What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
July 24, 2024 Recap
President Biden delivered a heartfelt address from the Oval Office, emphasizing the importance of democracy and the critical choices facing America. Surrounded by portraits of notable American presidents, The President invoked the legacies of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt to underscore his message. He expressed his reverence for the office and his deeper love for the country, emphasizing the honor of serving as president and noting that defending democracy is more important than any title.
President Biden believes the nation is at a pivotal moment where decisions made now will impact the future for decades. He called on Americans to choose between progress and regression, unity and division, hope and hate. He urged Americans to uphold core values such as honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice, and democracy. He encouraged seeing political opponents as fellow Americans rather than enemies. He reiterated his promise to always be truthful and to prioritize the sacred cause of American democracy above all else.
President Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election and advocated for a new generation of leadership, highlighting the need for fresh, younger voices in public life. Over the next six months, he aims to lower costs for working families, grow the economy, defend personal freedoms and civil rights, combat hate and extremism, protect children from gun violence, address climate change, continue his cancer moonshot initiative, and push for Supreme Court reform to protect democracy.
The President committed to maintaining America's leadership on the global stage, reporting that the U.S. is not currently at war and emphasizing efforts to support Ukraine against Russian aggression. He plans to strengthen NATO and alliances in the Pacific, work to resolve the conflict in Gaza, secure peace in the Middle East, and bring home unjustly detained Americans. Highlighting successes since his inauguration, Biden pointed to economic recovery, job creation, wage increases, inflation reduction, infrastructure advancements, and improvements in healthcare. He also mentioned historic legislation in climate action, gun safety, and veteran support, noting the reduction in violent crime and border crossings.
President Biden reminded Americans of the country's founding principles of equality and inalienable rights by celebrating the appointment of the first Black woman to the Supreme Court and leading an administration that reflects America's diversity. He emphasized the ongoing struggle to live up to these ideals and the importance of not walking away from them now. As Americans prepare to choose the country's future direction, The President encouraged them to remember Benjamin Franklin's words about preserving the republic.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve, President Biden urged the nation to act together to safeguard democracy. He concluded with a message of hope, faith, and unity, reaffirming the United States' limitless potential when its people work together. The address encapsulated The President's dedication to democracy, his vision for America's future, and his belief in the power of unity and collective action.
In her remarks at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.'s Grand Boulé in Indianapolis, Vice President Kamala Harris expressed gratitude for Stacie NC Grant and the sorority members' support and friendship. She praised their service and leadership, highlighting their historical contributions to civil rights, maternal health, and political advocacy.
Vice President Harris emphasized the Biden administration's achievements, such as capping insulin costs, reducing child poverty, forgiving student loans, and addressing maternal mortality. She contrasted the administration's vision of a progressive future with the regressive agenda of Project 2025, which she criticized for seeking to cut social programs and undermine freedoms.
She called on the sorority members to continue their leadership and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of voting and mobilization in defending and advancing social justice, healthcare, economic justice, and reproductive rights. Harris concluded with a commitment to fight for these values and urged collective action to shape the nation's future.
The White House released a fact sheet updating the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to bring manufacturing back to the United States. Since taking office, President Biden and Vice President Harris have prioritized American manufacturing with several key initiatives and legislative actions. They established the Made in America Office and updated the Buy American Act to increase domestic content in federal procurement. Major legislation, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, mandates using American-made materials in federal projects and supports domestic semiconductor and clean energy manufacturing.
Private sector investments have reached nearly $900 billion, creating approximately 800,000 jobs. Significant investments in port infrastructure, high-speed rail, and regional Tech Hubs promote innovation and boost domestic semiconductor production. Over $250 billion has been invested in clean energy manufacturing, with an expansion of EV charging infrastructure. The Make PPE in America Act also ensures domestic production of personal protective equipment.
These actions represent historic investments in American manufacturing, aiming to boost the economy, create jobs, and ensure critical industries and technologies are developed and produced in the United States.
White House Press Secretary released a statement that President Biden will welcome Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on July 25. They will discuss developments in Gaza, efforts towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal, and the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security, including countering Iran’s threats. After their meeting, they will meet with families of Americans held hostage by Hamas. Additionally, Vice President Harris will have a separate meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu on the same day.
Lael Brainard, the National Economic Advisor, discussed the Biden-Harris Administration's place-based investment strategy at the Roosevelt Institute. This strategy aims to revitalize communities left behind by previous policies favoring tax cuts for the wealthy and reduced public investment.
