americans right now in this pandemic. Going forward, i think we do need to reconcile what our party is going to be in the future. We are not the party of violence, we are not the party of bigotry. We need to continue to condemn any of this Going Forward and if we do that, it will give us a Moral Authority to ensure that we can take on democrats in two years and again in four years. His policy as the president , he made so many achievements. We had the lowest Unemployment Numbers in decades, generations. We had an operation warp speed, prison reform, we banned drilling south carolinas coast, the number of achievements to be proud of. We need to work forward with that in the years ahead. John whether or not the president might agree to testify, i wouldnt assume that you would, i have not heard back yet. What do you think, should the president testify or is that going down a rabbit hole we shouldnt go down . Im not an attorney nor do i proud tend to be one on tv im not an attorney nor do i pretend to be one on tv. So im not going to give my opinion. He won politically, would you recommend would you want to hear from him or hear his side of the story during the trial . I do know what side of the story they are going to use next week. I dont know, i am not on his legal team and would begin to say if people should testify next week. I dont know what the strategy is. Sandra i would love to pick your brain on calls from the bite in the administration to raise the federal minimum wage to 15, we have had businesses all over the country speak out against it. Some have said theyve been able to handle it, theyve been doing okay during the pandemic. But so many businesses are struggling. Where do you stand on that issue when you look across the country and the ability to absorb a change like that from this new administration . Mandating a new federal minimum wage with 15 an hour and a covid stimulus package has absolutely nothing to do with the covid Relief Package pair they get very expensive. We dont have 2 trillion to spend. Small businesses cant afford this kind of wage increase. We know if wages go up to 15 an hour for Small Businesses, there will be fewer Jobs Available for hardworking americans. This is not the time to penalize our workers or Small Businesses for just simply trying to keep their doors barely open to get through this pandemic. John as you know, congresswoman, both the house and senate are going down the reconciliation route, and in order to do that, it means democrats could basically pass as big a bill as they wanted to along a Straight Party line vote amid all of the calls during the inaugural address for unity by President Biden, from all the talk referred from Senator Schumer and others that they would like to involve republicans, they dont appear to be in a mood to do it unless republicans are willing to capitulate to their desires. Its all talk and no action. If we want unity, it cant be a onesided conversation where republicans are going to the president were democrats. The democrats and the president need to come to us and have a twoway conversation for how we can work together. Thats not happening right now. Sandra we just got word about an hour ago that jen psaki seem to walk back the comments from the new cdc director about teachers returning to the classrooms. In a Covid Briefing for the administration, the cdc director said teachers dont need to be vaccinated to safely return to the classrooms. Now jen psaki on behalf of the bite administration was saying those were personal comments and she wasnt speaking on behalf of the cdc. There is outrage from parents across the country that have kids that have not been back in a classroom for over a year now. Your thoughts on that, congresswoman . Im a single working mom of two children in middle school. Today was the first day in a year that my children have gotten to be back in the classroom physically. They will only get two days a week and a hybrid program. Ill tell you, if teachers feel theres a need to get vaccinated to come back to the classroom, they should get vaccinated. Thats one of the reasons we have to get off the distractions, the circus, the Jerry Springer show that we are on right now. Our teachers need to be in schools so our kids can learn, our oldest and most vulnerable population and those with Underlying Health conditions need to get vaccinated so we can get back to normal. John its great to spend some time with you, im sure we will see you more. I appreciate it. Thank you so much. Sandra thank you for coming on america reports. One of the dash why adam schiff may be headed off the hill . Hunter biden has a brandnew book out. Its from the same publisher that canceled senator josh hawley. We are the thrivers. Women with metastatic breast cancer. Our time. For more time. Has come. Living longer is possible and proven in postmenopausal women taking Kisqali Plus Fulvestrant. 