Transcript - Press Conference: Jen Psaki Holds a Press Briefing at The White House - September 22, 2021 | Factba.se

Jen Psaki

00:00:00 - 00:00:24 ()

Hi, everyone. Okay, today, the administration announced a historic new donation in the global fight to defeat COVID-19. President Biden announced that the United States is purchasing an additional half a billion Pfizer vaccines to donate to low- and lower-middle income countries around the world.

Jen Psaki

00:00:24 - 00:00:40 ()

Before today, the United States had already committed to donating over 600 million vaccine doses to the world. That includes 500 million Pfizer doses that we purchased earlier this summer to donate to 100 countries in need -- the largest donation of COVID-19 vaccines by a single country ever.

Jen Psaki

00:00:40 - 00:00:51 ()

Overall, we have now shipped nearly 160 million of these doses to 100 countries around the world -- from Peru to Pakistan, Sri Lanka to Sudan, El Salvador to Ethiopia.

Jen Psaki

00:00:51 - 00:01:02 ()

To put this in perspective, the United States has now delivered more free doses than every other country in the world combined. Millions more get shipped each week. And importantly, our donations come with zero strings attached.

Jen Psaki

00:01:02 - 00:01:14 ()

Today's announcement brings our total to over 1.1 [billion] vaccines donated to the world to -- overall. And we're building from here. This is obviously a huge commitment.

Jen Psaki

00:01:14 - 00:01:24 ()

And another piece to put it in perspective: One shots here -- for every shot we are delivering here, we are giving -- or we are committing three shots to the rest of the world.

Jen Psaki

00:01:24 - 00:01:50 ()

This commitment also comes as part of a Joint EU/U.S. Vaccine Sharing Commitment that the United States and Europe will share doses globally to advance -- enhance vaccination rates, with a priority on sharing through COVAX and improving vaccination rates urgently in low- and middle-income countries. We welcome the EU's announcement today that they will donate over 500 million doses. This is in addition to the doses we have financed through COVAX.

Jen Psaki

00:01:50 - 00:02:03 ()

And these announcements came as part of today's, of course, summit -- Global COVID-19 Summit -- which gathered together -- convened heads of state and leaders from over 100 countries.

Jen Psaki

00:02:03 - 00:02:21 ()

Let's see. With that -- I just also wanted to also note the Vice President also spoke just recently at the summit. And she announced that the U.S. is contributing at least $250 million to establish a new Global Health Security Financial Intermediary Fund at the World Bank to coalesce resources for pandemic preparedness.

Jen Psaki

00:02:21 - 00:02:23 ()

With that, why don't you kick us off.

Question

00:02:23 - 00:02:43 ()

Thanks. Media on the border have reported that many Haitians are being released into the United States. Can you clarify why they're not being placed on expulsion flights to Haiti? And does the administration have any concern that these releases undercut the public messaging that Haitians should not come to the border?

Jen Psaki

00:02:43 - 00:03:18 ()

Well, let me explain to a little bit of how the process works. So, DHS -- the Department of Homeland Security -- continues to expel migrants under Title -- CDC's Title 42 authority. Those who cannot be expelled -- and this has been the case and been our policy and process for migrants coming from any country around the world -- under Title 42, and who do not have a legal basis to remain, are placed in either expedi- -- or a form of removal proceedings. And individuals who are not immediately removed are either placed in an alternative to detention or transported to an ICE facility.

Jen Psaki

00:03:18 - 00:03:36 ()

If they are placed in an alternative to detention, there's also a process required -- a legal document -- a document they would have. As a part of that process, Border Patrol agents collect biometric and biographic information: fingerprints, photos, phone numbers, and an address in the United States, and also run a background check as a part of the process.

Jen Psaki

00:03:36 - 00:03:42 ()

And those who do not report, like anyone who's in our country without legal status, are subject to removal by ICE.

Jen Psaki

00:03:42 - 00:04:00 ()

I give you all of that to understand the different steps in the process. Obviously, there are flights. We need to have enough flights to transport individuals to Haiti or to other countries. And there are a range of flights, as you know, that are going to different parts of the world, depending. And those are in process.

Jen Psaki

00:04:00 - 00:04:13 ()

So if we're not -- if there isn't a flight ready yet, those are indiv- -- those individuals may be pli- -- placed in alternatives to detention. And there, as I noted, is this mechanism where these documents are required.

Question

00:04:13 - 00:04:25 ()

And could you offer any further details on the call that happened late this morning between President Biden and President Macron? How long did it last?

Jen Psaki

00:04:25 - 00:04:25 ()

Question

00:04:25 - 00:04:36 ()

How was the tone? What -- how much -- you know, there was quite a bit of detail in the readout of plans for the meeting. How much of that was worked out beforehand, before the presidents even got together?

Jen Psaki

00:04:36 - 00:04:57 ()

Sure. Well, as we've noted in the past -- to take your last question first -- there have been ongoing discussions and engagements at a variety of levels between the United States and France. So, certainly, the possibility of a meeting was something that was naturally discussed in advance, but also natural for the President to raise that and discuss it at the leader level.

Jen Psaki

00:04:57 - 00:05:13 ()

In terms of the tone of the call: It was friendly. It was one where -- we're hopeful and the President is hopeful this is a step in returning to normal in a long, important, abiding relationship that the United States has with France.

Jen Psaki

00:05:13 - 00:05:32 ()

It was about 30 minutes long. As we noted in the readout and as you said, it was extensive. But part of the -- and during the conversation, the President reaffirmed the strategic importance of France -- French and European engagement, I should say, in the Indo-Pacific region -- something that we look forward to continuing to work with them on.

Jen Psaki

00:05:32 - 00:05:43 ()

And as we said in the readout, the French ambassador will return to Washington next week, and he will then start intensive work with U.S. officials. So that will be part of the ongoing next steps that we go from here.

Jen Psaki

00:05:43 - 00:05:47 ()

And as we also noted, they will meet in Europe at the end of October.

Question

00:05:47 - 00:05:49 ()

And if I may just quickly follow up --

Jen Psaki

00:05:49 - 00:05:49 ()

Question

00:05:49 - 00:06:09 ()

-- on that. Boris Johnson, earlier today, dismissed French anger over the submarine deal, saying that French officials should "get a grip." Substantively, does the administration agree with the Prime Minister's criticism that the French had failed to acknowledge the value of AUKUS and the submarine deal to global security?

Question

00:06:09 - 00:06:14 ()

And then, secondly, is calling on the French to "get a grip" helpful at this point?

Jen Psaki

00:06:14 - 00:06:35 ()

Well, I can only speak for our relationship with the French and our relationship with the United Kingdom. And I will say that the President during this call, as we said in the readout, acknowledged that there could be more of a -- there could have been more discussion in advance of the announcement. And that was an important -- an important message for him to convey during that conversation.

Jen Psaki

00:06:35 - 00:06:39 ()

So I can't speak to the comments, and whether they're constructive or not, from other countries.

Jen Psaki

00:06:39 - 00:06:39 ()

Question

00:06:39 - 00:06:57 ()

Thanks, Jen. A follow-up on immigration, and then I have one on the schedule today. So, Secretary Mayorkas has now been asked twice on the Hill and he's not been able to provide an answer to this. So I want to ask you, do you have the numbers: How many Haitians have been deported? How many have been processed? And how many have been allowed to stay in the United States?

