What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
November 25, 2024 Recap
President Biden emphasized the success of his administration's economic agenda, attributing over $1 trillion in private-sector investments to key legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. These initiatives have driven innovation, expanded domestic manufacturing, and supported clean energy advancements. Highlighting the creation of more than 1.6 million construction and manufacturing jobs in just four years, Biden underscored how these efforts have bolstered U.S. economic and national security. Additionally, the investments have generated opportunities for historically underserved communities and delivered economic benefits nationwide. Biden framed these achievements as critical to ensuring America’s leadership in global economic competition in the 21st century, benefiting workers, businesses, and communities nationwide.
President Biden marked the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by reaffirming the United States’ commitment to ending gender-based violence both domestically and globally. He emphasized that gender-based violence is a human rights abuse and public health crisis affecting one in three women and girls, undermining peace, stability, and economic progress worldwide. Reflecting on his lifelong dedication to this issue, Biden highlighted his authorship and advocacy for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) as a senator and its reauthorization during his presidency. The reauthorization expanded protections, prevention efforts, and support for survivors, with his administration securing record funding levels for its implementation and allocating $250 million annually to address gender-based violence internationally.
Biden noted significant initiatives under his administration, including the first-ever U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence and updates to the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally. His efforts also addressed online harassment and abuse through domestic and international collaborations, investments in preventing technology-facilitated violence, and support for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. To combat conflict-related sexual violence, Biden issued a Presidential Memorandum promoting accountability through sanctions and assistance restrictions. Since its release, nearly two dozen sanctions have been implemented, including those solely based on sexual violence, alongside the launch of the Dignity in Documentation Initiative to support investigations into such crimes.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held an on-the-record press gaggle via teleconference and provided updates on several international security issues and ongoing negotiations. Regarding the DHL plane crash in Lithuania, Kirby noted that the U.S., through the FAA and NTSB, is cooperating with Lithuanian authorities in the investigation. Still, no conclusions have been drawn, nor has Russian involvement been indicated.
On the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire negotiations, Kirby highlighted the U.S.'s role in mediating talks between Israel and Hezbollah. While progress has been made, and the trajectory appears positive, no final agreement has been reached. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein’s discussions in the region were considered constructive and productive, but Kirby refrained from sharing specific details to avoid jeopardizing the sensitive process. Speculations about letters of guarantees or operational assurances were neither confirmed nor denied, with Kirby emphasizing that the focus remains on securing an agreement to stop violence and allow affected populations to return to normalcy.
Kirby also addressed the U.S. administration's commitment to a smooth transition for the incoming administration, ensuring that necessary briefings and context are provided on critical security matters. He underscored the importance of professionalism in this process, especially concerning ongoing issues like the Gaza conflict and hostage negotiations.
Regarding broader international security, Kirby condemned Russia’s threats toward Poland, particularly concerning the new U.S. missile defense base in Redzikowo, labeling such rhetoric as reckless. He reaffirmed the U.S.'s NATO commitments and the safety of American troops in Europe. On Ukraine’s use of ATACMS, Kirby noted their current effectiveness in defensive operations, leaving specific assessments to Ukrainian officials.
Throughout the briefing, Kirby maintained a cautious approach, declining to speculate or confirm details that could undermine diplomatic efforts. He stressed that the U.S. remains focused on securing tangible outcomes, particularly in the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire discussions, which he described as critical for saving lives and restoring livelihoods. He concluded by wishing reporters a safe and happy Thanksgiving, hoping to resume regular updates after the holiday.
President Biden congratulated Yamandú Orsi on his election as Uruguay's 43rd president and praised the Uruguayan people for their strong commitment to democracy. Highlighting over 150 years of U.S.-Uruguay diplomatic relations, Biden emphasized the nations' shared values and Uruguay's leadership in promoting democracy and economic prosperity in the Americas. He expressed confidence in continued collaboration under Orsi's presidency to ensure secure and prosperous futures for both countries.
President Biden continued the White House tradition of pardoning turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving, joined by a large audience, including members of his cabinet, White House staff, 4-H and FFA students, and representatives from the National Turkey Federation. This year, two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, raised in Minnesota, were honored and pardoned. The turkeys' playful personalities were highlighted, with anecdotes about their preferences and "dreams."
President Biden reflected on the significance of Thanksgiving, emphasizing family, gratitude, and resilience. He acknowledged those facing loss during the holiday season and expressed gratitude to the military, mentioning an upcoming Friendsgiving with the Coast Guard. He concluded with a message of unity and optimism, reaffirming the strength and potential of the United States.
The event also marked the start of the holiday season at the White House and served as a moment for President Biden to thank the American people as his presidency enters its final stretch.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed a Fraser fir Christmas tree to the White House, grown at Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in North Carolina, a region recently impacted by Hurricane Helene. Despite the devastation, this tree, named "Tremendous," symbolizes resilience and hope. The First Lady acknowledged the Cartner family, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, and the North Carolina National Guard for their efforts in recovery. She also expressed excitement about upcoming volunteer efforts to decorate the tree and the White House for the holiday season, emphasizing the joy and warmth of the festivities.
