What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Weekend Recap: September 21-22, 2024
John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Advisor, held an on-the-record press gaggle to update President Biden's upcoming meetings with Indo-Pacific Quad leaders and addressed various questions about U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East. Kirby announced that President Biden will meet with the leaders of Japan, Australia, and India to discuss critical regional issues, focusing on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. The discussions will include individual meetings with each leader, a plenary session, and a Cancer Moonshot event, all taking place over a busy weekend in Wilmington.
Kirby also addressed the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah following Israeli strikes near Beirut. He clarified that the U.S. had no involvement in these military actions and reiterated the U.S.'s diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border. Kirby emphasized that the U.S. still believes diplomacy can resolve the situation and urged Americans to avoid traveling to Lebanon due to the heightened tensions.
Regarding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Kirby reaffirmed the U.S.'s support for restoring funding, providing proper safeguards to ensure transparency and accountability, especially in light of allegations that some employees were involved in Hamas activities. He noted that the agency is critical in distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza and that the U.S. would continue working with international partners to ensure effective oversight.
On the topic of hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas, Kirby acknowledged the difficulties but stressed that the U.S. remains committed to securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages. He dismissed suggestions that the U.S. has given up hope and stated that efforts to reach a diplomatic solution are ongoing despite slow progress.
Throughout the briefing, Kirby avoided commenting on specific Israeli military operations but emphasized that U.S. diplomacy remains focused on preventing a broader conflict. His responses reflected ongoing U.S. concerns about Middle East tensions while highlighting the administration's strategic engagements with Indo-Pacific allies.
President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida of Japan met in Wilmington, Delaware, to enhance cooperation on various security, economic, and diplomatic issues. During the meeting, President Biden highlighted the critical importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance, which he called the cornerstone of regional peace and prosperity. He praised the progress in strengthening the partnership, particularly since Kishida's official visit to Washington in April 2024. Biden commended the Prime Minister's visionary leadership, which has significantly bolstered Japan's defense capabilities and transformed its global role. He thanked Kishida for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the defense cooperation between the two nations, focusing on areas like command and control, defense industrial collaboration, joint military exercises, and their mutual efforts to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The two leaders also addressed progress under the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) trilateral partnership, particularly regarding advanced capability projects under Pillar 2. They reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposed efforts to alter the status quo through force. Both leaders expressed concern over the coercive and destabilizing actions of the People's Republic of China (PRC), particularly in the South China Sea. Additionally, they committed to working together on developing and protecting critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and semiconductors, while ensuring economic resilience in the face of coercive pressures.
Beyond security concerns, the discussion covered Japan’s significant contributions to global and regional stability. They highlighted Japan's active role in the Quad and the leadership it demonstrated during its presidency of the G7 in the previous year. Biden expressed his gratitude for Japan’s humanitarian efforts, particularly in light of increasing global needs. The two leaders also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Biden lauding Kishida's strong support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. Lastly, they celebrated the progress in U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral cooperation, especially following the historic Camp David Summit in 2023, where strengthened ties between Japan and South Korea opened a new era of collaboration.
Biden and Kishida concluded by reaffirming their commitment to elevating the U.S.-Japan Alliance to new heights and standing united as steadfast global partners.
The White House issued a Joint Fact Sheet highlighting the deepening U.S.-India strategic partnership, emphasizing their commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. President Biden and Prime Minister Modi reaffirm their dedication to advancing collaboration in critical areas such as defense, technology, and clean energy. The defense relationship has grown significantly, with India procuring U.S. drones and collaborating on joint defense production projects. Both leaders underscored the importance of operational coordination and industrial innovation, making U.S.-India defense ties a pillar of global security.
In technology, the partnership is expanding rapidly, focusing on critical and emerging sectors like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and clean energy. Initiatives like the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and plans for joint space missions showcase their ambition to lead in innovation. Economic and trade cooperation is also a priority, as both nations work to build resilient supply chains, particularly in semiconductors and clean energy while fostering industrial collaborations in renewable energy and critical minerals.
On the global stage, India is recognized for its leadership in forums such as the G-20 and the Global South, with the U.S. supporting India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council. Both countries are committed to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, strengthening their security and defense cooperation. In the energy sector, the leaders emphasize building clean energy infrastructure and supply chains, aiming to expand collaboration in solar, wind, nuclear, and hydrogen energy.
The fact sheet also outlines efforts to enhance agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and public health cooperation. Both countries are working to develop solutions for global challenges, including climate change and public health threats. Additionally, initiatives to support small businesses, women's empowerment, and cultural heritage protection are highlighted as important elements of their partnership. The document portrays a comprehensive U.S.-India relationship, marked by strong cooperation across defense, technology, trade, energy, and diplomacy, with a shared vision for global peace, prosperity, and innovation.
