What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 16, 2024 Recap
Vice President Harris made her fourth visit to Wisconsin this year, arriving in Milwaukee on Thursday. She was welcomed by Wisconsin officials, including Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. In the afternoon, The Vice President participated in a moderated conversation with comedian and author DL Hughley, focusing on the success of Black small business owners and the Biden-Harris Administration's economic investments.
Vice President Harris emphasized the importance of providing information and resources to ambitious and hardworking individuals, noting that trillions of dollars are being invested in communities across America. After the event, she traveled to Chicago for a campaign event.
Her visit is part of a nationwide Economic Opportunity tour highlighting economic investments. However, WisGOP Chairman Brian Schimming criticized the visit, arguing that it reminded voters of the Biden Administration's failed agenda, citing issues like higher inflation and lower wages.
Source: WEAU News
The White House released a fact sheet that updated President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which has spurred significant growth in American clean energy, especially solar power. The Inflation Reduction Act has provided incentives, leading to a surge in solar installations and U.S. solar manufacturing. The U.S., a pioneer in solar technology, saw its solar industry decline due to China's subsidization practices, but recent policies have revitalized it.
Since Biden took office, over $17 billion and 335 gigawatts of solar manufacturing investments have been announced, with solar module manufacturing capacity growing from 7 to over 125 gigawatts. Solar deployment has doubled, with record installations in 2023.
The Biden Administration plans to increase Chinese import tariffs and remove exclusions allowing certain solar panels to bypass tariffs to protect U.S. solar manufacturing. Measures include ending a temporary import bridge, cracking down on stockpiling, and monitoring import surges.
Further, the administration is offering guidance on tax incentives to boost domestic solar production, investing over $70 million in solar technology R&D, and managing solar cell import quotas to support U.S. manufacturing. These steps are part of broader initiatives, including grants to expand solar access to low-income households, support for solar component manufacturing, and solar energy development on public lands.
The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced key principles to safeguard workers from the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative follows President Biden's Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of AI. Key technology companies, such as Microsoft and Indeed, have committed to adopting these principles, which focus on several critical areas:
Centering Worker Empowerment: Involving workers, especially from underserved communities, in the AI system's design and implementation.
Ethically Developing AI: Ensuring AI systems are developed to protect workers.
Establishing AI Governance and Human Oversight: Implementing clear governance and oversight for AI systems.
Ensuring Transparency in AI Use: Employers should be open about using AI systems.
Protecting Labor and Employment Rights: Safeguarding workers' rights from being undermined by AI.
Using AI to Enable Workers: AI should assist in improving job quality.
Supporting Workers Impacted by AI: Providing support or upskilling for workers affected by AI-related job transitions.
Ensuring Responsible Use of Worker Data: Protecting workers' data used by AI systems.
These principles should guide AI throughout its lifecycle and be tailored to fit various industries. The administration encourages more tech companies to commit to these principles, encouraging businesses to adopt and customize these best practices with worker input.
The U.S. and Canada have extended the Canada-U.S. Energy Transformation Task Force (ETTF) another year to accelerate cooperation on clean energy and supply chains. Initially launched in March 2023 by President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau, the task force focuses on renewable energy, electric vehicle supply chains, critical minerals, grid resilience, and nuclear energy. Key accomplishments include industry collaboration, promoting environmental standards, pledging investment in nuclear energy, and supporting nuclear projects in Romania.
Significant co-investments have been announced in critical minerals, with the U.S. Department of Defense and Natural Resources Canada funding Canadian companies Fortune Minerals Limited and Lomiko Metals, Inc. to develop North American supply chains.
The ETTF has also emphasized civil nuclear energy, with pledges made at COP28 to invest in nuclear enrichment and conversion capacity. Both countries aim to establish a resilient North American nuclear supply chain and reduce dependence on Russian resources. Canada issued a green bond for nuclear expenditures, and President Biden signed laws to support U.S. leadership in the nuclear sector.
Efforts to decarbonize steel and aluminum industries were also highlighted, recognizing their importance in the clean economy and North American manufacturing. The ETTF will continue to amplify clean energy priorities in bilateral and multilateral engagements, including the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment and Canada’s upcoming G7 hosting in 2025.
Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Senior Biden-Harris Administration officials hosted advocates to discuss progress and new initiatives. President Biden, a long-time advocate for ending gender-based violence, has secured historic funding for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), expanding services and increasing protections for survivors.
