What Did Joe Biden Do Today?

January 8, 2025 Recap

President Biden expressed his concern over the wildfires affecting West Los Angeles, particularly in the Pacific Palisades area. He emphasized that the federal government is closely monitoring the situation and has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant through FEMA to help cover immediate firefighting costs and support affected communities. The president reassured residents that federal agencies are coordinating with state and local officials to provide necessary resources and assistance. He also urged those in impacted areas to remain vigilant and follow local authorities' evacuation orders and safety guidance.

Vice President Harris shared her solidarity with Californians affected by the wildfires, highlighting her personal connection as a Californian. She praised the courage and dedication of first responders working tirelessly to combat the fires and protect communities. Harris reiterated the federal government’s commitment to supporting the suppression efforts, including the deployment of resources through FEMA. She also acknowledged the broader, long-term challenges posed by wildfires and stressed the administration’s dedication to aiding recovery efforts in collaboration with state and local partners. Residents were reminded to stay alert and prioritize their safety during this challenging time.

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President Biden highlighted the nation’s sacred obligation to support veterans and their families, especially those facing long-term health issues related to military service. He emphasized his administration’s focus on addressing the harmful effects of toxic exposures, such as Agent Orange, radiation, and burn pits, which have caused severe health problems for many veterans. With the passage of the PACT Act in 2022, the administration enacted the most significant expansion of benefits for toxic-exposed veterans in over three decades, streamlining the process for obtaining disability benefits by recognizing more conditions as presumptive.

Building on this progress, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has added several cancers, including bladder cancer, ureter cancer, genitourinary cancers, leukemias, and multiple myeloma, to the list of conditions presumed to be related to burn pit exposure. Veterans suffering from these illnesses, as well as survivors of deceased veterans, are now encouraged to apply for benefits. Additionally, the administration has expanded eligibility for GI Bill benefits, lowered healthcare costs for veterans, and increased resources to address veteran homelessness, bringing it to a record low in 2024. President Biden underscored his commitment to supporting service members, veterans, and their families, calling it the honor of his lifetime to serve as Commander-in-Chief.

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President Biden approved a major disaster declaration for California in response to wildfires and straight-line winds starting January 7, 2025. Federal aid will support recovery efforts in Los Angeles County, offering grants for housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans for uninsured property losses. Funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work, hazard mitigation measures statewide, and for state, tribal, local governments, and nonprofits. FEMA's Curtis Brown will oversee federal recovery operations. Damage assessments continue, and additional areas and assistance may be included later.

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President Joe Biden issued an executive order on January 8, 2025, to address ongoing challenges in the Western Balkans, amending and expanding previous sanctions. The order targets individuals and entities that threaten peace, security, or territorial integrity, undermine democratic processes, engage in corruption or human rights abuses, or violate regional agreements such as the Dayton Accords, Prespa Agreement, and UN Security Council resolutions. It also blocks property and interests of those assisting, supporting, or acting on behalf of sanctioned individuals or entities, as well as family members and officials linked to corrupt governments or organizations.

The order emphasizes freezing U.S.-based assets of violators and prohibiting their transfer or use. It identifies corruption, including bribery, misappropriation of assets, and obstruction of international criminal tribunals, as critical focus areas. Additionally, it strengthens enforcement mechanisms by expanding the scope of sanctionable activities and entities. While the order is consistent with existing laws and funding limitations, it does not create enforceable rights for individuals against the U.S. government. This executive action builds on earlier measures to promote stability, democratic governance, and accountability in the Western Balkans.

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Vice President Kamala Harris held a series of calls with international leaders to reaffirm partnerships and discuss shared priorities. Speaking with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, she emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Germany alliance in addressing global challenges, economic growth, and security. She expressed gratitude for Germany’s support of Ukraine and for hosting U.S. servicemembers. During her conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, the Vice President highlighted the longstanding U.S.-France partnership, rooted in shared democratic values, and discussed collaborations on NATO, Ukraine, and global initiatives in Africa, the Indo-Pacific, space, and technology.

In her call with Kenyan President William Ruto, Vice President Harris celebrated progress in U.S.-Kenya relations, focusing on digital inclusion, technology, AI, climate action, and Kenya’s leadership in the Haiti Multinational Security Support mission. With Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, she reviewed efforts to address irregular migration through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Root Causes Strategy, highlighting economic investments and partnerships. She also reaffirmed U.S. support for democratic governance, anti-corruption measures, and labor and human rights in Guatemala.

Turning to the Caribbean, Vice President Harris spoke with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, praising the strong U.S.-Jamaica partnership and emphasizing collaboration on climate adaptation, food security, and renewable energy. She also commended Jamaica’s leadership in the Haiti Security Support mission. Similarly, in her call with Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Chair of CARICOM, the Vice President discussed progress in U.S.-Caribbean partnerships, particularly through initiatives addressing climate resilience, food security, and energy investments. Across these discussions, Vice President Harris underscored shared democratic principles, regional leadership, and the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle global and regional challenges.

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