Fact
ba
.
se
Press Conference: Jen Psaki Holds a Press Briefing at The White House - June 25, 2021
-
Jen Psaki Person
-
Question Person
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:00:00-00:00:01 (1 sec)
"Hi everyone."
1
Question
Positive
00:00:01-00:00:03 (2 sec)
"Hello, Jen. Good to see you."
2
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:00:03-00:00:07 (5 sec)
"Good to see you. Happy Pride. Celebrating here today."
3
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:00:07-00:00:33 (26 sec)
"Okay. I'm just going to give you a quick overview of the week ahead: On Monday, the President will welcome Israeli President Rivlin to the White House. President Rivlin's visit will highlight the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel and the deep ties between our governments and our people. As President Rivlin approaches the end of his term, the visit will honor the dedication he has shown to strengthening the friendship between the two countries over the course of many years."
4
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:00:33-00:00:43 (10 sec)
"On Tuesday, the President will travel to Southwest Wisconsin with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to talk about growing agriculture -- growing agriculture and rural economies."
5
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:00:43-00:01:25 (41 sec)
"On Wednesday, he will convene Cabinet officials, governors from western states, and private sector partners to discuss the devastating intersection of drought, heat, and wildfires in the Western United States, and strengthening prevention, preparedness, and response efforts for this wildfire season, which is already outpacing last season alone -- outpacing last season alone -- sorry -- the 2020 wildfire season alone burned over 10 million acres across the United States, resulting in the loss of dozens of lives and tens of billions of dollars in economic damage. This meeting will focus on how the federal government can most effectively protect public safety and deliver assistance to our people in times of urgent need."
6
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:01:25-00:01:30 (6 sec)
"And, on Friday, the President will also deliver remarks on the June jobs report."
7
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:01:30-00:01:48 (18 sec)
"Next week, even while all of this is going on -- a busy week -- the President will also continue to work and engage closely with members of Congress about moving his agenda forward, whether it's the bipartisan infrastructure agreement just announced yesterday or the budget reconciliation process that's also moving forward."
8
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:01:48-00:02:02 (13 sec)
"And he will continue to -- on his work to protect the sacred right to vote. You'll hear from him next week on that. We're still finalizing the details, and he's been engaged in that work through his career, so you'll hear more from him on that next week."
9
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:02:02-00:02:15 (13 sec)
"I'd also note, so I don't forget: Today is Jerome's last day in the White House Briefing Room as a White House correspondent. So thank you -- to your service to the public over the last several years. [Applause]"
10
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:02:15-00:02:18 (2 sec)
"All right. Why don't we kick it off, Darlene."
11
Question
Very Positive
00:02:18-00:02:21 (4 sec)
"Thank you, Jen. Is the infrastructure agreement already stuck in a pothole? [Laughter]"
12
Jen Psaki
Leans Negative
00:02:21-00:02:24 (3 sec)
"You worked hard on that."
13
Question
Slightly Negative
00:02:24-00:02:28 (3 sec)
"No, I didn't. I didn't. [Laughter]"
14
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:02:28-00:02:29 (1 sec)
"I like it."
15
Jen Psaki
Slightly Negative
00:02:29-00:02:38 (9 sec)
"Absolutely not, in our view. The President is continuing to, as I said -- as he said yesterday, there's work ahead. There's no question about that."
16
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:02:38-00:03:02 (24 sec)
"But yesterday was a significant moment when you saw Democrats and Republicans and the President of the United States stand outside together and say, "We've come to agreement to pa- -- to work for -- toward passing a historic investment in infrastructure, one that would have... " -- I just have this handy chart up here; I thought someone might ask about this -- "... would have key components that would help communities across the country.""
17
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:03:02-00:03:11 (9 sec)
"And I talked with him about this, this morning: what he was most excited about, what he's going to continue, what his message is going to be as he continues to advocate for this bill moving forward."
18
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:03:11-00:03:21 (10 sec)
"One is the significant economic impact. It's going to help create millions of good-paying union jobs that will also have a huge impact on low-income communities, on communities of color."
19
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Negative
00:03:21-00:03:34 (13 sec)
"It will eliminate lead pipes to stop kids from drinking poisoned water. Flint, Michigan, should not be so far away that we don't remember the impact on that community. This is a -- part of this package will help prevent that from ever happening again."
20
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:03:34-00:04:04 (30 sec)
"It includes the single-largest investment in environmental remediation in history. What does that mean? A lot of people at home don't know what that means, so I'm going to explain it. And it's 100 percent of what he asked for. It means cleaning up pollution in communities that have disproportionately borne the brunt of environmental pollution. It's a capping -- it also means capping wells where big oil companies left wells uncapped with methane pouring out. It means putting people back to work to do the work we need to do to help create a clean energy economy for the long term."
21
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:04:04-00:04:13 (9 sec)
"And it has the largest investment in public transit in our nation's history. We know this will also have an enormous impact on low-income communities -- many communities of color."
22
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:04:13-00:04:30 (17 sec)
"I'll also note: There are huge components of this package that will help address the climate crisis. One is the first-ever -- first-ever network -- first time we've ever invested --sorry -- in a network of EV charging stations across the country. So electric vehicles -- I don't currently own one; maybe I will in the future. Who knows."
23
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:04:30-00:04:41 (11 sec)
"It will make it easier -- there will be more charging stations so people can use them across the country. It will have the largest investment in history in a clean energy transmission grid -- something that will also help us take a huge step forward."
24
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:04:41-00:04:54 (13 sec)
"And this bill also will help us -- and this the piece he talked about yesterday, but he is particularly excited about -- make us more competitive in the world. And a specific example there is making sure we are building our battery industry here in the United States to compete globally."
25
Jen Psaki
Negative
00:04:54-00:05:02 (8 sec)
"So that's the case he's making, he's going to continue to make. There's no question there's work ahead, and he's ready to roll up his sleeves and work like hell to get it done."
26
Question
Slightly Negative
00:05:02-00:05:21 (19 sec)
"But we're hearing from the Hill, from a lot of senators, that -- unhappiness over the President's decision to want to do both these packages at the same time -- the pairing, moving them in tandem. When senators agreed to this deal, was the White House upfront with them that this was the way the President wanted to proceed?"
27
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:05:21-00:05:31 (11 sec)
"Well, first, you all have heard the President say multiple times, publicly, that he wanted to -- he was going to move these bills forward -- wanted to move them forward in parallel paths. And that's exactly what's happening."
28
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:05:31-00:05:40 (8 sec)
"That hasn't been a secret. He hasn't said it quietly. He hasn't even whispered it. He said it very much out loud to all of you, as we have said many times from here."
29
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:05:40-00:05:57 (17 sec)
"I will say that the President's view is that the public -- the American people -- elected him to not lead on process, but to get things done. The House and Senate are going to determine - the Leaders in the House and Senate are going to determine the sequencing, the timeline. And he looks forward to signing both pieces of legislation."
30
Question
Neutral
00:05:57-00:05:57 (1 sec)
"One other quick one."
31
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:05:57-00:05:58 ( sec)
"Yeah."
32
Question
Leans Positive
00:05:58-00:06:11 (13 sec)
"What is the plan for what -- will we get a statement from the President after the -- Derek Chauvin is sentenced? Do you expect the President will call George Floyd's family -- be in touch with them after the sentence is announced?"
33
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:06:11-00:06:18 (8 sec)
"It's a great question, Darlene. I don't -- I don't have any anticipat- -- I don't have anything to preview for you. I guess I should say, at this point, we'll wait for the sentencing to come out."
34
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:06:18-00:06:25 (6 sec)
"As you know, he has a close personal connection with the Floyd family, and certainly I know they and we are all watching this closely."
35
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:06:25-00:06:25 ( sec)
"Go ahead."
36
Question
Neutral
00:06:25-00:06:31 (6 sec)
"Thanks, Jen. Does the President have any plans to visit Surfside to see the devastation for himself?"
37
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:06:31-00:06:36 (6 sec)
"Well, I would say, first, that any decision along those lines would be done in coordination and cooperation with local authorities."
38
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:06:36-00:06:45 (9 sec)
"As you know -- and you all have been covering this closely -- right now, we're in a rescue-and-recovery phase of this, and there have been frequent updates from local authorities on the ground."
39
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:06:45-00:06:49 (4 sec)
"So I don't have any trip to preview or predict for you at this point in time."
40
Question
Neutral
00:06:49-00:06:56 (7 sec)
"How did the Vice President choose El Paso as the location for her first trip to the border as Vice President?"
41
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:06:56-00:06:59 (4 sec)
"It's a great question. I was -- I was interested in that as well, so we looked into it."
42
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:06:59-00:07:17 (17 sec)
"I would say that El Paso has an interesting history, as you may know, because it was the place where the former President, kind of -- it was a base place of where he put in place some of his immigration policies that we felt were so problematic."
43
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:07:17-00:07:26 (10 sec)
"And so, it's a -- it's a place that has a little bit of historical connection in that regard, and it's an opportunity to draw a bit of a contrast with what we're trying to accomplish."
44
Question
Neutral
00:07:26-00:07:40 (13 sec)
"And then, can you give us any details about the three staffers in the Vice President's office who are leaving? And what should we take from the fact that you have several key staffers who are leaving this early in the administration?"
45
Jen Psaki
Leans Negative
00:07:40-00:07:53 (13 sec)
"I just don't have any more details on the circumstances of their departure. As you may know, these are sometimes high -- high-stress jobs, tiring jobs, exhausting jobs. And -- but I don't have anything more specific on their decisions."
46
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:07:53-00:07:53 ( sec)
"Go ahead."
47
Question
Somewhat Negative
00:07:53-00:08:03 (10 sec)
"Following up on Surfside, if I can, very quickly: Obviously, no details about whether he plans to travel there. Has the President now spoken to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis about the circumstances there?"
48
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:08:03-00:08:09 (6 sec)
"We're working to set up a call between the President and the governor. That should be happening this afternoon, and we'll give you all a readout of that when it happens."
49
Question
Neutral
00:08:09-00:08:10 (1 sec)
"We'll wait for that readout when it happens."
50
Question
Positive
00:08:10-00:08:21 (11 sec)
"The President, yesterday, spoke about voting rights and what he would be doing. He said, "I'll be going around the country, making the case." So he announced it. What specifically is he doing? Where is he going? And what is that going to look like?"
51
Jen Psaki
Leans Negative
00:08:21-00:08:37 (15 sec)
"Stay tuned. I don't have any specific visits to announce for you yet, but this is going to be a fight of his presidency. He believes that voting is a fundamental right for the American people. He's going to use every lever at his disposal to -- to advocate for that. You'll hear more from him next week as well."
52
Question
Positive
00:08:37-00:08:48 (11 sec)
"The DOJ announcement today -- that they would be filing this lawsuit against Georgia given what's going on with their election law there -- did the White House play a role in that? Did the President consult anybody? Does he have any thought on it?"
53
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:08:48-00:09:04 (16 sec)
"We did not. That was a -- that was an announcement they made on their own. But it certainly is consistent with the President's commitment to the administration and the guidance he's given, publicly and directly, to use every lever at our disposal to ensure we are protecting the fundamental right to vote across the country."
54
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:09:04-00:09:06 (2 sec)
"Go ahead."
55
Question
Very Positive
00:09:06-00:09:18 (12 sec)
"So, on the timing of when the President is going to get out and advocate for voting rights -- I mean, how soon can we see this? We're hearing everyone from the Department of Justice to activists saying that this is really urgent issue. So how soon can we expect this?"
56
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:09:18-00:09:30 (12 sec)
"Well, the President is going to speak to all of you and to the public next week about his continuing commitment to voting rights, expanding access to voting rights -- something that he's worked on for decades, through his public career. And I expect he'll have more to say then."
57
Question
Neutral
00:09:30-00:09:45 (15 sec)
"And then you could just follow up and maybe clarify: When the President is talking about doing these two pieces of legislation in tandem, is he going to wait for both of them to land on his desk? What -- what exactly is the timeline here? How does this play out?"
58
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:09:45-00:09:54 (9 sec)
"Well, again, he believes the American people elected him to lead on getting results to put out bold ideas to the public. That's exactly what he's done."
59
Jen Psaki
Very Negative
00:09:54-00:10:08 (14 sec)
"And we're going to leave it to leaders in Congress to determine the sequencing and the timeline for those pieces moving forward. But he's going to use every lever at his disposal, he's going to be involved, he's going to roll up his sleeves, he's going to work like hell to get these -- both of these pieces of legislation done."
60
Question
Positive
00:10:08-00:10:21 (13 sec)
"But what does that really look like? Because he says that if one doesn't come to him, he's not going to sign the other. So is he going to wait for both of them to land on his desk before signing the bipartisan package, waiting for the reconciliation package to come through?"
61
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:10:21-00:10:30 (8 sec)
"He fully expects, hopes, plans to sign both into law. And he will leave it to leaders in Congress to determine the timeline and the sequencing."
62
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:10:30-00:10:30 (1 sec)
"Go ahead."
63
Question
Neutral
00:10:30-00:10:45 (14 sec)
"Just to follow up on both on that and Darlene's question. The issue Republicans seem to be having is on that specific issue: "I won't sign it if the other one isn't on my desk." And I think that's what has them -- "frazzled," perhaps, would be the word right now -- an eloquent one."
64
Question
Neutral
00:10:45-00:10:56 (11 sec)
"So, digging in on that, if leadership decides to send you the bipartisan bill, but the reconciliation bill is not done yet, the President said yesterday, "I won't sign it." And that is the White House position on it?"
65
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:10:56-00:11:06 (10 sec)
"Well, let me just take a step back here, because I think the American people are quite focused on how we're getting work done on their behalf -- less focused on the mechanics of the process."
66
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:11:06-00:11:28 (22 sec)
"Now, it is up to Republicans -- many of whom are the ones who have conveyed that, I think -- if I'm accurate here -- to decide if they are going to vote against a historic investment in infrastructure that's going to rebuild roads and railways and bridges in their communities simply because they don't like the mechanics of the process. That's a pretty absurd argument for them to make. Good luck on the political front on that argument."
67
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:11:28-00:11:41 (13 sec)
"So, the President is going to continue to advocate, educate, convey to everyone directly why this needs to move forward. And he stands -- he plans to stand exactly by the commitment he made yesterday to them, and he expects they'll do the same."
