What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 30, 2024 Recap
President Biden released a statement regarding the Q3 2024 GDP report, emphasizing the robust economic recovery since he took office. He described a transformation from "the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression" to "the strongest economy in the world." Biden noted that the economy has expanded by 12.6% since his inauguration, and he highlighted a significant job creation milestone with 16 million new positions added. Additionally, he emphasized that incomes have risen by an inflation-adjusted $4,000, a key indicator of improved living standards. According to Biden, the economy has grown at an average rate of about 3% annually, with inflation now reduced to levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, directly countering predictions from critics who anticipated a recession would be necessary to control inflation.
Biden also voiced concern over policy proposals from Congressional Republicans, specifically plans for broad tariffs, which he warned would increase household expenses by nearly $4,000 annually, reverse inflation progress, and jeopardize hundreds of thousands of jobs. He contrasted these proposals with his administration’s efforts to reduce costs on essential items such as housing, groceries, healthcare, and child care. Biden argued that growing the economy from the "middle out and the bottom up" is a more sustainable path to prosperity than what he described as the "top-down" approach favored by Republicans, who, according to Biden, prioritize tax benefits for the wealthy and large corporations.
President Biden ceremonially signed Executive Order (EO) 14124, establishing the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The EO strengthened support for HSIs by enhancing access to federal programs, increasing capacity, aligning educational offerings with economic needs, ensuring fiscal security, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and promoting federal recruitment initiatives. It also created the first-ever President’s Board of Advisors on HSIs to guide these objectives.
In addition, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a nearly $19 million investment in five HSIs to bolster their research infrastructure, part of a broader $49 million in RDI grants allocated to HSIs, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). The grants were awarded to Florida Atlantic University, National Louis University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, and the University of Puerto Rico’s Rio Piedras campus.
These actions built on the administration's previous historic investment of over $16 billion in 500+ HSIs across 30 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, which educate over 4.7 million students annually. Cumulatively, these efforts aimed to provide Latino communities with enhanced educational and economic opportunities, advancing pathways to economic mobility and equality across the nation.
One year after President Biden’s Executive Order on AI, the Biden-Harris Administration highlights substantial progress in managing AI’s risks while fostering its potential. Over 100 targeted actions have been taken, focusing on safety, privacy, civil rights, and international leadership.
Key Areas of Progress:
Safety and Security: Agencies enforced reporting requirements, tested AI models for risks, and established frameworks to prevent AI misuse in sensitive fields like biological and nuclear security. The Department of Commerce, DOE, and DHS, among others, have been instrumental in these efforts.
Privacy and Civil Rights: AI use in workplaces, healthcare, housing, and education received new guidance to ensure ethical deployment, reduce bias, and uphold privacy rights. Agencies like HHS, DOJ, and the Department of Education focused on preventing discrimination and improving transparency.
Harnessing AI for Positive Impact: Initiatives like the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot and AI education programs are expanding AI resources and expertise. Investments have supported innovative uses of AI in clean energy, science, and economic growth.
Government AI Integration: Federal AI policies mandate transparency, risk management, and designated AI leadership across agencies. This includes the AI Talent Surge, bringing in over 250 AI experts.
Global AI Leadership: The U.S. has led international initiatives, including a UN resolution, agreements on AI safety standards, and gender-based online abuse prevention. New treaties and partnerships reflect commitments to safe, rights-respecting AI on a global scale.
President Biden met with President Christodoulides of Cyprus at the White House following the recent launch of the U.S.-Republic of Cyprus Strategic Dialogue. They discussed key topics: energy diversification, regional security, and Ukraine support. Biden thanked Cyprus for backing the maritime humanitarian corridor that delivered over 8,000 metric tons of aid to Gaza. Recognizing the 50th anniversary of Cyprus's division, Biden reaffirmed his support for Cyprus's bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, aligning with UN Security Council resolutions.
The White House hosted a Halloween event called “Hallo-READ!” with a theme designed by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to celebrate the joy of reading. Inspired by her teaching and reading specialization background, Dr. Biden aimed to encourage families and children to enjoy stories together. Local students and military-connected children trick-or-treated along the South Lawn, receiving candy and books from the President, First Lady, and various federal departments and organizations.
The event welcomed around 8,000 guests, and each child received a bag with candy, healthy treats, and bookmarks with tips from Instacart and DC Central Kitchen. Scholastic also provided free books for families to enjoy. The White House grounds were decorated with autumnal touches like pumpkins, mums, and stacks of books, and popular literary characters like Corduroy and Peter Rabbit appeared. Special activities included story time with readers such as the First Lady, the Librarian of Congress, and other special guests, along with live pumpkin carving and games on the lawn.
In her departure remarks from Joint Base Andrews, Vice President Kamala Harris reflected positively on a recent campaign event, where she addressed a crowd of 100,000 people. She described the event as an opportunity to discuss what’s at stake in the upcoming election, emphasizing that Americans face a significant decision about the country’s direction. Harris stated that the choice extends beyond policy to questions of national identity—whether the United States will aim to unify and move past an era of divisiveness or remain polarized. She added that the enthusiastic turnout and feedback from the event indicated strong public support for a leader committed to unity, a vision she aims to embody if elected president.
Addressing President Biden's recent controversial comment about “garbage,” Harris clarified her stance, emphasizing her disagreement with any criticism of people based on their voting choices. She reiterated her belief in representing all Americans, regardless of political alignment, highlighting that her career has consistently focused on bipartisan service. When asked if she had discussed this issue with President Biden, she confirmed he had called her but stated that this topic hadn’t come up. Harris conveyed her commitment to respecting the experiences of all Americans, underscoring her view that the role of a leader is to uplift and serve everyone, not only their supporters.
Harris outlined a multi-faceted approach to immigration. She stated her commitment to fixing the “broken immigration system,” advocating for stronger border security, including deploying additional resources and personnel. Harris criticized former President Trump for blocking a bipartisan bill that would have added 1,500 border agents and supported measures to tackle transnational crime and the flow of fentanyl. She pledged to revive and sign this bill if elected. Her immigration plan also includes enhanced efforts to prevent illegal entries and support for comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for hardworking immigrants, such as farmworkers and DREAMers.
Harris also addressed economic concerns, including inflation, specifically the rising cost of groceries. She committed to focusing on the economic needs of Americans, citing her detailed economic plan, which she claims leading economists have endorsed as beneficial for economic growth, in contrast to her opponent’s plan, which she argues would harm the economy. Throughout, Harris reiterated her promise to represent all Americans and work to address their needs and aspirations, regardless of whom they voted for in the past.
The United States, through NSC Spokesperson Sean Savett, has condemned North Korea's recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, describing it as a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Although the launch posed no immediate threat to U.S. forces or territories, nor to allies, it escalated regional tensions and reflected North Korea's focus on weapons development over citizens' welfare. The U.S. calls for global condemnation of these actions and urges North Korea to stop its destabilizing activities and pursue meaningful dialogue. The U.S. coordinates with allies, particularly South Korea and Japan, to ensure collective security and is prepared to take all necessary steps for homeland and allied defense.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a phone call to discuss regional security issues, particularly emphasizing the importance of stability in the Indo-Pacific and on a global scale. They acknowledged advancements in the U.S.-India partnership and looked forward to the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) Intersessional and Indian Ocean Dialogue as upcoming avenues for collaboration. The advisors also explored further cooperation in critical areas like clean energy supply chains and defense.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre held a press briefing covering several important initiatives and updates. President Biden signed an executive order establishing the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). This move includes a $19 million investment to build research infrastructure at five HSIs, a step aimed at supporting Latino communities, given that over half of all Hispanic and Latino students attend these institutions.
On the technology front, the administration reviewed progress from a landmark executive order issued a year ago on artificial intelligence (AI). Federal agencies completed over 100 tasks to manage AI's potential security risks, protect consumer and worker rights, and promote responsible innovation. The goal is to position the U.S. as a global leader in developing AI responsibly.
According to Jared Bernstein, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, the U.S. economy has grown 12.6% under the Biden administration. Bernstein highlighted job creation, inflation reduction, and increased real wages, noting the administration’s continued efforts to make healthcare, housing, and other essential services more affordable for middle- and low-income families. He also mentioned corporate price gouging as a potential driver of inflation, particularly in the grocery sector, stressing that corporate profit margins remain elevated.
Additionally, President Biden addressed recent remarks at a public event, clarifying that his comments about "garbage" rhetoric were directed at hateful remarks made by a Trump supporter, not at Trump supporters broadly. He reaffirmed his commitment to being a president for all Americans, regardless of political alignment. The briefing also included updates on international security, as U.S. officials engage with Middle Eastern leaders to support regional stability and Israel's security amidst recent escalations.
President Biden welcomes President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus to The White House