Jen Psaki

00:06:57 - 00:07:07 ()

I certainly understand why you're asking, and understand why people have been asking Secretary Mayorkas. Those are numbers that are -- the Sec- -- the Department of Homeland Security would have the most up-to-date numbers.

Question

00:07:07 - 00:07:13 ()

But why is it so hard to keep track of a simple number like that? Why can't you give it? Why can't he give it? It's been -- two days now he's been asked that.

Jen Psaki

00:07:13 - 00:07:20 ()

I'm certain they will provide it. It's an absolutely fair question to ask. And I'm certain he just wanted to have the most up-to-date numbers to provide.

Question

00:07:20 - 00:07:35 ()

On the campaign trail, then-candidate, now-President Biden said, quote, "We're going to restore our moral standing in the world and our historic role as the safe haven for refugees and asylum-seekers." How does what's happening on the border right now with Haitian refugees square with that?

Jen Psaki

00:07:35 - 00:07:37 ()

Well, which aspect of what's happening at the border?

Question

00:07:37 - 00:07:39 ()

What's happening with the Haitians.

Jen Psaki

00:07:39 - 00:07:40 ()

Do you mean the photos we've seen?

Question

00:07:40 - 00:07:42 ()

Them being sent back --

Jen Psaki

00:07:42 - 00:07:43 ()

Or do you mean --

Question

00:07:43 - 00:07:44 ()

-- the photos. Yeah. Them not --

Jen Psaki

00:07:44 - 00:08:00 ()

Well -- well, first, we understand and agree that this has been an incredibly heart-wrenching issue. We've watched the photos of Haitians gathering under a bridge, many with families, and the horrific video of the CBP officers on horse -- on horses using brutal and inappropriate measures against innocent people.

Jen Psaki

00:08:00 - 00:08:10 ()

I think it's important to take -- to address that and separately address what our immigration policies are, and understand that people are combining them. But that's why I asked that question.

Jen Psaki

00:08:10 - 00:08:28 ()

I would also reiterate that there's an investigation that will be completed by next week -- which the Secretary confirmed -- that will determine the next steps on both policy and personnel. All important questions people are asking. And in the interim, those individuals were placed on administration -- administrative leave and will not be interacting with any migrants.

Jen Psaki

00:08:28 - 00:08:38 ()

So, as it relates to those photos and that horrific video, we're not going to stand for that kind of inhumane treatment. And obviously, we want this investigation to be completed rapidly.

Jen Psaki

00:08:38 - 00:09:13 ()

I will say, on the broader question you were asking: The President remains committed to putting in place a humane and orderly immigration system that includes an established and efficient process for applying for asylum, that includes a range of programs for individuals to apply to stay in the United States. That requires Congress acting, and it requires also health conditions improving as we are in the middle of a pandemic. And we are continuing to expel people coming from a range of countries, as we are continuing to apply Title 42, because there is a global pandemic that is ongoing.

Jen Psaki

00:09:13 - 00:09:35 ()

So, I would think it's important to note that our policies, our border restrictions are being applied not just to Haitians, but to people who are coming irregularly to migrate to the country from anywhere. Ninety thousand -- more than ninety thousand people were expelled in August. That was even before what we've seen in the troubling photos under the bridge.

Jen Psaki

00:09:35 - 00:09:49 ()

We are applying immigration laws. We are applying what are -- what are border requirements. And we are applying Title 42, which, again, is a health -- a health application, given we're in a global pandemic.

Question

00:09:49 - 00:09:57 ()

And just quickly on the schedule today, with all the Democrats that are here: Would you describe where we are at on the President's economic plan as a make-or-break moment?

Jen Psaki

00:09:57 - 00:10:27 ()

I would never describe it that way. But I -- well, I would say, look, this is an important moment where we're in the -- in a pivotal period of our negotiations and discussions. And we always knew and have always known that as we get close to points where there are votes called or where there are key moments that Congress has on the calendar, that, you know, there needs to be deeper engagement by the President -- that's what you're seeing happen today.

Jen Psaki

00:10:27 - 00:10:49 ()

As you've seen in our announcement of his schedule, he's meeting not just with leadership; he's also meeting with members of a range of caucuses across a broad spectrum of beliefs in the Democratic Party. And he sees his role as uniting and as working to bring together people over common agreement on whe- -- and on a path forward. And that's his objective.

Jen Psaki

00:10:49 - 00:11:00 ()

So, yes, these meetings are important. He's looking forward to hearing from people and looking forward to playing a role in bringing people together over achieving our shared goal of lowering costs for people and making the tax system more fair.

Question

00:11:00 - 00:11:00 ()

Jen, the border?

Jen Psaki

00:11:00 - 00:11:03 ()

Oh, go ahead. Go ahead, April. And then I'll go --

Question

00:11:03 - 00:11:07 ()

Jen, just bear with me because there are a lot of moving parts on this issue.

Jen Psaki

00:11:07 - 00:11:07 ()

Question

00:11:07 - 00:11:23 ()

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus were here today meeting with the national security team, Cedric Richmond, and Susan Rice. Can you give us an update -- because they were talking about Haiti, the immigration issue at the border. Could you give us an update on that?

Question

00:11:23 - 00:11:30 ()

And what is expected for tomorrow's meeting with civil rights leaders, be it teleconference or what have you, with White House officials?

Jen Psaki

00:11:30 - 00:11:34 ()

Just so I -- what do you mean by "an update," exactly? An update on what happened in the meeting?

Question

00:11:34 - 00:11:43 ()

Can you tell us what happened in the meeting, what was given to them, what did they ask for? Because Black leaders are making big asks of this crisis moment.

Jen Psaki

00:11:43 - 00:11:46 ()

What -- tell me more about what you think they're asking for.

Question

00:11:46 - 00:11:58 ()

Okay, what they're asking for -- asylum process, what does that look like? Reverend Al Sharpton is going to the border tomorrow to see what that looks like, if people are actually being able to get asylum who's here.

Question

00:11:58 - 00:12:17 ()

Also, you talked about the condemnation of what the Patrol agents were doing with the reins or whip, whatever, with the intent to lash, to hurt people, to keep them away from the border. They want to know is that practice going to still be in place -- horses and the lashing, those kinds of issues.

Jen Psaki

00:12:17 - 00:12:22 ()

So I just wanted to have clarity on exactly what you were asking about, April; that's it.

Jen Psaki

00:12:22 - 00:12:33 ()

On the second piece, there is nex- -- there is an investigation that is ongoing that the Secretary of Homeland Security has made clear he wants to happen quickly, and he wants the outcome to be done by next week.

Jen Psaki

00:12:33 - 00:12:44 ()

Once that process is concluded, that will be a deter- -- that will help be a determinant in any policy decisions and personnel decisions both. All important questions. I'm sure that was what was conveyed as well.

Jen Psaki

00:12:44 - 00:13:08 ()

On the first part, I think wh- -- in the answer I gave just a few minutes ago here, I think what we are conveying to anyone who are our partners -- whether they are civil rights leaders, members of the CBC, and others who have important questions here -- is how outraged we also are by these photos in this video, our commitment to this investigation, but also how our immigration processing system works.

Jen Psaki

00:13:08 - 00:13:25 ()

And in response to Aamer's question before, what I tried to lay out is what happens, right? No matter where you are coming from, if you are irregularly migrating, we are still applying Title 42 because we are in the middle of a public health crisis. This is what is conveyed to anyone who has questions.

