WEBVTT 00:00:02.220 --> 00:00:08.930 Ladies and gentlemen please stand and welcome the Honorable Acting Secretary 00:00:08.930 --> 00:00:26.779 of Homeland Security Chad Wolf and Acting Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli 00:00:26.779 --> 00:00:28.240 -- please remain standing for the 00:00:28.240 --> 00:00:33.000 presentation of the colors by the DHS joint color guard. 00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:34.000 Performance of the 00:00:34.000 --> 00:00:39.070 national anthem by Cynthia Wilson from US Customs and Border Protection. 00:00:39.070 --> 00:00:40.070 And 00:00:40.070 --> 00:00:44.240 the invocation by the United States Coast Guard chaplain commander David 00:00:44.240 --> 00:00:54.350 Stroud. 00:00:54.350 --> 00:02:02.270 Oh say can you see by the dawn's early light what so proudly we 00:02:02.270 --> 00:02:06.230 hail at the twilight's last gleaming? 00:02:06.230 --> 00:02:13.170 Whose broad stripes and bright stars 00:02:13.170 --> 00:02:25.099 through the perilous fight, or the ramparts we watched were so gallantly 00:02:25.099 --> 00:02:26.400 streaming. 00:02:26.400 --> 00:02:37.400 And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof 00:02:37.400 --> 00:02:46.680 through the night that our flag was still there. 00:02:46.680 --> 00:02:50.331 Oh, say, does that 00:02:50.331 --> 00:03:18.900 Star-Spangled Banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 00:04:10.840 --> 00:04:14.020 Let us pray. 00:04:14.020 --> 00:04:17.780 Holy God, we thank you for blessing us with the gift of 00:04:17.780 --> 00:04:22.150 waking up this morning in a free nation, one that was conceived in 00:04:22.150 --> 00:04:26.330 liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men and women are 00:04:26.330 --> 00:04:28.600 created equal. 00:04:28.600 --> 00:04:31.030 We thank you for the blessings that you have poured out on 00:04:31.030 --> 00:04:34.650 the United States throughout its history and for the long list of 00:04:34.650 --> 00:04:39.250 individuals who have served this nation, especially those who have 00:04:39.250 --> 00:04:43.620 served and are serving to secure our homeland. 00:04:43.620 --> 00:04:45.210 We thank you for each one who 00:04:45.210 --> 00:04:51.550 comes each day to make our nation safe, secure and resilient. 00:04:51.550 --> 00:04:52.550 This morning we 00:04:52.550 --> 00:04:56.620 ask that you continue to pour out your blessings on acting secretary Wolf and 00:04:56.620 --> 00:05:02.120 all those who join with him to protect our nation and our way of life. 00:05:02.120 --> 00:05:03.120 Please 00:05:03.120 --> 00:05:05.680 give us your presence for these proceedings that all that we say and do 00:05:05.680 --> 00:05:10.960 might honor you and your provision for us, we pray it all in your name. 00:05:10.960 --> 00:05:12.660 Amen. 00:05:21.020 --> 00:05:29.980 Ladies and gentlemen please be seated. 00:05:29.990 --> 00:05:32.170 Please welcome to the podium the senior 00:05:32.170 --> 00:05:42.210 official performing the duties of the deputy secretary, Ken Cuccinelli. 00:05:42.210 --> 00:05:44.070 Good 00:05:44.070 --> 00:05:48.050 morning and welcome everyone, it is an honor to be here with all of you as we 00:05:48.050 --> 00:05:53.100 assess the state of our cherished homeland, we are here today because of 00:05:53.100 --> 00:05:58.370 the threats that we face as a nation, requiring us to be more vigilant than 00:05:58.370 --> 00:06:04.669 ever in protecting the people and values we care so deeply about. 00:06:04.669 --> 00:06:05.669 After 00:06:05.669 --> 00:06:09.840 decades of putting global interest ahead of the safety and the prosperity 00:06:09.840 --> 00:06:15.550 of our citizens, this administration has boldly put America first. 00:06:15.550 --> 00:06:16.550 Our 00:06:16.550 --> 00:06:20.200 president has taken decisive action to revamp our approach to homeland 00:06:20.200 --> 00:06:25.770 security, we've seen the DHS more dynamic than at any time in the 00:06:25.770 --> 00:06:26.770 department's history. 00:06:26.770 --> 00:06:33.460 We have seen a DHS unafraid to disrupt the status quo 00:06:33.460 --> 00:06:39.150 and deliver results that provide security for the American people. 00:06:39.150 --> 00:06:40.150 Today 00:06:40.150 --> 00:06:45.300 acting secretary Wolf will articulate the various ways in which DHS continues 00:06:45.300 --> 00:06:51.380 to innovate and fulfill the president's vision of a more secure and prosperous 00:06:51.380 --> 00:06:52.920 America. 00:06:52.920 --> 00:06:57.800 Through our various components at DHS we are unified as a department 00:06:57.800 --> 00:07:04.020 and understand the gravity of the work we do every single day throughout 00:07:04.020 --> 00:07:05.370 America. 00:07:05.370 --> 00:07:08.580 In acting secretary Wolf the department has a leader committed to 00:07:08.580 --> 00:07:11.740 facing the emerging threats of tomorrow. 00:07:11.740 --> 00:07:13.590 It has been remarkable to 00:07:13.590 --> 00:07:18.730 witness the president and DHS overcome the vast array of challenges we have 00:07:18.730 --> 00:07:21.880 faced over the course of the last almost 4 years. 00:07:21.880 --> 00:07:23.841 DHS has adapted to the 00:07:23.841 --> 00:07:29.050 unique threats of our time and will continue to succeed and adapt to 00:07:29.050 --> 00:07:33.389 whatever obstacles the future may hold for us. 00:07:33.389 --> 00:07:35.730 Two days from now will mark the 00:07:35.730 --> 00:07:38.699 19th anniversary of 9/11. 00:07:38.699 --> 00:07:41.870 A day that none of us will ever forget. 00:07:41.870 --> 00:07:42.960 The day 00:07:42.960 --> 00:07:47.081 our nation was attacked by terrorists seeking to destroy the bond of our 00:07:47.081 --> 00:07:51.360 people but instead we grew stronger. 00:07:51.360 --> 00:07:52.789 We came together. 00:07:52.789 --> 00:07:54.840 And as we discuss the 00:07:54.840 --> 00:07:58.960 current challenges faced by the department and the future of homeland 00:07:58.960 --> 00:08:06.229 security we do so with reverence to those lost on 9/11 and the heroic first 00:08:06.229 --> 00:08:11.860 responders and Armed Forces who put their lives on the line since that day 00:08:11.860 --> 00:08:14.940 in the same fight. 00:08:14.940 --> 00:08:20.770 Out of the ashes of tragedy our nation arose stronger. 00:08:20.770 --> 00:08:21.770 And 00:08:21.770 --> 00:08:25.680 DHS now plays a vital role in that ascension. 00:08:25.680 --> 00:08:27.710 We will hear more about that 00:08:27.710 --> 00:08:29.560 today. 00:08:29.560 --> 00:08:33.450 As we approach the 19th anniversary of 9/11 we are reminded 00:08:33.450 --> 00:08:39.919 that on that day 19 hijackers exploited the very gaps in our immigration 00:08:39.919 --> 00:08:45.239 system, in our enforcement, in our national security systems, because 00:08:45.239 --> 00:08:51.180 that's what they are, that DHS was ultimately created to remedy. 00:08:51.180 --> 00:08:52.180 The 00:08:52.180 --> 00:08:56.910 president understands we live in a nation that must defend its borders and 00:08:56.910 --> 00:09:00.740 we must know who is entering our beloved country. 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:03.040 It is our solemn duty 00:09:03.040 --> 00:09:11.009 to never, to never allow the entry of individuals hostile to America and our 00:09:11.009 --> 00:09:16.519 founding principles into the United States of America. 00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:17.519 That is one of the 00:09:17.519 --> 00:09:19.910 many goals we pursue every day. 00:09:19.910 --> 00:09:24.240 At DHS we've taken commonsense measures to 00:09:24.240 --> 00:09:29.499 raise the baseline of security screening and to restore the integrity 00:09:29.499 --> 00:09:34.949 of our immigration system. 00:09:34.949 --> 00:09:38.110 We will not allow threats to breach our homeland 00:09:38.110 --> 00:09:43.690 via a dysfunctional and negligent immigration process. 00:09:43.690 --> 00:09:44.690 Every day we 00:09:44.690 --> 00:09:49.369 protect the homeland and support our fellow citizens so they can live in a 00:09:49.369 --> 00:09:56.149 prosperous and free country with safe neighborhoods and communities. 00:09:56.149 --> 00:09:57.149 We are 00:09:57.149 --> 00:10:01.819 honored to do so and honored to host you here today at our headquarters in 00:10:01.819 --> 00:10:03.420 Washington. 