What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
August 6, 2024 Recap
NSC Spokesperson Sean Savett issued a statement focusing on a recent development where the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has decided to schedule three critical precursor chemicals used in the production of illicit fentanyl. By scheduling these chemicals, China will impose stricter regulations and controls on their distribution and use, making it more difficult for them to be used in the illegal manufacturing of fentanyl.
This action is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen counternarcotics cooperation between the United States and China. The PRC's decision is the third major scheduling action since November 2023, when President Biden met with President Xi. During that meeting, both leaders agreed to renew bilateral efforts to combat the trafficking and production of illicit drugs, specifically targeting the global fentanyl crisis.
The recent scheduling action by the PRC also follows a senior official meeting of the U.S.-China Counternarcotics Working Group. In this meeting, both countries discussed several key initiatives aimed at enhancing their collaborative efforts. These included:
Increasing Law Enforcement Cooperation: Both countries are working together to improve the coordination between their law enforcement agencies and more effectively combat narcotics trafficking.
Disrupting Illicit Financing: The U.S. and PRC are focusing on ways to target and disrupt the financial networks that support transnational criminal organizations involved in the illegal drug trade.
Accelerating the Scheduling of Precursor Chemicals: The two nations are prioritizing the identification and regulation of precursor chemicals that are essential in the production of synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
The statement reflects the ongoing commitment of both the United States and China to tackle the fentanyl crisis through enhanced regulation, international cooperation, and targeted law enforcement efforts.
President Biden issued a statement expressing gratitude to Penny Pritzker, the U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery, for her significant contributions in supporting Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. Pritzker mobilized public and private investment, created a war risk insurance model, reopened export markets, strengthened Ukraine's defense industry, and helped implement economic reforms. Biden acknowledged her leadership and innovation, emphasizing that her efforts would continue to guide U.S. support for Ukraine's future security across diplomatic, military, and economic fronts.
President Biden had separate calls with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt to discuss their efforts in de-escalating regional tensions, particularly through the negotiation of an immediate ceasefire and a hostage release deal. In his call with Amir Sheikh Tamim, President Biden expressed his appreciation for Qatar's determined leadership in facilitating the negotiations, which have now reached a critical final stage. Both leaders emphasized the urgency of bringing the process to a swift and successful conclusion, agreeing to maintain close coordination in the coming days to ensure this outcome.
Similarly, in his conversation with President El-Sisi, President Biden conveyed his gratitude for Egypt's crucial role in advancing the negotiations. They both acknowledged the importance of quickly finalizing the agreements and committed to keeping their teams in close communication to ensure the timely completion of the peace efforts. These calls highlight the significant roles that Qatar and Egypt are playing in the ongoing diplomatic efforts, with a shared focus on achieving stability and peace in the region.
President Biden sent a message to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, informing them of the continuation of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14105. This emergency originally declared on August 9, 2023, addresses the threat posed by certain countries advancing sensitive technologies and products critical for military, intelligence, surveillance, or cyber-enabled capabilities. These advancements pose a significant threat to U.S. national security, particularly when these countries exploit U.S. outbound investments. President Biden has determined that the emergency needs to continue beyond August 9, 2024, to address this ongoing threat.
In today's press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed various topics, starting with the administration's response to Tropical Storm Debby. The Biden administration is closely monitoring the storm's impact on the southeast coast and has coordinated federal support, including FEMA's deployment of assistance teams and resources to affected areas. Jean-Pierre also discussed President Biden's recent communications, noting that he was informed by Vice President Harris about the selection of a new leader and has been in discussions with international leaders, particularly focusing on de-escalation and humanitarian efforts in the Middle East.
On the economy, despite recent volatility, the White House maintains that the U.S. economy is resilient, citing positive trends in unemployment and inflation. The administration is committed to supporting middle-class and working families and continues to monitor economic developments closely. Jean-Pierre also touched on foreign policy, highlighting the administration's diplomatic efforts in response to Middle East tensions, the foiled assassination plot against former President Trump, and the situation in Venezuela. The administration is committed to ensuring national security and engaging in diplomatic discussions to address these issues.
Regarding the 2024 elections, while Jean-Pierre confirmed that campaign activities are ongoing, the administration's focus remains on governance and delivering on key priorities for the American people. On the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, the administration reiterated its commitment to expanding voter access and called for federal legislation to protect voting rights. Additionally, the President continues to advocate for Supreme Court reforms aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency within the judiciary. The briefing also covered other issues, including the U.S. stance on the situation in Bangladesh and Venezuela and the President's relationship with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, emphasizing the administration's broad range of ongoing concerns and actions.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz held their first campaign rally together in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they outlined their platform and vision for the country. Harris began by expressing her gratitude for the warm welcome and emphasized her strong ties to Pennsylvania and its leaders. She announced that she is now officially the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. She outlined the primary goals of her campaign, which include building a brighter future through affordable housing, healthcare, and childcare. Harris emphasized the importance of defending fundamental freedoms such as voting rights, protection from gun violence, the right to love freely, and a woman's right to make decisions about her own body. She also took the opportunity to critique Donald Trump, describing him as a type she is familiar with from her career as a prosecutor, and framed the campaign as a fight not just against Trump but for the future of America.
Harris introduced Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, highlighting his background as a veteran, teacher, and public servant. She praised his dedication to middle-class values and his legislative achievements, including securing paid leave for workers, expanding voting rights, and making school meals free for all children in Minnesota. Walz, in his speech, expressed his excitement about joining Harris on the ticket and thanked the crowd for their support. He shared his background, emphasizing his middle-class roots in Nebraska, his service in the Army National Guard, and his career as a teacher and coach. Walz also recounted his time in Congress, where he worked across the aisle on issues like veterans' affairs and rural economic development. He criticized Donald Trump for his self-serving behavior and lack of understanding of public service, contrasting it with his own record. Walz also took aim at Trump's running mate, J.D. Vance, mocking him for being out of touch with middle America.
Throughout the rally, Harris and Walz emphasized their shared values and commitment to working together to address the challenges facing the country. They focused on strengthening the middle class as the foundation of a strong America and defending rights and freedoms they believe are under attack. They drew a sharp contrast between their vision for the future and that of Trump and his running mate, framing the election as a critical choice for the country's direction. The rally concluded with a powerful call to action, urging supporters to get involved, vote, and ensure a victory in November. Harris and Walz expressed confidence in their ability to win and bring about positive change for all Americans.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 6: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz appear on stage together during a campaign event at the Liacouras Center at Temple University on August 6, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Harris ended weeks of speculation about who her running mate would be, selecting the 60-year-old midwestern governor over other candidates. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)