What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
February 2 Recap
President Biden addressed the U.S. military operation in the Middle East following an attack on American soldiers in Jordan. The attack, executed by a drone launched by groups supported by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), resulted in the death of three American soldiers. In response to this act, President Biden ordered U.S. military forces to strike facilities in Iraq and Syria used by the IRGC and affiliated militias to attack U.S. forces. This action signified the beginning of the U.S. response, which President Biden stated would continue at times and places of the U.S.'s choosing. The statement underscored that while the United States did not seek conflict in the Middle East or elsewhere, it would respond to any harm against Americans with decisive action.
President Biden's statement on the January Jobs Report highlighted significant economic achievements under his administration. He noted the creation of over 350,000 jobs in January, continuing the strong growth from the previous year. Since taking office, the U.S. economy has generated 14.8 million jobs, maintained an unemployment rate under 4% for two years, and achieved pre-pandemic inflation levels of 2% over the last six months. Biden emphasized the improvements in wages, wealth, and job numbers compared to pre-pandemic times and committed to reducing costs and fostering an economy that benefits the middle and lower-income groups. He also criticized Congressional Republicans for proposing tax benefits for the wealthy and corporations and cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, which he viewed as measures that would increase costs for American families.
In September 2023, President Biden established the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, to enhance federal partnerships with cities and states to reduce gun violence. A subsequent meeting in December laid the groundwork for the Safer States Agenda, encouraging state legislators to push forward with relevant legislative efforts into the 2024 session.
A follow-up convening by the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs brought together over 150 state legislators, advocates, and staff to discuss progress and bolster support for the Safer States Agenda. Since December, legislators in at least 27 states have introduced bills aligned with the agenda, focusing on establishing state offices of gun violence prevention, promoting responsible gun ownership, and ensuring industry accountability, among other safety measures.
During the recent gathering, attendees heard from six state leaders about their specific legislative initiatives, including efforts to strengthen safe firearm storage laws, require permits for firearm purchases, ban assault weapons, hold the gun industry accountable, address issues related to lost and stolen firearms, and proposals to establish a statewide center for firearm violence prevention and intervention, as well as modernize victim compensation programs.
The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention expressed gratitude towards the state legislators and advocates for their dedication and collaborative efforts to advance state legislation to create safer communities.
The White House Domestic Policy Council and the National Endowment for the Arts hosted a groundbreaking summit titled "Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Summit on Arts and Culture in our Communities" to discuss and promote the role of the arts and humanities across the United States. This initiative aligns with President Biden's 2022 Executive Order emphasizing the importance of the arts and humanities for the nation's well-being, health, vitality, and democracy. The event gathered diverse leaders from various sectors, including government officials, artists, academics, and leaders from philanthropic, labor, and community organizations.
Key speakers at the summit included notable figures such as Douglas Emhoff, Second Gentleman of the United States; Neera Tanden, the President's Domestic Policy Advisor; and several other prominent government and public engagement officials. The discussions focused on the arts as a fuel for democracy, inclusion, civic culture, and healing.
The summit featured various participants from the arts, culture, philanthropy, and government sectors. Among them were Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen, arts and health leaders, Oscar-winning actor Troy Kotsur, multidisciplinary artists, and national arts and cultural organizations leaders. This gathering underscored the collective effort to leverage arts and culture for societal benefit, showcasing a united front from both the government and the arts community to foster healing, bridging, and thriving communities through the power of the arts.
An on-the-record press call hosted by the National Security Council (NSC) was held regarding U.S. military operations in the Middle East, specifically, airstrikes targeting facilities used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated militant groups in response to attacks on U.S. troops and facilities in Iraq and Syria. The call, led by John Kirby of the NSC and Lieutenant General Sims of the Joint Staff, outlines the rationale, targets, and expectations surrounding these operations.
Key points from the call include:
The U.S. conducted airstrikes on over 85 targets across seven facilities in Iraq and Syria used by the IRGC and its sponsored militant groups. This action was in direct response to ongoing attacks against U.S. personnel, including a specific attack in Jordan that resulted in the death of three U.S. soldiers and wounded dozens.
The operation involved numerous aircraft, including B-1 bombers from the United States, deploying over 125 precision-guided munitions. The targets were carefully selected to avoid civilian casualties and included command and control centers, logistics facilities, and munition storage.
The Department of Defense is assessing the impact of the strikes, but early indications suggest they successfully hit intended targets with minimal collateral damage.
The U.S. communicated with the Iraqi government before the strikes but did not engage in direct talks with Iran regarding these actions.
The officials emphasized that while the U.S. does not seek conflict with Iran, it is committed to defending its regional personnel and interests. The strikes are described as a part of a broader strategy to deter future attacks by degrading the capabilities of the IRGC and associated militant groups.
The call also addressed questions from the press, covering the strategic use of long-range bombers, the impact of the strikes on future U.S. military posture in the region, the selection of targets, and the anticipated consequences of these operations. Officials reiterated the U.S.'s right to defend its interests and personnel while highlighting efforts to minimize civilian casualties and avoid escalation into broader conflict.
Vice President Kamala Harris convened a meeting with faith and community leaders in Orangeburg, South Carolina, focusing on the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to support communities, particularly the Black community, by promoting dignity, safety, and access to opportunities. The discussion highlighted the administration's actions to reduce prescription costs, such as capping insulin prices at $35 per month, which is significant for Black seniors who have a higher diabetes rate. Other topics included tackling student debt, reforming the criminal justice system, reducing gun violence through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and investing in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and high-speed internet access. This visit marked the Vice President's ninth to the state, underscoring her ongoing engagement with South Carolina, including previous engagements in Columbia and Myrtle Beach. Attendees included figures like Congressman Jim Clyburn and leaders from various religious and community organizations.
Vice President Kamala Harris meets with faith leaders in Orangeburg, South Carolina