00:10:03.420 --> 00:10:06.280 Thank you very much. 00:10:06.340 --> 00:10:09.000 [Applause] 00:10:15.100 --> 00:10:25.600 I hear you, the rest of the world hears you, and the people ... and the people who knocked these buildings 00:10:25.600 --> 00:10:28.920 down will hear all of us soon. 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:37.119 The Homeland Security Act of 2002 takes the 00:10:37.119 --> 00:10:39.079 next critical steps in defending our country. 00:10:39.079 --> 00:10:41.069 The continuing threat of 00:10:41.069 --> 00:10:48.529 terrorism, the threat of mass murder on our own soil, will be met with a 00:10:48.529 --> 00:10:50.019 unified, effective response. 00:10:50.019 --> 00:10:52.649 Dozens of agencies charged with homeland security 00:10:52.649 --> 00:10:59.660 will now be located within one cabinet department with the mandate, and legal 00:10:59.660 --> 00:11:03.080 authority to protect our people. 00:11:04.760 --> 00:11:10.180 [Speaking in Spanish] [English]: It's going to be hard to get on. 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:19.839 I serve to promote homeland security and public safety. 00:11:19.839 --> 00:11:21.819 I serve to provide career long 00:11:21.819 --> 00:11:23.470 training to law enforcement professionals. 00:11:23.470 --> 00:11:24.800 I serve to administer 00:11:24.800 --> 00:11:27.930 the nation's lawful immigration system. 00:11:27.930 --> 00:11:30.720 I serve to enable effective and secure 00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:33.860 operations across all homeland security missions. 00:11:33.860 --> 00:11:35.540 I serve to defend against 00:11:35.540 --> 00:11:40.640 today's threats and build more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future. 00:11:40.640 --> 00:11:42.720 I serve to prevent an attack against the United States using a 00:11:42.720 --> 00:11:45.920 weapon of mass destruction through timely and responsive support to our 00:11:45.920 --> 00:11:47.000 operational components. 00:11:47.080 --> 00:11:50.080 I serve to protect the nation's transportation 00:11:50.080 --> 00:11:55.000 system, to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. 00:11:55.000 --> 00:12:00.000 I serve to safeguard America's borders and enhance the nation's global economic competitiveness. 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:06.000 [ music ] 00:12:56.200 --> 00:13:00.800 [repeating] I stand ready to rise. 00:13:00.800 --> 00:13:05.440 I stand ready to rise and face the next challenge that threatens our homeland. 00:13:05.920 --> 00:13:11.440 [music] 00:13:23.800 --> 00:13:27.920 Please welcome to the podium the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, 00:13:28.040 --> 00:13:30.400 the Honorable Chad Wolf. 00:13:40.600 --> 00:13:42.749 The Department of Homeland Security is bound by one 00:13:42.749 --> 00:13:44.910 mission, one Creed. 00:13:44.910 --> 00:13:49.029 Answering the call, often times in the most arduous of 00:13:49.029 --> 00:13:52.399 environments and difficult of circumstances, to safeguard the 00:13:52.399 --> 00:13:58.839 American people, our homeland, and our values from all threats, all the time 00:13:58.839 --> 00:14:03.419 both today, tomorrow, and in the months and years to come. 00:14:03.419 --> 00:14:04.839 We are one team. 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:06.200 One mission. 00:14:06.280 --> 00:14:08.239 We are one DHS. 00:14:08.239 --> 00:14:10.990 We stand ready to rise and ready to face the next 00:14:10.990 --> 00:14:14.070 challenge that threatens our homeland. 00:14:14.070 --> 00:14:16.269 Our mission is anything but easy. 00:14:16.269 --> 00:14:17.269 It is 00:14:17.269 --> 00:14:21.730 one that is increasingly complex and expensive, one that transcends borders, 00:14:21.730 --> 00:14:24.399 mission sets and threat streams. 00:14:24.399 --> 00:14:26.019 While much has changed since the department 00:14:26.019 --> 00:14:31.119 was created after 9/11, one thing remains constant: the dedicated men and 00:14:31.119 --> 00:14:35.919 women of DHS who rise to meet every threat with unwavering professionalism, 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:38.209 rescission, and passion. 00:14:38.209 --> 00:14:42.049 It was a privilege to join your ranks at the 00:14:42.049 --> 00:14:45.679 department's founding and it is the honor of a lifetime to lead this team. 00:14:45.679 --> 00:14:50.879 To each of you here and across America today serving alongside you as acting 00:14:50.879 --> 00:14:54.290 secretary is an honor that no words can capture. 00:14:54.290 --> 00:14:56.000 Let me try by saying this. 00:14:56.240 --> 00:14:57.680 I know your strength. 00:14:57.680 --> 00:14:59.350 And I know your commitment. 00:14:59.350 --> 00:15:01.149 Nothing can intimidate you, 00:15:01.149 --> 00:15:05.300 not cyber attacks or transnational criminal activity, not a global 00:15:05.300 --> 00:15:08.579 pandemic or the pains of civil unrest. 00:15:08.579 --> 00:15:10.730 Not mother nature's storms and not 00:15:10.730 --> 00:15:15.280 those malign actors seeking to bring storms of their own to our shores. 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:19.870 To the department's leadership here today, your job is not easy. 00:15:19.880 --> 00:15:21.800 It is not glamorous. 00:15:21.880 --> 00:15:24.970 You get no writeups and glossy magazines. 00:15:24.970 --> 00:15:25.970 Instead, you get many 00:15:25.970 --> 00:15:28.720 words written about you or shouted at you. 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:31.189 You are too -- that you here too solemn 00:15:31.189 --> 00:15:33.769 seldom, thank you. 00:15:33.769 --> 00:15:35.799 Thank you for showing up every day and working hard 00:15:35.799 --> 00:15:37.639 for the American people. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:41.879 They know, I know and on their behalf I say thank 00:15:41.879 --> 00:15:43.929 you for your work. 00:15:43.929 --> 00:15:46.600 As we recognize and celebrate the work of today we also 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:50.910 acknowledge the contributions of past leaders who forged and helped establish 00:15:50.910 --> 00:15:51.949 our Department. 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:56.480 I would like to recognize a few of them who are with us today. 00:15:56.840 --> 00:16:01.480 Kirstjen Nielsen, former secretary; Admiral Jim Loy, former 00:16:01.480 --> 00:16:05.009 United States Coast Guard Commandant, TSA Administrator and Deputy Secretary, 00:16:05.009 --> 00:16:09.350 Elaine Duke, former Undersecretary of Management and Deputy Secretary and 00:16:09.350 --> 00:16:11.009 Acting Secretary; 00:16:11.009 --> 00:16:13.449 Claire Grady, former Undersecretary of Management and Acting 00:16:13.449 --> 00:16:18.310 Deputy Secretary; and Tom Homan, former Acting Director of ICE. 00:16:18.310 --> 00:16:22.240 Thank you for being here and on behalf of a grateful nation and are grateful 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:26.240 department, thank you for dedicating your time and service. 00:16:26.440 --> 00:16:34.560 [ applause ] 00:16:34.560 --> 00:16:39.840 As one DHS team today, we gather to survey the state of our homeland. 00:16:39.880 --> 00:16:44.879 With a steady voice, we will state the threats we face in absolute confidence. 00:16:44.879 --> 00:16:45.879 We will 00:16:45.879 --> 00:16:50.189 share how we will meet and defeat them, and we will show how we will strengthen 00:16:50.200 --> 00:16:54.240 the resilience of our borders, our infrastructure and our way of life. 00:16:54.320 --> 00:16:58.309 Let me say at the outset, thanks to the resolve, ingenuity and technical 00:16:58.309 --> 00:17:03.470 prowess of the men and women of DHS, and the unwavering support of President 00:17:03.470 --> 00:17:08.130 Trump, America is more prepared and more equipped to tackle threats to the 00:17:08.130 --> 00:17:09.549 homeland than ever before. 00:17:09.549 --> 00:17:13.559 The mission sets of the components that compromise 00:17:13.560 --> 00:17:18.520 DHS from USCIS to the Secret Service are distinct and important. 00:17:18.520 --> 00:17:20.520 They are diverse. 00:17:20.520 --> 00:17:23.360 But the dedication of our workforce is uniformly strong. 00:17:23.360 --> 00:17:24.360 As we 00:17:24.360 --> 00:17:27.610 prepare today for tomorrow's dangers I am confident the state of our homeland 00:17:27.610 --> 00:17:31.160 is secure in the steady hands of the men and women of DHS. 00:17:32.800 --> 00:17:33.799 We cannot gather 00:17:33.800 --> 00:17:37.560 as a family in September and fail to remember the day 19 years ago. 00:17:37.720 --> 00:17:42.320 The smoke has long since disappeared over New York, Shanksville and the Pentagon, 00:17:42.330 --> 00:17:45.309 right across the Potomac from where we gather today. 