What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
March 19 Recap
President Biden issued a statement highlighting a significant decrease in crime rates across the United States in 2023, as reported by the FBI. According to the data, the country saw reductions in nearly all crime categories, with 2023 marking one of the lowest rates of violent crime in over five decades and the sharpest decrease in the murder rate in history. He contrasts this achievement with the record increase in murders during 2020 under the previous administration.
The President attributes this success to the initiatives and funding provided by his administration, notably through the American Rescue Plan. Despite opposition from every Republican in Congress, this plan facilitated the largest federal investment in crime fighting and prevention in U.S. history, allowing for a $15 billion investment in public safety. This funding supported various measures, including community violence intervention, mental health services, and the addition of more police officers, contributing to the decrease in crime.
President Biden also emphasizes his administration's efforts to combat gun violence through executive actions and legislation, describing it as the most significant attempt to address this issue in nearly 30 years. He reaffirms his commitment to improving community safety by advocating for more crime prevention investments, funding for accountable policing, and stricter gun control measures, including a ban on assault weapons. He concluded by urging Republican members of Congress to support these efforts.
President Biden is intensifying efforts to decrease housing costs and enhance the supply of affordable homes for American families in the state of Nevada. His administration has already allocated $1 billion through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to support affordable housing initiatives in the state. This funding includes significant investments in senior housing, leading to the development of around 200-unit affordable housing projects and approximately 1,000 new senior apartments in Clark County.
President Biden's Fiscal Year 2025 Budget proposes a historic $258 billion in housing investments aimed at providing working families with equitable opportunities. This includes a notable expansion in rental assistance for low-income families, funded by asking corporations and the wealthy to contribute their fair share. The proposals are part of a broader strategy encompassing the Housing Supply Action Plan and other measures designed to increase the housing supply and reduce costs for American families.
President Biden's plan to lower housing costs and construct two million homes includes reducing homeownership barriers through mortgage relief credits, down payment assistance for first-generation homeowners, lowering closing costs, and promoting competition in the housing market. Additionally, the plan calls for tax credits to build more housing, a new $20 billion innovation fund to encourage housing expansion, increased contributions from Federal Home Loan Banks towards affordable housing, and efforts to prevent and end homelessness.
For renters, the Biden-Harris Administration is tackling unfair practices that escalate rental costs, including actions against rent gouging by corporate landlords and the implementation of measures to reduce "rental junk fees." The plan also seeks to expand housing choice vouchers to assist more households.
In Nevada, the ARP's $1 billion investment supports the construction of new housing units. It provides down-payment assistance, making Nevada a leader in using these funds to increase the supply of affordable housing. This comprehensive approach reflects the administration's commitment to addressing the housing crisis by making homes more affordable and accessible for American families.
President Biden has announced an agreement with Congressional leaders regarding the path forward for the full-year funding bills. Both the House and Senate are in the process of finalizing a package that will be brought to the floor for a vote. The President has expressed his intention to sign this package immediately upon its approval.
President Biden issued a Proclamation on National Agriculture Day, 2024, which honors the enduring efforts of American farmers, farmworkers, fishers, ranchers, and foresters. It recognizes their vital role in nurturing the nation's lands and providing food, reflecting the core values of community, family, and hard work that drive the country's economy and global food supply.
The proclamation highlights the challenges faced by rural America due to past economic policies, such as community erosion, unfair market practices, and the struggle of family farms. It outlines the Biden administration's commitments and actions to revitalize rural America, including historic legislation to create new income opportunities and foster generational prosperity in rural communities.
Key initiatives mentioned include the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which enhances farm supply chains and connectivity; the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocates nearly $20 billion towards climate-smart agricultural practices and renewable energy; and efforts to promote competition and fairness for small farmers, such as investments in independent meat processors and rules to protect livestock, meat, and poultry markets from unfair practices.
The proclamation also emphasizes support for farm and food workers, underscoring their right to fair pay, safe working conditions, and unionization. It acknowledges the importance of providing undocumented farmworkers a pathway to citizenship, reflecting their essential role in the nation's economy.
