What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
December 23, 2024 Recap
President Biden announced the commutation of 37 federal death row sentences, reclassifying them to life imprisonment without parole. These actions align with his administration's moratorium on federal executions and his broader commitment to limiting the use of the death penalty to cases of terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. This decision prevents future administrations from resuming executions for these cases under current policy.
The President highlighted his record of criminal justice reform, including the highest number of commutations at this stage of a presidency, clemency for approximately 1,500 rehabilitated individuals earlier this month, and categorical pardons for offenses like marijuana possession and convictions tied to sexual orientation.
Biden emphasized his opposition to the death penalty, citing his legal and legislative experience while affirming his condemnation of the crimes committed by those affected. He pledged to continue advocating for meaningful second chances and criminal justice reforms in the future.
The Biden-Harris Administration is taking decisive action to secure a resilient and secure supply of foundational semiconductors, which are critical to U.S. national and economic security. These semiconductors power essential industries, including automotive, medical devices, defense, aerospace, telecommunications, and power infrastructure. However, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has engaged in non-market practices and industrial targeting that undermine competition and create dangerous supply chain dependencies. In response, the administration has announced measures to protect American workers and businesses while bolstering domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
One major initiative is the launch of a Section 301 investigation to examine the PRC’s targeting of foundational semiconductors, particularly legacy or mature node chips, and their impact on the U.S. economy. This investigation will also assess the effects of Chinese policies on the production of critical inputs like silicon carbide and wafers used in semiconductor fabrication. It will focus on how PRC semiconductors, often incorporated into finished goods, affect critical industries such as defense, automotive, and medical devices.
To strengthen domestic manufacturing, the administration is leveraging funding from the CHIPS and Science Act to catalyze billions of dollars in private sector investments. Projects by companies like Texas Instruments, GlobalFoundries, and Bosch are being supported, with supply agreements established to ensure a stable production of high-quality chips. Additionally, tax incentives of up to 25% are being offered for manufacturing semiconductors, equipment, and wafers to boost domestic capacity.
Federal supply chain security is also being prioritized. New rules prohibit federal agencies from procuring products containing chips from certain Chinese manufacturers, while a Request for Information seeks input from industry on scaling the use of domestically manufactured chips. Federal agencies are also being guided to diversify semiconductor sourcing, increase transparency, and mitigate risks posed by foreign dependencies.
Internationally, the administration is collaborating with allies and partners to address China’s unfair practices and strengthen semiconductor supply chain resilience. Initiatives such as the CHIPS Act’s International Technology Security Fund and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework are fostering cooperation with countries across the globe. Within the G7, the United States is championing efforts to monitor and counteract harmful market distortions in key sectors, including semiconductors.
These actions are part of a broader strategy to enhance supply chain resilience, as outlined in the first-ever Quadrennial Supply Chain Review. The review details steps taken to counter non-market policies and bolster critical industries. By fostering domestic semiconductor production and engaging in global partnerships, the administration aims to secure a competitive and secure semiconductor industry, ensuring the economic and national security of the United States.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh's Interim Government. Sullivan expressed gratitude for Yunus' leadership during challenging times. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting human rights for all, regardless of religion. Sullivan emphasized U.S. support for a stable, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh and pledged ongoing assistance to help address the country's challenges.
President Biden issued an executive order adjusting the rates of pay for various federal pay systems, effective January 1, 2025, unless otherwise specified. The order updates pay rates for statutory pay systems, including the General Schedule (Schedule 1), the Foreign Service Schedule (Schedule 2), and the Veterans Health Administration (Schedule 3). It also revises pay ranges for senior executives in the Senior Executive Service (Schedule 4) and adjusts salaries for key government positions such as those on the Executive Schedule (Schedule 5), the Vice President and members of Congress (Schedule 6), and federal justices and judges (Schedule 7).
For members of the uniformed services, updated monthly basic pay rates and cadet/midshipman pay are outlined in Schedule 8, effective January 1, 2025. Locality-based comparability payments (Schedule 9) have also been revised, with implementation overseen by the Office of Personnel Management. Additionally, new rates of basic pay for administrative law judges are set forth in Schedule 10. The order supersedes Executive Order 14113 of December 21, 2023, with all changes taking effect at the start of the first applicable pay period in 2025, except for Schedule 8. This action ensures federal pay scales align with statutory requirements and government policies.
President Biden signed H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, into law. The legislation authorizes funding for national defense, security, and intelligence programs, while providing critical benefits to military personnel and their families. However, President Biden expressed concerns about several provisions within the Act. He noted that certain sections could interfere with his constitutional authority to represent U.S. positions in international negotiations and forums. While he supports many of the Act’s objectives, he emphasized maintaining his discretion in articulating the nation’s views.
Additionally, the President raised concerns about provisions requiring the submission of reports or certifications to Congress that might disclose highly sensitive national security information. He stressed the importance of balancing congressional oversight with the need to protect classified intelligence and executive branch confidentiality. Biden also opposed restrictions on transferring Guantánamo Bay detainees to certain foreign countries or the United States, arguing that these provisions limit the executive branch’s prosecutorial and diplomatic flexibility and complicate compliance with court orders.
A further objection was directed at a provision prohibiting the Department of Defense from using funds to support health care related to gender identity. Biden criticized this as discriminatory, harmful to military families, and detrimental to the military’s recruitment and retention efforts. He urged Congress to reconsider these measures, which he believes undermine executive authority and the well-being of service members and their families.
President Biden vetoed the "Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024" (JUDGES Act of 2024), citing concerns over the rushed nature of the legislation and unresolved issues regarding the allocation of judgeships. He criticized the lack of thorough examination of the role of senior status judges and magistrates in addressing judicial workload and questioned the timing and intent behind creating permanent life-tenured judgeships. Additionally, he noted that some states seeking new judgeships have also delayed filling existing vacancies, suggesting ulterior motives for the bill's passage. As a result, he returned the bill without approval, urging further study and deliberation on the matter.
”First Feline” Willow, the presidential cat