00:17:45.309 --> 00:17:46.519 But for us the skies of 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:48.580 September are never clear. 00:17:48.580 --> 00:17:51.570 We rose from the ashes of that day with one purpose, 00:17:51.570 --> 00:17:52.590 protect America. 00:17:52.590 --> 00:17:56.270 Here, liberty and the rule of law live together and sustain 00:17:56.270 --> 00:17:57.270 one another. 00:17:57.280 --> 00:18:01.280 DHS stands against all enemies seeking to weaken or destroy them. 00:18:02.320 --> 00:18:06.070 For more than 17 years after the department was founded, our resolve to 00:18:06.070 --> 00:18:09.389 safeguard the homeland has never been stronger. 00:18:09.389 --> 00:18:12.360 But the threats have changed. 00:18:12.360 --> 00:18:15.929 They are more complex and more sophisticated. 00:18:15.929 --> 00:18:17.680 We were established in 2003. 00:18:18.460 --> 00:18:22.540 Well before iPhones existed that could be used to control drones. 00:18:22.540 --> 00:18:25.200 Before. terrorists used crypto currency to fund their evil plots. 00:18:25.840 --> 00:18:30.820 Before nation states used Twitter to proliferate their disinformation campaigns. 00:18:30.820 --> 00:18:35.100 Our challenges today are unimaginably different than those of the past. 00:18:35.100 --> 00:18:37.160 Threats shift and so must the department. 00:18:38.080 --> 00:18:39.880 Through the trials, obstacles and successes of 00:18:39.880 --> 00:18:44.220 nearly 2 decades we have learned many lessons and honed our abilities to 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:47.120 accomplish our singular mission of protecting the homeland. 00:18:47.900 --> 00:18:52.279 This ongoing process of growth and improvement has prepared the department to address the 00:18:52.280 --> 00:18:53.820 threats of today. 00:18:54.940 --> 00:18:58.020 DHS was created with adaptability in mind, to ensure our 00:18:58.029 --> 00:19:01.870 government's efforts to defend the nation were, in the words of President 00:19:01.870 --> 00:19:06.890 Bush, quote comprehensive and united quote crafted to analyze threats, guard 00:19:06.890 --> 00:19:11.450 our borders and airports, detect our critical infrastructure, and coordinate 00:19:11.450 --> 00:19:14.289 the response of our nation to future emergencies. 00:19:14.289 --> 00:19:16.940 In 2020, where threats are 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:20.760 dynamic, this need for operational flex ability is paramount. 00:19:20.760 --> 00:19:25.080 Thanks to the support of Congress, the innovation of DHS employees, and the support of the 00:19:25.090 --> 00:19:29.490 American people, we are better prepared than ever before to meet the dangers of 00:19:29.490 --> 00:19:32.500 our time, though we still have much to do. 00:19:32.500 --> 00:19:35.029 DHS has been able to leverage, 00:19:35.029 --> 00:19:38.620 coordinate and search the department's resources at a moment's notice. 00:19:39.300 --> 00:19:43.200 From the U.S. Coast Guard medical teams deploying to the border, to ICE and CBP 00:19:43.210 --> 00:19:46.600 buttressing the federal protective services defense of federal property, 00:19:46.600 --> 00:19:52.600 to FEMA marshaling the response efforts of seesaw, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard and 00:19:52.600 --> 00:19:56.539 Secret Service in the wake of hurricanes and COVID-19, this agility 00:19:56.539 --> 00:20:00.519 is precisely what DHS was designed to accomplish. 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:01.540 The American people do not want 00:20:01.540 --> 00:20:06.280 a department that shies away from challenges just because they are controversial or difficult. 00:20:07.400 --> 00:20:10.139 The varied objectives of DHS have placed us at the 00:20:10.140 --> 00:20:13.220 center of nearly every major challenge and crisis. 00:20:13.220 --> 00:20:14.500 Thanks to the leadership of 00:20:14.510 --> 00:20:18.940 Pres. Trump, over the last four years we've addressed obstacle after obstacle 00:20:18.940 --> 00:20:23.000 head on overcoming a vast array of threats facing our nation. 00:20:24.260 --> 00:20:29.920 Amidst this shifting series of challenges a vocal and ill-informed minority has clamored 00:20:29.920 --> 00:20:35.000 to paint recent DHS actions as examples of mission drift or politicize a sin. 00:20:35.600 --> 00:20:37.200 They could not be more wrong. 00:20:37.640 --> 00:20:40.320 Rising to meet the evolving threats means our 00:20:40.320 --> 00:20:45.520 tactics, actions and strategies may change, but our mission never does. 00:20:46.200 --> 00:20:50.639 DHS must not, and under this administration will not, permit baseless 00:20:50.640 --> 00:20:55.020 sensationalism to deter our commitment to secure America. 00:20:55.820 --> 00:21:00.779 I can confidently say, if the department did not exist, every effort, every response and every 00:21:00.780 --> 00:21:06.400 action to secure our homeland would have been slower, inefficient and less effective. 00:21:07.800 --> 00:21:10.460 Within the last year alone, we have faced, both as a nation and the 00:21:10.460 --> 00:21:12.880 department, new and unprecedented threats. 00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:16.320 DHS was established for years just like this. 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:18.920 We are using authorities previously granted by 00:21:18.920 --> 00:21:23.380 Congress but never before used as we face it evolving a novel threats. 00:21:24.340 --> 00:21:27.980 Let's remember what this department has been able to achieve in the last year alone. 00:21:28.540 --> 00:21:31.980 We continue to lead the federal government's response to a global pandemic. 00:21:32.420 --> 00:21:35.500 We are protecting federal buildings and federal law enforcement 00:21:35.500 --> 00:21:38.660 officers from an emerging threat of violent rioters. 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:44.159 We are combating crises at the southern border such as human trafficking, drug smuggling and 00:21:44.159 --> 00:21:47.070 unprecedented illegal migration flows. 00:21:47.070 --> 00:21:48.759 We are fortifying our economic security 00:21:48.760 --> 00:21:53.020 by tightening our immigration system, preserving free and fair trade and 00:21:53.020 --> 00:21:56.540 thwarting the growing threats posed by China now and in the future. 00:21:57.440 --> 00:22:01.640 We are identifying and preventing malign foreign actors and nationstates from 00:22:01.640 --> 00:22:05.060 interfering in our elections and protecting our election infrastructure. 00:22:05.820 --> 00:22:09.580 Against each of these challenges the department has marshaled our resources, 00:22:09.580 --> 00:22:13.390 tapped our authorities and unified our efforts to safeguard the American 00:22:13.390 --> 00:22:15.280 people and our way of life. 00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:18.460 Yet, we will not rest on yesterday's successes. 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:22.200 Our eyes are on the horizon and on the future. 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:24.120 As we look ahead, terrorism, 00:22:24.120 --> 00:22:28.620 criminal actions threatening public safety, natural disasters and pandemics 00:22:28.620 --> 00:22:30.419 will remain threats to the homeland. 00:22:30.419 --> 00:22:31.570 They always will. 00:22:31.570 --> 00:22:32.850 But today, we are also 00:22:32.850 --> 00:22:37.179 seeing nationstates launching new aggressive tactics here in the homeland 00:22:37.179 --> 00:22:39.779 through cyber and economic means. 00:22:39.780 --> 00:22:41.330 And rest assured, the Trump administration 00:22:41.330 --> 00:22:45.160 is taking the necessary actions to ensure they don't succeed. 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:51.200 Of all the threats DHS has confronted in the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:54.880 one of the most formidable, rapidly evolving and uniquely challenging for 00:22:54.880 --> 00:22:56.060 the department. 00:22:57.150 --> 00:23:00.460 Due to what we now know was China's irresponsible response, 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:05.460 COVID-19 was permitted to become the worst global pandemic and more than 100 years. 