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The Biden administration said Monday that it is creating a new task force to crack down on an explosion of the illegal exploitation of migrant children for labour in the U.S.

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U.S. President Joe Biden's administration unveiled on Thursday a long-awaited overhaul of arms export policy with increased emphasis on human rights, backing off a Trump-era policy of giving more weight to commercial concerns.

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<p>Ajay Banga, the former CEO of Mastercard was announced as the United States' choice for the position of president of the World Bank on Thursday (February 23).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Banga is "uniquely equipped to lead the World Bank at this critical moment in history", US President Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that he "has critical experience mobilising public-private resources to tackle the most urgent challenges of our time, including climate change."</p>

<p>Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Banga’s experience "will help him achieve the World Bank's objectives of eliminating extreme poverty and expanding shared prosperity while pursuing the changes needed to effectively evolve the institution," which include meeting "ambitious goals for climate adaptation and emissions reduction".</p>

<h2><strong>Everything about Ajay Banga</strong></h2>

<p>- Banga is the first Indian-born nominee for the office of World Bank president. If chosen, he would replace David Malpass, a Trump administration appointee who said he would be leaving his position in June.</p>

<p>-&nbsp;Banga was raised in India before becoming a citizen of the United States. He was born in Pune, Maharashtra, a western Indian state, on November 10, 1959. His father, Lieutenant General Harbhajan Singh Banga, was in the Indian Army.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Indian couple crowdfunds to save baby</strong></p>

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<p>- In addition to holding a variety of positions at Mastercard and on the boards of the American Red Cross, Kraft Foods, and Dow Inc., Banga, who is presently vice chairman at the private equity company General Atlantic, has more than 30 years of business expertise. In addition, he has worked with companies including Citigroup, Pepsi, and Nestle as per his LinkedIn profile.</p>

<p>-&nbsp;He served as CEO of Mastercard for 12 years before stepping down in December 2021. The company stated a goal to attract 1 billion individuals and 50 million micro and small companies during Banga's management, as reported by Moneycontrol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>- In his role as co-chair of the Partnership for Central America, a group of private sector organisations, Banga collaborated closely with US Vice President Kamala Harris to mobilise resources for Northern Central America from the governmental, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-student-visa-applications-to-open-365-days-before-start-of-academic-program-565171">US student visa applications to open 365 days before start of academic programme</a></p>

<p>- Working closely with the US government, Banga has a lot of expertise. He was chosen by then-President Barack Obama to join the President's Advisory Council on Trade Policy and Negotiations in February 2015.</p>

<p>-&nbsp;In line with Biden's statements, Banga's candidature to lead the 189-nation organisation that fights poverty intends to put climate change front and centre. Banga is renowned for openly expressing his concern about the difficulty of addressing climate change. Under his leadership as CEO, Mastercard spearheaded the effort to form the Priceless Planet Coalition in 2020, a collection of around 100 businesses dedicated to making financial contributions to stop environmental degradation.</p>

<p>- Banga is a passionate supporter of closer connections between India and the US. In 2019, he asserted that the world needs a "mahagathbandhan" of the sort represented by the Indo-US strategic relationship, and that the "two greatest democracies" can contribute to this.</p>

<h2><strong>Indians leaving their mark in the US</strong></h2>

<p>The second member of the Indian-American&nbsp;community to enter the 2024 presidential bid&nbsp;after Nikki Haley is tech&nbsp;entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. He has pledged to "put merit back" and reduce dependency on China as he launches his 2024&nbsp;campaign.</p>

<p>During a live interview with Tucker Carlson, a conservative political commentator on Fox News' prime time programme, Ramaswamy, 37, who had parents who had immigrated to the United States from Kerala, made the declaration. He worked at a General Electric factory in Ohio.</p>

<p>Just last week, YouTube announced&nbsp;Neel Mohan as the new CEO.&nbsp;Susan Wojcicki, a former Google executive who stepped down from the role&nbsp;to concentrate on her family and personal endeavours, is replaced by Mohan.</p>

<p>Mohan, her deputy and the current Chief Product Officer of YouTube, will now take over as the CEO of the company.</p>

<h2><strong>What does the World Bank do?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2012/07/26/getting_to_know_theworldbank">World Bank</a> is an international development organisation owned by 187 countries.&nbsp;Its goal is to eradicate poverty by providing financial assistance to the governments of its less wealthy members in order to boost their economies and raise the standard of life for their people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In terms of research facilities, the Bank is among the biggest in the world. It includes specialist divisions that counsel nations on issues pertaining to health, education, nutrition, finance, justice, law, and the environment.</p>

<p>The World Bank Institute, a different division of the bank, provides local research and educational facilities for local government and other official training.</p>

<p>It was founded in 1944 to aid in the post-World War II reconstruction of Europe and Japan. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is what it was formally known as (IBRD). It had 38 members when it originally started functioning in 1946. The majority of the world's countries are currently members.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ajay Banga, the former CEO of Mastercard was announced as the United States' choice for the position of president of the World Bank on Thursday (February 23). Banga is "uniquely equipped to lead the World Bank at this critical moment in history", US President Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that he "has critical experience mobilising public-private resources to tackle the most urgent challenges of our time, including climate change.

Ajay Banga, the former CEO of Mastercard was announced as the United States' choice for the position of president of the World Bank on Thursday (February 23). Banga is "uniquely equipped to lead the World Bank at this critical moment in history", US President Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that he "has critical experience mobilising public-private resources to tackle the most urgent challenges of our time, including climate change." Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Banga’s experience "will help him achieve the World Bank's objectives of eliminating extreme poverty and expanding shared prosperity while pursuing the changes needed to effectively evolve the institution," which include meeting "ambitious goals for climate adaptation and emissions reduction". Everything about Ajay Banga - Banga is the first Indian-born nominee for the office of World Bank president. If chosen, he would replace David Malpass, a Trump administration appointee who said he would be leaving his position in June. - Banga was raised in India before becoming a citizen of the United States. He was born in Pune, Maharashtra, a western Indian state, on November 10, 1959. His father, Lieutenant General Harbhajan Singh Banga, was in the Indian Army. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Indian couple crowdfunds to save baby - In addition to holding a variety of positions at Mastercard and on the boards of the American Red Cross, Kraft Foods, and Dow Inc., Banga, who is presently vice chairman at the private equity company General Atlantic, has more than 30 years of business expertise. In addition, he has worked with companies including Citigroup, Pepsi, and Nestle as per his LinkedIn profile. - He served as CEO of Mastercard for 12 years before stepping down in December 2021. The company stated a goal to attract 1 billion individuals and 50 million micro and small companies during Banga's management, as reported by Moneycontrol. - In his role as co-chair of the Partnership for Central America, a group of private sector organisations, Banga collaborated closely with US Vice President Kamala Harris to mobilise resources for Northern Central America from the governmental, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. ALSO READ | US student visa applications to open 365 days before start of academic programme - Working closely with the US government, Banga has a lot of expertise. He was chosen by then-President Barack Obama to join the President's Advisory Council on Trade Policy and Negotiations in February 2015. - In line with Biden's statements, Banga's candidature to lead the 189-nation organisation that fights poverty intends to put climate change front and centre. Banga is renowned for openly expressing his concern about the difficulty of addressing climate change. Under his leadership as CEO, Mastercard spearheaded the effort to form the Priceless Planet Coalition in 2020, a collection of around 100 businesses dedicated to making financial contributions to stop environmental degradation. - Banga is a passionate supporter of closer connections between India and the US. In 2019, he asserted that the world needs a "mahagathbandhan" of the sort represented by the Indo-US strategic relationship, and that the "two greatest democracies" can contribute to this. Indians leaving their mark in the US The second member of the Indian-American community to enter the 2024 presidential bid after Nikki Haley is tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. He has pledged to "put merit back" and reduce dependency on China as he launches his 2024 campaign. During a live interview with Tucker Carlson, a conservative political commentator on Fox News' prime time programme, Ramaswamy, 37, who had parents who had immigrated to the United States from Kerala, made the declaration. He worked at a General Electric factory in Ohio. Just last week, YouTube announced Neel Mohan as the new CEO. Susan Wojcicki, a former Google executive who stepped down from the role to concentrate on her family and personal endeavours, is replaced by Mohan. Mohan, her deputy and the current Chief Product Officer of YouTube, will now take over as the CEO of the company. What does the World Bank do? The World Bank is an international development organisation owned by 187 countries. Its goal is to eradicate poverty by providing financial assistance to the governments of its less wealthy members in order to boost their economies and raise the standard of life for their people. In terms of research facilities, the Bank is among the biggest in the world. It includes specialist divisions that counsel nations on issues pertaining to health, education, nutrition, finance, justice, law, and the environment. The World Bank Institute, a different division of the bank, provides local research and educational facilities for local government and other official training. It was founded in 1944 to aid in the post-World War II reconstruction of Europe and Japan. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is what it was formally known as (IBRD). It had 38 members when it originally started functioning in 1946. The majority of the world's countries are currently members. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EXPLAINED | Everything about Ajay Banga, Indian-American executive nominated to lead the World Bank

