What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
November 17 Recap
The Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) concluded on Friday with President Biden reaffirming U.S. economic ties with key regional partners, supporting workers’ rights worldwide, and advancing his agenda for a more innovative, interconnected, and inclusive Asia-Pacific region.
Companies based in the Asia-Pacific have announced almost $200 billion of investments into the United States since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, supporting tens of thousands of good new jobs for American workers. Asia-Pacific companies have also contributed to one-third of all significant clean energy and semiconductors investments in the U.S. since the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act. Learn more…
Meanwhile, during an APEC Minister’s meeting, chaired by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Ambassador and US Trade Representative Karen Tai, a statement was produced condemning the aggression in Ukraine at the hands of Russia. Learn more…
Finally, the APEC conference released a 16-point “Golden Gate Declaration” reaffirming support for an open, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent, inclusive, and predictable trade and investment environment.
A summary of the “Communities in Action” event series was released on November 15th. White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Office of Public Engagement hosted nearly 60 local elected officials and community leaders from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska as part of its “Communities in Action” event series.
During the half-day forum, participants heard from senior Biden-Harris Administration officials – including Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Tom Perez, Director of the Office of Public Engagement Steve Benjamin, Director of the Domestic Policy Council Neera Tanden, Deputy Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Samantha Silverberg, National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi,– on the impacts of the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation Reduction Act in their states.
President Biden proclaimed November 19 through November 25, 2023, as National Family Week.
President Biden also met with Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico while in San Francisco. The two leaders reaffirmed the U.S.-Mexico relationship as a consequential strategic partnership that spans the full spectrum of national and homeland security interests ranging from economic competitiveness and climate change to citizen security and migration management.
Recognizing the devastating effects of the fentanyl and synthetic opioid crisis, President Biden expressed appreciation for the full commitment President López Obrador has made to confront this challenge through domestic efforts, as well as bilaterally, trilaterally with Canada though the Trilateral Fentanyl Commission, and multilaterally through the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats. Learn more…
At the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, President Biden gave remarks regarding the progress of the APEC conference, reaffirming the progress of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, with the first-of-its-kind agreements to strengthen supply chains, accelerate our clean energy transition, and combat corruption. Peru’s president, Dina Boluarte, also gave remarks. Learn more…
He also gave remarks alongside Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, regarding economic cooperation, strengthening supply chains, and combatting arms trafficking, organized crime, and the opioid crisis. Learn more…
Today, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer spoke with UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. he two discussed the critical importance of protecting civilians, including UN staff and other aid workers, and continuing to mitigate any potential aid diversion to Hamas. Learn more…
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden gave remarks during an APEC Spousal Program on Mental Health, discussing the positive impact mental health programs and services can have on students and adults. Learn more…
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar. The two leaders discussed the urgent need for all hostages held by Hamas to be released without further delay. The leaders also discussed ongoing efforts to increase the flow of urgently needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza and Israel’s decision to resume fuel deliveries for life-saving aid.
NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said that the U.S. government will host a two-day Defense Industrial Base Conference on December 6th – 7th to convene U.S. and Ukrainian industry and government representatives to explore opportunities for co-production and other industrial cooperation in Ukraine. The conference is part of the U.S. government’s efforts to significantly increase weapons production to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and security. Learn more…
Vice President Kamala Harris gave remarks during a campaign reception at a private residence in San Francisco.
President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell as the 17th Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). W. Kimryn Rathmell, M.D., Ph.D., is a physician-scientist, oncologist, and educator who currently leads the Vanderbilt University Medical Center as Physician-in-Chief and Chair of the Department of Medicine. Learn more…
H.R. 6363, the “Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024,” which provides fiscal year 2024 appropriations to Federal agencies through January 19, 2024 was signed into law by President Biden.