What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 28, 2024 Recap
One month after Hurricane Helene’s destructive impact, the Biden-Harris Administration has launched a coordinated response to aid recovery efforts across the southeastern U.S., prioritizing financial assistance, infrastructure restoration, and community resilience. The Administration has approved over $2.1 billion in federal aid to help individuals and communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including $1 billion directly supporting housing repairs, property replacement, and individual recovery needs. An additional $1.1 billion has gone to local and state governments for debris removal, emergency response, and essential services. Collaborating closely with governors, FEMA, and non-governmental partners, the Administration has mobilized nearly 5,000 federal personnel actively working to restore utilities, offer emergency services, and provide in-person assistance through 65 Disaster Recovery Centers across impacted areas. Utility services have been largely restored, and more Disaster Recovery Centers are opening daily.
The Department of Defense, National Guard, and FEMA have played essential roles in distributing more than 15,000 tons of humanitarian aid and clearing hundreds of miles of roads to improve access to hard-hit areas. On the public health front, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has introduced Medicare payment flexibilities to help providers. At the same time, FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) work to ensure access to safe drinking water, including mobile testing labs and hazardous materials cleanup. The Department of Education has provided critical resources to assist affected schools, support displaced students, and offer loan forbearance options to borrowers in disaster areas.
Additionally, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has enacted foreclosure moratoriums for affected homeowners. At the same time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated $233 million to support farmers impacted by the hurricane season. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has granted tax filing extensions to impacted areas, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $51 million in disaster loans to help small businesses and residents rebuild. With the Administration’s commitment to long-term recovery, the federal government supports economic stability, infrastructure repair, and community resilience across the impacted regions. These comprehensive efforts underscore the Administration’s pledge to support recovery and rebuild communities over the long term.
President Biden discussed various issues in his remarks after casting his early-voting ballot in New Castle, Delaware, focusing on character in leadership, international conflicts, and his campaign involvement. He described his vote as "sweet," expressing confidence in the election outcome. Biden commented on former President Trump’s recent rally remarks, calling them "embarrassing" and emphasizing the importance of character in the presidency. He expressed the need for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and indicated that he would address this with relevant leaders.
When asked about his campaign activities, Biden mentioned balancing his presidential duties with campaigning in battleground states like Pennsylvania. He also noted the danger posed by North Korea's recent actions. Finally, he criticized Elon Musk’s involvement in voter payments as "totally inappropriate."
The White House recently released an analysis of the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD), a tool developed under President Biden’s Executive Order 14074 to increase transparency and accountability in federal law enforcement. The NLEAD database, designed to document misconduct among federal law enforcement officers, is fully operational and includes participation from all 90 federal agencies employing law enforcement personnel. With over 5,300 records covering the misconduct of more than 4,300 officers from the past seven years, the database aims to support hiring and promotion decisions, helping agencies avoid advancing candidates with disqualifying histories.
This year alone, federal agencies conducted thousands of NLEAD checks, which led to the identification of multiple instances of misconduct. These "positive hits" allow agencies to access further details and have informed decisions that ensure individuals who could undermine public trust do not gain positions of authority. Beyond federal efforts, the Biden-Harris Administration has been advocating for improved policing standards at the state and local levels. The administration supports the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It encourages state and local agencies to use the National De-Certification Index (NDI), a registry for police misconduct now adopted by all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
To boost NDI engagement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has structured grants to prioritize agencies using the NDI. It has provided $3 million to expand the database to align with the types of misconduct tracked by NLEAD. As a result, NDI participation has significantly increased, with user numbers and monthly queries growing by approximately 75% and 85% since mid-2023. Through these measures, the Biden-Harris Administration seeks to improve law enforcement accountability at all levels, advancing public trust and safety across communities.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued a Final Rule to implement President Biden’s Executive Order 14105, aimed at protecting national security by limiting U.S. investments in sensitive technologies in countries identified as security risks, primarily China. This rule prohibits certain U.S. investments in technologies and products—specifically semiconductors, quantum information technologies, and artificial intelligence—that could support military and intelligence advancements in these nations. In addition, it mandates that U.S. persons notify the Treasury of specific transactions in these areas that may pose a threat to national security. This measure aligns with existing export restrictions and complements the U.S. inbound screening tools designed to prevent sensitive technology from advancing in countries of concern. Following extensive consultations with bipartisan members of Congress, industry stakeholders, foreign allies, and two rounds of public comments, this announcement finalizes the process initiated by President Biden in August 2023.
Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking from Joint Base Andrews, responded to former President Donald Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden, pointing out what she sees as a critical divide in their approaches to leadership. Harris described Trump as "fixated on his grievances" and focused on dividing the nation rather than supporting American families and workers. She noted that his rhetoric, aimed at stirring up tension, fails to address the aspirations and ambitions of the American people, instead deepening division within the country. In contrast, Harris emphasized her commitment to work on behalf of the American people. She drew a clear line between her vision and Trump’s, stating that, if elected, she would prioritize the needs of the public rather than, as she put it, “working on his enemies list.”
