What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
September 5, 2024 Recap
A background press call provided an overview of the ongoing efforts by the U.S. and its international partners to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Negotiations, which have been ongoing for several months, focus on three primary components: delivering humanitarian aid to Gazans, executing a prisoner exchange involving hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and establishing ceasefire arrangements. The deal includes significant humanitarian relief for Gazans, such as delivering 600 trucks of aid daily, rehabilitating hospitals and essential infrastructure, and providing temporary housing and freedom of movement for displaced civilians.
The prisoner exchange, a critical component of the deal, involves the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including some with life sentences, in return for hostages. However, progress has been difficult, particularly after the recent execution of hostages by Hamas, which has further complicated the negotiations. The ceasefire arrangements are designed to be implemented in phases, starting with a 42-day ceasefire that could extend into more permanent conditions if successful. Key disputes remain, particularly concerning the Israeli military presence along the Philadelphi Corridor near Gaza, a point of contention between the involved parties.
Current sticking points include unresolved disagreements over the Philadelphi Corridor and specific details of the prisoner exchange. Despite some progress, these issues continue to delay the deal. The U.S. and its allies are committed to finalizing the agreement to halt the ongoing conflict, secure the release of hostages, and deliver much-needed aid to Gazans. However, the recent execution of hostages has heightened the urgency and complexity of the negotiations, underscoring the challenges of reaching a resolution.
President Biden visited Westby, Wisconsin, to announce a historic $7.3 billion investment aimed at bringing clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to rural America, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. This initiative marks the largest investment in rural electrification since the New Deal. It is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader Investing in America agenda, which focuses on lowering costs, creating jobs, and providing new opportunities to communities nationwide. The investment includes the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program, where 16 rural electric cooperatives across 23 states will receive funding to transition to cleaner energy sources, benefiting approximately 5 million rural cooperative members. The $7.3 billion funding will leverage over $29 billion in total investments, creating thousands of jobs, reducing energy costs, and preventing 43.7 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
In Wisconsin, Dairyland Power Cooperative will receive nearly $573 million, which will be used to develop renewable energy projects, including wind and solar installations, across rural parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois. This investment is expected to lower electric rates for Dairyland members by 42% over the next decade. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act supports other initiatives like the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program, which funds renewable energy projects and offers low-interest loans with partial forgiveness, and the expanded Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which provides grants and loans to rural businesses and farmers for renewable energy systems and efficiency improvements.
These efforts are part of the broader Investing in America agenda, which also includes significant funding for infrastructure improvements, such as road and bridge repairs, high-speed internet expansion, and lead pipe replacement in Wisconsin and other states. These initiatives aim to revitalize rural communities, reduce energy costs, tackle climate change, and bring economic opportunities to historically underserved regions, demonstrating the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Americans across the country.
Watch the President’s remarks here.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a statement highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration's success in securing the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua on humanitarian grounds. These prisoners, including members of the Texas-based Mountain Gateway organization, Catholic laypeople, and students, were unjustly detained by the Nicaraguan government under President Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. The U.S. commends Guatemala for accepting these individuals and offering them opportunities to apply for lawful resettlement in the United States or other countries. The U.S. also urges Nicaragua to stop arbitrarily detaining its citizens for exercising fundamental freedoms.
President Biden issued a statement emphasizing the significant strides made in the offshore wind industry since his administration began. When he took office, the United States had no approved offshore wind projects in federal waters, and the industry struggled to establish itself. However, due to strategic investments in clean energy, the administration has approved ten offshore wind projects, marking a significant shift. These projects are expected to generate enough energy to power over five million homes, equivalent to half the capacity needed to achieve the administration's target of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030.
Offshore wind development is set to bring extensive economic benefits across various sectors. This growing industry will create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs in manufacturing, shipbuilding, port operations, and construction. Beyond job creation, these projects will provide reliable, clean power to homes and businesses, enhancing energy security and strengthening the power grid against potential outages. Additionally, they will play a crucial role in reducing pollution, contributing to the broader goal of addressing climate change, all while ensuring the protection of biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
President Biden also underscored the administration's commitment to partnering with industry stakeholders, including Tribes, ocean users, and other relevant groups, to foster a robust, Made in America supply chain. The administration aims to incentivize union-built projects, ensuring that the economic benefits are widely shared. Looking ahead, the administration is focused on seizing further opportunities for clean energy technologies, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable energy future.
Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer visited Kyiv on September 4-5 to coordinate U.S. support for Ukraine during the remainder of President Biden’s term. Finer met with President Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders to discuss military, economic, and energy support. He expressed condolences for recent casualties from Russian missile attacks and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s victory.
Finer also discussed front-line military operations and U.S. security assistance with Ukrainian officials. He reviewed Ukraine’s energy security and recovery efforts, including visiting a critical energy site. At Ukraine’s food security conference, Finer highlighted U.S. support for a just peace. He also discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia and global efforts to oppose the war with other Ukrainian officials.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held an on-the-record press gaggle discussing several significant international developments. First, he announced that the United States, in coordination with Guatemala’s President Arévalo, facilitated the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua, including human rights defenders, students, and others deemed threats by Nicaragua’s government. These individuals, many of whom were detained unjustly for long periods, were transported to Guatemala, where they will receive immediate humanitarian aid and can seek lawful migration pathways under President Biden’s Safe Mobility Offices initiative.
Kirby also provided an update on the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, which began last Sunday with strong U.S. support. Following a recent polio outbreak, the World Health Organization and UNICEF have vaccinated about 189,000 children in Gaza. The U.S. worked closely with Israel to ensure safe access for the vaccination teams, including securing pauses in military operations. Kirby underscored the importance of a ceasefire to address this and other humanitarian challenges in Gaza, emphasizing that real lives, especially young ones, are at risk.
Turning to Africa, Kirby highlighted the achievements of the Prosper Africa initiative, which, since 2021, has facilitated $63.5 billion in private sector deals across 41 African countries, enhancing transparent investment opportunities. He also addressed the ongoing crisis in Sudan, where millions face acute hunger and displacement. The U.S. is pushing for ceasefire talks and humanitarian commitments to alleviate suffering and improve access to aid.
Regarding the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, Kirby acknowledged ongoing informal communications between the U.S., Israel, Qatar, and Egypt to reach an agreement despite recent setbacks, including Hamas's execution of hostages. The U.S. remains committed to finding a solution, even as Kirby acknowledged the difficulty of the negotiations. On Ukraine, Kirby mentioned continued discussions with Ukrainian officials about their defense needs, including air defense and energy security, as winter approaches. The U.S. is working to enhance Ukraine’s infrastructure resilience amid ongoing threats.
Kirby also touched on the U.S. role in securing the release of Nicaraguan political prisoners, emphasizing that the effort involved the entire administration, including the Vice President, and aligns with broader efforts to address the root causes of migration. In response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent comments on the U.S. presidential race, Kirby criticized Putin’s interference, stressing that only the American people should decide their elections. The briefing concluded with Kirby expressing frustrations over the complex diplomatic dynamics involved in these global issues but reaffirming the administration's commitment to addressing them.
President Biden issued a proclamation commemorating the National Days of Prayer and Remembrance in 2024, honoring the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. It reflects on the 2,977 lives lost and the bravery of first responders, military personnel, and citizens who united in the face of tragedy. President Biden acknowledges the ongoing pain of families and survivors, urging the nation to remember their sacrifices and uphold the values of liberty and justice. He calls on Americans to engage in acts of remembrance and invites global participation in prayers and memorials to honor the victims and their loved ones.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, speaking en route to La Crosse, Wisconsin, announced a $7.3 billion investment from the Inflation Reduction Act for rural electrification, marking the largest investment of its kind since the New Deal. The funds will help lower energy costs, enhance grid reliability, and create thousands of jobs. Additionally, she highlighted the 10th approval of a commercial-scale offshore wind project, which will power 770,000 homes and support over 2,600 jobs annually.
Regarding Hunter Biden, Jean-Pierre declined to comment on his legal situation but reiterated that President Biden has no plans to pardon his son. She also addressed questions on border asylum rules, noting no expected changes, and on the recent school shooting, she stated the President will address the tragedy in his remarks.
Jean-Pierre did not provide updates on the job market ahead of an upcoming labor report, and on U.S. Steel's situation, she deferred to ongoing CFIUS processes. Concerning Boeing’s labor dispute, she emphasized the President's support for collective bargaining. On tax policy, Jean-Pierre reaffirmed that the President and Vice President share a unified stance on fair taxation for working Americans.
President Biden in Westby, Wisconsin, to announce a historic $7.3 billion investment aimed at bringing clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to rural America, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act
