Aboard Air Pressure One
En Route San Francisco, California
2:07 P.M. EST
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I obtained a few issues on the prime earlier than I flip it over to the Admiral. Thanks.
So, this morning, President Biden shared massive information in his work to sort out local weather change. Over the previous two and a half years, President Biden has delivered on essentially the most bold local weather agenda in historical past, from signing into regulation the most important funding in local weather motion ever, to together with greater than $50 billion in local weather resilience, to taking daring motion to cut back local weather air pollution throughout each sector of the economic system, to defending greater than 21 million acres of public lands and waters, to restoring the very important function of science and guiding the Biden-Harris administration’s decision-making.
Because of the President’s management and financial plan, power jobs are on ri- — on rise throughout the nation and we’re on observe to chop carbon air pollution in half by 2030.
And as you heard from the President a short time in the past, we’re not stopping there. The Fifth — the Fifth Nationwide Local weather Evaluation launched as we speak reveals that not solely is each area of a rustic already experiencing the impacts of local weather change, we’re additionally making progress.
To maintain constructing on that progress, the President introduced greater than $6 billion in funding to make communities throughout the nation extra resilient to the impacts of local weather change, together with by strengthening America’s getting old electrical grid infrastructure, lowering flood dangers to communities, supporting conservation efforts, and advancing environmental justice.
Now turning over to the economic system. At this time’s CPI report that got here out this morning reveals extra progress bri- — bringing down inflation whereas sustaining one of many strongest job markets in historical past.
President Biden is delivering outcomes for the American folks.
Inflation has fallen 65 p.c since final summer time. Core inflation is on the lowest degree in additional than two years. Wages are increased than earlier than the pandemic.
Fuel costs are down by $1.65 from their peak after Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, offering respiration room to households forward of vacation journey.
Grocery inflation is at its lowest degree in over two years. Egg, milk costs are decrease than they had been a yr in the past.
President Biden will maintain combating to decrease prices, from taking up Huge Pharma to decrease prescription drug prices, to investing in clear power to decrease power payments, to cracking down on junk charges.
Sadly, that stands in stark distinction to what congressional Republicans are doing, pushing trickle-down eco- — wow, maintain on, guys — economics by slashing taxes for the rich and standing with Huge Pharma, oi- — Huge Oil, and different particular pursuits that increase prices for households.
Lastly, I needed to focus on that final Friday, the Main Cities Chiefs Affiliation revealed knowledge on violent crime for the primary 9 months of 2023 and in contrast it to the identical interval in 2022. That knowledge confirmed that violent crime, which fell in 2022, is constant to fall in 2023. The entire variety of homicides in — within the reporting jurisdictions dropped greater than 10 p.c. Rapes dropped 7.6 p.c, aggravated assault dropped 3.4 p.c, and robberies dropped 2.5 p.c.
The Biden-Harris administration’s funding, together with the $50 billion from the American Rescue Plan, that cities have used to enhance public security is working.
However, after all, now we have extra work to do. And that’s the reason the President has proposed greater than 100,000 cops that interact in group policing. The President urges Republicans to assist his proposal.
With that, I’ve the Admiral becoming a member of me as we speak to — to talk to tomorrow’s summit with Xi and anything on APEC that you could be wish to ask and, after all, the Center East battle.
MR. KIRBY: Thanks, Karine.
I do know you all heard from Jake yesterday concerning the — the assembly with President Xi and, after all, APEC. I received’t be capable to enhance a lot upon what Jake mentioned. I’ll simply let you know that going into APEC, I imply, the President actually feels we obtained the wind at our again right here.
And with 21 economies, 60 p.c of worldwide financial output represented right here in San Francisco, it’s — it’s an thrilling time.
And he’ll be focusing, actually, on three issues.
One, not solely enhance and improve American funding within the area, however the area’s funding in the USA.
Quantity two, lifting up and searching in direction of a imaginative and prescient for higher worldwide employee requirements, cleaner environments, safer environments, collective bargaining, an opportunity for worldwide employees to have the ability to compete on a degree taking part in discipline.
And quantity three, constructing a extra inclusive economic system throughout the area.
Once more, Jake lined all that yesterday.
I do wish to simply offer you some updates on the Center East for those who’ll simply bear with me right here. Because the very early hours after October seventh, the President has been personally engaged all through the area. There’s simply been quite a lot of coordination, each day touchpoints with quite a lot of companions all run out of the NSC, led by Jake Sullivan.
And he’s — the President has dispatched quite a lot of senior officers to the area. Clearly, Secretary Blinken has made a few vital journeys there.
However that’s why I feel you noticed us announce earlier that the NSC Coordinator for the Center East, Brett McGurk, is touring to Europe and the Center East this week. And he’s leaving as we speak. He’s going to Belgium, Israel, the West Financial institution, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan.
After all, the first focus goes to be making certain that we’re releasing the hostages, that we’re doing every thing we are able to to get them launched, together with the People which are being held. However he’s additionally going to be specializing in how we are able to comprise this battle and that we are able to forestall any additional escalation in addition to any effort by anyone to deepen the battle.
We are also clearly going to maintain working — and Brett will probably be doing this — with our companions on the humanitarian help entrance to be sure that the help is getting in in addition to folks getting out.
I feel you’ll have additionally seen all — I’ll simply draw your consideration to it — Treasury Division issued one other spherical of sanctions towards Hamas as we speak. That is the third one for the reason that assaults.
