What Did Joe Biden Do Today?

July 1, 2024 Recap

President Biden addressed the nation regarding the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity in the Trump v. United States case. He emphasized the importance of the presidency and the necessity of character and judgment in the office. Biden expressed his concern that the ruling fundamentally changes the principle that no one, not even the president, is above the law. He warned that the decision removes legal constraints on presidential power, making it self-imposed by the president alone.

Biden criticized the Supreme Court for undermining established legal principles, including voting, civil, and reproductive rights. He recounted the events of January 6th, when a mob incited by his predecessor attacked the U.S. Capitol and stressed the need for accountability before the upcoming election. Biden urged the American people to judge Donald Trump's behavior and decide if he is fit for office, highlighting the potential danger of an emboldened Trump.

In conclusion, Biden referenced George Washington's belief in limited presidential power and stated that future presidents' character would now define the limits of their power. He aligned himself with Justice Sotomayor's dissent, which declared that the president is now akin to a king above the law. Biden called on the American people to dissent and help preserve democracy.

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President Biden announced an extension of overtime protections to 1 million workers earning less than $43,888 annually. Next year, these protections will be expanded to include 3 million more workers by raising the overtime threshold to $58,656. This initiative aims to provide millions of Americans with higher paychecks and more family time. Biden criticized Republicans for siding with big corporations against these protections and emphasized his commitment to supporting hardworking families.

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The White House issued an update to a report initially released in December 2023 titled Building a Thriving Clean Energy Economy in 2023 and Beyond: A Six-Month Update, written by Heather Boushey, Chief Economist, Investing in America Cabinet and Justina Gallegos, Deputy Director for Industrial Innovation, Office of Science and Technology Policy.

In 2021 and 2022, President Biden launched the Investing in America agenda, featuring significant investments to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These initiatives offer incentives and financial support for clean energy technologies, ensuring long-term investment stability. Since January 2021, private companies have announced nearly $880 billion in new investments, including over $410 billion in clean energy manufacturing, electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and clean power generation.

Key achievements include substantial progress in solar and wind power, with $17 billion in planned U.S. solar manufacturing investments and projections of 340 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030, nearly double the 2021 forecast. Wind capacity is expected to reach 300 gigawatts by 2030, a 43% increase from the 2021 projection. Large-scale energy storage capacity has increased nearly twelve-fold since the Administration began, with further growth expected.

The agenda has also spurred nearly $180 billion in investments in EVs and batteries, with EV model availability increasing from 34 to 55 between 2021 and 2023 and public EV charging ports almost doubling. Monthly EV sales have risen from roughly 20,000 in 2019-2020 to over 95,000 in 2023.

These investments drive clean energy deployment, cut emissions, improve energy security, and contribute to GDP growth. The rapid deployment of clean energy technologies is expected to generate more benefits than costs, including reduced electricity costs and carbon emissions.

In summary, President Biden's Investing in America agenda is fostering unprecedented progress in clean energy deployment, exceeding forecasts and delivering substantial economic and environmental benefits, crucial for achieving the Administration's ambitious climate goals and enhancing the well-being of Americans.

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Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer met with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille to discuss ongoing issues in Haiti. Mr. Finer emphasized the United States' unwavering support for the Haitian people, who are facing severe challenges, including gang violence and the widespread need for emergency food aid. They discussed the deployment of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti, with Mr. Finer highlighting the importance of accountability and oversight in the mission. Both parties committed to ongoing cooperation to enhance security, economic growth, and democratic governance in Haiti.

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President Joe Biden commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Act, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, marked a significant milestone in American history, embodying the nation’s commitment to equality. The proclamation honored the efforts of civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., A. Philip Randolph, and Dr. Dorothy Height, whose activism and courage were instrumental in the Act's passage. Biden reflected on the personal and national impact of the Act, highlighting its role in inspiring further legislation, such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Despite the progress made, Biden acknowledged ongoing challenges to civil liberties and emphasized his administration's commitment to protecting these rights. This included signing the Electoral Count Reform Act, appointing Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and investing significantly in Black communities. Biden also highlighted efforts to reverse segregation’s legacy, create opportunities, and implement police reform.

The proclamation calls on Americans to honor the Civil Rights Act's legacy by continuing the fight for equality and democracy, urging support for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. Biden designated July 2, 2024, as a day of observance, encouraging activities that celebrated and advanced civil rights.

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President Biden congratulated President José Raúl Mulino of Panama on his inauguration. He emphasized the enduring and deep ties between Panama and the United States, rooted in shared democratic values. Biden was eager to maintain a strong bilateral partnership to promote good governance, inclusive economic growth, and address irregular migration. He affirmed the United States' support for Panama in achieving a more prosperous and secure future for all its citizens.

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NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson announced that the United States and Panama have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to reduce the number of migrants being smuggled through the Darien region. The agreement includes U.S. support for Panama's efforts to repatriate migrants who do not have legal grounds to stay in Panama, ensuring the process is swift, safe, and humane. This initiative is intended to deter irregular migration, protect vulnerable migrants, and disrupt smuggling networks.

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The Biden Administration released The 2024 Annual Report to Congress on White House Staff, which provides a detailed list of the titles and salaries of all White House Office employees. This practice has been in place since 1995 and aims to ensure transparency. In line with President Biden's commitment to openness, the report is publicly available on the White House website upon its submission to Congress.

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The White House released visitor log records generated in March 2024. This set includes 85,040 records, bringing the total number of records posted to 1,393,859.

These records were posted pursuant to the White House’s policy to voluntarily disclose visitor log records. 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.

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First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on the cover of the August 2024 edition of Vogue Magazine