President Biden delivered remarks at a campaign reception in Houston, Texas, Thursday afternoon, expressing gratitude to hosts John Eddie and Sheridan for their repeated hospitality and acknowledging the attendees' support, including lawyers committed to the rule of law. He highlighted the campaign's momentum, citing 1.3 million contributors and robust grassroots support. The President emphasized the early efforts to ramp up campaign infrastructure, contrasting it with former president Donald Trump's MAGA Republicans' slower start. He mentioned leading in recent polls post-State of the Union and joked about Trump's financial woes.
President Biden recounted the challenges Americans faced during Trump's presidency, including the COVID-19 response, economic downturn, and divisive politics. He outlined his administration's achievements, including job creation, reduced unemployment, economic growth, affordable healthcare, and climate action. The President criticized Trump's policies and rhetoric, positioning himself as a defender of democracy, healthcare, and the environment.
He refuted his opponent's approach to immigration, Social Security, Medicare, and climate change, emphasizing bipartisan efforts thwarted by Trump. The President underscored the importance of democracy and the threat of political violence, urging unity against it. He expressed optimism about the future, focusing on democracy, fairness, climate action, and inclusivity, concluding with a call to remember America's strength and potential.
The Republican Study Committee, representing the majority of House Republicans, proposed a budget that includes a national abortion ban without exceptions for rape or incest. It aims to limit reproductive rights, ban the medication mifepristone, reduce veterans' access to abortion care, and cut funding for contraception.
This move is part of a broader effort to reverse Roe v. Wade's protections and limit reproductive healthcare access, following the Supreme Court's decision influenced by Trump-nominated justices. Despite facing more than 380 state bills against reproductive healthcare last year, President Biden has pledged to oppose these restrictions and advocate for reinstating Roe v. Wade's protections at the federal level.
Additional Source: RSC
Additional Source: Georgetown University
Vice President Kamala Harris was in Puerto Rico to showcase the Biden-Harris Administration's role in the U.S. territory's economic revival, emphasizing the impact of over $140 billion in federal funds. This investment has contributed to the creation of more than 100,000 jobs, a notable increase in construction employment, a historic low in unemployment, and positive net migration in 2023 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration initiated the Puerto Rico Economic Dialogue to support these efforts, reflecting their commitment to the island's prosperity.
Significant infrastructure investments have led to job creation and community rebuilding. Projects include a 294-unit apartment complex in San Juan and infrastructure improvements in Carolina and Cataño, with substantial federal funding. Additionally, efforts under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have announced more than $2.1 billion in projects, including transportation and clean energy initiatives.
Efforts to modernize Puerto Rico's energy grid and enhance broadband access are underway, with significant federal investments aiming for sustainable growth. Workforce development initiatives are also in place to ensure long-term competitiveness, including new apprenticeship programs and educational and social work training investments.
The administration has also focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, with investments in biotechnology and advanced manufacturing, as well as support for small businesses and rural communities. Measures to support families and children, such as expanding the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, aim to reduce poverty and improve living standards.
The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to Puerto Rico's reconstruction and economic recovery, working closely with local and federal partners to achieve long-term success.
On World Water Day, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new actions to further their commitment to clean water access and environmental protection. These actions aim to safeguard and enhance the United States' freshwater resources, which are crucial for the nation's health, prosperity, and resilience. The administration is leveraging the America the Beautiful Initiative and the global Freshwater Challenge to protect at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
Significant investments are being made to replace lead pipes, improve water infrastructure, combat drought, and conserve natural water bodies. Over $50 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is dedicated to ensuring clean water access across communities. Additionally, efforts are underway to counteract legislative and judicial challenges to the Clean Water Act, highlighted by the Supreme Court's Sackett decision and a reported increase in wetlands loss.
Key initiatives include the Army Corps of Engineers' memorandum to support water and wetlands, a Wetland and Water Protection Resource Guide, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's $60 million investment in salmon and steelhead production, and a focus on water affordability and assistance for low-income households.
The administration's broader environmental efforts encompass protecting significant land and water areas, restoring river flows, investing in water ecosystem resilience, and expanding clean drinking water access. These initiatives reflect the largest commitment to water conservation and infrastructure improvement in U.S. history, aiming to ensure sustainable water management and protect the environment for future generations.
Additional Source: SCOTUSblog
This week, the White House celebrated Women's History Month with a labor roundtable in collaboration with the AFL-CIO, featuring key figures such as Trade Representative Katherine Tai and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. The event underscored the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to integrating women and girls into the heart of its economic agenda. Efforts include the creation of nearly 15 million jobs since Biden's presidency began, achieving the lowest unemployment rate for women in over 50 years. The administration's Investing in America Agenda is focused on increasing women's access to traditionally male-dominated fields like manufacturing and clean energy, advocating for equal pay, and providing necessary resources for women to enter and remain in the workforce, such as affordable child care. Attendees represented diverse labor leaders and young organizers, emphasizing the administration's dedication to promoting and defending women workers' rights domestically and internationally.
