Saturday, September 25, 2021

Inslee statement on protecting Hanford workers.

press release issued 9. 22. 21


Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today regarding the U.S. Department of Justice’s petition for review in the U.S. Supreme Court against state law protecting Hanford workers.


“The decision by the Department of Justice to pursue this case in the U.S. Supreme Court is a mistake that threatens to compound the suffering of Hanford workers. At every step of the legal process, federal courts have rejected the federal government’s attempts to invalidate our state law establishing a presumption of causation for workers made sick by exposure to the Hanford site. I implore Attorney General Merrick Garland to consider the greater interests of justice and withdraw the department’s petition. 


"We must not lose sight of why this legislation is needed in the first place. For years, the federal government has failed in its obligation to care for these workers and their families. As the recent final report of the Hanford Healthy Energy Workers Board showed, nearly six in 10 workers at the site who were surveyed reported exposure to radioactive or toxic materials at Hanford, the most contaminated environmental cleanup site in the country. The federal government’s position in this case would tie the state’s hands and restore a system that was nearly impossible to navigate and left Hanford workers struggling to get assistance for illnesses that have clearly been caused by exposures at the site. 


"I applaud Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s commitment to defending this state law, as he has ably done twice before. There is still time to choose a different path, and I stand with the labor community and all those encouraging the Department of Justice to take advantage of it. No legal principle is so important that it can justify a course of action that will undermine the health and safety of these workers and their families.” 



ICYMI: Inslee letter to Zients requests federal medical staffing resources.

Press release issued 9. 20. 21

In case you missed it: Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter today to Jeff Zients, federal COVID-19 response coordinator, requesting federal staffing resources, including clinical and non-clinical staff, to support the Washington health care system in response to rising COVID-19 hospitalizations. 


The letter reads, in part: 


"In Washington State, our hospitals are currently at or beyond capacity, and we need additional assistance at this time. Our hospitals were nearing capacity this summer – before the Delta variant hit our state. Much of this volume was due to delayed care during the early part of the pandemic.


"Once the Delta variant hit Washington state, COVID-19 hospitalizations skyrocketed. From mid-July to late August, we saw hospitalizations double about every two weeks. The hospitals have surged to increase staffed beds and stretch staff and have canceled most non-urgent procedures, but are still over capacity across the state.


"For these reasons, I have directed state agencies to request assistance from the federal government to provide Washington State with medical staff resources to help meet staffing needs in hospitals and in long-term care facilities. To date, the Washington State Department of Health has requested 1,200 clinical and non-clinical staff through the General Services Administration contracting process offered through FEMA.


"I am further requesting the deployment of Department of Defense medical personnel to assist with the current hospital crisis. In announcing the COVID-19 Action Plan, the President indicated that more clinical teams would be available. That assistance will be of significant value in Washington state.


"While there are hopeful signs that the current wave of infection is peaking, and some states are

beginning to see declines, we have not yet seen that effect here. Washington State has

historically lagged the country in previous COVID-19 waves, and the same pattern is playing out

with the enormous impact we are seeing from the Delta variant."



IN OTHER STATE RELATED HEADLINES


$10 MILLION IN FEDERAL GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE TO BENEFIT SPECIALTY CROPS

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is now accepting applications from Washington-based entities that are the lead on projects with multiple state partners for the 2021 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP).Nearly $10 million is available for these multi-state specialty crop grants, available to benefit specialty crops across several states in the country.


Business accelerator for women in ag begins this November.

Applications are being accepted now through October 15 for the second round of a training and networking program for women in Washington and Oregon who are in the food and agriculture business.


Coming soon: Working Washington grants for businesses impacted by U.S.-Canadian border closure.

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce announced a new grant program that will launch Oct. 4 to help certain small businesses hurting due to the U.S.-Canada border closure. The border has been closed to most travelers since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Bellevue developer fined $280,000 for multiple dangerous waste violations at downtown site.

BELLEVUE – 

The Department of Ecology has fined Bellevue Investors I LLC $280,000 for illegally sending soil contaminated with dry cleaning solvent to solid waste landfills.


Initial unemployment insurance claims for week of September 12 - 18, 2021.

OLYMPIA – During the week of September 12 to September 18, there were 4,850 initial regular unemployment claims, down 0.2 percent from the prior week. Total claims filed by Washingtonians for all unemployment benefit categories numbered 112,948, down 55.4 percent from the prior week, primarily due to the expiration of federal pandemic benefit programs the previous week.  


State seeks public input to inform conservation and rebuilding of Puget Sound Chinook.

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is looking for public feedback on a scoping document to inform actions to conserve and rebuild Puget Sound Chinook salmon. 


COVID-19 transmission increasing; future hospital admissions and occupancy uncertain.

