In a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, President Biden addressed the situation in Gaza, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of strikes on humanitarian workers and the dire humanitarian situation. The President highlighted the necessity for Israel to announce and implement specific steps to mitigate civilian harm and ensure the safety of aid workers. He indicated that U.S. policy towards Gaza would hinge on Israel's immediate actions regarding these issues.
President Biden stressed the importance of an immediate ceasefire to alleviate humanitarian suffering and protect civilians. He encouraged Netanyahu to enable his negotiators to conclude a deal for the release of hostages swiftly. The discussion also touched on Iranian threats against Israel, with The President affirming strong U.S. support in the face of such threats.
The U.S. has not specified how its policy might change but indicated it could affect military sales to Israel and its diplomatic support on the global stage. Netanyahu's office has announced steps to enhance humanitarian aid flow into Gaza, including reopening the Erez crossing and allowing increased aid shipments, in response to President Biden's demands.
Additional source: The Associated Press
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson expressed approval for measures taken by Israel to enhance aid delivery to Gaza, as announced following a discussion between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu. These measures include opening the Ashdod port for aid, establishing a new route at the Erez crossing to assist northern Gaza, and increasing aid delivery from Jordan. The rapid implementation of these steps is crucial. The U.S. will base its policy on Gaza on Israel's immediate actions, focusing on protecting civilians and ensuring the safety of aid workers. The U.S. aims to collaborate with Israel, Jordan, Egypt, the UN, and humanitarian bodies to ensure these steps effectively increase aid to Gaza's needy civilians.
The Biden-Harris Administration announced a $20 billion initiative under the Inflation Reduction Act's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to expand clean energy access and lower energy costs. Vice President Harris and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan highlighted this during a visit to Charlotte, North Carolina. This marks a significant move towards funding a multitude of climate and clean energy projects across the U.S., with a particular focus on assisting communities historically marginalized and burdened by pollution.
The initiative represents the largest non-tax investment within the Inflation Reduction Act, dedicating at least 70% of the funds to disadvantaged communities, and is part of a broader effort to mobilize public and private capital towards slashing climate pollution and fostering job creation in the clean energy sector. Despite attempts by Republicans to repeal this fund, the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to these climate goals, highlighting the program's potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and stimulate nearly $150 billion in private investment toward sustainable and equitable energy solutions.
On the 75th anniversary of NATO, President Biden highlighted the significance of the world's most substantial military alliance, emphasizing its role in upholding freedom and deterring aggression. The President reflected on historical moments demonstrating NATO's unity, such as the Cold War opposition to Soviet forces, the invocation of Article 5 after the 9/11 attacks, and recent support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion. With the inclusion of Finland and Sweden, NATO has grown stronger, evidenced by a nearly $80 billion increase in defense spending by Allies in the past three years. President Biden stressed the importance of continuing to defend NATO's principles and territories, invoking President Harry Truman's words on the enduring global desire for freedom and peace, expressing confidence in the alliance's future.
The White House recently hosted a meeting, led by key figures such as Domestic Policy Council Director Neera Tanden and Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Andrea Palm, to discuss the positive impacts of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, particularly on women with Medicare. The Administration emphasized the law's role in reducing prescription drug costs through measures like a $35 cap on insulin prices and a future $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs for Medicare enrollees. Nearly 30 million women in Medicare Part D stand to benefit from these changes, which are aimed at easing the financial burden of healthcare for conditions ranging from cancer to autoimmune diseases. The discussion also covered the broader objective of the Biden-Harris Administration to lower healthcare costs for all Americans, highlighting the importance of the law for women's economic security and access to affordable medication. Experts and advocates at the event underscored the significance of these efforts for improving healthcare affordability and accessibility for women across the nation.
The White House released a fact sheet showing The Republican Study Committee, representing a significant portion of House Republicans, has proposed a budget that President Biden warns could adversely affect Medicare and Social Security beneficiaries. This proposal includes over $1.5 trillion in Social Security cuts, increasing the retirement age to 69, and reducing disability benefits. It also plans to raise Medicare costs for seniors by removing Medicare’s power to negotiate drug prices and repealing cost-saving measures in the Inflation Reduction Act, transitioning Medicare to a premium-based system. The plan seeks $5.5 trillion in tax cuts primarily benefiting the wealthy and large corporations, funded by drastic reductions in non-defense discretionary spending. This could result in extended wait times and reduced accessibility for those seeking Medicare and Social Security assistance, affecting millions of Americans across all states and territories.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed deep disappointment over the Uganda Constitutional Court's decision to uphold the Anti-Homosexuality Act, highlighting its threat to human rights and economic prosperity in Uganda. Despite overturning some clauses, the failure to fully repeal the Act endangers LGBTQ+ individuals with potential hate crimes, discrimination, persecution, and severe penalties.
Echoing President Biden's stance, Sullivan criticized the atmosphere of fear and violence sanctioned by such laws. He affirmed the U.S.'s ongoing evaluation of its engagement with Uganda and promised to hold human rights violators accountable. The U.S. remains dedicated to supporting Uganda's human rights defenders and is committed to enhancing democratic institutions, protecting human rights, and fighting corruption worldwide.
President Biden honored the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, on the 56th anniversary of his assassination. He highlighted Dr. King's efforts for safer working conditions, fair wages, and dignity for all Americans. The President condemned the extremist who, driven by white supremacy, murdered Dr. King, a patriot who worked tirelessly for America's betterment. President Biden shared how Dr. King's mission inspired his own public service career, from becoming a public defender to serving as Vice President and now President, advancing Dr. King's vision alongside the first woman Vice President.
President Biden announced new protections for 2.2 million career civil servants, safeguarding them from political interference. This measure ensures these employees can serve the American public effectively, providing essential services and opportunities. This rule represents a commitment to strengthening the federal workforce, combating corruption, and minimizing partisan meddling, allowing civil servants to concentrate on their core mission: serving the American populace.
President Biden speaks with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu via teleconference
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