The White House Daily Chronicle, December 20, 2018

Photo of Rich Mitchell Rich MitchellDecember 20, 2018

The news behind the news on the president, administration and everything that happens in the White House is always in …  The White House Daily Chronicles.

note: this post is updated throughout the day as events warrant

See all of the daily White House Daily Chronicles HERE.

Presidential Itinerary – the details

President Donald Trump will sign H.R. 2 – The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.

See all of the president’s daily schedules HERE.

Trump’s Tweets (newest to oldest)

Official Statements

Press Secretary on Trump naming new Housing Secretary

Today, the President announced that he intends to designate Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting as Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Current FHFA Director Melvin Watt notified the White House that he will depart at the end of his term on January 6, 2019. Mr. Otting will serve as Acting Director upon Director Watt’s departure until a permanent Director is confirmed, while concurrently carrying out his duties as Comptroller of the Currency.

Trump statement on singing H.R. 1918

Today, I have signed into law H.R. 1918, the “Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018” (the “Act”). Section 6(c) of the Act, in conjunction with section 6(a), purports to require the Secretary of State to consult with certain congressional committees while preparing annual reports regarding the activities of the Nicaraguan Government. My Administration will treat section 6(c) as advisory. Mandatory consultation is not consistent with the Constitution’s separation of powers. I hope that consultation will be possible while preparing the reports required by section 6(a), and I recognize the benefits of working with the Congress on the issues raised by the activities of the Nicaraguan Government. Nevertheless, the law must be executed, at all times, consistent with the separation of powers and the President’s constitutional authority to conduct foreign affairs.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Trump statement on signing of H.R. 2

Today, I have signed into law H.R. 2, the “Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018” (the “Act”). Section 12303 of the Act requires the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish a Tribal Advisory Committee (Committee), predominantly composed of individuals appointed by Members of Congress, to advise the Secretary on matters relating to tribal and Indian affairs. My Administration supports the policy aims of this Committee. Because it includes legislative branch appointees, however, the Committee cannot be located in the executive branch, consistent with the separation of powers. I will therefore instruct the Secretary not to establish this Committee. I will, however, instruct the Secretary to work with the Congress to revise section 12303 to permit a properly constituted committee to be established within the Department of Agriculture to perform similar functions. My Administration will also take additional steps to further develop and advance its important relationships
with tribal leaders.

In addition, section 3201 permits the Department of Agriculture to use funds to carry out certain programs in Cuba. The Act prohibits such funds from being used in contravention of the policy outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum 5 of June 16, 2017, (Strengthening the Policy of the United States Toward Cuba). I appreciate the recognition of the Congress that these funds must not be used to undermine the foreign policy of the United States with respect to Cuba. As such, my Administration will not use any taxpayer funds from these Department of Agriculture programs to benefit the Cuban regime.

DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,
December 20, 2018.

Trump remarks on possible shutdown

POTUS said any measure that funds the government has to have border security and that he was giving lawmakers a bit of an out by allowing Steel Slats.

“We’ve proposed a steel slat barrier” POTUS says

“I look forward to signing a bill that fulfills our fundamental duty to the American people”

Sec. Sanders Update on Government Funding:

“The President is having a meeting with Republican House Members at noon today. At this moment, the President does not want to go further without border security, which includes steel slats or a wall. The President is continuing to weigh his options.” Sarah Sanders

Executive Actions

On Thursday, December 20, 2018, the President signed into law:

  • H.R. 2, the “Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,” which Extends, expands, or modifies Federal agriculture and nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), farm income support, crop insurance, conservation, credit assistance, agriculture trade assistance, research, international food aid, rural development, and other programs through fiscal year 2023.
  • H.R. 1918, the “Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018,” which provides for sanctions with respect to the government of Nicaragua
  • H.R. 5759, the “21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act” or the “21st Century IDEA,” which requires executive agencies to comply with modernization requirements for new Federal websites and digital services, requires OMB to identify candidates for service digitization, and requires executive agencies to develop plans to accelerate the use of electronic signatures.
  • S. 1050, the “Chinese-American World War II Veteran Congressional Gold Medal Act,” which provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the Chinese-American Veterans of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II; and
  • S. 2101, the “USS Indianapolis Congressional Gold Medal Act,” which provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the crew of the USS Indianapolis, in recognition of their perseverance, bravery, and service to the United States.

Executive Branch Nominations/Designations

  • Joseph M. Otting of Nevada, to be the Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, vice Melvin L. Watt, resignation effective January 6, 2019.
  • Mr. Otting was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the Comptroller of the Currency at the Department of the Treasury.

Communications with Heads of State and State Officials (readouts often come the day after the conversation)

Readout from Meeting with Republican Congressional Members:

“President Trump just met with Republican Members of the House. Not surprisingly, they all feel strongly about Border Security – stopping the flow of drugs, stopping human trafficking, and stopping terrorism. We protect nations all over the world, but Democrats are unwilling to protect our nation. We urgently need funding for border security and that includes a wall.” Sarah Sanders

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Photo of Rich Mitchell Rich MitchellDecember 20, 2018
Photo of Rich Mitchell

Rich Mitchell

Rich Mitchell is the editor-in-chief of Conservative Daily News and the president of Bald Eagle Media, LLC. His posts may contain opinions that are his own and are not necessarily shared by Bald Eagle Media, CDN, staff or .. much of anyone else. Find him on twitter, facebook and

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