What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
March 6 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced an Executive Order to scale and expand the use of Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) within industries and the federal government and promote Labor-Management Forums (LMFs). Vice President Harris is set to highlight this initiative in Madison, Wisconsin, showcasing the Administration's efforts to create more equitable training pathways to good-paying jobs, including union jobs. This move is part of the broader Investing in America agenda, which seeks to ensure Americans are equipped with the necessary skills and training for new job opportunities created by major legislative acts such as the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act.
Key components of the Executive Order include:
Expansion of RAs in the Federal Workforce: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Department of Labor, and other federal agencies are directed to identify opportunities to incorporate RAs as pathways into and throughout federal employment, aiming to lower entry barriers and create career progression opportunities. A report outlining potential occupations for RA expansion and additional authority recommendations is expected within 180 days.
Promotion and Expansion of RAs through Grants and Contracts: Federal agencies are encouraged to incorporate requirements or incentives in grants and contracts to employ individuals participating in or who have completed RA programs, thereby broadening the adoption of RAs.
Re-establishment of LMFs: The order seeks to re-establish labor-management forums within the federal government to enhance worker participation in workplace improvement efforts.
This initiative is bolstered by nearly $200 million in recent funding opportunities to diversify and strengthen the Registered Apprenticeship system nationwide. It complements existing workforce initiatives, such as the designation of five Workforce Hubs and the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint, which focus on building a skilled and diverse workforce to meet the labor demand generated by significant infrastructure and technology investments.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden spoke at the Business Roundtable CEO Workforce Forum in Washington, D.C., highlighting the importance of career-connected learning starting in high school for economic success and company growth. She shared the story of Lilly, a young woman from Arizona who found her career path in construction management through a free community college program, emphasizing the booming construction industry in Lilly's area due to President Biden's investments.
Dr. Biden stressed that many high school students lack guidance and awareness of the career paths available and advocated for transforming education to better prepare students for careers, particularly those who do not go directly to a four-year college. She called businesses to partner with high schools and community colleges to create career-related curriculums, apprenticeships, and work-based learning programs. Highlighting successful examples from companies like IBM and Aon, she urged businesses to invest in these efforts to find skilled workers and support their growth, positioning career-connected learning as a critical change for the future.
Vice President Harris delivered remarks in Madison, Wisconsin, emphasizing the importance of expanding Registered Apprenticeship Programs, creating good-paying union jobs, and advancing economic opportunity. Speaking at the Metro Transit Satellite Bus Facility, she highlighted the collaboration between federal and local levels, particularly praising the efforts of Madison's mayor in fostering such partnerships.
The Vice President pointed out that investing in American workers through apprenticeship programs benefits individuals by providing them with skills in technology, math, and infrastructure development. It also supports the community by enhancing productivity. She mentioned that these programs pay apprentices, allowing them to earn while they learn without borrowing money for education.
Vice President Harris shared stories of apprentices who joined programs for various reasons, including a young man motivated by the birth of his son, aiming for a stable career. She emphasized the administration's partnership with unions in creating opportunities for young people to enter high-quality professions.
A key announcement made by the Vice President was President Biden's issuance of an executive order. This order directs federal agencies to consider apprenticeship program graduates for federal jobs that traditionally require a four-year college degree. Harris underscored the value of the skills learned in apprenticeships, such as engineering, technology, and complex math, which are crucial for various jobs beyond infrastructure work.
Praising the mayor of Madison for her investment in public transit and her leadership in creating public-private partnerships, Vice President Harris highlighted the local efforts as a model for the country in expanding public transit and benefiting working people. The Vice President's speech underlined the administration's commitment to workforce development, economic opportunity, and the strengthening of community infrastructure through innovative partnerships and educational pathways.
The White House released a fact sheet outlining President Biden's comprehensive strategy to reduce prescription drug and healthcare costs, expand healthcare access, and protect consumers. The administration emphasizes healthcare as a fundamental right, citing significant legislative accomplishments like the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. These efforts have resulted in more Americans being insured than ever, lower prescription drug prices for seniors, and capping insulin prices at $35. Key initiatives include:
Lower Prescription Drug Costs: President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act empowers Medicare to negotiate drug prices, aiming to lower costs for millions of Americans. The administration is negotiating prices for widely used drugs, with plans to expand the number of drugs eligible for negotiation.
