What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 17, 2024 Recap
President Biden issued a statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia expressing solidarity with LGBTQI+ individuals worldwide, emphasizing the importance of human rights. His administration has prioritized advancing LGBTQI+ rights since day one, including signing a Presidential Memorandum to promote these rights globally, protecting LGBTQI+ refugees, and launching a strategy to combat gender-based violence. Significant actions have included opposing "conversion therapy" and engaging with global leaders to support LGBTQI+ rights.
The U.S. has made tangible progress in responding to abuses, ensuring inclusive foreign assistance, and expanding refugee access. American leadership has encouraged the decriminalization of same-sex conduct in many nations. Despite this progress, LGBTQI+ communities still face violence and discrimination, and efforts must continue to ensure equality in healthcare, housing, employment, education, and justice. Biden highlights the moral responsibility to combat all forms of hate and marks the 34th anniversary of the WHO's declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder, reaffirming the administration's commitment to equality.
President Biden marked the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision with new measures to promote racial and educational equity. The administration highlighted the ongoing issue of school segregation and its negative impact on educational outcomes for students of color. To address this, several new actions were announced:
Magnet School Grants: $20 million was allocated for new programs in several states to promote desegregation.
Technical Assistance Center: A new center was established to support equitable school funding.
Data on Course Access: A report showing racial inequities in access to math and science courses was released.
Preserving African American History: Federal initiatives were launched to preserve and promote African American history.
The Biden-Harris administration invested significantly in underserved schools, increased Title I funding, and expanded support for Full-Service Community Schools. Efforts to diversify the teaching profession included substantial grants for teacher preparation programs, particularly at HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions. Furthermore, over $300 million was allocated to programs that increase school diversity. Additional measures included guidance on legal programs to promote racially inclusive school communities and new rules for charter schools to support desegregation efforts.
Investments in early childhood education aimed to close the school readiness gap, with significant funding increases for Head Start and the Child Care & Development Block Grant program. The American Rescue Plan also substantially supported stabilizing child care, benefiting racially diverse communities.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Argentina's Foreign Minister Diana Mondino and Chief of Cabinet Nicolás Posse at the White House to reaffirm the strong partnership between the United States and Argentina. They discussed President Milei’s efforts to stabilize Argentina's economy and explored opportunities for economic cooperation, particularly in clean energy and technology sectors. Sullivan congratulated Argentina on purchasing F-16s from Denmark and discussed further security and defense collaboration. They also talked about enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues, including humanitarian aid to Gaza, a ceasefire and hostage deal, support for democracy in Venezuela, and condemnation of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
President Biden hosted a delegation of plaintiffs and their families from the historic Brown v. Board of Education case in the Oval Office to honor its 70th anniversary. The delegation included representatives from the five cases combined under the Brown decision: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Briggs v. Elliott, Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County, Belton (Bulah) v. Gebhart, and Bolling v. Sharpe.
The President emphasized his dedication to honoring the legacy of these historic figures and the ongoing need for educational equity. He and Vice President Harris reiterated their commitment to addressing racial and educational disparities, combating attacks on educational rights, and promoting equality.
See the list of attendees here.
President Biden issued a National Security Memorandum on United States Policy on the Antarctic Region (NSM-23), replacing the 1994 directive, establishing U.S. policy for Antarctica. The U.S. aims to protect Antarctica’s environment, pursue scientific research, maintain the region for peaceful international cooperation, and conserve its living resources.
The U.S. supports the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) as the legal framework for peace, cooperation, science, and environmental protection. The National Science Foundation (NSF) will manage the U.S. presence in Antarctica, ensuring compliance with ATS norms and proactive management of human activities.
President Biden issued a series of proclamations for the month of May:
National Emergency Medical Services Week, 2024
Honors EMS providers for their bravery and dedication. The Biden administration is committed to supporting them with better equipment, training, and resources to reduce burnout and trauma. Initiatives include the American Rescue Plan and student loan forgiveness.
National Safe Boating Week, 2024
Emphasizes wearing life jackets, checking weather forecasts, and boating sober. It highlights the Coast Guard's role in preventing accidents and rescuing mariners, encourages boat safety education and inspections, calls for nationwide observance and promotes safe boating practices.
World Trade Week, 2024
Highlights efforts to ensure fair and transparent global trade. The Biden administration focuses on rebuilding the economy, creating jobs, and supporting American businesses. Initiatives include strengthening supply chains, raising labor standards, and increasing trade with global partners.
National Hepatitis Testing Day, 2024
Emphasizes the importance of testing for hepatitis to save lives. It proposes a plan to increase testing, access to treatment, and awareness. Efforts include accelerating diagnostics, expanding medication access, and investing in health programs, and calls for public engagement in testing and vaccination efforts.
