What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 23 Recap
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan commended the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) on its 20th anniversary, praising its innovative and data-driven development model. He highlighted MCC's partnership approach with low-income countries, focusing on good governance, democracy, and investments in people. Over two decades, MCC made significant contributions, including supporting farmers, enacting policy reforms, enhancing health services, building educational facilities, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure globally. With nearly $17 billion in aid to 47 countries, MCC lifted over 300 million people out of poverty, fostered economic growth, and strengthened democratic institutions. Sullivan anticipated continued positive impacts on millions more in the future.
The Biden-Harris Administration announced new commitments to workforce development in advanced manufacturing through the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint. This initiative aimed to build a diverse, skilled workforce for advanced manufacturing jobs, including union jobs, driven by the Investing in America agenda. Over 160 organizations made commitments, creating over 150 new apprenticeship programs and hiring over 4,700 apprentices in the past three months. The administration invested over $50 million to grow and diversify the advanced manufacturing workforce. Various organizations, including employers, unions, and community colleges, took concrete actions to expand high-quality pathways into advanced manufacturing careers. Examples included creating apprenticeship programs, partnerships with industry leaders, and developing curriculum and training programs. The Advanced Manufacturing Sprint was part of the broader efforts to address critical workforce needs and improve job quality.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Sweden's National Security Advisor Henrik Landerholm. Sullivan expressed strong support for Sweden's swift NATO membership, commended Turkey's ratification of Sweden's NATO accession, and highlighted the recently signed U.S.-Sweden Defense Cooperation Agreement. Both advisors affirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion. They discussed Iranian-backed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, emphasized the need for increased humanitarian aid and civilian protections in Gaza during Israel-Hamas conflicts, and addressed bilateral cooperation on emerging technologies and global challenges.
A joint statement from the governments of Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Poland, Republic of Korea, Romania, United Kingdom, and the United States addressed the ongoing illegal and reckless Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding areas. The armed forces of the United States and United Kingdom, supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, conducted strikes on eight targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The actions were taken in self-defense, consistent with the UN Charter, to disrupt the Houthi capability to attack global trade and mariners. The statement condemned the numerous attacks by the Houthis on commercial and naval vessels, emphasizing the threat to countries relying on international maritime shipping. It called for an end to these attacks and condemned those supplying weapons to the Houthis, citing violations of UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and international law. The international response on January 22 reflected a shared commitment to uphold navigational rights, defend mariners' lives, and address illegal and unjustifiable attacks.
In a press briefing held at The White House, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted positive economic indicators, stating that 19 states achieved their lowest average unemployment rates on record, 23 states set new record-low unemployment rates, and 32 states maintained an unemployment rate below 4 percent for the entire year. She emphasized the creation of 2.7 million jobs last year, contributing to a total of 14.3 million jobs created under President Biden. Jean-Pierre also mentioned rising wages and falling inflation, attributing these outcomes to the administration's strategy of growing the economy from the middle and bottom.
Admiral John Kirby provided a brief update on the Middle East, reporting that the United States and its allies conducted strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The strikes aimed to degrade Houthi offensive capabilities, specifically targeting missile systems, launchers, unmanned aerial and surface vessels, storage facilities, aircraft, helicopters, and attack boats. Kirby highlighted the coalition's commitment to defending ships, upholding freedom of navigation, and holding the Houthis accountable. He mentioned that the Pentagon is conducting a battle damage assessment, and the United States remains ready to take further action if necessary.