Significant Actions By The Biden Administration, January 5, 2024
President Biden delivered his first speech of his presidential re-election campaign, emphasizing the importance of democracy and the challenges it faces. He drew parallels with the historic struggles of the Continental Army at Valley Forge and highlighted the resilience of American democracy. The speech addressed the events of January 6, 2021, when the Capitol was attacked, and Biden criticized Donald Trump’s role in inciting the violence. He condemned Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and stressed the significance of defending democracy in the face of ongoing threats. Biden called for unity, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic values and reject political violence. The speech outlined the contrast between Trump’s approach, focused on personal gain, and Biden’s commitment to preserving and strengthening American democracy. Biden also touched on foreign relations, warning against the erosion of democratic principles seen in other countries. The president expressed optimism about the future, urging citizens to remember the nation’s strength and capacity to overcome challenges together.
In his statement on the December Jobs Report, President Joe Biden celebrates the positive economic trends in 2023, citing the creation of 2.7 million new jobs and consistently low unemployment rates below 4 percent throughout the year. Despite these achievements, the President acknowledges the challenge of high prices for certain goods and services. He underscores his commitment to ongoing efforts aimed at reducing everyday costs for Americans, including lowering prices for insulin, prescription drugs, and energy, addressing hidden fees, and urging corporations to pass on savings to consumers. Furthermore, President Biden expresses his determination to resist Republican initiatives that could adversely affect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security while advocating for policies that benefit American workers and families.
President Biden announced a significant achievement in the battle against gun violence, citing the success of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in preventing over 500 illegal gun purchases by individuals under 21 through enhanced background checks. The legislation is credited with keeping firearms out of the hands of young people with criminal histories or identified as potential threats. Biden underscores the positive outcomes, including the prevention of suicides, domestic violence, and mass shootings, and highlights the legislation’s contribution to his broader public safety plan. He notes a notable decrease in crime in 2023 and expresses pride in his extensive executive actions against gun violence. Additionally, Biden calls for further legislative measures, such as universal background checks, assault weapons bans, and a national red flag law, to address the ongoing epidemic and prevent more empty seats around family tables.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate, President Biden detailed recent military engagements in accordance with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). The President justified the use of military force by highlighting the imperative to safeguard U.S. citizens and national security interests, asserting constitutional authority as the Commander in Chief, and citing the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force and the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq. Emphasis was placed on the operation’s adherence to international law, notably Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. President Biden conveyed preparedness for subsequent actions if deemed necessary, including the provision of additional classified information in an attached annex. The letter concluded with the President expressing appreciation for the support of Congress.
The President issued a statement expressing concern and disapproval of Idaho’s Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate that state’s abortion ban. He contended that the stringent abortion restrictions stemming from the reversal of Roe v. Wade put women’s well-being at risk, compelling them to seek healthcare in other states and impeding doctors from delivering vital services. The President stressed the importance of healthcare choices being a private matter between women and their physicians rather than being influenced by political figures. He committed to safeguarding women’s access to emergency care as mandated by federal law and urged Congress to swiftly reinstate the safeguards provided by Roe v. Wade, ensuring widespread access to essential healthcare services for women across the nation.