What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Weekly Recap: August 26-31, 2024
August 26th
New York State of Emergency: President Biden declared a state of emergency in New York due to severe storms and flooding on August 18-19, 2024. Federal assistance will cover 75% of emergency costs in Suffolk County, and FEMA will coordinate recovery efforts.
Anniversary of Kabul Airport Attack: Biden and Vice President Harris commemorated the third anniversary of the Kabul Airport terrorist attack, honoring the 13 American service members and over 100 Afghans who died. They reaffirmed the commitment to preventing future attacks and supporting military families.
Call with Indian Prime Minister Modi: Biden praised Modi’s recent visits to Poland and Ukraine, highlighting India's efforts to support peace and humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Both leaders expressed their commitment to resolving the Ukraine conflict and strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
John Kirby’s Briefing: Kirby discussed ongoing global issues, including U.S. support for Ukraine against Russian attacks, U.S.-China relations, and Middle East ceasefire talks involving Hamas. He emphasized U.S. commitments to global security and the President's active engagement in international matters.
U.S. Condemnation of Russian Attacks on Ukraine: Biden condemned Russia's missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, reaffirming U.S. support for Ukraine with military and energy aid. He praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people and assured continued support until victory is achieved.
August 27th
Biden-Harris Administration and Pacific Island Engagement: The administration is strengthening ties with Pacific Island countries through climate resilience, economic development, and regional security initiatives. Efforts include hosting forums, opening new embassies, investing in climate adaptation projects, and enhancing disaster preparedness. Economic support includes microfinance, trade promotion, and infrastructure investments. Programs like the Youth Ambassadors and the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs aim to deepen cultural ties. Security cooperation and anti-corruption measures are also emphasized, alongside investments in sustainable infrastructure, such as modernizing weather forecasting and aviation safety.
Biden on Court Ruling Affecting Immigrant Families: President Biden criticized a Texas court's decision blocking a policy aimed at keeping immigrant families together while one spouse applies for legal status. The policy allowed couples to stay united without altering legal status requirements. Biden condemned the ruling, highlighting the harm of family separations and reaffirming his commitment to immigration reform that maintains family unity, focusing on problem-solving rather than politics.
Biden's Statement on Prescription Drug Costs: President Biden addressed the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S., noting Americans pay significantly more than other countries. His administration's actions include Medicare negotiating drug prices, insulin cost caps, and rebates on price hikes. Biden, alongside Senator Bernie Sanders, urged drug manufacturers to lower prices for medications treating obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. He commended some industry efforts but stressed the need for broader reductions to ensure medication accessibility for all Americans.
August 28th
Jake Sullivan and Wang Yi Meeting: U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi near Beijing to manage U.S.-China relations responsibly. Discussions were constructive, addressing commitments from the 2023 Woodside Summit, including military communication, counternarcotics, AI safety, and climate cooperation. Sullivan emphasized U.S. actions to safeguard national security regarding advanced technology and expressed concerns over China's trade practices, regional security issues, and support for Russia.
Ali Zaidi’s Remarks on Clean Energy: National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the Biden administration’s achievements in expanding clean energy jobs and infrastructure, boosting American manufacturing, and creating 16 million jobs. He emphasized the growth of unionized clean energy jobs and reinforced the administration’s commitment to job creation through sustainable energy investments.
Judicial Nominations by President Biden: President Biden announced three new judicial nominees to ensure the federal judiciary reflects national diversity. The nominees—Elizabeth C. Coombe, Sarah M. Davenport, and Sharad H. Desai—were highlighted for their experience and dedication to the rule of law.
Tim Walz’s Address at the IAFF Convention: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz emphasized labor rights and union support in his speech at the IAFF Convention. He praised firefighters' courage, criticized anti-labor policies, and reaffirmed his commitment to pro-labor initiatives alongside Vice President Kamala Harris. He urged union members to stay engaged in advocating for workers' rights.
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s Visit to Liberty County High School: Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz spoke to students, encouraging leadership, teamwork, and education as pathways to future success. They emphasized resilience, dedication, and the importance of young people contributing positively to their communities and the nation’s future.