In her remarks at the first-ever Back-to-School Night at the White House, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed attendees to the South Lawn and reflected on the significance of the "Back to School" season. She acknowledged how this period holds different meanings for students, teachers, and parents. She reminisced about the difficult back-to-school season four years ago during the pandemic, praising educators for their resilience and support during that challenging time.
Dr. Lady Biden highlighted the Biden administration's achievements in education, including safely reopening schools, investing in public education, fixing student loan relief for public servants, and pushing for better pay for teachers. She noted that since President Biden took office, teacher pay has increased in 30 states and Washington, D.C.
She also expressed her gratitude to the President’s Own Marine Band and honored the Teachers of the Year present, thanking them for their dedication to students. The First Lady concluded by celebrating the excitement of a new school year and encouraged everyone to enjoy the evening on the South Lawn.
The Wilmington Declaration is a joint statement by Australia, India, Japan, and the United States leaders at the 2023 Quad Leaders Summit. Here are the key points:
Commitment to the Indo-Pacific: The leaders reaffirmed their dedication to a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific, emphasizing stability and the rule of law. They stand against unilateral actions that seek to alter the status quo by force or coercion.
Strategic Cooperation: The Quad countries continue to build partnerships in maritime security, health security, infrastructure, disaster relief, and emerging technologies. Notable initiatives include:
The Quad Cancer Moonshot to combat cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad Maritime Domain Awareness Partnership to enhance security and monitor unlawful activities.
A new regional Maritime Initiative for Training.
The Quad Ports of the Future Partnership to promote sustainable infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific.
Climate and Energy: A joint effort to promote clean energy and climate resilience, focusing on the region's sustainable infrastructure and energy supply chains.
Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies: Increased cooperation to improve cybersecurity and the development of critical technologies like semiconductors and 5G.
Commitment to Global Security: The Quad leaders express concern over actions in the East and South China Seas, North Korea’s missile tests, and the conflict in Ukraine. They call for peaceful resolutions to disputes and adherence to international law.
Humanitarian Assistance: Continued cooperation on disaster relief, particularly in the face of natural disasters, and efforts to enhance health security post-pandemic.
Terrorism and Regional Issues: Condemnation of terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism, and concern over the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and instability in Gaza and Ukraine.
The declaration emphasizes the Quad’s lasting commitment to the Indo-Pacific’s peace, stability, and prosperity and to upholding international law and multilateral institutions.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held a press gaggle highlighting key outcomes from the fourth Quad Leaders Summit President Biden hosted in Delaware. The event emphasized the importance of personal diplomacy, with Biden opening his home to the leaders of India, Japan, and Australia. The Quad aims to deepen cooperation on regional issues like humanitarian aid, cyber security, and maritime awareness.
Notable announcements included the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative, the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness expansion, and the Quad's first Coast Guard mission launch. Sullivan stressed that the Quad is not aimed at any specific country, particularly China, but focuses on common goals like security and economic stability in the Indo-Pacific. He also mentioned the bipartisan support for the Quad in the U.S., underscoring its growing significance.
In his statement on the passing of Thomas Bell, President Joe Biden reflects on their long friendship, which began in their childhood in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He describes Bell as a dear friend with a special heart who was present for many significant moments in his life, from school days to major life events. Biden recalls how Bell, an insurance agent who served in the National Guard, was a devoted family man and a person of honor, decency, and loyalty. He praises Bell's character, calling him an extraordinary American and quoting poet William Butler Yeats to express the deep bond of their friendship. Biden extends his condolences to Bell's wife, Ellen, and their family.
In her statement marking the anniversary of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, Vice President Harris emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety of all Americans from gun violence. She highlights the actions taken by the Biden administration, including enacting the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, enhanced background checks, closing the gun show and boyfriend loopholes, and a historic $1 billion investment in youth mental health.
The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention has also supported local communities and states with resources like red flag laws and community violence intervention programs. Harris stresses the ongoing need for universal background checks, bans on bump stocks, safe storage laws, and the renewal of the Assault Weapons Ban. She calls for further legislative action while reiterating the administration’s commitment to reducing gun violence.
Stef Feldman, Director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, issued a statement addressing a tragic shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, that left several dead and many injured. Feldman emphasizes that gun violence has become a national epidemic, and the Biden administration, along with state and local officials, is actively investigating the situation. She expresses the administration’s frustration, stating that over 400 mass shootings have occurred in the U.S. this year alone.
Feldman highlights that President Biden created the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention a year ago to address this issue. Despite significant progress, including major legislation to combat gun violence and investments in community programs, Feldman notes that more needs to be done. She reiterates the administration's ongoing call for Congress to enact further measures, such as banning assault weapons and expanding background checks.
President Biden announce the Quad Cancer Moonshot to end cancer around the world
