What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 23, 2024 Recap
President Biden hosted President Ruto of Kenya for a State Visit to celebrate 60 years of the U.S.-Kenya partnership. The visit highlighted cooperation in democracy, health, climate, trade, technology, and security.
The U.S. committed nearly $40 million to support Kenya's democratic processes and governance. At the same time, Kenya operationalized the Public Benefits Organization Act to protect civil society, with U.S. backing to combat corruption and enhance transparency.
In health, the U.S. and Kenya focused on integrating HIV services into primary care, sharing information between the CDC and Kenya's National Public Health Institute, and combating malaria with a $33.5 million U.S. contribution. Support for local medical product manufacturing was also emphasized.
Educational ties were strengthened through new exchange programs, including the Kennedy-Mboya Partnerships and the establishment of EDTECH Africa with Microsoft, Mastercard, and HBCUs, facilitating educational exchanges in emerging technologies.
Climate initiatives included the launch of the U.S.-Kenya Climate and Clean Energy Industrial Partnership and $42 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance for clean energy projects and e-mobility.
Trade and investment progressed with the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), plans to open a DFC Nairobi office, and significant investments in Kenyan businesses in housing, agriculture, and green projects.
The Nairobi-Washington Vision was launched to support countries with sustainable development. The U.S. is increasing its support for international financial institutions to aid Kenya’s development and climate goals.
Digital and technology partnerships focused on building resilient supply chains, enhancing cybersecurity, and establishing a Strategic Dialogue on AI between the U.S. and Kenya.
Peace and security cooperation included Kenya's designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally, U.S. support for Kenya's mission in Haiti, and continued investments in Kenya's defense and counterterrorism capabilities, highlighting the strong security partnership between the two nations.
President Biden notified Congress of his intent to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO Ally. This designation recognizes Kenya’s long-standing contributions to the United States Africa Command and global security and aligns with U.S. interests in strengthening bilateral defense and security cooperation. Kenya is highlighted as a key counterterrorism and security partner in sub-Saharan Africa, and the designation underscores the U.S. commitment to valuing African contributions to global peace and security on par with those of other major non-NATO Allies. The President appreciates Congress's support for this action.
President Biden extended warm wishes to Buddhists in the U.S. and worldwide for Vesak, honoring the birth, passing, and enlightenment of Buddha. He recognized the significant contributions of American Buddhists to their communities and the country. Biden emphasized the importance of Buddha's teachings on peace, justice, humility, and compassion, encouraging collective efforts toward a brighter future.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered remarks at a Cancer Moonshot Listening Session during the Kenya State Visit in Washington, D.C. She recalled her previous meeting with Kenya's First Lady Rachel Ruto at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, where they discussed their shared commitment to fighting cancer. Dr. Biden praised Rachel Ruto's efforts to empower women and youth in Kenya.
Dr. Biden emphasized that cancer affects everyone globally, necessitating a united effort to combat it. The Biden Cancer Moonshot initiative aims to collaborate internationally, share best practices, and improve patient care. This includes expanding access to cancer screenings and patient navigation services, which help patients manage their care journey.
She highlighted the importance of community and global collaboration in defeating cancer, mentioning the significant work done at Johns Hopkins at Kimmel Cancer Center. Dr. Biden concluded by expressing hope that collective efforts can eradicate cancer.
President Biden criticized Congressional Republicans for blocking a bipartisan border security agreement, accusing them of prioritizing partisan politics over national security. He highlighted that the agreement aimed to hire more Border Patrol Agents, add immigration judges and asylum officers, enhance technology to detect fentanyl and provide resources to combat drug trafficking. The agreement also included provisions for lawful immigration pathways, expedited work authorization, and legal counsel for unaccompanied children at the border. Despite its shortcomings, such as the lack of a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Biden emphasized the importance of reform and his commitment to securing the border and addressing the broken immigration system.
President Joe Biden announced nominees for key administration roles:
Lauren McFerran for the National Labor Relations Board. McFerran, current Chair, has extensive experience in labor law, including roles in the U.S. Senate.
William Isaac White for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. White leads the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management with a strong background in nuclear safety.
Stephanie E. Segal for United States Alternate Executive Director of the IMF. Segal, a senior fellow at CSIS, has three decades of experience in economics and finance.
Republican nominees include:
Joshua L. Ditelberg for the National Labor Relations Board. Ditelberg is a labor law partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP with extensive legal experience.
Bethany Pickett Shah for the State Justice Institute Board. Shah is an attorney at Jackson Walker LLP specializing in complex litigation and government investigations.
Rebeccah L. Heinrichs for the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Heinrichs, a senior fellow at Hudson Institute, specializes in national defense and foreign policy.
