What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
September 27, 2024 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration took proactive steps in response to Hurricane Helene, focusing on life-saving and recovery efforts. President Biden and Vice President Harris closely monitor the situation, with regular updates from top officials like Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. FEMA personnel and resources were deployed before the storm, with Criswell personally visiting impacted areas.
The Administration approved emergency declarations for several states, enabling FEMA to assist with essential services like power restoration and search and rescue. 1,500 federal personnel, including 14 search and rescue teams, were deployed across the affected region. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard were mobilized to provide infrastructure support and emergency rescues.
Multiple federal agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are working to protect critical infrastructure and public health. Supplies, including meals, water, and fuel, have been pre-positioned. The Department of Energy monitors power restoration, while the EPA assists with water systems and debris management.
Post-storm efforts are focused on assisting communities with recovery, protecting housing, and supporting public health. Various agencies, including HUD and the Department of Agriculture, are implementing measures to help displaced residents and ensure food security.
In his statement on the August PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) report, President Joe Biden emphasized that inflation has dropped to 2.2%, bringing it back to levels seen before the pandemic. He pointed out that this decrease comes when interest rates have also fallen, making it more affordable for Americans to buy homes and cars and operate small businesses. Biden linked this positive trend to broader economic achievements under his administration, highlighting that the economy has grown by more than 10%, and household incomes have increased by nearly $4,000, even after accounting for inflation. He also noted that savings and consumer spending have strengthened, exceeding previous estimates.
Looking ahead, Biden stressed that his administration is committed to continuing efforts to lower costs and expand opportunities for Americans. He outlined specific plans, including building millions of new homes, reducing the price of prescription drugs and healthcare, and cutting taxes for families, small businesses, and industries of the future. Biden contrasted these policies with those of Congressional Republicans, arguing that their approach would raise costs for middle-class families by nearly $4,000 per year while giving additional tax cuts to wealthy individuals and large corporations. He concluded by stating that such policies would not help grow the economy or support the middle class.
President Biden issued three proclamations:
In the National Public Lands Day proclamation for 2024, President Biden highlights the vital role America's public lands play in preserving the nation's natural beauty and heritage. These lands, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges, are essential for recreation, conservation, and climate resilience. The president emphasizes his administration's efforts to conserve at least 30% of U.S. land and water by 2030 through initiatives like "America the Beautiful." He also notes his administration's success in protecting over 42 million acres of land and water. The proclamation invites all Americans to participate in a "Fee-Free Day" on September 28, 2024 and encourages volunteer efforts to preserve and protect public lands for future generations.
In the National Hunting and Fishing Day proclamation, President Biden celebrates hunting and fishing traditions, emphasizing their importance to American culture, especially in rural and Tribal communities. These activities foster a deep environmental appreciation and contribute to conservation efforts. The president reaffirms the goal of conserving 30% of the nation's lands and waters by 2030 and highlights expanding access to public lands for hunting and fishing. He also underscores the importance of addressing the climate crisis and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the outdoors. The proclamation encourages all Americans to celebrate and protect the natural resources that sustain these traditions.
In the Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day proclamation, President Biden honors the families of fallen service members, acknowledging their immense sacrifice and grief. He expresses the nation's gratitude for the bravery and service of those who gave their lives for their country. The president reaffirms his commitment to supporting Gold Star families through legislative efforts and pledges to continue addressing their needs. He designated September 29, 2024, as a day to honor these families and called on Americans to display the U.S. flag as a symbol of respect and gratitude. This day is a solemn reminder of the price of freedom and the legacy of those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan hosted the 2024 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Investor Forum on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. Key government officials and private sector leaders managing trillions of dollars in assets attended the forum, which focused on global infrastructure development, particularly in low—and middle-income countries.
Key Discussion Points:
Emphasizing PGI's role in U.S. national and economic security, with highlights on projects in the Indo-Pacific, South America, and Africa.
Recognition of PGI's success in mobilizing $60 billion for infrastructure investments since its inception.
Participants explored expanding public-private collaborations, particularly in climate and digital infrastructure like subsea cables and data centers.
Discussions on simplifying access to public capital, deploying risk mitigation tools, and scaling initiatives, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
Enhancing the role of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and integrating small and medium-sized U.S. exporters into PGI projects.
The forum also reaffirmed the PGI's aim to mobilize $200 billion by 2027, following President Biden's announcement at the G7 Summit. The event included high-profile participants from both public and private sectors, including leaders from financial giants such as BlackRock, JPMorgan Chase, and Alphabet.
President Biden has announced his intent to appoint six new members to the U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board (NWTRB), which provides scientific oversight of the U.S. Department of Energy's efforts to manage and dispose nuclear waste. The appointees include:
Peter Swift, designated as the Chair, is a geoscientist with over 30 years of experience in nuclear waste management, having worked at Sandia National Laboratories and on key projects like Yucca Mountain.
Richelle Allen-King is a professor of Geological Sciences specializing in groundwater contamination and has been involved in various national committees on water science and technology.
Lake Barrett, a consultant, has decades of experience in nuclear energy, including his role as an advisor for the Fukushima disaster recovery and his leadership in the Yucca Mountain repository project.
Miles Greiner is a professor of Mechanical Engineering who specializes in nuclear packaging safety, particularly in high-temperature and fire conditions.
Silvia Jurisson, an expert in radiopharmaceutical chemistry, has extensive research experience in radioisotope production and environmental radiochemistry.
Seth Tuler specializes in risk governance and public participation in decision-making, contributing to various studies on nuclear waste and environmental risk management.
Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff congratulated the Columbus Crew on their victory as the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) champions and welcomed them to the White House. He acknowledged their accomplishments on the field, including their historic season, winning the MLS Cup, and showing resilience, courage, and leadership, particularly in their comeback win against Cincinnati.
Emhoff also praised the Crew's off-field efforts, such as community initiatives that provided soccer opportunities for kids and combated chronic absenteeism. He reflected on the unifying power of sports, contrasting it with societal divisions. Finally, he honored Coach Nancy for his leadership, emphasizing how he motivated his team with joy and inspiration. Emhoff concluded by congratulating the team and introducing Coach Nancy for further remarks.
In her speech on border policy after visiting the port of entry in Douglas, Arizona, Kamala Harris began by acknowledging the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis on communities across the country.
Harris expressed gratitude to the local elected officials, including Senator Mark Kelly, who accompanied her and emphasized their shared commitment to addressing the needs of Arizona's border communities. She briefly mentioned Hurricane Helen, assuring the public that federal resources, including FEMA personnel, were mobilized to assist communities affected by the storm.
Turning to border security, Harris stressed Arizona's significance in national discussions about immigration and security. She framed the issue as a balance between enforcing border laws and maintaining the United States’ identity as a nation enriched by immigrants. Harris underscored her belief that the U.S. has the right and responsibility to enforce its borders while also needing a humane, orderly immigration system that strengthens the country.
She outlined recent visits to the Douglas Port of Entry and conversations with Border Patrol and Customs officers. Harris praised these agents for their work but emphasized the need for more resources, including a $500 million investment to modernize and expand border facilities. She highlighted her role in supporting legislation to raise overtime pay for Border Patrol agents and her backing of a bipartisan border security bill that would have funded additional personnel, technology, and inspection machines to detect fentanyl.
Harris criticized former President Donald Trump for undermining this bipartisan effort, accusing him of preferring to politicize border security rather than solve the issue. She promised that, if elected president, she would revive and pass the border security bill and continue prioritizing enhancing border security and reducing illegal crossings. She committed to further action, including stricter penalties for repeat offenders and ensuring asylum seekers follow proper legal channels.
The vice president also spoke about the larger threat posed by transnational criminal organizations, drawing on her experience as Attorney General of California. Harris recounted her past work in prosecuting drug trafficking operations and dismantling cartels. She described the sophisticated smuggling techniques used by these organizations and stressed the need for innovation to counter their operations. She pledged to work across the political aisle to implement technology-driven solutions to disrupt criminal enterprises trafficking drugs, guns, and human beings across the U.S.-Mexico border.
On the issue of fentanyl, Harris highlighted the lethality of the drug and its widespread impact across rural and urban communities. She noted that much of the fentanyl entering the U.S. is smuggled through legal ports of entry by Mexican cartels. Harris promised to provide more resources to law enforcement agencies, improve inspection systems, and increase efforts to extradite and prosecute cartel leaders. She also emphasized the need for international cooperation, particularly with China, to stop the flow of precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production.
In addition to border security, Harris emphasized the importance of fixing the nation’s broken immigration system. She rejected the idea that the U.S. must choose between secure borders and a humane immigration system, insisting both are possible. She called for clear legal pathways for immigrants and reforms that would speed up asylum claims. Harris also voiced her support for providing a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, farmworkers, and others who have long contributed to the U.S. economy but remain in legal limbo.
Throughout the speech, Harris drew a sharp contrast between her approach and Donald Trump’s handling of border issues during his presidency. She criticized Trump for separating families, detaining children, and failing to address the root causes of the border crisis. Harris framed her vision as one of collaboration and practical solutions, promising to work with leaders from both parties to address border security, reform immigration, and combat the scourge of fentanyl. She concluded by expressing her belief that with courage and cooperation, the U.S. can secure its borders and build a more just and effective immigration system.
Vice President Harris boards Air Force Two on her way to visit the port of entry in Douglas, Arizona