President Joe Biden reaffirmed the United States' dedication to European security as he met with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Tuesday, part of a series of consultations with allies to prepare for an even more complicated stage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Biden meets Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda

U.S. President Joe Biden addresses the public from Warsaw during visit to Poland to mark the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks from Warsaw

Fresh from an unannounced visit to Ukraine, President Joe Biden rallied NATO allies in Poland on Tuesday, proclaiming "unwavering" support for Kyiv and a commitment to bolstering the alliance's eastern flank.

Biden in Poland, to meet NATO Allies

Biden to in Poland, to meet NATO Allies

<p>If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit&nbsp;to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week.</p>

<p>This is not exactly a happy marriage for us to be celebrating anniversaries but there is much in Biden's body language that invites dark humour. There's a lot that it did not reveal, including the complicated nature of the situation that has put all of Europe in economic and political turmoil, apart from the United States' own poor track record as a global supercop.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Biden declares ‘Kyiv stands’ in surprise visit to Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>The imagery of refugees literally falling off a flying aircraft while trying to escape the return of the Taliban after the departure of US troops from Afghanistan will remain as rich as that of the naked girl running after a Vietnam War bombing incident. Both are photographs that tell us of flaming American failure. Diplomatic hell paved with Uncle Sam's good intentions can make many a historian or military expert's career. But peace? No, sir.</p>

<p>Biden walking the streets of Kyiv and patting President Volodymyr Zelensky on the back like a patronising baseball coach would have looked good had this been an American university playoff. Sadly, this is a different arena far removed from the Transatlantic insurance that an ocean in the middle offers for the wonks at the State Department. &nbsp;Joe Biden is not GI Joe. There is no American blood falling on Ukraine's fertile soil.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/biden-in-ukraine-a-perfect-photo-op-but-why-now-is-it-too-little-too-late-563977">Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late?</a></strong></p>

<p>The big question is: Who will bell the cat a.k.a. Vladimir Putin? As things stand, the Russia-Ukraine war is in a situation that would in typical diplospeak be described as a stalemate, logjam or gridlock. There is no end in sight, and there is no clue on what is going on inside Putin's mind, as Biden himself elegantly admitted. &nbsp;Somalia, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Iran stand testimony to the limits of a lapsed superpower. But I would not waste words like 'stalemate' on a situation where blood is flowing every day. Moscow and Europe have economic guns pointing to each other's head thanks to the fuel linkages and geographic proximity between the two. Putin's hold over his country shows no sign of weakening significantly. Moscow cannot capture Kyiv or the hearts of Ukrainians. Putin's stated military objective of "de-Nazification" of Ukraine is either non-existent or was achieved months ago. In the practical world of wise diplomacy, Putin would be offered an honourable exit with some assurances so that sovereign Ukraine can resume its poise without everyday bloodshed or constant fear. That might also lead to loud sighs of relief from Scandinavia. For all that, what we need is enlightened diplomacy, not bumbling bravado.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/ukraine-and-pakistan-friends-enemies-or-frenemies-564017">Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies?</a></strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi came closest to a somewhat credible response when he muttered something about this not being an era of wars to Putin. Was that a flash in the diplomatic pan? The smartest thing would now be for beleaguered European Union or its prime economic engine, Germany, to reach out to India and do something meaningful to truly figure out what Putin wants and give him an honourable exit and/or assurance package. &nbsp;India's G-20 presidency offers a pinhole for light to enter the dark tunnel behind Biden's photogenic overtures. India's rivalry or coldness towards China, and Beijing's own reticence in being too involved in things away from its borders may well earn some brownie points for it to bridge a horrible trust deficit between the West and Moscow. Involving Japan in the equation might give peace a further nudge.</p>

<p>There is a limit to which a neutral country can get involved in this, but the EU, Scandinavia, Russia and Ukraine itself have the most skin in the game and therefore the imperative for action. &nbsp;India can perhaps walk its talk as the voice of the Global South in the G-20 grouping by actually talking to the real Global South -- the vast comity of nations in the UN General Assembly below the glass ceiling above which sits the fractured Security Council whose influential members are inept powers lacking credibility or a spirit of consensus.</p>

<p>Giving peace a chance may be a better idea than war games behind glossy photo ops.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week.

If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week. This is not exactly a happy marriage for us to be celebrating anniversaries but there is much in Biden's body language that invites dark humour. There's a lot that it did not reveal, including the complicated nature of the situation that has put all of Europe in economic and political turmoil, apart from the United States' own poor track record as a global supercop. Watch | Biden declares ‘Kyiv stands’ in surprise visit to Ukraine × The imagery of refugees literally falling off a flying aircraft while trying to escape the return of the Taliban after the departure of US troops from Afghanistan will remain as rich as that of the naked girl running after a Vietnam War bombing incident. Both are photographs that tell us of flaming American failure. Diplomatic hell paved with Uncle Sam's good intentions can make many a historian or military expert's career. But peace? No, sir. Biden walking the streets of Kyiv and patting President Volodymyr Zelensky on the back like a patronising baseball coach would have looked good had this been an American university playoff. Sadly, this is a different arena far removed from the Transatlantic insurance that an ocean in the middle offers for the wonks at the State Department. Joe Biden is not GI Joe. There is no American blood falling on Ukraine's fertile soil. Also Read | Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late? The big question is: Who will bell the cat a.k.a. Vladimir Putin? As things stand, the Russia-Ukraine war is in a situation that would in typical diplospeak be described as a stalemate, logjam or gridlock. There is no end in sight, and there is no clue on what is going on inside Putin's mind, as Biden himself elegantly admitted. Somalia, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Iran stand testimony to the limits of a lapsed superpower. But I would not waste words like 'stalemate' on a situation where blood is flowing every day. Moscow and Europe have economic guns pointing to each other's head thanks to the fuel linkages and geographic proximity between the two. Putin's hold over his country shows no sign of weakening significantly. Moscow cannot capture Kyiv or the hearts of Ukrainians. Putin's stated military objective of "de-Nazification" of Ukraine is either non-existent or was achieved months ago. In the practical world of wise diplomacy, Putin would be offered an honourable exit with some assurances so that sovereign Ukraine can resume its poise without everyday bloodshed or constant fear. That might also lead to loud sighs of relief from Scandinavia. For all that, what we need is enlightened diplomacy, not bumbling bravado. Also Read | Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies? Prime Minister Narendra Modi came closest to a somewhat credible response when he muttered something about this not being an era of wars to Putin. Was that a flash in the diplomatic pan? The smartest thing would now be for beleaguered European Union or its prime economic engine, Germany, to reach out to India and do something meaningful to truly figure out what Putin wants and give him an honourable exit and/or assurance package. India's G-20 presidency offers a pinhole for light to enter the dark tunnel behind Biden's photogenic overtures. India's rivalry or coldness towards China, and Beijing's own reticence in being too involved in things away from its borders may well earn some brownie points for it to bridge a horrible trust deficit between the West and Moscow. Involving Japan in the equation might give peace a further nudge. There is a limit to which a neutral country can get involved in this, but the EU, Scandinavia, Russia and Ukraine itself have the most skin in the game and therefore the imperative for action. India can perhaps walk its talk as the voice of the Global South in the G-20 grouping by actually talking to the real Global South -- the vast comity of nations in the UN General Assembly below the glass ceiling above which sits the fractured Security Council whose influential members are inept powers lacking credibility or a spirit of consensus. Giving peace a chance may be a better idea than war games behind glossy photo ops. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Biden gives war a chance in Kyiv, but it is time to talk peace in Ukraine

WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis and brings you a quick round-up of all the top headlines and breakings from all across the world.

Job fairs make a comeback in China: Floods case havoc  in Brazil's Southeast

U.S. President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to Kyiv today, promising President Volodymyr Zelensky that Washington would stand with Ukraine as long as it takes, in a strong show of support ahead of the war's one-year anniversary.

Joe Biden pledges $500 Million to support Ukraine against Russia

Air raid sirens wailed across the Ukrainian capital Kyiv as U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited St Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral.

Air raid sirens wail in Kyiv as Biden visits

On December 6, Trump announced that he was breaking with two decades of United States presidential policy by recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moving the US embassy there. He also said the move was "not intended, in any way, to reflect a departure from our strong commitment to facilitate a lasting peace agreement".

The U.S.' No Talk No Action' Policy at play again

Ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia's war in Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has landed in Kyiv on a surprise visit. This is his first visit to Ukraine since Russia invaded the European country on 24 February last year.

U.S President Biden's surprise Kyiv visit

President Joe Biden paid an unannounced visit to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a defiant display of Western solidarity with a country still fighting what he called “a brutal and unjust war” days before the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

Biden declares ‘Kyiv stands’ in surprise visit to Ukraine

US president Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday in a dramatic show of American commitment to Ukraine ahead of the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Biden vows ‘unwavering support’ for Ukraine during surprise visit to Kyiv

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that he and U.S. President Joe Biden will discuss possibly increasing U.S. troop presence in Poland and making it more permanent during Biden's upcoming visit to Warsaw.

Biden to discuss more troops in upcoming visit, Polish PM says

In pics | Joe Biden pays surprise visit to Kyiv, ahead of Russia-Ukraine war anniversary

Amidst blaring air raid sirens and fears of a Russian offensive, US President Joe Biden reached Ukraine's Kyiv in an unannounced visit.

Joe Biden’s surprise visit to Ukraine

Days before the first anniversary of the Ukraine War, US President Joe Biden arrived in Ukrainian capital Kyiv and met President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ukraine: Biden arrives in Kyiv on surprise visit

U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to visit Poland this month to mark the one year anniversary of the Ukraine war. Biden will meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda during his visit.

