What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
July 31, 2024 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration has taken significant steps to combat the opioid crisis, with a particular focus on the threat posed by illicit fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. Since taking office, the administration has made it a priority to disrupt the supply of these dangerous substances, leading to record seizures at U.S. borders. In the past two years, more illicit fentanyl has been intercepted than in the previous five years combined, with over 442 million potentially lethal doses confiscated in just the last five months. To enhance these efforts, the administration continues to invest in detection technology at borders, adding numerous inspection systems with more planned.
Additionally, the administration has made naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug, widely available over the counter and increased funding for treatment programs by over 40%, totaling more than $82 billion. On the international front, President Biden issued an Executive Order in 2021 targeting global drug trade participants, leading to sanctions on over 300 individuals and entities involved in the illicit drug trade. Efforts to increase cooperation with international partners, including renewed counter-narcotics cooperation with China and collaborations with Mexico and Canada, have been central to the administration’s strategy.
In a new National Security Memorandum, President Biden has directed federal agencies to intensify their efforts to curb the supply of illicit fentanyl and synthetic opioids. The administration is also urging Congress to pass the "Detect and Defeat" Counter-Fentanyl Proposal, which includes measures to enhance the ability of border officials to detect and seize illicit drugs, close trafficking loopholes, and permanently regulate fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. These efforts build on a series of law enforcement actions that have led to the arrest and prosecution of high-level cartel leaders and drug traffickers. With overdose deaths beginning to decline for the first time in five years, the administration continues to focus on protecting American lives and disrupting the networks that fuel the opioid epidemic.
President Biden issued a statement emphasizing that the Administration's efforts have resulted in the first decline in overdose deaths in five years, citing increased fentanyl seizures, arrests of high-level drug traffickers, and strengthened international cooperation. Despite these gains, Biden acknowledged that the crisis continues, prompting the need for further action.
The President urged Congress to support the Administration's "Detect and Defeat" proposals, which include tougher penalties for smugglers and enhanced border security measures. He called for bipartisan cooperation to fund key initiatives that would prevent fentanyl from reaching communities across the country.
President Biden announced a major step towards canceling student debt for about 30 million Americans. His administration is providing more information to borrowers about upcoming debt relief programs, ensuring they can benefit quickly once the rules are finalized. Despite opposition from Republican officials, Biden is committed to providing relief to student loan borrowers and fixing the student loan system. This announcement follows the administration's progress over the past three years, including canceling debt for nearly 5 million Americans, increasing Pell Grants, and reforming Income-Driven Repayment plans. Biden emphasized his ongoing commitment to making higher education affordable and accessible.
President Biden has announced his intent to nominate three individuals to federal district courts and two to the District of Columbia Superior Court. This marks his fifty-third round of judicial nominations, bringing his total to 254 federal nominees and 25 for the District of Columbia Superior Court. The nominees are highly qualified and reflect the diversity that President Biden aims to bring to the judiciary.
The federal district court nominees include:
Judge Anthony J. Brindisi for the Northern District of New York.
Tiffany R. Johnson for the Northern District of Georgia.
Keli M. Neary for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
For the District of Columbia Superior Court:
James Graham Lake.
Nicholas George Miranda.
These nominations continue President Biden’s efforts to diversify and strengthen the judiciary with experienced individuals committed to the rule of law.
President Biden issued a statement underscoring the critical role that farmers and ranchers play in both the nation's food supply and land stewardship. He acknowledges that many of these producers have historically faced discrimination in accessing farm loan programs, leading to unequal opportunities and support from federal resources. This discrimination has hindered their ability to grow their businesses and achieve financial stability.
Biden recalls his commitment to addressing this issue when he took office, framing the action taken under the Inflation Reduction Act as a fulfillment of that promise. The Act includes specific provisions aimed at redressing the historical inequities faced by farmers and ranchers who experienced discrimination.
The statement suggests that these provisions will not only help the affected individuals and communities recover from past injustices but also strengthen the overall agricultural sector by enabling more equitable access to financial and institutional support. The broader goal is to empower farmers and ranchers to sustain their operations, support their families, contribute to economic growth, and continue pursuing their professional and personal goals without the burden of past discriminatory practices.
President Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his administration:
Lisa M. Re, Nominee to be Inspector General, U.S. Department of Commerce
Kristi Zuleika Lane Scott, Nominee to be Inspector General, National Security Agency
Angela M. Kerwin, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brunei Darussalam
Thomas B. Chapman, Nominee to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board
The Departments of Education, Justice, and Homeland Security today held a virtual webinar to support campuses as they prepare for the return of students this fall titled "Supporting Safe and Resilient Campuses."
