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The killing of Aysenur Eygi is a horrific tragedy that never should have happened. Doug and I are keeping her family and loved ones in our prayers. Aysenur was peacefully protesting in the West Bank—standing up against the expansion of settlements—when her young life was senselessly cut short. No one should be killed for participating in a peaceful protest. The shooting that led to her death is unacceptable and raises legitimate questions about the conduct of IDF personnel in the West Bank.  Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.
 
Israel’s preliminary investigation indicated it was the result of a tragic error for which the IDF is responsible. We will continue to press the government of Israel for answers and for continued access to the findings of the investigation so we can have confidence in the results. There must be full accountability.
 
The United States will continue to hold accountable anyone in the West Bank – Israelis and Palestinians – who stokes violence and undermines peace and stability.
 

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The post Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris on Aysenur Eygi appeared first on The White House.

The killing of Aysenur Eygi is a horrific tragedy that never should have happened. Doug and I are keeping her family and loved ones in our prayers. Aysenur was peacefully protesting in the West Bank—standing up against the expansion of settlements—when her young life was senselessly cut short. No one should be killed for participating in a peaceful protest. The shooting that led to her death is unacceptable and raises legitimate questions about the conduct of IDF personnel in the West Bank.  Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.
 
Israel’s preliminary investigation indicated it was the result of a tragic error for which the IDF is responsible. We will continue to press the government of Israel for answers and for continued access to the findings of the investigation so we can have confidence in the results. There must be full accountability.
 
The United States will continue to hold accountable anyone in the West Bank – Israelis and Palestinians – who stokes violence and undermines peace and stability.
 

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The post Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris on Aysenur Eygi appeared first on The White House.

I am outraged and deeply saddened by the death of Aysenur Eygi. Aysenur was a recent U.S. college graduate. She was also an activist whose idealism led her to travel to the West Bank to peacefully protest the expansion of settlements. The shooting that led to her death is totally unacceptable. 

Israel has acknowledged its responsibility for Aysenur’s death, and a preliminary investigation has indicated that it was the result of a tragic error resulting from an unnecessary escalation. The U.S. government has had full access to Israel’s preliminary investigation, and expects continued access as the investigation continues, so that we can have confidence in the result. We will continue to stay in close contact with Israeli and Palestinian authorities regarding the circumstances that led to Aysenur’sdeath. 

There must be full accountability. And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again. 

The violence in the West Bank has been going on for too long. Violent extremist Israeli settlers are uprooting Palestinians from their homes.  Palestinian terrorists are sending car bombs to kill civilians.  I will continue to support policies that hold all extremists – Israelis and Palestinians alike – accountable for stoking violence and serving as obstacles to peace.

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on Aysenur Eygi appeared first on The White House.

I am outraged and deeply saddened by the death of Aysenur Eygi. Aysenur was a recent U.S. college graduate. She was also an activist whose idealism led her to travel to the West Bank to peacefully protest the expansion of settlements. The shooting that led to her death is totally unacceptable. 

Israel has acknowledged its responsibility for Aysenur’s death, and a preliminary investigation has indicated that it was the result of a tragic error resulting from an unnecessary escalation. The U.S. government has had full access to Israel’s preliminary investigation, and expects continued access as the investigation continues, so that we can have confidence in the result. We will continue to stay in close contact with Israeli and Palestinian authorities regarding the circumstances that led to Aysenur’sdeath. 

There must be full accountability. And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again. 

The violence in the West Bank has been going on for too long. Violent extremist Israeli settlers are uprooting Palestinians from their homes.  Palestinian terrorists are sending car bombs to kill civilians.  I will continue to support policies that hold all extremists – Israelis and Palestinians alike – accountable for stoking violence and serving as obstacles to peace.

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on Aysenur Eygi appeared first on The White House.

Today is a day of solemn remembrance as we mourn the souls we lost in a heinous terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. We stand in solidarity with their families and loved ones. We also honor the extraordinary heroism on display that fateful day by ordinary Americans helping their fellow Americans. We will never forget.
 
On September 11, 2001 terrorists sought to attack and destroy our way of life—our democracy, our freedoms, and everything we hold dear as Americans. In that endeavor they failed. In the days that followed, we were all reminded that unity is possible in America. Together, we made clear we will not bend or break in the face of terrorism. We rallied around the victims and their families. We worked to overcome the hate and discrimination that many of our fellow Americans experienced following the attacks. And we fought for the country we love and the ideals we cherish. All of this work continues today.
 
Hundreds of thousands of Americans served in Afghanistan and elsewhere to selflessly and bravely protect the American people and our homeland.  They deployed to root out the evil of terrorism and to deny terrorists a safe haven. I will always honor their service and sacrifice.
 
