What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 2, 2024 Recap
President Biden addressed recent events on college campuses, emphasizing the importance of balancing free speech with the rule of law. He condemned violent protests and illegal activities like vandalism, which he distinguished from lawful peaceful protests.
The President called for clarity and fairness, stressing that while dissent is vital for democracy, it should not lead to disorder or infringe on others' rights. He specifically denounced antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of discrimination and violence on campuses, reaffirming his commitment to free speech and the rule of law without compromising safety and order.
President Biden's Investing in America Agenda is allocating $3 billion to replace toxic lead pipes. This funding is part of a broader effort under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes $15 billion dedicated to this purpose. This funding aims to eliminate lead exposure from over 9 million homes, schools, and businesses in the U.S., prioritizing disadvantaged communities. The initiative responds to the risks posed by lead, such as brain development harm in children and other health issues.
The plan also involves nearly $90 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to address residential health hazards, including lead-based paint. Additional investments from the American Rescue Plan aid states like North Carolina, which received substantial funding for various water projects and lead hazard mitigation in educational facilities.
The administration's efforts are projected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes, aiming for full replacement within ten years. This initiative also includes workforce development, partnering with unions to train workers in lead pipe replacement, creating an estimated 200,000 jobs.
These measures are part of the largest investment in clean and safe water in American history, with over $50 billion allocated from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. They address broader water infrastructure needs and emerging contaminants like PFAS. These efforts aim to significantly improve affected communities' public health, water quality, and economic conditions.
President Biden is set to expand the San Gabriel Mountains and Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monuments in California, covering nearly 120,000 acres. This move is part of his commitment to conserving US lands and waters, with the goal of protecting at least 30% by 2030 under the America the Beautiful Initiative. The San Gabriel expansion will add over 105,000 acres, enhancing access to natural areas for local communities and protecting diverse ecological and cultural resources. The Berryessa Snow Mountain expansion will include 13,696 new acres, preserving important biological and historic features and renaming a key ridgeline to Molok Luyuk (Condor Ridge) to honor Native American heritage. This aligns with President Biden's broader environmental agenda, which has already led to the creation and expansion of several national monuments and wildlife refuges, alongside efforts to protect areas like the Boundary Waters and Bristol Bay. The expansions employ the Antiquities Act, which presidents historically used to protect natural and historic sites nationwide.
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched initiatives to enhance the teaching profession ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week. These measures include increasing teacher salaries with adjustments already in place in 30 states, revamping the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and exceeding pre-pandemic staffing levels by adding more social workers and nurses. Additionally, the expansion of Registered Teacher Apprenticeship programs now extends to 34 states and territories, while funding for special education has been increased. A new technical assistance center will further support teacher recruitment and retention. These initiatives reflect a comprehensive commitment to uplifting educators and improving the quality of education nationwide.
During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Charlotte, North Carolina, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and EPA Administrator Michael Regan provided updates on President Biden's agenda and responded to press inquiries. President Biden plans to meet with families of law enforcement officers who were killed or wounded in the line of duty, highlighting the administration's commitment to enhancing officer safety and combating gun violence.
Additionally, in Wilmington, NC, the President will announce a $3 billion investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace toxic lead pipes, ensuring clean drinking water nationwide. This initiative is part of a broader $15 billion commitment to remove lead pipes over the next decade.
Jean-Pierre fielded various questions, addressing topics ranging from the President's remarks on Japan to the administration's handling of protests and policies on immigration and refugees. She emphasized the administration's dedication to democratic values, peaceful protests, and tackling antisemitism while also navigating recent political criticisms and reaffirming support for Israel's security and a two-state solution. The discussion underscored the administration's focus on policy actions and responsiveness to public and global concerns amidst ongoing political debates.
President Biden declared a major disaster in Ohio due to tornadoes on March 14, 2024. This declaration allows federal aid to support recovery efforts in the affected counties, including Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland, and Union. The assistance available includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans for uninsured property losses, and other recovery programs. Federal funding is also offered for hazard mitigation measures across the state. Toney L. Raines from FEMA will oversee the federal recovery operations. Affected residents and business owners can apply for assistance through various platforms, including the FEMA website and app. Further designations may occur pending additional damage assessments.
President Biden announced nominees for key positions in his administration:
Tonya P. Wilkerson - Nominated as Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, bringing extensive intelligence community experience.
Abigail L. Dressel—A seasoned diplomat currently serving in Buenos Aires, Dressel has been Nominated as Ambassador to Angola and Sao Tome and Principe.
James Holtsnider - Nominated as Ambassador to Samoa, with a background in foreign service and military.
Elaine Marie Clegg and Ronald L. Batory were Nominated to the AMTRAK Board of Directors. Clegg focuses on public transportation, and Batory has extensive experience in the railroad industry.
Marcus D. Graham - Nominated to the Farm Credit Administration, with a long career at the USDA.
Matthew Kaplan was nominated as federal cochairperson of the Great Lakes Authority and is known for his work on regional economic and environmental issues.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden is hosting the inaugural “Teachers of the Year” State Dinner at the White House to honor the 2024 National Teacher of the Year, Missy Testerman from Tennessee, and State Teachers of the Year from across the country. The event, aligning with Teacher Appreciation Week, celebrates the dedication of these educators and their impact on students. Dr. Biden, who has over 30 years of teaching experience, highlighted the noble calling of teaching in her speech and discussed ongoing efforts to support the teaching profession.
The dinner features personalized touches such as brass bells, irises, and gold-painted apples as place card holders, symbolizing respect and recognition for the teachers. The Council of Chief State School Officers and other educational bodies support the event, emphasizing professional development and advocacy for teachers. Decorations and a personalized note from each teacher’s school community will welcome the honorees, enhancing the celebration of educational excellence. See the guest list.
In her speech at the dinner, the First Lady expressed gratitude towards various individuals, including Secretary Cardona and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, for their educational contributions. She highlighted the collective effort of educators, administration officials, and union leaders in supporting teachers and enhancing education. The event was notable as the first-ever Teachers of the Year State Dinner at the White House, celebrating teachers as professionals and individuals called to a significant vocation.
Dr. Biden praised the resilience and innovation of teachers who adapted during the pandemic and continuously supported diverse student groups, including military families. She reiterated the administration's commitment to education, emphasizing the reopening of schools post-pandemic, educational infrastructure investments, and teacher pay improvements.
The speech also included personal reflections, linking her familial teaching legacy to educators' broader impact on society. The First Lady concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Missy Testerman, a teacher whose extensive contributions to her community and students exemplify the profound influence of educators. She used this narrative to inspire and affirm the critical role of teachers in shaping the future.
Donna Hayashi Smith was appointed the new White House Curator, the first Asian American to hold this position. With a tenure starting in 1995, she has served under five administrations and has held various roles within the Executive Residence Office of the Curator. She led the White House’s recent re-accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden commended her for her extensive experience and deep understanding of the White House's legacy. Hayashi Smith holds degrees in Art History and Museum Studies from the University of Hawaii and George Washington University.
President Biden gives remarks in Wilmington, NC, on the $3 billion in infrastructure funds to replace toxic lead pipes
Ah, I always try to read this last thing before I go to bed. Helps me sleep soundly, knowing that the country is in good hands. Thank you, as always, for the heartening words.
I love reading this every day. I am so inspired by how much and the scope of things that Biden and his administration are doing for this country.