What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 22, 2024 Recap
In a speech on lowering prescription drug costs at the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, President Biden highlighted the financial struggles that many Americans face due to exorbitant medication prices. He referenced how people often lie awake at night, worried about affording essential prescriptions, particularly in cases of severe illness. Biden pointed out that the United States pays some of the highest prices for prescription drugs compared to other developed nations, which he attributes largely to pharmaceutical companies charging excessive prices. He explained that for years, drug companies enjoyed exemptions from negotiation, especially with Medicare, leading to these inflated prices.
A central part of Biden's speech was the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which grants Medicare the power to negotiate the prices of prescription drugs—a privilege long denied. He described this as a historic victory in the fight against “Big Pharma,” noting that the law would reduce drug costs for individuals and save taxpayers billions of dollars. Biden emphasized that no Republicans voted for this legislation, underscoring its passage as a win for Democrats. One of the immediate impacts of the law is the cap on out-of-pocket prescription costs for seniors, which will be set at $3,500 in 2024 and lowered to $2,000 in 2025. He cited that in the first six months of the law's effect, Medicare recipients had already saved nearly $1 billion.
Biden also highlighted the high cost of insulin, which used to cost up to $400 per month despite costing only $10 to produce. Thanks to the new legislation, seniors now pay just $35 per month for insulin. He shared a personal story of meeting a mother who had to ration insulin between her two diabetic children, illustrating the human cost of high drug prices. Beyond insulin, the law enables Medicare to negotiate the prices of other costly drugs, such as those for cancer, arthritis, and heart disease. Starting in January 2026, lower negotiated prices for the first ten drugs will take effect, with more drugs being added each year.
Additionally, the president criticized pharmaceutical companies for “price gouging” and corporate greed, particularly in the case of anti-obesity medications and asthma inhalers, which cost significantly more in the U.S. than in other countries. He also called for further action to lower these costs, saying that these companies' greed hurts American families. Biden noted that these reforms alleviate individual financial burdens and contribute to reducing the federal deficit, projecting savings of $160 billion over the next decade due to lower Medicare costs.
In closing, President Biden contrasted his approach to healthcare with that of his predecessor and other Republicans, accusing them of wanting to eliminate the Affordable Care Act and raise prescription drug prices again. He argued that his policies are making healthcare more accessible and affordable, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and ensuring that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share in taxes to support these programs. Biden ended by urging Americans to vote in the upcoming election, emphasizing that the country’s future and democracy depend on these choices.
Vice President Harris issued a statement emphasizing the significant impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on lowering healthcare costs, particularly for prescription drugs. She highlights that nearly 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries have collectively saved almost $1 billion in the first half of the year due to the new cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses. This legislation, which Harris cast the tie-breaking vote for in the Senate, is a key component of the administration's efforts to make health care more accessible and affordable for all Americans, regardless of their income level.
In addition to reducing overall prescription drug costs, the law has successfully capped the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for seniors and lowered premiums for Medicare recipients. Harris also points out that the administration has reached groundbreaking agreements with pharmaceutical companies to lower prices on 10 of the most commonly used and expensive drugs. These drugs, which treat conditions like cancer and diabetes, are now part of the Medicare price negotiation program, marking a historic step forward in reducing prescription costs.
Reflecting on her history of advocating for patients, Harris recalls her time as Attorney General, when she fought against deceptive practices in the pharmaceutical industry, winning over $7 billion in settlements. She reaffirms her commitment to continue fighting for the health, financial stability, and well-being of the American people, building on the progress achieved through the Inflation Reduction Act.
President Biden met with Prime Minister Robert Golob of Slovenia at the White House, discussing various foreign policy matters. President Biden thanked Slovenia for its role in securing the release of three Americans and other human rights defenders detained by Russia. They talked about cooperation on clean energy, advanced technologies, and a joint strategy for the Western Balkans, a region of mutual interest. Both leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. They also addressed the Middle East conflict, emphasizing a diplomatic resolution between Israel and Hezbollah, humanitarian concerns in Gaza, and the need for a ceasefire. President Biden highlighted the importance of increased defense investments to strengthen NATO.
