What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
September 20, 2024 Recap
The Biden-Harris administration has taken significant steps to strengthen critical mineral supply chains, crucial for modern technologies such as clean energy systems, semiconductors, and defense systems. Recognizing the growing global demand for critical minerals and China's dominance in processing and refining these resources, the administration has mobilized efforts to secure domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign sources. President Biden’s Executive Order 14017 initiated a comprehensive review of U.S. supply chains, resulting in substantial mining, manufacturing, and recycling investments.
Since Biden took office, over $120 billion has been invested in battery and critical mineral supply chains, creating over 250,000 jobs and significantly expanding the U.S. industrial base. Projects announced by the Department of Energy (DOE) will help power 10 million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, and the U.S. is on track to meet more than 20% of global lithium demand outside of China by the same year. Through grants, loans, and tax credits, the administration has supported the growth of these industries, from processing materials to manufacturing key components like EV batteries.
In addition to bolstering battery production, the administration has promoted responsible domestic mining. Investments have been directed toward lithium and vanadium projects in Nevada and North Carolina, along with rare earth elements needed for magnets in EV motors and wind turbines. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on China’s supply chain and ensure energy and national security. Through collaboration between the Departments of Energy, Defense, and Commerce, the U.S. aims to create a fully domestic supply chain for critical minerals, positioning itself as a global clean energy economy leader.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden attended her first Cabinet meeting to discuss the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. She highlighted gaps in understanding women's health and announced significant steps taken by federal agencies. These include a $100 million Sprint for Women’s Health by ARPA-H and a $200 million NIH investment in interdisciplinary research, especially on the impact of menopause on heart, brain, and bone health. She also mentioned new Department of Defense and the VA efforts focused on women in the military and veterans.
In this Cabinet meeting, President Biden emphasized the urgency of Congress passing a continuing resolution to ensure funding for national defense, veterans, and families. He also stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation to avoid a government shutdown and continue implementing key legislation to invest in America's infrastructure.
The First Lady emphasized the need for continued innovation and research on women’s health, calling for broader efforts to ensure women are included in clinical trials and health studies. President Biden's executive order advancing women's health research was framed as the most comprehensive effort by any U.S. president.
At the end of the remarks, President Biden briefly addressed ongoing efforts to promote peace between Northern Israel and Southern Lebanon.
The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced new initiatives to enhance women's economic security, particularly as they age. These efforts address long-standing challenges such as workplace discrimination, the gender pay gap, and the burden of unpaid caregiving responsibilities, which disproportionately affect women, especially women of color. These factors contribute to a significant retirement savings gap between men and women. To combat this, the administration is rolling out new job training programs, healthcare cost reductions, and resources to help women plan for a secure financial future.
In addition, the administration is working to protect women’s retirement savings by providing new guides to assist with Social Security benefits and addressing challenges related to the division of retirement assets in divorce cases. Policies such as implementing the SECURE 2.0 Act are also helping to close the gender retirement savings gap. To safeguard women’s earnings, efforts are being made to protect older women from financial fraud and scams, particularly around debt collection practices targeting surviving spouses.
Healthcare reforms are a key part of the administration's strategy, with actions to lower prescription drug costs and cap insulin prices disproportionately affecting women. Housing security for older women is also being addressed, with increased support for safe and affordable housing options.
Finally, significant investments are being made to support caregivers, many women. The administration is improving resources for family caregivers, enhancing the quality of caregiving jobs, and strengthening long-term care facilities. These actions are part of a broader effort to ensure women can age with dignity and financial stability.
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has declared major disasters in Connecticut, Illinois, and for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in response to severe weather events. In Connecticut, the declaration covers the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred from August 18 to August 19, 2024. Federal assistance will help individuals in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties with grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Additionally, federal funding will be available statewide on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation efforts. FEMA's Robert V. Fogel has been appointed to coordinate the federal recovery operations in these areas.
President Biden’s disaster declaration in Illinois covers severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding between July 13 and July 16, 2024. Federal aid will be available to individuals in seven counties, including Cook, Fulton, and Winnebago. This assistance includes temporary housing grants, home repairs, and loans to recover uninsured property losses. Funding is also available for hazard mitigation projects on a cost-sharing basis across the state. FEMA's Darrin Ricketts will lead the federal response, with additional areas potentially receiving aid following further assessments.
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's disaster declaration responds to the severe storm and flooding from August 8 to August 10, 2024. Federal funding will support emergency work, repairing or replacing damaged facilities, and hazard mitigation efforts. This aid is available cost-sharing for the Tribe and certain private nonprofit organizations. Catharine O. Fan of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate the federal recovery operations for the Tribal Nation.
The U.S. government recognizes the severe impacts of climate change, which threaten coastal communities, infrastructure, food security, and national defense. The climate crisis is now seen as a "threat multiplier" and a direct security threat. These escalating issues—extreme weather events and environmental degradation—challenge U.S. military and economic resources and global stability.
The U.S. has outlined a framework to address these challenges through three main strategies:
Assessing Climate-Related Threats and Opportunities: Using advanced scientific tools, the U.S. will predict how climate change intensifies security threats to respond effectively.
Partnering for an Integrated Approach: Federal agencies, international partners, the private sector, and local communities will collaborate to coordinate resources and responses.
Investing in Collective Resilience: The U.S. will prioritize resilience in infrastructure, supply chains, and emergency responses to mitigate climate risks and protect long-term security.
The framework underscores that addressing the climate crisis is essential for national security and economic stability in the U.S. and globally. The plan calls for international cooperation to convert vulnerabilities into strategic opportunities through investments in resilience.
This statement is signed by John Podesta (Senior Advisor for International Climate Policy) and Jake Sullivan (National Security Advisor).
The full U.S. Framework for Climate Resilience and Security can be found here.
President Biden issued a proclamation designating September 23-29, 2024, as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week. It celebrates the nearly 200 AANAPISIs in the U.S. for their crucial role in providing education and support to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) students, many of whom come from low-income neighborhoods and are first-generation college attendees.
AANAPISIs offer inclusive environments, including tutoring, career development, counseling, and culturally responsive services. They confer many degrees to AA and NHPI students, contributing greatly to their educational advancement.
The Biden administration has supported these institutions through initiatives like the American Rescue Plan, which allocated $5 billion to AANAPISIs and programs to increase diverse teaching staff. Additionally, the administration has expanded student affordability initiatives, including increasing Pell Grant awards and forgiving student loans.
In proclaiming this week, President Biden calls for public recognition of AANAPISIs' contributions to the nation and reaffirms the administration’s commitment to educational equity and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.
In her speech at a celebration of The West Wing's 25th anniversary in the Rose Garden at the White House, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden reflected on the power of storytelling. She cited a key moment from the show when President Bartlet tells Donna to “tell her where you are” while speaking to a former teacher who inspired her success. The First Lady thanked the show's creators for their tribute to educators and highlighted how stories like The West Wing can inspire public service and civic duty.
Dr. Biden also shared that she and her husband, President Joe Biden, invited the show's cast to visit the Oval Office, emphasizing the connection between storytelling and real-life public service. She noted that The West Wing has inspired many to serve their country, just as her family and the White House staff work toward a common purpose.
The speech concluded by introducing Martin Sheen, who played President Bartlet, illustrating the symbolic ties between the show’s message and the ideals of those in public service.
President Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met in Wilmington, Delaware, to discuss the ongoing partnership between the United States and Australia. President Biden expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s cooperation, emphasizing the progress made in their bilateral relations since Albanese’s official visit to Washington, D.C., in October 2023. They reaffirmed the U.S.-Australia Alliance as the cornerstone of their relationship, highlighting cooperation in key areas: defense and security, economic development, and climate and clean energy initiatives. Both leaders acknowledged the significance of the recent AUKUS Joint Leaders Statement, underscoring their commitment to the trilateral partnership between the U.S., Australia, and the United Kingdom to promote a free, secure, and stable Indo-Pacific.
Regarding economic relations, the leaders reflected on their efforts over the past two years to modernize their alliance in response to global challenges. A major focus was addressing climate change and advancing the transition to clean energy, including their agreement to build more resilient critical mineral supply chains. This follows from the “Compact” signed in Hiroshima in May 2023, which seeks to accelerate progress toward clean energy goals.
The leaders also covered pressing geopolitical issues. They supported maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s aggression. Humanitarian concerns were also raised, with both leaders advocating for a sustainable ceasefire and increased aid for Gaza. Additionally, they discussed diplomacy with the People's Republic of China, expressing shared concerns over China’s coercive and destabilizing actions, particularly in the South China Sea. President Biden praised Australia's growing role in regional security, including its contributions to the Quad alliance and partnership with Japan. The U.S. also pledged $1.5 million to support the World Bank’s efforts to strengthen banking relationships in Pacific Island countries.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepening their bilateral partnership, working toward a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
In her remarks at a campaign event in Atlanta, Vice President Kamala Harris passionately addressed the ongoing fight for reproductive rights and the critical stakes of the upcoming election. She began by praising Dr. Reddick, a healthcare provider who publicly advocates for women's health despite the risks imposed by restrictive abortion laws. Harris framed the 2024 election as a battle for the future and fundamental freedoms, particularly emphasizing the right of women to make decisions about their bodies without government interference. She argued that this right is intrinsic and should not be granted or controlled by the government, stressing the importance of trusting women to make their own healthcare choices.
Harris sharply criticized the actions of former President Donald Trump, who, during his presidency, appointed three Supreme Court justices to overturn Roe v. Wade. She noted that since the Court’s decision, over 20 states, including Georgia, have implemented restrictive abortion laws, many of which criminalize healthcare providers and make no exceptions for rape or incest. Harris shared her personal story of becoming a prosecutor after witnessing a close friend suffer sexual abuse, highlighting how such laws disregard the trauma experienced by survivors of violence and strip them of the autonomy to decide what happens to their bodies.
