What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 24, 2024 Recap
The White House released a fact sheet updating public and private sector commitments due to Vice President Harris's visit to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia in 2023 to promote African innovation. She met with local leaders and emphasized the global importance of African creativity and ingenuity. The Vice President announced over $7 billion in climate commitments and $1 billion to empower African women, including the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF), to close the gender digital divide.
Vice President Harris also promoted digital inclusion, highlighting its potential for economic opportunity and job creation in Africa. In Lusaka, she issued a "Call to Action" to support the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative to expand digital access and literacy across the continent.
Since the initiative's launch, the U.S. government has invested $82 million in new digital infrastructure and projects in Africa.
Key initiatives include the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance by the African Development Bank Group and Mastercard, which aims to provide digital access to 100 million people over 10 years, starting with three million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Another major effort is the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA), which seeks to double internet connectivity and increase access for women and girls.
The WiDEF and related initiatives have generated over $1 billion in commitments to advance gender digital equality. Additional investments from U.S. agencies and partners focus on digital literacy, support for women entrepreneurs, and promoting gender equality in digital access. Collaborations with organizations like Mozilla Foundation, Shell Foundation, and Cisco aim to enhance digital skills and promote digital equity across Africa. These efforts collectively aim to boost digital inclusion and economic growth on the continent.
During a moderated conversation on digital inclusion in Africa at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., Vice President Kamala Harris and President William Ruto of Kenya discussed the importance of updating the narrative of the U.S.-Africa relationship to one of partnership rather than benevolence. Vice President Harris highlighted Africa's potential, noting its young population and projected demographic growth, and emphasized the need for investment in African innovation, youth, and women. She argued that such investments yield high returns and stressed the importance of public-private partnerships to leverage the scale of government with the expertise of the private sector. Harris also underscored the significance of U.S. businesses investing in digital inclusion and technology infrastructure in Africa and the broader impact of investing in women on improving economic conditions for families and communities.
President William Ruto shared insights on Kenya's substantial investments in education and technology, citing M-PESA as a successful example of increasing financial inclusion through technology. He discussed the role of technology in advancing development and enabling efficient government services. Ruto called for a shift in the narrative from Africa being a victim of climate change to being a part of the solution, given its abundant renewable energy resources. He emphasized the importance of investment over aid and the need to create investment-ready environments in Africa. Ruto highlighted successful public-private partnerships in Kenya, such as infrastructure projects, and called for a reform of the international financial architecture to make financing fairer and more accessible for African countries.
Overall, the conversation centered on the critical role of digital inclusion and technology in driving economic growth and stability in Africa. Both leaders underscored the necessity of strong partnerships between the U.S. and African nations, emphasizing investments in innovation, youth, and women and the role of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable development on the continent.
President Biden issued a proclamation honoring the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the nation's freedom and recommitted to supporting their survivors, families, and caregivers. He emphasized the unique idea of the United States, founded on equality, for which generations have given their lives. He expressed empathy for those grieving lost loved ones in uniform and pledges never to forget their sacrifices.
The President proclaims Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, designating 11:00 a.m. for prayer and reflection and 3:00 p.m. for the National Moment of Remembrance. He calls on media to support this observance and requests flags to be flown at half-staff until noon. He encourages Americans to post tributes to fallen service members on the Veterans Legacy Memorial website.
The proclamation closes with President Biden requesting that all Americans display the flag at half-staff for the customary forenoon period (until noon).
Vice President Harris issued a statement on the two-year anniversary of the Uvalde shooting, remembering the 19 children and 2 teachers who were killed. She praised the Uvalde families for their advocacy against gun violence. She highlighted the Biden administration's efforts, including passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, closing the gun show loophole, investing in student mental health, and establishing the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Vice President Harris called for further action, urging Congress and state legislators to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, pass red flag laws, and make background checks universal to prevent future tragedies.
On Friday, May 24, 2024, the President signed into law:
S. 546, the “Recruit and Retain Act,” authorizes the Department of Justice to award grants to enhance certain recruitment and retention efforts of law enforcement agencies.
President Biden spoke with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt about efforts to release hostages and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The President welcomed Al-Sisi's commitment to allow UN humanitarian assistance to flow through the Karem Shalom crossing into Gaza. With Egypt and Israel's approval, President Biden expressed support for reopening the Rafah crossing and agreed to send a senior team to Cairo for further discussions. Both leaders discussed initiatives for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza and committed to work together for durable peace in the Middle East, agreeing to stay in regular contact.
