The White House In Action: December 26

Significant Actions, December 26, 2023

President Biden signed into law several bills:

  1. H.R. 1722, the “Grand Ronde Reservation Act Amendment of 2023”: This amendment clarifies that the land claim settlement under the Grand Ronde Reservation Act extinguishes the Tribe’s claims for a specified parcel of land.
  2. H.R. 2839: This bill amends the Siletz Reservation Act to define the Tribe’s hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering rights.
  3. H.R. 6503, the “Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023, Part II”: This legislation extends Federal Aviation Administration authorities and related revenue authorities through March 8, 2024.

President Biden spoke with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar, discussing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens. They also talked about facilitating increased and sustained humanitarian aid flows into Gaza.

 

The White House In Action: December 23-25 2023

Significant Actions, December 23-25 2023

  1. First Lady Jill Biden at Fort Campbell, KY:
    • Expressed gratitude and solidarity with military families during a holiday celebration.
    • Acknowledged sacrifices and resilience of military families.
    • Recognized Major Quiros and others for their service.
    • Thanked organizations like Armed Services YMCA, Toys for Tots, and Mission Barbeque for contributions.
    • Emphasized the importance of seeking and accepting help.
    • Conveyed the Bidens’ support for the military community.
    • Brought Santa as a special guest to lift spirits.
  2. President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu:
    • Discussed Israel’s military activities in Gaza, focusing on goals and progression.
    • Emphasized the necessity of safeguarding civilians and enabling safe relocation.
    • Discussed securing the release of remaining hostages.
    • Agreed to uphold regular communication between the two leaders.
  3. President Biden’s Declaration of Disaster in Utah:
    • Authorized Federal assistance for flood-impacted regions from May 1 to May 27, 2023.
    • Federal financial support for emergency interventions, facility restoration, and hazard mitigation.
    • Jon K. Huss from FEMA designated to coordinate Federal recovery operations.
  4. President Biden’s Press Interaction:
    • Answered questions before boarding Marine One on December 23, 2023.
    • Discussed a private conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
    • Expressed optimism about the economy and urged accurate reporting.
    • Addressed questions about presidential immunity, ceasefire request, and Africa collaboration.
    • Wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
  5. Biden Family Christmas Plans:
    • President Biden, with family, chose Camp David for Christmas holiday.
    • First Lady Jill Biden joined the family after visiting military families.
    • Spent Christmas Day speaking with military personnel as part of an annual tradition.
    • Scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday and celebrate New Year’s in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
  6.  Drone Targets Military Personnel In Iraq:
  • Casualties:
    • Three U.S. service-members were wounded in the attack.
    • One service-member is in critical condition.
  • Claim of Responsibility:
    • Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, claimed responsibility for the attack.
  • Presidential Response:
    • President Biden was briefed on the situation.
    • He ordered the Department of Defense to prepare response options.
  • Counterstrikes:
    • Strikes were directed against three locations associated with Kataib Hezbollah’s unmanned aerial drone activities.
  • Priority of Protection:
    • The President emphasized the priority of protecting American personnel.
  • Warning and Future Action:
    • President Biden warned of further U.S. action if such attacks persist.

Bidens To Spend Holidays At Camp David, St Croix

December 24, 2023

U.S. President Joe Biden and his family, including daughter Ashley Biden,

President and First Lady Biden visit Children's National Hospital in Washington DC
President and First Lady Biden visit Children’s National Hospital in Washington DC

son Hunter Biden, and grandson Beau Biden, have gone to Camp David for the Christmas holiday.

The Biden’s visited the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. earlier, continuing a tradition First Lady Bess Truman started over 70 years ago.

First lady Jill Biden spent part of the day at Fort Campbell in Kentucky on Saturday, December 23rd, participating in a holiday celebration with local military families and volunteers. She later joined the rest of the family at Camp David. Continue reading “Bidens To Spend Holidays At Camp David, St Croix”

Biden Administration Achievements To Date

What Has Joe Biden Done Since Taking Office?

Implemented the bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill to enhance funding for national infrastructure, encompassing bridges, roads, airports, public transportation, national broadband internet, waterways, and energy systems.

Administered over 500 million crucial COVID-19 vaccine doses to Americans as part of the American Rescue Plan.

