What Did Joe Biden Do Today?

July 19, 2024 Recap

Jul 20, 2024

President Biden condemned the 16-year sentence given to American journalist Evan Gershkovich by the Russian government, stating that Gershkovich was wrongfully detained for his profession and nationality. Biden emphasized that journalism is not a crime and reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom and the release of all Americans wrongfully detained abroad. He praised Gershkovich's resilience and assured continuous efforts to secure his release while expressing support for him and his family.

President Biden expressed his condolences to Madam Ngô Thị Mận and the people of Vietnam on the passing of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, who led Vietnam for 13 years. Biden highlighted Trọng's role in strengthening U.S.-Vietnam relations, including his historic 2015 visit to the White House and the 2023 elevation of the partnership to "comprehensive strategic partners." Biden acknowledged the increased security and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region due to this relationship and praised Trọng's commitment to reconciliation, peace, stability, and prosperity. He honored Trọng's legacy and mourned his passing.

The Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to combat plastic pollution, acknowledging its severe environmental and public health impacts. The plan, titled "Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities," outlines federal actions to reduce plastic pollution across its lifecycle—from production to disposal. Key measures include phasing out single-use plastics in federal operations by 2035, promoting reusable and recyclable products, and leveraging federal purchasing power to spur sustainable markets.

The strategy also focuses on:

Reducing pollution from plastic production by targeting hazardous chemicals and improving data collection.
Innovating materials and product design to enhance recyclability and reduce health impacts.
Decreasing plastic waste generation by minimizing the use of unnecessary materials.
Improving waste management to ensure proper handling and recycling of plastic waste.
Enhancing efforts to capture and remove existing plastic pollution, particularly in the ocean.

The initiative aligns with President Biden’s broader environmental goals, including net-zero procurement by 2050. Various federal agencies, such as the EPA, are taking specific actions to reduce emissions, improve waste infrastructure, and clean up marine debris, demonstrating the administration's commitment to addressing plastic pollution comprehensively.

Dr. Kevin C. O'Connor, Physician to the President, released another letter providing an update on President Biden's COVID-19 condition. President Biden completed his fourth dose of PAXLOVID that morning. His primary symptoms, a loose, non-productive cough, and hoarseness, have significantly improved since the previous day. His vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, remain normal. His oxygen saturation is excellent, and his lungs are clear. PCR testing confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), although variant identification is still pending. All bloodwork results, including a Complete Blood Count and a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, were normal, showing no signs of anemia or bacterial infection and indicating good kidney and liver function. President Biden is tolerating the treatment well and continues to perform his duties. Dr. O'Connor assured that updates would be provided if there were any changes in the President's condition or treatment plan.

The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention met with over 30 state government officials from 16 states, including leaders from 12 state Offices of Gun Violence Prevention (OVPs). The gathering aimed to:

Share successful strategies for reducing gun violence and homicide.
Define collaboration methods among local, state, and federal offices.
Highlight the importance of raising awareness about gun violence prevention.
Provide information on federal resources available to state OVPs.

Representatives from states such as California, Colorado, and New York, as well as officials from the Department of Justice, Health and Human Services, and the CDC, attended the meeting. The meeting emphasized federal support for community violence intervention, including Bipartisan Safer Communities Act resources. The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to using all available tools to address gun violence, with state OVPs playing a crucial role in ensuring community safety.

President Biden congratulated the Association of Professional Flight Attendants and American Airlines on reaching a tentative agreement, highlighting the success of collective bargaining. He praised his administration's efforts, including Acting Secretary Su and Secretary Buttigieg, in helping to secure this deal, which avoids a potentially damaging strike. Biden noted that this agreement, resulting from over five years of negotiations, exemplifies the benefits of collective bargaining for workers, companies, and the economy. He reaffirmed his commitment to unions, emphasizing that strong unions contribute to a strong nation.