What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
April 17, 2024 Recap
On the one-year anniversary of President Biden's Care Executive Order (EO), the Biden-Harris Administration is hosting a "Making Care Work" event to highlight its efforts in expanding access to care and other supportive services essential for workers to secure and retain good-paying jobs. Senior officials and governors will discuss the progress made under the EO, focusing on the importance of services like child care and transportation. Notable among the announcements are the Department of Commerce's collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to host the first National Child Care Innovation Summit and the Department of Transportation's new $4.2 million funding opportunity to develop workforce programs in highway construction, emphasizing supportive services.
The administration will also issue new resources to bolster these initiatives, including a publication by the White House Council of Economic Advisers detailing the economic impact of investing in child care and a guide to help stakeholders leverage federal funds to support care services. The Department of Labor will release guidance to promote child care and long-term care investments as part of workforce development. On a state level, actions include Oregon's expansion of child care support for construction workers, New York's workforce development enhancements in transportation projects, and Massachusetts' planned investment in a Workforce Training System to integrate child care with job training and employment opportunities. These efforts showcase the administration's commitment to strengthening the Care Economy and supporting the workforce through essential services, aiming to create a more skilled and diverse workforce.
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a new memorandum of agreement (MOA) to enhance the Domestic Employees Teleworking Overseas (DETO) program for military spouses employed by the federal government. This MOA, signed between the Department of Defense (DoD) and the State Department, is part of President Biden's Executive Order to support the economic security of military spouses, caregivers, and survivors. The agreement facilitates remote work for military spouses from overseas military-managed residences, improves security services provided by the DoD, and eases housing security inspections and approvals.
Key initiatives launched under this effort include promoting military spouse hiring authorities, launching a data-focused committee led by military spouses to improve federal employment tracking, and publishing strategic plans and guides to enhance the hiring and retention of military-connected personnel. Additionally, the administration has introduced measures like tax-free dependent care spending accounts, reduced childcare costs, and expanded employment partnerships, significantly supporting military families.
The efforts underscore the administration's commitment to utilizing the talents of military families, recognizing their vital role in maintaining the operational strength of the Armed Forces. The ongoing actions are a testament to the government's endeavor to be a model employer for military spouses, ensuring their career stability and economic well-being.
The Biden Administration is taking significant steps to strengthen the U.S. steel and aluminum industries in the face of competition from Chinese imports. President Biden has proposed tripling the existing tariff rate on these imports to combat unfairly low-priced goods that China heavily subsidizes. Additionally, the administration is initiating an investigation into China's trade practices in shipbuilding and related sectors. Domestically, the administration promotes investments in clean steel production and has implemented numerous anti-dumping measures to protect American industries. These actions are part of a broader effort to support American manufacturing, reduce the trade deficit with China, and ensure the economic and national security of the United States.
President Biden spoke in Pittsburgh, affirming his commitment to defending U.S. steel and shipbuilding from unfair Chinese competition. He pledged to keep American steel domestically owned and operated and proposed heightened tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum if unfair practices were confirmed. Biden celebrated his administration's pro-union stance and economic achievements, contrasting his policies with those of previous administrations. He emphasized the role of his economic policies in strengthening American manufacturing, creating jobs, and promoting fair competition as foundational to preserving American democracy and values.
President Biden has announced his intention to nominate two individuals for the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and one individual for U.S. Marshal. The judicial nominees, described as exceptionally qualified and committed to the rule of law, reflect the President's aim to diversify the nation's courts in terms of personal and professional backgrounds. The nominees for the D.C. Court of Appeals are Carmen G. Iguina González and Joseph R. Palmore, both with extensive legal experience and service in significant legal and judicial capacities.
Additionally, Miranda Holloway-Baggett has been nominated to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama. With a long and varied career in the U.S. Marshals Service, including leadership positions in multiple states, she has been recognized for her professionalism and dedication to equal justice.
These nominations continue the President's efforts to fulfill his commitment to enhance the diversity and capability of the U.S. judicial system.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a statement praising Senate leadership for moving swiftly toward a vote on H.R. 7888, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act. This Act sought to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which was essential for intelligence gathering and was set to expire soon. The legislation had already gained significant bipartisan support in the House and was noted for enhancing national security and privacy protections.
