What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
February 9 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced its plan to invest over $5 billion in semiconductor research, development, and workforce initiatives through the CHIPS and Science Act. This significant investment aims to reinforce the U.S.'s position in semiconductor R&D, reduce commercialization time and costs for new technologies, enhance national security, and support workforce development in the semiconductor industry.
Key points of this initiative include:
Investment in the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC): The Administration plans to allocate at least $5 billion to the NSTC, which is now officially established as a Public-Private Consortium. The NSTC's mission is to lead in next-generation semiconductor technologies, offering support in design, prototyping, and piloting, leveraging shared facilities and expertise, and building a skilled and diverse workforce.
2024 Research Priorities and NSTC Community of Interest: The announcement outlines research priorities for the NSTC for 2024 and launches a Community of Interest for stakeholder input into the NSTC's offerings and structure.
Semiconductor Workforce Development: Plans include investing hundreds of millions in workforce development efforts through a Workforce Center of Excellence, creating equitable training pathways to good-paying jobs in the semiconductor industry, and leveraging partnerships with industry, academia, and other workforce partners.
Investment in Other R&D Needs: The Administration is also focusing on additional semiconductor R&D needs, including a $200 million investment in a CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute for a semiconductor manufacturing digital twin institute, up to $300 million in advanced packaging R&D, and over $100 million across 29 projects in the CHIPS Metrology program.
These efforts build upon the Administration's ongoing work to boost U.S. research, development, and innovation, as evidenced by the recent announcement of $530 million in investment for 10 U.S. regions under the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program and the establishment of 31 Regional Tech Hubs to spur innovation in semiconductor manufacturing among other sectors.
The White House, the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, and senior officials from the Biden-Harris Administration hosted the second Long-Term Care Facility Leadership Summit last week. This event gathered leaders from various national associations and organizations dedicated to safeguarding seniors and enhancing the quality of care in long-term care facilities. Building on an earlier meeting in October, the summit focused on a collective effort to equip older Americans with crucial information to protect themselves against COVID-19, flu, and RSV—viruses responsible for significant hospitalizations and severe health outcomes in the elderly population. Participants engaged in discussions about the operational challenges long-term care facilities face and explored ways the Administration can further support these facilities to prevent serious illnesses among the elderly. An agreement was reached to maintain the partnership and to begin planning for the 2024-2025 respiratory season, utilizing best practices and insights gained from the current season. Key administration participants included Maj Gen (ret) Paul Friedrichs, MD, FACS, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, and Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
President Joe Biden has appointed Willie L. Phillips, Jr. as the Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), an agency pivotal in regulating interstate transmission of energy sources including natural gas, oil, and electricity. This move aligns with the Biden Administration's goals to address the climate crisis, promote environmental justice, and transition to a clean electricity grid by 2035. Phillips, who has served as a FERC Commissioner since November 2021 and as Acting Chair since January 2023, brings over two decades of legal experience in regulatory affairs, public utility regulation, and energy system reliability. His prior roles include Chairman of the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia, where he focused on energy grid modernization and clean energy initiatives, and Assistant General Counsel for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Phillips' background also encompasses private legal practice and in-house counsel roles, contributing to his expertise in regulatory compliance, litigation, and policy matters. He holds a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Montevallo. Phillips' leadership at FERC is expected to be instrumental in advancing the administration's energy and climate objectives.
NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson issued a statement that outlines the United States' comprehensive support for Ecuador amid increased violence in the country. Key points include:
The U.S. Government, through the coordination of the National Security Council (NSC), is actively supporting Ecuador in response to rising violence.
Assistant Secretary of State Todd D. Robinson led a delegation to Ecuador, emphasizing U.S. commitment to fighting transnational crime. Initiatives announced include funding for constructing an Ecuadorian Coast Guard Academy, improvements to a canine veterinary clinic and a corruption prosecution unit office, and the provision of eight mobile border units for an elite border task force.
A new operational unit was launched in Guayaquil to enhance coordination and information sharing between the National Police and the Coast Guard.
The U.S. has increased law enforcement and defense support, including digital forensics assistance, training for migration officers and presidential security details, and strengthening in-country FBI personnel.
The Department of Defense is delivering a C-130H military plane to Ecuador, building on previous support that includes the delivery of bulletproof vests and security equipment.
The Treasury Department designated one of Ecuador's most violent gangs, Los Choneros, and its leader, under counter-narcotic authorities in response to the surge in violence.
The U.S. is also investing in social and security initiatives, including a $45 million program to combat childhood malnutrition and improve water access and sanitation, $13 million to protect the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense's computer networks, and $2.4 million for additional police support vehicles and equipment.
This statement highlights the multifaceted approach of the United States in supporting Ecuador's security, law enforcement, and social welfare in the face of challenges posed by criminal organizations and violence.
President Biden addressed the House Democratic Caucus at their Issues Conference in Leesburg, Virginia, on February 8, 2024. He began with light-hearted remarks, acknowledging the presence of key Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer and expressing gratitude for their support.
The President highlighted the conclusion of a Special Counsel investigation into his handling of classified documents, stating no charges were recommended, emphasizing his cooperation with the investigation, and contrasting his case with that of Donald Trump. He applauded the differences highlighted by the Special Counsel, especially in terms of cooperation and compliance with legal processes.
He praised House Democrats for defeating the Mayorkas impeachment resolution and an Israel-only supplemental, illustrating the unity and effectiveness of the Democratic Party in opposing Republican initiatives he described as cynical political games.
According to a Washington Post headline, President Biden outlined his administration's accomplishments, including vaccination efforts, infrastructure investments, and economic policies that contributed to the U.S. having the best recovery among world economies. He emphasized the importance of finishing the job in various policy areas, including tax reform, healthcare, housing, social security, and gun control. He underscored the need to protect fundamental freedoms and address climate change.
