What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Weekend Recap: October 12-13, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration continues to provide significant federal support in response to Hurricane Helene’s devastation in the Southeast, particularly in North Carolina. Over $474 million in disaster aid has been distributed, with over $86 million going to housing assistance in North Carolina alone. Federal agencies, including FEMA, the Department of Defense, and the Army Corps of Engineers, are involved in search and rescue, debris removal, power restoration, and other recovery efforts.
The Department of Transportation has allocated $100 million for infrastructure repair, and the EPA is restoring water services while FEMA coordinates communication for first responders using Starlink. Financial relief includes moratoriums on foreclosures and tax filing extensions. USDA, HUD, and HHS are addressing food assistance, housing needs, and public health issues. Education and student loan flexibilities have been implemented for affected students and institutions.
Recovery efforts involve thousands of federal, state, and local personnel, ensuring access to essential services. Drones are used for remote deliveries in hard-hit areas. The administration is committed to long-term recovery and relief across agriculture, energy, transportation, and health sectors.
President Biden declared a major disaster in Florida due to Hurricane Milton, which began on October 5, 2024. This declaration allows Federal aid to support recovery efforts in impacted counties and for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Assistance includes grants for housing repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and business aid.
Federal funding is available to governments and nonprofits on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work. For 90 days, the government will fully fund debris removal and emergency protective measures. Additionally, funds for hazard mitigation are available statewide.
FEMA’s John E. Brogan is coordinating recovery efforts, and as damage assessments continue, further aid may be designated.
Before departing from Tampa, Florida, President Biden briefly addressed several questions from the press. When asked if he had spoken with Governor Ron DeSantis during his visit, he confirmed they did not communicate. However, he emphasized that progress is being made in recovery efforts, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing satisfaction. Biden highlighted the importance of securing funds for small businesses and mentioned ongoing discussions with Congress to expedite the process.
In response to a question about the decision to deploy the THAAD defense system to Israel, Biden stated that it was done to defend Israel, offering no further elaboration. There was also a query about whether misinformation affects FEMA’s ability to respond, though the president did not directly address this in his remarks.
Vice President Kamala D. Harris is in excellent health, according to a recent health summary from her primary care physician, Dr. Joshua R. Simmons. At 59 years old, Vice President Harris has a medical history of seasonal allergies and urticaria (hives), which are well-managed with medication and allergen immunotherapy. She also has mild nearsightedness (myopia), corrected with contact lenses, giving her 20/20 vision. Aside from these manageable conditions, she has no significant personal history of serious illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, or osteoporosis. However, her family history includes a maternal case of colon cancer.
Vice President Harris diligently practices preventive care and is current on all recommended screenings, including colonoscopies and mammograms. She also takes vitamin D3 supplements to support skeletal health. Despite her busy schedule, she maintains a healthy lifestyle with daily aerobic and strength-training exercises, follows a balanced diet, and consumes alcohol only in moderation. She does not use tobacco products.
Her most recent physical exam, conducted in April 2024, showed normal vital signs, clear lungs, a regular heart rate and rhythm, and no abnormalities in her abdominal or neurological exams. Her lab results, including blood counts, cholesterol, liver function, and thyroid panel, were all within normal ranges, though her vitamin D levels were slightly insufficient. An electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed a normal sinus rhythm. Apart from some mild sun damage, her skin exam was unremarkable.
In summary, Vice President Harris is in excellent physical and mental health, demonstrating the resilience and fitness required to carry out the responsibilities of the Presidency, including her roles as Chief Executive, Head of State, and Commander in Chief.
President Biden congratulated Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors, for winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He emphasized their decades-long advocacy against nuclear weapons and recognized their role in educating the world about the catastrophic effects of these weapons. Biden also congratulated Japan for its commitment to preventing the spread and use of nuclear arms.
Biden recalled his visit to Hiroshima and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to reducing the nuclear threat through dialogue with nations like Russia, China, and North Korea. He stressed the urgency of nuclear disarmament, particularly in the context of today’s volatile global environment, and encouraged continued progress toward a world without nuclear weapons. Finally, he called for inspiration from the Nobel laureates' efforts to build a safer world.
At a campaign rally in Greenville, North Carolina, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the urgency of the upcoming election and contrasting the competing visions between her campaign and Donald Trump’s. She opened by acknowledging local leaders and praising the state’s efforts in recent hurricane recovery, underscoring the importance of unity in times of crisis. Harris noted that the election was just 23 days away and called for determination, urging her supporters to work hard and reminding them that the race would be tight. She characterized her campaign as the "underdog" but expressed confidence in victory if they put in the necessary effort.
Harris framed the election as a choice between two very different visions for the nation. Her vision focused on the future, promising policies that would reduce the cost of living, support small businesses, and protect reproductive rights. She contrasted this with Donald Trump’s campaign, which she claimed was backward-looking and self-centered. Harris criticized Trump for his lack of transparency, pointing out that he had refused to release his medical records, do a "60 Minutes" interview, or participate in a second debate—practices that presidential candidates have followed for decades.
She also attacked Trump’s policy plans, warning that his re-election would lead to tax cuts for billionaires, cuts to Medicare and Social Security, and the elimination of the Affordable Care Act. Harris claimed that Trump would impose a “Trump sales tax” on everyday necessities, costing American families $4,000 more yearly, and reverse key healthcare protections, including the $35 insulin cap for seniors. Harris argued that Trump is focused on creating fear rather than offering real solutions to the nation’s problems.
In contrast, Harris outlined her policy proposals, which she framed as focused on solving problems for middle-class and working families. She discussed her vision for an "opportunity economy," where first-time homebuyers could receive down payment assistance, and Medicare would expand to cover home healthcare for seniors. She shared a personal story about caring for her mother during her illness, emphasizing the need for better support for families caring for loved ones. Additionally, she promised to lower costs on healthcare, groceries, and other essentials, continue fighting corporate price gouging, and deliver tax cuts to millions of Americans, including a $6,000 extension of the Child Tax Credit.
Harris issued a stark warning about the dangers of Trump’s potential return to the presidency, referencing statements from former officials who have publicly stated that Trump is unfit for office. She emphasized the risks of Trump returning to power without "guardrails," highlighting his threats to weaponize the Department of Justice and his plans to act as a dictator if re-elected. Harris expressed concern over the consequences of Trump’s influence on the Supreme Court, particularly in the area of reproductive rights. She noted that one in three women now live in states with Trump-backed abortion bans, many of which have no exceptions for rape or incest. She vowed to sign a bill restoring reproductive freedom if Congress passed it.
Harris also touched on broader issues of freedom, including voting rights, protections for the LGBTQ+ community, and gun safety, all of which she said were under attack. She called for action, urging North Carolinians to vote early and reminding them that early voting would begin in four days. She stressed the importance of voting to protect the country's future, framing it as both a right and a responsibility.
In closing, Harris energized the crowd by asking if they were ready to make their voices heard and fight for the future of America. She declared that when they fight, they win and urged everyone to vote, emphasizing that their vote is their voice and power. Harris’s speech was a call to action, rallying supporters to defend their rights and freedoms and push for a brighter future.
Vice President Harris prepares to give remarks in Greenville, NC
