What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 14, 2024 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration has actively fought against hate and violence targeting Muslim and Arab communities over the past year. The administration has responded to incidents of violence, bullying, workplace discrimination, and other forms of prejudice by leading initiatives to promote safety, equal justice, and the well-being of these communities. Key efforts include a forthcoming National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Hatred Against Arabs in the U.S.
Some significant actions taken include:
Improving Safety and Security:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI, and National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) conducted an unclassified assessment of threats against Muslim and Arab communities.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has provided over $100 million in grants to law enforcement, civil rights groups, and community organizations to combat hate crimes.
DOJ continues prosecuting hate crimes and launched the United Against Hate initiative, fostering trust between communities and law enforcement.
Tackling Discrimination and Bias:
Various federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Education (ED), have issued resources and guidance to address workplace and school-based discrimination against Muslims and Arabs.
The U.S. Treasury has also issued a National De-Risking Strategy to prevent financial discrimination against these communities.
Addressing Issues Related to Travel:
The FBI published a document detailing the U.S. government's terrorist watchlisting process, ensuring transparency and fairness.
President Biden rescinded the previous administration’s Muslim Ban and initiated corrective actions for visa applications affected by it.
These steps form part of a broader administration effort to counter all forms of hate, promote equality, and protect the rights of Muslim and Arab Americans.
President Biden approved a disaster declaration for South Carolina, recognizing the damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby between August 4 and August 22, 2024. This declaration enables Federal aid to support state, tribal, and local recovery efforts, particularly for emergency work and facility repairs in several counties. These counties include Bamberg, Barnwell, Berkeley, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Orangeburg, and Union.
Federal funding will be provided on a cost-sharing basis to assist with emergency repairs and hazard mitigation throughout the state. Brett H. Howard from FEMA has been appointed to oversee federal recovery efforts. Based on additional damage assessments, further designations for aid may be added.
On the one-year anniversary of the killing of six-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris issued statements reflecting on the tragedy. Wadee, a Palestinian-American Muslim child, was killed in a hate-fueled attack in Illinois, and his mother, Hanan Shaheen, was seriously injured.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of rejecting hatred, particularly against Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims, and reaffirmed their commitment to combating hate in all forms. President Biden highlighted actions taken by his administration, such as the signing of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which aims to prevent hate crimes and support victims. He stressed the need for greater unity and understanding in the country and condemned the violence and dehumanizing rhetoric that contribute to hate.
Vice President Harris expressed her condolences to Wadee’s family. She condemned the rise of Islamophobia and anti-Arab incidents in the U.S. She reiterated that no one should feel unsafe due to their identity and affirmed that combating hate remains a priority for the administration.
Both statements call for continued efforts to create a safer, more inclusive society where all Americans, regardless of their background, are protected from hate, bigotry, and violence.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris released statements mourning the passing of Lilly Ledbetter, a pioneering advocate for equal pay. President Biden described Ledbetter as a fearless leader whose fight for fair wages started on the factory floor and eventually reached the Supreme Court and Congress. He highlighted her role in the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the first bill signed during the Obama-Biden administration, which was a crucial step in addressing gender and racial wage disparities. Biden praised Ledbetter's relentless advocacy, which brought the nation closer to its core values of equality and fairness. He pledged to continue building on her legacy by strengthening equal pay protections for all workers, extending his condolences to her family and those she inspired.
Vice President Harris also honored Ledbetter, acknowledging her experience with wage discrimination after discovering she had been underpaid for nearly two decades. This revelation led Ledbetter to become a passionate advocate for equal pay, contributing to the passage of the Fair Pay Act. Harris emphasized the importance of uplifting women's economic status, noting that it benefits families, communities, and society. She mentioned her co-sponsorship of the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill supported by Ledbetter, which seeks to further increase pay transparency. Harris affirmed her commitment to continuing the fight for a more equitable future in honor of Ledbetter’s legacy. Both Biden and Harris recognized the profound impact of Ledbetter's advocacy and offered their condolences to her family, acknowledging her inspiration for generations.
At a campaign rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a comprehensive speech highlighting the critical issues at stake in the upcoming election. She emphasized the need for new leadership to address the challenges faced by working and middle-class Americans, contrasting her and her running mate’s policies with those of Donald Trump. Harris focused on key areas such as reducing the cost of living, protecting fundamental freedoms, and ensuring jobs and healthcare for all.
Harris laid out her economic vision, an “opportunity economy,” to lower the costs of essentials like housing, healthcare, and everyday goods. She promised $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers to help families achieve homeownership. She discussed expanded support for small businesses, which she described as the backbone of the American economy. Harris also pledged to expand Medicare to cover home health care for seniors, allowing them to live with dignity while reducing the financial burden on families caring for elderly relatives. She shared a personal story about caring for her mother, emphasizing the importance of making home care more accessible.
In addition to her economic plan, Harris promised a middle-class tax cut to help millions of Americans, especially families with young children. She pointed out her proposal to expand the child tax credit, offering $6,000 in financial relief during a child’s first year, helping families afford essentials like cribs and car seats. She also vowed to continue her work to combat corporate price gouging, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, referencing her success in capping the price of insulin for seniors at $35 per month.
Harris delivered pointed criticism of Donald Trump, accusing him of being out of touch with everyday Americans and focused solely on self-interest. She highlighted Trump’s "Project 2025," a conservative agenda she described as dangerous, which would include cuts to Medicare, the Affordable Care Act, and abortion rights. She mocked Trump’s disconnect from working-class struggles, rhetorically asking if he had ever been to a grocery store or faced tough financial decisions like most Americans. Harris emphasized that Trump’s economic policies favor the wealthy, citing his history of tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations.
A significant portion of Harris’ speech was dedicated to defending fundamental freedoms, particularly reproductive rights. She criticized Trump’s role in overturning Roe v. Wade by appointing conservative Supreme Court justices and condemned abortion bans without exceptions for rape or incest. Harris vowed to sign legislation that would restore nationwide abortion rights if passed by Congress. She also highlighted the need to protect workers' rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the right to vote, warning that these freedoms are at risk under Trump’s leadership.
National security was another key theme, with Harris warning of the dangers a second Trump term poses. She referenced a video clip in which Trump suggested using the military against those he considered “the enemy from within,” which she interpreted as a threat to Americans who oppose him politically. Harris expressed concern that Trump would target journalists, election officials, and judges, further eroding democratic norms. She characterized Trump as increasingly unstable and dangerous, emphasizing that his return to power would be a major risk for the country.
In a call to action, Harris urged the crowd to vote, emphasizing Pennsylvania’s importance in determining the election outcome. She highlighted Erie County’s pivotal role in past elections and encouraged voters to organize, mobilize, and ensure a high turnout on Election Day. Harris called on the crowd to vote early, register others, and spread the message that every vote counts. She assured the audience that with their help, her campaign would win the election.
Harris closed her speech by underscoring the election’s importance for the country's future, stating that it is a fight for freedom, democracy, and the future of America. She emphasized her commitment to creating a more just and inclusive society, promising to always work for the people. Harris left the crowd energized and motivated, reaffirming her love for the country and her determination to win the election and move America forward.
Vice President Harris gives remarks to a packed event in Erie, PA
