What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 3, 2024 Recap
NSC Spokesperson Sean Savett issued a statement expressing disappointment over the lack of a legally binding international agreement to address plastic pollution during the fifth negotiation session (INC-5). The U.S. criticized a small group of countries and producers for obstructing progress, prioritizing profits over environmental action. Despite the setback, the U.S. remained committed to advancing negotiations, emphasizing its leadership in pursuing ambitious solutions, as reflected in its domestic policies. The statement underscored the need for a global framework that fostered private investment, job creation, and environmental protection.
President Biden issued a memorandum delegating authority to the Secretary of State under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA). This delegation empowers the Secretary of State to determine whether furnishing up to $63 million in assistance to Ukraine is important to the security interests of the United States. The authority allows this assistance to be provided without regard to provisions of law falling within the scope of Section 614(a)(1) of the FAA. The memorandum also directs the Secretary of State to publish the document in the Federal Register. This action aims to streamline the process of providing critical support to Ukraine while prioritizing U.S. security interests.
President Biden met with President João Lourenço to highlight the transformation of the U.S.-Angolan relationship and reaffirm their commitment to addressing global challenges. The leaders discussed significant opportunities to enhance trade and investment, focusing on initiatives supporting U.S. companies' competitiveness and protecting workers' interests. President Biden emphasized the importance of more than $3 billion in U.S. commitments to infrastructure projects in Angola, particularly the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor. This multinational initiative aims to accelerate inclusive economic growth, connect regional markets to global trade, and create quality jobs while improving livelihoods in both Angola and the United States.
In addition to economic cooperation, the two presidents underscored the shared responsibility to protect and strengthen democracy in Angola and globally. They celebrated the continued growth of the U.S.-Angola defense relationship, emphasizing the importance of security cooperation. President Biden also commended Angola’s contributions to promoting peace and stability in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly its leadership in mediating the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The meeting reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to deepening its partnership with Angola across economic, democratic, and security fronts while supporting regional stability and development.
President Biden's proclamation for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities emphasizes the significant contributions of over one billion people with disabilities worldwide. It reaffirms the commitment to treating them with dignity, respect, and equal opportunity. Reflecting on his legislative efforts, he highlights his early role in co-sponsoring the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which aimed to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal rights for individuals with disabilities. While acknowledging the global progress inspired by these laws, the President recognizes persistent challenges, such as discrimination, limited accessibility, and barriers to education, employment, and public spaces.
The proclamation details the Biden Administration's initiatives to address these issues. Domestically, the American Rescue Plan allocated $37 billion to enhance home-based services, enabling greater independence for people with disabilities. Historic investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law make transit and travel more accessible. New Department of Justice rules aim to ensure that web content and mobile applications are accessible to all. Additionally, the Department of Labor has proposed a rule to phase out subminimum wages for workers with disabilities, promoting economic equity.
Globally, the Administration has advanced disability rights through international initiatives and partnerships. Efforts include re-establishing the Special Advisor on International Disability Rights at the State Department, participating in the first G7 Ministerial on Inclusion and Disability, and launching joint initiatives to improve accessibility in education and infrastructure. The United States, as a co-chair of the Global Action on Disability Network, continues to advocate for disability rights on the world stage.
Quoting disability rights activist Judy Heumann, President Biden highlights the enduring work of advocates who have driven progress through unity and determination. The proclamation calls on all Americans to observe December 3, 2024, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrating disability pride and advancing equity.
President Biden delivered remarks at the National Museum of Slavery in Angola, becoming the first U.S. president to visit the country. He reflected on the shared history between Angola and the United States, rooted in the tragedy of slavery, and honored the resilience of enslaved Angolans and their descendants. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging historical injustices, noting that history must be faced fully—both the good and the bad—to pave the way for reconciliation and progress.
Biden highlighted the transformation of the U.S.-Angola relationship, which has evolved from Cold War-era tensions to a partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals. He commended Angola’s leadership in fostering economic and political stability, particularly efforts to combat corruption and improve governance. The president emphasized the United States' commitment to investing in Africa, citing over $40 billion in U.S. investments across the continent under his administration. In Angola, he noted key projects such as the Lobito Corridor—a transcontinental railway to enhance trade and connectivity—renewable energy initiatives, and efforts to expand high-speed internet access.
The president also underlined the importance of Angola’s contributions to regional stability and commended its leadership in mediating conflicts and speaking out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He described the growing economic partnership between the two nations, highlighting the U.S.’s $3 billion investment in Angola under his administration. This investment spans agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and technology, focusing on transparent, sustainable development that benefits local communities. Biden also spoke of the strong cultural and historical ties between Angola and the U.S., acknowledging the influence of African culture on American society.
In a bilateral meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço, both leaders celebrated the progress of their partnership. Lourenço highlighted Angola’s strides in creating a favorable business environment and invited U.S. investments in the defense, agriculture, and aviation sectors. Biden expressed his commitment to strengthening economic and political ties and stressed the importance of collaborating to address global challenges like debt financing and infrastructure development. Looking ahead, the U.S.-Africa Business Summit, set to take place in Luanda in 2025, promises to deepen economic and cultural exchanges.
President Biden concluded his visit by expressing optimism about the future of U.S.-Angola relations. He described Africa as a critical driver of global progress, predicting that one-fourth of the world’s population will live on the continent by 2050. Emphasizing the shared success of both nations, Biden reaffirmed his pledge to foster partnerships rooted in mutual respect, innovation, and the empowerment of future generations. He called the Angola-U.S. story a testament to reconciliation and proof of the human capacity to overcome past injustices for a brighter, shared future.
President Biden makes history as the first U.S. President to visit the African nation of Angola
A bold President, hopefully his forging new pathways will be beneficial over time