The White House In Action: January 10

Joseph R. Biden, 46th President of the United States

Significant Actions By The Biden Administration, January 10, 2024

President Biden has declared his intention to nominate six individuals for federal district courts in his forty-fourth round of judicial nominees. These nominees are characterized as highly qualified, seasoned, and dedicated to upholding the rule of law and the Constitution. The President aims to maintain diversity in the nation’s courts, taking into account both personal and professional backgrounds. The total count of federal judicial nominees announced by President Biden has now reached 215. The nominees for the United States District Courts are as follows:

  1. Amir H. Ali: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. He currently serves as the President and Executive Director of the MacArthur Justice Center and as Director of the Criminal Justice Appellate Clinic at Harvard Law School.
  2. Judge Melissa R. DuBose: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. She has served as an associate judge on the Rhode Island District Court and has a diverse background as in-house counsel, prosecutor, and high school teacher.
  3. Judge Sunil R. Harjani: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Currently a United States Magistrate Judge, Judge Harjani has prior experience as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Section.
  4. Judge Rebecca S. Kanter: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. She has served as a judge on the San Diego County Superior Court and previously worked as an Assistant United States Attorney.
  5. Robert J. White: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He has worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
  6. Jasmine H. Yoon: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia. Currently serving as the Vice President of Corporate Integrity, Ethics, and Investigations at Capital One Financial Corporation, Ms. Yoon has prior experience as Interim University Counsel and Associate University Counsel, as well as an Assistant United States Attorney.

These nominees bring diverse legal backgrounds and a wealth of experiences to their respective nominations.

The President celebrated a significant milestone in healthcare, announcing that a record-breaking 20 million Americans have enrolled in health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. Emphasizing the popularity and increased affordability of ACA coverage, he highlighted his administration’s efforts, which have annually saved Americans hundreds or thousands of dollars on health insurance premiums. Despite this progress, President Biden voiced concern about opposition from extreme Republicans seeking to repeal the ACA, potentially raising costs for millions and eliminating coverage for enrolled individuals. He underscored the importance of building on current achievements and making lower healthcare premiums a permanent fixture. The President urged Americans to sign up for health coverage by visiting HealthCare.gov before January 16th.

During a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre underscored President Biden’s announcement of a historic milestone, with 20 million Americans enrolling in healthcare coverage through the Affordable Care Act. She highlighted the administration’s commitment to reducing healthcare costs and expanding access.

Jean-Pierre also delved into the Inflation Reduction Act’s impact, which targeted concerns about soaring pharmaceutical costs. Measures included capping insulin expenses for seniors, enabling Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, and generating substantial savings on health insurance.

The briefing addressed the somber anniversary of Tyre Nichols’s murder, prompting the Department of Justice to issue guidelines for states and localities to ensure accountability in specialized crime units. The administration remains dedicated to advocating for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to bolster law enforcement accountability.

Admiral John Kirby provided an update on recent developments in the Middle East, specifically addressing an attack by Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea. The intricate assault utilized drones, missiles, and ballistic missiles. Fortunately, no injuries or damages were reported, credited to the exceptional work of naval personnel. Kirby emphasized the threats posed by such attacks to lives, freedom of navigation, and global trade in the Red Sea. The United States is collaborating with an international naval coalition to counter these assaults, seeking a resolution in the U.N. Security Council to demand an end to Houthi attacks and uphold navigational rights in the Red Sea. The administration aims for safe and secure passage for international commerce, pledging close coordination with allies on future steps.

Admiral Kirby and Ms. Jean-Pierre subsequently fielded questions from the press.

Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer convened a meeting with China’s Minister of the International Liaison Department, Liu Jianchao, in Washington, D.C. The objective of the discussion was to foster transparent communication and prudently handle the competitive dynamics between the two nations. The participants delved into significant outcomes arising from the summit between Presidents Biden and Xi, which encompassed the recommencement of military collaboration and joint initiatives to counter illicit drug activities. The dialogue also addressed global and regional security concerns, such as challenges in the Middle East, Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, and issues related to the Taiwan Strait. Both sides underscored the significance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, affirming their commitment to sustained high-level diplomatic engagement between the United States and China.