Biden to visit Poland to mark first anniversary of Ukraine war

<p>United States President Joe Biden, late Saturday (February 11) hosted both Republican and Democratic governors for a black-tie event at the White House, during which he appealed to them to work across political divides for improving American lives and rebuilding the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruptions caused by it. The dinner at the White House was attended by the members of the National Governors Association for the first time during the Biden administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’re the United States of America. We can get big things done if we do it together,” said the US President while addressing Vice President Kamala Harris, 31 governors which also included both associations’ leaders, Republican Governor, Spencer Cox of Utah and Democratic Governor, Phil Murphy of New Jersey at the State Dining Room. Biden referred to some of the recent laws around investing in infrastructure and domestic manufacture of semiconductors by both parties as evidence of “some bipartisan progress”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I think when we work together it works,”&nbsp;said Biden, adding that he’d work on being “a little bit less partisan” and also praised the work done by the governors. He also spoke about how while Republicans and Democrats may not always agree, but when they work together it has made a difference. Notably, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida did not attend the event.</p>

<p>The dinner for the governors is typically hosted at the White House but was held last year at&nbsp;Mount Vernon, George Washington’s Virginia estate and virtually in 2021 due to COVID-19 making this the first one of the Biden administration. “It’s symbolic to have Republicans and Democrats breaking bread together,”&nbsp;said Utah governor Cox. He added, “This is what is missing in our country. It's hard to hate up close.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Republican vice-chair of the National Governors Association also spoke about how even Americans want to see more collaboration across the political aisle. He also thanked the US President and First Lady, Jill Biden before introducing his Democratic counterpart Murphy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Country-western singer Brad Paisley also performed at the event and played his song “American Saturday Night”. After the dinner, Paisley told the crowd that he swapped out the second line which mentions Russia because “I don't do that anymore,” reported Reuters.</p>

<p>Additionally, Biden, who does not drink alcohol, gave a toast with his left hand, something that was told to him by his grandfather, he explained, when you don’t have alcohol in the glass. Similarly, Cox, who also does not drink, followed suit, telling the room it was ginger ale, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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United States President Joe Biden, late Saturday (February 11) hosted both Republican and Democratic governors for a black-tie event at the White House, during which he appealed to them to work across political divides for improving American lives and rebuilding the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruptions caused by it.

United States President Joe Biden, late Saturday (February 11) hosted both Republican and Democratic governors for a black-tie event at the White House, during which he appealed to them to work across political divides for improving American lives and rebuilding the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruptions caused by it. The dinner at the White House was attended by the members of the National Governors Association for the first time during the Biden administration. “We’re the United States of America. We can get big things done if we do it together,” said the US President while addressing Vice President Kamala Harris, 31 governors which also included both associations’ leaders, Republican Governor, Spencer Cox of Utah and Democratic Governor, Phil Murphy of New Jersey at the State Dining Room. Biden referred to some of the recent laws around investing in infrastructure and domestic manufacture of semiconductors by both parties as evidence of “some bipartisan progress”. “I think when we work together it works,” said Biden, adding that he’d work on being “a little bit less partisan” and also praised the work done by the governors. He also spoke about how while Republicans and Democrats may not always agree, but when they work together it has made a difference. Notably, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida did not attend the event. The dinner for the governors is typically hosted at the White House but was held last year at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s Virginia estate and virtually in 2021 due to COVID-19 making this the first one of the Biden administration. “It’s symbolic to have Republicans and Democrats breaking bread together,” said Utah governor Cox. He added, “This is what is missing in our country. It's hard to hate up close.” The Republican vice-chair of the National Governors Association also spoke about how even Americans want to see more collaboration across the political aisle. He also thanked the US President and First Lady, Jill Biden before introducing his Democratic counterpart Murphy. Country-western singer Brad Paisley also performed at the event and played his song “American Saturday Night”. After the dinner, Paisley told the crowd that he swapped out the second line which mentions Russia because “I don't do that anymore,” reported Reuters. Additionally, Biden, who does not drink alcohol, gave a toast with his left hand, something that was told to him by his grandfather, he explained, when you don’t have alcohol in the glass. Similarly, Cox, who also does not drink, followed suit, telling the room it was ginger ale, reported the Associated Press. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US President Biden hosts Democrats, Republican governors at White House lauds ‘bipartisan progress’

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