What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
August 15, 2024 Recap
In their remarks delivered in Largo, Maryland, President Biden and Vice President Harris focused on efforts to lower prescription drug costs for Americans, particularly seniors. They highlighted the significant progress made through the Inflation Reduction Act, which allows Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices—a long-standing goal for both leaders. They emphasized the importance of affordable healthcare, stressing that no senior should have to choose between medication and basic needs like rent.
Vice President Harris underscored the impact of high drug prices and shared her experience in fighting to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable. She praised the legislation that enables Medicare to use its bargaining power to negotiate lower prices, which will benefit millions of seniors and save taxpayers billions of dollars.
President Biden shared personal anecdotes about the challenges of affording healthcare and reiterated his belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. He expressed pride in the progress made and vowed to continue the fight to lower healthcare costs. He also criticized the pharmaceutical industry and political opponents for opposing these reforms.
The event served as a platform to announce the results of Medicare's negotiations with drug manufacturers, which are expected to lower the prices of key medications by 40 to 80 percent starting in 2026. Both leaders highlighted the broader implications of these efforts, including savings for taxpayers and the overall reduction of healthcare costs.
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced significant reductions in the prices of the first ten drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation, a move that will have a substantial impact on millions of seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries. This action is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which, for the first time, grants Medicare the authority to negotiate drug prices directly with manufacturers. As a result, these price reductions are expected to save Medicare beneficiaries $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs in 2026 alone while also saving American taxpayers $6 billion.
The selected drugs, which are among those with the highest total spending in Medicare Part D, treat a range of common and serious conditions, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. The price reductions range from 38% to 79%. For example, the price of Eliquis, a drug used to prevent and treat blood clots, will drop from $521 to $231 for a 30-day supply, a 56% reduction. Similarly, the cost of Jardiance, used for diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, will be reduced by 66%, from $573 to $197. Stelara, a medication for psoriasis and Crohn’s disease will see its price cut from $13,836 to $4,695, a 66% reduction, while insulin drugs like Fiasp and NovoLog will see prices slashed by 76%.
These price cuts will directly benefit millions of Medicare Part D enrollees, significantly reducing their out-of-pocket expenses. For instance, a Medicare enrollee currently paying $3,459 for a 30-day supply of Stelara will see their cost drop to $1,174 in 2026. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act introduces a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket spending for prescription drugs starting in 2025. It will further alleviate the financial burden for 19 million Medicare beneficiaries, saving them an average of $400 per year.
Beyond these negotiated drug prices, the Biden-Harris Administration has implemented other measures to reduce healthcare costs for Americans. The Inflation Reduction Act has made recommended vaccines free for Medicare beneficiaries, saving millions of people an average of $70 in out-of-pocket costs. Insulin costs for Medicare Part D enrollees have been capped at $35 per month, saving some seniors hundreds of dollars each month. Furthermore, a new cap on catastrophic coverage has been introduced, eliminating the 5% co-insurance payment in the catastrophic phase of Part D coverage, benefiting over 260,000 people in the first quarter of 2024 alone.
Looking ahead, Medicare will continue to expand its drug price negotiation program, selecting up to 15 additional drugs for negotiation in 2025 and adding more drugs each year thereafter. The President’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal aims to accelerate the pace of these negotiations, extend the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap to the commercial market, and implement additional measures to curb inflation in prescription drug prices. These initiatives, coupled with the savings from the American Rescue Plan, are helping to reduce healthcare costs across the board, driving the nation’s uninsured rate to historic lows and providing substantial financial relief to millions of Americans.
President Biden issued a statement highlighting the creation of over 330,000 new clean energy jobs in the two years since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed. These jobs, many of which are unionized and do not require a college degree, include roles like electricians, construction workers, and mechanics working on clean energy projects.
The President credits his administration’s policies for driving a manufacturing boom and reducing energy costs for families. He criticizes House Republicans for opposing these policies despite many of the new jobs being created in their districts. He reaffirms his commitment to lowering utility bills and expanding access to good-paying jobs.
President Biden announced the official Presidential Delegations attending the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth will lead the delegation for the Opening Ceremony on August 28, 2024, while Secretary Xavier Becerra will lead the delegation for the Closing Ceremony on September 8, 2024. Both delegations include high-ranking officials, distinguished athletes, and advocates for disability rights, reflecting a strong U.S. presence and commitment to supporting the Paralympic movement. Key members include Ambassador Denise Campbell Bauer, Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher, and Paralympians Brad Snyder and Muffy Davis.
John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Advisor, held an on-the-record press gaggle to provide updates on several key international issues. He discussed the ongoing talks in Doha, where U.S. representatives are working with Israel, Qatar, and Egypt to implement an agreement focused on hostages, relief for Palestinian civilians, and security for Israel. Kirby noted that while progress has been made, the discussions are complex and are expected to continue into the next day.
