What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 30 Recap
At a campaign reception in Los Gatos, California, Vice President Harris expressed her concerns about the current state of democracy and the high stakes of the upcoming election. She started by acknowledging her husband, the Second Gentleman, for his work against hate and antisemitism. Emphasizing the existential nature of the election, she highlighted the challenges to rights and freedoms and her engagements with over 150 world leaders, underscoring the global concern for American democracy.
The Vice President detailed her international engagements, including discussions on AI in the UK and attending COP28 in Dubai. She stressed the duality of democracy – its strength when intact and its fragility that demands active defense. Harris has been touring colleges and campaigning for reproductive freedoms, viewing these efforts as crucial to the country's trajectory.
She framed the election as a choice between two visions for America: one, represented by a former president, characterized by dictatorship tendencies, misuse of the Justice Department, and regressive policies like the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the other, a vision under President Biden, marked by accomplishments in international diplomacy, infrastructure, scientific investment, healthcare, and tackling pharmaceutical prices.
Vice President Harris condemned the ideology that equates leadership strength with oppressing others, advocating instead for compassion and upliftment. She closed by reiterating the importance of the upcoming election, sharing her recent travel schedule to emphasize her commitment, and thanking the audience for their support, reflecting a deep love and concern for the country’s future.
President Biden was questioned about various issues during a brief interaction with the press on the South Lawn before his Marine One departure. Key points include:
Iran's Responsibility: When asked about Iran's role in the deaths of three Americans, President Biden acknowledged Iran's responsibility in supplying weapons to the perpetrators but stopped short of directly blaming Iran. He indicated that further discussion on this matter is needed.
Response to Attacks: The President confirmed he has decided how to respond to the attacks, though he did not elaborate on the response.
Concerns about a Wider Middle East Conflict: President Biden said he is not seeking a wider war in the Middle East.
Donald Trump's Election Candidacy: Biden stated he has no issue with Donald Trump being on the ballot, jokingly attributing Trump's lead in polls to the media.
U.S. Border Control: The President mentioned he has done all he can with executive authority regarding border control and emphasized the need for more resources, including Border Patrol agents and judges.
Potential Military Escalation in the Middle East: Biden briefly acknowledged this concern without giving a detailed response, suggesting a wait-and-see approach.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar today to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza and their efforts to secure the immediate release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. Mr. Sullivan thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his unwavering efforts in this regard. He urged that all possible efforts be brought to bear on Hamas to secure the release of hostages without delay. They agreed to stay in regular contact until all hostages were reunited with their families.
The United States and the People’s Republic of China held their inaugural meeting for the Counternarcotics Working Group, a crucial initiative aimed at coordinating efforts to combat the global production and trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, particularly focusing on fentanyl. This working group is a significant outcome of the decision made by President Biden and President Xi Jinping in November 2023 to resume bilateral cooperation on counternarcotics, as announced during the Leaders’ Summit in Woodside, California. The primary objectives include disrupting the flow of fentanyl to save lives, both domestically and internationally, and curbing the corruption and violence associated with drug trafficking. The meeting emphasized the importance of coordinating law enforcement actions, addressing the misuse of precursor chemicals and related equipment, targeting the illicit financing of transnational criminal organizations, and engaging in multilateral forums. The delegations discussed the necessity of regularly sharing information to enhance understanding of the evolving threat posed by synthetic drugs. The U.S. delegation, led by Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Jennifer Daskal, included representatives from various government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of State, Department of the Treasury, and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to West Palm Beach, Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton highlighted the surge in consumer confidence attributed to President Biden's economic policies. She emphasized the positive impact on Florida, where over $9 billion in private sector investment and $14.5 billion in federal funding have been secured for clean energy and infrastructure projects.
Dalton reported significant job creation, a drop in Florida's unemployment rate from 5.9% to 3%, and 1.2 million new jobs since January 2021. She also mentioned the state's savings on healthcare, prescription drugs, high-speed Internet, and home energy costs.
