What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
September 12, 2024 Recap
President Biden delivered remarks from the South Lawn of the White House on the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), highlighting the progress made since its inception and emphasizing the need for continued efforts to combat gender-based violence. He praised the courage of survivors and advocates and reflected on the cultural and legislative changes VAWA has brought, such as the establishment of the first national hotline for survivors and the expansion of protections to various communities, including immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, and rural areas.
Biden recounted the challenges faced when first introducing VAWA, including societal reluctance to acknowledge violence against women as a national issue. He spoke of legislative updates over the years, which have included increased funding for prevention and services, efforts to end the backlog of rape kits, and the narrowing of the “boyfriend loophole” in gun safety laws.
The President also acknowledged the broader scope of violence against women, including international efforts to combat sexual violence used as a weapon of war. He announced new funding and policies to address ongoing issues, such as deepfake technology and the distribution of intimate images without consent. Biden concluded by expressing his optimism for the future, emphasizing that the United States can continue to overcome challenges when working together.
To mark this milestone, the Administration announced over $690 million in FY 2024 funding to support survivors, including grants for trauma-informed training for law enforcement, strategies to combat technology-facilitated abuse, and restorative practices for gender-based violence. Five federal agencies have reaffirmed VAWA’s housing protections for survivors, underscoring the connection between gender-based violence and homelessness. The Department of Housing and Urban Development also launched the Office on Gender-Based Violence to coordinate policies that address survivors' housing and economic stability needs.
The Administration is addressing online harassment and abuse by establishing the National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against Individuals, which will support law enforcement and victim services in prosecuting cyberstalking, non-consensual distribution of intimate images, and other forms of technology-facilitated abuse. Additionally, voluntary commitments from AI developers are being sought to curb the creation and distribution of image-based sexual abuse, including AI-generated deepfake content, which disproportionately targets women, children, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The Administration is also working to keep firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers, with the DOJ expanding technical assistance and funding for programs that remove guns from those under restraining orders. New provisions aim to narrow the "boyfriend loophole" by preventing individuals convicted of domestic violence in dating relationships from possessing firearms. Efforts are also being made to disrupt the cycle of abuse by supporting youth exposed to domestic violence with new funding for state and local coalitions, Tribal communities, and community-based programs.
In addition to these efforts, the Administration has launched the first-ever U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, a comprehensive government-wide strategy to prevent and address sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and other forms of gender-based violence. This plan guides federal action across several key areas, including prevention, justice, and survivor support, reaffirming the Administration's commitment to realizing a future where every individual can live free from fear, violence, and abuse.
President Biden issued a proclamation commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), highlighting its transformative impact on the U.S. response to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Before VAWA, violence against women was often ignored or minimized. VAWA, championed by Biden as a Senator, changed the narrative by increasing justice for survivors and accountability for perpetrators, providing resources like shelters and legal assistance, and establishing the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Since its enactment in 1994, VAWA has been reauthorized and strengthened multiple times, expanding protections for marginalized communities and enhancing services. The Biden Administration has prioritized ending gender-based violence by implementing gun safety laws, addressing workplace sexual harassment, investing in services for survivors, and launching the first National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
The President calls for continued commitment to creating a safe society free from violence, recognizing the ongoing need to support survivors and prevent abuse. He declares September 13, 2024, as the official anniversary, urging all Americans to support efforts against violence and honor the survivors and advocates who have driven change.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held an on-the-record press gaggle to discuss the deepening partnership between Russia and Iran, highlighting concerns about Iran supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. Kirby noted that Iranian short-range missiles have been delivered and are expected to be used by Russia, raising serious concerns for European and Middle Eastern security.
Kirby also mentioned upcoming sanctions from the U.S. and its allies targeting Iranian entities involved in these transfers. He emphasized the destabilizing influence of the Russia-Iran partnership, which involves sharing military technology, intelligence, and other resources.
Kirby responded to questions on various topics, including the necessity of independent investigations into the death of a U.S. citizen in the West Bank, the Afghanistan withdrawal process, and ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. He reiterated that the administration remains committed to imposing consequences on Iran and supporting Ukraine's defense efforts.
President Biden will host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, 2024. This marks the first time Biden will host foreign leaders in Wilmington as president, highlighting his strong relationships with the Quad leaders and the group's importance. The Quad, consisting of the U.S., Australia, India, and Japan, has been a priority for the Biden-Harris Administration, with annual summits and regular meetings among Quad Foreign Ministers and other government levels since 2021.
