What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
July 29, 2024 Recap
President Biden wrote an op-ed article published by the Washington Post in which he outlined a comprehensive plan to reform the Supreme Court and ensure accountability for presidents. He emphasized that no one, including the president or Supreme Court justices, should be above the law. He criticized the Supreme Court's decision to grant broad immunity to presidents, warning that this ruling could allow unchecked actions, such as the incitement of the January 6 Capitol attack, without legal consequences.
To address these concerns, Biden proposed three key reforms. First, he called for a constitutional amendment, the No One Is Above the Law Amendment, which would explicitly eliminate immunity for crimes committed by former presidents while in office. This amendment aimed to reaffirm the foundational principle that presidential power is limited and not absolute, aligning with the nation’s belief in the rule of law rather than rule by kings or dictators.
Second, Biden suggested implementing term limits for Supreme Court justices. He highlighted that the United States is the only major constitutional democracy that grants lifetime appointments to its high court. To address this, he proposed an 18-year term for justices, with appointments every two years. This change would ensure regular updates in court membership, making the timing of nominations more predictable and reducing the likelihood that any single presidency could radically alter the court’s composition for generations.
Third, Biden advocated for establishing a binding code of conduct for Supreme Court justices. He criticized the current voluntary ethics code as weak and self-enforced. The proposed code would require justices to disclose gifts, refrain from public political activity, and recuse themselves from cases in which they or their spouses had financial or other conflicts of interest. This measure would align the Supreme Court with the ethical standards that bind other federal judges, enhancing the court’s fairness and independence.
Biden argued that these reforms were essential to restore public trust in the Supreme Court, prevent the abuse of presidential power, and strengthen the guardrails of democracy. He noted that a majority of Americans, as well as both conservative and liberal constitutional scholars, supported these changes. Biden also expressed gratitude to the bipartisan Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States for its insightful analysis, which informed some of these proposals. He concluded by reaffirming the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles, emphasizing that in America, no one is above the law, and the people rule.
President Biden announced that over 600,000 Teamster workers and retirees now have their pensions protected from significant cuts, ensuring their retirement security. This achievement is attributed to his administration's dedication to supporting American workers. Specifically, the action benefits 70,000 workers and retirees in New England, including 6,000 in New Hampshire. Previously, protections were extended to tens of thousands of Teamsters in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. This protection was made possible by the American Rescue Plan, supported solely by Congressional Democrats, which has safeguarded over 1 million union workers and retirees from severe pension cuts.
The White House published a policy update titled, How Investing in Equity Fosters the Goals of Investing in America, written by Heather Boushey, Chief Economist, Investing in America Cabinet.
When President Biden took office, he aimed to tackle economic challenges such as rising inequality and climate change, which disproportionately affect lower-income communities. His "Investing in America" agenda focuses on historic investments to enhance productive capacity while ensuring equity. The administration's policies prioritize equity by investing in disadvantaged communities and creating high-quality jobs.
Addressing inequality boosts economic growth by enabling everyone to develop their skills and talents effectively. Research indicates that eliminating racial and ethnic economic inequality could significantly increase GDP. The strong economic recovery under Biden has reduced wage inequality, with low-income and Black workers seeing substantial wage growth. The Black unemployment rate also reached a record low in 2023.
Targeting investments in economically distressed areas yields significant benefits, as shown by the Inflation Reduction Act, which spurred clean electricity investments in these regions. Private firms are increasingly investing in less advantaged areas, contributing to equitable growth across states. The administration supports minority-owned businesses with increased government-backed loans and federal procurement dollars.
Empowering workers through higher unionization rates and fair compensation improves productivity and reduces inequality. The Biden-Harris administration remains committed to tackling inequality and enabling all workers to reach their full potential, ensuring inclusive economic growth for all Americans.
