What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
June 12, 2024 Recap
President Biden announced the reopening of the Port of Baltimore, emphasizing the efforts of his administration to restore one of the nation's largest shipping hubs. Following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the U.S. Coast Guard quickly established a Unified Command to support rescue and recovery, collaborating with the Army Corps of Engineers to clear the navigation channel. Federal and state agencies, including the Departments of Transportation and Labor and the Small Business Administration, worked to minimize supply chain disruptions and support affected workers and businesses. President Biden thanked Governor Moore, Mayor Scott, County Executive Olszewski, and the Maryland congressional delegation for their leadership. He also acknowledged the cooperation between various government levels, labor leaders, and the business community. Biden extended his condolences to the victims' families and assured ongoing support for Baltimore during the recovery and rebuilding of the bridge.
On June 10-11, Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall visited Mexico City. On June 10, she and U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar met with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to discuss joint efforts on reducing irregular migration, promoting lawful immigration, addressing migration root causes, and countering fentanyl and arms trafficking. On June 11, they met with President-elect Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum to congratulate her on her election and discuss the U.S.-Mexico partnership's value in enhancing security and prosperity. These meetings coincided with the second anniversary of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection and the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, key initiatives led by President Biden.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Belarusian democratic opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya to discuss U.S. support for Belarus's democratic aspirations. Sullivan affirmed the U.S. commitment to hold the Lukashenka regime accountable, including through additional sanctions. They talked about the regime's support for Russia's war against Ukraine, the imprisonment of political prisoners, and human rights violations. They also reviewed plans to continue the Strategic Dialogue between the U.S. government and the Belarusian democratic movement and civil society.
President Biden announced his fifty-first round of judicial nominees, bringing the total to 247. The nominees are:
Mary Kay Costello for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania:
Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2008.
Former litigation associate at Akin Gump and Saul Ewing.
J.D. from Temple University, B.A. from Temple University.
Former U.S. Air Force member.
Laura Margarete Provinzino for the District of Minnesota:
Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2010.
Former litigation associate at Robins Kaplan.
Law clerk for Judge Diana E. Murphy.
J.D. from Yale Law School, B.A. from Oxford (Rhodes Scholar) and Lewis & Clark College.
Judge Noël Wise for the Northern District of California:
Superior Court judge in Alameda County since 2014.
Former Judge Pro Tem for the California Second District Court of Appeal.
Previous partner at Wise Gleicher and in-house counsel for Pacific Gas and Electric.
J.S.M. from Stanford Law School, J.D. from Nova Southeastern University, B.S. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
President Biden's statement on the May Consumer Price Index acknowledged that while prices remain high, there has been notable progress in reducing inflation. The report shows no monthly inflation increase for May and a significant reduction from its peak. Core inflation is at its lowest since April 2021, with falling grocery prices for four consecutive months and gas prices averaging below $3.50. Wages are rising faster than prices, and unemployment has remained at or below 4% for the longest period in 50 years.
The President highlighted ongoing efforts to address the high cost of living by increasing rental assistance, building new homes, reducing prescription drug prices, urging grocery chains to lower prices, and investing in affordable clean energy. He contrasted his approach with that of Republicans, who he claims prioritize tax cuts for the wealthy and large corporations, allow high prices by special interests, and exacerbate inflation through tariffs. President Biden ended his statement by emphasizing his commitment to supporting hardworking families.
President Biden announced a record 18 million new business applications since he took office, highlighting the robust growth in small businesses. This surge marks the strongest three years for new businesses on record and reflects significant growth in Black, Hispanic, and women-owned businesses. Biden attributes this boom to his Administration's historic investments in small businesses and communities. He criticized Congressional Republicans for opposing crucial relief efforts, such as the American Rescue Plan. He warned that their agenda would harm small businesses by cutting infrastructure investments and Small Business Administration funding. Biden emphasized his commitment to supporting everyday Americans over large corporations and billionaires.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a statement condemning Russian actions in Ukraine, highlighting the forced deportation of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians, including children, to Russia. He reported credible evidence that abducted Ukrainian children are being listed on Russian adoption websites. Sullivan described these actions as despicable and appalling, asserting that the children belong with their families in Ukraine. He emphasized that Russia is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity and reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia's aggression.
Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Michael Ealy and Bakari Sellers in Charlotte, North Carolina, during the fourth stop of her nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour. The discussion covered various topics, focusing on the administration's efforts to create economic opportunities and address systemic obstacles.
Harris highlighted the tour's importance, emphasizing the need to connect with communities and inform them about available resources and opportunities. She stressed the significance of addressing obstacles such as debt, access to capital, and racial bias in home appraisals. Harris detailed efforts to support small businesses through community banks and federal contracts to boost minority-owned businesses.
On housing, Harris discussed policies to increase home ownership, including grants and credits for first-time buyers and measures to tackle racial bias in appraisals. She also mentioned initiatives to forgive student loan debt, especially benefiting those who did not complete their education.
Bakari Sellers and Michael Ealy underscored the importance of including diverse voices in discussions about economic mobility. Harris encouraged the audience to dream ambitiously, reject negativity, and embrace their roles as current leaders.
The event concluded with Harris urging people to use Juneteenth as a day of action to register voters, highlighting its significance as the newest federal holiday.
On board Air Force One en route to Brindisi, Italy, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan addressed key issues and upcoming events. Jean-Pierre began by highlighting Senate Democrats' introduction of a bill to safeguard access to IVF, strongly supported by the Biden-Harris administration. She emphasized the administration's commitment to protecting reproductive rights, noting the severe impact since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, resulting in 21 states implementing abortion bans and attacks on contraception and IVF.
Jean-Pierre read President Biden’s statement regarding his son Hunter’s recent legal challenges, expressing pride in Hunter's recovery from addiction and commitment to supporting him through the judicial process. She then introduced Sullivan, who previewed the G7 Summit, where President Biden will meet with fellow leaders to discuss significant global issues, including strong support for Ukraine. A bilateral security agreement with Ukraine will be signed, demonstrating long-term U.S. commitment and reinforcing Ukraine's defense and deterrence capabilities.
Sullivan addressed efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, based on an Israeli proposal, with ongoing mediation by Egypt and Qatar. He also announced new sanctions targeting Russia's war economy, including financial infrastructure and entities aiding in evasion. These measures aim to heighten risks for financial institutions dealing with Russia and restrict access to foreign technology and resources.
During the Q&A session, Sullivan clarified that the security agreement with Ukraine does not specify new weapon deliveries but outlines ongoing cooperation. He acknowledged the complexities in negotiations with Hamas for a ceasefire and addressed the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, noting that details are still being finalized. Sullivan reiterated the U.S.'s stance on China's role in supplying dual-use technology to Russia and the importance of reducing such support.
Regarding the President’s travel schedule, Jean-Pierre emphasized his active engagement in domestic and international issues. She also addressed economic concerns, noting progress in reducing inflation and ongoing efforts to lower costs for Americans. Jean-Pierre remained firm on the President's support for Hunter Biden, stating there were no new comments beyond his previous statement.
Vice President Kamala Harris on stage with Michael Ealy and Bakari Sellers in Charlotte, North Carolina, during the fourth stop of her nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour
Thank you for these updates. I always look forward to them!