Historic Documents is renowned for the well-written and informative background, history, and context it provides for each document. Each volume begins with an insightful essay that sets the year's events in context, and each document or group of documents is preceded by a comprehensive introduction that provides background information on the event.

Table of Contents

• THEMATIC TABLE OF CONTENTS
• LIST OF DOCUMENT SOURCES
• PREFACE
• HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
• OVERVIEW OF 2017
• JANUARY
• ISIL Carries Out Attacks across the Globe
• A statement by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on January 1, 2017, following an attack in Istanbul; a June 4, 2017, statement by British Prime Minister Theresa May after twin attacks in London; a June 7, 2017, statement by Iranian President Rouhani following a suicide bombing in Tehran; and an August 18, 2017, statement by Spanish President Mariano Rajoy after a terrorist attack struck Barcelona.
• ■ President Erdogan Issues Statement on Istanbul Terror Attack
• ■ Prime Minister May Addresses UK Terrorist Attack
• ■ Iranian President Issues Statement on Attack in Tehran
• ■ Spanish President Expresses Condolences in Barcelona
• Director of National Intelligence Declassifies Report on Russian Interference in 2016 U.S. Election
• The excerpted text of the Director of National Intelligence report, declassified on January 6, 2017, outlining the attempt by Russia to influence the outcome of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
• ■ DNI Releases Declassified Report on Russian Interference in U.S. Election
• Gambian Election Throws Nation into Political Crisis
• A decision adopted by the African Union Peace and Security Council in response to the post-election situation in the Gambia, announced on January 13, 2017; the resolution from the United Nations Security Council endorsing the African Union's recognition of Adama Barrow as president, on January 19, 2017; and a joint declaration by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and the United Nations on the Gambia's political situation from January 21, 2017.
• ■ African Union Meets to Discuss Election in The Gambia
• ■ UN Security Council Recognizes Election of Gambian Challenger Barrow
• ■ ECOWAS, AU, UN Jointly Respond to Political Situation in The Gambia
• Donald J. Trump Sworn In as 45TH President of the United States
• The text of the address delivered by Donald Trump on January 20, 2017, after his inauguration as President of the United States.
• ■ President Trump Delivers Remarks upon His Inauguration
• President Trump Issues Immigration Orders
• The text of four executive orders and a proclamation issued by President Donald Trump on January 25, January 27, March 6, and September 24, regarding the building of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, prohibiting federal funding for sanctuary cities, and banning travelers from certain Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States; the April 25, 2017, District Court injunction against the sanctuary city order; a June 12, 2017, ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Trump's January 27 travel ban; the Supreme Court's June 26, 2017, initial ruling on the president's travel ban; and the text of two December 4, 2017, Supreme Court orders allowing the September 24 travel ban proclamation to go fully into effect.
• ■ President Trump Issues Executive Order on a U.S.-Mexico Border Wall
• ■ President Trump Issues Executive Order on Sanctuary Cities
• ■ President Trump Issues Executive Order Banning Travel from Seven Muslim-Majority Countries
• ■ President Trump Issues Amended Travel Ban
• ■ District Court Issues Injunction against Sanctuary City Executive Order
• ■ Ninth Circuit Court Issues Nationwide Injunction on Travel Ban
• ■ Supreme Court Issues Initial Ruling on Travel Ban
• ■ President Trump Issues Proclamation Regarding Travel into the United States
• ■ Supreme Court Issues Emergency Stay on Travel Ban Case in Fourth Circuit
• ■ Supreme Court Issues Emergency Stay on Travel Ban Case in Ninth Circuit
• Neil Gorsuch Confirmed and Sworn In as Supreme Court Justice
• A press release issued by the White House after the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court on January 31, 2017; excerpted remarks delivered by Judge Gorsuch to the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 20, 2017, during his confirmation process; a statement by President Trump on April 7, 2017, after Judge Gorsuch's confirmation; and the edited remarks delivered by President Trump and Judge Gorsuch at his swearing-in ceremony on April 10, 2017.
• ■ Trump Nominates Judge Gorsuch to Supreme Court
• ■ Judge Gorsuch Delivers Remarks before the Senate Judiciary Committee
• ■ President Trump Responds to Judge Gorsuch’s Confirmation
• ■ President Trump, Judge Gorsuch Deliver Remarks at the Swearing-In Ceremony
• FEBRUARY
• United Nations and Myanmar Leaders Respond to Rohingya Crisis
• A press release from the United Nations issued on February 3, 2017, after the release of a report detailing the crisis for the Rohingya in Myanmar; an August 24, 2017, press release from an advisory committee looking into the crisis in Myanmar; a September 6, 2017, press release detailing the Myanmar president's response to the August attack on police outposts; a September 11, 2017, UN Human Rights Commission press release calling the situation in Myanmar against the Rohingya “ethnic cleansing”; and a press release from the government of Myanmar detailing Aung San Suu Kyi's address about the Rohingya on September 19, 2017.
• ■ UN Issues Report on the Situation in Rakhine State
• ■ Advisory Commission on Rakhine State Issues Report
• ■ Myanmar Government Responds to August ARSA Attack
• ■ UN Calls Situation in Myanmar Ethnic Cleansing
• ■ Aung San Suu Kyi Delivers Address on Rakhine
• Officials Respond to Strikes in Brazil; Temer Refutes Corruption Charges
• A statement by Espírito Santo Governor Paulo Hartung on February 8, 2017, in response to the police strike; a press release from the Military Police of Espírito Santo from February 25, 2017, announcing the resumption of police operations; a statement by President Michel Temer on April 28, 2017, in response to the general strike; a statement by President Temer on May 17, 2017, denying corruption allegations; and a press release from the office of the attorney general from June 26, 2017, announcing corruption charges against the president.
• ■ Espírito Santo Governor Comments on Police Strike
• ■ Espírito Santo Military Police Commander-in-Chief Announces End of Police Strike
• ■ President Temer Statement on General Strike
• ■ President Temer Statement on Corruption Allegations
• ■ Federal Public Prosecutor Files Corruption Charges against President Temer
• United Nations Agencies Respond to Worsening Famine in South Sudan
• A press release from the United Nations News Centre on February 20, 2017, detailing the declaration of famine in South Sudan; a summary from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification issued on May 31, 2017, indicating that South Sudan was no longer classified in famine; and a statement by the president of the United Nations Security Council on August 9, 2017, urging a global response to the ongoing food crisis.
• ■ United Nations on the Declaration of Famine in South Sudan
• ■ IPC Removes Famine Classification from South Sudan
• ■ Security Council President Calls for Global Aid for Famine
• NASA and SpaceX Announce Milestones in Space Exploration; Congress Sets Timeline for Mission to Mars
• A press release from NASA from February 22, 2017, announcing the largest discovery of habitable-zone planets around a single star outside the solar system; a press release from SpaceX from February 27, 2017, announcing the company's plans to fly private citizens beyond the moon in 2018; a press release issued by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on March 7, 2017, announcing congressional passage of the NASA Transition Authorization Act; remarks by President Donald Trump at the signing of the NASA Transition Authorization Act on March 21, 2017; and an executive order signed by Trump on June 30, 2017, reviving the National Space Council.
• ■ NASA Announces Largest Discovery of Earth-size, Habitable-Zone Planets around Single Star
• ■ SpaceX Announces Plan to Send Private Spacecraft beyond the Moon
• ■ Senator Ted Cruz Announces Passage of the NASA Transition Authorization Act
• ■ Remarks by President Trump on Signing the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017
• ■ Executive Order 13803 Reviving the National Space Council
• President Trump Addresses a Joint Session of Congress; Democratic Response
• The text of the address delivered by President Donald Trump before a joint session of Congress on February 28, 2017, and the Democratic response delivered by former Kentucky governor Steve Beshear, also on February 28, 2017.