OLYMPIA – The latest COVID-19 modeling and surveillance situation report from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) shows the majority of counties now have case rates above 500 per 100,000. Washington is likely to see continued high levels of cases and hospital admissions, with increasing deaths.


As Weather Shifts, Commissioner Franz Lifts DNR’s Statewide Burn Ban. 

Franz’s decision follows the reopening of DNR land east of the Cascades as peak wildfire danger lessens and conditions improve.


National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 28; Secretary of State Kim Wyman encourages all eligible Washingtonians to register to vote.


From our congressional delegation to DC


Cantwell Joins Congressional Democrats to Urge SCOTUS to Protect Reproductive Rights by Upholding Roe and Rejecting Mississippi’s Blatantly Unconstitutional Law

48 Democrats in the Senate and 188 in the House file a bicameral amicus brief in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.


Cantwell, Durbin Call on DOJ, FAA to Toughen Actions Against Dangerous Airline Passengers

Zero-tolerance policy and FAA fines have not been enough to deter dangerous criminal activity as physical assaults continue.


Murray, Baldwin, Pocan Reintroduce Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act to Address Campus Bullying and Harassment.

Legislation would require colleges and universities to establish policies to prohibit harassment based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or religion


This week's top video

President Biden Addresses U.N. General Assembly

President Biden addressed the U.N. General Assembly in New York City. He talked about the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. military power, climate change, human rights and emerging technologies.---CSPAN

https://www.c-span.org/video/?514742-2/president-biden-addresses-un-general-assembly



IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION:







Saturday, September 18, 2021

Suicide rates high among farmers, ranchers

Press release from WSDA issued 9. 13. 21

https://wastatedeptag.blogspot.com/2021/09/suicide-rates-high-among-farmers.html


With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, many people are struggling financially, mentally, and physically. Depression and other mental illnesses are of concern worldwide. On top of all the current event stressors, agriculture work is also a high-stress occupation.

When your livelihood is dependent on weather temperature, precipitation, feed prices, market demand for your product, and many other facets that effect the price of your product, it can be tough.


Farmers and ranchers have to almost predict the weather and the market, ward off pests, keep their workers safe, and still try to make a living, all while planning for contingencies. That’s likely why the suicide rate among ranchers and farmers are higher than the national average, according to the CDC.


Signs of suicide risk


September is National Suicide Prevention Month. September 5-11 was Suicide Prevention Week. During these observances, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.


The Washington State Department of Health says there are a few signs that may indicate your loved one is having suicidal thoughts: if one starts talking or writing about suicide or death, feels hopeless, or like a burden, or begins giving away their prized possessions. There may also be cause for concern if your loved one is saying goodbyes, or stockpiling pills, isolating from others, acting recklessly, or a loss of interest in favorite activities.  Read about more signs of stress and warning signs your loved one may be at risk for suicide, and what you can do to help.


Grant


Given the seriousness of this issue, WSDA recently applied for and received a $500,000 grant to support the Farming Stress and Suicide Prevention Project. WSDA will administer the funds and work in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health and Washington State University Extension. The project’s intended purpose is to expand rural community-based education via trainings, resiliency workshops, and public awareness campaigns to combat the stigma around behavioral health, and connect specific stressors with behavioral health risks.


What can I do?


The National  Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention says there are several things you can do and say to be there for your loved one, friend, family, neighbor, even a client or an acquaintance you suspect might be struggling.


Checking in on a friend by phone or text message to see how they are doing can have significant impact to someone considering suicide. Inviting your friend to meet for coffee, or to share a meal, or sending a handwritten card are all ways to let someone know they are cared for, and bring them beyond their feeling of hopelessness. If your friend or loved one is struggling, share with them the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Number (800-273-8255), which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support. For specialized care, military veterans may press ‘1.’ In addition, anyone can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.


Being involved is simple, a short call, text, or even a note can help refocus someone to what is good in their lives, help them realize they can get through their struggles.




IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:


Inslee amends Washington Ready proclamation.

Gov. Jay Inslee today amended the Washington Ready emergency order (Proclamation 20-25) to require facial coverings for large outdoor events with 500 or more individuals, regardless of vaccination status. The update was initially announced at a press conference last week, and is effective immediately.


AG Ferguson blasts Biden administration’s “cruel effort” to eliminate protections for Hanford workers.

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson offers the following statement on the Biden administration’s continuation of a Trump administration challenge to Washington’s law strengthening workers compensation access for sick Hanford workers:


AG Ferguson statement on “friend of the court” brief in Texas abortion case.

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson offers the following statement on joining a coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing an amicus, or “friend of the court,” brief asking the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas to put Texas’ law banning virtually all abortions on hold pending appeals:


“Supreme Court precedent is clear -- access to an abortion is a constitutional right. Texas is denying access to this reproductive health care for virtually everyone in their state. This is both wrong and unlawful. We will stand up for the Constitution.”


