What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
March 1 Recap
President Biden announced plans for a military airdrop of food and supplies into Gaza, responding to a humanitarian crisis highlighted by the recent deaths of Palestinians queuing for aid. This initiative follows similar efforts by Jordan and France, as the situation in Gaza has reached critical levels of need, with at least 576,000 people facing severe food shortages. The airdrops, which could begin as early as this weekend, aim to provide immediate relief, including meals-ready-to-eat (MREs), and explore the establishment of a maritime corridor for more substantial aid delivery.
The U.S. and other nations are advocating for a temporary ceasefire, hoping to coincide with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, to facilitate aid delivery.
Plans to ship aid by sea from Cyprus are being considered as a more viable long-term solution, despite the challenges of conflict and dense population in Gaza. The U.S. continues to urge Israel to allow more aid into the region, with both countries acknowledging the complexity of delivering humanitarian assistance under these circumstances.
Source: Reuters
The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) and the Department of Education conducted a briefing with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) focusing on gun violence prevention and the significance of mental health support for victims. The session, led by OGVP Deputy Director Gregory Jackson and Jessica Gall of the Department of Education, is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive approach to combating the gun violence epidemic and supporting affected communities.
The briefing highlighted the impact of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), historic gun safety legislation that includes significant mental health investments and initiatives to enhance school and community safety. The Department of Education announced two grant programs aimed at increasing school-based mental health services and supporting the training of mental health professionals, with over $280 million awarded to expand these services and a 35% increase in school-based mental health professionals.
The administration's efforts extend beyond mental health services, with executive actions promoting safe firearm storage and substantial investments through the American Rescue Plan in public safety, violence prevention, and community intervention programs. These measures show results, as indicated by a significant drop in crime rates, including a decrease in homicides, contrasting with an increase during the final year of the previous administration.
The briefing underscored the ongoing commitment of the OGVP, under Vice President Kamala Harris's oversight, to implement BSCA, explore further executive orders to save lives and launch new initiatives at state and local levels to reduce gun violence. This includes the Safer States Initiative and discussions on improving job opportunities for communities impacted by gun violence, emphasizing the connection between workforce development and violence intervention and prevention.
This comprehensive strategy reflects the Biden-Harris Administration's dedication to ending the gun violence epidemic and protecting communities, schools, and children nationwide.
Vice President Harris has announced a significant investment in support of historically underserved entrepreneurs in North Carolina as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's broader strategy to bolster American small businesses. During the Administration’s fourth Investing in America tour, this announcement includes a $32 million allocation from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to women- and minority-led venture capital funds. This funding is expected to spur an additional $60 million in private investment, totaling over $90 million, primarily aimed at supporting and scaling the state's women- and minority-owned businesses.
The American Rescue Plan funds the initiative and represents a historic federal effort to provide equity capital investments across America to entrepreneurs who have traditionally faced barriers to such opportunities. This effort is part of a larger commitment to ensure equitable access to capital for Black-, Hispanic-, veteran-, and women-led businesses and those in rural areas. It reflects a record growth in new small business applications and a significant increase in Black business ownership over the past three years.
The $32 million in awards will go to ten minority- and women-led venture capital firms in North Carolina, which will commit to raising and investing an additional $60 million. These investments are part of a broader initiative leveraging over $30 billion in equity-based financing for small businesses nationwide, with nearly $3 billion committed by 46 states and territories to equity-based financing programs through the SSBCI.
This initiative also builds on previous efforts to make small business support more equitable and to provide historical support to minority-supporting community financial institutions. It includes significant investments in programs that prepare small businesses to take on equity investment, expand access to capital, and support the growth of innovative startups. These steps align with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to investing in America's small businesses, fostering economic recovery, and ensuring entrepreneurs in traditionally underserved communities can access the resources they need to grow and succeed.
The White House, under the direction of Jennifer Klein of the Gender Policy Council and Stephen Benjamin of the Office of Public Engagement, hosted a roundtable to address the significant issue of access to fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), following a critical Alabama Supreme Court decision. This ruling has significantly impacted IVF accessibility in the state, affecting a wide range of individuals, including those undergoing cancer and sickle cell disease treatments, as well as LGBTQI+ families. The discussion emphasized the adverse effects on women and families in Alabama, the risks to healthcare providers facing criminal penalties, and the importance of eliminating barriers to fertility services.
The meeting underscored the Biden-Harris Administration's dedication to safeguarding reproductive healthcare access amidst ongoing political challenges, especially following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This commitment includes efforts to ensure affordable, high-quality fertility services are accessible to those in need and to advocate for legislative actions that would reinstate Roe v. Wade's protections at the federal level, thereby upholding women's reproductive freedoms, including the decision to have children.
