What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 10, 2024 Recap
President Biden spoke at a campaign reception in Portola Valley, California, expressing his views and criticisms, especially regarding former President Trump and his policies. He highlighted his administration's achievements, including job creation, health insurance expansion, and climate actions.
The President criticized former Trump for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, his stance on abortion, and his foreign policy decisions. He emphasized the stakes of the upcoming election, pointing to Trump's intentions to dismantle the Affordable Care Act and environmental laws.
President Biden also discussed proposed legislation on border security and immigration reform, stating its importance but acknowledging political hurdles. He concluded by stressing the need for unity and democratic values, rallying support for his campaign to prevent Trump's re-election, and framing the 2024 election as crucial for democracy and national integrity.
The White House held a meeting with key federal and state officials, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Maryland Secretary of Transportation Paul Wiedefeld, to discuss the ongoing response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. President Biden expressed his commitment to supporting Baltimore's recovery. The meeting covered progress on clearing the wreckage, aiding affected workers and victim families, and reopening the port for vessel traffic. Plans were discussed to fully reopen the federal shipping channel by the end of May and remove the cargo ship M/V DALI next week. The discussion also touched on maintaining safe maritime traffic and rapidly rebuilding the bridge. The White House reaffirmed its collaboration with state and federal partners to alleviate the collapse's impact and support the community.
National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard spoke at The Hamilton Project, emphasizing the recovery of the U.S. economy post-pandemic and advocating for President Biden's economic policies over the Republicans' trickle-down approach. Brainard highlighted the successes under President Biden's administration, such as strong labor markets, increased investments, and reduced unemployment and inflation, attributing them to legislation like the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). She criticized the expiring 2017 Trump tax cuts, which disproportionately benefited the wealthy, for adding to the national debt and not fostering promised economic growth.
Brainard argued against extending these tax cuts, especially for high earners, and advocated for a tax system that benefits the middle class by forcing corporations and the wealthy to pay their fair share. This includes proposals to raise the corporate tax rate, implement a minimum tax on billion-dollar corporations, and maintain investments in IRS enforcement. She underscored the importance of continuing Biden's expansions of tax credits and health insurance subsidies, which are at risk without further legislative action.
In her concluding remarks, Brainard framed the upcoming tax debate as a pivotal moment for fiscal responsibility and equity, contrasting the administration's goal of a fairer tax system that supports the middle class with Republican policies that favor the wealthy.
President Biden has announced appointments to several boards and commissions, focusing on expertise in cancer research, public service, and the arts. Notable appointees include Dr. Callisia N. Clarke and Karen Emmons to the National Cancer Advisory Board, Brian K. Bond, Nicole Isaac to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships, and Amy Robbins Towers to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition. Bruce Redman Becker and William J. Lenihan have also been nominated to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. These appointments reflect the administration's commitment to leveraging diverse expertise in addressing key national challenges.
President Biden issued another round of proclamations for the month of May:
Mother’s Day, 2024: President Biden honors mothers and maternal figures, citing personal examples and outlining policies supporting mothers, such as the American Rescue Plan and the expanded Child Tax Credit.
National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2024: Biden emphasizes the importance of infrastructure for national security and economic stability, highlighting investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and related acts to modernize the U.S. transportation system.
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Officer Week, 2024: The proclamation recognizes the challenges and sacrifices of police officers, detailing federal support for enhanced training, resources, and police-community relations. It also honors fallen officers and their families.
Women’s Health Week, 2024: Biden addresses the need for improved focus on women's health, detailing initiatives like the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research and measures to protect reproductive health care access following changes to Roe v. Wade.
President Biden issued a memorandum addressed to the Secretary of State, where he delegates the authority granted to him under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, specifically section 621, to the Secretary of State. This delegated authority allows the Secretary to direct up to $400 million in defense articles, services, and military education and training from the Department of Defense to assist Ukraine. It also includes the authority to make necessary determinations for this drawdown. The memorandum instructs the Secretary of State to publish it in the Federal Register.
President Biden signed into law:
H.R. 8289, the “Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2024, Part II,” which (1) extends through May 17, 2024, Federal Aviation Administration authorities and related revenue authorities; and (2) extends through May 18, 2024, the authority of the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice to mitigate credible threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems to covered facilities and assets.