Significant Actions, December 22, 2023
- 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.
- 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.
- Executive Order on Russian Federation: President Biden issued an Executive Order taking additional steps concerning the Russian Federation’s harmful activities.
- 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.
- Japan’s Missile Transfer: The U.S. welcomed Japan’s decision to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles, enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific region.
- 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.
- 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.
- Condolences for Hostage: President Biden expressed condolences for the passing of Gad Haggai, an Israeli-American hostage believed to have been killed by Hamas.
- 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.
- 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.