• ■ President Trump Addresses a Joint Session of Congress
• ■ Former Governor Beshear Delivers Democratic Response
• MARCH
• International Community Responds to Political Upheaval in Venezuela
• A statement from Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Luis Almagro from March 20, 2017, responding to the Venezuela Supreme Court of Justice's decision to strip power from the National Assembly; a press release issued by the U.S. Treasury Department on July 31, 2017, announcing sanctions against President Nicolás Maduro; a message from Almagro from July 31, 2017, denouncing the National Constituent Assembly election; an Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights report from August 8, 2017, about human rights violations during mass protests in Venezuela; and an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on August 24, 2017, imposing additional sanctions on Venezuela.
• ■ OAS Secretary General on Supreme Court of Justice Decisions
• ■ U.S. Treasury Department Sanctions Nicolás Maduro
• ■ OAS Secretary General on Venezuela’s National Constituent Assembly Election
• ■ UN Report on Human Rights Violations during Venezuela Protests
• ■ U.S. Executive Order Imposing Additional Sanctions in Venezuela
• United Nations and United States Issue Sanctions against North Korea
• The text of sanctions issued by the United Nations against North Korea on March 23, June 2, August 5, and September 11, 2017; and the text of a sanction against North Korea issued by the United States on September 21, 2017.
• ■ UN Expands Authority of Panel of Experts
• ■ UN Security Council Expands List of Individuals and Businesses Targeted for Sanctions
• ■ UN Sanctions Export of North Korean Oil
• ■ UN Limits Export of North Korean Products, Movement of North Korean Citizens
• ■ President Trump Issues Executive Order Expanding Sanctions against North Korea
• House and Senate Vote on Affordable Care Act Repeal
• The text of remarks from President Donald Trump on March 24, 2017, regarding health care reform legislation; March 24, 2017, remarks from House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., on health care reform legislation; a July 20, 2017, statement from President Trump calling on the Senate to pass health care reform legislation; a statement from Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., on July 28, 2017, regarding his “no” vote on health care reform; and an October 12, 2017, executive order offering direction on amending the Affordable Care Act.
• ■ President Trump Addresses Health Care Reform Efforts
• ■ House Speaker Ryan Remarks on Inability to Pass ACA Repeal
• ■ President Trump Calls on Senate to Pass Health Care Legislation
• ■ Sen. McCain Votes “No” on Health Care Reform
• ■ President Trump Issues Executive Order on ACA
• British Prime Minister Triggers Exit from European Union
• The text of a letter dated March 29, 2017, from British Prime Minister Theresa May to European Council president Donald Tusk announcing the intent of the United Kingdom to exit the European Union; and a statement delivered by Prime Minister May before the UK Parliament on March 29, 2017, regarding the letter sent to Tusk.
• ■ British Prime Minister Informs EU of Britain’s Intent to Leave the Body
• ■ Prime Minister May Addresses Parliament on Brexit
• APRIL
• Turkish President Responds to Referendum and State of Emergency
• Five press releases from the Office of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on April 5, 2017, regarding European Union member states; on April 16, 2017, on the passage of the constitutional referendum; and on April 17, July 14, and July 17, 2017, regarding the ongoing state of emergency in Turkey.
• ■ Turkish President on Relationship with the EU
• ■ Turkish President on Passage of Constitutional Referendum
• ■ National Security Council Recommends Extension of State of Emergency
• ■ Turkish President on Fight against Terrorism
• ■ Turkish National Security Council Advises Extension of State of Emergency
• President Trump, United Nations Respond to Chemical Attack in Syria
• A statement by U.S. president Donald Trump delivered on April 6, 2017, announcing military operations in Syria; a statement delivered on April 7, 2017, by United Nations secretary-general Guterres condemning the chemical attacks in Syria; a report declassified by the National Security Council on April 11, 2017, about the chemical attack; and an excerpt from the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic's report of September 6, 2017, in which it concluded that Syria's government used chemical weapons against civilians.
• ■ President Trump Remarks on U.S. Military Operations in Syria
• ■ UN Secretary-General on Chemical Attack in Syria
• ■ National Security Council Report on the Chemical Weapons Attack
• ■ UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic Report
• U.S. Airstrikes in Afghanistan; Pentagon Sends Additional Troops
• A statement from the U.S. Department of Defense on April 13, 2017, regarding the bombing and destruction of a terrorist stronghold in Afghanistan; a June 14, 2017, statement by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis on the authority to change the number of troops in Afghanistan; and August 21, 2017, remarks by President Donald Trump on military strategy in Afghanistan.
• ■ Defense Department Announces Destruction of Terrorist Stronghold in Afghanistan
• ■ Secretary of Defense Announces Change in Troop Strategy
• ■ President Trump Addresses Military Strategy in Afghanistan
• MAY
• FBI Director Fired, Testifies before Congress
• The text of a letter sent by President Trump to FBI director James Comey on May 9, 2017, removing Comey from his position, and the accompanying memos from the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General; and excerpts from the opening statement— as prepared for delivery—from Comey's testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee on June 8, 2017.
• ■ Trump Terminates FBI Director Comey
• ■ Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General Provide Input on Handling of Director Comey
• ■ Comey Addresses Senate Intelligence Committee
• Leaders of France, Germany, and the UK Respond to National Elections
• The text of a speech by newly elected French president Emmanuel Macron on May 15, 2017; a statement on June 9, 2017, by British prime minister Theresa May following the general election; and a speech by German Bundestag president Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble regarding the formation of a coalition government ahead of the opening of a new session of parliament on November 21, 2017.
• ■ French President Delivers Speech upon His Election
• ■ British Prime Minister Remarks on General Election
• ■ President of the German Bundestag on Formation of a Government
• Former FBI Director Robert Mueller Appointed Special Counsel on U.S. Election-Russia Investigation, Issues Indictments
• The text of the May 17, 2017, order appointing a special counsel to investigate any links between the Russian government and the campaign of President Donald Trump; the October 5, 2017, statement of offense against George Papadopoulos; the October 30, 2017, indictment against Paul Manafort and Rick Gates; and the December 1, 2017, statement of offense against Michael Flynn.
• ■ Justice Department Appoints Special Counsel
• ■ George Papadopoulos Statement of Offense
• ■ Paul Manafort and Rick Gates Indicted on Multiple Counts
• ■ Michael Flynn Pleads Guilty to Lying to the FBI
• Supreme Court Rules on Gerrymandering
• Excerpts from the case of Cooper v. Harris, in which the Supreme Court ruled 5-3 on May 22, 2017, that two North Carolina congressional districts had been unconstitutionally gerrymandered on a racial basis.
• ■ Cooper v. Harris
• Philippine President Establishes Martial Law
• Proclamation No. 55, issued by Philippine president Rodrigo Rao Duterte on May 23, 2017, declaring martial law and the suspension of habeas corpus.
• ■ Declaration of Martial Law and Suspension of Habeas Corpus in Mindanao
• Same-Sex Marriage Legalized in Taiwan, Germany, Malta, and Australia
• A press release from the Judicial Yuan Republic of China (Taiwan) from May 24, 2017, on its ruling legalizing same-sex marriage; excerpted deliberations from the German Bundestag concerning same-sex marriage from June 30, 2017; a press release issued by the Maltese government on July 12, 2017, announcing the Maltese Parliament's approval of the Marriage Equality Bill; and remarks delivered by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to the House of Representatives on December 4, 2017, urging lawmakers to vote in favor of same-sex marriage.
• ■ Judicial Yuan Issues Same-Sex Marriage Ruling
• ■ German Bundestag Discusses Same-Sex Marriage Legislation
• ■ Maltese Parliament Approves Marriage Equality Bill
• ■ Remarks by Australian Prime Minister Turnbull in Favor of Same-Sex Marriage Bill
• JUNE
• United States Withdraws from the Paris Climate Accord
• Excerpts from a transcript of remarks by President Donald Trump and Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt on June 1, 2017, regarding the decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement; and the text of a joint statement by France, Germany, and Italy regarding the U.S. decision to leave the Paris Climate Agreement, also on June 1, 2017.
• ■ President Trump Announces Withdrawal from Paris Agreement
• ■ France, Germany, and Italy Respond to U.S. Departure from Paris Agreement
• Two States File Emoluments Lawsuit against President Trump
• An excerpt from the District of Columbia and Maryland Attorneys General lawsuit against President Donald Trump, filed June 12, 2017, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Greenbelt Division, alleging Emoluments Clause violations.
• ■ D.C. and Maryland Sue President Trump for Emoluments Clause Violations
• UNHCR Issues Report on Global Migrants
• Excerpts from a report released by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on June 19, 2017, detailing global trends in forced displacement in 2016.
• ■ UN Releases Global Trends Report on Forcibly Displaced Persons
• Supreme Court Rules on Arkansas Birth Certificate Law
• The text of the Supreme Court's per curiam decision in the case of Pavan v. Smith in which the Court ruled 6-3 on June 26, 2017, that prohibiting same-sex parents from having both their names on their child's birth certificate violates the Due Process Clause and Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
• ■ Pavan v. Smith
• Supreme Court Rules on Parochial Schools and Grant Money
• Excerpts from the Supreme Court decision in Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer, in which the Court ruled 7-2 on June 26, 2017, that it was unconstitutional for the state of Missouri to disqualify a religious institution from applying for state grant money to resurface a playground.
• ■ Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer
• JULY
• Qatari Diplomatic Crisis
• The text of two statements by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, on July 5 and July 30, 2017, regarding the diplomatic crisis with Qatar; and the text of a tweet from the government of Qatar regarding the ongoing diplomatic crisis, on July 21, 2017.
• ■ Foreign Ministers Discuss Qatari Diplomatic Crisis
• ■ Qatar Tweets about Emir’s Speech on Ongoing Diplomatic Crisis
• ■ Foreign Ministers of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt Issue Statement on Qatar
• President Trump, Prime Minister Abadi Remark on Liberation of Mosul
• The text of a statement by President Donald Trump on July 10, 2017, regarding the liberation of Mosul by Iraqi Security Forces; and the text of a press release from the office of Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi, also on July 10, 2017, on the liberation of Mosul.
• ■ President Trump Responds to Liberation of Mosul
• ■ Iraqi Prime Minister Celebrates Victory in Mosul
• Controversial Court Reforms in Poland
• The text of a statement delivered by Polish president Andrzej Duda on July 24, 2017, on his plan to reform Poland's judiciary; a press release from the Polish president's office, issued on July 31, 2017, announcing the president's decision to veto two bills from parliament related to court reform; a December 20, 2017, press release from the Polish president's office announcing the official signing of judiciary reform bills; and a December 20, 2017, announcement from the European Commission proposing the use of Article 7 to sanction Poland for a breach of rule of law.
• ■ Polish President Speaks about Attempt to Reform Judiciary System
• ■ President Duda Vetoes Judiciary Bills
• ■ President Duda Signs Judiciary Reforms into Law
• ■ EU Proposes Sanctioning Poland over Judicial Reforms
• President Trump Announces Transgender Military Ban
• The series of tweets by President Donald Trump announcing his decision to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military; a memo issued by President Trump on August 25, 2017, prohibiting openly transgender Americans from serving in the military; and a press release from the American Civil Liberties Union on August 28, 2017, announcing a lawsuit challenging the president's ban.
• ■ President Trump Tweets about Transgender Individuals in the Military
• ■ President Trump Issues Memorandum on Military Service by Transgender Individuals
• ■ ACLU Files Lawsuit Challenging Transgender Service Member Ban
• Pakistan Prime Minister Removed from Office
• Excerpts from the text of the Supreme Court of Pakistan's ruling, issued July 28, 2017, disqualifying Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from office for failure to disclose assets.
• ■ Supreme Court of Pakistan Disqualifies Sharif from Office
• AUGUST
• U.S. Government Seeks to Impose New Immigration Limits
• The text of a statement by Attorney General Jeff Sessions on August 2, 2017, in support of the RAISE Act; President Donald Trump's August 2, 2017, remarks on immigration; an August 25, 2017, statement from the White House announcing Trump's decision to pardon Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio; and the text of a statement by President Trump on September 5, 2017, announcing his decision to end the DACA program.
