What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
July 23, 2024 Recap
President Biden issued a statement expressing his gratitude to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and United States Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle for her extensive public service. He highlighted her selfless dedication and the risks she has taken to protect the nation throughout her career. Biden specifically thanked Cheatle for stepping up to lead the Secret Service during his administration and her service to his family.
He emphasized that leadership in such a crucial organization requires honor, courage, and significant integrity. The President noted that the independent review of the July 13 events is ongoing and expressed his anticipation of its conclusions, underscoring that such incidents must never happen again. As the nation moves forward, Biden wishes Cheatle all the best and indicates his intention to appoint a new Director of the Secret Service soon.
Dr. Kevin C. O'Connor, the Physician to the President, reported that President Biden's COVID-19 symptoms have resolved. Throughout his infection, President Biden did not experience a fever, and his vital signs, including pulse oximetry, remained normal. His lungs remained clear, and the BINAX rapid antigen test returned negative results.
Although President Biden will continue to be monitored for any recurrence of illness, he is performing all his presidential duties. Dr. O'Connor assured the office that he would update them on any changes to the president's condition or treatment plan.
David Samuel Johnson, Nominee to be Inspector General for Tax Administration, U.S. Department of the Treasury
Gabriel Escobar, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Paraguay
Patrice H. Kunesh, Nominee to be Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission
Lisa T. Ballance, Nominee to be Chair and Member of the Marine Mammal Commission
Matthew James Marzano, Nominee to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has approved disaster declarations for the Chickasaw Nation, Kentucky, Missouri, and Puerto Rico due to severe weather events.
Chickasaw Nation: Federal aid will support recovery from severe storms on March 14-15, 2024. Funding is available for emergency work, repair or replacement of damaged facilities, and hazard mitigation. Mr. Maona N. Ngwira of FEMA will coordinate recovery operations.
Kentucky: Federal assistance will help recover from storms, winds, tornadoes, landslides, and mudslides from May 21-27, 2024. Aid includes grants for housing and home repairs, loans for uninsured property losses, and support for local governments and nonprofits. Mr. E. Craig Levy Sr. of FEMA will oversee recovery efforts.
Missouri: Federal support will address the aftermath of storms, winds, tornadoes, and flooding from May 19-27, 2024. Assistance covers temporary housing, home repairs, uninsured property losses, and support for state and local governments. Mr. David R. Gervino of FEMA will manage recovery operations. Additional areas may be designated for aid if further assessments indicate the need.
Puerto Rico (April 29-May 10, 2024):
Federal aid for emergency work and facility repairs in specific municipalities.
Hazard mitigation funding is available.
Coordinated by Robert Little III (FEMA)
Each declaration includes cost-sharing for hazard mitigation measures to reduce future risks.
President Biden issued a statement calling on Congress to quickly reauthorize and modernize the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which will expire in 2025. Biden highlights AGOA's success over the past two decades in boosting the competitiveness of African products, creating quality jobs, and advancing human rights in sub-Saharan Africa. He notes that AGOA has also opened investment opportunities and new markets for American businesses, promoting sustainable economic growth and resilient supply chains. Biden reaffirms America's commitment to Africa, urging stakeholders to ensure that future generations benefit from the partnership.
Vice President Harris delivered a campaign speech in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, expressing her gratitude to the local community and emphasizing Wisconsin's critical role in the upcoming election. She acknowledged the presence of several prominent state leaders, including Governor Tony Evers, Senator Tammy Baldwin, Lieutenant Governor Sarah Rodriguez, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, County Executive David Crowley, and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. Harris highlighted their efforts and commitment to the state.
Harris praised President Joe Biden, calling his accomplishments unmatched in modern history and expressing her honor in serving as his Vice President. She emphasized Biden's legacy of achievement, noting that he had already surpassed the legacies of many two-term presidents in one term. Harris announced they had secured enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination and pledged to unite the party for the November election.
She spoke about her background, mentioning her previous roles as Attorney General of California and prosecutor. Harris contrasted her record with that of former President Donald Trump, highlighting her efforts to combat fraud and abuse compared to Trump's legal troubles and accusations.
Harris underscored the differences between her campaign and Trump's, stating that while Trump relied on billionaires and big corporations, her campaign was people-powered and had just experienced a record-breaking 24 hours of grassroots fundraising. She assured the audience that a people-powered campaign would lead to a people-first presidency.
She outlined her vision for America's future: building a strong middle class, ensuring affordable healthcare and childcare, and providing paid family leave. Harris also emphasized the importance of workers' rights to join unions and seniors' right to retire with dignity.
Harris criticized Trump's "Project 2025" agenda, warning that it would weaken the middle class, cut Social Security and Medicare, give tax breaks to the wealthy, and dismantle the Affordable Care Act. She pledged to fight against these regressive policies and protect the rights of Americans.
She invoked the legacy of previous generations who fought for freedom and called on the audience to continue that fight. Harris promised to protect the freedom to vote, reduce gun violence through red flag laws and universal background checks, and restore reproductive rights by signing a law to ensure reproductive freedom.
Harris concluded by rallying the crowd, asking if they were ready to work hard for the next 105 days to secure victory. She affirmed their belief in freedom, opportunity, and the promise of America, urging everyone to fight for these values and promising that when they fight, they win.
President Biden returns to the White House after recovering from a COVID-19 infection
