What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 29, 2024 Recap
President Biden visited Baltimore's port to announce a $3 billion investment, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, to modernize U.S. port infrastructure with zero-emission technologies, boost job creation, and reduce pollution. This initiative dubbed the Clean Ports program, will fund 55 projects across 27 states, supporting 40,000 union jobs nationwide and improving air quality by cutting over 3 million metric tons of carbon emissions. Specifically, the Maryland Port Administration will receive $147 million, creating over 2,000 jobs through upgrades like electric cargo equipment and infrastructure.
The visit highlights Biden's "Investing in America" agenda, emphasizing union labor, fair wages, and job growth in clean energy. Under Biden, union petition rates have doubled, and numerous initiatives require prevailing wages and apprenticeship standards. In Baltimore, investments include a $4.7 billion Amtrak tunnel upgrade, airport improvements, and clean energy projects. The administration also supports Baltimore’s workforce development, with programs focused on recruiting and training locals for infrastructure projects.
President Biden's remarks at the Port of Baltimore emphasized his "Investing in America Agenda" and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening America's economy through infrastructure investment and union support. He congratulated longshoremen on a recent historic wage gain. He highlighted his pro-union stance, underscoring that the middle class—supported by unions—has been the foundation of the nation’s prosperity. Biden commended the sacrifices of port workers who kept supply chains moving throughout the pandemic, emphasizing that they deserve fair contracts and strong protections.
Biden expressed appreciation for Maryland's local leaders, including Governor Wes Moore, Mayor Brandon Scott, and other state officials, praising their dedication to the community and their alignment with his administration’s goals. Reflecting on a major recent event at the port, Biden recalled the catastrophic collapse of the Key Bridge, which disrupted essential routes, endangered livelihoods, and resulted in six fatalities. He acknowledged the swift and coordinated federal and local response, which involved clearing 50,000 tons of debris and reopening the port within 78 days, much faster than anticipated. He noted that the Administration's $60 million in federal funding played a critical role, providing essential recovery grants and supporting displaced workers to keep the port operational.
Announcing new funding, Biden shared that his administration is allocating $3 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act to modernize ports in 27 states and territories. This includes $447 million specifically for the Port of Baltimore, targeting infrastructure upgrades and clean energy transitions to enhance operational efficiency while addressing environmental justice concerns. Biden emphasized the adverse health effects suffered by communities near ports, such as childhood asthma and heart disease, and underlined his administration’s commitment to reducing pollution through cleaner port operations.
The president described the broader economic vision of his "Investing in America" agenda, which includes bipartisan initiatives like the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS and Science Act, each aimed at fostering job growth, modernizing infrastructure and promoting clean energy. Highlighting Baltimore’s B&P Tunnel renovation project as a case in point, Biden explained that this aging, leak-prone tunnel will soon be replaced, which is expected to enhance safety, reduce commute times, and create 20,000 jobs. This project represents just one of the nearly 1,000 infrastructure and manufacturing projects across Maryland, funded by $13 billion in federal support.
In closing, Biden celebrated his administration's progress, pointing to record job creation, wage growth, and reduced inflation. He underscored that, despite challenges inherited from previous administrations, the U.S. economy remains the strongest globally. Biden’s policies have driven $1 trillion in new business investment by fostering private sector investment, helping red and blue states. This unified, bipartisan investment, he stated, has bolstered consumer confidence and spurred a "Great American comeback." Ending on an optimistic note, Biden reflected on his family’s Baltimore roots, urging Americans to be proud of their communities and the nation’s resilience, emphasizing that together, America can overcome any challenge.
President Biden expressed significant alarm over what he described as democratic backsliding in Georgia, a nation the United States has long supported in its pursuit of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and alignment with Euro-Atlantic institutions. Biden voiced specific concerns over Georgia's recent legislative actions that mirror restrictive Russian laws, which he argued threaten essential freedoms and shrink the space available for independent civil society organizations. These measures limit citizens' rights to freely assemble and express themselves, a core element of a democratic society and critical for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Biden also pointed to Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary elections, which were reportedly marred by numerous irregularities, including the misuse of administrative resources and instances of voter intimidation and coercion. He underscored that Georgian citizens are entitled to peacefully voice their opinions on election processes, especially when independent international and domestic observers have raised concerns about the election’s fairness and freedom. Biden emphasized that the Georgian government must investigate these alleged irregularities transparently to ensure accountability and restore trust in its electoral processes.
Moreover, he urged repealing restrictive laws, such as the so-called “Foreign Influence Law,” which he argued stifles freedoms of assembly and expression. Biden called for an immediate and inclusive dialogue with all political groups in Georgia, focused on addressing these democratic issues and ensuring that future elections meet international standards. He reaffirmed that adherence to the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms remain the foundation for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future, signaling the United States’ continuing commitment to the country’s democratic journey.
President Biden spoke with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, expressing condolences for recent flooding in northeastern Nigeria. He commended Tinubu’s leadership in securing the humanitarian release of U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan. The leaders discussed the strong U.S.-Nigeria partnership, focusing on global challenges, security, and prosperity. Biden highlighted cooperation in law enforcement, particularly with the new Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies, collaborations in emerging technologies, and efforts to ensure African representation in international organizations.
