What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
April 23, 2024 Recap
During Earth Week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced significant initiatives at the White House Water Summit to bolster freshwater resources and improve clean water access for Tribal Nations, involving an allocation of over $1 billion. A central piece of this commitment is the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge, which sets a bold national goal to protect, restore, and reconnect 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of rivers and streams, with more than 100 state, Tribal, and local government entities supporting this effort. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Indian Health Services and the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation are dedicating significant funds ($700 million and $320 million, respectively) to enhance water and sanitation infrastructure in Tribal areas where half of the households lack basic water services.
The Administration is also addressing the Western megadrought with an additional $11 million through the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program to improve climate resilience. Moreover, the Great Lakes Lead Pipes Partnership aims to expedite lead pipe replacement in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee to mitigate lead contamination risks. Over $70 million will fund 43 projects across 29 states to restore aquatic habitats and update aging water infrastructure as part of a broader $3 billion initiative focused on aquatic connectivity and fish passage. New federal regulations from the Department of Housing and Urban Development enhance flood resilience by updating floodproofing standards for federally funded constructions in flood-prone areas. Furthermore, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is allocating $123 million to support coastal and estuarine management, with a significant portion directed toward Tribal and Native Hawaiian projects.
During a press gaggle en route to Tampa, FL, Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates and National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby addressed various topics. Bates began by discussing President Biden's recent actions to enhance privacy protections for patients seeking reproductive healthcare in response to extreme attacks by Republican officials and the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. He highlighted the administration's commitment to safeguarding women's health records and fighting state-level abortion bans. Bates also announced President Biden's upcoming commencement speeches at Morehouse College and the United States Military Academy.
John Kirby focused on the administration's efforts to bolster U.S. priorities in the Western Hemisphere through the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, aiming to deepen economic integration and address challenges like climate change and migration. Kirby also touched on the urgent need for Congressional approval of military aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the detrimental impact of delays in aid due to Russian military advances. Throughout the gaggle, both spokespeople fielded questions on a variety of pressing issues, including the situation in Gaza, antisemitism on college campuses, and the administration's stance on abortion and reproductive rights, showcasing the administration's proactive approach to both domestic and international challenges.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered remarks at the “Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline” event in Nashville, Tennessee. She celebrated Patsy Cline’s profound impact on the music industry, highlighting how Cline's bold voice and persistent spirit initiated a significant shift, especially for women in music. Dr.. Biden described Cline’s music as a powerful medium that articulates deep emotions, connects people, and tells the American story through its themes of love, loss, and resilience. She spoke about the unifying effect of music, particularly country music, in expressing shared human experiences. The First Lady, a community college writing teacher, emphasized the storytelling power of music and its ability to heal and bring people together. She expressed her honor in serving as the First Lady and the special significance of celebrating Cline's legacy with her family, including her daughter Julie.
Dr. Biden concluded her remarks with a blessing for the attendees and a protective prayer for American troops and their families.
Vice President Kamala Harris had a call with President Isaac Herzog of Israel, where she extended Passover greetings. The conversation was marked by the memory of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack, which resulted in over 1200 deaths, including 44 Americans, and included hostages and acts of sexual violence. They discussed the situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to Israel’s security, efforts against Iran and its proxies, and a recently passed supplemental funding package. Vice President Harris expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocating for increased and safe humanitarian aid delivery and aiming for a ceasefire that would also involve hostage release. They also addressed the increase in Antisemitism in the U.S. and globally, condemning the acts and agreeing to fight against hate.
Today, a significant meeting took place at the White House involving National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, with key asset owners who control over $1 trillion in public and pension fund capital. These asset owners have pledged to uphold strong labor standards in their private equity investments. In tandem, the White House introduced an initiative to boost labor commitments across various funds, asset managers, and companies. It launched a survey for these groups to share their labor practices.