Commerce awards $11.4 million for vital infrastructure projects in 20 rural communities.

Community Development Block Grants fund wide range of high-priority local projects, including public water, sewer, emergency and fire protection systems, streets, housing, food pantries and more.


“Gender and Race Matter”: Groundbreaking Study by Gender and Justice Commission Examines How Gender and Race Impede Fair and Equal Justice

September 16, 2021

Olympia, WA – The Washington Supreme Court’s Gender and Justice Commission (GJC) released a groundbreaking, three-year study today. The study documents the many ways that gender and race affect those who come through our Washington courts and it proposes changes for the future. The Commission will now go on to the next step:  taking action to expand programs that are working and to change programs that need change.


Nutrient pollution modeling shows different futures for Puget Sound

Sept. 28 Nutrient Forum will focus on Salish Sea Modeling results--DOE


Four additional days of sturgeon fishing announced on lower Columbia River.

OLYMPIA – Anglers will be able to catch and keep sturgeon on a section of the lower Columbia River for four more days in September, fishery managers from Washington and Oregon announced today.



FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC


Cantwell Announces $1 Million Federal Grant to Spur Workforce Development in Thurston County.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced the Lacey Maker Space in Thurston County will receive a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). 


Cantwell Announces $41 Million to Protect Aviation Manufacturing Jobs in Washington State

Cantwell-championed program to protect 2,280 jobs in Washington state.


Senator Murray Continues Longtime Push to End Child Hunger in Build Back Better Budget.

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the chair of the Senate education committee and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined national and local leaders on childhood nutrition from across Washington state to discuss the demonstrated need for expanded child nutrition programs in Washington state and the effectiveness of President Biden’s decision to extend the pandemic electronic benefit transfers (EBT) program through the remainder of the year during a video press call.


Senator Murray Pushes for Swift Action on New Voting Rights Bill.

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), issued the following statement after Senate Democrats introduced the Freedom to Vote Act to protect access to the ballot box for Americans in the face of restrictive voting laws being passed by Republican state governments across the country.



IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION:



PAGE 2:   Humanitarian Needs in Syria Greater Than Ever, Relief Chief Warns Security Council, as Speakers Welcome Breakthrough Cross-Line Delivery of Food Rations to North-West.



PAGE 3: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Actions in Response to Ongoing Crisis in Northern Ethiopia. --WH FACT SHEET



PAGE 4: 
Interior Department and Intertribal Timber Council Strengthen Wildland Fire Management Collaboration.

Saturday, September 11, 2021

THIS WAS THE REASON FOR GOING TO AFGHANISTAN! SEPTEMBER 11th 2001.


We often forget the events that leaded us to  go to Afghanistan in the first place, of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. The Taliban was in charge of Afghanistan, a terrorist gang in their own right gave Osama bin Laden sanctuary in Afghanistan, that led to US to invade there, giving the people there their taste of freedom. 

Twenty years, we stand there, justice was served against bin Laden, along with his thugs, since then.

Now this year commence of 9/11, we leave after being there for twenty years, under a cloud humiliation because of the hasty withdraw from there by President Biden.

Here are few stories I'm sharing reflected around those events of 9/11. A fitting tribute for those were lost, and the shocked that all American's felt that day.--Peter Ripley


20 Years Later, Battered but Not Beaten

Properly remembering 9/11 is far tougher after Joe Biden surrendered Afghanistan.--Patriot Post.


‘Wound that never heals’: FDNY Commissioner Von Essen on grief, heroism during 9/11--NY POST


Trump Releases Ad Remembering 9/11--NEWSMAX


Ground Zero Rebuilding Still Unfinished, 20 Years Later--NEWSMAX


‘Never Forget’: 9/11 charity going strong 20 years later--Washington Times


How the N.Y.P.D. Is Using Post-9/11 Tools on Everyday New Yorkers--NY TIMES


Pentagon burn survivors are thankful for life, though pain endures--WP




STATE NEWS HEADLINE NEWS


Serve Washington receives $17.6 million to support 1,445 AmeriCorps members statewide.

Press release issued 9. 10.21

https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/serve-washington-receives-176-million-support-1445-americorps-members-statewide


Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that Serve Washington, the state’s commission on national and community service, has been awarded $17.6 million in federal AmeriCorps funding.


“AmeriCorps members serve our communities’ most vulnerable residents. This has never been truer than during the past two years, when many AmeriCorps members pivoted to support pandemic relief efforts such as assisting with virtual education, food security, assembling test kits and setting up shelters,” Inslee said. “AmeriCorps members are an essential component of our community safety net at all times, but I especially want to thank them for their response to the pandemic and the ongoing support they will provide in supporting Washington’s recovery.”


Over the next year, 1,445 AmeriCorps members will earn up to a combined $8.6 million in education awards. Members will receive approximately $6,345 after they complete 1,700 hours of service to pay for college or pay off student loans.


For the past year, AmeriCorps members have continued their service, quickly adapting to meet the changing needs caused by the pandemic. Dedicated members helped communities respond and recover from the impact of COVID-19, developing new ways to deliver the same services to keep both themselves and those they serve safe.


Serve Washington Executive Director Amber Martin-Jahn said this year’s award is a testament to the hard work that AmeriCorps members do for Washington.


“AmeriCorps members stepped up during the pandemic and supported Washington communities in many ways, including through the WA COVID Response Corps, which played a key role in supporting food security in communities most in need of support,” Martin-Jahn said. “Serve Washington is honored to partner with philanthropies, nonprofits and state agencies across Washington to bring these federal resources to our communities.”


After a successful first year of teaming with the Schultz Family Foundation, the Washington COVID Response Corps has been renewed for the 2021–22 service year. The partnership is focused on continuing to build the capacity of local non-profits helping underserved communities while also creating meaningful opportunities for young people from diverse racial, ethnic and financial backgrounds.


The youth service corps leverages philanthropic funding with the AmeriCorps federal funding to deploy more than 200 AmeriCorps members between the ages of 17 and 25. Members assist community non-profits focused on alleviating food insecurity and other challenges resulting from the pandemic, such as learning loss, mental and physical health challenges, and gaps in basic needs to help more underserved communities through a post-pandemic recovery.


Local resources will more than match the $17.6 million in federal funds with an additional $28.6 million. Funds from the highly competitive award process come from AmeriCorps, the federal agency also known as the Corporation for National and Community Service, responsible for AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors. (see chart on the link source page)


In other state headlines:


Inslee amends Washington Ready proclamation, issues new COVID-19 proclamation for nursing homes.


AG Ferguson: Renton-based debt collector will pay more than $1.6M over deceptive letters.

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that Renton-based collection agency Convergent will pay more than $1.6 million over misleading letters it sent to Washingtonians.  


Commerce awards $39 million to address homelessness by rapidly adding 307 new shelter and supportive housing units.


Ecology applauds EPA effort to add Bradford Island to “Superfund” list

Fish near the highly contaminated Columbia River site have some of the highest levels of PCBs in the PNW.


Cleaning up: Agreement maps cleanup process at former Seattle Times site--DOE


Initial regular claims increased slightly while total claims for all benefits decreased during the week of August 29

OLYMPIA – During the week of August 29 to September 4, there were 5,205 initial regular unemployment claims, up 2.6 percent from the prior week. Total claims filed by Washingtonians for all unemployment benefit categories numbered 257,702, down 5.6 percent from the prior week.  


Newman Lake Access Area closed Sept. 12-14 for milfoil treatment.

SPOKANE – An annual closure of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Newman Lake Access Area in eastern Spokane County will aid in controlling noxious weeds, improving open water habitat for fish, and enhancing public enjoyment of the lake. The access area will close Sunday night, Sept. 12 to apply an aquatic herbicide and will reopen the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 14.


Statement on hospital capacity and crisis standards of care

Hospital capacity is currently stressed across the state of Washington. The surge in hospitalizations is one that Washington Department of Health (DOH), with its healthcare partners, has been monitoring closely. At this time, partners across Washington have undertaken a number of strategies to stretch resources and mitigate current challenges.--DOH


From our Congressional Delegation to DC


Cantwell, Merkley, Colleagues Announce $2 Million Economic Revitalization Grant for Columbia River Gorge.


Cantwell Celebrates EPA Using Clean Water Act Authority to Protect Bristol Bay

Almost exactly 10 years ago today, Senator Cantwell called on EPA to use CWA Authority to protect Bristol Bay


Senator Murray Pushes for Major Federal Investment in Public Health Infrastructure with Seattle Public Health Leaders.


Senator Murray Highlights Landmark Investments in Wildfire Recovery and Prevention.


At Skagit Valley College, Senator Murray Highlights Legislation to Make Community College Tuition Free.



This week's headlines:


Page 2: MAKING THE ILLEGIT, LEGIT!


page 3: Remarks by President Biden on Fighting the COVID-⁠19 Pandemic.


page 4: NASA’s Perseverance Rover Collects Puzzle Pieces of Mars’ History.


Saturday, September 4, 2021

MISSION ACOMMPLISHMENT JOE?

 That's according to President Biden, then consider the source.--Peter Ripley


 Remarks by President Biden on the End of the War in Afghanistan

AUGUST 31, 2021

Ref. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/08/31/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-end-of-the-war-in-afghanistan/


THE PRESIDENT:  Last night in Kabul, the United States ended 20 years of war in Afghanistan — the longest war in American history. 