Along with our companions, we’re going to be decisively
transferring to degrade Hamas’s monetary infrastructure, lower them off from outdoors funding, and block the brand new funding channels that they search to finance their terrorism.
Now, on the hospitals, I can affirm for you that now we have info that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad use some hospitals within the Gaza Strip, together with Al-Shifa, and tunnels beneath them to hide and to assist their army operations and to carry hostages.
Hamas and the Palestinian — Palestinian Islamic Jihad — PIJ — members function a command-and-control node from Al-Shifa in Gaza Metropolis. They’ve saved weapons there, they usually’re ready to answer an Israeli army operation towards that facility.
Now, to be clear, we don’t assist putting a hospital from the air, and we don’t wish to see a firefight within the hospital the place harmless folks, helpless folks, sick persons are merely making an attempt to get the medical care that they deserve — to not be caught in a crossfire. Hospitals and sufferers should be protected.
And this simply factors out how difficult the army operation is, as a result of Hamas has deeply embedded itself inside the civilian inhabitants. Israel has now an added burden that they need to — I’m sorry, they’ve an added burden, given the best way that Hamas operates.
However as now we have been clear on a number of events, Hamas actions didn’t reduce Israel’s obligations to guard civilians in Gaza. And that is one thing that we clearly are going to proceed to have an lively dialog with our counterparts about.
After which, simply — simply to the touch on among the figures during the last 24 hours: Some 115 extra vans carrying humanitarian support had been capable of enter Gaza. That brings the whole now to round 1,100. Once more, we all know it’s not sufficient. We all know extra should be completed. We obtained to speed up it. We obtained to extend it. However we’re up over a thousand vans now which have gotten in.
After which for the reason that 1st of November, we are actually conscious of greater than 600 People and their members of the family who’ve been capable of depart and — and search the assist of our embassy crew, our consular crew on the bottom in Egypt.
Q Kirby, simply on the — on the —
Q Hostages — on the hostages —
Q Might I simply — on the hospitals, to begin with, what proof or assist or sourcing do it’s important to assist the declare that you just simply made about Hamas?
MR. KIRBY: Yeah, it comes from a wide range of intelligence sourcing. I feel you possibly can perceive that we’re not going to have the ability to present an entire lot of granular element on that. We’ve to guard sources and strategies, however we had been capable of downgrade some info to have the ability to present it with — for you as we speak. Nevertheless it comes from a wide range of intelligence strategies of our personal — of our personal.
Q Does that change the thought of whether or not or not there must be a ceasefire on the hospital in an effort to get the sufferers out? I imply, does this transformation the calculation? Would you — would the U.S. assist a —
MR. KIRBY: Yeah, I feel —
Q — short-term ceasefire at this level?
MR. KIRBY: I wish to be clear, after we’re speaking ceasefire versus pause, there’s a distinction. So, we don’t assist a ceasefire. We expect that’s going to profit Hamas.
Q (Inaudible) pause?
MR. KIRBY: However we do assist these humanitarian pauses that the Israeli army put in place.
Now a few of them have gone as much as seven hours a day, which is an effective factor. It’s permitting folks to get out and to get to security.
As I mentioned in my topper, and also you heard Jake discuss this yesterday, we don’t assist assaults on hospitals. We don’t need harmless sufferers who’re simply making an attempt to get wanted medical care to be caught within the crossfire right here. And this does level to the added burden that the Israeli Protection Pressure has.
As I mentioned in my opening assertion, now have info that confirms that Hamas is utilizing that specific hospital for a command-and-control node and doubtless storage of kit, weapons up beneath that. That is — that is — that could be a warfare crime. That — that does make it far more tough for the Israeli Protection Forces.
Q On the hostages, it appears we’re getting nearer to a hostage deal. There appears to be indications and reviews of that. Are you able to give us any details about how that’s transferring?
MR. KIRBY: All I can let you know is that we’re in lively discussions as we communicate, proper now, with our counterparts within the area. And one of many issues that Brett will probably be doing when he goes over there may be to proceed to have that work, to proceed — to proceed that work. So, it’s an hour-by-hour dialogue.
I feel you possibly can perceive why I wouldn’t get into an excessive amount of element about these lively negotiations, lest I say one thing that — that places them in jeopardy.
However as you heard the President discuss this earlier this morning, you understand, we’re — we’re assured that we’re placing the power and the trouble into that, and we’re going to maintain — we’re going to maintain at it.
Q Is there something to that Washington Submit report concerning the potential trade of round 70 civilian hostages in trade for a five-day ceasefire?
MR. KIRBY: Yeah, I’m simply not going to get into the small print.
Q (Inaudible) on ICBC — the ransomware assault on ICBC. First, did the U.S. give any sense of a warning to China concerning the vulnerability of that — of that ransomware? And second, is that one thing that you’d foresee developing within the leaders’ assembly tomorrow?
MR. KIRBY: I — I don’t — we’re wa- — conscious of the assault and, actually, we’re monitoring that. I don’t have quite a lot of info for you.
We — you understand, the Treasurer is in contact with the monetary regulators and with the market itself, however I actually don’t have far more info on that. It’s clearly one thing we’re going to observe very intently.
And as for whether or not it’ll come up tomorrow, I don’t wish to get forward of the President and the dialogue that he’s going to have.
Consider me, the agenda will probably be a really full agenda with President Xi.