Key speakers included Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden, Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
During the event, the Departments introduced new and updated resources aimed at helping campuses prepare for a safe return of students this fall. The Department of Education highlighted its Free to Learn toolkit, which is designed to help campus leaders build communities that promote thoughtful debate and proactive safety measures. The Departments of Justice and Homeland Security focused on the importance of joint training and preparation for campus safety, involving leadership, law enforcement, and community stakeholders.
The federal government is providing resources, best practices, training, technical assistance, and grants to support campus leaders in creating secure environments for students. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue its efforts to ensure campus safety and a productive academic year for students.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and National Security Advisor John Kirby held a press briefing. They outlined several key initiatives and addressed pressing issues. Firstly, they announced significant plans to cancel student debt for approximately 30 million Americans, targeting those affected by high interest rates and prolonged repayment periods. This effort is part of the administration's ongoing commitment to provide financial relief despite opposition from some Republican officials.
Additionally, the administration introduced new measures to combat the overdose epidemic, with a focus on curbing the illicit fentanyl trade. They called on Congress to pass legislation to close loopholes exploited by drug traffickers and to enhance border security to further these efforts.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discussed actions being taken to address past discrimination in USDA farm lending programs. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, over 43,000 affected farmers across various states will receive financial assistance, marking a significant step in the administration's commitment to advancing racial equity and supporting underserved communities.
National Security Advisor John Kirby addressed recent developments in the Middle East, where tensions have escalated. He emphasized the U.S. government's ongoing efforts to de-escalate the situation, manage regional risks, and work towards a ceasefire deal. Kirby also commented on the Venezuelan election, expressing concerns over the lack of transparency and urging the Venezuelan government to release detailed voting data.
Vice President Harris addressed the 60th Biennial Boule of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., delivering remarks that praised the sorority's legacy of service and leadership since its founding in 1922. She acknowledged the presence of key figures, including International President Rashida S. Liberty, the International Board of Directors, the Council of Presidents of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Congresswoman Robin Kelly.
Harris began by expressing her pride as a member of the Divine Nine, emphasizing the shared vision among those in the room for a future where the promises of America—freedom, opportunity, and justice—are realized for all, not just for some. She highlighted the significant contributions Sigma Gamma Rho has made over the decades, from creating college scholarships for Black women in the 1920s and 30s to launching job assistance programs in the 1960s and 70s, partnering with St. Jude to fight childhood cancer in the 1990s, and playing a crucial role in the 2020 election that saw Joe Biden elected President and Harris herself as the first woman Vice President of the United States.
In her speech, Harris drew a stark contrast between the vision of the current administration and what she described as the regressive agenda of their political opponents. She mentioned "Project 2025," an agenda she labeled as extremist, which she said includes raising taxes on middle-class families, cutting taxes for billionaires, eliminating the Department of Education, and ending programs like Head Start, which provides preschool education to many children.
Harris criticized former President Donald Trump for his policies during his term, including attempts to cut Social Security and Medicare, ending the Affordable Care Act, and giving tax breaks to billionaires and corporations. She pointed out that Trump's allies have tried over 60 times to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, which would have allowed insurance companies to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. She stressed that America has tried these "failed policies" before and asserted that "we are not going back."
The Vice President also addressed Trump's recent appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists, describing it as a display of "divisiveness and disrespect," and argued that the American people deserve better leadership—one that tells the truth, values differences as a strength and does not respond with hostility when confronted with facts.
Harris spoke passionately about the ongoing fight for fundamental freedoms, including the right to vote, safety from gun violence, freedom from bigotry and hate, the right to love who you choose, the right to learn and acknowledge America's full history, and a woman's right to make decisions about her own body without government interference. She called for passing significant legislation, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, universal background checks, red flag laws, an assault weapons ban, and protections for reproductive freedom.
She also criticized Trump's appointments to the Supreme Court, particularly their role in overturning Roe v. Wade, leading to abortion bans in many states, including those without exceptions for rape or incest. Harris promised that if she were president and Congress passed a law to restore reproductive freedoms, she would sign it.
In her concluding remarks, Harris emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, stating that democracy and fundamental freedoms are on the ballot. She criticized Trump's recent legal challenges and his stated intentions if re-elected, including his plans to act as a dictator and to weaponize the Department of Justice. Harris urged the members of Sigma Gamma Rho to energize, organize, mobilize, and vote, emphasizing the power of collective action to move mountains, change nations, and make history. She closed with a message of faith, optimism, and hope, confident that when they fight, they win.
President Biden is briefed by Attorney General Merrick Garland, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, and Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed regarding the administration’s ongoing efforts to combat illicit opioids
Great news this morning that jailed Americans are safely back home! Thank you President Biden for all of the wonderful things you make happen.
Bravo, Mr. President, for getting those Americans unlawfully held in Russia free!