What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
September 9, 2024 Recap
President Biden and Vice President Harris have introduced a historic final rule aimed at ensuring mental health care coverage for 175 million Americans is equivalent to their physical health care coverage. This initiative reflects their belief that mental health care is an essential part of health care and should be treated with the same level of importance. Despite existing laws like the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008, millions of Americans still face barriers to accessing and affording mental health and substance use care. The Biden-Harris Administration's new rule seeks to change this by strengthening consumer protections and placing new requirements on health plans to improve access to mental health services.
The final rule addresses ongoing disparities by mandating that health plans assess and amend their practices to ensure mental health and substance use benefits are as accessible as medical benefits. This includes evaluating their provider networks, payment rates for out-of-network services, and the frequency of prior authorization requests and denials. By identifying where they fall short, health plans will be required to make necessary changes, such as expanding their network of mental health professionals and reducing administrative hurdles that prevent timely access to care. The rule also clarifies that health plans cannot impose stricter mental health services requirements than medical services, such as using narrower networks or more restrictive prior authorizations.
Additionally, the rule closes existing loopholes that previously allowed non-federal governmental health plans, including those offered to state and local government employees, to bypass MHPAEA requirements. As a result, more than 200 additional health plans must now comply with parity laws, extending critical protections to 120,000 more consumers. This effort aims to ensure that mental health and substance use care are accessible and affordable, aligning with physical health care standards.
The Administration's actions are part of a broader commitment to address the nation's mental health crisis and build on previous investments, including the largest funding for youth mental health in U.S. history. By making mental health care more accessible and ensuring fair compensation for providers, the rule is expected to encourage more professionals to enter the mental health workforce. Alongside this final rule, the Department of Health and Human Services will provide new tools to help states enforce MHPAEA’s protections for millions of Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in private Medicaid health plans. Together, these measures represent a significant step forward in making mental health care a right, not a privilege, and ensuring that Americans receive the care they deserve.
The White House issued a fact sheet criticizing House Republicans for prioritizing extreme policies and pushing a potentially harmful long-term continuing resolution (CR) instead of collaborating across the aisle to deliver essential government services. According to the document titled Congressional Republicans are Wasting Time Instead of Delivering for the American People Yet Again, this CR would undermine national defense, fail veterans and seniors, abandon communities affected by disasters, and weaken programs that support small businesses. It argues that the proposed CR would degrade U.S. military readiness by preventing new defense projects and critical investment in innovation, signaling a lack of commitment to national security priorities. The Department of Veterans Affairs would face funding shortfalls, forcing it to make cuts impacting access to veteran care, outreach, and support programs, including those addressing homelessness and healthcare coordination.
The Social Security Administration would operate at its lowest staffing levels in over 50 years, resulting in reduced office hours and extended wait times for seniors and people with disabilities. Communities impacted by recent disasters would experience further delays in receiving much-needed assistance, affecting small businesses and critical infrastructure projects like highway and bridge repairs. The CR would also limit the IRS's ability to ensure wealthy individuals pay their fair share of taxes. It would also restrict resources for small business support programs, hindering entrepreneurs' access to capital and technical assistance.
Moreover, the long-term CR would bring the country closer to automatic, across-the-board cuts to vital programs like education, Head Start, veteran services, food assistance, and safety regulations if full-year funding bills are not passed by the end of March. The fact sheet argues that this short-term approach creates unnecessary risk and instability, undermining the government’s ability to meet the needs of the American people and jeopardizing crucial services that millions rely on.
President Biden delivered remarks at the White House to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and mark Disability Pride Month. He opened by acknowledging significant figures in disability advocacy, including Neil McDevitt, the first deaf person elected as mayor in the U.S., and various members of Congress who have championed disability rights. He specifically praised Senator Tammy Duckworth for her contributions. He acknowledged the efforts of Steny Hoyer, Tony Coelho, and other key leaders who played critical roles in advancing the rights of people with disabilities in the U.S.
Biden reflected on his early work as a senator, where he co-sponsored the Rehabilitation Act, one of the nation's most significant civil rights laws, which banned discrimination on the basis of disability in federally funded programs. He credited the act with laying the groundwork for the ADA, a landmark law that expanded opportunities and protections for Americans with disabilities. The President recounted the signing of the ADA in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, noting it was a pivotal moment where bipartisan efforts ensured that people with disabilities had legal protections against discrimination in everyday life.
The President highlighted the progress made over the past three decades, particularly in employment. Under his administration, people with disabilities are working more than ever, with 2.2 million jobs created for disabled individuals since he took office. He noted the rise in median household income for Americans with disabilities and underscored ongoing efforts to improve employment practices through the Department of Labor. Biden also emphasized the administration's commitment to ensuring the government reflects the diversity of the country, including appointing individuals with disabilities to key positions.
Biden discussed efforts to improve healthcare access for people with disabilities, including a rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services to prevent the denial of medical treatment based solely on disability status. He also highlighted investments in biomedical research through agencies like ARPA, which aim to develop treatments for conditions like cancer, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis.
The President emphasized the importance of home and community-based care, supported by a $37 billion investment from the American Rescue Plan, which allows people with disabilities to live independently and receive care at home. He detailed how his administration fought Big Pharma to cap insulin prices at $35 per month for seniors and disabled individuals on Medicare and to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of prescription drugs. These measures aim to alleviate financial burdens and improve access to necessary medications.