Jen Psaki

00:13:25 - 00:13:37 ()

Those individuals who are eligible to stay in the United States through -- through a range of our programs that -- they would be allowed to stay in the United States through a range of our programs.

Jen Psaki

00:13:37 - 00:13:48 ()

If they are -- there are some who are placed into removal processes where they also can make the case, whether it's fear or fear of returning back to countries, et cetera. They will go through the process as well.

Jen Psaki

00:13:48 - 00:13:58 ()

So, I'm sure what they are doing is explaining exactly what our immigration processes are and reiterating, as well, our outrage at the photos in the video.

Question

00:13:58 - 00:14:24 ()

So -- but I -- bear with me because this is moving pieces -- but with asylum, there are people -- advocates, immigration advocates, especially for advocating for the Haitian migrants right now that are saying that this administration is breaking U.N. policies and its own policies by moving people out before allowing them to ask for asylum. Is that the case?

Jen Psaki

00:14:24 - 00:14:40 ()

First of all, April, what we are doing: One, Haiti has Temporary Protected Status for people who arrived here before July 29th. That is not a status that most other people who are migrat- -- irregularly migrating from other countries have.

Jen Psaki

00:14:40 - 00:15:05 ()

As individuals -- as we go through this process, as I outlined just a few minutes ago, individuals who cannot be expelled under Title 42 -- a range of reasons why they not -- may not be able to be -- those individuals are placed into removal proceedings. That is where the process would take place, where they would apply for a variety of programs. While they're in that process, they are required to also provide biometric and biographic information and data.

Jen Psaki

00:15:05 - 00:15:18 ()

So, that's how the process works. What is important for people to know and understand is that this is how our immigration and border requirements apply to everyone, whether they're coming from Haiti or any country in South or Central America.

Question

00:15:18 - 00:15:38 ()

But you have Africans as well that -- you said there were people from other places, but you have Africans --Cameroonians, Ugandans, and Senegalese -- who are coming to that border as well. What happens with them as they are looking for asylum? Do you lump them into the same category with the Haitians that are at the border, be it Del Rio or wherever along the border?

Jen Psaki

00:15:38 - 00:15:40 ()

I think the point I'm making, April -- and then we just have to move on --

Question

00:15:40 - 00:15:42 ()

Yes. I'm good with that.

Jen Psaki

00:15:42 - 00:15:52 ()

-- to get to more people -- is that anyone who's coming from anywhere, if there's Temporary Protected Status for their country, as there are for Haitians who arrived before July, they can apply through that program.

Jen Psaki

00:15:52 - 00:16:09 ()

If they're coming from other countries where we don't have that status, then they are expelled according to Title 42. If they are not -- if they're -- can't be expelled according to Title 42, they're placed in expedited removal or in alternatives to detention no matter what country they're coming from.

Jen Psaki

00:16:09 - 00:16:09 ()

Go ahead, Jeff.

Question

00:16:09 - 00:16:17 ()

Thank you. Going back to the phone call this morning, briefly, with the French President, did President Biden apologize to Emmanuel Macron?

Jen Psaki

00:16:17 - 00:16:28 ()

He acknowledged that there could have been greater consultation. And the call, again, as I stated earlier, was a friendly call, and there was agreement that we wanted to move forward in our relationship.

Question

00:16:28 - 00:16:44 ()

The French translation said that open consultation, quote, "would have made it possible to avoid the situation." The English translation said, "the situation would have benefited from open consultation." So, similar, but not entirely the same. So did the President apologize to his French friend?

Jen Psaki

00:16:44 - 00:16:55 ()

He acknowledged there could have been greater consultation. But again, this call was really focused on the path forward and returning back to normal and the important work we have to do with the French ahead.

Question

00:16:55 - 00:17:13 ()

Was the President using this as a learning point, perhaps? Who does he believe -- or should he have been more aware of the potential fallout from this? Has he had conversations with any staff members, like the Secretary of State or the National Security Advisor, about exactly how this breakdown happened?

Jen Psaki

00:17:13 - 00:17:26 ()

We always look to assess how we can make improvements to how we do consultations, and, certainly, they'll apply -- and that -- part of that happens through conversations with members of his national security team, and we'll work to apply those moving forward.

Question

00:17:26 - 00:17:29 ()

Does he hold Jake Sullivan responsible for this?

Jen Psaki

00:17:29 - 00:17:40 ()

He certainly doesn't hold anyone -- he holds himself responsible, and, certainly, though, he has a responsibility to talk to his team always about how we can best manage our diplomatic relationships, and that's what he does in any scenario.

Question

00:17:40 - 00:17:41 ()

One more small question --

Jen Psaki

00:17:41 - 00:17:41 ()

Question

00:17:41 - 00:17:53 ()

-- on the meetings this afternoon. On the price tag: Is the President still committed to a $3.5 trillion price tag, or does he believe now that more flexibility on that number is warranted?

Jen Psaki

00:17:53 - 00:18:05 ()

Well, even before today or before this week, the President has always been open to negotiations and discussions and knew that he was not going to be, alone, able to wave a magic wand and pass a proposal, right?

Jen Psaki

00:18:05 - 00:18:18 ()

So, part of the objective today, while he's meeting -- as he's meeting with a range of members with a range of viewpoints -- which we welcome -- is to see where people are and work to see how we can get this across the finish line moving forward.

Jen Psaki

00:18:18 - 00:18:36 ()

What he's encouraged by is the fact that there is actually -- I know we focus a lot, understandably, on areas of disagreement -- there's a lot of agreement -- a lot of agreement on lowering costs for American families, on making sure we're investing now in addressing the climate crisis, in making the tax system more fair. There's a lot of agreement on that.

Jen Psaki

00:18:36 - 00:18:43 ()

And there's -- now it's a point where we need to figure out what the path forward is. The President is going to play a role in, hopefully, uniting people around the next steps.

Jen Psaki

00:18:43 - 00:18:44 ()

Question

00:18:44 - 00:18:55 ()

Just to follow up again on the French. You said in the statement that there will be a meeting in late October. Is that in France? Is that on the sidelines of the G20 or the COP26?

Jen Psaki

00:18:55 - 00:19:06 ()

Well, there are some international forums that are happening next month that might bring the President to Europe. I don't have any formal announcements yet to make. But to your question, we're still finalizing what it looks like exactly.

Question

00:19:06 - 00:19:17 ()

Democratic negotiators on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act say the bipartisan talks are dead. Is that the view of the White House? And any response to this announcement, that it's apparently over?

Jen Psaki

00:19:17 - 00:19:25 ()

Well, I'd also say there was a statement put out by Senator Booker, who is a key -- I think you were referencing that -- I think that was the statement you were referencing.

Jen Psaki

00:19:25 - 00:19:41 ()

So, I would say that, first, the President is -- and everyone in the administration -- we have strong s- -- we have been strongly supportive of Senator Booker and Representative Bass in their efforts, and we're greatly appreciative of their efforts, which we consider to be ongoing.

Jen Psaki

00:19:41 - 00:19:51 ()

Unfortunately, Republicans rejected reforms that even the previous President had supported and refused to engage on key issues that many in law enforcement were willing to address.

