What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 3, 2024 Recap
President Biden issued a Presidential Permit authorizing Southwebb Bridge Company LLC to construct, maintain, and operate a vehicular and pedestrian crossing at the United States-Mexico border near Laredo, Texas. The permit was based on an application submitted by the company on March 15, 2022, and operated under the authority of 33 U.S.C. 535d and related procedures. The border facilities, which included the bridge and related structures, were to be located approximately 12.6 miles southeast of Laredo, Texas and had to adhere to federal, state, and local laws.
The permit outlined several key conditions. The company had to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, including those related to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act, and take measures to mitigate any environmental impacts. Federal, state, and local agencies were tasked with overseeing the facilities' construction, maintenance, and operation to ensure compliance. Additionally, the permittee was required to indemnify the United States against any liability arising from these activities, including environmental contamination.
The document also included provisions for transferring ownership or control of the border facilities. Any such transfer had to be approved by the President, and the permit would remain in effect under new ownership only with that approval. The company was responsible for securing the necessary funding to support staffing, maintenance, and operations through coordination with various federal agencies, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the General Services Administration. Furthermore, construction could not begin until diplomatic approval had been secured through an exchange of notes with the Government of Mexico.
The permit would have expired if construction had not begun within five years, and the President retained the authority to revoke, amend, or terminate the permit at any time. If the bridge ceased to operate as an international crossing, the permit would terminate, allowing the company to manage the facilities according to applicable laws. The document concluded with a statement that it did not create any legal rights enforceable against the U.S. government. The permit authorized Southwebb Bridge Company LLC to develop a new border crossing under strict regulatory oversight and environmental compliance while ensuring coordination with relevant federal authorities.
In his remarks before departing for Georgia and Florida, President Biden briefly addressed a range of questions from the press. He expressed optimism about progress regarding the port strike but provided no detailed updates. When asked about sanctions on Iran, he withheld specifics. Biden also defended Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, dismissing claims that Walz lost a debate.
Regarding the hostages in Gaza, the President had no new updates. He suggested discussions were ongoing regarding a potential Israeli strike on Iran's oil facilities but didn't offer a definitive stance. When asked about Donald Trump's actions following the 2020 election, Biden deferred to Special Counsel Jack Smith's legal case.
On the topic of Israel retaliating against Iran, Biden clarified that the U.S. advises but does not control Israel's actions. He also doubted Russian President Vladimir Putin would attend the upcoming G20 and APEC summits. Finally, when asked about the tight race between Vice President Harris and Donald Trump, Biden expressed confidence in Harris's performance, noting such races are often close.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack held a press gaggle Aboard Air Force One en route to Tallahassee, Florida, to discuss the ongoing federal response to Hurricane Helene in Florida and Georgia. President Biden is traveling to these states to survey the damage, meet with local leaders, and provide assistance. The administration has approved 100% federal cost-sharing for emergency response activities in affected states, offering significant aid for debris removal, search and rescue, and shelters. Nearly $4 million has been provided to individuals in need so far.
Secretary Vilsack highlighted the Department of Agriculture's efforts to support farmers and rural communities. This includes expedited crop insurance payments, assistance for livestock, debris removal, and help with damaged infrastructure. Vilsack also addressed the impact of the hurricane and a labor stoppage at ports, noting the potential for supply chain disruptions. He emphasized the administration's coordination with FEMA and efforts to provide recovery assistance.
When asked about rising food prices, Vilsack said that short-term disruptions are unlikely to cause significant inflation, but longer delays could pose challenges. Finally, Jean-Pierre mentioned that Governor DeSantis will not meet with the president but said the administration remains in contact with his team.
President Biden praised the agreement between Mauritius and the UK regarding the status of the Chagos Archipelago. The agreement affirmed Mauritian sovereignty over the archipelago while granting the UK the authority to exercise sovereign rights concerning Diego Garcia, where a joint U.S.-UK military base was located. Biden highlighted the strategic importance of Diego Garcia for global and regional security and noted that the agreement secured the base's continued operation. He also expressed optimism for continued partnerships with Mauritius and the UK to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
President Joe Biden issued a proclamation for National Manufacturing Day 2024, highlighting the importance of American workers and manufacturing in strengthening the economy and the middle class. He contrasts his administration’s economic vision with past "trickle-down" policies, focusing on growing the economy from the "middle out and bottom up."
Biden celebrates the significant investments made under his "Investing in America" agenda, including through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, attracting over $910 billion in private sector investments. These investments drive job creation, particularly in manufacturing, with over 700,000 jobs added.
The proclamation also stresses the administration’s efforts to prioritize American-made products through policies like the "Build America, Buy America Act" and increased domestic content requirements for federal projects.
Biden reflects on his working-class roots in Scranton, Pennsylvania, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring fair opportunities for workers. He encourages all Americans to support domestic manufacturing and to make "Made in America" a reality, marking October 4, 2024, as National Manufacturing Day.
The G7 leaders express deep concern over the worsening situation in the Middle East, condemning Iran's direct military attack on Israel as a serious threat to regional stability. They reaffirm their unwavering commitment to Israel’s security while calling for an end to Iran's destabilizing actions through its proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and militia groups in Iraq. The leaders stressed the need for coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation, warning that a dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks uncontrolled violence that benefits no one. They call on all regional actors to act responsibly and exercise restraint, urging constructive engagement to de-escalate tensions and respect international humanitarian law.