The White House Task Force on AI Datacenter Infrastructure convened experts across sectors to discuss the integration of AI and advanced computing in accelerating the clean energy grid. Emphasizing the importance of AI for national security and economic competitiveness, the Biden-Harris Administration aims to maintain U.S. AI leadership and ensure AI data centers use clean energy affordably. Key government figures, including Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and climate and economic advisors, advocated for innovative solutions to support energy reliability, low costs, and climate goals.
Discussions focused on enhancing grid integration by addressing the backlog in "interconnection queues," where AI can help expedite project approvals. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chair Willie Phillips highlighted a recent rule supporting these efforts. The Department of Energy (DOE) announced plans for an AI-driven program to streamline application processes and funding for cloud-based data management, speeding up project interconnections. The DOE also introduced its Interconnection Innovative e-Xchange (i2X) program, providing roadmaps to simplify grid integration.
Through the Investing in America agenda, the administration has spurred clean energy investments, created over 250,000 energy jobs in 2023, and set a record pace for funding and permitting energy projects. With applications for 2,600 gigawatts of energy capacity pending, focusing on quicker grid upgrades is crucial for bringing clean energy online and supporting economic growth in areas like manufacturing, AI data centers, and electric vehicles.
In a recent call with Voto Latino, President Biden highlighted his administration’s achievements and the importance of voting in the upcoming election. He praised the partnership with Voto Latino in passing significant legislation on infrastructure, healthcare, and job growth, creating opportunities, especially for Latino communities. Biden emphasized the threat posed by former President Trump, criticizing his rhetoric on immigration and divisive tactics.
Biden encouraged early voting, underscoring its impact on securing comprehensive immigration reform, educational equity, and healthcare access. He called for unity, reinforcing that America’s diversity is its strength. He and Voto Latino’s leader, Maria Teresa Kumar, underscored their commitment to a multicultural democracy, which they described as America's "superpower."
Vice President Harris gave an impassioned campaign speech at The Ellipse, where she presented the upcoming election as a defining moment for America, contrasting her vision for the nation with that of former President Donald Trump. She began by underscoring the gravity of the decision facing voters, framing the election not simply as a partisan choice but as a fundamental choice about the nation's future, values, and governance. Harris urged Americans to consider the consequences of their vote, emphasizing the importance of unity, stability, and progress in shaping a country rooted in freedom rather than chaos.
Harris sharply criticized Trump, recalling his role in the January 6th Capitol attack, accusing him of inciting violence and prioritizing personal power over democracy. She described Trump as driven by revenge and obsessed with grievances, claiming that he would use a second term to prosecute opponents, pardon violent extremists, and use the military against dissenters. In contrast, Harris positioned herself as a leader focused on addressing real challenges facing Americans, advocating for an approach based on accountability, empathy, and a commitment to the democratic process. Harris argued that Trump's tactics have fueled division and fear. At the same time, she seeks to bring Americans together under the ideals of E Pluribus Unum, stressing that disagreement should not make people “the enemy within” but rather fellow Americans with shared interests.
Highlighting her career outside Washington and her history of challenging powerful interests as a prosecutor and Attorney General, Harris emphasized her drive to protect working families and hold wrongdoers accountable. She shared anecdotes of her mother's influence, instilling values of fairness and justice and her instinct to defend those overlooked or disadvantaged. Harris committed to embodying these values as president, promising transparency, empathy, and a willingness to listen, even to those who disagree with her. Acknowledging that her presidency would differ from her tenure as vice president, she vowed to address rising living costs, tackle issues such as affordable housing, and invest in policies that strengthen the middle class.
On economic issues, Harris detailed her plans to make life more affordable, recalling her mother’s struggles to manage bills. She promised to counter Trump’s proposed tax cuts for the wealthy by advocating tax relief for middle- and working-class Americans. She pledged to cap prescription drug costs, ban price gouging on essential items, support first-time homebuyers, and take on corporations inflating rent. In doing so, Harris framed her economic platform as one focused on uplifting families and creating opportunities for all Americans to prosper.
Harris also spoke on healthcare, promising to expand Medicare to cover home care for seniors and pushing back against Trump's attempts to cut Medicare and Social Security. She highlighted the need for reproductive rights, denouncing restrictive abortion laws that limit women’s autonomy. Harris committed to restoring these rights by signing a bill to protect reproductive freedom and criticized Trump’s plans for a national abortion ban and restrictions on birth control.
Immigration reform was another key focus, with Harris proposing bipartisan solutions that respect border security and the contributions of immigrants. She advocated for a balanced approach, promising to work with both parties to pass a border security bill while ensuring a path to citizenship for hardworking immigrants and Dreamers.
On foreign policy, Harris pledged to strengthen America’s military and international alliances, contrasting Trump’s alleged disregard for veterans and military personnel. She was committed to upholding U.S. security and values abroad, highlighting the importance of alliances in protecting American interests and addressing global challenges.
Finally, Harris drew on American history and shared values, invoking the courage of past generations who fought for freedom and equality. She argued that America’s strength lies in its diversity, resilience, and capacity for unity, urging Americans to vote for a future built on hope, progress, and shared purpose. Concluding with a call for unity, Harris encouraged voters to "turn the page" and elect leadership that champions all Americans, underscoring her belief in the enduring promise of the United States.
President Biden delivers remarks on his Investing In America agenda at the Port of Baltimore