The Vice President recounted the tragic story of Amber Nicole Thurman, a 28-year-old woman from Georgia who died of sepsis after being denied timely medical care due to the state’s abortion ban. Harris described Amber as a young mother working hard to build a future for her son. After seeking an abortion out of state, Amber returned to Georgia and faced further medical complications. Still, doctors delayed her care for fear of legal repercussions under the state’s restrictive laws. Harris underscored that Amber’s death was preventable and highlighted the devastating human toll of such policies, which force doctors to wait until patients are at death’s door before intervening. She used Amber’s story as a powerful example of the dangers posed by Trump’s abortion bans and vowed to honor Amber’s memory by continuing the fight for reproductive rights.
Harris also condemned the broader hypocrisy of Republican leaders, pointing out that while they claim to act in the best interests of women and children, they have long neglected issues such as maternal mortality and access to adequate healthcare. She further criticized their attempts to restrict access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and contraception, calling out the contradictions in their policies. Harris argued that these extremists not only seek to control women’s reproductive choices but also prevent families from growing through IVF while simultaneously restricting contraception access.
The Vice President warned that if Trump were re-elected, he would likely sign a national abortion ban, making the situation even more dire for women across the country. She emphasized that every election since Roe v. Wade was overturned has seen voters overwhelmingly support reproductive freedom, proving that this issue transcends partisan lines. Harris urged the audience to continue fighting for these rights, stressing that when they fight, they win. She concluded her speech by encouraging the people of Georgia to mobilize in the upcoming election, reiterating the importance of reproductive rights in shaping the country's future.
Vice President Harris also delivered a passionate speech at a campaign rally in Madison, Wisconsin, where she underscored the importance of the upcoming election. She began by expressing gratitude to local leaders and supporters, particularly the Teamsters Joint Council 39 for their endorsement. Harris shared personal stories about her connection to Madison, recalling how her parents had taught at the University of Wisconsin and how she lived in the city as a child. This personal connection set the tone for her message about fighting for working families, small businesses, and middle-class Americans.
Harris emphasized that the election would be a close race, urging her supporters not to be complacent and to continue working hard despite the polls. She acknowledged the challenges ahead but framed hard work as a positive, joyful effort that would lead to victory. She then contrasted her vision with that of Donald Trump, recalling her recent debate with him, where she spoke about issues such as lowering the cost of living, supporting small businesses, protecting reproductive rights, and ensuring national security. In contrast, she argued that Trump presented no meaningful plan to address these issues, relying instead on old rhetoric and divisive politics.
A major theme of Harris’s speech was the need to turn the page and move toward a new generation of leadership. She emphasized that the country is ready for unity and community building, pointing out that her campaign is supported by Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike. Harris highlighted her career, recounting her experiences as a prosecutor and Attorney General in California, where she fought for the vulnerable and stood up to big corporations and predatory lenders. As president, she promised to fight for middle-class families, small business owners, and communities nationwide.
Harris outlined key elements of her policy platform, including a $50,000 tax deduction for small business owners, building three million new homes to address the housing shortage, and providing first-time homebuyers with $25,000 in down payment assistance. She also promised to tackle the high cost of living by reducing expenses for healthcare, groceries, and other necessities while expanding the child tax credit to give families financial relief. Throughout her speech, she stressed that her plans are designed to uplift working families, ensuring that the American Dream remains within reach for everyone.
The vice president did not shy away from harsh criticism of Donald Trump, calling him an “unserious man” with serious consequences for the country if re-elected. She pointed to Trump’s economic policies, which she said benefit billionaires and big corporations while hurting working families by proposing tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Harris also highlighted Trump's attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which she and Senator Tammy Baldwin helped protect during a crucial Senate vote.
Harris spoke passionately about the fight for reproductive rights, pointing out Trump’s role in shaping the current Supreme Court, which overturned Roe v. Wade. The Vice President framed the fight for reproductive rights as a fight for freedom, promising to sign legislation that would restore those rights if elected.
In addition to reproductive rights, Harris highlighted the broader assault on freedoms, including voting rights, gun safety, union rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. She stressed that the election is a fight for the country's future and the freedoms Americans hold dear. She warned the audience of the dangers of Trump’s return to power, his stated intentions to govern without restraint, and his alarming suggestion to “terminate” parts of the Constitution.
Harris concluded her speech by calling on Wisconsin voters to mobilize their voices. She emphasized the stakes of the election, urging early voting and participation. Drawing on the state motto “Forward,” she rallied her supporters to fight for the promise of America, stating that when they fight, they win.
The President signed into law:
H.R. 7377, “Royalty Resiliency Act,” which amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 to improve the management of royalties from oil and gas leases, and for other purposes.
H.R. 9468, “Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024,” which provides fiscal year 2024 supplemental appropriations to the Veterans Benefits Administration within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), establishes reporting requirements related to VA funding and projected funding shortfalls, and requires the VA Office of Inspector General to conduct a review on the causes that led to this funding shortfall.
President Biden greets Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House