In conclusion, President Biden proclaimed March 19, 2024, as National Agriculture Day, inviting all Americans to celebrate the agricultural sector's contributions and reaffirm their appreciation and commitment to those who work within it. This day reminds us of the sector's fundamental role in feeding families, powering the economy, and giving hope and pride to overlooked communities.
During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Reno, Nevada, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre discussed several key topics, including President Biden's efforts to lower housing costs, a spending deal reached by congressional leaders, and the administration's reaction to various global issues.
Ms. Jean-Pierre highlighted the President's focus on lowering housing costs through the American Rescue Plan, which provided significant funding for affordable housing. Despite opposition from Republicans, the plan aims to offer first-time homebuyers a $10,000 tax credit, tackle corporate practices that disadvantage renters, and facilitate the construction and renovation of over 2 million homes. The President urges Congress to pass this plan to focus on reducing housing costs rather than cutting taxes for the wealthy and large corporations.
Regarding the spending deal, Ms. Jean-Pierre mentioned that the administration had released a statement supporting the agreement. The agreement abides by the Fiscal Responsibility Act and secures funding for the remainder of the fiscal year for several agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The White House emphasizes the importance of passing the bipartisan National Security Supplemental and the border agreement to secure and reform the border.
On international matters, Ms. Jean-Pierre addressed concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the U.S. administration's efforts to increase humanitarian aid and facilitate discussions for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. She also commented on allegations against Israel related to using hunger as a weapon in Gaza, stating the administration's focus is on increasing humanitarian efforts rather than speculating on these claims.
Ms. Jean-Pierre briefly touched on various other topics, including former President Barack Obama's informal meeting with UK officials, the administration's stance on Ukraine aid, and concerns about potential state-level immigration enforcement laws in border states. Additionally, she discussed the White House's perspective on Supreme Court reform and its efforts to address climate goals and national security concerns related to TikTok and ByteDance's ownership.
The press secretary reiterated the administration's commitment to addressing housing costs, securing the border, supporting Ukraine, enhancing national security, and responding to global humanitarian crises.
In Reno, Nevada, President Biden spoke at a campaign event emphasizing the differences in values between his administration and that of former President Trump, particularly highlighting their approaches to veterans, job creation, and taxation. The President criticized Trump for derogatory comments about veterans and for policies that benefited the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. He outlined his administration's achievements, including job creation, especially in clean energy, reducing prescription drug costs, and supporting Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices.
President Biden also touched on foreign policy, contrasting his efforts to strengthen NATO and support Ukraine against Trump's favorable remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin. He emphasized the role of grassroots support and the importance of continuing to communicate his administration's successes directly to the American people. The President also highlighted future priorities, including reinstating the Child Tax Credit to reduce child poverty, improving infrastructure and education, and addressing tax fairness. The President concluded by reiterating his belief in building an economy that benefits everyone, from the middle class to the wealthy, provided the latter pay their fair share in taxes.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement that criticized the Supreme Court's decision to allow Texas law S.B. 4 to take effect, labeling the law as harmful, unconstitutional, and a threat to public safety. It is argued that S.B. 4 will place unnecessary burdens on law enforcement, create disorder, and worsen the situation at the southern border. The statement accused Republican officials of politicizing border issues without providing real solutions. It concluded with a call for Congressional Republicans to pass a bipartisan border security agreement, described as the most stringent and equitable set of border reforms in many years.
President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden extended their best wishes to people worldwide celebrating Nowruz, a time for reflection, renewal, and rebirth. They highlighted how Nowruz has been integrated into American culture, evidenced by traditional activities and communal gatherings that reflect the nation's soul. This year, the President acknowledged the challenges facing many, particularly emphasizing support for the women of Iran fighting for their freedoms and the Palestinian people suffering due to the conflict in Gaza. The U.S. commits to holding Iranian officials accountable for human rights abuses and leading efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. The Biden family has decorated the White House Haft-Sin table, symbolizing their hopes for the new year and honoring America's diverse diaspora communities that continue to shape the country's story. They concluded with a message of peace and joy for the new year: "Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak."
President Biden speaks about his administration’s affordable housing initiatives in Las Vegas, NV
