What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
November 1, 2024 Recap
President Biden announced the start of the 2025 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment, highlighting progress in making health care more affordable, reducing costs by $800 per person annually, and cutting red tape. He emphasized that due to his efforts and those of Vice President Harris, 9 million more Americans now have coverage. The enrollment period runs through January 15, 2025. Biden criticized recent Republican efforts in Congress to dismantle the ACA, warning that such plans would remove coverage for over 45 million Americans and weaken protections for those with pre-existing conditions. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting affordable healthcare access and urged Americans to visit HealthCare.gov to secure coverage.
President Biden announced in Philadelphia that over 29,000 union workers and retirees in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey will have their pensions secured, part of a larger effort protecting 1.2 million pensions through the American Rescue Plan's (ARP) Butch Lewis Act. The plan addresses pension benefit cuts and insolvency issues, providing financial stability for union workers across various states and industries. The Butch Lewis Act has restored benefits for retirees, with some receiving an average of $13,600 in previously cut pensions. Major pension protections cover Teamsters, UFCW members, and other unions helping millions secure earned retirement benefits through at least 2051.
This move aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's pro-union stance, which includes broader labor protections, expanded overtime pay, and enhanced worker safety. The administration’s actions include signing SECURE 2.0, supporting union labor, ensuring fair job opportunities, and promoting retirement security for millions of American workers.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su addressed key issues during a press gaggle on Air Force One en route to Philadelphia. Jean-Pierre began by highlighting the start of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), where over 20 million Americans access health insurance. She criticized recent Republican proposals, led by Speaker Johnson, which suggest cutting $4.5 trillion from the ACA, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Jean-Pierre said these cuts would increase premiums by around $800 per person annually. In contrast, President Biden’s administration has worked to lower ACA premiums and expand enrollment, reducing premiums by the same amount Republicans seek to increase. She emphasized Biden and Vice President Harris’s commitment to affordable health care and vowed to block attempts to restrict coverage.
Jean-Pierre also addressed the issue of extreme abortion bans, referencing a recent ProPublica report on women in states like Texas and Georgia who have died after being denied medical care due to strict abortion laws. She attributed these bans to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, facilitated by justices appointed by the previous administration. She expressed Biden’s firm belief that every woman should have the right to make personal health decisions and pledged to work toward restoring federal protections for abortion rights.
In Philadelphia, President Biden plans to announce measures supporting unions and safeguarding pensions, specifically restoring benefits for the UFCW Tri-State Pension Fund through the Butch Lewis Act. This action will protect the pensions of 29,000 workers and retirees. Secretary Su highlighted the administration’s commitment to workers, noting that over 16 million jobs have been created, wages have outpaced inflation for 17 consecutive months, and unemployment has remained at around 4% for the longest stretch since the 1960s.
Regarding recent job reports, Su explained that anomalies in October's job numbers were due to disruptions from hurricanes and worker strikes, which temporarily affected employment. She assured that the administration remains focused on bolstering economic growth through infrastructure projects and apprenticeships, with over 60,000 infrastructure projects underway nationwide.
Su also discussed labor issues related to the Boeing machinists’ strike, which she recently mediated in Seattle. Workers are set to vote on a new offer with a significant wage increase, marking a win for collective bargaining and reflecting the administration's pro-worker policies.
In terms of national security, Jean-Pierre declined to comment on intelligence reports about potential Iranian action but reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel. She condemned former President Trump’s violent rhetoric directed at Liz Cheney, warning that such inflammatory language is dangerous. Jean-Pierre also addressed election security, emphasizing the importance of a safe and fair election process and reiterating the administration’s support for election officials and poll workers.
The press gaggle concluded as Air Force One experienced turbulence, with Jean-Pierre advising reporters to contact the National Security Council for further information on specific security concerns.
Vice President Harris addressed a press gaggle in Madison, Wisconsin, addressing the contrast between her campaign vision and former President Donald Trump's. In her remarks, Harris reiterated her commitment to leading with "commonsense solutions" and inclusivity, emphasizing her pledge to be a president for all Americans, listening even to those with differing views, and valuing expert advice.
