What Did Joe Biden Do Today?

August 8, 2024 Recap

The Biden-Harris Administration released a fact sheet on ongoing efforts to support Maui one year after the devastating wildfires. The administration has provided nearly $3 billion in federal assistance for recovery and rebuilding efforts, with a focus on long-term resilience and preventing future tragedies. Key actions include:

• Housing Support: Nearly $385 million has been allocated to assist individuals and households with initiatives to transition survivors from temporary shelters to long-term housing.

• Debris Removal and Infrastructure Rebuilding: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has removed debris from 98% of affected properties, with federal funding covering 100% of eligible debris removal and emergency protective measures for a designated period.

• Educational Support: A new 38-building, 30-classroom campus was constructed in record time to replace a destroyed elementary school, enabling students to resume classes.

• Resilience Enhancement: The administration has invested in wildfire sensors and climate resilience projects, including restoring native ecosystems and incorporating Indigenous knowledge to better prepare for future natural disasters.

These efforts underscore the administration's commitment to supporting the long-term recovery and resilience of Maui's communities.

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Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer met with Jan Adams, the Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. During their discussions, they focused on the robust cooperation between the United States and Australia, especially within the Indo-Pacific region. This cooperation also extends to partnerships with Southeast Asian countries and the Pacific Islands, emphasizing a collective effort for regional stability and security.

Additionally, both officials expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) that recently took place on August 6 in Annapolis, Maryland. These consultations are an important annual event where high-level discussions are held to strengthen and align the strategic interests of both nations. Finer and Adams reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the U.S.-Australia Alliance, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration on global and regional issues.

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The leaders of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar issued a joint statement highlighting a critical moment in the ongoing conflict involving Gaza. The leaders—President Joe Biden of the United States, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, and Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar—emphasize the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza and address the plight of the hostages and their families.

They note that after months of intense diplomatic efforts, a framework agreement has been developed, which is now ready for implementation, pending the finalization of details. This agreement is grounded in the principles outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and has been endorsed by the UN Security Council through Resolution 2735.

The statement conveys a strong sense of urgency, asserting that there is no time left for delays or excuses from any involved parties. The leaders call for the immediate release of the hostages, the initiation of a ceasefire, and the swift implementation of the agreement.

As mediators, the leaders express their willingness to present a "final bridging proposal" to resolve any outstanding issues related to the implementation of the agreement. This proposal would aim to meet the expectations of all parties involved.

Finally, the statement sets a specific timeline, urging both sides of the conflict to resume urgent discussions on Thursday, August 15, in either Doha or Cairo. The goal of these discussions would be to close any remaining gaps and to move forward with the implementation of the deal without further delay. The joint statement ends with the signatures of the three leaders, emphasizing the coordinated and high-level nature of this diplomatic effort.

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President Biden welcomed the Texas Rangers to the White House to celebrate their 2023 World Series Championship. During the event, Biden praised the team's resilience and achievements, highlighting their journey through the season, including setting records and overcoming tough competition. He also acknowledged the team's contributions to their community, particularly in supporting local schools, cultural centers, and veterans.

Biden humorously noted his personal connection to Philadelphia sports through his wife but expressed his admiration for the Rangers' accomplishments. He also mentioned the team's perseverance despite the season's ups and downs, ultimately winning their first-ever World Series title after 52 years.

The Rangers' general manager, Chris Young, and manager, Bruce Bochy, also spoke, expressing gratitude for the recognition and presenting Biden with team gifts. The event underscored the Rangers' historic season and the significance of their victory to their fans and community.

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Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz delivered speeches at UAW Local 900 in Wayne, Michigan, focusing on their strong support for labor unions and the working class. The event took place at a location deeply connected to labor activism, referred to as "ground zero" for a significant strike that took place 11 months earlier. Introduced by UAW President Shawn Fain, the event highlighted the historic significance of the venue and welcomed Harris and Walz as advocates with deep working-class roots who have consistently supported labor rights throughout their careers.

The speeches sharply contrasted the Harris-Walz team and their opponents, former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance. Harris and Walz were portrayed as champions of the working class, grounded in their own experiences of financial struggles, such as Harris's first job at McDonald’s and Walz's career as a schoolteacher. In contrast, Trump and Vance were depicted as representatives of the billionaire class who have prioritized self-enrichment over the needs of workers.

The speakers criticized Trump for his past actions and statements that were seen as detrimental to auto workers, accusing him of blaming them for economic problems caused by corporate greed and the banking crisis. They highlighted Trump's absence during critical moments for labor, such as the 2019 GM strike, and accused him of using deceptive tactics to garner support from union members. Conversely, Harris was praised for her consistent support of auto workers, including standing on picket lines during the GM strike and working to bring auto jobs back to areas neglected under Trump's administration. Walz was similarly commended for his support of striking workers and his background as a union member.

Throughout the event, the speakers emphasized the urgency of the upcoming election, framing it as a pivotal moment where everything is at stake. They invoked the importance of unity and collective action, urging union members to stand up, speak up, and show up for the Harris-Walz ticket. Governor Walz echoed this sentiment, describing the election as a critical opportunity to ensure Kamala Harris becomes the next President of the United States. He warned of the dangers of a potential Trump return, which he suggested would lead to further attacks on labor unions and essential social programs.

Vice President Harris concluded the event by expressing her gratitude for the support of the UAW and reaffirming her commitment to fighting for workers' rights, justice, and equality. She emphasized the importance of collective action and the dignity of labor, arguing that unions are essential for ensuring fairness in negotiations between workers and large corporations. Harris and Walz's speeches culminated in a strong call to action, urging union members to work tirelessly in the lead-up to the election to secure victory and continue the fight for the dignity of work and the values of the American people.

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President Biden welcomes the Texas Rangers to the White House to celebrate their 2023 World Series championship season