What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
July 17, 2024 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a series of new actions to expand opportunities for Latino communities and ensure equitable access to the American dream. Key initiatives include the creation of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). A new executive order will support HSIs in accessing federal programs, improving fiscal stability, and fostering cross-sector collaborations.
Regarding immigration reforms, the administration is taking significant steps to keep families together, including new processes to help noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens gain legal status. They are also supporting Dreamers through expanded federal TRIO programs and work visas. The Department of Justice is also expanding its “Attorney of the Day” program to provide legal representation in immigration courts.
To further improve legal and immigration services, the administration is introducing the “USCIS to You” initiative to bring immigration-related assistance to underserved areas and funding public and non-profit organizations to establish new citizenship programs.
These new actions build on the administration's previous achievements, such as reducing Latino unemployment, supporting Latino-owned businesses, doubling Latino enrollment in health coverage, expanding the Child Tax Credit, and investing significantly in Hispanic-serving colleges and universities. These efforts reflect the administration's commitment to advancing opportunity and equity for Latino families and communities.
The Biden-Harris Administration is starting its fifth "Investing in America" tour to showcase how President Biden’s policies reduce costs, create jobs, and revitalize communities. The tour includes over 70 stops in 30+ states and will focus on infrastructure, manufacturing growth, and economic improvements.
Key Highlights
New Tools on Invest.gov:
Savings Explorer: This tool shows how administration actions save Americans on healthcare, energy, education, and groceries.
Rural Impact Stories: Stories of communities benefiting from federal investments on Invest.gov/rural.
Infrastructure Investments:
$5 Billion for Bridges: Announcing funds to repair 13 major bridges, supporting connectivity and economic development.
63,000+ Projects: Highlighting ongoing clean energy and infrastructure projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
Domestic Manufacturing and Job Creation:
CHIPS Act: $400 million agreement with GlobalWafers to create semiconductor jobs in Texas and Missouri.
Made in America: Emphasizing investments in manufacturing, electric vehicles, clean technology, and infrastructure.
Tour Highlights
Arizona: Funding for Valley Metro Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension.
Pennsylvania: $5 billion for bridge projects.
California: Major port project for efficiency and cost reduction.
Nevada: Lowering healthcare and drug costs.
South Carolina: Student debt relief and HBCU investments.
U.S. Virgin Islands: Clean energy commitments.
Michigan & Georgia: Investments in emergency services and clean energy jobs.
Economic Growth
Record Small Business Growth: 18 million new business applications.
Support for Agriculture: Investments in urban and rural farming.
Good Jobs: Creating well-paying jobs and boosting local economies.
Administration vs. Republican Agenda: Highlighting the risks of the Republican agenda, which could raise costs, cut benefits, and undermine economic investments.
The U.S. interagency delegation, including senior members from the National Security Council, Departments of State and Defense, USAID, and INDOPACOM, visited Papua New Guinea from July 14-16, 2024. The meetings focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship, mainly through the US-PNG Defense Cooperation Agreement. The delegation introduced initiatives addressing Papua New Guinea's development and security needs, reaffirming U.S. commitment through a whole-of-government approach. Key initiatives included accelerating Defense Cooperation Agreement projects, deploying civil affairs and medical teams, addressing the fuel crisis, enhancing electricity connectivity, disaster preparedness, professional development, community stability, law enforcement capacity building, gender-based violence prevention, and Foreign Military Financing for the PNG Defense Force.
Notable delegation members included Admiral Samuel Paparo (INDOPACOM), Dr. Mira Rapp-Hooper (National Security Council), Daniel Kritenbrink (State Department), Michael Schiffer (USAID), Anka Lee (Defense Department), and U.S. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock. The visit highlighted comprehensive U.S. diplomacy, development, and defense efforts to advance the U.S.-PNG strategic partnership.
President Biden announced the exoneration of 258 Black sailors who were unjustly convicted of mutiny and disobeying orders following the 1944 Port Chicago explosion. This event, the deadliest home-front disaster during WWII, resulted in the deaths of 320 sailors and civilians. After the explosion, Black sailors were forced to continue dangerous work without adequate training or protection, while white sailors were granted leave. The Navy's review found that the convictions were unfair and influenced by racial discrimination. This exoneration addresses a historic injustice, honoring the courage and service of these sailors and their families.
Vice President Harris delivered remarks at the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum in Portage, Michigan. She expressed gratitude for the work in Michigan and thanked Senator Debbie Stabenow for her leadership. Harris briefly addressed the recent attempt on former President Trump's life, condemning the act and expressing relief that Trump was not seriously injured. She extended her condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore, who died protecting his family and wished a swift recovery to those injured. Harris praised the United States Secret Service and first responders.
She emphasized the need for unity against political violence and the importance of robust, civil discourse in democracy. Harris highlighted reproductive freedom as a critical issue in the upcoming election and looked forward to discussing this topic further.
President Biden issued an Executive Order on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to enhance the support and resources available to HSIs. The key points include:
Policy Overview:
HSIs are colleges/universities with at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate enrollment.
Over 500 HSIs serve more than 4.7 million students, many coming from low-income backgrounds.
HSIs receive less federal funding per student compared to other institutions despite their growing numbers and significant role in promoting Hispanic and Latino student success.
White House Initiative:
Establishes an initiative within the Department of Education to advance educational equity and economic opportunity through HSIs.
Focus areas include increasing access to federal resources, identifying best practices, improving alignment with national economic needs, and fostering collaborations with various sectors.
President’s Board of Advisors on HSIs:
Consists of up to 21 members appointed by the President.
Provides advice on increasing HSIs’ visibility in federal policymaking, supporting institutions aspiring to become HSIs, and establishing partnerships with various organizations.
Administrative Provisions:
Agencies are to assist and provide the Initiative and Board information as needed.
The order will be implemented in accordance with existing laws and appropriations.
This order underscores the commitment to supporting HSIs to improve educational and economic outcomes for Hispanic and Latino students, recognizing their vital role in the nation's higher education system.
Earlier today, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 prior to his scheduled event at the UnidosUS Conference in Las Vegas, which he canceled upon delivery of the diagnosis. He is vaccinated and boosted, experiencing mild symptoms, and will return to Delaware to self-isolate while continuing his duties. The White House will provide regular updates on his status.
Note from the President’s Doctor:
The President showed upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose, non-productive cough, and general malaise. Despite feeling okay initially, he tested positive for COVID-19. He will self-isolate per CDC guidance, with PCR confirmation pending. His vital signs are normal, and he received his first Paxlovid dose. He will isolate at his home in Rehoboth.