Q Does the President have plans to speak to Netanyahu earlier than APEC will get underway, earlier than his focus shifts to the summit in San Francisco?
MR. KIRBY: I’m not conscious of any calls on his schedule with Prime Minister Netanyahu as we’re talking proper now.
However he has maintained a relentless communication with the Prime Minister, and I’ve each expectation that they’ll be speaking once more, in all probability a number of instances. I simply don’t — I couldn’t let you know precisely when that’s going to occur.
Q And on the sanctions — the Treasury sanctions on Hamas — are you seeing any proof that that’s having any affect proper now?
MR. KIRBY: Nicely, I imply, sanctions typically take a short time earlier than you possibly can really see the sensible impacts, and we’ve completed three rounds for the reason that — the assaults. And oftentimes, the impact simply takes a short time. So, I couldn’t let you know a technique or one other how a lot affect it’s had up to now. However ultimately, these items — they are going to actually put a — will definitely put at an obstacle their potential to fund themselves, useful resource themselves, present capabilities to their fighters.
We’ll — and, you understand, that is the third spherical. We actually aren’t going to take off the desk any extra sanctions.
Q In tomorrow’s assembly with President Xi, China’s International Ministry says they’d prefer to see, quote, “concrete actions” by way of U.S. assist for Taiwanese —
MR. KIRBY: Who mentioned that?
Q The Chinese language International Ministry mentioned they’d prefer to see “concrete actions” by way of U.S. assist of the One China coverage. Whereas, as we all know, the U.S. want to see Taiwanese residents having the ability to train their proper to vote freely and pretty. How do you sq. these two positions?
MR. KIRBY: To start with, nothing has modified about our One China coverage, and now we have been crystal clear about that. We
clearly don’t assist independence for Taiwan.
We actually wish to see Taiwan’s democracy proceed to flourish.
We don’t — don’t wish to see any cross-trade tensions which are solved unilaterally or upsetting the established order in a unilateral manner, actually not by power.
So, there’s no change to our One China coverage.
Q You mentioned final week when requested concerning the President’s schedule that the bags isn’t on the airplane but. You didn’t wish to — you mentioned final week when requested concerning the President’s schedule for the convention that the bags wasn’t on the airplane but, so that you didn’t wish to discuss it.
MR. KIRBY: (Laughs.)
Q Nicely, we hope the bags is on the airplane. However I needed to ask how fluid is the President’s schedule given the finances —
MR. KIRBY: The President is wanting ahead to a great week in San Francisco and to a really strong agenda at APEC. And — after which I feel I’ll simply go away it at that.
Q So, there’s no plans to presumably go away early, return to Washington, or —
MR. KIRBY: We’re — we’re centered on having a great week in San Francisco. And — and I’ve no updates to his schedule to speak about.
Q Associated to Xi, what pursuits does China have in what’s taking place within the Center East proper now? And why has their method been so completely different to the USA on that situation?
MR. KIRBY: I’d need to level you to President Xi to talk to his views of what’s occurring within the Center East. I received’t communicate for an additional overseas chief. And I actually received’t communicate for his or her feedback and — and the way they’ve reacted to what’s occurring within the Center East.
All I can do is let you know what we’re doing, and I simply did that. And the President goes to remain centered on what’s occurring.
I’ve little question, Trevor, that — that the state of affairs within the Center East will come up within the context of the bilateral dialogue with President Xi. President Biden will probably be keen to listen to President Xi’s views on this.
They’ve — they’ve traces of communication within the area in some ways in which we don’t. And, actually, we might — we might welcome alternatives for — if China was keen to be useful in — in ensuring that Israel can get the assist that it must defend itself and that we are able to get humanitarian help to these in want.
Q After which additionally associated to APEC —
MR. KIRBY: And we don’t — and that we — there’s not an escalation or deepening or widening of the battle by another actor within the area.
Q After which associated to — additionally associated to APEC. What discussions do you anticipate the U.S. delegation to have with the Russian delegation that’s on website? And — and who’s the senior-most member of that delegation? And the way will you be participating with them?
MR. KIRBY: It’s their Deputy Prime Minister, and I’m not — I’m going to clean on the title. Their Deputy Prime Minister is representing them. And we look ahead to having them as a part of this bigger financial framework and dialogue.
Q Admiral — Admiral, President Xi has met with President Putin. So, how is Russia and Ukraine going to come back up within the talks between President Biden and President Xi?
MR. KIRBY: I’m sorry, say that once more.
Q So, President Xi has met with President Putin and is preserving these traces open. So, how is the battle within the Ukraine going to come back up between President Biden and President Xi? Like, what’s going to be mentioned there?
MR. KIRBY: Once more, I don’t wish to get forward of the dialog that hasn’t occurred but. I do suppose that actually they are going to wish to discuss what’s occurring in Ukraine, and the President will clarify that we’re going to proceed to assist Ukraine towards Russia’s aggression.
And that — and, once more, China may play a task right here in serving to us assist Ukraine but additionally to — serving to advance President Zelenskyy’s imaginative and prescient of a — of a simply peace right here for when — for when the battle is over.
However I received’t communicate for the Chinese language and what — what they are going to or received’t say about that. However I’ve each expectation that the combating in Ukraine will come up.
Q Given a lot consideration given tomorrow to the President’s assembly with President Xi, are you able to discuss concerning the preparation and negotiations for the lead-up to tomorrow? Was it a clean negotiation? Have been there contentious factors? What had been among the issues that had been talked about concerning the two leaders sitting down collectively? Like, give us somewhat little bit of a way of what we’re going to see within the choreography tomorrow and the way that happened.
MR. KIRBY: Nicely, look, I imply, anytime you do a gathering on the chief degree, notably between our two international locations, you understand, there’s weeks and weeks of dialogue about what’s going to be on the agenda, what’s not going to be on the agenda, how we would like the — the assembly to progress.
After which, after all, it will get all the way down to execution. As soon as these guys sit down on the desk — you noticed in Bali, it went on for, like, three-plus hours. These are two leaders that know one another effectively, recognized one another an extended, very long time. They are often frank and forthright with each other. I absolutely anticipate that that would be the case.
I’m not going to get into the back-and-forth between the 2 groups about — about how the — all of the modalities got here into place. However — however I feel — look, I feel the desk has been set — once more, over the course of many weeks — for what — what we hope will probably be a really productive, candid, constructive dialog right here.
The President desires to be sure that we’re dealing with this most consequential of bilateral relationships in essentially the most accountable manner ahead.
He means to compete with China. He’s coming into this dialogue, once more, with the wind at his again, from an financial perspective. He thinks the USA is well-poised in that competitors with China. He’s not going to be afraid to — to confront the place confrontation is required on points the place we don’t see eye to eye with President Xi and the PRC. However we’re additionally not going to be afraid, nor ought to we be afraid, as a assured nation, to interact in diplomacy on methods which we are able to cooperate with China — on local weather change, as an illustration, and clear power expertise.
So, there’s going to be an terrible lot on the agenda. All of that was — was labored out between the 2 groups and baked in, and — and we’re wanting ahead to seeing the place it’s going to go.
(Cross-talk.)
Q Will there be — are they going to put on matching outfits for the — for the household — for the household photograph on the finish?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: What?
Q I do know. It’s ridiculous. (Laughter.)
Q T-shirts.
Q Yeah, matching t-shirts.
Q So, there’s a convention on the finish of APEC that the leaders put on some sort of matching outfits. However the final time it was held within the U.S., Obama — it was in Hawaii, and Obama didn’t wish to have all people put on Hawaiian shirts as a result of he thought it was sort of embarrassing. So, I suppose there’s a query about whether or not or not there’s going to be matching outfits this yr. I don’t know. Are all of them going to put on aviators? I don’t know.
MR. KIRBY: Nicely, you bought me there. I wasn’t conscious of that one. I’ll — I’ll take that again —
Q I swear it’s a factor. I swear.
MR. KIRBY: — and ask. I — I take your phrase for it, however first I heard of that.
Q Kirby, do you have got any sense of whether or not President Biden will meet with the Taiwanese delegation that’s attending APEC?
MR. KIRBY: Aside from President Xi, I don’t have extra bilateral and even pull-aside discussions to talk to as we speak. I imply, there’ll be quite a lot of leaders right here, and we’ll see how issues shake — form out. However the one one which I — that I can communicate to is the bilat with President Xi.
Q On Indonesia, the President was in search of one thing like a free commerce settlement relating to important minerals. He didn’t get it yesterday. Why? And is that going to be a part of IPEF?
MR. KIRBY: Is that going to be what?
Q A part of the IPEF (inaudible).
MR. KIRBY: Once more, I’m not going to get forward of the agenda right here for the following few days. I imply, we’ll — there’s a strong set of discussions, together with on progress on the pillars of IPEF. And we’ll have extra to say about that in — in coming days.
And as for important minerals, there was a — there was a great dialogue with President Widodo about important minerals and making — ensuring that — that we are able to work collaboratively within the area to offer extra resilient provide chains for uncooked supplies like that.
So, I feel that’s about so far as I’ll go.
Q On the choreography of the conferences with President Xi, do we all know it’s going to work? Are they’re going to have a handshake? Are they going to provide statements? How lengthy? And likewise are you able to inform us the place it can occur?
MR. KIRBY: Once more, I’m not going to get into a lot of the modalities. I imply, there’ll be a — clearly a — you understand, a traditional bilateral dialogue between the 2 leaders. There’ll be an expanded bilateral dialogue with the 2 groups, however past that — after which, you understand, I feel you’ll get an opportunity to listen to from the President immediately after that. However past that, I’m — I don’t have extra element.
Q On the help vans going into Gaza, you mentioned 115 —
MR. KIRBY: Proper.
Q — and that that’s not sufficient.
MR. KIRBY: That’s during the last 24 hours.
Q Over the past 24 hours, however not sufficient, you had mentioned. Have you ever — do you’re feeling that with these pauses that the tempo has picked up somewhat bit, although — that that’s made a distinction up to now couple of days?
MR. KIRBY: What the pause have completed — I might — it will be laborious to attract a direct line between the pauses and the vans moving into. The pauses are largely in North Gaza, so away from the Rafah Crossing.
What the pauses have completed, although, predominantly, is permit folks in North Gaza to go away. The Israelis now have two secure corridors — one to the east after which one to the west alongside the coast street. And that’s opened up extra avenues for folks to maneuver by foot.
So, it’s actually had an impact on — on getting folks out of hurt’s manner, which we hope, simply mathematically talking, would assist alleviate the danger — the higher danger of civilian casualties as a result of now there’s now simply fewer folks within the crossfire.
