What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 21, 2024 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced a proposal to significantly expand contraception coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), potentially benefiting 52 million women of reproductive age. This proposed rule aims to enhance access to over-the-counter contraception by allowing women to obtain it without a prescription and without cost-sharing for the first time. It also strengthens coverage for prescribed contraception, ensuring that private health insurance plans cover all FDA-approved contraceptives without additional costs, thus removing barriers some women face in accessing necessary reproductive health care.
Additionally, the administration is issuing guidance to reinforce access to preventive services, like cancer screenings, which must also be covered without cost-sharing under the ACA. This move is part of a broader effort by President Biden and Vice President Harris to safeguard reproductive rights, particularly in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The administration has already taken steps to expand access to reproductive health care through Medicare, Medicaid, the Title X Family Planning Program, and federal employee insurance programs.
This proposed rule represents the most significant expansion of contraception coverage under the ACA since 2012. It reflects the administration's ongoing commitment to making reproductive health care more accessible and affordable, particularly at a time when some state and federal lawmakers are working to restrict access to both abortion and contraception.
President Biden issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of State to determine whether providing up to $64 million in assistance to Ukraine is in the United States' security interests. The memorandum grants the Secretary the ability to bypass certain legal restrictions under section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA) when making this determination. It also directs that it be published in the Federal Register.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden has unveiled an enhanced and expanded White House public tour, marking the first significant improvement to the tour in decades. Aimed at enhancing civics education for students and visitors of all ages, the tour now includes engaging, educational elements designed to make history more interactive and sensory-driven. Key improvements include:
Expanded access to rooms: The tour now includes the Diplomatic Reception Room, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt hosted his fireside chats.
Interactive technology: New digital and tactile components, such as multi-sensory reader rails, interactive signage, and video greetings from the President and First Lady, provide historical context throughout the tour.
Living Timeline: A digital display of American history in the East Colonnade replaces the static photo collages.
3D White House model: A new three-dimensional architectural model presents the evolution of the White House from 1792 onwards.
More educational content: Visitors will be able to touch and engage with replicas of artifacts and learn more about the lives of past presidents and first families.
The project, which The History Channel supports in collaboration with ESI Design and the National Park Service, aims to enhance public education and engagement with American history.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed several important topics in today's White House press briefing. She announced that the Biden-Harris administration is expanding contraception coverage under the Affordable Care Act. This move ensures that millions of women with private health insurance can access contraception, including over-the-counter options, at no cost. This policy comes as a response to ongoing efforts to restrict birth control access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Jean-Pierre also provided an update on the federal response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton in North Carolina and Florida. Over $2 billion in federal aid has been approved, and FEMA has been working alongside state officials to coordinate debris removal and restore power to impacted areas. The recovery effort has included over 5,500 federal personnel and has restored power to 99% of affected customers in North Carolina.
The First Lady, Jill Biden, introduced an enhanced public tour of the White House, incorporating interactive elements to engage visitors in a more educational experience. This new tour includes access to the Diplomatic Reception Room and other previously closed areas.
Regarding the president’s schedule, Jean-Pierre noted that President Biden would meet with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob before traveling to New Hampshire to discuss lowering prescription drug costs with Senator Bernie Sanders, highlighting the administration's achievements through the Inflation Reduction Act. Later in the week, Biden will visit Arizona to discuss the administration’s efforts to support tribal communities.
Addressing recent reports of leaked classified information, Jean-Pierre emphasized that the administration is concerned and that relevant authorities, including the Departments of Justice and Defense, are investigating the matter. She did not comment on specifics but acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.
Jean-Pierre was also asked about Elon Musk's pledge to give $1 million daily to voters in battleground states, which some experts have labeled as illegal vote buying. She deferred to the Federal Election Commission for further comments but noted concerns.
On the international front, the briefing touched on the situation in Israel and Iran, with Jean-Pierre reaffirming the administration’s commitment to Israel’s security following Iran’s missile attacks. She stated that decisions regarding military responses would be left to Israel.
The briefing also covered humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza, measures to safeguard sensitive information, and the administration’s stance on the growing U.S. deficit. Despite the deficit rising, Jean-Pierre reiterated that the Biden administration remains focused on economic growth, reducing Americans' costs, and addressing challenges inherited from previous administrations.
Several key international issues were addressed in a press gaggle led by John Kirby. The U.S. continues to demonstrate its unwavering support for Ukraine, as Secretary Austin's recent visit resulted in a new security assistance package that includes artillery and anti-tank systems. This package underscores the U.S.'s commitment to aiding Ukraine through at least January. Kirby also discussed Moldova’s recent election, where the country voted in favor of a referendum supporting EU membership despite active Russian interference. This is a significant step in Moldova’s European integration, and the U.S. remains a steadfast ally. Additionally, President Biden is scheduled to meet with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob to discuss critical topics, including Ukraine, energy security, and the Western Balkans.
Kirby also addressed concerns over the recent leak of classified documents. An investigation is underway to determine whether the breach was due to a leak or a hack, and the administration remains deeply concerned about the potential risks to national security, especially in the current geopolitical climate. On Middle Eastern affairs, Kirby highlighted continued diplomatic discussions with Israel regarding Gaza following the death of Yahya Sinwar. While talks about a diplomatic resolution are in the early stages, the U.S. is focused on achieving a ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.
Iran’s involvement in supporting proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas remains a concern. Despite the killing of key leaders, Iran continues to provide significant support to these groups. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Kirby commented on reports of North Korean soldiers potentially aiding Russia, marking a troubling development. He emphasized Putin’s growing isolation, as Russia increasingly relies on countries like North Korea and Iran for support. Finally, Kirby reiterated that the U.S. remains vigilant regarding Moldova’s ongoing elections, with a runoff ahead, and will continue working with Moldova to combat Russian interference. The briefing highlighted the U.S.’s active role in addressing international security challenges and supporting its global partners.
In her remarks at the Eradicate Hate Global Summit in Pittsburgh, Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall emphasizes the urgent need to combat domestic terrorism and hate-fueled violence. She acknowledges the lasting impact of the Tree of Life synagogue attack in Pittsburgh and reflects on how communities can channel grief into meaningful action.
She outlines the current threat landscape, pointing to the rise in hate and domestic terrorism, worsened by global events like the Hamas attack on Israel. Dr. Sherwood-Randall highlights the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategic response to these threats, focusing on holding perpetrators accountable, protecting vulnerable communities, and preventing future violence.
Key initiatives include increased FBI investigations, enhanced security in places of worship, and deployment of prevention strategies such as behavioral threat assessment teams. She stresses that a comprehensive, community-driven approach is essential for success and calls on state and local partners to lead prevention efforts, drawing on federal resources.
In closing, Dr. Sherwood-Randall expresses her appreciation for the Summit and its participants, likening them to "helpers" working to heal society and prevent the normalization of hate. She urges continued action, driven by inspiration from those lost to violence, in the pursuit of a brighter, more secure future.
President Biden has approved disaster declarations for Nebraska and New York in response to severe weather events in 2024. For Nebraska, the declaration covers damage caused by storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding on July 31, 2024, with federal assistance provided to support recovery efforts in Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, and Saunders counties. This includes funding for emergency work and infrastructure repair on a cost-sharing basis.
Similarly, New York's disaster declaration addresses severe storms and flooding from August 18-19, 2024. Federal assistance is available to aid recovery in Lewis, Oswego, and Suffolk counties. Both states will also receive federal support for hazard mitigation efforts. FEMA representatives Andrew P. Meyer (Nebraska) and Lai Sun Yee (New York) have been appointed to coordinate recovery operations. Further designations may be made based on additional assessments.
President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two naval aviators, Lieutenant Commander Lyndsay Evans and Lieutenant Serena Wileman, who died in a crash during a training mission near Mount Rainier, Washington. The aviators had recently returned from deployment in the Middle East, where they had defended against Houthi missile and drone attacks. President Biden thanked the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and local authorities for their recovery efforts and extended prayers and condolences to the aviators' families, loved ones, and squadron. He emphasized honoring their service and sacrifice.