Jen Psaki

00:19:51 - 00:20:06 ()

And so, we are disappointed; the President is disappointed. Even after Senator Booker and Representative Backs [sic] -- Bass did yeoman's work, even after they worked to secure law enforcement support and were willing -- showed they were willing to find consensus.

Jen Psaki

00:20:06 - 00:20:31 ()

So, yes, we acknowledge, of course, what the negotiators have conveyed publicly at this point in time. I can convey to you that in the coming weeks, we're going to consult -- the President -- we will all -- our team will consult with members of Congress, the law enforcement civil rights communities, and victims' families to discuss a path forward, including potential executive actions the President can take to ensure we live up to the American ideal of equality and justice under law.

Question

00:20:31 - 00:20:47 ()

And on the situation on the southern border: The meeting today with members of the CBC, the Vice President talked to the Homeland Security Secretary to express concern. How often does this get to the President? Does he get briefed on these situations, or is he just getting it in news reports?

Jen Psaki

00:20:47 - 00:20:49 ()

Of course, he gets briefed on them -- absolutely -- by his team.

Question

00:20:49 - 00:21:14 ()

Okay. Well, to the point, then, we were trying to ask him about yesterday: What is his impression of this situation down there? What does he make of how those Border Patrol agents were -- seemed to be interacting with these migrants? And, you know, where is he on dealing with these wide range of immigration issues that continue to challenge this government?

Jen Psaki

00:21:14 - 00:21:34 ()

Well, Ed, on the subject of the video footage and the photos, the President was horrified by that, just as we all were. He, of course, received a briefing, an update from his national security team on the efforts by the Secretary of Homeland Security to launch an investigation and one that he would like to see concluded rapidly.

Jen Psaki

00:21:34 - 00:22:06 ()

As it relates to our efforts to implement our immigration laws and border requirements, the President is quite hopeful, as he conveyed on his first day in office when he introduced an immigration bill, that we can take steps to put in place a more humane, a more orderly system, especially after a very broken one over the last several years, that has better asylum processing, that has a more -- a better system and a range of programs individuals can apply to.

Jen Psaki

00:22:06 - 00:22:20 ()

The President also believes and knows, as we all do, we're in the middle of a global pandemic and we need to continue to administer Title 42, which expels individuals who come to the border.

Jen Psaki

00:22:20 - 00:22:28 ()

So, he is horrified by the photos and the footage. He is also committed to implementing and abiding by our laws.

Question

00:22:28 - 00:22:36 ()

And what is your understanding of what transpired in the Oval Office yesterday when we were all in there trying to hear from the President and the Prime Minister?

Jen Psaki

00:22:36 - 00:22:38 ()

Question

00:22:38 - 00:22:49 ()

Well, the British Prime Minister in the American Oval Office called on British reporters, and then, when American reporters tried to call on the American President, we were escorted out -- we'll put it that way.

Jen Psaki

00:22:49 - 00:23:05 ()

Well, I think, in that circumstance -- and I think our relationship with the United Kingdom and with Prime Minister Johnson is so strong and abiding, we will be able to move forward beyond this -- but he called on individuals from his press corps without alerting us to that intention in advance.

Jen Psaki

00:23:05 - 00:23:07 ()

Question

00:23:07 - 00:23:26 ()

Thank you, Jen. Just following up on this very basic, but very important question. You're telling us that the DHS chief has the most recent numbers about how many of these Haitians under the bridge have been sent back and how many have been released into the U.S. The DHS chief is telling us that he doesn't know. So, who else can we ask?

Jen Psaki

00:23:26 - 00:23:31 ()

You can certainly ask the Department of Homeland Security. I am confident, Peter --

Question

00:23:31 - 00:23:32 ()

The chief says he doesn't know.

Jen Psaki

00:23:32 - 00:23:38 ()

I am confident he wanted to have the most up-to-date numbers, and we will venture to get you those, I promise you, this afternoon.

Question

00:23:38 - 00:23:46 ()

Is this an issue of not knowing, or is this an issue of a lot more people are being released into the U.S. than are being sent out?

Jen Psaki

00:23:46 - 00:24:20 ()

That is certainly not the issue. First, I think it's important to reiterate what I conveyed earlier about what the actual process is: Individuals are expelled under Title 42. If they can't be expelled under Title 42, they are put into a removal process. If they're put into a removal process, they're either transported to an ICE facility or released with a legal document. That legal document includes fingerprints, photos, phone numbers, an address in the United States, and a background check. That's the process that transpires. That's a part of our immigration process, regardless of where you're coming from.

Question

00:24:20 - 00:24:35 ()

And just because you keep using Title 42 to defend this administration's immigration policies: That is a Trump-era regulation. You guys came in saying that the Trump-era immigration policy was very inhumane.

Jen Psaki

00:24:35 - 00:24:51 ()

Title 42 is not an immigration policy; it is a -- it is a health authority, because we're in the middle of a pandemic. The Trump administration approach to immigration was inhumane and was immoral. That's why we need to put a new policy in place, and we need Congress to pass that policy.

Question

00:24:51 - 00:24:58 ()

Unified control -- Democratic control of Congress. Many months in office. You have not even tried.

Jen Psaki

00:24:58 - 00:25:00 ()

That's not actually true. There's been a --

Question

00:25:00 - 00:25:00 ()

Jen Psaki

00:25:00 - 00:25:01 ()

Peter, just to --

Question

00:25:01 - 00:25:02 ()

-- when's the vote?

Jen Psaki

00:25:02 - 00:25:03 ()

-- just factual here: --

Question

00:25:03 - 00:25:03 ()

Jen Psaki

00:25:03 - 00:25:20 ()

-- there's been a bill proposed first day in office. Currently, it was proposed as a part of -- steps were proposed as part of the reconciliation process. The parliamentarian rejected that proposal. They're going back and proposing new options. The President supports that. He would like to see immigration reform pass into law more humane processes.

Question

00:25:20 - 00:25:24 ()

Just one more. Has President Biden ever been to the southern border?

Jen Psaki

00:25:24 - 00:25:25 ()

Question

00:25:25 - 00:25:26 ()

Jen Psaki

00:25:26 - 00:25:31 ()

I will have to get -- look back in my history books and check the times he's been to the southern border. I'd be happy to.

Question

00:25:31 - 00:25:40 ()

We have been looking all morning and we cannot find any record of him visiting the border as President, Vice President, Senator, or even as a concerned citizen. Why would that be?

Jen Psaki

00:25:40 - 00:25:45 ()

I can check and see when the last time or when he may have been. But tell me more about why you're asking.

Question

00:25:45 - 00:26:07 ()

Because this is a President who makes a point when there are disasters in this country, like a wildfire or a hurricane, to go and see for himself firsthand what the needs are of the local community so that he can have an informed POV to make policy. Why doesn't he do that -- why doesn't he go down to Del Rio, Texas, and see what's going on?

Jen Psaki

00:26:07 - 00:26:15 ()

Well, first of all, Peter, I think the situation at the border is the result of a broken system. And the President certainly relies on his experience.

Jen Psaki

00:26:15 - 00:26:46 ()

So, whether it was the work he did to address root causes as Vice President, his efforts when he was in the Senate to support comprehensive immigration reform -- steps that at a time were done -- being done and work toward in a bipartisan way -- something that certainly we think should be the case today -- he uses all of his experiences to inform how he governs, how he approaches challenges. And certainly, he looks, again, at the last four years and the separation of children who were ripped from the arms of their parents as a way he does not want to proceed.