The White House hosted a roundtable with leaders from AI companies, datacenter operators, and utility firms to discuss strategies for maintaining U.S. leadership in AI infrastructure. The meeting, part of the Biden-Harris Administration's strategy for responsible innovation, focused on clean energy, workforce needs, and AI datacenter development. Key administration figures and industry leaders committed to collaborating on national security, economic, and environmental goals, including job creation and cost-effective energy use.
Key actions announced include:
New Task Force on AI Datacenter Infrastructure: This task force, led by various White House councils, will coordinate policy, streamline efforts, and ensure datacenter development aligns with national priorities.
Technical Assistance for Permitting: The Permitting Council will work with datacenter developers to expedite the approval process and allocate funds for relevant projects.
Department of Energy (DOE) Initiatives: DOE will support AI datacenter development with resources like loans, grants, and technical assistance and explore repurposing retired coal sites for datacenters.
US Army Corps of Engineers Permitting Support: Identifying permits to expedite datacenter construction.
Industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to clean energy and net-zero carbon emissions, while the Administration emphasized the importance of American leadership in AI through responsible development and infrastructure.
The White House, Department of Agriculture, and Environmental Protection Agency hosted a roundtable with farm credit and finance stakeholders to discuss leveraging investments in climate-smart agriculture. The goal is to reduce emissions, store carbon, and create new revenue streams for producers. The discussion focused on expanding climate-smart agricultural practices through innovative financial support, overcoming barriers to adoption, and ensuring these practices are accessible and equitable for operations of all sizes.
Key topics included the need for locally-led, science-based solutions, improved outreach, education, financial and environmental measurement, and feedback on investment implementation. Participants emphasized the importance of financing agricultural practices that are part of the climate solution and highlighted the need for aligned capital to support adoption. The Biden-Harris Administration reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers, ranchers, and foresters in advancing climate-smart solutions.
Organizations attending included Akiptan, Farm Credit Council, Environmental Defense Fund, and National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.
President Biden has sent a letter to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate to transmit a Social Security Totalization Agreement between the United States and Romania, signed on March 23, 2023, in Bucharest. Similar to existing agreements with 30 other countries, the agreement aims to coordinate social security systems to prevent dual coverage and taxation and protect benefits for workers who split their careers between the two nations.
The letter includes the agreements, a report by the Social Security Administration detailing the estimated impact on individuals and costs, and a summary of the provisions. The Department of State and the Social Security Administration recommended these agreements to the President, who now commends them to Congress for approval.
At her campaign rallies in Charlotte and Greensboro, North Carolina, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered impassioned speeches emphasizing the critical importance of the upcoming election. She began by acknowledging key state leaders, including Governor Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein, while praising grassroots supporters and small business owners, whom she described as the backbone of America’s economy. Harris framed the election as a turning point, contrasting her vision of an “opportunity economy” with Donald Trump’s agenda, which she characterized as regressive and harmful to working families.
Harris highlighted her commitment to bringing down the cost of living, protecting reproductive freedom, and ensuring national security. She proposed a $50,000 tax deduction for small business startups, aiming to empower entrepreneurs who, unlike Trump, were not born with financial advantages. Harris pledged to invest in affordable housing by cutting red tape and partnering with the private sector to build three million new homes by the end of her first term. She also promised tax cuts for over 100 million Americans, with specific relief for new parents during their child’s first year, underscoring her focus on supporting middle-class and working families.
Harris criticized Trump’s policy proposals throughout her remarks, referencing his “Project 2025” as a dangerous blueprint that would prioritize billionaires and big corporations over ordinary Americans. She warned that Trump’s plan would cut Social Security and Medicare, impose a national sales tax that would cost families nearly $4,000 annually, and add over $5 trillion to the national debt. Citing assessments from top economists, she argued that Trump’s policies would shrink the economy and trigger a recession, contrasting these outcomes with her proposals, which have been projected to boost economic growth.
Harris also addressed the ongoing battle over reproductive rights, condemning Trump’s Supreme Court appointments for overturning Roe v. Wade and enabling restrictive abortion bans across the country, including in North Carolina. She vowed to restore reproductive freedom and to veto any national abortion ban if passed by Congress. Harris framed this fight as part of a broader struggle for fundamental freedoms under attack, such as the right to vote, the right to be safe from gun violence, and the right to love who you choose. She highlighted her support for passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and implementing stronger gun control measures like assault weapons bans and universal background checks.