In a press gaggle aboard Air Force One, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed various issues, beginning with President Biden’s trip to New Hampshire. The purpose of the visit was to highlight the administration’s success in lowering healthcare costs through the Inflation Reduction Act. A new report reveals that nearly 1.5 million Medicare enrollees saved $1 billion on prescription drugs in the first half of 2024 thanks to this legislation. Jean-Pierre emphasized the Biden-Harris administration's ongoing commitment to expanding healthcare access and reducing prescription drug costs despite Republican opposition, which included votes against the Inflation Reduction Act and efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
When questioned about the FBI’s investigation into an unauthorized leak of classified documents, Jean-Pierre refrained from providing specifics, deferring to the agencies responsible for the investigation. On foreign policy, she discussed Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s diplomatic mission to the Middle East. Jean-Pierre underscored the U.S. commitment to Israel's security while stressing the importance of diplomacy in de-escalating tensions and securing humanitarian aid in Gaza. She declined to comment on former President Trump's communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring questions to the Israeli government.
In response to concerns about the future of healthcare reforms under the Inflation Reduction Act, Jean-Pierre expressed confidence, noting that the Act is now law and widely supported by both Democrats and Republicans for its tangible benefits to Americans, such as the $1 billion in savings for seniors. When asked about reports of political fundraising targeting elderly dementia patients, she was not aware of the specifics but reiterated the administration's stance against misinformation.
In an interview with NBC News’s Hallie Jackson, Vice President Kamala Harris discussed various topics, including her plans to address economic issues, her approach to reproductive rights, and the historic nature of her candidacy. Harris stressed that while she served as vice president under Joe Biden, her presidency would be distinct from his administration. She emphasized that her primary focus would be lowering the cost of living, particularly tackling high grocery prices and housing costs, which she believes are critical to working Americans. She outlined plans to work with the private sector, such as homebuilders, to create incentives for building millions of new homes. She proposed a $25,000 down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers. Harris also highlighted her intention to expand the child tax credit to help parents cover essential expenses. She underscored that her economic policies aim not only to help Americans "get by" but to help them "get ahead." Despite concerns from voters that Biden administration policies have hurt rather than helped them, Harris pointed to analyses by economists showing that her economic plans would strengthen the economy, in contrast to those of Donald Trump, which she argued would weaken it.
Harris acknowledged the challenge when asked why her policies haven't resonated with voters. She explained that her campaign is focused on traveling to key battleground states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan to earn votes. She emphasized that her campaign is focused on middle-class and working people, contrasting her policies with Trump’s, which she claimed disproportionately benefits the wealthy through tax cuts for billionaires and corporations. Harris further argued that Trump's economic policies would exacerbate inflation and risk a recession.
On the subject of her identity as a woman of color and the potentially historic nature of her presidency, Harris expressed confidence that the country is ready for such leadership. She explained that she has witnessed this readiness through her interactions with voters across various demographics. Rather than dwelling on her identity, Harris said she focuses on ensuring voters feel she can address their concerns. She reiterated that her lifelong work, from her days as a prosecutor, has been about serving people without regard to their background or political affiliation, promising to be a president for all Americans. She believes most Americans have more in common than what divides them and pledged to lead a country united around shared values.
On reproductive rights, Harris was firm in her stance that there should be no compromises when it comes to a woman’s right to choose. She noted that since the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion access has been severely restricted in many states due to Trump-appointed justices. Harris argued that restoring protections for women’s reproductive rights is essential and non-negotiable. She also dismissed the notion of concessions, such as religious exemptions, explaining that women's freedom to make healthcare decisions about their bodies is a fundamental right.
When questioned about transgender rights and access to gender-affirming care, Harris reiterated that healthcare decisions should be made between patients and doctors, guided by medical necessity. She criticized Trump’s campaign for focusing on divisive issues to distract from other pressing matters, such as his plans to undo the Affordable Care Act and cap programs that benefit millions of Americans, including prescription medication cost reductions and insulin price caps.
Throughout the interview, Harris contrasted her leadership style and policy priorities with those of Trump, whom she characterized as self-centered and focused on grievance politics. She highlighted her commitment to investing in new industries, supporting small businesses, and ensuring America remains a global leader. Harris also addressed concerns about potential election challenges, noting her team is prepared for various scenarios but remains focused on the task at hand: securing votes and presenting a clear alternative to Trump’s divisive approach to governance.
In response to a question about whether she would consider pardoning Trump if he were convicted, Harris refused to engage in hypothetical scenarios, instead stating that what will help unify the country is her winning the presidency and bringing a new generation of leadership focused on solutions. Lastly, when asked about working with Republicans like Liz Cheney, Harris remained open but did not offer specifics, stating she would keep options open as she builds her administration.
President Biden meets with Prime Minister Robert Golob of the Republic of Slovenia at the White House
