Multiple sclerosis. Jean-Pierre: Good afternoon everyone. Sorry I wasted more time – less than a two minute warning; more like a five minute warning. You’ll appreciate it: I stumbled upon Simone Biles and thought I’d say hello to her. (Laughter) I think you’ll do the same. So, ask, can she come out? (Laughter) Madam. JEAN-PIERRE: She’s… I think she’s doing some interviews on the North Lawn of the White House. In any case, good afternoon everyone. glad to see everyone. Happy Thursday. Okay, I… I have a couple of things I want to share with you all. So this week is marked by serving our country with the President’s Award and the Medal of Freedom. I think some of you were probably in the room on Tuesday and today. I don’t think there is dry eye in the room. It was such a beautiful, impressive, powerful moment. But on Tuesday – just to recap: on Tuesday, the president awarded four Vietnam veterans our country’s highest military award – it was long overdue to acknowledge that. Today, as we’ve just seen – some of you may have been – may have been in the room – we see 17 people of all backgrounds, professions and contributions to America receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is America’s highest — America’s highest civilian honor. President Biden has long said that America can be defined in one word: “opportunity.” These Americans demonstrate the power of opportunity and embody the soul of the nation: hard work, perseverance and faith. The Department of Transportation today announced nearly $1 billion in President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill to upgrade terminals at 85 U.S. airports. For example, in Orlando, we are investing $50 million to build four new gates, increase capacity, and provide ADA-compliant facilities. At Pittsburgh International Airport, we have invested $20 million in a new terminal with improved security and baggage screening systems. Overall, the bipartisan infrastructure bill provides $5 billion for similar terminal projects across the country and $25 billion for airport-related infrastructure. Therefore, the federal government generally does not invest in terminals. Usually local airports, owners and airlines strive for this. But thanks to the Presidential Infrastructure Act, we can make these investments for the benefit of American travelers. Finally – finally, Senator Mitch McConnell is holding hostage a bipartisan package – a bipartisan package – a bipartisan innovation bill that will do more in America and strengthen our relationship with China’s competitive advantage. He does everything – everything – he holds this bipartisan law hostage to protect Big Pharma’s profits. It’s outrageous. Here’s the thing: we have to do both, and we can do both. I remind you — and I remind you and everyone else — that when Leader Mitch McConnell himself agreed last fall that bipartisan talks should not be suspended over other priorities, I said, “Republicans argue with bipartisan good faith. the needs of our country. The President cannot hold Congressional Democrats hostage to a bipartisan bill rather than a separate party process. Progress on key issues in the bipartisan innovation bill. So, we are ready to complete the process, negotiations – negotiations and acceptance of this account. Now or never. Other countries are not waiting. They offer tax incentives to companies investing in new product lines. Companies are currently making investment decisions. Bottom line: we have to get the job done. We can do both. So I said to Mitch McConnell, “Let’s do it. Okay, Aamer, what’s your question – your first question? The question, of course. Thank you. With Prime Minister Johnson resigning today – I know you don’t like messing around with other countries.” politics, but essentially what does that mean for the future? A great ally. Basically you have a caretaker now, a lame duck prime minister. But obviously this is a very difficult time in Europe. in a way is a priority now.When you have a big partner like Prime Minister Johnson in his post, will it become more difficult?MS JAN-PIERRE: So I will say this: our alliance with the UK remains strong. relations with the people of this country will continue.None of that has changed.I remind you: a week ago — exactly a week ago today, when the president was in NATO — in Madrid for the historic NATO summit, and when you heard him speak at the press conference conferences, you saw what happened, you saw the assurances from NATO countries that they will continue to do: continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to defend its democracy from Putin’s brutal war. .
So it doesn’t change. Not only that, but you’ve seen – the potential expansion of NATO, the addition of two countries, which is very important – the President has been hard at work over the past few months and he has led these efforts.
You see other alliances promising to increase their security assistance. So all of this – what you see today through the leadership of this president – is much more – a more cohesive NATO. And I don’t think that will change at all.
You saw him at the G7 in Germany, where you saw him as, you know, the leader of the G7. You see — a strong — a strong alliance — among friends, among other nations, that will work together to advance America’s domestic — interests, and what we have seen in other countries. Benefit – the future is ahead of global challenges.
Hello. Again, now that Britney Griner has pleaded guilty, what next steps is the government considering? Does the president support Bill Richardson’s trip to Moscow to try to get her released?
