White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients outlined the priorities of President Joe Biden’s last 42 days in Washington, D.C., noting, in particular, that a new announcement about student debt relief is on the way and that the U.S. leader is working to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
As Zients explained, moreover, Biden is reportedly working closely with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar and Israel to secure the release of hostages” and, at the same time, intends to ‘do more’ to provide more aid to Ukraine.
The White House chief of staff also said he expects further action regarding funds for high-speed Internet in the various states, CHIPS and Science Act stimulus funds, and funds for the Inflation Reduction Act. “There’s so much more we’re working on, we have announcements to come on everything from climate to conservation to AI and more,” Zients said to the various staff working in the White House, “I know you and your teams are pushing forward on every issue, yard by yard. Thank you for making the most of this final 42-day sprint.”
Given the short time available, Biden is also prioritizing judicial confirmations, according to Zients, who pointed to the administration’s appointments of diverse candidates so far, including a record number of black women. “We are urging the Senate to confirm as many nominees as possible in the time we have left,” the White House chief of staff wrote.
Government officials are also working with Congress to secure funding for relief efforts, in case of disasters, and to avert the danger of a shutdown.
Although Biden has not interacted much with the press since last November’s election, he recently came in the spotlight again after he announced his decision to pardon his son Hunter. Last week, the president traveled to Africa while choosing not to go to France for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Instead he had First Lady Jill Biden represent him.