Participants in the discussion represented a range of organizations, such as the Alliance for Fertility Preservation, the American Cancer Society, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Family Equality, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, NCLR, RESOLVE: the National Infertility Association, and the Sickle Cell Reproductive Health Education Directive, all of which play a vital role in advocating for accessible fertility services.
President Biden issued a Proclamation on National Consumer Protection Week, 2024, emphasizing the administration's commitment to building an economy that benefits all, safeguarding consumers from fraud, cybercrimes, and unfair business practices. Highlighting the progress made since taking office, including creating nearly 15 million jobs, stable economic growth, and a significant reduction in inflation, the proclamation details various initiatives undertaken to protect consumers and promote competition within the American economy. These include:
An Executive Order to promote competition and address market dominance by powerful corporations.
Efforts by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to combat anticompetitive mergers, price fixing, and other harmful practices.
Actions to enforce antitrust and consumer protection laws in food and agriculture, efforts to end noncompete agreements, and rules to simplify the cancellation of online subscriptions.
A campaign against hidden junk fees by banks, airlines, and other sectors, leading to significant savings for Americans.
Proposals and rules aimed at reducing fees and unfair practices in credit cards, overdrafts, retirement products, health insurance, and banking services.
Initiatives to improve consumer rights, including enhanced translation resources for fraud reports and a proposed rule to ban hidden fees and require upfront all-in pricing.
President Biden calls on government officials, industry leaders, and advocates to spread consumer protection information and invites Americans to learn more about their rights and report suspected fraud or unfair practices. The proclamation designates March 3-9, 2024, as National Consumer Protection Week, reaffirming the administration's dedication to defending consumer rights and ensuring an equitable economy.
President Biden issued a Proclamation on Read Across America Day, 2024, emphasizing the importance of literacy in expanding minds and understanding the world. It praises the efforts of parents, educators, authors, librarians, and mentors in encouraging children to read and appreciates literature that inspires big thinking. The proclamation highlights the role of books in introducing children to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, fostering imagination, and driving innovation. It mentions the First Lady's commitment to literacy as a lifelong book lover and educator.
The proclamation addresses the decline in reading competency among American students, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and outlines the Biden Administration's efforts to support educators and improve literacy. These efforts include the American Rescue Plan, which provided significant education funding, increased educators and staff, and launched initiatives to support early education and adult literacy programs.
The document also criticizes the banning of books by some politicians, asserting that in America, books should not be banned but celebrated for their diversity of stories and perspectives. It quotes Dr. Seuss to emphasize the power of reading in learning and exploring new possibilities.
Finally, President Biden officially proclaims March 2, 2024, as Read Across America Day, calling upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, reaffirming the commitment to literacy and education in the United States.
President Joe Biden issued a statement celebrating a significant advancement in reproductive healthcare access, marking the certification of major retail pharmacies to dispense mifepristone, a medication abortion drug approved by the FDA for over 20 years. This development allows women to obtain prescriptions at local, certified pharmacies, akin to any other medication.
The President urges pharmacies interested in this option to seek certification. Highlighting the ongoing political challenges to reproductive rights, Biden and Vice President Harris affirm their commitment to ensuring women's access to necessary healthcare, defending the FDA's evidence-based regulation of mifepristone, and striving to reinstate Roe v. Wade's protections at the federal level.
The President signed into law:
H.R. 7463, the “Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024,” provides fiscal year 2024 appropriations to Federal agencies for continuing projects and activities funded in 4 of the 12 annual appropriations bills through March 8, 2024. The CR provides funding through March 22, 2024, for the remaining eight annual appropriations bills.
Vice President Harris delivered remarks in Durham, North Carolina, highlighting the Biden-Harris administration's significant investments in entrepreneurship, small businesses, and increased access to capital. She praised North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for his partnership and noted her frequent visits to the state, signaling its importance. Harris emphasized the administration's intentional efforts to boost economic growth through support for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community banks, citing over $3 billion invested in North Carolina alone. This investment includes billions in small business loans, hundreds of millions for community banks, and a specific mention of $80 million for M&F Bank in Durham.
Harris highlighted the creation of the Economic Opportunity Coalition in 2022, which has facilitated collaborations between the private sector, nonprofits, banks, and technology companies, maximizing resources for communities. She announced a new investment of $92 million, primarily aimed at early-stage startups in North Carolina, underscoring the administration's commitment to supporting innovation in clean energy, AI, and technology sectors.
Moreover, the Vice President underscored the administration's pledge to increase federal contracts to minority-owned businesses by 50 percent, addressing historical disparities in access and emphasizing the economic and financial rationale behind these investments. Her speech celebrated the collaborative efforts and Durham's model for fostering economic growth and opportunity through public-private partnerships.
