US President Joe Biden on Thursday expanded a blacklist of Chinese firms that are off-limits to American investors over their links to Beijing's "military-industrial complex," in a sign of Washington's continued pressure campaign against China.

Former US President Donald Trump had prohibited Americans from buying stakes in 31 Chinese companies that were deemed to be supplying or supporting China's military and security apparatus, and Biden's move expands the blacklist to 59.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-review-donald-trumps-china-investment-blacklist-report-389225">Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report</a>

The latest batch of sanctions target companies involved in Chinese surveillance technology used to "facilitate repression or serious human rights abuses," which "undermine the security or democratic values of the United States and our allies," according to a White House statement.

The initial list published under Trump included major telecoms, construction and technology firms such as China Mobile, China Telecom, video surveillance firm Hikvision, and China Railway Construction Corp.

It was among a series of measures by the White House aimed at the Asian giant, which have left ties between the two countries severely strained.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-blacklist-dozens-of-chinese-firms-including-smic-report-says-350642">US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says</a>

Before the US order was released, Beijing repeated its outrage at the Trump-era blacklist Thursday and vowed to protect Chinese companies' rights, claiming the blacklist was "politically motivated" and "ignores the facts and actual situation" of the firms involved.

The ban "severely undermines normal market rules and order" and "damages... the interests of global investors, including US investors," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine briefing.

Previously, the sanctions and choice of targets were tied to a congressionally mandated Defense Department report.

While the Biden administration has pledged to take a more diplomatic line with China following the upheaval of his predecessor, he has said he will keep to a strict line on several issues including defense and technology.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-delays-chinese-investment-bans-impact-on-certain-firms-359737">US delays Chinese investment ban's impact on certain firms</a>

A tough line on China has rare cross-party support in Congress, with lawmakers determined to keep a lid on its growing global clout.

Republican senators Tom Cotton and Marco Rubio, alongside Democrats Gary Peters and Mark Kelly, published a bi-partisan letter earlier this week urging the administration to publish a new list.

"The US government must continue to act boldly in blocking the Chinese Communist Party's economic predation against our industrial base," they said.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday expanded a blacklist of Chinese firms that are off-limits to American investors over their links to Beijing's "military-industrial complex," in a sign of Washington's continued pressure campaign against China.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday expanded a blacklist of Chinese firms that are off-limits to American investors over their links to Beijing's "military-industrial complex," in a sign of Washington's continued pressure campaign against China. Former US President Donald Trump had prohibited Americans from buying stakes in 31 Chinese companies that were deemed to be supplying or supporting China's military and security apparatus, and Biden's move expands the blacklist to 59. Also Read | Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report The latest batch of sanctions target companies involved in Chinese surveillance technology used to "facilitate repression or serious human rights abuses," which "undermine the security or democratic values of the United States and our allies," according to a White House statement. The initial list published under Trump included major telecoms, construction and technology firms such as China Mobile, China Telecom, video surveillance firm Hikvision, and China Railway Construction Corp. It was among a series of measures by the White House aimed at the Asian giant, which have left ties between the two countries severely strained. Also Read | US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says Before the US order was released, Beijing repeated its outrage at the Trump-era blacklist Thursday and vowed to protect Chinese companies' rights, claiming the blacklist was "politically motivated" and "ignores the facts and actual situation" of the firms involved. The ban "severely undermines normal market rules and order" and "damages... the interests of global investors, including US investors," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine briefing. Previously, the sanctions and choice of targets were tied to a congressionally mandated Defense Department report. While the Biden administration has pledged to take a more diplomatic line with China following the upheaval of his predecessor, he has said he will keep to a strict line on several issues including defense and technology. Also Read | US delays Chinese investment ban's impact on certain firms A tough line on China has rare cross-party support in Congress, with lawmakers determined to keep a lid on its growing global clout. Republican senators Tom Cotton and Marco Rubio, alongside Democrats Gary Peters and Mark Kelly, published a bi-partisan letter earlier this week urging the administration to publish a new list. "The US government must continue to act boldly in blocking the Chinese Communist Party's economic predation against our industrial base," they said.

Joe Biden blacklists 28 more Chinese firms to investors, says White House

US President Joe Biden marked the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre that destroyed a thriving Black community in Oklahoma City, declaring that he had "come to fill the silence" about one of the country's darkest and long-suppressed moments of racial violence.

100 years of the Tulsa massacre

The revised list includes companies that Washington alleges contribute to surveillance of religious and ethnic minorities or to repression and “serious human rights abuses”.

Biden widens list of Chinese firms off-limits for investment

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;signed an executive order on Thursday that bans US entities from investing in dozens of Chinese companies with alleged ties to defence or surveillance technology sectors.<o:p></o:p>

The move, which his administration says expands the scope of a legally flawed Trump-era order, drew anger from Beijing.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-blacklists-28-more-chinese-firms-to-investors-says-white-house-389330">Joe Biden blacklists 28 more Chinese firms to investors, says White House</a>

<o:p></o:p>

The Treasury Department will enforce and update on a "rolling basis" the new list of about 59 companies, which bars buying or selling publicly traded securities in target companies, and replaces an earlier list from the Department of Defense, senior administration officials told reporters.<o:p></o:p>

The order prevents US investment from supporting the Chinese military-industrial complex, as well as military, intelligence, and security research and development programs,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said in the order.<o:p></o:p>

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-review-donald-trumps-china-investment-blacklist-report-389225">Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report</a><o:p></o:p>

"In addition, I find that the use of Chinese surveillance technology outside the PRC and the development or use of Chinese surveillance technology to facilitate repression or serious human rights abuse constitute unusual and extraordinary threats,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China.<o:p></o:p>

Major Chinese firms included on the previous Defense Department list were also placed on the updated list, including Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), China Mobile Communications Group, China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co Ltd, Huawei Technologies Ltd and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC).<o:p></o:p>

SMIC is key to China's national drive to boost its domestic chip sector.

<o:p></o:p>

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-blacklist-dozens-of-chinese-firms-including-smic-report-says-350642">US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says</a>

"We fully expect that in the months ahead ... we'll be adding additional companies to the new executive order's restrictions," one of the senior officials said.<o:p></o:p>

A second official told reporters that the inclusion of Chinese surveillance technology companies expanded the scope of the Trump administration's initial order last year, which the White House argues was carelessly drafted, leaving it open to court challenges.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-defines-his-underlying-challenge-with-china-prove-democracy-works-373763">Biden defines his underlying challenge with China: ‘Prove democracy works’</a></o:p>

"The US government is stretching the concept of national security, abusing national power and using every possible means to suppress and restrict Chinese enterprises," said Wang Wenbin, a spokesman at the Chinese foreign ministry.<o:p></o:p>

"We are firmly opposed to this," Wang told reporters at a regular briefing on Friday, urging the United States to withdraw the list.

<o:p></o:p>

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-delays-chinese-investment-bans-impact-on-certain-firms-359737">US delays Chinese investment ban's impact on certain firms</a>

Biden&nbsp;has been reviewing a number of aspects of US policy toward China, and his administration had extended a deadline for implementation set by former President Donald Trump's order while it crafted its new policy framework.<o:p></o:p>

The move is part of&nbsp;Biden's broader series of steps to counter China, including reinforcing US alliances and pursuing large domestic investments to bolster American economic competitiveness, amid increasingly sour relations between the world's two biggest economies.<o:p></o:p>

Biden's Indo-Pacific policy coordinator, Kurt Campbell, said last month that a period of engagement with China had come to an end and that the dominant paradigm in bilateral ties going forward would be one of competition.<o:p></o:p>

Senior officials said the Treasury Department would give guidance later on what the scope of surveillance technology means, including whether companies are facilitating "repression or serious human rights abuses."

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-biden-faces-pressure-to-stand-up-to-china-by-embracing-taiwan-345058">After Trump, Biden faces pressure to stand up to China by embracing Taiwan</a></o:p>

"We really want to make sure that any future prohibitions are on legally solid ground. So, our first listings really reflect that," a second senior administration official said.<o:p></o:p>

Chinese investors shrugged off the list, with most of the stocks named, including newly-added ones, making gains on Friday morning.<o:p></o:p>

Wu Kan, portfolio manager at Soochow Securities Co, said listed companies were in vital industries such as defence and semiconductors and would get government support, making them investment opportunities.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/that-was-fast-blowups-with-china-and-russia-in-bidens-first-60-days-372054">That was fast: Blowups with China and Russia in Biden’s first 60 days</a></o:p>

"China has given up illusions and is fully prepared for decoupling in those strategic sectors that relate to national security...so the new ban list is not really a surprise," he said.<o:p></o:p>

Time to 'Unwind'<o:p></o:p>

Investors would have time to "unwind" investments, a third official said.<o:p></o:p>

The order said the ban would take effect on Aug. 2 for those companies currently listed. US investors would still have 365 days from the date of this or future listings to make transactions for the purpose of divesting, and while it was not required, divesting later than 365 days after listing would be prohibited without authorization.<o:p></o:p>

The new list, while overall adding about 10 publicly listed companies, provided few surprises for investors looking to see if they need to unload even more Chinese stocks and bonds.<o:p></o:p>

Not included, however, were some previously identified companies, such as Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC), which is spearheading efforts to compete with Boeing Co and Airbus, and two that challenged the ban in court, Gowin Semiconductor Corp and Luokung Technology Corp.<o:p></o:p>

Sinochem, on the earlier list, was also dropped.<o:p></o:p>

In May, a judge signed an order removing the designation on Chinese mobile phone maker Xiaomi, which was among the more high-profile Chinese technology companies that the Trump administration targeted for alleged ties to China's military.<o:p></o:p>

Stewart Baker, a former Department of Homeland Security official, said the Treasury's "settled regulatory and legal regime" made it a better place than the Defense Department to enforce the ban.<o:p></o:p>

"This follows in a growing tradition of the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration coming along and saying: 'Trump was right in principle and wrong in execution, and we'll fix that,'" Baker said.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Thursday that bans US entities from investing in dozens of Chinese companies with alleged ties to defence or surveillance technology sectors.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Thursday that bans US entities from investing in dozens of Chinese companies with alleged ties to defence or surveillance technology sectors. The move, which his administration says expands the scope of a legally flawed Trump-era order, drew anger from Beijing. Also Read | Joe Biden blacklists 28 more Chinese firms to investors, says White House The Treasury Department will enforce and update on a "rolling basis" the new list of about 59 companies, which bars buying or selling publicly traded securities in target companies, and replaces an earlier list from the Department of Defense, senior administration officials told reporters. The order prevents US investment from supporting the Chinese military-industrial complex, as well as military, intelligence, and security research and development programs, Biden said in the order. Also Read | Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report "In addition, I find that the use of Chinese surveillance technology outside the PRC and the development or use of Chinese surveillance technology to facilitate repression or serious human rights abuse constitute unusual and extraordinary threats," Biden said, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China. Major Chinese firms included on the previous Defense Department list were also placed on the updated list, including Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), China Mobile Communications Group, China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co Ltd, Huawei Technologies Ltd and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC). SMIC is key to China's national drive to boost its domestic chip sector. Also Read | US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says "We fully expect that in the months ahead ... we'll be adding additional companies to the new executive order's restrictions," one of the senior officials said. A second official told reporters that the inclusion of Chinese surveillance technology companies expanded the scope of the Trump administration's initial order last year, which the White House argues was carelessly drafted, leaving it open to court challenges. Also Read | Biden defines his underlying challenge with China: ‘Prove democracy works’ "The US government is stretching the concept of national security, abusing national power and using every possible means to suppress and restrict Chinese enterprises," said Wang Wenbin, a spokesman at the Chinese foreign ministry. "We are firmly opposed to this," Wang told reporters at a regular briefing on Friday, urging the United States to withdraw the list. Also Read | US delays Chinese investment ban's impact on certain firms Biden has been reviewing a number of aspects of US policy toward China, and his administration had extended a deadline for implementation set by former President Donald Trump's order while it crafted its new policy framework. The move is part of Biden's broader series of steps to counter China, including reinforcing US alliances and pursuing large domestic investments to bolster American economic competitiveness, amid increasingly sour relations between the world's two biggest economies. Biden's Indo-Pacific policy coordinator, Kurt Campbell, said last month that a period of engagement with China had come to an end and that the dominant paradigm in bilateral ties going forward would be one of competition. Senior officials said the Treasury Department would give guidance later on what the scope of surveillance technology means, including whether companies are facilitating "repression or serious human rights abuses." Also Read | After Trump, Biden faces pressure to stand up to China by embracing Taiwan "We really want to make sure that any future prohibitions are on legally solid ground. So, our first listings really reflect that," a second senior administration official said. Chinese investors shrugged off the list, with most of the stocks named, including newly-added ones, making gains on Friday morning. Wu Kan, portfolio manager at Soochow Securities Co, said listed companies were in vital industries such as defence and semiconductors and would get government support, making them investment opportunities. Also Read | That was fast: Blowups with China and Russia in Biden’s first 60 days "China has given up illusions and is fully prepared for decoupling in those strategic sectors that relate to national security...so the new ban list is not really a surprise," he said. Time to 'Unwind' Investors would have time to "unwind" investments, a third official said. The order said the ban would take effect on Aug. 2 for those companies currently listed. US investors would still have 365 days from the date of this or future listings to make transactions for the purpose of divesting, and while it was not required, divesting later than 365 days after listing would be prohibited without authorization. The new list, while overall adding about 10 publicly listed companies, provided few surprises for investors looking to see if they need to unload even more Chinese stocks and bonds. Not included, however, were some previously identified companies, such as Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC), which is spearheading efforts to compete with Boeing Co and Airbus, and two that challenged the ban in court, Gowin Semiconductor Corp and Luokung Technology Corp. Sinochem, on the earlier list, was also dropped. In May, a judge signed an order removing the designation on Chinese mobile phone maker Xiaomi, which was among the more high-profile Chinese technology companies that the Trump administration targeted for alleged ties to China's military. Stewart Baker, a former Department of Homeland Security official, said the Treasury's "settled regulatory and legal regime" made it a better place than the Defense Department to enforce the ban. "This follows in a growing tradition of the Biden administration coming along and saying: 'Trump was right in principle and wrong in execution, and we'll fix that,'" Baker said.

