What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 29 Recap
Today, Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor, engaged in a conversation with Jacek Siewiera, the Polish Secretary of State and Head of the National Security Bureau. Sullivan conveyed the unwavering solidarity of the United States with Poland, a valued NATO ally, in light of the reported incident involving a missile briefly entering Polish airspace. He committed to providing technical assistance as required and reassured his Polish counterpart that President Biden is closely monitoring the situation. Dr. Siewiera expressed gratitude for the U.S. support, and both officials affirmed their commitment to maintaining close communication between their respective governments.
President Biden issued a proclamation outlining trade-related decisions:
Mauritania is designated as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country, meeting eligibility criteria.
Mauritania qualifies as a "lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African country" for certain apparel articles.
Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda lose their beneficiary status effective January 1, 2024.
The U.S. extends duty-free access for specified agricultural products from Israel through December 31, 2024.
The harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) is modified to reflect changes, effective January 1, 2024.
Annex I details modifications for tariff commitments under the 2004 Agreement with Israel.
Effective dates for HTS modifications and technical rectifications are specified.
Any inconsistent provisions from previous proclamations or Executive Orders are superseded.
Essentially, the proclamation addresses trade adjustments, designating new beneficiaries, and modifying tariff arrangements with Israel.
President Biden expressed grave concern over Russia's recent extensive aerial assault on Ukraine, describing it as the largest since the beginning of the war. The attack employed drones and missiles, including hypersonic-capable ones, targeting cities, civilian infrastructure, a maternity hospital, a shopping mall, and residential areas, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and numerous injuries. The President emphasized that the assault underscores Putin's unchanged objective of obliterating Ukraine and subjugating its people.
In response to the brutal attack, Ukraine utilized air defense systems provided by the United States, Allies, and partners, successfully intercepting and destroying many missiles and drones. President Biden commended the support provided to Ukraine but stressed the need for urgent action by Congress in the coming year to continue supplying the necessary weapons and air defense systems. He highlighted the broader implications of the conflict, stating that it impacts the NATO Alliance, European security, and the Transatlantic relationship. Putin's actions not only threaten Ukraine but also pose a risk to some NATO Allies. President Biden emphasized the importance of the coalition of over 50 countries supporting Ukraine's defense, urging Congress to act promptly and underscoring the global consequences if freedom's call goes unanswered.
President Biden has proclaimed January 2024 as National Mentoring Month, celebrating the contributions of millions of mentors who support young people. The proclamation highlights the administration's efforts, including the American Rescue Plan and various initiatives, to promote mentorship and provide opportunities for youth. Americans are encouraged to become mentors, and the month will be observed with appropriate ceremonies and activities. The proclamation emphasizes the impact of mentoring on the nation's future success.
President Biden has declared January 2024 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, emphasizing the global threat of human trafficking affecting millions, including in the United States. The proclamation underscores the administration's commitment to combatting trafficking through initiatives such as the National Action Plan and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Efforts include addressing root causes, prosecuting traffickers, and supporting survivors, with a focus on workers' rights and ending forced labor in global supply chains. The proclamation highlights legislative actions, such as reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act and provisions in the American Rescue Plan to aid survivors. President Biden calls on Americans to raise awareness, educate on identifying signs, and share the National Human Trafficking hotline. Businesses, civil society organizations, faith communities, families, and all Americans are urged to observe the month with activities to prevent human trafficking.
President Biden has proclaimed January 2024 as National Stalking Awareness Month. The proclamation emphasizes the strength of those who have endured stalking and condemns it as an abuse of power, affecting a significant number of individuals. President Biden reflects on his past achievements, including the Violence Against Women Act, and highlights recent updates to the law, addressing issues such as non-consensual distribution of intimate images and expanding jurisdiction for Tribal courts.
The proclamation also outlines the administration's commitment to combating online harassment and cybercrime, mentioning the creation of the White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse in 2022. President Biden released the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence in May, addressing various aspects of the issue. The proclamation calls for increased awareness of stalking, condemning such behaviors and urging support for advocacy efforts, legal proceedings, and law enforcement actions. Overall, it emphasizes the need for a united stand against stalking and sends a message that these crimes will not go unpunished.
The President unveils his “We’re Not Finished Yet” campaign video on social media.