What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 7, 2025 Recap
The Biden-Harris Administration has taken a significant step to alleviate the burden of medical debt on millions of Americans, announcing a final rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to remove medical debt from consumer credit reports. This landmark decision will eliminate $49 billion in unpaid medical bills from the credit systems of 15 million people, raising credit scores by an average of 20 points and paving the way for increased access to car loans, home mortgages, and small business financing. Medical debt, which often arises from unavoidable emergencies or billing errors, has long been a barrier to economic mobility, and this action ensures that it will no longer factor into credit scores.
Additionally, Vice President Harris highlighted the impact of state and local efforts, supported by American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, to eliminate over $1 billion in medical debt for more than 750,000 Americans. This initiative is part of a larger effort expected to relieve $15 billion in medical debt for up to 6 million people by 2026. Notable successes include Cook County, Illinois, which has eliminated $382 million in debt for 210,000 residents, and New Jersey, which relieved $220 million for 120,000 residents. Innovative programs, such as North Carolina’s $4 billion debt relief initiative, are ensuring affordable care and implementing policies to prevent future debt accumulation.
The administration’s efforts also include increased oversight of non-profit hospitals by the IRS, streamlined debt forgiveness for veterans through the VA, and enhanced Medicaid reimbursement policies tied to debt relief. These measures complement broader healthcare reforms, such as capping insulin prices and out-of-pocket drug costs under the Inflation Reduction Act, preventing surprise medical bills, and expanding Medicaid access in states.
Vice President Harris underscored the transformative nature of these actions, noting their potential to save families money, build wealth, and improve financial stability. By tackling medical debt—currently the largest source of debt in collections—the administration addresses a critical issue that disproportionately affects low- and middle-income Americans, reinforcing its commitment to lowering healthcare costs and enhancing economic opportunity for all.
President Biden has set a historic benchmark in conservation, protecting 674 million acres of U.S. lands and waters—more than any president in history. He established the largest protected land corridor in the continental United States, the 18-million-acre Moab to Mojave Conservation Corridor, which stretches across multiple states. In California, President Biden signed proclamations creating the Chuckwalla National Monument, covering 624,000 acres of culturally and ecologically significant land, and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, encompassing 224,000 acres of sacred Indigenous lands and volcanic landscapes. These designations protect vital habitats, honor Tribal Nations, and enhance outdoor access while demonstrating how conservation and clean energy development coexist.
Under the "America the Beautiful" initiative, President Biden is pursuing conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. This initiative has catalyzed partnerships and funding to restore ecosystems, connect wildlife habitats, and improve natural access. The administration’s conservation efforts have also included restoring protections for critical areas like the Arctic Ocean and Tongass National Forest and enhancing co-stewardship agreements with Tribal Nations. Over 400 agreements allow Indigenous communities to manage ancestral lands, preserve cultural heritage, and advance environmental justice.
In parallel, the Biden administration has spearheaded groundbreaking clean energy and climate initiatives. Investments in renewable energy and climate resilience have created 330,000 clean energy jobs and saved millions of American families billions in energy costs. Offshore and onshore renewable energy projects have been advanced while safeguarding ecosystems, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to balancing conservation with clean energy development. Globally, the U.S. has supported debt-for-nature swaps to conserve critical ecosystems, such as the Amazon Rainforest and the Belize Barrier Reef, furthering international environmental stewardship.
Through these actions, President Biden has advanced an ambitious environmental agenda that integrates conservation, climate action, and community engagement. His administration’s efforts not only protect biodiversity and combat climate change but also enhance public access to nature, honor Indigenous stewardship, and foster a sustainable future for future generations.
President Biden commended Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his leadership, partnership, and friendship, emphasizing the strong alliance between the U.S. and Canada. Biden highlighted their collaboration on major challenges such as COVID-19, climate change, the opioid crisis, and support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. He also acknowledged Trudeau's role in strengthening North American economic ties and supply chains. Praising Trudeau’s leadership over the last decade, Biden credited him with enhancing the U.S.-Canada relationship, improving security for both nations and positively impacting the world. Biden expressed gratitude for Trudeau’s contributions and their friendship.
President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden extended their warm wishes to Orthodox Christians celebrating Christmas. They expressed solidarity with those suffering due to war, conflict, deprivation, and oppression, affirming that all people deserve dignity, safety, and respect. The Bidens committed to advocating for religious freedom and keeping affected communities in their thoughts. Citing Scripture, they highlighted the enduring power of light and hope amidst darkness and acknowledged the significant contributions of Orthodox Christians to communities worldwide. They concluded with prayers for peace and justice in the coming year.
The White House has launched the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for internet-connected devices administered by the FCC. This initiative aims to help Americans make informed decisions about the cybersecurity of products like baby monitors, security systems, and smart home devices. Inspired by the EnergyStar label, the program incentivizes manufacturers to meet cybersecurity standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The FCC has conditionally approved 11 companies as Cybersecurity Label Administrators and selected UL Solutions as the Lead Administrator. In 2025, companies can submit products for testing by accredited labs to earn the Cyber Trust Mark label, which will feature a distinct shield logo.
Industry leaders such as Best Buy, Amazon, and Consumer Reports have supported the program, highlighting its potential to improve consumer trust and cybersecurity awareness. The label will help consumers identify devices that meet fundamental cybersecurity criteria, including long-term software update commitments.
