It’s Wednesday.
Wednesday marks the 22nd day of President Biden’s first 100 days in office.
For day 22, President Biden will have met with Senators to kick off another day of “infrastructure week”; Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg will be joining the meeting virtually.
After the meeting President Biden will travel to the National Institutes of Health, where he will deliver remarks to the staff at 4:30 p.m. D.C., time. As always live feeds will appear at the end of the article.
Before we revisit his previous days in office, in the hopes that at some point, I will not be behind him in tweets, but rather, to be at least on the same day-ish mostly, I’m going to include his current tweets now, before we go back in time.
For Wednesday, February 10th, he tweeted 7 times.
10:00 a.m. D.C., time.
12:15 p.m. D.C., time.
1. Lobby’s his coronavirus relief package the American Rescue Plan.
2. Same thing.
The video offers bullet points to the plan as seen @ White House.gov.
A section of the plan:
- Mount a national vaccination program, contain COVID-19, and safely reopen schools, including by setting up community vaccination sites nationwide, scaling up testing and tracing, eliminating supply shortage problems, investing in high-quality treatments, providing paid sick leave to contain spread of the virus, addressing health disparities, and making the necessary investments to meet the president’s goal of safely reopening a majority of K-8 schools in the first 100 days.
On Thursday, Andy Slavitt a Senior Adviser for the White House COVID-19 response announced on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” that on Friday the CDC would be releasing their operating plan to school districts and local committees, so more schools could reopen safely.
1:22 p.m. D.C., time.
3. Is a 3 minute and 35 second announcement.
President Biden’s remarks in part:
I wanted to give you an update on the latest regarding our response to the military coup in Burma.
Today, I again call on the Burmese military to immediately release the democratic political leaders and activists and — that they’re now detaining, including Aung San Suu Kyi. And she is — and also Win Myint, the President.
The military must relinquish the power it seized and demonstrate respect for the will of the people of Burma as expressed in their November 8th election.
So today, I’m announcing a series — a series of actions that we’re taking to begin imposing consequences on the leaders of the coup. The U.S. government is taking steps to prevent the generals from improperly having access to the $1 billion in Burmese government funds held in the United States.And today, I’ve approved a new executive order — *(coughs) — excuse me — a new executive order enabling us to immediately sanction the military leaders who directed the coup, their business interests, as well as close family members.
We will identify a first round of targets this week. And we’re also going to impose strong export controls. And we’re freezing U.S. assets that benefit the Burmese government, while maintaining our support for healthcare, civil society groups, and other areas that benefit the people of Burma directly.
White House.gov. 02/10/2021.
And, finally, as protests grow, violence against those asserting their democratic rights is unacceptable, and we’re going to keep calling it out. The people of Burma are making their voices heard. And the world is watching.
We’ll be ready to impose additional measures, and we’ll continue to work with our international partners to urge other nations to join us in these efforts.
So I thank you all. I wanted to have that statement before I got in the vehicle to go out to the Pentagon. And I’m sure I’ll see some of you at the Pentagon. Thanks for coming over on such short notice. Thank you.
*the cough is not my addition, he actually coughs in the video clip, so the White House transcribed the cough, lol.*
3:10 p.m. D.C., time.
4. A live stream of remarks given to service members.
Before he began his prepared remarks, he announced that Loujain al-Hathloul, a Saudi women’s right activist had been released from a Saudi prison.
NBC News reported that she had been arrested in May of 2018, “along with several other female activists, after making a name for herself as one of the few women to openly call for women’s right to drive in the deeply conservative kingdom. She also called for an end to Saudi Arabia’s restrictive male guardianship system that had long limited women’s freedom of movement.”
They go on to report that the Saudi Arabian officials did not announce her release, but “her family’s statements come weeks after a Saudi judge sentenced her to five years and eight months in prison Dec. 28, a spokesperson for the country’s Ministry of Media told NBC News at the time. Two years and 10 months of her sentence were suspended and the sentence backdated to May 2018, the spokesperson added.”
