What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 18 Recap
By Executive Order 13818, the President declared a national emergency concerning significant human rights violations and corruption on a global scale. Acting under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the President implemented measures to address the exceptional and extraordinary threat posed to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.
The persistent and severe nature of human rights abuses and corruption originating primarily outside the United States remains a continuing and unusual threat to the nation's security, foreign policy, and economy. Consequently, the national emergency initially declared on December 20, 2017, has been extended for one year until December 20, 2024.
The President sent letters to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the continuation of the national emergency with respect to serious human rights abuse and corruption.
President Biden issued a statement on Project Labor Agreements Final Rule, which read:
“We must do everything we can to build a better America. Today, my Administration is marking another major step that will benefit American workers, communities, the economy, and our government. For the first time in history, Project Labor Agreements will be required on federal construction projects valued at or above $35 million. This means that projects funded by my Investing in America agenda will move faster and without delays, giving taxpayers better bang for their buck. Workers will have the security and peace of mind that collectively bargained wages and benefits bring, better pathways to good-paying jobs, and stronger health and safety protections.
My father would always say, “a job is about a lot more than a paycheck. It’s about dignity. It’s about respect.” He was right, and I’m determined to keep fighting for American workers, who do the highest quality work in the world, to have the dignity and respect they deserve.”
The Biden Administration launched the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database, designed to facilitate easy access to records of significant misconduct committed by federal law enforcement officers for agencies evaluating potential hires. Additionally, they are actively promoting the extension of this initiative to empower state, tribal, local, and territorial law enforcement agencies, encouraging them to share and access comparable records in their respective hiring procedures.
The President issued a Message to the Senate Transmitting Two Maritime Treaties.
NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby held an on-the-record press gaggle. Mr Kirby opened the briefing with updates on the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the Russian aggression against Ukraine. He then took questions from reporters.
Vice President Harris issued a statement on the launch of the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database, establishing the first-ever federal database to track official records of law enforcement officer misconduct. The National Law Enforcement Accountability Database will ensure federal agencies have ready access to records of serious misconduct when hiring federal law enforcement officers.
Vice President Kamala Harris
NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby
