What Did Joe Biden Do Today?

October 1, 2024 Recap

In his remarks before an interagency briefing on Hurricane Helene, President Biden addressed two key issues: Iran’s missile attack on Israel and the U.S. response to Hurricane Helene. He began by discussing the missile attack, confirming that the U.S. military actively supported Israel's defense. He noted that the attack appeared ineffective, a testament to the military capabilities of both nations and the planning they undertook. Biden reaffirmed that the United States remains fully supportive of Israel and highlighted the close coordination between U.S. national security officials and their Israeli counterparts. While the situation is still being assessed, he emphasized that updates would be shared as they become available.

Shifting to the hurricane response, Biden underscored his priority of providing swift aid to the communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. He detailed the federal government’s preparations, which included deploying over 1,000 personnel, including search and rescue teams, and pre-positioning millions of meals and liters of water. He emphasized the unprecedented storm, affecting several states, including Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. Biden stressed the need for a coordinated effort among various federal agencies and predicted the recovery would cost billions. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stay involved until the recovery is complete and mentioned that he plans to visit the affected region soon. Finally, when asked about Israel’s potential response to Iran, Biden stated that discussions are ongoing and further decisions will depend on the evolving situation.

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Vice President Harris condemned Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel, describing it as reckless and dangerous. She highlighted that approximately 200 missiles were launched, and she unequivocally condemned Iran's actions, calling it a destabilizing force in the Middle East.

Harris mentioned that she had been in the Situation Room with President Biden and the national security team, monitoring the attack in real-time. She supported President Biden’s decision to have the U.S. military shoot down Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, a move similar to previous U.S. actions. Initial assessments suggested that Israel, with U.S. assistance, successfully defended against the attack, saving many innocent lives.

She reiterated her unwavering commitment to Israel's security. She emphasized that Iran poses a threat not only to Israel but also to U.S. personnel, American interests, and civilians across the region. The Vice President stressed that the U.S. will take necessary action to defend its forces and continue collaborating with allies to hold Iran accountable.

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The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced new initiatives to alleviate medical debt and address unlawful debt collection practices. Vice President Harris announced actions from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Department of Defense (DoD), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) designed to provide relief for Americans struggling with medical bills. These efforts aim to hold third-party debt collectors accountable, ensure transparency in billing practices, and reduce financial barriers to care.

The CFPB released guidance clarifying that debt collectors must verify the validity of medical debts before pursuing collection. The Bureau also advised consumers on handling improper billing, including steps to challenge erroneous charges. Additionally, the DoD proposed a rule to ease the financial burden on civilians receiving care at military facilities by offering sliding-scale discounts and waivers.

The CFPB emphasized further transparency by highlighting wrongful collection practices by tax-exempt hospitals that fail to provide financial assistance to eligible patients. The HHS is also collecting data to understand better the impact of medical debt, particularly among seniors and disabled individuals, and to guide future policy decisions. Vice President Harris reiterated the administration’s commitment to canceling $7 billion in medical debt by 2026, removing medical debt from credit scores, and ensuring that no one is denied financial opportunities due to illness or medical emergencies.

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President Biden welcomed Mark Rutte as the new Secretary General of NATO. He praised Rutte's experience as a strong leader and consensus-builder and expressed confidence that Rutte would strengthen NATO's mission of collective security. Biden reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to NATO, emphasizing the importance of Article 5, which stated that an attack on one member is an attack on all. He also thanked outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for his leadership during a critical decade for Euro-Atlantic security.

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President Biden emphasized the importance of collective bargaining for workers to receive fair pay and benefits. He urged the USMX, representing foreign-owned ocean carriers, to negotiate a fair contract with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). Biden highlighted that while ocean carriers had seen record profits and significant executive compensation, the workers who kept ports running during the pandemic deserved a substantial wage increase. He also pointed out the vital role dockworkers would play in recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene and warned against price gouging by foreign carriers. Biden stressed the need for fair negotiations that reflected the longshoremen’s contribution to the economy.

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President Biden congratulated Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic inauguration as Mexico's first female president. He emphasized the strong partnership and close ties between the U.S. and Mexico in political, economic, and cultural areas. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden led the U.S. delegation at the event, representing their respect and friendship. President Biden reaffirmed the United States' commitment to work with Mexico toward a democratic, prosperous, and secure future for both nations.

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White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre led a press briefing focused on three key issues: Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel, the federal response to Hurricane Helene, and the ongoing port worker strike. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reported that Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles toward Israel. The U.S. worked closely with the Israeli Defense Forces to intercept the missiles, successfully preventing any known casualties in Israel, though a Palestinian civilian was reported dead in Jericho. Sullivan emphasized that the U.S. remains in close consultation with Israel on the next steps and is focused on ensuring the safety of American personnel in the region.

In response to Hurricane Helene, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas outlined the federal government’s efforts to support affected states. The hurricane has caused widespread destruction, particularly in North Carolina and Georgia. Thousands of federal personnel and significant disaster relief resources have been deployed, including search-and-rescue teams, food, water, and medical supplies. The administration is committed to aiding recovery efforts and restoring power and communication services as quickly as possible. President Biden plans to visit the affected areas to assess the damage and meet with local officials.

The briefing also addressed the ongoing port worker strike. The Biden administration has urged both parties to negotiate a fair contract, highlighting workers' critical role during the pandemic. While the strike has not yet caused significant disruptions to essential goods such as food, fuel, or medicine, the administration closely monitors the situation. It is prepared to take action if necessary. This strike, along with other ongoing challenges like the Middle East conflict and disaster recovery efforts, underscores the administration's focus on addressing multiple crises simultaneously.

