What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 31, 2024 Recap
President Biden gave remarks in the State Dining Room at The White House. He began by addressing the recent verdict in Donald Trump's legal case, emphasizing that the American justice system upholds the principle that no one is above the law. He then shifted focus to the crisis in Gaza, outlining a new proposal for a durable end to the conflict.
This proposal, developed through intensive diplomacy, includes a comprehensive roadmap with three phases:
Phase One (Six Weeks): A full ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from populated areas of Gaza, the release of certain hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and a surge in humanitarian aid.
Phase Two: Permanent cessation of hostilities, contingent on negotiations and Hamas fulfilling its commitments.
Phase Three: Major reconstruction of Gaza, returning the remains of killed hostages, and broader diplomatic resolutions for long-term security and integration of Israel into the region.
The President emphasized the necessity of this deal for the security of Israel, the return of hostages, and the humanitarian relief of Gaza, urging all parties involved to support the proposal and work towards lasting peace.
President Biden welcomed Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium to the White House to enhance cooperation on global issues and strengthen transatlantic security. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine and discussed utilizing immobilized sovereign assets for Ukraine's benefit. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of the NATO Alliance and the need to remain vigilant against Russian threats to election integrity.
As part of his Investing in America agenda, the White House released a fact sheet detailing how the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helped over 23 million households save $30-75 monthly on internet bills, reducing the digital divide. May 31st marked the last day of benefits from the ACP unless Congress extended its funding, risking internet loss for millions. President Biden urged Congress to extend ACP funding, proposing $6 billion for its continuation.
Meanwhile, over a dozen internet service providers committed to offering $30 or less plans to low-income households through 2024, covering up to 10 million ACP households. Providers included AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon.
Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration invested $90 billion in high-speed internet infrastructure:
$42.45 billion BEAD Program for affordable network plans.
$1 billion Middle Mile program for regional fiber networks.
Distribution of nearly 30,000 connected devices, including through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.
Projects to connect underserved communities were underway or completed in over half of the states, providing more affordable options for rural families.
National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard released a statement on the April PCE Report, acknowledging that while the cost of living remains high for many working families, there is progress in reducing inflation. She highlighted that annual core inflation is at its lowest since March 2021 and that overall inflation has decreased by 60% from its peak. Brainard emphasized President Biden's commitment to lowering costs, contrasting it with congressional Republicans' efforts to cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy and large corporations.
The Council of Economic Advisers, Office of Management and Budget, and other government agencies hosted a convening on Climate-Energy-Macroeconomic Forecasting. Economists and financial experts discussed the increasing impact of climate change on the global financial system and economy, emphasizing that climate change poses immediate threats, such as stress in home insurance markets and droughts affecting shipping. The Biden-Harris Administration, recognizing the importance of accurate economic forecasts, has mandated the development of methods to account for climate risks in economic assumptions and budget outlooks through an Executive Order on Climate-Related Financial Risk. CEA and OMB have led a technical working group for three years to integrate climate risks into macroeconomic forecasting.
The convening focused on leveraging climate-related data to improve economic understanding and forecasting, addressing data gaps, managing uncertainty, forecasting sectoral investment changes, and accounting for the benefits of a clean energy economy. This event was built on a similar convening in February 2023, strengthening partnerships with the macroeconomic forecasting community. The administration plans to continue engaging with community partners to enhance forecasting capabilities and incorporate climate issues into broader economic decision-making.
President Biden has announced key appointments to several boards and commissions. Brian Bryant and Shawn P. Fain will join the President’s Export Council. With a 35-year career in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Bryant is the IAM’s 15th International President. Fain, President of the United Auto Workers, has a long union leadership and labor negotiations history.
Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Ronald S. Moultrie, and Calvin Smyre will join the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board. Cuéllar, President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, is a former justice of the California Supreme Court. Moultrie, former Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, has a national security and cybersecurity background. Smyre, a veteran Georgia State Representative, has a notable legislative record and recently represented the U.S. at the UN General Assembly.
John F. Cordisco will join the United States Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. Cordisco, a lawyer and former Pennsylvania State Representative, is known for his work in veterans' affairs and humanitarian efforts. These appointments reflect the administration’s focus on trade, intelligence, and heritage preservation.
President Biden returned H.J.Res. 109 to the House of Representatives without his approval. This resolution aimed to disapprove the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 (SAB 121), which provides guidelines for the accounting obligations of firms safeguarding crypto assets. The President argued that the resolution would improperly limit the SEC's ability to set necessary regulations and guardrails, potentially undermining the SEC’s authority over accounting practices.
