What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
August 26, 2024 Recap
President Biden has declared a state of emergency in New York due to severe storms and flooding that occurred from August 18 to August 19, 2024. This declaration allows for Federal assistance to support state and local efforts in response to the emergency. The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA will coordinate disaster relief efforts, focusing on alleviating hardship, protecting public health and safety, and preventing further damage. Federal assistance will cover 75% of the costs for emergency protective measures in Suffolk County. FEMA has appointed Ms. Lai Sun Yee to oversee Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
President Biden's statement on the anniversary of the terrorist attack outside Kabul Airport commemorated the 13 American service members and over 100 Afghans who lost their lives in the attack three years ago. He honored the sacrifice of the fallen, emphasizing their bravery and commitment to a cause greater than themselves. Biden reflected on the broader sacrifices made during America's longest war, noting the thousands of American service members wounded or killed. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to preventing future attacks and delivering justice to terrorists without deploying troops overseas. Biden concluded by expressing a vow never to forget the service members' sacrifice and pledging continued support for their families.
Vice President Harris also commemorated the anniversary, mourning the loss of the 13 American heroes and acknowledging their courage and selflessness. She reflected on the service of all those who fought in America's longest war, praising their dedication and skill. Harris expressed pride in the U.S. military and reiterated her commitment to supporting troops and their families. She also supported President Biden's decision to end the war, emphasizing the continued ability to counter terrorist threats without deploying troops. Harris concluded by urging the nation to honor the fallen and recommit to defending American democracy.
President Biden had a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which they discussed Modi's recent visits to Poland and Ukraine and upcoming United Nations General Assembly meetings in September. President Biden praised Modi for his historic visits, particularly for being the first Indian Prime Minister to visit these countries in decades, and for his efforts to promote peace and provide humanitarian support to Ukraine, including the energy sector. Both leaders reiterated their support for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict based on international law and the UN Charter. They also emphasized their commitment to work together, including through regional groups like the Quad, to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby addressed several significant topics during the press gaggle. He began by marking the third anniversary of the Abbey Gate terrorist attack in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 13 American service members and over 100 Afghans. Kirby emphasized the U.S.'s unwavering commitment to preventing future terrorist attacks and honoring the sacrifices made by these individuals, highlighting the ongoing prayers and support for their families.
Kirby then turned to the conflict in Ukraine, condemning Russia's recent massive aerial assault on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. He reiterated the U.S.'s steadfast support for Ukraine, focusing on providing critical military aid, particularly air defense systems, and enhancing the resilience of Ukraine's energy grid in the face of these attacks.
Concerning U.S.-China relations, Kirby noted that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was en route to Beijing for several meetings with Chinese officials. These discussions will cover various bilateral issues, including military communication, AI safety, and regional security concerns, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Kirby emphasized the importance of responsibly managing the competition and tensions between the two nations.
Regarding the Middle East, Kirby discussed ongoing ceasefire talks in Cairo involving Hamas and addressed recent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. He reassured that despite these tensions, the ceasefire talks remain constructive, and the U.S. continues to maintain a robust force posture in the region to defend Israel if necessary.
Finally, Kirby briefly addressed other international issues, including a reported Russian drone incident in Poland and the ongoing military situation in Gaza. He also responded to questions about President Biden's public schedule, emphasizing that despite perceptions of disengagement, the President remains actively involved in global affairs, frequently communicating with world leaders and continuously monitoring critical situations.
President Biden strongly condemned Russia's recent missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure. These assaults resulted in the deaths of Ukrainian civilians and targeted over two dozen vital energy sites, an act Biden described as outrageous. He made it clear that Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine would not succeed, emphasizing that the Ukrainian people's spirit and resolve remain unbreakable despite these aggressive actions.
Biden reaffirmed the United States' leadership role in a coalition of more than 50 countries supporting Ukraine. This coalition provides essential military equipment, including air defense systems and interceptors, to help Ukraine defend itself. He highlighted that, as announced at the NATO Summit in July, the U.S. and its allies have supplied Ukraine with equipment for five additional strategic air defense systems. Moreover, Biden has prioritized U.S. air defense exports to ensure Ukraine receives these critical resources promptly. Alongside military aid, the United States also sends energy equipment to Ukraine to help repair and reinforce its energy grid.
In his recent conversation with President Zelenskyy on August 23, Biden reiterated that U.S. support for Ukraine is steadfast and unshakable. He praised the bravery of the Ukrainian people, who have successfully retaken more than half of the territory that Russian forces initially seized in the early days of the war. Biden reaffirmed that Ukraine remains a free, sovereign, and independent nation, with its forces continuing to fight daily to defend their homeland and freedom. He assured that the United States would stand by the Ukrainian people until they achieved victory.
