What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 6, 2024 Recap
Vice President Harris emphasized the importance of the peaceful transfer of power as a fundamental pillar of American democracy. She reflected on her commitment to her constitutional duties, ensuring that every vote cast by Americans was counted and valued in determining the election outcome.
Harris highlighted the fragility of democracy, stating that its strength relies on collective efforts to uphold and respect its principles. She stressed the necessity of vigilance and action to safeguard democracy, especially in moments of crisis. Ultimately, she declared that democracy had prevailed on this important day.
President Biden has announced sweeping protections for over 625 million acres of U.S. ocean, permanently prohibiting future oil and gas leasing across significant coastal regions. These protections cover the entire East Coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific waters off Washington, Oregon, and California, and additional areas in Alaska's Northern Bering Sea. By issuing two Presidential Memoranda under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the administration aims to safeguard coastal ecosystems, local economies, and marine habitats from the environmental and economic risks of offshore drilling, which has limited potential to meet national energy needs. The move prioritizes vital industries like fishing, tourism, and recreation, as well as Indigenous communities' cultural and subsistence needs, particularly in the Northern Bering Sea.
The new protections reflect a broad consensus among nearly 400 municipalities, over 2,300 elected officials, and bipartisan coastal governors, who have opposed offshore drilling due to its significant threats to environmental health and economic stability. For example, 334 million acres along the Atlantic Coast and Eastern Gulf of Mexico are now permanently protected, supporting multi-billion-dollar coastal economies. Similarly, 250 million acres off the Pacific Coast, home to diverse marine life, are shielded from drilling. In Alaska, the protections include 44 million acres in the Northern Bering Sea, a critical area for wildlife migration and Indigenous subsistence.
These actions build on President Biden’s historic conservation legacy, which includes conserving more than 670 million acres of U.S. lands and waters—more than any other president. His administration has created marine sanctuaries, advanced renewable energy projects, and invested billions in coastal resilience while aligning with the “America the Beautiful” initiative to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. By balancing climate priorities, environmental protection, and economic well-being, these measures underscore a commitment to safeguarding America’s natural resources for future generations.
President Biden, under the authority granted by the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1341(a)), has directed the indefinite withdrawal of certain areas of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from oil and natural gas leasing. This decision reflects principles of responsible public stewardship and considers the importance of protecting irreplaceable marine and coastal environments, including their ecosystems, wildlife, and habitats. The withdrawn areas include the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida Planning Areas; regions outlined in the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006; and the Washington/Oregon, Northern California, Central California, and Southern California Planning Areas.
The memorandum emphasizes the vulnerability of these ecosystems and coastal communities to oil spills, the benefits of developing renewable energy resources in these areas, and the need to address the irreversible consequences of climate change. The withdrawal prevents future oil or natural gas leasing for exploration, development, or production in the designated areas but does not affect rights under existing leases. The memorandum includes a detailed map delineating the boundaries of the withdrawn areas.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi, accompanied by a delegation of senior U.S. officials. The meeting was part of an ongoing high-level dialogue between the two nations on bilateral, regional, and global issues. Building on the 2022 launch of the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), the discussion addressed advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, telecommunications, defense, and space.
The visit also provided an opportunity to review defense, cyber, and maritime security progress. NSA Sullivan updated the Indian side on changes to U.S. missile export control policies under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) to enhance commercial space cooperation with India. He also announced U.S. efforts to delist Indian nuclear entities, a move designed to promote civil nuclear cooperation and strengthen resilient clean energy supply chains. The meeting underscored the growing strategic partnership between the United States and India, rooted in shared commitments to innovation, defense collaboration, and peaceful nuclear development.
In response to the January 1 attack in New Orleans by a homegrown violent extremist inspired by ISIS, the Biden-Harris Administration has mobilized significant federal resources to support state and local authorities, assist victims, and enhance security for upcoming major events. President Biden has been in close contact with Louisiana state and New Orleans city officials to ensure they have the necessary resources. To prepare for large-scale events such as Mardi Gras (February 21 to March 4) and Super Bowl LIX, both events have been upgraded to a Special Event Assessment Rating of 1 (SEAR 1), indicating the highest level of security coordination. Federal support for SEAR 1 events includes explosive detection canine teams, cyber risk assessments, venue screening, intelligence teams, and air security.
The investigation into the attack is being led by the FBI, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense. The FBI has established a command post in New Orleans, deployed additional agents, analysts, and bomb technicians, and engaged its Language Services Section to provide interpretation in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. To support victims and the community, the FBI’s Victim Services Division opened a Family Assistance Center in New Orleans, offering mental health counseling, financial assistance, and crisis intervention services. The U.S. Small Business Administration also announced disaster loans for small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the attack.
These actions reflect the administration’s commitment to addressing the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, supporting the recovery of victims and the local community, and ensuring the safety of New Orleans during upcoming high-profile events.
The President signed into law:
H.R. 4984, the “D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act,” which directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus to the District of Columbia to allow the District to use the Campus for stadium development, residential and commercial development, and other specified purposes.
President Biden met with Venezuela's President-elect Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia at the White House to discuss efforts to restore democracy. Biden praised the courage of Venezuelans who voted for democratic change in the flawed July 28 election and emphasized Gonzalez Urrutia’s decisive victory. Both leaders stressed the importance of respecting people's will through a transparent and accountable electoral process and called for a peaceful transition to democracy.
The meeting also addressed concerns over Nicolas Maduro's regime, particularly its use of repression against protesters, activists, and civil society. Biden expressed his intention to closely monitor the upcoming January 9 protests and affirmed Venezuelans' right to protest peacefully without fear of reprisals. The U.S. reiterated its support for Venezuela’s democratic aspirations and committed to working with allies to hold Maduro accountable for anti-democratic actions.