Cap on Out-of-Pocket Costs: Medicare will implement a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs by 2025, and the administration seeks to extend this cap to private insurance.
Access to Cell & Gene Therapies: The administration promotes affordable access to potentially lifesaving treatments, starting with sickle cell disease, by negotiating with drug manufacturers for state Medicaid programs.
Expand Rebate Requirements: The Inflation Reduction Act mandates rebates from drug manufacturers if price increases exceed inflation. The President proposes extending this requirement to commercial drug sales.
Health Insurance Premiums: The administration has significantly reduced health insurance premiums, resulting in record-breaking enrollment in the ACA Marketplaces. Biden urges Congress to make these premium tax credits permanent.
Medicaid Coverage Gap: Efforts are ongoing to provide Medicaid-like coverage in states that have not adopted Medicaid expansion and to maintain coverage for Medicaid enrollees.
Children's Health Coverage: The President aims to ensure continuous Medicaid or CHIP coverage for children from birth until age six and simplify enrollment.
Women’s Health Research: Launching the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research to address gaps in women's health research.
Mental Health Care Access: Strengthening mental health care coverage and finalizing the mental health parity rule to close loopholes in coverage.
Protection Against Surprise Bills and Junk Insurance: Implementing protections against surprise medical bills and cracking down on low-quality insurance plans.
Nursing Home Standards: Setting higher standards for nursing home care, including staffing requirements, to ensure safe, high-quality care.
Medicare and Social Security: Proposing reforms to secure Medicare's financial future and rejecting cuts to benefits, reinforcing Biden's commitment to protect these programs.
President Biden's policies focus on reducing healthcare costs, expanding access, improving quality, and ensuring the protection of consumers, all while holding drug manufacturers and insurance companies accountable.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had a phone conversation with his South African counterpart, Dr. Sydney Mufamadi. During the call, they reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and South Africa. They discussed various important topics, including their shared commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, exploring opportunities for effective multilateral cooperation through the upcoming G20 presidencies of both countries in 2025 and 2026, and supporting a just and durable peace in Ukraine. Both leaders emphasized the need for ongoing bilateral dialogue on various issues of interest and concern and expressed their appreciation for the significant collaborative efforts between the two nations.
A press briefing was conducted by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre covering various topics:
President Biden's upcoming State of the Union address will highlight his administration's achievements and outline his vision for the future. He will emphasize efforts to lower costs, healthcare, taxation, and democracy and tackle key societal issues.
The situation in Haiti, with the U.S., is not pushing for the resignation of the Prime Minister but encouraging a path towards democratic order through elections and governance reforms.
Discussions on international matters, including U.S. support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression and efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to conflict-affected regions.
Domestic issues, including the administration's stance on intelligence briefings for former President Trump and legislative efforts related to TikTok and national security.
The White House's response to global and domestic challenges, including support for democracy, economic achievements, and strategic foreign policy engagements.
Ms. Jean-Pierre reiterated the administration's commitment to key domestic and international policies, the importance of bipartisan support for legislative measures, and the ongoing efforts to address challenges facing the U.S. and its allies.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered remarks at the unveiling of the Betty Ford Forever Stamp at the White House, expressing gratitude toward Susan Ford Bales, other members of the Ford family, and friends of First Lady Betty Ford for their presence. She commended Postmaster General DeJoy on the stamp's beauty and acknowledged the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation for continuing Betty Ford's legacy.
Dr. Biden highlighted the challenges and uniqueness of becoming a First Lady, praising Betty Ford's authenticity, candor, and impact during her time in the White House. Betty Ford was celebrated for her advocacy on controversial issues, such as legalized abortion and the Equal Rights Amendment, and for her openness about her breast cancer and battle with addiction. These actions not only broke taboos but also inspired and saved many lives. Betty Ford's journey was portrayed as a lesson in resilience, hope, and the human capacity for redemption. Jill Biden concluded by honoring Betty Ford's enduring inspiration and the symbolic immortality achieved through the forever stamp dedicated to her legacy.
Vice President Harris meets with workers in Madison, WI, where she gave remarks on the expanded Registered Apprenticeship Programs