68
Question
Very Positive
00:11:41-00:11:57 (16 sec)
"And just two more quick ones. You guys just released a readout with a call with Senator Sinema, who was one of the lead negotiators. In that readout, the President was reiterating pretty much all of the things he said when he was standing with the senators. Was there a need for the President to reassure Senator Sinema or was that just a normal scheduled call?"
69
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:11:57-00:12:12 (15 sec)
"I think it's just a reflection of the President's commitment to stay very engaged. Yesterday was not the end. I know none of you thought that, but just to be clear: There is work ahead. Senator Sinema is a -- was an important leader and partner on this effort to get this bipartisan bill passed."
70
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:12:12-00:12:28 (16 sec)
"He also reiterated, in that call, his desire and his commitment and interest in getting a reconciliation bill passed. That has a lot of his key priorities, whether it's extending the Child Tax Credit, making universal pre-K a reality, or community college a reality for kids across the country."
71
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:12:28-00:12:32 (4 sec)
"So it's ongoing engagement. He's looking forward to signing both bills into law."
72
Question
Neutral
00:12:32-00:12:35 (3 sec)
"And can I just follow up on the -- can I follow up --"
73
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:12:35-00:12:36 (1 sec)
"Go ahead."
74
Question
Somewhat Positive
00:12:36-00:12:54 (18 sec)
"Are Republicans expected to be so enamored with the idea of sending perhaps billions of dollars into the hinterland that they're going to be willing -- you need five more Republicans, obviously -- that they're going to be willing to accept this two-track approach and, sort of, look the other way when the express train comes through on the reconciliation idea?"
75
Question
Neutral
00:12:54-00:13:05 (11 sec)
"Are they -- you -- you're sounding as though you expect at least five more Republicans to be so enamored with the idea of sending out these billions of dollars to their -- the constituencies, if you will."
76
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:13:05-00:13:27 (21 sec)
"Sure. Well, that's exactly what they're doing. This bill would, again, be a historic investment on our nation's infrastructure: the largest investment in public transit in history, the largest in -- since the founding of Amtrak. And as I've noted, it would expand broadband access. That's not exactly a partisan issue. It would rebuild roads and railways and bridges in people's communities, including Republicans."
77
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:13:27-00:13:32 (5 sec)
"So, yes, we fully expect the American people to support this. We fully expect and hope we'll have the votes to get it forward."
78
Question
Neutral
00:13:32-00:13:33 (1 sec)
"At least five?"
79
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:13:33-00:13:34 (1 sec)
"At least five."
80
Question
Slightly Positive
00:13:34-00:13:35 ( sec)
"[Inaudible] Okay."
81
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:13:35-00:13:48 (14 sec)
"Well, five stood -- stood there yesterday and announced their support for it. And it is now the job of the Democratic Caucus and the Republican Caucus to vo- -- go back and make the case to their -- their other colleagues. Exactly."
82
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:13:48-00:13:49 (1 sec)
"Go ahead."
83
Question
Slightly Positive
00:13:49-00:14:01 (12 sec)
"Thank you, Jen. House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth said he doesn't think it's realistic to fully pay for this broader reconciliation package that contains some of the President's other domestic priorities that you just laid out."
84
Question
Negative
00:14:01-00:14:12 (10 sec)
"Senator Manchin also said he doesn't think the country can take on that much more debt. So does the White House still believe that both the infrastructure compromise and this other reconciliation package need to be fully paid for?"
85
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:14:12-00:14:27 (15 sec)
"The President had proposed a number of ways to pay for these packages. Obviously, there was agreement already on the payfors for the infrastructure bipartisan deal, which was agreed to by the five Democrats and the five Republicans who stood outside with the President just yesterday."
86
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:14:27-00:14:52 (26 sec)
"And the President also believes that raising the corporate rate back to where it was the first year of the George W. Bush administration; making -- asking individuals, the top 1 percent of Americans to pay more -- to pay for these historic investments, to pay for an extension of the Child Tax Credit, to make sure kids have access to universal pre-K -- is something that we should do because it's right -- the right policy. It will also -- it's also going to help move our country forward."
87
Question
Very Positive
00:14:52-00:15:06 (14 sec)
"And just one quick question on Afghanistan. Can the President declare a true end to the war if the U.S. is planning to keep 650 troops in the country to provide diplomatic security as well as several hundred additional troops to maintain security at the Kabul airport?"
88
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:15:06-00:15:13 (8 sec)
"Well, again, I would say: The President was clear from the beginning that we anticipated and planned to have a diplomatic presence on the ground. And so he's doing exactly that."
89
Question
Neutral
00:15:13-00:15:15 (1 sec)
"Can I follow up on that, Jen?"
90
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:15:15-00:15:15 ( sec)
"Sure."
91
Question
Neutral
00:15:15-00:15:29 (14 sec)
"On Afghanistan -- and then I have a follow-up on something else. But on Afghanistan: If we're keeping people there, what's the contingency if in fact the Taliban takes over the country? Do you have a contingency -- does the administration have a contingency for that?"
92
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:15:29-00:15:30 (1 sec)
"In what regard?"
93
Question
Slightly Positive
00:15:30-00:15:31 (1 sec)
"Well, what will you do?"
94
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:15:31-00:15:32 (2 sec)
"For the safety of our -- of our men and women serving --"
95
Question
Neutral
00:15:32-00:15:33 (1 sec)
"No, I understand the safety, but --"
96
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:15:33-00:15:34 (1 sec)
"-- in Kabul, or --"
97
Question
Very Positive
00:15:34-00:15:50 (16 sec)
"I understand the safety of our people, but what about the safety of the country? We've been there for X amount of years. Are we going to reinvest more people if that's the case? Will there be boots on the ground? What exactly are -- is this administration looking at if that country falls to the Taliban?"
98
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:15:50-00:16:08 (18 sec)
"Well, here's, I think, what's important to note, Brian: When the President made this announcement, he was very clear that if we did not pull our troops -- withdraw our troops from -- from Afghanistan -- something that he has long talked about having an interest and a desire to do -- the Taliban would have been shooting at U.S. troops again on May 1st."
99
Question
Neutral
00:16:08-00:16:09 ( sec)
"I understand."
100
Jen Psaki
Leans Positive
00:16:09-00:16:21 (13 sec)
"That's a decision he had to make as President. So the withdrawal deadline negotiated -- because of the withdrawal deadline negotiated, I should say, by the prior administration. So his fundamental belief is that after 20 years, it's time to bring our troops home."
101
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:16:21-00:16:32 (10 sec)
"We're doing that in a timely and orderly fashion, led by the Department of Defense. And we had to make sure we were taking steps -- if we had left our troops there, they would be in harm's way. That was a step we had to take."
102
Question
Neutral
00:16:32-00:16:35 (3 sec)
"And so, if the Taliban takes over, what would we do?"
103
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:16:35-00:16:46 (12 sec)
"Well, again, we have -- I'm not going to get ahead of or anticipate. We are -- we have a range of capacities, including over-the-horizon capacities and capabilities that we will maintain in place. The President announced that at the beginning of his announcement."
104
Question
Positive
00:16:46-00:17:09 (23 sec)
"And then a follow-up -- another quick follow-up. The other question is: Is this administration prepared for -- we've heard rumblings from the former President and his supporters about August and the inevitability of him being reinstated. Is this administration prepared to meet the challenge if, in fact, they press that issue in August? I mean, we've already seen an insurrection. What would this administration's actions be --"
105
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:17:09-00:17:10 ( sec)
"The --"
106
Question
Neutral
00:17:10-00:17:12 (2 sec)
"-- if that -- if that is pressed in August?"
107
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:17:12-00:17:23 (12 sec)
"The President is going -- is prepared to continue to govern and lead the United States of America. And, of course, should there be an elevation, an escalation, you know, that is something we would certainly monitor and track as well."
108
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:17:23-00:17:24 (1 sec)
"Go ahead, Jacqui."
109
Question
Neutral
00:17:24-00:17:41 (17 sec)
"On reconciliation: Before the President made this statement yesterday, had there been any understanding between the President and the GOP senators who were negotiating that these two deals would come in tandem? Had the Republican senators expressed an understanding to the President that that would happen?"
110
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:17:41-00:17:57 (16 sec)
"Well, Jacqui, I think the point I was trying to make earlier is that it's something the President stated publicly many times. And certainly, he was consistent with that case, made privately, as were our negotiating team -- that he expected, anticipated these -- these initiatives would move forward on a dual track."
111
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:17:57-00:18:13 (15 sec)
"And I would also note that when we say "budget reconciliation" -- just to make it like in "human speak" -- what we're talking about here is a budget process that includes the American Families Plan, which is the President's idea he proposed. I don't think anyone expects that he was going to walk away from his own proposals."
112
Question
Neutral
00:18:13-00:18:17 (4 sec)
"And the Republicans had expressed an understanding -- a level of understanding that that would happen?"
113
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:18:17-00:18:23 (7 sec)
"I'm not going to let -- I'll let them speak for themselves. But, again, the President said this, as we did, multiple times publicly."
114
Question
Neutral
00:18:23-00:18:24 (1 sec)
"And then, on reconciliation --"
115
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:18:24-00:18:25 ( sec)
"Yeah."
116
Question
Neutral
00:18:25-00:18:36 (11 sec)
"What are the red lines and the must haves? And is the same team working with Congress -- Ricchetti, Terrell, Deese -- about the next steps in the reconciliation package?"
117
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:18:36-00:18:50 (14 sec)
"Well, earlier this week -- today's Friday; I think it was Wednesday -- we did have a number of those individuals you mentioned, as well as Susan Rice was a part of the team, and there may have been one or two other people, who went up to the Hill to talk about the budget reconciliation process."
118
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:18:50-00:18:58 (9 sec)
"We're obviously at the early stages of that. There's lots to discuss and negotiate, including among Democrats. So we'll let that proceed in the coming weeks."
119
Question
Slightly Negative
00:18:58-00:19:12 (13 sec)
"And then with the DOJ suing Georgia: Is this the beginning of more lawsuits against similar efforts in other states? Has the White House expressed any concern areas as they take on voting rights and initiatives like that?"
120
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:19:12-00:19:19 (7 sec)
"I'll let the -- the Attorney General and the Department of Justice speak to that and what their plans are. They probably won't preview them, I would expect."
121
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:19:19-00:19:29 (10 sec)
"But I think it's just a reflection of the fact that the President has conveyed his priority is using every lever at his disposal to protect the fundamental right of people in this country to vote."
122
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:19:29-00:19:29 ( sec)
"Go ahead."
123
Question
Neutral
00:19:29-00:19:32 (3 sec)
"Jen, what's your timeline for these two pieces of legislation?"
124
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:19:32-00:19:46 (14 sec)
"I don't have a new timeline to predict for you here, Steve. Again, we -- Speaker Pelosi has been doing this a while; I don't know that there's anyone better. And we're going to work with her, Leader Schumer, and others to make sure we get these bills signed into law."
125
Question
Neutral
00:19:46-00:19:53 (7 sec)
"And on the Afghanistan meeting, is the President going to talk about a negotiated political settlement? Is that still possible in Afghanistan?"
126
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:19:53-00:20:07 (15 sec)
"There -- a political path forward is certainly one that we continue to support. We have a negotiator, as you well know, who, you know, is a -- is monitoring and closely engaged in that process. And so that is certainly ongoing and will be a part of the agenda."
127
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:20:07-00:20:09 (1 sec)
"Go ahead."
128
Question
Somewhat Positive
00:20:09-00:20:13 (5 sec)
"Jen, thank you. On Afghanistan, in terms of SIV applicants --"
129
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:20:13-00:20:14 ( sec)
"Sure."
130
Question
Neutral
00:20:14-00:20:16 (2 sec)
"-- the President said yesterday, this would be a topic in the meeting today."
131
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:20:16-00:20:16 (1 sec)
"Yeah."
132
Question
Positive
00:20:16-00:20:22 (5 sec)
"Can you provide clarity on what neutral locations these applicants will be moved towards?"
133
Question
Leans Negative
00:20:22-00:20:31 (9 sec)
"And then also, will that withdrawal include those who have already fled Afghanistan, because of a fear of retaliation, to places like Jordan or Egypt?"
134
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:20:31-00:20:49 (18 sec)
"Yeah, so let me give you information on where we are. And it's unfortunately not going to answer every single question. Some of this we're not going to be able to outline for security reasons. But we have identified a group of SIV applicants -- Special Immigrant Visa applicants -- who have served as interpreters and translators, as well as other at-risk categories, who have assisted us."
135
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:20:49-00:21:01 (12 sec)
"They will be relocated to a location outside of Afghanistan before we complete our military drawdown, by September, in order to complete the visa application process. So they will do it from another location."
136
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:21:01-00:21:04 (3 sec)
"The additional details of that I'm just not going to be able to speak to from here."
137
Question
Neutral
00:21:04-00:21:06 (2 sec)
"Did you say a number though on -- on how --"
138
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:21:06-00:21:13 (7 sec)
"I don't have a number to outline for you. And it's unlikely we will, because we are going to -- those are the categories that we are prioritizing."
139
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:21:13-00:21:22 (9 sec)
"I'd also note that these are individuals who are already in the SIV pipeline, and so we'd under -- under -- and of course we'd under -- undertake any relocation in full compliance with U.S. law."
140
Question
Somewhat Positive
00:21:22-00:21:28 (6 sec)
"And just one -- just a follow-up. I know I've asked about this a good amount, but for my colleagues as well."
141
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:21:28-00:21:29 (1 sec)
"Sure."
142
Question
Neutral
00:21:29-00:21:36 (7 sec)
"We reported yesterday that the administration would lift Title 42 in a phased approach this summer. Does this summer look likely?"
143
Question
Positive
00:21:36-00:21:46 (10 sec)
"And here's a new addition to that question: What will be the administration's plan once that policy is lifted? Will it be centered on deterrence? Will it be prioritizing restoring the asylum system?"
144
Jen Psaki
Leans Positive
00:21:46-00:22:01 (14 sec)
"Well, first, I would say, on the second part, that, of course, we want to restore the asylum system and we want to make it more operational. We want to make it more humane. And there's a lot of work we can -- we need to do after the disaster of the last four years on this front."