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The President signed into law:

H.R. 9106, “Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024,” which requires the U.S. Secret Service to apply the same standards for determining the number of agents required to protect Presidents, Vice Presidents, and major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates.

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President Biden called Japan's new Prime Minister, Ishiba Shigeru, to congratulate him on his election. During the call, Biden emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance, which has supported regional peace and prosperity for over 70 years, and expressed a desire to strengthen further the partnership across security, economic, technology, and diplomatic areas. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared values, commitment to a free and open global order, and intention to bolster defense cooperation. They also discussed enhancing regional collaboration through partnerships like the Quad and trilateral cooperation with South Korea and the Philippines.

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The vice presidential debate between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance, moderated by CBS News hosts Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, delved deeply into several pressing issues, revealing contrasting visions for America's future. On foreign policy, Governor Walz criticized the foreign strategy of former President Donald Trump, particularly regarding the handling of Middle Eastern affairs and the situation with Iran. Walz emphasized the importance of stable and measured leadership, advocating for sustained diplomacy and continuity in global relationships. He highlighted the risks of Trump's unpredictable approach, citing concerns over increasing tensions in key geopolitical areas. Senator Vance, however, supported Trump's "peace-through-strength" doctrine, emphasizing a tougher stance on Iran and unwavering support for Israel. He argued that Trump's assertive posture brought peace to volatile regions and advocated for maintaining a hardline approach to deter aggression from countries like Iran.

When addressing climate change, Walz stressed the urgency of the crisis and proposed a dual strategy of tackling climate issues while simultaneously creating jobs through investments in clean energy. He pointed out the potential economic benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing emissions. Vance, while acknowledging the need for environmental stewardship, focused on energy independence and reviving American manufacturing. He criticized current climate policies for outsourcing production to countries with lower environmental standards, arguing that American industries should be empowered rather than constrained by environmental regulations. Vance proposed using domestic resources more effectively, such as increasing natural gas production, which he claimed would support American jobs and keep energy costs low.

On the topic of immigration, Vance took a hardline approach, advocating for stronger border security measures and mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. He framed illegal immigration as a primary driver of inflated housing costs and wage suppression, which he said disproportionately harms working-class Americans. Vance also argued that the federal government needs to be more assertive in preventing illegal crossings and reducing the financial burden on states. Walz, in contrast, called for comprehensive immigration reform that balanced securing the border with creating a humane and orderly system for those seeking asylum or work opportunities. He criticized Trump’s border policies as overly harsh and argued that addressing the root causes of migration, such as instability in Central America, was key to solving the crisis.

Gun violence was another contentious issue during the debate. Governor Walz pushed for common-sense gun control measures, such as expanding background checks and implementing red flag laws, which allow authorities to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to be a threat to themselves or others. He argued that these measures were widely supported by the public and necessary to reduce gun-related deaths, particularly in light of increasing mass shootings. Vance, however, countered that gun control laws do little to address the real issue, which he saw as failures in law enforcement and security, particularly in schools. He advocated for increased security measures in educational institutions and empowering police to crack down on gun violence, especially in urban areas.

On healthcare, Walz strongly defended the Affordable Care Act (ACA), criticizing the repeated attempts by Trump and Republicans to dismantle it. He emphasized the importance of protecting coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions, ensuring that healthcare remains affordable and accessible. Walz argued that rather than repealing the ACA, it should be expanded and improved upon to cover more Americans. Vance expressed agreement on the need for protecting those with pre-existing conditions but was critical of the ACA’s overall framework, describing it as inefficient and costly. Instead, he advocated for reforms that would increase competition in the healthcare market, allowing for more consumer choice and lowering costs through market-driven solutions.

The candidates also sparred over the economy, with Walz advocating for middle-class tax cuts, housing affordability initiatives, and job creation through investments in clean energy and infrastructure projects. He stressed the need for federal support in creating economic opportunities for working families, especially as the country transitions to a greener economy. Vance, however, argued for lower corporate taxes and penalties for companies that outsource American jobs. He claimed that Trump's economic policies of deregulation and tax cuts had led to economic growth and job creation before the pandemic and proposed continuing these policies to rebuild the post-pandemic economy. Vance also highlighted the importance of energy independence as a way to strengthen American industries and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

The discussion on democracy and the events surrounding January 6th was perhaps the most heated segment of the debate. Governor Walz condemned Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results, accusing him of inciting the Capitol insurrection and undermining democratic norms. He expressed concern about the erosion of trust in American institutions and called for stronger measures to protect democracy and ensure the peaceful transfer of power. Senator Vance, however, defended Trump, arguing that while Trump had contested the election results, he ultimately left office peacefully. Vance also pointed to past instances where Democrats had challenged election outcomes, suggesting a double standard in the way these challenges are viewed. He downplayed the significance of January 6th, framing it as a protest that got out of hand rather than an organized attempt to overthrow the government.

In summary, the debate highlighted the stark ideological differences between Governor Walz and Senator Vance. Walz focused on progressive policies aimed at addressing systemic issues like climate change, healthcare, and gun violence, while promoting unity and stability in foreign policy. Vance, on the other hand, championed a conservative vision centered on Trump's America First agenda, emphasizing energy independence, stronger borders, and a tougher stance on global adversaries. Each candidate’s approach reflected a broader division in American politics, with Walz advocating for government-led solutions to societal challenges, while Vance pushed for market-driven reforms and a more assertive national posture.

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President Biden convenes a meeting with Vice President Harris and their national security team to discuss Iranian plans to imminently launch a significant ballistic missile attack against Israel