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:09.490 Along with the World Health Organization, their actions were inapt 00:23:09.490 --> 00:23:11.500 and their response to slow. 00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:14.900 In stark contrast, President Trump's decisive and 00:23:14.900 --> 00:23:19.520 rapid action led our federal government to pursue a whole of America response 00:23:19.520 --> 00:23:23.700 which continues to deliver results through locally executed, state managed 00:23:23.710 --> 00:23:25.730 and federally supported strategy. 00:23:25.730 --> 00:23:27.379 And when the federal government needed 00:23:27.380 --> 00:23:30.940 expertise in incident management, they turned to FEMA. 00:23:31.280 --> 00:23:36.420 Utilizing their experience, FEMA quickly got to work prioritizing tasks, putting structure 00:23:36.420 --> 00:23:39.850 to a growing crisis and working with our interagency partners to make 00:23:39.850 --> 00:23:43.879 certain the full wait and breadth of the U.S. federal government was being 00:23:43.880 --> 00:23:45.100 brought to the fight. 00:23:46.120 --> 00:23:48.080 FEMA's tireless efforts implementing critical 00:23:48.080 --> 00:23:52.450 initiatives, those saving lives and those replenishing lost wages, deserve 00:23:52.450 --> 00:23:55.480 our highest combination -- commendation. 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:59.360 FEMA processed the first-ever nationwide 00:23:59.370 --> 00:24:02.120 emergency declaration under the Stafford act. 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:03.120 This was in addition to 00:24:03.120 --> 00:24:06.779 the simultaneous major disaster declarations granted to all 50 states, 00:24:06.780 --> 00:24:09.080 five territories and the District of Columbia. 00:24:09.620 --> 00:24:13.740 Putting this effort in perspective, FEMA was essentially responding to a category five hurricane 00:24:13.750 --> 00:24:18.380 in every state, territory and the District of Columbia all at the same time. 00:24:19.260 --> 00:24:24.220 It's truly an unprecedented level of emergency support in response needed across America. 00:24:25.600 --> 00:24:28.760 Under President Trump's direction, we utilized the Defense Production Act 00:24:28.760 --> 00:24:33.880 to procure more than 220 million respirators from 3M, saving American lives. 00:24:34.120 --> 00:24:37.519 By taking historic action to better collaborate with the 00:24:37.519 --> 00:24:42.399 private sector, we have helped deliver and allocate billions of pieces of 00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:46.400 scarce PPE to our front-line healthcare workers and first responders. 00:24:47.680 --> 00:24:51.580 But it doesn't stop there. Most recently, FEMA has played a leading role in easing the 00:24:51.580 --> 00:24:55.080 economic COVID-19 burden placed on millions of Americans. 00:24:55.080 --> 00:25:00.480 In August, the absence of congressional action led President Trump to authorize FEMA to use 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:04.820 $44 billion from the disaster relief fund to alleviate the effects of lost wages, 00:25:04.820 --> 00:25:08.980 allowing states to make supplemental payments to those receiving unemployment. 00:25:10.320 --> 00:25:14.379 FEMA acted in short order and as of September 8 they have 00:25:14.380 --> 00:25:19.720 provided $29 billion to 47 states for lost wages assistance, a truly phenomenal feat. 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:23.420 From the very beginning of the pandemic and 00:25:23.430 --> 00:25:26.999 until this very moment, FEMA continues to marshal the power of the federal government 00:25:27.000 --> 00:25:29.760 to assist people in their time of need. 00:25:31.120 --> 00:25:34.580 However, the department's response to COVID-19 was not exclusively left to FEMA. 00:25:35.080 --> 00:25:39.160 From the outset, this administration proactively stemmed the spread of the pandemic. 00:25:39.160 --> 00:25:44.440 President Trump, working through DHS, placed travel restrictions on China and worked 00:25:44.440 --> 00:25:49.100 to implement further restrictions on an additional 30 countries to help slow the spread. 00:25:50.100 --> 00:25:53.460 Working with neighbors to the north and south, CBP successfully 00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:56.999 protected countless Americans through travel restrictions at our land ports 00:25:56.999 --> 00:26:00.879 of entry while simultaneously facilitating the trade we need to 00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:02.340 support our economy. 00:26:03.100 --> 00:26:05.360 Our other DHS components have also worked diligently 00:26:05.360 --> 00:26:08.440 in this environment to serve Americans in various ways. 00:26:08.900 --> 00:26:13.700 Supporting our private sector partners system removed obstacles as they worked to keep supply 00:26:13.710 --> 00:26:17.330 chains operational and this issued essential workers guidance on how to 00:26:17.330 --> 00:26:20.140 keep front-line employees healthy and at work. 00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:25.480 The Science and Technology Directorate curated the latest research and data on COVID-19 keeping 00:26:25.480 --> 00:26:29.080 policymakers and decision-makers abreast of the latest scientific information. 00:26:30.240 --> 00:26:34.400 ICE HSI launched operation stolen promise leveraging its 00:26:34.400 --> 00:26:38.899 experience in global trade and criminal analysis to investigate financial fraud 00:26:38.899 --> 00:26:43.429 schemes, the importation of prohibited pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, 00:26:43.429 --> 00:26:47.200 cyber fraud, and other illicit activity associated with the virus. 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:52.300 CBP has proactively combated criminals exploiting the pandemic for profit by 00:26:52.309 --> 00:26:56.789 seizing over 12 million counterfeit facemasks, thousands of FDA prohibited 00:26:56.789 --> 00:27:01.269 COVID-19 test kits and thousands more unapproved medications that could pose 00:27:01.269 --> 00:27:03.600 harm to the American public. 00:27:04.380 --> 00:27:06.580 DHS remains vigilant supporting the public's 00:27:06.580 --> 00:27:08.960 health and economic well-being of the American people. 00:27:10.040 --> 00:27:14.820 Responding to COVID-19 is not the only mission, it has been hard to predict since the beginning of the year. 00:27:16.140 --> 00:27:18.679 Today, the department is resisting the civil unrest that is gripping 00:27:18.679 --> 00:27:21.510 certain cities across our country. 00:27:21.510 --> 00:27:23.530 Let me be clear, those who seek to 00:27:23.530 --> 00:27:28.210 undermine our democratic institutions, indiscriminately destroy businesses and 00:27:28.210 --> 00:27:32.700 attack law enforcement officers and fellow citizens are a threat to the homeland. 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:35.179 I want to be clear on that point. 00:27:35.179 --> 00:27:36.899 The department has experienced 00:27:36.899 --> 00:27:40.850 this firsthand in Portland Oregon where violent opportunists repeatedly 00:27:40.850 --> 00:27:44.909 targeted and attempted to burn down the federal courthouse, the seed of justice 00:27:44.909 --> 00:27:46.500 in downtown Portland. 00:27:46.940 --> 00:27:50.640 Federal law in this area is unequivocal and compels action. 00:27:51.320 --> 00:27:55.400 The Secretary of Homeland Security shall protect the buildings, 00:27:55.419 --> 00:27:58.960 grounds and property that are owned, occupied or secured by the federal 00:27:58.960 --> 00:28:00.780 government and the people on that property. 00:28:01.320 --> 00:28:05.760 I have made clear time and again that we will never abdicate this moral and legal duty. 00:28:07.120 --> 00:28:10.960 Our Federal Protective Service protects nearly 9,000 federal properties across the country 00:28:11.100 --> 00:28:14.980 and in almost every one of those areas we receive assistance from local 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:18.880 officials when federal buildings are targeted and attacked. 00:28:19.380 --> 00:28:22.140 Unfortunately, this cooperation did not occur in Portland. 00:28:22.960 --> 00:28:28.580 This is a city where local leadership played partisan politics with public safety, allowing items of 00:28:28.580 --> 00:28:32.420 arson and violence against federal law enforcement officers, and the 00:28:32.420 --> 00:28:35.680 destruction of federal property to occur with impunity. 