Biden order bans investment in dozens of Chinese defence, tech firms

The United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said that US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> had made a "commitment" that Washington will give <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> to India. His comments come even as US on Thursday announced that India will get US Covid vaccines via Covax facility and directly as well in the first tranche of 25 million doses announced for the international community.

"The President made a commitment to ensure that India received doses and giving them, not just an allocation under the regional portion of this, through Covax, but an additional allocation from our discretionary portion was something that he wanted to do,"&nbsp;Sullivan said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-distribute-80-million-vaccine-doses-through-covax-india-included-in-list-white-house-389263" hreflang="en">US to distribute 80 million vaccine doses through Covax; India included in list: White House</a>

India is the only country which gets the US vaccines both ways. The US will be sharing a total of 80 million doses by the end of June. This represents 13 per cent of the total vaccines produced by the US by the end of this month.

"Our approach prioritises South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Nepal, the Philippines, and others that are undergoing surges right now," NSA explained. He also highlighted that the&nbsp;"portion of those doses will go to India, which has, obviously, dealt with a surge, and we've seen the gripping images coming from that country."

In all, the US will give 25 million vaccines to more than 35 countries and three entities — West Bank and Gaza, Kosovo and Taiwan and United Nations frontline workers. The 25 million will be comprised of the three approved — EUA-approved authorised vaccines — some combination of Johnson &amp; Johnson, Pfizer, and Moderna.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-i-was-right-about-wuhan-lab-leak-demands-10-trillion-penalty-from-china-389378" hreflang="en">Trump says 'I was right about Wuhan lab leak'; demands $10 trillion penalty from China</a>

Both India and the US are working to enhance vaccine production, especially under the Quad covid vaccine initiative. The first virtual Quad summit took place on March 12, in which leaders of the US, India, Japan and Australia had met and key outcome was the vaccine initiative under which India will be the production hub.

"Increased manufacturing capacity in India (volume of capacity)..has the potential to be a game changer well beyond India’s borders, and that’s precisely why (the) arrangement was reached and announced in the context of the Quad,"&nbsp;Ned Price, US State Department spokesperson said.

Amid the pandemic, the US had reached out to India with assistance. The US sent 20,000 courses of Remdesivir, 1,500 oxygen cylinders, 550 mobile oxygen concentrators, one million rapid diagnostic tests, 2.5 million N95 masks, large-scale Deployable Oxygen Concentration System that can provide oxygen to treat 20 or more patients and 210 pulse oximeters.

The US had sent six planes to India to deal with the covid crisis in the month of May and according to USAID, US Government assistance to combat the current crisis is about $100 million.

Price pointed out that "virtually no element of Indian society has been left untouched by this horrible, horrible scourge" and "together between the US government contributions as well as private sector contributions, we have seen some half a billion dollars in support go to India in its time of need."

The United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said that US President Joe Biden had made a "commitment" that Washington will give coronavirus vaccines to India.

The United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said that US President Joe Biden had made a "commitment" that Washington will give coronavirus vaccines to India. His comments come even as US on Thursday announced that India will get US Covid vaccines via Covax facility and directly as well in the first tranche of 25 million doses announced for the international community. "The President made a commitment to ensure that India received doses and giving them, not just an allocation under the regional portion of this, through Covax, but an additional allocation from our discretionary portion was something that he wanted to do," Sullivan said. Also read | US to distribute 80 million vaccine doses through Covax; India included in list: White House India is the only country which gets the US vaccines both ways. The US will be sharing a total of 80 million doses by the end of June. This represents 13 per cent of the total vaccines produced by the US by the end of this month. "Our approach prioritises South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Nepal, the Philippines, and others that are undergoing surges right now," NSA explained. He also highlighted that the "portion of those doses will go to India, which has, obviously, dealt with a surge, and we've seen the gripping images coming from that country." In all, the US will give 25 million vaccines to more than 35 countries and three entities — West Bank and Gaza, Kosovo and Taiwan and United Nations frontline workers. The 25 million will be comprised of the three approved — EUA-approved authorised vaccines — some combination of Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Moderna. Also read | Trump says 'I was right about Wuhan lab leak'; demands $10 trillion penalty from China Both India and the US are working to enhance vaccine production, especially under the Quad covid vaccine initiative. The first virtual Quad summit took place on March 12, in which leaders of the US, India, Japan and Australia had met and key outcome was the vaccine initiative under which India will be the production hub. "Increased manufacturing capacity in India (volume of capacity)..has the potential to be a game changer well beyond India’s borders, and that’s precisely why (the) arrangement was reached and announced in the context of the Quad," Ned Price, US State Department spokesperson said. Amid the pandemic, the US had reached out to India with assistance. The US sent 20,000 courses of Remdesivir, 1,500 oxygen cylinders, 550 mobile oxygen concentrators, one million rapid diagnostic tests, 2.5 million N95 masks, large-scale Deployable Oxygen Concentration System that can provide oxygen to treat 20 or more patients and 210 pulse oximeters. The US had sent six planes to India to deal with the covid crisis in the month of May and according to USAID, US Government assistance to combat the current crisis is about $100 million. Price pointed out that "virtually no element of Indian society has been left untouched by this horrible, horrible scourge" and "together between the US government contributions as well as private sector contributions, we have seen some half a billion dollars in support go to India in its time of need."

Joe Biden made commitment to send vaccines to India, says US NSA

The Joe Biden administration announced its framework for sharing at least 80 million US vaccine doses globally by the end of June and the plan for the first 25 million doses.

Biden administration unveils strategy for global vaccine sharing

US President Joe Biden will this week, overhaul the list of Chinese firms that US investors are allowed to own shares in. Biden is re-evaluating world powers' relationship with China in post-Trump era. He is aiming to do so while maintaining pressure on Beijing.

Trump, during his term as US President had barred Americans from buying shares in 31 Chinese companies that were seen by the US to be supplying or supporting China's military and security apparatus. These companies include major telecom firms, technology and construction firms such as China mobile, China Telecom, video surveillance firm Hikvision, and China Railway Construction Corp.

It was among a series of measures by the White House aimed at quelling the Asian giant's rise and which has left ties between the two severely strained.

Now, the Treasury Department will create a list of firms that'll be hit with financial penalties for links with Chinese defence and surveillance technology sectors, Bloomberg News reported without citing sources. The president is expected to sign the order this week, it added.

Previously, the sanctions and choice of targets were tied to a congressionally mandated Defense Department report.

The review from Biden administration has come after two Chinese successfully challenged the order in court, and Biden said it was needed to be sure it was legally watertight and sustainable.

While the Biden administration has pledged to take a more diplomatic line with China following the upheaval of his predecessor, he has said he will keep to a strict line on several issues including defence and technology.

He is expected to keep the list largely intact, while the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control will add new firms after consulting the departments of Defense and State.

Tough line on China has a rare cross-party support in US Congress. US lawmakers are determined to keep lid on China's growing clout.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden will this week, overhaul the list of Chinese firms that US investors are allowed to own shares in. Biden is re-evaluating world powers' relationship with China in post-Trump era.

US President Joe Biden will this week, overhaul the list of Chinese firms that US investors are allowed to own shares in. Biden is re-evaluating world powers' relationship with China in post-Trump era. He is aiming to do so while maintaining pressure on Beijing. Trump, during his term as US President had barred Americans from buying shares in 31 Chinese companies that were seen by the US to be supplying or supporting China's military and security apparatus. These companies include major telecom firms, technology and construction firms such as China mobile, China Telecom, video surveillance firm Hikvision, and China Railway Construction Corp. It was among a series of measures by the White House aimed at quelling the Asian giant's rise and which has left ties between the two severely strained. Now, the Treasury Department will create a list of firms that'll be hit with financial penalties for links with Chinese defence and surveillance technology sectors, Bloomberg News reported without citing sources. The president is expected to sign the order this week, it added. Previously, the sanctions and choice of targets were tied to a congressionally mandated Defense Department report. The review from Biden administration has come after two Chinese successfully challenged the order in court, and Biden said it was needed to be sure it was legally watertight and sustainable. While the Biden administration has pledged to take a more diplomatic line with China following the upheaval of his predecessor, he has said he will keep to a strict line on several issues including defence and technology. He is expected to keep the list largely intact, while the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control will add new firms after consulting the departments of Defense and State. Tough line on China has a rare cross-party support in US Congress. US lawmakers are determined to keep lid on China's growing clout. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> said Tuesday that he had directed Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a> to lead Democrats in a sweeping legislative effort to protect voting rights, an issue that is critical to his legacy but one that faces increasingly daunting odds in a divided Senate.

"Today, I’m asking Vice President Harris to help these efforts, and lead them, among her many other responsibilities," Biden said during a trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma. "With her leadership and your support, we’re going to overcome again, I promise you, but it’s going to take a hell of a lot of work."

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-formally-ends-trumps-remain-in-mexico-asylum-policy-388876" hreflang="en">US formally ends Trump’s 'remain in Mexico' asylum policy</a>

The president was in Oklahoma to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa massacre, when a white mob destroyed a vibrant Black business district and killed as many as 300 people. The massacre was one of the worst outbreaks of racist violence in American history.

Biden told the crowd that he saw the protection of voting rights as one of the most fundamental — and most endangered — pathways to ensure racial equity.

But his decision to install Harris as the leader of an effort to beat back bills in states nationwide that are trying to tighten voting rules — "a truly unprecedented assault on our democracy," Biden told the crowd — added another politically thorny problem to the vice president’s policy portfolio.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-biden-a-deeply-personal-memorial-day-weekend-observance-388519" hreflang="en">For Biden, a deeply personal Memorial Day weekend observance</a>

Harris has already been tasked with leading the administration's efforts to deter migration to the southwestern border by working to improve conditions in the Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

That work comes in addition to a host of other engagements, including but not limited to: selling the "American Rescue Plan," advocating Biden’s infrastructure package, representing women in the workforce, highlighting the Black maternal mortality rate, assisting small businesses, assessing water policy, promoting racial equity, combating vaccine hesitancy, and fighting for a policing overhaul.

"In the days and weeks ahead, I will engage the American people, and I will work with voting rights organizations, community organizations, and the private sector to help strengthen and uplift efforts on voting rights nationwide," the vice president said in a statement issued shortly after Biden's announcement. "And we will also work with members of Congress to help advance these bills."

President Joe Biden said Tuesday that he had directed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead Democrats in a sweeping legislative effort to protect voting rights, an issue that is critical to his legacy but one that faces increasingly daunting odds in a divided Senate.

