What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 31, 2024 Recap
President Biden issued a statement on the September 2024 Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report. He highlighted that inflation has fallen to 2.1%, nearly reaching the 2% target while avoiding a recession and seeing economic growth of over 12% during his administration—reportedly the fastest in the 21st century. He noted increased real incomes (up almost $4,000) and lower gas prices ($3.13 nationally, under $3 in 21 states).
Biden also emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce costs, including expanding affordable housing, reducing health insurance premiums, and making child care more affordable. He criticized Congressional Republicans, claiming their policies would raise costs by nearly $4,000 per year for families due to broad tariffs, which he argued would increase inflation.
President Biden issued a series of proclamations for November:
National Diabetes Month
Over 38 million Americans have diabetes, and this month raises awareness about prevention, management, and affordable treatment. The Biden Administration has worked to lower insulin costs, capped at $35 for Medicare recipients, and promotes new diabetes research and better school nutrition standards to prevent Type 2 diabetes. Americans are encouraged to support those affected by diabetes.National Family Caregivers Month
Family caregivers provide vital support to loved ones, often sacrificing personal resources. The Biden Administration has increased funding for child care, expanded the Child Tax Credit, improved nursing home staffing, and introduced a National Strategy to support caregivers. Americans are urged to recognize caregivers for their service.National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
With over six million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s, the administration supports research, clinical trials, and programs to ease caregivers' burdens. The GUIDE Model provides respite services, caregiver education, and care management. This month, Americans honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and the dedication of caregivers.National Entrepreneurship Month
Entrepreneurs fuel the economy and create jobs. Through the American Rescue Plan, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, the administration supports small businesses with funding, technical assistance, and capital access. The month celebrates the spirit and contributions of entrepreneurs, with November 19 designated as National Entrepreneurs’ Day.National Native American Heritage Month
This month honors Native peoples’ history, resilience, and cultural contributions. The administration has made record investments in Tribal Nations, from healthcare to environmental programs. It also focuses on public safety, cultural preservation, and co-management agreements. Americans are called to respect and celebrate Native American heritage.National Veterans and Military Families Month
The nation honors the sacrifice of veterans and military families. The administration has expanded benefits for toxic-exposed veterans, supported military justice reform, and enhanced financial and job support for military families. Americans are encouraged to show gratitude to veterans and their families.
Vice President Kamala Harris gave a campaign speech in Reno, NV, calling for a strong voter turnout, urging the audience to make their voices heard in “one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime.” Emphasizing the importance of the state’s role in shaping the election’s outcome, Harris applauded Nevada’s leaders, including Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and local tribal leaders, for their work and dedication to the community. She reminded the audience of the early voting deadline, November 1st, and stressed the importance of submitting mail-in ballots by Election Day, November 5th.
Harris laid out her campaign’s goals, which focus on improving the quality of life for Americans by lowering costs and providing broader economic relief. She pledged a middle-class tax cut, legislation to curb corporate price gouging, and policies to make housing more affordable, including measures to counter corporate landlords who raise rents. She also promised to increase support for working families by raising the minimum wage, eliminating tips taxes, and offering seniors comprehensive home healthcare through Medicare. Harris described these initiatives as essential to restoring dignity and stability for families facing financial burdens, such as the high costs of elderly care and childcare. She also pledged to reduce taxes for small businesses and make healthcare a right, stating that everyone deserves access to healthcare, not just those who can afford it.
The Vice President’s speech took a sharp turn as she criticized former President Donald Trump, highlighting his plans for a national 20% sales tax on imports, which she warned would increase costs on everyday items like food, clothing, and electronics, adding $4,000 to the average family’s annual expenses. She noted Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, a move that she said would leave millions of Americans without health insurance and revive past practices that discriminated against those with pre-existing conditions. Harris further pointed to Trump’s influence on the Supreme Court, saying that his appointments led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which resulted in restricted access to reproductive care for one in three women across the U.S. She emphasized her commitment to restoring reproductive rights and passing legislation to protect those rights nationally, promising to sign a bill guaranteeing reproductive freedom as president.
Reflecting on her life and career, Harris spoke about her experience growing up in the Civil Rights Movement, attending marches with her parents, and learning the values of community, compassion, and resilience. She expressed pride in her record as a prosecutor and as California’s Attorney General, fighting against corporate abuses, for-profit colleges that defrauded students, and other predatory practices. She also spoke about her dedication to supporting the next generation, especially Gen Z, acknowledging their demands for action on gun violence, climate change, and social justice issues.
To conclude, Harris called for unity, encouraging Nevadans to actively engage in building community and forming coalitions in the final days before the election. Acknowledging the divisive political climate, she stressed the importance of coming together to overcome differences and support common goals. Harris urged the audience to view voting as a powerful tool for shaping the future, stating, “When we fight, we win.” She left the audience with hope, patriotism, and confidence in America’s promise, calling on voters to believe in freedom, opportunity, and the country’s ideals as they head to the polls.
Vice President Harris in Reno, NV
