What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 27 Recap
The recent announcement designating Sigrid Kaag as the United Nations Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza marks a significant milestone. The President committed to collaborating closely with the UN, a crucial partner, in delivering essential humanitarian aid in Gaza. The United States, being the largest financial supporter of these efforts, aims to assist Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict between Israel and Hamas. We appreciate Ms. Kaag's leadership and anticipate working together to enhance the flow of aid into Gaza, ensuring the safety and security of both aid delivery and humanitarian staff engaged in life-saving support for those in need.
In a letter to the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate, President Biden reported on recent attacks by militia groups affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria. He detailed targeted strikes conducted by U.S. forces on three facilities in Iraq on December 25, 2023, to deter future attacks and protect U.S. personnel. The President asserted that the military action was consistent with his constitutional authority and international law, providing the report in accordance with the War Powers Resolution.
A memorandum, signed by President Biden, addressed to the Secretary of State, delegates to them the authority granted by the President under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to determine the necessity of providing up to $20 million in assistance to Ukraine. The delegation is made under section 614(a)(1) of the Act, allowing the Secretary of State to make this determination without being restricted by other relevant laws. The directive also includes an instruction to publish the memorandum in the Federal Register.
A memorandum, designated as Presidential Determination No. 2024-03, outlines a decision made by President Biden in accordance with Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950. The determination declares certain essential medicines, medical countermeasures, and critical inputs as industrial resources vital to national defense. The President finds that without his intervention, the U.S. industry cannot promptly meet the capability requirements for these items. The scope of the projects under this determination is limited to drug and biological essential medicines, medical countermeasures, and critical inputs identified in a previous executive order.
To address potential shortages and enhance domestic production capabilities, the President waives specific statutory requirements outlined in Section 303(a)(5)-(a)(6) of the Act. This waiver is justified by preventing a shortfall of industrial resources or critical technology items that could significantly impair national defense capabilities.
The memorandum includes general provisions emphasizing that the determination does not affect the authority of executive departments or agencies, the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and is subject to applicable law and budgetary considerations. It also clarifies that the determination does not create legal rights or benefits for any party against the United States. Finally, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register.
President Biden has issued a proclamation on the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, celebrating the legislation's crucial role in preventing the extinction of 99 percent of protected fish, wildlife, and plants. The proclamation highlights the bipartisan effort that led to the Act's passage, its lasting legacy, and the protection it has afforded to nearly 300 species. President Biden reaffirms his administration's commitment to conserving biodiversity, detailing proposed rules to strengthen the Act and significant investments in conservation efforts. The proclamation also emphasizes broader environmental initiatives, including the National Conservation Goal to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 and the fight against climate change. The President calls on Americans to honor the progress made in protecting endangered species and collaborate in conserving the nation's biodiversity. December 28, 2023, is officially proclaimed the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act.
President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and granddaughter Natalie disembark from Air Force One upon arrival at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands on December 27, 2023. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden travel to St. Croix, US Virgin islands, to spend the holidays. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