On the situation in Ukraine, Kirby mentioned that there have been observations of Russian troops shifting from operations in Ukraine to the Kursk area. However, the details regarding the scale and intentions of these movements remain unclear. He also addressed concerns about potential nuclear threats from Russia, noting that there has been no new escalatory rhetoric or changes in the U.S. deterrent posture.
Kirby described the sentencing of a dual American-Russian citizen to 12 years in prison for donating to a Ukrainian charity as an act of "vindictive cruelty". He reaffirmed U.S. efforts to secure her release. He also spoke about the ongoing Israeli military operations against Hamas, emphasizing the significant damage inflicted on Hamas's military capabilities. However, he acknowledged that Hamas remains a threat both militarily and ideologically. Kirby refrained from commenting on internal Israeli political debates or criticisms of recent Israeli military actions.
Regarding Iran, Kirby highlighted the U.S.'s continued monitoring and preparations for a potential Iranian attack. However, he noted that there is no certainty about when or if such an attack might occur. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to prevent any escalation. Kirby also briefly touched on U.S. efforts to encourage talks in Sudan and addressed questions about Venezuela, emphasizing the need for transparency in the country's election results and denying Nicolas Maduro any offer of amnesty. Throughout the briefing, Kirby maintained a cautious tone, carefully avoiding specifics on sensitive negotiations and military assessments.
A letter from President Joseph R. Biden Jr. to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate transmits the text of an Agreement for Cooperation between the United States and Singapore concerning the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. This agreement, negotiated in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and other applicable laws, aims to advance nonproliferation and foreign policy interests. It allows for the transfer of nuclear material, equipment, and information for peaceful purposes but restricts the transfer of sensitive nuclear technology.
The agreement has a 30-year term, with provisions for termination or continuation of nonproliferation conditions even after expiration. It emphasizes Singapore's commitment to nonproliferation and reliance on international markets for nuclear fuel. The letter also notes the submission of a Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement and related documents to Congress, urging favorable consideration and compliance with review procedures outlined in the Atomic Energy Act.
The White House issued a fact sheet highlighting the robust partnership between the United States and the Dominican Republic, rooted in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people connections. This partnership is exemplified through various initiatives and collaborations across multiple sectors. The two nations benefit from deep cultural ties, with educational exchanges and English language programs fostering leadership among Dominican youth, while Peace Corps volunteers contribute to education and community development. Economically, the partnership is strengthened by agreements such as the Open Skies Agreement, which aims to boost trade and investment alongside significant support for small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and infrastructure projects like the Port of Manzanillo.
In the realm of clean energy and climate resilience, both countries are working together to advance the transition to clean energy, improve climate resilience, and promote environmental sustainability. Health and food security remain critical areas of cooperation, with ongoing efforts like the PEPFAR program addressing health challenges, as well as initiatives to enhance food security and agricultural resilience. The United States also supports the Dominican Republic in strengthening democratic governance through initiatives that promote transparency, justice reform, and anti-corruption measures.
Defense and security ties form a cornerstone of the partnership, with joint military training and modernization efforts aimed at enhancing regional security. Additionally, both nations are committed to advancing human rights and labor rights, with programs focused on combating trafficking, supporting gender equity, and promoting LGBTQI+ rights. On the regional stage, the Dominican Republic is taking a leadership role, as evidenced by its upcoming hosting of the Tenth Summit of the Americas in 2025 and its collaborative efforts to improve stability in Haiti. Overall, the fact sheet underscores the U.S. commitment to continuing and deepening this partnership to promote a more democratic, secure, and prosperous Western Hemisphere.
The White House has opened applications for volunteers to participate in the 2024 holiday season, continuing the tradition led by the President and First Lady. Individuals from all U.S. states and territories, including military-connected families, educators, and students, are encouraged to apply as holiday decorators or performers. The deadline for applications is Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. ET, with selected volunteers being notified on or after October 13, 2024. Volunteers must cover their travel, accommodation, and personal expenses. Holiday decorators must be over 18 and available in Washington, D.C., during the week of November 24, 2024. Performers, including school bands and choirs, can apply to perform during White House holiday tours from December 3 to December 21, 2024.
Before departing on Marine One, President Biden addressed a range of topics in response to questions from the press. When asked if Bidenomics would continue under Vice President Harris, Biden confidently asserted that the economy would continue to thrive, regardless of the label, emphasizing the effectiveness of the legislation passed under his administration. He dismissed concerns that Harris might distance herself from his economic plan, stating firmly that she would not.
On the topic of international affairs, Biden confirmed that negotiations involving Hamas were ongoing, with Qatar and Egypt acting as representatives. When asked about Venezuela, he expressed support for new elections in the country. In a lighter moment, Biden responded to former President Trump's comment about making America affordable again by humorously suggesting that Trump should get a job.
Finally, when questioned about appointing a new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Biden playfully indicated that he might consult his mother for advice. The exchange was a mix of serious discussions on economic and international matters, punctuated by Biden's characteristic humor.
President Biden and Vice President Harris give remarks on lowering prescription drug costs in Largo, Maryland