The White House hosted a meeting with the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), a national network of over 400 community development financial institutions (CDFIs). These institutions aim to provide affordable and responsible financial services to communities underserved by traditional finance. The meeting included OFN leaders from various community development sectors and officials from the Biden-Harris Administration, including representatives from the Domestic Policy Council, National Economic Council, Office of Public Engagement, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The discussion focused on the Administration’s efforts to promote equitable development and economic growth by expanding access to capital for historically underserved communities. Officials highlighted the importance of CDFIs in leveraging federal investments and community finance policies to unlock the economic potential of these communities. Key topics included the Treasury's $8.5 billion Emergency Capital Investment Program and the nearly $10 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
President Biden has declared a major disaster in Iowa due to severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding from May 20-21, 2024. This declaration enables Federal aid to support recovery efforts in Adair, Montgomery, Polk, and Story counties.
Federal assistance includes grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other recovery programs for individuals and businesses. Additionally, funding is available for debris removal and emergency protective measures in Adair County and for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
The President also approved disaster declarations for Maine, Nebraska, and West Virginia.
For Maine, the disaster declaration covers the period from April 3 to April 5, 2024, affecting Cumberland and York counties. Federal assistance will support state, tribal, and local recovery efforts on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work, repair, and replacement of damaged facilities. Hazard mitigation funding is also available statewide. Robert V. Fogel of FEMA will coordinate the federal recovery operations.
For Nebraska, the disaster declaration pertains to a severe winter storm and straight-line winds from April 6 to April 7, 2024, impacting the counties of Banner, Cheyenne, Dawes, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, and Sioux. Like Maine, federal funding will aid in emergency work, repair, and replacement of damaged facilities, along with hazard mitigation measures statewide. Andrew P. Meyer of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate the federal recovery efforts in Nebraska.
For West Virginia, the declaration covers severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from April 11 to April 12, 2024. The funding will support emergency work and repair or replace damaged facilities in Boone, Brooke, Doddridge, Gilmer, Hancock, Lincoln, Marshall, Ohio, Tyler, and Wetzel counties. Additionally, federal funding will be available statewide for hazard mitigation measures. Jeffrey L. Jones of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate the Federal recovery operations.
Additional designations may be made based on further damage assessments.
Since the tragic murder of George Floyd, the Biden-Harris Administration has made significant strides in advancing effective, accountable policing and strengthening public safety. In response, President Biden signed Executive Order 14074, emphasizing the importance of public trust in law enforcement. Over the past two years, federal agencies have focused on enshrining dignity, accountability, and trust in their operations. A key achievement has been the launch of the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD) to track misconduct by federal officers and expanding a national registry for state law enforcement de-certification and revocation actions.
Federal agencies have also implemented measures to minimize the use of force, including banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants except in life-threatening situations and improving data sharing on use-of-force incidents. Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has ended the Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS) program to promote more equitable traffic enforcement. New initiatives are being promoted to improve traffic data collection and responses to behavioral health crises.
The administration also promotes accountability in state and local law enforcement by encouraging the adoption of federal use-of-force and accountability standards and restricting the transfer of military equipment to local police. Efforts to use data to understand police performance include improving data collection on deaths in custody and police performance metrics and supporting the transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) for comprehensive crime data.
Supporting officer wellness has been another key focus, with initiatives aimed at improving mental health and wellness, preventing suicides, and reducing the stigma around seeking help. These comprehensive efforts emphasize transparency, accountability, and community trust, aiming to enhance public safety and the effectiveness of policing across the United States.
President Biden issued a statement that marked the four-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder, recalling the impactful statement by Floyd's young daughter, Gianna, that her father "changed the world." The President emphasized that Floyd should be alive today and noted the significant civil rights movement that arose in response to his death.
President Biden highlighted his executive order, signed two years ago, which implemented parts of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, including restrictions on chokeholds and no-knock warrants and creating a police misconduct database. He urged Congress to pass the full act to ensure law enforcement accountability.
President Biden expressed deep sorrow over the landslide in Papua New Guinea, offering prayers for the affected families and first responders. He has instructed his administration to maintain close contact with Papua New Guinea and pledged readiness to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. Biden emphasized continued coordination with Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and Quad partners to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief. He affirmed the United States' steadfast support for Papua New Guinea.
The landslide in Papua New Guinea's Enga province, about 373 miles northwest of the capital, Port Moresby, has likely killed over 100 people. The disaster struck the remote village of Yambali around 3 a.m., burying parts of the community and isolating it. The landslide, covering an area of three to four football fields, has made rescue efforts difficult due to ongoing ground movement.
Additional source: Associated Press
President Biden signed the Recruit and Retain Act, which aims to improve community safety by enhancing police departments' ability to recruit and retain officers through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. This bipartisan legislation adds flexibility to COPS to attract more diverse officers. The President highlighted his administration's achievements in reducing crime, noting that violent crime is near a 50-year low. He emphasizes the need for continued efforts, including hiring 100,000 police officers for accountable community policing and investing in community violence interventions as part of his Safer America Plan.
President Biden speaking with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt via teleconference at The White House
