What Did Joe Biden Do Today? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard issued a statement on the March Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Report highlighting the significant decrease in inflation by over 60%. Despite this progress, Brainard emphasized the need for continued efforts to reduce costs further. She stated that President Biden is actively working to lower major family expenses through various legislative actions to reduce healthcare, prescription drugs, and insulin costs. Additionally, The President is advocating for constructing one million new homes to decrease housing expenses and has pushed for eliminating hidden fees. He is also urging profitable corporations to share their savings with consumers. In contrast, Brainard criticized Congressional Republicans for supporting policies that could increase healthcare, housing, and utility costs while proposing tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals and large corporations.

President Biden issued two proclamations. The first, Workers Memorial Day 2024, honors those injured or killed on the job and emphasizes ongoing efforts to ensure workplace safety. Key initiatives include significant funding for pandemic-related worker safety, strong support for union-led protections, and enhanced health and safety regulations enforcement. Noteworthy are new standards for extreme heat protection, silica dust exposure, and improved safety measures for first responders. The proclamation declares April 28, 2024, as Workers Memorial Day, calling for national observance through service and educational programs.

The second proclaims April 28th through May 4th as National Small Business Week, 2024, which recognizes the essential role of small businesses in the U.S. economy and community life. It details the administration's efforts to support these businesses through financial relief, policy reforms, and infrastructure investments, especially highlighting the growth of minority-owned businesses. The document reaffirms the commitment to enhancing access to capital and federal contracting opportunities, celebrating a significant small business boom.

The Biden-Harris Administration is hosting the inaugural White House Summit for Sustainable and Healthy Schools as part of President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, which allocates unprecedented resources to enhance the sustainability and health of K-12 school facilities. This summit brings together over 90 participants, including students, teachers, school administrators, and experts, to discuss utilizing federal funding for infrastructural improvements to reduce pollution and promote sustainability. This initiative's significant aspects include removing lead pipes, integrating solar energy systems, and transitioning to electric school buses. Alongside the summit, the administration has released the 2024 White House Toolkit to assist schools in accessing funding and technical support for projects that improve energy efficiency, resilience to extreme weather, and overall environmental quality. Moreover, the initiative highlights the creation of quality, unionized jobs that do not require a college degree, emphasizing the administration's commitment to economic inclusivity. The efforts are also part of the broader Justice40 Initiative, which ensures that 40% of the benefits from federal investments in climate and energy go to disadvantaged communities. This comprehensive approach addresses environmental issues and aims to enhance educational environments and community health.

What Did Joe Biden Do Today? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In a detailed interview with Margaret Brennan on Sunday’s CBS News program "Face the Nation," White House National Security Council's Strategic Communications Coordinator, John Kirby, discussed the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Hamas, particularly focusing on the potential for a ground operation in Rafah. Kirby emphasized that the U.S. does not support a ground assault in Rafah, expressing hopes to present alternative strategies to Israeli officials in upcoming meetings. Despite indications from the Israeli Defense Force of troop movements being part of a rest and refit operation, Kirby reiterated the U.S. stance against a major ground operation in Rafah.

Concerning Israel's methods of warfare and their compliance with international law, Kirby noted that while the U.S. has not found evidence of Israel violating international humanitarian law, the State Department continues to assess incidents in real time. This statement came amid criticisms over the handling of the war, particularly after the deaths of seven humanitarian workers, which sparked further scrutiny of Israel's military actions and their alignment with international standards.

Kirby also addressed accusations of deliberate attacks on humanitarian workers, stating the U.S.'s shared frustration and the need for Israel to improve its deconfliction processes to protect aid operations. He mentioned that the U.S. is observing Israeli actions closely, with President Biden making clear that changes in Israel's operational policies in Gaza could lead to adjustments in U.S. policy. Kirby highlighted the importance of ensuring aid reaches Gaza without hindrance amidst the broader discussion of the conflict's impact on regional security and the potential for long-term repercussions, including the effect on terror recruitment.

(A video of this interview can be found at the bottom of your screen)

President Biden declared a major disaster in the State of Alaska due to severe storms, flooding, and landslides on November 20, 2023. This declaration enables federal assistance to enhance the recovery efforts in the affected regions, including the Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Southeast Island Regional Educational Attendance Area, and the City and Borough of Wrangell. The aid, available on a cost-sharing basis, supports emergency work and repairing or replacing damaged facilities. Statewide hazard mitigation measures will also receive federal funding. Brian F. Schiller from FEMA is appointed to coordinate the recovery operations. There's an option for further assistance designations pending additional damage assessments. Residents and business owners in the designated areas can apply for aid through various FEMA platforms.

On the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, President Biden reflected on the tragic events that led to the deaths of over 800,000 people over a 100-day period. This period of violence predominantly targeted ethnic Tutsis but also affected Hutus and Twa. The President acknowledged the lasting impact of this genocide and expressed solidarity with Rwanda as it enters its Kwibuka remembrance period. He paid tribute to the victims and survivors and praised the efforts towards reconciliation and justice in Rwanda.

President Biden emphasized the importance of remembering the genocide, recognizing the pain endured by Rwandans, and the unbreakable connection of shared humanity that stands strong against hate.