In 2011, President Obama ordered an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, and two years ago, President Biden ordered an operation that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, bin Laden’s deputy. We remain vigilant against any terrorist threat directed at the United States or the American people and we continue to disrupt terrorist networks wherever we find them.
 
Today, I will travel to the hallowed ground of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania to honor the victims and their families. As I do so, I will also reflect on the incredible selflessness and courage of the American people. And as we commemorate this day, we should all reflect on what binds us together as one: the greatest privilege on Earth, the pride and privilege of being an American.

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The post Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on the Anniversary of September 11 appeared first on The White House.

Today is a day of solemn remembrance as we mourn the souls we lost in a heinous terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. We stand in solidarity with their families and loved ones. We also honor the extraordinary heroism on display that fateful day by ordinary Americans helping their fellow Americans. We will never forget.
 
On September 11, 2001 terrorists sought to attack and destroy our way of life—our democracy, our freedoms, and everything we hold dear as Americans. In that endeavor they failed. In the days that followed, we were all reminded that unity is possible in America. Together, we made clear we will not bend or break in the face of terrorism. We rallied around the victims and their families. We worked to overcome the hate and discrimination that many of our fellow Americans experienced following the attacks. And we fought for the country we love and the ideals we cherish. All of this work continues today.
 
Hundreds of thousands of Americans served in Afghanistan and elsewhere to selflessly and bravely protect the American people and our homeland.  They deployed to root out the evil of terrorism and to deny terrorists a safe haven. I will always honor their service and sacrifice.
 
In 2011, President Obama ordered an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, and two years ago, President Biden ordered an operation that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, bin Laden’s deputy. We remain vigilant against any terrorist threat directed at the United States or the American people and we continue to disrupt terrorist networks wherever we find them.
 
Today, I will travel to the hallowed ground of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania to honor the victims and their families. As I do so, I will also reflect on the incredible selflessness and courage of the American people. And as we commemorate this day, we should all reflect on what binds us together as one: the greatest privilege on Earth, the pride and privilege of being an American.

# # #

The post Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on the Anniversary of September 11 appeared first on The White House.

Today, our nation comes together to renew our sacred vow: Never Forget.

Never forget each of the 2,977 precious lives stolen from us when terrorists attacked our nation. Never forget their families who still bear the grief from that searing September morning. Never forget the heroic citizens and survivors who rushed to help their fellow Americans. And never forget that when faced with evil—and an enemy that sought to tear us apart—we endured.

In the crucible of September 11 and the days that followed, we showed what Americans are made of. Firefighters and police officers running into the inferno of jet fuel and debris at Ground Zero. Civilians and service members at the Pentagon rushing into the fiery breach to rescue their colleagues. The heroes of Flight 93, who confronted terror with absolute courage and undoubtedly saved more American lives. Neighbors who showed up for neighbors to grieve and to rebuild. And hundreds of thousands of women and men whose hands went up—ready to serve our country.

On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong. They will always be wrong. In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together—to defend our country, and to help one another. That is why terrorists targeted us in the first place: our freedom, our democracy, our unity.

They failed. But we must remain vigilant. Today, our longest war is finally over. But our commitment to preventing another attack on our people never will be. We will continue to disrupt terrorist networks wherever we find them. And we will continue to deliver justice to terrorists who plot against America—just as we did with Osama bin Laden in 2011 and Ayman al-Zawahiri in 2022.

And above all, we will continue to remember: we are the United States of America. We endure. We overcome. And there is nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together. May God bless our fallen and their families. May God protect our troops and first responders. And may God bless the United States of America. 

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on the Anniversary of September 11 appeared first on The White House.

Today, our nation comes together to renew our sacred vow: Never Forget.

Never forget each of the 2,977 precious lives stolen from us when terrorists attacked our nation. Never forget their families who still bear the grief from that searing September morning. Never forget the heroic citizens and survivors who rushed to help their fellow Americans. And never forget that when faced with evil—and an enemy that sought to tear us apart—we endured.

In the crucible of September 11 and the days that followed, we showed what Americans are made of. Firefighters and police officers running into the inferno of jet fuel and debris at Ground Zero. Civilians and service members at the Pentagon rushing into the fiery breach to rescue their colleagues. The heroes of Flight 93, who confronted terror with absolute courage and undoubtedly saved more American lives. Neighbors who showed up for neighbors to grieve and to rebuild. And hundreds of thousands of women and men whose hands went up—ready to serve our country.

On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong. They will always be wrong. In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together—to defend our country, and to help one another. That is why terrorists targeted us in the first place: our freedom, our democracy, our unity.

They failed. But we must remain vigilant. Today, our longest war is finally over. But our commitment to preventing another attack on our people never will be. We will continue to disrupt terrorist networks wherever we find them. And we will continue to deliver justice to terrorists who plot against America—just as we did with Osama bin Laden in 2011 and Ayman al-Zawahiri in 2022.

