What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
November 29, 2024 Recap
President Biden condemned Russia's large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine, which targeted cities and energy infrastructure, leaving civilians without electricity. He emphasized the urgency of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression and reaffirmed U.S. solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
The President highlighted actions taken by the U.S., including prioritizing air defense exports to Ukraine, delivering hundreds of additional air defense missiles, and providing support to strengthen Ukraine's energy grid and military capabilities, such as artillery, rockets, and armored vehicles. Biden also noted the broad international support for Ukraine, involving over 50 countries, and praised the Ukrainian people's bravery and resilience in defending their freedom.
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced new measures to support small businesses by increasing access to federal lending and contracting opportunities. Recognizing small businesses as the backbone of the economy and local communities, the Administration is raising the cap on SBA 7(a) loans from $350,000 to $500,000 for mission-driven lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). This change will make it easier for underserved groups, including women, people of color, veterans, and low- to moderate-income communities, to secure critical funding. Additionally, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is improving federal contracting processes by issuing new guidance to enhance the quality and timeliness of procurement forecasts, enabling small businesses to better prepare and compete. Small businesses also received a record $86 billion in subcontract awards in 2023, with further efforts underway to expand these opportunities and strengthen supply chains.
The Administration has overseen a historic boom in entrepreneurship, with over 20 million new business applications filed during President Biden’s term—the highest in any presidential term in history. Investments in SBA-backed capital reached $56 billion last year, contributing to record growth in business ownership among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and women entrepreneurs. To further advance innovation and resilience, the Administration has leveraged small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) in federal research and development (R&D) spending, reaching an all-time high of $2.5 billion annually in 2022 and 2023.
These efforts build on record-breaking achievements in federal contracting. Small businesses were awarded $178.6 billion in federal contracts, accounting for 28.4% of eligible federal spending, while small disadvantaged businesses received $76.2 billion, or 12.1%. By increasing access to capital and federal opportunities, the Biden-Harris Administration ensures that small businesses across rural, suburban, and urban areas have the resources to grow, thrive, and contribute to a resilient and inclusive economy.
President Biden, speaking in Nantucket, MA, shared his gratitude this Thanksgiving for his family, the peaceful transition of the presidency, and progress in the Middle East, including a key step forward in Lebanon. He expressed optimism about America's potential, emphasizing that the nation can accomplish anything through unity. Addressing the release of three Americans detained in China, he described their emotional reunions with families after enduring long sentences and expressed relief at their safe return.
The President also discussed concerns over proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, cautioning against actions that could harm strong relationships with neighboring allies. On U.S.-China relations, he highlighted the establishment of direct communication lines with President Xi Jinping and mutual recognition of the importance of avoiding mistakes, especially given the evolving regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
Acknowledging that many Americans feel uncertain about the future, Biden attributed some negativity to media focus on bad news, which can obscure positive developments. He encouraged the nation to remain hopeful, underscoring the importance of unity and compromise as Congress faces narrow majorities. As the holiday season unfolds, the President conveyed hope for smooth transitions in governance and opportunities for collaboration, emphasizing his enduring faith in the American people.
The Biden-Harris Administration has made significant strides toward ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic both domestically and globally. Domestically, the administration’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) aims to reduce infections, improve health outcomes, and address stigma and social determinants of health, including advocating for the reform of outdated HIV criminalization laws. Key accomplishments include a 12% decrease in HIV incidence between 2018 and 2022, with a remarkable 30% drop among young people aged 13-24, and a 25% decline in HIV-related deaths due to improved access to early diagnosis and care. The administration has also prioritized expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), increasing prescription rates from 25% in 2020 to 36% in 2022, and proposed a $9.8 billion National PrEP Program. Additionally, the "Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S." initiative has already prevented 9,500 new infections, saving $5.1 billion in medical costs while emphasizing equitable healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Globally, the U.S. remains a leader through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and substantial contributions to the Global Fund. PEPFAR’s current strategy aims to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, having already supported over 20.6 million individuals with antiretroviral therapy as of 2024 and saving 25 million lives since 2003. Prevention services under PEPFAR, such as a 500% increase in new PrEP initiations since 2020 and 10 million cervical cancer screenings for women with HIV, highlight its broad impact. Collaboration with the Global Fund has resulted in over $26 billion invested in fighting HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria globally in the past four years. Equity-focused programs, such as the DREAMS initiative, have empowered 2.3 million adolescent girls and young women, reducing vulnerability to HIV.
In research and innovation, the administration has supported advancements in long-acting PrEP and antiretroviral therapies, including new injectable options approved by the FDA, offering alternatives to daily medication. Early treatment studies in infants and partnerships with pharmacies for enhanced HIV services demonstrate forward-thinking approaches to prevention and care. The administration also supports African regional manufacturing initiatives to improve access to HIV diagnostics and treatments. Community engagement is another critical component of the administration’s approach, with targeted efforts for youth, minorities, and vulnerable groups. Initiatives include youth leadership programs, and summits focused on addressing disparities in the Hispanic/Latino community, which accounts for 32% of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. Anti-stigma campaigns, such as undetectable=untransmittable (U=U) messaging and expanded HIV screening recommendations, aim to reduce discrimination and improve public awareness.
The administration’s ongoing focus includes sustaining investment in equitable healthcare, ending stigma, and advancing research and prevention strategies to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat both in the U.S. and globally.
President Biden has proclaimed December 2024 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of drunk and drug-impaired driving. Each year, over 10,000 Americans lose their lives in preventable impaired driving accidents, with more than 13,000 fatalities reported in 2022 alone. Millions of individuals drive under the influence annually, risking their own lives and endangering passengers, pedestrians, and first responders. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can lead to devastating consequences.
The Biden Administration is committed to reducing these tragedies through comprehensive efforts. Awareness campaigns such as "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving" aim to educate the public about the risks of impaired driving. The administration has also invested over $100 billion to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs and expand access to substance use prevention and treatment programs. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports technologies that detect and prevent impaired driving and enhance vehicle safety features like collision warnings and automatic braking. Additionally, the Department of Transportation has introduced a National Roadway Safety Strategy to eliminate traffic deaths and lessen the severity of crashes.
President Biden urges all Americans to prioritize safe driving during this holiday season. This includes driving sober, arranging alternate transportation when drinking, and encouraging friends and loved ones to do the same. Drivers are reminded to buckle up, avoid distractions, and adhere to speed limits. The President calls on everyone to intervene if they witness someone putting themselves or others in danger by driving under the influence. Americans can prevent impaired driving accidents and save lives by making responsible decisions.
The White House released visitor log records generated in July 2024. This set includes 89,356 records, bringing the total number of records posted to 1,742,627
These records were posted pursuant to the White House’s policy to voluntarily disclose visitor log records. This release is consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to becoming the first administration to post visitor log records from its first full year in office.
President Biden greets first responders from the Nantucket Fire Department in Massachusetts