Armed Forces Day, 2024
Honors the U.S. Armed Forces on Armed Forces Day, recognizing their service and sacrifices. The Biden administration has passed laws supporting service members and veterans, including improved mental health care and economic security.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden gave remarks at Bay Mills Community College in Sault Ste Marie, MI, expressing gratitude to Sault Ste. Tribal Chairperson Chairman Lowes, Bay Mills Indian Community President Gravelle, and community members for their leadership and warm reception. She emphasized the Biden administration's historic support for Tribal health centers like Sault Tribe Health Centers and Bay Mills Health Center, ensuring uninterrupted funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal medical services. President Biden is committed to increasing and stabilizing the IHS budget to help health systems thrive.
Dr. Biden highlighted the importance of accessible, consistent care tailored to Tribal communities' needs, recognizing that Tribes know best what they require. She underscored that community-centered care improves health outcomes and quality of life. She affirmed that she, the Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (Also in attendance), and the President are committed to listening and working with Tribal communities to help them thrive.
In his speech at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, President Biden celebrated the NAACP's historical impact on civil rights and education in the United States. He emphasized the importance of Black history as a vital part of American history, underscoring ongoing efforts to preserve it against those who seek to erase it. Biden highlighted the significance of the Brown v. Board of Education decision and its role in ending racial segregation in schools, reflecting on his personal connection to the case through Delaware.
The President announced substantial educational investments, including $300 million for school diversity, $450 million to diversify the teaching profession, and historic funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He stressed the importance of early childhood education and the impact of universal pre-K on reducing educational disparities. Biden also addressed student debt relief, noting $160 billion in student debt cancellation under his administration, and called for tax reforms to fund educational initiatives.
He condemned efforts to roll back affirmative action and diversity initiatives, attributing them to his predecessor and MAGA Republicans. President Biden concluded by reiterating the importance of education in achieving freedom and the promise of America, expressing his belief in the country's ability to progress through unity and shared efforts.
President Biden has declared a major disaster in Texas, providing federal aid to support state, tribal, and local recovery efforts due to severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding since April 26, 2024. Federal funding is now available for affected individuals in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker counties. This aid includes temporary housing and repairs grants, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and various recovery programs. Additionally, federal funding will support statewide hazard mitigation measures. Benjamin Abbott of FEMA will coordinate the federal recovery operations. Damage assessments are ongoing, and more assistance may be available as they are completed.
During today’s press briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby provided updates on the President's schedule and various international and domestic issues. Jean-Pierre outlined the President's activities for the upcoming week, including a reception for Jewish American Heritage Month on Monday, travels to New Hampshire and Boston on Tuesday, hosting Kenyan President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto for a state visit on Thursday, a state luncheon at the State Department on Friday, and delivering a commencement address at the United States Military Academy on Saturday.
Kirby shared that the first shipments of humanitarian assistance, including food, therapeutic foods for children, and critical supplies like plastic sheeting and hygiene kits, had arrived in Gaza via a multinational humanitarian maritime corridor. He emphasized that U.S. service members provide security and logistical support for the aid delivery, with robust security plans to protect those involved. The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) is responsible for inspecting the aid shipments before they leave Cyprus and arrive in Gaza.
The U.S. continues to support Ukraine with military aid, including a $6 billion package and an additional $2 billion announced by Secretary Blinken, to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression. Kirby also mentioned that NSC Advisor Jake Sullivan will travel to Saudi Arabia and Israel to discuss regional matters, including the war in Gaza and efforts to achieve lasting peace and security.
Domestically, Jean-Pierre expressed gratitude for first responders and rescue teams following deadly storms in Texas. She also emphasized the President's belief in the sacredness of the American flag, responding to reports involving a Supreme Court Justice's display of an upside-down flag. During the Q&A session, various topics were addressed, including the recent arrest of a prominent golfer, the sentencing of an attacker on Paul Pelosi, and the situation of American doctors in Gaza.
The briefing highlighted the administration's ongoing efforts to address international and domestic issues, focusing on humanitarian aid, security, and maintaining respect for American values and symbols.
President Biden poses with members of the Little Rock Nine at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. L-R: Melba Patillo Beals, Elizabeth Eckford, Dr. Terrence Roberts, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Minniejean Brown Trickey
I have a very important question.
Adam kinzinger had spoken in his latest video on his substack and confirmed directly to me that the White House has not contacted him liz cheney or any of the republicans who stand against trump for support or for any campaign input or for anything at all.
He Directly said it was political malpractice for the WH not to have contacted any of them for their input and I have to say I gotta agree here.
We need the healthy people in the republican party to publicly stand united with the WH to nationally put country over party. ( IMHO)
I know from past posts from Adam on substack and the many shows and places that Liz Cheney has spoken at. Shows such as The View The Rachel Maddow Show. Adam Kinzinger has publicly said many time he will vote for Biden. They have proven they are both willing and have crossed party lines for country.
I strongly believe the White House must know this and know that these republicans are willing to speak out with the democrats to defeat trump on the campaign trail.
I believe with all my being that They have invaluable and a unique pathway to reach many voters that are presently not being reached.
How can we reach the white house and let them know Directly about this?
Can you get the message to them more directly and faster then myself alone? Do you know anyone who could?
Despite we all may have disagreements ...we all agree on one thing ....we all believe in protecting democracy. And who better to show that then to have the white house include them publicly and work together to defeat trump snd Maga.