What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
June 28, 2024 Recap
In a campaign event in Raleigh, North Carolina, President Biden emphasized his commitment to winning the state and securing another term. He praised local leaders and expressed his intentions to fight for key issues like restoring Roe v. Wade, protecting voting rights, Medicare, Social Security, and lowering prescription drug costs. Biden criticized Donald Trump's record, highlighting lies about the economy, pandemic response, and his role in the January 6th insurrection. He contrasted his administration's job creation, economic recovery, and international leadership achievements. Biden underscored the stakes of the election, portraying Trump as a threat to democracy and emphasizing the unique values and potential of America. The speech concluded with a call for unity and optimism, reaffirming his dedication to truth, decency, and progress.
President Biden has extended Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians through June 30, 2026. This measure continues employment authorization for eligible Liberians who have been continuously present in the U.S. since May 20, 2017. The extension honors the historic relationship between the United States and Liberia and serves U.S. foreign policy interests.
Since 1991, the U.S. has provided a safe haven for Liberians through Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and DED. The 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included the provision for the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF), allowing eligible Liberians to apply for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. President Trump extended DED to January 10, 2021, to align with the LRIF application period, which faced procedural challenges, prompting Congress to extend the application period by one year.
President Biden reinstated DED in January 2021 and extended it in June 2022 to June 30, 2024. The current extension through June 2026 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to allow immediate employment authorization and issue necessary documents. The extension excludes individuals ineligible for TPS, those denied LPR status under LRIF, those deemed a threat to U.S. interests, those posing adverse foreign policy consequences, those who returned to Liberia for 180 days or more, and those subject to extradition.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement addressing the Supreme Court's ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. She expressed concern over the decision and described it as a step backward for the country. The statement criticized the Supreme Court for siding with special interests, which she said undermined common-sense regulations that protect health, the environment, and the financial system and support American consumers and workers.
Jean-Pierre emphasized that despite the ruling, the Biden-Harris Administration remained committed to protecting and serving Americans. President Biden had instructed his legal team to collaborate with the Department of Justice and other agency counsel to thoroughly review the decision and ensure that federal agencies could continue to utilize their expertise to safeguard the public and promote community well-being.
Vice President Kamala Harris expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court's ruling in the Loper Bright case, emphasizing that the decision favors special interests to dismantle essential protections for Americans. She highlighted the importance of government roles in maintaining clean air and water, accessible healthcare, safe financial markets, safe products, and fair labor practices. Harris reaffirmed that she and President Biden remain committed to safeguarding these protections and ensuring the well-being of all Americans.
President Biden issued a memorandum to the Secretary of State regarding the Child Soldiers Prevention Act 2008. In this memorandum, he determines that it is in the national interest of the United States to waive the prohibition in section 404(a) of the Act with respect to Turkey. The President also certifies that the Turkish government is taking effective and ongoing measures to address the issue of child soldiers. The Secretary of State is authorized to submit this determination and certification to Congress, along with a Memorandum of Justification, and to publish it in the Federal Register.
President Biden issued a statement on Iowa's abortion ban, criticizing the Iowa Supreme Court's decision to allow the state's restrictive abortion law to take effect, making Iowa the 22nd state with such a ban. Biden emphasizes that this endangers women's health and lives, attributing the trend to the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. He also points out that Republican officials have proposed national abortion bans and resisted protecting access to IVF and contraception. Biden, alongside Vice President Harris, reaffirms their commitment to ensuring women's rights to make personal health decisions and calls on Congress to restore Roe v. Wade's protections in federal law.
During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Queens, NY, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Campaign Communications Director Michael Tyler addressed various topics with the media. Jean-Pierre began by discussing the recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling that allowed a strict abortion ban to take effect, a decision she attributed to the influence of the previous administration on the Supreme Court. She emphasized that President Biden remains committed to ensuring women have the right to make personal healthcare decisions and will continue pushing Congress to restore Roe v. Wade protections.
Tyler then reviewed President Biden's recent speech in North Carolina, emphasizing the stark contrast between Biden and former President Trump. He highlighted Trump's celebration of the Roe v. Wade overturning and his extreme economic policies. While acknowledging that Biden may not be as sharp a debater as he once was, Tyler stressed that the President remains a fierce fighter for the American people. He also addressed criticism of Biden's debate performance, emphasizing that despite a poor showing, Biden's commitment to democracy, economic fairness, and fundamental rights remains unwavering.
The discussion also covered the campaign's debate strategy and staffing. Tyler defended the decision to hold the debate without an audience, explaining that it revealed Trump's extremism. He rejected suggestions of any campaign staffing or strategy changes, stating that the Biden team remains focused on securing 270 electoral votes.
Questions about Biden's health and debate performance were also raised. Tyler and Jean-Pierre confirmed that Biden had a cold and tested negative for COVID-19, stressing that his commitment to fighting for the American people remains strong. Jean-Pierre responded to recent Supreme Court rulings that roll back protections for health, the environment, and financial systems, criticizing these decisions and stating that the administration is reviewing them to continue safeguarding American interests.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered remarks at the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York, emphasizing themes of pride, perseverance, and the power of storytelling. She highlighted the monument's significance in American history, celebrating victories of the LGBTQ community achieved through love and dedication. Biden praised Diana Rodriguez and Ann Marie Gothard for their leadership in preserving diversity and ensuring the center would inspire future generations to learn from the past and shape a better future. She concluded by expressing gratitude and solidarity with the community, her commitment, and President Biden's support for all Americans.
President Biden took the podium to deliver remarks emphasizing the importance of the LGBTQ+ community's contributions and struggles, highlighting the 55th anniversary of the pivotal Stonewall uprising. Biden acknowledged the historical significance of the Stonewall Inn, which symbolized the fight for LGBTQ+ rights globally.
He praised the community for their courage and resilience, mentioning that President Obama designated Christopher Park as a National Monument in 2016. Biden unveiled a new Visitor Center for the Stonewall National Monument, the first LGBTQ+ Visitor Center in the U.S. National Parks.
The president reiterated the ongoing "battle for the soul of America," expressing confidence in the progress and ultimate victory for LGBTQ+ rights. He shared a personal anecdote about witnessing a same-sex couple kiss when he was 16, reflecting his father's simple yet profound acceptance: "They love each other."
Biden concluded by emphasizing the need for dignity and respect for all, regardless of background. He then introduced singer Elton John, celebrating his contributions to music and his advocacy against HIV/AIDS.
President Biden gives remarks at the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York City