Her sister Lina Alhathloul tweeted:
Remarks in part provided by the White House:
It’s been a busy day. Earlier, I announced steps we’ve taken to impose costs on those responsible for the military coup in Burma. And I’ve just concluded a briefing with the civilian and military leadership where I laid out my national security priorities. And I want to share the message directly with the Department of Defense staff all around the world. Because each of you — each of you — whether you’re newly enlisted, a career officer, a non-commissioned officer, or a civilian policy expert, you’re essential to how we project our strength around the world, defend America’s interests, and advance American leadership in the world.
As your Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to use force to defend the vital interests of the American people and our allies around the world when necessary. The central, indispensable mission of the Department of Defense is to deter aggression from our enemies and, if required, to fight and win wars to keep America safe.
But I believe force should be a tool of last resort, not first. I understand the full weight of what it means to ask young, proud Americans to stand in the breach. As was referenced by the Secretary, my son Beau served in Iraq for a year. I’m the first President in 40 years, I’m told, who had a son or daughter who served in a warzone.
I will work with Secretary Austin and leaders around the world to bring a responsible end — a responsible end to wars that have dragged on for far too long, while continuing to ensure that terrorist threats cannot endanger the security of the American people.
I also know that you are essential to the work of our diplomacy — not only as the ultimate guarantor of our security, but as diplomats yourselves.
There is no aspect of our agenda of the 21st century leadership where the women and men of the Defense Department do not have a role — whether it’s helping curb the pandemic here at home and around the world; or addressing the real threats of climate change that already is costing us billions in impacts on our bases, on our national security; or being part of an ongoing fight for racial justice.
You’re incredible heroes and incredible patriots. I will never, ever dishonest you — dishonor you. I will never disrespect you. I will never politicize the work you do. That goes for our civilian professionals as well as the career military.
White House.gov. 02/10/2021.
7:07 p.m. D.C., time.
5. He makes another lobbying attempt for the American Rescue Plan.
Mentioned in Wednesday’s Open Thread, CNN announced they’d be hosting a Presidential Town Hall.
One of the main topics of the Town Hall, will be the coronavirus plan, including the American Rescue Plan.
9:33 p.m. D.C., time.
6. Announces that he spoke with President XI of China.
The Readout of his call:
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Xi Jinping of China. The President shared his greetings and well wishes with the Chinese people on the occasion of Lunar New Year.
President Biden affirmed his priorities of protecting the American people’s security, prosperity, health, and way of life, and preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.
President Biden underscored his fundamental concerns about Beijing’s coercive and unfair economic practices, crackdown in Hong Kong, human rights abuses in Xinjiang, and increasingly assertive actions in the region, including toward Taiwan.
The two leaders also exchanged views on countering the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shared challenges of global health security, climate change, and preventing weapons proliferation. President Biden committed to pursuing practical, results-oriented engagements when it advances the interests of the American people and those of our allies.
White House.gov. 02/10/2021.
During his remarks to the Defense Department service members and staff he explained that he was briefed “on a new DOD-wide China task force that [Defense] Secretary Austin is standing up,” in order to review U.S., “strategy and operational concepts, technology, and force of posture.”
Today, I was briefed on a new DOD-wide China task force that Secretary Austin is standing up to look at our strategy and operational concepts, technology, and force posture, and so much more.
The task force will work quickly, drawing on civilian and military experts across the Department, to provide, within the next few months, recommendations to *
Senator[Secretary] Austin on key priorities and decision points so that we can chart a strong path forward on China-related matters. It will require a whole-of-government effort, bipartisan cooperation in Congress, and strong alliances and partnerships.That’s how we’ll meet the China challenge and ensure the American people win the competition of the future.
White House.gov. Biden Remarks. 02/10/2021.
*again that was not my add. @ the 15 minute and 15 second mark from the above tweeted video, he calls him Senator not Secretary.*
10:15 p.m. D.C., time.
7. Shares images from his DOD visit.
Today so far he has tweeted one time, and it’s once again lobbying for the American Rescue Plan.