00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:40.559 For nearly 2 months while defending the federal courthouse, our federal officers were 00:28:40.559 --> 00:28:45.090 assaulted with sledgehammers, commercial grade fireworks, rocks, 00:28:45.090 --> 00:28:47.830 metal pipes, IED's and more. 00:28:47.830 --> 00:28:50.300 As Portland officials refused to cooperate 00:28:50.300 --> 00:28:56.260 with DHS, our law enforcement officers suffered over 240 separate injuries. 00:28:57.140 --> 00:29:00.180 After 60 days of this violence, the governor of Oregon finally offered 00:29:00.180 --> 00:29:02.300 assistance of state law enforcement. 00:29:03.120 --> 00:29:07.340 To be clear, that offer should have happened on day one, not day 60. 00:29:08.580 --> 00:29:10.440 Some politicians and media figures have 00:29:10.440 --> 00:29:13.779 brazenly characterized the extreme violence in Portland and other cities 00:29:13.780 --> 00:29:16.540 around the country as mostly peaceful. 00:29:17.300 --> 00:29:19.019 Our Constitution protects the natural 00:29:19.020 --> 00:29:21.800 right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. 00:29:22.260 --> 00:29:25.600 The department supports the exercise of everyone's First Amendment rights. 00:29:26.340 --> 00:29:27.680 There is, however, no 00:29:27.680 --> 00:29:32.909 constitutional right to loot, to burn, or to assault law enforcement officers 00:29:32.909 --> 00:29:34.200 or fellow citizens. 00:29:34.580 --> 00:29:45.100 [ applause ] 00:29:46.240 --> 00:29:48.380 Let me repeat, there is no constitutional 00:29:48.380 --> 00:29:52.480 right to burn cities to the ground and assault the men and women of law enforcement. 00:29:53.300 --> 00:29:56.540 I am proud of the work we are doing in Portland and around the country. 00:29:56.960 --> 00:29:59.900 DHS working with the Department of Justice and other federal 00:29:59.909 --> 00:30:03.970 law enforcement will make sure that those choosing to break the law in any 00:30:03.970 --> 00:30:05.980 city will be held accountable. 00:30:07.140 --> 00:30:08.919 The vast majority of reasonable Americans are 00:30:08.920 --> 00:30:10.840 also proud of the work of law enforcement. 00:30:11.320 --> 00:30:12.580 We cannot and must not 00:30:12.590 --> 00:30:17.220 fall victim to the delusion of a fringe minority of Americans who are opposed 00:30:17.220 --> 00:30:21.740 to the honorable men and women who wear the badge and swear to protect our communities. 00:30:22.480 --> 00:30:24.860 Americans see the violence against our officers and are not 00:30:24.860 --> 00:30:26.780 falling for this false narrative. 00:30:27.800 --> 00:30:29.600 To our law enforcement colleagues watching 00:30:29.600 --> 00:30:33.880 today, I could not be prouder of your sacrifice and professionalism. 00:30:34.880 --> 00:30:38.660 It has been disappointing to see so-called experts criticize our response in 00:30:38.669 --> 00:30:41.389 Portland without knowing the facts on the ground. 00:30:41.389 --> 00:30:42.659 It's unsettling that these 00:30:42.659 --> 00:30:45.690 self-appointed experts rush to criticize the uniformed men and women 00:30:45.690 --> 00:30:51.179 of DHS working to save lives and defend federal property, even before they 00:30:51.180 --> 00:30:53.940 condemn the violent behavior of a rioting mob. 00:30:54.780 --> 00:30:55.920 Scoring cheap political 00:30:55.929 --> 00:30:59.739 points by abandoning ring those risking their lives to preserve law and order 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:02.980 should never be the way our homeland security community operates. 00:31:04.160 --> 00:31:10.400 As President Theodore Roosevelt rightly observed in 1910, it is not the critic who counts, 00:31:10.400 --> 00:31:14.330 not the man who points out how strong the man stumbles or where the doer of 00:31:14.330 --> 00:31:16.259 deeds could have done them better. 00:31:16.259 --> 00:31:18.139 The credit belongs to the man who is 00:31:18.140 --> 00:31:23.240 actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood. 00:31:23.600 --> 00:31:29.580 Every day DHS professionals are in that arena while others sit on the sidelines and criticize. 00:31:30.220 --> 00:31:33.340 They have that right, and DHS law enforcement proudly helps 00:31:33.340 --> 00:31:36.100 ensure they can exercise that right safely. 00:31:37.080 --> 00:31:38.259 But make no mistake, there is 00:31:38.259 --> 00:31:42.499 more work to be done as we see groups, right here at home, seeking to tear 00:31:42.500 --> 00:31:45.120 down our government institutions and our way of life. 00:31:45.960 --> 00:31:47.300 I'm proud to say that 00:31:47.309 --> 00:31:52.210 DHS has taken unprecedented actions to address all forms of violent extremism, 00:31:52.210 --> 00:31:56.820 specifically including threats posed by the lone offenders and small cells of individuals. 00:31:57.720 --> 00:32:00.440 Last year the department released a comprehensive strategy that 00:32:00.450 --> 00:32:05.320 contextualizes the threats from violent extremists and lays out the DHS mission 00:32:05.320 --> 00:32:07.529 in preventing such violence. 00:32:07.529 --> 00:32:10.039 We secured with the help of Congress additional 00:32:10.040 --> 00:32:12.690 funding in FY 2020 for those initiatives. 00:32:13.060 --> 00:32:14.499 The president requested a 00:32:14.500 --> 00:32:20.160 300% increase in funding for DHS wide efforts in this area in his FY 2021 budget. 00:32:20.660 --> 00:32:23.680 Just this week we are releasing an implementation plan that outlines 00:32:23.690 --> 00:32:27.789 dozens of separate actions across the DHS enterprise designed to combat 00:32:27.789 --> 00:32:32.500 domestic terrorism and soon we will announce our terrorism prevention grant recipients. 00:32:33.560 --> 00:32:39.780 Let me be clear, DHS stands in absolute opposition to any form of violent extremism. 00:32:40.420 --> 00:32:44.140 Whether by white supremacist extremists or anarchist extremists. 00:32:44.640 --> 00:32:49.680 We will continue our daily efforts to combat all forms of domestic terror. 00:32:51.540 --> 00:32:55.920 The work of DHS is -- the work of DHS is as diverse as it is important. 00:32:56.460 --> 00:33:00.799 Whether in cyberspace or at the border, DHS is unflinching in its resolve to secure 00:33:00.799 --> 00:33:04.889 America's territorial sovereignty to strong border security and bringing 00:33:04.889 --> 00:33:07.040 integrity back to our immigration system. 00:33:08.140 --> 00:33:10.760 These are difficult issues that require difficult decisions. 00:33:11.660 --> 00:33:13.080 Many administrations, Republican and 00:33:13.080 --> 00:33:16.640 Democrat alike, have chosen to make improvements around the edges. 00:33:17.040 --> 00:33:22.420 Only weighing in when a crisis occurs and almost never making the hard decisions. 00:33:22.429 --> 00:33:26.759 Homeland security does not come easy and it does not come without debate. 00:33:26.759 --> 00:33:29.509 From the early days of this administration, President Trump articulated 00:33:29.509 --> 00:33:32.570 what most Americans intuitively knew. 00:33:32.570 --> 00:33:34.710 We need strong border security and we 00:33:34.710 --> 00:33:37.759 needed to put an end to the long-standing fraud and abuse in our 00:33:37.759 --> 00:33:39.059 immigration system. 00:33:39.059 --> 00:33:41.549 So, we got to work. 00:33:41.549 --> 00:33:43.129 We started with the premise that it is 00:33:43.129 --> 00:33:46.779 better to stop criminal activity before it gets to America. 00:33:46.779 --> 00:33:47.779 Specifically, we 00:33:47.779 --> 00:33:51.470 began by pushing our borders out and keeping Americans safe through a 00:33:51.470 --> 00:33:55.730 layered approach that includes more effective screening of those who are 00:33:55.730 --> 00:33:59.659 seeking to enter our country, securing unprecedented international 00:33:59.660 --> 00:34:04.420 cooperation, fully applying the law to all those who break it, reforming our 00:34:04.420 --> 00:34:08.540 immigration system and last but certainly not least, building an 00:34:08.540 --> 00:34:10.520 effective border wall system. 00:34:11.710 --> 00:34:13.200 One of the most fundamental responsibilities 00:34:13.200 --> 00:34:17.639 of any sovereign nation is to know exactly who is entering their country 00:34:17.639 --> 00:34:19.379 and for what purpose. 