What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 31 Recap
The U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) held its fifth ministerial meeting in Washington, D.C., on January 30, 2024. Discussions focused on strengthening collective economic security, countering authoritarian practices, promoting cooperation in emerging technologies like AI, setting technological standards, and hosting stakeholder events on semiconductor supply chains and sustainable trade. The U.S. and EU also received a briefing on the Beyond 5G/6G Roadmap and signed the Joint CyberSafe Products Action Plan to enhance cybersecurity. The co-chairs plan to convene the sixth TTC ministerial meeting in Belgium in the spring of 2024.
President Biden expressed his condolences on the passing of Chita Rivera, highlighting her as an all-time great of American musical theater. Rivera, a pioneer and perfectionist, made significant contributions to Broadway with magnetic performances in various productions. She originated iconic roles in classics such as West Side Story, Bye Bye, Birdie, Chicago, and Kiss of the Spider Woman, paving the way for generations of Latina performers. Despite facing challenges, including a serious car crash, she displayed fierce resilience and delivered outstanding performances well into her 70s and 80s. Rivera, a recipient of three Tony Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, is remembered as a mesmerizing dancer, singer, and actor whose work reflected aspects of American identity. President Biden acknowledges her lasting impact on shaping perceptions and expresses condolences to Rivera's family and fans.
President Biden has approved a disaster declaration for the State of New York in response to a severe storm and flooding from September 28 to September 30, 2023. This declaration allows Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts. The affected counties include Kings, Nassau, and Westchester, with funding available for emergency work, facility repair or replacement, and statewide hazard mitigation measures on a cost-sharing basis. Ms. Lai Sun Yee from FEMA has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
In a proclamation for National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. highlighted the prevalence of physical or sexual dating violence among high school students, emphasizing its lasting impact on mental health and the increased risk of violence in future relationships. He reflected on his history of advocacy against abuses of power, including his role in the Violence Against Women Act and its recent reauthorization. Biden also mentioned the release of the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The proclamation underscored efforts to address online harassment and abuse, promoting healthier relationships and supporting survivors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's initiatives and resources for educators, families, and communities were acknowledged, along with the availability of immediate support through the National Domestic Violence Hotline. President Biden called for collective action to end teen dating violence, urging education and awareness throughout February 2024.
The President issued a proclamation for National Black History Month 2024. In it, President Biden celebrates the integral role of Black Americans in shaping the nation's identity. He emphasizes that Black history is inseparable from American history and has significantly influenced the nation's character.
President Biden acknowledges the ongoing struggle against the remnants of slavery, America's "original sin," but highlights the unyielding efforts of Black Americans to uphold the country's founding principles of equality and dignity. He credits them for confronting America with its harsh truths and helping the nation live up to its foundational ideals, thereby enriching American life and culture.
The proclamation outlines his administration's commitments and achievements in promoting racial equity and supporting underserved communities, including Black Americans. Key initiatives mentioned include:
Economic growth aimed at benefiting all societal levels, noting a historic low in Black unemployment.
Healthcare reforms to address disparities affecting Black Americans, including expanded insurance coverage and focusing on Black maternal health.
Investments in education and economic opportunities, particularly for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Black-owned businesses.
Efforts to ensure clean water and combat racial discrimination in housing.
Judicial appointments reflect America's diversity, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Implementation of policing reforms and gun safety legislation, and making lynching a federal hate crime.
Advocacy for voting rights legislation.
The President concluded by invoking the words of civil rights activist Amelia Boynton and urged Americans to learn from the past to move forward together. He officially proclaims February 2024 as National Black History Month, calling for observance through programs and activities that honor this history.
The proclamation affirms the administration's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Black Americans and advancing the nation's ideals of equality and justice.