10:08 a.m. D.C., time.
The video is snips of remarks made on February 5th, 2021, regarding the state of the economy. His full remarks can be found here. For a full video of his remarks @ the News Blender. The video montage is 1 minute and 35 seconds long.
President Biden: It’s very clear our economy is still in trouble. Fifteen million Americans are behind in their rental payments. Twenty-four million adults and twelve million children literally don’t have enough food to eat. These aren’t Democrats or Republicans — they’re Americans. I see enormous pain this country. A lot of folks going hungry, staring at the ceiling at night wondering, “What am I going to do tomorrow?” That’s why I’m so grateful to the House and Senate for moving so fast on the American Rescue Plan. Here’s what’s in that plan:
President Biden con’t: First, it puts $160 billion into our national COVID-19 strategy, which includes more money for manufacturing, distribution, and setting up of vaccination sites — everything that’s needed to get vaccines into people’s arms. The American Rescue Plan is going to keep the commitment of $2,000: $600 has already gone out; $1,400 checks to people who need it. This is money directly in people’s pockets. It’s got money to help us open our schools safely. It’s big, and it’s bold. And it’s a real answer to the crisis we’re in. the way I see it: The biggest risk is not going too big, if we go — it’s if we go too small. We can reduce suffering in this country. We can put people back to work. We can control — gain control of this virus. That’s what the American Rescue Plan does.
Now as we pop back in our way back machine, the 6th day of his first 100 days in office.
Tuesday, January 26th, 2021.
8:20 a.m. D.C., time.
1. Announces that he would be taking action to “advance racial equity”.
2:06 p.m. D.C., time.
2. Shares a live feed to his remarks regarding the action he’d be taking on advancing racial equity.
2:44 p.m. D.C., time.
3. Shares an image of parts of his actions to advance racial equity.
6:00 p.m. D.C., time.
5. Seems related to racial equity, so I’m including it here.
7:15 p.m. D.C., time.
6. I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sure what this tweet is trying to say, but it is connected to racial equity.
Only one of his 6 tweets that day differ from racial equity agenda items, which is how come it’s not included here.
As the News blender reported at the time, President Biden’s actions that day followed actions he took on his half-day in office, shortly after he was sworn-in as President.
From the Memorandum condemning and combating racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian Americans and Pacific Ilsanders.
Section 1. Condemning Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Federal Government has a responsibility to prevent racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against everyone in America, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. My Administration condemns and denounces acts of racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against AAPI communities.
Sec. 2. Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. (a) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall, in coordination with the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, consider issuing guidance describing best practices for advancing cultural competency, language access, and sensitivity towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the context of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 response. In developing any such guidance, the Secretary should consider the best practices set forth by public health organizations and experts for mitigating racially discriminatory language in describing the COVID-19 pandemic.
White House.gov. 01/26/2021.
Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and strengthening nation-to-nation relationships.
Section 1. Consultation. My Administration is committed to honoring Tribal sovereignty and including Tribal voices in policy deliberation that affects Tribal communities. The Federal Government has much to learn from Tribal Nations and strong communication is fundamental to a constructive relationship. Accordingly, I hereby direct as follows:
(a) The head of each agency shall submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, a detailed plan of actions the agency will take to implement the policies and directives of Executive Order 13175. The plan shall be developed after consultation by the agency with Tribal Nations and Tribal officials as defined in Executive Order 13175.
Sec. 2. Definitions. The terms “Tribal officials,” “policies that have Tribal implications,” and “agency” as used in this memorandum are as defined in Executive Order 13175.
White House.gov. 01/26/2021.
Executive Order on reforming incarceration system to eliminate the use of private prisons.
Section 1. Policy. More than two million people are currently incarcerated in the United States, including a disproportionate number of people of color. There is broad consensus that our current system of mass incarceration imposes significant costs and hardships on our society and communities and does not make us safer. To decrease incarceration levels, we must reduce profit-based incentives to incarcerate by phasing out the Federal Government’s reliance on privately operated criminal detention facilities.
