What Did Joe Biden Do Today?

May 6, 2024 Recap

Vice President Kamala Harris, alongside other top officials, announced a series of initiatives to support the U.S. auto industry, particularly focusing on small and medium-sized auto suppliers and workers. This was part of her Economic Opportunity Tour in Detroit, Michigan. Over $100 million in funding will be allocated to assist these suppliers in transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric vehicle (EV) parts manufacturing. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris administration's larger goal to promote clean energy and retain good-paying, union jobs in the U.S.

The funding includes $50 million from the Department of Energy’s Automotive Conversion Grants Program and another $50 million from its Industrial Assessments Center Implementation Grants Program. The Small Business Administration (SBA) will also provide significant support through capital investment and technical assistance programs.

The announcement also emphasized workforce development, including the launch of new training hubs and fellowship programs to enhance skills for the EV industry. Moreover, several technical assistance programs are introduced to help suppliers adapt to the EV market.

These actions are part of broader efforts under President Biden and Vice President Harris to bolster the U.S. auto industry and ensure it remains a global leader in EV manufacturing, contrasting with policies under previous administrations. The initiative also includes financial relief measures for Michigan families and contrasts with the perceived inaction from congressional Republicans on these issues.

During her speech in Detroit, Vice President Harris highlighted the administration's focus on economic empowerment, particularly for the Black community. She detailed initiatives to support Black entrepreneurs, improve access to capital, and reduce disparities in economic opportunities. The Vice President announced investments in Black-owned auto supply companies and a new loan-matching program. She also addressed efforts to increase Black homeownership, combat racial bias in home appraisals, and forgive medical and student debt. Her message emphasized the administration's belief in investing in people as a means to drive economic growth and achieve equity.

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President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, emphasizing their shared commitment to remembering the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and to combating antisemitism and hate-fueled violence. On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Biden reiterated this stance. He also briefed the Prime Minister on ongoing efforts in Doha, Qatar, to secure a hostage deal. Netanyahu agreed to keep the Kerem Shalom crossing open for humanitarian aid.

The President reiterated his plea to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to refrain from a major offensive in Rafah, Gaza. Despite these warnings, Israel proceeded with plans, signaling a possible ground invasion by ordering about 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate from Rafah. Concurrently, Hamas has accepted an Egypt-Qatari mediated ceasefire proposal, which Israel is considering while continuing military operations.

CIA Director William Burns, present in Qatar, is engaging with regional partners about Hamas' ceasefire acceptance, with the overarching goal of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. The proposed ceasefire involves a phased process, starting with hostage releases in exchange for Israeli troop withdrawals.

Additional Source: Associated Press

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President Biden held a private meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan to celebrate 75 years of U.S.-Jordan relations and the 25th anniversary of King Abdullah II's accession to the throne. During the meeting, King Abdullah warned The President about the potential for a "new massacre" of Palestinian civilians due to an Israeli offensive in Rafah. He emphasized the urgency of international action to prevent further escalation. Israel, having conducted airstrikes in Rafah, urged evacuations amid the ongoing conflict, where displaced populations are severely affected.

King Abdullah highlighted the critical need for an immediate ceasefire and sustainable humanitarian aid for Gaza. The situation reflects heightened tensions and calls for international cooperation to address the humanitarian crisis and seek a sustainable peace.

Additiona source: Reuters

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Vice President Harris released a statement on Holocaust Remembrance Day, emphasizing the commemoration of the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust and underscoring the persistent issue of antisemitism. She mentioned a recent atrocity attributed to Hamas, describing it as the worst against Jewish people since the Holocaust, involving the killing of 1,200 people, including 44 Americans, and the taking of hostages. Harris condemned antisemitism in the U.S. and reaffirmed the commitment of herself and President Biden to combat hate and support the Jewish community. She also personalized the message by sharing the experiences of her husband, Doug, whose family history ties back to the Holocaust, illustrating the ongoing impact and remembrance within their own family.

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In a spirited gathering at the East Room, President Biden honored the Army Black Knights, this year’s winners of the Commander-in-Chief Trophy. The event was filled with camaraderie, military pride, and friendly banter among the attendees, which included military leaders, representatives, and football fans. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, himself a West Point graduate, and other dignitaries were present. President Biden commended the team for their resilience and unity throughout the season, which saw them triumph over Air Force and Navy. Coach Jeff Monken and the team were praised for embodying the values of toughness, tenacity, and accountability, both on and off the field.

During the ceremony, Coach Monken, on behalf of the team, gratefully accepted the trophy and thanked the President for the invitation. Cadet Jimmy Ciarlo presented President Biden with a game-worn jersey from their victory over the Navy, symbolizing the team's appreciation. The President jovially interacted with the cadets, hinting at future encounters at West Point’s upcoming graduation. The event encapsulated a strong sense of national pride and the cherished values of duty and honor upheld by the United States Military Academy.

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President Biden issued a statement on the Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports emphasizing the strength and resilience of Medicare and Social Security. He attributed the extension of Medicare's solvency by a decade to his economic policies and recovery measures post-pandemic. The President has committed to permanently securing Medicare by proposing that wealthier Americans contribute more and reduce prescription drug costs. Similarly, he planned to enhance Social Security's solvency without cuts or privatization by increasing contributions from high-income earners.

President Biden contrasted his approach with the Republicans', criticizing their budget plans for favoring the wealthy and proposing significant cuts to Social Security, increased retirement ages, higher drug costs, and changes to Medicare that could lead to higher premiums for seniors. He pledged to protect these programs from such cuts, advocating for the interests of American seniors.

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The White House has announced that it will hold its traditional public tours of the White House Gardens and South Grounds during Mother's Day weekend. These tours will be free and open to the public on Saturday, May 11th, and Sunday, May 12th, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM ET. Tickets are required and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis outside the White House Visitor Center starting at 8:30 AM daily. There are no advance reservations, and tickets are also required for children. The entrance for guests will be on 15th Street NW, and there is a designated ADA entrance. Additionally, a media preview will occur on Friday, May 10th, at 12:30 PM ET for pre-credentialed media who RSVP by May 9th.

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Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby held a press briefing where they discussed the U.S. government's cautious approach to the sensitive negotiations over hostages held by Hamas. They emphasizde the importance of not jeopardizing the process and the ongoing talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and increasing humanitarian assistance.

Admiral John Kirby mentioned a recent response from Hamas to a hostage proposal, which is under review. The U.S. is in discussions with regional partners, and CIA Director William Burns is directly involved in these discussions on the ground. The urgency of securing a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, especially through the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, is highlighted.

The briefing also covered President Biden's conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and King Abdullah II of Jordan, reflecting on the strategic partnerships and efforts to mitigate the situation in Gaza. Kirby and Jean-Pierre reiterated the U.S.'s stance on minimizing harm to civilians and ensuring the safety of operations in the region, especially concerning potential military operations in Rafa.

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Vice President Harris visits Joe Louis Southern Kitchen in Detroit, MI, during her Economic Opportunity Tour