What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 18 Recap
The United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea have launched a trilateral quantum partnership involving the University of Tokyo, Seoul National University, and the University of Chicago. The collaboration aims to train a quantum workforce and enhance collective competitiveness in the global economy. National Security Advisors from the three nations congratulate the universities for this initiative, emphasizing its significance in advancing scientific cooperation. This partnership builds on a Trilateral Framework signed in December, showcasing a commitment to trilateral cooperation in various domains. The collaboration reflects a shared purpose to leverage the strengths of leading academic institutions for progress in quantum research and technology, aligning with the nations' focus on innovation and development.
President Biden announced $82 million in new investments from the American Rescue Plan's Capital Projects Fund to connect an additional 16,000 homes and businesses in North Carolina to high-speed internet. This was part of the administration's broader initiative to invest over $3 billion in North Carolina, aiming to lower costs and expand internet access. The investments supported job creation in manufacturing and construction, focusing on Made-in-America fiber-optic cable production. The Affordable Connectivity Program had already saved 885,000 households in North Carolina money on their internet bills. The Biden-Harris Administration addressed the digital divide, with a goal to connect all remaining homes, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and libraries in North Carolina to high-speed internet by the end of 2029. Private sector investments in fiber manufacturing were also highlighted, contributing to job growth. President Biden discussed progress towards the 2030 goal of connecting every American to high-speed internet, emphasizing historic investments and manufacturing capacity expansion. The Affordable Connectivity Program had resulted in savings for over 22 million households nationwide.
President Joe Biden issued a statement in response to the Justice Department's report on the Uvalde School Shooting. The report highlighted failures in establishing a clear command structure, recognizing the incident as an active shooter situation, and the need for detailed plans in the school district. Biden expressed a commitment to implementing policy changes with the Justice Department and Department of Education to enhance responses to future incidents. He acknowledged the pain of the Uvalde community and praised their advocacy for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Biden urged Congress to pass gun safety laws, including universal background checks, a national red flag law, and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, emphasizing the need to prevent mass shootings.
President Biden made remarks before departing on Marine One. Here is a summary of the key points:
Iran-Pakistan Attacks: President Biden acknowledged tensions between Iran and Pakistan, stating that Iran is not well-liked in the region. He mentioned ongoing efforts to address the situation.
Meeting and Border Agreement: He described the previous day's meeting as going well and stated that there are no remaining sticking points in the border agreement discussions.
Airstrikes in Yemen: President Biden noted that airstrikes in Yemen are not stopping the Houthis but acknowledged that they are expected to continue.
Aid for Ukraine: He expressed confidence in the majority of Congress supporting aid for Ukraine and voiced concern about a potential minority holding it up.
Arab American Votes: Responding to a question about Arab American votes, he highlighted the former President's proposed ban on Arabs entering the country and emphasized the ongoing efforts to address the situation in Gaza.
Iowa and Election: President Biden downplayed the significance of Iowa in the election and responded to a question about Arab American votes, expressing a commitment to understanding and addressing the concerns of the Arab population.
March for Life: He acknowledged the upcoming March for Life in Washington, D.C., and simply said, "March."
Inflation: President Biden did not provide a specific timeline for when prices might come down in response to a question about inflation.
Uvalde Shooting Report: He mentioned that a report on the Uvalde shooting would be released that day, expressed a commitment to implementing Justice Department recommendations, and stated that he had not read the full report.
Briefing on Uvalde Shooting: President Biden indicated that he was briefed by his staff on the Uvalde shooting report and thanked the press before departing.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held a meeting with Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to discuss bilateral security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts in West Africa, and the importance of human rights, democratic institutions, and good governance. Sullivan reaffirmed President Biden's commitment to Africa, emphasized the strong U.S.-Nigerian relationship, and praised Nigeria's leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). They identified shared interests in supporting peace and stability in countries undergoing political transitions, expressing a commitment to close coordination and deepening the partnership for mutual benefit.
President Biden has announced key appointments to various boards and commissions. The appointees and their roles are as follows:
Doreen Patricia Greenwald
Role: Member, Federal Salary Council
Background: Elected National President of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) in August 2023. With 35 years of federal service, she previously worked at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Juan A. Sabater
Role: Member, Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico
Background: Partner and Co-President of Valor Equity Partners. Sabater has a diverse background in private equity, investment banking, and leadership roles in various organizations, including charitable and professional boards.
Timothy D. Murray
Role: Member, National Museum and Library Services Board
Background: Served as a Special Collections Librarian for over 40 years, specializing in 20th-century literary collections. Actively involved in library and archival associations, he was inducted as a fellow of the Society of American Archivists in 2011.
Gregory C. Simon
Role: Member, President’s Commission on White House Fellowships
Background: Started government service as General Counsel and Staff Director of the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee. Served as Vice President Biden's Chief Domestic Policy Advisor and later as Executive Director of the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force.
Daniel Mathews
Role: Member, Public Buildings Reform Board
Background: Currently President of Mathews Associates LLC, advising companies on real estate issues. Previously served as Commissioner of the U.S. General Services Administration’s Public Buildings Service and Staff Director of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Economic Development.
These appointments cover a range of expertise and experience, contributing to advisory roles in areas such as federal employee pay, financial oversight for Puerto Rico, museum and library services, White House fellowships, and public buildings reform.
In a press gaggle on board Air Force One en route to Morrisville, North Carolina, Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby discussed President Biden's upcoming announcement of $82 million in investments from the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Project Fund to expand high-speed Internet access in North Carolina. They highlighted the significance for rural areas, the economic impact, and the involvement of local fiber-optic cable production. Additionally, John Kirby provided updates on U.S. actions in response to Houthi missile threats, tensions between Pakistan and Iran, and a meeting with families of American hostages held by Hamas. The discussion also touched on issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict, Iraq, and border talks. The press secretary addressed concerns about former President Trump's influence on border negotiations and emphasized the urgency of aid to Ukraine. The briefing concluded with remarks on electric vehicles, a DOJ report on the Uvalde shooting, and the status of congressional talks.
President Biden delivered remarks in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the Abbott's Creek Community Center. He discussed the importance of investing in America and highlighted progress in various areas, including the expansion of high-speed internet access. The President mentioned the Rural Electrification Act from the 1930s and drew parallels to the current need for affordable high-speed internet, emphasizing its necessity in today's world. Biden outlined actions taken, such as the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to invest in high-speed internet infrastructure.
He announced additional investments, including $82 million to connect 16,000 homes and businesses in North Carolina with high-speed internet. The President reiterated the goal of achieving universal high-speed internet access in the state by the end of the decade. Biden also discussed the Affordable Connectivity Program, aimed at reducing internet prices for those struggling with payments.
The President highlighted job creation through infrastructure projects, including the manufacturing of fiber-optic cable by American companies like CommScope and Corning. He emphasized the importance of bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. and mentioned the positive economic indicators during his presidency, such as job creation, low unemployment rates, and private investments.
Biden touched on various infrastructure projects in North Carolina, including a new rail line and the replacement of the Alligator River Bridge. He discussed the positive impact of these projects on job creation, travel efficiency, and economic growth.
The President criticized trickle-down economics and expressed his commitment to building the economy from the middle class outwards. He called for fair taxation, mentioning the low tax rates of billionaires and the need for them to pay their fair share.
Biden concluded by expressing optimism about America's prospects and praised the efforts of American workers and communities in bringing about positive change. He thanked the audience, emphasized the resilience of the United States throughout crises, and concluded with blessings for the audience and protection for the troops.
President Biden giving remarks at Abbott’s Creek Community Center
Raleigh, North Carolina
