What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 6, 2024 Recap
President Biden highlighted the continued economic recovery, noting 227,000 jobs added in November, driven by Boeing machinists returning to work and hurricane recovery efforts. The unemployment rate remained low at 4.2%, consistent with recent months. He emphasized that since his administration began, over 16 million jobs have been created, with unemployment at a 50-year low on average. Biden pointed to rising incomes, up $4,000 more than prices, and highlighted measures to reduce costs for Americans, such as lowering prescription drug prices, health insurance premiums, utility bills, and gas prices. He acknowledged ongoing work to reduce further costs for families.
President Biden submitted a report to Congress under the War Powers Resolution, providing an update on U.S. military operations worldwide. The report highlights ongoing counterterrorism efforts, with U.S. forces deployed globally, particularly in the Central and Africa Commands’ areas, to combat groups like al-Qa’ida, ISIS, and their affiliates. These deployments involve advising and assisting partner nations and protecting U.S. interests, with operations in key regions such as Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia. In Afghanistan, U.S. personnel remain stationed outside the country to address emerging threats. In Iraq and Syria, forces work with local partners to target ISIS and al-Qa’ida, while in Yemen, U.S. strikes have targeted Houthi militants following attacks on U.S. forces and vessels. East Africa remains a focus for counterterrorism airstrikes and partnerships with Somali and regional forces, while the U.S. recently ended its military presence in Niger in the Sahel region.
Defensive deployments include the Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system and supporting personnel in Israel to safeguard against threats, as well as forces stationed in Saudi Arabia to counter Iranian-backed aggression. Additional deployments to Jordan and Lebanon enhance security and counterterrorism efforts, with Lebanon also receiving support due to heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The U.S. military contributes to broader missions, such as supporting the Multinational Force and Observers in Egypt, maintaining forces with the NATO-led Kosovo Force to deter hostilities, and positioning approximately 80,000 personnel in NATO countries to reassure allies and deter Russian aggression. In Cuba, U.S. forces continue detention operations at Guantanamo Bay, where 30 detainees remain in custody.
President Biden emphasized that these operations are conducted under his constitutional and statutory authority as commander-in-chief, which aligns with existing legal mandates. He assured Congress of ongoing communication and transparency regarding these deployments to ensure legislative oversight. The report underscores the expansive scope of U.S. military involvement in countering global threats and maintaining international stability.
President Biden has amended Tennessee's major disaster declaration, increasing federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures following Tropical Storm Helene. Federal funding will now cover 100% of eligible costs for 120 days, to be chosen by the state within the first 180 days since the incident period began on September 26. This decision aims to provide additional support to Tennessee in its recovery efforts.
President Biden has authorized increased federal disaster assistance for Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia in response to damages caused by Tropical Storm Helene and Hurricane Helene. In Tennessee, the funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures has been raised to 100% of eligible costs for 120 days within the first 180 days following the incident's start on September 26, 2024. Similarly, South Carolina will receive 100% federal funding for debris removal for 120 days within the same 180-day timeframe, starting September 25, 2024. In Georgia, federal funding for emergency work and debris removal has been increased to 100% of eligible costs for 120 days within 180 days from the incident period starting September 24, 2024, and ending on October 30, 2024. These amendments aim to provide additional support to the affected states, allowing flexibility in selecting the specific 120-day window to optimize recovery efforts.
The proclamation issued by President Biden honors the memory of the 2,403 individuals killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. It reflects on the courage of those who defended democracy during World War II and the sacrifices made by the "Greatest Generation."
The statement emphasizes the ongoing duty to care for veterans, including expanded health care and benefits for World War II veterans. It calls for Americans to commemorate the lives lost on that day, recognize the survivors' resilience, and commit to preserving freedom, democracy, and equality. President Biden urges the nation to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff on December 7, 2024, to honor those who perished and served at Pearl Harbor.