What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
February 21 Recap
President Biden has announced the early approval of $1.2 billion in student debt cancellation for nearly 153,000 borrowers enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan. This action, part of the Biden-Harris Administration's broader effort to alleviate student debt, pushes the total cancellation to nearly $138 billion for about 3.9 million borrowers through numerous executive actions. The current beneficiaries, who took out $12,000 or less in loans and have been repaying for at least ten years, are the first to benefit from the SAVE plan's policy on debt forgiveness, implemented nearly six months ahead of its scheduled time.
President Biden has aimed to reform the student loan system since his first day in office, emphasizing making higher education more accessible and less of a financial burden. Despite opposition, his administration has succeeded in canceling more student debt than any prior administration and introducing the most affordable repayment plan to date, the SAVE plan.
The SAVE plan, effective immediately, offers debt cancellation for eligible borrowers, including those with smaller loans who might benefit significantly, such as community college attendees. This initiative will make 85% of future community college borrowers debt-free within ten years. The plan also includes provisions for borrowers with $0 monthly payments, underlining its focus on affordability based on income and family size, with enhanced benefits like preventing unpaid interest from increasing the loan balance.
Additionally, the administration has made strides in increasing Pell Grants, reforming the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, addressing administrative failures in Income-Driven Repayment Plans, and proposing regulatory changes to offer relief to more borrowers in hardship. These efforts underscore the administration's commitment to making higher education more affordable and to continue fighting for debt relief for Americans.
The Biden-Harris Administration announced a comprehensive initiative to enhance U.S. ports' cybersecurity and overall resilience, underscoring the Administration's commitment to national security and economic prosperity through infrastructure investment and cyber defense strategies. This initiative includes issuing an Executive Order to amplify the Department of Homeland Security’s authority to combat maritime cyber threats alongside mandatory cybersecurity standards and incident reporting for American ports. The U.S. Coast Guard is empowered to address cyber threats in the Marine Transportation System (MTS), including the authority to inspect and control the movement of vessels presenting cyber risks.
Key components of the initiative involve targeted actions against vulnerabilities in ship-to-shore cranes, particularly those manufactured by entities from the People’s Republic of China, and the establishment of minimum cybersecurity requirements for the MTS through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. These efforts are in line with the Administration's broader strategy to fortify the nation's supply chains and critical infrastructure against emerging 21st-century threats, leveraging over $20 billion in investment through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, which includes the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.
The announcement also highlights a strategic move to revitalize domestic manufacturing of port cranes in partnership with trusted entities, marking a significant shift towards enhancing U.S. industrial capacity and reducing dependency on foreign manufacturing. This initiative not only aims to secure the digital and physical infrastructure critical to the U.S. economy but also seeks to bolster economic activity, support millions of American jobs, and ensure the efficient and secure movement of goods across global supply chains.
President Biden has announced his forty-sixth round of judicial nominees, including one individual for a federal circuit court and four individuals for federal district courts. These nominees are recognized for their qualifications, experience, and commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution. This announcement is part of Biden's ongoing effort to ensure the diversity of the judiciary, reflecting the nation's broad range of personal and professional backgrounds.
The total number of Biden's federal judicial nominees now stands at 224. Additionally, he has announced his intent to nominate two individuals to serve as U.S. Attorneys, bringing his total nominees for these positions to 76. These nominees are selected for their dedication to law enforcement, equal justice, and the independence of the Department of Justice.
The nominees for the circuit and district courts include:
Judge Nancy L. Maldonado for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Georgia N. Alexakis for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Krissa M. Lanham for the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.
Judge Angela M. Martinez for the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.
Sparkle L. Sooknanan for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
For U.S. Attorney positions, the nominees are:
Matthew Gannon for the Northern District of Iowa.
David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa.
These nominees were chosen for their exemplary service in various legal capacities, including roles as judges, assistant U.S. Attorneys, and in private practice. Their backgrounds include clerkships with notable judges, contributions to the legal community through public and private sector roles, and distinguished academic achievements. This announcement underscores the administration's commitment to diversity, professionalism, and the pursuit of justice within the federal judiciary and law enforcement.
The Biden-Harris Administration announced a comprehensive initiative to enhance the cybersecurity of U.S. ports, emphasizing the critical role ports play in the nation's economy, security, and supply chains. This initiative includes several key actions:
Executive Order to Strengthen DHS Authority: President Biden will sign an executive order to bolster the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) authority to counter maritime cyber threats. This will mandate maritime transportation vessels and facilities to improve their cybersecurity measures and report cyber incidents. The Coast Guard will gain authority to respond to cyber threats, aligning cyber regulations with existing safety standards.
Investment in Port Infrastructure: The administration plans to invest over $20 billion in U.S. port infrastructure over the next five years as part of the President’s Investing in America agenda. This includes onshoring manufacturing capacity for port machinery, with PACECO Corporation planning to establish domestic production for American and Korean markets.
Maritime Security Director Announcement: The Coast Guard will introduce a maritime security director to oversee port security, focusing on mitigating vulnerabilities, particularly those related to the cybersecurity of port cranes, many of which are manufactured in China and pose potential cybersecurity risks.
Public Comment and Rulemaking: A notice of proposed rulemaking will be issued to establish minimum cybersecurity requirements for maritime infrastructure. This process will involve public comment and aim to set cybersecurity standards that align with international and industry-recognized guidelines.
The initiative responds to increasing cyber threats to critical infrastructure, including criminal and state-sponsored activities. The measures aim to ensure that U.S. ports are equipped to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber incidents effectively. This approach underscores the administration's commitment to safeguarding national security and economic stability by protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
President Biden Jr. issued an Executive Order that aims to enhance the security of the United States' vessels, harbors, ports, and waterfront facilities in response to ongoing and sophisticated malicious cyber campaigns against the United States. It amends parts of Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations to address these cyber threats directly. Key amendments include:
Expanding the role and authority of Captains of the Port within their designated areas, including immediate direction of Coast Guard law enforcement activities.
Defining "security zone" to include areas designated for protection against damage or injury to vessels or waterfront facilities and to safeguard national security interests.
Introducing definitions for "damage" and "cyber incident" to cover data, information, networks, programs, systems, or other digital infrastructures.
Granting Captains of the Port Authority to prevent access to vessels or waterfront facilities, establish security zones, and take necessary actions to secure vessels from damage or injury, including cyber threats.
Mandating the issuance of Coast Guard Port Security Cards by the Commandant to individuals whose presence on vessels or waterfront facilities is not deemed inimical to national security.
Setting forth conditions and restrictions for the safety of waterfront facilities and vessels in port, including measures to prevent, detect, assess, and remediate cyber incidents.
Requiring immediate reporting of sabotage, subversive activities, or actual or threatened cyber incidents to the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Captain of the Port.
Emphasizing the primary responsibility of masters, owners, operators, and agents of vessels or waterfront facilities for their protection and security, including cybersecurity measures.
The order also outlines coordination efforts between the Commandant and various executive departments and agencies to enforce these amended regulations, ensuring they are implemented in accordance with applicable laws and available appropriations. It clarifies that the order does not affect the legal authority of executive departments or agencies nor create any enforceable rights or benefits against the U.S. government or its officers.
During a speech in Cambridge, MA, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden announced the launch of the $100 million ARPA-H Sprint for Women’s Health. She emphasized the collaboration between industry, venture capital, universities, and government to invest in women's health. Highlighting the leadership and support from various political figures and thanking them for their dedication, she stressed the importance of overcoming barriers to advance health research. Inspired by the DARPA model, which significantly advanced technology through rapid innovation, the Biden administration aims to apply a similar bold approach to health challenges. This initiative seeks to address the historical underfunding and oversight in women's health research, which often excludes women from studies and fails to consider their unique health needs.
The ARPA-H Sprint for Women’s Health aims to fund groundbreaking research to fill significant gaps in knowledge about diseases and conditions that exclusively or disproportionately affect women or affect women differently than men. Recognizing the challenges researchers and startups face in securing investment for "risky" health discoveries, this initiative will provide essential funding to support early-stage innovations and help bring them to market for the benefit of women in need. Dr. Biden's speech highlighted the shared experiences of many American women with the healthcare system, underscoring the initiative's commitment to transforming women's healthcare to be more inclusive and responsive to their needs.
The Biden-Harris Administration has initiated the Investing in Rural America Regional Event Series, starting with an event in Tarboro, North Carolina. This series aims to showcase the administration's commitments and investments in rural communities across the United States. White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced over $770 million in new investments during their visit to Edgecombe Community College. These funds are designated for 216 projects in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands to enhance high-speed internet access, water quality, infrastructure, and economic growth in rural areas.
Key components of the investment include:
$51.7 million for expanding rural high-speed internet through the Reconnect Program and the Broadband Technical Assistance Program, with a new round of funding applications opening on March 22, 2024.
$644.2 million was allocated to help rural cooperatives and utilities supply clean drinking water and sanitary wastewater systems, benefiting 578,000 people.
$76.6 million for 32 projects in underserved communities as part of the Rural Partners Network, focusing on job access, business opportunities, healthcare, clean water, and renewable energy.
This initiative is part of President Biden's broader Investing in America agenda, aimed at ensuring rural Americans can find opportunities without leaving their hometowns. The series will feature visits and events of senior administration officials across the country, including a planned forum in New Mexico by White House Senior Advisor and Director of the Office of Public Engagement Steve Benjamin.
A press release from The White House announced the continuation of the national emergency with respect to Libya, initially declared on February 25, 2011, by Executive Order 13566 during the presidency of Barack Obama, in response to the actions of Colonel Muammar Qadhafi and his regime's extreme measures against civilians, including the use of weapons of war and violence. It highlights the risk of Libyan state assets being misappropriated by Qadhafi, his government, family, or associates. The national emergency was expanded on April 19, 2016, by Executive Order 13726 due to ongoing violence, human rights abuses, violations of an arms embargo, and misappropriation of Libya’s natural resources, further threatening Libya's peace, security, stability, sovereignty, democratic transition, and territorial integrity. These conditions continue to pose a significant threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
As a result, President Biden has decided to extend the national emergency beyond February 25, 2024, for an additional year, as per the National Emergencies Act, to prevent the diversion of assets and other abuses that could hinder Libyan national reconciliation. This extension will be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to Congress.
President Biden released an official statement announcing the continuation of the national emergency with respect to Cuba. This emergency was initially declared on March 1, 1996, following the Cuban government's destruction of two unarmed, U.S.-registered civilian aircraft in international airspace on February 24, 1996. The national emergency aims to address the disturbance or threatened disturbance of international relations caused by Cuba's actions.
The scope of the national emergency was expanded on February 26, 2004, to deny monetary and material support to the Cuban government. Subsequent modifications in 2016 and 2018 further adjusted the emergency measures based on ongoing disturbances or threats to the United States international relations related to Cuba.
The notice highlights the Cuban government's continued potential use of excessive force against U.S. vessels or aircraft involved in memorial activities or peaceful protests near Cuba. It also mentions the threat posed by unauthorized entry of U.S.-registered vessels into Cuban territorial waters, which could facilitate a mass migration from Cuba, potentially endangering U.S. national security by disturbing international relations.
To address these concerns, President Biden confirms the continuation of the national emergency and the related emergency authority concerning the regulation of the anchorage and movement of vessels, as established in the initial proclamation and its amendments. This action is taken under the National Emergencies Act and will be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to Congress, reaffirming the U.S. policy stance towards Cuba and its impact on U.S. foreign policy and national security.
President Biden delivered remarks on the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan in Culver City, California, emphasizing the administration's commitment to alleviate the burden of student loans for Americans. The President outlined the critical need for student debt relief by highlighting stories like that of Dr. Saint-Paul, who accrued significant debt while pursuing higher education to serve the community. He underscored the economic and personal benefits of relieving student debt, such as enabling Americans to pursue their dreams without financial constraints, including starting families and buying homes.
President Biden also acknowledged the support and partnership of local officials and expressed gratitude towards members of Congress and Vice President Kamala Harris for their contributions to addressing student loan challenges. He reiterated the administration's goals to reform the student loan system, making college more affordable and addressing the issue of unsustainable debt. Despite challenges, including legal opposition from Republican officials and the Supreme Court blocking broader debt relief plans, The President detailed the administration's efforts to offer relief through the SAVE Plan. This plan aims to reduce payment burdens, with significant steps like cutting undergraduate borrowers' required payment to 5% of discretionary income and accelerating debt cancellation for certain borrowers.
President Biden announced immediate debt cancellation for over 150,000 borrowers under the SAVE Plan and highlighted previous achievements in debt relief for public service workers and others. He connected these efforts to broader economic goals, including support for non-college pathways through apprenticeship grants, emphasizing the administration's commitment to expanding opportunities for all Americans. The President’s message was one of resilience and determination to continue fighting for American families' relief and opportunities, dismissing concerns about legal challenges to his plans.
During a campaign reception in Beverly Hills, California, on February 20, 2024, President Biden expressed his gratitude to the hosts and supporters, including Congressman Brad Sherman, for their support through challenging times. He humorously mentioned waiting only for Jane Fonda as long as he had for this event. Biden emphasized the importance of "finishing the job," which includes lowering drug prices, protecting the Affordable Care Act, and strengthening Social Security and Medicare against Republican opposition. He criticized Trump and MAGA Republicans for their stance on healthcare, climate change, and their tax policies, advocating for tax fairness and the elimination of loopholes that benefit the wealthy.
President Biden highlighted his administration's progress on housing affordability, healthcare, and judicial appointments, including the appointment of the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. He contrasted his vision for America with that of the Republicans, condemning their approach to immigration, border security, and national security, particularly their obstruction of legislation beneficial to Ukraine and their alignment with Trump's directives.
The President also addressed voting rights, reproductive rights, and the restoration of Roe v. Wade, promising to veto any national bans on the right to choose if re-elected. He called for unity against MAGA Republicans' divisive tactics, emphasizing the need to protect democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the integrity of elections. He urged for continued support to keep the White House, increase Democratic presence in the Senate, and retake the House, framing the 2024 election as critical for preserving American democracy.
President Biden concluded by expressing his optimism for America's future, citing his extensive experience and the country's resilience and capacity for progress. He underscored the importance of American leadership in maintaining global democracy and the essential role of the United States in the world.
President Biden delivers remarks on the SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) program during a speech in Culver City, CA