And – will the government agree to a deal with Russian prisoners held in the US for Mrs. Griner, especially arms dealer Viktor Bout?
Multiple sclerosis. JEAN-PIERRE: So, just to be clear — I’ve said this before, but I’d like to reiterate: we believe that the Russian Federation believes — wrongly detained — wrongly detained Britney Griner. Now she is in an intolerable situation. We will do everything possible.
The president’s priority is to make sure we get Britney and Paul Whelan home safely. This is an important… important priority for the President.
And he — you know, we’ve been clear from day one: when it comes to US citizens who are illegally detained abroad, illegally detained, illegally detained, taken hostage, we will do everything in our power. so we have to bring them home.
I’m not going to negotiate from here. I won’t go into detail about the steps we’re going to take, you can see why. We want to make sure we do it safely.
As you know, the president wrote a letter to Britney Griner. Yesterday he was talking to her wife. So Secretary Blinken is right in the letter because I know people are asking me; I think people saw it – this letter was sent to her. He tweeted: Representatives of the “US Embassy in Moscow” today again visited the trial of Britney Griner and handed her a letter from President Biden. We won’t rest until Britney, Paul Whelan, and all the other illegally detained Americans are reunited with their loved ones. ”
This is the focus of the secretary of state, this is the focus of the press, the nation, the national security team, and this is his focus.
Q: On this matter, Paul Whelan’s family stated that they did not hear directly from President Biden. Does the president have plans to call the Whelans too?
Look, we can’t even begin to imagine what his family is going through. I know it’s a devastating time for them, they–they’ve worked hard to bring their–their brother home. This — I’m talking about Elizabeth Whelan and her brother — and his brother David Whelan.
I’m going to list some of the things we do in terms of communicating with our families that I feel are very important to share.
So, yesterday, White House staff, along with the President’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, spoke with Elizabeth Whelan. Secretary of State Blinken and National Security Adviser Sullivan also called her to express their support and reaffirm the President’s commitment to bring Paul home.
The SPEHA office calls Elizabeth Whelan on the phone biweekly to provide updates and progress in supporting Paul and making sure he is well supported in prison.
State Department officials from embassies in Washington and Moscow regularly call Paul Whelan. The consular staff last visited him on June 17, a few weeks ago, and had regular phone calls with Whelan’s family about the case to resolve any concerns the family or Paul had about his treatment.
Again, here are some — this is the situation — these cases — the President updates regularly. It’s the most important. I didn’t call you for a preview, but we keep in touch with his family.
Q: Then, quickly: Griner’s admission of guilt – how did that affect the negotiations to try to bring her home?
Multiple sclerosis. JEAN-PIERRE: It won’t affect any negotiations. The president, the homeland security team, the State Department, the special envoy I was just talking about, we will do everything we can to get Britney Greener home safely and make sure we get Paul Whelan home brilliantly.
Say thanks, Karin. Could you elaborate more on what the president said in his letter to Britney Greener?
Multiple sclerosis. JEAN-PIERRE: So, as you know, the president was deeply moved, and as you can imagine – I know some of you have also read her letters – her handwritten notes. He wanted her to know and assured her that we were doing everything he could to bring her home.
You know, in her letter she talks about what the Fourth of July means, what this year means to her, what freedom means to her this year, and it’s touching.
So we’ll do it again – he’ll do everything in his power to get her home safely. It’s the most important. Yesterday he had — you know, very — I would say very deep — he thought it was an important conversation with her wife. The reaction of Paul Whelan’s family. Some of his family members ask what their families need to get a call from the President. You see Trevor Reed’s family protest outside the White House. They had a meeting with the president. We saw the Britney Griner family criticize the Biden administration, saying they may not have done enough in her case, and then phone the president. How does this administration assure the Whelan family that their request has been heard and taken seriously? RS. Jean-Pierre: I mean… so look, I just listed everything, everything… all the conversations we had… with the Whelan family. Again, we can’t… I can’t imagine what they’re going through right now. We know it’s a very tough time, it’s been a really tough time for him in the last few years. But we want to reassure them — the Whelan and Griner families and the families of all other US citizens — US citizens detained, wrongfully detained, or held hostage abroad — that this president is doing everything in his power to get them home. safely. We will use any means at our disposal. It is obvious that we cannot negotiate openly. This is not what we are going to do. But we strive to ensure that they all return home safely. Thank you. Just a quick follow up to Boris Johnson. Is there an opportunity to speak with the president after he announces his decision? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: I didn’t ask you to read aloud. As I mentioned, he recently met with Boris Johnson at the G7 in Madrid, NATO and Germany. I think you are all there. They had a very friendly and close relationship. You know, they have reaffirmed their commitment to an agenda that is important for both sides, for both the UK and the US. We trust that our alliance with the UK will remain strong. Ask Karin if he’s going to talk to him? Before leaving – cf. JEAN-PIERRE: I… I don’t… Q Okay. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Now I have nothing to tell you. Q And a quick question about Rowe. Earlier this week, we saw the president meet with a group of governors. If you can talk about the various events that the president plans to host, attend or attend in the coming days, including conferences or speeches in which he speaks about reproductive rights. Ms. JAN-PIERRE: So, what I want to say is that the President has not yet finished saying that he is going to continue to fight for the freedom and rights of women, especially after we saw the Supreme Court make this extreme decision against Caviar. He is committed to it. I’m not going to get ahead of this president. I can assure you that you will hear from him again. I’m just not going to give a timeline from here. But listen, here’s the thing: The president has made it clear that he’s going to do everything in his power, and he has the legal authority to start here on the executive side. But we believe, and he also believes, that if Congress is going to act, then the way Rowe will legislate or be codified is codification. right? We need to make sure we get Congress to act. He will keep calling to make sure it happens. And, you know, this is a very important point, because we see the Republicans trying to take away these rights, because we see the Republicans talking about a national ban. This is… this is what is happening on the other side. So we must continue to use our political capital, if you will, to fight tooth and nail and make sure we’re doing the work necessary to have pro-choice members of Congress in Congress. Q: At this point, Karin, we know that the White House is working on an executive order. Is it still happening? Did the White House continue with the executive order, or abandoned the plan? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I’ll put it this way: the president will do everything within his legal authority to keep fighting for freedom – for rights – especially when we’re talking about Roy. And I don’t want to catch up with him. But I assure you, you will hear about it soon. Q: But can we expect a decree? RS. Jean-Pierre: Soon. He would… he would have said it himself. I’m not going to get ahead of the president. Take action. Q: Thank you Karin. To what extent has Britney Griner’s public image and position, and the pressures around her, changed the government’s strategy for her case? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’ll tell you what, Phil. We’ve been working on this for several months. We’ve been working with her – and talking to her family and people who have loved her for some time. Minister Blinken: I mentioned his regular contacts with family and friends. National Security Advisor Sullivan recently spoke to his family twice, I would say 10 days. This was a top priority for the Homeland Security team and the State Department. Again, not only — not only Britney Grinner — that’s his top priority; apparently he just wrote her a letter yesterday and talked to his [her] wife – but for all US citizens detained abroad, detained – illegally detained and held hostage. The government has been working on this since last year to make sure we are doing everything we can to get people back home. Question on various topics. Oil prices have fallen sharply. The pump is also starting to drip. Do you believe that water drops are permanent? Do you believe it’s steady, we’ve turned the corner? Or should Americans expect her to return? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: So we think it’s good that the lower the price of oil, the lower the price of oil, we see prices start to come down. right? It’s a cooldown, if you will. But we believe that there is still much to be done and we must do more. the president thinks. This is partly because retailers need to keep costs down for consumers. Wholesale natural gas prices fell $1 a gallon. You heard me talk about this last month. But retail gasoline prices fell only about 20 cents over the same period. Thus, more work needs to be done. You know, you… I’ve heard the phrase “don’t… we can’t rest on our laurels,” if you will. We must continue this work. One of the things the President will continue to call for is a federal gas tax on gasoline sales tax — a 90-day moratorium that we think is easy to enforce. The House of Representatives and Congress now have some laws that can be passed and passed easily. That’s what the President is calling for — calling on Congress to do it. We think this will have a big impact on American families and give them that little bit of breathing space that you hear the president talk about. K One more. THE PRESIDENT – Capitol Hill seems to be seeing August as the deadline for a settlement. Does the President see the final result in this July as a whole? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I’m not going to negotiate or openly negotiate, as you often hear from us. I’m talking about independent economists showing that this will fight inflation because we’re talking about high oil prices, because we’re talking about long-term inflation and protecting American finances in the short term. So we think that this will help the Americans, the American families, and we will continue the negotiations. We will continue our conversations to make sure we serve the American community. Q So there is no deadline here? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not going to give up – I’m not going to negotiate from here. I will not give a deadline here. Q Thanks, Karine.MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go on, Mike. Question: If I could just ask two government officials. First, given the revelations my colleagues have written about IRS activities over the past few years, does the president retain credibility—does the president have credibility with the IRS commissioner? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: So I’ll say this: we’re not commenting on enforcement actions taken by the IRS. So immediately the first – B (inaudible). MS. Jean-Pierre: – I – no, I know. I… I just thought… since you gave me a chance, Michael, I want to take it. Hello. GOOD Bored. JEAN-PIERRE: So, any…any questions I want to raise, take them to the IRS. This is for those who doubt it. As you know, the IRS… his term expires in November. But I don’t have any updates. I can’t say more than you know specific things we will refer you to the IRS. He will be up in November. So I’ll leave it there. Q: But… but from now until November, the President still believes that he can fairly and, you know, impartially do what the IRS does objectively? Multiple sclerosis. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, look again, I’d say it’s in November. He is a commissioner. And he did – he’s a commissioner of the IRS, part of the government. So we’re going to… I’ll do it. K Good. And then there’s the head of the Secret Service, who just announced his resignation today – apparently the Secret Service has been in the news lately, considering – some testimony before the committee on 6 January.
What is the relationship between the director’s current departure and the timing of the committee’s disclosure of some of this information? Did the White House know that he was going to… to… to… I guess last week’s testimony? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: So Michael, I would say it doesn’t matter at all. This has been discussed for several months – for me – for him – his retirement – I think from April – that is, until the January 6th hearing. And – as far as I know – as far as I know, he’s headed for the private sector. So it doesn’t connect at all. It’s been discussed for a while – him – his retirement. Thank you. Actually, I’m leaving – I know April, I said I’ll come to you, I think Britney Greener. This is your… Q yes – MS. Jean-Pierre: Good. Ask – and one more thing. Yes MS. Jean-Pierre: Good. Q: About Britney Griner: I was talking to Cherell Griner last night. Multiple sclerosis. JEAN-PIERRE: Good. Q Now this is the decision this morning. We know, according to closed sources, that it was Britney’s decision, a conscious decision and a decision to plead guilty after several weeks of deliberations. Did the White House think it would happen this morning? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I can’t speak publicly about her case. I can’t speak to her decision making process. She should talk about it, looks like she’s already talked to you. But we’re from — from — Q Well, (inaudible) that’s the thing. But she was talking about — M.S. Jean-Pierre: Oh, I see. I do not understand. Q-I didn’t want to watch it in the morning. RS. Jean-Pierre: Understood. But we can’t do it from here. It’s… it’s a private matter. It’s — it’s a legal issue that we can’t talk about – from here or from the podium. I’ll put it this way – I guess I’m just being asked if this verdict will change – her verdict will change everything we do: it won’t. We will continue to make this a top priority to ensure her safe return home. This is our commitment to her, her family, and other American citizens as we try to bring them home. Question: Is there any hope that the Russians will appreciate her confession in order to help her return home sooner or commute her sentence? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: April, I appreciate this question again. I can’t – obviously that’s the legal advice that Britney got from her – from her lawyer. I cannot explain why this decision was made. I cannot conduct a dialogue with the minds of the Russian Federation. I… that’s not what I’m supposed to do. All I can say is what we are going to do here, here. What the president wants to do is make sure we bring home these American citizens who have been illegally detained overseas and taken hostage. It is important to get them home safely. Question: Mrs. Greener said that she would like to come to the personal meeting proposed by the President. Have a date? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: I don’t have anything to preview right now. Q There are two other questions on two other topics that are very fast. As you said, since we are still struggling and trying to figure out what will happen after Roe v. Wade in the US, etc. — after Roe v. Wade was dismissed: in October, the case should be confirmed by the claim in the Supreme Court on access to education – racial access. It has been argued that the way this court sets aside a long-standing lawsuit could overturn it.
How does the White House feel about this? Any plans? Are you ready for this, because many legal organizations are preparing amicus briefs, amicus briefs in support of maintaining these access-racial access procedures? RS. Jean-Pierre: So, in April, the President was very aware of these extreme decisions that the Supreme Court was making, not only on Roe, but also on the EPA and other recent decisions. This is another issue that you talked about in October. Look, the president has also made it clear that we have to act. We… you know, Americans have to make sure they get their votes to the ballot boxes. Here’s how we can do it – fight back in an effective way that will make an impact. We have to make extreme Republicans. The President called them “Ultra-MAGA”. They are part of the Ultra-MAGA faction that is trying to disenfranchise the American people. This is what they are trying to do. Therefore, we must do our best. The American public must do everything in its power to ensure that their voices are heard in the voting. This is what the President will continue to talk to, and this is what the President is asking the people to do. Question: The last question is about the director of the secret service. Fairness and inclusiveness are still part of the president’s hiring practices, when does he see the place? Because you’ve never had a black person or any other color, I guess, the head of this organization. RS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I’m not going to go beyond the process. But as you know, this is a president who prides himself on delivering fairness and inclusion. You see it in all his management. He wants to make sure we have a government like the US. So it’s a priority for him. I can’t talk about this particular vacancy – a potential vacancy. This is a pending decision, so I’m not going to get ahead of the president on this issue. Thank you. RS. JEAN-PIERRE: Continue, Tam. Q. Yes thank you. When the president held a small ceremony to sign the gun law, he said he would hold a big ceremony later. Is it still in the book? Can you see his message? A lot has happened since he signed the bill, and outside advocates are pushing him to move on. Multiple sclerosis. Jean-Pierre: Yes. He also wanted to move on. I mean, he already said it. He made it very clear that while he welcomed the bipartisan gun reform bill he signed before heading to Europe, he said we need to do more. He already knew it. You have to remember that this is the president who led the effort to ban assault weapons back in 1994, and that ban ended 10 years later. That… that was his priority at the time and remains his priority now. If you think about what we’ve seen over the past few weeks – you think of Buffalo, you think of Uwald, you think of Highland Park – you think of the same story they’ve been repeating over and over, that’s Weapons of War that is released in us – in our communities. And how – not only these communities. You think of Parkland, you think of Orlando, Las Vegas, Sandy Hook. This is an assault rifle. So you – it has – it – you think about what it does to families and communities. These are, you know, automata – the corpses were dismembered beyond recognition by the family, and they had to be tested for DNA. This should not be on our streets. This should not be on our streets. So the president thinks that assault weapons should be banned. This is what he’s been talking about for years. This is what he wants to see. So that’s what he will continue to call. The first question is whether you are hosting an event: yes, we will be hosting an event. You will soon hear from us exactly when. But yes, it is – it will happen someday. Yes. Q: Yesterday his speech in Ohio sounded like an interim message. Multiple sclerosis. JEAN-PIERRE: (Laughs.) You know, not much. RS. Jean-Pierre: Very interesting. fun. Big. nice to see. Q Will we see more? What do you think about how much, if any, the president’s travel will increase? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: I don’t… yes, we don’t have anything to announce right now. But listen, you know, it’s the president – you heard him say it himself: he wants to go out. He – you know, you saw him there – was with the American people and it was a fun moment. It was… it was definitely an exciting time to see him, they were excited. He could get his message across or talk about his message directly to the American people, his platform. If you think about it, yesterday it was about pensions, it was about union pensions. It’s about how — what we do — what the US bailout program does to make sure we protect those pensions. So this is such an important message for the American people. Not only in Ohio, but in many other states – sorry, many other states across the country will be affected by the US bailout package when it comes to union pensions and other programs. Continue. Q: Thank you Karin. Has the president contacted any Senate Republicans directly to convince them and explain why they should support the bill since you started pitching McConnell’s briefing on the (sorry) bipartisan infrastructure hostage? Multiple sclerosis. JEAN-PIERRE: So I don’t… we don’t have calls to read. As you know, his legal department is always on call, not just his legal department; we have other departments in the White House, the office is in constant communication with Congressional leaders and staff on things we think are important to the American. Public talk on legislative issues. I just have nothing to read. Q: I think you would say so, but if you know that there are Republicans who support this bill, but you need 10 of them to support your opposition to the opposition to McConnell, what is the way forward? Like, what are you doing? Are you sure 10 people will actually do it? Multiple sclerosis. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, we have seen, and I said above: we have seen progress. We want to make this clear, even if you hear me calling Mitch McConnell. We are seeing some progress. What I’m calling for is the hypocrisy that we see on the part of the leaders – on the part of leader McConnell. So, you know, the President and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, you know, they–they share–they have the same goals, and we understand that. This is necessary to reach a final agreement that is in line with our economic and national security goals. We hope to have it done by summer. We are sure of it. We will continue to work hard to achieve this goal. We know that companies are now deciding where to invest this year. So, it’s time to act. That’s why I say that if it doesn’t happen now, it won’t happen. Therefore, we will make every effort to achieve this. Q: And Michael is also answering a question from the IRS commissioner. You note that his term ends in November. Are you implying that you won’t reassign it? If so, why not fire him now? RS. Jean-Pierre: I just won’t… I won’t… I won’t get ahead of the president. This is the President’s decision, and I will not decide in advance. Go on, Peter. Q: Thank you Karin. Why do you think 88% of the people in this country, surveyed by Monmouth, believe that this country is moving in the wrong direction? Multiple sclerosis. Jean-Pierre: What I mean to say is that the president understands what the American people are going through. He understands that gas prices are high because of Putin’s tax hikes, because of the war that Putin unleashed – the brutal war that Putin unleashed in Ukraine – and because of their heroic fight for democracy. That’s what we see here. And then there is food insecurity – rising food prices. That is why the President has gone to great lengths to bring down these high prices. That’s why he used the Strategic Oil Reserve. We see historical barrels per day – 1 million barrels per day. That’s why he’s offering Bio-Indigenous-Indigenous Biofuels-Ethanol 15- this summer, which isn’t normally available this summer, so we can try to keep those costs down. That’s why he will continue to work to make sure we keep those costs down. Look, but then again, we know how the American people feel. We are doing everything possible. We have a plan. Here’s the thing: we have a plan. The Republicans don’t have a plan. What they want to do is to disenfranchise the American people. Question: But don’t you think that your plan is not popular among Americans right now? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: I don’t think our plan is unpopular with the Americans. We know that the American people feel the high cost. We understand how they feel. Because – because when you look at inflation, when we look at where we are economically – and we are in a strong position – we are economically stronger than historically when you look at the 3.6% unemployment rate. when you look at the number of jobs – over 8.7 million new jobs have been created – that’s important. But we know that gas prices are high, and we also know that food prices are high. This is because of the once-in-a-lifetime epidemic and Putin’s war. It’s just a fact. Q: So if you think your plan is popular with Americans, is it simply because the plan wasn’t communicated properly and that’s why the PR director left? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, that’s where you asked the question from. (Laughter) Oh, Peter, you’re too cunning. Question: Well, why did she really want to leave? RS. Jean-Pierre: I mean… well, she said why she was leaving. Listen, let me say a few words. Q: No, but – it’s – RS. Jean-Pierre: Wait a minute. wait. No no no no. You’re asking me… Q: But is it a coincidence that a guy who’s been part of the Biden world for as long as everyone else here is saying this at a time when many in history believe this country has gone the wrong way? She leaves? Multiple sclerosis. JEAN-PIERRE: First, let me say that I’m explaining that we understand the feelings of the American public. As before, the President is doing everything in his power to reduce costs, to reduce the price of gasoline. We have — Q So why change? RS. Jean-Pierre: – We did it. So, I just want to talk about Kate because I think it’s very important. I have known Katya since 2007. She is a friend and colleague. She is exceptionally talented and we will miss her greatly. Her smart skills and hard work helped get the President elected and helped us achieve so much since we’ve been here. As I said, personally she is a great friend and colleague. we will miss her. So, you’re asking me… basically, you’re asking me what does it mean that she’s gone, right? – To the government? VDA. RS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I don’t think her leaving will affect what we’re trying to do. Because, look, she’s leaving a talented team and communications department, and the president is appointing a new director of communications. There is nothing new here. These things will happen. I want to mention the data from the Brookings Institution, which shows that turnover in this administration has been below the historical average since Reagan. So, what we see here is not unusual. What we see here is normal. What we’re going to continue to do is communicate with Americans in an authentic way, and we’ll do that every day. Hello. Just a different topic. The National Education Association, the nation’s largest labor union, is proposing a decision to replace the word “mother” with the word “biological parents” in future contracts. What does the president think of such a proposal? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: So we are not NEA. I would recommend you to their team to discuss this particular issue. Q. But the vice president just spoke at this meeting. The first lady is a teacher. RS. Jean-Pierre: Yes. Yes. President K. said that he supported the workers most of all – M.S. Jean-Pierre: She’s—she’s—she’s a member of President Q—. He – cf. Jean-Pierre: Of course. Q – Do you support such a proposal? Does he think this is an important priority for MS. JEAN-PIERRE: The First Lady is a proud member of the NEA. I’m not going to talk about organization policy or policy changes. I am not their representative. This is not what I’m going to do. Yes, the vice president was there on Tuesday. She speaks in NEA. When they did—when they followed their usual orders—when they went about their daily business, she left. So she didn’t participate in the discussion either. Look, this is a policy change. That’s not what I can say. I recommend you NEA. Continue. Thank you. So, I have a question about appointing a federal district judge in Kentucky. So, earlier today, Gov. Andy Beshear said the administration had plenty of time to let his office know if the White House was rescinding Chad Meredith’s nomination. I thought, what is your reaction to this? Why haven’t you canceled this date yet? RS. JEAN-PIERRE: You… I think your colleague asked me about this last week or… hell, not even last week, but a few days ago. Every day – every day seems long. But listen — I said it on Tuesday, I’ll say it — I’ll tell you we don’t comment on vacancies. This is a vacancy. This is not what we are going to comment on. We do not comment on executive or judicial vacancies. We haven’t been nominated yet. So one of the things that we’re very proud of, you hear us say, is like — we have more federal judges — we’ve had more federal judges in this administration than any of the three previous presidents. This includes making sure we make history first to help our judiciary represent America’s diversity, and we will continue to do so. I’m — I’m just — not — I won’t be associated with open positions. Continue. The question is excellent. Thanks Karin The Department of Veterans Affairs does not currently offer any abortion services except for cases. But Virginia Secretary McDonough told Congress — he told them in April — that Virginia has the legal authority to provide abortion services, which is permitted by law. So, does the President agree with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that the department can take this action? gentlemen. JEAN-PIERRE: So the government and the VA have committed to providing health care to veterans, and VA continues to provide reproductive health services to its veterans. As you pointed out, current regulations do not allow VA to provide abortion services. We will continue to consider and will continue to explore all possible options for protecting women’s rights and access to reproductive health. So, again, we will continue the review. I have nothing now. Q. Given that this is based on regulation, I mean is the president considering any executive action to govern the VA because of his regulation (inaudible)? MS JEAN-PIERRE: So, I don’t have anything specific about VA. We have already talked about the president’s review of the actions of the executive branch – actions. I do not know in advance what these actions will be. But like I said, you know, we’re going to continue the review and look at our options here. And, you know, the President will continue – he did use his executive powers when the decision was made to resign, and a few hours after the decision to resign – Roy was knocked out. So those authorities that we think have influence at the moment you’re talking about providing safe drugs, FDA-approved drugs that allow women to make decisions about their health, drugs that most women are looking for. used in deciding to have an abortion is a very personal decision. In addition, women who must travel must ensure that the Department of Justice protects their rights. We think they are very influential and very important. As I said, the president will continue to consider all his options. Let me get back here, okay. Q Thanks, Karine.MS. Jean-Pierre: Oh, good. (Unintelligible) V. Karin, at this briefing you mentioned several times the importance of electing pro-abortion candidates. I wonder if the President thinks this is the best way for the Democrats to pass some kind of legislation legalizing abortion at the moment – it really depends on what happens this November, nothing can be done before then. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, I can’t talk about any political electoral process and the strategy that we are following. What I can say is that the president is making it clear that he will do everything in his power to protect the freedoms and rights of women and the American people. The Supreme Court as we know it, as we have seen, wrote Clarence Thomas, they will go further. This is something we really need to listen to and pay close attention to. It will happen. Об этом сказал президент. Итак, я пытаюсь сказать: он сделал это очень ясно. Нам нужно… нам нужно, чтобы Конгресс действовал. Нам нужно кодифицировать Роя и сделать его законом страны. Это лучший способ – лучший способ для нас защитить права и свободы. И – если этого не произойдет в Конгрессе, он – он попросил американскую общественность внести свой голос в урну для голосования, чтобы убедиться, что все сделано так, как вы только что меня просили – убедиться, что мы про- избранные члены Конгресса. ХОРОШО Спасибо вам всем. Увидимся завтра.
We’ll stay tuned for updates on how President Biden and his administration are working to benefit the American people and how you can get involved and help our country recover better.
Post time: Oct-25-2022
