What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 10, 2024 Recap
National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard emphasized that inflation had fallen to 2.4%, the same rate as before the pandemic. She noted that progress had been made under the Biden-Harris Administration, with the economy growing at 3.2% annually, creating 16 million jobs, lowering unemployment, and increasing incomes by nearly $4,000 after adjusting for inflation. Brainard also mentioned that efforts were underway to help families affected by recent hurricanes, supported by a resilient economic recovery. She contrasted the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to lower costs with Republican policies, which she claimed would have raised costs for families while benefiting billionaires and large corporations.
President Biden issued a notice stating that the national emergency declared in 2019 (through Executive Order 13894) concerning the situation in Syria will be extended for another year beyond October 14, 2024. The notice highlights that the situation in Syria continues to pose a significant threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and efforts to defeat ISIS. As a result, the national emergency will remain in effect, and the decision will be communicated to Congress and published in the Federal Register.
In his statement on the passing of Ethel Kennedy, President Biden honored her as an American icon who embodied resilience, optimism, and moral courage. He described her as a devoted mother, public servant, and friend who, after the tragic death of her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, channeled her grief into a lifelong commitment to civil rights, social justice, and humanitarian work. Biden recalled her impact on his life as a source of inspiration and personal support during his family’s tragedies. He praised her dedication to human rights and her influence on millions worldwide. He expressed deep sympathy for the Kennedy family, calling her a "great American" and a cherished friend.
The Biden-Harris administration has made significant progress in strengthening U.S. relations with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) over the past three and a half years, upgrading ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This effort has involved expanding cooperation across key areas such as health, transportation, women's empowerment, climate, and energy and meeting 98.37% of the ASEAN-U.S. Plan of Action commitments. The U.S. has also worked to deepen collaboration on foreign affairs, economics, technology, and defense.
Notable achievements include extending a U.S.-ASEAN development agreement through 2029, launching health and maritime cooperation initiatives, enhancing cybersecurity training, and supporting climate action. The U.S.-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership has invested over $19 million in sustainable urban projects, and the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI) continues to build youth leadership in the region.
Economic ties have also been bolstered, with U.S. investments reaching over $1.4 billion and major initiatives launched in clean energy, digital economy, and critical mineral development. The U.S. remains ASEAN's largest source of foreign investment and key partner in regional stability and development. Looking ahead, the U.S. plans to continue advancing this partnership through further collaboration and investments in 2025.
The Biden-Harris Administration acknowledged the U.S. government's commitment to advancing girls' rights, safety, and well-being worldwide in recognition of International Day of the Girl. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden is hosting the "Girls Leading Change" event at the White House, where ten young women from across the U.S. will be honored for their impactful work in their communities. The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced various initiatives to support girls' development. In education, programs like the American Rescue Plan and student debt cancellation have been launched to enhance academic recovery and reduce financial barriers, ensuring girls have better success opportunities.
Efforts to address youth mental health and gun violence have also been prioritized, with significant investments directed to mental health services in schools and gun safety laws aimed at reducing violence, especially domestic violence involving firearms. Additionally, the administration's focus on climate action includes the creation of the American Climate Corps and the Clean School Bus Program, designed to foster a healthier environment and empower girls to lead in climate resilience and clean energy sectors.
On a global scale, the U.S. continues to promote girls' education and tackle harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation while also addressing online harassment and abuse. Programs such as DREAMS have been expanded to protect girls from HIV, and international partnerships have been established to combat child trafficking and support girls' leadership in various fields, including digital technology and climate policy. These comprehensive actions reflect the administration's dedication to empowering girls in the U.S. and worldwide, ensuring they have the resources and support to thrive.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden honored ten young women as part of the 2024 "Girls Leading Change" initiative, celebrating their leadership and contributions to their communities on the International Day of the Girl. Selected by the White House Gender Policy Council, these young women were recognized for their efforts in diverse fields, including art, STEM, disability advocacy, and community support for immigrants and refugees. Dr. Biden expressed her admiration for their innovative work and hoped they would inspire future generations.
The honorees included:
Cheyenne Anderson (New Mexico): Artist who empowered underrepresented communities.
Emily Austin (Portugal): Military family advocate who fostered community.
Sreenidi Bala (Connecticut): STEM advocate who created programs for neurodivergent students.
