What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
February 22 Recap
President Biden met with Yulia and Dasha Navalnaya in San Francisco, offering condolences for Aleksey Navalny's death in a Russian prison. He praised Aleksey's courage and legacy in fighting corruption and advocating for democracy and the rule of law in Russia.
The President highlighted that Aleksey's legacy continues through global advocates for freedom, democracy, and human rights. He announced that the U.S. would impose significant new sanctions on Russia in response to Aleksey's death, the country's repression and aggression, and the war in Ukraine.
President Biden expressed deep concern over the impact of a recent court decision in Alabama, which he stated is jeopardizing women's access to emergency health care and certain fertility treatments. This situation arises amidst broader challenges faced by women in America, where the overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to increased difficulties in accessing abortion services, with women being forced to travel long distances for care and doctors fearing prosecution. President Biden highlighted the severe implications of this ruling not just on women seeking abortions but also on families striving for pregnancy through fertility treatments. He criticized the court's decision as an outrageous disregard for women's autonomy over their health decisions.
Emphasizing the administration's commitment, The President assured that he and the Vice President are actively fighting to restore Roe v. Wade's protections at the federal level, advocating for the rights and freedoms of women, families, and healthcare providers across the country.
During a campaign reception in San Francisco, California, President Biden expressed his gratitude towards the attendees for their support, crediting them for his position and legislative successes. He praised Speaker Nancy Pelosi as the best Speaker of the House ever, highlighting the importance of having her support. The President engaged in a reflective discourse on climate change, tracing his environmental consciousness back to his early experiences in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, areas heavily affected by pollution and industrial decline.
President Biden emphasized the existential threat of climate change, contrasting it with other global dangers like nuclear conflict. He acknowledged his audience's collective efforts and influence in advancing environmental awareness and policy, mentioning legislative achievements and the need for continued action. The President criticized the MAGA Republican movement for lacking a moral compass and posing a threat to the progress made on climate and other issues. He underscored the importance of preventing a MAGA Republican presidency and winning more seats in Congress to secure legislative goals.
Throughout his speech, President Biden interspersed personal anecdotes, humor, and praise for the dedication of his supporters to saving the environment and humanity. He concluded by expressing a deep sense of obligation to the attendees for their role in the nation's progress, invoking the memory of his mother to modestly signal the end of his remarks.
President Biden. has approved a disaster declaration for North Dakota in response to a severe winter storm and straight-line winds from December 25 to December 27, 2023. This declaration enables federal assistance to support state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the impacted regions. The aid will be provided on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and for repairing or replacing facilities damaged in specified counties, including Barnes, Cass, Dickey, Grant, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman, and Traill. Additionally, federal funding is available for hazard mitigation measures across the entire state. James R. Stephenson of FEMA has been appointed to oversee the Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. The declaration may include additional areas pending further assessments and state requests.
A press gaggle was held by John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Advisor, covering several key points regarding international security concerns, particularly focusing on the deepening military partnership between Iran and Russia and its implications for Ukraine and global security. Kirby highlighted Iran's provision of drones, aerial bombs, and artillery to Russia, used against Ukraine, and the advancement of negotiations for Russia to acquire ballistic missiles from Iran. He warned of severe international response if Iran proceeds with missile provisions, including U.N. Security Council actions and additional sanctions.
Kirby also addressed concerns over Russia's receipt of arms from North Korea and support from PRC companies, criticizing the U.S. House of Representatives for not providing sufficient support to Ukraine. He urged Congress to pass supplemental bills to support Ukraine, warning of the dire consequences of inaction.
The briefing touched on global security issues, including cybersecurity incidents, the detainment of individuals by Russia, and the U.S.'s stance on NATO leadership. Kirby's responses to questions from journalists covered various topics, from the technical details of military support to Ukraine to broader geopolitical strategies and the U.S. government's efforts to address current international security challenges.
In a roundtable conversation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Vice President Harris emphasized the national struggle for reproductive freedoms, lauding Michigan's leadership and legislative efforts as exemplary for the nation. She highlighted the critical partnership with Governor Whitmer and praised Senator Stabenow and Representative Scholten for their dedication to American workers, women, and the broader fight for rights. Vice President Harris pointed out the dire consequences of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn a recognized constitutional right, which led to states imposing harsh restrictions on reproductive care, including criminal penalties for healthcare providers and no exceptions for cases of rape or incest. She argued that such measures are immoral and harmful, leading to real suffering across the country.
The Vice President criticized the hypocrisy of states that restrict both the termination of unwanted pregnancies and access to IVF while also neglecting maternal mortality issues. She attributed the current situation to the previous President's Supreme Court appointments to overturn Roe v. Wade. She stressed the importance of recognizing the impact of elections on reproductive rights. Vice President Harris called for continued vigilance and action to protect fundamental freedoms and the right of individuals to make decisions about their bodies and families.
President Biden meeting with Yulia and Dasha Navalnaya in San Francisco, CA