Jen Psaki

00:26:46 - 00:26:53 ()

So, all of his experiences and his time in office -- whether Vice President or Senate -- inform his approach to issues.

Jen Psaki

00:26:53 - 00:26:53 ()

Question

00:26:53 - 00:27:10 ()

The Brazilian Health Minister tested positive for coronavirus. He shook hands and spent time with Boris Johnson on Monday. Boris Johnson spent time privately with President Biden yesterday in the Oval Office. Can you just give us a sense of the level of concern at the White House about that? What, if anything, has been done? How often the President gets tested? And any updates?

Jen Psaki

00:27:10 - 00:27:17 ()

Sure. The President is tested regularly. I think I conveyed to you he was tested last week. I can check if there's more -- a recent test over the last several days.

Jen Psaki

00:27:17 - 00:27:45 ()

But as it relates to this specific incident, of course we take our protocols very seriously. White House protocols and his presidential travel protocols are based on CDC risk mitigation guidelines, and that includes the CDC definition of a "close contact" to determine when someone may be at higher risk for contracting COVID. Based on this definition and precautions put in place by our team and the U.N., we're not implementing any new protocols -- or new testing as it relates to those incidents.

Question

00:27:45 - 00:27:50 ()

There's nothing different -- there's nothing different that happened in the last 24 hours since he was with Boris Johnson because of his --

Jen Psaki

00:27:50 - 00:27:50 ()

Question

00:27:50 - 00:27:51 ()

Jen Psaki

00:27:51 - 00:27:51 ()

Question

00:27:51 - 00:28:03 ()

Okay. Let me ask you about this meeting a little bit later today, if I can. First, does the President want a vote on both the reconciliation budget package -- or the budget reconciliation package and the bipartisan infrastructure package to take place on Monday?

Jen Psaki

00:28:03 - 00:28:11 ()

The President trusts the leadership of Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer, and certainly he'll work closely with them to get these across the finish line.

Question

00:28:11 - 00:28:16 ()

Who -- bottom line: Americans are watching this. Who needs to give here: the progressive Democrats or the moderate Democrats?

Jen Psaki

00:28:16 - 00:28:22 ()

Sometimes there's need for compromise from every end, but he'll know more after these discussions today, in the coming days.

Question

00:28:22 - 00:28:25 ()

So let me ask this then, if I can, Jen: So, the President he --

Jen Psaki

00:28:25 - 00:28:25 ()

Question

00:28:25 - 00:28:49 ()

-- he campaigned -- in his first months in office, he campaigned on this message of unity and competence; that he could make Washington work, that he would rebuild, revitalize these alliances. Now Americans are seeing headlines about Democrats divided about what they're going to do on this agenda. France is furious at the U.S. There's frustration among allies about Afghanistan. What should Americans make of that, given what they've seen in recent weeks?

Jen Psaki

00:28:49 - 00:28:59 ()

Well, let me take each of those issues. The President just had a friendly phone call with the President of France where they agreed to meet in October and continue close consultations and work together on a range of issues.

Question

00:28:59 - 00:29:03 ()

And where he acknowledged the failure -- right? -- that he should have communicated better in advance though.

Jen Psaki

00:29:03 - 00:29:20 ()

Well, again, I think, in terms of the level of American concerns, acknowledging there can be closer coordination and consultation, I don't think is going to be the height of concern for most of the American people. But anyone who's concerned about our relationship with France can rest assured that they had a friendly phone call and we have a path forward.

Question

00:29:20 - 00:29:21 ()

Poll numbers are reporting 3 percent --

Jen Psaki

00:29:21 - 00:29:21 ()

On the second --

Question

00:29:21 - 00:29:22 ()

-- which is why I ask --

Jen Psaki

00:29:22 - 00:29:23 ()

-- and the sec- -- on the second --

Question

00:29:23 - 00:29:25 ()

-- because Americans are expressing this concern.

Jen Psaki

00:29:25 - 00:29:45 ()

-- on the second piece, I would say: This is a messy sausage-making process. The President today -- what Americans should be encouraged by is the President is bringing people of a range of viewpoints on big, important packages that are going to make their lives better, here to the White House, to have a discussion about it. He's rolling up his sleeves. He's welcoming them to the Oval Office. He'll have some COVID-safe snacks, whatever may happen.

Jen Psaki

00:29:45 - 00:29:54 ()

People should be encouraged by that. And that's the kind of President he is. He's going to be deeply engaged with getting bills and legislation across the finish line to make their lives better.

Question

00:29:54 - 00:30:10 ()

I guess then, just to punctuate that: Why do you think, in the most recent poll from Gallup, that 43 percent of Americans now approve of his handling of the job, which had been well above 50 percent only a matter of weeks ago? What do you think, in the eyes of Americans, has changed that you guys have not done well enough?

Jen Psaki

00:30:10 - 00:30:29 ()

Well, I think the country is going through a lot right now. And people are still under the threat of COVID; that is concerning to a lot of people. We see that in polls as well. Even as they approve of the President's handling of COVID, that's still something impacting people people's lives. There's a great deal of anxiety about that. We understand that.

Jen Psaki

00:30:29 - 00:30:36 ()

But our objective is to keep pushing his agenda forward and keep making their lives better, and, you know, look at that over the long term.

Jen Psaki

00:30:36 - 00:30:37 ()

Question

00:30:37 - 00:30:42 ()

Jen, I was struck by what you said in response to Ed's question about what happened yesterday in the Oval Office.

Jen Psaki

00:30:42 - 00:30:42 ()

Question

00:30:42 - 00:30:49 ()

Can you shed a little bit more light on this? Did the President feel he was upstaged by the British Prime Minister yesterday?

Jen Psaki

00:30:49 - 00:30:52 ()

I think the President has not spent a moment worrying about it.

Question

00:30:52 - 00:30:57 ()

Can I ask you -- because there are so many issues that we have discussed here --

Jen Psaki

00:30:57 - 00:30:57 ()

Question

00:30:57 - 00:31:21 ()

-- that are of interest to the public -- everything from the collapse of the police reform negotiations on Capitol Hill today to the pivotal period we're in: Nine -- eight days before the end of the fiscal year and no deal yet to avoid a government shutdown a week from tomorrow. When can we expect to hear -- or when can we expect to have the opportunity to ask the President substantive, pointed questions about these matters in a way that he will elaborate on his views?

Jen Psaki

00:31:21 - 00:31:35 ()

Well, first, the President knows that he was elected not to just get the pandemic under control and put people back to work, but protect our democracy and stand up for what's right and be transparent. And, certainly, part of that is engaging with all of you.

Jen Psaki

00:31:35 - 00:31:48 ()

I would note that he answered questions 135 times leading up to September; three times last week. And he'll keep looking for forums to answer the questions from all of you -- something that he sees as vitally important to our democracy.

Question

00:31:48 - 00:31:58 ()

But in this month of September, most of the occasions we've had have been fleeting. In fact, there are some occasions where he's only taken one question and walked away, and most of those occasions have occurred outside of this building.

Question

00:31:58 - 00:32:03 ()

So, when can we expect to have an opportunity to actually ask the President questions in a formal setting?

