What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 12, 2023 Recap
President Biden issued a statement regarding the Consumer Price Index for November. The inflation rate has currently reached 3.1 percent, significantly decreasing by almost two-thirds from its highest point. This decline in inflation has coincided with an extended period of unemployment staying below 4 percent, marking the longest duration in 50 years. This positive trend indicates that workers' wages and household wealth, when adjusted for inflation, have surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
The president gave remarks at a campaign reception held at Salamander Washington D.C. in the nation’s capital.
Vice President Kamala Harris also gave remarks at a campaign reception held at The St. Regis Washington, D.C..
A fact sheet was released on new actions by the Biden Administration to hold perpetrators of sexual violence accountable.
While sexual violence in conflict remains prevalent, the United States steadfastly rejects it as an inevitable reality. The Biden Administration has consistently prioritized the cessation of gender-based violence throughout his extensive public service, spanning his roles as Senator, Vice President and throughout the Biden-Harris Administration's tenure. In the previous year, President Biden took a significant step by signing a Presidential Memorandum, instructing the U.S. government to enhance the utilization of financial, diplomatic, and legal instruments in addressing sexual violence in conflict. This initiative resulted in the historic imposition of sanctions in June of this year, marking the first-ever application of sanctions specifically targeting conflict-related sexual violence.
Building upon these initiatives and in commemoration of Human Rights Week and the conclusion of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, the Department of Treasury and the State Department jointly imposed sanctions on thirteen individuals connected to acts of sexual violence. Hailing from four different countries, these measures constitute the most extensive set of financial sanctions and visa restrictions ever issued by the United States against individuals involved in this reprehensible violation of human rights.
The Small Business Lending Summit, jointly hosted by the White House National Economic Council (NEC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), convened to deliberate on the Administration's commendable track record in providing financial support to small enterprises. The focus was on collaborative efforts between the federal government and lending partners to address disparities and ensure equitable access to capital for all small businesses, particularly those traditionally underserved or challenging to reach.
The previous year, the SBA allocated $50 billion in capital to small businesses nationwide. This involved a historic collaboration with lenders, resulting in the disbursement of an unprecedented $34 billion in small business loans through the renowned 7(a) and 504 loan programs. These funds played a pivotal role in fostering inclusive economic growth, with noteworthy allocations including $5 billion to women-owned businesses, a record $3 billion to Latino-owned businesses, and a doubling of loans to Black-owned businesses since 2020.
Furthermore, under President Biden's leadership, the nation witnessed a remarkable surge in entrepreneurial activity, marked by a record 14.6 million new business applications. The business ownership rate among families also experienced a 9% increase since 2019, with particularly robust advancements observed in Hispanic and Black households.
The summit featured two insightful roundtable discussions and included impactful remarks from key figures such as SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, NEC Director Lael Brainard, and Council of Economic Advisors Member C. Kirabo Jackson. Read more…
President Biden met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine today to emphasize the unwavering and robust support of the United States for Ukraine's struggle for freedom. The leaders deliberated on Ukraine's efforts in self-defense against Russian aggression, outlining plans for the upcoming year. President Biden unveiled a new security assistance package for Ukraine and reiterated the urgent need for prompt Congressional action to ensure continuous backing for Ukraine's defense. Emphasizing the deepening collaboration between U.S. and Ukrainian defense industries, President Biden highlighted the recent success of the U.S.-Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference.
President Zelenskyy provided President Biden with an update on Ukraine's utilization of the Black Sea corridor for exporting grain and other products. This initiative addresses global food security concerns and contributes significantly to Ukraine's tax base. President Biden underscored the enduring support for Ukraine from a coalition of more than fifty countries united under U.S. leadership. He emphasized that Russia will not outlast this collective backing, which is dedicated to upholding a rules-based international order founded on respect for all states' sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The President issued a statement on continued denials of abortion care. Stating in part:
“No woman should be forced to go to court or flee her home state just to receive the health care she needs. But that is exactly what happened in Texas thanks to Republican elected officials, and it is simply outrageous. This should never happen in America, period.”
Today, Vice President Kamala Harris held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in anticipation of his upcoming meeting with President Biden. During their discussions, the Vice President reaffirmed the United States' steadfast dedication to Ukraine's security and its citizens. The leaders deliberated on initiatives to boost Ukraine's economic recovery, emphasizing the significance of secure export pathways for Ukrainian agricultural products, pivotal for global food security. Additionally, they explored collaboration on Ukraine's defense industrial base, recognizing its potential to enhance both security and economic resurgence.
Vice President Harris commended Ukraine's advancements in rule of law reforms and anti-corruption measures, recognizing their pivotal role in attracting private investment and advancing Ukraine's EU accession. She stressed the importance of fortifying Ukraine's democratic institutions. The leaders concurred on the critical role of ongoing international support in sustaining the morale of the Ukrainian people, assuring them that they are not alone in their defense against Russian aggression.
President Biden and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine gave remarks to the press before their bilateral meeting.
Jewish leaders from various parts of the United States convened with senior officials at the White House yesterday in anticipation of the annual Hanukkah reception. The purpose of the meeting was to gain insights into the Biden-Harris Administration's dedication to addressing antisemitism and violence fueled by hate. Attendees comprised professional heads of American Jewish organizations, clergy members representing diverse religious denominations, and community leaders. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff expressed gratitude to the leaders for their unwavering advocacy for the Jewish community. He underscored the actions taken by the Biden-Harris Administration to counter antisemitism and conveyed the President's unwavering commitment to combatting all forms of hatred. Read more…
President Joe Biden and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking to reporters at The White House. December 12, 2023