The program represents a collaborative effort between the government, manufacturers, and retailers. Companies are committed to promoting the label, and consumers are encouraged to look for it on products in stores and online.
President Biden issued a National Security Memorandum (NSM) to update U.S. policy guidance for implementing the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). These updates reflect a renewed U.S. commitment to nonproliferation while advancing goals such as strengthening allied defense capabilities, bolstering the U.S. defense industrial base, streamlining defense trade, and deterring adversaries. The changes aim to support shared defense objectives with close allies, including implementing initiatives like AUKUS while maintaining U.S. leadership in nonproliferation and export control policy.
The MTCR, established by the G7 in 1987 and now comprising 35 member countries, was created to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons proliferation by limiting missile delivery system exports. In 1992, its scope expanded to address the proliferation of missiles capable of delivering all types of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Recognized as a successful multilateral nonproliferation regime, the MTCR remains a cornerstone of the global nonproliferation framework. The updated U.S. policy reflects the evolving strategic environment, advancements in missile technology, and changing access to technology exports since the MTCR’s inception.
The NSM introduces greater flexibility for case-by-case reviews of certain MTCR Category I systems, including military missiles, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and Space Launch Vehicles (SLVs), for vetted partners with strong export control systems. However, it explicitly prohibits the transfer of complete production facilities for these systems. The memorandum also ensures that the MTCR does not impede national or international space programs as long as they do not contribute to WMD delivery systems. To support international space cooperation, the U.S. will consider Category I SLV-related technology transfers on a case-by-case basis for vetted partner space programs, whether governmental or commercial.
The Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized public-private partnerships (P3s) as a core strategy to advance U.S. foreign policy and national security goals, addressing global challenges through collaboration with diverse stakeholders. By institutionalizing P3s across federal agencies, the administration has significantly increased capacity and impact. Since FY 2021, over $97 billion has been committed from private sector, philanthropic, and civil society partners, enabling partnerships in more than 130 countries. 1,400+ new programs have been established, engaging over 4,400 distinct partners globally.
Key initiatives include mobilizing $80 billion for critical infrastructure investments like Africa’s Lobito Corridor and the Luzon Corridor in the Philippines while fostering entrepreneurship in the Americas through a $1.7 billion investment program. To address global health challenges, the administration secured $2 billion in private commitments for pandemic response and vaccination efforts during the Global COVID-19 Summits. Tackling the climate crisis has been a central focus, with international partnerships mobilizing $3 billion to build climate resilience and support adaptation efforts worldwide. The administration also advanced gender equality by launching initiatives that garnered $2 billion to promote women’s leadership, economic security, and rights, particularly in digital and sustainable sectors.
Domestically, disaster resilience efforts have been bolstered through partnerships with FEMA and private entities, enhancing preparedness and recovery capacity. Initiatives like Feed the Future have leveraged $6 billion to mitigate global food insecurity. In comparison, regional migration efforts under the Los Angeles Declaration secured $5.2 billion to support economic growth in Central America. Refugee resettlement programs welcomed over 100,000 refugees in FY 2024, the most in three decades, and launched the Welcome Corps to empower Americans to sponsor refugees directly.
The administration invested $395 billion under the CHIPS Act to secure U.S. leadership in advanced technologies, including AI and clean energy, in the technology and supply chain sectors. Additionally, partnerships have promoted cybersecurity, launching the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark to protect critical infrastructure and implementing the IVAN program to counter virtual asset misuse. Public-private collaborations have also facilitated $72.3 billion in digital connectivity projects across Africa and Indo-Pacific regions, driving economic growth and bridging digital divides.
These partnerships have positioned the U.S. to effectively address global challenges, enhance economic competitiveness, and strengthen national security. By fostering innovation, resilience, and international cooperation, the administration’s P3 approach continues delivering significant benefits for the American people and global partners.
Vice President Harris delivered a poignant eulogy for President Jimmy Carter, celebrating his lifelong service, integrity, and transformative leadership. She highlighted his journey from humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to becoming the 39th President of the United States, emphasizing his enduring commitment to public service. Carter’s post-presidential legacy redefined the role of former presidents, as he founded The Carter Center to promote human rights, alleviate suffering, and advance global public health. His tireless advocacy for peace and democracy was a hallmark of his character and work.
Harris reflected on Carter’s presidential achievements, including his comprehensive energy policy, environmental conservation efforts, and record-breaking diversity in federal appointments. Carter was ahead of his time in addressing climate issues and establishing foundational institutions like the Department of Energy, FEMA, and the Department of Education, which continue to shape the nation. His foreign policy achievements, such as normalizing diplomatic relations with China and brokering the historic Camp David Accords, underscored his commitment to diplomacy and global leadership.
Carter’s humility and compassion were woven throughout his life. Harris recounted how he slept in supporters’ homes during his campaign, worked alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteers, and attributed the eradication of Guinea worm disease to the efforts of local communities rather than his leadership. His deep faith and dedication to serving others left an indelible mark on the world.
Harris concluded by honoring Carter’s legacy as a man of integrity who lived his values, served with humility, and left the world better than he found it. She called his life a "lesson for the ages" and a "beacon for the future," urging all to draw inspiration from his example.
Vice President Harris Delivers a Eulogy at the Lying in State Ceremony for Former President Carter
