What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
September 17, 2024 Recap
President Biden addressed the ongoing wildfire season, highlighting the devastating impact of wildfires across the U.S., including major fires in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, California, and Oregon. He noted that nearly 37,000 wildfires have burned over 7.3 million acres nationwide. Specifically, California faces three major fires displacing thousands, while Oregon has nearly 1.8 million acres burned, setting an unfortunate record. The President emphasized his administration’s efforts, working around the clock with federal resources and state governors to control the fires and protect communities. He also mentioned the increased pay for firefighters to $29 per hour and expressed a desire to make it permanent.
Vice President Harris criticized Senate Republicans for blocking nationwide protections for IVF, emphasizing that every woman should have reproductive freedom. She noted that Congressional Republicans have repeatedly refused to safeguard access to fertility treatments and have launched broader attacks on reproductive rights since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, including abortion bans without exceptions and blocking legislation on contraception. Harris called their actions extreme and dangerous, reaffirming the administration's commitment to protecting reproductive freedoms, including IVF access, and urged Congress to pass legislation to restore these rights.
Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer spoke with Guyana President Irfaan Ali to strengthen the U.S.-Guyana bilateral relationship, focusing on regional security, democracy, and stability. They reviewed the outcomes of the inaugural Guyana-U.S. Strategic Dialogue and discussed further steps to support Guyana's economic development and territorial integrity. Both expressed concerns about violations of democratic practices in Venezuela and agreed to continue working with regional partners to restore security in Haiti, supporting the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre held a press briefing detailing President Biden’s upcoming participation in the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 23rd to 25th. The President will address the General Assembly, focusing on cooperation to tackle threats to international peace and security, promote global prosperity, and protect human rights. In addition, he will hold meetings with world leaders to advance these goals. On public health, Jean-Pierre highlighted the administration’s response to the escalating mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The U.S. has been monitoring the situation since 2023 and has collaborated closely with the DRC government and global health partners. To support efforts, the U.S. has provided $20 million for preparedness and response, plans to spend an additional $35 million, and recently delivered 50,000 vaccine doses to the DRC. The administration emphasizes its commitment to becoming a global mpox response and domestic preparedness leader.
Jean-Pierre also addressed domestic issues, specifically Senate Democrats' efforts to pass legislation protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), which has faced repeated blocks by Senate Republicans. She criticized Republican officials for their ongoing efforts to undermine reproductive rights, especially following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Jean-Pierre reiterated that President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to restoring reproductive freedoms nationwide. She urged Republicans to join Democrats in protecting women's rights to make personal health decisions, including access to fertility treatments. The briefing coincided with Voter Registration Day, and Jean-Pierre underscored the importance of the right to vote. She outlined the administration's work to make voting more accessible and called for the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to protect voting rights across the country.
On security matters, Jean-Pierre discussed ongoing concerns in Lebanon following reports of exploding pagers linked to escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. While declining to speculate, she emphasized the importance of diplomatic resolutions to avoid further conflict. She also addressed recent comments by former President Donald Trump, who accused President Biden and Vice President Harris of inciting violence against him. Jean-Pierre strongly refuted these claims, highlighting the administration's consistent condemnation of all forms of political violence and their commitment to lowering the temperature of political rhetoric. She reiterated that Biden’s administration promotes healthy political dialogue and calls on all national leaders to denounce violent rhetoric.
Regarding Secret Service operations, Jean-Pierre emphasized the President's belief in providing the agency with all necessary resources to fulfill its critical mission, especially during the 2024 presidential campaign. She confirmed that the administration has been working closely with Congress to secure additional funding to enhance the Secret Service’s protective capabilities. Despite recent security incidents, Jean-Pierre affirmed President Biden’s confidence in the Secret Service's leadership and their ongoing review of protocols to ensure the safety of current and former presidents. The administration continues to prioritize reducing political tensions and promoting unity, condemning violent rhetoric from all sides and emphasizing the need for responsible leadership across the political spectrum.
President Biden issued a statement addressing the ongoing crisis in Sudan, where a 17-month conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing nearly 10 million people and causing widespread suffering, especially in Darfur. He condemns the actions of both groups, calling on them to halt attacks, allow humanitarian access, and re-engage in peace negotiations.
The U.S. stands with the Sudanese people, providing over $1.6 billion in aid and pushing for international cooperation to alleviate the crisis. The U.S. has also sanctioned entities and individuals linked to the conflict and will continue to hold accountable those responsible for atrocities. Biden reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting Sudan’s pursuit of freedom, peace, and justice, urging all parties to end the violence for the sake of the Sudanese people.
Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the National Association of Black Journalists, covering key issues like the economy, child care, racial justice, and international affairs. On the economy, Harris highlighted the administration’s achievements, including the creation of over 16 million new jobs, the lowest Black unemployment rate in generations, and significant investments in small businesses, particularly Black-owned ones. While acknowledging ongoing challenges like high grocery prices, she promoted her vision of an “opportunity economy” aimed at providing resources for homeownership, supporting small businesses, and offering down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers to foster intergenerational wealth.
Harris also discussed the economic strain of child and elder care, proposing to cap childcare costs at 7% of a family's income to help working families balance their responsibilities. She emphasized the need for better wages for child care and home health care workers, recognizing their critical roles. Addressing housing affordability, Harris outlined her plan to increase the housing supply by incentivizing private sector homebuilders through tax credits, aiming to build 3 million homes by the end of her first term.
On racial justice and economic policies, Harris spoke directly to young Black men, a crucial voting bloc, who are considering voting for Donald Trump due to economic concerns. She emphasized her commitment to expanding access to capital for small businesses, addressing systemic barriers like medical debt, and creating opportunities for wealth-building within the Black community. In terms of gun control, Harris, a gun owner herself, reiterated her support for an assault weapons ban and universal background checks. She acknowledged that while handguns are responsible for a significant portion of gun violence, a comprehensive approach is needed to address the root causes of everyday violence.
Regarding reproductive access, Harris strongly advocated for codifying the protections of Roe v. Wade into law, criticizing state laws that restrict abortion rights without exceptions for rape or incest. She argued that women should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies without government interference. In international affairs, Harris called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution, emphasizing the U.S.'s role in supporting both Israel's right to self-defense and the dignity and security of Palestinians. She highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts to mediate a resolution, including direct talks with Israeli and Arab leaders.
Harris also condemned recent racial tensions in Springfield, Ohio, where racist conspiracy theories have led to school closures and community fear. She emphasized the importance of responsible leadership and the profound impact of divisive rhetoric, particularly from prominent political figures. Harris expressed empathy for the affected community and called for unity and an end to hateful speech. Throughout her remarks, Harris presented a vision of leadership focused on economic opportunity, social justice, and compassionate governance, advocating for systemic changes that uplift all Americans and confront the challenges facing the nation today.
Governor Tim Walz delivered an energetic and impassioned speech at a Harris/Walz campaign event in Asheville, NC, where he praised the crowd's enthusiasm, calling it one of the best rally turnouts he had seen. He highlighted the importance of Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day, noting these as symbols of the democracy that Trump has often disrespected. Walz took a moment to express his gratitude for Governor Roy Cooper, calling him a visionary leader who embodies the kindness and thoughtfulness of North Carolina. He then endorsed Josh Stein, urging the crowd to support him as the next governor of North Carolina.
Throughout his remarks, Walz was highly critical of former President Donald Trump, highlighting the damage he believes Trump inflicted on the country. Walz noted Trump's first actions in office included attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which protected those with pre-existing conditions and expanded healthcare coverage. He also pointed out that Trump followed through on promises to cut taxes for the wealthy while increasing the national debt to unprecedented levels. Walz criticized Trump for his efforts to appoint judges who stripped away reproductive rights from women and for attempting to overturn a free and fair election, actions that Walz described as fundamentally un-American.
Walz shared his background, recounting his upbringing in a small town in Nebraska, his military service, and his experience as a public school teacher and football coach. He emphasized his belief in public service and the value of looking out for one another, which he said were core principles he learned from his community and his time in Congress. As a former member of Congress known for his bipartisan approach, Walz underscored the importance of compromise without sacrificing values, drawing a sharp contrast to the divisiveness he attributes to Trump’s time in office.
The governor was effusive in praising Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her a lifelong fighter for the American people. He highlighted her career as a prosecutor, Attorney General of California, U.S. Senator, and Vice President, noting her commitment to justice and her willingness to work across the aisle for the good of the country. Walz emphasized Harris’s focus on joy and compassion in politics, contrasting it with Trump’s approach, which he characterized as divisive and fear-driven. He described Harris as a leader who not only defends democracy but does so with integrity and optimism.
Walz detailed Harris’s policy priorities, which include making homeownership more affordable, tackling grocery and prescription drug price gouging, supporting small businesses, and strengthening labor unions through the passage of the PRO Act. He framed Harris as a champion of individual freedoms, particularly in contrast to Republicans who, according to Walz, seek to limit personal liberties, control reproductive rights, and impose government interference in private matters. He stressed the importance of protecting the rights of women, maintaining access to fertility treatments, and ensuring that healthcare decisions remain personal.
In a broader critique, Walz pointed to the harmful impacts of Trump’s policies on North Carolinians, including lost manufacturing jobs, the stripping of overtime protections, and the denial of essential benefits like Medicaid expansion. He argued that Trump’s administration consistently prioritized the wealthy while ignoring the needs of working families. Walz portrayed Harris as a leader with a clear vision for the future, committed to creating jobs, rebuilding infrastructure, and ensuring all Americans have access to fundamental rights and opportunities.
Concluding his speech, Walz called on supporters to remain engaged and active in the fight for democracy. He stressed that the stakes of the upcoming election extend far beyond political parties; they are about defending the freedoms and values that define the nation. He urged everyone to reach out to friends and neighbors, participate in campaign efforts, and vote to secure a future that reflects the principles of equality, opportunity, and shared prosperity. Walz ended on an optimistic note, reminding the crowd that when they fight, they win, encapsulating his rallying call to action for the weeks ahead.
President Biden meets with his team to discuss efforts to assist local communities devastated by wildfires