Noel Demetrio (Illinois): Leader who supported and advocated for refugees.
Serena Griffin (California): Poet who empowered youth through storytelling.
Pragathi Kasani-Akula (Georgia): Innovator who developed low-cost health solutions.
Meghna and Siona Pramoda (Puerto Rico): Co-founders of SafeTeensOnline who promoted digital safety.
Kira Tiller (Virginia): Disability rights advocate who pushed for legislative changes.
Morgaine Wilkins-Dean (Colorado): Gun violence prevention activist.
This recognition reflected the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to ensuring girls' safety, education, health, and well-being.
President Biden had conversations with two leaders today.
In his call with President João Lourenço of Angola, President Biden expressed appreciation for Lourenço’s leadership, specifically recognizing his role in addressing regional and global challenges. Biden emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Angola, suggesting a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors that impact both the region and the global stage. This reflects the U.S. interest in engaging with Angola on regional stability, economic development, and global priorities like climate change and governance.
In his conversation with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Biden reaffirmed the strength and enduring nature of the U.S.-German relationship, a cornerstone of transatlantic unity. Biden noted his intention to continue close collaboration on major geopolitical issues, particularly emphasizing the ongoing war in Ukraine. He reiterated the importance of supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, highlighting the coordinated efforts of the U.S. and Germany to assist Ukraine, including providing military, economic, and diplomatic support to counter the Russian invasion. The conversation likely touched on shared goals for NATO and maintaining a united front facing global challenges.
President Biden’s remarks in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the impacts of Hurricane Milton provided a detailed overview of the storm’s destruction and the federal response. The hurricane landed on Florida’s west coast, bringing dangerous conditions, including winds, heavy rains (up to 20 inches in the Tampa area), and a devastating storm surge. Biden mentioned that 38 tornadoes had torn through 13 counties, causing widespread destruction and contributing to the four confirmed deaths so far. The damage assessment is ongoing, but he noted that preemptive lifesaving measures were successful, as over 80,000 people evacuated safely.
He stressed that the situation remains dangerous, advising residents not to return to affected areas until given the all-clear, warning that fatalities often increase after a storm during cleanup and recovery. The president underscored the federal government's coordination with state and local officials, including constant communication with local leaders and direct updates from FEMA and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Biden discussed the federal government's comprehensive response, including deploying military resources and personnel to support civilian authorities. Under Secretary Austin's direction, The Department of Defense has provided essential emergency capabilities to help the impacted areas. The president praised the professionalism of servicemen and women responding to the disaster.
The whole-of-government response involves multiple agencies:
FEMA: Will establish disaster recovery centers across affected areas to provide residents with a one-stop resource for support.
Power Restoration: Three million people are currently without power, but more than 40,000 powerline workers from around the country and Canada are working to restore electricity. The FAA has authorized drones to assess damage to accelerate repairs.
Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers: Both are assessing damage to the Port of Tampa to expedite the reopening for fuel, food, and essential goods distribution.
Biden also addressed price gouging and scams targeting vulnerable citizens in the aftermath of the hurricane, promising that the federal government would prosecute those taking advantage of the crisis. He criticized the spread of disinformation, noting that such actions undermine recovery efforts and put lives at risk. He called for honesty in communications, warning those spreading falsehoods to stop, as lives are at stake.
On the financial side, Biden mentioned that Congress would need to return and pass emergency funding measures. He discussed the importance of ensuring FEMA and other agencies have the resources to handle the immediate and long-term recovery. He acknowledged that while FEMA has sufficient resources, other agencies, like the Small Business Administration (SBA), are running low on funds, especially with the high demand for disaster loans.
Biden closed by reassuring the American people that the federal government would remain involved in the long-term recovery process and provide all necessary support, even after media attention subsides. He reiterated the government’s commitment to rebuilding and helping affected communities recover from the storm's devastation.
In her statement on the passing of former U.S. Senator Tim Johnson, Vice President Harris praised him as a determined advocate for the people of South Dakota. She highlighted his career in public service, including his work in the South Dakota legislature, U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate. Harris emphasized Johnson’s efforts in securing clean water infrastructure, his role in passing the Affordable Care Act, and his leadership as Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, which supported rural communities. She expressed condolences to Johnson's family, honoring his lasting impact on South Dakotans and Americans.
