What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
July 16, 2024 Recap
President Biden has announced a series of measures to lower housing costs and make renting more affordable for millions of Americans. Key actions include urging Congress to pass legislation requiring corporate landlords to cap rent increases at 5% or risk losing federal tax breaks. To address the housing shortage, the administration is repurposing public land to build up to 15,000 affordable housing units in Nevada and other states, alongside investments in rehabilitating distressed housing and constructing new affordable units. The goal is to build 2 million homes and provide mortgage relief to potential homeowners.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is also implementing new rules to protect renters, such as mandating a 30-day notice before rent increases and lease expirations. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) will lease federal land for affordable housing projects. HUD is investing $325 million in Choice Neighborhoods grants to build new affordable homes and revitalize communities nationwide.
The President's plan also targets price-fixing by corporate landlords and promotes energy-efficient housing to reduce costs. Despite these efforts, Biden's housing agenda faces opposition from Congressional Republicans, who have blocked related legislation and attempted to cut rental assistance and programs to reduce mortgage costs.
President Biden spoke at the 115th NAACP National Convention, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to the NAACP and expressing gratitude for its support. He highlighted significant achievements in civil rights history, such as the desegregation of the military under President Truman.
Biden addressed the need for unity and condemned political violence, referencing various acts of violence, including the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. He stressed the importance of rejecting all forms of violence, from political attacks to systemic racism and gun violence.
Biden recounted his administration's accomplishments, including historic low Black unemployment, investments in Black-owned businesses, and significant healthcare improvements. He mentioned efforts to address climate change and environmental justice, particularly in Black communities affected by pollution.
The president also discussed student debt relief, investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and criminal justice reform. He reiterated his commitment to expanding voting rights, restoring Roe v. Wade, and enacting police reform.
Biden criticized Donald Trump's presidency for its negative impact on Black Americans, highlighting issues like attempts to repeal Obamacare and tax cuts favoring the wealthy. He contrasted his administration's achievements with the Trump administration's policies and outlined his vision for the future, focusing on economic growth, fair taxation, and social justice.
He encouraged continued engagement and unity, emphasizing the importance of defending freedom, justice, and democracy. Biden expressed his belief in America's potential and the need to work together to achieve a more just and equitable society.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, and a senior Israeli interagency delegation at the White House for the U.S.-Israel Strategic Consultative Group meeting. The discussions, which included senior representatives from foreign policy, defense, and intelligence agencies, focused on countering threats from Iran and supporting Israel's security amid attacks by Lebanese Hezbollah. Sullivan reaffirmed President Biden's commitment to Israel's right to self-defense and support for a diplomatic resolution for safety and security for Israeli and Lebanese families. The talks also covered Iran's nuclear program, with measures to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and developments in Gaza, including progress towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal supported by Israel, President Biden, the UN Security Council, G7, and international countries.
On July 26, 2019, Executive Order 13882 declared a national emergency due to the situation in Mali, which poses an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. This situation includes violations of ceasefire agreements, a coup d'état, the spread of terrorist activities, drug and human trafficking, human rights abuses, foreign mercenaries, and attacks against civilians and security forces. The national emergency, initially declared by President Trump, must continue beyond July 26, 2024. President Biden has extended the national emergency for another year, as required by law. This notice will be published in the Federal Register and sent to Congress.
President Biden announced the continuation of Executive Order 13581 beyond July 24, 2024, extending it for another year. On July 24, 2011, President Obama declared a national emergency to address the threat significant transnational criminal organizations posed to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy. On March 15, 2019, Executive Order 13863 expanded measures to combat these evolving and increasingly sophisticated organizations. Despite ongoing efforts, these criminal organizations continue to pose a substantial threat. This notice will be published in the Federal Register and sent to Congress.
On July 19, 2022, Executive Order 14078 declared a national emergency to address the threat posed by hostage-taking and the wrongful detention of U.S. nationals abroad. These acts undermine the rule of law and threaten U.S. national security, foreign policy, and the economy. Terrorist organizations, criminal groups, and certain foreign states engage in these practices for financial, political, or other gains, jeopardizing the safety of U.S. nationals and the international political system. Due to the ongoing threat, the national emergency will continue for another year beyond July 19, 2024. This notice will be published in the Federal Register and sent to Congress.
In a memorandum addressed to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy, President Biden reviewed and concurred with the positions taken in their joint memorandum dated April 19, 2024. This memorandum recommended the approval of a proposed Amendment to the 1958 Agreement for Cooperation on the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defense Purposes between the United States and the United Kingdom. The President acknowledges the U.K.'s significant contributions to mutual defense and security through its participation with the U.S. under this international arrangement.
President Biden noted that the proposed Amendment would enhance cooperation between the two nations, improving their mutual defense posture and supporting their interests under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Accordingly, the President has approved the proposed Amendment to the 1958 Agreement, determining that its performance will promote and not constitute an unreasonable risk to common defense and security. He has also approved the program outlined in the proposed Amendment, similarly determining that it will promote and not pose an unreasonable risk to common defense and security. Lastly, President Biden authorized the execution of the proposed amendment for the U.S. Government in a manner specified by the Secretary of State.
President Biden Delivers Remarks During the 115th NAACP National Convention