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Part of that was raising the minimum wage, supported by big majorities of both parties, i would point out. Sandra let me get brian in here. Its an interesting conversation to have by this administration, be seven, is my point right now. Brian, we are looking at Small Businesses struggling while we are still in the middle of the pandemic. Theres a reason why they stage these minimum Wage Increases in for four years. Even the proponents know that nationwide right now, 15 an hour would be a wipe out for Small Businesses. When you see them phased in, thats an admission that Everybody Knows these things will hurt jobs. Its notable that you are hearing all of these proposals not coming from President Biden but from others in congress. Thats where the energy of this party is, where the Policy Momentum is coming from. Its really not coming from joe biden, its coming from bernie sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and aoc. If you want to understand whats happening next, dont Pay Attention to what President Biden is saying but what some of those other folks in congress are saying. They are the ones pushing this. Thats what we will end up getting, if anything. Sandra median estimated job losses will be 1. 3 million. Austan, they looked at it with the phase in. At the highend, it could kill 3. 6 million jobs. I hear you sounding defensive about it. The question is, is this the right thing to do when you see our economy the way it is right now . And how long its going to take for a lot of these businesses to recover and bounce back . Even those that have been able to hang on . Look, the Economic Research is quite clear that the negative Employment Effects are, at best, disputed and in the many places where theyve raised minimum wage, the Employment Impact has not been anything like what was predicted by the republicans. Sandra i still dont know where you stand on it, austan. The incomes of ordinary workers being stagnant and hard hit in pandemic sandra let me restate the question, austan. Do you support raising the federal minimum wage . I support raising the federal minimum wage. Sandra to 15 . I am fine if we want to go through and change it so there is geographic adjustment. Sandra thats not a federal minimum wage. That is a federal minimum wage, it would be determined by the federal government. All of those things can be debated. The republicans are opposing raising the minimum wage and they have for many years. Sandra thats the part of the problem, the republicans were against it are not against raising 15, they are saying in New York City thats fine. But in rural mississippi . Brian, get back in here. They arent against Wage Increases, they are about doing it the right way, there are sustainable ways to raise wages. When you have a growing economy when people are hiring again. Which is what we had prepandemic when wages were rising, at the lowend, by the way. We saw job openings. The question isnt do we want to show gratitude to Essential Workers . We do but we want the policy to work. The reason a lot of economists hesitate like austan does, we know workers that get the minimum wage, restaurant workers, retail, they were the hardest hit in the pandemic and they will get hit again if we raise wages like this. Sandra austan, final point. Real quick. The build back better agenda is being opposed by republicans, they blocked minimum Wage Increases for years and they continue to try to block it now. The latest Polling Research shows twothirds of the country agrees with the biden proposal of what we need for the relief and stimulus. Thats his electoral mandate. It won by 7 million votes. Sandra we will have you back, appreciate it to you both. Adam schiff has his sights outside of washington, reportedly. 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Sandra its time now if your top stories, Republic Congresswoman nancy mace criticizing congresswoman alexandria ocasiocortez, she says aocs account of what happened on the day of the riots on capitol hill was not what actually happened. I said that there were no rioters in the doors of cannon. She lost it today. Its important that we take members to task when then they are not being honest the American People. This division is hurting our country. Sandra Acosta Cortez has said john sandra Adam Shift In Therunt Attorney General of california . For the department of health and human services, for more on these and other top stories, download the fox news app, scan the qr code on your screen or go to foxnews. Com app. Sandra john democrats trying to push through their covid relief deal even with even doing it without republicans. You said in a letter to nancy pelosi to not go through this reconciliation process. He said it was a means to progress a liberal agenda that could have devastating impacts on National Security, the economy, and middleclass families. Explain your thinking there. There are 1 trillion appropriate in last year during the 116th Congress that has yet to be spent on anything that was appropriately for dealing with covid19. If we are going to do anything in capitol hill, we have to make sure that 1 trillion is to manufacture more vaccines and buy them going down the state to trillion dollar packets, we are going to see larger deficits, which brings National Security interests into play. We have to get serious here on capitol hill and not just go down these political wish list like the democratic leadership is doing right now. John Senate Minority leader Mitch Mcconnell said the president talks about unity but his congressional leadership is working with a different playbook. What do you think of the playbook . I think mcconnell is absolutely correct. We havent had unity in either chamber, really, whether it is covid relief or anything else pair the only thing the president has actually done since his unity speech when he got inaugurated two weeks ago is signed Executive Order after Executive Order and hes not Consulting Congress on just about anything. John you wrote another letter to the Dhs Secretary asking him to hold efforts to prioritize vaccinating Illegal Migrants over the American People. The dhs policy says its partners fully support equal access to the covid19 vaccines and Vaccine Distribution sites for undocumented immigrants. If you have a problem with this, clearly. I do. Just last week, the Biden Administration was caught redhanded when they tried to vaccinate down and gone, no down in one common obey guantanamo bay. We should be a prioritizing Senior Citizens, the vulnerable population with covid19. I need to be prioritize first. First responders need to be in that group. We should not be creating these side plans of vaccinating people that are trying to come into the country illegally. When we need to take care of americans first. That needs to be the priority of washington, d. C. , and the white house. John your burning up a lot of ink on capitol hill. If you another letter to dhs demanding an investigation into joe bidens actions to block border wall construction. This was interesting. This was a letter you sent to the smithsonian africanamerican history museum. You and Burgess Owens and others send a letter to the smithsonian asking for a fair and more complete presentation of justice, Clarence Thomas place in that museum. Tell us about that. Listen, john, i didnt come up to capitol hill to sit on my hands. John clearly let me tell you right now, the way Clarence Thomas is depicted is frankly not depicted enough in the smithsonian museum. Frankly, in my opinion, its outrageous and inaccurate. He has just as much to do with black history in america as every other person in black america that has lead for the progress of all Black Americans in the United States. Its important that he is replicated and dignified in that museum just like president obama and everybody else. John im sure you will hear back from the smithsonian. Get back to us when you do. I definitely will. Thank you, john. John sandra . Sandra coming up, the publisher that canceled senator josh hawleys book is now putting one out by hunter biden. That, plus cnn chief jeff zucker on his way out. He will join us live Brian Brenberg will join us next. For every trip youve been dreaming of, expedia has millions of flexible booking options. Because the best trip is wherever we go together. We made usaa insurance for veterans like martin. When a hailstorm hit, he needed his insurance to get it done right, right away. Usaa. What youre made of, were made for. Usaa attention Veteran Homeowners record low Mortgage Rates have usadropped even lower. Of, were made for. At newday, veterans can shortcut the Refinance Process and save 250 a month. 3000 dollars a year. With the Va Streamline Refi at newday, theres no appraisal, no income verification, and no out of pocket costs. One call can save you 3000 a year. Sandra President Biden is now at the State Department for his business today, set to deliver his first major Foreign Policy speech of his presidency, the new Secretary Of State Antony Blinken is speaking now. Hes been speaking out about russia and china. We are expected to learn a lot more about the direction of President Biden when he makes his speech a few moments from now. John to give us a tease about an hour ago when he was at the state Department Address in the corps saying this would be a period of reengagement, reinvestment of the United States and Foreign Policy, that would be to say if you are joe biden you disagree with everything that President Trump did. But dont forget that when it came to china, there was bipartisan agreement one of the biggest champions of President Trumps china policy was then Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer who believed the president was absolutely correct with his direction to china, and the one area that a lot of people have questions about with joe biden will be what will his approach to china be, in particular, the Belt Road China Policy for 2025, chinas desire to become the World Economic and military superpower. Sandra its interesting, i spoke with military general jack keane on his views of all of this. What he would say during the campaign, we dont really know what President Biden would do as far as warren policy on china because he did not offer a lot of specifics during the campaign. He still hasnt, john. John other than to say that china is going to eat our lunch. Come on, man. Sandra we want to hear more about what he will do to lead when it comes to china. The president might be stepping up any moment. As they just joked, they have to wipe off the podium with covid. John the National