President Joe Biden said Tuesday that he had directed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead Democrats in a sweeping legislative effort to protect voting rights, an issue that is critical to his legacy but one that faces increasingly daunting odds in a divided Senate. "Today, I’m asking Vice President Harris to help these efforts, and lead them, among her many other responsibilities," Biden said during a trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma. "With her leadership and your support, we’re going to overcome again, I promise you, but it’s going to take a hell of a lot of work." ALso read | US formally ends Trump’s 'remain in Mexico' asylum policy The president was in Oklahoma to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa massacre, when a white mob destroyed a vibrant Black business district and killed as many as 300 people. The massacre was one of the worst outbreaks of racist violence in American history. Biden told the crowd that he saw the protection of voting rights as one of the most fundamental — and most endangered — pathways to ensure racial equity. But his decision to install Harris as the leader of an effort to beat back bills in states nationwide that are trying to tighten voting rules — "a truly unprecedented assault on our democracy," Biden told the crowd — added another politically thorny problem to the vice president’s policy portfolio. Also read | For Biden, a deeply personal Memorial Day weekend observance Harris has already been tasked with leading the administration's efforts to deter migration to the southwestern border by working to improve conditions in the Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. That work comes in addition to a host of other engagements, including but not limited to: selling the "American Rescue Plan," advocating Biden’s infrastructure package, representing women in the workforce, highlighting the Black maternal mortality rate, assisting small businesses, assessing water policy, promoting racial equity, combating vaccine hesitancy, and fighting for a policing overhaul. "In the days and weeks ahead, I will engage the American people, and I will work with voting rights organizations, community organizations, and the private sector to help strengthen and uplift efforts on voting rights nationwide," the vice president said in a statement issued shortly after Biden's announcement. "And we will also work with members of Congress to help advance these bills."

Biden assigns Harris another difficult role: Protecting voting rights

Biden honours victims of Tulsa massacre on 100th anniversary

US President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;on Friday proposed a $6 trillion budget that for the first time in 45 years did not prohibit federal funds being used for abortion, as the Democrat leader fulfilled a campaign pledge.

The absence of the "Hyde amendment" in the proposed budget will be the subject of bitter debate in Congress, where elected Republicans will seek to reintroduce it.

The amendment limits the use of federal funds to finance abortions through Medicaid in cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is in danger. Medicaid is public health medical insurance intended for poorer Americans.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-set-to-scrap-ban-on-us-funds-for-abortion-counseling-359954">Biden set to scrap ban on US funds for abortion counseling</a>

Describing the amendment as "racist, sexist, deeply unjust, and immensely unpopular," Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood, welcomed the move.

"President&nbsp;Biden's budget, which proposes ending the Hyde Amendment, is a historic step in the fight for reproductive freedom," she said.

"For far too long, the Hyde Amendment has put the government in control of a personal health care decision for many people with low incomes."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-pressure-biden-drifts-leftward-on-abortion-climate-change-225427">Under pressure, Biden drifts leftward on abortion, climate change</a>

The amendment was first introduced after Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that authorized abortion as long as the fetus cannot survive outside of the womb, i.e. before&nbsp;22 to 24 weeks.

Abortion divides the American population, with strong opposition, especially among evangelical Christians.

In recent years, several Republican-led states have sought to impose restrictive laws on abortion, forcing many clinics to close their doors.

The US Supreme Court agreed this month to hear a case that could pose a challenge to the landmark 1973 ruling.

Biden, a Catholic personally opposed to abortion but who defends women's right to choose, has often backed the Hyde amendment during his long career in the Senate, before changing tack during his campaign to win the Democratic presidential nomination.

US President Joe Biden on Friday proposed a $6 trillion budget that for the first time in 45 years did not prohibit federal funds being used for abortion, as the Democrat leader fulfilled a campaign pledge.

US President Joe Biden on Friday proposed a $6 trillion budget that for the first time in 45 years did not prohibit federal funds being used for abortion, as the Democrat leader fulfilled a campaign pledge. The absence of the "Hyde amendment" in the proposed budget will be the subject of bitter debate in Congress, where elected Republicans will seek to reintroduce it. The amendment limits the use of federal funds to finance abortions through Medicaid in cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is in danger. Medicaid is public health medical insurance intended for poorer Americans. Also Read | Biden set to scrap ban on US funds for abortion counseling Describing the amendment as "racist, sexist, deeply unjust, and immensely unpopular," Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood, welcomed the move. "President Biden's budget, which proposes ending the Hyde Amendment, is a historic step in the fight for reproductive freedom," she said. "For far too long, the Hyde Amendment has put the government in control of a personal health care decision for many people with low incomes." Also Read | Under pressure, Biden drifts leftward on abortion, climate change The amendment was first introduced after Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that authorized abortion as long as the fetus cannot survive outside of the womb, i.e. before 22 to 24 weeks. Abortion divides the American population, with strong opposition, especially among evangelical Christians. In recent years, several Republican-led states have sought to impose restrictive laws on abortion, forcing many clinics to close their doors. The US Supreme Court agreed this month to hear a case that could pose a challenge to the landmark 1973 ruling. Biden, a Catholic personally opposed to abortion but who defends women's right to choose, has often backed the Hyde amendment during his long career in the Senate, before changing tack during his campaign to win the Democratic presidential nomination.

Biden's proposed budget lifts ban on funding abortions

US President Joe&nbsp;Biden's administration announced Tuesday it was halting petroleum development activity in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, reversing a move by former president Donald Trump to allow drilling.

The Interior Department said it was notifying firms of the freeze, pending a comprehensive environmental review that will determine whether leases in the area known as ANWR should be "reaffirmed, voided or subject to additional mitigation measures," the agency said in a statement.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-approves-oil-drilling-in-alaska-wildlife-refuge-321327">Trump administration approves oil drilling in Alaska wildlife refuge</a>

The announcement deals a blow to the long-contested quest of oil companies to drill in the sensitive territory. The push for development picked up momentum after Trump announced the leasing plan last November shortly after losing reelection to&nbsp;Biden.

At a lease sale in January over some 1.6 million acres, US officials auctioned off 11 oil tracts. Major oil companies sat out the bidding, and nine of the leases went to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, a state agency, while two went to small companies.

Biden&nbsp;had promised to protect ANWR during the presidential campaign.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/restoring-environmental-rules-rolled-back-by-trump-could-take-years-358684">Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years</a>

White House climate advisor Gina McCarthy noted&nbsp;Biden's promise and said the move reflected his belief that "national treasures are cultural and economic cornerstones of our country," according to a White House statement.&nbsp;

Biden&nbsp;"is grateful for the prompt action by the Department of the Interior to suspend all leasing pending a review of decisions made in the last administration's final days that could have changed the character of this special place forever," McCarthy added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-things-the-biden-administration-could-do-quickly-on-the-environment-341877">Nine things the Biden administration could do quickly on the environment</a>&nbsp;

Environmentalists have long argued that safeguarding ANWR is critical to protect polar bears and other vulnerable wildlife and for indigenous populations that hunt caribou in the region.&nbsp;

But the oil industry has long sought to drill in the area, which is thought to potentially hold billions of barrels in oil. Key Alaska lawmakers such as Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, have strongly backed development.

The Alaska Wilderness League, which had joined other environmental groups in litigation against the Trump administration's development efforts, applauded the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration's action.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-last-rush-trump-grants-mining-and-energy-firms-access-to-public-lands-351119">In last rush, Trump grants mining and energy firms access to public lands</a>&nbsp;

"Suspending these leases is a step in the right direction," said Kristen Miller, acting executive director for the Alaska Wilderness League.

Continued threat&nbsp;

"There is still more to be done. Until the leases are canceled, they will remain a threat to one of the wildest places left in America," Miller said. "Now we look to the administration and Congress to prioritize legislatively repealing the oil leasing mandate and restore protections to the Arctic Refuge coastal plain."

But the American Petroleum Institute said the oil industry knows how to develop responsibly and that the decision will cost Alaska jobs and tax revenue.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-using-last-days-to-lock-in-policies-and-make-bidens-task-more-difficult-344719">Trump using last days to lock in policies and make Biden’s task more difficult</a>

"Policies aimed at slowing or stopping oil and natural gas production on federal lands and waters will ultimately prove harmful to our national security, environmental progress and economic strength," API official Kevin O'Scannlain&nbsp;said.

"At a time of economic recovery, this action only serves to withhold the good-paying jobs and economic revenue that safe and responsible oil and gas development would provide to local Alaskan communities."

The&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration's move on ANWR comes only days after it sanctioned another Trump administration plan on oil development in Alaska, involving a ConocoPhillips project in Alaska's North Slope in the former Naval Petroleum Reserve.

US President Joe Biden's administration announced Tuesday it was halting petroleum development activity in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, reversing a move by former president Donald Trump to allow drilling.

US President Joe Biden's administration announced Tuesday it was halting petroleum development activity in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, reversing a move by former president Donald Trump to allow drilling. The Interior Department said it was notifying firms of the freeze, pending a comprehensive environmental review that will determine whether leases in the area known as ANWR should be "reaffirmed, voided or subject to additional mitigation measures," the agency said in a statement. Also Read | Trump administration approves oil drilling in Alaska wildlife refuge The announcement deals a blow to the long-contested quest of oil companies to drill in the sensitive territory. The push for development picked up momentum after Trump announced the leasing plan last November shortly after losing reelection to Biden. At a lease sale in January over some 1.6 million acres, US officials auctioned off 11 oil tracts. Major oil companies sat out the bidding, and nine of the leases went to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, a state agency, while two went to small companies. Biden had promised to protect ANWR during the presidential campaign. Also Read | Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years White House climate advisor Gina McCarthy noted Biden's promise and said the move reflected his belief that "national treasures are cultural and economic cornerstones of our country," according to a White House statement. Biden "is grateful for the prompt action by the Department of the Interior to suspend all leasing pending a review of decisions made in the last administration's final days that could have changed the character of this special place forever," McCarthy added. Also Read | Nine things the Biden administration could do quickly on the environment Environmentalists have long argued that safeguarding ANWR is critical to protect polar bears and other vulnerable wildlife and for indigenous populations that hunt caribou in the region. But the oil industry has long sought to drill in the area, which is thought to potentially hold billions of barrels in oil. Key Alaska lawmakers such as Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, have strongly backed development. The Alaska Wilderness League, which had joined other environmental groups in litigation against the Trump administration's development efforts, applauded the Biden administration's action. Also Read | In last rush, Trump grants mining and energy firms access to public lands "Suspending these leases is a step in the right direction," said Kristen Miller, acting executive director for the Alaska Wilderness League. Continued threat "There is still more to be done. Until the leases are canceled, they will remain a threat to one of the wildest places left in America," Miller said. "Now we look to the administration and Congress to prioritize legislatively repealing the oil leasing mandate and restore protections to the Arctic Refuge coastal plain." But the American Petroleum Institute said the oil industry knows how to develop responsibly and that the decision will cost Alaska jobs and tax revenue. Also Read | Trump using last days to lock in policies and make Biden’s task more difficult "Policies aimed at slowing or stopping oil and natural gas production on federal lands and waters will ultimately prove harmful to our national security, environmental progress and economic strength," API official Kevin O'Scannlain said. "At a time of economic recovery, this action only serves to withhold the good-paying jobs and economic revenue that safe and responsible oil and gas development would provide to local Alaskan communities." The Biden administration's move on ANWR comes only days after it sanctioned another Trump administration plan on oil development in Alaska, involving a ConocoPhillips project in Alaska's North Slope in the former Naval Petroleum Reserve.

Biden administration halts oil drilling in Alaska wildlife refuge

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia is not expecting any major breakthrough when President Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Joe Biden hold their first summit this month.

Sergei Lavrov: Russia expects no 'breakthrough' at Putin-Biden summit

Biden’s visit Tuesday, in which he will grieve for the more than 300 Black people killed by a white mob a century ago, comes amid a national reckoning on racial justice.

Joe Biden honour forgotten victims of Tulsa race massacre

The US President Joe Biden has taken a direct hit at China and Russia once again. While speaking at the US Memorial Day Biden has pledged to bring up the issue of Human Rights with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the June summit in Geneva.

Biden warns China and Russia on Human Rights violations

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> has vowed to demand fair human rights from his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin in their June summit.

The two leaders have not been on best terms in the past few weeks, especially since the US leader called Putin a 'killer'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/battleship-diplomacy-nato-conducts-massive-war-games-as-russia-tensions-simmer-388001" hreflang="en">Battleship diplomacy: NATO conducts massive war games as Russia tensions simmer</a>

This June 16 summit will be the first face-to-face meeting of the two leaders and Biden has vowed to make it clear that the US will not allow abuse of human rights.

"I'll be meeting with President Putin in a couple of weeks in Geneva, making it clear that we will not -- we will not stand by and let him abuse those rights," Biden said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-russian-foreign-ministers-to-meet-in-iceland-in-bid-to-ease-friction-386073" hreflang="en">US and Russian foreign ministers to meet in Iceland in bid to ease friction</a>

US has been openly critical of Russia since Biden took control of the White House in January 2021 and has also imposed sanctions on allegations of Russian authorities organising SolarWinds cyberattack and for allegedly meddling in the US election 2020.

Biden has also been biased towards Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and has openly criticised Putin for allegedly poisoning the Russian opposition leader.

