What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 13 Recap
NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson issued a statement that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will travel to Israel on Thursday, December 14 and Friday, December 15 to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu, his War Cabinet, and President Herzog to discuss the latest developments in Israel and Gaza.
Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre issued a statement regarding the Supreme Court Review of Fifth Circuit Decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. The Supreme Court has agreed to review the Fifth Circuit’s decision on mifepristone, which threatens to undermine the FDA’s scientific, independent judgment and would reimpose outdated restrictions on access to safe and effective medication abortion.
President Biden issued a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade, declaring a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by global illicit drug trafficking.
The President issued a Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade.
Vice President Kamala Harris gave remarks at a convening of state legislators on advancing efforts on gun violence prevention at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C.
President Biden issued a statement on the agreement reached by world leaders at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
At COP28, world leaders reached another historic milestone – committing, for the first time, to transition away from the fossil fuels that jeopardize our planet and our people, agreeing to triple renewable energy globally by 2030, and more.
The president gave remarks at a meeting of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor Akiba Takeo of Japan, and National Security Advisor Eduardo Año of the Philippines held a trilateral phone call on December 13, 2023, to reaffirm their commitment to freedom of navigation and international law in the South China Sea and East China Sea and the fundamental importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Read more…
Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Mike Pyle visited Buenos Aires and met with senior members of President Milei of Argentina’s administration, including Chief of Cabinet Nicolas Posse, Economy Minister Luis Caputo, and Central Bank President Santiago Bausili.
Deputy National Security Advisor Pyle discussed President Milei’s plans for Argentina’s economy, underscoring the importance of laying the foundation for economic growth to create opportunities for working families. They also discussed areas where the United States and Argentina can strengthen their cooperation, including on advancing the clean energy transition and spurring private sector investment in the country. Read more…
President Biden declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Tennessee and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and tornadoes on December 9, 2023.
The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery, and Sumner.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Read more…
Administrator Isabel Guzman of the Small Business Administration, Director Lael Brainard of the National Economic Council, and Gene Sperling, the White House American Rescue Plan Coordinator, convened with participants from the Community Navigator Pilot Program to deliberate on the impactful changes the program has brought about in assisting historically underserved small businesses in gaining access to vital support.
Funded by the American Rescue Plan through the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Small Business Community Navigators Pilot Program stands as the most substantial federal investment ever dedicated to navigator services for small businesses. Tailored to dismantle barriers confronting various small businesses in accessing crucial assistance, including those owned by disadvantaged groups such as veterans, women, and individuals from rural and communities of color, the Community Navigator program allocated competitive funding to 51 organizations. These entities collaborated with numerous local groups, facilitating the connection of entrepreneurs with resources aimed at helping their small businesses rebound and prosper. Learn more about the Small Business Community Navigators Pilot Program.
The President issued a statement on the “baseless House Republican impeachment stunt,” where he criticized congressional Republicans for ignoring the immediate need to fund Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression and Israel’s continuing conflict with Hamas. His statement never mentioned today’s impeachment inquiry vote along party lines. Read the statement.
A press briefing was held by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby. Watch the briefing.
President Biden convened with the relatives of Americans held captive by Hamas on Wednesday. This meeting took place amidst an escalation of Israel's military operations in Gaza, following a temporary halt in hostilities during which over 100 hostages were freed. Read more…
Vice President Harris, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs convened 100 state legislators to announce the Biden-Harris Administration’s Safer States Initiative to reduce gun violence and save lives.
This was the largest White House convening of state legislators to discuss gun violence prevention and falls right before state legislative sessions kick off in 2024. During the convening, White House officials and state legislators discussed the Safer States Agenda, which highlights key actions states can take to end the epidemic of gun violence, including the establishment of state offices focused on gun violence prevention, strengthening support for survivors and victims, and establishing industry accountability and standards. Read more…
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today with Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. They discussed a number of bilateral and regional matters, including ongoing efforts to create new conditions for an enduring and sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians. They also discussed the humanitarian response in Gaza, including efforts to increase the flow of critical aid. Finally, they discussed areas of deepening bilateral cooperation in the fields of security, commerce, space exploration, and advanced technologies, including open radio access (O-Ran) networks.
President Biden meets with families of American hostages being held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with more than 100 state legislators and gun safety advocates to share policy solutions in our continued work to prevent gun violence.