145
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:22:01-00:22:13 (12 sec)
"In terms of the timeline of Title 42 -- I know I keep saying this to you, and I apologize it's the same answer -- but that is a decision that will be made by the CDC. I have nothing to preview for you in terms of the timeline."
146
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:22:13-00:22:15 (2 sec)
"Go ahead, Karen. Go ahead."
147
Question
Somewhat Positive
00:22:15-00:22:24 (9 sec)
"Jen, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp today accused the President and his allies of weaponizing the Justice Department to undermine election integrity. What's the White House reaction to that?"
148
Jen Psaki
Leans Negative
00:22:24-00:22:32 (8 sec)
"I would say: If you have such a fear of making it easier and more accessible for people to vote, then I would ask you what you're so afraid of."
149
Question
Positive
00:22:32-00:22:43 (11 sec)
"Does the White House see the Justice Department as its only real way of going on offense against some of these sweeping efforts across the country to implement voting restrictions? That, as opposed to legislation right now?"
150
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:22:43-00:23:06 (23 sec)
"No, we don't. It's a good question. I mean, it is an area where, of course, the Attorney General and some of the -- as you know, Kristen Clarke, Vanita Gupta -- some of the highest-ranking officials in the Justice Department -- the President nominated and pushed for their confirmation -- have long records of advocacy, effectiveness, and work on these issues. So, he certainly entrusts them with the work they're going to continue to do on this front."
151
Jen Psaki
Very Negative
00:23:06-00:23:15 (9 sec)
"We are going to continue to fight for, battle for, work toward federal legislation. I know it does not seem easy at this time. Hard things -- we do hard things; that's what we do here."
152
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:23:15-00:23:26 (10 sec)
"But we're also going to continue to engage -- and this is a -- as it relates to an earlier question -- with local activists, with local legislators. You've seen the Vice President do a bit of this -- engage with and work with them."
153
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:23:26-00:23:40 (15 sec)
"We're going to -- to fight this fight on many fronts. And certainly not -- the role that the Attorney General and the Justice Department may decide to take is one, but there are a l- -- a number of other ways the President, the Vice President, and our administration will be continuing to fight for voting rights."
154
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:23:40-00:23:42 (2 sec)
"Go ahead. Go ahead, right in the middle."
155
Question
Very Positive
00:23:42-00:23:58 (16 sec)
"Today, on the anniversary of Shelby v. Holder, you have over 25 buses coming in between today and tomorrow on these Freedom Rides, being led by Black Voters Matter. Has anyone from the administration spoken with them? I know that they're going to be holding a news conference later on today."
156
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:23:58-00:23:58 ( sec)
"Yeah."
157
Question
Leans Positive
00:23:58-00:23:59 (1 sec)
"But have you reached out to them?"
158
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:23:59-00:24:08 (9 sec)
"That's a great question. I'll have to talk to our outreach team and some other senior members of the team to see if they had been engaged directly with them. I don't know off the --"
159
Question
Very Negative
00:24:08-00:24:35 (26 sec)
"And also, when it comes to the President trying to lower crime rate in the midst of this spike, there have been many reports showing that putting money -- adding more money to police departments does not necessarily correlate with lowering crime. Why did the President decide to do that in -- or instead of attaching it within the order to having the police departments do -- have some type of system where they have to do something in order to receive that type of money?"
160
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:24:35-00:24:50 (15 sec)
"Well, first, I would say that the President -- and we saw some positive steps forward just yesterday on police reform in the negotiations; that's certainly a positive step. The President believes we need to do both. And many -- most people in most communities across the country where there's rising crime agree."
161
Jen Psaki
Negative
00:24:50-00:25:19 (29 sec)
"And what the President announced just a couple of days ago, was a -- primarily, a plan to reduce gun violence, which he feels is a big driver of violence across the country. But I would say, community policing and -- is something that we've seen as effective, rebuilding trust in communities, ensuring that law enforcement are working on behalf of communities -- that's what he was proposing funding to go towards. That is different than a step -- as it relates to the criminal justice system."
162
Question
Slightly Positive
00:25:19-00:25:22 (3 sec)
"Is he going to talk back about creating a police oversight commission?"
163
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:25:22-00:25:35 (13 sec)
"Well, I think a number of activists have conveyed that that is not their pri- -- their preference for the path forward. They want to see this legislation move forward. We've seen some progress on that front, so that's where we're going to put ba- -- the basket we're going to put our eggs."
164
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:25:35-00:25:36 (1 sec)
"Go ahead, in the middle."
165
Question
Slightly Positive
00:25:36-00:25:38 (3 sec)
"Yeah. Now that Vice President Harris is visiting the border --"
166
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:25:38-00:25:38 ( sec)
"Yes."
167
Question
Neutral
00:25:38-00:25:41 (2 sec)
"-- as we speak, when will President Biden visit?"
168
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:25:41-00:25:55 (14 sec)
"I don't have anything to predict for you or preview for you. As the President has said -- the Vice President said back in March, she'd be open to visiting the border. And if it's constructive and moves the ball forward for the President to visit it, I'm sure he may. But we come with a bunch of people, as you all know."
169
Question
Very Positive
00:25:55-00:26:10 (15 sec)
"On voting -- on voting rights, I just -- I just want to be clear: Are you saying that the White House had no contact with the Justice Department about this decision to move forward in Georgia? Is the Justice Department completely independent on this or is --"
170
Jen Psaki
Slightly Negative
00:26:10-00:26:11 (1 sec)
"No, I'm not --"
171
Question
Neutral
00:26:11-00:26:12 (1 sec)
"-- part of a White House agenda?"
172
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:26:12-00:26:23 (10 sec)
"It's a -- it's a priority to the President. But -- and, yes, of course we are wel- -- allowed to know. But it is -- I was not meaning to convey that. But it is a decision made by the Justice Department to move forward."
173
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:26:23-00:26:32 (10 sec)
"But, clearly, a priority of the President to take action wherever we can in government to make it more accessible to vote for people across the country."
174
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:26:32-00:26:33 (1 sec)
"Go ahead."
175
Question
Neutral
00:26:33-00:26:34 ( sec)
"Jen --"
176
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:26:34-00:26:36 (2 sec)
"Let me go to her first, then I'll go to you."
177
Question
Very Positive
00:26:36-00:26:40 (4 sec)
"Thanks, Jen. When you talk about engaging at the state level -- voting rights --"
178
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:26:40-00:26:40 ( sec)
"Yeah."
179
Question
Somewhat Positive
00:26:40-00:26:47 (7 sec)
"-- what does that look like? Aside from travel, how will the administration be scrutinizing new laws going into place or --"
180
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:26:47-00:27:05 (18 sec)
"Well, you saw the Department of Justice take an action today, that's an example. But you've also seen the Vice President meet with legislators and work -- and talk with them about the path forward and how we can work together to fight back against vote- -- efforts to suppress the vote across the country."
181
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:27:05-00:27:19 (14 sec)
"So those are two examples. But, also, engaging with activists. I will say, there are a lot of people in this building who know a lot about how to engage, educate, empower people to know what their rights are. We want to work with states and local authorities to do exactly that."
182
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:27:19-00:27:21 (2 sec)
"But the President will be talking about this more next week."
183
Question
Neutral
00:27:21-00:27:26 (5 sec)
"Does the administration believe that's making a difference in Republican-controlled state legislatures?"
184
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:27:26-00:27:27 (1 sec)
"We'll have to see."
185
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:27:27-00:27:28 (1 sec)
"Go ahead."
186
Question
Positive
00:27:28-00:27:46 (18 sec)
"The President of Angola, President João Lourenço, was at the United Nations this week, and his main goal there -- or his main focus was to -- advocating to end the arms embargo that is going on on the Central -- in the Central African Republic."
187
Question
Very Positive
00:27:46-00:28:03 (16 sec)
"And President Lourenço is now the acting President of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. So he know the area. He have done a lot of work to bring peace and security in this region; that's why he advocated strongly to end the embargo."
188
Question
Very Positive
00:28:03-00:28:14 (11 sec)
"But the United States wants to continue the embargo. Do you know what is the main reason? Or what -- what is the interest of the United States to keep the embargo on the Central African Republic?"
189
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:28:14-00:28:20 (6 sec)
"I'd really point you to our U.N. Ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield; or the State Department for that question."
190
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:28:20-00:28:20 (1 sec)
"Go ahead."
191
Question
Neutral
00:28:20-00:28:22 (1 sec)
"I just have one more --"
192
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:28:22-00:28:22 (1 sec)
"I think we have to move on."
193
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:28:22-00:28:23 ( sec)
"Go ahead."
194
Question
Neutral
00:28:23-00:28:33 (10 sec)
"Is there any situation in which the President would sign the bipartisan infrastructure deal without an accompanying reconciliation bill?"
195
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:28:33-00:28:38 (5 sec)
"The President fully expects and plans to sign both pieces of legislation into law."
196
Question
Neutral
00:28:38-00:28:39 (1 sec)
"One other question --"
197
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:28:39-00:28:40 (1 sec)
"Oh, go ahead."
198
Question
Very Positive
00:28:40-00:28:53 (13 sec)
"The end of the Supreme Court term is next week. Does the President or the White House expect any retirements? And what would the message from the President be to a Justice who might be thinking about hanging up the robe?"
199
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:28:53-00:28:58 (5 sec)
"It's a decision for them to make as an individual. And he would support whatever decision they make."
200
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:28:58-00:28:59 (1 sec)
"Go ahead."
201
Question
Neutral
00:28:59-00:29:03 (4 sec)
"President Biden met with financial regulators earlier this week."
202
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:29:03-00:29:03 (1 sec)
"Mm-hmm."
203
Question
Positive
00:29:03-00:29:17 (13 sec)
"I'm wondering if there was any discussion about buy-now-pay-later companies -- so like Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay. These are becoming very popular in the U.S. in retail transactions. And Europe recently made moves a few months back to regulate them. Is there anything you could tell me about that?"
204
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:29:17-00:29:32 (15 sec)
"You know, we've provided a readout of the meeting and what the focus of the meeting is -- was -- which was to provide an update on the state of the financial markets, to talk about how they can work to make credit more accessible. I just don't have anything more to read out for you."
205
Question
Somewhat Negative
00:29:32-00:29:32 (1 sec)
"So no discussion --"
206
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:29:32-00:29:38 (5 sec)
"You could certainly -- you could certainly reach out to any of the regulators if they want to speak about anything they raised. But I don't have more of a readout from here."
207
Question
Neutral
00:29:38-00:29:40 (2 sec)
"Okay. But no discussion from the White House then -- on that then?"
208
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:29:40-00:29:42 (3 sec)
"I would point you to the regulators. I don't have any more to read out from here."
209
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:29:42-00:29:43 (1 sec)
"Go ahead."
210
Question
Very Negative
00:29:43-00:30:09 (26 sec)
"Thanks, Jen. The President is meeting shortly with President Ghani and Chairman Abdullah. They met yesterday with the Senate's Minority Leader. And after that meeting, he called for a reversal of course by this administration to avoid a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, contending that will give rise to renewed terrorism threats to the U.S. homeland. What is your response to Senator McConnell on that?"
211
Jen Psaki
Leans Positive
00:30:09-00:30:32 (23 sec)
"I would first say it's important to take a step back and remember what we inherited. One, the lowest number of U.S. and partner forces in Afghanistan since the early days of the war. Two, an agreement between the United States and the Taliban to draw down all U.S. troops by May 1st, just three months after Inauguration Day -- a very short timeline. And three, a military stalemate between the Taliban and Afghan forces."
212
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:30:32-00:30:52 (20 sec)
"That's the hand we were dealt. The President made a decision -- which is consistent with his view that this was not a winnable war -- to bring the U.S. troops home, some- -- after 20 years of fighting this war. And a big part of that decision was also around the fact that if we left our troops there, our troops would be at risk because the Taliban would be shooting at them by May 1st."
213
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:30:52-00:31:07 (16 sec)
"That's the basis of it. Are there challenges to it? Of course. Will we continue to be engaged -- as -- as today is an -- is evidence of -- with the government about how we can continue to provide humanitarian security support? Yes, we will. Will we have a presence on the ground? Yes, we will."
214
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:31:07-00:31:12 (4 sec)
"But that was a decision the President made with all of those factors involved."
215
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:31:12-00:31:12 (1 sec)
"Go ahead."
216
Question
Very Positive
00:31:12-00:31:14 (2 sec)
"Thank you. Good to see you again."
217
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:31:14-00:31:15 (1 sec)
"Oh, hello, Goyal, how are you?"
218
Question
Very Positive
00:31:15-00:31:17 (1 sec)
"Thank you. Good to see you again."
219
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:31:17-00:31:18 (1 sec)
"Good to see you."
220
Question
Somewhat Positive
00:31:18-00:31:38 (21 sec)
"Quick two questions, please. One on U.S.-India relations, of course: Prime Minister Modi has spoken with President Biden a number of times. And have they -- at the level of moving forward U.S.-India relations now between the two of them and where vaccine is concerned -- where do we stand?"
221
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:31:38-00:32:03 (24 sec)
"Well, I would say, Goyal, that the -- India is an incredibly important partner to the United States in the region and globally. And we work with India on a range of issues, as you well know -- economic, strategic, security. And the United States certainly took a range of steps, as India was at the early stages of dealing with a rise in the pandemic, to help provide a range of assistance, and we will continue to do that moving forward."
222
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:32:03-00:32:07 (5 sec)
"Go ahead. I'm sorry, Goyal. We got to -- we got -- we're going to run out of time, so I just want to get to as many people as possible."
223
Question
Neutral
00:32:07-00:32:08 (1 sec)
"One more on the border thing."
224
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:32:08-00:32:09 (1 sec)
"Sure."
225
Question
Neutral
00:32:09-00:32:18 (10 sec)
"Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a statement saying that he would have preferred the Vice President went to the Del Rio sector or the Rio Grande area. Any response to that?"
226
Question
Neutral
00:32:18-00:32:26 (7 sec)
"And secondly, was there any communication between the Vice President's office that you can tell us about with the governor's office about a potential meeting?"
227
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:32:26-00:32:28 (2 sec)
"A meeting with the governor?"
228
Question
Neutral
00:32:28-00:32:30 (2 sec)
"With the Vice -- between the Vice President and the governor."
229
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:32:30-00:32:36 (6 sec)
"I am happy to check with them and see if there was or if that was ever a part of -- of the plans. And I'll get back to you on that."
230
Question
Negative
00:32:36-00:32:40 (3 sec)
"Any response to his criticism about where she went today?"
231
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:32:40-00:32:57 (18 sec)
"Well, I would say the purpose of the Vice President's visit -- as we've outlined -- was to -- she's long said she would be open to visiting the border; she's doing that with Secretary Mayorkas, who oversees the border and has helped lead a range of progress there that we've seen over the last couple of months."
232
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:32:57-00:33:07 (10 sec)
"And there certainly is a connection between the important work the Vice President is doing in the Northern Triangle, where we've also seen a reduction in migration of unaccompanied children since March and since April."
233
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:33:07-00:33:14 (7 sec)
"So that's the purpose of their visit. In terms of direct consultation with the governor, I'm happy to check and see if there's more I can read out for you."
234
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:33:14-00:33:15 (1 sec)
"Go ahead in the middle, in the back."
235
Question
Positive
00:33:15-00:33:16 (1 sec)
"Thanks."
236
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:33:16-00:33:21 (5 sec)
"Yeah, go ahead. Go ahead. And then I'll go to you, right in front of him."
237
Question
Neutral
00:33:21-00:33:27 (5 sec)
"On the governor's meeting with western governors next week: Can you tell us anything about which governors are invited, what we can expect to come out of that meeting?"
238
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:33:27-00:33:27 ( sec)
"Sure."
239
Question
Slightly Positive
00:33:27-00:33:36 (9 sec)
"And then, specifically, the President mentioned he was surprised at just how little federal wildland firefighters were paid. What would the administration do about that?"
240
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:33:36-00:33:52 (16 sec)
"Well, one, we could pass a federal minimum wage, which would represent a higher wage than it seems the firefighters are getting. But, certainly, he will continue to advocate for additional support and assistance for the men and women serving as firefighters around the country."
241
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:33:52-00:34:07 (15 sec)
"Let me give you a sense of the governors coming. So the meeting, first, will focus on how the federal government can improve wildfire preparedness and response efforts, protect public safety, and deliver assistance to our people in times of urgent need."
242
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:34:07-00:34:26 (19 sec)
"As a former local elected official himself -- maybe he will always feel that way in his heart, I think. He feels it's really important to engage directly, sit with people -- as you can, either remotely or in person -- to really discuss what the holdups are, what the challenges are, how can we help be better partners from the federal government. So this is an example of that."
243
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:34:26-00:34:43 (17 sec)
"Governor Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon; Governor of California, Gavin Newsom; Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham; Governor of Wyoming, Mark Gordon; Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis; Governor of Utah, Spencer Cox; and Governor of Nevada, Steve Sisolak, will be the governors who will be in attendance."
244
Question
Neutral
00:34:43-00:34:49 (5 sec)
"Could I just confirm that Governor Little and Governor Gianforte are not invited? And Governor Inslee?"
245
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:34:49-00:34:57 (9 sec)
"That's the list of attendees I have. I can certainly check if there's more on who or -- was or wasn't invited. Oh, go ahead. I said I would go to right next. We'll -- we'll make sure we get to you. I promise."
246
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:34:57-00:34:57 ( sec)
"Go ahead."
247
Question
Very Positive
00:34:57-00:35:10 (13 sec)
"Can you offer more specifics about what the President and the White House will do over the next week to continue to boost support for this infrastructure bill? Can we expect him to be on the phone with Republicans that have expressed concerns about his comments yesterday? Or --"
248
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:35:10-00:35:29 (19 sec)
"You can expect, as is evidenced by the fact that he called Senator -- he had a conversation with Senema- -- Senator Simina -- Sinema? [Laughter] Ugh, Friday. That's a hard one. Senator Sinema this morning that he, of course, be on the phone, and he will be engaging directly with members of both parties about moving his priorities forward."
249
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:35:29-00:35:36 (7 sec)
"You know, sometimes that's scheduled or planned a day in advance or the day before, so I don't have more specifics for you. But as they happen, we'll read them out for you."
250
Question
Somewhat Positive
00:35:36-00:35:38 (1 sec)
"Can I just follow up on that, please?"
251
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:35:38-00:35:38 (1 sec)
"Yeah."
252
Question
Somewhat Negative
00:35:38-00:35:57 (19 sec)
"Has he called any of the Republican senators today? Obviously, you were mentioning earlier that he's talked about this publicly, what his stance was. There are Republican senators that are surprised by what he said yesterday and are upset, as has been reported. So has he talked to them today? And what is he doing to sort of keep this deal intact?"
253
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:35:57-00:36:13 (17 sec)
"Well, first, I think what he's doing, Anita, is continuing to convey and provide details to the public -- who care deeply about whether he's delivering for them, less about the mechanics of the process -- about why this should be a package that's supported broadly by Democrats and Republicans across Congress."
254
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:36:13-00:36:19 (5 sec)
"So that's what I did, certainly, at the beginning, and that's the case he's going to continue to make."
255
Question
Neutral
00:36:19-00:36:21 (2 sec)
"Did he call any of those senators today though?"
256
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:36:21-00:36:23 (2 sec)
"I don't have any additional calls to read out."
257
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:36:23-00:36:25 (2 sec)
"I think -- let's see -- go ahead. Go ahead."
258
Question
Positive
00:36:25-00:36:28 (4 sec)
"Thanks so much, Jen. First, just following up on an earlier question."
259
Jen Psaki
Somewhat Positive
00:36:28-00:36:29 ( sec)
"Sure."
260
Question
Very Positive
00:36:29-00:36:46 (17 sec)
"The Special Immigrant Visa population from Afghanistan: Does the United States plan to protect those translators and people who worked for Americans who have already fled Afghanistan and are in different countries currently?"
261
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:36:46-00:36:57 (12 sec)
"Well, they're individuals who are already in the SIV pipeline. I suppose some of them might not be. I can certainly -- might not be still there. I can certainly check and see if they're -- if they've already departed Afghanistan, how that would apply."
262
Question
Neutral
00:36:57-00:37:03 (6 sec)
"And then I have another question about the manatee population in Florida. They are dying --"
263
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:37:03-00:37:09 (6 sec)
"That was not on my bingo card today -- [laughter] -- but I'm happy to answer it. Okay."
264
Question
Very Positive
00:37:09-00:37:15 (5 sec)
"Well, the Wall Street Journal had a good article about them this week. They are dying at a record pace."
265
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:37:15-00:37:15 ( sec)
"Mm-hmm."
266
Question
Very Negative
00:37:15-00:37:35 (20 sec)
"Eight hundred of them died in the last year. And I wanted to see if the administration believes that these animals should be relisted as endangered, and also whether anything in Biden's infrastructure deal that he struck yesterday would continue on to help with -- part of the problem is that they're -- the Florida waters are not clean."
267
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:37:35-00:37:36 (1 sec)
"Yeah."
