Kamala Harris in 2024 presidential campaign press release

On Abortion: Fight state laws that criminalize healthcare providers

Many of you know I started my career as a prosecutor, but you may not know why. When I was in high school, I learned that one of my best friends was being molested by her stepfather. [I invited her] to stay with us. So, at a young age, I decided I wanted to take on harms against women and children. And for the majority of my career as a prosecutor, I actually specialized in those kinds of cases.

So, the idea that these so-called leaders would say even no exception for rape or incest; to say to a survivor of a crime of violence to their body, a violation to their body, that you, the survivor of that, don't have a right to make a decision about what happens to your body next, that's immoral.

On Abortion: Access to medication abortion: mifepristone thru pharmacies

Today, two major retail pharmacy chains announced they are certified to dispense mifepristone, a medication that has been proven safe and effective for over two decades. Many women in America will soon have the choice to pick up their prescription at a local pharmacy. This is an important step to ensure women have access to the health care they need.

The President and I stand with the majority of Americans who believe women should have the freedom to make decisions about their own body and their own lives. We remain committed to defending access to reproductive health care, including medication abortion. Our Administration will not waver in our dedication to preserving access to essential medication and defending the FDA's independent, evidence-based approval and regulation of safe and effective drugs.

On Corporations: Pandemic aid: increase loans to small businesses

When the last Administration gave out pandemic aid to small businesses, they designed it to favor the well-off and the well-connected who had concierge service with big banks, while underserved entrepreneurs like women-, veteran-, and minority-owned small businesses were put at the back of the line or even out the door. Just one month into office, the Biden-Harris Administration changed that, instituting a 14-day period during which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees could apply for relief. Research shows these reforms helped increase loans to small businesses in low to moderate income communities by 62 percent and expanded lending to the smallest businesses by 35 percent.

On Crime: Police reforms via George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

Our thoughts are also with the communities across our nation whose calls for help are often met with suspicion, distrust, and even violence. The disturbing footage confirms what we know from the lived experiences of so many--we have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name.

I call on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill that I coauthored in the Senate. In this moment, in honor of Sonya's memory and the memory of so many more whose names we may never know, we must come together to achieve meaningful reforms that advance the safety of all communities.

On Education: Invest $16B in HBCUs: anchors of our communities

That is why President Biden and I have delivered an unprecedented $16 billion to our Nation's HBCUs. This historic investment is transformative--from helping to fund cutting-edge research and making long-overdue renovations, to providing mental health resources and ensuring students have access to every opportunity to thrive.

On Education: Forgive student loan debt for 850,000 public servants

And who are our public servants? They're teachers. They are nurses. They're firefighters. They are police officers. They are librarians. They are bus drivers and social workers. This is who our public servants are. And yet many are silently struggling with student loan debt.

We have forgiven, on average, $70,000 of student loan debt for over 850,000 public servants. And for folks in general, we have forgiven over $144 billion for over 4 million people.

I'm announcing a new plan to forgive more loans for 25 million more Americans, including millions of our public servants. And that means, for example, if you've paid undergrad loans for 20-plus years or graduate loans for 25 or more years, your loans will be completely forgiven, regardless of your income and even if you did not graduate.

On Environment: Chevron deference: let EPA expertise keep air & water clean

People throughout our Nation should be able to count on their government to ensure that our air and water are clean, health care is accessible and affordable, financial markets are sound, products are safe, and workers are not exploited on the job. Courts have long deferred to federal experts to make these ideals a reality.

Unfortunately, today's Supreme Court decision sides with powerful special interests who want to roll back commonsense rules that protect Americans. President Biden and I will continue to do everything in our power to protect the American people and ensure that every person in our country can thrive.

On Families & Children: Cap childcare co-payments at 7% of income

Specifically, this landmark rule will:
• Cap co-payments for families [participating in CCDBG] to no more than 7% of income, saving families in states that do not yet cap co-payments over $200 a month on average;
• Encourage states to eliminate co-payments entirely for families of children with disabilities, children experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, children in Head Start, and families at or below 150% of the federal poverty level;
• Direct states to pay child care providers more fairly and on time, improving financial stability for 140,000 child care providers and incentivizing more providers to participate in the CCDBG program.

On Foreign Policy: Supports Kenyan-led multinational mission in Haiti

On Free Trade: Secure domestic supply chains for semiconductor chips

While in Singapore in August 2021, I convened CEOs and government leaders to make progress on global supply chain challenges [and] I met with an executive from GlobalFoundries, and they committed to working with our administration to secure domestic supply chains. GlobalFoundries will expand existing operations in both New York and Vermont, creating more than 10,000 good jobs over the next decade. Additionally, the domestic production of these chips will provide more supply chain stability to the auto and aerospace industries across the United States that currently rely on the shipment of these chips from overseas.

