What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 14, 2024 Recap
President Biden has directed an increase in tariffs on $18 billion of imports from China to protect American workers and businesses from China's unfair trade practices. The targeted sectors include steel, aluminum, semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, ship-to-shore cranes, and medical products. The tariffs, some increasing up to 100%, aim to counteract China's practices like forced technology transfers, intellectual property theft, and market flooding with low-priced exports.
The Biden administration's actions align with its broader "Investing in America" agenda, which has catalyzed over $860 billion in business investments and created nearly 800,000 manufacturing jobs. The administration continues to invest in key sectors, strengthen alliances, and uphold a rules-based international trade system to ensure fair competition and bolster U.S. economic and national security.
President Biden gave a speech in the Rose Garden at The White House, emphasizing the crucial role of unions and the middle class in building America. Among the key actions, he announced a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum products and a 100% tariff on electric vehicles made in China. Additionally, he introduced a 25% tariff on electric vehicle batteries and critical minerals from China, raised tariffs on Chinese solar panels from 25% to 50%, and implemented a 50% tariff on semiconductors. Health equipment like masks and gloves will also face new tariffs.
President Biden criticized China's state subsidies and anticompetitive tactics, such as forced technology transfers and cyber espionage, which have led to unfair competition. He highlighted the damage these practices have caused American industries, noting significant job losses in steel towns across Pennsylvania and Ohio. The President contrasted his administration's strategic and targeted approach with the previous administration's policies, which he claimed failed to deliver promised benefits.
Biden expressed optimism about America's economic future, stressing the importance of fair competition and significant investments in American manufacturing. He pointed to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act as pivotal initiatives for revitalizing American industries. Concluding his remarks, The President underscored the importance of unity and collective effort, asserting that the United States is well-positioned to win the economic competition of the 21st century against China.
The Biden-Harris Administration is emphasizing investments in rural America through various initiatives, highlighted at the Rural Communities in Action event. Key figures like Neera Tanden, Stephen Benjamin, Tom Vilsack, and Pete Buttigieg underscore the Administration's commitment to providing opportunities within rural communities. The new Rural Innovators Initiative invites public nominations to recognize impactful rural leaders, with nominations open until June 14, 2024.
Significant investments are being made in rural infrastructure, including over $671 million for reliable electricity and clean drinking water, creating good-paying jobs. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law contributes billions for high-speed internet, wildfire risk reduction, rural transit, and Tribal infrastructure. Additionally, clean water projects aim to replace lead pipes, improve sanitation, and address drought, particularly in Indian Country.
The Administration is also lowering energy costs and strengthening the grid through clean energy investments and programs like Empowering Rural America (New ERA) and Rural Energy for America (REAP). Healthcare improvements include lowering costs, supporting rural hospitals, and expanding telehealth services for veterans. Agricultural market reforms and climate-smart practices are promoted to increase competition and support farmers.
Local food systems, nutrition programs, and access to healthy food are being enhanced, along with efforts to increase affordable housing and support childcare providers. Workforce development and higher education grants aim to improve rural job opportunities and educational outcomes. These initiatives are designed to ensure sustainable growth and a better quality of life for rural Americans.
President Biden announced the continuation of a national emergency originally declared on May 16, 2012, through Executive Order 13611 due to threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy posed by certain members of the Yemeni government and others. These threats include obstructing Yemen's political process and blocking the peaceful transition of power. The ongoing actions of these individuals continue to threaten Yemen's peace, security, and stability, thereby affecting U.S. interests. As a result, this national emergency will last beyond May 16, 2024. This notice will be published in the Federal Register and sent to Congress.
President Biden has declared a major disaster in Iowa due to severe storms and tornadoes from April 26-27, 2024. Federal assistance is now available to help individuals in Clarke, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, and Union counties. The aid includes temporary housing and home repair grants, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and various recovery programs for individuals and businesses. Additionally, federal funding will support hazard mitigation measures across Iowa. DuWayne Tewes of FEMA is overseeing the federal recovery efforts. More areas may be designated for assistance based on further damage assessments. Affected residents and business owners can apply for aid via DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or through the FEMA App.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai held a press briefing, which began with the Biden administration's decision to increase tariffs on $18 billion of imports from China. The move aims to protect American workers and businesses from China's unfair trade practices, such as forced technology transfer and market flooding with artificially cheap products.
Ambassador Tai elaborated on the strategic nature of the tariffs, emphasizing their role in ensuring fair competition and defending American economic interests. She highlighted that the previous administration's trade deal with China did not boost American exports or manufacturing.
The tariffs will target critical sectors like steel, aluminum, semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, and solar cells. A process for excluding certain production machinery from the tariffs will be implemented to support solar and clean energy manufacturers.
During the Q&A session, Tai addressed concerns about the potential for increased consumer prices and the effectiveness of tariffs. She also answered questions about the administration's broader trade strategy, the potential impact on U.S.-China relations, and the timeline for implementing the new tariffs.
Additionally, the briefing touched on President Biden's commitment to honoring the victims of the Buffalo shooting and addressing gun violence. Jean-Pierre also commented on various topics, including the U.S. stance on Georgia's foreign influence law, the situation in Rafah, and the administration's efforts to maintain transparency on airline fees.
Nominations sent to the Senate:
Adam B. Abelson, of Maryland, to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland, vice James Kelleher Bredar, retired.
Embry J. Kidd, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, vice Charles R. Wilson, retiring.
Joseph Francis Saporito, Jr., of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, vice Malachy Edward Mannion, retired.
Meredith A. Vacca, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of New York, vice Frank Paul Geraci, Jr., retired.
In her remarks at NeueHouse Madison Square in New York, Vice President Harris emphasized the strong connection between art and social movements, noting how both express and amplify the fight for fundamental freedoms. She shared her personal background, growing up in the Bay Area with parents active in the Civil Rights Movement, which shaped her appreciation for artistic expression.
Harris highlighted the current threats to fundamental freedoms in the United States, including rights related to love and identity, freedom from gun violence, learning full American history, protection from bigotry, women's reproductive rights, and voting access. She criticized the divisive tactics that make people feel isolated and stressed the importance of unity and community.
She concluded by emphasizing that true leadership is about lifting people up, showing empathy, and caring for others' suffering rather than exerting power through oppression. Harris expressed her excitement to engage in a meaningful conversation with the audience, appreciating the role of artists in fostering connection and expression.
President Biden gave remarks at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies 30th Annual Gala, where he addressed the audience, thanking leaders like Judy Chu and emphasizing his commitment to a diverse administration. He highlighted the contributions and achievements of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities in the U.S., emphasizing their role in shaping the nation. Biden noted the administration's accomplishments, including job creation, reduced child poverty, healthcare reforms, and support for small businesses.
He criticized former President Trump’s policies and rhetoric, particularly on immigration and healthcare, and underscored his administration’s efforts to promote equity and justice. Biden celebrated legislative successes like the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and investments in infrastructure and climate initiatives. He reaffirmed his commitment to defending democracy, protecting freedoms, and creating opportunities for all Americans, expressing optimism about the nation's future. The speech concluded with a call for continued collaboration and progress.
Surrounded by union members, President Biden signed orders to raise tariffs on electric vehicles and other key imports from China