Sec. 2. Contracts with Privately Operated Criminal Detention Facilities. The Attorney General shall not renew Department of Justice contracts with privately operated criminal detention facilities, as consistent with applicable law.
White House.gov. 01/26/2021.
Memorandum on Redressing our nation’s and the federal government history of discriminatory housing practices and policies.
[Section 1: policy in part, I omitted the background] Accordingly, it is the policy of my Administration that the Federal Government shall work with communities to end housing discrimination, to provide redress to those who have experienced housing discrimination, to eliminate racial bias and other forms of discrimination in all stages of home-buying and renting, to lift barriers that restrict housing and neighborhood choice, to promote diverse and inclusive communities, to ensure sufficient physically accessible housing, and to secure equal access to housing opportunity for all.
Sec. 2. Examining Recent Regulatory Actions. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall, as soon as practicable, take all steps necessary to examine the effects of the August 7, 2020, rule entitled “Preserving Community and Neighborhood Choice” (codified at parts 5, 91, 92, 570, 574, 576, and 903 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations), including the effect that repealing the July 16, 2015, rule entitled “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” has had on HUD’s statutory duty to affirmatively further fair housing.
The Secretary shall also, as soon as practicable, take all steps necessary to examine the effects of the September 24, 2020, rule entitled “HUD’s Implementation of the Fair Housing Act’s Disparate Impact Standard” (codified at part 100 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations), including the effect that amending the February 15, 2013, rule entitled “Implementation of the Fair Housing Act’s Discriminatory Effects Standard” has had on HUD’s statutory duty to ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Act.
Based on that examination, the Secretary shall take any necessary steps, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to implement the Fair Housing Act’s requirements that HUD administer its programs in a manner that affirmatively furthers fair housing and HUD’s overall duty to administer the Act (42 U.S.C. 3608(a)) including by preventing practices with an unjustified discriminatory effect.
White House.gov. 01/26/2021.
For his full remarks on his actions taken that day, you can find them here.
4:50 p.m. D.C., time.
4. Shares a live feed to his coronavirus update.
His remarks in part provided by White House.gov.
I’m pleased to announce the first progress in that work today on day seven [he’s counting his half-day in office] of my presidency. First, after review of the current vaccine supply manufacturing plants, I can announce that we will increase overall weekly vaccination distribution to states, tribes, and territories from 8.6 million doses to a minimum of 10 million doses, starting next week. That’s an increase of 1.4 million doses per week.
The second thing: We’re increasing the transparency with states, cities, and tribes, and local partners when it comes to the vaccine supply. This is something we’ve heard over and over again from both Democrats and Republicans, state and local leaders: that they need a plan in order to what — they didn’t know what they had to plan on. They need to know what the order is going to be.
So today, I’m directing COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zeints, here, to work with the Department of Health and Human Services to increase our total supply of vaccine for the American people. And we believe that we’ll soon be able to confirm the purchase of an additional 100 billion
[million] doses for each of the two FDA-authorized vaccines: Pfizer and Moderna. That’s 100 million more doses of Pfizer and 100 million more doses of Moderna — 200 million more doses than the federal government had previously secured. Not in hand yet, but ordered.I’m going to close with this: I now have a national — we now have a national strategy to beat COVID-19. It’s comprehensive. It’s based on science, not politics. It’s based on truth, not denial. And it is detailed. It’s going to require Congress to pass the American Rescue Plan to provide funding to administer the vaccines, to ramp up testing, to help schools and businesses reopen, and to deliver immediate
White House.gov. 01/26/2021.
economic relief to Americans who are badly in need of it through no fault of their own.
I know this is all a heavy lift, but as I was remiss in covering the tweets, like I should have been, it’s going to be heavy lifting, until I get caught up.
With the Senate trial day 3, underway, for the foreseeable future, I will only being sharing one link to live events.
Daily Press Briefing schedule for 12:30 p.m. D.C., time.
The White House.
President Biden’s remarks to the National Institutes of Health staff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. D.C., time.
The White House.
This is an Open Thread.
