On Day 38 in office, Biden issued a statement justifying airstrikes on Syria in response to criticism from congressional Democrats.

Biden Defends Strikes on Syria.

President Joe Biden responded Saturday to criticism from Congressional Democrats who demanded legal justification for Thursday’s airstrikes in Syria. From the letter:

• “At my direction, on February 25, 2021, United States forces conducted a targeted military strike against infrastructure in eastern Syria used by Iran-supported non-state militia groups.”
• “Those non-state militia groups were involved in recent attacks against United States and Coalition personnel in Iraq, including the February 15, 2021, attack in Erbil, Iraq… These groups are also engaged in ongoing planning for future such attacks.”
• “The United States always stands ready to take necessary and proportionate action in self-defense, including when, as is the case here, the government of the state where the threat is located is unwilling or unable to prevent the use of its territory by non-state militia groups responsible for such attacks.”
• “I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests.”
• “The United States took this action pursuant to the United States’ inherent right of self-defense as reflected in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.”

FDA Approves Third Coronavirus Vaccine.

The FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for a third Coronavirus vaccine, created by Johnson & Johnson.

This vaccine differs from its two predecessors in that it can be stored at simple refrigerator temperatures and requires only one dose. Around 4 million doses will be available for ordering immediately.

“Though we celebrate today’s news, I urge all Americans—keep washing your hands, stay socially distanced, and keep wearing masks,” Biden said in a statement Saturday. “As I have said many times, things are still likely to get worse again as new variants spread, and the current improvement could reverse.”