What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
July 11, 2024 Recap
President Biden announced a historic investment aimed at ensuring the future of the auto industry is made in America. The investment focuses on building a clean energy economy, which will create thousands of well-paying union manufacturing jobs and help auto companies retool and rehire in factories across the country, from Michigan to Georgia. This initiative supports manufacturing communities and workers, reversing the neglect they faced under the previous administration. The announced conversion grants are a key part of this plan, ensuring the auto industry's future is built by American union workers. President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the American auto industry and its workers.
At the NATO Summit, the United States acknowledged the growing contributions of NATO's Indo-Pacific Partners (IPP) – Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. This marks the third consecutive NATO summit with high-level participation from these partners, underscoring the interconnected nature of global security challenges. The U.S. highlights how regional developments, like North Korea's support to Russia in its war against Ukraine, affect global stability and security.
The IPP countries have made significant contributions to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, demonstrating their commitment to global peace and security. These contributions include financial aid, humanitarian assistance, and military support. For instance, Australia has committed over AUD 1.1 billion, Japan over $12 billion, New Zealand nearly $80 million, and South Korea has pledged substantial financial and humanitarian aid.
The IPP countries are also increasing their defense spending, with Australia targeting 2.3% of GDP by 2033, Japan planning to reach 2% by 2027, and South Korea maintaining a stable defense budget. New Zealand is also enhancing its defense capabilities through significant investments.
Individual partnerships between NATO and the IPP countries focus on cyber defense, counterterrorism, and scientific cooperation. These partnerships enable NATO and its partners to share expertise, and address shared security challenges more effectively.
In summary, the U.S. values the contributions of the IPP countries to global security and their support for Ukraine, highlighting the importance of these partnerships in addressing interconnected global threats.
A background press call, led by Assistant Press Secretary Angelo Fernández Hernández, highlighted a $2 billion Department of Energy investment to modernize auto manufacturing facilities for electric vehicle production, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm announced this investment aims to revitalize 11 at-risk facilities in eight states, saving 15,000 jobs and creating nearly 3,000 new union jobs. Major automakers and suppliers, with 575 years of combined experience, will enable the production of over 1 million electrified light-duty vehicles and 40,000 electrified trucks and buses annually.
Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su emphasized the dual goals of achieving climate objectives and creating good jobs with pay, benefits, and dignity, generating an estimated $3.9 billion in economic value. National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard noted the significant recovery of the auto industry under President Biden, with major job creation and investment in electric vehicles and battery supply chains. National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the U.S.’s leadership in clean energy manufacturing and the environmental and economic benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles. Senior Advisor John Podesta commended efforts to ensure clean energy jobs are good-paying union jobs, reinforcing the commitment to building a clean energy economy.
During the Q&A, officials clarified that the investment supports job retention and creation, focusing on labor commitments and a rigorous merit review process. The funding targets various vehicle types and includes structured milestones for companies. The press call underscored the administration’s approach to revitalizing the auto industry, promoting electric vehicle production, and ensuring high-quality job creation.
President Biden announced an agreement in principle with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to modernize the Columbia River Treaty, originally signed 60 years ago. Modernization is needed to address the impacts of climate change and the evolving needs of communities relying on the Columbia River and its tributaries. These waterways are crucial for Tribal and Indigenous peoples and the economy (providing 40% of U.S. hydropower, supporting $8 billion in agriculture, and transporting 42 million tons of commercial cargo annually).
The updated treaty will amplify the voices of U.S. Tribes and Canadian Indigenous Nations, rebalance energy coordination, and ensure the U.S. retains more clean hydropower while allowing Canada more energy trade opportunities. The agreement also includes provisions for pre-planned water storage at Canadian Treaty dams to aid flood control and protect communities. The United States and Canada will work together to draft a treaty amendment and initiate the necessary processes in both countries.
President Biden's statement on the June Consumer Price Index highlighted progress in combating inflation. Overall prices fell last month, with core inflation at its lowest in over three years. Prices for cars, appliances, airfares, and groceries have decreased. Biden attributes these improvements to his economic plan, noting wage increases outpacing price rises, 15.7 million new jobs, and a resurgence in previously neglected communities.
However, Biden acknowledges that prices remain too high and criticizes big corporations for not lowering prices despite record profits. He emphasizes efforts to help families by capping insulin prices, reducing fuel costs, and ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share. Biden contrasts his approach with Republicans, accusing them of prioritizing tax cuts for billionaires and increasing costs for the middle class, which he claims would reignite inflation. Biden reaffirms his commitment to supporting working people.
The Biden-Harris Administration has taken action against Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan transnational criminal organization. The Treasury Department has designated it as a significant transnational criminal organization, blocking its U.S. assets. The State Department and DOJ are offering up to $12 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of its leaders.
Various U.S. agencies are working together to disrupt Tren de Aragua through investigations, prosecutions, and enhanced border screening. The DHS, State Department, and DOJ are supporting foreign partners in their efforts against the organization. Enhanced vetting processes at the border aim to identify and detain known or suspected gang members. Recent measures further strengthen border security to support enforcement against such criminal organizations.