• ■ Attorney General Sessions Provides Support to RAISE Act
• ■ President Trump Responds to the RAISE Act
• ■ White House Statement on Arpaio Pardon
• ■ Trump Rescinds DACA Program
• South African Political Parties Issue Statements on No Confidence Vote against President Zuma
• The text of a statement delivered by ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa on August 8, 2017, following the unsuccessful vote of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma; and the text of a statement delivered by DA leader Mmusi Maimane at a press conference in Cape Town on August 9, 2017.
• ■ African National Congress Responds to Vote of No Confidence
• ■ Democratic Alliance Issues Statement on Failed Vote of No Confidence
• Sonic Attacks on U.S. Diplomats in Cuba Suspected
• A statement from Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs from August 11, 2017, responding to the diplomatic situation; a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson from September 29, 2017, on the U.S. response to attacks on government personnel in Cuba; and a statement by Secretary Tillerson from October 3, 2017, on the expulsion of Cuban diplomats from the embassy in Washington, D.C.
• ■ Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs Responds to Sonic Attack Allegations
• ■ Secretary Tillerson Statement on U.S. Response to Attacks on Personnel in Cuba
• ■ Secretary Tillerson Statement on the Expulsion of Cuban Officials from the U.S.
• Neo-Nazi Protest in Charlottesville
• A statement by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe from August 14, 2017, on next steps to be taken by the state government after the Charlottesville protest; a statement by President Donald Trump from August 14, 2017, in response to the protest; excerpts from an exchange between Trump and reporters on August 15, 2017, in which the president answered questions about the situation in Charlottesville; and a statement of condolence from the City of Charlottesville and Charlottesville City Council from August 16, 2017.
• ■ Governor McAuliffe on the Events in Charlottesville
• ■ President Trump Remarks on the Situation in Charlottesville
• ■ President Trump Speaks to Reporters about Charlottesville
• ■ Condolence Statement from the City of Charlottesville
• United Nations Responds to Flooding in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh
• A press release from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs from August 24, 2017, describing the impact of and relief efforts in response to flooding in South Asia; a statement from UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson on September 1, 2017, in response to the floods; and a September 2, 2017, report from the United Nations Children's Fund on the number of children affected by the floods.
• ■ UN Agencies Aid Those in South Asia
• ■ UN Secretary-General Responds to Flooding
• ■ UNICEF Reports on Children Impacted by Flooding
• President Trump, Vice President Pence Visit Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico after Hurricanes
• The text of remarks delivered by federal officials at a press briefing on August 29, 2017, regarding Hurricane Harvey relief efforts; the text of remarks delivered by members of the federal government on September 14, 2017, in response to Hurricane Irma; and the text of a statement delivered by Vice President Mike Pence on October 6, 2017, in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.
• ■ President Trump, Federal Officials Address Hurricane Harvey Recovery
• ■ Federal Officials Discuss Hurricane Irma Relief Efforts
• ■ Vice President Pence Speaks on Puerto Rico Hurricane Recovery Efforts
• SEPTEMBER
• Kenyan Court Discounts Election Results
• The text of the majority opinion and two dissenting opinions of the Kenyan Supreme Court, issued on September 1, 2017, overturning the results of the August 8, 2017, presidential election.
• ■ Supreme Court Overturns Election Results with Two Dissenting Opinions
• Census Bureau Releases Annual Report on Poverty in the United States
• Excerpts from the U.S. Census Bureau report on poverty in the United States, released on September 12, 2017; and excerpts from the U.S. Census Bureau supplemental poverty report also released on September 12, 2017.
• ■ Census Bureau Report on Poverty in the United States
• ■ Census Bureau Report on Supplemental Poverty Measures
• President Trump Addresses the United Nations
• Excerpts from President Donald Trump's speech to the United Nations General Assembly on September 19, 2017.
• ■ President Trump Remarks to the United Nations General Assembly
• OCTOBER
• Government Officials Respond to Catalan Independence Referendum
• A statement by Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría from October 1, 2017, responding to the Catalan independence referendum; and a letter from Catalan President Carles Puigdemont to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy from October 19, 2017, requesting a dialogue on regional independence.
