What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
April 29, 2024 Recap
Vice President Harris has initiated a nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour starting in Atlanta, Georgia, to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts in fostering economic growth and community support. The Vice President collaborated with Earn Your Leisure podcast hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, emphasizing financial literacy and support for entrepreneurs in Black communities. A major focus is on "The Stitch" project in Atlanta, a $158 million initiative to reconnect divided neighborhoods and enhance public spaces. Additionally, the tour underscores significant achievements in small business growth and equity, with record-high business applications and substantial increases in minority business ownership. Harris's visit promotes local economic development initiatives and federal programs to boost small business financing and support underserved entrepreneurs nationwide.
Additional Source: Reuters
(Video of The Vice President’s interview with Earn Your Leisure’s Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings is below. She appears around the 55-minute mark)
The Biden-Harris Administration has reported progress across several key areas six months after President Biden's Executive Order on artificial intelligence (AI). They've developed frameworks to address AI-related safety and security risks and implemented guidelines for equitable AI deployment in employment and housing. Additionally, the administration has fostered AI innovation in scientific research and clean energy and launched significant hiring initiatives, such as the AI Talent Surge and DHS AI Corps, to build a skilled AI workforce. These efforts aim to balance promoting AI's potential with managing its risks.
The White House released its 2024 Small Business Boom Report during National Small Business Week, showcasing the Biden-Harris Administration's continued support for small businesses despite Congressional Republicans proposing significant budget cuts to the Small Business Administration (SBA). This report details substantial growth and new records in small business support, notably in federal procurement and loan approvals. In Fiscal Year 2023, small businesses received a historic $178.6 billion in federal contracts, with $76.2 billion going to Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) — surpassing the administration's goals and setting a record for the third consecutive year. Service-disabled veteran-owned Small Businesses also saw a substantial increase, receiving $32 billion, nearly $4 billion more than the previous year.
Additionally, the SBA's recent policy reforms have significantly increased access to small-dollar loans, with approvals on track to nearly double compared to the previous administration. The American Rescue Plan’s State Small Business Credit Initiative has also been effective, approving over $8 billion in capital support, which is expected to leverage much more in private investment. Overall, the administration is making strides in expanding access to capital, connecting underserved businesses with resources, and aiming to deliver more than $250 billion to small businesses through SBA’s lending programs by the decade's end.
In a joint statement, U.S. President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation to benefit both nations. During their telephone conversation on April 28th, they discussed strategies for effectively managing migration in the hemisphere, improving operational efficiency at the U.S.-Mexico border, and enhancing the security and prosperity of their citizens. The leaders agreed to have their national security teams collaborate immediately on implementing specific measures to reduce irregular border crossings while upholding human rights substantially. They also committed to further initiatives to address the root causes of migration across the Western Hemisphere, emphasizing that boosting shared prosperity and security is vital for tackling the migration issue in the long term.
Leaders of the G7 have issued a statement emphasizing their unified commitment to combat the threats posed by illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl and its analogs. Recognizing the severe public health emergencies these drugs cause, the G7 aims to disrupt the production, distribution, and trafficking networks involved, as well as dismantle the financial structures that support these activities. Key initiatives include enforcing laws to shut down these networks, regulating dangerous drugs and their precursors, and enhancing international cooperation through agencies like UNODC and the newly founded European Union Drugs Agency.
The statement also stresses the importance of increasing public awareness, particularly among vulnerable groups, about the dangers of synthetic drugs. It advocates for sharing information on emerging drug threats, promoting evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies, and providing training to support law enforcement and healthcare providers. The G7 encourages global participation in the fight against synthetic drugs through initiatives like the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats and calls for comprehensive action against this escalating crisis.
President Biden and President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt had a telephone discussion focusing on a proposed deal to ensure the release of hostages and achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. They discussed the partnership between the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to implement the agreement's terms fully. President Biden emphasized the need for intensified efforts to release hostages held by Hamas, highlighting it as the primary barrier to a ceasefire and relief efforts in Gaza. He also stressed the importance of protecting civilian lives and preventing the displacement of Palestinians outside of Gaza. The conversation included reviewing efforts to enhance the delivery of life-saving assistance to Gaza's residents, with President Biden expressing gratitude for President Al-Sisi's dedication to these efforts. The leaders agreed to maintain close coordination moving forward.
President Biden also spoke with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar to discuss a potential deal for the release of hostages and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. They confirmed collaboration between the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to ensure the full implementation of the deal's terms. President Biden emphasized the importance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, noting this as the sole barrier to a ceasefire and relief efforts in Gaza. The leaders also talked about enhancing the delivery of life-saving aid to Gaza's civilians. President Biden expressed gratitude for Qatar's ongoing efforts to free all hostages in Gaza and affirmed continued close coordination between the two nations.
President Biden expressed his condolences following a tragic event in Charlotte, North Carolina, where four law enforcement officers, including a Deputy U.S. Marshal, were killed in the line of duty. He praised their heroism and supported their families, emphasizing the national responsibility to support and protect law enforcement. Biden advocated for enhanced funding for police forces, stricter gun control measures, including the banning of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and the implementation of universal background checks and a national red flag law, underlining the urgency with "Enough is enough." He closed with a prayer for the fallen officers.
In a press briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the devastation caused by deadly storms in the Midwest and the federal response. She then highlighted the start of National Small Business Week, noting the record number of new business applications filed under the Biden-Harris administration and the support given to small businesses through federal contracts.
Jean-Pierre also discussed ongoing international concerns, such as efforts to secure the release of hostages and facilitate a ceasefire with Hamas, emphasizing the U.S.'s role and collaborations with other nations. Additionally, she commented on the U.S.-Mexico joint statement on border management and avoided detailing any specific measures. Throughout the briefing, she fielded questions on various domestic and international issues, reaffirming the administration's positions and upcoming initiatives.
Vice President Harris meets with entrepreneurs and small business owners in Atlanta during Small Business Week as part of her Economic Opportunity Tour
When I am getting frustrated hearing the horrible things that the rump is still doing this is such a pleasure to read and see all the wonderful things that President Biden is able to get done. We definitely need him for another 4 years. Thank you!