What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 13, 2024 Recap
The Biden Administration released a fact sheet on the progress of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enacted in November 2021. This law has catalyzed extensive infrastructure developments across the United States. An updated map detailing these advances showcases over 56,000 projects distributed among more than 4,500 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and tribal areas. The administration has committed a substantial $454 billion in funding to these efforts.
Additionally, the administration introduced "Investing in America" state-by-state fact sheets highlighting various investments and projects specific to each state and territory. These documents outline the widespread impact of the law along with related legislative measures such as the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the American Rescue Plan. Together, these initiatives have prompted over $866 billion in private-sector investments in manufacturing and clean energy within the U.S.
This Infrastructure Week, the administration continues its call to Congress to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program. This program significantly subsidizes internet access for low-income households, ensuring more than 23 million homes have affordable high-speed internet. The continuation of this funding is crucial as the program expires at the end of May, potentially causing a significant increase in internet costs for millions of Americans.
The administration's efforts are described as transforming a previously hollow "Infrastructure Week" promise into a tangible "Infrastructure Decade," with enduring benefits anticipated for future generations.
The White House also released a fact sheet updating President Biden's Investing in America agenda through initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to significantly reduce costs for American families by promoting clean energy and climate action. This agenda includes providing substantial tax credits for installing energy-efficient technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels, and home insulation, which decrease upfront installation costs and lower ongoing energy bills. For instance, tax credits include up to $2,000 for efficient electric heat pumps, saving families an average of $500 annually on energy bills and up to 30% off the installation costs for solar and battery storage systems, offering savings like $7,500 on solar installations.
Additionally, several states are launching rebate programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act to help low- and middle-income families further reduce costs through subsidies for electric appliances and energy-efficient home improvements. These rebates complement the tax credits, enhancing affordability and encouraging more widespread adoption of clean energy solutions.
The Biden-Harris Administration is also intensifying efforts to educate the public about these opportunities through collaborations with federal partners, nonprofits, and consumer lending organizations. Efforts include national public education campaigns, the development of resources like a consumer bill of rights for energy programs, and specific outreach initiatives to increase engagement and awareness.
Despite its benefits and public support, the agenda faces opposition from Congressional Republicans who propose repealing these measures, potentially raising costs on multiple fronts for working families. In response, the administration is committed to blocking these repeals, focusing on supporting American families, reducing energy costs, and promoting sustainable energy practices. This comprehensive approach not only aims to make clean energy accessible but also supports community resilience and economic stability across the nation.
Special Assistant to the President, Tarun Chhabra, and Acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technologies, Seth Center, will lead a U.S. delegation to Geneva for AI risk and safety talks with China on May 14. This meeting follows discussions between President Biden and President Xi Jinping at the November 2023 Woodside Summit about the need to mitigate risks associated with advanced AI systems. The talks will focus on each country's understanding and strategies for managing AI risks, involving officials from the White House, the Department of State, and the Department of Commerce.
U.S. Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer met with Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. During the meeting, Finer expressed strong U.S. support for refugees worldwide and recognized the ongoing partnership with the High Commissioner. They discussed collaborative efforts to tackle humanitarian crises in Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, and Haiti. They also noted progress in refugee self-reliance, mentioning the Shirika Plan in Kenya and the successful Los Angeles Declaration Ministerial in Guatemala. This latter event underscored the enhanced cooperation in the Western Hemisphere for protecting refugees and integrating migrants through initiatives like the Safe Mobility Office.
In a conversation moderated by Jimmy O. Yang at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Leadership Summit, Vice President Kamala Harris discussed her heritage's influence, leadership responsibilities, and pressing societal issues. She emphasized the pioneering and persistent challenges minorities face, underscoring the importance of breaking barriers and nurturing subsequent generations to continue the effort. She spoke passionately about the impact of her Indian heritage and the values imparted by her family, which have shaped her focus on justice and equity.
Vice President Harris touched on various topics, including gun violence, reproductive rights, and the importance of democratic engagement. She highlighted the profound impact of gun violence on children in America and advocated for comprehensive gun control measures. In discussing reproductive rights, she criticized the Dobbs decision for eroding established freedoms and emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance and action to protect these rights.
The conversation also covered the role of young people in shaping the future, with The Vice President expressing optimism about their potential to effect change. She stressed the importance of understanding one's power, speaking out without seeking permission, and actively participating in democracy to shape the country's future. Vice President Harris's remarks conveyed a deep commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and the empowerment of the next generation.
President Biden issued an order prohibiting MineOne Cloud Computing Investment I L.P. and its affiliates from maintaining real estate ownership near Francis E. Warren Air Force Base due to national security concerns. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) found that the proximity of this property, used for cryptocurrency mining, to a critical military base, posed surveillance and espionage risks. The order mandates the reversal of the transaction, requiring the divestment of the property and the removal of all related equipment and improvements. Compliance will be monitored and enforced by CFIUS to ensure national security is maintained.
On Monday, May 13, 2024, the President signed into law:
H.R. 593 renames the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Hinesville, Georgia, as the John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic.
H.R. 1042, the “Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act,” prohibits the importation of unirradiated, low-enriched uranium produced in the Russian Federation or by a Russian entity.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has issued a statement following President Biden's signing of the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, H.R. 1042, into law. The legislation aims to enhance the U.S.'s energy and economic security by ending reliance on Russian uranium for civilian nuclear power. It reaffirms America's leadership in nuclear technology and promises to secure the energy sector for future generations. Additionally, it aligns with multilateral commitments made with allies to invest in expanding nuclear enrichment capacity. This new law, funded by a recent $2.72 billion federal allocation, exceeds the collective investment pledge of $4.2 billion made with partners like Canada, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Sullivan highlighted the bipartisan support for this initiative, which is crucial for achieving U.S. climate and energy security goals under Biden's administration.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held a briefing addressing various topics. The briefing began with Ms. Jean-Pierre celebrating the contributions of the Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, emphasizing the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to leverage federal resources for economic support and anti-discrimination measures. The briefing also marked the start of Infrastructure Week, highlighting significant progress in job creation, manufacturing, and economic growth through extensive infrastructure projects, contrasting these efforts with those of the previous administration.
Jake Sullivan provided an extensive update on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, describing the situation as complex and stressing the need for both military and political strategies to ensure long-term regional stability. He discussed the U.S. role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations and hostage releases, acknowledging the resolution challenges. The U.S. has provided considerable military assistance to Israel but has paused shipments of certain heavy bombs to prevent their use in densely populated areas. Sullivan also highlighted efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, addressing aid delivery challenges and international cooperation's importance.
The briefing underscored the administration's commitment to addressing immediate security concerns while working toward sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East. Sullivan briefly touched upon the recent changes in the Russian government, noting their potential impact on the conflict in Ukraine, further illustrating the global scope of the administration's foreign policy challenges.
President Biden and Vice President Harris host a White House reception celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
