What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
February 16 Recap
President Biden delivered remarks regarding the reported death of Aleksey Navalny, expressing both outrage and a lack of surprise over the event. He commended Navalny for his bravery and principled stand against the corruption and violence of Putin's government despite facing poisoning, arrest, and fabricated prosecutions. Navalny's choice to return to Russia after an assassination attempt, knowing the risks, was highlighted as a testament to his deep belief in his country.
Biden directly held Putin responsible for Navalny's death, framing it as further evidence of Putin's brutality not just towards other nations but also against his people. He praised Navalny's courage, dedication to the rule of law, and vision for a Russia governed by justice.
The President linked Navalny's death to the broader context of supporting Ukraine against Putin's aggression, urging the U.S. Congress to provide necessary funding to Ukraine. He criticized any failure to support Ukraine as historically consequential and stressed the importance of U.S. commitment to NATO allies.
Biden also addressed various questions, reaffirming the U.S. stance against Russia's actions, discussing sanctions, the importance of NATO unity, and the situation involving displaced Palestinians and Israel. He ended by responding to a question about an FBI informant related to an impeachment inquiry, dismissing the informant's credibility and the inquiry's basis.
Vice President Harris delivered remarks at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, addressing several critical global issues and the United States' role in international leadership. She began by expressing condolences over reports of Aleksey Navalny's death in Russia, attributing responsibility to Russia and signaling it as a sign of Putin's brutality.
Harris highlighted the increased global instability, including conflicts in the Middle East, Russia's aggression in Ukraine, China's international ambitions, technological transformations, and the climate crisis. She posed essential questions regarding America's engagement with the world, defense of democratic values, and collaboration with allies, affirming the Biden administration's commitment to global leadership, democratic values, and alliance-building.
She emphasized the danger of isolationist and unilateral approaches, asserting that America's global engagement is strategic for national strength, safety, and prosperity. Harris underscored investments in American infrastructure, technology, and clean energy as foundational to domestic strength and international security.
Harris detailed the U.S. strategy in various regions, including the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Europe. She praised the resilience of Ukraine against Russian aggression, highlighted NATO's importance, and criticized isolationism as harmful to global stability.
Addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict, Harris affirmed the necessity of a two-state solution and detailed principles for a peaceful future, emphasizing the role of international collaboration. She also discussed her visit to Africa, advocating for a partnership rather than a transactional relationship, stressing Africa's importance to the global future.
In conclusion, Harris reaffirmed America's commitment to global leadership, democracy, and international cooperation, positioning these as essential for security, prosperity, and the defense of democratic values worldwide.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with President Isaac Herzog of Israel in Munich, Germany, reaffirming strong support for Israel and its right to self-defense against threats from Hamas, which she condemned as a barbaric terrorist organization responsible for a massacre on October 7. They discussed efforts to release hostages held by Hamas and to achieve a pause in the fighting.
Emphasizing civilian protection and the need for humanitarian aid, The Vice President stressed the importance of deconfliction mechanisms to ensure aid delivery to Gaza. She highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's stance against a military operation in Rafah without a plan to ensure over a million people's safety. The discussions also covered plans for post-conflict Gaza, reiterating U.S. positions on Israel's security, opposing forced displacement of Palestinians, and supporting Palestinian rights to freedom, dignity, security, and self-determination.
Vice President Kamala Harris also met with Prime Minister Robert Golob of Slovenia in Munich, Germany, to discuss key issues and shared commitments. They celebrated Slovenia's recent election to the UN Security Council for the 2024-25 term, emphasizing their dedication to democratic values and the principles of the UN Charter. Harris acknowledged Slovenia's support for Ukraine through humanitarian and security assistance and the protection of Ukrainian refugees. They also highlighted the importance of NATO and NATO-EU cooperation, pledging continued support for Ukraine's sovereignty and democracy. The Vice President and Prime Minister committed to strengthening their countries' bilateral relationship and collaborating in addressing Transatlantic security challenges. Additionally, they explored opportunities for enhancing European energy security through closer cooperation.
Lastly, Vice President Kamala Harris met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani of Iraq in Munich, Germany. They reaffirmed their commitment to a strong U.S.-Iraq partnership under the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. Harris emphasized the U.S.'s support for a secure and stable Iraq, which is crucial for a prosperous Middle East. She urged Iraq to protect U.S. personnel and appreciated Al-Sudani's efforts in this regard, stating the U.S. prioritizes the safety of its personnel and will act in self-defense if necessary.
They discussed the importance of the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission for transitioning to a lasting security partnership and building on the past decade's successful collaboration against ISIS. Economic and energy cooperation through the High Coordinating Committee and further integrating Iraq into the regional economy were also key topics. Harris reiterated President Biden’s invitation for Al-Sudani to visit the White House, underscoring ongoing U.S.-Iraqi cooperation across multiple sectors.
The 2024 White House Convening on Equity, hosted by the Biden-Harris Administration, united Cabinet members and nearly 100 stakeholders from various sectors to discuss actions for improving equity across underserved communities. This event, marking the first anniversary of President Biden's second equity Executive Order, showcased the Administration's efforts to tackle systemic barriers through 23 Federal agencies' updated Equity Action Plans. Key focus areas included supporting small disadvantaged businesses, combating housing discrimination, advancing environmental justice, and enhancing fairness in the justice system.
During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Pittsburgh, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and EPA Administrator Michael Regan discussed President Biden's visit to East Palestine, Ohio, following the Norfolk Southern train derailment. They highlighted the whole-of-government response to the disaster, including immediate actions by various departments and long-term commitments to safety and recovery. The administration's efforts to ensure clean water, air safety, and infrastructure improvements were emphasized. Concerns from the community, including health and environmental safety, were addressed, with a commitment to continuous support and monitoring.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered remarks at a Career-Connected Learning Round Table in Green Bay, WI, acknowledging the efforts of various leaders, including Secretary of Education Miguel, Governor Evers, Mayor Genrick, and Chairman Hill, for their contributions to education and community development. She highlighted the transformative work being done in Green Bay and across Northeast Wisconsin in reimagining education to rebuild the middle class. This includes transforming middle and high school classrooms into spaces where students can explore different careers and learn practical skills in fields like culinary arts, agriculture, and manufacturing. She emphasized the importance of a curriculum that combines traditional learning with hands-on experience, preparing students for well-paying local jobs and various career paths. Dr. Biden noted that nearly 60% of high school graduates do not immediately pursue four-year college degrees, underscoring the need for an adaptable education system that offers multiple paths to success. She praised the community's collaborative effort, including local businesses, school leaders, and students, for leading this change. The First Lady assured them of President Biden's support for these initiatives, aligning with his vision for education that encompasses learning both in traditional settings and through real-world experiences.
Vice President Kamala Harris offers her condolences to Yulia Navalny, Aleksey Navalny’s widow, in Munich, Germany