US President Joe Biden has vowed to demand fair human rights from his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin in their June summit. The two leaders have not been on best terms in the past few weeks, especially since the US leader called Putin a 'killer'.

US President Joe Biden has vowed to demand fair human rights from his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin in their June summit. The two leaders have not been on best terms in the past few weeks, especially since the US leader called Putin a 'killer'. Also read | Battleship diplomacy: NATO conducts massive war games as Russia tensions simmer This June 16 summit will be the first face-to-face meeting of the two leaders and Biden has vowed to make it clear that the US will not allow abuse of human rights. "I'll be meeting with President Putin in a couple of weeks in Geneva, making it clear that we will not -- we will not stand by and let him abuse those rights," Biden said. Also read | US and Russian foreign ministers to meet in Iceland in bid to ease friction US has been openly critical of Russia since Biden took control of the White House in January 2021 and has also imposed sanctions on allegations of Russian authorities organising SolarWinds cyberattack and for allegedly meddling in the US election 2020. Biden has also been biased towards Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and has openly criticised Putin for allegedly poisoning the Russian opposition leader.

Biden says will demand end to 'abuse of human rights' from Putin

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday termed a voting bill in Texas an attack on democracy. Texas is the next Republican-led state seeking to restrict voting for people of colour. Biden said that Texas is now joining Georgia and Florida in attempting to limit “the sacred right to vote”.

"It's part of an&nbsp;assault&nbsp;on democracy&nbsp;that&nbsp;we’ve seen far too often this year -- and often&nbsp;disproportionately targeting&nbsp;Black and Brown Americans”, Biden announced in a statement.&nbsp;

Currently, final draft of the legislation is circulating at the Texas legislature. Many restrictive measures include a ban on drive-in voting, voting via mail, and limiting the hours of voting on election day.

Many claim that the law may help in making the voting process more secure but critics believe the law will make voting more difficult for Black, Latinos and other people of colour in the US who vote for Democrats.

New laws by Republicans are aimed at limiting election fraud, claims of which were spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump, who lost the election to Joe Biden and was unable to provide any evidence of a so-called “stolen election”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/senate-confirms-geneticist-lander-as-biden-science-adviser-388190" hreflang="en">Senate confirms geneticist Lander as Biden science adviser &nbsp;</a>

Since the election, many Republican-led states have initiated bills aimed at making voting more restrictive. Georgia was traditionally considered a Republican state but voted for Biden this time. In March, it became one of the first states to adopt a voting law.

Biden also urged Congress to pass two bills that were designed to protect and favour people’s right to vote without much restrictions. But the slim majority of Democrats in the legislature has prevented the bills from seeing passage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/biden-budget-sets-aside-750-million-for-solarwinds-response-388143" hreflang="en">Biden budget sets aside $750 million for SolarWinds response</a>

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday termed a voting bill in Texas an attack on democracy. Texas is the next Republican-led state seeking to restrict voting for people of colour.

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday termed a voting bill in Texas an attack on democracy. Texas is the next Republican-led state seeking to restrict voting for people of colour. Biden said that Texas is now joining Georgia and Florida in attempting to limit “the sacred right to vote”. "It's part of an assault on democracy that we’ve seen far too often this year -- and often disproportionately targeting Black and Brown Americans”, Biden announced in a statement. Currently, final draft of the legislation is circulating at the Texas legislature. Many restrictive measures include a ban on drive-in voting, voting via mail, and limiting the hours of voting on election day. Many claim that the law may help in making the voting process more secure but critics believe the law will make voting more difficult for Black, Latinos and other people of colour in the US who vote for Democrats. New laws by Republicans are aimed at limiting election fraud, claims of which were spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump, who lost the election to Joe Biden and was unable to provide any evidence of a so-called “stolen election”. Also read: Senate confirms geneticist Lander as Biden science adviser Since the election, many Republican-led states have initiated bills aimed at making voting more restrictive. Georgia was traditionally considered a Republican state but voted for Biden this time. In March, it became one of the first states to adopt a voting law. Biden also urged Congress to pass two bills that were designed to protect and favour people’s right to vote without much restrictions. But the slim majority of Democrats in the legislature has prevented the bills from seeing passage. Also read: Biden budget sets aside $750 million for SolarWinds response

Joe Biden terms new Texas voting bill an 'attack on democracy'

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden`s proposed budget includes $750 million for the government agencies hit by the SolarWinds hack to pay for cybersecurity improvements to prevent another attack. 
 
The money comes on top of a $500 million fund for federal cybersecurity as the US&nbsp;government recovers from the cyber attack that hit nine agencies including the State Department and Treasury. 
 
The United States and Britain have blamed Russia`s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), successor to the foreign spying operations of the KGB, for the attack. 
 
The hack of information technology company SolarWinds, which was identified in December, gave access to thousands of companies and government offices that used its products. Microsoft President Brad Smith described the attack as "the largest and most sophisticated attack the world has ever seen". 
 
The group behind the SolarWinds cyber attack identified late last year is now targeting government agencies, think tanks, consultants, and non-governmental organisations, Microsoft said on Thursday.

US President Joe Biden`s proposed budget includes $750 million for the government agencies hit by the SolarWinds hack to pay for cybersecurity improvements to prevent another attack.

US President Joe Biden`s proposed budget includes $750 million for the government agencies hit by the SolarWinds hack to pay for cybersecurity improvements to prevent another attack. The money comes on top of a $500 million fund for federal cybersecurity as the US government recovers from the cyber attack that hit nine agencies including the State Department and Treasury. The United States and Britain have blamed Russia`s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), successor to the foreign spying operations of the KGB, for the attack. The hack of information technology company SolarWinds, which was identified in December, gave access to thousands of companies and government offices that used its products. Microsoft President Brad Smith described the attack as "the largest and most sophisticated attack the world has ever seen". The group behind the SolarWinds cyber attack identified late last year is now targeting government agencies, think tanks, consultants, and non-governmental organisations, Microsoft said on Thursday.

Biden budget sets aside $750 million for SolarWinds response

US President Joe Biden has asked his intelligence agencies to "redouble" efforts to find the origins of the Wuhan virus. The White House hasn't ruled out the "lab leak" theory. What does America know about the pandemic's origins? Palki Sharma brings you a report?

Gravitas: What the United States knows about COVID-19

US President Joe&nbsp;Biden's push to get major economies to agree on a 15 per cent minimum tax rate for multinational corporations has hit turbulence after Ireland's finance minister expressed "significant reservations" about the plan.

The objection from Dublin's finance minister Paschal Donohoe on Tuesday carries weight because Ireland hosts an outsized number of technology and pharmaceutical firms that were attracted to the country for its lower tax rate.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-vows-flexibility-in-landmark-2-trillion-infrastructure-bill-377181">US President Joe Biden vows flexibility in landmark $2 trillion infrastructure bill</a>

"We do have really significant reservations regarding a global minimum effective tax&nbsp;rate status at such a level that it means only certain countries, and certain size economies can benefit from that base -- we have a really significant concern about that," Donohoe told Sky News.

His objections come as finance ministers from the Group of Seven advanced nations&nbsp;are set to meet next week in London, where they could endorse the US proposal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-crunch-time-and-bidens-climate-gambit-faces-steep-hurdles-386960">It’s crunch time, and Biden’s climate gambit faces steep hurdles</a>

Biden's administration last week called for an agreement on the unified tax rate of a minimum of 15 per cent rate in negotiations with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and G20.

The European Union's top economies France and Germany said they would support a tax at that level, and the IMF's leader on Tuesday also offered her endorsement.

A person close to the G7 talks told AFP they expect a political agreement next week, though two other people with knowledge of the matter said member states may opt for a less definitive measure.

Funding infrastructure

Finance chiefs have characterized a minimum tax as necessary to stem competition between countries over who can offer multinationals the lowest rate. They say that "race to the bottom" saps revenues that could go to other government priorities.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-vows-flexibility-in-landmark-2-trillion-infrastructure-bill-377181">US President Joe Biden vows flexibility in landmark $2 trillion infrastructure bill</a>

For&nbsp;Biden, a global tax agreement also would help maintain US competitiveness, since he has proposed hiking domestic corporate taxes to pay for an infrastructure and jobs program with a price tag of around $2 trillion.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will represent the United States at next week's meeting, and her deputy, Wally Adeyemo, told Reuters on Monday that he expects to see "a lot of unified support" for the plan from the G7 nations.&nbsp;

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire last week called the 15 per cent proposal "a good compromise."&nbsp;

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said establishing a global minimum tax would be "a benefit," and something the Washington-based crisis lender has long supported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-reject-biden-infrastructure-bill-despite-reduced-cost-386738">Republicans reject Biden infrastructure bill despite reduced cost</a>

"Why? Because when we have it, there is no race to the bottom and less tax avoidance," Georgieva said&nbsp;Tuesday during a conversation with The Washington Post.&nbsp;

That means "more money in the public purse to invest in education and healthcare, and infrastructure, digitalization -- all the good things we recognize we have to invest more into."

However, she acknowledged the challenge in finding "the sweet spot" for the global economy between those priorities and the best rate for national governments, given some countries have relied on low tax rates to compete for revenue.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-push-through-infrastructure-plan-even-without-republican-support-375366">Biden to push through infrastructure plan even without Republican support</a>

Ireland is among that group, and according to Sky News, Donohoe said it intends to hold its corporate tax rate at 12.5 per cent for a few more years.

Last month, Dublin's finance ministry released a projection saying it could lose two billion euros ($2.4 billion) each year in revenue starting in 2025 if a global minimum tax rate is enacted.

US President Joe Biden's push to get major economies to agree on a 15 per cent minimum tax rate for multinational corporations has hit turbulence after Ireland's finance minister expressed "significant reservations" about the plan.

US President Joe Biden's push to get major economies to agree on a 15 per cent minimum tax rate for multinational corporations has hit turbulence after Ireland's finance minister expressed "significant reservations" about the plan. The objection from Dublin's finance minister Paschal Donohoe on Tuesday carries weight because Ireland hosts an outsized number of technology and pharmaceutical firms that were attracted to the country for its lower tax rate. Also Read | US President Joe Biden vows flexibility in landmark $2 trillion infrastructure bill "We do have really significant reservations regarding a global minimum effective tax rate status at such a level that it means only certain countries, and certain size economies can benefit from that base -- we have a really significant concern about that," Donohoe told Sky News. His objections come as finance ministers from the Group of Seven advanced nations are set to meet next week in London, where they could endorse the US proposal. Also Read | It’s crunch time, and Biden’s climate gambit faces steep hurdles Biden's administration last week called for an agreement on the unified tax rate of a minimum of 15 per cent rate in negotiations with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and G20. The European Union's top economies France and Germany said they would support a tax at that level, and the IMF's leader on Tuesday also offered her endorsement. A person close to the G7 talks told AFP they expect a political agreement next week, though two other people with knowledge of the matter said member states may opt for a less definitive measure. Funding infrastructure Finance chiefs have characterized a minimum tax as necessary to stem competition between countries over who can offer multinationals the lowest rate. They say that "race to the bottom" saps revenues that could go to other government priorities. Also Read | US President Joe Biden vows flexibility in landmark $2 trillion infrastructure bill For Biden, a global tax agreement also would help maintain US competitiveness, since he has proposed hiking domestic corporate taxes to pay for an infrastructure and jobs program with a price tag of around $2 trillion. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will represent the United States at next week's meeting, and her deputy, Wally Adeyemo, told Reuters on Monday that he expects to see "a lot of unified support" for the plan from the G7 nations. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire last week called the 15 per cent proposal "a good compromise." IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said establishing a global minimum tax would be "a benefit," and something the Washington-based crisis lender has long supported. Also Read | Republicans reject Biden infrastructure bill despite reduced cost "Why? Because when we have it, there is no race to the bottom and less tax avoidance," Georgieva said Tuesday during a conversation with The Washington Post. That means "more money in the public purse to invest in education and healthcare, and infrastructure, digitalization -- all the good things we recognize we have to invest more into." However, she acknowledged the challenge in finding "the sweet spot" for the global economy between those priorities and the best rate for national governments, given some countries have relied on low tax rates to compete for revenue. Also Read | Biden to push through infrastructure plan even without Republican support Ireland is among that group, and according to Sky News, Donohoe said it intends to hold its corporate tax rate at 12.5 per cent for a few more years. Last month, Dublin's finance ministry released a projection saying it could lose two billion euros ($2.4 billion) each year in revenue starting in 2025 if a global minimum tax rate is enacted.

Biden's global tax proposal faces setback after Ireland objects

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday ordered allies to determine the origin of the virus that causes COVID-19, with US intelligence agencies following potentially rival theories, including the possibility of a laboratory crash in China.

