What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 16, 2024 Recap
President Biden and Vice President Harris issued statements addressing the tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. President Biden described the incident as “shocking and unconscionable” and emphasized the urgent need for Congressional action to combat gun violence. He reflected on past tragedies, such as Newtown, Uvalde, and Parkland, while underscoring that children deserve to feel safe in their classrooms rather than learning how to “duck and cover.” Expressing condolences for the victims, including a teacher and a student who were killed, and gratitude for first responders, Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts, such as passing the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years, issuing extensive executive actions, and creating the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. However, he urged Congress to do more by passing universal background checks, implementing a national red flag law, and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Vice President Harris also expressed grief over the shooting, noting its tragic proximity to the anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. She mourned the loss of a teacher and student while extending prayers to the victims, families, and those still hospitalized. Harris praised first responders for their swift action and acknowledged the lasting trauma faced by the affected community. Highlighting that gun violence remains the leading cause of death for children in America, Harris stressed the importance of continued action. She called on Congress and state legislatures to implement universal background checks, red flag laws, safe storage laws, and a ban on assault weapons. Both leaders reiterated that while progress has been made, more work is needed to address the gun violence epidemic and ensure children and communities are safe.
President Biden established the Frances Perkins National Monument in Newcastle, Maine, to honor Frances Perkins, the first woman Cabinet Secretary and longest-serving Secretary of Labor. A key architect of the New Deal, Perkins spearheaded landmark reforms such as Social Security, minimum wage, collective bargaining rights, and unemployment insurance.
The monument includes the 57-acre Frances Perkins Homestead, her family estate, marking its historical significance. This action aligns with President Biden’s March 2024 Executive Order to recognize women’s history.
In addition, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced five new National Historic Landmarks to elevate women’s contributions, including:
Charleston Cigar Factory, SC – site of labor strikes led by Black women.
The Furies Collective House, D.C. – early feminist and lesbian movement hub.
Lucy Diggs Slowe and Mary Burrill House, D.C. – home of pioneering educator and her partner.
Azurest South, VA – designed by architect Amaza Lee Meredith.
Peter Hurd and Henriette Wyeth House, NM – artist Henriette Wyeth's home and studio.
Additional actions include a $500,000 restoration grant for Seneca Falls Knitting Mill and a report assessing women's history representation across national sites.
This marks President Biden’s 13th use of the Antiquities Act, underscoring his commitment to telling a more complete American story, particularly by honoring women’s historical achievements.
President Biden commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, celebrating its success in providing clean drinking water and addressing past pollution challenges. As a senator, Biden had supported this landmark legislation, which made U.S. drinking water among the safest in the world.
Biden and Vice President Harris highlighted his administration’s efforts to tackle modern water challenges such as lead pipes, PFAS chemicals, aging infrastructure, and pollution. He cited $50 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and policies like the first-ever mandate to replace lead pipes within ten years as key achievements.
Biden reaffirmed his belief that all Americans deserved clean water, emphasizing his administration's commitment to environmental justice, infrastructure investment, and a lasting legacy of safe water for future generations.
President Biden commemorated Wright Brothers Day, celebrating the pioneering spirit, determination, and transformative innovation of Orville and Wilbur Wright. On December 17, 1903, they achieved the first sustained, controlled, and powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their achievement revolutionized technology, human potential, and exploration, paving the way for milestones like the moon landings and modern aviation.
Biden highlighted his Administration’s efforts to build on the Wright brothers' legacy, including improvements to air travel safety and infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and addressing challenges like the climate crisis and technological progress. The proclamation emphasized that the Wright brothers’ legacy inspired American ingenuity, proving that no challenge was insurmountable.
Congress designated December 17 as Wright Brothers Day and called on Americans to honor it with appropriate ceremonies. Biden officially proclaimed December 17, 2024, as Wright Brothers Day.
In her remarks at a virtual thank-you event for educators, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden expressed deep gratitude to teachers for their dedication and impact over the past four years. Reflecting on her time as First Lady and a full-time educator, she highlighted the progress made in strengthening the education system and educators' vital role in implementing policies and transforming lives.
Biden thanked teachers for their support, collaboration, and advocacy, urging them to continue uplifting students and pushing the nation forward. She emphasized teachers' lasting legacy, describing how they inspire confidence, courage, and success in students and often become links in a lifelong chain of educators.
Biden closed by encouraging educators to support each other, recognize the transformative power of education, and express her gratitude and best wishes for the holidays.
Thank you President Biden for honouring Francis Perkins for her amazing contributions to
American life. Her courage and wisdom are inspirational.