The President signed into law:
H.R. 599, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3500 West 6th Street, Suite 103 in Los Angeles, California, as the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Post Office.
H.R. 807, the “Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act,” which requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the invaluable service that working dogs provide to society.
H.R. 1060, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1663 East Date Place in San Bernardino, California, as the Dr. Margaret B. Hill Post Office Building.
H.R. 1098, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 50 East Derry Road in East Derry, New Hampshire, as the Chief Edward B. Garone Post Office.
H.R. 3608, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 28081 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo, California, as the Major Megan McClung Post Office Building.
H.R. 3728, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 25 Dorchester Avenue, Room 1, in Boston, Massachusetts, as the Caroline Chang Post Office.
H.R. 4190, the “Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act,” which permits the restoration of defrauded benefits after the death of a beneficiary.
H.R. 5464, which names the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Guntersville, Alabama, as the Colonel Ola Lee Mize Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.
H.R. 5476, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1077 River Road, Suite 1, in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, as the Susan C. Barnhart Post Office.
H.R. 5490, the “Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act” or the “BEACH Act,” which amends the Coastal Barrier Resources Act to expand the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System.
H.R. 5640, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12804 Chillicothe Road in Chesterland, Ohio, as the Sgt. Wolfgang Kyle Weninger Post Office Building.
H.R. 5712, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 220 Fremont Street in Kiel, Wisconsin, as the Trooper Trevor J. Casper Post Office Building.
H.R. 5861, the “Building on Reemployment Improvements to Deliver Good Employment for Workers Act” or the “BRIDGE for Workers Act,” which extends reemployment services and eligibility assessments to all claimants for unemployment benefits.
H.R. 5985, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 517 Seagaze Drive in Oceanside, California, as the Charlesetta Reece Allen Post Office Building.
H.R. 6073, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9925 Bustleton Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the Sergeant Christopher David Fitzgerald Post Office Building.
H.R. 6249, the “Think Differently About Emergencies Act,” which provides for a review and report on the assistance and resources that the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides to individuals with disabilities and the families of such individuals that are impacted by major disasters.
H.R. 6324, the “Fiscal Year 2024 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act,” which authorizes major medical facility projects for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2024.
H.R. 6651, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 603 West 3rd Street in Necedah, Wisconsin, as the Sergeant Kenneth E. Murphy Post Office Building.
H.R. 7192, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 333 West Broadway in Anaheim, California, as the Dr. William I. ‘Bill’ Kott Post Office Building.
H.R. 7199, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at S74w16860 Janesville Road, in Muskego, Wisconsin, as the Colonel Hans Christian Heg Post Office.
H.R. 7333, which names the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in West Palm Beach, Florida, as the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center.
H.R. 7423, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 Benedette Street in Rayville, Louisiana, as the Luke Letlow Post Office Building.
H.R. 7777, the “Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2024,” which provides for a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for veterans’ disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation beneficiaries equal to the Social Security COLA.
S. 1510, the “GAO Inspector General Parity Act,” which amends provisions relating to the Office of the Inspector General of the Government Accountability Office.
S. 2143, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 320 South 2nd Avenue in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the Staff Sergeant Robb Lura Rolfing Post Office Building.
S. 2274, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 112 Wyoming Street in Shoshoni, Wyoming, as the Dessie A. Bebout Post Office.
S. 3126, the “Mark Our Place Act,” which amends title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish or replace a headstone, marker, or medallion for the grave of an eligible Medal of Honor recipient regardless of the recipient’s dates of service in the Armed Forces.
S. 3267, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 410 Dakota Avenue South in Huron, South Dakota, as the First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin Post Office Building.
S. 3419, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1765 Camp Hill Bypass in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, as the John Charles Traub Post Office.
President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden hosted a Friendsgiving event at Coast Guard Sector New York in Staten Island, honoring service members and their families ahead of Thanksgiving. Reflecting on her role as a military mom and First Lady, Dr. Biden expressed deep gratitude to military families for their sacrifices. She highlighted challenges like frequent relocations and career disruptions for spouses, emphasizing the Biden administration's efforts to address these issues. These include improving career portability for military spouses and ensuring children with disabilities receive consistent educational support when families move. She underscored the significance of Friendsgiving as a time to build bonds and create a sense of home within the military community.
President Biden praised the Coast Guard for their unwavering readiness and dedication, citing their pivotal roles in various missions, including intercepting weapons, disaster relief efforts, and maintaining port security. He acknowledged the unique sacrifices of military families, especially the challenges children and spouses face during frequent relocations. Biden emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting service members and their families, reaffirming the nation’s obligation to care for them both during and after their service. He also shared personal reflections on the impact of military life, referencing his late son Beau’s service in the Army.
Community members and Coast Guard spouses expressed their gratitude to the Bidens for hosting the event, recognizing the shared sacrifices made by military families to improve their quality of life and opportunities. The event concluded with a heartfelt prayer, giving thanks for the blessings of freedom, honoring those who serve, and seeking protection and comfort for service members and their loved ones. The gathering highlighted themes of unity, gratitude, and support for the military community.
President Biden “pardons” two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, a tradition at the White House dating back to President Abraham Lincoln that became an annual event in 1947.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving! Thank you for highlighting our president's activities and the work of the administration