Jen Psaki

00:32:03 - 00:32:29 ()

Again, Steve, I'm not trying to diminish your ask for a formal press conference -- which certainly, I'm sure, we will have another one -- but I will convey to you that as it relates to providing information to the public, elevating the importance of the freedom of press to our democracy, that I don't know that the format, whether it is multiple shorter Q&As or a longer, formal press conference is at the top of the list of the American public's concern.

Jen Psaki

00:32:29 - 00:32:29 ()

Question

00:32:29 - 00:32:33 ()

We intend to raise the matters of concern to the public at those press conferences.

Jen Psaki

00:32:33 - 00:32:37 ()

As you have during 140 times you've asked the President questions.

Jen Psaki

00:32:37 - 00:32:38 ()

Question

00:32:38 - 00:32:52 ()

Thanks, Jen. A couple to follow. On Macron first: The French had called for the cancellation of the EU-U.S. Trade and Tech Summit in Pittsburgh next week. After the phone call today, do you expect that to go forward?

Jen Psaki

00:32:52 - 00:32:57 ()

We're still -- our officials who are planning to attend are still planning to attend.

Question

00:32:57 - 00:33:00 ()

But no sense if the Europeans are?

Jen Psaki

00:33:00 - 00:33:10 ()

We're continuing to plan for an inaugural meeting of the -- of the group in Pittsburgh as a follow-on to the commitment made several months ago.

Question

00:33:10 - 00:33:28 ()

The readout said that the U.S. was committed to reinforcing its support for French counterterrorism operations. I'm wondering if that is sort of a broad, "We're allies and partners," or if that was, "We should read between the lines that that is some new commitment that we have given to the French," in terms of, like, tangible support.

Jen Psaki

00:33:28 - 00:33:36 ()

I would -- I would read it more as the former, in that they're an important partner in the Indo-Pacific, they're an important partner around the world.

Jen Psaki

00:33:36 - 00:33:47 ()

And certainly, addressing the threat of terrorism that has metastasized and changed over the course of the last 20 years is a vital priority for us, as it is a vital priority to the French.

Jen Psaki

00:33:47 - 00:33:57 ()

And as I noted, when the ambassador comes back, there will be consultations. Obviously, there'll be a meeting between President Biden and President Macron, and I'm sure they'll discuss this and a range of issues.

Question

00:33:57 - 00:34:15 ()

The Fed today shifted forward their projection of when the economy would be ready for a rate hike, which suggests economic strength, which I assume you'd be happy about. But, obviously, many Americans are still struggling. So, I wondered if you agree with that assessment from the Federal Reserve?

Jen Psaki

00:34:15 - 00:34:23 ()

We certainly agree with the -- the independence of the Federal Reserve and their right to make decisions it deems necessary on monetary policy.

Jen Psaki

00:34:23 - 00:34:38 ()

I would note that, even just yesterday, the OECD projected 6 percent GDP growth -- certainly, a positive sign -- which is nearly double what was projected in December. And the OD -- OECD also increased its projection for U.S. GDP growth in 2022.

Jen Psaki

00:34:38 - 00:34:53 ()

So, we've seen a number of positive signs as it relates to economic growth. That doesn't mean that every issue -- to your point -- every American is having as it relates to inequality or access is solved. It's not. But our focus and our policies is to address those over the long term.

Question

00:34:53 - 00:35:17 ()

And then one last one on the Congressional meetings today. What's sort of the format of them? You seem to have leaders coming in, then moderates, then progressives. Why isn't everybody in the same room? I mean, I think we've heard from all three of these people where they are, and it seems like you're kind of inviting an echo chamber rather than a chance for people to hash it out, with the President sort of playing moderator.

Jen Psaki

00:35:17 - 00:35:33 ()

Look, I think the President wants to hear from everybody on what they're most excited about, what concerns they may have. And he wants to play a role in hopefully unifying members of the party around the path forward. And he felt this was the most constructive format at this point.

Jen Psaki

00:35:33 - 00:35:38 ()

I will tell you this is probably not going to be his last engagement with a single member of Congress in these important days forward.

Jen Psaki

00:35:38 - 00:35:39 ()

Question

00:35:39 - 00:35:50 ()

Thanks, Jen. I wanted to ask -- just building on something -- did President Biden offer French President Macron anything, any commitments to make feelings feel a little better?

Question

00:35:50 - 00:35:55 ()

And then, in addition, did Macron ask for anything?

Jen Psaki

00:35:55 - 00:36:20 ()

Well, I can't -- I'll point you to the French to speak to President Macron. I would say that the -- the conversation was really about the path forward. And as I noted, the President acknowledged that greater consultation would have been helpful in this case. But it was about how to work together as we look ahead; it was not about offering a specific proposal or policy item.

Question

00:36:20 - 00:36:33 ()

Can I ask you about immigration? Now that the parliamentarian has ruled against including immigration in reconciliation -- and I recognize that Democrats are going to push for other avenues within reconciliation --

Jen Psaki

00:36:33 - 00:36:34 ()

Question

00:36:34 - 00:36:55 ()

But beyond reconciliation, what is the Biden administration's path forward for immigration? The President, as a candidate, made -- raised -- you know, campaigned on this issue. What can -- what type of relief is possible? And what can the Biden administration do to bring that?

Jen Psaki

00:36:55 - 00:37:08 ()

Well, first, I would say our current and immediate focus is on supporting the efforts of senators who have been vocal about their desire, as you said, to put forward alternative proposals to be considered by the parliamentarian and see where that goes.

Jen Psaki

00:37:08 - 00:37:28 ()

There are a range of passionate leaders in the Senate, in the House who want to see immigration reform happen. And we will certainly continue to work with them to see what vehicle and path forward -- what that looks like. But I don't -- that's our next step right now -- is assessing -- is them putting forward an option for the parliamentarian to consider.

Jen Psaki

00:37:28 - 00:37:29 ()

Question

00:37:29 - 00:37:45 ()

Jen, back on the French call for a moment. Did the President seek or receive any clarity from President Macron on why the French wanted -- decided to recall the ambassador and take that step which had never been taken before?

Question

00:37:45 - 00:37:51 ()

And does the President himself think that that step was commensurate with the offense?

Jen Psaki

00:37:51 - 00:38:10 ()

You know, I think, Anne, as I -- as I've conveyed a little bit, the focus was really on the relationship moving forward. And as we noted in the readout, the French ambassador is returning later on this week. And the 30-minute call was really more about how we can work together in a substantive way on shared areas of interest.

Question

00:38:10 - 00:38:18 ()

So he's not worried that the -- Ambassador Étienne would be yanked again if the next thing doesn't go right?

Jen Psaki

00:38:18 - 00:38:28 ()

I think he has committed to working together to ensure there is a consultation moving forward -- close consultation, as is evidenced by their plans for a meeting in October.

Question

00:38:28 - 00:38:58 ()

And then, quickly on the coronavirus summit this morning. The President said rightly that the U.S. is a leader in vaccine donation. But, as you well know, there is criticism of the U.S. for the prospect of booster shots -- a third shot, in many cases -- for Americans before most in Africa have had one. Was that a topic of discussion? Why didn't we hear anything from the President or from the U.N. ambassador on that point today in their opener?

Jen Psaki

00:38:58 - 00:39:16 ()

Well, we're now donating three shots globally for every one shot we've put in the arm of an American. And our view continues to be that we can do both and it's a false choice. Our view also continues to be that, frankly, the rest of the world needs to step up and do more.

Jen Psaki

00:39:16 - 00:39:31 ()

And now we're at the point where, of course, we've now committed to over 1.1 billion vaccines donated, but we're also committed to -- we also have a partnership with the Quad; obviously, they're meeting later this week -- to produce at least 1 billion doses.

Jen Psaki

00:39:31 - 00:39:39 ()

Our work to boost vaccine manufacturing in South Africa is going to produce 500 million single-dose regimens in Africa, for Africa.

Jen Psaki

00:39:39 - 00:39:52 ()

And we will continue to do more -- share doses, scale manufacturing, invest in vaccines abroad. You heard the President talk about that. But we also need the world to do more, especially developed economies that can do more to contribute to this effort to defeat the pandemic.

Jen Psaki

00:39:52 - 00:39:55 ()

Go ahead. I'm sorry, Jeff, I'll come to you next.

Question

00:39:55 - 00:40:09 ()

Quick -- just following, Jen, on Anne's question there. You keep saying that the President will engage in deep consultations with the French. You could have said that in 1949 when the French first joined -- joined NATO.

Question

00:40:09 - 00:40:31 ()

So I'm trying to understand here what is different now, after this, than it was before. Is the President's vision here that you simply go back to the way things were, where clearly that consultation process failed? Or is the President's vision that you have a new project of some kind with the French that begins to make reparations for what they view as what they've lost?

Jen Psaki

00:40:31 - 00:41:01 ()

I think, David, it's more about, we've had a strong relationship for many decades. Of course, yes, there's been ups and downs in that relationship. But the President's objective is that we should go back to normal and that we should go back to a relationship where we work closely together on a range of issues facing the global community: addressing COVID, the global economy, security, the Indo-Pacific. And how we work together and those mechanisms we'll determine as we keep having close consultations and discussions moving forward.

Question

00:41:01 - 00:41:03 ()

One question on the Quad meeting which is coming up --

Jen Psaki

00:41:03 - 00:41:04 ()

Question

00:41:04 - 00:41:19 ()

-- on Friday. So, they'll have the Australians there, but then you'll also have India and Japan. Would you envision for them a similar kind of military role that you've now defined for -- with the Australians?

Jen Psaki

00:41:19 - 00:41:24 ()

AUKUS -- what would it become? JAUKUS? JIAUKUS? [Laughter]

Question

00:41:24 - 00:41:28 ()

Awkward AUKUS? I don't know. Something like that. Yeah.

Jen Psaki

00:41:28 - 00:41:52 ()

Look, I think, David, that the announcement of AUKUS last week was not meant to be an indication -- and I think this is a message the President also sent to his -- to Macron -- that there's no one else who will be involved in security in the Indo-Pacific. Of course, it's a topic of discussion, an important topic in conversations as it -- with the French, with a range of countries who have a direct interest in the region.

Jen Psaki

00:41:52 - 00:42:05 ()

I can convey to you that we will have a preview call on the Quad meeting, which I know there's a lot of excitement about, for -- probably tomorrow, in advance of that meeting, where we'll go through more detail of the planned agenda for the meeting as well.

Jen Psaki

00:42:05 - 00:42:06 ()

Go ahead, Jeff.

Question

00:42:06 - 00:42:14 ()

Jen, China's Evergrande agreed to settle interest payments on a domestic bond today. I know this is very wonky, but it's impacting --

Jen Psaki

00:42:14 - 00:42:15 ()

We love wonky in here.

Question

00:42:15 - 00:42:16 ()

-- the markets.

Jen Psaki

00:42:16 - 00:42:17 ()

Everyone's a nerd in here in some way. [Laughter]

Question

00:42:17 - 00:42:25 ()

Is -- is the White House satisfied with that solution? And are -- do you have more concerns about contagion from that particular company?

Jen Psaki

00:42:25 - 00:42:44 ()

Well, as I said the other day -- and I'm happy to talk to the Treasury team to see if there's anything more we can offer. Obviously, the majority of their business is in China or has been in China. And we, of course, closely monitor the markets and the impact on the global markets, which is something, certainly, the Treasury Department does. So, that's where we look and assess in terms of how it relates to the United States.

Jen Psaki

00:42:44 - 00:42:48 ()

So, I don't have anything new to provide from here, but I'm happy to check with them if there's anything in addition.

Question

00:42:48 - 00:43:05 ()

All right. And just to follow up on the meetings this afternoon: Can you give us a sense of how President Biden plans to bridge those divides? I know he's going to listen. And I know you've talked about him wanting to hear from all sides and be more engaged. How does he get there? What does he do? What does he say? What does he give up?

Jen Psaki

00:43:05 - 00:43:08 ()

The meetings haven't happened yet.

Jen Psaki

00:43:08 - 00:43:19 ()

Look, I think the President wants to play a role in talking and reminding people of what we have in common, how we can be united in making people's lives better in this country.

Jen Psaki

00:43:19 - 00:43:28 ()

He understands -- and he's been a part of the Democratic Party for 50 years -- he understands there are disagreements -- some of those are on the margin, some of them are larger.

Jen Psaki

00:43:28 - 00:43:38 ()

He's going to listen, he's going to engage, and he's going to, hopefully, play a constructive role as the leader of the party, as the President of the United States, on moving this important agenda forward.

Jen Psaki

00:43:38 - 00:43:42 ()

But it's hard for me to assess in advance of the meeting. Maybe we'll have more to say after they're over.

Jen Psaki

00:43:42 - 00:43:43 ()

Question

00:43:43 - 00:44:01 ()

Thanks, Jen. On global vaccines, the administration has previously noted that there's been logistical challenges in getting vaccines out to the countries that are actually in need. Just with this latest round that you just announced today, has the administration adopted any new strategies for increasing the actual deployment of these vaccines, not just the procurement of them?

Jen Psaki

00:44:01 - 00:44:05 ()

Well, those cases -- I don't know if you're -- are you referring to any specific country, or just --

Question

00:44:05 - 00:44:08 ()

Just, in general, you all have noted that it is difficult, in many cases --

Jen Psaki

00:44:08 - 00:44:09 ()

You're right. It has --

Question

00:44:09 - 00:44:10 ()

-- to get these on the ground. So --

Jen Psaki

00:44:10 - 00:44:25 ()

-- it has been. What is a good sign, I should say, is that because we've now distributed, donated vaccines to a range of countries around the world, we've been able to work through some of those regulatory, legal, logistical hurdles that have been -- have been challenges in some places.

Jen Psaki

00:44:25 - 00:44:44 ()

There are requirements in some countries as well that they need -- they have needed to address in order to make it easier to donate vaccines, whether it's ability to transport or maybe they have regulatory requirements. But now that we've done rounds of donating 160 million doses to a range of countries in the world, it should be easier moving forward.

Question

00:44:44 - 00:44:52 ()

And building off that, is the -- are the places where these vaccines that you just announced going, are they the same range of countries that you all previously announced?

Jen Psaki

00:44:52 - 00:45:01 ()

Yeah, they are. So, we're going to donate these doses to the same 100 low-income countries as we previously announced the donation of the 500 million doses to in June.

Jen Psaki

00:45:01 - 00:45:21 ()

So, specifically, that's 92 low- and middle-income countries, as defined by Gavi's COVAX Advance Market Commitment; and eight -- and all African Union member states -- and eight additional countries to cover the African Union: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, the Seychelles, and Mauritius.