On Government Reform: Racial gerrymandering harms our democracy

The sacred right to vote is the fundamental freedom that unlocks all others. Today's Supreme Court decision deprives Americans of that sacred freedom and further harms our democracy.

Let us be clear: Voters should choose their elected officials--not the other way around. Extremist elected officials' attempt to dilute the rights of voters based on race is wrong.

South Carolinians and people across America deserve to have their voices heard and their votes counted. President Biden and I will continue fighting to protect Americans from discrimination at the ballot box, and we once again urge Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.

On Gun Control: We need red flag laws & school mental health counselors

I'm in favor of the Second Amendment, and we need universal background checks. I'm in favor of the Second Amendment, and we need red flag laws.

And we need the people in the United States Congress to have the courage to stand up to the gun lobbyists and take action around what is just reasonable.

Universal background checks--you just might want to know before someone can buy a lethal weapon if they've been found to be a danger to themselves or others. So, there are solutions. And that's part of the work that I'm doing with the White House Gun Violence Prevention Office is to work on those solutions, including what we have recently done through that office, which is to put a billion dollars into hiring mental health counselors in our public schools to help address the mental health aspect of this.

On Gun Control: Common sense reform: immediately ban bump stocks

Unfortunately, today's Supreme Court ruling strikes down this important, commonsense regulation on devices that convert semiautomatic rifles into weapons that can fire hundreds of bullets per minute.

While the Supreme Court has once again rolled back progress, we will not allow the victims and survivors of 1 October to be forgotten. President Biden and I fought to pass the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years, but our work is not done. We are calling on Congress to immediately ban bump stocks. We do not have a moment to spare nor a life to spare.

On Health Care: Prohibit medical debt from being included on credit reports

Vice President Harris is calling on states, local governments, and health care providers to take comprehensive action to reduce the burden of medical debt, including but not limited to:
• Leverage public dollars to purchase and eliminate medical debt;
• Prevent accumulation of medical debt and protect patients from aggressive debt collectors by expanding access to charity care; and
• Protect patients and consumers by limiting coercive debt collections practices by health care providers and third-party debt collectors.

On Health Care: Establish nursing home minimum staffing rule

The Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule finalized today will require all nursing homes that receive federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid to have 3.48 hours per resident per day of total staffing, including a defined number from both registered nurses (0.55 hours per resident per day) and nurse aides (2.45 per resident per day). This means a facility with 100 residents would need at least two or three RNs and at least ten or eleven nurse aides as well as two additional nurse staff.

On Homeland Security: $1.5B to help Ukraine rebuild with a lasting peace

To that end, today I am pleased to announce that the United States will provide more than one and a half billion dollars to address Ukraine's humanitarian and energy needs and to help relieve the suffering of the people of Ukraine. This number includes $824 million for critical energy needs, including repairing energy infrastructure; $379 million in humanitarian assistance, including food, water, shelter, and health services; and $300 million for civilian security assistance, including support for law enforcement. President Zelenskyy, this support is a demonstration of the indisputable fact the United States stands with the people of Ukraine.

On Immigration: Keep families together; expand legal pathways to citizenship

President Biden and I are also expediting work visas for Dreamers who have graduated from college in the United States and have a job offer from a U.S. employer. We value their contributions and want them to continue to unleash their skills, ideas, and potential right here in the country that has invested in their success, to the benefit of our economy and our communities.

On Immigration: Partner with Mexico to address the root causes of migration

On Immigration: $5.2B public-private investment in Northern Triangle

The Vice President announced that CAF has now generated more than $5.2 billion in private sector commitments for El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, including $1 billion of new commitments announced today. These private sector investments have already created more than 70,000 jobs in the region, provided skills training for more than 1 million people, brought 2.5 million people into the formal economy, and connected more than 4.5 million people to the internet.

The Vice President convened leaders from government, the private sector, and civil society to discuss next steps for CAF's long-term development effort.

On Jobs: $100M for manufacturers and labor unions in EV industry

Today, Vice President Harris announced new funding for auto manufacturers and autoworkers:
• More than $100 million in funding for small- and medium-sized auto parts manufacturers to expand or retool manufacturing facilities
• The Department of Energy is setting aside up to $50 million of its Industrial Assessments Center Implementation Grants Program to help auto suppliers kickstart manufacturing diversification and conversion projects.
• The Small Business Administration will catalyze millions of dollars in private capital for the EV supply chain
• The Department of Labor recently awarded $7 million across Indiana and Ohio to develop sector partnerships that bring together the public workforce and education system, community-based organizations, employers, and labor unions focused on the EV industry.

On Technology: $90 billion to address barriers to internet access

Today, we are finalizing a rule to allow schools and libraries--primarily in low-income and rural areas--to use funding from the E-Rate program for Wi-Fi hotspots that will increase access to virtual library services. Our Administration [will award] more than $1.4 billion [via the] State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which will help millions of families access internet that is fast, affordable, & reliable. This is essential in the 21st century--from ensuring our students can do their homework and that parents can find a good-paying job, to making sure our communities' small business owners can use the internet to run their business.

On Technology: Millions in capital to promote digital inclusion in Africa

The Vice President said that the United States is committed to build collaborations between public and private industries to increase digital inclusion on the continent of Africa. She said the United States will "double down" on our effort to mobilize millions of dollars in public and private capital from the United States, Africa, and around the world to increase digital inclusion.

She has focused her efforts on digital inclusion because Africa's digital ecosystem has great potential to promote economic opportunity, advance social equality and gender equality, and create jobs. Africa's digital transformation has opened new markets for U.S. exports and services; and deepened partnership among African governments, the U.S. private sector, educational institutions, and the African diaspora.

On Technology: Space4All: benefits of space industry to all communities

Space4All: To strengthen US space collaboration and increase public engagement, this 5-year awareness campaign [will] raise public understanding of the benefits of space for life on Earth. This campaign will convey the importance of everyone participating in and benefiting from the space enterprise and increase public awareness of the opportunities and pathways to success in space and STEM-related education and careers.

On Technology: Address risks from use of AI & monitor impact on public

• Address Risks from the Use of AI: Monitor AI's impacts on the public, and mitigate the risks of algorithmic discrimination
• Expand Transparency of AI Use: Release government-owned AI code, models, and data, where such releases do not pose a risk to the public or government operations.
• Grow the AI Workforce: Hire 100 AI professionals to promote the trustworthy and safe use of AI as part of the National AI Talent Surge.

On Technology: Return to the Moon, then travel to Mars

This diverse group of leaders from across our country will become a part of the next generation of space explorers who will break new barriers, including walking on the Moon as part of the Artemis campaign and traveling to Mars. They understand that, in this new era of space exploration, we must harness the many ways in which space can benefit the American people, all of humanity, and Earth.

As we celebrate this latest class of astronauts, the United States will continue to lead the return to the Moon with our commercial and international partners for scientific discovery, economic and societal benefits, and inspiration for a new generation of explorers.

On War & Peace: Condemn Hamas October 7 killings as anti-Semitic

Sadly, eight decades later, Antisemitism--and hate in general--is on the rise in our country and around the world. On October 7, Hamas, a brutal terrorist organization, committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust--killing 1,200 innocent people, including 44 Americans, taking 240 people hostage, including eight Americans still in Gaza, and committing horrific acts of sexual violence against Jewish women.

And, in recent days in the United States, we have seen hateful rhetoric and harassment against Jews. This is Antisemitism and must be condemned unequivocally. Hate of any kind has no place in our country.

On War & Peace: US-Iraq partnership role after Defeat ISIS coalition

The Vice President urged the Iraqi government to prevent attacks against US personnel and expressed appreciation for efforts to date. She stated that the US has no higher priority than the safety of US personnel, and will act, as needed, in self-defense.

The leaders also discussed the importance of continuing the US-Iraq Higher Military Commission, which will enable the transition to an enduring bilateral security partnership between the US and Iraq and is the natural next step to build on the collaboration of the past 10 years between Iraq and the Defeat ISIS coalition.

On Welfare & Poverty: $185 million to remove barriers to affordable housing

So, today, we are investing $85 million, with another $100 million later, to help more than 20 cities remove these barriers. One such barrier is that it can be difficult for affordable housing developers to be able to afford to buy and develop land. To address this, in Milwaukee, our investment will help the city provides subsidies to builders to help them develop vacant lots and abandoned buildings into affordable housing.

Another barrier that often limits building is insufficient infrastructure. For example, in Denver, there are plots of land available but not yet connected to the electric grid. Through this investment, we will help Denver offer loans to developers to build the power lines and water mains that are necessary for new housing.

On Welfare & Poverty: $5.5B in grants for homeownership and renter protections

The Vice President announced a crucial infusion of funds to address the country's critical housing needs: $5.5 billion in grants to 1,200 communities through more than 2,400 grants. These grants build on ongoing efforts by the Administration, the White House Housing Supply Action Plan and the Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights, boost housing supply, lower housing costs, expand rental assistance, enhance renter protections, and invest in stronger, more resilient communities.

"Homeownership is an essential part of the American Dream that represents so much more than a roof over our heads. For people all across our nation, a home represents financial security, the opportunity to build wealth and equity," said Vice President Harris.

On War & Peace: Israeli long-term security needs negotiated 2-state solution

"Ultimately, through the regional track and the Palestinian track, this path I've described opens up prospects for Israel to build enduring security--which is what this country needs and has wanted from its founding. All of this runs through securing a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza now, as President Biden has proposed, and we should all be working to achieve."

On Gun Control: #1 killer of kids: gun violence; not cancer; not accidents

Let's think about it in terms of the tragedy that gun violence in America is the number-one killer of the children of America--not car accidents, not cancer--gun violence. One in five Americans has a family member that was killed by gun violence. Gun violence--Black victims of gun violence--10 times more likely to be a victim of gun violence. So, it's a real issue that requires everybody's priority in terms of addressing it.

On Civil Rights: Expand capital access for minority-owned businesses

"To bridge the financial disparities that hold so many of our communities back, we must combine the capacity of the private sector with the reach and the scale that only the government can provide," said Harris.

It is important that the benefits of this economic opportunity are shared equitably. Diversification of suppliers ensures that the country's supply chain is more resilient. Equitable participation will provide a path to economic prosperity and intergenerational wealth for countless Americans in underserved communities.

That is why the Administration has awarded nearly $70 billion in 2022--a new record--on federal contracts awarded to small, disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs).

On Civil Rights: 176 countries bar women's economic participation

So, clearly there is a lot more work to be done, including here in the US.

The majority of my career has been focused on the health, safety, and well-being of women and children. And as Vice President, this work has now extended abroad. On nearly every trip I have taken overseas, from Guatemala to South Korea to Ghana, I have convened women entrepreneurs, activists, and students to partner with them to invest in their work and lift the next generation of women leaders.

On Corporations: Small businesses employ almost half of the workforce

So, we're talking about a gigantic, huge workforce that is contributing to the economy, paying taxes, and doing the work that is about strengthening our economy and, by extension, our country.

So, it's good to be here to honor them. [The staff and Congressional supporters of the Small Business Administration] have been doing extraordinary work through the SBA, facilitating loans in an extraordinary way in terms of historically what has happened and now what is happening in terms of the outreach and implementation of [pro-small business] policies.

On Drugs: $50 million in grants to address fentanyl overdose epidemic

Together, the Vice President and the state Attorneys General identified opportunities to enhance federal and state collaboration to beat the fentanyl and opioid epidemic [including] coordinating with regional HIDTA Programs to disrupt the commercial activities of transnational criminal organizations and maximizing opioid settlement funds for evidence-based programs that save lives and expand access to overdose reversal medications.

On Energy & Oil: $20B for community-based clean energy transition

For years, one of the missing pieces in our strategy to fight the climate crisis is that we have not invested in community climate action. For years, the people of the community--folks who know what their neighborhood needs and how to provide it--have not been given adequate resources to implement climate solutions. And that's why we're here today.

I am proud to announce the largest investment in financing for community-based climate projects in our nation's history. We will provide $20 billion to a national network of nonprofits and community lenders to fund tens of thousands of climate and clean energy projects.

On Gun Control: Uvalde response: commonsense restrictions on weapons of war

With their help, President Biden and I fought to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety law in nearly 30 years. [We also] established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. But we know more must be done.

I am continuing to call on Congress and state legislators throughout America to have the courage to act by banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, passing red flag laws, and making background checks universal. These commonsense solutions will save lives and ensure that fewer children, families, and communities experience the trauma and pain that Uvalde has suffered.

On Immigration: Root Causes Strategy: $4.2B for stable Central America

In addition, I look forward to working with President Arevalo on expanding private sector investments in Guatemala through Central America Forward, the public-private partnership that has generated more than $4.2 billion in investments in northern Central America. Our nations, working with the private sector and civil society, can build a more inclusive, stable, and prosperous future for the people of Guatemala in Guatemala.

On Principles & Values: World leaders want Biden/Harris re-elected in 2024

You know, I have now met with over 100 world leaders as vice president. And when we walk in those rooms representing the United States of America, when you're a role model, people then watch what you do to see if it matches what you say. People around the world are watching what's happening in our country right now.

In my travels in the last year, world leaders would say to us when we said "America is back"--and they'd say, "Well, for how long?"

In the last several months, I ran into a number of world leaders and the first thing--I'm not kidding you--that each one of them--the first thing they said, "We hope you're going to win."

Out of self-interest, they raised it. Because of what they know the future of our country means and represents for the future of their countries.