We completed one of the biggest airlifts in history, with more than 120,000 people evacuated to safety.  That number is more than double what most experts thought were possible.  No nation — no nation has ever done anything like it in all of history.  Only the United States had the capacity and the will and the ability to do it, and we did it today.

The extraordinary success of this mission was due to the incredible skill, bravery, and selfless courage of the United States military and our diplomats and intelligence professionals. 

For weeks, they risked their lives to get American citizens, Afghans who helped us, citizens of our Allies and partners, and others onboard planes and out of the country.  And they did it facing a crush of enormous crowds seeking to leave the country.  And they did it knowing ISIS-K terrorists — sworn enemies of the Taliban — were lurking in the midst of those crowds. 

And still, the men and women of the United States military, our diplomatic corps, and intelligence professionals did their job and did it well, risking their lives not for professional gains but to serve others; not in a mission of war but in a mission of mercy.  Twenty servicemembers were wounded in the service of this mission.  Thirteen heroes gave their lives.


I was just at Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer.  We owe them and their families a debt of gratitude we can never repay but we should never, ever, ever forget.

In April, I made the decision to end this war.  As part of that decision, we set the date of August 31st for American troops to withdraw.  The assumption was that more than 300,000 Afghan National Security Forces that we had trained over the past two decades and equipped would be a strong adversary in their civil wars with the Taliban.

That assumption — that the Afghan government would be able to hold on for a period of time beyond military drawdown — turned out not to be accurate.

But I still instructed our national security team to prepare for every eventuality — even that one.  And that’s what we did. 

So, we were ready when the Afghan Security Forces — after two decades of fighting for their country and losing thousands of their own — did not hold on as long as anyone expected. 


We were ready when they and the people of Afghanistan watched their own government collapse and their president flee amid the corruption and malfeasance, handing over the country to their enemy, the Taliban, and significantly increasing the risk to U.S. personnel and our Allies.

As a result, to safely extract American citizens before August 31st — as well as embassy personnel, Allies and partners, and those Afghans who had worked with us and fought alongside of us for 20 years — I had authorized 6,000 troops — American troops — to Kabul to help secure the airport.

As General McKenzie said, this is the way the mission was designed.  It was designed to operate under severe stress and attack.  And that’s what it did.

Since March, we reached out 19 times to Americans in Afghanistan, with multiple warnings and offers to help them leave Afghanistan — all the way back as far as March.  After we started the evacuation 17 days ago, we did initial outreach and analysis and identified around 5,000 Americans who had decided earlier to stay in Afghanistan but now wanted to leave.


Our Operation Allied Rescue [Allies Refuge] ended up getting more than 5,500 Americans out.  We got out thousands of citizens and diplomats from those countries that went into Afghanistan with us to get bin Laden.  We got out locally employed staff of the United States Embassy and their families, totaling roughly 2,500 people.  We got thousands of Afghan translators and interpreters and others, who supported the United States, out as well.

Now we believe that about 100 to 200 Americans remain in Afghanistan with some intention to leave.  Most of those who remain are dual citizens, long-time residents who had earlier decided to stay because of their family roots in Afghanistan.

The bottom line: Ninety [Ninety-eight] percent of Americans in Afghanistan who wanted to leave were able to leave.


And for those remaining Americans, there is no deadline.  We remain committed to get them out if they want to come out.  Secretary of State Blinken is leading the continued diplomatic efforts to ensure a safe passage for any American, Afghan partner, or foreign national who wants to leave Afghanistan.

In fact, just yesterday, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution that sent a clear message about what the international community expects the Taliban to deliver on moving forward, notably freedom of travel, freedom to leave.  And together, we are joined by over 100 countries that are determined to make sure the Taliban upholds those commitments.


It will include ongoing efforts in Afghanistan to reopen the airport, as well as overland routes, allowing for continued departure to those who want to leave and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

The Taliban has made public commitments, broadcast on television and radio across Afghanistan, on safe passage for anyone wanting to leave, including those who worked alongside Americans.  We don’t take them by their word alone but by their actions, and we have leverage to make sure those commitments are met.

Let me be clear: Leaving August the 31st is not due to an arbitrary deadline; it was designed to save American lives.

My predecessor, the former President, signed an agreement with the Taliban to remove U.S. troops by May the 1st, just months after I was inaugurated.  It included no requirement that the Taliban work out a cooperative governing arrangement with the Afghan government, but it did authorize the release of 5,000 prisoners last year, including some of the Taliban’s top war commanders, among those who just took control of Afghanistan.

And by the time I came to office, the Taliban was in its strongest military position since 2001, controlling or contesting nearly half of the country.

The previous administration’s agreement said that if we stuck to the May 1st deadline that they had signed on to leave by, the Taliban wouldn’t attack any American forces, but if we stayed, all bets were off.

So we were left with a simple decision: Either follow through on the commitment made by the last administration and leave Afghanistan, or say we weren’t leaving and commit another tens of thousands more troops going back to war.


