What Did Joe Biden Do Today? Weekend Recap: June 1-2, 2024
In a background press call, a senior administration official provided details on President Biden's recent remarks on the Middle East, focusing on efforts to secure a deal for releasing hostages and achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. The proposed deal, accepted by Israel and transmitted to Hamas, aims to end the crisis, enhance humanitarian aid, and ensure Israel's long-term security.
Key points from the call include:
Hostage Release and Ceasefire: The deal includes the release of hostages and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Israel's offer is possible due to the significant degradation of Hamas's military capacity over the past eight months.
Humanitarian Assistance: The deal outlines a roadmap for a surge in humanitarian aid and distribution throughout Gaza, aiming to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Comprehensive Proposal: The proposal is detailed and includes steps for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas and eventual complete withdrawal from Gaza, subject to conditions being met.
Ongoing Negotiations: The first phase focuses on immediate relief, while the second phase involves further negotiations, including a final exchange of all remaining hostages. The third phase includes the reconstruction of Gaza with international support.
International and Regional Involvement: The U.S., along with Egypt and Qatar, acts as guarantors of the deal, with coordinated efforts to ensure compliance and support from regional partners.
Call to Action: President Biden emphasized the need for Hamas to accept the deal and for global voices to support the ceasefire and peace efforts.
Overall, the press call highlighted the administration's commitment to a diplomatic resolution, focusing on humanitarian aid, security, and long-term peace in the region.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden gave the commencement address at Erie County Community College, where she shared a personal story of overcoming discouragement from a high school counselor who told her she wasn't college material. Despite this, she earned multiple degrees while balancing family and work, ultimately achieving her doctorate at age 55.
The First Lady praised the graduates for their perseverance, highlighting the various challenges they overcame to achieve their degrees, such as working multiple jobs, raising children, and returning to school after time away. She emphasized the importance of community colleges in providing flexible, career-focused education and advocated for making them free.
Dr. Biden expressed pride in her Pennsylvania roots and commended the community for establishing the college amidst adversity. She acknowledged the support systems that helped students succeed and encouraged graduates to drown out voices of doubt, embrace life's challenges, and pursue their dreams fearlessly.
President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden expressed their condolences on the passing of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s mother, Mrs. Marian Robinson, acknowledging her as a devoted mother and grandmother. They praised her fierce love for her family and noted how she embodied the belief that family is central to life. Mrs. Robinson's move to the White House to support her family highlighted her dedication and service to the country. The Bidens extended their deepest love to Michelle, Craig, Barack, Kelly, and her grandchildren, recognizing her lasting impact on them. They concluded by wishing her peace with her late husband, Fraser, and invoked God's blessing upon her.
The National Economic Council held a meeting of the Biden-Harris Administration Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to discuss reopening the Port of Baltimore and the federal support needed for its full operational return. This followed a meeting between President Biden, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and the Unified Command leaders. The Task Force, established in 2021, comprises supply chain experts who address supply chain challenges, engage stakeholders, and prepare response efforts.
The meeting addressed the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, partially closing the Port of Baltimore. Businesses worked with the Administration to mitigate the impact by temporarily diverting cargo. The Unified Command, Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Transportation, and local officials are now supporting the return of cargo and cruise traffic to the port, with the recent docking of cruise ships and an expected container ship arrival.
The Task Force ensures a smooth return to full operations by engaging with shippers, businesses, and ocean carriers to address logistical challenges. The Department of Agriculture coordinates with food and agricultural producers, while the Department of Transportation works with port operators and local officials to manage increased traffic. The Department of Commerce is helping retailers and companies minimize supply chain disruptions.
The White House, the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Labor, State, Transportation, and the Federal Maritime Commission were involved.
Marian Lois Shields Robinson. July 29, 1937-May 31, 2024