Question

00:45:21 - 00:45:43 ()

And then, quickly, just on police reform. You mentioned earlier that this is not going to be the end of the administration's efforts, but are we looking at an end of bipartisan efforts in this way? When Biden goes back on the Hill to talk with Democratic leadership and potentially taking executive action of his own, are we going to see another round of attempting to work with Republicans on this issue, or is this officially a place where Democrats just think they have to go it alone?

Jen Psaki

00:45:43 - 00:45:56 ()

Well, we're never going to close the door to bipartisanship. Obviously, they just made this announcement today. And we'll see, through consultations, what the best steps are moving forward. And, again, as I noted earlier, that includes leaving the door open to executive actions.

Jen Psaki

00:45:56 - 00:45:56 ()

Question

00:45:56 - 00:46:02 ()

Thanks, Jen. What's the level of concern right now at the White House about the possibility of a government shutdown next week?

Jen Psaki

00:46:02 - 00:46:14 ()

Well, until -- until a CR has passed that funds the government, we'll certainly have a concern. But our goal and our focus is on preventing that from happening.

Jen Psaki

00:46:14 - 00:46:26 ()

Obviously, the House passed the CR with -- including a raising the debt limit attached. The Senate could pass that today and we could all rest easy the government is not going to shut down. The American people could rest easy. We'll see what happens.

Question

00:46:26 - 00:46:33 ()

Has OMB started working on contingency plans for that possibility of a shutdown?

Jen Psaki

00:46:33 - 00:46:38 ()

They're always working on contingency plans. But our focus is on preventing it from happening.

Jen Psaki

00:46:38 - 00:46:40 ()

Question

00:46:40 - 00:46:59 ()

Jen, I spoke with several organizations that have been helping Haitian migrants, and they're saying that even though you have been saying that the U.S. is going to continue with the immigration policies that we have, that it's not a fair process. And for a country that talks about racial justice in this country, that the policies aren't applied aptly.

Question

00:46:59 - 00:47:27 ()

And so, I asked them what are some things that they were talking about, specifically on the meter -- on metering. Is the administration going to put less, sometimes, concentration on guns, ammunition, and border patrols, and also put people in places that can help push the process along? Some of them say that their numbers -- they get their numbers and they're bypassed or that they're just skipped over or not chosen at all. That was one of the issues that they have. That's the first questions that I had.

Jen Psaki

00:47:27 - 00:47:38 ()

Sure. Well, first, I would say, one, as a part of our effort, we have surged resources, and we will continue to surge resources to help address the latter part of your question.

Jen Psaki

00:47:38 - 00:48:03 ()

On the first part, the reason I went through what I did before about how our process works is to convey that this is how our application of our immigration laws, border requirements work no matter where you're coming from. And we had not -- we expelled more than 90,000 people in August -- that was prior to the gathering of Haitians under the bridge and all of the photos and the visuals that are so heartbreaking.

Jen Psaki

00:48:03 - 00:48:21 ()

And as it relates to policies -- also a very good question -- as we go through this investigative -- investigation to these two border -- to these Border Patrol officials, who obviously were in this horrific video, that will impact -- it could impact policies. It could impact, certainly, personnel.

Jen Psaki

00:48:21 - 00:48:29 ()

We'll let that process expeditiously conclude and then we'll -- I'll defer to the Department of Homeland Security on what that impact will be.

Question

00:48:29 - 00:48:51 ()

And then a question on police reform. Derrick Johnson, NAACP President, said -- in reference to politicians that have really not helped in this effort -- he said that, "They have chosen to stand with those who have lynched the very people they are meant to protect and serve." And it's "disheartening that there is a lack of courage and bravery to bring about true reform."

Question

00:48:51 - 00:49:09 ()

And I know you asked -- been asked questions over and over about police reform and how realistic we're actually going to see this, but is there any fear that the very people that the President has brought into these meetings over and over on police reform -- many of them are now not having faith in what can really happen?

Jen Psaki

00:49:09 - 00:49:11 ()

I'm not sure I totally understand your question.

Question

00:49:11 - 00:49:13 ()

Did -- the President has had meetings with Derrick Johnson.

Jen Psaki

00:49:13 - 00:49:14 ()

Question

00:49:14 - 00:49:24 ()

He's had meetings with the National Urban League, even Reverend Al Sharpton. And we're seeing quotes by them now, saying how they don't even believe that this administration or those who are working --

Jen Psaki

00:49:24 - 00:49:26 ()

Critical of the President on police reform?

Question

00:49:26 - 00:49:27 ()

Jen Psaki

00:49:27 - 00:49:30 ()

Well, I -- I just was trying to understand your question.

Question

00:49:30 - 00:49:30 ()

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Jen Psaki

00:49:30 - 00:49:57 ()

I would say, in Senator Booker's statement and the statements and comments of the negotiators, they've been clear about the support of this administration. As these negotiators were attempting to come to an agreement that had to meet the high bar that they had, they asked us to leave them space for their -- those negotiations to take place, and that's exactly what we did. And we supported them behind the scenes in any way that they asked for.

Jen Psaki

00:49:57 - 00:50:16 ()

But we also agree that it's unfortunate and disappointing that Republicans rejected reforms that even the President had supported, and refused to engage on key issues that many in law enforcement were willing to address. We agree that's incredibly disappointing. And these reforms are long overdue, and that certainly is the President's point of view.

Jen Psaki

00:50:16 - 00:50:19 ()

Go ahead, Francesca. And then I think I got to wrap it up here in a minute.

Question

00:50:19 - 00:50:21 ()

Thank you, Jen. Two on the travel restrictions.

Jen Psaki

00:50:21 - 00:50:21 ()

Question

00:50:21 - 00:50:34 ()

Are there any circumstances in which that early November vaccine mandate that the White House announced this week that that would slip a couple weeks, maybe into December or potentially into early next year?

Jen Psaki

00:50:34 - 00:50:36 ()

Question

00:50:36 - 00:50:42 ()

Well, that's what I'm asking. Are you -- is the White House committed to the early November deadline? Because early November is a vague --

Jen Psaki

00:50:42 - 00:50:47 ()

Well, we were in control -- we were in control of when we announced it would be implemented. Right? And we announced early November.

Question

00:50:47 - 00:50:51 ()

Okay. And so, you are committed to early November, specifically?

Jen Psaki

00:50:51 - 00:50:55 ()

We announced it would be implemented in early November. That's what we're planning on.

Question

00:50:55 - 00:51:13 ()

Okay. And then, as far as unvaccinated foreign nationals go, is the White -- is there any procedure that the White House might be considering for those people to be able to enter the country still, given that -- that many of those countries, those people may not have access to vaccines?

Jen Psaki

00:51:13 - 00:51:21 ()

Well, there are going to be certain cases where people may not have access, and we will deal with those accordingly. And we will have some exceptions that will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Jen Psaki

00:51:21 - 00:51:22 ()

Thank you, everyone.

Question

00:51:22 - 00:51:22 ()

Jen Psaki

00:51:22 - 00:51:23 ()

We'll do this again tomorrow. Thanks, every- --

Question

00:51:23 - 00:51:26 ()

Can you take some from the backrows next time?

Jen Psaki

00:51:26 - 00:51:28 ()

Absolutely. We'll start in the back next time.

Question

00:51:28 - 00:51:30 ()

That would be awesome. Thank you.