President Biden criticized the Florida Supreme Court's decision on abortion access, stating it limits women's access to essential medical care by upholding a ban on reproductive choices and potentially triggering more restrictive laws. He condemned these measures as dangerous, infringing on women's health care decisions and threatening physicians with penalties. The President, alongside Vice President Harris, affirmed their support for reproductive rights and urged Congress to enact legislation to reinstate Roe v. Wade's protections nationwide.
On March 27, the White House's Offices of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement hosted 30 leaders from Hawaiʻi in the "Communities in Action" series, focusing on the impact of significant legislative actions like the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation Reduction Act in Hawaiʻi. The event addressed support efforts for Maui's wildfire recovery, involving local officials, Native Hawaiian elders, educators, and others to discuss leveraging federal investments for community benefits. This forum, held in Oʻahu for those unable to travel to Washington D.C., featured discussions with key Biden-Harris administration officials, highlighting ongoing support for Native Hawaiian communities and broader federal progress initiatives.
President Biden and President Xi Jinping of China held a candid and constructive call following their November 2023 meeting in California. They discussed bilateral, regional, and global issues, emphasizing cooperation and addressing differences in counternarcotics, military communication, AI risks, climate change, and cultural exchanges.
The President stressed the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait, lawful maritime navigation, concerns over China's support for Russia, the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and issues with China's trade practices and economic policies affecting American interests. Both leaders agreed on the importance of open communication and diplomacy in responsibly managing their countries' relations.
The National Security Council held a background press call on the U.S.'s engagement with China. The call covered the discussions between President Biden and President Xi Jinping, focusing on maintaining open communication to manage competition and avoid conflict. It updated on progress since their last in-person meetings and highlighted areas of cooperation such as counternarcotics, AI risk management, military communication, and climate issues.
The call also touched upon significant concerns, including China’s actions in the South China Sea, its support for Russia's involvement in Ukraine, unfair economic practices, and human rights abuses. Reaffirmation of the U.S. One China policy and the significance of peace across the Taiwan Strait were noted as key discussion points. The briefing concluded with a question-and-answer session, covering topics from potential outcomes of the call, election interference, the situation in the Middle East, and military engagements, among other concerns. The dialogue underscored the complex dynamics of the U.S.-China relationship, highlighting the continuous diplomatic efforts required to navigate mutual concerns, manage competitive elements, and effectively address global and regional challenges.
President Biden paid tribute to Lou Conter, a national hero and the last known survivor of the U.S.S. Arizona attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Conter, who passed away at 102, was celebrated for his extraordinary service to the country, beginning as a quartermaster on the Arizona. Despite surviving the catastrophic explosion that killed 1,177 crewmen, Conter's dedication continued as he became a Naval pilot, participating in numerous combat missions during World War II and the Korean War and later serving as the Navy's first SERE officer. President Biden highlighted Conter's unwavering commitment to his fellow service members and his attendance at the annual Pearl Harbor memorial services. The President extended condolences to Conter's family and commended the patriotism and sacrifice of American service members, emphasizing the nation's profound gratitude for their service.
Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Tom Perez and Assistant to the President and Director of the Gender Policy Council Jennifer Klein convened state leaders last week to discuss paid family and medical leave, highlighting legislative efforts and learning from states with successful programs. This meeting, part of the "Month of Action on Care," underscored the Administration's dedication to establishing a national paid family and medical leave program, as outlined in President Biden’s FY 2025 Budget. The Administration praised the thirteen states and the District of Columbia that have enacted paid leave laws and reiterated the call for a national program. Participants included New Jersey, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Mexico officials, sharing insights from their advocacy and implementation experiences.
President Biden expressed outrage and sorrow over the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers, including an American, in Gaza. He emphasized the need for a prompt and transparent investigation by Israel into the airstrike that killed these humanitarian workers. The President highlighted the broader issue of the danger faced by aid workers in Gaza due to insufficient protection measures, stressing the high casualty rates among them in the current conflict. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and urged Israel to facilitate this process and to work towards an immediate ceasefire. President Biden also shared his condolences with Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, praising the organization's global humanitarian efforts.
President Biden on a teleconference call with China’s President Xi Jinping
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