What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
August 9, 2024 Recap
Two years after the enactment of the CHIPS and Science Act, the Biden-Harris Administration is celebrating significant achievements in revitalizing U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, creating jobs, and strengthening national security. Since the act's signing, over $395 billion in semiconductor and electronics investments have been announced, leading to the creation of more than 115,000 jobs. These investments are largely driven by the Department of Commerce's CHIPS Incentives program, which has provided substantial funding and loans to companies across the U.S., aiming to boost domestic semiconductor production. The U.S., which previously produced none of the world's most advanced chips, is now on track to produce nearly 30% of the global supply by 2032.
The CHIPS Act is also making significant strides in workforce development, with hundreds of millions of dollars allocated to training and education initiatives, including $250 million earmarked for local workforce development. These efforts are complemented by the establishment of workforce hubs in key regions, creating pipelines for Americans to access good-paying jobs in the growing semiconductor industry. Additionally, the Act mandates robust childcare plans for workers, ensuring that families are supported as new facilities are built.
On a regional level, the CHIPS Act is driving economic development and innovation through investments in Tech Hubs and the Recompete Pilot Program, targeting economically distressed areas with the potential for high-quality job creation. The National Science Foundation's innovation engines are also receiving significant funding, aiming to pave the way for future advancements in semiconductors and related technologies.
National security is a critical focus of the CHIPS Act, with measures in place to protect U.S. technology from foreign misuse. The Act supports the production of semiconductors essential to defense and aerospace industries while fostering international collaborations to strengthen global supply chain resilience.
Finally, the CHIPS Act is heavily investing in innovation, with billions allocated to advanced packaging manufacturing and research facilities. These initiatives are set to maintain U.S. leadership in cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital twins, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of semiconductor research and development. Overall, the CHIPS and Science Act is positioned as a transformative initiative that is reshaping the U.S. semiconductor landscape while bolstering economic growth and national security.
President Biden has declared an emergency in Vermont due to Tropical Depression Debby, starting on August 8, 2024. This declaration enables federal assistance to support state and local response efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is authorized to coordinate disaster relief to mitigate the impact on affected communities. The federal government will fund 75% of emergency protective measures. For some counties, this includes mass care, evacuation, and shelter support, while others will receive direct federal assistance.
The White House released a fact sheet outlining the significant impact of the Bipartisan PACT Act, which was signed into law by President Biden two years ago to expand benefits and services for veterans exposed to toxic substances, such as those from burn pits. Since its enactment, over 1 million veterans and 10,000 survivors have received more than $6.8 billion in benefits, with the VA processing over 1.5 million claims, delivering benefits faster than ever. Additionally, the PACT Act has facilitated the enrollment of 739,421 veterans in VA health care, with a marked increase in participation from veterans across different generations.
The act also prioritizes the health of veterans by screening nearly 5.7 million for toxic exposures and prioritizing claims for those with cancer as part of the President’s Cancer Moonshot. Veterans who served in Karshi-Khanabad (K2) in Uzbekistan are receiving additional support due to potential toxic exposure during their service. Furthermore, the Biden administration has established the VSAFE Task Force to protect veterans and their families from fraud, providing resources like a centralized website and call line for reporting scams.
In addition to health and fraud protections, the PACT Act addresses broader veteran issues such as homelessness and employment. Efforts are being made to end veteran homelessness, secure jobs, and increase the VA’s capacity to serve them effectively. Mental health support is also a priority, with the VA removing cost-sharing for behavioral health visits and expanding access to mental health services. New programs are in place to support caregivers of veterans, reflecting the administration’s commitment to addressing the needs of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service and ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.
President Biden issued a memorandum delegating authority to the Secretary of State under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The memorandum authorizes the Secretary of State to direct the drawdown of up to $125 million in defense articles, services from the Department of Defense, and military education and training to provide assistance to Ukraine. The Secretary of State is also empowered to make the necessary determinations to execute this drawdown. The memorandum directs that it be published in the Federal Register.
President Joe Biden authorized the continuation of U.S. drug interdiction assistance to the Government of Colombia. The President certifies that the interdiction of aircraft suspected of illicit drug trafficking in Colombian airspace is necessary due to the significant threat posed by drug trafficking to Colombia's national security. The memorandum also confirms that Colombia has procedures to protect against innocent loss of life during these operations. The Secretary of State is directed to publish this determination and notify Congress.
At a campaign event in Phoenix, AZ, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz delivered passionate speeches aimed at rallying support for the upcoming 2024 election. Both speakers underscored the significance of this moment in American history, emphasizing the need for civic engagement, unity, and a forward-looking vision for the country.
Governor Walz began by sharing his personal journey from being a high school social studies teacher and football coach to serving as a U.S. Congressman for 12 years. He recalled how his students encouraged him to run for office, leading him to a career in public service, where he focused on veterans' affairs and agricultural issues. Walz highlighted his commitment to the common good and contrasted his approach to leadership with that of former President Donald Trump, whom he criticized for prioritizing self-interest over public service and for exacerbating national divisions. Walz also shared a personal story about his and his wife's struggle with infertility, using it to emphasize the importance of reproductive rights and personal freedom. He warned that another Trump administration could threaten these freedoms, as well as critical issues like healthcare and gun safety. Walz ended his speech by urging the audience to vote and to mobilize others, stressing that the upcoming election is a crucial turning point for the country.
Vice President Harris followed Walz with a speech that was met with enthusiastic applause. She began by thanking the crowd and acknowledging the presence of key Democratic leaders from Arizona, including Senator Mark Kelly and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Harris praised their dedication and leadership, particularly highlighting Kelly's service as a fighter pilot and astronaut. Bringing greetings from President Joe Biden, Harris emphasized the administration's commitment to fighting for democracy. She acknowledged the challenges of the campaign, framing them as an opportunity for hard work and determination.
Drawing on her background as a prosecutor and former Attorney General of California, Harris argued that she has spent her career fighting against individuals like Trump, whom she described as embodying fraud, abuse, and exploitation. She sharply criticized Trump’s record, particularly his handling of immigration, healthcare, and economic policy, and accused him of exploiting these issues for political gain. In contrast, Harris outlined her vision for the future, which includes affordable healthcare, comprehensive immigration reform with strong border security, and protections for reproductive rights.
A central part of Harris’s speech was her denunciation of Trump’s “Project 2025” agenda, which she described as a dangerous blueprint for dismantling the middle class, rolling back environmental protections, and undermining social safety nets like Social Security and Medicare. She warned that a second Trump term would be even more regressive and dangerous than his first, urging the crowd to prevent this by voting and mobilizing others to do the same.
Harris concluded by framing the election as a choice between chaos and compassion, between a future that embraces the ideals of democracy and one that retreats into authoritarianism. She called on the audience to use their power as voters to shape the future of the country and to fight for the promise of America. Both Harris and Walz ended their speeches on a hopeful note, expressing confidence in the power of collective action and the resilience of American democracy, urging everyone to get involved and make their voices heard in the crucial months ahead.
Vice President Harris gives remarks at a campaign rally in Phoenix, AZ