Drawing a sharp contrast between her and Trump’s visions for America, Harris emphasized that Trump’s actions and rhetoric, including his threats to dismantle the Constitution and his declaration that he would govern as a dictator, represent a clear danger to democracy. She cited warnings from Trump’s former staff and advisors, who have publicly stated that he is unfit for office. Harris reminded her supporters that the stakes of this election are higher than ever, particularly in light of recent Supreme Court rulings that could grant Trump effective immunity from consequences for his actions if reelected.
Harris concluded her speeches with a rallying call to action, urging North Carolinians to recognize their power and responsibility in the election. She reminded them that their votes are their voices and that hard work is essential to overcoming the challenges ahead. Emphasizing the importance of local races, she highlighted Josh Stein’s gubernatorial campaign and the broader implications of the election on issues like abortion rights. Harris ended with a message of hope and determination, declaring that when Americans fight for their ideals, they win. She called on her audience to stand up for the promise of America, reaffirm their belief in freedom and opportunity, and commit to making their voices heard at the polls.
Governor Tim Walz delivered an energetic and motivational speech at a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, MI, to rally support for Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections. Walz commended Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s leadership, emphasizing her role in making Michigan a better place and noting how she even turned his son into a Michigan State fan.
Throughout his speech, Walz passionately supported Kamala Harris, emphasizing her extensive experience, leadership, and standout performance during recent debates. He portrayed her as the most qualified person to lead the country, dedicated to supporting the American people and offering a clear vision for the future. Walz contrasted Harris’s focus on the needs of ordinary citizens with former President Donald Trump, whom he criticized for being self-centered, fixated on the past, and unwilling to uphold key democratic values. He highlighted Trump’s refusal to condemn the January 6th rioters, his failure to support Ukraine in its defense of democracy, and his stance on issues like abortion and healthcare that Walz described as harmful to Americans.
Walz also outlined the key priorities of the Democratic Party, such as protecting reproductive rights, supporting unions, improving healthcare access, addressing price gouging, and tackling gun violence in schools. He underscored the stark differences between Democratic and Republican agendas, portraying Democrats as focused on real solutions that uplift people while criticizing Republicans for their lack of concrete plans and their focus on divisive issues.
The governor concluded his remarks with a powerful call to action, urging the audience to mobilize, volunteer, and work tirelessly to secure victories in the upcoming elections. He emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts, arguing that real change happens when people are engaged and committed. He reminded the audience that their work and dedication could determine the country's future, and with unity and effort, they could ensure a bright, hopeful future for all.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre held a press briefing highlighting several key issues and initiatives. President Biden continues to prioritize combating gender-based violence, announcing new actions, including $690 million in funding to support survivors, updated housing protections, and initiatives to combat cybercrimes against individuals. The administration’s commitment to this issue has been a cornerstone of Biden’s career, underscored by his authorship of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994.
Regarding Hurricane Francine, FEMA is actively responding in Louisiana, providing meals, water, and federal assistance to support recovery efforts. The Biden administration also addressed recent sanctions against Venezuelan officials due to electoral fraud and repression, aligning with over 50 countries in condemning anti-democratic actions.
The President is set to host the Quad Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, with leaders from Australia, India, and Japan. The summit will focus on strategic partnerships and a shared vision for a free Indo-Pacific. The White House condemned recent racially insensitive remarks directed at Vice President Harris, calling them un-American and divisive and emphasizing the importance of national unity.
The briefing also addressed the recent bomb threats in Springfield, Ohio, following false claims about immigrants, highlighting the dangers of hateful rhetoric and misinformation. The White House reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, emphasizing Biden’s leadership in strengthening NATO and rallying international support.
The administration hosted a meeting with AI industry leaders to discuss responsible development and maintaining U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. Economic concerns were also a focal point, with discussions on inflation, rising household costs, and the administration’s efforts to reduce the national deficit while contrasting with Republican economic policies.
The January 6th vote certification was also designated a national security event, highlighting ongoing concerns about protecting democratic processes. The U.S. also reaffirmed its support for adding permanent seats for African countries on the UN Security Council, reflecting a commitment to more inclusive global governance.
Finally, questions about economic disparities and the national debt underscored the administration’s efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with support for middle-class families, including measures to reduce inflation and expand economic opportunities. The press briefing highlighted the administration’s ongoing focus on addressing domestic and international challenges while maintaining a commitment to democratic integrity and unity.
President Biden Delivers Remarks Ahead of the 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act