Security advisor is going to halt the troop withdrawal from germany. Lets hear from the president. President biden ive been waiting a long time to call you mr. Secretary. Its an honor to be back with the State Department. Benjamin franklin by the way, i want you to know i was a professor on Benjamin Franklin at penn. I thought it was because they thought it was as old as ben franklin. Senior secretary diplomat, mr. Antony blinken. We worked together for over 20 years, you are diplomatic skills are respected equally by your friends and our competitors around the world. They know that when you speak, you speak for me. So is the message i want the world to hear today. America is back. America is back. Diplomacy is back. Its at the center of our Foreign Policy. As i said in my inaugural address, we will prepare our alliances and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterdays challenges but todays and tomorrows. American leadership must meet this new moment of advancing authoritarianism including growing admissions in china to rival the United States, the determination of russia today much and disrupt our democracy. We must meet the new moment, accelerating global challenges. From the pandemic to the Climate Crisis, to nuclear proliferation, challenging the will only to be solved by nations working together and in common. We cant do it alone. We must start with diplomacy rooted in americas most cherished Democratic Values, defending freedom, championing opportunity, upholding universal rights, respecting the rule of law, treating every person with dignity. That is the Grounding Wire of our Global Policy and power. That is our inexhaustible source of strength. That is americas abiding advantage. So many of these values have come under intense pressure in recent years. Even pushed to the brink in the last few weeks. The American People are going to emerge from this moment stronger, Morebetter Equipped Te world and fighting to defend democracy. Because we have fought for it ourselves. Over the past few days, we have been in close cooperation with our allies and partners to bring together the International Community to address the Military Coup in burma. Ive been in touch with leader mcconnell to discuss our shared concerns about the situation in burma and we are united in our resolve. There can be no doubt that in a democracy, force should never seek to overrule the will of the people or attempt to erase the outcome of a credible election. The Burmese Military should relinquish power, that they have seized, released the advocates and activists and officials they have detained. Lift the restrictions on telecommunications and refrain from violence. As i said earlier this week, we will work with our partners to support restoration and democracy in the rule of law and impose consequences on those responsible. Over the past two weeks, i have spoken with the leaders of many of our closest friends. Canada, mexico, the u. K. , germany, france, nato, japan, south korea, australia, to be reforming habits of cooperation and rebuilding the muscle of democratic alliances over the past few years of neglect and i would argue abuse. Americas alliances are our greatest assets. Leading with diplomacy means Standing Shoulder to shoulder with our allies and key partners once again. By leading with diplomacy, we must also be engaging our adversaries and our competitors diplomatically. Where it is in our interest and advance the security of the American People. That is why yesterday, the United States and russia agreed to extend the new start treaty for five years, to preserve the only remaining treaty between our countries safeguarding nuclear stability. At the same time, i made it clear to president putin, that the days of United States rolling over in the face of russias aggressive actions, interfering with our elections, cyber attacks, poisoning its citizens, are over. We will not hesitate to raise the cost on russia and defend our vital interests and our people. And we will be more effective in dealing with russia with a Working Coalition and coordination with other likeminded partners. A politically motivated jailing of alexi nevali he is entitled to his rights under the russian constitution. He has been targeted, targeted for exposing corruption. He should be released immediately and without condition. Also, taking on directly challenges posed by our prosperity, security, and Democratic Values with our most serious competitor, china. We will confront chinas economic abuses, counter its aggressive, course of action to push back on chinas attack on human rights, intellectual property, and global governance. We are ready to work with beijing when it is in americas interest to do so. We will compete with their strength by Building Back better at home, working with our allies and partners, renewing our role in International Institutions and reclaiming our credibility and Moral Authority. Much of which has been lost. Thats why we need to move quickly to Restore American Engagement internationally and earn back our leadership position. To catalyze Global Action on challenges. On day 1, i signed paperwork to rejoin the paris climate agreement. We