US President Joe Biden orders to 'redouble' efforts in COVID-19 origin probe

As the US chanted 'Black Lives Matter' all around the city to mark one year since George Floyd's death, his family visited the White House to talk to the US President and urge stricter police reforms.

Floyd’s family was invited to the White House to meet <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday in a private meeting.

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It’s been one year since George Floyd was murdered. In that time, George’s family has shown extraordinary courage. Last month’s conviction was a step towards justice – but we cannot stop there. 
 
We face an inflection point. We have to act.
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/year-after-george-floyds-death-poll-reveals-how-americans-feel-about-race-relations-386054">Year after George Floyd's death, poll reveals how Americans feel about race relations</a>

This meeting was seen as a sign of change brought back by the Biden administration. The previous administration, led by Donald Trump, was infamous for lack of empathy and genuine emotion.

"It takes a lot of courage to go through it." Joe Biden said. "And they've been wonderful." Biden also laughed about how&nbsp;Floyd’s seven-year-old daughter asked for snacks when she came in and had cheetos and milk.

<img alt="George Floyd's family meets Joe Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a9e41a5e-d9f9-45da-9ffd-8ee09d1b481a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/George%20Floyd%20%281%29.jpg" />

The family was more than happy to meet the Biden administration and described Biden to be a "genuine guy".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-year-after-george-floyd-los-angeles-confronts-its-future-and-its-past-387370" hreflang="en">A year after George Floyd, Los Angeles confronts its future and its past</a>

"They always speak from the heart and it's a pleasure just to be able to have the chance to meet with them when we have that opportunity to," Philonise, Floyd's brother, said.

While the private meeting, which went on for more than an hour, was criticised as a 'just for show' by some of the critics and opposition of the Biden administration, the Floyd family had an important task up their sleeve — police reform bill.

Floyd’s family has urged Biden to bring in a bill for stricter police reforms which will make sure such tragedies do not happen again.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/george-floyd-case-us-judge-postpones-trial-for-three-ex-cops-384839" hreflang="en">George Floyd case: US judge postpones trial for three ex-cops</a>

"If you can make federal laws to protect the bird which is the bald eagle, you can make federal law to protect people of colour," Philonise said.

Biden assured the family that the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act will soon be passed, under which chokeholds will be banned for the police.

"He let us know that he supports passing the bill, but he wants to make sure that it’s the right bill and not a rushed bill," Brandon Williams, Floyd’s nephew confirmed.

Floyd’s seven-year-old daughter, Gianna Floyd, was seen chanting "Say his name" while entering the White House and proudly claimed ‘daddy has changed the world’ when the leaders asked her about her deceased dad.

As the US chanted 'Black Lives Matter' all around the city to mark one year since George Floyd's death, his family visited the White House to talk to the US President and urge stricter police reforms.

As the US chanted 'Black Lives Matter' all around the city to mark one year since George Floyd's death, his family visited the White House to talk to the US President and urge stricter police reforms. Floyd’s family was invited to the White House to meet Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday in a private meeting. It’s been one year since George Floyd was murdered. In that time, George’s family has shown extraordinary courage. Last month’s conviction was a step towards justice – but we cannot stop there. We face an inflection point. We have to act. — President Biden (@POTUS) May 25, 2021 × Also read | Year after George Floyd's death, poll reveals how Americans feel about race relations This meeting was seen as a sign of change brought back by the Biden administration. The previous administration, led by Donald Trump, was infamous for lack of empathy and genuine emotion. "It takes a lot of courage to go through it." Joe Biden said. "And they've been wonderful." Biden also laughed about how Floyd’s seven-year-old daughter asked for snacks when she came in and had cheetos and milk. The family was more than happy to meet the Biden administration and described Biden to be a "genuine guy". Also read | A year after George Floyd, Los Angeles confronts its future and its past "They always speak from the heart and it's a pleasure just to be able to have the chance to meet with them when we have that opportunity to," Philonise, Floyd's brother, said. While the private meeting, which went on for more than an hour, was criticised as a 'just for show' by some of the critics and opposition of the Biden administration, the Floyd family had an important task up their sleeve — police reform bill. Floyd’s family has urged Biden to bring in a bill for stricter police reforms which will make sure such tragedies do not happen again. Also read | George Floyd case: US judge postpones trial for three ex-cops "If you can make federal laws to protect the bird which is the bald eagle, you can make federal law to protect people of colour," Philonise said. Biden assured the family that the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act will soon be passed, under which chokeholds will be banned for the police. "He let us know that he supports passing the bill, but he wants to make sure that it’s the right bill and not a rushed bill," Brandon Williams, Floyd’s nephew confirmed. Floyd’s seven-year-old daughter, Gianna Floyd, was seen chanting "Say his name" while entering the White House and proudly claimed ‘daddy has changed the world’ when the leaders asked her about her deceased dad.

Call for reforms, assurance and Cheetos: Floyd's family meets Biden on George's death anniversary

Half of all American adults would have received full COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday, the White House said, another major milestone in the fight against the pandemic.

United States: 50% adult population fully vaccinated against COVID-19

According to officials, the White House and the Kremlin are working to arrange a summit in Switzerland next month between the United States President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Preparations underway for US President Biden and Russian President's meeting in Switzerland

US President Joe Biden called Egypt’s President Abdelfattah al-Sisi to discuss strengthening the Gaza ceasefire, urgent humanitarian aid to the strip and international reconstruction efforts. The two leaders also discussed ways to revive the peace process between Israel and Palestine.

US President Biden discusses Gaza ceasefire with Egypt's Sisi

<article>
The linchpin of President Joe Biden’s climate plan faces a perilous path through Congress, as scientists say nations must move now to aggressively reduce the pollution that is heating the planet, and the United States is trying to reassert a leadership role in that global effort.

The central tool of Biden’s plan, known as a clean electricity standard, would require power companies to gradually ratchet up the amount of electricity they generate from wind, solar and other sources until they’re no longer emitting carbon dioxide.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-unveils-2-trillion-climate-plan-in-new-contrast-with-trump-313335">Biden unveils $2 trillion climate plan in new contrast with Trump</a>

On paper, it seems a no-brainer. Some version of it has been approved by 29 states from Washington to Virginia. The idea is popular among Democratic and Republican voters. And experts say it is one of the most effective ways to cut the pollution from burning oil, gas and coal that is driving climate change.

But in trying to push a nationwide standard through a bitterly divided Congress, Democrats are considering a politically risky move: attaching it to a fast-track maneuver known as budget reconciliation, which allows some bills to pass with a simple majority. That would require the support of all 50 Democrats, including Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the state second only to Wyoming in coal production.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-democratic-party-irked-by-councils-insurgent-climate-plan-306022">US Democratic Party irked by council's 'insurgent' climate plan</a>

Manchin, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee, has been noncommittal when it comes to a clean electricity standard. Republican leaders on Capitol Hill say forcing utilities to turn away from coal, oil and gas will mean higher electric bills. The fossil fuel industry says it will harm reliability of the power grid.

Even supporters of the idea are at odds over how to design a national standard. And some Democrats question whether it’s aggressive enough.

Much is at stake. Without meaningful climate legislation this year, Biden will be left with executive action, some of it sure to be challenged in court, to meet his ambitious goals to pivot the country away from fossil fuels and prove to the world the United States is serious about global warming.

This year is “the last best chance for the world to get on a legitimate track,” said former Secretary of State John Kerry, Biden’s global climate envoy, during a recent interview in Rome, where he was meeting with European counterparts. A clean electricity standard is the best way at the moment to “make up for lost time” under former President Donald Trump, Kerry said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-unveils-17-trillion-climate-plan-to-end-us-carbon-emissions-by-2050-224374">Joe Biden unveils $1.7 trillion climate plan to end US carbon emissions by 2050</a>

In recent weeks, 13 publicly owned utilities announced support for an aggressive measure that would eliminate 80 per cent&nbsp;of fossil fuel emissions from the sector by 2030. The American Public Power Association, which represents about 2,000 other public utilities, hasn’t taken a stand. But the Edison Electric Institute, which represents privately owned utilities and whose former president opposed a renewable energy standard in 2007, said it now supports a “well-designed” policy.

“That is different than it has ever been before,” said Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., who has been pushing for a national clean energy standard for more than a decade and is drafting a new version.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-the-action-is-missing-despite-the-high-profile-summits-379354">Climate change: The action is missing despite the high-profile summits</a>

Edison Electric Institute has opted to support a clean electricity standard, in part because its members so quickly met an objective set by the Obama administration to cut power plant emissions, said Emily Fisher, general counsel for the group. That goal, of cutting the sector’s emissions 32 per cent below 2005 levels, was accomplished by 2020 — a decade ahead of schedule.

“I often wish that I could get in a time machine and talk to myself in 2010,” Fisher said. “I think I would have told her to be more excited about the future. Sometimes in those early conversations it seemed like the future was going to be really hard to accomplish. We don’t feel that way anymore.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-reject-biden-infrastructure-bill-despite-reduced-cost-386738">Republicans reject Biden infrastructure bill despite reduced cost</a>

Republican leaders, however, shrugged off signs of growing industry support and indicated they intend to fight Biden’s plan.

“We all want to make energy as clean as we can as fast as we can, and do it in ways that don’t raise costs for American families,” said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., adding that he is focused on energy prices and jobs in energy industries for his constituents. “But what the president is proposing is raising energy costs significantly.”

The White House has called for a clean electricity standard as part of its $2.3 trillion infrastructure package. It has preferred that approach over a tax on carbon emissions, a method that many economists say would be the most efficient way reduce emissions but is unpopular among many Republicans and some progressive Democrats.

Negotiations between the White House and Republican congressional leaders over the infrastructure package are continuing. Meanwhile, Democrats are debating the best strategy to pass a clean electricity standard, several House and Senate aides said.

One of the most consequential questions to be decided by lawmakers is whether to characterize natural gas as a “clean energy,” something the gas industry wants. When burned, natural gas produces half the carbon dioxide of coal. But it releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide (though it has shorter staying power in the atmosphere). Much of that gas has been extracted through the controversial method known as fracking. Progressives have indicated they will fight any measure that includes anything other than renewable energy like wind, solar and geothermal power.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arctic-nations-pledge-to-fight-global-warming-despite-rising-tensions-386486">Arctic nations pledge to fight global warming despite rising tensions</a>

While some Republicans have supported clean electricity standards in the past, environmental activists said they don’t believe Democrats can win over 10 GOP senators, the number needed to break a filibuster.

In a recent interview, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said he is “looking at” a clean electricity standard but believes a tax on carbon pollution is a better approach. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she was willing to “review” a federal standard but also made no commitment.

Without Republican help, Democrats would have to try to pass a clean electricity standard through budget reconciliation. That approach requires only a simple Senate majority, but the legislation must be crafted in a way that changes federal spending or revenue. And they would have to win over Manchin, who has expressed concern both about using the reconciliation process as well as a clean energy standard.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-democrats-detail-plans-to-raise-taxes-on-multinational-firms-375686">Biden and Democrats detail plans to raise taxes on multinational firms</a>

Scott Segal, a senior partner at Bracewell LLP, which represents utilities and other energy industry clients, said Democrats could undermine their efforts on climate change by pushing legislation through without bipartisan support.

“If they try to jam a clean electricity standard through on reconciliation, I think they would likely lose a strong handful of moderate Democrats, and they’d have no chance to pick up moderate Republicans,” he said.

Kerry said he recently dined with “an unnamed Republican senator who told me outright that he is intending to try to pass a clean electricity standard and believes that there is a critical mass of colleagues who will try to do this because it makes sense.” None, however, has come forward publicly.
</article>

The linchpin of President Joe Biden’s climate plan faces a perilous path through Congress, as scientists say nations must move now to aggressively reduce the pollution that is heating the planet, and the United States is trying to reassert a leadership role in that global effort.

The linchpin of President Joe Biden’s climate plan faces a perilous path through Congress, as scientists say nations must move now to aggressively reduce the pollution that is heating the planet, and the United States is trying to reassert a leadership role in that global effort. The central tool of Biden’s plan, known as a clean electricity standard, would require power companies to gradually ratchet up the amount of electricity they generate from wind, solar and other sources until they’re no longer emitting carbon dioxide. Also Read | Biden unveils $2 trillion climate plan in new contrast with Trump On paper, it seems a no-brainer. Some version of it has been approved by 29 states from Washington to Virginia. The idea is popular among Democratic and Republican voters. And experts say it is one of the most effective ways to cut the pollution from burning oil, gas and coal that is driving climate change. But in trying to push a nationwide standard through a bitterly divided Congress, Democrats are considering a politically risky move: attaching it to a fast-track maneuver known as budget reconciliation, which allows some bills to pass with a simple majority. That would require the support of all 50 Democrats, including Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the state second only to Wyoming in coal production. Also Read | US Democratic Party irked by council's 'insurgent' climate plan Manchin, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee, has been noncommittal when it comes to a clean electricity standard. Republican leaders on Capitol Hill say forcing utilities to turn away from coal, oil and gas will mean higher electric bills. The fossil fuel industry says it will harm reliability of the power grid. Even supporters of the idea are at odds over how to design a national standard. And some Democrats question whether it’s aggressive enough. Much is at stake. Without meaningful climate legislation this year, Biden will be left with executive action, some of it sure to be challenged in court, to meet his ambitious goals to pivot the country away from fossil fuels and prove to the world the United States is serious about global warming. This year is “the last best chance for the world to get on a legitimate track,” said former Secretary of State John Kerry, Biden’s global climate envoy, during a recent interview in Rome, where he was meeting with European counterparts. A clean electricity standard is the best way at the moment to “make up for lost time” under former President Donald Trump, Kerry said. Also Read | Joe Biden unveils $1.7 trillion climate plan to end US carbon emissions by 2050 In recent weeks, 13 publicly owned utilities announced support for an aggressive measure that would eliminate 80 per cent of fossil fuel emissions from the sector by 2030. The American Public Power Association, which represents about 2,000 other public utilities, hasn’t taken a stand. But the Edison Electric Institute, which represents privately owned utilities and whose former president opposed a renewable energy standard in 2007, said it now supports a “well-designed” policy. “That is different than it has ever been before,” said Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., who has been pushing for a national clean energy standard for more than a decade and is drafting a new version. Also Read | Climate change: The action is missing despite the high-profile summits Edison Electric Institute has opted to support a clean electricity standard, in part because its members so quickly met an objective set by the Obama administration to cut power plant emissions, said Emily Fisher, general counsel for the group. That goal, of cutting the sector’s emissions 32 per cent below 2005 levels, was accomplished by 2020 — a decade ahead of schedule. “I often wish that I could get in a time machine and talk to myself in 2010,” Fisher said. “I think I would have told her to be more excited about the future. Sometimes in those early conversations it seemed like the future was going to be really hard to accomplish. We don’t feel that way anymore.” Also Read | Republicans reject Biden infrastructure bill despite reduced cost Republican leaders, however, shrugged off signs of growing industry support and indicated they intend to fight Biden’s plan. “We all want to make energy as clean as we can as fast as we can, and do it in ways that don’t raise costs for American families,” said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., adding that he is focused on energy prices and jobs in energy industries for his constituents. “But what the president is proposing is raising energy costs significantly.” The White House has called for a clean electricity standard as part of its $2.3 trillion infrastructure package. It has preferred that approach over a tax on carbon emissions, a method that many economists say would be the most efficient way reduce emissions but is unpopular among many Republicans and some progressive Democrats. Negotiations between the White House and Republican congressional leaders over the infrastructure package are continuing. Meanwhile, Democrats are debating the best strategy to pass a clean electricity standard, several House and Senate aides said. One of the most consequential questions to be decided by lawmakers is whether to characterize natural gas as a “clean energy,” something the gas industry wants. When burned, natural gas produces half the carbon dioxide of coal. But it releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide (though it has shorter staying power in the atmosphere). Much of that gas has been extracted through the controversial method known as fracking. Progressives have indicated they will fight any measure that includes anything other than renewable energy like wind, solar and geothermal power. Also Read | Arctic nations pledge to fight global warming despite rising tensions While some Republicans have supported clean electricity standards in the past, environmental activists said they don’t believe Democrats can win over 10 GOP senators, the number needed to break a filibuster. In a recent interview, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said he is “looking at” a clean electricity standard but believes a tax on carbon pollution is a better approach. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she was willing to “review” a federal standard but also made no commitment. Without Republican help, Democrats would have to try to pass a clean electricity standard through budget reconciliation. That approach requires only a simple Senate majority, but the legislation must be crafted in a way that changes federal spending or revenue. And they would have to win over Manchin, who has expressed concern both about using the reconciliation process as well as a clean energy standard. Also Read | Biden and Democrats detail plans to raise taxes on multinational firms Scott Segal, a senior partner at Bracewell LLP, which represents utilities and other energy industry clients, said Democrats could undermine their efforts on climate change by pushing legislation through without bipartisan support. “If they try to jam a clean electricity standard through on reconciliation, I think they would likely lose a strong handful of moderate Democrats, and they’d have no chance to pick up moderate Republicans,” he said. Kerry said he recently dined with “an unnamed Republican senator who told me outright that he is intending to try to pass a clean electricity standard and believes that there is a critical mass of colleagues who will try to do this because it makes sense.” None, however, has come forward publicly.

It’s crunch time, and Biden’s climate gambit faces steep hurdles

Republican lawmakers have rejected a new White House infrastructure proposal that lowers the overall price tag in a bid to gain the opposition party's support, potentially raising the likelihood President Joe&nbsp;Biden's Democrats pass the measure on their own.

The White House on Friday had proposed reducing the cost of the $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan to $1.7 trillion by having other bills cover some of the projects it would pay for and cutting out some spending altogether, but a key Republican lawmaker said she still wouldn't support it.

"There continue to be vast differences between the White House and Senate Republicans when it comes to the definition of infrastructure, the magnitude of proposed spending and how to pay for it," said a spokeswoman for Shelley Moore Capito, who is part of a group of Republican senators negotiating with the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration over the proposal.

"Based on today's meeting, the groups seem further apart after two meetings with White House staff than they were after one meeting with President&nbsp;Biden. Senate Republicans will further review the details in today's counteroffer and continue to engage in conversations with the administration."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-vows-flexibility-in-landmark-2-trillion-infrastructure-bill-377181">US President Joe Biden vows flexibility in landmark $2 trillion infrastructure bill</a>

Biden&nbsp;had in March proposed the measure that would direct money towards fixing roads and bridges as well as expanding services like broadband internet and increasing climate change resiliency across the United States.

But with his Democratic Party controlling Congress by a small margin, he is under pressure to find Republican support for the bill, and on Friday Press Secretary Jen Psaki said he would cut its cost down by $500 billion "in the spirit of finding common ground."

"This proposal exhibits a willingness to come down in size, giving on some areas that are important to the president... while staying firm in areas that are most vital to rebuilding our infrastructure and industries of the future, making our country more competitive with China," she told reporters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-push-through-infrastructure-plan-even-without-republican-support-375366">Biden to push through infrastructure plan even without Republican support</a>

he Republican rejection increases the chances that Democrats will attempt to pass the measure through a parliamentary procedure that could see it clear the Senate without opposition votes, which the party's leader in the chamber has hinted they could do.&nbsp;

There were also signs the party's progressive wing&nbsp;would not support a scaled-down bill.

"A smaller infrastructure package means fewer jobs, less justice, less climate action, and less investment in America's future," Democratic Senator Ed Markey tweeted after the White House detailed the proposal. "This is not the time for half-measures, half-spending or foot-dragging. Now is the time to go big, to go bold, and to go fast."

Paying for it

The infrastructure plan is among two major spending bills&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is pushing, along with his $1.8 trillion American Families Plan aimed at expanding education and social protections.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-outlines-far-reaching-plan-to-reengineer-us-infrastructure-374638">Biden outlines far-reaching plan to reengineer US infrastructure</a>

After taking office in January,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;won passage of a $1.9 trillion measure intended to help the world's largest economy recover from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> downturn, a measure paid for by deficit spending.

The president is under pressure to find ways to offset the costs of the new spending plans.

He has proposed ending tax cuts and loopholes benefiting small businesses to pay for the American Families Plan, while hiking the corporate tax rate to pay for the infrastructure proposal.

In detailing the new counter proposal, Psaki said the White House rejected ideas from Republicans to increase gas taxes or impose user fees instead of raising taxes on corporations.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-pay-for-infrastructure-plan-with-15-years-of-corporate-taxes-374595">Biden to pay for infrastructure plan with 15 years of corporate taxes</a>

Biden&nbsp;"believes that the extraordinarily wealthy companies... many of whom have not paid taxes in recent years, can afford a modest increase to pay for middle class jobs," Psaki said.

However the overall price tag could be lowered by shifting money in the original plan intended to pay for research, supply chains, manufacturing and small businesses to other bills, while funds for roads and bridges, as well as broadband, would be slashed.

Spending on improved rail transportation would stay, "especially considering China's level of investment in such projects," Psaki said, while money for the removal of lead pipes and projects to bolster the country against climate change would also remain.

Republican lawmakers have rejected a new White House infrastructure proposal that lowers the overall price tag in a bid to gain the opposition party's support, potentially raising the likelihood President Joe Biden's Democrats pass the measure on their own.

Republican lawmakers have rejected a new White House infrastructure proposal that lowers the overall price tag in a bid to gain the opposition party's support, potentially raising the likelihood President Joe Biden's Democrats pass the measure on their own. The White House on Friday had proposed reducing the cost of the $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan to $1.7 trillion by having other bills cover some of the projects it would pay for and cutting out some spending altogether, but a key Republican lawmaker said she still wouldn't support it. "There continue to be vast differences between the White House and Senate Republicans when it comes to the definition of infrastructure, the magnitude of proposed spending and how to pay for it," said a spokeswoman for Shelley Moore Capito, who is part of a group of Republican senators negotiating with the Biden administration over the proposal. "Based on today's meeting, the groups seem further apart after two meetings with White House staff than they were after one meeting with President Biden. Senate Republicans will further review the details in today's counteroffer and continue to engage in conversations with the administration." Also Read | US President Joe Biden vows flexibility in landmark $2 trillion infrastructure bill Biden had in March proposed the measure that would direct money towards fixing roads and bridges as well as expanding services like broadband internet and increasing climate change resiliency across the United States. But with his Democratic Party controlling Congress by a small margin, he is under pressure to find Republican support for the bill, and on Friday Press Secretary Jen Psaki said he would cut its cost down by $500 billion "in the spirit of finding common ground." "This proposal exhibits a willingness to come down in size, giving on some areas that are important to the president... while staying firm in areas that are most vital to rebuilding our infrastructure and industries of the future, making our country more competitive with China," she told reporters. Also Read | Biden to push through infrastructure plan even without Republican support he Republican rejection increases the chances that Democrats will attempt to pass the measure through a parliamentary procedure that could see it clear the Senate without opposition votes, which the party's leader in the chamber has hinted they could do. There were also signs the party's progressive wing would not support a scaled-down bill. "A smaller infrastructure package means fewer jobs, less justice, less climate action, and less investment in America's future," Democratic Senator Ed Markey tweeted after the White House detailed the proposal. "This is not the time for half-measures, half-spending or foot-dragging. Now is the time to go big, to go bold, and to go fast." Paying for it The infrastructure plan is among two major spending bills Biden is pushing, along with his $1.8 trillion American Families Plan aimed at expanding education and social protections. Also Read | Biden outlines far-reaching plan to reengineer US infrastructure After taking office in January, Biden won passage of a $1.9 trillion measure intended to help the world's largest economy recover from the COVID-19 downturn, a measure paid for by deficit spending. The president is under pressure to find ways to offset the costs of the new spending plans. He has proposed ending tax cuts and loopholes benefiting small businesses to pay for the American Families Plan, while hiking the corporate tax rate to pay for the infrastructure proposal. In detailing the new counter proposal, Psaki said the White House rejected ideas from Republicans to increase gas taxes or impose user fees instead of raising taxes on corporations. Also Read | Biden to pay for infrastructure plan with 15 years of corporate taxes Biden "believes that the extraordinarily wealthy companies... many of whom have not paid taxes in recent years, can afford a modest increase to pay for middle class jobs," Psaki said. However the overall price tag could be lowered by shifting money in the original plan intended to pay for research, supply chains, manufacturing and small businesses to other bills, while funds for roads and bridges, as well as broadband, would be slashed. Spending on improved rail transportation would stay, "especially considering China's level of investment in such projects," Psaki said, while money for the removal of lead pipes and projects to bolster the country against climate change would also remain.

Republicans reject Biden infrastructure bill despite reduced cost

US President Joe Biden has announced the appointment of a special envoy for North Korea after he hosted his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-In at the White House. The two leaders also unveiled a new vaccine partnership to expand manufacturing and scale up global vaccine supply.

Biden appoints a new envoy to North Korea after meeting South Korean President

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday injected fresh urgency into attempts to engage North Korea in dialogue over its nuclear weapons, with Biden saying he would meet its leader Kim Jong Un under the right conditions. 
 
At a joint news conference, Biden and Moon both said the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula is their goal. Biden said he was "under no illusions" about the difficulty of getting North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenals after his predecessors failed. 
 
"We both are deeply concerned about the situation," Biden said, adding that he and Moon shared a willingness to engage diplomatically with the North "to take pragmatic steps to reduce tensions." 
 
North Korea thus far has rebuffed US&nbsp;entreaties for diplomacy since Biden took over from Donald Trump, who had three summits with Kim and the two famously exchanged "beautiful letters." 
 
Kim nonetheless refused to give up his nuclear weapons but did impose a freeze on testing them. He has not tested a nuclear bomb nor launched an inter-continental ballistic missile since 2017, although experts believe his arsenal has steadily grown. 
 
Biden said he would be willing to meet Kim under the right conditions - if he agreed to discuss his nuclear program and that his advisers first met with their North Korean counterparts to lay the groundwork. 
 
Biden said a veteran State Department official, Sung Kim, would serve as special US&nbsp;envoy for North Korea. 
 
South Korea had been pushing for the appointment of an envoy, and Moon, for whom engagement with North Korea is a legacy issue before he leaves office next year, said Sung Kim would help explore whether North Korea is willing to engage diplomatically. He said he expected a positive response. 
 
Sung Kim is a Korean-American diplomat who served as special envoy for North Korea under President Barack Obama and helped set up Trump`s summits with Kim Jong Un. 
 
He has also been ambassador to South Korea, the Philippines and Indonesia and most recently served in an acting capacity as the top US&nbsp;diplomat for East Asia. 
 
Biden said that for him to meet with Kim there would have to be a commitment from the North Korean leader "that there`s discussion about his nuclear arsenal." 
 
"I would not do what had been done in the recent past; I would not give him all he`s looking for - international recognition as legitimate and allow him to move in the direction of appearing to be more ... serious about what he wasn`t at all serious about," he said. 
 
Biden`s comments appeared to reflect a shift in his thinking. The White House had said in March it was not Biden`s intention to meet with Kim. 
 
Jenny Town of 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea-watching project, said Sung Kim`s appointment was positive given the Biden administration had signalled it was in no hurry to fill the post. However, it has given no indication of what concessions it might offer to bring about talks. 
 
"The problem has been that the administration has only talked about denuclearization and continues to characterize any interactions with North Korea as nuclear negotiations," she said. "So it`s still a tough sell to get the North Koreans back to the table, but obviously Moon is going to push very hard." 
 
Moon said Biden had expressed support for intra-Korean dialogue and cooperation, but Town said this would not mean much unless Washington, which has refused to ease sanctions on Pyongyang, allowed Seoul the space to move forward with this. 
 
Biden`s administration undertook a broad review of North Korea policy but has said little about what its new policy actually entails. 
 
US&nbsp;officials have said only that it would not be the approach favoured by Obama of refusing to engage the North, or Trump`s flashy summitry. 
 
In their day of talks, Biden and Moon reaffirmed a strong alliance between the two countries after the strains created by Trump, who badgered Moon as weak and threatened to pull US&nbsp;troops out of South Korea. 
 
Moon was the second foreign leader - after Japan`s prime minister - to visit the White House since Biden took office in January, and Biden said their conversations were those of "old friends." 
 
The two also discussed China and Taiwan. Taiwan has complained of repeated military pressure from Beijing with China’s air force making frequent forays into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone. 
 
"We`ve shared the view that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is extremely important, and we agreed to work together on that matter while considering special characteristics in relations between China and Taiwan," Moon said. 
 
In another win for Moon, who has faced pressure at home over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the United States and South Korea had agreed a vaccine partnership that would combine US&nbsp;expertise and Korean production capacity. 
 
He said this would help supply COVID-19 vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region, while Biden said the United States would provide vaccinations for 550,000 South Korean soldiers.

US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday injected fresh urgency into attempts to engage North Korea in dialogue over its nuclear weapons, with Biden saying he would meet its leader Kim Jong Un under the right conditions.

US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday injected fresh urgency into attempts to engage North Korea in dialogue over its nuclear weapons, with Biden saying he would meet its leader Kim Jong Un under the right conditions. At a joint news conference, Biden and Moon both said the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula is their goal. Biden said he was "under no illusions" about the difficulty of getting North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenals after his predecessors failed. "We both are deeply concerned about the situation," Biden said, adding that he and Moon shared a willingness to engage diplomatically with the North "to take pragmatic steps to reduce tensions." North Korea thus far has rebuffed US entreaties for diplomacy since Biden took over from Donald Trump, who had three summits with Kim and the two famously exchanged "beautiful letters." Kim nonetheless refused to give up his nuclear weapons but did impose a freeze on testing them. He has not tested a nuclear bomb nor launched an inter-continental ballistic missile since 2017, although experts believe his arsenal has steadily grown. Biden said he would be willing to meet Kim under the right conditions - if he agreed to discuss his nuclear program and that his advisers first met with their North Korean counterparts to lay the groundwork. Biden said a veteran State Department official, Sung Kim, would serve as special US envoy for North Korea. South Korea had been pushing for the appointment of an envoy, and Moon, for whom engagement with North Korea is a legacy issue before he leaves office next year, said Sung Kim would help explore whether North Korea is willing to engage diplomatically. He said he expected a positive response. Sung Kim is a Korean-American diplomat who served as special envoy for North Korea under President Barack Obama and helped set up Trump`s summits with Kim Jong Un. He has also been ambassador to South Korea, the Philippines and Indonesia and most recently served in an acting capacity as the top US diplomat for East Asia. Biden said that for him to meet with Kim there would have to be a commitment from the North Korean leader "that there`s discussion about his nuclear arsenal." "I would not do what had been done in the recent past; I would not give him all he`s looking for - international recognition as legitimate and allow him to move in the direction of appearing to be more ... serious about what he wasn`t at all serious about," he said. Biden`s comments appeared to reflect a shift in his thinking. The White House had said in March it was not Biden`s intention to meet with Kim. Jenny Town of 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea-watching project, said Sung Kim`s appointment was positive given the Biden administration had signalled it was in no hurry to fill the post. However, it has given no indication of what concessions it might offer to bring about talks. "The problem has been that the administration has only talked about denuclearization and continues to characterize any interactions with North Korea as nuclear negotiations," she said. "So it`s still a tough sell to get the North Koreans back to the table, but obviously Moon is going to push very hard." Moon said Biden had expressed support for intra-Korean dialogue and cooperation, but Town said this would not mean much unless Washington, which has refused to ease sanctions on Pyongyang, allowed Seoul the space to move forward with this. Biden`s administration undertook a broad review of North Korea policy but has said little about what its new policy actually entails. US officials have said only that it would not be the approach favoured by Obama of refusing to engage the North, or Trump`s flashy summitry. In their day of talks, Biden and Moon reaffirmed a strong alliance between the two countries after the strains created by Trump, who badgered Moon as weak and threatened to pull US troops out of South Korea. Moon was the second foreign leader - after Japan`s prime minister - to visit the White House since Biden took office in January, and Biden said their conversations were those of "old friends." The two also discussed China and Taiwan. Taiwan has complained of repeated military pressure from Beijing with China’s air force making frequent forays into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone. "We`ve shared the view that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is extremely important, and we agreed to work together on that matter while considering special characteristics in relations between China and Taiwan," Moon said. In another win for Moon, who has faced pressure at home over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the United States and South Korea had agreed a vaccine partnership that would combine US expertise and Korean production capacity. He said this would help supply COVID-19 vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region, while Biden said the United States would provide vaccinations for 550,000 South Korean soldiers.

'Denuclearisation is the goal': Biden, Moon express willingness for dialogue with North Korea

The approved release of three detainees locked up in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for nearly two decades has raised expectations that President Joe Biden might try to close the notorious US military prison.

A high-level review board on May 17 signed off on the release of the oldest of the 40 so-called detainees still at Guantanamo, 73-year-old Pakistani businessman Saifullah Paracha, as well as two others.

Despite being arrested and secretly rendered to the US military prison on the Caribbean island between 2001 and 2003, the three were never charged, like most of the others still there.

Tarred by accusations of extra-legal imprisonment, denial of rights and torture, Guantanamo has been a human rights shame for Washington since it was opened in January 2002 as a "War on Terror" prison for people suspected of connections to the September 11, 2001 attacks by Al-Qaeda.&nbsp;

Within a few years, the United States had seized around 780 people, most on slim evidence of Al-Qaeda ties, and taken them to Guantanamo as war prisoners. Many underwent torture in secret CIA locations before their transfer to the prison.

Only a dozen have been shown to have strong connections to 9/11 or other attacks.

Political liability

Biden was vice president when the then-president Barack Obama ordered the prison closed two days after taking office in 2009, with the idea that those tied to 9/11 would be tried in US civilian courts.

But the idea was deeply unpopular and Congress blocked it.

Instead, Obama over eight years quietly freed hundreds of prisoners after the Guantanamo Periodic Review Board (PRB) cleared them.

That process ground to a halt when Donald Trump took office in 2017.

Now, President Biden has inherited an expensive, legally dubious and, for many, embarrassing camp still holding 40 men that could outlast the two-decade war in Afghanistan sparked by 9/11.

Asked in April if Biden will close the base, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki replied that he "remains committed" to doing so.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-aims-to-close-down-guantanamo-prison-white-house-spokeswoman-363280">Joe Biden aims to close down Guantanamo prison: White House spokeswoman</a>

"I feel confident that the Biden administration is going forward to clear out Guantanamo to the extent that is possible," said Shelby Sullivan-Bennis, attorney for Paracha after he was cleared for release.

Stuck in limbo 

Rights groups say Biden needs to act firmly.&nbsp;

"President Biden cannot have true credibility advocating for other countries to respect human rights if he does not prioritize closing Guantanamo," said Daphne Eviatar of Amnesty International.

Of the 40 men still there, nine have been cleared for release. Six cleared under Obama saw their transfers frozen by Trump.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guantanamo-detainee-abu-zubaydah-to-file-complaint-with-un-agency-381799">Guantanamo detainee Abu Zubaydah to file complaint with UN agency</a>

Twelve, including Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, called the architect of the 9/11 attacks, are in the slow-moving military tribunal system. Just two have been convicted over nearly two decades.

The other 19 are in limbo: they haven't been charged, or granted release by the PRB.&nbsp;

Shayana Kadidal of the Center for Constitutional Rights, which has represented several detainees, says Biden will not likely make Obama's political mistake of going public with his intention to clear out the prison.

Instead, he can just let the PRB do its work. Kadidal said the recent transfer approvals suggest the board is now prone to approving the last, most difficult cases, many with psychiatric disorders and having experienced abuse in the hands of the CIA.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-pauses-plan-to-give-covid-19-vaccine-to-prisoners-at-guantanamo-bay-360368">Pentagon pauses plan to give COVID-19 vaccine to prisoners at Guantanamo Bay</a>

"To me, that says that there's been a little bit of an attitude shift, and a very laudable one, on the part of the PRB," he said.

But other barriers to closure remain. Biden has yet to restaff the State Department's special envoy office handling repatriations, closed by Trump.

More challenging is what to do with the 12 in the military tribunals system. Six, including Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, face charges that carry the death penalty.

Better than federal prisons

Their cases have moved exceedingly slowly, stalled by procedural challenges often relating to their mistreatment and denial of US constitutional rights, and by changes of judges and lawyers on both sides.

Biden could seek to have them moved to the US mainland and put in federal criminal courts, but Kadidal said that remains fraught with political dangers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-to-keep-guantanamo-bay-prison-open-31282">Trump vows to keep Guantanamo Bay prison open</a>

Civilian courts could expose more torture and denial of fundamental rights that judges and jurors might sympathize with.

Some in the Pentagon bureaucracy also want to keep Guantanamo open for future conflicts, too, Kadidal said.&nbsp;

And lawyers for the detainees themselves possibly see that stalling the military tribunals and lodging appeals is preferable to reaching verdicts that could mean execution.

"These guys could die natural deaths down there. They're in better conditions than what you would get in a federal terrorism facility," said Kadidal.

"The status quo of no trial happening, and being at Gitmo, is in some ways preferable to what you might experience otherwise."

The approved release of three detainees locked up in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for nearly two decades has raised expectations that President Joe Biden might try to close the notorious US military prison.