Kali C. Jones, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Benin
Douglas D. Jones, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stephanie A. Miley, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of The Gambia
Melanie Anne Zimmerman, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Guinea
Keith D. Hanigan, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Solomon Islands
Julie Brinn Siegel, Nominee to be a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Carl Whitney Bentzel, Nominee to be a Commissioner on the Federal Maritime Commission
Deva A. Kyle, Nominee to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Deborah Lynn Halvorson Bush, Nominee to be Chair and Member of the Railroad Retirement Board
Additionally, President Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as Republican members of boards and commissions that are required, by statute or longstanding practice, to include bipartisan membership.
L.E. Sola, Nominee to be a Commissioner (Republican) of the Federal Maritime Commission
Marco M. Rajkovich Jr., Nominee to be a Member (Republican) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
William Patrick J. Kimmitt, Nominee to be a Member (Republican) of the United States International Trade Commission
During a press gaggle at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan discussed key outcomes of the recent NATO Summit, emphasizing unity and progress. He highlighted that all 32 Allies, including Canada, are on track to meet the 2% GDP defense spending goal. The summit also focused on Ukraine, with commitments to provide F-16s and air defense systems.
Sullivan addressed various questions from the press. He noted that President Biden received praise from NATO allies for strengthening the alliance, with a focus on substantive issues rather than domestic politics. The U.S. maintains a policy against using certain weapons for deep strikes into Russia, and Sullivan emphasized the principle of "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine."
He pointed to the addition of Finland and Sweden to NATO as a deterrent to adversaries. Ukrainian pilots are expected to operate F-16s by this summer, aiding in the defense of their territory. On Gaza, Sullivan explained that the U.S. continues to withhold 2,000-pound bombs due to civilian harm concerns despite progress in delivering aid.
Sullivan discussed the ICE Pact, a collaboration between the U.S., Canada, and Finland on icebreaker production to counteract potential supply chain dominance by authoritarian nations. He emphasized equipping Ukraine with air defense systems rather than unilateral actions by other nations. Sullivan did not comment on the alleged Russian plot to assassinate a German arms manufacturer CEO, citing a need for further information.
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered remarks at James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, emphasizing key points of the Biden-Harris administration's accomplishments and their vision for the future. She praised local leaders, recounted her personal connection to the Civil Rights Movement, and highlighted the importance of community and civic engagement.
Harris underscored the critical nature of the upcoming election, describing it as the most consequential of our lifetime. She contrasted President Biden's commitment to the American people with former President Trump's self-serving actions, particularly criticizing Trump's efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act and undermine gun safety reforms.
She discussed achievements like defending and strengthening the Affordable Care Act, capping insulin costs, and forgiving student loan debt for millions of Americans. Harris also addressed the administration's stance on gun violence, national security, and reproductive rights, warning against the extreme measures proposed by Trump and his advisors.
Harris concluded by calling on the audience to use their voices and votes to ensure a future of freedom, compassion, and the rule of law, emphasizing the power of collective action and the significance of the upcoming election.
President Biden met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to discuss U.S. support against Russian aggression. They reviewed the battlefield situation and ongoing U.S. efforts to provide Ukraine with the necessary defense equipment. President Biden announced an additional security assistance package, including a Patriot air defense system, interceptors, and artillery ammunition. This marks the eighth security assistance package authorized. The leaders also reviewed outcomes from the NATO Summit, including support for F-16s, air defense, and the Ukraine Compact. Additionally, they prioritized repairing and enhancing Ukraine's energy infrastructure to withstand Russian attacks.
President Biden launched the Ukraine Compact with 32 allies and partners to support Ukraine's long-term security. This initiative, promised at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, aims to create a unified security framework for Ukraine's defense and NATO integration. The Compact supports Ukraine against current aggression and future threats, ensuring it remains free, democratic, and sovereign.
Key points include:
Commendation of finalized security agreements by 20 countries and the EU, with more expected.
Affirmation of Ukraine's security importance to the Euro-Atlantic region and continued support against Russian aggression.
Commitment to Ukraine's right to choose its security, political, and cultural systems.
Emphasis on the threat posed by Russia's invasion and its violation of international law.
Recognition of Ukraine's reforms towards democracy and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
The Compact pledges:
Immediate defense support through security assistance, training, and modern equipment.
Building a future Ukrainian force capable of defense and deterrence by 2027, reviewed by Defense Ministers.
Collective response to any future Russian attacks, including security assistance and economic measures.
The Compact supports Ukraine's pathway to EU, NATO, and broader Euro-Atlantic community membership, with other countries welcome to join upon completing security agreements with Ukraine.
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a historic $244 million investment in Registered Apprenticeships to modernize and expand this training system across various U.S. industries. This investment, the largest in U.S. history for Registered Apprenticeships, is part of the President’s Investing in America agenda to create good-paying jobs. Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden and Acting Secretary Julie Su will announce this in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and later in Philadelphia at the inaugural convening of the city's Investing in America Workforce Hub.