Nevertheless it hasn’t actually been tied to the Rafah Crossing. That work is ongoing.
Q So, going again to the Xi assembly, a barely funner subject, however will —
MR. KIRBY: Extra enjoyable than the —
Q Than the t-shirts?
MR. KIRBY: — matching shirts?
Q I do know. Extra enjoyable.
Will President Biden ask President Xi about pandas and getting extra pandas for the U.S.?
MR. KIRBY: We’re sorry to see the pandas go. However, clearly, that was a sovereign choice by the PRC, and, after all, now we have to respect that.
Q Kirby, ought to — will there be any U.S. motion towards Ukraine if it’s discovered that they had been in any respect concerned in sabotaging the Nord Stream pipeline?
MR. KIRBY: Once more, I’m not going to get forward of what’s lively investigations right here on the Nord Stream Two and the pipeline. And I’m actually not going to talk hypothetically about what the outcomes of that investigation could be.
What we’re centered on is ensuring that Ukraine continues to get what they want. And proper now, that’s a — it’s a important want as they’re nonetheless combating on this counteroffensive. And with out supplemental funding, you understand, we’re going to — we’re going to have a more durable time right here. The runway is getting shorter and shorter for our potential to assist them.
Q The President has a choice to make a few sanctions waiver on Iran that might unlock $10 billion that’s frozen, I imagine, in an Iraqi financial institution. What’s he going to determine and what’s the justification for?
MR. KIRBY: Received’t get forward of the President’s choice making.
However I’ll let you know this: We proceed to carry Iran accountable. We’ve added power posture within the area. We’ve sanctioned, in two and a half years, some 400 entities — 300 in simply the final yr alone — for all method of Iranian destabilizing conduct: the best way they’re treating their protesters, the best way they’re supporting Russia, and a — and the best way they’re threatening maritime shippin- — delivery within the Gulf Area. So, we’re not turning any — no one is popping any blind eye to Iran’s destabilizing actions. We’re going to proceed to maintain that stress on them.
Okay?
Q Thanks.
Q Thanks, Kirby.
MR. KIRBY: Thanks.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All proper. Colleen?
Maintain on. It’s somewhat bumpy.
Q I do know. I’m leaning towards the facet.
So, on the — the CR, ought to the Hou- — ought to the White Home have come out so strongly towards the two-tiered CR, particularly now that it’s wanting prefer it may move? The place are — is the White Home on it proper now?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, by no means. Look, I’m — and I’m going to cite one thing that — that was — that was within the assertion from Saturday, which is “Home Republicans have to cease losing time on their very own political divisions, [to] do their jobs, and work in a bipartisan solution to forestall a shutdown.” So, that’s nonetheless very true. We’re not going to again away from that.
However we’ve — we’ve been saying, and also you heard from the President yesterday, you heard from me yesterday as effectively: We’re in contact with that — with each management within the Senate and within the Home to speak about the most effective path ahead for the American folks. That’s what we’re — we care about: How will we transfer ahead for the American folks? And so, we imagine that Home Republicans have to proceed to do their jobs, proper? We shouldn’t be right here. We shouldn’t be simply a few days away — a spot that we had been earlier than, as you all know, not too way back — and — and so — in September — so, we must always — they need to get this completed. They need to get this completed.
Q Do you suppose the President will assist the two-tier?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, they had been having a dialog. “They,” which means the Democrats’ management within the Home and the Senate, and clearly they’re going to be, from what I perceive, voting on it as we speak. And so, we’re going to let that course of occur. We’re not going to get forward of that course of.
Crucial factor right here is to be sure that we transfer ahead they usually — in the absolute best manner for the American folks. And that’s the place we’re going to be on this.
Q However the White Home hasn’t given a sign to Democrats that they need to or mustn’t —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We’re letting —
Q — be voting on this?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We’re letting the method occur. We’re letting the conversations and — the dialog occur within the Home and the Senate with Democrats. And there’s going to be a vote, and we’re going to see how this seems.
Q So, if Democrats assist this, the President would signal this?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not going to get into hypotheticals from right here. I’m going to let the method occur in — on the Capitol — proper? — in Capitol Hill. Allow them to have a dialog. There’s going to be a vote. We’re simply not going to get forward of what they’re going to determine to do.
Once more, we wish to transfer in the most effective path ahead for the American folks. That’s our — that’s our goal right here. That’s what we wish to know.
Q However has the President talked to congressional Democrats about this?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, as you understand, our Legislative Affairs Workplace has been in contact with — with the management in Congress — and in addition — and in addition our OMB director. We’ve been in contact with them for a while.
Now, clearly, that is one thing that Home Republicans have to repair. We’ve been very clear about that. And I don’t have any calls — we don’t have any calls to learn out of any dialog that the President has had.
However clearly, on this journey, he’s going to remain in shut contact with the workplace of — his crew — proper? — Workplace of Leg Affairs. He’s going to remain in shut contact with congressional leaders as effectively. Simply don’t have something to preview at the moment.
Q Sorry, I didn’t — I’m simply — I simply let all people leap in.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q But when this vote is going on in two hours — the White Home hasn’t given Democrats any indication that the President would veto or signal this —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We —
Q — even when they’re about to take a vote in two hours?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We’ve been — that’s not the primary time. Proper?