The approved release of three detainees locked up in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for nearly two decades has raised expectations that President Joe Biden might try to close the notorious US military prison. A high-level review board on May 17 signed off on the release of the oldest of the 40 so-called detainees still at Guantanamo, 73-year-old Pakistani businessman Saifullah Paracha, as well as two others. Despite being arrested and secretly rendered to the US military prison on the Caribbean island between 2001 and 2003, the three were never charged, like most of the others still there. Tarred by accusations of extra-legal imprisonment, denial of rights and torture, Guantanamo has been a human rights shame for Washington since it was opened in January 2002 as a "War on Terror" prison for people suspected of connections to the September 11, 2001 attacks by Al-Qaeda. Within a few years, the United States had seized around 780 people, most on slim evidence of Al-Qaeda ties, and taken them to Guantanamo as war prisoners. Many underwent torture in secret CIA locations before their transfer to the prison. Only a dozen have been shown to have strong connections to 9/11 or other attacks. Political liability Biden was vice president when the then-president Barack Obama ordered the prison closed two days after taking office in 2009, with the idea that those tied to 9/11 would be tried in US civilian courts. But the idea was deeply unpopular and Congress blocked it. Instead, Obama over eight years quietly freed hundreds of prisoners after the Guantanamo Periodic Review Board (PRB) cleared them. That process ground to a halt when Donald Trump took office in 2017. Now, President Biden has inherited an expensive, legally dubious and, for many, embarrassing camp still holding 40 men that could outlast the two-decade war in Afghanistan sparked by 9/11. Asked in April if Biden will close the base, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki replied that he "remains committed" to doing so. Also Read | Joe Biden aims to close down Guantanamo prison: White House spokeswoman "I feel confident that the Biden administration is going forward to clear out Guantanamo to the extent that is possible," said Shelby Sullivan-Bennis, attorney for Paracha after he was cleared for release. Stuck in limbo Rights groups say Biden needs to act firmly. "President Biden cannot have true credibility advocating for other countries to respect human rights if he does not prioritize closing Guantanamo," said Daphne Eviatar of Amnesty International. Of the 40 men still there, nine have been cleared for release. Six cleared under Obama saw their transfers frozen by Trump. Also Read | Guantanamo detainee Abu Zubaydah to file complaint with UN agency Twelve, including Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, called the architect of the 9/11 attacks, are in the slow-moving military tribunal system. Just two have been convicted over nearly two decades. The other 19 are in limbo: they haven't been charged, or granted release by the PRB. Shayana Kadidal of the Center for Constitutional Rights, which has represented several detainees, says Biden will not likely make Obama's political mistake of going public with his intention to clear out the prison. Instead, he can just let the PRB do its work. Kadidal said the recent transfer approvals suggest the board is now prone to approving the last, most difficult cases, many with psychiatric disorders and having experienced abuse in the hands of the CIA. Also Read | Pentagon pauses plan to give COVID-19 vaccine to prisoners at Guantanamo Bay "To me, that says that there's been a little bit of an attitude shift, and a very laudable one, on the part of the PRB," he said. But other barriers to closure remain. Biden has yet to restaff the State Department's special envoy office handling repatriations, closed by Trump. More challenging is what to do with the 12 in the military tribunals system. Six, including Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, face charges that carry the death penalty. Better than federal prisons Their cases have moved exceedingly slowly, stalled by procedural challenges often relating to their mistreatment and denial of US constitutional rights, and by changes of judges and lawyers on both sides. Biden could seek to have them moved to the US mainland and put in federal criminal courts, but Kadidal said that remains fraught with political dangers. Also Read | Trump vows to keep Guantanamo Bay prison open Civilian courts could expose more torture and denial of fundamental rights that judges and jurors might sympathize with. Some in the Pentagon bureaucracy also want to keep Guantanamo open for future conflicts, too, Kadidal said. And lawyers for the detainees themselves possibly see that stalling the military tribunals and lodging appeals is preferable to reaching verdicts that could mean execution. "These guys could die natural deaths down there. They're in better conditions than what you would get in a federal terrorism facility," said Kadidal. "The status quo of no trial happening, and being at Gitmo, is in some ways preferable to what you might experience otherwise."

Will Biden close Guantanamo 'War on Terror' prison?

President Joe Biden on Friday pledged to help organise efforts to rebuild Gaza and said creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel is the "only answer" to the conflict.

Biden also said he had told the Israelis to stop "intercommunal fighting" in the flashpoint city of Jerusalem.

However, he stressed "there is no shift in my commitment, commitment to the security of Israel" and added that until the region "unequivocally" acknowledges Israel's existence "there will be no peace."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exceptional-success-we-achieved-our-goals-in-the-operation-says-netanyahu-after-ceasefire-with-hamas-386615" hreflang="en">Exceptional success, we achieved our goals in the operation, says Netanyahu after ceasefire with Hamas</a>

The idea of a two-state solution — with a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel and Jerusalem as their shared capital — has been the cornerstone of decades of international diplomacy aimed at ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

US policy under Donald Trump was criticised as being blatantly pro-Israel and ignoring the Palestinians.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-conflict-now-the-narrative-war-begins-amid-ceasefire-386592" hreflang="en">Israel-Hamas conflict: Now, the narrative war begins amid ceasefire</a>

A Mideast peace plan devised by Trump's adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner was billed as providing for a two-state solution. But that blueprint envisioned a Palestinian state with only limited sovereignty and Israel maintaining security over that state.

The plan was rejected out of hand by Palestinian leaders.

Biden on Friday insisted on a full-blown two-state remedy.

"There is no shift in my commitment to the security of Israel, period, no shift, not at all," he said.

"But I tell you what there is a shift in. The shift is that we still need a two-state solution. It is the only answer, the only answer," Biden stated.

President Joe Biden on Friday pledged to help organise efforts to rebuild Gaza and said creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel is the "only answer" to the conflict.

President Joe Biden on Friday pledged to help organise efforts to rebuild Gaza and said creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel is the "only answer" to the conflict. Biden also said he had told the Israelis to stop "intercommunal fighting" in the flashpoint city of Jerusalem. However, he stressed "there is no shift in my commitment, commitment to the security of Israel" and added that until the region "unequivocally" acknowledges Israel's existence "there will be no peace." Also read | Exceptional success, we achieved our goals in the operation, says Netanyahu after ceasefire with Hamas The idea of a two-state solution — with a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel and Jerusalem as their shared capital — has been the cornerstone of decades of international diplomacy aimed at ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. US policy under Donald Trump was criticised as being blatantly pro-Israel and ignoring the Palestinians. Also read | Israel-Hamas conflict: Now, the narrative war begins amid ceasefire A Mideast peace plan devised by Trump's adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner was billed as providing for a two-state solution. But that blueprint envisioned a Palestinian state with only limited sovereignty and Israel maintaining security over that state. The plan was rejected out of hand by Palestinian leaders. Biden on Friday insisted on a full-blown two-state remedy. "There is no shift in my commitment to the security of Israel, period, no shift, not at all," he said. "But I tell you what there is a shift in. The shift is that we still need a two-state solution. It is the only answer, the only answer," Biden stated.

Biden vows to help 'rebuild' Gaza, insists on two-state solution

South Korean President Moon Jae-in offered praise for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and economic recovery on Friday as&nbsp;the two leaders met during his visit to Washington.

The rising power of China as a rival for leadership in Asia and the powder keg of nuclear-armed North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;loom over the talks.

Against that backdrop, Washington's main emphasis is on rebuilding traditional US alliances in the region, especially with&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;and Japan.

"My congratulations on how the Biden-Harris administration is building back better with the world's most successful vaccine deployment and fastest economic recovery and blazing a trail for inclusiveness and unity by restoring the soul of America,” Moon said during an appearance with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Moon's words echoed those used by Democrat Biden, who described the 2020 presidential campaign against Republican incumbent Donald Trump as a battle for the soul of the nation.

Where Donald Trump treated foreign partners alternately as cut-throat business competitors or freeloaders, Biden is once more leaning on democratic alliances forged in bloody 20th century conflicts as the core to maintaining US supremacy.

Moon comes to Washington as Biden's second foreign guest. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, visiting in April, was the first.

The US-South&nbsp;Korean relationship "is the lynchpin of security and prosperity for northeast Asia and a free and open Indo-Pacific," the White House official, who asked not to be identified, said.

"President Biden will reaffirm that ironclad commitment."

Symbolizing the deep, complex history behind those bonds, Moon will join Biden in awarding the Medal of Honor -- the highest US military honor for bravery -- to a 94-year-old US veteran of the Korean War.

Then first lieutenant Ralph Puckett was wounded in 1950 while leading US and Korean soldiers in the desperate defense of a hill against an overwhelming force of Chinese troops -- an early episode in China's decisive entry into the war.

The White House said this would be the first time a foreign leader has taken part in a Medal of Honor ceremony.

'Complete denuclearisation'&nbsp;

Commercial ties will be high on the agenda. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and her&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean counterpart will hold separate talks involving a raft of CEOs with a focus on high-tech manufacturing -- battery technology, semi-conductors and 5G wireless.

But the bulk of the Biden-Moon meeting will likely focus on China, including its sabre rattling around Taiwan, and on attempts to get North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;to give up its nuclear weapons.

Don't expect much in the way of strong, clear statements when the presidents issue a joint declaration afterward, however.

Asked if concern over the future of Taiwan would be aired, the White House official said there would be "a reference to regional security generally and maintenance of peace."

And on North&nbsp;Korea, which has foiled US presidents for decades, similarly vague language is likely.

"Our goals remain the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," the official said.

However, the White House has "a clear understanding that the efforts of past administrations have not achieved this objective."

Out are former attempts to reach for a so-called "grand bargain" with Pyongyang or simply to show what diplomats termed "strategic patience."

Now the White House is touting "a calibrated practical approach" -- diplomatic jargon, it seems, for being realistically low key, while open-minded.

"We understand where previous efforts in the past had difficulties and we've tried to learn from those," the official said.

Asked if Biden would consider following up Trump's headline-grabbing but ultimately fruitless summits with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki delivered a dry response Thursday.

"I don't expect that to be top on his agenda," she said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in offered praise for US President Joe Biden's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and economic recovery on Friday as the two leaders met during his visit to Washington.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in offered praise for US President Joe Biden's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and economic recovery on Friday as the two leaders met during his visit to Washington. The rising power of China as a rival for leadership in Asia and the powder keg of nuclear-armed North Korea loom over the talks. Against that backdrop, Washington's main emphasis is on rebuilding traditional US alliances in the region, especially with South Korea and Japan. "My congratulations on how the Biden-Harris administration is building back better with the world's most successful vaccine deployment and fastest economic recovery and blazing a trail for inclusiveness and unity by restoring the soul of America,” Moon said during an appearance with Vice President Kamala Harris. Moon's words echoed those used by Democrat Biden, who described the 2020 presidential campaign against Republican incumbent Donald Trump as a battle for the soul of the nation. Where Donald Trump treated foreign partners alternately as cut-throat business competitors or freeloaders, Biden is once more leaning on democratic alliances forged in bloody 20th century conflicts as the core to maintaining US supremacy. Moon comes to Washington as Biden's second foreign guest. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, visiting in April, was the first. The US-South Korean relationship "is the lynchpin of security and prosperity for northeast Asia and a free and open Indo-Pacific," the White House official, who asked not to be identified, said. "President Biden will reaffirm that ironclad commitment." Symbolizing the deep, complex history behind those bonds, Moon will join Biden in awarding the Medal of Honor -- the highest US military honor for bravery -- to a 94-year-old US veteran of the Korean War. Then first lieutenant Ralph Puckett was wounded in 1950 while leading US and Korean soldiers in the desperate defense of a hill against an overwhelming force of Chinese troops -- an early episode in China's decisive entry into the war. The White House said this would be the first time a foreign leader has taken part in a Medal of Honor ceremony. 'Complete denuclearisation' Commercial ties will be high on the agenda. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and her South Korean counterpart will hold separate talks involving a raft of CEOs with a focus on high-tech manufacturing -- battery technology, semi-conductors and 5G wireless. But the bulk of the Biden-Moon meeting will likely focus on China, including its sabre rattling around Taiwan, and on attempts to get North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. Don't expect much in the way of strong, clear statements when the presidents issue a joint declaration afterward, however. Asked if concern over the future of Taiwan would be aired, the White House official said there would be "a reference to regional security generally and maintenance of peace." And on North Korea, which has foiled US presidents for decades, similarly vague language is likely. "Our goals remain the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," the official said. However, the White House has "a clear understanding that the efforts of past administrations have not achieved this objective." Out are former attempts to reach for a so-called "grand bargain" with Pyongyang or simply to show what diplomats termed "strategic patience." Now the White House is touting "a calibrated practical approach" -- diplomatic jargon, it seems, for being realistically low key, while open-minded. "We understand where previous efforts in the past had difficulties and we've tried to learn from those," the official said. Asked if Biden would consider following up Trump's headline-grabbing but ultimately fruitless summits with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki delivered a dry response Thursday. "I don't expect that to be top on his agenda," she said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in lauds Biden, says he is 'restoring soul' of America

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