He criticized the Republican Party for chaos and disunion, questioning their loyalty to Trump or the American people, and highlighted the importance of serving the American public.
President Biden stressed the high stakes of upcoming elections, arguing that the progress made during his presidency could be undone if Democrats do not maintain control of the White House and Senate and regain the House. He concluded by calling on the audience to remember the United States' capability to achieve great things when working together and thanked them for their efforts.
Vice President Harris spoke at a Community Violence Intervention Leaders gathering in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. She emphasized investing in communities to reduce violence and uplift potential. Harris praised Maryland Governor Wes Moore's efforts in addressing community violence and highlighted the significance of the inaugural class of intervention leaders as role models for future initiatives.
The Vice President stressed the hard work of caring for others and critiqued that leadership strength comes from oppression rather than uplifting others. She discussed the role of self-determination and redemption and addressed the root causes of violence, including economic and social factors. Harris advocated for gun control measures like assault weapon bans, universal background checks, and red flag laws as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing violence. She criticized the politicization of the special counsel’s report on a separate issue, defending President Biden's actions and leadership during a crisis.
The speech concluded with a group photo with the graduates and Harris's response to a question about the fairness of the special counsel's report, where she defended the President's response to a crisis and criticized the report's portrayal of his actions.
During a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office, President Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany addressed several key issues:
Unity and Cooperation: President Biden highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Germany, emphasizing the need to continue working together, especially regarding national security and support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression. He thanked Chancellor Scholz for Germany's leadership and a significant increase in military aid to Ukraine.
Congressional Support for Ukraine: Biden expressed concerns about the reluctance of some U.S. House members to pass a national security spending package that includes funding for Ukraine. He stressed the importance of U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
NATO and Security: The leaders discussed strengthening NATO and preparing for its 75th summit, focusing on collective defense and security challenges.
Middle East Peace: Biden mentioned efforts to increase humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip and negotiations for hostage releases, underlining the goal of achieving a two-state solution for enduring peace in the Middle East.
Chancellor Scholz's Remarks: Scholz underscored the critical role of the U.S. and Germany in maintaining global peace, particularly in supporting Ukraine against Russian imperialism. He highlighted the necessity of continued financial and military support for Ukraine and hoped the U.S. Congress would assist.
Criticisms and Urgency: Both leaders criticized Russian President Putin's misrepresentation of the conflict with Ukraine and emphasized the urgent need for continued support to Ukraine. Biden labeled potential congressional failure to support Ukraine "close to criminal neglect" and stressed the importance of NATO unity and commitment to European security.
This meeting underscored the strong bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Germany, focusing on mutual commitments to security, support for Ukraine, and efforts towards peace in the Middle East.
President Biden signed into law:
H.R. 1568, the “Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act,” which
The Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection, must ensure that any personally identifiable information is removed from cargo manifests before disclosing them to the public.
A press briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Spokesman for the White House Counsel’s Office Ian Sams was held at The White House, and covered several key topics:
Gun Violence Prevention Initiatives: Jean-Pierre highlighted the Vice President and the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention hosting community violence intervention leaders. She underscored the administration's commitment to reducing gun violence, mentioning the $15 billion from the American Rescue Plan and $250 million from the Bipartisan Safer Community Act for community-based violence prevention.
Senior U.S. Officials' Visits to Guyana, Colombia, and Mexico: Jean-Pierre provided details on U.S. diplomatic efforts in these countries, focusing on reaffirming U.S. support for Guyana’s sovereignty, advancing economic and security cooperation, and emphasizing the importance of competitive and inclusive elections in Venezuela. She also mentioned the Trilateral Fentanyl Committee's agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada on countering illicit drug trafficking.
Support for Ecuador and Chile: The U.S.'s assistance to Ecuador in tackling organized crime and to Chile in combating wildfires was highlighted, showing the U.S.'s readiness to support these countries in times of crisis.
Special Counsel's Report on President Biden: Sams addressed the special counsel's report, which investigated President Biden's handling of classified documents. He emphasized that the investigation found no criminal conduct by Biden, dismissing the case as closed. Sams criticized parts of the report as gratuitous and not aligned with Department of Justice traditions, asserting that Biden had cooperated fully with the investigation, had not intentionally retained classified documents, and had taken steps to ensure any discovered documents were promptly returned to the government.
Reactions and Responses: Throughout the briefing, Sams reiterated the administration's position that the special counsel's findings did not warrant charges against President Biden. He criticized the report for unnecessary remarks about Biden and for a perceived inconsistency with Department of Justice norms. The briefing aimed to clarify the administration's efforts on key national and international issues while defending President Biden against criticisms from the special counsel's report.
A statement was released from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the second anniversary of the Biden-Harris Administration's Indo-Pacific Strategy, highlighting significant progress and efforts to create a more connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region. The strategy has focused on strengthening alliances and partnerships, with notable advancements in relations with Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the ASEAN. It has also expanded partnerships with India and increased engagement in the Pacific through summits and establishing the Partners of the Blue Pacific.
A historic U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral summit at Camp David and the elevation of the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) to a leader-level summit have been key milestones, delivering tangible results for the region. The U.S. has hosted official state visits from leaders of Indo-Pacific countries and plans to welcome Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. Additionally, the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States exemplifies closer ties between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, acknowledging interconnected opportunities and challenges, including support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion and addressing military support from the DPRK to Russia.
The statement asserts that these efforts have bolstered the security and prosperity of both the U.S. and the Indo-Pacific, strengthening the U.S.'s position in the region and advancing its interests amid strategic competition with China. The U.S. remains committed to prioritizing work in this critical region, emphasizing its importance for the future.
President Biden meets with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at The White House
