What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 22 Recap
President Biden commemorated the 51st Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, noting the Supreme Court's recognition of a woman's constitutional right to make personal decisions about her health. He expressed concern over the Court's decision a year and a half ago to overturn Roe, leading to restrictive abortion bans in several states. Biden criticized Republican officials for endangering women's health and lives, citing instances of denied emergency care and the need for court permission for medical attention. He asserted his commitment, along with Vice President Harris, to safeguard women's reproductive freedom and urged Congress to reinstate Roe's protections in federal law.
The White House Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access has announced new actions on the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The Biden-Harris Administration aims to strengthen access to contraception, protect access to medication abortion, and ensure patients receive emergency medical care. The task force will address ongoing implementation of executive orders and a presidential memorandum. The actions include:
Strengthening Contraception Access: New guidance from the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and HHS to expand coverage of FDA-approved contraceptives at no cost under the Affordable Care Act. The Office of Personnel Management will also enhance contraception access for federal workers.
Reinforcing Obligations to Cover Contraception: HHS will issue a letter to private health insurers, Medicaid, and Medicare plans, emphasizing their obligations to cover contraception. This includes actions to improve payment for contraceptives for Medicare beneficiaries.
Educating on Emergency Medical Care: A comprehensive plan to educate patients and healthcare providers on their rights and obligations for emergency medical care, including abortion care when necessary.
Protecting Access to Medication Abortion: Departments of HHS, Justice, and Homeland Security will report on the implementation of a Presidential Memorandum supporting legal access to medication abortion.
The administration also highlights previous efforts, such as defending FDA approval of medication abortion, supporting abortion access in court, partnering with state leaders, ensuring access to emergency medical care, providing reproductive health care for veterans, and supporting service members' access to reproductive health care.
The actions aim to counter challenges posed by state abortion bans and uphold reproductive rights. The administration emphasizes defending access to abortion, promoting contraception access, safeguarding patient privacy, reinforcing nondiscrimination protections, and providing accurate information and legal resources. Additionally, efforts to promote research and data collection on the impact of overturning Roe v. Wade are underway.
President Biden expressed his condolences and mourning for the tragic deaths of two U.S. Navy SEALs who were lost at sea during a mission off the coast of East Africa. The statement acknowledges the extensive search and rescue mission conducted by the United States military over ten days. Recovery efforts are ongoing as the nation grieves the loss of these SEALs, described as representing the best of the country and dedicated to protecting fellow Americans. President Biden extends sympathy to the families, loved ones, friends, and shipmates of the deceased SEALs, emphasizing the country's solidarity with them and the commitment to honoring the service, legacy, and sacrifice of the fallen soldiers.
National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard delivered remarks at The Brookings Institution, focusing on place-based growth as a key element of economic development. The speech highlighted the importance of uplifting communities for overall economic growth and contrasted this approach with trickle-down economics, resulting in widening inequality and deteriorating infrastructure.
Brainard discussed the challenges faced by communities, such as the loss of manufacturing jobs and the impact of the China Shock. The speech emphasized the Biden administration's commitment to a bottom-up, middle-out economic approach to invest in and revitalize communities left behind by previous policies.
Key points of the economic agenda include:
Investing in Local Infrastructure: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) aims to create strong economic foundations by investing in local infrastructure, including high-speed internet, roads, bridges, airports, ports, and rail.
Unlocking Private Investment: Special incentives, such as tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), are designed to encourage private investment in communities that suffer from disinvestment, particularly in clean energy manufacturing.
Connecting Neighborhoods to Opportunity: Programs like the Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program and the Department of Commerce’s Recompete focus on connecting left-behind communities to nearby areas of economic opportunity.
Multiplying Innovation Clusters: Efforts like the CHIPS and Science Act Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program support science and innovation clusters nationwide, aiming to distribute growth beyond major metro areas.
Communities in the Lead: Many programs are designed to prioritize local community engagement and ownership, encouraging communities to form coalitions for competitive grant-based programs.
Stacking Federal Resources: The whole-of-government approach involves stacking investments to provide comprehensive support for workers, small businesses, and new industries, creating a synergistic effect.
The speech highlighted success stories in places like Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where targeted investments have led to economic growth, increased small business applications, and improved employment outcomes. The overall message is that the administration's approach is contributing to the comeback of previously left-behind communities.
President Biden had a conversation via telephone with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, addressing Iranian-backed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation and the defense of mariners against unjustifiable attacks. They also discussed the need for increased humanitarian aid in Gaza, civilian protections, and efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Furthermore, the leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's continuing aggression.
President Biden spoke before a meeting with his task force on reproductive healthcare access, addressing the impact of recent changes in abortion laws. He emphasized the importance of protecting a woman's right to choose, expressing disagreement with the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Biden highlighted instances where women faced obstacles in accessing healthcare due to restrictive laws, including having to travel long distances and facing legal battles. He criticized extreme Republican proposals for additional abortion bans and emphasized the need for a nationwide law codifying Roe v. Wade. The President outlined his administration's actions to support women's healthcare and privacy, including creating a task force. He urged Americans to voice their concerns and emphasized the ongoing fight to reinstate reproductive rights.
President Biden's Special Advisor for the Americas, Christopher Dodd, and SOUTHCOM Commander, General Laura Richardson, recently met with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and other senior government officials. The discussions centered around U.S. support for Ecuador in response to a surge in violence, emphasizing a commitment to democratic values and the rule of law. The focus areas for bilateral cooperation include security, counter-drug efforts, migration, and economic development.
As part of the support, the United States is facilitating the delivery of over 20,000 bulletproof vests and more than $1 million worth of security and emergency response equipment. The FBI will increase personnel in Ecuador to assist the National Police and Attorney General's Office, while the Department of Homeland Security will deploy personnel for police and prosecutor training, digital forensics, and analysis targeting criminal networks. USAID is enhancing support for municipal security programs, including crisis communications. The initiative aligns with the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity launched by President Biden in June 2022, aiming to provide economic opportunities in Ecuador and address the root causes of insecurity, criminality, and migration.
President Biden giving remarks before a meeting of the Task Force On Reproductive Freedom at The White House