There was a specific emphasis on clarifying a House amendment related to the definition of "electronic communications service provider," which had been updated to reflect the technological changes since 2008. This update aligned with recommendations from a federal appellate court and was intended to allow more precise cooperation with private sector companies under judicial and congressional oversight.
The statement also reiterated that Section 702 only targeted non-Americans located outside the U.S., and the amendment introduced additional safeguards to protect various domestic entities. It underscored that the core purpose of Section 702 remained unchanged and urged the Senate to pass the bill promptly to avoid the lapsing of the current law.
President Biden issued a statement that pays tribute to the late Senator Bob Graham, emphasizing his significant contributions and lifelong dedication to public service, particularly in Florida and on the national stage. Graham’s political journey took him from being a state legislator to governor, senator, and presidential candidate. He is noted for his principled stance against the Iraq War, his co-sponsorship of the Violence Against Women Act, and his efforts to improve education and protect the environment, especially the Everglades.
Known for his humanity and sense of humor, Bob Graham engaged deeply with his constituents, spending over 400 days working alongside them in various jobs to understand their lives better. He also promoted civic education and supported the next generation of public servants through his center in Gainesville. The statement also highlights his personal life, mentioning his 65-year marriage to his wife Adele, his four daughters, grandchildren, and friends, acknowledging the broad impact of his work and the legacy he leaves behind.
At a press briefing in Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport, President Biden reflected on his visit to a World War II memorial where his uncle, Ambrose J. Finnegan, was honored. He shared personal stories about his family's military service, noting how his mother's brothers volunteered to join the military right after D-Day, though one was disqualified for health reasons. His Uncle Bosie, who served in the Army Air Corps, was shot down over New Guinea during a reconnaissance mission, and his body was never recovered, though parts of his plane were later found. The President also criticized former President Trump for derogatory comments made about military veterans, calling such remarks disqualifying for a president. He concluded by touching on his family's tradition of saying three Hail Marys at gravesites. Additionally, President Biden mentioned he would be briefed on separate bills concerning aid for Ukraine and Israel during his flight.
President Biden issued a statement expressing strong support for a national security supplemental package aimed at providing critical support to Israel and Ukraine, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific. Highlighting the urgent situations in Israel and Ukraine, he emphasized the severity of the threats from Iran and Russia. Biden urged the House and Senate to pass the legislation promptly, stating his readiness to sign it into law as a demonstration of the U.S.'s commitment to its allies and opposition to Iran and Russia's actions.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden addressed new initiatives to enhance employment opportunities for military spouses, emphasizing the importance of support for their unique challenges. Speaking from the White House, she highlighted a significant Executive Order signed by President Biden that eases employment and relocation barriers for military spouses in the federal sector and reduces childcare costs. The speech also recognized the dual service of military spouses and stressed ongoing efforts to address issues like childcare and professional licensing. The event concluded with a call to continue supporting military families as a moral and national security imperative.
U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Daleep Singh and Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre announced their intention to proceed with a U.S.-Norway Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on cooperation in the trade of critical minerals. This MOU aims to strengthen strategic partnerships between the United States and Norway by fostering high-standard labor and environmental conditions in the critical minerals supply chain. It also seeks to address and respond to unfair market practices that distort the market by third countries. This agreement reflects months of constructive discussions and represents a commitment to enhancing the long-term commercial success of sustainable and market-oriented critical minerals mining and processing within the U.S., Norway, and globally.
Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer had a phone conversation with President Irfaan Ali of Guyana. They discussed various topics, including strengthening their bilateral relationship and supporting Guyana's sovereignty. Mr. Finer praised Guyana’s role as the current Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Both leaders emphasized the need to enhance international support for Haitian-led initiatives and a multinational mission to help stabilize Haiti and facilitate democratic elections. Additionally, they addressed shared concerns like energy security and climate change.
President Biden addresses the United Steelworkers Union in Pittsburgh, PA