Hurricane Milton Response:
Federal Support and Coordination:
The White House and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) are deeply engaged in response efforts after Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm, causing widespread devastation, particularly in Florida. Over 3 million people lost power, and there was extensive water and wind damage across central Florida.
The President and Vice President have been in contact with state officials and mayors from Florida, including Governor Ron DeSantis, to assess the situation and offer continued federal support. The President assured local leaders that the federal government would assist as long as necessary.
FEMA's Efforts:
FEMA has 1,200 urban search and rescue personnel on the ground, and Coast Guard teams are performing rescue operations.
Supplies, such as 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water are prepositioned for distribution. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is involved in short-term repairs to critical infrastructure, such as power and water systems.
The Department of Defense has deployed high-water vehicles and personnel to support rescue efforts. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Florida, working closely with state and local authorities.
Search and Rescue Priorities:
Secretary Mayorkas emphasized that search and rescue is the top priority, with teams actively working to locate people affected by the storm. Tragically, several lives have already been lost, and some individuals are still unaccounted for.
The Secretary praised those who followed evacuation orders, likely saving lives, and urged residents to remain cautious due to continuing hazards like downed power lines, floodwaters, and debris.
Hurricane Helen Response:
Ongoing Recovery in North Carolina:
Secretary Mayorkas joined the briefing from North Carolina, where Hurricane Helen had caused significant damage. More than 10,000 federal personnel are assisting recovery efforts across the Southeast, including search and rescue operations that have saved over 4,300 people. Power has been restored to 5 million customers after initial widespread outages.
FEMA and its partners have delivered 17.2 million meals and nearly 14 million liters of water to affected areas.
Financial Resources and Congressional Action:
Both Mayorkas and Jean-Pierre stressed that while FEMA currently has the resources to meet immediate needs, more funds will be required for long-term recovery and disaster relief. They called on Congress to allocate additional funding when it returns, noting that disaster funding is critically low. Without immediate congressional action, long-term recovery efforts could be delayed.
FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund needs replenishment, and the administration is urging Congress to act swiftly to ensure sustained funding for ongoing and future disaster relief operations.
Misinformation Concerns:
Impact on Recovery Efforts:
Secretary Mayorkas expressed serious concerns about spreading misinformation about FEMA and other federal disaster relief efforts. For example, false rumors have circulated that federal workers might seize land from those seeking assistance. This has caused some people to avoid seeking much-needed help.
Mayorkas also highlighted online hate speech and threats against FEMA officials, which have escalated following the hurricanes. He condemned these actions and said the Department of Homeland Security is working to combat the spread of false information.
Social Media and Disinformation:
The White House has engaged with trusted online publishers, influencers, and social media platforms to ensure accurate information reaches the public. They have launched a Reddit account to reach more people directly and counteract misinformation during disasters.
Questions from the Press:
Funding Needs and Resource Allocation:
Reporters asked about the federal government's capacity to respond to multiple simultaneous disasters. Secretary Mayorkas reassured that the government is equipped to handle the current crises but emphasized the need for additional funding to maintain long-term relief efforts. He noted that while FEMA is meeting immediate needs, other recovery projects may be delayed if funds are not replenished.
Misinformation’s Real-World Impact:
A question was raised regarding misinformation influencing people's decisions not to apply for government relief. Mayorkas confirmed that some individuals have been hesitant to seek assistance due to false fears, such as the claim that FEMA would seize property. He reiterated the administration’s efforts to counter this through clear communication.
Afghan Terror Plot Suspect:
A separate issue concerning an Afghan national accused of plotting an election-day terror attack was briefly addressed. The suspect reportedly entered the U.S. after the collapse of Afghanistan. Questions arose about the vetting process, and while Mayorkas avoided detailed comments due to the ongoing investigation, he assured that all individuals entering the U.S. undergo intelligence and law enforcement vetting. Further details about the case will be addressed separately.
Israeli-Lebanon Tensions:
A question regarding Israel’s actions in Lebanon and recent reports of UN peacekeepers being injured in crossfire was briefly touched upon. Jean-Pierre stated that the administration was monitoring the situation but could not provide further details.
President Biden holds a press briefing with updates on damage and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Milton
