What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
July 18, 2024 Recap
President Biden announced $1.2 billion in student debt cancellation for 35,000 public service workers, including teachers, nurses, law enforcement officials, and first responders. This brings the total number of Americans benefiting from various debt relief actions to 4.76 million, with an average of over $35,000 in debt cancellation per borrower. Biden emphasized the significant progress made over the past three years, such as increasing Pell Grants, fixing Income-Driven Repayment, and holding colleges accountable. He reiterated his commitment to making higher education affordable and accessible despite opposition from Republican officials.
Vice President Harris participated in a conversation with Amanda Stratton and Olivia Troye at the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum in Portage, Michigan. The discussion focused on reproductive rights, gun violence, and the importance of voting in the upcoming election.
Troye, a conservative pro-choice woman, highlighted the changing landscape of reproductive rights and their increasing relevance in elections. Harris criticized the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the subsequent restrictive laws passed in various states, emphasizing the immorality of denying women the right to make decisions about their bodies, especially in cases of rape and incest. She shared personal stories to underline the real-life impact of these laws on women. She advocated for freedom from government interference in personal decisions, stressing the need for empathy and understanding across political divides.
The discussion then shifted to gun violence, with Troye discussing her advocacy for gun safety laws and the urgent need for federal action. Harris pointed out the alarming rate of gun violence, mainly its status as the leading cause of death for children in the U.S. She supported measures like the assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and red flag laws, highlighting the trauma caused by gun violence and the need for mental health support through initiatives like the 988 crisis line.
Finally, Harris and the moderators emphasized the power of voting in determining the future of reproductive rights and other critical issues. They encouraged community building, organizing, and mobilizing to ensure people were aware of their power and the importance of their vote. Harris called for intentional outreach and coalition-building to overcome efforts to divide people and suppress voter turnout. Overall, the conversation stressed the importance of personal freedoms, the need for comprehensive gun safety measures, and the power of voting in shaping the nation's future.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Brazilian Presidential Advisor Celso Amorim at the White House to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. They focused on the Partnership for Workers’ Rights, launched by Presidents Biden and Lula, to address issues like forced labor, workplace discrimination, and heat stress. Additionally, they talked about global and regional priorities, including situations in Haiti, Venezuela, the Ukraine conflict, and the Middle East.
President Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin C. O’Connor, provided an update on the President’s condition due to his recent COVID-19 infection. He is still experiencing mild upper respiratory symptoms and continues to receive Paxlovid treatment. His vital signs remain normal, and he does not have a fever. Despite these symptoms, he will continue to conduct the business of the American people. Per the President's permission, regular updates on his condition will be provided, as has been done previously.
President Biden has declared a major disaster in Montana due to a severe winter storm and flooding from May 6 to May 9, 2024. Federal aid will support state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in affected areas, including several counties and reservations. Funding will assist with emergency work, repairs, and hazard mitigation statewide. Edwin J. Martin of FEMA will coordinate the federal recovery operations.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held a press gaggle and addressed several critical issues. He began by condemning the violence in Nairobi, urging restraint from all parties involved. The U.S. has contacted the Kenyan government to advocate for the appropriate use of force, respect for human rights, and due process for those detained.
Kirby announced the arrival of a Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, led by Kenya and strongly supported by the U.S. This mission aims to assist the Haitian National Police in anti-gang operations and public safety. The U.S. is the largest financial contributor to this effort, providing over $300 million and up to $60 million in equipment.
Kirby also highlighted that Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte will be the next NATO Secretary General, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg. President Biden supports Rutte’s appointment, citing his strong leadership and collaboration on various issues. On the topic of journalist Evan Gershkovich's trial in Russia, Kirby condemned the proceedings as a sham and reiterated calls for his immediate release. The U.S. continues efforts to secure the release of Gershkovich and fellow detainee Paul Whelan.
Addressing the situation between Israel and Lebanon, Kirby emphasized the U.S. goal to prevent a second front from opening, focusing on diplomatic efforts. He reaffirmed the U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense and the provision of necessary assistance. Kirby clarified that the White House was not involved in Julian Assange’s case, which the DOJ handled.
Kirby discussed Jake Sullivan's meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant, which covered Israeli operations in Gaza, the humanitarian situation, and regional security issues involving Iran. Regarding U.S. troops' safety in the region, Kirby noted that force protection measures are in place but did not disclose specifics. Regarding U.S.-Kenya relations, Kirby condemned violence against protesters and emphasized respecting democratic rights.
Kirby addressed concerns about the flow of military assistance to Israel, confirming that aid continues with only one shipment paused. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to ensuring Israel has the resources needed for its defense. In response to attacks by Houthis on merchant ships, Kirby stated that the U.S. is focused on degrading Houthi capabilities and mitigating their attacks despite the religious fervor driving these actions.
Kirby deferred to the State Department regarding advisories for American citizens in Lebanon and stressed the U.S. focus on preventing conflict escalation. On ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, Kirby emphasized the U.S. effort to implement phase one of the ceasefire deal to facilitate humanitarian aid and the release of hostages.
Addressing a proposal from Trump advisors about Ukraine, Kirby reiterated the Biden administration's support for Ukraine's right to decide on negotiations and its commitment to strengthening Ukraine's position. Kirby also discussed challenges in delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza, attributing delays to criminal gangs and ongoing conflict, and emphasized the need for a ceasefire to improve the situation.
Vice President Harris participated in a conversation with Amanda Stratton and Olivia Troye at the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum in Portage, MI (Photo licensed via Getty Images/Chris DuMond)