00:34:19.379 --> 00:34:22.419 The U.S. is the world's most generous and welcoming 00:34:22.419 --> 00:34:26.309 country, but unfortunately there are evil people who seek to travel to the 00:34:26.309 --> 00:34:29.429 U.S. with the intent of harming and killing Americans. 00:34:29.429 --> 00:34:30.980 Despite the progress, 00:34:30.980 --> 00:34:34.770 we have made since 9/11 we remain heavily dependent on the paperwork and 00:34:34.770 --> 00:34:37.900 documentation of a prospective traveler. 00:34:38.500 --> 00:34:43.440 That is why the department along with our interagency partners developed a process for evaluating the 00:34:43.450 --> 00:34:47.750 information sharing cooperation, identity management practices and 00:34:47.750 --> 00:34:51.740 travel related risk associated with each country in the world. 00:34:52.560 --> 00:34:56.260 We identified the lowest performing countries, put them on notice and for 00:34:56.270 --> 00:35:01.160 those unable or unwilling to meet our standards, we issued common sense 00:35:01.160 --> 00:35:02.160 travel restrictions. 00:35:03.440 --> 00:35:05.480 Because of this process, we saw multiple countries 00:35:05.480 --> 00:35:09.640 begin sharing information with us that they had never done before. 00:35:10.560 --> 00:35:15.440 I am proud of the work the department has done to raise the security baseline around the world. 00:35:15.980 --> 00:35:19.380 We are working closely with our partners in Central America providing 00:35:19.380 --> 00:35:24.089 them the resources and capacity to address the illegal flow of migration 00:35:24.089 --> 00:35:27.960 and allowing their foreign nationals to seek protection closer to home. 00:35:28.400 --> 00:35:32.400 Over the last 18 months we have signed and implemented security and asylum 00:35:32.400 --> 00:35:36.510 cooperative agreements with our partners and we are slowly restoring 00:35:36.510 --> 00:35:39.300 functionality to our broken immigration system. 00:35:40.260 --> 00:35:42.960 In 2019 under President Trump's 00:35:43.000 --> 00:35:47.800 leadership, Mexico stepped up its efforts a long known migration routes, 00:35:47.800 --> 00:35:53.600 and we continue to work with Mexico to this day on partnerships to reduce illegal crossings. 00:35:54.720 --> 00:35:56.440 These historic agreements with our partners in the 00:35:56.451 --> 00:36:01.250 Western Hemisphere have helped curb illegal migration and make all of our 00:36:01.250 --> 00:36:03.680 countries more secure and more safe. 00:36:05.240 --> 00:36:06.550 For those who do attempt to illegally 00:36:06.550 --> 00:36:10.930 enter at our southern border, we have made tremendous progress building a 00:36:10.930 --> 00:36:13.369 state-of-the-art border wall system. 00:36:13.369 --> 00:36:16.220 Having an effective border at our 00:36:16.220 --> 00:36:20.869 southern border was at one time considered common sense and bipartisan 00:36:20.869 --> 00:36:22.480 approach to homeland security. 00:36:22.480 --> 00:36:25.609 Over 80 Senators in the U.S. Senate at the time 00:36:25.609 --> 00:36:28.460 voted for the secure fence act of 2006. 00:36:29.120 --> 00:36:31.620 Many of those Senators are still in the U.S. Senate today, 00:36:31.620 --> 00:36:35.780 some complaining loudly about President Trump successfully 00:36:35.780 --> 00:36:39.920 implementing what they themselves voted for back in 2006. 00:36:40.760 --> 00:36:42.180 Let's remember, we 00:36:42.190 --> 00:36:45.270 provide the very best equipment to our military troops fighting our 00:36:45.270 --> 00:36:47.799 adversaries overseas every single day. 00:36:47.799 --> 00:36:49.850 There is no reason to not provide the 00:36:49.850 --> 00:36:53.560 very best equipment to the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol so that 00:36:53.560 --> 00:36:55.360 they can protect here at home. 00:36:56.460 --> 00:37:00.520 And while politics may have changed, the facts have not. They cannot. 00:37:01.700 --> 00:37:03.860 Effective border barriers simply work. 00:37:04.480 --> 00:37:07.300 The new border wall system allows the U.S. government to decide where border 00:37:07.300 --> 00:37:11.680 crossings take place, not the cartels and not human traffickers. 00:37:12.780 --> 00:37:16.640 Where effective border wall systems have been constructed the results speak for themselves. 00:37:17.500 --> 00:37:21.520 Where wall goes up, the number of illegal crossings and crime goes down. 00:37:22.700 --> 00:37:26.040 While our opponents used every conceivable roadblock from 00:37:26.050 --> 00:37:29.870 Congress to the courts to stop our progress, I could not be more proud to 00:37:29.870 --> 00:37:34.880 stand alongside President Trump and deliver results that protect the American homeland. 00:37:36.740 --> 00:37:40.640 Since January of this year, we have constructed over 300 miles of new border wall system. 00:37:41.180 --> 00:37:46.120 And I am proud to report by the end of this calendar year, we will reach over 450 miles. 00:37:47.180 --> 00:37:54.940 [ applause ] 00:37:56.200 --> 00:37:59.280 The new border wall system is unlike anything we've had before. 00:37:59.500 --> 00:38:01.200 It provides capabilities to the men and women 00:38:01.200 --> 00:38:04.560 of the U.S. Border Patrol who needed to protect America. 00:38:05.180 --> 00:38:11.140 This wall is a testament to a key promise made and kept by President Trump and this administration. 00:38:12.300 --> 00:38:14.780 As hundreds of new miles of border wall system are 00:38:14.790 --> 00:38:18.470 constructed, they push cartels to traffic their goods at locations 00:38:18.470 --> 00:38:23.300 precisely where DHS is best equipped, at ports of entry. 00:38:23.940 --> 00:38:27.680 Here, we have the infrastructure, staffing, and technology to better detect and 00:38:27.680 --> 00:38:30.400 interdict their deadly contraband. 00:38:31.120 --> 00:38:34.040 No longer are cartels able to walk across the border unimpeded. 00:38:35.180 --> 00:38:36.900 We are hard at work on deploying non intrusive 00:38:36.910 --> 00:38:42.240 inspection equipment at ports of entry and by 2023 we expect to expand in 00:38:42.240 --> 00:38:48.190 screening of commercial vehicles from 15% today to 72% and the screening of 00:38:48.190 --> 00:38:52.000 personal vehicles from 1% today to 40%. 00:38:53.020 --> 00:38:54.640 Since President Trump took office, we have 00:38:54.640 --> 00:39:00.040 seized more than 4 million pounds of hard drugs, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. 00:39:01.040 --> 00:39:03.140 That means the Trump administration has annually seized 00:39:03.140 --> 00:39:06.960 roughly twice as many pounds of these hard drugs as the previous administration. 00:39:07.620 --> 00:39:10.620 Put another way, President Trump's administration is on track to 00:39:10.620 --> 00:39:14.280 seize roughly the same amount of drugs in its first term alone as the amount 00:39:14.280 --> 00:39:18.040 of drugs seized in the entire eight years of the last administration. 00:39:19.180 --> 00:39:22.980 These are narcotics that will never enter and devastate our communities and their 00:39:22.980 --> 00:39:27.820 seizure takes billions of dollars from the pockets of cartels. 00:39:29.020 --> 00:39:32.460 We are also working to close many of the legal loopholes that have been identified and 00:39:32.460 --> 00:39:34.560 exploited by those seeking entry. 00:39:35.380 --> 00:39:38.220 We have all but put an end to catch and release, 00:39:38.220 --> 00:39:41.620 which served as a magnet to those who wished to exploit our 00:39:41.620 --> 00:39:44.200 immigration system time and time again. 00:39:45.109 --> 00:39:46.640 What we inherited was a situation with 00:39:46.650 --> 00:39:50.869 loopholes so large that most illegal aliens who were caught and expect to be 00:39:50.869 --> 00:39:55.040 released within our borders and then live and work for years without any 00:39:55.040 --> 00:39:56.980 consequences for their actions. 00:39:57.580 --> 00:39:59.460 That was both indefensible and on its own 00:39:59.460 --> 00:40:04.450 terms harmful to illegal aliens themselves, particularly those with 00:40:04.450 --> 00:40:10.840 meritorious claims, and also deeply corrosive to the rule of law in America. 00:40:11.620 --> 00:40:14.350 Under the Migrant Protection Protocols, grounded in a law passed by 00:40:14.350 --> 00:40:21.260 Congress in 1996, aliens entering or seeking admission to the U.S. from Mexico 00:40:21.260 --> 00:40:24.140 illegally or without proper documentation will be returned to 00:40:24.140 --> 00:40:27.850 Mexico and required to wait outside of the U.S. for the duration of their 00:40:27.850 --> 00:40:29.320 immigration proceedings. 