What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 28, 2024 Recap
The Biden administration is monitoring an investigation into a deadly Israeli airstrike in Rafah, calling it a tragic mistake but not a major ground operation that would cross U.S. red lines. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized that while the incident was tragic, it did not meet the threshold for withholding aid to Israel. He stated that the U.S. does not have a specific measure for such actions but highlighted concerns over a major ground operation in Rafah that could cause extensive damage and casualties. Vice President Kamala Harris also described the airstrike as tragic, with Gaza health authorities reporting additional deaths from Israeli tank shelling.
The State Department has expressed deep concern and urged an investigation into the Rafah incident, which Israel has promised. Global leaders have condemned the violence, noting the high number of Palestinian casualties since the conflict began on October 7, following an attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israeli communities.
Source: Reuters
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced new principles to enhance the integrity of Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs). These markets are crucial for driving private investments into projects to reduce carbon emissions. The administration's plan builds on President Biden’s broader climate initiatives, including the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which have already stimulated significant investments in clean energy and technology.
Key actions include:
Releasing new principles to ensure carbon credits are credible, environmentally sound, and beneficial to communities.
Encouraging transparency among corporations using carbon credits and preventing "greenwashing."
Promoting high-integrity standards for carbon credit supply and demand.
Supporting farmers and forest landowners to participate in VCMs through USDA programs.
Investing in carbon removal technologies via Department of Energy initiatives.
Engaging internationally to set high standards and support VCM development in other countries.
Enhancing monitoring and verification of greenhouse gas emissions to maintain scientific integrity.
Preventing fraud and abuse in VCMs through regulatory measures and interagency coordination.
These measures aim to strengthen VCMs and ensure they effectively contribute to climate goals, economic development, and environmental justice.
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a Federal-State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative to strengthen the U.S. power grid. This initiative aims to create a clean, reliable, and resilient electric grid by adopting modern grid technologies and enhancing existing infrastructure. Twenty-one states have committed to this effort, focusing on expanding grid capacity and integrating renewable energy sources.
Key actions include streamlining the federal permitting process, upgrading 100,000 miles of existing power lines, and deploying advanced technologies like high-performance conductors and Grid Enhancing Technologies. Significant investments from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law support these measures. The initiative also emphasizes collaboration among federal entities, states, and private stakeholders to drive innovation and job creation while ensuring affordable and reliable energy for consumers.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre released a statement regarding Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo’s visit to the White House on May 31st, hosted by President Biden. The meeting aims to reaffirm the strong partnership between the United States and Belgium in addressing global challenges. Key topics will include their shared commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russia's aggression and utilizing immobilized Russian assets. President Biden will also acknowledge Belgium's contributions to transatlantic security and Ukraine's defense.
President Biden has issued a memorandum delegating specific authorities to the Secretary of State under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA). The Secretary of State is now authorized to direct the drawdown of up to $275 million in defense articles and services from the Department of Defense, as well as military education and training, to provide assistance to Ukraine, as stipulated under section 506(a)(1) of the FAA. Additionally, the Secretary is empowered to determine if it is in the security interests of the United States to furnish up to $24 million in assistance to Ukraine without regard to any legal provisions, as per section 614(a)(1) of the FAA. The Secretary of State is also directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
President Biden announced nominees for two key ambassadorial positions. Mark Angelson is nominated for Ambassador to Norway. He has had a distinguished career in law, business, education, and public service. Angelson's roles include serving on the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, chairing the Institute of International Education, and being the Deputy Mayor of Chicago. He is a former CEO of RR Donnelley and a partner at Sidley & Austin. He holds degrees from Rutgers University.
Michael G. Heath has been nominated as Ambassador to Malawi. Heath is a senior foreign service member serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa. His previous roles included charge d’affaires in Bangkok, Thailand, and economic policy analyst in Beijing, China. Heath holds a B.A. from Stanford University and has received awards for his efforts in combating human trafficking. He is proficient in Chinese, Thai, and French.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby held a press briefing at The White House that covered several significant topics. The briefing began with an acknowledgment of the devastating tornadoes that struck the Southern Plains, resulting in loss of lives. President Biden has been in contact with the governors of the affected states, offering federal support. FEMA is conducting damage assessments, and the FEMA Administrator is scheduled to visit Arkansas.
Regarding travel and consumer protection, the Biden administration is taking steps to eliminate hidden fees and ensure upfront pricing for airlines and hotels. This initiative aims to improve the travel experience and save consumers money.
The discussion then shifted to developments in the Middle East, particularly the recent IDF strike in Rafa that resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, including children. John Kirby emphasized the need for Israel to protect innocent lives and mentioned that the Israeli Defense Forces are investigating the incident. The U.S. continues to discourage a major ground operation in Rafa, advocating for targeted actions to minimize civilian casualties.
Kirby addressed numerous questions about the U.S. response to the strike, the classification of ground operations, and the importance of Israeli investigations. He reiterated the U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself while emphasizing the need to avoid civilian harm. Kirby also responded to concerns about potential U.S. isolation due to its stance on Israel.
On other international issues, Kirby commented on Russia’s potential recognition of the Taliban, highlighting the U.S. stance against it. He also addressed China, urging Israel to comply with an ICJ ruling, stating that it would not change the U.S. approach. Discussions also touched on potential sanctions against the ICC and Ukraine's request to use Western weapons inside Russia, with Kirby reaffirming current U.S. policy.
Domestically, the briefing included updates on immigration and border actions, reflecting the administration's continued efforts to address long-standing issues. The upcoming visit of the Kansas City Chiefs to the White House was also mentioned, with potential discussions on gun violence prevention. Throughout the briefing, it was clear that President Biden remains focused on national security and domestic policies rather than the ongoing legal trials involving his predecessor and son.
Vice President Harris conducts the swearing-in ceremony for Courtney O'Donnell as the next Ambassador to UNESCO