President Biden issued a statement mourning the passing of former U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan. He praised her as a devoted partner, public servant, and the first woman to represent Missouri in the U.S. Senate. Biden commended her courage in stepping up to serve the nation after the tragic loss of her husband and son. Reflecting on her dedication, Biden highlighted Carnahan's commitment to hard work, her contributions as Missouri's First Lady, and her advocacy for issues such as gun safety and reproductive freedom in the U.S. Senate. Despite personal tragedy, Jean Carnahan turned her pain into purpose and dedicated her life to public service. Biden expressed gratitude for her support over the years and conveyed condolences to her family and the people of Missouri. He also acknowledged her daughter Robin's role in his administration as the Administrator of General Services.
Vice President Kamala Harris today met with Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago at the White House. They discussed continued progress under the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis (PACC 2030) and other key priorities, including regional security issues and the imperative of addressing firearms trafficking. They also discussed Venezuela and the Vice President stressed the need for Nicolas Maduro and his representatives to meet their commitments under the democratic electoral roadmap and support the aspirations of the Venezuelan people for a democratic future.
One year after a hazardous train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, the Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to supporting affected communities and holding Norfolk Southern accountable. President Biden is set to visit East Palestine in February. The response has been a comprehensive, whole-of-government effort, with agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and others actively involved.
Key actions and highlights:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
Issued orders holding Norfolk Southern accountable for cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Clean Water Act.
Coordinated soil remediation, with over 176,000 tons of contaminated soil removed.
Ongoing air quality monitoring indicates no risk to residents.
Department of Transportation (DOT):
NTSB leading the investigation into the derailment's cause.
Historic funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law deployed for rail system upgrades and safety improvements.
Focused inspections on tank cars and routes transporting hazardous materials.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
Provided technical and operational assistance during the response.
Designated a Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for long-term recovery efforts.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
Provides technical assistance to Ohio and Pennsylvania for potential Medicaid services.
Monitors public health consequences and addresses long-term health issues in affected communities.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR):
Deployed teams for chemical exposure assessments and health communications coordination.
Regular updates and collaboration with state and local health departments.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):
Engaged with Ohio and Pennsylvania to support Medicaid programs.
Approved a State Plan Amendment to preserve Medicaid eligibility for affected individuals.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
Responded to the incident through an Incident Management Group.
Analyzed data on chemical food safety hazards and confirmed the disposition of food products.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA):
Provided emergency funding to community health centers for primary care services.
Supported unmet health needs, mental health assessments, and toxic chemical screenings.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) / National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS):
Commissioned a public workshop and scoping review on chemical exposures and health impacts.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
Provided technical assistance and emergency response grants to address behavioral health needs.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
Obligated funds for a low-interest revolving loan fund for businesses in East Palestine.
The administration emphasizes ongoing support, accountability, and collaboration with local communities for a successful recovery.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps of the United Kingdom today to discuss U.S.-UK cooperation on a variety of issues, including preventing regional escalation in the Middle East and ongoing efforts to defend against Iranian-backed Houthi attacks against merchant and naval vessels transiting the Red Sea. They reviewed their support for Israel as it defends itself against Hamas, and efforts to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including through increasing deliveries of life-saving humanitarian aid. They reaffirmed their support for Ukraine as it faces continued Russian aggression. They also noted progress under AUKUS, including recent initiatives on advanced capability development.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also highlighted President Biden's commitment to addressing the climate crisis, considering it an existential threat. Sullivan praised Secretary John Kerry's leadership as the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, noting the U.S. return to global climate efforts under his guidance. Sullivan emphasized Biden's appointment of John Podesta to lead ongoing climate initiatives, citing Podesta's role in restoring U.S. domestic leadership on climate and implementing the Inflation Reduction Act, a significant investment in climate change mitigation. Podesta's contributions to realizing Biden's vision of addressing the climate crisis as an economic opportunity were acknowledged, leading to a surge in clean energy investment and job creation. Sullivan anticipated Podesta's role in guiding global efforts to enhance emissions targets and build clean energy supply chains. The statement underscored the administration's dedication to tackling climate change and Podesta's integral role in advancing these initiatives.
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby