What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
April 22, 2024 Recap
On the eve of Earth Day, senior officials from the Biden-Harris administration announced significant conservation and climate initiatives. The administration aims to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, having already conserved over 41 million acres. Highlights include the launch of Conservation.gov, the conservation of land in Alaska, the expansion of wildlife refuges, and a new public lands management rule.
Key initiatives include the "Solar for All" program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, which will deploy solar power to 900,000 households, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged communities. Additionally, the American Climate Corps is being expanded to provide clean energy job opportunities, particularly for youth, aligning with efforts to integrate renewable energy, reduce energy costs, and promote economic equity while tackling climate change.
Vice President Harris announced two new landmark final rules to improve long-term care as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to enhance the safety and quality of care for older Americans and people with disabilities. These rules respond to commitments made in President Biden's State of the Union address and an Executive Order to increase access to high-quality care.
The first rule targets nursing homes by establishing minimum staffing levels to prevent understaffing, which has been linked to substandard care. This rule mandates daily hours of care per resident from registered nurses and nurse aides and requires a registered nurse to be present 24/7. Implementation will be phased, with considerations for rural and workforce-shortage areas.
The second rule focuses on home care, ensuring that at least 80% of Medicaid payments for home care services are directed toward workers' wages. This aims to improve access and reduce turnover by enhancing the compensation and working conditions for home care workers, predominantly women of color.
These measures are part of the administration's broader agenda to support the care economy, which includes increasing pay for care workers and reducing childcare costs for families and military personnel.
President Biden is marking Earth Day 2024 with pivotal climate actions, announcing a $7 billion Solar for All initiative to provide solar power to 900,000 low-income households, expected to save these households over $350 million annually and reduce carbon emissions by 30 million metric tons over 25 years. Additionally, he will introduce initiatives for the American Climate Corps, aiming to employ over 20,000 young Americans in climate resilience efforts. The administration has also conserved over 41 million acres of land and water and furthered a comprehensive climate agenda that includes massive investments in clean energy, infrastructure resilience, and environmental justice.
Internationally, President Biden has restored U.S. leadership in climate diplomacy, securing commitments to reduce emissions and phase out fossil fuels. These efforts highlight a broad approach to tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development.
President Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, reiterating the U.S.'s steadfast support for Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression. He confirmed that the U.S. would soon deliver substantial new security assistance focused on Ukraine's immediate military and air defense requirements, pending the passing and his signing of a national security supplemental by the Senate. The aid package, worth over $60 billion for Ukraine, was recently passed by the House and awaits Senate action. It is part of a broader $95 billion package supporting other allies.
The President emphasized that U.S. economic aid will contribute to Ukraine's financial stability, reconstruct critical infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks, and facilitate reforms essential for Ukraine's journey toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
Additional source: Stars and Stripes
President Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had a phone conversation to discuss their ongoing support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Von der Leyen praised the recent passage of a national security supplemental by the U.S. House of Representatives, which is expected to aid Ukraine further once approved by the Senate and signed by President Biden. They emphasized the importance of continued international backing for Ukraine's struggle for freedom.
The President signed into law:
S. 382, the “Puyallup Tribe of Indians Land Into Trust Confirmation Act of 2023,” which takes certain land into trust for the benefit of the Puyallup Tribe.
During a press gaggle in Triangle, Virginia, President Biden responded to several questions from journalists. He condemned antisemitic protests, particularly on college campuses, and mentioned that he has established a program to address this issue. When asked about the situation with Palestinians, he noted a lack of understanding among some people about their conditions. Regarding questions on whether the Columbia University President should resign, The President expressed unawareness and stated he needed to learn more about the situation. On the topic of abortion, President Biden asserted that his focus on the issue is about doing what's right rather than electoral gain. He humorously deflected a question about his legacy on abortion by asking the journalist about their own legacy.
President Biden delivered remarks on Earth Day at Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia, emphasizing significant strides in environmental protection and the fight against climate change. He recounted the origins of Earth Day, established through the efforts of Senator Gaylord Nelson. He highlighted his own legislative contributions over the years, including the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.
The President introduced the "Solar for All" program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, to help low-income households access solar energy. This is expected to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint significantly. Additionally, he announced the formation of the American Climate Corps, aimed at involving young Americans in various conservation and clean energy projects nationwide.
The speech recognized key environmental and governmental leadership figures, reiterated commitments to reducing pollutants and ensuring clean drinking water, and underscored ongoing investments in clean energy and infrastructure upgrades. Biden critiqued opponents of his climate policies, warning against the dangers of climate change denial. He concluded with a call to action, expressing optimism for America's future and the collective capacity to address environmental challenges.
The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) convened a meeting with key federal agencies to coordinate responses to gun violence, including community-specific interventions and preventive measures. Overseen by Vice President Harris, the meeting emphasized strategies such as community violence intervention, safe storage practices, and significant investments in mental health resources. This initiative complements the Biden-Harris Administration’s recent implementation of stricter gun sale regulations under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, aimed at curbing illegal firearms and enhancing accountability for gun-related crimes.
President Biden announced a new rule under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act aimed at enhancing privacy protections for reproductive health care. This measure comes in response to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which has led to increased restrictions on reproductive health care. The rule is intended to prevent the misuse of medical records related to reproductive health services and to support high-quality care by ensuring patient privacy. The administration aims to safeguard patient information, enabling healthcare providers to offer complete and accurate advice. President Biden, alongside Vice President Harris, also reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for the restoration of Roe v. Wade protections at the federal level.
Vice President Harris spoke at a roundtable discussion at the Hmong Cultural and Community Agency in La Crosse, Wisconsin, emphasizing the critical role of home healthcare workers and the necessity for improvements in their working conditions. She acknowledged the delayed recognition of these workers' contributions and announced two significant policy changes aimed at bettering their circumstances. Firstly, new national minimum staffing standards for federally funded nursing homes will be established, ensuring better care for residents and less strain on workers. Secondly, a new requirement mandates that 80% of the federal funds given to home healthcare companies must be spent on worker wages rather than administrative costs. Vice President Harris highlighted the dignity and essential service provided by healthcare workers, both in routine circumstances and during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that their work is undervalued and that these measures are steps toward rectifying that.
President Biden gives remarks on Earth Day at Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, VA
Another busy day for Joe Biden. It is invigorating to see what he is doing!