What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
February 6 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a significant component of the Investing in America agenda and the largest internet affordability initiative in U.S. history, has reached a milestone by aiding 23 million households (1 in 6 across the country) in lowering their monthly internet bills by $30-$75. This program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has enabled most eligible families to access high-speed internet for free, thanks to collaboration with internet providers.
However, the program faces a potential end this spring without further Congressional action, as it requires an additional $6 billion to continue. The administration has requested this funding to prevent the cessation of new enrollments and the widening digital divide. The ACP is crucial for facilitating access to essential services and opportunities in education, healthcare, work, and more, especially in underserved, rural, and veteran communities and among older Americans.
Notable achievements of the ACP include significant enrollment from military families, seniors, African American and Latino households, and enhanced support for 320,000 households in Tribal lands. The Biden-Harris Administration urges Congress to extend the program through 2024 to maintain these benefits and continue progress toward closing the digital divide.
A U.S.-Colombia Joint Communique highlighted the ongoing strategic partnership between the United States and Colombia, focusing on advancing shared regional goals. President Gustavo Petro of Colombia and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer of the U.S. discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues. They emphasized their commitment to strengthening regional competitiveness and investment through the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity. Both parties also reaffirmed their dedication to addressing irregular international migration humanely, safely, and orderly via a regional approach, citing efforts under the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
The communique also covered the acceleration of the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement to enhance security, democratic institutions, and economic opportunities in Colombia. The ongoing peace negotiations with armed groups, a key priority for President Petro, were also reviewed.
Additionally, the situation in Venezuela was discussed, with both sides underscoring the importance of the Barbados Agreement and the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the fulfillment of the agreed electoral roadmap. This meeting reflects both countries' commitment to work together on crucial issues affecting the region.
The Biden-Harris Administration has focused on advancing racial justice and equity for Black Americans and communities across the country, leveraging the full force of the Federal Government to ensure the promise of America for all. Over the past three years, efforts have resulted in significant economic and social progress for Black Americans, including a 60% increase in wealth compared to pre-pandemic levels and the creation of 2.6 million jobs for Black workers, achieving the lowest Black unemployment rate on record.
Key initiatives include:
Economic Opportunity: Implementation of the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act has helped to address economic inequities, with notable achievements like the historic economic recovery, doubling the wealth of Black families relative to pre-pandemic levels, and halving the number of Black children living in poverty in 2021.
Support for Black-Owned Businesses: The administration has seen the fastest creation rate of Black-owned businesses in over 30 years, with significant improvements in the availability of capital and federal contracts for small disadvantaged businesses.
Housing and Discrimination: Efforts to increase access to housing and combat discrimination include establishing eviction prevention infrastructure, proposing further fair housing, and taking action to combat bias in home appraisals.
Educational Opportunities: Over $136 billion in student loan debt cancellation benefits, the largest Pell Grant increase in a decade, and historic investments in HBCUs have been made to support Black students.
Health Outcomes: Black enrollment in health care coverage has increased by 49%, and initiatives to replace lead pipes and expand postpartum coverage aim to address health disparities.
Voting Rights and Democracy: The administration has taken steps to protect voting rights and enhance election integrity, including signing the Electoral Reform Count Act and increasing funding for voting rights enforcement.
Gun Violence: Efforts to address gun violence, a leading cause of death for Black Americans, include the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the establishment of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
Criminal Justice Reform: Executive actions to improve federal policing standards, address marijuana possession pardons, and support rehabilitation and reentry strategies have been implemented to enhance public safety and trust.
The Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive approach aims to create a more equitable society by investing in economic, educational, health, and justice reforms that benefit Black Americans and other underserved communities.
NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby held a press gaggle via teleconference. Several key topics were addressed, highlighting the current geopolitical concerns and the U.S. government's stance on them:
Support for Ukraine and Indo-Pacific Security: Kirby emphasized the urgency of passing the President's national security supplemental funding request, highlighting the critical importance of support for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region. The collective letter from U.S. ambassadors across the Indo-Pacific to Congress was mentioned, stressing the interconnectedness of global security challenges.
Clarification and Apology: Kirby issued a correction and apology regarding his previous statements about pre-notification to Iraqi officials before strikes on Iran-backed militia groups, underlining the importance of accuracy and transparency in communications.
Discussions with the German Chancellor: The upcoming discussions between President Biden and the German Chancellor were outlined, focusing on Ukraine, support mechanisms using Russian assets, and broader geopolitical challenges, including support for Israel and the NATO summit's strategic planning.
U.S.-Qatar Proposal and Hostage Negotiations: The ongoing negotiations for a hostage release deal with Hamas were mentioned, clarifying that these efforts are separate from the discussions about normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Supplemental Assistance for Ukraine and Israel: The critical nature of the supplemental assistance for Ukraine's battlefield needs and Israel's security was underscored, with Kirby highlighting the direct impact on operational decisions and the urgency of replenishing defense capabilities.
Engagement with Iran and Hamas: Kirby noted the absence of backchannel communications with Iran following recent military actions and described the communication challenges with Hamas through intermediaries like Qatar in negotiating hostage releases.
The press gaggle reflects the U.S. administration's efforts to navigate complex international security challenges, the importance of legislative support for foreign aid, and the ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure peace and stability in volatile regions.
