What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
February 12 Recap
The Inflation Reduction Act, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, aims to reduce the energy costs for American families, particularly addressing the significant portion of income lower-income families spend on their energy bills. This legislation has already led to over $360 billion in clean energy investments. It is expected to lower electricity rates by up to 9% by 2030 by deploying clean energy initiatives and infrastructure improvements. The Act introduces tax credits and rebates for families to make their homes more energy efficient and to adopt clean energy technologies, including solar panels, heat pumps, and electric appliances. Significant support from the public backs these initiatives, with a majority favoring tax credits for solar installations and heat pump purchases.
To further these goals, the Biden-Harris Administration is enhancing consumer education and outreach with federal partners, nonprofits, and philanthropies, making new resources available about home energy programs, and encouraging nonprofit organizations to expand their outreach efforts.
Key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act include:
Tax credits for installing energy-efficient technologies such as electric heat pumps, doors, windows, and insulation can significantly save energy bills.
An upcoming $8.8 billion home energy rebate program will support the purchase and installation of electric appliances and the improvement of energy efficiency for low- and middle-income families.
Online resources from the DOE, EPA, and Treasury Department to educate consumers on how to benefit from the Act's offerings.
Initiatives by several nonprofits to inform and assist consumers across the country in accessing the benefits of the clean energy plan, including efforts to reach millions through various communication channels, develop a national help center for navigating incentives, and advance solutions for low-income families in the transition to a green economy.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to lower energy costs for Americans, create jobs, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and address the climate crisis.
President Biden gave remarks at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., highlighting his administration's progress and ongoing efforts to support communities across America, regardless of their political leanings. He emphasized his role as a president for all Americans, celebrated the bipartisan achievements in areas like infrastructure, public safety, and economic recovery, and underscored the importance of local government officials in addressing everyday issues facing American families. Biden reminisced about his start in county government, joking about the challenges and direct accountability it entails.
Biden detailed significant federal investments, such as the American Rescue Plan's $350 billion for state and local governments and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which aims to revitalize America's infrastructure. He also touched on efforts to expand internet access, improve public health, combat climate change, and bolster the economy through manufacturing and technology investments.
The President lamented the political challenges and division hindering further progress, particularly in immigration reform and border security, and criticized extreme partisan elements for obstructing bipartisan legislation. Despite these hurdles, Biden expressed optimism about the nation's direction, citing economic growth, job creation, and a decline in inflation as indicators of a strong recovery. He concluded by thanking election workers for their service amid increasing challenges and reaffirmed his belief in America's capacity to achieve greatness through unity and cooperation.
A press briefing was held at the White House featuring Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby. The briefing addresses several topics:
Super Bowl Congratulations: Jean-Pierre congratulates the Kansas City Chiefs on their Super Bowl win and mentions President Biden's intention to invite them to the White House, continuing a tradition.
Visit of King Abdullah of Jordan: Kirby discusses the significance of King Abdullah's visit to the White House, emphasizing the 75th year of diplomatic relations between Jordan and the U.S. The discussions between President Biden and the King are expected to focus on the situation in Gaza, efforts to end the conflict there, and the vision for a durable peace including a two-state solution.
Israeli Hostages and Gaza Situation: Kirby expresses relief over the release of two Israeli hostages and discusses the ongoing efforts to secure the release of more hostages. He highlights the U.S.'s stance on civilian casualties and the need for an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza, emphasizing Hamas's role in the conflict.
Lobito Corridor Private Sector Investment Forum: Kirby provides an overview of a forum held in Zambia. The forum aimed to invest in infrastructure across Africa and highlighted the U.S.'s commitment to the development project.
Questions from Press: The briefing covers a wide range of questions from the press, including U.S. opposition to expanded operations in Rafah, ceasefire discussions, the health of Secretary Austin, and the role of Egypt and other regional actors in the Gaza conflict. Kirby and Jean-Pierre also address concerns about U.S. policy towards Israel and Hamas, civilian safety in potential military operations, and the U.S.'s stance on various international issues, including the situation in Haiti and Venezuela.
Miscellaneous Topics: The discussion also touches on U.S. domestic and foreign policy issues, including TikTok's use by the Biden campaign despite security concerns, the President's upcoming physical, and his interaction with donors and the public's perception of his age and cognitive abilities.
Throughout the briefing, Jean-Pierre and Kirby emphasize the U.S.'s diplomatic efforts, commitment to peace and security, both domestically and internationally, and the administration's ongoing work on various fronts.
President Biden and His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan met at the White House to acknowledge 75 years of U.S.-Jordan diplomatic relations and discuss several key issues. Their conversation covered the recent developments in Gaza, with both leaders expressing a commitment to work towards a lasting solution to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine that ensures Israel's security. They also discussed ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, with President Biden thanking King Abdullah for Jordan's leadership in this area.
Furthermore, the talks included the significance of stability in the West Bank and the broader Middle East region. President Biden highlighted the importance of maintaining the status quo at the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and recognized Jordan's vital role as the custodian of Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a more stable and prosperous future for the Middle East and confirmed the U.S.'s unwavering support for Jordan and its people.
In a joint address at the White House, President Biden and King Abdullah II of Jordan highlighted the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Jordan, emphasizing their personal friendship and mutual respect. They focused on the critical situation in the Middle East, particularly the war between Israel and Hamas. President Biden condemned the October 7th attacks by Hamas as acts of evil, marking a devastating day with significant casualties and hostages, underlining it as a priority for the U.S. to secure their release and defeat Hamas.
The President detailed the severe impact of the conflict on both Palestinian and Israeli civilians, lamenting the loss of innocent lives and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to working towards peace, security, and dignity for both peoples, mentioning ongoing efforts to negotiate a hostage deal with Hamas for a temporary calm and to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Biden praised Jordan's humanitarian efforts, led by King Abdullah II, in providing aid to Gaza.
King Abdullah II echoed the need for a ceasefire and a sustainable solution to the conflict, emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution for lasting peace and security in the region. He highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, the importance of maintaining the status of Jerusalem's holy sites, and the urgency of international support for UNRWA. Both leaders underscored the need for a political horizon leading to peace based on mutual respect and the two-state solution. President Biden thanked King Abdullah for Jordan's role in the peace process and expressed gratitude for their partnership.
President Biden and King Abdullah II of Jordan meet at The White House