Q No, I do know. However —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Proper? There’s been —
Q — I’m saying, on one thing particular like this the place there’s such a —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I hear you. What —
Q — a lot at stake on Friday —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: And that’s precisely proper. And we shouldn’t be the place we’re as we speak — proper? — as a result of a lot is at stake. We’re speaking about very important packages for the American folks. You’re 1,000 p.c proper. We shouldn’t be right here. And we’ve been very clear about that — very clear about that.
However what we’re saying is: There’s conversations taking place on the Hill. Sure, the vote is going on — I don’t know — in two hours, at 4 o’clock, however there’s nonetheless conversations, proper? They’re nonetheless negotiating. They’re nonetheless having conversations. We’re simply not going to get forward of that.
We’re going to get the management within the Dem- — within the — and the Democrats’ management within the Home and the Senate, make these — have these conversations. We’re simply not going to get forward of that.
What we wish to see is a — the most effective path ahead for the American folks. That’s who we’re placing first right here. That’s who’s crucial factor.
We’re speaking about important, essential packages that must be funding — funded to maintain our regulation enforcement on the — getting paid; to verify our nationwide safety is — is in — is the place it must be; to verify schooling, meals safety, all of these items which are so very important to — to People. That’s what’s our essential precedence, and that’s what we’re going to let the Democrat management in each the Home and the Senate have these conversations. And that’s what we wish to see play out. And so, we’re —
Q So, would —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: — not going to get forward of that.
Q So, would the President be again in Washington, D.C., earlier than a shutdown takes place?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I do know he simply requested — somebody — Emily simply requested that query. Look, as you understand, and also you hear us say this on a regular basis, the President is the president wherever he’s, and that’s the factor to recollect.
And he — he’s going to remain in contact, once more, along with his crew again dwelling on the White Home. He’s going to, you understand, keep in contact with congressional leaders. And he may do that anyplace, proper? He can signal a invoice anyplace. He can, you understand, discuss to them anyplace he’s. He might be president anyplace — anyplace within the nation, actually anyplace on this planet. So, that’s not going to — that’s not going to alter.
Q Karine, can I ask you — earlier as we speak at his remarks, the President sounded somewhat hoarse. He was coughing rather a lot. Is he feeling okay?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: He’s feeling —
Q What —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: He’s feeling — he’s wanting ahead to this journey. He’s feeling good. You’ll see for your self after the — after he has his assembly with President Xi, you’re going to listen to immediately from the President. He’ll take a number of questions in his solo press convention.
The President — I simply noticed him. The President could be very a lot wanting ahead to this journey — this actually essential journey and consequential assembly with President Xi. So, that’s what I can let you know.
Q When was his final COVID take a look at?
(Cross-talk.)
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I didn’t hear that. Sorry, Emily.
Q When was his final COVID take a look at?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I — I can’t communicate to that. I — you understand, if COVID — we’re in a distinct place with COVID, as you understand — a really, very completely different place due to what this President has been capable of do in getting COVID and getting this pan- — getting us out of this pandemic, getting COVID beneath management. We’re in a completely, completely completely different place. And I feel that’s essential to notice as effectively.
So, we’re not in the identical place the place — clearly, I don’t suppose you take a look at every single day proper? So, we’re simply not in that very same place. I simply don’t have any — we don’t have something to share with you on that.
Q On Israel, Karine, you noticed the protests as we speak outdoors the White Home. But additionally, I haven’t heard something from the White Home on the demise of a protester in California a number of weeks again. He sustained some accidents throughout a protest in California.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Can — are you able to say that yet another time?
Q Yeah. A 69-year-old California man was — he succumbed to accidents he sustained throughout a protest.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, that is the — the Jewish American?
Q Sure.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q Sure, I haven’t heard something from the White Home on him. Has the White Home reached out to his household or his group?
After which zooming out to the protests as we speak that we noticed, can the White Home guarantee American Jews that they’re secure in America?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, so let me — let me contact on the primary — the primary query concerning the gentleman — the protester, the — the Jewish American. It’s — it’s terrible. It’s devastating that occurred. Clearly, our hearts exit to — to the individuals who beloved him, his household.
And I don’t have a — we don’t have any calls to learn out, however clearly, we’re sending our condolences to the household with that horrific, horrific occasion.
What I’ll say concerning the marches — that we welcome as we speak’s march. The President has been very clear about his unwavering assist for Israel to defend itself towards terrorism since Hamas — Hamas’s horrific terrorist assault on October seventh. And President Biden has taken historic actions to battle hate, together with antisemitism, saying extra steps to fight — fight it on campuses as we speak.
Federal, state, and native officers have made the saf- — the protection of this occasion a precedence and have labored to make sure that needed precautions are enacted and sources are deployed to make sure the protection of everybody attending — attending as we speak’s march.
We urge everybody to respect one another’s First Modification rights and to not interact in escalatory conduct.
And clearly, we take — we take any hate crime on any group very severely. And we’ve taken actions not simply this yr up to now couple of weeks, however clearly a yr in the past, we made — we had been very clear about the place this administration stands.
Q And also you had been at a roundtable about it with Neera Tanden final week. Are you able to simply replace us on how that —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Say that yet another time.
Q I imagine you had an occasion with the Home Coverage Advisor on this final week. Are you able to simply replace us on any —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I don’t have something to share. However clearly, the crew — the Home Coverage crew and different — different members of the President’s management — White Home management are going to proceed to have dialog with leaders in several communities, as they’re all coping with what we’re seeing: the rise in hate within the completely different teams.
And I’m — clearly, we’re going to proceed to name out antisemitism. We’re going to proceed to name out Islamophobia. And we’re going to proceed to say, any — any violence, any hatred towards any group is unacceptable.
Q Alongside these traces, we had a ballot as we speak that confirmed that one in three Asian and Pacific Island folks in the USA confronted some sort of racial abuse. I suppose I puzzled what’s your message to that group and particular — notably as APEC is going on.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I imply, very sim- — very related, proper? Any racism, xenophobia, intolerance is unacceptable. We’re going to be — proceed to be very clear on that. That is one thing that the President has been clear on since he was working to be president again in 2017. So, that is — we’re going to proceed to be constant there.
So, President Biden and Vice President Harris have led a historic whole-of-government effort to fight such discriminat- — discrimination going through Asian People, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. That began their first week in workplace when the President issued a presidential memorandum leveraging the ability of the federal authorities to face towards this hate. The President additionally signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into regulation and signed an govt order to reestablish the White Home Initiative on AA and NHPIs.
And earlier this yr, we launched the first-ever Nationwide Technique to Advance Fairness, Justice, and Alternative for Asian American, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander communities. The technique particulars much-needer — wanted investments from 32 federal companies, together with improved knowledge, language entry, and combating anti-Asian hate.
Q After which, in San Francisco, homeless advocates have been advoc- — been pushing for a gathering with the President, particularly given some criticism of a cleanup that’s been taking place across the metropolis forward of this assembly. Is he going to speak with them? Like, what are his ideas on this —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Like, talking to the advocates?
Q Talking with homeless folks, addressing the state of affairs there, which is a giant drawback in San Francisco.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, right here’s what I’ll say: The President has taken homelessness extremely severely. And so, this yr, the Biden administration — they introduced an ALL INside initiative to aggressively sort out homelessness and construct a rustic the place each individual has a secure and inexpensive dwelling.
The initiative is definitely constructing on the American Rescue Plan, which — which made the most important single-year funding in ending homelessness in U.S. historical past and helped forestall a surge of homelessness as a consequence of the pandemic, in addition to work being coordinated throughout federal companies — together with HUD and the VA, together with HHS, together with Treasury — to cut back homelessness.
And let’s not neglect: Earlier this yr, because it pertains to California, the administration supplied a further $96 million to communities throughout the state of California particularly centered on addressing unsheltered homelessness and homeless encampments.
So, we imagine Congress must act. And — and they should proceed to try this to cr- — in order that we are able to create tens of millions of inexpensive properties, if you concentrate on it; increase rental help; and supply communities with the sources they should forestall and finish homelessness.
Let’s not neglect, the American Rescue Plan, which is — which is what his initiative is constructed on — solely Democrats voted for it. We’re those taking this very severely. Democrats in Congress are those taking this very severely. Solely Democrats voted on the American Rescue Plan that truly have initiatives and provisions in there to cope with crime; to cope with homelessness, as I simply laid out; to verify we’re getting extra police — extra cops in communities. And that’s one thing that Democrats led, not Republicans.
Q How has the President ready for this assembly tomorrow with President Xi?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Nicely, you understand, the President has — on the subject of overseas coverage and being a pacesetter on this — on this area, that is the President — one thing the President has completed as a senator, as vice chairman. And also you’ve seen him do that the final two years.
And also you’ve seen the — how — what his management — how this diplomatic — how diplomacy — pardon me — how diplomacy performs such an essential function. And he believes in that. He believes in face-to-face dialog. He believes in having these direct — direct communication with leaders. And that’s what you’re going to see.
This isn’t cert- — actually — clearly not the primary time he’s spent with President Xi in his administra- — in his time as — as — in his administration. And so — so, he takes this very severely, proper?
He’s going to satisfy along with his crew. He’s going to — as he’s doing now on the airplane, as he’ll proceed to do even after we hit the bottom, and as he’s been doing for the previous couple of weeks and all through his administration. And — and that’s — I feel you can — what you can anticipate is a — is a president that’s going to be ready.
And he’s going to be ready not as a result of he’s speaking to his crew and — and, you understand, studying his briefing e book. It’s as a result of he has the expertise that — I might say, that many different presidents haven’t had. Proper? If you concentrate on him being a senator for 30 — 36 years, if you concentrate on being a vice chairman for 8 years, that’s expertise that’s so wanted as a t- — in a time like this.
Let’s not neglect: This is likely one of the most consequential relationships that now we have — you concentrate on China. And so, that is going to be important. And also you’re going to see a president that’s ready and able to have a direct and trustworthy dialog.
Q Karine, VOA reported this morning that the leaders will probably be assembly at a spot known as Filoli Property. Why was that chosen?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I — I don’t have something to share on location. I — I simply don’t have — we don’t have something to share about that.
Q Simply on the finances once more. I imply, as you understand, we had been right here a month and a half in the past.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. Right here in San Francisco, you imply?
Q No, I imply on the finances.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, I’m so sorry. Finances.
Q We’re not — we’re not ready —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All I heard — all I heard —
Q However I’m making an attempt to venture.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: — was “right here.” We had been right here a month in the past.
Q We had been at this cut-off date —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q — main as much as three days away from a possible shutdown. Do you — are you able to give us a way of type of the m- — temper music? Do you’re feeling any higher? Does the White Home really feel any higher concerning the state of affairs now, versus three days from the final one?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, there’s conversations nonetheless taking place, proper? They nonetheless need to vote on this in some unspecified time in the future as we speak.
And so, we’re actually — we — it is a president that’s all the time optimistic, however we additionally imagine that we shouldn’t be the place we’re as we speak.
That is one thing that — when you concentrate on — when you concentrate on the CR, after we take into consideration the place we’re, we must always — there was a deal, as you understand, earlier this — earlier within the spring — or late spring. And we imagine that the President obtained concerned — proper? — and made positive {that a} deal was completed. And we imagine a deal is a deal. And now we’re in a state of affairs the place we shouldn’t be — we actually shouldn’t be.
However I’m not going to get forward of conversations. I’m not going to get forward of the vote. Let’s see what occurs.
However now we have to be optimistic. That is essential to the American folks. That is essential to our nationwide safety. That is essential to our veterans. We’ve obtained to be sure that we ship for the American folks and do the job that they despatched us right here to do.
And that’s for Congress to do. Congress must be sure that they ship. So, we’re going to let — we’re going to let the Demo- — the Democratic Home and Senate, the management there, have these dialog, have these negotiations.
And hopefully we come to some type of decision right here on behalf of the American folks. That’s what we’re
speaking about.
Q What about — what about dealings with the brand new Speaker? I imply, is it higher or worse than —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not going to — I’m not going to, like, publicly choose the connection that the President has or that the White Home has with the — with the brand new Speaker.
What we wish to make sure that is that the work for the American folks get completed. That’s crucial factor. And that’s what we wish to get. That’s what we wish to see.
Q Karine, I wish to ask you — DailyMail.com, by way of a FOIA request, obtained photographs of the cocaine that was discovered within the White Home in July. Is there any replace on that investigation? Are the photographs serving to something? Have there been any chan- —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I might simply — I might refer you to the Secret Service. That’s their — that’s their — that’s of their wheelhouse. So, I’ll — I’ll go away it to them.
Q Is it irritating for the President that the polls present {that a} majority of People suppose that, you understand, the administration isn’t doing that nice on the economic system when now we have close to — unemployment is, like, a historic low and inflation is falling?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I imply, look, as you noticed — I — I simply talked about on the prime that CPI — proper? — which is unimaginable, essential knowledge — got here out.
And right here’s what we expect the President is getting for outcomes for the American folks. Proper? Inflation, within the pandemic, has fallen 65 p.c since final summer time, which is what I discussed on the prime. Core inflation is on the lowest degree in additional than two years. Wages are increased than earlier than the pandemic, accounting for inflation. Fuel costs are $3.35, down $1.65 from their peak after Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, offering respiration room for — to households forward of the vacation journey. Grocery inflation is at a lowest degree in over two years. Egg and milk costs are decrease than a yr in the past.
And, look, we perceive. We get it, proper? The pandemic had quite a lot of pressure and precipitated quite a lot of pressures for households and People. We get that. That’s why the President did what he did, which — I — we had been speaking concerning the American Rescue Plan — the primary piece of laws that he signed into regulation to get us again on our toes, proper?
So, that’s — so, we get that. We get that Putin’s inva- — invasion, warfare in Ukraine that precipitated the costs to go up. That’s why the President has taken these sort of historic steps on the subject of — whether or not it’s the Bipartisan Infrastructure Regulation, whether or not it’s the Inflation Discount Act — to be sure that we’re doing every thing that we are able to to make — to make People’ lives simpler.
Whether or not it’s healthcare; whether or not it’s bringing down fuel — fuel costs; whether or not it’s ensuring that, you understand, unemployment — for those who take a look at unemployment, it’s beneath 4 per- — 4 p.c, which is — it’s been doing that for greater than 20 months. That’s essential to notice. Greater than 14 million jobs created.
That’s Bidenomics. That’s what Bidenomics has been capable of do.
However, after all, we perceive — proper? — we see and perceive that some People are nonetheless feeling it on the market. However it is a president that’s taking this very, very severely and doing every thing that he can.
One factor that he says on a regular basis: He believes that each American ought to really feel like they’ve the dignity to have the ability to feed their household, to have the ability to earn — to earn the wages to be sure that they’ll stay their life that they see match for themselves and their household. And that’s essential to the — to the President.
Q On the UK cupboard shuffle. Does this transformation something between rela — with relations between the 2 international locations? And likewise, I feel it’s the King’s birthday as we speak. I feel he’s turning 75.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Wait, it’s whose birthday?
Q Charles.
Q I feel it’s the King’s birthday tomorrow. Any birthday needs?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Wait, to who? I didn’t hear you.
Q The King.
Q King Charles.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, King Charles. (Laughs.)
Q He’s 75. Possibly the President, a fellow November child, has some birthday needs?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Nicely, pleased birthday to the King.
So, so far as the — the UK authorities clearly inf- — knowledgeable us to the modifications to the Pri — that — to Prime Minister Sunak’s cupboard. We look ahead to persevering with our cooperation with the Prime Minister and the brand new cupboard, together with new International Secretary — new International Secretary David Cameron, on a spread of essential priorities.
Definitely not going to talk to, you understand, the — the inner workings of one other authorities’s political — political governance. I’m simply not going to talk to that.
All proper. Okay.
Q Thanks, Karine.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thanks, guys.
Q Thanks.
2:50 P.M. EST