That was the choice — the real choice — between leaving or escalating.

I was not going to extend this forever war, and I was not extending a forever exit.  The decision to end the military airlift operations at Kabul airport was based on the unanimous recommendation of my civilian and military advisors — the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and all the service chiefs, and the commanders in the field.


Their recommendation was that the safest way to secure the passage of the remaining Americans and others out of the country was not to continue with 6,000 troops on the ground in harm’s way in Kabul, but rather to get them out through non-military means.

In the 17 days that we operated in Kabul after the Taliban seized power, we engaged in an around-the-clock effort to provide every American the opportunity to leave.  Our State Department was working 24/7 contacting and talking, and in some cases, walking Americans into the airport. 


Again, more than 5,500 Americans were airlifted out.  And for those who remain, we will make arrangements to get them out if they so choose.

As for the Afghans, we and our partners have airlifted 100,000 of them.  No country in history has done more to airlift out the residents of another country than we have done.  We will continue to work to help more people leave the country who are at risk.  And we’re far from done.


For now, I urge all Americans to join me in grateful prayer for our troops and diplomats and intelligence officers who carried out this mission of mercy in Kabul and at tremendous risk with such unparalleled results: an airma- — an airlift that evacuated tens of thousands to a network of volunteers and veterans who helped identifies [identify] those needing evacuation, guide them to the airport, and provided them for their support along the way.

We’re going to continue to need their help.  We need your help.  And I’m looking forward to meeting with you. 


And to everyone who is now offering or who will offer to welcome Afghan allies to their homes around the world, including in America: We thank you.

I take responsibility for the decision.  Now, some say we should have started mass evacuations sooner and “Couldn’t this have be done — have been done in a more orderly manner?”  I respectfully disagree.

Imagine if we had begun evacuations in June or July, bringing in thousands of American troops and evacuating more than 120,000 people in the middle of a civil war.  There still would have been a rush to the airport, a breakdown in confidence and control of the government, and it still would have been a very difficult and dangerous mission.


The bottom line is: There is no evacuation- — evacuation from the end of a war that you can run without the kinds of complexities, challenges, and threats we faced.  None.

There are those who would say we should have stayed indefinitely for years on end.  They ask, “Why don’t we just keep doing what we were doing?  Why did we have to change anything?” 


The fact is: Everything had changed.  My predecessor had made a deal with the Taliban.  When I came into office, we faced a deadline — May 1.  The Taliban onslaught was coming.

We faced one of two choices: Follow the agreement of the previous administration and extend it to have — or extend to more time for people to get out; or send in thousands of more troops and escalate the war.

To those asking for a third decade of war in Afghanistan, I ask: What is the vital national interest?  In my view, we only have one: to make sure Afghanistan can never be used again to launch an attack on our homeland.

Remember why we went to Afghanistan in the first place?  Because we were attacked by Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda on September 11th, 2001, and they were based in Afghanistan.


We delivered justice to bin Laden on May 2nd, 2011 — over a decade ago.  Al Qaeda was decimated.


I respectfully suggest you ask yourself this question: If we had been attacked on September 11, 2001, from Yemen instead of Afghanistan, would we have ever gone to war in Afghanistan — even though the Taliban controlled Afghanistan in 2001?  I believe the honest answer is “no.”  That’s because we had no vital national interest in Afghanistan other than to prevent an attack on America’s homeland and their fr- — our friends.  And that’s true today.

We succeeded in what we set out to do in Afghanistan over a decade ago.  Then we stayed for another decade.  It was time to end this war. 


This is a new world.  The terror threat has metastasized across the world, well beyond Afghanistan.  We face threats from al-Shabaab in Somalia; al Qaeda affiliates in Syria and the Arabian Peninsula; and ISIS attempting to create a caliphate in Syria and Iraq, and establishing affiliates across Africa and Asia. 


The fundamental obligation of a President, in my opinion, is to defend and protect America — not against threats of 2001, but against the threats of 2021 and tomorrow. 

That is the guiding principle behind my decisions about Afghanistan.  I simply do not believe that the safety and security of America is enhanced by continuing to deploy thousands of American troops and spending billions of dollars a year in Afghanistan. 

But I also know that the threat from terrorism continues in its pernicious and evil nature.  But it’s changed, expanded to other countries.  Our strategy has to change too.

We will maintain the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and other countries.  We just don’t need to fight a ground war to do it.  We have what’s called over-the-horizon capabilities, which means we can strike terrorists and targets without American boots on the ground — or very few, if needed.


We’ve shown that capacity just in the last week.  We struck ISIS-K remotely, days after they murdered 13 of our servicemembers and dozens of innocent Afghans. 


And to ISIS-K: We are not done with you yet. 