President Biden issued a proclamation on Greek Independence Day 2024, celebrating the enduring partnership and shared democratic values between Greece and the United States. It marks the anniversary of Greece's uprising against the Ottoman Empire over 200 years ago, recognizing the bravery of Greek revolutionaries and their influence on global liberty and democracy. The proclamation highlights historical collaborations between the two nations in fighting fascism and communism and their current alliance supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom. It praises the Greek American community's contributions to social justice, civil rights, and democracy, inspired by ancient Athens. The President declared March 25, 2024, as Greek Independence Day, urging Americans to commemorate this day with fitting ceremonies and activities, reaffirming the commitment to democracy shared by both countries.
President Biden congratulated Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto on his election win. They celebrated 75 years of U.S.-Indonesia diplomatic ties, emphasizing democracy and pluralism. Biden promised to strengthen cooperation through the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, aiming for a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific.
President Biden has announced appointments to key roles on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) and the National Security Education Board (NSEB). The NIAC, which advises on reducing risks and improving the security and resilience of critical infrastructure, welcomes new members Mark A. Milley, Martin L. Adams, David J. Grain, and Kurt A. Summers, Jr. These appointees join others in tackling issues like cyber risks, disaster response, and workforce development. The NSEB, guiding the National Security Education Program on foreign cultures and languages, adds Gina Kay Abercrombie-Winstanley, Karl Eikenberry, M. Osman Siddique, Rory M. Brosius, Jeffrey L. Bleich, and Patrick Mendis. These boards play crucial roles in national security and infrastructure resilience, benefiting from their new members' diverse experiences and expertise.
Two bills were signed into law by President Biden:
S. 992, titled the "I-27 Numbering Act of 2023," assigns the Interstate Route I-27 designation to the sections of the Port-to-Plains Corridor within Texas and New Mexico that are planned for future Interstate status. President Biden extended his appreciation to Senators Cruz, Cornyn, Luján, and Heinrich, as well as Representatives Arrington and Cuellar, for their pivotal roles.
S. 1278, which names the federal building located at 985 Michigan Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, the Rosa Parks Federal Building, in honor of the civil rights icon. The President acknowledges Senators Stabenow and Peters, Representative Tlaib, and the whole delegation from Michigan for their contribution and leadership in this endeavor.
Today, Neera Tanden, Domestic Policy Advisor, and Cindy Marten, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education, held a meeting with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) to discuss the Biden-Harris Administration's education initiatives and gather insights from K-12 state education chiefs on academic achievement and the continuation of programs funded by the American Rescue Plan. They emphasized President Biden's commitment to enhancing student achievement and competitiveness in the 21st century, detailing the Administration's strategies for improving student learning through increased attendance, high-dosage tutoring, and expanded summer and out-of-school learning. The U.S. Department of Education also shared resources to boost student attendance and engagement. Marten outlined the Department's achievements in securing funding for education, mental health services for students, Full-Service Community Schools, and making higher education more accessible. State chiefs and CCSSO CEO Carissa Moffat Miller discussed the impact of ARP funds on educational programs and plans to sustain these initiatives beyond September 2024. The meeting included key educational leaders such as Tanden, Marten, Miller, and state superintendents from Missouri, Alabama, and North Dakota.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held a press briefing at The White House that addressed several key topics:
Duchess of Cambridge's Health: Jean-Pierre started the briefing with thoughts for the Duchess of Cambridge, wishing her a full recovery and emphasizing respect for her privacy.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Milestone: Jean-Pierre highlighted the 15th anniversary of the ACA, noting record-breaking health insurance enrollment and President Biden's actions to reduce healthcare costs. She criticized Republican efforts to repeal the ACA and mentioned the Inflation Reduction Act's role in lowering drug prices.
Republican Study Committee Budget Critique: The Republican Study Committee's budget was criticized for proposing cuts to Medicare, Social Security, and the ACA, along with restrictions on abortion and IVF treatments.
Government Funding Bill: Jean-Pierre urged the Senate to pass the funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, highlighting the bill's compromises and its focus on American welfare.
Visit from Prime Minister Sudani of Iraq: Jean-Pierre announced an upcoming visit from Iraq's Prime Minister, emphasizing strategic partnership and shared goals.
Ukraine and Middle East Updates by John Kirby: Kirby condemned a massive Russian missile attack on Ukraine, emphasized the need for the U.S. Congress to pass the national security supplemental for Ukraine, and discussed a U.S. resolution at the U.N. for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which Russia and China vetoed. Kirby also announced sanctions against members of the Sinaloa Cartel involved in fentanyl trafficking and briefed on President Biden's call with the President-elect of Indonesia.
Israel's Potential Actions in Rafah: Kirby expressed concerns over Israel's potential ground offensive in Rafah, Gaza, stating it would be a mistake and highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts for an immediate ceasefire.
Throughout the briefing, Jean-Pierre and Kirby underscored the Biden administration's commitment to healthcare reform, national security, international diplomacy, and addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East. They criticized Republican opposition to legislative efforts aimed at improving healthcare, addressing drug costs, and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Vice President Harris gives remarks in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, with Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm (left) and Deputy HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman
