The Biden-Harris Administration announced a final rule targeting "junk" health insurance plans to ensure Americans receive better health care coverage and aren't deceived into purchasing low-quality insurance that fails to cover essential medical costs. This move aligns with President Biden's commitment to enhance the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and protect consumers from insurance schemes that offer insufficient coverage and lead to unexpected, high medical bills. The rule enforces stricter limitations on the duration of "short-term" health plans, capping them at a maximum of 4 months, in contrast to the previous allowance of up to 3 years. Additionally, it mandates clear disclosures by insurance plans regarding coverage limitations. This action is in response to prior efforts that exploited loopholes in the ACA, allowing the sale of inadequate plans that often excluded pre-existing conditions, leaving consumers with significant financial burdens. The administration criticizes a recent House Republican budget proposal, arguing it seeks to undermine these consumer protections, cut significant funding from the ACA and Medicaid, and revert to a system that permits the sale of misleading insurance plans.
Vice President Kamala Harris announced a new policy by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for federal agencies' use of artificial intelligence (AI), following President Biden's Executive Order on AI. This policy aims to ensure AI safety, security, and equity, requiring agencies to implement safeguards by December 1, 2024. It focuses on managing AI risks, promoting transparency, fostering innovation, and developing the AI workforce. This move underscores the administration's commitment to ethical AI use, innovation, and leadership.
The Vice President emphasized the importance of responsible artificial intelligence adoption, highlighting a duty to protect the public and ensure equitable benefits. She announced three new requirements for federal AI use: safeguarding rights and safety, enhancing transparency, and ensuring internal oversight by appointing chief AI officers. These measures aim to prevent harm, such as biased AI diagnostics, and promote accountability. The announcement reflects a broader vision to set global standards for ethical AI use, building on Harris's previous advocacy for AI that serves the public interest.
The National Economic Council held a meeting with the Biden-Harris Administration's Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to address the consequences of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and the Port of Baltimore's partial closure. The Task Force, established in 2021, comprises supply chain experts from various federal agencies and focuses on assessing and mitigating near-term supply chain challenges. The bridge's collapse and the port's closure, vital components of the U.S. Northeast Corridor's infrastructure, have prompted extensive collaboration between the White House, federal agencies, industry representatives, ocean carriers, ports, and labor unions to minimize disruptions. Efforts include rerouting shipments and analyzing sectors heavily reliant on the Port of Baltimore, such as the automobile, farm machinery, and agricultural sectors. The Task Force also evaluates the impact on workers and the community, coordinating with the Department of Labor, the state of Maryland, and other stakeholders to mitigate the effects. Agencies involved include the Departments of Transportation, Commerce, Agriculture, Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Energy, Homeland Security, and the White House itself. The Task Force will continue to monitor the situation, assist affected industries, and oversee recovery efforts to resume normal operations at the Port of Baltimore.
National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard issued a statement highlighting significant economic progress under President Biden’s leadership, including a nearly 30% increase in consumer sentiment over four months, the fastest in three decades. This optimism is linked to expectations of lower inflation and positive feelings about personal finances. GDP growth in the latter half of 2023 outpaced any period from 2015 through the pandemic. Despite ongoing challenges, there have been tangible benefits for working families, such as wage increases outpacing inflation, unprecedented levels of wealth and business creation, and the most robust job market in over 50 years. The statement emphasizes continued efforts to reduce costs for American families, particularly for health care, prescription drugs, and housing, while urging companies with high profits to lower consumer prices.
President Biden honored UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Esther Coopersmith's legacy, emphasizing her significant role in diplomacy, advocacy for human equality, and efforts in peace-building, including her work on the Camp David Accords and promotion of international dialogue. Born to immigrant parents in Wisconsin, her dedication to peace earned her the United Nations Peace Prize. Coopersmith actively supported women's rights and played a pivotal role in international organizations like UNESCO. President Biden reminisced about her early support in his political career, acknowledging her as a dear friend to him and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, extending condolences to her family.