Following Dalton, NSC Coordinator John Kirby discussed National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's meeting with Amir Sheikh Al Thani of Qatar. They discussed the Israel-Hamas situation in Gaza and efforts to secure a hostage deal. Sullivan also met with the families of Americans held hostage by Hamas.
Kirby provided an update on the inaugural meeting of the Counternarcotics Working Group with the People's Republic of China (PRC). The U.S. delegation, led by Jen Daskal of the NSC, engaged in discussions with a PRC delegation. Both sides committed to increased law enforcement coordination to tackle opioid precursor chemicals, addressing illicit financing, and enhancing information-sharing.
The goal is to reduce the supply of precursor chemicals contributing to the opioid crisis. While acknowledging progress, Kirby emphasized that more work lies ahead, with additional meetings scheduled.
President Biden delivered a speech at a campaign reception in Jupiter, Florida, expressing gratitude to his supporters and emphasizing their role in his presidency. He credited them for the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris and the defeat of former President Donald Trump. Biden highlighted achievements during his term, such as economic progress, vaccination efforts, job creation, and the passage of the American Rescue Plan.
He discussed accomplishments in healthcare, including the reduction of insulin costs, the forgiveness of student debt, and reforms in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The President also touched on judicial appointments, emphasizing diversity and the appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
The President outlined ongoing initiatives, such as infrastructure projects, gun safety laws, and climate change investments. He criticized Trump and his supporters for their stance on voting rights, abortion, and the potential repeal of healthcare policies. The President concluded by calling for unity, defending democracy, and encouraging voter mobilization for the upcoming elections.
The Quad STEM Fellows Event at the White House celebrated the successful first year of the Quad Fellowship and announced the opening of applications for its second class. This unique program, initiated by Quad Leaders, supports exceptional masters and doctoral students in STEM fields from Quad countries to study in the United States.
Keynote speaker Jon Finer, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor, along with senior administration officials, addressed the fellows. Discussions covered the Quad and its role in the current geopolitical landscape, the U.S. Administration's technology agenda in the Indo-Pacific, and the value of public service.
The International Institute for Education (IIE), known for managing global fellowship programs like the Fulbright program, is the new partner in implementing the Quad Fellowship. In a significant move, the IIE announced the expansion of the fellowship's eligibility to ASEAN students, reflecting the Quad's dedication to bringing tangible benefits to the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad Fellowship, launched at the 2021 Quad Leaders' Summit, offers scholarships to STEM graduate students from Quad countries for study in the U.S. It's a key initiative for Quad leaders, aimed at strengthening connections among the next generation of innovators.
First Lady Jill Biden welcomed Brian Wallach and his wife, Sandra Abrevaya, at The White House. This couple met during the Obama-Biden campaign and faced a challenging journey when Brian was diagnosed with ALS six years ago. Despite the grim prognosis, they channeled their pain into purpose, creating the organization I AM ALS to advocate for those with neurodegenerative diseases. The couple has expanded their work to collaborate with leaders in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, advocating for progress, better access to care, and support for caregivers. The First Lady expressed gratitude for their advocacy and introduced a film screening at the White House to support their cause.
President Biden has declared a major disaster in Maine due to a severe storm and flooding from December 17 to December 21, 2023. This declaration enables federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts. Affected individuals in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, and Somerset counties can access federal funding, which includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and low-cost loans for uninsured property losses. This aid aims to help individuals and business owners recover from the disaster.
Additionally, federal funding is available for emergency work and facility repairs in Androscoggin, Franklin, Hancock, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington counties. This funding is also extended on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures across the state.
William F. Roy from FEMA has been appointed to oversee the federal recovery operations in these areas. Ongoing damage assessments in other regions may lead to more counties receiving assistance once evaluations are complete.
President Biden also declared a major disaster in West Virginia due to severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from August 28 to August 30, 2023. This declaration enables federal assistance to support state and local recovery efforts in the impacted counties of Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison, and Kanawha. The assistance includes temporary housing and home repair grants, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other recovery programs for individuals and businesses. Additionally, federal funding will be available for hazard mitigation measures throughout the state.
Vice President Harris gives remarks at a campaign stop in Los Gatos, CA