The convening reflects President Biden’s commitment to positioning his administration as the most pro-labor and pro-union in U.S. history, aiming to use every available tool to support the right to unionize. The main focus is ensuring that the capital from the state government, public, and labor union pension funds not only seeks financial returns but also prioritizes the interests and rights of workers. This includes support for unionization, collective bargaining, equal opportunity, and safe work environments free from forced and compulsory labor.
The participating funds are also encouraged to remain neutral during union organization efforts and to engage in practices such as neutrality agreements that support fair labor conditions. This meeting underscores a collective stance among significant economic players that strong labor rights are essential for a robust economy, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to worker empowerment and organization.
President Biden delivered a speech at a campaign event at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. He began with lighthearted interactions with children in the audience, promising them ice cream money to lighten the mood. Throughout his speech, he emphasized the significance of the upcoming election, asserting that it would be fought in the traditional way of campaigning through grassroots efforts like door-knocking and organizing.
The President highlighted the U.S.'s critical role on the global stage and other nations' expectations of American leadership. He also stressed the importance of democracy, both domestically and internationally, as a key issue in the election.
Focusing on domestic policies, President Biden reiterated his commitment to a middle-class-centered economic policy, contrasting it with what he described as his opponents' trickle-down economics. He proudly referenced his pro-union stance and the tangible benefits it has brought, such as improved pension rights.
President Biden shared personal reflections on his motivations for running for president, particularly spurred by incidents of racial tension and his commitment to the democratic values he feels are currently at stake.
He closed his remarks with a call to action, urging his audience's continued support and active participation. He underscored the need for a collective effort to achieve a fair and prosperous society for all.
Vice President Harris released a statement mourning the passing of Reverend Cecil Williams, describing him as a beacon of light and love, deeply guided by his faith. Harris highlighted Williams' significant contributions including advocating for human rights, leading re-entry programs, and providing essential services to those in need. Under Williams' leadership, San Francisco’s GLIDE Memorial Church became a pioneer in welcoming LGBTQ+ members, establishing it as a sanctuary of hope and healing. Vice President Harris expressed personal gratitude, recalling fond memories of serving community meals with Williams during Thanksgiving. She emphasized that Williams' leadership made the country more just, compassionate, and strong, extending her and her husband Doug's prayers to his family.
At a White House event led by National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard, Domestic Policy Council Director Neera Tanden, and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, two pivotal new regulations were unveiled to support American workers and promote economic growth from the grassroots.
The first initiative involves updating the outdated overtime pay threshold, extending overtime protections to nearly one million workers initially, with an increase in the salary threshold to $43,888 starting July 1. A second increase to $58,656, scheduled for January 1, 2025, will extend protections to approximately three million more workers. These thresholds will be adjusted every three years to align with wage growth.
The second regulation focuses on retirement security, protecting Americans' retirement savings from hidden fees and unscrupulous investment advice, which currently costs savers billions annually. This rule mandates that financial advisors must provide prudent, loyal, and honest advice, prioritizing the interests of savers over their own financial gains. These measures are designed to ensure fair compensation for overtime work and enhance the financial security of those saving for retirement, reinforcing the administration's strategy of strengthening the economic foundation by supporting the middle class.
President Joe Biden issued a statement regarding the Senate's bipartisan passage of the National Security Package, emphasizing its significance at a critical moment for the United States and its role in the world. He highlighted the bill's purpose to bolster national security and demonstrate American leadership in supporting democracy and opposing tyranny. The President announced his intent to sign the bill into law immediately and detailed plans to expedite military support to Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts with Russia. He acknowledged the urgent needs of other regions like Israel, Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti, facing threats and crises, and the broader geopolitical stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
President Biden thanked Senate leaders and bipartisan lawmakers for their support, underscoring the legislation's role in enhancing global security and aiding allies against threats from groups like Hamas and leaders like Putin.
President Biden gives remarks on women’s reproductive rights while on a campaign stop at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, FL
