What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 11, 2024 Recap
President Biden and Vice President Harris discussed the federal government's response to the recent hurricanes Milton and Helene. President Biden empathized with those affected by the storms, emphasizing the devastating impact on homes and lives. He highlighted the administration's focus on power restoration and debris removal, with over 50,000 workers restoring power to affected areas. He praised the collaboration of public and private utilities and noted the importance of infrastructure improvements, such as burying power lines to prevent future damage.
Biden also warned against misinformation surrounding recovery efforts and criticized those spreading falsehoods, stating that it undermines hope during crises. He underscored the need for continued investment to address climate change and extreme weather.
Vice President Harris echoed these sentiments, affirming the federal commitment to providing necessary resources for immediate relief and long-term recovery in affected states. She also warned against price gouging during the crisis, emphasizing that authorities are monitoring and will take action against it.
Both Biden and Harris emphasized the importance of teamwork and coordination at all levels of government in responding to the hurricanes.
President Biden issued a letter to inform the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate about the continuation of a national emergency related to significant narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia. The national emergency, initially declared on October 21, 1995, under Executive Order 12978, is set to expire, but President Biden states that it must continue beyond October 21, 2024, as the situation has not improved. Narcotics traffickers still pose a significant threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the U.S., as well as contributing to violence and corruption both domestically and internationally.
The President sent a separate letter informing the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate about the continuation of the national emergency related to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This national emergency, first declared in 2006 (Executive Order 13413) and amended in 2014 (Executive Order 13671), is set to remain in effect beyond October 27, 2024. The situation in the DRC continues to involve violence and atrocities that threaten regional stability and pose an unusual threat to U.S. foreign policy. Therefore, the President has determined it is necessary to extend the emergency declaration.
Vice President Harris spoke to Jewish voters marking the High Holidays by teleconference. She began by thanking her husband, Doug Emhoff, for his leadership and efforts to inspire young people, particularly within the Jewish community. She then extended wishes for a good New Year and acknowledged the challenging times, specifically referencing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the rise in global antisemitism.
Israel’s Security and October 7 Anniversary
Harris reflected on the significance of the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack, which left deep scars on Jewish communities in Israel, the U.S., and globally. She emphasized that the world must never forget that day and pledged to ensure that such horrors are never repeated. Harris underscored the importance of Israel as a secure, democratic homeland for Jewish people worldwide, affirming her personal and unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.
She made clear that, as president, she would ensure Israel always has the necessary resources to defend itself from threats, particularly from Iran and Iran-backed terrorists. She mentioned that this lifelong commitment to Israel’s safety began when she was a child, raising funds through the Jewish National Fund to plant trees in Israel. Harris reiterated her administration’s commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense and called for an end to the conflict in Gaza. She noted the suffering on both sides and expressed her goal to secure Israel’s safety while also ensuring that the Palestinian people can achieve dignity, freedom, and self-determination.
Hostages and Diplomatic Efforts
Harris addressed the importance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, including seven American citizens, both living and deceased. She emphasized that the U.S. will not rest until all hostages are home. She also acknowledged the additional threats Israel faces, such as those from Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen, which escalated after the October 7 attacks. Harris pointed out that Iran is the common thread behind these destabilizing forces.
Iran and U.S. Response
Harris criticized former President Donald Trump’s policies toward Iran, stating that his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and failure to respond to attacks on U.S. forces led to an unchecked Iranian nuclear program and increased instability. She contrasted this with the Biden administration’s approach, noting that they responded forcefully to Iranian proxy attacks on U.S. troops and were the first administration to defend Israel directly in response to Iranian missile attacks.
She recalled joining President Biden during key moments of U.S. military responses, including a five-hour response on April 13 to an Iranian attack and a three-hour Situation Room session on October 1, coordinating the interception of missiles over Israel. Harris affirmed her commitment to defending American forces and ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, stressing that while diplomacy is her preferred path, all options are on the table.
Fighting Antisemitism
Harris shifted focus to the rise of antisemitism in the U.S., particularly during the Trump administration, which she accused of normalizing dangerous antisemitic rhetoric. She referenced Trump’s comments about neo-Nazi marchers in Charlottesville and his alleged praise for Hitler as examples of this dangerous rhetoric. Harris reflected on her career-long fight against hate crimes, including her work as a district attorney and attorney general, where she addressed hate crimes and published reports to raise awareness.
She also highlighted the current administration’s efforts, particularly the National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, spearheaded by her husband, Doug Emhoff, and vowed to continue combating antisemitism in all forms. Harris expressed concern for Jewish students facing antisemitic threats on college campuses, affirming her support for free speech but making it clear that hate and violence have no place in American society. She called on universities to ensure the safety and security of all students and faculty.
Election and Unity
In closing, Harris called for unity and mobilization ahead of the upcoming election, which she described as critical for protecting democracy and the freedoms cherished in the U.S. She emphasized the importance of fighting for freedoms such as women’s reproductive rights, safety from gun violence, and LGBTQ+ rights. Harris urged voters to use the spirit of the High Holidays to build community and coalitions, reminding them that despite differences, there is more that unites people than divides them.
She encouraged everyone to engage with friends, family, and neighbors to ensure they understand the stakes of the election and exercise their voting power. Harris ended on an optimistic note, declaring victory achievable when people unite and fight for a cause.
