What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
February 7 Recap
In a statement released today, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden joined the people of Chile in mourning the tragic loss of former President Sebastián Piñera of Chile. They were moved by Piñera's dedication to creating a more secure and prosperous future for Chile, highlighting his tireless efforts to expand the nation's economy and advocate for it globally. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Piñera prioritized the safety of Chileans, leading to one of the world's fastest vaccination rates. Furthermore, his leadership in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake and tsunami guided Chile through challenging times, helping the country emerge stronger and serving as an inspiration for current struggles, such as the tragic wildfires.
President Biden reflected on the valuable experiences of working with President Piñera over the last decade, witnessing his commitment to both Chile and the partnership with the United States. Biden emphasized that the U.S. would continue the legacy of cooperation that Piñera helped establish. He concluded by sending deep condolences to Piñera's widow, Cecilia Morel, his family, and all those grieving this significant loss.
President Biden has announced his forty-fifth round of judicial nominees, intending to nominate four individuals to federal district courts and one to serve as a U.S. Marshal. These nominees are described as extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and the Constitution. This move aligns with Biden's commitment to ensuring the nation's courts reflect America's diversity in personal and professional backgrounds, pushing the total number of federal judicial nominees announced during his presidency to 219. Additionally, the announcement includes the President's intent to nominate a new U.S. Marshal, bringing the total number of his nominees for U.S. Marshals to 27.
The judicial nominees include:
Judge Sanket J. Bulsara for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, who has served as a United States Magistrate Judge since 2017 and has a rich background in legal practice and public service.
Judge Dena Michaela Coggins for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, currently the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court in Sacramento, with extensive experience in administrative and legal roles within the State of California.
Eric Schulte for the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota, a partner at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, L.L.P., with a significant tenure at the firm and prior experience as a law clerk in the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit.
Judge Camela C. Theeler for the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota, serving in the state's judicial system since 2018 and having a comprehensive background as an Assistant United States Attorney and in private practice.
For the U.S. Marshal position, Colonel John E. Richardson is nominated to serve the Middle District of Alabama. Colonel Richardson has an extensive background in law enforcement and public safety, having worked in various capacities within the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Enforcement Division.
These nominations highlight the administration's ongoing efforts to diversify the federal judiciary and law enforcement leadership, emphasizing professional excellence and a commitment to justice.
During a trip to Mexico on February 6-7, Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall led a U.S. interagency delegation to enhance collaboration with Mexican partners on key issues such as managing migration and combating the trafficking of illicit drugs and weapons. The delegation included Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma, Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo, and Deputy Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Adam Cohen.
The visit featured meetings with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena, building on a recent constructive dialogue initiated by a phone call between President Joe Biden and President López Obrador. Discussions focused on increasing enforcement to deter irregular migration, expanding safe migration pathways, and enhancing efforts to curb cross-border trafficking of drugs and weapons. The teams established specific steps and timelines for achieving shared objectives and agreed to boost information sharing to combat criminal organizations involved in trafficking people, guns, and drugs, including fentanyl.
Additionally, the U.S. delegation is set to participate in the fourth meeting of the Trilateral Fentanyl Committee with Mexican and Canadian officials. This committee aims to develop and execute comprehensive strategies against the production, smuggling, and use of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic drugs in North America, underscoring a united stance against criminal networks endangering public health and safety in the region.
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Ernest Gonzalez, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Philip R. Martinez, deceased.
Leon Schydlower, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Frank Montalvo, retired.
WITHDRAWALS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Leon Schydlower, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Philip R. Martinez, deceased, which was sent to the Senate on January 10, 2024.
Ernest Gonzalez, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Frank Montalvo, retired, which was sent to the Senate on January 10, 2024.
First Lady Jill Biden spoke at the Morehouse School of Medicine’s 2024 Women’s Heart Healthy Luncheon in Atlanta, GA, highlighting the institution's contributions to healthcare education, research, and patient care. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about heart disease, particularly among women and minority communities, noting the disparities in health outcomes.
The First Lady pointed out that despite women making up half of the population, there's a significant underfunding in women's health research, leading to gaps in knowledge and treatment for conditions affecting women differently or exclusively.
She criticized the historical focus on men in medical studies, which has resulted in a lack of appropriate treatment and understanding for women's health issues. To address these disparities, The First Lady mentioned President Biden's initiative to improve women's health research and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among universities, investors, startups, and healthcare professionals to drive innovation in women's health.
Mrs. Biden affirmed her and the President's commitment to partnering with local leaders and advocates in Atlanta and beyond to create a healthcare system that centers women's needs and experiences, aiming for a future where women's health issues are prioritized and adequately addressed.
A notice issued by President Biden from the White House on February 7, 2024, announces the continuation of the national emergency concerning the situation in and in relation to Burma beyond its original expiration date of February 10, 2024. The national emergency was initially declared on February 10, 2021, through Executive Order 14014, in response to the unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy posed by the military coup in Burma on February 1, 2021. This coup overthrew the democratically elected civilian government, led to the unjust arrest and detention of government leaders, politicians, human rights defenders, journalists, and religious leaders, rejected the will of the Burmese people as expressed in the November 2020 elections, and undermined the country's democratic transition and the rule of law. The continuation of this national emergency for another year is in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), reflecting the ongoing threat these conditions in Burma pose to the United States. The notice also mentions that it will be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to Congress.