President Biden delivered remarks at The White House urging Congress to pass the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, highlighting the bipartisan efforts to reform the U.S. immigration system. He criticized Donald Trump for opposing the bill, alleging that Trump's opposition is politically motivated and is influencing Republicans to vote against the proposal. Biden outlined the bill's benefits, including securing the border with additional agents and technology, speeding up the asylum process, and increasing legal immigration opportunities. He also emphasized the bill's provisions for funding Ukraine and Israel, portraying opposition to the bill as support for Putin and detrimental to American interests. Biden urged Republicans to prioritize the American people over political allegiance to Trump and warned that failure to pass the bill would be publicly attributed to Trump and his followers. He deferred questions on the bill and related issues, promising to address them in a future session.
President Biden issued a proclamation declaring February 4 through February 10, 2024, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week. It emphasized the United States' commitment to expanding educational opportunities for everyone, especially Native American students who have historically been marginalized and subjected to federal policies aimed at assimilation through education, which resulted in cultural and physical violence against Native communities.
The proclamation highlighted the transformative power of education and the unique role that Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) play in providing culturally relevant education that supports the success of Native American students. It mentioned the administration's efforts to support TCUs and improve educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity for Native American students, including an Executive Order to strengthen TCUs and increase collaboration with Tribal Nations.
Additionally, the proclamation outlined steps the administration took to make higher education more affordable for all students, including increasing the maximum Pell Grant, fixing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and introducing measures to reduce the burden of student loans.
By proclaiming National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week, President Biden recommended supporting TCUs as they empowered young Native American leaders and contributed to building a more inclusive America.
The Biden-Harris Administration recently hosted a gathering at the White House with community college presidents and provosts from across 21 states. This meeting aimed to discuss how these institutions contribute to building a skilled workforce in response to the growing sectors energized by President Biden's Investing in America agenda. This agenda includes significant initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and American Rescue Plan, all of which demand a skilled workforce in clean energy, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductors.
The administration has channeled substantial investments into community colleges to aid them in their pivotal role of preparing a diverse, skilled workforce. This includes funding through programs like the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technical Education program, the Department of Labor’s Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants, and the Department of Commerce’s Tech Hubs program.
During the convening, over 30 community college leaders shared their strategies for recruiting and training a diverse student body, creating partnerships with K-12 systems, employers, labor unions, and local elected officials, among other things. They also discussed how the Biden-Harris Administration could further support their efforts. The event underscored the Administration's commitment to strengthening community colleges as a key component of its broader strategy to prepare a skilled workforce for the future.
The President signed into law:
S. 3427, the “Overtime Pay for Protective Services Act of 2023,” extends through 2028 the waiver that allows U.S. Secret Service employees performing protective services to receive premium pay up to level II of the Executive Schedule.
Vice President Kamala Harris spoke passionately about the importance of reproductive freedoms during her visit to the Savannah Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia. She highlighted the significance of freedom as a foundational American ideal, including the freedom to make decisions about one's own body. Harris criticized the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, describing it as a removal of a constitutional right that Americans had relied on for nearly half a century. She condemned the extreme laws in various states that criminalize healthcare providers and restrict women's access to abortion, including in Georgia, where laws make no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
Harris shared personal stories from her career and experiences to illustrate the impact of these restrictions on women's lives. She emphasized the healthcare crisis created by abortion bans and the disproportionate effects on women of reproductive age, highlighting Georgia's high maternal mortality rate and the challenges women face in accessing necessary healthcare.
The Vice President criticized former President Donald Trump for his role in appointing Supreme Court justices who contributed to overturning Roe vs. Wade and condemned efforts to impose a national abortion ban. She affirmed President Joe Biden's commitment to vetoing such legislation and stressed the administration's efforts to protect and expand reproductive rights.
Harris called for the restoration of Roe's protections through congressional action and encouraged collective efforts to support reproductive freedoms. She highlighted the broad public support for reproductive rights across the country, regardless of political affiliation, and ended her speech with a rallying cry for continued advocacy and the assurance that fighting for these rights leads to victories.
This summary captures the essence of Vice President Harris's remarks, focusing on the key themes of freedom, the consequences of restrictive laws, the administration's stance on reproductive rights, and the call to action for Americans to support and restore reproductive freedoms.
The Biden-Harris Administration commemorated the third anniversary of the National Security Memorandum (NSM-3) signed by President Biden on February 4, 2021, to revitalize America's foreign policy and national security workforce, institutions, and partnerships. The memorandum highlights the importance of a prepared, professional, and diverse workforce in protecting the homeland, advancing America's interests abroad, and projecting core values. It underscores the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to providing the national security workforce with the necessary tools, training, and support to realize their potential.
Key achievements since the signing of NSM-3 include:
The establishment of the interagency NSM-3 Working Group to urgently address tasks and goals, chaired by the Principal Deputy National Security Advisor and supported by co-chairs from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Expansion of recruitment and retention pathways, including increasing paid internships, scholarship-for-service programs, and fellowship programs across national security departments and agencies.
Enhancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) through hiring Chief Diversity Officers, creating DEIA strategic plans, and launching partnerships with minority-serving institutions and initiatives for workplace safety and sexual harassment.
Implementation of strategies to attract and retain diverse talent, improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, and shorten hiring timelines.
Promotion of family support for employees stationed overseas and military-connected families, including guidance on flexible work arrangements and career support for military spouses.
Focus on technical and specialized talent recruitment, skills-based hiring, and professional development to close mission-critical skill gaps.
The Fact Sheet emphasizes ongoing efforts to improve public outreach, hiring practices, skills development, and critical skills recruitment to ensure the national security and foreign policy workforce is equipped to meet current and future challenges. The administration remains committed to building partnerships to motivate the next generation of public servants, confident in the U.S. government and the American people's ability to address these significant tasks.
Vice President Kamala Harris in Georgia as she continues her Fight For Reproductive Freedoms Tour