In a statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, the U.S. responded to Iran's October 1 ballistic missile attack on Tel Aviv, Israel, which was intercepted with U.S. assistance. The attack could have resulted in mass casualties, and in response, the U.S. promised severe consequences for Iran. Following consultations with allies, including a call between President Biden and G7 leaders, the U.S. Departments of Treasury and State have expanded sanctions targeting Iran's energy trade, including sanctions on the "Ghost Fleet" transporting Iran's illicit oil. These actions aim to cut off the financial resources Iran uses to support missile programs and terrorism. President Biden has maintained a firm stance against Iran, not lifting any sanctions, while imposing new ones against over 700 individuals and entities. Allies are expected to follow with their measures.
Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer met with Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso of Papua New Guinea in Washington, DC. They discussed growing cooperation between the U.S. and Papua New Guinea, highlighted by the launch of the U.S.-PNG Strategic Partnership Dialogue. Key U.S. initiatives were noted, including building a humanitarian relief warehouse, expanding electricity access to 19,000 households, launching a $26 million Peace Project, and addressing Papua New Guinea's fuel crisis. Both officials reaffirmed the value of their partnership and explored future collaboration in areas like education, banking, resource conservation, and defense, with ongoing communication planned.
Senior Deputy Press Secretary Emilie Simons and EPA Administrator Michael Regan held a press gaggle to discuss two significant topics: the federal response to Hurricane Milton and a new EPA initiative addressing lead contamination in drinking water. Emilie Simons announced that President Biden postponed his planned trips to Germany and Angola to oversee preparations for Hurricane Milton and the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. FEMA is actively pre-positioning resources such as temporary power teams, swiftwater rescue teams, and search and rescue personnel, with over 900 staff already in the region. Simons emphasized the importance of heeding local officials' warnings and noted the coordination between federal agencies, FEMA, and state and local governments in Florida and North Carolina.
On a separate note, the president traveled to Milwaukee to announce new EPA regulations requiring all U.S. drinking water systems to replace lead service lines within ten years. Michael Regan highlighted this as part of President Biden’s broader efforts to ensure a lead-free future for children. This initiative will be supported by $2.6 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, building on the $15 billion allocated to address lead service lines. Regan expressed confidence that cities and local governments are prepared to meet the ambitious timeline, citing progress made in recent years and bipartisan support for improving public health through clean water initiatives.
The press gaggle also touched on other topics, including U.S.-Israel relations, cybersecurity threats involving U.S. telecom companies, and the administration’s stance on ghost guns. On Israel, Simons reiterated the U.S.’s strong relationship with Israel and addressed concerns about recent reports of communication issues between U.S. and Israeli leaders. She also acknowledged that the president had been briefed on cybersecurity threats but deferred to federal agencies for more details. Finally, in response to questions about ghost gun regulations, Simons affirmed the administration’s commitment to combating illegal ghost guns and defended the legality of recent rulemaking efforts.
President Biden issued four proclamations:
In the proclamation for Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024, President Biden honors Indigenous communities' strength, courage, and resilience, celebrating their vast contributions and recommitting to respecting Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
In the proclamation for Columbus Day 2024, President Biden celebrates Italian Americans' proud heritage and contributions, recognizing their role in shaping the nation’s history and culture. He recounts the story of Italian immigrants who overcame challenges, including discrimination, to pursue the American Dream.
For Blind Americans Equality Day 2024, President Biden honors the contributions of blind and low-vision Americans and reiterates the nation's commitment to ensuring equal opportunities.
Finally, in the proclamation for National School Lunch Week 2024, President Biden emphasizes the critical role that nutritious school lunches play in supporting children's health and academic success. He reaffirms his administration’s commitment to expanding access to free, healthy meals for all students, particularly for families facing food insecurity.
At a campaign event in Scottsdale, Arizona, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of democracy, unity, and leadership in the face of rising political challenges. She began by reflecting on the global significance of the U.S. as a model for democratic governance, noting her interactions with over 150 world leaders who have expressed concerns about the stability of American democracy. Harris underscored that the world looks to the U.S. for inspiration in the fight for freedom, and this election will play a critical role in determining the nation's future role in global leadership.
Harris then shifted to a personal note, discussing the values she was raised with, including the belief that Americans share far more in common than what divides them. She spoke out against divisive forces in the country that encourage finger-pointing and disunity. Instead, she emphasized the importance of empathy, collaboration, and lifting others up, which she believes is the true measure of strong leadership. She shared a story about working with the late Senator John McCain, a figure she deeply respected, recalling how he encouraged her during Senate debates and his pivotal role in saving the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Harris praised McCain for his commitment to putting country over party and his steadfast defense of principles like healthcare access.
Addressing the stakes of the upcoming election, Harris highlighted the fundamental issues at risk, including freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. She warned about the dangers of authoritarianism, referencing the former president's comments about terminating the Constitution and assuming dictatorial powers. Harris stressed that these are not just rhetorical concerns but real threats to the foundation of American democracy. She called on Americans to come together to defend these values for the nation's future and its standing in the world.
In a bid for bipartisanship, Harris announced her plan to create a bipartisan council of advisers to provide feedback on policy. She explained that she values good ideas regardless of their origin and believes that a healthy two-party system is essential for a functioning democracy. This initiative, she noted, would help ensure that the best ideas are implemented to benefit all Americans. Throughout her speech, Harris reaffirmed her commitment to serving as a leader for all people, emphasizing that even when disagreements arise, the country must remain united on fundamental issues like freedom and justice.
Finally, Harris highlighted key rights at stake, such as reproductive rights and the independence of federal institutions. She warned against efforts to undermine the rule of law and weaponize government institutions for political gain. In closing, Harris expressed her confidence in winning the election but emphasized that it will not be easy. She urged the audience to remain focused on the fight for fundamental American values, reminding them that this election is not just about opposing certain forces but about fighting for the country's core principles.
Vice President Harris joins President Biden and cabinet members for a briefing updating recovery efforts for Hurricane Milton