00:40:30.220 --> 00:40:33.250 MPP helps promote a safer and more orderly 00:40:33.250 --> 00:40:37.380 process along the Southwest border, discourages individuals from making 00:40:37.380 --> 00:40:42.940 meritless asylum claims and enables expeditious immigration results. 00:40:43.800 --> 00:40:45.860 America is a generous nation. 00:40:45.869 --> 00:40:48.180 Thus it has also been a top priority for this 00:40:48.180 --> 00:40:53.460 administration to preserve our asylum system for genuine asylum-seekers. 00:40:54.140 --> 00:40:59.900 Those seeking economic opportunity by exploiting our generous asylum laws 00:40:59.900 --> 00:41:05.170 hamper and delay individuals who truly qualify for asylum should be granted 00:41:05.170 --> 00:41:07.520 this relief as soon as practicable. 00:41:08.300 --> 00:41:09.900 Strong border security and immigration 00:41:09.900 --> 00:41:14.950 enforcement is a win for Americans, a loss for organized crime, and a rebuke 00:41:14.950 --> 00:41:19.400 for those who wish to dissolve not just America's borders, but the rule of law. 00:41:20.600 --> 00:41:22.320 The administration's message is simple. 00:41:23.100 --> 00:41:25.880 If you are a human trafficker, a drug 00:41:25.880 --> 00:41:29.360 smuggler, or any criminal seeking to break our laws and illegally enter the 00:41:29.360 --> 00:41:33.430 United States, you will find no sanctuary in this country. 00:41:34.470 --> 00:41:38.980 We still have more work to do, but looking back we are here because this administration 00:41:38.980 --> 00:41:41.869 did something in common here in DC. 00:41:41.869 --> 00:41:44.020 We did precisely what we said we would do. 00:41:45.320 --> 00:41:49.020 Reforming our immigration system helps to secure the homeland, both directly 00:41:49.030 --> 00:41:51.480 and by supporting other vital efforts. 00:41:51.480 --> 00:41:54.080 As I've said many times before, 00:41:54.080 --> 00:41:57.069 economic security is homeland security. 00:41:57.069 --> 00:41:58.460 We directly support the economic 00:41:58.460 --> 00:42:03.070 security every day here in the homeland by keeping commercial airline travel 00:42:03.070 --> 00:42:06.940 safe and secure, facilitating commercial trade through our ports of 00:42:06.940 --> 00:42:11.880 entry, keeping our networks free from economic disruptions and safeguarding 00:42:11.880 --> 00:42:16.440 our ports and inland waterways that process nearly 90% of all goods coming 00:42:16.440 --> 00:42:17.780 into our country. 00:42:18.580 --> 00:42:20.840 While there is much to talk about in this arena, let me 00:42:20.840 --> 00:42:26.510 focus on how the lawful flow of goods and services fuels economic growth, is 00:42:26.510 --> 00:42:30.620 responsible for good American jobs, and raises living standards. 00:42:31.520 --> 00:42:35.660 Our trade enforcement protects American businesses and consumers and it ensures 00:42:35.660 --> 00:42:38.089 that we are globally competitive. 00:42:38.089 --> 00:42:40.150 CBP enforces trade laws and implement 00:42:40.150 --> 00:42:44.680 special trade remedies with quotas and exclusions to protect vital U.S. 00:42:44.680 --> 00:42:48.860 industries that are especially vulnerable to unfair labor practices. 00:42:49.600 --> 00:42:54.300 We will not let illicit actors threaten American innovation, our economy, or 00:42:54.301 --> 00:42:58.240 our business competitiveness, and we protect the livelihoods of American 00:42:58.240 --> 00:43:01.960 workers and the health and safety of consumers every day. 00:43:03.180 --> 00:43:09.220 As critical as trade is to our prosperity, it is also targeted for exploitation by terrorists and criminals. 00:43:10.080 --> 00:43:12.680 Our dedicated law enforcement officers are able to 00:43:12.690 --> 00:43:17.090 disrupt terrorist financing, target fraud and counterfeits, and in short 00:43:17.090 --> 00:43:19.440 trade transparency. 00:43:19.440 --> 00:43:22.290 Addressing threats at the earliest possible point is 00:43:22.290 --> 00:43:26.500 essential to the strengthening, the security of our country and enables us 00:43:26.500 --> 00:43:30.660 to improve the free flow of legitimate goods. 00:43:31.120 --> 00:43:32.480 Since 9/11, DHS has 00:43:32.480 --> 00:43:36.319 significantly expanded its ability to track and disrupt terrorist and 00:43:36.319 --> 00:43:43.770 criminal financing taking action to combat bulk cash smuggling and to close 00:43:43.770 --> 00:43:47.240 weaknesses in our financial, trade and transportation sectors. 00:43:48.480 --> 00:43:52.900 We are also countering mass marketing fraud, investigating organized retail crime 00:43:52.900 --> 00:43:57.460 rings, and fighting human smuggling and human trafficking organizations. 00:43:58.600 --> 00:44:02.319 Successful trade facilitation is what makes the United States globally 00:44:02.320 --> 00:44:07.220 competitive, ensuring that the supply chain is efficient, cost effective and safe. 00:44:08.280 --> 00:44:11.860 While COVID-19 has highlighted many things over the last six months, 00:44:11.860 --> 00:44:17.460 perhaps most importantly it has reminded us that even the most dominant economy is fragile. 00:44:18.940 --> 00:44:22.700 Surveying emerging threats of the last year, one menacing actor continues to evolve. 00:44:23.120 --> 00:44:24.400 China. 00:44:25.400 --> 00:44:27.520 Their relentless barrage of attacks aimed at 00:44:27.530 --> 00:44:32.030 undermining American workers, American economic dominance, and the American 00:44:32.030 --> 00:44:36.580 way of life cannot be allowed to stand and under this administration, they won't. 00:44:37.880 --> 00:44:41.680 China has leveraged every aspect of its country including its economy, 00:44:41.690 --> 00:44:46.869 its military, and its diplomatic power, demonstrating a rejection of Western 00:44:46.869 --> 00:44:51.099 liberal democracy and continually renewing its commitment to make the 00:44:51.100 --> 00:44:53.860 world order in its own authoritarian image. 00:44:55.040 --> 00:44:56.740 Their tactics are sometimes 00:44:56.740 --> 00:45:02.140 pernicious but always harmful to the American worker and the American economy. 00:45:03.240 --> 00:45:06.290 From intellectual property theft and stealing trade secrets that 00:45:06.290 --> 00:45:11.110 rob American innovators, to harvesting personal data to turn a profit, 00:45:11.110 --> 00:45:15.770 shattering the privacy of Americans of all ages, to exporting unjust business 00:45:15.770 --> 00:45:19.190 practices in the form of state backed enterprises that harm American 00:45:19.190 --> 00:45:24.430 entrepreneurs, to hacking attempts to penetrate and compromise American 00:45:24.430 --> 00:45:27.770 organizations conducting COVID-19 research. 00:45:27.770 --> 00:45:29.309 To abusing student visas to 00:45:29.309 --> 00:45:34.130 exploit American academia, the actions of China maybe on abating but they are 00:45:34.130 --> 00:45:35.460 not unsupportable. 00:45:36.160 --> 00:45:39.040 Let me be clear, DHS has and will continue to play a 00:45:39.040 --> 00:45:43.340 critical role in the United States strategic approach to China. 00:45:44.280 --> 00:45:48.320 We are blocking visas for certain Chinese graduate students and researchers with 00:45:48.329 --> 00:45:52.530 ties to China's military fusion strategy to prevent them from stealing 00:45:52.530 --> 00:45:56.020 and otherwise appropriating sensitive research. 00:45:56.020 --> 00:46:01.540 We are targeting illicit Chinese manufacturers who have exploited the COVID-19 pandemic by 00:46:01.540 --> 00:46:06.559 producing fraudulent or prohibited PPE and medical supplies that especially 00:46:06.559 --> 00:46:08.299 endangering our front-line workers. 00:46:08.299 --> 00:46:10.380 We are preventing goods produced by slave 00:46:10.380 --> 00:46:14.660 labor from entering our markets and demanding that China respect to the 00:46:14.660 --> 00:46:17.580 inherent dignity of each human being. 00:46:17.580 --> 00:46:19.350 At our borders and ports of entry we 00:46:19.350 --> 00:46:22.619 are leveraging technology and innovation to target and interdict 00:46:22.620 --> 00:46:27.720 deadly Chinese made fentanyl before it can destroy American communities and take American lives. 00:46:29.300 --> 00:46:32.880 DHS is working with our inter-agency and industry 00:46:32.880 --> 00:46:36.230 colleagues to protect our information and communications infrastructure from 00:46:36.230 --> 00:46:40.079 intellectual property theft and nefarious data collection by China. 