President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden expressed their condolences over the passing of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. They acknowledged Mulroney's significant contributions, including his advocacy for Canada and his pivotal role in environmental and trade agreements with the United States, such as the Acid Rain Treaty and the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement.
The President also highlighted Mulroney's defense efforts through the modernization of NORAD and his stand against apartheid in South Africa. Reflecting on his interactions with Mulroney during his tenure on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden commended Mulroney's dedication to strengthening U.S.-Canada relations and his profound love for Canada. The Bidens extended their deepest sympathies to Mulroney's widow, Mila, their four children, and all those grieving his passing.
Vice President Kamala Harris issued a statement expressing support for the recent certification of two major retail pharmacy chains to dispense mifepristone, a medication used for abortion that has been recognized for its safety and effectiveness over more than twenty years. This development is seen as a significant step towards ensuring women have easier access to necessary healthcare services, including the option to pick up their prescriptions locally.
The Vice President emphasized the Administration's alignment with most Americans supporting women's right to decide about their bodies and lives. The statement reaffirms the Administration's commitment to defending access to reproductive health care, including medication abortion and upholding the FDA's authority in approving and regulating safe and effective medications.
During their meeting in the Oval Office, President Biden and Prime Minister Meloni of Italy emphasized the strong alliance and friendship between the United States and Italy, expressing mutual support for each other and Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. President Biden highlighted the urgency of supporting Ukraine through bipartisan legislation and thanked Italy for its steadfast backing of Ukraine. The discussions also covered the tragic events in North Gaza, with Biden outlining plans to increase humanitarian assistance to the region through various means, including airdrops and possibly establishing a marine corridor, while urging Israel to facilitate more aid deliveries.
President Biden also mentioned efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and the return of hostages between Israel and Hamas to allow a surge of aid throughout the Gaza Strip. On the agenda for further discussion were topics including China, the G7 Summit in Puglia, Italy, coordinated actions to avoid escalation in the Middle East, the importance of supporting a rules-based international order, and addressing the humanitarian crisis as a top priority.
As the G7 chair, Prime Minister Meloni spoke about hosting the upcoming Leaders’ Summit and her focus on defending freedom, building peace for Ukraine, and engaging in dialogue with the Global South. She emphasized the need for a two-state perspective as a long-term solution in the Middle East, condemned attacks on commercial vessels by Houthis, and highlighted Italy's contribution towards addressing challenges in the Mediterranean and Africa. Prime Minister Meloni proposed a global alliance against human traffickers and discussed the importance of governing artificial intelligence to ensure it remains human-centered. She also celebrated the growth in bilateral trade between Italy and the United States, expressing a desire to enhance strategic cooperation and mutual goals further.
The White House hosted a roundtable to increase Tribal access to capital, featuring notable attendees such as Interior Secretary Haaland, Small Business Administrator Guzman, and other high-ranking officials. The meeting focused on innovative strategies to enhance economic development and investment in Tribal communities, aligning with the Biden-Harris Administration's priority to bolster the self-determination and economic vitality of Tribal Nations and Native people. This commitment was further solidified by President Biden's Executive Order last December, designed to ensure Tribal communities have full access to federal funding streams and programs.
During the roundtable, senior Administration officials discussed efforts to lower barriers to capital access, enhance the Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) system, and improve Tribal communities' economic development. Secretary Haaland highlighted the critical roles of public-private partnerships and interagency collaboration in increasing capital access and supporting Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. She called on the philanthropic sector to dedicate 10% of their giving to Indian Country projects and encouraged banks and financial institutions to increase financing in Tribal communities.
The event also announced two significant public-private partnerships to expand capital access in Tribal areas: The Tribal Community Vision Fund and the Indigenous Futures Fund. The Vision Fund plans to raise $1.2 billion in investments to support self-determination and sustainable development in Indian Country. At the same time, the Indigenous Futures Fund aims to facilitate the flow of State Small Business Credit Initiative capital to Native entrepreneurs and enterprises to raise $2 million in grants and $25 million in investment capital.
Participants from the philanthropic and financial sectors included major banks, foundations, and initiatives, all of whom recognized the unique opportunity to collaborate with the federal government in making inclusive investments that leverage the unprecedented public investment in Tribal Nations.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement concerning the Biden Administration's efforts to lower healthcare costs for Americans, particularly through the Inflation Reduction Act, which allows Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Despite opposition from every Republican in Congress and legal challenges from Big Pharma, a district court in Delaware has ruled in favor of the Administration. This marks the third district court victory for the Biden Administration on this issue and the first case decided fully on its merits. The statement emphasizes the Administration's commitment to reducing drug costs despite legal obstacles.
President Biden meets with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at The White House