The statement also condemns Hamas’ violent attacks, particularly on the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, assault, standing in solidarity with the victims and their families. The G7 leaders call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid, endorsing U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian efforts to secure a comprehensive agreement in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735. Acknowledging the catastrophic situation in Gaza, with tens of thousands of civilian casualties, the G7 emphasizes the need for full and unhindered humanitarian access to protect the civilian population. They also express a commitment to working towards a durable peace that includes a two-state solution, allowing Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully with security for both.
Additionally, the leaders express deep concern about Lebanon, calling for an end to hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border and stressing the importance of a diplomatic solution consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They urge all actors to protect civilians and commit to providing humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Lebanon's civilian population. The statement closes by underscoring the critical role of the United Nations in resolving armed conflict and mitigating the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, particularly through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), with the G7 pledging continued support for the mission. They also extend condolences to the victims in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon and commit to remaining engaged with all relevant actors to achieve peace.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They discussed the outcomes of Sheikh Mohamed's recent visit to Washington, focusing on the UAE's designation as a Major Defense Partner of the U.S. and collaboration in artificial intelligence and related technologies. They also addressed regional issues, with Sullivan praising the UAE's humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Additionally, they discussed the situation in Lebanon, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution, and expressed concern over escalating violence in Sudan, especially regarding threats to diplomatic facilities, including the UAE Ambassador's residence in Khartoum.
President Joe Biden applauded the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) for reaching a tentative agreement to reopen East Coast and Gulf ports. The agreement includes a record wage increase and an extension of the collective bargaining process, which Biden sees as crucial for securing a solid contract for dockworkers. He praised the ILA workers for their efforts during the pandemic and thanked the union and the port operators for their cooperation. Biden emphasized the importance of collective bargaining in building a stronger, more inclusive economy, especially as it ensures the availability of critical supplies for Hurricane Helene's recovery.
In her speech at Ripon College, Wisconsin, Liz Cheney began by expressing a personal connection to the state, as she was born there when her parents, Dick and Lynne Cheney, were graduate students at the University of Wisconsin. She reminisced about her first political campaign in 1976, working for President Ford, and her long-standing involvement in Republican politics. Cheney reflected on her deep Republican roots, citing her votes for Ronald Reagan, her service in the State Department under both Bush administrations and her leadership role in the House of Representatives.
She discussed the significance of Ripon as the birthplace of the Republican Party, which was founded in opposition to slavery in 1854. She reminded the audience of the party’s historical values, referencing figures like Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, and George Bush. She stressed her belief in limited government, low taxes, a strong national defense, and the importance of family. Cheney characterized herself as a lifelong conservative and spoke passionately about her belief in the Constitution, stating that the most important conservative value is fidelity to it.
In a surprising shift, Cheney declared her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president, making it clear that she had never before voted for a Democrat. She emphasized that her decision was driven by the urgent need to defend the Constitution and the country from the threat posed by Donald Trump. Cheney warned that Trump’s actions, particularly his refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and his efforts to stay in power through unlawful means, represented a grave danger to the republic.
Cheney detailed Trump’s conduct on January 6, 2021, when he incited an armed mob to attack the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of the election. She described how Trump ignored pleas from his family, advisors, and government officials to intervene and stop the violence, instead watching the events unfold on television. Cheney recounted how Trump refused to act when he learned that Vice President Pence’s life was in danger, saying, “So what?” when informed that Pence had been evacuated for his safety. She criticized Trump’s lack of compassion and described his behavior as depraved.
Highlighting the severity of the threat, Cheney argued that Trump’s actions and refusal to accept the peaceful transfer of power disqualified him from ever holding office again. She urged Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike to unite in opposition to Trump, stating that defeating him in the upcoming election is essential to preserving the republic.
Cheney also took aim at Republicans who have downplayed the significance of January 6, such as former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, who suggested people have "moved on" from the event. She argued that this kind of minimization was dangerous and a betrayal of the principles of democracy, stressing that the peaceful transfer of power is fundamental to the survival of the republic.
Cheney praised Harris for standing "in the breach" at this critical time in American history and working to unite people across the political spectrum. She expressed her confidence in Harris as a leader who could defend the Constitution, uphold the rule of law, and inspire future generations, particularly young girls. Cheney urged Americans to join her in supporting Harris, stating that while they may disagree on some policy issues, they are united in their commitment to the Constitution and preserving democracy.
In the closing section of her speech, Cheney reflected on the importance of character in leadership, quoting Abraham Lincoln and John Adams, and appealed to Americans to choose leaders who put the country and the Constitution above personal ambition and partisanship. She called on the audience to help “write the ship of democracy” by electing Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States.
Following Cheney’s speech, Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage, expressing her gratitude for Cheney’s support and leadership. Harris acknowledged the deep significance of Cheney’s endorsement, particularly given their differences in political ideology. She highlighted the shared commitment to upholding democratic principles and the Constitution, underscoring the importance of this election for the country's future.
Harris echoed Cheney’s warnings about the dangers posed by Trump and his disregard for the Constitution. She affirmed her dedication to defending democracy and ensuring that the United States remains a leader on the global stage. Harris concluded by calling on all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, to unite in defense of democracy and work together to secure the future of the nation.
Former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Vice President Kamala Harris give remarks during a campaign rally in Ripon, WI