August 29th
Biden-Harris Administration Permitting Reforms: The administration is accelerating federal permitting processes to expedite project delivery while maintaining environmental protections. Over $560 billion has been allocated for 68,000+ projects, including clean energy and transportation investments.
Environmental Reforms and Energy Initiatives: The Bureau of Land Management and the EPA are implementing reforms to streamline solar energy projects and allow clean air credits for electric vehicle replacements. These actions aim to boost renewable energy and reduce pollution.
Bilateral Engagement with China: National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with President Xi Jinping to discuss cooperation on issues like counternarcotics, military communications, and AI safety, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage U.S.-China relations.
Disaster Declaration in New York: President Biden declared a major disaster in New York due to severe weather, authorizing federal assistance for recovery in impacted counties.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s Campaign Rally: Harris emphasized her dedication to expanding healthcare access, supporting the middle class, and protecting reproductive rights. She criticized former President Trump’s policies and highlighted the importance of the upcoming election.
Vice President Harris’s CNN Interview on Policy and Campaign Focus: Vice President Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, discussed their economic priorities, support for clean energy without banning fracking, immigration policies, and foreign policy stance, particularly regarding Israel and the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
August 30th
President Biden on July PCE Inflation Report: Biden highlighted a drop in inflation to 2.5%, the lowest in over three years, with wages growing faster than prices. He acknowledged that prices remain high but outlined measures like increasing affordable housing, expanding prescription drug caps, and investing in energy production to ease the burden on Americans.
September 2024 Proclamations:
National Recovery Month: Focuses on supporting Americans recovering from substance use disorders.
National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Honors children with cancer and highlights research and treatment efforts.
National Wilderness Month: Emphasizes conservation goals, aiming to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month: Highlights challenges for those with Sickle Cell Disease and focuses on advancing treatment and care.
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Addresses disparities in prostate cancer impact, particularly among Black and Hispanic men.
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Emphasizes the need for awareness and early detection in ovarian cancer.
National Preparedness Month: Stresses resilience against climate change-driven disasters and investments in disaster readiness.
Labor Day 2024 Proclamation: Biden celebrated American workers and labor unions, highlighting job creation, wage boosts, and investments in infrastructure. He emphasized worker safety, union rights, and fair wages, calling for a recommitment to the American Dream.
Federal Pay Adjustment for January 2025: Biden announced a 2% total pay increase for civilian federal employees, considering economic conditions while maintaining a skilled federal workforce.
Ukraine Support Meeting: National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and key allies reaffirmed support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, focusing on military support, air defense, and critical infrastructure protection. They also discussed efforts for a lasting peace based on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Gwen Walz Speech in Virginia: Walz, on behalf of the Harris-Walz campaign, emphasized her identity as an educator, her connection to the teaching community, and the importance of supporting all children. She criticized the opposing campaign’s education and reproductive rights policies and called for collective action to build a better future.
August 31st
President Biden expressed deep sorrow and condemnation regarding the murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American citizen killed by Hamas. Goldberg-Polin, who had recently turned 23, was attending a peace festival in Israel on October 7 when he was brutally attacked and taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. Earlier today, his body was recovered alongside five other hostages in tunnels under Rafah. The President shared his devastation and outrage over this tragic loss, noting that Hersh had been a courageous and compassionate young man who lost his arm trying to help others during the Hamas attack. Biden praised Hersh’s parents, Jon and Rachel, for their courage and relentless advocacy for their son and other hostages and vowed that Hamas leaders would face consequences for their heinous actions. He reaffirmed his commitment to securing the release of the remaining hostages, emphasizing that Hersh’s death was both tragic and reprehensible.
Vice President Harris also expressed her condolences, highlighting her meeting with Hersh’s parents earlier this year and affirming that they are not alone in their grief. She condemned Hamas as an evil terrorist organization responsible for horrific acts, including mass murder, sexual violence, and hostage-taking. Harris emphasized that Hamas poses a serious threat to both Israeli citizens and Americans in Israel and must be stopped from controlling Gaza. She underscored her highest priority as Vice President is the safety of American citizens and pledged that the administration would continue working tirelessly to secure the freedom of all those held hostage in Gaza. Both Biden and Harris called for global condemnation of Hamas and committed to bringing justice for the victims.