Boston (July 21, 2024) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) issued the following statement today on President Joe Biden’s decision to not seek the Democratic nomination.

“From reunifying NATO, to passing the largest climate investment in our nation’s history, President Joe Biden has helped save democracy and the planet,” said Senator Markey. 

“When confronted with a Coronavirus pandemic that was taking lives and livelihoods, President Biden passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and infused billions of dollars into our small businesses and cities and towns, ramped up vaccine production, and ensured that our hospitals and health care workers had the resources they needed.

“When confronted with crumbling roads, bridges, highways, and a reimagining of a 21st century transportation system, President Biden passed the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the single largest investment in repairing and reconstructing our nation’s bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system and the largest federal investment in public transit in history.

“When confronted with a judicial system tainted by two stolen Supreme Court seats and a Trump-stacked court system, President Biden got more than200 federal judges confirmed so far—the most of any president in their first term since the Ronald Reagan, and twice as many as Trump appointed during his first year.

“His administration already has created more than 15 million jobs, including the largest year of job growth in American history.He rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement. He paused federal executions. He finally made lynching a federal crime. He ended the ban on openly transgender people serving in our military.He ensured that the first over-the-counter birth control pills hit American stores this year. He increased small business loans by 45 percent and directed 35 percent of all microloans to Black businesses. He pardoned all prior federal offenses of marijuana possession. He enshrined marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples. He forgave student debt for five million Americans. And together, we made Juneteenth a national holiday.

“It has been hard work, and there is more to do, but under the leadership of President Biden we are meeting the great challenges of our times. President Joe Biden has an unmatched record in modern U.S. history, and I am forever grateful for his service and friendship.” 

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