During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Queens, NY, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre provided updates on several matters. She began with remarks regarding President Biden offering condolences to Mayor Adams and the NYPD for the tragic loss of Officer Jonathan Diller, emphasizing his support. The President also expressed sympathy to former Senator Joe Lieberman’s widow, Hadassah Lieberman, for her family's loss, reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the senator. Ms. Jean-Pierre provided an update on the all-of-government response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, mentioning efforts to expedite recovery, including Navy assistance in debris clearance. Amid President Biden's political trip to New York City, Ms. Jean-Pierre addressed criticisms linking The President to rising crime rates, highlighting his administration's commitment to law enforcement and efforts to reduce violent crime. She mentioned the administration's budget proposals to fund police forces and plans to celebrate Iftar or Eid with the Muslim community during Ramadan. No specific updates were provided on President Biden's attendance at Senator Lieberman's funeral or his direct communication with the families affected by the Baltimore incident, underscoring ongoing support and response efforts. The briefing concluded after a brief Q and A with reporters.
President Joe Biden remembered former Senator Joe Lieberman for their 20-year tenure in the Senate, highlighting Lieberman's integrity, courage, and independence. The President lauded Lieberman's contributions to various causes, including environmental protection, gun safety, and LGBTQ rights, and noted his groundbreaking Vice Presidential candidacy. Emphasizing Lieberman's commitment to public service and his family, President Biden expressed condolences to Lieberman's loved ones and honored his lasting impact on the nation.
Vice President Kamala Harris also honored the late Senator for his lifelong commitment to public service and his contributions to strengthening America. She highlighted his bipartisan efforts, early advocacy for climate change awareness, pivotal role in repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and dedication to American global leadership. The Vice President also noted Lieberman's historical significance as the first Jewish vice-presidential candidate on a major party ticket and extended her condolences to his family.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden expressed their horror at the brutal stabbing attack in Rockford, Illinois, which resulted in four deaths, including a fifteen-year-old, and seven injuries. They extended their prayers to the victims' families and appreciation for the law enforcement's quick response that prevented further loss of life. The President highlighted the federal law enforcement's support to local authorities and committed to aiding Rockford and its community in recovery. He reaffirmed his administration's priority of ensuring community safety through significant investments in resources and support for law enforcement to prevent and combat crime, emphasizing the importance of continuous support for police and first responders.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held an on-the-record press gaggle condemning the Kremlin's misleading claims regarding the Moscow concert hall terrorist attack by ISIS, which resulted in over 140 deaths. Kirby clarified the U.S. had warned Russia about the threat before the attack, demonstrating their commitment to global security. Additionally, he criticized Russia for vetoing a U.N. panel renewal monitoring DPRK sanctions, highlighting Russia's sanctions violations and expressing concerns over DPRK-Russian military cooperation.
Kirby fielded questions on various topics, including Somalia's military operations against al-Shabaab, Gaza's pier construction, American CEOs meeting with Chinese officials, and the U.S. stance on technology export controls to China. Discussions also covered the Palestinian Authority's new cabinet, the rescheduling of meetings with Israeli officials on Rafah, and the U.S.'s efforts in negotiations for a hostage and ceasefire deal with Hamas.
Kirby also touched on U.S.-UK investigations into potential sanctions violations via cryptocurrency transactions and the possibility of structuring aid to Ukraine as loans. He confirmed ongoing talks for a delegation meeting with Israel and responded to questions on Hezbollah's involvement in Lebanon, U.S.-Iran de-escalation meetings, and the U.S.'s abstention on a U.N. resolution concerning Israel and Hamas.
Kirby emphasized the U.S. disapproval of a ground operation in Rafah due to the risk to civilians and underscored the tragic nature of civilian casualties in Gaza from airdrops, while defending the nutritional value of MREs. He also responded to reports of sexual violence by Hamas, reiterating the U.S. commitment to support Israel against Hamas's threats. The briefing concluded with Kirby expressing a forward-looking stance on U.S.-Israeli relations and efforts to prevent future attacks similar to those on October 7th.
The White House has revealed its comprehensive plan for the 2024 Easter Egg Roll, themed "EGGucation" by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Emphasizing education, this year's South Lawn and Ellipse event will feature a School House Activity Area, Reading Nook, and various other educational and fun activities aimed at children. The event, a tradition since 1878, will also uphold the customary egg rolling and hunting, with added components like a Field Trip to the Farm and a Physical "EGGucation" Zone. Approximately 40,000 participants, including military and veteran families, will attend the sessions from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET. The event's support comes from a wide range of partners, including the American Egg Board and numerous educational, entertainment, and sports organizations. Special guests will include children’s book authors, musicians, and costumed characters from popular media, ensuring a day full of learning and entertainment.
Vice President Harris honors tennis legend Women’s Sports Foundation founder, Billie Jean King while hosting an event celebrating women in sports