The President released an official statement announcing the continuation of a national emergency regarding Afghanistan. This emergency was initially declared on February 11, 2022, through Executive Order 14064, in response to the significant and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy posed by the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the potential for further economic collapse in Afghanistan. The crisis encompasses critical humanitarian needs such as food security, livelihood support, water, sanitation, health, hygiene, and shelter. Additionally, the preservation of certain Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) assets held in the United States is highlighted as crucial for addressing this emergency and supporting the welfare of the Afghan people. Despite legal claims against DAB's property by various parties, including terrorism victims, the property remains blocked under Executive Order 14064. Citing these reasons, President Biden has decided to extend the national emergency beyond its initial expiration date of February 11, 2024, for another year. This extension aligns with the powers granted under section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act. The notice also mentions that this decision will be published in the Federal Register and communicated to Congress.
First Lady Jill Biden spoke at a listening session on women’s health research in Atlanta, Georgia, praising the collaborative efforts in the city to advance innovation in women’s health. Highlighting the historical underfunding and lack of focus on women in health research, she emphasized the disparities in medical treatment, dosage, and educational materials that often favor male-centric studies. She referenced the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research launched under President Biden's administration, aiming to fundamentally change the approach to and funding of women’s health research. This initiative involves directing federal agencies to enhance women’s health research and calls for collaboration across universities, investors, startups, medical professionals, and the government to create comprehensive health solutions. The First Lady's visit aimed to gather insights and experiences in women's health from Atlanta’s leaders, stressing the importance of collective effort to prioritize women’s health care.
A fact sheet was released outlining the comprehensive response and recovery efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration six months following the unprecedented wildfires in Maui, Hawaiʻi. Here are the key points:
The Administration has provided over $330 million in Federal grants and disaster loans to aid recovery efforts. FEMA Administrator Criswell and SBA Administrator Guzman will visit Maui to discuss ongoing efforts with local officials.
More than 445 Federal personnel are on the ground in Hawaiʻi, with 232, specifically in Maui, supporting recovery. Bob Fenton has been appointed as the Chief Federal Response Coordinator.
To date, over $43.7 million in assistance has been approved for 7,013 households.
President Biden increased the Federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures in Maui County to 100% for specified periods.
FEMA's Direct Lease program has secured 1,404 properties for survivors, placing 162 households in temporary homes.
Nearly 700 personnel from the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard have supported the response efforts.
The FBI has assisted in reducing the number of unaccounted-for missing persons to 3.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA have been involved in public works, debris removal, and ensuring environmental safety.
The SBA has approved over $290 million in disaster loans and operates two Disaster Business Recovery Centers.
HUD is aiding in rehousing efforts and connecting homeowners with resources, and a $1.3 million funding allocation through the RUSH program was announced.
The Department of the Interior is protecting natural and cultural resources with efforts to understand native Hawaiian culture.
The Department of Energy is implementing a $95 million grant to harden Hawaiʻi's electric grid.
Various other Federal departments and agencies, including the Department of Commerce, HHS, USDA, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of Transportation, provide critical support in areas ranging from health services to financial assistance and infrastructure repair.
This multi-faceted approach demonstrates a commitment to long-term recovery, respecting cultural sensitivities, and rebuilding in a manner that meets the needs and wishes of the Maui community.
During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to New York, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted two main issues. Firstly, she criticized congressional Republicans for prioritizing partisan politics over national security by refusing to pass a bipartisan national security agreement. This refusal, she stated, would force ICE to reduce operations due to budget shortfalls, negatively impacting national security and public safety. Jean-Pierre emphasized that despite repeated requests for additional funding, Congress has consistently provided less than requested, harming ICE's operational capabilities.
Secondly, Jean-Pierre lauded President Biden's investment in the IRS, which, according to new analysis, would significantly reduce the deficit by ensuring that wealthy individuals and large corporations pay their due taxes. She mentioned that these investments are already yielding results, with the IRS recovering substantial amounts from delinquent millionaires and improving taxpayer support services.
NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby, present for updates on the Middle East, chose not to offer a topper but was open to questions. He refrained from discussing the specifics of a Hamas proposal in response to a hostage situation, emphasizing the importance of discretion for successful negotiations. Kirby also addressed concerns over the Ukrainian military's supply situation and the strategic significance of Avdiivka, a city at risk due to ongoing conflict.
The gaggle also touched on various topics, including Secretary Blinken's meetings in the Middle East, the U.S. military's search for missing Marines off California, and reactions to Tucker Carlson's interview with Vladimir Putin. Jean-Pierre also responded to inquiries about Schumer's plan B for funding, the White House's stance on border policy negotiations, and the anticipated report from Special Counsel Hur on the President's handling of classified documents.
Jean-Pierre underscored the administration's commitment to national security, critiqued Republicans for their approach to border security and immigration reform, and highlighted ongoing outreach to various communities, including Arab American leaders in Michigan. She reaffirmed Americans' right to protest peacefully and outlined the administration's efforts to engage with and listen to diverse communities. Finally, she addressed the President's perspective on recent congressional actions and his visit to the border, emphasizing the politicization of border security and the importance of accountability.
First Lady Jill Biden
