What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 7, 2024 Recap
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Biden-Harris Administration reinforced its commitment to combating Antisemitism, especially in light of the recent alarming rise in incidents following an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th. President Biden addressed the nation as part of these efforts, underscoring the "Never Again" pledge and marking the release of the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. This comprehensive strategy initiated a year ago, outlines over 200 actions and calls for engagement from various sectors to mitigate Antisemitism in the U.S., involving multiple government departments, including Justice, Homeland Security, and Education.
Significant measures include the Department of Education issuing new guidance to help schools recognize and manage Antisemitic discrimination effectively. The Department of Homeland Security is also enhancing its resources for campus safety and strategies to prevent targeted violence. Financially, the administration has bolstered support through an additional $400 million allocated to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to enhance security at Jewish institutions and other vulnerable groups.
The administration has been proactive in community engagement and legal support, offering resources, training, and educational initiatives to equip communities and law enforcement to identify better and combat hate crimes and Antisemitism. These efforts are supported by a multitude of federal agencies, which are actively working to provide legal protections against discrimination, enhance educational content on Jewish history and Antisemitism, and improve security protocols at schools and religious institutions. Through these comprehensive actions, the Biden-Harris Administration aims to significantly curb the rise of Antisemitism and ensure a safer environment for Jewish communities and other targeted groups.
In his remarks at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Annual Days of Remembrance Ceremony, President Biden highlighted the importance of remembering the Holocaust and confronting antisemitism today. He recalled the systematic murder of six million Jews during World War II, emphasizing the need to perpetuate the memory of this atrocity to prevent its recurrence. Biden spoke about his personal experiences learning and teaching about the Holocaust, including visits to significant sites like Yad Vashem and Dachau with his family.
The President also addressed recent events, particularly referencing a brutal attack on October 7, 2023, by Hamas, which he described as the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. He detailed the horrific nature of this attack, including the massacre of over 1,200 individuals and the taking of hostages. This event, Biden noted, was driven by a long-standing hatred towards Jews.
President Biden condemned the surge in antisemitism and called for national and individual responsibility to combat hate. He emphasized the role of education, memory, and legal measures in protecting all communities from violence and discrimination. He concluded by honoring the resilience and contributions of the Jewish community and reaffirming his commitment to the security of the Jewish people and Israel.
Vice President Harris has announced a significant funding initiative of $5.5 billion to enhance affordable housing and economic growth across America. This initiative, revealed during her Economic Opportunity Tour, aims to assist 1,200 communities through more than 2,400 grants. These funds will help build and preserve affordable homes, reduce housing costs, and support renters and homeowners. This effort is part of the Biden-Harris administration's broader strategy to address the deficit in affordable housing inherited from previous administrations and to prevent and end homelessness.
The grants will support a variety of key housing and community development programs, including:
$1.3 billion through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to build affordable housing.
$214 million from the Housing Trust Fund to increase the affordable housing supply.
$3.3 billion in Community Development Block Grants to strengthen community resilience and economic opportunities.
$455 million for the Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/AIDS program.
$290 million for the Emergency Solutions Grants to assist in homelessness prevention and support.
$30 million for the Recovery Housing Program to aid recovery from substance use disorders.
The funding reflects the administration's commitment to creating a robust support system for low-income households, enhancing community infrastructure, and fostering economic growth. These investments are set to build on existing initiatives like the White House Housing Supply Action Plan and the Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights, aiming to make housing more accessible and affordable while boosting economic opportunities and community development.
President Biden signed into law:
H.R. 292, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 24355 Creekside Road in Santa Clarita, California, as the William L. Reynolds Post Office Building;
H.R. 996, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3901 MacArthur Blvd., in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the Dr. Rudy Lombard Post Office;
H.R. 2754, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2395 East Del Mar Boulevard in Laredo, Texas, as the Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza, Lance Corporal Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez, and Sergeant Roberto Arizola Jr. Post Office Building;
H.R. 3865, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 South 8th Street in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, as the Lieutenant William D. Lebo Post Office Building;
H.R. 3944, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 West Church Street in Mount Vernon, Georgia, as the Second Lieutenant Patrick Palmer Calhoun Post Office;
H.R. 3947, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 859 North State Road 21 in Melrose, Florida, as the Pamela Jane Rock Post Office Building; and
S. 474, the “Revising Existing Procedures On Reporting via Technology Act” or the “REPORT Act,” which requires electronic communication service providers and remote computing service providers to submit reports to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children when they become aware of certain violations involving the online sexual exploitation of children.
In a meeting at the Oval Office, President Biden welcomed Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, commending Romania's contributions since joining NATO 20 years ago. He highlighted the strong military collaboration, including the presence of 1,800 American troops in Romania and Romania's significant support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. Biden praised Romania's leadership, especially in the Black Sea region, and its assistance in handling Ukrainian refugees and security issues.
President Iohannis emphasized the strength of the bilateral relationship and the transatlantic partnership's role in upholding democratic values and security. He noted ongoing cooperative efforts, including a visa waiver program for Romania and emphasized the critical need for continued support to Ukraine to prevent a Russian victory in the war.
Both leaders acknowledged the robust partnership between their nations, reiterating their commitment to NATO and their shared values, which they believe have significant implications for Europe and the global community.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered a speech at the White House to honor the memory of World War I service members. She spoke about the sacrifices of those who served and the families who supported them, emphasizing the lasting impact of their courage on American history. She referenced the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., highlighting its symbolic importance and the enduring spirit of service. Jill Biden also shared her personal connection to military service, citing her family's military background and her initiative, Joining Forces, which supports military families. She concluded by introducing Chairman Terry W. Hamby and acknowledging his efforts to make the memorial possible.
President Biden met with CEOs from diverse industries—manufacturing, banking, clean energy, and construction—to discuss the impact of his investment agenda and renewed international alliances on creating favorable conditions for businesses and workers. During the meeting, there was a consensus on the significance of ongoing investments driven by a partnership between the government and the private sector to foster robust economic growth and reinforce U.S. leadership in the global economy.
Participants included leaders from top companies such as Flex, Evercore, Bechtel Group, Xerox, Marriott International, Citi, United Airlines, and Corning. Key administration officials like Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard also participated in the discussions, emphasizing the collaborative effort between public-sector leadership and private-sector innovation.
Guatemala hosted the third Ministerial Meeting on the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. The U.S. led the meeting, announcing $578 million in assistance for migration-related challenges and introducing measures to combat irregular migration, including visa restrictions and a biometric data partnership with Costa Rica. The meeting emphasized expanding lawful migration pathways through the Safe Mobility Offices in Guatemala and Costa Rica. It introduced a $3 million U.S. project to protect workers in temporary foreign worker programs. Efforts to address migration's root causes included a $20 million loan in Guatemala for low-income mortgages. The initiatives reflect a commitment to coordinated, humane migration management across the Western Hemisphere.
President Biden greets holocaust survivors during a ceremony honoring the Day of Remembrance at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's Annual Days of Remembrance ceremony at the U.S. Capitol
