What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Weekly Recap: September 2-September 6, 2024
September 2
President Biden and Vice President Harris met with the U.S. negotiation team in the White House Situation Room to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal after the murder of six hostages, including American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, by Hamas. The meeting underscored the U.S. commitment to holding Hamas accountable and addressing the crisis. The team briefed Biden and Harris on a bridging proposal by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt aimed at de-escalating tensions and securing the hostages' release.
During an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) event in Pittsburgh, Biden and Harris highlighted their administration's pro-union achievements and commitment to the working class. Biden emphasized job creation, infrastructure investments, and protecting pensions, contrasting these with the policies of former President Trump. Harris echoed the support for unions and outlined a vision for an economy that benefits all Americans, particularly working people, while criticizing Trump’s record on workers' rights.
At a Labor Day event in Milwaukee, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz praised unions, expressed support for Biden and Harris, and contrasted their pro-worker stance with Trump's policies. He emphasized the importance of continued advocacy for workers' rights and democratic values ahead of the upcoming election.
September 3
President Biden launched the series to highlight his administration's economic revitalization efforts. He reflected on the challenging state of the nation when he took office, marked by a struggling economy and a pandemic at its peak. Key achievements under his administration include creating 16 million new jobs, lowering inflation, boosting wages, and reducing the racial wealth gap. Biden credited these successes to legislation focused on modernizing infrastructure, boosting semiconductor manufacturing, reducing prescription drug costs, and addressing the climate crisis. He emphasized that these efforts are part of his broader agenda to invest in America and improve lives across the country.
White House International Briefing: John Kirby, National Security Communications Advisor, addressed critical international issues:
Middle East: Condemned Hamas for executing hostages in Gaza and discussed ongoing U.S. efforts to secure their release through negotiations.
Venezuela: Criticized President Maduro’s actions against opposition figures and mentioned potential U.S. responses, including sanctions.
Ukraine: Expressed condolences following a deadly Russian strike and reaffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine, including continued military aid.
Press Briefing Highlights: The White House briefing focused on the "Investing in America" agenda and the administration’s efforts to communicate its positive impacts on healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation. The briefing also covered the ongoing hostage situation in the Middle East and reiterated support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. The administration emphasized the importance of strategic investments and union support to foster economic growth and resilience.
September 4
President Biden on Apalachee High School Shooting: President Biden mourned the lives lost in the shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, condemning the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in the U.S. He commended first responders and highlighted the Biden administration's efforts, including signing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and creating the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Biden urged Republicans to join Democrats in passing stricter gun safety laws, including banning assault weapons and requiring safe firearm storage.
Biden Condemns Russian Attack in Ukraine: President Biden condemned a Russian missile attack on a military training facility and hospital in Poltava, Ukraine, reaffirming U.S. support for Ukraine with air defense systems and pledging continued solidarity.
Biden-Harris Administration Education Initiatives: The administration announced new measures to improve public education, focusing on literacy, assessment programs, and addressing chronic absenteeism. Key investments include $149 million for reading interventions and $30 million for comprehensive assessment systems.
Vice President Kamala Harris Speech in New Hampshire: Harris addressed gun violence, small business support, and reproductive rights at a campaign event. She called for stronger gun safety laws, proposed economic measures to support small businesses, and criticized former President Trump’s economic and healthcare policies.
Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff’s Remarks at Vigil: Emhoff expressed solidarity with the Jewish community during a vigil, reflecting on the personal impact of recent tragedies and the resilience of affected families. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts to bring hostages home and end suffering.
White House Press Briefing Highlights: Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator John Kirby addressed gun violence, election interference by Russian entities, and U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. They emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting democratic processes and addressing international and domestic challenges.
White House Visitor Logs: The White House released visitor log records for May 2024 as part of its commitment to transparency, with over 87,000 new records added.
September 5
Hostage Negotiations in Gaza: The U.S. and international partners are negotiating a complex deal with Hamas involving humanitarian aid, prisoner exchanges, and phased ceasefire arrangements. Key sticking points include disagreements over Israeli military presence near Gaza and details of the prisoner exchange, which involve releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The recent execution of hostages has added urgency and complexity to the negotiations.
Rural Electrification Investment: President Biden announced a $7.3 billion investment in rural electrification, marking the largest such effort since the New Deal. This initiative aims to create jobs, lower energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Key programs include funding for renewable energy projects and low-interest loans to rural businesses for energy improvements.
Release of Nicaraguan Political Prisoners: The Biden administration facilitated the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua who were unjustly detained under President Ortega's regime. The U.S. commends Guatemala for accepting the prisoners and offering them resettlement opportunities.
Offshore Wind Development: The Biden administration has approved ten offshore wind projects, which are expected to power over five million homes and create thousands of union jobs. This initiative is part of a broader clean energy strategy to meet the 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power target by 2030.
Support for Ukraine: Jon Finer visited Kyiv to discuss ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine, including military, economic, and energy assistance. Discussions included frontline operations, energy security, and sanctions against Russia.
Global Diplomatic Efforts: John Kirby discussed several international developments, including U.S. involvement in securing the release of political prisoners from Nicaragua, vaccination efforts in Gaza, and ongoing ceasefire negotiations. He also addressed challenges in Sudan and Ukraine.
Commemoration of September 11: President Biden issued a proclamation to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks, reflecting on the bravery and unity displayed in the aftermath.
Press Secretary Briefing: Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted major investments in rural electrification and offshore wind projects and addressed questions on various domestic issues, including Hunter Biden's legal situation, border asylum rules, and collective bargaining rights.
September 6
Good Jobs Executive Order (EO): President Biden signed the "Good Jobs EO,” emphasizing the creation of middle-class job opportunities with strong labor standards, including fair wages, workplace safety, and the right to unionize. It also establishes the Investing in Good Jobs Task Force to ensure these standards are implemented across federal agencies.
The Biden-Harris Administration is described as the most pro-union in U.S. history, having already created hundreds of thousands of jobs through major legislative acts. The EO builds on this by promoting labor standards that improve job quality in federally funded projects.
Conservation Efforts: The administration announced the creation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, protecting a large ocean area off Central California. This initiative is part of a broader conservation agenda, aiming to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
First Lady’s Speech on Voting: Dr. Jill Biden delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of voting and how elections impact personal freedoms. She connected this to broader social issues like gun violence and called for civic engagement in the upcoming election.
Support for Ukraine: President Biden issued a memorandum to provide up to $250 million in defense aid to Ukraine, reflecting ongoing U.S. support amid the conflict with Russia.
National Emergencies and Diplomatic Meetings: Biden notified Congress of the continuation of the national emergency regarding Ethiopia and announced an upcoming bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss global issues and strengthen U.S.-UK relations.
Proclamations: Biden issued proclamations for National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week and National Grandparents Day, highlighting efforts to support these communities.
Appointments: The President announced several key appointments to various boards and commissions, reflecting the administration’s ongoing efforts to fill important governmental and advisory roles.
Once again, thank you for these updates. I’m so weary of the polls and horse race reporting. It’s good to know actual work is still being done.