What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
February 5 Recap
President Biden delivered remarks at a campaign event Sunday evening in Las Vegas, Nevada, expressing gratitude to his supporters and emphasizing the importance of their role in his presidency and the democratic process. He highlighted the achievements of his administration, including job creation, support for small businesses, and measures to combat inflation. Biden criticized former President Trump's policies and rhetoric, positioning his administration's efforts as a continuation of fighting for American values, democracy, and economic progress. He discussed the administration's efforts in healthcare, climate change, infrastructure, and plans to address challenges such as gun violence and voting rights. Biden made a call to action for continued support to protect democracy and ensure future success, ending his speech with a personal reflection on the values instilled by his family.
The Biden-Harris Administration has endorsed a bipartisan Senate agreement aimed at enhancing national security by addressing critical issues, including border security and immigration reforms. The key components of this agreement are:
Border Security and Immigration Reform: The administration emphasizes the introduction of comprehensive reforms to secure the U.S. border, which are described as the most stringent yet fair in decades. These measures are intended to make the border more secure while ensuring fair and humane treatment of individuals, in line with U.S. values and international obligations.
Temporary Emergency Authority: A new "Border Emergency Authority" would allow the President and Secretary of Homeland Security to temporarily restrict asylum claims when the Southwest Border is overwhelmed, ensuring access to other protections and sunsetting after three years.
Work Authorization: The proposal accelerates work authorization for certain migrants, including asylum seekers with positive protection screenings and nonimmigrant visa holders, to support themselves sooner.
Asylum Process Efficiency: It aims to significantly shorten the asylum claim process from years to six months, granting Asylum Officers more authority and adjusting the screening process to manage eligibility and security concerns more effectively.
Funding for Security and Processing: Additional resources are allocated for combating smuggling and drug trafficking, enhancing border security, and improving asylum processing, including new personnel and technology for detection and enforcement.
Fentanyl Trafficking: The agreement strengthens federal law against fentanyl trafficking by declaring it a national emergency and authorizing sanctions and measures against significant traffickers.
Lawful Immigration Pathways: It increases the annual cap on immigrant visas by 250,000 over five years, aiming to expand lawful pathways to the U.S., prioritize family reunification, and support U.S. businesses.
Support for Families and Noncitizens: Provisions assist individuals who have grown up in the U.S. on their parents’ work visas and have since "aged out," allowing them temporary status with work authorization.
Asylum Seekers' Treatment: The agreement mandates government-funded legal counsel for unaccompanied children and vulnerable adults in asylum proceedings, emphasizing humane and fair treatment.
International Support: Includes military and economic aid for Ukraine against Russian aggression, additional military aid for Israel to defend against threats and humanitarian aid for global civilian needs.
This bipartisan national security agreement represents a comprehensive approach to address various challenges, including border security, immigration reform, international aid, and the fight against drug trafficking, with a call for immediate Congressional action to enact these measures.
President Biden addressed a letter to the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate in accordance with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). It updated Congress on the actions taken by the United States in response to attacks by Yemen-based Houthi militants against U.S. military forces, commercial maritime shipping and the threat these actions posed to regional stability and navigational freedoms.
Since November 2023, Houthi militants have engaged in attacks against U.S. forces and commercial ships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden. In response, the U.S., as part of a multinational operation with the United Kingdom and support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, conducted discrete strikes on January 11 and 22, 2024, and February 3, 2024. These strikes targeted facilities, locations, and equipment in Yemen associated with the Houthis’ missile, air surveillance, unmanned aerial vehicle, and command and control capabilities. The objective was to protect U.S. personnel and assets, disrupt Houthi capabilities, and prevent regional destabilization.
The letter emphasized that the military actions were directed to degrade the Houthis' capacity for future attacks, undertaken in a manner to minimize escalation and civilian casualties, and were consistent with U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. President Biden asserted that these actions were taken pursuant to his constitutional authority, in alignment with international law, the U.N. Charter's Article 51 on self-defense, and were necessary and proportionate.
President Biden reiterated his commitment to keeping Congress informed, in line with the War Powers Resolution, and expressed appreciation for Congressional support of these actions.
During a meet and greet with MGM Resorts management and culinary leaders at the Vdara Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, President Biden expressed his appreciation for the contributions of unions and their positive impact on the economy and the workforce. He emphasized the importance of dignity, respect, and the role of unions in ensuring fair treatment and decent wages for workers. President Biden highlighted his administration's pro-union stance, noting the creation of over 260,000 jobs in Nevada and the significant job growth nationwide under his leadership. He criticized trickle-down economics, advocating instead for building the economy from the middle out and the bottom up, focusing on the middle class and working people. The President also mentioned the increases in income for Hispanic and African American communities and reiterated his commitment to the dignity of all workers. President Biden's speech was a call to acknowledge the critical role of unions in building the middle class and a reflection on his journey and values shaped by his family's experiences.
In a press gaggle in Las Vegas, Nevada, President Biden humorously declined Donald Trump's immediate challenge for a debate, suggesting Trump has nothing else to do. The President expressed his focus on a bipartisan border bill, urging Speaker Johnson to consider the Senate's efforts. He highlighted the need for more resources at the border, including agents, judges, and equipment to detect fentanyl.
President Biden emphasized the importance of legal pathways for immigration and expressed disappointment over the lack of provisions for DREAMers in the Senate's bill. He assured the bill would pass with 60 votes and hinted at future discussions with Speaker Johnson. The president concluded by praising the tea he was drinking, suggesting others should try it.
Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer visited Guyana and Colombia on February 4-5 to enhance U.S. cooperation with these regional partners, focusing on democratic governance, economic stability, and regional security. In Guyana, Finer met with President Irfaan Ali and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, affirming support for Guyana's sovereignty and discussing bilateral cooperation on security, climate change, and food security. They also talked about the Multinational Security Support mission to Haiti and promoting democratic governance in Venezuela. In Colombia, Finer and President Gustavo Petro discussed strengthening the partnership between the U.S. and Colombia, including support for the Peace Accord, economic ties, countering narcotics trafficking, managing migration, and fostering conditions for inclusive elections in Venezuela according to the Barbados Agreement.
President Biden gives remarks at a campaign rally in Las Vegas, NV
