What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 9, 2024 Recap
President Biden, during the White House Tribal Nations Summit, announced the designation of the Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School in Pennsylvania as a National Monument. This site will commemorate the trauma experienced by Native children and their families under the federal Indian boarding school system, acknowledging the forced assimilation policies that stripped Indigenous peoples of their languages, cultures, and identities. Managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and the U.S. Army, the monument will symbolize healing and resilience while ensuring the inclusion of Native voices in its narrative.
In tandem with this historic designation, the Administration introduced a 10-year National Plan for Native Language Revitalization. This plan addresses the critical endangerment of Indigenous languages, emphasizing expanding access to immersion programs, supporting community-led revitalization efforts, and creating sustainable support networks. Without intervention, fewer than 20 of the 190 remaining Native languages may survive by 2050, highlighting the urgency of this initiative.
To further uphold the federal trust responsibility, new policies will address chronic underfunding of Tribal programs and enhance support for Tribal sovereignty. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will develop actionable recommendations to close funding gaps. At the same time, new federal employee training will promote a better understanding of Tribal consultation and treaty obligations. Additionally, FEMA and HHS introduced streamlined processes for disaster declarations and health data access, ensuring equitable support for Tribal Nations.
The Biden-Harris Administration also prioritized environmental stewardship and climate resilience, committing nearly $2 billion to Native-led projects to reduce pollution, advance renewable energy, and mitigate extreme weather impacts. This aligns with broader efforts to empower Native communities, reflected in the Administration's historic investments totaling $45 billion through initiatives like the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Vice President Harris, addressing the summit, reaffirmed the Administration's commitment to addressing systemic inequities in health, education, and economic development in Native communities. She highlighted progress such as funding Native community banks, expanding maternal healthcare, and improving clean water access. Harris also celebrated the leadership of young Native advocates, emphasizing the Administration's belief in their capacity to shape a future of opportunity and dignity for Tribal Nations. These efforts underscore the Administration's dedication to strengthening Tribal sovereignty, preserving Indigenous cultures, and addressing historical injustices.
The senior administration official provided an overview of the recent collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, emphasizing its significance as a historic moment for the Syrian people. This development is seen as a victory for justice and an opportunity for Syrians to rebuild their nation free from decades of oppression. The U.S. stressed that this moment was brought about by Syrians and not external forces, though it pledged continued support for the country’s transition toward democracy.
The official highlighted how the fall of Assad aligns with broader U.S. efforts to counter adversaries like Iran and Russia, both of which were key supporters of the regime. The U.S.’s strategic actions, including military and diplomatic support for Ukraine and Israel, have significantly weakened Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah. These efforts, coupled with sustained pressure on Assad, contributed to the regime's rapid collapse. The situation also underscores the brittleness of Iranian-backed networks in the region and reflects a shifting balance of power in the Middle East.
The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to stability in the region through counter-ISIS operations, maintaining sanctions against Assad’s regime, and working diplomatically with opposition groups to support a political transition. Recent military strikes on ISIS gatherings in Syria, targeting 75 locations, demonstrated the U.S.’s resolve to prevent ISIS’s resurgence. The administration also prioritized securing chemical weapons to ensure they do not fall into the wrong hands and pledged to support minority groups and promote a diverse and inclusive Syrian society.
Moving forward, the U.S. will work with regional partners, including Turkey, Jordan, and Iraq, to manage the risks posed by Syria’s transition and safeguard neighboring countries. Diplomatic engagement with Syrian groups will remain a key focus, with the administration emphasizing that Syrians must determine their future. The U.S. also reaffirmed its commitment to addressing humanitarian needs and securing the release of American hostages, including journalist Austin Tice. While the U.S. acknowledged contact with groups like HTS, it stressed that future engagement would depend on actions consistent with U.S. principles, particularly the protection of minority rights and adherence to the rule of law.
In summary, the U.S. sees this moment as a turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The collapse of Assad’s regime offers a chance for a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous Syria. The administration pledged ongoing military, diplomatic, and humanitarian efforts to support this transition while safeguarding U.S. interests and regional stability.
President Joe Biden spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan to reaffirm U.S. support for a Syrian-led transition process under UN Security Council Resolution 2254. He discussed the U.S. commitment to combating ISIS, referencing recent strikes against ISIS fighters and leaders in eastern Syria. The conversation emphasized Jordan's role in promoting regional stability and de-escalating tensions. The leaders also addressed the situation in Gaza, highlighting the need for a ceasefire, hostage release, and increased humanitarian aid. They agreed to maintain regular communication.
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 has significantly advanced U.S. Government efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, promote sustainability, and stimulate economic growth through clean energy investments. Since the order's implementation, Federal operations have achieved a 38% reduction in GHG emissions compared to 2008, putting the government halfway to its 2030 goal of a 65% reduction and on track for net-zero emissions by 2050. This progress is supported by sweeping reforms across Federal operations, from electrifying the government fleet to upgrading buildings and infrastructure.
The Federal fleet, which includes over 600,000 vehicles, has made significant strides toward electrification, with 82,000 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) ordered and 10,500 EV charging ports installed, alongside plans for 52,500 additional ports. The U.S. Postal Service has also committed to transitioning its delivery vehicles to 100% electric by 2026. Simultaneously, Federal agencies have accelerated clean energy adoption, increasing the clean electricity match for operations from 40% to 70% by 2027, aiming for 100% by 2030. Projects like large-scale solar and battery storage installations on military bases and other Federal properties have been pivotal.
The Administration has prioritized sustainable buildings, transitioning 2,700 Federal properties to net-zero emissions and reducing Federal building emissions by 39% since 2008. These efforts, funded partly by $8 billion in private sector investments, have created over 80,000 jobs and are expected to save $175 million annually in utility costs. The "Buy Clean" initiative has bolstered domestic manufacturing by prioritizing American-made low-carbon materials for infrastructure projects. Furthermore, single-use plastics in Federal operations are being phased out, and sustainable procurement practices are being integrated.
Environmental justice is at the heart of these efforts. The Justice40 Initiative ensures that 40% of Federal investment benefits disadvantaged communities, linking sustainability goals with equity and environmental justice. Global collaboration has also been a focus, with initiatives like the Net-Zero Government Initiative rallying 33 partner countries to achieve net-zero emissions in government operations by 2050. Federal leadership has extended to reducing Scope 3 emissions and supporting sustainable supply chains.
These achievements not only cut costs and enhance efficiency but also create jobs, strengthen resilience, and position the Federal Government as a leader in addressing the climate crisis. Investments in modernization and clean energy have saved taxpayers money and supported American manufacturing, all while fostering a workforce trained in sustainability and environmental stewardship. President Biden’s transformative approach to federal sustainability underscores a commitment to a cleaner, more resilient future that will benefit both the economy and the environment.
President Biden has declared a major disaster in West Virginia due to Post-Tropical Storm Helene, which occurred from September 25-28, 2024. Federal aid is now available to support recovery efforts in Mercer County. This assistance includes:
Grants for temporary housing and home repairs.
Low-cost loans for uninsured property losses.
Programs to aid individuals and businesses in recovery.
Additionally, federal funding on a cost-sharing basis is available for hazard mitigation efforts statewide. FEMA has appointed Ms. Georgeta Dragoiu to lead the federal recovery operations. Further designations may be added as the state assesses additional damages.
President Biden delivers remarks at the 2024 Tribal Nations Summit
