What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 22 Recap
The White House released a transcript on a background press call on upcoming action to continue holding Russia accountable. It’s been almost two years since Russia drove towards Kyiv in a brutal invasion of Ukraine that threatens the very foundation of international peace and stability.
From that moment, the United States has taken strong and decisive actions to impose costs on Russia to hold it accountable for its actions in Ukraine while also supporting Ukraine and its people. That has included military aid and financial and humanitarian assistance. And we have also deployed our economic tools to undercut Russia’s ability to continue its unjust war. Read more…
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan released a statement on expanding sanctions authorities against Russia’s military-industrial base. The United States and its allies have implemented the most extensive array of sanctions and export control measures ever levied against a major economy. This strategic effort aims to diminish Russia's capacity to engage in warfare and to hold Russia accountable for its forceful attempts to conquer its neighboring nation and subjugate its people. President Biden has issued an Executive Order to intensify further pressure on Russia's military capabilities and those who support them.
Up to this point, the sanctions and export control actions have notably eroded Russia's ability to replenish the necessary equipment, materials, and technology essential for sustaining its aggressive pursuits. These measures have also impacted Russia's financial stability, compelling the nation to seek resources from unconventional sources and make challenging decisions to fund its military expenditures. Crucially, these actions have been meticulously crafted to minimize unintended adverse effects on the global economy.
President Biden signed a new Executive Order (E.O.) that strengthens U.S. sanctions authorities against financial facilitators of Russia’s war machine. The E.O. makes clear to foreign financial institutions that they risk losing access to the U.S. financial system if they facilitate significant transactions relating to Russia’s military-industrial base. The E.O. also provides authority to broaden U.S. import bans on certain Russian goods. Read the fact sheet.
The President issued a statement regarding his administration's clemency actions, commuting the sentences of 11 individuals facing excessively long terms for non-violent drug offenses. All would have received significantly reduced sentences if charged with the same offense today.
Additionally, after pardoning previous federal and D.C. simple marijuana possession offenses, the president enacted a Proclamation to pardon further instances of simple possession and use under federal and D.C. law. Criminal records related to marijuana use and possession have created unnecessary obstacles to employment, housing, and education. The president emphasized the need to correct these injustices, highlighting the adverse impact of our previous approach to marijuana on countless lives.
The White House released the list of clemency recipients based on the clemency actions taken by President Biden.
President Biden issued a Proclamation on Granting Pardon for the Offense of Simple Possession of Marijuana, Attempted Simple Possession of Marijuana, or Use of Marijuana. Through this proclamation, consistent with the grant of Proclamation 10467, he pardoned additional individuals who may continue to experience the unnecessary collateral consequences of a conviction for simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana.
The President issued an Executive Order on Taking Additional Steps With Respect to the Russian Federation’s Harmful Activities.
President Biden issued Letters to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on Taking Additional Steps With Respect to the Russian Federation’s Harmful Activities.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a statement on Japan’s decision to transfer Patriot missiles to the United States:
“We welcome the Government of Japan’s announcement today that it will transfer Patriot interceptor missiles to the United States to replenish U.S. inventories. This decision will contribute to the security of Japan and to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region by ensuring that U.S. forces, in close cooperation with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, will continue to maintain a credible deterrence and response capability. President Biden strongly appreciates and supports the leadership role played by Japan under Prime Minister Kishida, and we will continue to work closely with our Japanese Allies to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.”
The President issued a statement on the November PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) report, marking a significant milestone with inflation over the last six months at the pre-pandemic level of 2 percent. After adjusting for inflation, Americans have seen their income grow by 3.7 percent over the last year.
Vice President Harris issued a statement on the President’s clemency actions.
The President signed into law:
H.R. 2670, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024,” which authorizes fiscal year 2024 appropriations principally for Department of Defense programs and military construction, Department of Energy national security programs, Department of State, and Intelligence programs; specifies authorities relating to the U.S. Armed Forces; extends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act; and other matters.
President Biden has officially approved H.R. 2670, known as the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024." This legislation allocates fiscal year funding primarily for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy national security programs, Department of State, and the Intelligence Community. The Act grants essential authorities essential for developing the military capabilities necessary to prevent potential conflicts, all the while extending support to the dedicated service members and their families who actively contribute to this mission on a daily basis.
The President released a statement regarding the passing of Gad Haggai, an Israeli-American hostage. It is presumed that he was killed in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, and his remains were transported to Gaza.
“Jill and I are heartbroken by the news that American Gad Haggai is now believed to have been killed by Hamas on October 7. We continue to pray for the well-being and safe return of his wife, Judy. Their daughter joined by phone my meeting with the families of hostages last week. Those families bravely shared with me the harrowing ordeal that they have endured over the past months as they await news of their loved ones. It’s intolerable. Today, we are praying for their four children, seven grandchildren, and other loved ones and are grieving this tragic news with them. And I reaffirm the pledge we have made to all the families of those still held hostage: we will not stop working to bring them home.”
President Biden had a conversation with President Pedro Sanchez of Spain. President Biden congratulated President Sanchez for securing a new term and reiterated the enduring friendship between the United States and Spain, emphasizing their close collaboration in defense and security matters. The leaders delved into the latest developments in Israel and Gaza, expressing their commitment to jointly facilitate the ongoing delivery of essential humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. They underscored the significance of preventing the escalation of conflict in the region, condemning the ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Both leaders expressed anticipation for the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Spain.
In 2023, President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Delivered Results for American Families
President and First Lady Biden visit patients and family at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.