Harris argued that Trump's approach sows division, alleging that he encourages Americans to "point fingers" at one another and seeks revenge on his political opponents. She pointed to recent remarks by Trump suggesting violent measures against former Representative Liz Cheney, arguing that such rhetoric is disqualifying for a presidential candidate. Harris praised Cheney as a "true patriot" who has prioritized the country over party loyalty. She added that Trump's behavior—fueled by an "enemies list" and revenge motives—signifies a growing instability and obsession with retribution.
Reflecting on her diplomatic experience, Harris stressed that the United States is responsible for upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. She underscored that Trump's divisive and extreme rhetoric jeopardizes America’s standing as a global model for freedom, which is crucial for supporting democracies worldwide.
Regarding early voting, Harris reported high enthusiasm among diverse groups, including first-time voters and seniors, particularly in battleground states. She noted the unity emerging from voters of varied backgrounds despite Trump’s attempts to "divide the American people." When asked about specific groups, like Democratic women in Pennsylvania and first-time voters, she confirmed broad support from people across demographics, suggesting a national alignment on key issues.
Addressing recent disruptions at her rallies by pro-Gaza protesters, Harris reaffirmed her support for democratic debate and clarified her commitment to a two-state solution in the Middle East. She cited strong support from the Arab American community, stemming from her commitment to issues beyond foreign policy, such as affordable housing, small business investment, and reducing grocery costs.
When asked about voters disillusioned with the administration's stance on Israel, some of whom might consider voting for Trump in protest, Harris warned of the critical difference between democratic principles and unchecked power. She expressed her willingness to include diverse perspectives, even promising a Republican in her Cabinet. In contrast, she described Trump as focusing solely on his agenda and vengeful ambitions.
Harris concluded by urging voters to consider who they want in the Oval Office, framing the choice as between a leader working for all Americans and one fixated on personal grievances.
In his remarks at Georgetown Law, National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate action strategy, emphasizing that addressing climate change is an economic and environmental imperative. He noted significant strides: doubling the U.S. pace of decarbonization, generating 100 gigawatts of clean power, and catalyzing a trillion dollars in private investment to create jobs and reduce emissions. Zaidi underscored the administration’s new "climate playbook," which links climate action with economic opportunity, pollution reduction, and political cooperation at federal, state, local, and tribal levels.
Zaidi emphasized that recent investments, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, drive an industrial revival. Examples include reopening old factories, expanding clean energy sectors, and incentivizing green infrastructure projects. He highlighted transformative developments in solar, wind, geothermal, battery, and grid modernization technologies as tangible successes.
Reflecting on initiatives like the American Climate Corps, Zaidi highlighted how young people are stepping forward, fueled by hope and determination. He concluded by asserting that the U.S. is poised to meet its climate goals by combining investment, innovation, and unity across political and societal divides, making climate action a "new foundry" for economic growth and resilience in the decisive decade ahead.
The 2025-2026 White House Fellows Program is now open for applications. Rose Vela, Director of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships, announced the launch, inviting Americans passionate about leadership and public service to apply. Established in 1964, this prestigious, non-partisan program offers selected individuals a one-year, paid opportunity in Washington, D.C., where they work alongside top federal government leaders, including Cabinet members and senior White House staff. The program has produced alumni who hold significant positions across sectors, with notable current participants in the administration.
Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with an undergraduate degree, with federal government employees (except active-duty military) being ineligible. Key criteria include professional achievement, leadership potential, a commitment to public service, and teamwork skills. The application period runs from November 1, 2024, to January 3, 2025.
President Biden issued a memorandum delegating authority to the Secretary of State under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act 1961. The Secretary of State is given the authority to determine whether providing up to $76 million in assistance to Ukraine is in the security interests of the United States, bypassing other legal provisions as necessary. The Secretary of State is also instructed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
The White House celebrated Día de los Muertos for the fourth consecutive year with an ofrenda display to honor loved ones who had passed. First Lady Jill Biden, in collaboration with the Mexican Cultural Institute, invited members of the Latino community to visit, tour the White House, and add photos of their loved ones to the ofrenda. This was the second year the display was accessible along the White House's public tour route. Since its debut in 2021, the ofrenda tradition has expanded, with past collaborations including the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, enhancing cultural representation and diversity at the "People's House."
President Biden has notified Congress of his decision to extend the national emergency concerning Iran, originally declared in 1979 under Executive Order 12170. According to the National Emergencies Act, a national emergency would automatically end unless the President issues a notice to continue it within 90 days of the anniversary date. Since relations with Iran remain unsettled, and agreements from January 19, 1981, are still in progress, the President has decided it is necessary to maintain this national emergency beyond November 14, 2024.
President Biden approved major disaster declarations for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the state of New Mexico, providing federal aid to support recovery efforts after severe storms and flooding.
Federal assistance will cover temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans for uninsured property losses for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Aid is also available to the Tribal Nation and nonprofits for emergency work, facility repairs, and hazard mitigation measures. FEMA's Edwin J. Martin will coordinate recovery.
In New Mexico, aid will assist Chaves County residents and cover emergency repairs for state, tribal, local governments, and nonprofits, as well as hazard mitigation statewide. FEMA's José M. Gil Montañez will oversee recovery efforts.
Further assessments may expand assistance if needed.
President Biden has authorized increased federal aid to Vermont, raising the funding for Public Assistance projects from 75% to 90% of eligible costs. This amendment to the disaster declaration, initially issued on July 14, 2023, addresses damage from severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from July 7 to July 21, 2023. Some assistance will still be covered at 100% as previously approved for a limited time.
Vice President Kamala Harris, campaigning in Little Chute, Wisconsin, called for an engaged voter turnout in what she described as one of the most critical elections of a generation. Reflecting on her previous visits to Wisconsin and the relationships she’s built, Harris expressed her gratitude to local leaders and supporters, underscoring the importance of community. She urged Wisconsin voters to use their voices to unite against the divisive politics she attributed to former President Donald Trump, emphasizing a fresh start for American leadership.
Harris committed to a series of policies aimed at relieving financial burdens on Americans, starting with a middle-class tax cut and a federal ban on corporate price gouging for essential goods, such as groceries. She detailed her focus on making home and elder care affordable, recognizing the sacrifices made by those who balance caregiving responsibilities for both children and aging parents. Specifically, she pledged to expand Medicare coverage for home care, reducing the need for families to spend down their savings or sacrifice employment to meet caregiving demands. Childcare affordability and support for small businesses were also central to her platform, as she argued that these sectors are integral to the American economy and family stability.
On healthcare, Harris argued that access should be a fundamental right for all, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. Drawing a contrast with Trump’s record, she criticized his proposed policies, which she claimed would prioritize tax cuts for billionaires and corporations while imposing a 20% national sales tax on imported goods, disproportionately impacting everyday Americans. She also cautioned against the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act, noting that millions could lose coverage, and protections for those with pre-existing conditions could vanish.
Reproductive rights were a major focus of Harris's speech. She pledged to safeguard these freedoms, promising to sign legislation that would restore reproductive rights nationwide if passed by Congress. She described Trump’s influence on abortion policies, mentioning that over 20 states now have restrictive abortion laws, many without exceptions for rape or incest. Harris condemned these developments as a violation of personal freedoms and expressed her commitment to countering them.
In her closing appeal, Harris encouraged voters to take immediate action, whether by voting early, making a voting plan, or reaching out to friends and family. She praised first-time voters and applauded the younger generation for their activism, particularly on issues like gun violence and climate change, which they see as direct threats to their future. Harris ended with a call for unity and coalition-building, emphasizing that voters should remember the power of their voices and the importance of fighting for the promise of America. She assured Wisconsinites that, if elected, she would be a president for all, placing the nation’s ideals above personal or partisan interests. She invited them to join her in the fight to build a future based on freedom, opportunity, and unity.