What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 3, 2024 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule that will allow eligible DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, also known as “Dreamers”) recipients to enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage. This decision, projected to benefit over 100,000 young people, marks the first time DACA recipients will have access to ACA coverage. Starting in November, they can apply for health insurance through HealthCare.gov and state-based marketplaces, potentially with significant financial assistance. This expansion fulfills part of President Biden and Vice President Harris's commitment to making healthcare a right and not a privilege, continuing their efforts to protect and strengthen the ACA, lower costs, and expand coverage. This rule also underscores the administration's ongoing commitment to DACA recipients, emphasizing their contributions to American communities and the country's vitality, despite the fact that only Congress can provide a permanent legal status and citizenship pathway.
In a statement, President Biden reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting Dreamers and their families. In the twelve years since President Obama announced the DACA program, it has provided more than 800,000 Dreamers with the ability to work lawfully, pursue an education, and contribute their immense talents to their respective communities.
Vice President Harris also remarked on her steps, alongside President Biden, to preserve and fortify DACA. Both The President and Vice President concluded their statements that, while successful, DACA is not a permanent solution and that Congress should enact laws to provide Dreamers permanent status and a pathway to citizenship.
President Biden issued a statement on the April Jobs Report highlighting the addition of 175,000 new jobs, emphasizing the ongoing recovery and growth of the American economy. He mentioned inheriting a severe economic crisis and outlined his economic strategy centered on building from the middle out and bottom up. The statement credited this approach for creating over 15 million jobs since his inauguration, record-high employment among working-age women; wage increases outpacing inflation, and maintaining unemployment below 4% for 27 consecutive months.
The President also outlined future plans to reduce living costs and taxes for middle-class families and make healthcare more affordable. He contrasted his policies with those of Congressional Republicans, whom he accuses of favoring the wealthy and special interests. He affirmed his commitment to the middle class and working families, referencing his roots in Scranton as opposed to wealthy areas like Park Avenue.
President Biden has declared a major disaster in Nebraska following severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes from April 25-27, 2024. This declaration enables federal aid to enhance state, tribal, and local recovery efforts. Affected individuals in Douglas and Washington counties can access federal funding for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Additionally, federal funding on a cost-sharing basis is available for debris removal, emergency protective measures in these counties, and hazard mitigation measures statewide. FEMA's Andrew P. Meyer is coordinating the federal recovery operations. Further damage assessments may extend assistance to more areas. Those affected can apply for assistance online, by phone, or through the FEMA app.
President Biden has announced awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to nineteen distinguished individuals, the highest civilian honor in the U.S. This accolade recognizes significant contributions to the nation’s prosperity, values, security, or world peace. The recipients include prominent figures from various sectors, such as politics, entertainment, science, and activism. Notable awardees include Michael R. Bloomberg, Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi, and Michelle Yeoh. These individuals have been acknowledged for their leadership and impactful contributions to America. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the White House on May 3, 2024.
Read the full recipient list here.
(Video of the ceremony below)
President Biden has vetoed H.J.Res. 98, a resolution that sought to overturn the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) rule on determining joint employer status. The NLRB's rule ensures companies can't evade bargaining obligations or liability for workers' conditions, even if control is indirect or through intermediaries. Biden argues that without this rule, companies could manipulate their structure to avoid liabilities, undermining workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively. He emphasizes his commitment to being a pro-union, pro-worker president and asserts that vetoing the resolution supports these principles.
President Biden emphasized the crucial role of a free press in democracy on World Press Freedom Day 2024. He highlighted the risks journalists face, including threats to their lives and freedom, as they expose corruption, cover wars, and provide vital information for societal participation. The President noted 2023 as a particularly deadly year for journalists, citing the conflict in Gaza and the incarceration of over 300 journalists globally. He mentioned specific cases, like the imprisonment of American journalists in Russia and Austin Tice's long-standing hostage situation in Syria.
Calling for the immediate release of detained journalists and protection during military operations, President Biden announced plans for executive action against the global crackdown on press freedom, including sanctions and visa bans targeting those who suppress the media. His administration supports free media through initiatives against spyware misuse, enhancing journalist security, and legal support. The President affirmed the importance of journalists in fostering informed dissent and strengthening democracies.
President Biden issued several proclamations recognizing significant national awareness days and weeks, each focusing on critical social, environmental, and historical issues. One such proclamation designated May 5th as Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, highlighting the ongoing violence affecting Native American communities, particularly women, girls, and LGBTQI+ and Two-Spirit individuals. This proclamation also emphasized the government's efforts to enhance justice and support through initiatives like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and dedicated investigative units.
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend (May 4-5) honors firefighters who have died in service. The proclamation highlights firefighters' bravery and sacrifices, noting legislative and financial measures to support them, such as the American Rescue Plan and the Cancer Moonshot Initiative. It emphasizes the government's commitment to enhancing firefighters' health, safety, and benefits. On May 5, flags will be flown at half-staff at all Federal buildings in remembrance.
Another proclamation marked May 5th through May 11th as Public Service Recognition Week, celebrating over 20 million public servants across the U.S. The president acknowledged their pivotal roles, underpinned by policies such as the American Rescue Plan, which bolstered public safety and improved employment conditions for public workers.
May 5th through May 12th have been proclaimed the Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust. This period of reflection honors the memory of the Holocaust victims and reaffirms a commitment to combat antisemitism and educate future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.
National Teacher Appreciation Day and Week, recognized from May 6th to May 10th, acknowledged teachers' indispensable contributions to society. The administration supported this through significant educational funding, debt relief for educators, and improved compensation and working conditions.
Lastly, the president declared National Hurricane Preparedness Week from May 5th through May 11th, underscoring the importance of readiness for hurricane season and highlighting investments and legislative measures to bolster infrastructure and resilience against extreme weather events. Each proclamation reflects a commitment to addressing these diverse and impactful issues, emphasizing continued governmental support and action.
President Biden released a statement highlighting a significant reduction in violent crime in 2024, citing data from an independent organization of police chiefs that shows a 17% decrease in murders and declines in all categories of violent crime from the previous year. He attributes these decreases to the efforts of law enforcement and community leaders and to his administration's policies, including the American Rescue Plan, which, despite lacking Republican support, allocated over $15 billion toward public safety and violence prevention. Biden's Safer America Plan proposes a further investment of $37 billion to enhance law enforcement and crime prevention, aiming to fund additional police officers and community interventions and enact gun safety reforms. Biden emphasizes the progress in reducing crime and the ongoing commitment to ensuring safety for all American communities.
During a press briefing led by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, actor Mark Hamill made a surprise appearance, discussing his admiration for the current administration's legislative successes and his recent experience meeting the President and White House staff. Hamill emphasized the collaborative nature of the administration's achievements and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to better understand the President's daily challenges. Jean-Pierre addressed a range of topics, including the celebration of World Press Freedom Day, highlighting the administration's efforts to support global media freedom and combat the misuse of spyware against journalists. She also announced the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, noting their significant contributions to American society and values. Further discussions included the administration's response to antisemitism on college campuses, reinforcing its commitment to combating discrimination and supporting free speech within legal boundaries. Jean-Pierre concluded by touching on various domestic and international issues, affirming the administration's dedication to upholding democratic values and the rule of law. The briefing served as a platform to articulate current policies and future administrative actions in various areas.
Reena Evers-Everette accepts the Presidential Medal of Freedom, posthumously awarded to her father, murdered civil rights activist Medgar Evers
