After hearing Vice President Joe Biden’s speech today, many people are wondering what’s in it for them. There’s much to talk about – his new four-point plan to reduce costs, his executive order on conversion therapy, and his proposal to invest $250 billion in R&D. Here’s what I found interesting. Read on to learn about the issues facing American workers and find out what you can do to help them.
Biden’s new four-point plan for lowering costs
President-elect Joe Biden will shift his focus away from his signature spending plan to his new four-point plan for reducing costs. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine diverted his attention from his economic agenda, Biden has regrouped his push for broad tax and spending reforms. His four-point plan includes reforms to reduce the cost of moving goods, improving nursing home care and increasing competition. The plan will need congressional support and new authorities to become reality. While some of these items have already been implemented through administrative action, others will require legislation.
In his speech, Vice President Biden will mention inflation specifically, but he’s not sure if he’ll make a direct mention of it. Several officials have said that Biden will discuss inflation in general, but has not addressed it directly. His four-point plan also includes steps to increase domestic manufacturing and lower the cost of gas. While these steps will help reduce costs, many Democrats have been worried about losing their congressional majority in the upcoming midterm elections.
Biden’s executive order on conversion therapy
President Joe Biden signed an executive order prohibiting federal funding for conversion therapy. While he called the practice “hateful,” he also referred to it as “deceptive.” As Vice President, Biden acted to prevent attacks from Republican governors who have opposed limiting this therapy. The new order will also protect the rights of gay and transgender parents. The move is an important step toward ending this practice, but there are still many questions.
The Biden administration is taking action in response to the growing number of transgender children and youth struggling with mental health issues. Its first action is a clear demonstration of its commitment to protecting children. It urges the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and issue consumer warnings about the practice. It also calls for the Department of Education to issue a sample policy regarding conversion therapy. And because many people still face challenges to overcoming the stigma, advocates for LGBTQ youth and families will have to remain vigilant to ensure that the order is followed.
Biden’s criticism of Congress
In his speech today, Vice President Joe Biden was critical of the Republican-led Congress, saying that it has failed to act on issues like immigration, guns, and the Federal Reserve’s primary mission of combating inflation. But he also stressed the importance of action by Congress on issues like college tuition and border security. Throughout his speech, Biden made no mention of President Trump. However, he did criticize Trump for abandoning the Northern Triangle initiative, which aided Central American countries and was a key part of Obama’s administration’s efforts to help refugees reach the U.S. border. Today, this initiative has failed to deliver.
Although Biden called for bipartisan action on important issues, the president’s speech was largely irrelevant to the midterm elections. While the vice president cited the recent invasion of Ukraine as an example of his “unity agenda,” it did not highlight areas where both parties can agree. Republicans attacked Biden’s record on foreign policy and the economy. They said that earlier sanctions might have deterred Russia from invading Ukraine. Republicans also criticized Biden’s record on the COVID pandemic.
Biden’s proposal to spend $250 billion on R&D
Biden’s plan to spend $250 billion on R&D over the next four years includes an additional $30 billion for research and development. He said that this would help boost job creation and innovation in America, and he cited competition with China as a specific example of how U.S. investment should match China’s. While this proposal is not legally binding, it could stimulate the economy.
A recent federal spending bill included $190 billion in new investments to help advance American innovation. It also creates a new division of the National Science Foundation to focus on emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the Senate approved $10 billion for the Commerce Department to fund new technology hubs like Silicon Valley. These programs would encourage small businesses to develop and commercialize new, breakthrough technologies. But some critics are skeptical.
