What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 23, 2024 Recap
In a significant move, President Biden announced that the United States and its G7 partners will leverage Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine financially in its defense and rebuilding efforts. After Russia invaded Ukraine, the G7 immobilized Russia's sovereign assets held within their jurisdictions. These assets will remain frozen until Russia ends its aggression and compensates Ukraine for the destruction caused. As a result of this bold action, Biden led an initiative to secure $50 billion in loans for Ukraine, known as Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loans, which will be backed by the profits generated from these immobilized Russian assets.
The United States is committing $20 billion in loans, which will be repaid through the interest earned on these frozen Russian assets. This approach ensures that the U.S. can provide crucial assistance to Ukraine without imposing a financial burden on American taxpayers. The funds will help Ukraine not only defend itself against Russian aggression but also begin the process of rebuilding the nation after the devastation of war.
Biden’s statement underscored the resolve of the U.S. and its allies to hold Russia accountable for its actions. By using Russia’s assets to support Ukraine, the U.S. sends a clear message that tyrants will face consequences for the harm they inflict. He reaffirmed that Russia will not succeed in this conflict, emphasizing that Ukraine, with the continued support of the international community, will ultimately prevail.
A background press call addressed the G7’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loans for Ukraine following Russia's invasion. Daleep Singh, the White House Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics, explained that the G7 has committed $50 billion in loans, with $20 billion coming from the U.S. and the rest from G7 partners. These loans will be backed by interest generated from immobilized Russian sovereign assets.
The initiative is unprecedented, leveraging frozen assets to support Ukraine's defense without burdening taxpayers. Pending Congressional approval, the U.S. plans to split its $20 billion loan between economic and military aid. Economic assistance will be channeled through a World Bank intermediary fund, while military support requires legislative action.
The loans aim to support Ukraine's urgent winter needs, including energy and infrastructure repairs while signaling G7 unity against Russian aggression. Future disbursements will begin by the end of the year, with half of the U.S. loan expected in December.
The call also addressed questions on the logistics, including Congressional involvement and potential Russian retaliation.
In her remarks at the Vice President's Residence, Kamala Harris addressed comments from former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, confirming that Donald Trump expressed a desire for loyalty from the military akin to that of Adolf Hitler’s generals. Harris criticized Trump, saying he seeks a military loyal to him personally rather than to the U.S. Constitution. She highlighted Trump's recent rhetoric, which labeled some Americans as "the enemy from within" and suggested he might use the military against them.
Harris underscored the danger in Trump's invocation of Hitler and his alleged desire for unchecked power. She emphasized that those who previously served as guardrails to Trump's impulses would no longer be there in a second term. The Vice President concluded by framing the upcoming election as a choice between Trump's pursuit of power and what the American people want for their future.
In his 2024 proclamation for United Nations Day, President Biden reflected on the United Nations' nearly 80-year history and its significance in addressing global challenges. He emphasized the role of the U.S. under his administration in leading efforts at the UN to promote democratic values, safeguard human rights, and tackle issues such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Hamas' attacks on Israel, the crisis in Gaza, and humanitarian concerns in Haiti and Sudan.
Biden highlighted the need for more than just peace, stressing that people also needed dignity, protection from climate change, and relief from hunger and disease. He noted that the U.S. had invested over $150 billion toward achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and referenced the UN’s first resolution on Artificial Intelligence. He called for continued reform at the UN, including an expanded and more effective Security Council, focusing on peacemaking and stabilizing troubled regions.
The proclamation concluded by honoring UN workers who risked their lives in humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts. Biden called on Americans to observe UN Day with appropriate activities, reminding them of the importance of unity in building a better world.
In her remarks at the 2024 HLTH Conference in Las Vegas, NV, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden addressed the issue of women’s health and the lack of sufficient research and funding in this area. She reflected on a personal moment where she realized the significant impact of menopause and how it affects many women, including herself. This realization prompted a broader discussion with Maria Shriver about the gaps in women's health research.
Dr. Biden highlighted that many aspects of women’s health, including treatments and medications, are based on studies focused on men, leading to inadequate healthcare for women. She noted that common conditions like migraines, heart attacks, and menopause are often poorly understood and treated in women and stressed the need for change.
She credited President Biden for launching the first-ever White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. Through this initiative, significant steps have been taken, including the NIH investing in interdisciplinary research and the Department of Defense allocating $500 million annually to women’s health research. Additionally, ARPA-H, a new agency focused on health breakthroughs, has committed $110 million to fund projects targeting women’s health.
Dr. Biden shared examples of how this research is already making strides, such as developing a blood test for faster endometriosis diagnosis and exploring the link between migraines and the lymphatic system. She emphasized that this momentum must continue and called on researchers, investors, and business leaders to prioritize women’s health in their work.
Finally, she introduced a panel of experts committed to advancing women’s health and encouraging collaboration and continued innovation.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby addressed key domestic and international issues in today's White House press briefing. Jean-Pierre announced that First Lady Jill Biden had allocated $110 million in new awards from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) as part of the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. These funds aim to accelerate research and development in women’s health care, focusing on conditions that disproportionately affect women. She noted that the initiative has galvanized nearly $1 billion in funding in less than a year, underscoring the administration's commitment to addressing gaps in women’s health research and innovation.
John Kirby discussed growing concerns about North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia. Kirby confirmed reports that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers traveled to Russia in October, likely for combat training. These troops could eventually join the war against Ukraine, marking an alarming escalation in the partnership between Russia and North Korea. Kirby stressed that the involvement of North Korean troops would signal Russia's desperation as it struggles with heavy battlefield casualties, with 1,000 to 1,200 daily losses. He emphasized that such cooperation violates multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and presents significant security risks to Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
Kirby also updated U.S. support for Ukraine, announcing that the Biden administration has committed over $800 million in security assistance in just the past week. This aid includes air defense systems, armored vehicles, and other critical supplies. In addition, President Biden announced that the U.S. would provide a $20 billion loan to Ukraine as part of the G7’s $50 billion commitment. This unprecedented multilateral effort aims to fund Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts by utilizing frozen Russian assets while respecting international law.
Kirby condemned the recent terrorist attack in Ankara, Turkey, expressing solidarity with the victims and affirming the U.S. commitment to supporting Turkey during its investigation into the attack. He also touched on upcoming sanctions against Russia’s war enablers. He acknowledged ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel and Gaza, where ceasefire talks remain a priority amid escalating violence.
In closing, Kirby noted that while the situation with North Korean soldiers remains fluid, their potential deployment into combat would make them legitimate military targets for Ukraine. The U.S. monitors developments closely, consulting with allies to determine appropriate responses to this evolving geopolitical threat.
President Biden recently announced his fifty-fifth round of judicial nominees, continuing his administration's focus on diversifying the federal judiciary. This latest group includes six new candidates for federal judgeships. These selections are part of Biden's efforts to ensure the judicial system reflects the nation's diversity in demographics and professional backgrounds. The nominees include individuals with experience in areas such as public defense and civil rights law, reinforcing the administration's priority of appointing judges with a wide range of legal expertise.
President Biden has announced his intent to nominate two highly qualified individuals to federal district courts, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring the judiciary's diversity. These nominees are part of Biden’s fifty-fifth round of federal judicial nominations, bringing his total nominees to 259.
Judge Benjamin J. Cheeks: Nominated for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. He has served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge since 2024 and has prior experience as a criminal defense lawyer, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and Assistant District Attorney in New York. He holds a J.D. from American University and a B.A. from the University of Miami.
Judge Serena Murillo: Nominated for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. She has been a Los Angeles Superior Court judge since 2015 and served on the California Court of Appeal. Her prior experience includes serving as a Deputy District Attorney and working in private law practice. She earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School and her B.A. from UC San Diego.
The President emphasizes these appointments as part of his broader goal to have the nation's courts reflect its diverse population.
Jake Sullivan's remarks at the Brookings Institution outlined the Biden administration’s economic and foreign policy strategy, focusing on renewing American leadership in the face of global challenges. Sullivan reflected on the U.S.’s evolving role in global trade, emphasizing a "positive-sum" approach that balances national security with international cooperation.
Key points include:
Modern Industrial Strategy: Sullivan highlighted Biden’s domestic investments in clean energy, AI, and infrastructure to boost national resilience and create high-quality jobs. These policies promote innovation, strengthen U.S. industrial capacity, and ensure fair competition in global markets.
Global Cooperation: The administration is committed to working with allies to diversify supply chains, address climate change, and counter non-market practices by countries like China. Sullivan underscored the importance of building partnerships, such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and reforming global institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Technology Protection: A targeted approach to safeguarding sensitive technologies is necessary to maintain U.S. security and prevent rivals from gaining an edge. Sullivan stressed “de-risking” over “decoupling” from competitors like China.
Future Investment: Sullivan called for bipartisan support for domestically and globally strategic investments. This included a push to enhance American leadership in international financial institutions and support developing countries.
In conclusion, Sullivan advocated for continued U.S. leadership through a cooperative and proactive economic agenda, emphasizing the need for sustained political will and international collaboration.