President Biden announced the appointment of 12 new members to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC). This council, established under Executive Order 14008, advises the government on tackling environmental injustice. The new members come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique expertise:
Tye Baker: Senior Director of Environmental Protection Service for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, focusing on wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.
Anita Cunningham: Director for the North Carolina Disaster Response and Resilience Network, working on climate resilience.
Lloyd Dean: Chief Executive Emeritus of CommonSpirit Health, offering a healthcare perspective on environmental issues.
Carlos Evans: Director of the Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability for Dallas, with a background in environmental law.
Susan Hendershot: President of Interfaith Power & Light, with experience in faith leadership and community organizing.
Harleen Marwah: Pediatric Resident Physician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, focusing on healthcare and climate change.
Igalious Mills: Executive Director of International Farmers and Ranchers, promoting sustainable farming and renewable energy.
Jamaji Nwanaji-Enwerem: Emergency Medicine Resident and Assistant Professor at Emory University, researching environmental impacts on health.
Joanne Pérodin: Senior Director of Climate Equity at CLEO Institute, specializing in climate education and advocacy.
Michael Walton: General Manager of Energy Transition Finance LLC, with experience in clean energy technologies.
Donele Wilkins: CEO of the Green Door Initiative, advocating for environmental justice in Michigan.
Tanner Yess: Co-Executive Director of Groundwork Ohio River Valley, focusing on climate resilience and workforce development.
President Biden issued a statement regarding the Supreme Court's ruling in Alexander v. South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP. He emphasized that the right to vote is fundamental to American democracy and should ensure voters choose their officials, not the reverse. He criticized the ruling for undermining the principle that voting practices should be free from racial discrimination. Biden expressed concern that the decision jeopardized South Carolinians' ability to vote and accused it of being part of a broader trend of racial gerrymandering by Republican officials to weaken Black voters' influence. He reaffirmed his and Vice President Harris's commitment to protecting voting rights and urged Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.
Vice President Harris also issued a statement on the Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing the importance of the right to vote as fundamental to democracy. She criticized the decision for depriving Americans of this right and harming democracy. The Vice President condemned attempts by extremist elected officials to dilute voters' rights based on race. She reaffirmed the administration's commitment to fighting discrimination at the ballot box and urged Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.
President Biden congratulated the United Steelworkers and Blue Bird on a new union contract in Georgia, highlighting its role in creating good-paying union jobs while advancing clean energy goals. The contract includes raises, retirement, and profit sharing for 1,500 workers. The President emphasized that climate action also means job creation and praised the collaborative efforts that led to this agreement. He reiterated that investing in American workers benefits everyone and lauded the impact this contract will have on the lives of many Georgians.
At the State Dinner on the South Lawn, President Biden warmly welcomed guests to the White House, highlighting the honor he and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden felt in hosting them, including many members of the African diaspora. He mentioned President Obama's recent visit and underscored the historical connection between the U.S. and Kenya, referencing President Carter's early hosting of Kenyan leaders. President Biden emphasized the shared beliefs in freedom, democracy, dignity, and equality that bind the two nations. He concluded his remarks with a heartfelt Irish toast, wishing everyone prosperity and good fortune.
President Ruto expressed sincere gratitude for the invitation and the exceptional hospitality extended by the American people. He praised the robust social, economic, security, technological, and cultural ties between Kenya and the U.S., noting the strong bond of friendship and shared values. Ruto emphasized the importance of democracy, security, and prosperity in their partnership, reflecting on the significant achievements of the past 60 years that have fostered hope, saved lives, and increased wealth. He expressed optimism for the future and confidence in the strength of their shared values. Thanking the First Lady for her generous hospitality, President Ruto concluded with a toast to President Biden and the First Lady's well-being and the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity between Kenya and the United States.
Vice President Harris greets Kenya’s President William Ruto at The White House
Thank you President Biden for acknowledging our voting dilemma in SC. I for one treasure you and what you have accomplished but my vote in the present electoral college system is “pissing in the wind.” Pardon the language of frustration and fatigue. I am all in for you and write what I am able to on Substack to support you but recall that SC was the first to secede from the Union, Fort Sumter and all. The entire Southeast including Texas is looking like homes for idiots and fools. I did not see this coming until about 2018 when this boomer finally tried to get savvy digitally. Lack of information or disinformation is our biggest threat. The kool aide problem may not be overcome but reaching new or undecided voters may be key in winning. I certainly hope that is the case as this young Democracy has too many loopholes in our Constitution that are challenging rational decision making and we simply must have 4 more years to right the ship to a place from which to move forward. Good luck sir; I will be fighting on the national front in all ways able. ❤️🇺🇸🌎