What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 5 Recap
In his first speech kicking off his 2024 re-election campaign, President Biden underscored the critical importance of democracy and its current challenges. He drew parallels to the historical struggles of the Continental Army at Valley Forge, highlighting the enduring strength of American democracy. The speech addressed the events of January 6, 2021, condemning Donald Trump's role in inciting violence and attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. Biden called for unity, emphasizing the need to defend democratic values and reject political violence. The speech outlined the contrast between Trump's self-centered approach and Biden's commitment to preserving and strengthening American democracy. Biden also touched on foreign relations, cautioning against the erosion of democratic principles observed in other countries. The president expressed optimism about the future, urging citizens to recall the nation's resilience and ability to overcome challenges collectively.
President Biden released a statement on the December Jobs Report, highlighting the positive economic trends in 2023. The report indicates the creation of 2.7 million new jobs, with consistently low unemployment rates below 4 percent throughout the year. Despite this, President Biden acknowledges the challenge of high prices for some goods and services. He emphasizes ongoing efforts to reduce everyday costs for Americans, such as lowering the prices of insulin, prescription drugs, and energy, addressing hidden fees, and advocating for corporations to pass on savings to consumers. Additionally, the President expresses determination to oppose Republican initiatives that could negatively impact Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security while advocating for policies that benefit American workers and families.
President Biden celebrated a significant achievement in curbing gun violence through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, announcing that over 500 illegal gun purchases by individuals under 21 have been thwarted due to enhanced background checks. The legislation aims to prevent firearms access for young people with criminal records or deemed a threat. Biden emphasizes the positive impact on preventing suicides, domestic violence, and mass shootings, asserting that the law is saving lives. He connects this success to his broader plan to enhance public safety, citing a notable drop in crime in 2023. The President expresses pride in his executive actions against gun violence and calls for further measures, including universal background checks, assault weapons bans, and a national red flag law, to address the ongoing epidemic.
In a letter to the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate, President Biden reported on recent military action in accordance with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). The President justified the military action by citing the need to protect U.S. citizens and national security interests, exercising constitutional authority as Commander in Chief, and adhering to the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force and the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq. The letter emphasized the action's compliance with international law, particularly Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. President Biden expressed readiness for further action if required and provided additional classified information in an attached annex. The President concluded the letter by expressing gratitude for Congress's support.
The President released a statement expressing concern and opposition to the Idaho Supreme Court's order allowing that state’s abortion ban to be reinstated. He argued that such extreme abortion bans, a result of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, jeopardize women's health, force them to seek care out of state, and hinder doctors' ability to provide necessary care. The President emphasized that healthcare decisions should be between women and their doctors, not politicians. He pledged to defend women's access to emergency care under federal law. He called on Congress to promptly restore the protections of Roe v. Wade to ensure nationwide access to essential healthcare for women.
President Biden gives campaign speech in Valley Forge, PA
