What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
June 7, 2024 Recap
During a bilateral meeting at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hotel in Paris, France, President Biden and President Zelenskyy reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine. President Biden praised the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people and emphasized that the U.S. will continue to stand with Ukraine. He acknowledged the delay in funding due to political challenges but confirmed the approval of a new $225 million package to help reconstruct Ukraine's electric grid.
President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the U.S.'s military, financial, and humanitarian support and highlighted the importance of bipartisan support from Congress. He drew parallels to U.S. support during World War II and stressed the symbolic significance of their meeting. Zelenskyy also mentioned the need to discuss strengthening the Kharkiv region and air defense and participating in an upcoming peace summit. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and ongoing support for its defense efforts.
The White House announced a Juneteenth Concert to be held on Monday, June 10, 2024, on the South Lawn, celebrating community, culture, and music. This event marks Juneteenth as a federal holiday, established by President Biden in 2021, emphasizing the importance of learning from history, celebrating progress, and continuing the work towards racial equity. The concert coincides with Black Music Month. The event is supported by several organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities and various corporate sponsors.
This event is supported by The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Institute for Museum and Library Services, STARZ #TakeTheLead Initiative, Adobe, LVMH North America’s Moët & Chandon and Hennessy USA and will feature:
Raheem DeVaughn
Kirk Franklin
Doug E. Fresh
Anthony Hamilton
Gladys Knight
Patti LaBelle
Patina Miller
Brittney Spencer
Trombone Shorty
Charlie Wilson
Roy Wood, Jr.
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
President Biden has issued a memorandum to the Secretary of State, delegating authority under section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This delegation grants the Secretary of State the power to direct the drawdown of up to $225 million in defense articles and services from the Department of Defense, which includes military education and training. The purpose of this drawdown is to provide assistance to Ukraine. Additionally, the Secretary of State is authorized to make the necessary determinations required to execute this directive. The memorandum also instructs that this directive be published in the Federal Register.
President Biden issued a letter to Congress on the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces engaged in counterterrorism and other military operations worldwide, as required by the War Powers Resolution. The U.S. continues global counterterrorism efforts, focusing on Central and Africa Commands' areas, deploying forces to assist partner nations, and remaining ready for self-defense.
Under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), U.S. forces target terrorist groups like al-Qa’ida and ISIS, achieving significant success in Syria and Iraq. In Afghanistan, personnel are poised to address threats. In Iraq and Syria, U.S. forces collaborate with local partners to combat ISIS and al-Qa’ida.
In the Arabian Peninsula, the U.S. counters threats from al-Qa’ida and ISIS, supporting the Saudi-led Coalition and maintaining forces in Saudi Arabia to protect U.S. interests against Iran. In East Africa, operations target ISIS and al-Shabaab, with personnel in Somalia, Kenya, and Djibouti. The U.S. supports counterterrorism in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel regions, with a planned withdrawal from Niger.
Additional operations include the Multinational Force and Observers in Egypt, the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), and approximately 80,000 personnel in Europe to deter Russian aggression. A temporary force was deployed to Haiti to secure the U.S. Embassy amid instability. President Biden assures these deployments are under his constitutional authority, with ongoing communication with Congress.
President Biden issued a Proclamation on Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2024, emphasizing the American flag's importance and symbolism. The flag represents the founding principles of equality, democracy, freedom, and justice. It has evolved alongside the nation since its creation in 1777, symbolizing resilience and the continuous effort to perfect the Union.
The flag has been a source of inspiration and pride. It flies on battlefields, over military cemeteries, and in various public spaces, reminding Americans of their shared responsibility to uphold democracy.
Flag Day, observed on June 14, and National Flag Week, starting June 9, are designated to honor the flag's significance. Americans are encouraged to display the flag, honor service members, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The proclamation calls for the flag displayed on all Federal Government buildings during this period.
President Biden concludes the proclamation by urging Americans to observe these days with pride, ceremony, and a commitment to the nation's foundational values.
Today, on the 59th anniversary of Griswold v. Connecticut, the White House Gender Policy Council held a meeting to emphasize the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to affordable, high-quality contraception access. Key attendees included Jennifer Klein, Erica Songer, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Admiral Rachel Levine, and Jenny Ma.
The discussion addressed recent attacks on contraception access following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and Senate Republicans' refusal to support contraception rights legislation. The administration has reversed previous Title X Family Planning Program restrictions, called for increased funding, expanded access for veterans and service members, and improved insurance coverage.
Administrator Brooks-LaSure announced a new $11 million funding opportunity to enhance reproductive and maternal health services. Participants discussed the broader impact of the Supreme Court's decision on reproductive care and the importance of Opill, the first FDA-approved over-the-counter daily oral contraceptive.
Speakers included Jamie Hart, Megan Kavanaugh, Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, and Joy McGlaun.
John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Advisor, provided an overview of President Biden's travel to France, beginning with a recap of the President's speech at Pointe du Hoc. In his address, President Biden honored the sacrifices of World War II veterans, particularly the Rangers who scaled the cliffs, emphasizing their role in securing democracy. Kirby also highlighted the President's meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, where they discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the impact of recent U.S. security aid on the battlefield.
Looking ahead, Kirby outlined the schedule for the following day, including a welcome ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe with French President Macron, followed by a bilateral meeting. This meeting will cover various topics, including strengthening the NATO alliance as it approaches its 75th anniversary, enhancing NATO-EU cooperation, and increasing maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, the leaders will discuss expanding humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and clean energy partnerships, and they will prepare for the upcoming U.N. Ocean Conference.
During the press gaggle, Kirby addressed several questions from reporters. He confirmed that President Biden would discuss the situation in Gaza and efforts to achieve a ceasefire with President Macron. Regarding Ukraine, he noted that President Zelenskyy provided a candid assessment of the battlefield situation and reiterated the U.S.'s continued support. Despite occasional disagreements, Kirby also commented on the strong personal relationship between Presidents Biden and Macron. He clarified that their maritime cooperation discussions are focused on the Indo-Pacific, not specifically on migrant issues off the coast of France. Lastly, Kirby explained that the leaders would deliver statements to the press rather than holding a full press conference.
Kirby emphasized the enduring and robust alliance between the U.S. and France, underscoring the importance of continued support for Ukraine and collaborative efforts to address global security challenges.
Today, the White House released visitor log records generated in February 2024. This set includes 52,727 records, bringing the total number of records posted to 1,308,819.
These records were posted pursuant to the White House’s policy to disclose visitor log records voluntarily. This release is consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to becoming the first administration to post visitor log records from its first full year in office.
President Biden delivered remarks at Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, commemorating the bravery of the American Rangers who stormed the cliffs on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He described their harrowing conditions and relentless courage in scaling the cliffs under heavy fire. Biden honored individual Rangers and their heroic efforts, emphasizing the importance of their mission in turning the tide of World War II.
Biden reflected on the ideals of democracy and freedom, highlighting the selflessness and unity required to uphold these values. He drew parallels between the past struggle against Nazi aggression and current challenges, stressing the need for America to continue standing against modern threats like Putin's aggression.
He concluded by urging Americans to honor the legacy of the D-Day heroes through their actions, preserving democracy and freedom, and committing to the principles that define the nation. Biden's speech called for a continued commitment to the values for which the Rangers fought and sacrificed.
President Biden at the Pointe Du Hoc Ranger Monument in Normandy, France
I suggest that if more people were made aware of this daily Substack, President Biden’s approval rating would go up and Democrats would find it inspiring as we work to get Biden/Harris reelected!!
Remember to share this with others. Not too many people know what President Biden does each day! And he is impressive! The visit to Normandy is one of President Biden’s best representations of what we stand for, what we believe, and what we must do to protect ourselves as a country and a democracy! And it is not easy!