What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 12, 2024 Recap
President Biden granted clemency to nearly 1,500 individuals, the largest single-day action in U.S. history. This included commuting the sentences of individuals placed in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic under the CARES Act who have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities. Additionally, he pardoned 39 people convicted of non-violent offenses, including drug-related crimes, who have demonstrated rehabilitation and made significant contributions to society. These actions reflect the President’s commitment to criminal justice reform, second chances, and addressing sentencing disparities.
Throughout his presidency, Biden has issued more clemency actions than recent predecessors at this stage, including categorical pardons for marijuana possession and former LGBTQI+ service members convicted under outdated, discriminatory laws. Since 2022, he has granted dozens of individual pardons and commutations for non-violent offenses and taken bold, systemic steps to correct historical injustices. The recipients of today’s clemency include veterans, healthcare professionals, and addiction counselors who have transformed their lives and are now helping others in their communities.
President Biden highlighted the role of clemency in advancing equal justice under the law, promoting public safety, and supporting rehabilitation and reentry. He reaffirmed his dedication to providing meaningful second chances and announced plans to continue reviewing clemency petitions. These actions aim to reunite families, strengthen communities, and remove barriers for individuals seeking to lead productive lives.
View the full clemency list here.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby provided updates on various domestic and international issues. President Biden announced his administration's largest single-day clemency action, granting clemency to approximately 1,500 individuals who successfully reintegrated into their communities after being placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also pardoned 39 convicted of nonviolent crimes, emphasizing his commitment to criminal justice reform and the importance of second chances. This builds on Biden’s track record of advancing criminal justice reforms, including previous categorical pardons for marijuana possession and LGBTQ+ military convictions.
On the international front, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan engaged in meetings in Israel with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other leaders to address regional stability, ongoing ceasefire efforts in Gaza, and the release of hostages, including Americans. Sullivan will continue diplomatic efforts in Doha and Cairo, complementing Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s engagements in Jordan and Turkey. The U.S. remains focused on ensuring progress in Ukraine, with Biden approving a new $20 billion security package for air defense and military support. Discussions among G7 leaders, including leveraging frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s recovery, are ongoing.
Domestically, the U.S. has issued over 76,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan allies since 2009, a milestone achieved through streamlined processing and expanded resources. Investigations continue into reports of drones sighted near critical infrastructure on the East Coast, including in New Jersey. Authorities have not found evidence of malicious intent or foreign involvement but emphasize the need for updated counter-drone legislation to mitigate future risks.
Efforts to locate journalist Austin Tice, who has been missing in Syria since 2012, remain a priority. The U.S. is engaging regional partners to gather information. The administration also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Taiwan’s self-defense and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific. Questions about preemptive pardons for high-profile individuals and the potential for further clemency actions were raised but left unanswered, with Jean-Pierre reiterating Biden’s ongoing review process. The briefing highlighted the administration’s commitment to addressing complex international crises while advancing domestic priorities, including justice reform and community reintegration.
The White House has introduced the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate, a comprehensive initiative designed to address the long-standing bias, discrimination, and violence faced by Muslim and Arab Americans. Developed through collaboration between government agencies and civil society, the strategy responds to an alarming rise in threats and attacks against these communities, including the tragic killing of six-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi in 2023. It includes over 100 Executive Branch Actions and Calls to Action to prevent violence, protect civil liberties, and promote equal opportunities.
The strategy focuses on four key priorities. First, it seeks to increase awareness of the hatred directed at Muslims and Arabs while celebrating their contributions to U.S. history. This includes educational efforts to counter harmful stereotypes and highlight their proud heritage. Second, it aims to improve the safety and security of these communities by enhancing access to nonprofit security funds, addressing transnational repression and online threats, and fostering better trust between government entities and community members. Third, the strategy tackles systemic education, employment, housing, and healthcare discrimination while ensuring greater accommodation for religious practices. Finally, it emphasizes building cross-community solidarity to counter hate and foster unity, promoting partnerships among diverse faiths and beliefs.
This initiative builds on prior efforts, such as the 2023 National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, and stems from President Biden’s 2022 interagency group on countering bias and discrimination. The administration urges state, local, and international counterparts and nongovernmental organizations to adopt similar measures affirming shared values, promoting equal justice, and ensuring liberty and security for all.
President Biden has issued a memorandum establishing the Countering Economic Coercion Task Force to address the growing use of coercive economic practices by countries of concern, particularly the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The task force, created under the authority of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, aims to strengthen the United States' ability to counter and deter such practices through a comprehensive interagency strategy. This includes assessing vulnerabilities in countries and their private sectors to economic coercion, consulting with stakeholders, and developing recommendations for effective, multilateral responses.
The task force will be chaired by the National Security Advisor and co-chaired by the Director of the National Economic Council, with representatives from 18 executive departments and agencies, such as the Departments of State, Treasury, Defense, and Commerce, as well as intelligence agencies and trade organizations. Additional agencies may be included at the President’s discretion. The group’s responsibilities include creating an integrated government strategy, consulting with private-sector and international stakeholders, and submitting reports to Congress regularly. These reports will include an initial assessment within 180 days, followed by interim and final reports over the next two years, as mandated by the act.
The memorandum emphasizes that its implementation must align with existing laws and available funding. It clarifies that it does not establish enforceable legal rights for any individual or entity. By forming this task force, the Biden Administration seeks to ensure a coordinated and effective response to economic coercion, with particular attention to systemic threats posed by the PRC.
President Biden has issued a memorandum establishing the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group (Task Force) within the Executive Office of the President. The Task Force aims to monitor and address attempts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to censor or intimidate U.S. persons, including businesses, particularly in matters related to freedom of speech. This initiative aligns with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. Chaired by the National Security Advisor and vice-chaired by the Director of the National Economic Council, the Task Force comprises representatives from 13 federal agencies, including the Departments of State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Education, and Homeland Security, and agencies like the CIA and FBI.
The Task Force is tasked with developing and executing an integrated federal strategy, consulting with private sector stakeholders, the media, other government agencies, and foreign allies. Within 120 days, it will submit its strategy to the President and Congress and release its first annual report within 180 days. Subsequent annual reports will follow to ensure transparency and accountability, with public versions made available where possible, consistent with national security considerations.
The memorandum underscores that its implementation will respect existing legal authorities and budgetary constraints. It clarifies that it does not create enforceable legal rights for third parties. This effort is a significant step toward safeguarding U.S. persons and entities from PRC censorship or intimidation while upholding principles of free expression and protecting national interests.
The G7 leaders issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to the Syrian people and supported a Syrian-led, inclusive political transition as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254. They called for the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national unity. The G7 backed the UN's monitoring efforts in the Golan Heights and supported a transition to non-sectarian governance that respected the rule of law, human rights, and protections for minorities.
The statement emphasized accountability for the Assad regime's crimes, ongoing efforts to address Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles, and opposition to terrorism and extremism. The G7 pledged support for a future Syrian government that aligned with these principles and advocated for the safe, voluntary return of displaced Syrians, the rebuilding of state institutions, and the country's recovery. They stood firmly with the Syrian people against decades of atrocities.
The President signed into law:
H.R. 1432, the “VSO Equal Tax Treatment Act” or the “VETT Act,” which amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the deductibility of charitable contributions to certain organizations for members of the Armed Forces.
H.R. 3821, the “Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023,” which reauthorizes the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2018.
H.R. 5863, the “Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023,” which provides tax relief with respect to certain Federal disasters.
S. 91, the “Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act,” which awards a Congressional Gold Medal collectively to 60 diplomats, in recognition of their bravery and heroism during the Holocaust.
S. 4243, the “Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act,” which awards posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm.
Many thanks for bringing these important actions to our attention. Happy holidays!