Biden also underscored the importance of creating accessible infrastructure. The bipartisan infrastructure law allocating $6.75 billion to improve transportation accessibility includes adding wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and other accommodations at transit locations. The Department of Justice is working on making state and local government websites more accessible, enhancing access to information and services.
In closing, Biden celebrated the spirit of Disability Pride, highlighting Team USA's recent achievements at the Paralympics in Paris. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring every American, regardless of disability, has a fair chance in life. Biden concluded by reminding the audience of the nation’s capacity for progress when working together and expressed pride in the ongoing efforts to make the American dream accessible to all.
Ben Cardin, to be a Representative of the United States of America to the Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations
Dan Sullivan, to be a Representative of the United States of America to the Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations
Tanya Leigh Flores, to be a Representative of the United States of America to the Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations
Michael Trager, to be a Representative of the United States of America to the Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations
Adam Gamoran, to be Director of the Institute of Education Sciences, Department of Education
Additionally, President Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as Republican members of boards and commissions that are required, by statute, to include bipartisan membership.
Lanhee J. Chen, to be a Member (Republican) of the Amtrak Board of Directors
Gordon Hartogensis, to be a Governor (Republican) of the United States Postal Service Board of Governors
Today’s White House press briefing, led by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Admiral John Kirby, opened with updates on the ongoing situation in Kentucky, where a suspect shot and injured five people along Interstate 75. President Biden has been briefed, and federal law enforcement supports the local investigation, urging residents to remain vigilant. The administration is also closely monitoring wildfires in California and Nevada, with over 7,000 federal personnel assisting firefighting efforts across multiple states.
In a significant policy move, the Biden-Harris administration is working to strengthen access to mental health care by placing new requirements on health plans. This initiative aims to improve mental health care access for 17.5 million Americans with private insurance. The President reiterated his belief that mental health care should be as accessible as care for physical health conditions. Additionally, the President will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, highlighting progress in employment and civil rights for disabled Americans under his administration.
Admiral John Kirby addressed the recent House report on the Afghanistan withdrawal, defending the administration’s decisions and pointing out the challenges inherited from the previous administration's agreements with the Taliban, including the release of Taliban prisoners and the demoralization of Afghan forces. Kirby emphasized that while not everything went according to plan, significant efforts were made to evacuate over 120,000 people safely. He also discussed reports of Iran potentially sending ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, noting that such actions would have destabilizing effects but could not confirm the reports.
Regarding China-Russia military cooperation, the White House acknowledged the growing defense relationship between the two nations. Still, Kirby noted that this development does not necessitate a change in U.S. military posture. The briefing also touched on ongoing Congressional investigations into the Afghanistan withdrawal, with the administration continuing to cooperate but stressing that accountability is being managed internally.
The administration’s stance on Venezuela was also discussed, with ongoing pressure on the Maduro regime to uphold democratic processes amid recent opposition developments. Finally, the White House urged Congress to pass a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown and provide necessary funding for disaster relief, highlighting the importance of bipartisan cooperation to keep the government functioning. These updates underscore the administration’s active engagement in addressing domestic and international challenges while advocating for policies prioritizing the well-being and security of the American people.
President Biden sent a message to Congress about continuing the national emergency related to foreign interference in U.S. elections, originally declared in Executive Order 13848 on September 12, 2018. This continuation is required under the National Emergencies Act, which mandates that the President notify Congress if a national emergency is to be extended.
Although there is no evidence of foreign powers altering election outcomes or vote tabulation, the President noted that foreign entities have historically tried to exploit the U.S. political system. With the rise of digital devices and online communications, these threats have increased, creating vulnerabilities in election infrastructure and spreading propaganda and disinformation. Due to these ongoing risks to national security, the national emergency will remain in effect beyond September 12, 2024.
President Biden has informed Congress that the national emergency declared after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks will be extended for another year. Under the National Emergencies Act, national emergencies must be reviewed annually, and a notice must be published if they are to be continued. President Biden stated that the terrorist threat that led to the initial declaration still exists, making it necessary to maintain the national emergency beyond September 14, 2024.
Governor of Minnesota and Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz visited a campaign office in Reno, Nevada, doubling as a fire donation center to support those affected by the Davis fire. During his visit, Walz acknowledged the challenging week the local community has faced with the ongoing fire and expressed his gratitude to those turning the office into a hub for helping neighbors in need. He emphasized that the essence of public service and politics is to create a better and fairer society where everyone takes care of one another, especially during difficult times like these. He praised the efforts of the volunteers and staff who have paused their political activities to focus on immediate community needs, highlighting the importance of compassion and solidarity.
Walz extended his appreciation to the first responders, acknowledging their work's layered and cooperative nature, involving local, state, and federal levels. He pointed out the critical role of these partnerships in managing emergencies effectively. He also sympathized with families who have lost their homes, stressing that a home is far more than just a house—it holds personal and emotional significance, making the loss deeply challenging. Walz thanked those who donated and supported their neighbors, reinforcing the need to protect lives first and then address the following losses.
He also underscored the value of government professionals, from firefighters and emergency medical personnel to teachers and nurses, who are crucial in such crises. Walz called for adequate resources to ensure these professionals can perform their jobs effectively, underscoring that their work is vital to the community's well-being. As he prepared to personally visit and thank first responders, Walz noted the importance of returning to political work soon, arguing that the ultimate purpose of winning elections is to be prepared to respond in moments of need like this. He concluded by urging everyone to continue supporting their neighbors and focusing on the work necessary in the coming days to ensure a strong community response.
President Biden delivers remarks to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to mark Disability Pride Month at The White House
