Vice President Kamala Harris is set to make her first public appearance since delivering her concession speech last Wednesday. She will be attending Veterans Day events at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday morning. Although she is not scheduled to speak at the events, the vice president will join President Joe Biden in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on its centennial anniversary.
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Vice President Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and First Lady Jill Biden will be present as President Biden delivers remarks at the National Veterans Day Observance at the Memorial Amphitheater.
Prior to their visit to Arlington National Cemetery, the president and first lady will host a Veterans Day breakfast at the White House. The event will welcome families, caregivers, survivors, and advocates who work on behalf of veterans.
This morning, the White House announced that the Biden administration has expedited the delivery of benefits and healthcare to veterans. Additionally, the administration is expanding the types of cancers considered presumptive for VA disability benefits, aiming to assist veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. Notably, veteran homelessness has seen a significant reduction, with a 7.5% decrease in the past year and a 55.6% reduction since 2010.
President Biden and Vice President Harris' visit to Arlington National Cemetery follows a controversial visit by then President-elect Donald Trump two months ago. The US Army issued a strong rebuke of Trump's campaign after an incident where an Arlington employee was reportedly pushed by a member of Trump's team during the visit. A military law enforcement investigation into the incident is still ongoing as of late October.
During the previous incident, Vice President Harris criticized Trump, stating that it showcased his inability to prioritize anything beyond his own interests.