• ■ Deputy Prime Minister Comments on Catalan Referendum
• ■ Letter from President Puigdemont to Prime Minister Rajoy
• Federal Leaders Respond to Mass Shooting in Las Vegas
• The text of a statement by President Donald Trump on October 2, 2017, regarding the shooting in Las Vegas; the text of a bill proposed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein to ban bump stocks, submitted for consideration on October 4, 2017; and an October 6, 2017, press release from Sen. Dean Heller's office calling for a review of bump stock regulations.
• ■ President Trump Responds to Las Vegas Shooting
• ■ Sen. Feinstein Introduces Bump Stock Ban Legislation
• ■ Sen. Heller Calls for Bump Stock Regulation Review
• British Prime Minister, European Union Leaders Remark on Continuation of Brexit Negotiations
• The text of two statements by British Prime Minister Theresa May, on October 9 and December 18, 2017, regarding ongoing Brexit negotiations; and remarks by EU Commission President Jean-Claude Junker on progress made in Brexit negotiations.
• ■ Prime Minister May Addresses Parliament on Brexit Negotiations
• ■ EU President Junker on Brexit Negotiations Breakthrough
• ■ Prime Minister May Remarks on Brexit Negotiations Agreements
• Decertification of Iranian Nuclear Deal
• Remarks delivered by President Donald Trump on October 13, 2017, decertifying the JCPOA and outlining a new strategy toward Iran; a joint statement by British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and French President Emmanuel Macron from October 13, 2017, responding to Trump's announcement; and a statement by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani from October 13, 2017, also responding to Trump's remarks.
• ■ President Trump Remarks on U.S.’s Strategy in Iran
• ■ Joint Statement from the UK, France, and Germany in Response to the U.S. Iran Strategy
• ■ President Rouhani Responds to President Trump’s Remarks on Iran, Nuclear Agreement
• 19TH National Congress of the Communist Party of China Held
• The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China's resolution approving the report delivered by President Xi Jinping on behalf of the 18th Central Committee, and the Congress's resolution adding Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to the Communist Party Constitution, both from October 24, 2017.
• ■ National Congress Resolution on CPC Central Committee Report
• ■ National Congress Resolution on Amendment to CPC Constitution
• President Trump Declares Public Health Crisis; Drug Commission Releases Findings
• The text of the October 26, 2017, memorandum declaring a national public health emergency in relation to the opioid crisis; excerpts from President Donald Trump's October 26, 2017, statement on the declaration of a national public health emergency; and the November 1, 2017, Summary of Recommendations from the president's commission on the drug crisis.
• ■ President Trump Declares National Public Health Emergency
• ■ President Trump Remarks on the Opioid Crisis
• ■ President’s Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis Releases Recommendations
• Liberian President, President-Elect Remark on First Democratic Transfer of Power
• Two statements from Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first, on October 30, 2017, denying allegations that she had interfered with the results of the presidential election, and the second, on November 7, 2017, calling for patience and perseverance among the public during the election runoff and eventual transition of power; and a December 28, 2017, tweet from President-elect George Weah after his runoff election victory.
• ■ Johnson Sirleaf Defends UP against Allegations of Corruption
• ■ Johnson Sirleaf Appeals for Calm
• ■ George Weah Celebrates Victory
• NOVEMBER
• Saudi Government Announces Anti-corruption Committee, Arrests Public and Private Leaders
• A November 5, 2017, announcement of anti-graft orders; the November 9, 2017, statement by Saudi Arabia's attorney general on anti-corruption investigations; and the text of a December 5, 2017, statement from the attorney general regarding the ongoing work of the anti-corruption committee.
• ■ Saudi Government Announces Royal Anti-graft Orders
• ■ Saudi Attorney General Statement on Investigations by the Supreme Anti-corruption Committee
• ■ Saudi Attorney General Provides Update on Supreme Anti-corruption Committee Proceedings
• Democratic Governors Association, Candidates, and Election Officials Remark on Special Election Outcomes
• The text of two statements issued by the Democratic Governors Association on their special election victories on November 8, 2017, in Virginia and New Jersey; a December 26, 2017, press release from the Virginia Department of Elections announcing the postponement of the drawing to select a victor in House District 94; and a December 28, 2017, tweet from Doug Jones after his victory in the Alabama Senate race.