As Commander-in-Chief, I firmly believe the best path to guard our safety and our security lies in a tough, unforgiving, targeted, precise strategy that goes after terror where it is today, not where it was two decades ago.  That’s what’s in our national interest. 

And here’s a critical thing to understand: The world is changing.  We’re engaged in a serious competition with China.  We’re dealing with the challenges on multiple fronts with Russia.  We’re confronted with cyberattacks and nuclear proliferation. 

We have to shore up America’s competitive[ness] to meet these new challenges in the competition for the 21st century.  And we can do both: fight terrorism and take on new threats that are here now and will continue to be here in the future. 


And there’s nothing China or Russia would rather have, would want more in this competition than the United States to be bogged down another decade in Afghanistan.

As we turn the page on the foreign policy that has guided our nat- — our nation the last two decades, we’ve got to learn from our mistakes.


To me, there are two that are paramount.  First, we must set missions with clear, achievable goals — not ones we’ll never reach.  And second, we must stay clearly focused on the fundamental national security interest of the United States of America.

This decision about Afghanistan is not just about Afghanistan.  It’s about ending an era of major military operations to remake other countries. 

We saw a mission of counterterrorism in Afghanistan — getting the terrorists and stopping attacks — morph into a counterinsurgency, nation building — trying to create a democratic, cohesive, and unified Afghanistan -– something that has never been done over the many centuries of Afghans’ [Afghanistan’s] history. 


Moving on from that mindset and those kind of large-scale troop deployments will make us stronger and more effective and safer at home. 

And for anyone who gets the wrong idea, let me say it clearly.  To those who wish America harm, to those that engage in terrorism against us and our allies, know this: The United States will never rest.  We will not forgive.  We will not forget.  We will hunt you down to the ends of the Earth, and we will — you will pay the ultimate price.

And let me be clear: We will continue to support the Afghan people through diplomacy, international influence, and humanitarian aid.  We’ll continue to push for regional diplomacy and engagement to prevent violence and instability.  We’ll continue to speak out for basic rights of the Afghan people, especially women and girls, as we speak out for women and girls all around the globe.  And I’ve been clear that human rights will be the center of our foreign policy. 


But the way to do that is not through endless military deployments, but through diplomacy, economic tools, and rallying the rest of the world for support.

My fellow Americans, the war in Afghanistan is now over.  I’m the fourth President who has faced the issue of whether and when to end this war.  When I was running for President, I made a commitment to the American people that I would end this war.  And today, I’ve honored that commitment.  It was time to be honest with the American people again.  We no longer had a clear purpose in an open-ended mission in Afghanistan. 

After 20 years of war in Afghanistan, I refused to send another generation of America’s sons and daughters to fight a war that should have ended long ago. 

After more than $2 trillion spent in Afghanistan — a cost that researchers at Brown University estimated would be over $300 million a day for 20 years in Afghanistan — for two decades — yes, the American people should hear this: $300 million a day for two decades.


If you take the number of $1 trillion, as many say, that’s still $150 million a day for two decades.  And what have we lost as a consequence in terms of opportunities?  I refused to continue in a war that was no longer in the service of the vital national interest of our people. 

And most of all, after 800,000 Americans serving in Afghanistan — I’ve traveled that whole country — brave and honorable service; after 20,744 American servicemen and women injured, and the loss of 2,461 American personnel, including 13 lives lost just this week, I refused to open another decade of warfare in Afghanistan. 


We’ve been a nation too long at war.  If you’re 20 years old today, you have never known an America at peace. 

So, when I hear that we could’ve, should’ve continued the so-called low-grade effort in Afghanistan, at low risk to our service members, at low cost, I don’t think enough people understand how much we have asked of the 1 percent of this country who put that uniform on, who are willing to put their lives on the line in defense of our nation. 


Maybe it’s because my deceased son, Beau, served in Iraq for a full year, before that.  Well, maybe it’s because of what I’ve seen over the years as senator, vice president, and president traveling these countries.


A lot of our veterans and their families have gone through hell — deployment after deployment, months and years away from their families; missed birthdays, anniversaries; empty chairs at holidays; financial struggles; divorces; loss of limbs; traumatic brain injury; posttraumatic stress. 

We see it in the struggles many have when they come home.  We see it in the strain on their families and caregivers.  We see it in the strain of their families when they’re not there.  We see it in the grief borne by their survivors.  The cost of war they will carry with them their whole lives.


Most tragically, we see it in the shocking and stunning statistic that should give pause to anyone who thinks war can ever be low-grade, low-risk, or low-cost: 18 veterans, on average, who die by suicide every single day in America — not in a far-off place, but right here in America. 


There’s nothing low-grade or low-risk or low-cost about any war.  It’s time to end the war in Afghanistan. 