President Biden emphasized that his administration will not support measures that threaten consumer and investor well-being. He highlighted the importance of appropriate regulations to protect consumers and investors while fostering the benefits and opportunities of crypto-asset innovation. The administration seeks to work with Congress to create a balanced regulatory framework for digital assets that supports responsible development and maintains U.S. leadership in the global financial system. Therefore, President Biden vetoed the resolution.
President Biden issued several proclamations for the month of June:
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2024
Celebrates Caribbean Americans' contributions in various sectors and emphasizes the importance of equal opportunities. It highlights investments in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and ongoing efforts to reform the immigration system for those fleeing Caribbean violence.
National Immigrant Heritage Month, 2024
Honoring immigrants' contributions, President Biden shares his family’s immigration story and recognizes their vital roles in society. He highlights efforts to reform immigration, protect DACA recipients, and combat hate and discrimination, calling for continued support for immigrant communities.
Black Music Month, 2024
Celebrates the impact of Black music on American culture, tracing its roots to the resilience of enslaved people. It highlights Black music’s role in social movements and cultural expression and the administration’s support for Black artists and music venues.
LGBTQI+ Pride Month, 2024
Acknowledges the LGBTQI+ community's courage and contributions, reflecting on progress and challenges. It highlights the administration’s efforts to protect LGBTQI+ rights, combat discrimination, and support mental health resources, calling for continued advocacy for equality and inclusion.
National Homeownership Month, 2024
Underscores the significance of homeownership in achieving the American Dream. It details efforts to support homeowners with financial assistance, tax credits, and initiatives to increase housing supply, emphasizing fair housing practices and affordability.
National Ocean Month, 2024
Emphasizes the importance of protecting the ocean, highlighting its economic and environmental significance. It details initiatives to combat climate change, protect marine habitats, and expand offshore wind projects, calling for collective action to conserve ocean health and biodiversity.
President Biden issued a proclamation that addresses the import of steel articles into the United States, focusing particularly on imports from Ukraine. Here’s a summary of the key points:
Background: In 2018, the Secretary of Commerce reported that steel imports threatened national security. Consequently, a 25% tariff was imposed on steel imports from most countries except Canada and Mexico. The U.S. expressed willingness to discuss alternative security measures with other countries.
Ukraine Tariff Suspension: In May 2022, tariffs on Ukrainian steel imports were suspended for a year due to the impact of the Russian invasion. This suspension was extended in May 2023, including steel processed in EU countries. The suspension aims to support Ukraine's economy while recovering from the war.
Current Situation: The Secretary of Commerce reported that Ukraine’s steel industry remains disrupted by the ongoing conflict, leading to decreased steel imports to the U.S. (less than 1% of total steel imports). Given the importance of the steel industry to Ukraine, the suspension of tariffs is extended further.
Continued Monitoring: The Secretary of Commerce will continue monitoring the U.S. and Ukraine steel industries to determine if the suspension should be extended or terminated.
Tariff Adjustments: The proclamation does not currently necessitate changes to tariffs on steel imports from other countries.
Legal Authorities: The President’s actions are based on the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and the Trade Act of 1974, which allow for the adjustment of import duties to protect national security.
Implementation: The proclamation includes specific amendments to the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule to establish duty-free treatment for eligible Ukrainian steel articles. It also outlines detailed conditions and timelines for tariff imposition on imports from other countries.
Certification and Compliance: Ukrainian steel imports must have a certificate of origin to qualify for duty-free treatment, with measures in place to ensure compliance.
The proclamation supports Ukraine’s steel industry by extending tariff suspensions while maintaining national security measures for U.S. steel imports.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered remarks at Festa Italiana in Milwaukee, WI. She shared childhood memories of her grandparents' home, emphasizing the significance of Italian traditions and values. She recalled visiting Ellis Island and discovering her ancestors' records, highlighting the enduring values of loyalty, generosity, kindness, and faith they brought to America.
Dr. Biden celebrated the contributions of Italian Americans, acknowledging their impact on the arts, advocacy, business, and community building. She emphasized President Biden's commitment to fostering economic growth and providing opportunities for all families. She praised Milwaukee's Italian Community Center and the festival's role in preserving and celebrating Italian culture. The First Lady concluded by encouraging the continuation of sharing and passing on ancestral values to future generations, expressing her pride in being the first Italian American First Lady.
President Biden welcomes Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo to The White House
I am grateful for your informing me about the highlights of Joe’s days…
Thank you for providing information on what the President is doing to help all of us. It is sorely needed in these times of MAGA unrest.