What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 17 Recap
President Biden announced new actions aimed at curbing overdraft fees imposed by banks. The proposed rule is designed to end excessive overdraft charges, which can take a significant toll on hardworking families. The President criticized the practice of banks charging exorbitant fees, often impacting vulnerable Americans the most, while benefiting the banks' financial interests. The proposal seeks to cut the average overdraft fee by more than half, potentially saving the typical American family $150 per year and totaling $3.5 billion in annual savings for families. President Biden emphasized this initiative as part of a broader plan to reduce costs for hardworking families and counteract Republican support for what he views as exploitative fees.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a statement regarding the terrorist designation of the Houthi group in Yemen. The decision comes in response to the group's attacks on U.S. military forces and international vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which are deemed as acts of terrorism. The designation aims to impede terrorist funding to the Houthis, restrict their access to financial markets, and hold them accountable. The United States emphasizes that the designation will be reevaluated if Houthi attacks cease, and it will take effect in 30 days with humanitarian carve-outs to mitigate impacts on the people of Yemen. The statement also assures that commercial shipments for food, medicine, and fuel to Yemeni ports will continue unaffected by sanctions, reiterating the commitment to protecting people and international commerce.
The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced the Improving Student Achievement Agenda for 2024, focusing on evidence-based strategies to enhance academic performance. The key strategies include increasing student attendance, providing high-dosage tutoring, and expanding summer learning and extended/afterschool programs. The administration encourages states to commit to these strategies and emphasizes compliance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Technical assistance, guidance, and continued funding from pandemic relief sources are outlined to support these efforts. The National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS) is promoted, and several organizations commit to philanthropic support. The administration underscores its historic investments, including $130 billion from the American Rescue Plan, to address challenges posed by COVID-19 and support students' academic and mental health needs. The agenda aims to accelerate learning recovery, address achievement gaps, and provide comprehensive support for students' academic success.
President Biden held a meeting with Congressional leaders and key committee members to address the pressing need for continued support to Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion. The President emphasized the importance of providing Ukraine with necessary resources, such as air defense and artillery capabilities, to defend itself. He underscored the strategic consequences of inaction, stating that the failure of Congress to act jeopardizes U.S. national security, the NATO Alliance, and the global community. President Biden urged Congress to promptly allocate additional funding for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a strong signal of U.S. resolve. Additionally, he highlighted the need for swift action on border challenges and expressed optimism about bipartisan negotiations in the Senate. The President called on Congress to pass his national security supplemental swiftly.
President Biden has announced the formation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Inauguration of Her Excellency Hilda Heine in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on January 22, 2024. The delegation, led by Chantale Wong, United States Executive Director of the Asia Development Bank, includes Henry Hand (Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy Majuro), Erika Moritsugu (Deputy Assistant to the President and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Senior Liaison at The White House), and Carmen G. Cantor (Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs, Department of the Interior).
President Biden meets with Congressional leaders to discuss passage of his supplemental security package to continue to provide aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression
