What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
September 3, 2024 Recap
President Biden launched the Investing in America Content Series by discussing his administration’s focus on economic revitalization and infrastructure investment. He opened by reflecting on the state of the nation when he took office: the pandemic was at its peak, and the economy was struggling. Since then, Biden highlighted that the U.S. has experienced one of the most significant periods of progress in its history. Key achievements include creating a record 16 million new jobs, spurring small business growth, and achieving the lowest inflation rates in years. Wages have increased, the stock market has reached new highs, and the racial wealth gap has narrowed to its smallest point in two decades. Biden credited these successes to historic legislation, including laws modernizing infrastructure, bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S., lowering prescription drug prices, and tackling the climate crisis. He emphasized that these achievements are part of his broader "Invest in America" agenda, aimed at improving the lives of all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations.
During the event, community leaders shared their experiences and the direct impacts of the administration’s policies. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin praised the Biden administration’s investments, highlighting how they have increased wages and employment in his city. He noted that Birmingham has seen a significant rise in average incomes and exceeded pre-pandemic employment levels. Mayor Woodfin also detailed initiatives that support minority and women-owned businesses, including the establishment of an Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity and a COVID relief loan program that primarily benefited Black- and women-owned enterprises. Additionally, he shared that federal support helped Birmingham become a designated tech hub, boosting innovation and job training efforts, particularly in health care and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Jackie Trap, a former teacher from Wisconsin and a cancer patient, shared a personal story about how the Inflation Reduction Act has dramatically impacted her life. Due to her diagnosis of multiple myeloma, she relies on a costly medication, which previously required her to spend up to $21,000 annually out-of-pocket. The new negotiated prices under Biden’s legislation have capped her expenses, significantly reducing her financial burden. She expressed heartfelt gratitude, highlighting how the lowered costs have allowed her to focus on her health instead of constantly struggling to afford her medication.
Chairwoman Amelia Flores of the Colorado River Indian Tribes described how investments from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have addressed critical infrastructure challenges on her reservation. She detailed how federal funding enabled the construction of new wells and improvements to the water distribution system, which will support housing and economic growth on tribal lands. Flores emphasized that these projects are vital for maintaining sovereignty and enabling more tribal members to live and work on the reservation.
Cecilia Moy Yep from Philadelphia spoke about the decades-long battle her Chinatown community has faced due to the construction of the Vine Street Expressway, which physically divided the neighborhood and displaced many residents. Thanks to the administration’s support, the Chinatown Stitch project will cap sections of the highway, reconnecting the community and creating green public spaces. This initiative represents the fulfillment of a 50-year dream for local residents and is seen as a critical step in restoring and revitalizing the area.
President Biden concluded the event by reaffirming his administration’s dedication to investing in communities nationwide. He stressed that the progress seen so far is just the beginning and expressed optimism for the future. Biden reiterated his belief that the U.S. has always emerged stronger from crises. He emphasized the importance of unity and continued investment to ensure every American has a fair chance to thrive. He pledged to keep highlighting these success stories to inspire hope and demonstrate what’s possible when the government invests in its people.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held an on-the-record press gaggle and addressed several pressing international issues, focusing mainly on the Middle East, Venezuela, and Ukraine. Kirby began by condemning Hamas for the execution of six hostages in Gaza, including an American citizen named Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The U.S. government, led by President Biden and Vice President Harris, has been actively involved in negotiations to secure the release of remaining hostages, working closely with mediators Qatar, Egypt, and Israel. Kirby highlighted the ongoing efforts to finalize a proposal that aims to free the hostages, provide immediate humanitarian relief to Gaza, and halt the ongoing conflict. While progress has been made, Kirby stressed the urgency of concluding these negotiations, especially after the recent killings.
Kirby also discussed the situation in Venezuela, condemning the arrest warrant issued for opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez, which he described as another tactic by President Maduro to maintain power. The U.S. is coordinating with international partners and considering a range of responses, including sanctions, to hold the Maduro regime accountable. He noted that recent actions, such as the U.S. Department of Justice seizing an aircraft used by Maduro, demonstrate the U.S.’s ongoing measures against the Venezuelan government.
Regarding Ukraine, Kirby expressed condolences to the Ukrainian people following a recent Russian strike in Poltava that killed over 40 people. He underscored the brutality of Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civilians and reiterated the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine. The U.S. continues to provide military aid, including ammunition, anti-tank systems, and counter-drone equipment, to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.
During the Q&A session, Kirby fielded questions about the hostage negotiations, emphasizing the U.S.’s commitment to reaching a deal despite the challenges. He also responded to inquiries about the recent decision by the UK to suspend some arms exports to Israel, stating that while the U.S. will continue to support Israel’s defense needs, each nation must make its own decisions regarding support. Kirby reaffirmed that President Biden remains personally engaged in efforts to secure the hostages’ release and bring an end to the conflict, reflecting the administration’s intense focus on these critical international challenges.
Today’s White House press briefing, led by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Senior Advisor Tom Perez, focused on President Biden’s "Investing in America" agenda and the administration's ongoing efforts to communicate the positive impacts of its policies. President Biden recently engaged in virtual conversations with people across the country to highlight how his administration's investments in healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation are benefiting communities. He plans to continue similar engagements, traveling to Wisconsin and Michigan to emphasize his commitment to building a brighter future for American families.
Tom Perez shared personal stories from his travels, illustrating how investments from the bipartisan infrastructure law have improved lives, such as replacing lead pipes in Wisconsin and expanding high-speed internet access in Oklahoma. He emphasized the administration's support for unions and job growth, noting that recent infrastructure investments are creating new opportunities that allow families to stay in their communities rather than moving away in search of employment. Perez also highlighted the administration's efforts to address economic challenges, such as rising prices, while pointing out that wage growth is now outpacing inflation, which is putting more money into the pockets of American workers.
The briefing also addressed the ongoing hostage situation in the Middle East, with the administration working closely with Egypt and Qatar to secure the release of hostages, including American citizens. The White House stressed its commitment to finding a resolution while avoiding direct negotiations through the media. On domestic matters, the administration defended its spending on promotional events as necessary to educate the public about the benefits of its policies. Internationally, the briefing touched on issues such as Russia's actions in Ukraine, emphasizing the administration's unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Overall, the briefing highlighted the Biden administration’s focus on communicating the tangible benefits of its policies to the American public while addressing economic and international challenges. The administration continues to stress the importance of creating opportunities, supporting unions, and securing a prosperous future for all Americans through strategic investments and careful governance.
President Biden Delivers Remarks for the Kickoff Event of the Investing in America Content Series
