What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 24 Recap
President Biden announced that the 2024 Open Enrollment Period under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has set a record, with 21.3 million Americans signing up for health coverage through ACA marketplaces. He highlighted the success in lowering costs and increasing access to quality healthcare, noting that 9 million more people gained coverage since he took office. Biden emphasized his commitment to protecting and strengthening the ACA, stating that the American people want it reinforced, not repealed. He urged the need to make lower premiums permanent but criticized Republicans in Congress for proposing a budget that could eliminate improvements and raise costs for millions. Biden warned against repealing the ACA, emphasizing the potential consequences, including leaving millions without coverage, ending Medicaid coverage, and reinstating discriminatory practices by insurance companies. He pledged to continue fighting to bring down healthcare and prescription drug costs.
President Biden spoke at a campaign event in Manassas, VA, addressing various issues, focusing on women's reproductive rights. He discussed the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, criticized the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturning it, and blamed Donald Trump for the erosion of women's rights. Biden pledged to veto any national abortion ban and called for a new Congress to pass laws restoring protections. The speech emphasized the importance of the 2024 election, framing it as crucial for defending democracy and various freedoms. The President urged the audience to stay engaged and spread the faith. Throughout the speech, there were interruptions from the audience on various topics, including criticism of Biden's stance on Gaza.
Vice President Kamala Harris also addressed the campaign event in Manassas, VA, expressing gratitude to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and acknowledging the presence of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. She highlighted President Joe Biden's commitment to fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to make decisions about one's body. Harris criticized recent state laws restricting abortion, emphasizing the impact on women's health and the hypocrisy surrounding maternal mortality rates. She attributed the crisis to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and criticized former President Trump's role. Harris urged resistance against a potential national abortion ban, asserting that the American people will not allow it. She concluded by rallying support for reproductive freedoms and introducing a speaker, Amanda Zurawski, who shared a personal story.
The President expressed condolences and prayers for the family members of the eight victims killed in the shootings in Joliet, Illinois. Federal law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation. The President emphasized his commitment to addressing gun violence, highlighting efforts to strengthen background checks, combat gun trafficking through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and implementing executive actions for gun safety. He urged Congress to pass universal background checks, a national red flag law, and other commonsense gun safety measures, emphasizing the need for immediate action to stop the epidemic of gun violence.
In a letter to the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate, President Biden reported on military actions taken in response to attacks by Yemen-based Houthi militants against U.S. military forces and commercial shipping in the Red Sea region. With multinational support, the President detailed two sets of discrete strikes conducted on January 11, 2024, and January 22, 2024. The purpose of these strikes was to protect U.S. personnel and assets, degrade Houthi militants' capabilities, and deter future attacks. President Biden asserted that these actions were consistent with his constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive, as well as international law. The letter was provided in compliance with the War Powers Resolution to keep Congress informed, and the President expressed gratitude for congressional support in this matter.
In a press briefing held at The White House, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that President Biden disclosed a record-breaking enrollment of 21.3 million Americans in healthcare coverage through the Affordable Care Act. The President highlighted achievements in healthcare, including capping insulin costs for seniors, negotiating lower prescription drug prices, and saving millions on healthcare insurance through the Inflation Reduction Act. The briefing also covered updates on U.S. military strikes in Iraq against Iran-backed groups, international support for actions against the Houthis, and various diplomatic engagements in Africa. Additionally, Admiral John Kirby provided details on recent military actions and engagements in the Middle East and Africa. The briefing included a correction regarding a scheduled meeting with Mexican partners on migration, clarifying that it is set for early February.
President Biden has vetoed Senate Joint Resolution 38, which sought to disapprove the Federal Highway Administration's action regarding the "Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers." The President argues that the resolution would eliminate domestic manufacturing standards for EV chargers funded by the FHWA, harming domestic manufacturing and American jobs. He emphasizes the potential negative impact on Buy America requirements, allowing Federal dollars to be spent on chargers made in competitor nations like China. The President also highlights the resolution's potential to undermine private sector investments in domestic EV charging manufacturing and efforts to ensure the national network of EV chargers is manufactured in the United States. Furthermore, he contends that the resolution would harm efforts to encourage investment in critical industries and bring high-quality jobs back to the U.S., delaying progress in establishing the EV charging network and resilient supply chains. As a result, President Biden has vetoed the resolution to protect these objectives.
A statement released by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson expressed grave concern over reported strikes at a UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facility in southern Gaza, where more than 30,000 displaced Palestinians had reportedly been sheltering. The United States mourned the loss of innocent lives in the conflict, particularly highlighting the tragedy of civilian casualties, including children. While expressing unwavering support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas terrorists, the statement emphasized Israel's responsibility to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel, and sites. President Biden had been clear from the earliest days of the crisis that the United States would continue working to increase life-saving humanitarian assistance into Gaza and bring home all hostages held there.
President Biden spoke at the United Autoworkers Conference in Washington DC, addressing a union audience, particularly the UAW (United Auto Workers). He emphasized the importance of unions and their role in building the middle class. The President highlighted the historical significance of the UAW, referring to past strikes and victories for workers' rights. He praised the UAW for its leadership, especially during recent strikes.
The President expressed his commitment to being the most pro-union president and acknowledged the contributions of unions to the American workforce. He discussed the impact of unions on wages, benefits, and workplace conditions, citing the achievements of the UAW in securing record contracts.
President Biden touched on the importance of keeping jobs in the U.S., particularly in the auto industry, and emphasized the need for companies to invest in American workers. He outlined his administration's efforts to support the domestic manufacturing of electric vehicles and semiconductor production.
The President mentioned the positive economic indicators during his term, such as job creation, low unemployment, and wage increases. He contrasted his approach with previous administrations, criticizing trickle-down economics and highlighting his focus on building the economy from the middle and bottom up.
Overall, President Biden thanked the UAW for their support, called them the real heroes, and expressed optimism about America's future. He concluded with a call to remember the strength of the United States when working together.