The White House released a fact sheet announcing New Private Sector Investments in American Maritime Industries Due to Biden-Harris Administration Efforts. The Biden-Harris Administration is boosting the U.S. shipbuilding industry through collaborations with allies and private sector investments. HD Hyundai from South Korea is supporting the U.S. Navy's shipbuilding program via educational exchanges and vocational training. Bollinger Shipyards, building three Polar Security Cutters for the Coast Guard, is investing over $20 million in its shipyard as part of the ICE Pact. Canada's Davie Shipbuilding plans a significant U.S. investment to enhance shipbuilding capacity. Finnish manufacturer Konecranes aims to build ship-to-shore cranes in the U.S., increasing its American workforce.
To support these investments, the U.S. government has launched several initiatives. The Maritime Administration released a fact sheet on grant and financing programs for the shipbuilding industry. The Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative aims to rebuild the Navy’s workforce, initially focusing on submarine production. The ICE Pact with Canada and Finland will produce icebreakers, ensuring long-term shipyard success. The Small Shipyard Grant Program also allocated $8.75 million to modernize 15 small shipyards in 12 states.
These actions collectively aim to strengthen the U.S. maritime industry, ensuring it remains competitive and capable of meeting national security needs.
President Biden has issued a memorandum delegating specific authorities to the Secretary of State under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The memorandum grants the Secretary the authority under Section 506(a)(1) to direct the drawdown of up to $200 million in defense articles, services, and military education and training from the Department of Defense to provide assistance to Ukraine. This includes making the necessary determinations required under this section to facilitate such a drawdown. Additionally, the memorandum delegates the authority under Section 614(a)(1) to determine whether furnishing up to $70 million in assistance to Ukraine, without regard to any legal provision within the purview of this section, is important to the security interests of the United States.
Vice President Kamala Harris issued a statement emphasizing that medical debt should not hinder economic opportunities, noting that over 100 million Americans face this challenge. She highlighted the Biden administration's efforts, including forgiving over $650 million in medical debt, with a goal of $7 billion by 2026, supported by the American Rescue Plan. Future steps will ensure medical debt is excluded from credit scores.
Harris praised North Carolina’s plan to potentially relieve $4 billion in medical debt for two million people and improve financial assistance for emergency procedures. She reaffirmed her commitment to reducing medical debt and promoting economic opportunity.
The Biden-Harris Administration commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, highlighting its commitment to advancing civil rights and ensuring equal opportunities for all Americans. Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the Civil Rights Act outlawed segregation. It prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
To uphold these principles, the Biden-Harris Administration has made significant investments, including over $2 billion for federal civil rights enforcement and a 23% increase in annual funding for federal civil rights offices. President Biden issued executive orders to advance racial equity and support underserved communities, recognizing the persistent disparities exacerbated by current laws, policies, and institutions. The White House Council of Economic Advisers released a brief on racial discrimination, highlighting ongoing biases in housing, employment, and lending.
In education, the administration announced new actions to support school diversity and combat discrimination, including appointing a coordinator to address book bans that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. To promote housing equity, initiatives were launched to combat racial bias in home appraisals and expand homeownership opportunities, alongside enforcement of fair housing laws and addressing tenant discrimination.
The administration has also focused on employment equity, achieving record settlements for employment discrimination and expanding protections for pregnant and postpartum workers. New laws and guidelines were enacted to prevent workplace harassment and assault, promote fair wages, and reduce pay gaps. Efforts to increase job access include diversity and apprenticeship programs, contributing to a historic economic recovery with significant job creation and narrowed employment gaps for Latino and Black workers. Women's labor force participation is at its highest, and the gender pay gap is the narrowest on record.
These initiatives underscore the Biden-Harris Administration's dedication to upholding the Civil Rights Act's legacy, striving for equal opportunity in education, housing, and employment for all communities.
President Biden has sent a notice to Congress, as required by law, stating that the national emergency concerning Lebanon will continue beyond August 1, 2024. This decision is due to ongoing activities like Iran's arms transfers to Hizballah, which threaten Lebanese sovereignty, cause regional instability, and pose an extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. Therefore, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13441 will remain in effect.
