What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
April 10, 2024 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a comprehensive effort to address the pervasive issue of PFAS (per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) pollution, underscoring its dedication to public health and environmental justice. PFAS, known for their long-lasting presence in the environment and links to numerous health issues, including cancer and organ damage, have been detected in drinking water, soil, air, and food across diverse communities. In a landmark move, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced the first-ever national drinking water standard for PFAS, aiming to protect over 100 million Americans by significantly reducing exposure to these harmful chemicals. This measure is expected to prevent tens of thousands of illnesses and save numerous lives.
To support the enforcement of this new standard, the administration announced an additional $1 billion in funding from President Biden's Investing in America agenda. This funding will assist all states and territories enhance PFAS detection and treatment capabilities. It is part of a larger commitment, totaling $9 billion, allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to tackle PFAS and other contaminants in drinking water, with an additional $12 billion dedicated to broader infrastructure improvements. Highlighting the administration's commitment to targeted relief, significant funding has been directed to communities like Oakdale, Minnesota, and Tucson, Arizona, to address their specific PFAS contamination issues.
These efforts align with the Biden Cancer Moonshot's goal of halving the cancer death rate within the next quarter-century and the Justice40 Initiative's aim to ensure that 40% of the benefits from certain federal investments reach disadvantaged communities. Coordinated by the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the strategy involves nearly two dozen federal agencies working systematically to mitigate PFAS pollution. Initiatives include protecting firefighters from PFAS exposure, phasing out PFAS in firefighting foams and food packaging, and transitioning federal buildings to use PFAS-free cleaning products. These comprehensive actions affirm the administration's commitment to ensuring clean, safe drinking water for every American and addressing the extensive health and environmental hazards associated with PFAS pollution.
President Biden issued a statement on the March Consumer Price Index, highlighting a significant reduction in inflation by over 60% from its peak, acknowledging ongoing challenges in reducing living costs for families. Housing and groceries remain expensive despite lower prices for essentials like milk and eggs compared to the previous year. The President proposed building over 2 million homes to tackle housing costs and urged corporations, especially grocery retailers, to cut prices leveraging their record profits.
President Biden emphasized his commitment to combating inflation as his primary economic focus, citing achievements such as rising wages, increased incomes since the pandemic, and low unemployment. His agenda includes reducing costs for prescription drugs, healthcare, and student debt and eliminating hidden fees. In contrast, he criticized Congressional Republicans for proposing tax cuts benefiting the wealthy and corporations, which could lead to price increases by special interests and Big Pharma, vowing to oppose such measures.
President Biden issued a proclamation on Black Maternal Health Week 2024, which focuses on addressing the alarming crisis of maternal mortality, particularly among Black women who face significantly higher risks. The disparity stems from systemic racism and bias, leading to neglect in healthcare settings. Environmental injustices and lack of access to essential resources further exacerbate these challenges. The Biden Administration has initiated several measures, including the American Rescue Plan's extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage to a full year, the Affordable Care Act's premium reductions, and introducing a "Birthing-Friendly" hospital designation. A maternal mental health hotline and expanded access to maternal mental health care aim to support women's needs. Efforts to diversify the maternal health workforce, legislative actions to accommodate pregnant and nursing mothers in the workplace, and initiatives to address broader inequalities highlight the commitment to improving maternal health and equity.
President Biden's proclamation of April 11-17, 2024, as Black Maternal Health Week, underscores the urgent need for awareness and action to ensure a safer, more dignified pregnancy and childbirth experience for Black women.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden expressed her delight in welcoming Mrs. Kishida Yuko and attendees to a spousal program event at The Eisenhower Executive Office Building, emphasizing the importance of libraries as learning spaces. She highlighted the significant role of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening ties between nations beyond just diplomatic relations. Recalling a visit to Japan where they met with young individuals focused on global betterment, she praised high school students involved in cultural exchanges and studying Japanese for bringing the two countries closer.
Additionally, she mentioned a poetry workshop led by Japanese American poet Professor Kimiko Hahn. The workshop focused on ancient Japanese poetry, appreciating art's ability to connect human emotions and experiences. Dr. Biden celebrated the students' contributions to fostering mutual understanding and their potential as future leaders and visionaries for a better world.
During a welcoming ceremony on the South Lawn, President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan emphasized the enduring strength and significance of the U.S.-Japan alliance. Celebrating the 64-year-old Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, The President highlighted the alliance as a cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and globally. He praised Prime Minister Kishida as a decisive leader, especially in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He noted Japan's enhanced defense policies and the strengthened defense partnership between the two nations.
