What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 11 Recap
President Biden issued a statement on the CHIPS and Science Act Preliminary Agreement. To date, companies have announced over $230 billion in planned investments in semiconductors and electronics since he took office.
Today marks a key milestone for implementing this historic law, as the Department of Commerce announced its first preliminary agreement with BAE Systems, Inc. for a CHIPS incentive award of approximately $35 million. When finalized, this award will modernize an aging facility to quadruple its production capacity for chips essential to our national security, including for use in F-35 fighter jets produced in Nashua, New Hampshire, by American workers. Read more…
The President issued a Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Enabling Corruption.
A fact sheet was released on U.S. Leadership in the Fight Against Global Corruption. The menace of corruption poses a significant threat to prosperity, security, and democracy, affecting both Americans and people worldwide. When officials engage in corruption by embezzling funds or when oligarchs disregard the rule of law, it hampers the competitiveness of honest businesses, fuels poverty, exacerbates conflicts, and erodes trust in government. Recognizing the gravity of this threat, President Biden has prioritized countering corruption as a fundamental U.S. national security interest, leading to the issuance of the inaugural United States Strategy on Countering Corruption.
This week, Atlanta, Georgia will host thousands of government representatives along with an unprecedented number of participants from civil society, academia, and the private sector. This underscores the importance of an inclusive approach to tackling corruption. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), being the only legally-binding global anti-corruption instrument, serves as the cornerstone for multilateral coordination on corruption. It also sets the international standard for countries to enhance transparency, responsiveness, and accountability to their citizens. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, is at the forefront, leading a robust U.S. government delegation to the Conference of States Parties (COSP).
NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson issued a statement welcoming the 72-hour ceasefire in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. This update follows the confidence-building measures established during the visit of Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Avril Haines to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda on November 19-20. Subsequent discussions with Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda paved the way for a significant development.
Commencing at noon Central Africa Standard Time (GMT+2) today, armed forces and non-state armed groups have halted hostilities. This move aims to facilitate the withdrawal of forces from the Mushaki locality and the RP1030 road (Kirolwire-Kitchanga).
A fact sheet was released on The United States response to Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act and persistent human rights abuses. On the 75th anniversary of the UN General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United States stands with people worldwide in restating its plea for the immediate annulment of the AHA and urges the Ugandan government to uphold the universal human rights of all individuals in Uganda. No one should endure constant fear for their life or face violence and discrimination.
The implementation of the AHA reflects a continuing pattern of democratic erosion in Uganda, where individual Ugandans and civil society organizations encounter progressively constrained civic and political freedoms. Instances of evictions, vigilante attacks, and police misconduct, including harassment, abuse, and unwarranted detainment of individuals identified as LGBTQI+, have escalated. Disturbingly, there are reports of the Ugandan police subjecting individuals to forced anal examinations—a cruel and degrading practice devoid of investigative or public health justification.
A press gaggle was conducted on Air Force One en route to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates and NSC Coordinator For Strategic Communications John Kirby.
Secretary Bates opened the briefing with remarks regarding the President delivering remarks at the announcement event for the city of Philadelphia receiving a $22.4 million SAFER Grant award. He also discussed the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act as it pertains to today’s news that BAE Systems, Incorporated received a CHIPS incentive award of approximately $35 million.
Director Kirby talked about the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington, where he aims to garner support for ongoing financial assistance in his nation's resistance against Russian aggression. He also discussed the start of Human Rights Week and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the United States’ action to promote accountability for human rights abuses and violations by imposing visa restrictions and sanctions on 37 individuals and 13 countries. He then took questions from the press.
President Biden gave remarks on the City of Philadelphia receiving a SAFER Grant Award to Fund the Philadelphia Fire Department. He announced the allocation of a $22.4 million grant to the city of Philadelphia, earmarked for covering the salaries and benefits of 72 firefighters over a three-year period. This funding enables the reopening of three city fire stations: Engine 6 in Fishtown, Ladder 1 in Fairmount, and Ladder 11 in South Philadelphia. The decision to reopen these stations comes in the wake of a tragic incident in 2022 when Philadelphia experienced its highest number of fire fatalities in a decade. Notably, over a dozen of these fatalities resulted from a single fire in the Fairmont neighborhood, which was previously served by the now-closed Ladder 1. The newly acquired funds are expected to enhance emergency response times in the respective areas served by these fire stations. Watch the speech and read his remarks.
The President gave remarks at a campaign reception in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
President Biden hosted a White House gathering on Monday evening to observe Hanukkah, commemorating the festival of lights. During the event, he reiterated his condemnation of the increasing antisemitism in the United States and worldwide, particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Joined by the first lady, Jill Biden, and second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, the reception included around 800 guests, such as Holocaust survivors, members of Congress, state and local officials, entertainers, and leaders from various Jewish denominations.
President Joe Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff host Hanukkah ceremony at The White House