268
Question
Very Negative
00:37:36-00:37:38 (2 sec)
"And it's sort of hurting their habitat."
269
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:37:38-00:37:47 (9 sec)
"Yeah, I will say, in in all seriousness -- I mean, certainly, it's an important question, an important issue. I don't want the -- the pro-manatee --"
270
Question
Neutral
00:37:47-00:37:47 ( sec)
"[Inaudible]"
271
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:37:47-00:37:48 (2 sec)
"-- people to not think I feel that."
272
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:37:48-00:38:09 (21 sec)
"But I will say that, yes, there are components of his -- of his package. I mean, a part of this package -- a big part of this package is a down payment on climate resilience, on ensuring that we are cleaning up some of the polluted areas in our country -- something that is impacting a lot of communities proportionally more than others."
273
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:38:09-00:38:16 (6 sec)
"So that is -- I would have to check on sort of what that means for the Florida coast -- I think you said, specifically there."
274
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:38:16-00:38:19 (4 sec)
"In terms of relisting them -- it's a great question. I just have to talk to the -- the folks --"
275
Question
Somewhat Positive
00:38:19-00:38:20 (1 sec)
"One more about Afghanistan, please."
276
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:38:20-00:38:22 (1 sec)
"-- who would be more specific about that."
277
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:38:22-00:38:22 ( sec)
"Go ahead."
278
Question
Somewhat Positive
00:38:22-00:38:41 (19 sec)
"Thank you. Nazira Karimi, Afghan journalist. There are many protestors -- Afghan protestors -- outside the White House. They are waiting and they have a high expectations from today's two Presidents meeting. Do you have any message for them? Because as soon as I leave here, I go to see them and get their opinion."
279
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:38:41-00:38:59 (18 sec)
"Well, I would say that the -- the meeting today is an opportunity to convey, from the President, that we have an ongoing commitment -- we are committed to supporting the Afghan people and the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, even as we continue to undertake a security transition."
280
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:38:59-00:39:09 (10 sec)
"The President is also going to emphasize, during this meeting, the need for unity, cohesion, and for the Afghan government to focus on the key challenges Afghanistan faces."
281
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:39:09-00:39:22 (13 sec)
"And so, as you noted, we'll welcome both President Ghani and Chairman Abdullah. And one of the most important messages he will stress is that they need to have a united front as Afghanistan continues to address security and other challenges."
282
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:39:22-00:39:30 (9 sec)
"And finally, he will emphasize our continuing diplomatic support for the peace process and for all Afghan parties to engage in good faith in that process."
283
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:39:30-00:39:46 (15 sec)
"So the bottom line that you can convey is that he's going to discuss our enduring United States support, including through security assistance to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, development and humanitarian assistance to support the Afghan people, and diplomatic engagement in support of peace."
284
Question
Somewhat Positive
00:39:46-00:39:46 (1 sec)
"Thank you, Jen."
285
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:39:46-00:39:54 (8 sec)
"Thank you, guys. I'm sorry. You've got a -- you've got to gather. Oh, I'm sorry. Chris. Chris. Chris. And then I want to go to Amna because it's her first time too, so okay. Okay. Go ahead."
286
Question
Very Positive
00:39:54-00:40:01 (7 sec)
"All right. Happy Pride. I know we're running short on time, I'm just going to smush my multiple inquiries today on the LGBT developments into one, and that is -- [laughter]."
287
Jen Psaki
Leans Negative
00:40:01-00:40:06 (5 sec)
"Take your time; it's okay. [Laughter] People can leave if they need to gather. No one is rushing you out of here."
288
Question
Neutral
00:40:06-00:40:17 (11 sec)
"The initiatives today: How do they place in the President's both domestic and foreign policy agenda? And don't they fall short of the President signing the Equality Act into law?"
289
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:40:17-00:40:29 (12 sec)
"Well, first, on the -- well, let me start with the first one because I think that's an important question, because what we do here and the values that we advocate for in the United States do send an important message around the world, and sometimes we forget that."
290
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:40:29-00:40:46 (17 sec)
"So, during his remarks today, the President will outline, of course, the historic step his -- his administration has taken, but he will also renew his calls on the Senate to swiftly pass the Equality Act and provide overdue, explicit civil rights protections to LGBTQ people and families across the country."
291
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:40:46-00:41:01 (14 sec)
"He will also speak directly to the proliferation of state-level anti-LGBTQ bill- -- plus -- bills, denouncing them as un-American and legislation disguised as bullying. And he will commend the community for their courage and bravery pushing progress forward."
292
Jen Psaki
Neutral
00:41:01-00:41:15 (15 sec)
"Finally, he will announce his appointment of Jessica Stern as the U.S. envoy to advance the human rights of LGBTQ persons at the Department of State, a role -- just to make the connection here -- that will be critical to advancing his agenda overseas and around the world, as well."
293
Question
Neutral
00:41:15-00:41:18 (3 sec)
"Any plans for the President to visit the soon-to-be Pulse Memorial?"
294
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:41:18-00:41:37 (19 sec)
"I don't have anything to preview in terms of travel beyond next week. Maybe -- we don't work too far ahead in planning around these parts, but certainly the fact that he's signing this legislation today sends a clear message about, you know, his commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, and to commemorating what was a tragedy in our nation's history."
295
Jen Psaki
Slightly Positive
00:41:37-00:41:39 (2 sec)
"Amna. Okay, last one. And then everybody can gather."
296
Question
Somewhat Positive
00:41:39-00:41:59 (20 sec)
"Two quick ones on -- the NewsHour has been in touch with Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen. Ran by him the reports of hundreds of additional U.S. forces staying beyond the withdrawal. This is his response: He says, "It's a violation of the commitment and the agreement made by the U.S. It jeopardizes the peace process and could pave the way for continued prolonged war." So what's the White House response to that?"
297
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:41:59-00:42:18 (19 sec)
"I would say, first, that we have been very clear -- and the President was when he made his announcement about his plans to withdraw troops -- that we plan to have a diplomatic presence on the ground, including -- including a security presence to protect our diplomatic presence on the ground. And that's something that has been a part of the discussion from the beginning."
298
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:42:18-00:42:23 (5 sec)
"And beyond that, I certainly would have to talk to our national security team if there's more."
299
Question
Leans Negative
00:42:23-00:42:36 (13 sec)
"Just one more quick one: The family of Mark Frerichs -- a U.S. Navy veteran who is still held hostage in Afghanistan -- is worried that as U.S. troops continue to leave, you've lost all leverage in any efforts to free him. So what's the President's message to his family?"
300
Jen Psaki
Very Negative
00:42:36-00:42:47 (11 sec)
"The President's message is that he will continue to fight every day of his presidency to bring Americans home who are detained overseas in -- whether it's in Afghanistan or any other country around the world."
301
Jen Psaki
Very Positive
00:42:47-00:43:03 (16 sec)
"Again, we will have a diplomatic presence on the ground. We will continue to work closely with the government, with security support, humanitarian support. And there needs to be continued -- continued political process, ongoing negotiations. That will be part of the President's message today when he meets with the leaders."
302
Jen Psaki
Positive
00:43:03-00:43:09 (6 sec)
"Thanks, everyone, so much. Happy Friday."
303