Prime Minister Kishida, acknowledging the deep friendship symbolized by the cherry trees gifted from Japan to the U.S., spoke of the dynamic and global cooperation between the countries, extending from space to the deep sea. He stressed the importance of facing global challenges together and the commitment to nurturing the relationship for future generations. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S., Kishida announced the gift of 250 new cherry trees, symbolizing the flourishing friendship and alliance.
Both leaders reflected on the transformation from adversaries to allies post-World War II, underscoring the contributions of Japanese Americans to the U.S., and the shared values and deep economic ties between the nations. The ceremony highlighted the historical depth of the U.S.-Japan relationship and its future orientation towards peace, security, and mutual prosperity.
President Biden hosted Prime Minister Kishida of Japan for an Official Visit with State Dinner, marking a significant celebration of the enduring U.S.-Japan alliance and its evolution into a global partnership aimed at fostering progress and prosperity. The visit highlighted comprehensive efforts across various sectors, including defense, security, technology, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
Key initiatives include enhancing defense capabilities through upgraded command and control systems, intelligence sharing, and defense industry cooperation, notably in missile co-production and advanced technology development. The partnership also extends to space exploration, with agreements on lunar exploration and satellite cooperation.
Economic ties are bolstered through substantial investments in technology and infrastructure by major corporations, aiming to drive innovation and ensure cybersecurity resilience. Initiatives in clean energy, semiconductor technology, and AI research further demonstrate a commitment to technological advancement and economic security.
Both nations pledge cooperation on climate change initiatives, aiming for sustainable energy transition and resilience against natural disasters. In diplomacy and development, they commit to global peace and security, supporting Ukraine and addressing crises in Gaza and Haiti. The partnership emphasizes people-to-people ties, educational exchanges, and cultural interchanges to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation.
This visit reaffirms the U.S.-Japan alliance's commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through strategic cooperation, technological innovation, and shared democratic values, aiming for a secure, prosperous, and sustainable future.
Later, in the Rose Garden at The White House, President Biden held a joint press conference with the Prime Minister, highlighting strengthening the U.S.-Japan global partnership through defense, security cooperation, economic ties, and support for democratic values. The alliance has seen significant advancements, including plans for a trilateral military exercise with the UK and collaboration in missile defense. Japan is a major investor in the U.S., and bilateral efforts focus on innovation, technology, and addressing global challenges like climate change and regional stability. Both leaders discussed the importance of a free and open international order, addressing challenges posed by China and North Korea, and reiterated support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. The conference concluded with discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, and the importance of dialogue for resolving international disputes.
The United States and Japan have increased their alliance with the "Global Partners for the Future" joint statement, underscoring their commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation. During Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's official visit to Washington, D.C., both nations pledged to work together and with other partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific and a stable world. This historic moment in U.S.-Japan relations reflects both countries' determination to collaboratively address global security and stability challenges. The joint statement highlights several key areas of cooperation, including strengthened defense and security commitments, advancements in space exploration and technology, and initiatives aimed at economic security and climate action.
The alliance is set to increase defense spending and develop counterstrike capabilities, emphasizing the strength of the bilateral defense relationship. Additionally, the United States and Japan will lead innovation and economic strategies to tackle climate change, aiming to create resilient and sustainable supply chains.
The partnership also extends to global diplomacy and development efforts, emphasizing the importance of international law, peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Furthermore, the statement underscores the significance of people-to-people ties, with initiatives to boost cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.
This comprehensive approach marks a pivotal step in the U.S.-Japan alliance, aiming to address wide-ranging global challenges through strategic cooperation, technological advancement, and strengthened societal connections.
This evening, President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden will host a State Dinner for Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan and Mrs. Kishida Yuko. The guest list includes distinguished figures from various sectors, including government officials from the U.S. and Japan, business leaders, and celebrities. Notable guests include:
Senior government officials, such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Bill Clinton, are alongside Hillary Clinton.
Business leaders such as Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, and Masayoshi Son.
Celebrities and public figures include Robert De Niro, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Cecile Richards.
The event underscores the close diplomatic ties and cooperation between the United States and Japan, reflected in the wide-ranging representation of leaders from politics, business, defense, and culture.
President Biden and The Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, meet in the Oval Office at The White House
