What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 26 Recap
President Biden issued a statement regarding the need to address the border crisis and highlighted ongoing bipartisan negotiations aimed at implementing significant reforms. The proposed reforms, if enacted, would be the toughest and fairest measures in the country's history to secure the border. The President emphasizes the importance of granting him new emergency authority to shut down the border when overwhelmed, pledging to use it immediately upon signing the bill into law. He also calls on Congress to provide funding, including resources for additional border patrol agents, immigration judges, asylum officers, and advanced inspection machines. The President frames securing the border through bipartisan efforts as a win for America and urges those serious about the border crisis to support and pass the proposed legislation.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. They reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Thailand alliance, discussed cooperation on trade, clean energy, people-to-people ties, and security in the Indo-Pacific. Sullivan emphasized U.S. commitment to ASEAN centrality and discussed democracy, human rights, and political participation. Regional issues, including the crisis in Burma, were addressed, with a focus on humanitarian assistance and implementing the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. Sullivan also emphasized the U.S. commitment to securing the release of hostages held by Hamas and welcomed plans for increased U.S.-Thai engagement, including the U.S.-Thailand Strategic and Defense Dialogue in February.
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a temporary pause on pending decisions regarding Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports to non-Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries. This pause will allow the Department of Energy (DOE) to update the economic and environmental analyses underlying LNG export authorizations. The current analyses, approximately five years old, do not adequately consider factors such as potential energy cost increases for American consumers, the latest assessment of greenhouse gas emissions, and the evolving understanding of the market need for LNG.
The U.S. is already the leading global exporter of LNG, and the announcement emphasizes that the pause will not impact the country's ability to supply LNG to allies soon. The administration highlights its commitment to supporting allies and mentions ongoing collaboration with the European Union (EU) to ensure a stable LNG supply.
The decision is framed within the broader context of the Biden-Harris Administration's ambitious climate agenda. The fact sheet outlines various climate accomplishments, including the largest climate investment in history, the reduction of methane emissions, the establishment of the American Climate Corps, and the advancement of environmental justice initiatives. Additionally, it highlights the protection of lands and waters, cancellation of oil and gas leases, promotion of zero-emission vehicles, and global efforts to raise climate ambition.
The administration portrays its actions as a response to the urgent threat of climate change, contrasting with what it perceives as denial and opposition from some Republicans in Congress. The fact sheet concludes by emphasizing the administration's commitment to leading ambitious climate action while ensuring the strength of the American economy.
In his statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, President Biden expressed deep sorrow for the tragic events of the Holocaust, recalling the systematic targeting and murder of six million Jews and other groups by the Nazis during the 1930s and 1940s. The President extended condolences to various victimized communities and commemorated the bravery of those who resisted the Nazis.
The statement emphasized the urgency to remember the Holocaust and combat antisemitism, particularly in the wake of a recent atrocity perpetrated by Hamas in Israel. President Biden condemned the global rise of antisemitism and underscored the need to confront attempts to deny or distort history, including Holocaust denialism.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to fighting antisemitism through the National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism and urged collective action to ensure that hate had no safe haven. Reflecting on his personal connection to the Holocaust, President Biden emphasized the enduring strength and resilience of the Jewish people. On that International Holocaust Remembrance Day, he pledged to uphold the lessons of the Holocaust, combat antisemitism and all forms of hate-fueled violence, and work towards the safe return of hostages.
President Biden, in response to the December PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) Report, announced that inflation had reached the pre-pandemic benchmark of 2 percent over the last six months of 2023. He sees this as a significant milestone, providing more breathing room for working families. The president highlighted positive economic indicators, including a 3 percent growth in the economy in 2023, 2 percent inflation in the second half of the year, and unemployment remaining below 4 percent for a second consecutive year. Biden emphasized the progress made for American workers, citing higher wages, wealth, and employment compared to four years ago. Despite this, he remains focused on addressing the rising costs for families and opposing Republican initiatives that could benefit the wealthy at the expense of social programs like prescription drugs, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, in collaboration with the National Association of Counties (NACO), recently organized a gathering of County Association Presidents and Executive Directors. The purpose of the event was to emphasize the local impact of President Biden's Investing in America agenda on communities nationwide. Discussions centered around collaborative efforts to implement various agenda programs, including the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act. Key issues addressed by county leaders included broadband infrastructure, housing, and mental health care. Notable Administration officials present at the event included Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, Senior Advisor Tom Perez, Senior Advisor John Podesta, and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Caitlin Durkovich.
On Friday, January 26, 2024, the President signed into law:
S. 3222, which provides for safety and security exceptions from rules regarding rented office space for Senators; and
S. 3250, which requires Federal courts to provide victims and their relatives with remote access to certain criminal court proceedings related to the December 21, 1988 Pan American Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland.
In today’s press briefing held at The White House, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre discussed various topics. Firstly, she highlighted positive economic indicators under President Biden, including falling inflation and strong economic growth. She also addressed the upcoming International Holocaust Remembrance Day and condemned recent antisemitic incidents.
The briefing then shifted to the Biden-Harris administration's announcement of a temporary pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to certain countries. National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi provided details, emphasizing the need for updated economic and environmental analyses, particularly in light of changing market dynamics and increased understanding of the environmental impact of methane emissions.
Following this, questions were posed regarding the timing of the pause, its potential impact on allies, and criticism from industry groups. Zaidi responded by emphasizing the importance of a thoughtful approach to energy supply and demand during the transition to clean energy.
The briefing concluded with an update on President Biden's efforts to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas in Israel and Gaza. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's meetings in Bangkok with Thai and Chinese officials were mentioned, along with Turkey's approval of Sweden's application to join NATO. The emphasis was on reaffirming alliances and addressing global challenges. A Q&A was conducted with the press in attendance.
President Biden spoke with Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani about the Gaza war and efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. They emphasized the importance of a hostage deal for a humanitarian pause in fighting and delivering aid to Gaza. Both leaders expressed urgency, highlighted cooperation between their teams, and committed to staying engaged until all hostages are released. They also reaffirmed their shared vision for a peaceful, secure, and integrated Middle East.
President Biden also spoke by phone with Egyptian President Al-Sisi about the Gaza conflict and hostage release efforts. They praised Egypt's role and stressed the need for a deal ensuring the release of hostages and a humanitarian pause. The leaders also talked about boosting humanitarian aid to Gaza, maintaining close coordination, and working towards a lasting peace in the Middle East, including the establishment of a Palestinian state and ensuring dignity and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