are taking steps led by example, raising the ambition of our climate targets. That way, we can challenge other nations, other major emitters to up the ante on their own commitments. I will be hosting a climate Leaders Summit to address the Climate Crisis on earth day of this year. America must lead in the face of this existential threat. And just as with the pandemic, it requires global cooperation. We have also reengaged with the world health organization. That way, we can build global preparedness to counter covid19, as well as to detect and prevent future pandemics. Because there will be more. We have elevated the status of cyber issues within our government, including appointing the First National Deputy National advisor for cyber and emerging technology. We are launching an Urgent Initiative to improve our capability, readiness, and resilience in cyberspace. Today, i am announcing additional steps to course correct our Foreign Policy and better unite our Democratic Values with our diplomatic leadership. To begin, secretary Defense Secretary austin will make sure our Military Footprint is aligned with our Foreign Policy and National Security priorities. It will be coordinated across all elements of our National Security, with secretary alston. We will be stopping any plan to withdraw from germany. We are also stepping up our diplomacy to end the war in yemen. A war which has created a humanitarian catastrophe. I have asked my middle east team to ensure our support for the United Nations to impose a ceasefire, open a humanitarian challenge and restore longdormant peace talks. This morning, secretary blinken Appointed Tim as our Special Envoy to the Yemen Conflict and i appreciate him doing this. Tim has had a lifelong experience in the region and will work with the u. N. Envoy to push for a diplomatic resolution. Tims diplomacy will be bolstered by the u. S. I. D. To make sure humanitarian aid is reaching the you many the yemeni people. This war has to end. For offensive operations in the war in yemen, including all armed sales. Saudi arabia faces missile attacks, uab strikes, and other threats from every mansupplied forces in multiple countries. We are going to continue to support and help saudi arabia defend its sovereignty and its integrity of its people. We also face the crisis of more than 80 million displaced people suffering all around the world. The United States moral leadership on refugee issues was a bipartisan consensus for so many decades when i first got here. We shine the light, the lamp of liberty on oppressed people, we offer safe havens for those facing violence or persecution. And our example has pushed other nations to open wide their doors as well. Today, i am approving an Executive Order to begin the hard work of restoring our Refugee Admissions Program to help meet the global need. Itll take time to rebuild. To rebuild what has been so badly damaged. But that is precisely what we are going to do. This Executive Order will position us to be able to raise the Refugee Admissions back up to 125,000 persons for the first full fiscal year of the bidenharris administration. Im directing the State Department to consult with congress about making a down payment on that commitment as soon as possible. And to further repair our moral leadership, i am issuing a president ial memo to agencies to reinvigorate our leadership in the Lgbtqia Issues and to do it internationally. We will ensure diplomacy will defend the rights of those individuals by protecting the Lgbtq Refugees and asylumseekers. Finally, to successfully reassert our diplomacy and keep americans safe and prosperous and free, we must restore the health and morale of our Foreign Policy institutions. I want the people who work in this building, and our embassies and councils around the world, to know that i value your expertise and i respect you. And i will have your back. This administration is going to empower you to do your jobs. Not target or politicize it. We want a rigorous debate that brings all perspectives and makes room for dissent. Thats how we will get the best possible policy outcomes. With your help, the United States will again lead not just by the example of our power but by the power of our example. That is why my administration has taken an important step to live our domestic values at home, our Democratic Values at home. Within hours of taking office, i signed an Executive Order overturning the hateful and discriminatory muslim ban, and transgender individuals serving in our military as part of our commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability. He stated on day 1 we started on day 1 with daily briefings from the white house, at the state and the pentagon. We believe a free its essential. A free press is essential to the health of a democracy. Question restored our commitments to science and to create policies grounded in facts and evidence. I suspect ben franklin would approve. Weve taken steps to acknowledge and address systemic racism and the scourge of White Supremacy in our own country. It has to be the business of the whole of government and all of our federal policies and institutions. A all this matters to Foreign Policy