Vaccine Near; Update On Human Trafficking

President Trump briefed the Nation this evening on our country’s unprecedented, groundbreaking effort to deliver a safe and effective Coronavirus vaccine—as well as treatments and diagnostics—to the American people as quickly as possible. Operation Warp Speed, as the nationwide effort is called, aims to produce and deliver 300 million doses of vaccine in total, with initial doses available by January. By cutting bureaucratic red tape, the Trump Administration has already helped several promising vaccine candidates reach the final stages of clinical testing. At yesterday’s briefing, President Trump explained that “countries in every continent are seeing increases in [Coronavirus] cases”—including some nations that have applied among the strictest, most punishing lockdowns. “You have nations that are really tough on the lockdowns, and they’re getting hit very hard,” the President said. “That’s why my administration is pursuing a science-based approach that protects the most vulnerable, preserves hospital capacity, and focuses on the delivery and development of treatments, and—ultimately—the vaccine.” 🎬 Secretary Azar: Two of six vaccine candidates in final stage of trials!

Ivanka Trump and DOJ announce $35 million to help human trafficking survivors Ivanka Trump joined Attorney General William Barr last week to announce over $35 million in Justice Department grants to help survivors of human trafficking. The funding will be spread across 73 organizations in 33 states to provide safe and stable housing for victims. 🎬 WATCH: Ivanka Trump meets with human trafficking survivors “The coronavirus pandemic has made safe and supportive housing for survivors more important than ever,” Ms. Trump said. Shortly after taking office, President Trump promised to bring the “full force and weight” of the government to fight the scourge of human trafficking. Two years ago, he signed a bipartisan law to give both law enforcement and victims new tools to fight sex trafficking and address the growing problem of criminals finding victims online. Now, new DOJ funding will provide anywhere from six to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance to survivors. The grants will go toward helping to pay for rent, utilities, and other expenses related to housing. The money can also be used to help victims secure employment, which includes resources for training and counseling. At a roundtable announcing the grants last week, Attorney General Barr and Ms. Trump heard stories from some of these survivors and committed to continuing the fight against trafficking. That effort began on day one of the Trump Administration, Ms. Trump said. “Since he’s been in office, the President has signed nine pieces of legislation addressing this issue into law.” “The Department of Justice has fought aggressively to bring human traffickers to justice and to deliver critical aid to trafficking survivors,” Attorney General Barr said. “These new resources, announced today, expand on our efforts to offer those who have suffered the shelter and support they need to begin a new and better life.” Photos: Ivanka Trump and AG Barr host roundtable with survivors

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President Trump hosts a call with America’s sheriffs | August 11, 2020