00:46:41.079 --> 00:46:45.690 In response to the massive undertaking ahead, I ordered the establishment of 00:46:45.690 --> 00:46:49.800 the department's own China working group in order to uniformly prioritize 00:46:49.800 --> 00:46:53.620 and coordinate the department's response to these evolving threats. 00:46:54.680 --> 00:46:59.820 China's efforts to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic, to sabotage free and fair 00:46:59.829 --> 00:47:05.640 trade, and abuse our immigration system will be met with resolute determination 00:47:05.640 --> 00:47:09.160 of a department committed to putting America first. 00:47:10.320 --> 00:47:14.400 Under this administration, DHS has tackled difficult issues and made historic 00:47:14.400 --> 00:47:16.420 strides in better securing the homeland. 00:47:17.600 --> 00:47:19.140 Our newest component, the 00:47:19.140 --> 00:47:22.900 Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, is at the forefront of 00:47:22.900 --> 00:47:27.710 guarding against nationstate actors cyber enabled espionage and malicious 00:47:27.710 --> 00:47:31.000 influence activity aimed at all levels of government and industry. 00:47:32.540 --> 00:47:36.760 As we approach the 2020 election, we remain steadfast in protecting this essential 00:47:36.779 --> 00:47:38.770 American process. 00:47:38.770 --> 00:47:42.390 CISA has double down both on their efforts across the 00:47:42.390 --> 00:47:47.320 federal government and in partnering with local election leaders across the 00:47:47.320 --> 00:47:50.620 country to make sure our elections are safe and secure. 00:47:51.360 --> 00:47:55.800 Elections are a bedrock of our constitutional republic, and securing them is paramount to 00:47:55.800 --> 00:47:58.700 accurately expressing the will of the American people. 00:47:59.600 --> 00:48:03.900 To protect the integrity of our representative government, our ultimate goal must be 00:48:03.900 --> 00:48:07.880 to ensure that American voters decide American elections. 00:48:09.340 --> 00:48:15.420 In light of new levels of organized efforts by Russia in 2016 to disrupt and deceive, the 00:48:15.420 --> 00:48:18.779 department strengthened US efforts to rebuff the aggressive and meddlesome 00:48:18.780 --> 00:48:21.840 behavior of any nefarious nationstate actor. 00:48:23.200 --> 00:48:25.060 Signed into law by President Trump, 00:48:25.060 --> 00:48:29.760 CISA has made extraordinary and rapid strides bolstering the security of this 00:48:29.760 --> 00:48:32.270 most sacred democratic process. 00:48:32.270 --> 00:48:34.799 CISA has leveraged unique cyber security 00:48:34.799 --> 00:48:39.720 technical services by funding the election infrastructure information 00:48:39.720 --> 00:48:43.270 sharing and analysis center that deploys and monitors intrusion 00:48:43.270 --> 00:48:47.100 detection systems on election infrastructure across all 50 states. 00:48:48.320 --> 00:48:55.380 The results were historic, 2018 was the most secure election in the modern era. 00:48:55.380 --> 00:48:59.319 Not resting on its laurels, CISA has only increased its protection in scope 00:48:59.320 --> 00:49:04.260 and impact as it pursues the goal of an ever more secure election in 2020. 00:49:05.680 --> 00:49:10.900 They have dedicated tremendous resources into the Protect 2020 project 00:49:10.900 --> 00:49:14.560 understanding that American voters themselves are key to bolstering resilience. 00:49:15.080 --> 00:49:18.080 They are educating citizens about the vital importance of being 00:49:18.080 --> 00:49:21.540 prepared, participating, and being patient on election day. 00:49:22.200 --> 00:49:27.300 Beyond our shores, we face an ever changing threat landscape as the governments of China, 00:49:27.310 --> 00:49:31.789 Iran and Russia target our election systems, each with its own separate and 00:49:31.789 --> 00:49:33.869 the various motives and tactics. 00:49:33.869 --> 00:49:36.619 But we are ready. 00:49:36.619 --> 00:49:37.619 This administration 00:49:37.619 --> 00:49:41.130 continues to hold these nationstates accountable for their actions, 00:49:41.130 --> 00:49:45.170 assigning attribution were appropriate and taking aggressive punitive measures 00:49:45.170 --> 00:49:48.430 including sanctions against hostile intelligence services targeting 00:49:48.430 --> 00:49:52.820 election systems, oligarchs running troll farms, and others attempting to 00:49:52.820 --> 00:49:54.360 spread disinformation. 00:49:55.060 --> 00:49:59.060 The right to choose one's own leaders is rare in the course of history. 00:49:59.920 --> 00:50:02.059 The department recognizes this fact and will continue 00:50:02.060 --> 00:50:06.320 to uphold the integrity of this indispensable American tradition. 00:50:07.980 --> 00:50:11.800 The men and women of DHS are committed to defending and securing the American creed. 00:50:12.720 --> 00:50:14.920 Yes, the wiles of our enemies will shift. 00:50:15.080 --> 00:50:17.720 And yes, DHS will adapt at every turn. 00:50:18.700 --> 00:50:21.220 But in one way, we will keep constant. 00:50:21.220 --> 00:50:22.960 We won't let up. 00:50:23.360 --> 00:50:27.680 Will hold to what doesn't change, the fundamental goodness of our people, our 00:50:27.680 --> 00:50:30.700 country, and the values that made us great. 00:50:31.420 --> 00:50:33.020 America is worth protecting. 00:50:33.800 --> 00:50:37.680 In the long march of history, nowhere else has the human heart had so good a 00:50:37.680 --> 00:50:41.620 chance to live as we were created to live, free. 00:50:41.920 --> 00:50:42.660 Safe. 00:50:43.060 --> 00:50:46.440 The ability to use that liberty to make the world better than we found it. 00:50:47.660 --> 00:50:53.480 Emerging from the horror of 9/11, the burden of grief and sorrow taught us to prepare for any 00:50:53.480 --> 00:50:59.540 adversary, any adversity, not because we fear what tiles may come, but 00:50:59.549 --> 00:51:03.069 because we know who we are as a people, independent and dedicated to the 00:51:03.069 --> 00:51:07.070 proposition that all people are created equal. 00:51:07.070 --> 00:51:08.990 I believe these American values 00:51:08.990 --> 00:51:10.900 called to the men and women of DHS. 00:51:10.900 --> 00:51:13.180 It's why you are here. 00:51:13.180 --> 00:51:19.860 You apply yourselves to their defense daily, with integrity, vigilance and respect. 00:51:19.860 --> 00:51:23.340 You ensure every coming day is more secure than the one before. 00:51:24.200 --> 00:51:28.620 I am privileged to work beside you, and humbled to lead among you. 00:51:29.160 --> 00:51:31.120 Every victory of this department is yours. 00:51:32.100 --> 00:51:34.000 Thanks to you, this department will safeguard the 00:51:34.000 --> 00:51:37.640 American homeland, our people, and our way of life. 00:51:38.580 --> 00:51:40.640 We stand, ready to rise, 00:51:40.640 --> 00:51:43.700 and ready to face the next challenge that threatens our homeland. 00:51:44.280 --> 00:51:45.000 Thank you. 00:51:46.000 --> 00:52:08.020 [ applause ] 00:52:09.040 --> 00:52:12.460 Thank you Acting Secretary Wolf, but most importantly thank you to 00:52:12.460 --> 00:52:16.930 all the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security who daily 00:52:16.930 --> 00:52:20.770 accomplish such tremendous results for the American people. 00:52:20.770 --> 00:52:21.770 We began today 00:52:21.770 --> 00:52:27.599 with the national anthem, and it reminds us that we are the land of the 00:52:27.599 --> 00:52:30.520 free and the home of the brave and it is an honor. 00:52:30.520 --> 00:52:33.440 I know this Acting Secretary Wolf agrees with me, 00:52:33.440 --> 00:52:39.080 to work alongside every day the brave referenced in our 00:52:39.080 --> 00:52:43.000 own national anthem here in the Department of Homeland Security. 00:52:43.400 --> 00:52:47.600 This concludes today's program, we invite all of our guests to join us at the 00:52:47.610 --> 00:52:53.580 Monroe building, also known as Coast Guard Headquarters, there are shuttles 00:52:53.580 --> 00:53:00.340 waiting outside to take you over there if you would like to catch a ride. 00:53:00.340 --> 00:53:04.080 And we look forward to seeing you all in the ceremonial front hall of the Coast 00:53:04.089 --> 00:53:05.589 Guard building at the Monroe building. 00:53:05.589 --> 00:53:07.050 Thank you again for joining us, 00:53:07.050 --> 00:53:08.980 God bless you all and God bless America. 00:53:09.260 --> 00:53:12.360 [applause]