• ■ DGA Remarks on Northam Victory in Virginia
• ■ DGA on Gubernatorial Victory in New Jersey
• ■ Virginia Board of Elections Postpones Winner Selection
• ■ Doug Jones Releases Statement on Victory
• Zimbabwean Military Announces Bloodless Takeover; Mugabe Resigns; African Union Responds
• A statement from November 14, 2017, by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, announcing their bloodless takeover; the November 21, 2017 text of President Robert Mugabe's resignation letter; a statement by the chairperson of the African Union Commission, on November 21, 2017, welcoming the decision of President Mugabe to step down as president; and Emmerson Mnangagwa's inaugural address given on November 24, 2017.
• ■ ZDF Announces Takeover in Zimbabwe
• ■ Mugabe Resigns as President of Zimbabwe
• ■ African Union Chairperson Welcomes Peaceful Resolution in Zimbabwe
• ■ Mnangagwa Delivers Inaugural Address
• U.S. Department of Justice Sues to Block AT&T and Time Warner Merger
• A statement from the Department of Justice on November 20, 2017, announcing a lawsuit to block AT&T's acquisition of Time Warner; and excerpts from the DOJ's complaint, also on November 20, 2017.
• ■ DOJ Announces Attempt to Block AT&T-Time Warner Merger
• ■ DOJ Files Suit to Block AT&T-Time Warner Merger
• DECEMBER
• U.S. Lawmakers Resign amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
• Rep. John Conyers’ statement of retirement, as read on the floor of the House of Representatives by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on December 5, 2017; and a statement made by Sen. Al Franken on the Senate floor on December 7, 2017, announcing his intent to resign.
• ■ Rep. Conyers Statement of Retirement as Read on the House Floor
• ■ Sen. Franken Announces Intent to Resign
• United States Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's Capital
• A proclamation by President Donald Trump on December 6, 2017, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital; a memo to the U.S. State Department from December 6, 2017, waiving the requirement that the U.S. Embassy to Israel be located in Jerusalem for six months; and a press release and meeting report from the United Nations Security Council from December 18, 2017, announcing the United States’ veto of a resolution on Jerusalem's status.
• ■ U.S. Proclamation Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital
• ■ Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of State
• ■ UN Security Council Fails to Adopt Resolution on Jerusalem
• ■ U.S. Vetoes Security Council Resolution on Diplomatic Missions in Jerusalem
• UN Peacekeepers Killed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• The text of the UN Secretary General's remarks on December 8, 2017, after the deadly attack on UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• ■ Secretary-General Expresses Outrage over Deadly Attack in the DRC
• International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Awarded 2017 Nobel Peace Prize
• The texts of the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony speech and lecture, delivered on December 10, 2017, by Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Berit Reiss-Anderson and ICAN representatives, Beatrice Fihn and Setsuko Thurlow, respectively.
• ■ Nobel Committee Awards Nobel Peace Prize
• ■ ICAN Leaders Deliver Lecture at Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony
• Federal Communications Commission Overturns Net Neutrality
• A press release issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on December 14, 2017, announcing the reversal of the 2015 Open Internet Order; and statements by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Commissioner Mignon Clyburn from December 14, 2017, in response to the decision.
• ■ FCC Reverses 2015 Net Neutrality Decision
• ■ FCC Chair Ajit Pai Statement on Net Neutrality Decision
• ■ FCC Commissioner Clyburn Dissenting Statement on Net Neutrality Decision
• Members of Congress, President Trump Remark on Tax Code Overhaul
• The text of House and Senate floor statements delivered on December 19, 2017, by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; and the text of a statement by President Donald Trump on December 20, 2017, after passage of tax reform legislation.
• ■ Sen. Cornyn Speaks in Support of Tax Reform
• ■ Sen. Schumer Speaks on the Senate Floor in Opposition to the Tax Reform Legislation
• ■ Rep. Pelosi Opposes the Tax Legislation
• ■ Speaker Ryan Provides His Support to Tax Reform Legislation
• ■ President Trump, Republicans Hold Press Conference on Tax Reform Passage