What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 29th, 2024 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration issued a fact sheet describing initiatives to achieve a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035 while ensuring affordable and reliable power and creating clean energy jobs. Alongside wind and solar, new nuclear reactors are seen as vital for meeting the energy needs of a growing economy.
The Administration hosted a White House Summit on Domestic Nuclear Deployment, focusing on reducing reliance on Russian uranium and building a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. Efforts include developing new reactor designs, extending existing reactor lifespans, and facilitating new deployments.
A new Nuclear Power Project Management and Delivery working group will help mitigate cost and schedule risks in reactor deployment. The U.S. Army is exploring advanced reactors for resilient energy at defense installations, and the Department of Energy (DOE) has released new safety and cost assessment tools for advanced reactors.
The completion of new reactors at the Vogtle plant in Georgia, supported by DOE financing, marks significant progress. Other actions include reviving the Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan, extending Diablo Canyon's life in California, and funding advanced reactor demonstrations.
The Administration is streamlining licensing processes and improving supply chains and workforce training to support nuclear energy expansion. These efforts represent the largest push to accelerate nuclear deployment in the U.S. in nearly five decades. The goal is to maintain leadership in the nuclear industry while ensuring safety, security, and economic benefits.
President Biden met with key officials to discuss the federal and state response to Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Attendees included Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant General Scott Spellmon of the Army Corps of Engineers, and Vice Admiral Pete Gautier of the Coast Guard. The President emphasized his administration's commitment to Baltimore's recovery, noting progress in reopening the federal shipping channel and supporting affected workers, businesses, and families. Before this, a coordination meeting was held with senior officials from various federal and state agencies. The White House remains dedicated to working closely with Maryland to address the collapse's impacts and aid in rebuilding.
President Biden has announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the inauguration of Nayib Bukele in San Salvador, El Salvador, on June 1, 2024. Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will lead the delegation. The members of the delegation include:
William H. Duncan, United States Ambassador to El Salvador
Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce
Brian A. Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Julieta Valls Noyes, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, U.S. Department of State
Daniel P. Erikson, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere, National Security Council, The White House
In a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed several key issues. President Biden and Vice President Harris are headed to Philadelphia for campaign events, with further details to be provided by the campaign. Regarding the humanitarian aid to Gaza, Jean-Pierre highlighted that over 1,000 metric tons of aid have been delivered and that the U.S. remains committed to providing support through various means, including land crossings. The aid pier's operation has been temporarily moved to the Port of Ashdod.
In response to Pope Francis's use of a homophobic slur, Jean-Pierre noted that the Vatican has apologized. She reiterated President Biden’s belief in dignity and non-discrimination for all individuals, including LGBTQ+ persons. On the subject of the Trump trial, she mentioned that the President has not focused on the trial, emphasizing that his attention remains on serving the American people. The White House will not comment on the ongoing trial or related campaign activities.
Addressing the lack of presidential interviews with print newspaper reporters, Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden has engaged with various media platforms and hinted at upcoming interviews. Regarding immigration, she confirmed that the administration is considering all options to address the broken system, noting that executive actions and legislative solutions are necessary.
Finally, Jean-Pierre briefly mentioned the President’s upcoming D-Day commemoration trip to France, stating that while specific preparation details are unavailable, the President will meet with his senior staff and the National Security Council. The briefing concluded with the crew of Air Force One announcing an imminent landing, prompting Jean-Pierre to wrap up the session.
In an on-the-record press gaggle held via teleconference, John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Advisor, discussed opening a new factory in Mesquite, Texas. This factory is set to significantly increase the production of 155-millimeter artillery shells, crucial for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Kirby highlighted that the U.S. has already doubled its monthly production of these shells and aims to manufacture 100,000 per month by the end of the next year. This initiative supports Ukraine, enhances U.S. military readiness, and creates jobs in the defense sector.
During the Q&A session, Kirby addressed several topics. Regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza, he could not confirm specific details but mentioned that Israel’s movements were anticipated and aligned with their plans. When asked about Israel’s national security advisor’s statement that the war might last until the end of the year, Kirby emphasized the U.S. commitment to ending the conflict as soon as possible, with a focus on achieving a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages.
Kirby also discussed the challenges in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza via a temporary pier, noting that maritime conditions had hampered its operation. Despite these difficulties, he affirmed the importance of this effort and reiterated the U.S. commitment to working with Israel to keep ground routes open for aid. Addressing a new ceasefire proposal supported by Israel, Kirby emphasized ongoing efforts to advance negotiations, although he could not provide specific timelines.
On the issue of military operations in Rafah, Kirby reiterated that the U.S. does not confirm details of Israeli operations, including the use of specific munitions. He addressed concerns about U.S.-made bombs possibly used by Israel and stressed the importance of the ongoing investigation. Regarding Ukraine, Kirby confirmed that there is no change in the U.S. policy of not enabling Ukraine to strike inside Russia. He reaffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense needs through continuous dialogue.
Kirby responded to questions about President Biden’s engagement with the conflict, clarifying that he did not know if Biden had seen certain videos. He emphasized the administration's efforts to balance multiple objectives, including securing a ceasefire and providing humanitarian aid. In discussing Defense Secretary Austin’s upcoming visit to the Shangri-La Dialogue, Kirby underscored the importance of this event in discussing U.S. national security interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Lastly, Kirby addressed Algeria's proposed U.N. resolution calling for an end to operations in Rafah, noting that the U.S. is reviewing it but expressing concerns about its imbalance, particularly its failure to acknowledge Hamas’s role in the conflict. The session concluded with Kirby addressing specific details on security packages for Ukraine and promising to provide additional information on the number of displaced Palestinians.
At a campaign event in Philadelphia, Vice President Harris and President Biden addressed a crowd at Girard College. Harris emphasized the achievements of the Biden administration in addressing issues important to the Black community, such as capping insulin costs, reducing medical debt's impact on credit scores, forgiving student loan debt, and addressing gun violence. She highlighted their fight against Big Pharma and their commitment to lowering healthcare costs and making significant strides in gun safety legislation.
President Biden, introduced by Harris, thanked supporters and emphasized the importance of their vote in 2020. He detailed his administration's efforts to fulfill campaign promises, including investing in Black communities, expanding healthcare, addressing environmental justice, and supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Biden also discussed the administration's success in judicial appointments and combating corporate greed to lower costs for Americans.
Biden contrasted his administration's achievements with former President Trump's record, criticizing Trump's handling of the pandemic, attempts to dismantle healthcare, and efforts to cut Social Security and Medicare. He emphasized the stakes of the upcoming election and the need to protect democracy, urging the audience to support his and Harris' reelection to continue their work. The event underscored their commitment to fighting for equality, justice, and economic opportunity for all Americans.
Vice President Harris introduces President Biden during a campaign event at Girard College in Philadelphia, PA
President Biden and Vice President Harris Thank you for all you do God Bless you !