What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Weekend Recap: June 15-16, 2024
President Biden celebrated the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, highlighting its positive impact on over 800,000 Dreamers who contributed to the nation. He emphasized his commitment to supporting Dreamers by directing the Department of Homeland Security to "preserve and fortify" DACA and expanding access to healthcare for DACA recipients. Biden called on Congress to provide permanent stability for Dreamers and their families through comprehensive immigration reform.
Vice President Harris commemorated the 12th anniversary of DACA, acknowledging the significant contributions of over 800,000 Dreamers to the United States. She underscored the importance of protecting Dreamers, noting their roles in various sectors and communities. Harris recounted her efforts to defend DACA as Attorney General of California and as a U.S. Senator. She, alongside President Biden, continued to advocate for Dreamers' protection and called on Congress to pass legislation for their permanent citizenship, emphasizing the urgency for a lasting solution.
Vice President Harris met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine in Lucerne, Switzerland, during the Summit on Peace in Ukraine. Harris reaffirmed the U.S.'s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression and emphasized the importance of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. She condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and announced over $1.5 billion in additional assistance for Ukraine's energy, humanitarian, and security needs.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. for its continued support, including a recent bilateral security agreement and congressional funding. Both leaders stressed the importance of diplomacy in achieving peace, with Harris highlighting the strategic interest of the U.S. in supporting Ukraine and upholding international norms. Harris also acknowledged Ukraine's resilient defense and committed to helping Ukraine rebuild, announcing significant U.S. aid for energy repairs, humanitarian relief, and civilian security.
Vice President Harris delivered remarks at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held at Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland. She thanked Presidents Amherd and Zelenskyy for hosting the summit and reflected on her first meeting with Zelenskyy in February 2022, just before Russia invaded Ukraine. She reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting Ukraine and upholding international principles, including the right of people to choose their government, respect for sovereignty, and the rule of law.
Harris condemned Russia's aggression, emphasizing its threat to global security and international norms. She highlighted that Russia's actions challenge the principles of the U.N. Charter, which Russia, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, should uphold. She warned that failing to respond to such aggression could embolden other aggressors and lead to global instability.
The Vice President reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine and imposing costs on Russia while working towards a just and lasting peace based on U.N. principles and the will of the Ukrainian people. She underscored the importance of returning kidnapped Ukrainian children and enhancing global food and energy security. She criticized Putin's recent proposal as a call for surrender rather than genuine negotiations.
Harris emphasized that America's support for Ukraine aligns with its strategic interests and noted the unity among over 90 nations in supporting international norms against Russia's war. She highlighted the Biden administration's dedication to upholding the international rules-based order.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan praised President Amherd and President Zelenskyy for successfully hosting a summit that brought together representatives from 100 countries and institutions, demonstrating global support for a just peace in Ukraine. The summit emphasized the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, rejecting the notion that any nation can conquer another by force. Sullivan highlighted that the summit provided Ukraine a platform to negotiate confidently for its sovereignty and a just peace.
The working groups addressed practical steps for food security, nuclear security, and the return of abducted children. Sullivan contrasted the summit's vision of peace with President Putin's recent demands, which included Ukraine ceding more territory and disarming. He criticized Putin's proposals as unreasonable and contrary to the UN Charter, morality, and common sense. Sullivan affirmed that the vision presented at the summit, rooted in universally accepted principles, represents the right path forward. He concluded by stating that the United States will continue to support Ukraine until peace is achieved.
President Biden issued a statement on Eid al-Adha, extending heartfelt wishes to American Muslims and Muslims worldwide for a blessed holiday. He highlights the significance of Eid al-Adha as a time for prayer, reflection, and community, emphasizing its values of equality, charity, and unity.
Biden acknowledges the diverse contributions of American Muslims to the nation and notes the increased representation of Muslims in his administration. He expresses concern for global conflicts affecting Muslims, including the war in Gaza and the conflicts in Sudan, Burma, and China. Biden reaffirms his commitment to addressing Islamophobia in the U.S. and promoting respect and unity among all communities.
He concludes by encouraging everyone to embrace compassion, empathy, and mutual respect, core values of American and Islamic traditions, and wishes a blessed Eid to all Muslims.
Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug, also extended Eid al-Adha greetings to Muslims in the U.S. and worldwide, emphasizing prayer, reflection, and community. They expressed gratitude for Muslim Americans' contributions and noted the record number serving in their administration.
Harris recalled hosting Muslim leaders at the Vice President’s Residence last year, celebrating their contributions and pledging to combat hate. She acknowledged increased hate-fueled attacks and mentioned the administration's National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia.
Addressing the Gaza conflict, Harris highlighted efforts to end the war, free hostages, deliver humanitarian aid, and promote security for Palestinians and Israelis. She called for compassion, empathy, and respect, wishing everyone Eid Mubarak.
The Biden-Harris Administration has implemented various measures to combat Islamophobia and related forms of discrimination in the U.S. Key actions include:
National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia: Announced in November, this strategy is being developed with input from affected communities and aims to address discrimination against Muslim, Arab, Sikh, and South Asian Americans.
Recognition of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia: President Biden marked this day on March 15, 2024, emphasizing the need to protect Muslims worldwide from hate and violence. The Department of Education and Department of Justice issued statements and resources to support Muslim communities.
Funding and Security Enhancements: The administration secured $400 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to protect houses of worship, including mosques. The DHS and DOJ released a guide on enhancing security at places of worship.
Workplace Discrimination Resources: The EEOC and the Department of Labor provided resources and guidance on preventing workplace discrimination against Muslim, Arab, Middle Eastern, Palestinian, Sikh, and South Asian individuals.
Educational Support: The Department of Education released resources to support Muslim students and ensure schools address discrimination. It also provided guidance on protected religious expression in schools.
Housing and Food Security: The Department of Housing and Urban Development prioritized combating religious discrimination through partnerships and funding. The USDA worked to increase access to halal food for communities with religious dietary needs.
Data Collection Improvements: The Office of Management and Budget introduced a new reporting category for Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) in federal data collection to better reflect these communities.
Cultural Initiatives: Agencies launched the "Artists for Understanding" initiative to use arts and humanities to counter hate and discrimination against various communities, including Muslims.
Military and Veterans Affairs: The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs incorporated measures to identify and counter Islamophobia and related biases within their organizations.
The Biden campaign and its allies raised over $30 million at a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles, breaking the Democratic Party's fundraising record. President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and comedian Jimmy Kimmel attended. The fundraiser's proceeds will support campaign offices, organizers, and media outreach.
Initially, the event raised $28 million, surpassing a previous record set at a March fundraiser in New York City. The Los Angeles event featured a conversation moderated by Kimmel between Biden and Obama, touching on policy issues and criticizing former President Donald Trump.
The fundraiser included performances and appearances by celebrities such as Jack Black, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jason Bateman, and Kathryn Hahn. Barbra Streisand introduced First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. The first lady highlighted the election's focus on character, contrasting Biden with Trump.
The Biden campaign ended April with over $84 million, outpacing Trump's $49 million. Trump’s campaign claimed to have raised over $34 million after his recent conviction, though this has not been independently verified.
Source: NBC News
Vice President Harris at the Summit On Peace In Ukraine held in Lucerne, Switzerland
Thank you so much for this encouragement. It is heartening to hear good things coming from our government.