What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
April 15, 2024 Recap
Editor’s note: I’m on a very crowded flight to Germany with spotty Internet. If I need to update this recap with further summaries, I’ll do it when I land . Thanks for all your support!
George
President Biden announced a preliminary agreement between Samsung and the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish advanced Texas semiconductor manufacturing and research and development. This development results from the CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to restore U.S. leadership in semiconductor production and secure supply chains. The agreement involves an investment of over $40 billion by Samsung, which is expected to create at least 21,500 jobs in central Texas and bolster the region as a leading semiconductor hub. The investment also includes up to $40 million in CHIPS funding for local workforce training. This move, enhancing the production of advanced chips necessary for technologies like AI, aligns with President Biden's broader Investing in America agenda and strengthens the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
The White House released a fact sheet contrasting the tax policy objectives of House Republicans and President Joe Biden. It asserts that House Republicans prefer a tax code that benefits the wealthy and large corporations. This is evidenced by their support for a budget that includes $5.5 trillion in tax cuts primarily for the richest Americans, perpetuating the tax strategies initiated under President Trump. These proposed cuts are paired with substantial reductions in funding for key social programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
On the other hand, President Biden's tax plan focuses on fairness and supporting the middle class. His proposals include increasing corporate taxes, imposing stricter taxes on billionaires, and enhancing benefits for working families, such as expanding the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit. These measures are intended to be funded by higher taxes on the wealthy and large corporations, ensuring that individuals earning less than $400,000 annually will not face tax increases. Furthermore, The President's plan emphasizes strengthening the IRS to improve customer service and combat tax evasion among the wealthiest taxpayers.
Overall, the contrast between the two approaches centers on whom the tax policies are designed to benefit: the wealthiest Americans or the broader middle and working classes.
The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs met with 30 local leaders from 15 states to discuss implementing red flag laws. These laws enable family members or law enforcement to request a court order to temporarily restrict someone's access to firearms if they pose a risk to themselves or others. The convening was in response to Vice President Harris's push for states to utilize federal funds from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) to enforce these laws. Although $750 million has been made available for state crisis intervention programs, including red flag laws, much of this funding is still unused. Only six out of the 21 states with red flag laws are using these funds. The meeting highlighted the potential benefits of BSCA funding for red flag law implementation and encouraged more states to adopt this approach. This initiative is part of broader efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to reduce gun violence, including a new rule aimed at decreasing firearms sold without background checks.
In a meeting at the Oval Office, President Biden welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shyaa al-Sudani and addressed the recent events in the Middle East, including Iran's aerial attack on Israel and the U.S.-led military response. President Biden emphasized the U.S. commitment to Israel's security, aiming for a ceasefire to bring hostages home and prevent further conflict spread. He also highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Iraq partnership, particularly regarding security, economic cooperation, and energy independence.
Prime Minister al-Sudani thanked President Biden and noted the significance of the meeting during a "sensitive time." He stressed the evolution of U.S.-Iraq relations from primarily military cooperation to a comprehensive partnership covering economic, political, environmental, and educational aspects. Al-Sudani also mentioned the High Coordination Committee's role in advancing the Strategic Framework Agreement between the two nations. He expressed concerns about regional conflicts and emphasized adherence to international laws, especially protecting civilians.
The discussion underlined the mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional security challenges.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden spoke at Guilford Technical Community College in Greensboro, North Carolina, acknowledging Governor Roy Cooper's impactful leadership in various sectors. She highlighted the importance of community colleges in providing educational pathways beyond the traditional four-year college route, which nearly 60% of high school graduates do not pursue. Dr. Biden discussed the new "Classroom to Career" proposal introduced by President Biden, which aims to integrate community college courses into high school education through dual enrollment. This initiative is designed to make college more affordable and accessible while preparing students directly for the workforce. She cited North Carolina as a leading example in transforming education to better prepare students for future careers. She mentioned her recent visits to other community colleges in the state, emphasizing the practical skills students are acquiring. Dr. Biden concluded by reinforcing that bipartisan support for these educational initiatives is crucial for rebuilding the middle class and supporting the nation's economic growth.
The President and Vice President have released their 2023 tax returns, reinforcing a commitment to transparency. President Biden, restoring a bipartisan tradition, shared his tax details for the 26th year, marking a record for a sitting president. He and the First Lady reported a federal adjusted gross income of $619,976, paying $146,629 in federal taxes at a rate of 23.7%. Their charitable contributions amounted to $20,477, including donations to various charities like the Beau Biden Foundation and St. Joseph on the Brandywine.
The Vice President and the Second Gentleman also released their tax returns, showing a federal adjusted gross income of $450,299 and paying $88,570 in federal taxes at a 19.7% rate. Their state taxes included $15,167 for California and $11,599 for the District of Columbia, with $23,026 given to charity. This effort continues the practice of annual transparency in presidential tax disclosures.
President Biden and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’a Al-Sudani of Iraq issued a joint statement emphasizing the reaffirmed strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations. The leaders discussed enhancing political, economic, and security collaborations to promote regional stability and uphold Iraqi sovereignty. A significant focus was placed on energy and environmental initiatives, with discussions on making Iraq energy self-sufficient by 2030 through U.S. support in modernizing the energy sector and completing electrical grid connections with neighboring countries.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted regional integration and political cooperation efforts, emphasizing strengthening Iraq's international relationships and economic ties with the Middle East and supporting democratic processes in Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Economic and financial reforms were also key topics, with both leaders discussing reforms in Iraq's banking and financial sectors aimed at increasing global economic connectivity, attracting foreign investment, and combating corruption and money laundering.
Security issues, particularly the ongoing fight against ISIS, were critically addressed, with both leaders reiterating their commitment to a stable and secure Iraq capable of self-defense and preventing any resurgence of ISIS. The discussions also covered the future of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and transitioning to bilateral security cooperation.
The statement concluded with a pledge to continue the robust bilateral partnership, expanding cooperation across discussed areas and maintaining a shared vision for a productive partnership that advances mutual interests in stability, economic growth, and security. This dialogue underscored the enduring commitment to collaboration between the U.S. and Iraq, focusing on mutual benefits and regional stability.
President Biden hosted Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala at the White House to discuss various matters of mutual interest. They celebrated the Czech Republic's 25th anniversary in NATO and its commitment to defense spending of at least 2% of GDP. The meeting highlighted the U.S.-Czech defense relationship, notably the Czech purchase of 24 U.S. F-35s for $4.5 billion, enhancing Czech defense capabilities and supporting U.S. jobs.
The leaders expressed strong support for Ukraine amidst Russia's invasion and condemned Iran's attacks against Israel, affirming Israel's right to self-defense. They discussed challenges in the Middle East, including efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza. Additionally, Biden and Fiala planned to sign a memorandum of understanding to combat foreign information manipulation and strengthen their energy security ties, strategic relationships/ and shared democratic values.
President Biden meets with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’a Al-Sudani of Iraq at The White House
What did Joe Biden not do today?
Sit in a courtroom for jury selection.