President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden honored artists, scholars, and patrons for their contributions to American culture at the National Arts and Humanities Reception at the White House. The event highlighted the importance of the arts and humanities in reflecting shared humanity, promoting empathy, and preserving history.
Dr. Jill Biden emphasized how the arts challenge individuals to explore new perspectives and connect. Chair Maria Rosario Jackson and Chair Shelley Lowe spoke on the arts' essential role in shaping national identity, healing, and fostering understanding. They praised the Biden administration for increasing access to the arts nationwide.
President Biden then highlighted the influence of arts and humanities on American history, calling the honorees truth-tellers, bridge-builders, and pioneers. He stressed the importance of combating censorship and misinformation through the arts and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting cultural dynamism. The ceremony concluded with a call to honor and remember artists who have passed while celebrating those present for their impact on American culture.
At a campaign event in Malvern, Pennsylvania, Vice President Kamala Harris and former Congresswoman Liz Cheney came together to discuss the stakes of the 2024 presidential election, underscoring themes of democracy, the rule of law, and national security. Harris began by addressing the crucial importance of defending democratic institutions, explaining that moments in U.S. history challenge citizens to prioritize country over party. She emphasized her commitment to upholding the Constitution, contrasting her sense of duty with the actions and rhetoric of her opponent, former President Donald Trump. Harris described how Trump’s disregard for democratic norms and his threats to undermine the justice system poses a serious danger to both the U.S. and its global standing. She argued that the choice in this election is stark, presenting Americans with the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to democracy and collective ideals rather than getting mired in divisive ideological conflicts.
Liz Cheney, a lifelong Republican and conservative, provided a powerful endorsement of Harris despite their political differences, highlighting her belief that the most important conservative value is loyalty to the Constitution. Cheney, known for her outspoken criticism of Trump, discussed her experience in government and her concern for the future of American democracy, referencing Trump’s behavior after the 2020 election and his involvement in the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Drawing on her foreign policy experience, Cheney expressed deep concern about the fragility of democracies worldwide and how quickly they can unravel, warning that the U.S. is not immune to this risk. She also shared personal reflections, particularly as a mother, about the responsibility to preserve democratic norms for future generations. Cheney’s endorsement was rooted in her view that Harris, unlike Trump, is a leader who will uphold the Constitution and safeguard democracy, regardless of party affiliation.
The conversation also touched on important policy issues such as childcare, eldercare, and maternal health. Harris laid out her plan to address the financial burdens many families face, particularly those caring for children and aging parents, a group often called the “sandwich generation.” She proposed expanding Medicare to cover in-home care for aging parents, allowing working parents to manage the care of children and elders without depleting their savings or quitting their jobs. On maternal health, Harris pointed out the alarming rate of maternal mortality in the U.S., especially among Black and Native women. She emphasized the importance of expanding prenatal and postpartum care to reduce preventable deaths.
Harris and Cheney also discussed the importance of foreign policy and national security. Cheney warned against the dangers of an erratic leader like Trump, who has aligned himself with autocrats and dictators, undermining U.S. alliances and global stability. Harris echoed these concerns, stating that Trump’s comments about military leaders and service members reflect a deep disrespect for those who serve the country. Both leaders emphasized that this election represents a choice not just about domestic policies but also about America’s role in the world, particularly in defending democracies and upholding the rule of law.
In concluding remarks, Harris and Cheney urged the audience to understand the profound stakes of the election. Cheney, in particular, framed the election as an opportunity for voters to reject the cruelty and vitriol embodied by Trump and to reaffirm the U.S. as a nation of integrity, committed to democracy and the rule of law. Harris, in turn, promised to be a president for all Americans and to continue working towards unifying the country and investing in the future. Both leaders underscored the importance of civic duty, urging voters to exercise their power in this election to protect the future of American democracy.
President Biden welcomes the newest recipients of the National Medals of Arts and Humanities to the White House