Put an end to 30 years of federal inaction on gun violence by enacting the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which introduced improved background checks, addressed the “boyfriend” loophole, and allocated resources for youth mental health. Continue reading “Biden Administration Achievements To Date”

The White House In Action-December 22

Significant Actions, December 22, 2023

  1. Continued Accountability on Russia: The U.S. is maintaining efforts to hold Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine, including expanding sanctions on Russia’s military-industrial base and strengthening sanctions authorities against financial facilitators.
  2. Clemency Actions: President Biden issued clemency for 11 individuals facing long sentences for non-violent drug offenses. He also pardoned instances of simple marijuana possession under federal and D.C. law, aiming to address the negative impact on employment, housing, and education.
  3. Executive Order on Russian Federation: President Biden issued an Executive Order taking additional steps concerning the Russian Federation’s harmful activities.
  4. Pardon Proclamation for Marijuana Offenses: The President issued a Proclamation pardoning individuals with convictions for simple possession of marijuana, attempted possession, or use, addressing the collateral consequences of such convictions.
  5. Japan’s Missile Transfer: The U.S. welcomed Japan’s decision to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles, enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific region.
  6. Economic Milestone: President Biden acknowledged a significant milestone with inflation at the pre-pandemic level of 2 percent and highlighted a 3.7 percent income growth for Americans after adjusting for inflation.
  7. National Defense Authorization Act: The President signed into law H.R. 2670, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024,” allocating funding for defense programs and related matters.
  8. Condolences for Hostage: President Biden expressed condolences for the passing of Gad Haggai, an Israeli-American hostage believed to have been killed by Hamas.
  9. Conversation with President Sanchez: President Biden congratulated President Pedro Sanchez of Spain on securing a new term, emphasizing the enduring friendship and collaboration between the U.S. and Spain in defense and security matters. They discussed developments in Israel and Gaza, expressing commitment to delivering humanitarian aid and condemning Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
  10. Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Quillian penned a blog article titled In 2023, President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Delivered Results for American Families.  In the first two years of his presidency, Joe Biden, in collaboration with Congressional Democrats, successfully passed several landmark laws as part of his Investing in America agenda, a central component of Bidenomics. Notable legislation includes the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act. These laws aim to lower costs, generate well-paying jobs, rejuvenate American manufacturing, and empower workers. President Biden and his administration have actively implemented these laws throughout the year, showcasing their impact through Investing in America tours and the invest.gov website.

 

President Biden Meets With Family Members of Americans Taken By Hamas

December 13, 2023

President Biden convened with the relatives of Americans held captive by

President Biden meets with families of American hostages being held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
President Biden meets with families of American hostages being held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

Hamas on Wednesday. This meeting took place amidst an escalation of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, following a temporary halt in hostilities during which over 100 hostages were freed.

A seven-day truce led to the release of more than 100 hostages, including four Americans. However, the remaining hostages are still held incommunicado as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in an attempt to dismantle its leadership and fighters. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has claimed the lives of over 18,000 people, as reported by local health authorities. Continue reading “President Biden Meets With Family Members of Americans Taken By Hamas”

President Biden and First Gentleman Doug Emhoff Host Hanukkah Ceremony At The White House

December 11, 2023

President Joe Biden hosted a White House gathering on Monday evening to

President Joe Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff host Hanukkah ceremony at The White House December 11, 2023
President Joe Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff host Hanukkah ceremony at The White House

observe Hanukkah, commemorating the festival of lights. During the event, he reiterated his condemnation of the increasing antisemitism in the United States and worldwide, particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Joined by the first lady, Jill Biden, and second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, the reception included around 800 guests, such as Holocaust survivors, members of Congress, state and local officials, entertainers, and leaders from various Jewish denominations. Continue reading “President Biden and First Gentleman Doug Emhoff Host Hanukkah Ceremony At The White House”

President Biden and First Lady Present 2023 Kennedy Center Honorees

December 3, 2023

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden participated in the Kennedy

Joe Biden 2023 Kennedy Center Honors
President Biden honoring 2023 Kennedy Center Honorees

Center Honors in the East Room of the White House on Sunday night, honoring a new cohort of distinguished performers and artists. Among the 2023 honorees are comedian and actor Billy Crystal, opera singer Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, rapper and actress Queen Latifah, and singer Dionne Warwick. Continue reading “President Biden and First Lady Present 2023 Kennedy Center Honorees”

President Biden Speaks With Meidas Touch Founder Ben Meiseles In Pueblo CO

December 1, 2023

President Joe Biden conducted a brief interview with Ben Meiselas, Founder of The Meidas Touch Network at the CS Wind Factory in Pueblo, CO. They discussed Lauren Boebert’s response to Biden’s Build Back America plan, as well as the positive impact it has had on Colorodans as well as Americans around the country.

President Biden also warned that democracy is not inevitable and reminded us that we “have to put a stamp of democracy on everything we do.”


The following is a transcript of an interview conducted by the founder of the Meidas Touch Network, Ben Meiselas with President Biden in Pueblo, CO.

Ben Meiselas: I’m Ben Meiselas from the Meidas Touch network. We are joined by President Joe Biden. Mr. President, it is such an honor.

President Biden: Well, you’re doing a great job, you know. Sometimes the, in my view, my best politics is truth, and you’re telling the truth. Continue reading “President Biden Speaks With Meidas Touch Founder Ben Meiseles In Pueblo CO”