What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
November 26, 2024 Recap
President Biden announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, bringing an end to a devastating 14-month conflict that began after Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel. The fighting, which displaced over 70,000 Israelis and 300,000 Lebanese civilians, inflicted severe damage on both sides. Biden emphasized that Israel had successfully dismantled much of Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon, including killing senior leaders and destroying tunnels designed for attacks on Israel. Under the agreement, fighting will cease at 4:00 a.m. local time, with the Lebanese Army reclaiming control of its territory and Israel gradually withdrawing its forces. The deal ensures that Hezbollah cannot rebuild its capabilities in southern Lebanon while Israel retains the right to self-defense under international law.
Biden highlighted the international collaboration that led to this resolution, thanking France for its support and pledging that the United States would assist in implementing the agreement without deploying U.S. combat troops. He emphasized the importance of turning battlefield gains into a lasting strategy for peace and prosperity in the region, asserting that both Israel and Lebanon must now rebuild and move forward. The president also reiterated his broader vision for the Middle East, which includes peace, security, and economic integration, as well as the establishment of a Palestinian state that fulfills its people's aspirations while ensuring Israel’s safety.
Addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Biden called on Hamas to release hostages, including American citizens, as a prerequisite for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief. He reaffirmed U.S. efforts, in partnership with nations like Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar, to achieve peace in Gaza and work toward a future where Israelis and Palestinians coexist with equal measures of security and dignity. Concluding his remarks, Biden praised the courageous decisions by leaders in Israel and Lebanon, expressing hope that this agreement marks a step toward lasting peace. He underscored his unwavering commitment to achieving a peaceful and prosperous Middle East, affirming that peace remains possible with determined effort.
The Biden-Harris Administration has proposed a new rule to expand coverage for anti-obesity medications (AOMs) under Medicare and Medicaid, addressing a significant health issue affecting 42% of Americans. Obesity, recognized as a chronic disease, increases the risk of serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Recent advancements in anti-obesity drugs have shown effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular risks by up to 20% and preventing Type 2 diabetes. Still, their high monthly cost—up to $1,000—makes them inaccessible to many. Currently, Medicare and Medicaid provide limited coverage for AOMs, but the new proposal would significantly expand access, benefiting 3.4 million Medicare and 4 million Medicaid enrollees. This expansion could reduce out-of-pocket costs by up to 95% for some individuals, improve health outcomes, and lower national healthcare costs. Building on legislative achievements like the Inflation Reduction Act, which caps drug prices and allows Medicare to negotiate costs, this initiative aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to lower prescription costs and enhance healthcare access. The National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health also underscores the administration’s commitment to integrating nutrition and healthcare to combat diet-related diseases, recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address obesity.
The Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda has catalyzed over $1 trillion in private-sector investments across clean energy, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. This strategy, supported by landmark legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, leverages public investment to drive innovation, job creation, and infrastructure improvements. These investments target key industries, fostering economic competitiveness, energy security, and environmental sustainability while supporting communities nationwide.
Since 2021, private sector commitments include $446 billion in semiconductors, $91 billion in clean energy manufacturing, and $182 billion in electric vehicles and battery production. Investments in factory construction have more than doubled, reaching historic highs. Most of these projects are concentrated in economically disadvantaged areas, where 75% of clean energy investments have been directed. This approach addresses regional disparities, promotes equitable growth, and supports job opportunities through tax incentives prioritizing apprenticeships and unionized labor.
The agenda has also created nearly 947,000 construction jobs, with nonresidential construction employment surging after the passage of key legislation. The clean energy sector alone has added over 400,000 jobs, with employment in this area growing faster than the broader economy. Unionization rates in clean energy have risen, and wages in the sector have outpaced inflation, signaling improved job quality. These achievements align with the administration’s focus on creating well-paying, stable jobs, particularly for workers without a four-year degree.
This public-private investment model has revitalized American manufacturing, strengthened supply chains, and lowered the cost of key technologies. By focusing on inclusive growth, the Investing in America agenda is transforming communities, boosting economic resilience, and positioning the United States as a global leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing for decades.
President Biden has approved major disaster declarations for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Commonwealth of Kentucky to provide federal assistance following recent natural disasters. For the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the declaration addresses the impact of wildfires between July 17 and August 21, 2024. Federal aid will support the Tribe and eligible private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work, repairs, and hazard mitigation measures. Yolanda J. Jackson of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery efforts in the affected areas.
In Kentucky, the major disaster declaration responds to the damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene from September 27 to September 30, 2024. Federal funding will be provided to the Commonwealth, eligible local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in 36 counties to support emergency work, facility repairs, and hazard mitigation efforts. Mary Hernandez-Marrero of FEMA will lead federal recovery operations in the state. Both declarations aim to supplement local and tribal efforts to rebuild and recover.
Aboard Air Force One en route to Queens, NY, Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates briefed reporters on President Biden’s activities and the administration’s current priorities. The President and First Lady are attending a Friendsgiving event hosted by the Robert Irvine Foundation at the U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York in Staten Island. This event, part of the First Lady's Joining Forces initiative to support military families, will include thanking service members and helping serve a Thanksgiving meal. Earlier in the day, the President participated in the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation, highlighting lower turkey and gas prices this year, with turkeys down 6% and gas prices at a three-year low. Bates emphasized the administration's commitment to reducing costs for families.
Regarding criminal justice, Bates noted that President Biden has granted 20 pardons and 122 commutations, more than recent predecessors at this point in their terms, demonstrating his commitment to reform. However, he declined to comment on potential future clemency actions, including federal death row cases and concerns about President-elect Trump’s stance on the death penalty. On the topic of transition, Bates confirmed ongoing coordination with the Trump-Vance transition team, including facilitating efforts toward a ceasefire deal in Lebanon and broader Middle East stability. Key administration figures, including Brett McGurk, are actively engaged in the region, with McGurk traveling to Saudi Arabia to discuss ceasefire agreements.
Bates highlighted the administration’s economic achievements, such as creating 16 million new jobs, record-low unemployment, and investments in manufacturing and healthcare cost reductions. Despite these indicators, Bates acknowledged public challenges related to the effects of the lingering pandemic. The President’s holiday plans include Thanksgiving in Nantucket, continuing his family’s tradition, though details about accompanying family members were not disclosed. Questions about Christmas travel plans were deferred. On other matters, Bates addressed Republican concerns over the CFIUS review of U.S. Steel, reiterating that the administration follows regulations and preserves relevant records.
The briefing underscored the administration’s focus on Thanksgiving traditions, economic progress, Middle East diplomacy, and ensuring an orderly transition to the next administration. Bates concluded by reiterating the President's commitment to the country’s democratic values and ongoing work to address domestic and international challenges.