As we close 20 years of war and strife and pain and sacrifice, it’s time to look to the future, not the past — to a future that’s safer, to a future that’s more secure, to a future that honors those who served and all those who gave what President Lincoln called their “last full measure of devotion.”


I give you my word: With all of my heart, I believe this is the right decision, a wise decision, and the best decision for America.


Thank you.  Thank you.  And may God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops.



Watch speech on CSPAN

President Biden Remarks on U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan

President Biden spoke about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan one day after the last U.S. service member left the country, closing out the 20-year conflict. During his speech, the president addressed his decision to stick to his August 31 deadline, arguing delaying withdrawal only posed more danger to U.S. service members and Afghans. He also spoke about America’s ability to continue to evacuate Americans that remain in the country. He vowed to continue to fight against terrorist threats in Afghanistan and around the world. The president ended his remarks outlining the cost of the war--both financial and the strain on America’s service members and their families. He did not take any questions from reporters. 

https://www.c-span.org/video/?514378-1/president-biden-defends-us-withdrawal-afghanistan


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Biden’s Afghanistan Surrender: The Day America Died

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It’s Official: Joe Biden Just Abandoned Hundreds, And Possibly Thousands, Of Americans In Afghanistan--The Federalist


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Biden Defends His Well-Planned Afghanistan Disaster

Everything that went wrong can be blamed on Trump and the Afghans, he explained.--Patriot Post


 





STATE HEADLINE NEWS


Inslee statement on end of military presence in Afghanistan.

"The last U.S. personnel departed Afghanistan yesterday, ending our 20-year engagement there. However people feel about this moment, what should resonate and unify us is our respect for the American men and women who gave Afghanistan two decades of opportunity.



Bellingham medical providers must end illegal non-compete contracts, pay $110K as a result of AG Ferguson consent decree.

BELLINGHAM — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that, as a result of his antitrust consent decree, Bellingham Anesthesia Associates (BAA) must end its illegal dominance of the local health care market and pay $110,000 in costs and fees. BAA used unlawful non-compete clauses and exclusive contracts with area medical providers to take about 90 percent of the market share for physician-administered anesthesia services in Whatcom and Skagit counties. This legally enforceable agreement requires BAA to cease illegally requiring physicians to sign three-year non-compete contracts.



COVID-19 utility moratorium ends Sept. 30; state leaders urge customers who are behind on energy and water bills to contact utilities and make a plan to keep services on.

OLYMPIA, WA — The emergency proclamation preventing shut-off of water, electricity or natural gas services is slated to end Sept. 30. It is among the many emergency measures enacted by Gov. Jay Inslee in the wake of COVID-19.



Commerce Clean Energy Fund awards grants to 18 innovative electricity grid modernization projects benefitting Washington communities.

 OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced approximately $3.9 million in grants from the state’s Clean Energy Fund for 18 electricity grid modernization projects across the state. As Washington’s utilities advance towards the state’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2045, the projects will advance a variety of renewable energy technologies and electricity system innovations.


Towards a goal of zero spills

Ongoing improvements reduce spills from cargo vessels in Puget Sound.

Washington now has the lowest spill rate in the nation from commercial vessels engaging in international and coastwise trade, calling on Puget Sound ports. Working with our partners, such as the shipping industry, federal agencies, and other stakeholders we have continued to improve the shipping system to not only safely use these waterways but also to protect the environment. Continuing the work with our partners, we are building on our environmental stewardship record and working to provide more jurisdictional clarity, proactive management, and continuous improvement and collaboration. 


Initial unemployment insurance claims for week of August 15 - 21, 2021.

OLYMPIA – During the week of August 15 to 21, there were 5,357 initial regular unemployment claims, down 3.1 percent from the prior week. Total claims filed by Washingtonians for all unemployment benefit categories numbered 275,558, down 3.5 percent from the prior week.  


WDFW announces 62 days of tentative razor clam digs in 2021.

OLYMPIA – Shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today announced 62 tentative dates for razor clam digs at beaches along the Washington coast beginning in mid-September and running through the end of the year.


From our Congressional Delegation

Cantwell Joins Bipartisan Colleagues to Call on VA to Address Impact of Afghanistan Withdrawal on Veterans’ Mental Health

Senators Press VA to Increase Outreach to Veterans of Afghanistan and the Global War on Terrorism to Provide Access to Mental Health Services and Care.


Senator Murray Statement on End of U.S. Military Presence in Afghanistan.

“While the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan has ended, our responsibility to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country, to aid those still trapped in Afghanistan, to provide the public a clear picture of the past 20 years of conflict, and to welcome our Afghan allies to the United States, has only just begun.”



Page two: Senator Murray Talks Wild Olympics with Local Leaders During Olympic National Forest Hike.

Page three: AG Ferguson: Utilities will offer payment plans, financial assistance for customers with past due accounts.


Page 4: Washington state receives $2 million SBA grant to boost small business exports.