The Workforce Hubs, launched in nine cities, aim to train and connect workers to high-demand jobs. Philadelphia, one of the new hubs, will benefit from over a billion dollars in infrastructure projects, generating demand for skilled workers.
New policies and partnerships will promote equitable workforce development in Philadelphia, including a Geographic and Economic Hiring Preference (GEHP) pilot program targeting economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. This will apply to nearly $1 billion in projects, creating about 200 new apprenticeships in underserved communities.
Investments will double the number of people entering Registered Apprenticeships and improve support for apprentices. Key initiatives include a new Construction Trades Career Fund by Everybody Builds, funded by JPMorgan Chase, and significant federal grants from the Departments of Transportation and Commerce.
The City of Philadelphia will lead the workforce hub initiative, which philanthropic investments and collaboration with state agencies will support. The Biden-Harris Administration has facilitated over 900,000 apprenticeship enrollments and announced nearly $195 million from the Apprenticeship Building America Program and additional grants to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities nationwide.
A Joint Statement on the ICE Pact was released, which involves a trilateral partnership between Canada, Finland, and the United States to enhance cooperation in the Arctic and polar regions. The ICE Pact aims to ensure these regions remain peaceful, cooperative, and prosperous by building best-in-class Arctic and polar icebreakers and other capabilities through shared expertise and information. The partnership will strengthen the shipbuilding industries in each nation, creating jobs and economic opportunities. It also supports international rules and standards to maintain peace and stability in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, promoting scientific research and collaboration. An implementation plan for this collaboration will be developed over the next six months.
President Biden has approved a disaster declaration for New Hampshire following a severe winter storm and flooding from April 3 to April 5, 2024. Federal aid will support state and local recovery efforts in Belknap, Carroll, Rockingham, and Sullivan counties. Assistance will cover emergency work, repair or replacement of damaged facilities, and hazard mitigation measures across the state. William F. Roy of FEMA will coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
President Biden met with leaders from South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. The discussion highlighted the interconnectedness of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security. They condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine and pledged continued support for Ukraine. They also condemned illegal arms transfers from North Korea to Russia and expressed concern over the increasing cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which violates UN resolutions.
President Biden acknowledged the contributions of NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners to global security, including their defense investments and leadership. The meeting also welcomed new projects between NATO and Indo-Pacific partners focused on support to Ukraine, cyber defense, countering disinformation, and artificial intelligence. They agreed to build on these efforts, with further cooperation anticipated later this year, including a planned meeting of Secretary Blinken and the Foreign Ministers from the involved countries.
President Biden and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea reaffirmed advancements in U.S.-ROK security cooperation since the U.S.-ROK Washington Declaration in April 2023. The establishment of the U.S.-ROK Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) has enhanced bilateral cooperation on extended deterrence and addressed the nuclear threat posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The NCG has facilitated joint nuclear and strategic planning, ensuring the safety and security of the Korean Peninsula's ROK population and U.S. servicemembers. It has also improved combined exercises and training activities.
The Presidents praised the progress made by the U.S.-ROK Alliance, which was marked by signing the U.S.-ROK Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations. This document provides guidance for maintaining an effective nuclear deterrence policy. They emphasized the need for swift progress on NCG workstreams, including security protocols, information sharing, nuclear consultation, strategic planning, and combined exercises.
Reaffirming their commitments, the Presidents warned that any nuclear attack by the DPRK would be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response. President Biden reiterated the U.S. commitment to extended deterrence, backed by its full range of capabilities, including nuclear. President Yoon highlighted the significant contribution of the ROK’s capabilities to the Alliance’s combined defense posture.
President Biden held a press conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, addressing several significant issues. He began by highlighting the success of the recent NATO Summit, emphasizing the alliance's unity and strength, especially in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He noted that NATO is now stronger and has expanded, with Finland and Sweden joining the alliance. This expansion is crucial for global security and demonstrates NATO's continued relevance and strength.
Biden also discussed the positive economic indicators, including a decrease in inflation and falling prices for goods such as cars, appliances, and groceries. He committed to continuing efforts to combat corporate greed and reduce prices further, ensuring economic stability and growth for American families.
On foreign policy, Biden reiterated the U.S.'s unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. He detailed the intelligence efforts that helped build an international coalition and provide military aid to Ukraine, which has been instrumental in stopping Russian advances. He also emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership in global security and maintaining strong alliances, criticizing his predecessor's stance on NATO and reaffirming his commitment to Article Five.
Addressing his presidential candidacy and performance, Biden defended his decision to run for re-election, highlighting his legislative accomplishments and asserting his capability to lead. He addressed concerns about his age and health, expressing confidence in his ability to handle the demands of the presidency.
Furthermore, Biden discussed ongoing efforts to secure a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, aiming for a two-state solution and addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution and the need for Israel and Gaza to find a sustainable path forward.
President Biden holds a press briefing at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
