What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
November 20, 2024 Recap
In his statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance, President Joe Biden expressed deep sorrow for the lives of transgender Americans lost this year to acts of violence, describing these deaths as horrific. He strongly condemned the pervasive hate that leads to such tragedies and acknowledged the challenges faced by many transgender individuals, especially young people, who are often subjected to harassment and targeted simply for their identity. He called this treatment unjust and unacceptable.
Biden highlighted his administration's efforts to protect transgender individuals and ensure their safety, emphasizing work across federal agencies to combat violence against the transgender community. He reiterated the administration's broader commitment to upholding the dignity and respect of all Americans and ensuring they are free from discrimination.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the nation’s responsibility to build a society where everyone, regardless of gender identity, can live safely, respectfully, and equally. On this solemn day, Biden emphasized the need for collective action to honor the lives lost and advance inclusivity and justice.
President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, to former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards in a private ceremony. Richards, who led the organization for 12 years and is the daughter of late Texas Governor Ann Richards, was praised for her work on civil rights, reproductive rights, worker dignity, and voter mobilization. Earlier this year, Richards disclosed her battle with glioblastoma, the same type of cancer that claimed Biden's son, Beau.
Biden expressed his "honor" by awarding Richards the medal in a post on X and sharing a photo with her and her family. The White House commendation described Richards as an "utmost character" leader with a lasting legacy in advancing equality, justice, and freedom.
Source: ABC News
President Biden issued a memorandum delegating authority to the Secretary of State under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This delegation allows the Secretary of State to determine if furnishing up to $35 million in assistance to Ukraine, without regard to certain legal provisions, is important to U.S. security interests. The memorandum also directs that it be published in the Federal Register.
President Biden awards former Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards the Presidential Medal of Freedom