President Biden has transmitted an amendment to Congress regarding the 1958 Agreement between the U.S. and the UK for cooperation on atomic energy for mutual defense. The amendment removes the expiration date of provisions allowing the transfer of certain equipment and material, making the agreement indefinite. It clarifies the scope of information exchange, including atomic and related classified information, technical data, and nuclear technology, necessary for defense development, training, and evaluating enemy capabilities. It consolidates naval nuclear propulsion cooperation and updates the agreement to align with current policies on nuclear threat reduction and security.
The amendment supports the UK's commitment to maintaining nuclear forces, aligns with U.S. commitments to the UK's TRIDENT Strategic Weapon System, and enhances mutual defense under NATO. Biden assures that the amendment promotes common defense and security without unreasonable risk and urges Congress to approve it.
During his arrival in Austin, TX, President Biden was asked about House Speaker Johnson's statement that his Supreme Court reform is "dead on arrival." President Biden responded by implying that the same could be said about Johnson. When questioned on how he plans to proceed with the reform, President Biden expressed confidence, stating that despite previous doubts, they always find a way to get things done.
President Biden delivered remarks in Austin, TX, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. He expressed gratitude to Ambassador Andrew Young, the Johnson family, and others in attendance. Biden reflected on the impact of President Kennedy's assassination and President Johnson's subsequent push for the Civil Rights Act, praising Johnson's legacy in promoting equality.
Biden highlighted the ongoing significance of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and the Fair Housing Act, which collectively advanced justice and equality in the U.S. He noted that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done, particularly in light of recent Supreme Court decisions that he believes undermine civil rights and protections.
Biden criticized the Supreme Court's rulings, such as the Shelby County case, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the elimination of affirmative action, viewing these decisions as regressive. He also warned of Project 2025, an agenda he described as an extreme threat to civil rights, including efforts to end birthright citizenship.
To address these challenges, Biden proposed three key reforms: a constitutional amendment to ensure no president is above the law, term limits for Supreme Court justices, and a binding code of conduct for the Supreme Court. He emphasized the need for accountability, transparency, and the preservation of democratic principles.
Biden concluded by urging unity and collective action to protect and expand civil rights, prevent abuses of presidential power, and restore faith in democratic institutions. He expressed optimism about the future and the nation's ability to achieve its goals through collaboration.
The White House held a convening to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Key figures, including Jennifer Klein, Neera Tanden, Charlotte A. Burrows, and Jocelyn Samuels, alongside civil rights leaders and stakeholders, discussed the significance of this law in promoting equal opportunity and combating workplace discrimination. The event coincided with President Biden’s visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library to emphasize the administration's dedication to civil rights.
Officials reviewed the progress enabled by Title VII, which prohibits workplace discrimination, and established the EEOC. Since its inception in 1965, the EEOC has conducted over 10,000 Title VII lawsuits, recovering more than $11 billion for discrimination victims. The Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to support workers were also highlighted, including new laws to protect pregnant and postpartum workers and initiatives to reduce gender and racial wage gaps among federal employees.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton discussed the historical impact of Title VII. Attendees also heard from Celeste Lansdale Brodigan and Imani Stewart, whose Title VII complaints revealed ongoing workplace discrimination issues. The discussion underscored the importance of Title VII in advancing opportunities for underrepresented groups and the need for ongoing efforts to ensure discrimination-free workplaces.
President Biden delivers remarks at the LBJ Foundation in Austin, TX, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act
I love what Joe Biden and his Administration are doing for America and the American people. I also love that you are reporting on it in ways that the MSM doesn’t. Thank you 😊🙏
Yes, thank you for this daily recap of President Biden's activities without the filter and implicit editorializing of the media. In addition to Supreme Court reform (thank you, President Biden, for starting this process), I wish President Biden would suggest legislative action along the lines of the Fairness Doctrine but applied to social media and tech companies. I realize this would require some innovative approaches but I think gaining some controls over social media is absolutely essential.