Key announcements included the release of the Final Report by the White House Task Force on Online Harassment and Abuse, with significant funding to tackle technology-facilitated gender-based violence. The Office of Personnel Management issued new guidance for federal employees to access paid and unpaid leave for safety and recovery from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
New initiatives under VAWA were also highlighted, such as the Department of Justice's Restorative Practices Pilot Program and the Healing and Response Teams Special Initiative. Additional protections include a proposed FCC rule to prevent abusers from misusing connected car tools and new Treasury and IRS guidance allowing survivors to access penalty-free distributions from retirement plans.
The Administration has made significant strides in supporting Tribal communities, preventing gun access for domestic abusers, enhancing protections against sexual violence in schools and the military, and improving workplace safety. Participants included key figures from various federal agencies and advocacy groups.
President Biden commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, which ended racial segregation in public schools and declared "separate but equal" as inherently unequal. He highlighted Delaware's key role in the case and recognized the subsequent struggles students like the Little Rock Nine and Ruby Bridges faced.
The President reflected on the civil rights advancements following the decision, including the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and noted ongoing efforts to ensure equal access to quality education. He emphasized his administration's commitment to educational equity through increased funding and support for inclusive learning environments.
President Biden designated May 17, 2024, as the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, calling on Americans to honor those who have fought for educational equality and to continue striving for a future where America's promise is accessible to all.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with President Santiago Peña of Paraguay at the White House to discuss enhancing the partnership between the U.S. and Paraguay. They addressed Paraguay's support for democracy in Venezuela and its condemnation of Russia's war against Ukraine. The discussion included bilateral cooperation on security and economic priorities, such as mobilizing U.S. private sector investment in Paraguay's infrastructure and Paraguay's interest in joining the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity. Both reaffirmed shared democratic values and efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and combat corruption in Paraguay.
Sullivan also met with ambassadors and chiefs of mission from 18 countries that have had citizens taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza. The nations involved included Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. During the meeting, they collectively called for Hamas to release the hostages immediately and discussed ways to resolve the crisis. Sullivan also conveyed that President Biden is in ongoing discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Amir of Qatar, and President Sisi to achieve a ceasefire and secure a hostage deal.
National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard discussed the President’s investment agenda and the need for trade enforcement against China’s unfair practices at the Center for American Progress. The administration focuses on growing the economy from the middle out and bottom-up, contrasting with previous trickle-down policies. Significant investments in clean energy and advanced manufacturing are paired with trade enforcement to prevent unfair competition. New tariffs under Section 301 target China’s unfair trade practices, particularly in the solar sector, while the President opposes broad tariffs that would burden American families.
Legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Chips and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act have supported a strong economic recovery, boosting investment, growth, and productivity while reducing unemployment. China’s strategy of using industrial overcapacity to flood global markets with cheap exports disrupts market-based innovation, harms American workers, and threatens supply chain resilience. New tariffs will be imposed on Chinese electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, panels, and legacy semiconductors to combat this. The U.S. collaborates with international partners to address these unfair practices and manage competition responsibly, supporting global clean energy efforts. Combining investment in key sectors with robust trade enforcement is essential to protect American businesses and sustain the President’s economic strategy.
President Biden issued a statement celebrating the Supreme Court ruling favoring the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). He highlighted the CFPB's achievements since its creation during his time as Vice President under President Obama, emphasizing its role in protecting consumers from abusive practices and reducing costs for families. Under Biden's administration, the CFPB has provided nearly $9 billion in consumer relief and aims to save consumers $20 billion annually on various fees. Biden criticized Republicans for opposing the CFPB and praised the Court for affirming its funding authority's constitutionality and commitment to consumer protection.
The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 to uphold the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) funding structure, rejecting a challenge to its constitutionality. The agency, tasked with enforcing consumer finance laws, is funded by the Federal Reserve rather than the congressional appropriations process. The decision reverses a lower court's ruling that this funding method violated the Constitution.
Additional Source: SCOTUSblog
The Biden-Harris Administration announced over $16 billion in federal support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from FY 2021 to FY 2024. This funding includes $11.4 billion through grants, contracts, debt relief, $4 billion in financial aid for HBCU students, and $900 million for strengthening HBCU programs. The administration's commitment aims to enhance HBCUs' capacity to provide quality education and support economic mobility for Black communities.
HBCUs have been crucial in producing Black professionals and promoting economic mobility. They support many low-income students and contribute substantially to America's economic success. Recent federal investments have focused on expanding research capacity, STEM programs, and digital infrastructure at HBCUs. New initiatives like the first-ever HBCU-led University Affiliated Research Center and the Connecting-Minority-Communities program have also been established.
Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized racial equity and educational excellence, reestablishing initiatives to support HBCUs. Key investments include:
$4 billion for HBCUs through COVID-19 relief legislation.
$2.6 billion to build institutional capacity.
$1.6 billion through federal grants for research and training programs.
$950 million for growing research capacity.
$719 million for STEM and other high-demand fields.
$1.6 billion in capital finance debt relief.
Over $4 billion for HBCU student support through need-based grants and veteran benefits.
Additional initiatives have supported HBCUs in fields like clean energy, transportation, space research, environmental health, and maternal health. The administration's efforts have significantly increased grant awards and funding opportunities for HBCUs across various federal departments.
In a statement released by The White House, Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) ' crucial role in American society, emphasizing their contribution to leadership across various sectors. As an alumna of Howard University, she expressed pride in these institutions' legacy of academic excellence and community impact.
A briefing was held with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Director of the Office of Public Engagement Stephen Benjamin, who addressed several significant topics. Jean-Pierre announced the administration's move to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, a change aimed at removing research barriers and addressing the disproportionate impact on Black and brown communities. This initiative builds on President Biden's previous pardons for federal marijuana possession offenses. She also highlighted the President's meeting with plaintiffs and their families from the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, marking its 70th anniversary. Notable figures such as Adrienne Jennings Bennett and Cheryl Brown Henderson participated in this event, emphasizing the importance of continuing progress since the decision.
Benjamin elaborated on the administration's substantial investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), totaling over $16 billion. He also discussed the President's cancellation of $160 billion in student loans and the increase in Pell Grants, stressing the positive impact on Black communities. Benjamin addressed concerns from Morehouse College students and faculty regarding President Biden's upcoming commencement speech, assuring that the focus would be on the student's achievements. He also mentioned the administration's extensive efforts to engage with communities across the country, particularly in understanding and addressing the concerns of Black voters.
During the Q&A session, both Jean-Pierre and Benjamin fielded questions on various topics, including the potential protests at Morehouse College, the administration's achievements in reducing Black unemployment, and the importance of international relations and economic policies. They reiterated the administration's commitment to advancing racial equity, supporting educational institutions, and fostering economic growth. Overall, the briefing underscored the administration's dedication to addressing historical and current issues affecting Black Americans while highlighting its ongoing efforts to promote progress and equity.
On Thursday, May 16, 2024, the President signed into law:
H.R. 3935, the “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024,” reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration and related revenue authorities through September 30, 2028, and the National Transportation Safety Board through September 30, 2028.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered a speech at the Bay Mills Indian Community in Brimley, Michigan, expressing gratitude to tribal leaders for their dedication and leadership. She highlighted President Biden's commitment to appointing Native leaders and investing substantially in Native communities. Reflecting on her own experiences, Dr. Biden shared a story about the support she received from her students during a difficult time, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual support.
Dr. Biden discussed the significance of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, which emphasize love, respect, honesty, truth, bravery, humility, and wisdom, and how these values guide service to the community and stewardship of the land. She praised the Bay Mills community for their strong, supportive bonds and highlighted the Biden administration's efforts to honor Nation-to-Nation relationships and support tribal self-determination.
She concluded by emphasizing the importance of building a bright future for the next generation, fostering connections, and learning from each other to create a strong, united community. The speech was a call to continue working together to build a better future for all.
Vice President Harris talks with actor/comedian/author D.L. Hughley in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as she continues her Economic Opportunity Tour
I have a very important question.
Adam kinzinger had spoken in his latest video on his substack and confirmed directly to me that the White House has not contacted him liz cheney or any of the republicans who stand against trump for support or for any campaign input or for anything at all.
He Directly said it was political malpractice for the WH not to have contacted any of them for their input and I have to say I gotta agree here.
We need the healthy people in the republican party to publicly stand united with the WH to nationally put country over party. ( IMHO)
I know from past posts from Adam on substack and the many shows and places that Liz Cheney has spoken at. Shows such as The View The Rachel Maddow Show. Adam Kinzinger has publicly said many time he will vote for Biden. They have proven they are both willing and have crossed party lines for country.
I strongly believe the White House must know this and know that these republicans are willing to speak out with the democrats to defeat trump on the campaign trail.
I believe with all my being that They have invaluable and a unique pathway to reach many voters that are presently not being reached.
How can we reach the white house and let them know Directly about this?
Can you get the message to them more directly and faster then myself alone? Do you know anyone who could?
Despite we all may have disagreements ...we all agree on one thing ....we all believe in protecting democracy. And who better to show that then to have the white house include them publicly and work together to defeat trump snd Maga!!!!
Please let President Biden know !!!!!