When asked about facing a double standard in her campaign, Harris responded by outlining her focus on building support by traveling across the country and engaging with voters about issues directly impacting their lives. She highlighted her plans for bolstering small businesses, expanding homeownership opportunities, and helping families with young children. Citing positive reviews of her economic policies, Harris argued that her approach would enhance the nation’s prosperity and economy, while Trump’s approach, she said, would weaken them.
Harris also addressed her outreach to Michigan voters, emphasizing her focus on issues like high grocery prices and her commitment to tackling price gouging. She outlined her $25,000 down payment assistance proposal for first-time homebuyers, noting that such initiatives resonate strongly with Michigan residents. Furthermore, she emphasized her dedication to investing in American manufacturing and jobs to strengthen the economy and maintain a competitive edge globally, especially in competition with nations like China.
In response to questions about Trump’s rhetoric and comparisons to past extremist rallies, Harris expressed concerns about his repeated efforts to foster hate and division, which she believes have led even some former Trump supporters to back her campaign. Addressing Puerto Rico, Harris highlighted her past work in the Senate to support the island, particularly during Hurricane Maria. Her current “opportunity economy” plan includes a task force specifically targeting Puerto Rico’s unique needs, including rebuilding its power grid and fostering public-private partnerships for economic growth. She shared her gratitude for high-profile endorsements from public figures like Bad Bunny and Jennifer Lopez, underscoring that these supporters back her leadership vision focused on unity and empowerment, unlike Trump’s divisive rhetoric, which she criticized as denigrating the nation.
At the White House Diwali celebration, President Biden and notable speakers highlighted the significance of Diwali as a symbol of light overcoming darkness, unity, and community. Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General, spoke of his family’s immigrant journey from India, celebrating the values of family, faith, and service. Astronaut Sunita Williams sent greetings from the International Space Station, celebrating her Indian heritage and reflecting on the influence of her father’s journey as an immigrant.
President Biden expressed his gratitude to the South Asian American community, honoring their contributions and resilience throughout U.S. history. He emphasized America's inclusivity, a nation built on values that embrace diversity. Recalling the tradition of Diwali receptions, which he began with Jill Biden in 2016, he emphasized the strength and unity needed to face contemporary challenges. He encouraged guests to continue shaping an America rooted in democracy, equality, and the shared light of Diwali.
At a campaign rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz energized a crowd of supporters by framing the upcoming election as critical for the future of American democracy, personal freedoms, and social protections. The event opened with Walz's introduction, highlighting Harris’s career-long dedication to defending the American people as a prosecutor, California Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Vice President. A teacher and veteran, Walz connected with the audience by sharing his personal story, including his experience with gun ownership and his belief that safety and constitutional rights can coexist. He underscored Harris’s plans to protect reproductive rights, support accessible healthcare, and address economic disparities. Reflecting on his struggles with fertility and family-building, Walz voiced his commitment to ensuring that no family in America is denied the resources they need to thrive. He framed the election as an opportunity for voters to define a new chapter in America’s future.
Vice President Harris enthusiastically took the stage, expressing appreciation for Walz as a strong, empathetic running mate who connects with people nationwide. She emphasized her commitment to a platform focused on lowering the cost of living, making healthcare accessible, and protecting Social Security and Medicare. Drawing a clear contrast with former President Donald Trump, Harris argued that while Trump has repeatedly favored corporate tax cuts and self-interest, her administration would prioritize middle-class tax cuts, control corporate price gouging, and create economic opportunities for working families. Harris highlighted her plans to address high prices, healthcare access, and housing costs, emphasizing her personal experience growing up in a middle-class family and her understanding of budget constraints faced by everyday Americans.
Harris spoke passionately about the threats to individual freedoms, particularly reproductive rights, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. She denounced Trump’s judicial appointments and the resulting restrictions on abortion access, including severe penalties for providers in some states. Harris affirmed her commitment to restoring reproductive rights and reiterated that the government should force no one to make decisions about their bodies. She also warned of Trump’s stated intention to undermine the Constitution and consolidate unchecked power if re-elected, calling him “an unserious man” whose return to office would have serious, potentially irreversible, consequences for American democracy.
The Vice President praised young leaders for their impatience for change, applauding their advocacy on climate action, gun violence prevention, and reproductive rights. Harris reassured them that their voices and votes are crucial to shaping the country’s future, addressing first-time voters directly and encouraging them to vote early. She closed her speech with a call to action, urging Michigan residents to mobilize over the next eight days and reaffirm their belief in freedom, opportunity, and the American promise. With a focus on community, inclusivity, and resilience, Harris and Walz emphasized that their campaign is about lifting people up rather than tearing them down and that winning this election means fighting for a brighter, united future.
President Biden poses for a photo after casting his ballot in the general election in New Castle, DE
I look forward to these columns so much. Thank you 😊