What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
September 19, 2024 Recap
In his remarks at the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., President Biden highlighted the U.S. economy's progress since the pandemic and the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to lower interest rates, signaling a shift from inflation control to fostering economic growth. He noted that inflation peaked at 9.1% and is now much closer to 2%, a sign of significant economic recovery. However, he emphasized that the Fed’s decision to lower rates is not a declaration of victory but rather a signal of progress and a new phase for the economy. Biden stressed the importance of acknowledging this progress to avoid a negative economic mindset, which could hinder future opportunities.
Biden reviewed the challenges his administration faced when taking office, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting economic crisis. He pointed out that his predecessor left office with fewer jobs than when he entered, and his administration had to create a recovery plan from scratch. Biden highlighted the key initiatives that helped turn the economy around, including the American Rescue Plan, which provided financial relief to individuals, prevented evictions, and supported small businesses. He also mentioned the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, which cut child poverty in half, and efforts to protect union pensions through the Butch Lewis Act.
One of the most significant challenges Biden discussed was the global inflation crisis exacerbated by the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. To combat inflation, his administration worked to fix supply chain disruptions and unclog ports, which began to ease price increases. Biden also mentioned efforts to stabilize energy markets by releasing oil reserves, which helped bring gas prices down to pre-invasion levels. He credited these actions and respected the Federal Reserve’s independence for contributing to the U.S.'s faster and lower inflation decline than other advanced economies.
Biden outlined his broader economic vision, which he termed the “new economic playbook.” This approach focuses on growing the economy from the middle out and the bottom up, rejecting the traditional "trickle-down" approach. He emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure, science, and technology through key legislative measures like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act. These laws aim to modernize America’s infrastructure and bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S., creating thousands of high-paying jobs.
Biden also highlighted the historic investment in climate change initiatives through the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocates $369 billion to clean energy and climate action. He pointed out that this law is designed to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 and create hundreds of thousands of clean energy jobs. Additionally, the law allows Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, which is a long-fought victory over the pharmaceutical industry, resulting in significant savings for seniors and taxpayers.
He contrasted his administration’s economic achievements with the previous administration, criticizing policies like the $2 trillion tax cut, which he said overwhelmingly benefited the wealthy and increased the federal deficit. In contrast, his administration has focused on creating over 700,000 manufacturing jobs, bringing down the trade deficit with China, and growing the economy through investments in American workers and industries. Biden reiterated his belief in capitalism but emphasized that it must work for everyone, not just the wealthiest.
Closing his speech, Biden expressed optimism about America’s future, stressing that the U.S. is better positioned than any other nation to lead the 21st-century global economy. He called on businesses to continue investing in America, underscoring the strength of American workers, research institutions, and the democratic principles that underpin the nation’s stability. With a focus on collaboration and unity, Biden declared that the United States has limitless potential and can achieve anything when it works together.
On September 23, President Biden will welcome His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates to the White House. The visit aims to strengthen the enduring strategic partnership between the United States and the UAE and to advance common priorities. Discussions will focus on a range of bilateral and regional issues, including efforts to enhance regional stability and reduce tensions. Key areas of cooperation, such as advanced technology, artificial intelligence, investments, and space exploration, will be highlighted. The leaders will also coordinate security, defense, counter-terrorism, the climate crisis, energy transition, and efforts to promote peace and prosperity. Vice President Harris will also meet separately with President Mohamed to further these discussions.
On September 26, President Biden will host President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine at the White House. Their meeting will center on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, particularly Ukraine's strategic planning and U.S. support for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. President Biden and Vice President Harris will meet separately with President Zelenskyy and reaffirm the United States' unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine until it prevails in the conflict.
In the Proclamation on National Service Dog Day, 2024, President Biden recognizes service dogs' invaluable role in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and veterans across the country. He acknowledges that service dogs provide essential assistance with daily tasks, help manage health conditions, and offer emotional support, particularly for those with conditions like PTSD or anxiety. President Biden highlights the significance of the Americans with Disabilities Act in protecting service dogs by law and celebrates initiatives like the Veterans Therapy Act, which supports veterans with PTSD in training service dogs. He further notes his administration's efforts to expand support for veterans, including ensuring that veterinary costs for service dogs are covered. In honor of their service, President Biden proclaims September 20, 2024, National Service Dog Day, calling on all Americans to celebrate and acknowledge these dogs' profound impact on people’s lives.
In the Proclamation on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2024, President Biden pays tribute to the service members who remain missing in action (MIA) or were prisoners of war (POW). He acknowledges the bravery and sacrifice of these individuals and commits to continuing efforts to bring them home, no matter how long it takes. The President underscores the significance of the POW/MIA flag, flown above the White House as a symbol of national remembrance. He expresses his administration's unwavering support for the families of the missing, who live with uncertainty and honors the resilience of former POWs. President Biden calls for reflection on September 20, 2024, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day and urges Americans to remember and honor these heroes through appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The White House press briefing, led by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Jared Bernstein, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, focused on U.S. economic progress and the administration's ongoing support for Ukraine. President Biden and Vice President Harris are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky next week to reaffirm the United States' commitment to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. In addition to foreign policy, the briefing highlighted significant economic achievements under the Biden-Harris administration, including low unemployment, rising wages, and solid GDP growth. Bernstein noted that inflation and interest rates have decreased, helping to lower borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards, and business investments, thus supporting broader economic growth.
Bernstein praised the Federal Reserve's recent decision to lower interest rates, emphasizing that this move would financially relieve American consumers and small businesses. He also addressed the administration's economic optimism, highlighting the resilience of the U.S. economy, which has defied recession predictions. Despite earlier forecasts of high unemployment and slower growth, the administration has achieved 6.5 percentage points of inflation reduction while maintaining strong job growth.
The administration focuses on reducing costs for American families, especially through investments in energy production and supply chain improvements. While progress has been made, both Jean-Pierre and Bernstein acknowledged that there is still more work to address housing affordability and other economic challenges. The overall message was optimistic, emphasizing the administration's commitment to strengthening the economy while supporting working families.
The Biden-Harris administration has made significant strides in supporting Latino communities across various sectors, focusing on economic growth, education, healthcare, immigration reform, and equity. Since taking office, they have created 5 million jobs for Latino workers, driving the unemployment rate down to 5.5%. Latino business ownership has surged by 40%, and the administration has doubled SBA-backed loans to Latino-owned businesses. Additionally, they awarded $11 billion in federal contracts to Latino small businesses and enacted policies to reduce homeownership costs and address home appraisal biases that impact wealth inequality.
In education, the administration invested a historic $15 billion in Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and expanded access to college for Latino students through increases in Pell Grants and student loan forgiveness. Programs like TRIO, which supports college access, have also been expanded, and teacher diversity initiatives have been launched to improve representation in underserved schools. In healthcare, the administration has capped prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees, including insulin at $35, and doubled Latino enrollment in Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage. Efforts have also been made to improve culturally appropriate care and extend healthcare benefits to Dreamers.
Addressing gun violence has been a priority, with the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the establishment of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which focuses on engaging Latino communities disproportionately affected by violence. On immigration, the administration has advocated for comprehensive reform, protected Dreamers, and streamlined processes to reunite families and keep them together. Finally, the administration has championed equity by assembling the most diverse cabinet in U.S. history and directing federal agencies to address systemic inequalities faced by underserved communities.
The "Unite for America" rally, featuring Vice President Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey in Farmington Hills, Michigan, was a powerful event designed to rally support for Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign. Oprah kicked off the night by emphasizing the historic grassroots movement behind Harris, particularly highlighting the incredible mobilization following Harris’s debate performance and campaign launch. She noted how groups like "Win with Black Women" raised $1.6 million just a few hours after Harris announced her candidacy, uniting tens of thousands of supporters. This collective enthusiasm inspired the formation of other groups like "Win with Black Men," "Jewish Women for Kamala," and even light-hearted yet committed groups like "Swifties for Kamala" and "Cat Ladies for Kamala."
Throughout the rally, a diverse group of celebrities and activists spoke, sharing their personal reasons for supporting Harris. Chris Rock, Brian Cranston, and Ben Stiller expressed their excitement about the candidate, praising her ability to inspire hope, optimism, and unity. Cranston highlighted how Harris brings a sense of joy back to politics, while Rock and Stiller spoke about the importance of moving beyond negativity and division, focusing on Harris’s qualifications and integrity.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the rally, urging attendees to translate their excitement into concrete actions, particularly by ensuring high voter turnout in key battleground states like Michigan. The rally stressed the importance of voter engagement, with organizers reminding attendees that grassroots organizing, phone banking, and door-knocking were crucial to securing a victory.
The event took an emotional turn when Hadley Deval, a survivor of childhood abuse, shared her powerful story about the importance of reproductive rights, recounting how her experiences made her a passionate advocate for Harris. Later, the tragic story of Amber Nicole Thurman, who died after complications from a delayed abortion due to restrictive laws in Georgia, highlighted the devastating consequences of the erosion of reproductive rights under the Trump administration. Amber’s mother, shenet, and her sisters emotionally spoke about the preventable nature of her death, underscoring the urgent need for leadership that prioritizes healthcare and women’s rights.
Gun violence was also a central theme, with the family of Natalie Griffith sharing their harrowing experience of surviving a school shooting in Georgia. Natalie’s mother, marilda, and father, Doug, emphasized the need for common-sense gun reform, including universal background checks and an assault weapons ban. Their story and countless others underscored the rally’s broader message that Harris represents a candidate committed to tackling the most pressing issues affecting Americans, including healthcare, gun control, and the cost of living.
In her closing remarks, Vice President Harris spoke passionately about her vision for the country. She emphasized the need for unity and action, urging everyone to continue organizing and fighting for the future of American democracy. Harris touched on key themes like freedom, equality, and economic opportunity, framing her candidacy as one dedicated to lifting people up and solving problems rather than sowing division. She also addressed issues like reproductive rights, gun violence, and the economy, laying out her plans to support small businesses, provide tax breaks for middle-class families, and protect fundamental freedoms.
The rally concluded with a clear call to action: to get out the vote, continue organizing, and ensure that the optimism and unity felt during the event translated into real results on Election Day.
Unite for America Rally with Vice President Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey
