What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
September 23, 2024 Recap
The White House released a fact sheet outlining the Biden-Harris Administration's initiatives to support the U.S. auto industry and workers, focusing on Michigan. Key actions include:
Michigan Workforce Hub: A coordinated effort to prepare workers for well-paying, union jobs in the auto sector through training, apprenticeships, and industry partnerships. It’s part of a broader national strategy under the Investing in America Workforce Hubs.
$1 Billion Auto Supplier Support: The Department of the Treasury is providing $9.1 million to help small auto suppliers access capital, including a $1 billion commitment from Monroe Capital to aid manufacturers in transitioning to electric vehicles (EV).
Workforce Training: Several programs are being launched, such as partnerships with the Department of Labor and Michigan’s labor department, to train workers in underserved communities and provide them with well-paying auto industry jobs, including EV infrastructure roles.
Additional Support: Investments are needed to build local economies in auto-centric cities like Flint and Saginaw and support for women in construction and skilled trades.
These actions focus on supporting the shift to EV production, investing in underserved communities, and ensuring a domestic auto supply chain.
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced new measures to protect the United States from national security threats posed by connected vehicle technologies, particularly those from China and Russia. These technologies, which include vehicle connectivity systems (VCS) and automated driving systems (ADS), are increasingly integrated into modern vehicles, connecting them to digital networks and potentially exposing sensitive information. The Department of Commerce proposes a rule prohibiting the sale or import of connected vehicles and components developed, manufactured, or supplied by entities with ties to China and Russia. This is in response to the growing concerns that these technologies could be exploited for surveillance or sabotage, potentially disrupting critical infrastructure or collecting sensitive data.
The proposed rule specifically targets VCS, which includes systems that use Bluetooth, cellular, satellite, and Wi-Fi modules to connect vehicles to external networks, as well as ADS, which enables autonomous driving. The prohibitions would take effect for software by 2027 and for hardware by 2030, with provisions for certain exemptions to minimize disruptions to the industry, especially for small vehicle producers. This announcement follows earlier actions taken by the Administration, such as increasing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and tying eligibility for electric vehicle tax credits to U.S. or trade-partner-based production under the Inflation Reduction Act. These efforts underscore the Administration’s focus on securing the automotive supply chain from foreign threats and ensuring that U.S. automakers can compete on a level playing field as they innovate to develop next-generation vehicles. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input on the proposed rule, and the Administration remains committed to consulting with industry and allies to balance security needs while minimizing unintended disruptions.
President Biden and Vice President Harris announced progress in reducing gun violence one year after the creation of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. President Biden began by reflecting on his long-standing commitment to addressing gun violence, recalling meetings with families affected by shootings and their plea for action. In response, the Biden-Harris administration has passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years, and taken numerous executive actions aimed at curbing gun violence. The President emphasized that more work was needed, which led to the creation of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris.
Vice President Harris highlighted the administration’s efforts since the office was established, focusing on the expansion of background checks, significant investments in youth mental health, and partnerships with communities and survivors of gun violence. The administration has made strides in supporting state and local governments and working directly with those impacted by gun violence to address the trauma caused by such incidents. Harris reaffirmed her commitment to continuing the urgent work of ensuring all Americans can live safely and free from the threat of gun violence.
The administration took historic action after the prior administration oversaw a record one-year increase in murders. With around 80% of U.S. murders involving firearms, reducing gun violence became central to the administration’s strategy to address violent crime. Through funding from the American Rescue Plan, which no Republicans in Congress supported, and additional executive actions, the administration has taken aggressive steps to keep firearms out of dangerous hands. By mid-2022, the Biden-Harris administration had already implemented more executive actions related to gun violence than any prior administration.
The report also highlights the significant reduction in violent crime during Biden’s presidency. In 2023, the United States saw the largest single-year drop in homicides in recent history, and by mid-2024, homicides had decreased by 17% compared to the previous year. Data from the Gun Violence Archive further shows that mass shootings in 2024 had dropped by 20% compared to the same period in 2023.
The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention has focused on four primary objectives over the past year: expediting the implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, providing support to gun violence survivors, identifying new executive actions, and expanding partnerships with state and local governments. For President Biden, this work builds on his 30-plus years of leadership in reducing gun violence, from helping pass the Brady Bill and the assault weapons ban in the 1990s to advocating for gun safety measures as vice president and president. He has continued to call for Congress to pass an assault weapons ban and repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).
Finally, the fact sheet details Vice President Harris’s extensive experience in combating gun violence. As District Attorney of San Francisco and Attorney General of California, she prosecuted homicide cases, targeted illegal firearms, and invested in community violence intervention efforts. As a senator, she co-sponsored gun safety legislation, including an assault weapons ban. Since taking office as vice president, she has been deeply involved in gun violence prevention, visiting communities affected by shootings and working with survivors and stakeholders across the country.
In her remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard outlined the Biden Administration's comprehensive strategy to ensure the U.S. auto industry remains a global leader in the face of new challenges, particularly the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and competition from China. She emphasized the importance of investing in the entire auto supply chain, from small suppliers to final assembly, to maintain America’s competitive edge. This strategy includes significant investments in infrastructure, such as nationwide EV charging stations and the domestic production of batteries and critical minerals. Additionally, this broader approach includes consumer incentives, like rebates for U.S.-made EVs.
Brainard also highlighted the Administration's efforts to protect the auto sector from unfair competition, specifically from China. The U.S. is imposing tariffs and increasing security measures for connected vehicles to counter the influx of underpriced Chinese EV exports. A new rule is proposed to ban vehicles using Chinese software and hardware, citing national security risks.
Supporting American workers and small suppliers is another central focus of the strategy. Brainard announced new resources through the Michigan Workforce Hub to train workers for EV and battery manufacturing jobs, with a particular emphasis on underserved communities. Financial support is also directed toward small- and medium-sized suppliers, helping them adapt to the growing demand for EV components.
Throughout her speech, Brainard connected these initiatives to Detroit's and the U.S. auto industry's historical resilience, referencing past challenges like the Global Financial Crisis and the pandemic. She underscored the Administration’s commitment to protecting American jobs, strengthening national security, and ensuring that the U.S. auto sector remains a driving force in the global economy for years.
President Biden emphasized the significant reduction in crime since he and Vice President Harris took office, noting that in 2023, the U.S. experienced the largest one-year decrease in the homicide rate, which is now 16% lower than in 2020. Violent crime also declined, reaching near 50-year lows. Biden attributed this progress to the American Rescue Plan, which provided over $15 billion in public safety funding, enabling state, city, and county governments to maintain police budgets and invest in community violence interventions. He also highlighted his administration's actions to reduce gun violence, including executive actions and the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years, which expanded background checks and cracked down on gun traffickers. Additionally, Biden established the first White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris. Looking ahead, he called for continued investments in public safety, including the hiring of 100,000 more police officers, strengthening the ATF, and enacting further gun safety reforms, such as an assault weapons ban.
Vice President Harris reiterated these points, underscoring the importance of ensuring safety in every community. She reflected on her experience as a former prosecutor and District Attorney, noting that before taking office, the nation had seen a historic increase in murders. Harris emphasized that the administration’s American Rescue Plan, which faced opposition from every Republican in Congress, provided essential resources to local governments to maintain law enforcement and invest in violence prevention. She also pointed to their collaborative work in passing major gun safety reforms, which expanded background checks and supported mental health initiatives. Harris noted that the efforts have resulted in a safer America, with a significant decline in homicide rates and violent crime. She committed to continuing to support law enforcement, promote community violence intervention, and pursue common-sense gun safety laws to ensure the safety of children, families, and communities across the nation.
The White House released a fact sheet highlighting President Biden's achievements in addressing the climate crisis and contrasting them with House Republicans' efforts to undo these initiatives. Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has led on an ambitious climate, conservation, clean energy, and environmental justice agenda. Notable achievements include securing historic investments through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which have driven significant clean energy growth, adding over 100 gigawatts of new clean energy to power over 25 million homes. These actions have created good-paying union jobs, lowered energy costs for families, and enhanced clean energy manufacturing across the U.S. The administration has also made substantial investments in climate resilience, with over $50 billion dedicated to upgrading infrastructure and restoring ecosystems vulnerable to climate impacts. Climate Mapping for Resilience initiatives empower communities with resources to adapt to climate risks.
Transportation decarbonization has been a central goal, with billions invested in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, clean transportation, and a target for EVs to account for 50% of new passenger vehicle sales by 2030. Efforts to reduce pollution and energy costs have included tax credits and energy efficiency standards, helping households save on utility bills while reducing carbon emissions. The administration has also invested over $910 billion in American clean energy manufacturing and prioritized environmental justice, particularly through the Justice40 initiative, which ensures federal climate investments benefit vulnerable communities.
The administration’s conservation efforts include protecting 42 million acres of land and water, with substantial investments in clean water infrastructure, replacing lead pipes, and ensuring access to clean drinking water. On the global stage, the U.S. has taken a leadership role in securing commitments from other nations to reduce methane emissions and transition away from fossil fuels, aiming to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. In contrast, the fact sheet criticizes House Republicans for attempting to roll back these achievements, arguing that their actions would raise energy costs, reduce public health protections, and harm the environment by dismantling climate and conservation programs.
In her remarks to the United Nations LGBTI Core Group, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden emphasized the shared humanity of all people, stressing that this inherent dignity should have guaranteed safety, freedom, love, and a future for everyone, including LGBTQI individuals. She highlighted the ongoing discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQI community globally, including recent discriminatory laws in the U.S. and the criminalization of LGBTQI identities in over 60 countries. Dr. Biden stressed the need to continue fighting against hate and discrimination, affirming that progress had been driven by collective action and unity. She celebrated recent advances in LGBTQI rights, such as marriage equality, while acknowledging the decades-long struggle behind these victories. Biden encouraged ongoing activism, asserting that real change had come from people speaking up and supporting one another, ensuring no one was left behind.
The First Lady also gave remarks at the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future launch, emphasizing the need to eliminate childhood lead poisoning globally by 2040. She acknowledged the coalition of world leaders, organizations like UNICEF and USAID, and philanthropic efforts to address the issue. Citing personal experiences, such as meeting a school principal in Jordan who creatively solved challenges for refugee students, Dr. Biden underscored how educators and leaders can solve problems through collaboration and dedication. The new partnership has committed over $150 million to phase out lead from products, enforce safety standards, and ensure a safer future for children worldwide.
Lastly, in her remarks at the United Nations General Assembly’s Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden expressed solidarity with Ukraine, recalling her meeting with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska after Russia’s invasion. She shared an emotional account of witnessing the toll the war has taken on Ukrainian mothers, emphasizing the need to continue supporting Ukraine.
Biden highlighted the interconnectedness of global challenges faced by children and stressed that by helping children in one region, we help protect children everywhere. As an educator, she noted the role of education in strengthening communities and underscored the importance of ensuring that all children can grow up safely and without fear.
Biden commended First Lady Zelenska's courage and leadership in advocating for Ukraine and addressing shared global issues. She reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to standing with Ukraine now and in the future.
The U.S.-UAE Joint Leaders’ Statement highlights the meeting between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, focusing on their long-standing strategic and defense partnership. Key points include:
Economic & Technological Cooperation: Both leaders emphasized deepening collaboration in advanced technologies, clean energy, and artificial intelligence (AI). This includes partnerships between UAE's Group 42 (G42) and Microsoft for AI development and African projects, like cloud infrastructure powered by renewable energy.
Global Infrastructure & Trade: The statement outlines progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which aims to strengthen global trade, lower costs, reduce emissions, and foster economic unity between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Clean Energy Transition: The U.S. and UAE reaffirmed their commitment to leading efforts in climate action, renewable energy, and sustainability. They discussed initiatives under the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), with the UAE investing in Africa’s renewable energy and partnering with the U.S. on hydrogen and ammonia production.
Defense & Security: The leaders reaffirmed their robust defense and security ties. The UAE was designated as a Major Defense Partner of the U.S., facilitating advanced defense cooperation and military collaboration. They also discussed counterterrorism, maritime security, and defense innovation.
Space Exploration: U.S.-UAE cooperation in space exploration was emphasized, including joint missions to Mars and future lunar missions. Both nations reaffirmed the principles of the Artemis Accords for peaceful space exploration.
Regional Stability: They discussed critical regional issues such as the war in Gaza, emphasizing humanitarian efforts, a sustainable ceasefire, and the two-state solution. They also addressed the conflict in Sudan, focusing on de-escalation, humanitarian relief, and civilian protection.
Cybersecurity & Future Collaborations: The statement highlights cooperation in cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, and fostering joint innovation in AI, defense, and space exploration.
This first-ever official visit by a UAE president to Washington sets a new foundation for future U.S.-UAE cooperation.
The Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, also known as the Atlantic Partnership, is committed to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the Atlantic region while ensuring the sustainable use of the Atlantic Ocean for future generations. With 42 members representing over 75% of the Atlantic coastline, the partnership brings together countries from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean to address common challenges and promote shared solutions. The members have endorsed a Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation, emphasizing key principles such as upholding international law, respecting sovereign equality, and recognizing the primary role of Atlantic states in the region's affairs.
The Atlantic Partnership focuses on three main areas of cooperation. First, the Sustainable Blue Economy seeks to harness the Atlantic Ocean's resources for economic growth while preserving marine biodiversity. Initiatives include marine spatial planning, reducing ghost fishing gear, and promoting innovative technologies for environmental conservation. The United States plays a significant role by providing technical assistance and hosting events to drive solutions for sustainable ocean use.
Second, the Science Capacity Building and Exchange initiative aims to enhance ocean observation and scientific understanding across member states. Led by the U.S., Brazil, and Portugal, this effort focuses on building global research collaborations, expanding access to ocean research tools, and increasing participation from under-resourced countries. Workshops and partnerships with organizations such as the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) are central to these efforts.
Lastly, Ocean-based Food Security addresses the critical importance of ocean-derived foods for many coastal Atlantic nations. The U.S. is leading efforts to promote sustainable aquaculture and food system resilience, particularly in regions facing increasing challenges due to climate change and shifting ocean conditions. Public-private partnerships, such as those with the Environmental Defense Fund, are crucial in advancing these initiatives.
Beyond these key areas, the U.S. supports numerous other projects under the Atlantic Partnership framework, including marine biodiversity conservation, reducing plastic pollution, and financing coastal resilience projects. Through collaboration with governments, NGOs, and private sector partners, the U.S. also tackles illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing issues while supporting sustainable fisheries and coastal communities, especially in West Africa and the Caribbean.
Vice President Harris met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at the White House, reaffirming the strong partnership between the U.S. and UAE. They discussed collaboration on advanced technology, artificial intelligence, strategic investments, supply chain diversification, and space exploration. The leaders also emphasized the importance of their defense partnership for regional security.
They addressed the war in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and humanitarian aid. They also discussed preventing the Israel-Hezbollah conflict from escalating and finding a diplomatic solution. Harris expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict in Sudan, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and the need for peace talks and humanitarian access. Both reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the conflict and preventing the rise of transnational terrorist networks.
President Biden meets with President Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates
