Washington, DC - On Thanksgiving Day, we recall the courageous and inspiring journey of the Pilgrims who, nearly four centuries ago, ventured across the vast ocean to flee religious persecution and establish a home in the New World. They faced illness, harsh conditions, and uncertainty, as they trusted in God for a brighter future. The more than 100 Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, on the Mayflower, instilled in our Nation a strong faith in God that continues to be a beacon of hope to all Americans. Thanksgiving Day is a time to pause and to reflect, with family and friends, on our heritage and the sacrifices of our forbearers who secured the blessings of liberty for an independent, free, and united country.

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Energy has announced new funding for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for Fiscal Year 2019. Within that program, the solar office plans to make about 15 awards to small businesses for high-risk, innovative research on solar technologies with the potential for future commercialization.

Washington, DC - A Steadfast and Enduring Commitment: Vice President Pence visited Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Papua New Guinea this week to reaffirm President Trump’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific in which all nations are sovereign, strong, and prosperous.

San Diego, California - Conservation experts made a startling announcement yesterday (Nov. 14, 2018) regarding the declining state of giraffe populations worldwide, confirming that several giraffe subspecies are in greater trouble than previously believed. A new assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Giraffe & Okapi Specialist Group has prompted IUCN to change the status of Kordofan and Nubian giraffes to Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In addition, the reticulated giraffe has now been listed as Endangered, Thornicroft’s and West African giraffes are listed as Vulnerable and the Rothschild’s giraffe is listed as Near Threatened.

Chico, California - Remarks by President Trump at Incident Command Post Briefing Chico, California:

Sacramento, California - Last week, President Trump provided welcome relief to Western farmers, cities, rural communities and wildlife refuges that have struggled under water supply rules that are long overdue for an update. Prioritizing national interest and the value of California food production, the president’s order requires the re-consultation of the biological opinions to be completed and fully implemented by August 2019.