Key points include:
Infrastructure Investments: The administration focuses on reconnecting neighborhoods, revitalizing small businesses, and rebuilding communities through investments in high-speed internet and transportation networks.
Community Capacity Building: Programs like the Rural Partners Network and tax incentives support distressed communities, while innovation hubs spread technological growth beyond major cities.
Workforce Development: Significant investments in clean energy and manufacturing have led to unprecedented demand for training programs. Workforce hubs are being established to prepare workers for new job opportunities in electric vehicles and semiconductor manufacturing areas.
Supportive Policies: The administration advocates expanding tax credits and healthcare access to promote economic opportunity and workforce participation.
Positive Outcomes: Reports show that previously struggling counties are now experiencing substantial job growth and business development. Success stories include Pittsburgh’s recovery and significant job creation.
Brainard emphasized that the administration's approach fosters economic resurgence in numerous regions nationwide, transforming setbacks into comebacks.
President Biden has signed an Executive Order establishing a Presidential Emergency Board to address a dispute between New Jersey Transit Rail and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), as required by the Railway Labor Act. The Board is tasked with helping both parties resolve their disagreements and will deliver a report with its recommendations within 30 days.
Members of Presidential Emergency Board No. 251:
Elizabeth C. Wesman, Chair: A labor arbitrator and member of the National Academy of Arbitrators with extensive experience in labor relations and a Ph.D. from Cornell University. She has previously served on three Presidential Emergency Boards.
Barbara C. Deinhardt, Member: A labor and employment arbitrator and mediator previously appointed by President Biden and President Obama to other Presidential Emergency Boards. She has held significant positions in New York State's employment and workers' compensation boards.
Lisa Salkovitz Kohn, Member: A seasoned labor and employment arbitrator and mediator with over 30 years of experience. She has served on various arbitration panels and held leadership roles in several arbitration and mediation organizations. She holds degrees from Harvard University and the University of California Berkeley School of Law.
The Board aims to facilitate a resolution to the ongoing labor dispute by providing structured negotiations and expert recommendations.
The Biden-Harris Administration is focused on environmental justice, ensuring clean air, water, and healthier communities for all. President Biden's Justice40 Initiative aims to direct 40% of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities, with over $600 billion allocated from FY 2022-2027 for clean air, water, affordable energy, and jobs.
Recent actions include:
EPA's $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
HUD's $19 million for energy efficiency in low-income housing
DOI's $20 million to Address Abandoned Mine Lands in Alabama
The Environmental Justice Scorecard, published annually, reports progress from 24 federal agencies. New tools like EnvironmentalJustice.gov and the Environmental Justice Science, Data, and Research Plan support these efforts. Regulatory actions have strengthened protections for air, water, and fenceline communities.
Investments in solar energy, climate resilience, and clean transportation are part of the Investing in America agenda. Enhanced public engagement and support for Tribal Nations, including significant funding for climate resilience, further demonstrate the administration's commitment to addressing environmental injustices and promoting sustainable, healthy communities.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre held a press briefing addressing several key topics. President Biden and Vice President Harris expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Sonya Massey, emphasizing the need for justice and safer communities. They reiterated Biden's commitment to accountable policing and urged Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
The briefing also touched on Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's passing. Both the President and Vice President mourned her loss and highlighted her significant contributions to racial justice and other important issues. Lee was recognized for her leadership and dedication to her constituents.
Jean-Pierre announced that First Lady Dr. Jill Biden would lead the U.S. delegation to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening, demonstrating the administration's continued support for international sports and diplomacy.
Most of the briefing was dedicated to President Biden's recent decision not to seek reelection. Biden emphasized his commitment to fulfilling his duties for the remainder of his term, focusing on building upon the administration's achievements and addressing the nation's critical issues.
The administration's stance on the ongoing protests in Washington was also discussed. Jean-Pierre affirmed the right to peaceful protest while strongly condemning violence and property destruction.
Questions about Vice President Harris's absence from Capitol Hill and her priorities were addressed, with the administration defending her record and commitment to key issues, including Israel's security.
On U.S.-China relations, Jean-Pierre stated that the administration continues to pursue a strategy of competition without conflict and noted that President Biden has no current plans to visit China.
Finally, the administration's efforts to push for a Gaza ceasefire were highlighted. President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu are set to meet to discuss developments in Gaza and other related issues.
President Biden prepares to give remarks to the nation from the Oval Office
Thank you for doing this. It’s really wonderful.