And above all, we will continue to remember: we are the United States of America. We endure. We overcome. And there is nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together. May God bless our fallen and their families. May God protect our troops and first responders. And may God bless the United States of America. 

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden on the Anniversary of September 11 appeared first on The White House.

Cherry Street Pier
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

11:24 P.M. EDT

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS:  Hey, Philly!  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)

All right, so you guys know how I am.  Okay.  Today was a good day.  We got to work tomorrow.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)

 We got 56 days to go.  We got a lot of work to do.  And let me just say that I think we all know that tonight was a night that highlights something that you all have been working so hard on.  We have folks here who have been knocking on doors.  Well, you know.  (Applause.)

We — but we have a lot of work to do.  Okay?  And tonight, I think, highlighted for the American people what’s at stake.  I started the debate by talking about it and it became apparent, I think, throughout those — that about an hour and a half that — (laughter) — look, this is very much two different vision for our country: ours, which is a vision for the future, and his, which is about the past and taking us backward.  And as I said on the debate stage, we are not going back.  (Applause.)

 We are not going back.  And so, we know what we’re fighting for.  We know what we stand for.  And that’s why we know what we’re fighting for.  We’re fighting for the dignity of all people.  We’re fighting for the dignity of work.  We are fighting for middle-class families.  We are fighting to uplift people, understanding the true measure of the strength of a leader is not based on who you beat down, it’s based on who you lift up.  (Applause.)

That’s what we stand for.

 And so, we’ve got some work to do because — listen, I — I think that we think today was a good day, and it kind of was.  (Applause.)  But we have 56 days to go.  And, guys, we’re still the underdogs in this race.  It’s tight.

 We have got to win Pennsylvania.  (Applause.)  And we are going to Pennsylvania.  (Applause.) 

 And it is because of you.  It is because of you, who have signed up, who have volunteered.  You are organizing.  You’re helping us to email and text and knock on doors and talk to your neighbors and your friends.

 And here’s the thing about the spirit of our campaign.  It is people driven.  It is about the people.  It is about uplifting our country.

 This is a campaign born out of love of country.  We love our country.  (Applause.)  We believe in who we are.  We believe in the American people.

This is a campaign about bringing folks together, knowing the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us.  (Applause.)

 It is about inclusion, and it is not about division.  And it is not about demeaning and name-calling.  It is about lifting folks up — working folks, families, children, people who are just — not just trying to get by but trying to get ahead.  That’s what we stand for.  (Applause.)

So, let’s get out here for these next 56 days.  Hard work is good work.  (Applause.)  And we will win.  We will win.  (Applause.)

     See you later.  (Applause.)

                             END                11:27 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Philadelphia, PA appeared first on The White House.

Cherry Street Pier
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

11:24 P.M. EDT

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS:  Hey, Philly!  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)

All right, so you guys know how I am.  Okay.  Today was a good day.  We got to work tomorrow.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)

 We got 56 days to go.  We got a lot of work to do.  And let me just say that I think we all know that tonight was a night that highlights something that you all have been working so hard on.  We have folks here who have been knocking on doors.  Well, you know.  (Applause.)

We — but we have a lot of work to do.  Okay?  And tonight, I think, highlighted for the American people what’s at stake.  I started the debate by talking about it and it became apparent, I think, throughout those — that about an hour and a half that — (laughter) — look, this is very much two different vision for our country: ours, which is a vision for the future, and his, which is about the past and taking us backward.  And as I said on the debate stage, we are not going back.  (Applause.)

 We are not going back.  And so, we know what we’re fighting for.  We know what we stand for.  And that’s why we know what we’re fighting for.  We’re fighting for the dignity of all people.  We’re fighting for the dignity of work.  We are fighting for middle-class families.  We are fighting to uplift people, understanding the true measure of the strength of a leader is not based on who you beat down, it’s based on who you lift up.  (Applause.)

That’s what we stand for.

 And so, we’ve got some work to do because — listen, I — I think that we think today was a good day, and it kind of was.  (Applause.)  But we have 56 days to go.  And, guys, we’re still the underdogs in this race.  It’s tight.

 We have got to win Pennsylvania.  (Applause.)  And we are going to Pennsylvania.  (Applause.) 

 And it is because of you.  It is because of you, who have signed up, who have volunteered.  You are organizing.  You’re helping us to email and text and knock on doors and talk to your neighbors and your friends.

 And here’s the thing about the spirit of our campaign.  It is people driven.  It is about the people.  It is about uplifting our country.

 This is a campaign born out of love of country.  We love our country.  (Applause.)  We believe in who we are.  We believe in the American people.

This is a campaign about bringing folks together, knowing the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us.  (Applause.)

 It is about inclusion, and it is not about division.  And it is not about demeaning and name-calling.  It is about lifting folks up — working folks, families, children, people who are just — not just trying to get by but trying to get ahead.  That’s what we stand for.  (Applause.)

So, let’s get out here for these next 56 days.  Hard work is good work.  (Applause.)  And we will win.  We will win.  (Applause.)

     See you later.  (Applause.)

                             END                11:27 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Philadelphia, PA appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that an emergency exists in the State of Louisiana and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Francine beginning on September 10, 2024, and continuing. 

The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.

Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding for the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Calcasieu, Cameron, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.

Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding for the parishes of Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Catahoula, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Tensas, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll, and Winn.

Ms. Sandra L. Eslinger of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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The post President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Louisiana Emergency Declaration appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that an emergency exists in the State of Louisiana and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Francine beginning on September 10, 2024, and continuing. 

The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.

Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding for the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Calcasieu, Cameron, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.

Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding for the parishes of Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Catahoula, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Tensas, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll, and Winn.

Ms. Sandra L. Eslinger of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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The post President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Louisiana Emergency Declaration appeared first on The White House.

Aboard Air Force One
En Route New York, New York

5:28 P.M. EDT

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  All right.  So, tomorrow, the president and the vice president will visit all three sites of the September 11th terrorist attacks to honor the 2,977 lives lost and to support the families and loved ones who still feel the pain of that horrible day.

In the morning, the president and the vice president will participate in a 9/11 commemoration ceremony at Ground Zero.  And then they will tr- — they will travel to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to participate in a Flight 93 wreath-laying ceremony in the afternoon.  In the evening, the president and the vice president will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon.

We can only — only imagine the heartbreak and the pain that the 9/11 families and survivors have felt every day for the past 23 years, and we will always remember and honor those who were stolen — who were stolen from us way too soon.  We

will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that an attack like this never happens again, and we will remain vigilant against all threats to the homeland and — and take action as necessary to keep Americans safe.

Today, a new report shows that nearly 50 million people have had coverage in the Affordable Care Act marketplace.  That’s one in seven Americans who have benefited from the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they can get the care they need when they need it. 

Still, Republicans in Congress remain committed to taking us backwards by repealing the Affordable Care Act and taking that peace of mind away.  In fact, they voted more than 50 times to repeal the law. 

The Affordable Care Act is more popular than ever, and Affordable Care Act coverage is more affordable than ever.  That’s because President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked tirelessly to protect and build on the ACA.  Now more Americans have health insurance than ever before, and Americans are saving an average of $800 per year on their premiums.  The president and Vice President Harris remain focused on building on this progress.

And finally, the White House mourns the passing of James Earl Jones.  His remarkable talents will not be forgotten.  As President Biden said, “Through iconic characters, film, stage, commercials, radio, and more, his voice carried a sense of grace and dignity that commanded respect and demanded to be heard.  His roles made us stop, stayed — stayed with us, and inspired us to reflect on everything from race and power, good and evil, to our place in the world.”

The president and the first lady send their love and condolences to his family and everyone he inspired. 

Darlene.

Q    Thank you.  Two questions.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Sure.

Q    Earlier today, Congress awarded its highest honor to the 13 service members that were killed in the Afghanistan withdrawal.  Is there anything that you’d like to add from the White House side?  I know they — some of them already received Purple Hearts.  But is there anything you want to — want to add?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.  So, these Gold Star families have given more to our country than any family should be asked to give.  Like the president said last month on the anniversary of that — of that tragic attack, and I quote, “These 13 Americans and the many more that were wounded were patriots in the highest sense.” 

I don’t know if you remember this, but the president did sign the bill into law, posthumously awarding a Congressional Gold Medal in December of 2021.  And the president and the first lady grieve with the families and respect them and wish them to know that we will continue to do everything we can to support them and to honor both their sacrifice and f- — and that of their fallen loved ones.

We with — we will, with all sincerity, meet this most sacred of obligations and continue to honor the sacrifices their loved ones made. 

Q    And on 9/11.  Why is it important for both the president and the vice president to be at all three stops tomorrow?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  As I stated a little bit at the top, when I was talking about yesterday and what — it was tomorrow — pardon me, tomorrow — and what that day is going to look like, they want to honor the 2,977 lives that were lost on that tragic day and support the families and also their loved ones who are still — still feeling a horrible pain. 

And so, they wanted to do that.  They’re — on this particular year, they’re doing it together.  And so, they want to make sure that they continue to lift up — as you remember, you know, one of the things that was said is that we will never forget, and this is definitely — when you think about 9/11, it’s a moment, it’s a day, obviously, 23 years ago, we will never forget. 

Q    Does it have anything to do with the fact that she is now a candidate for president?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not going to get into politics.  Tomorrow is not about politics.  It’s — it’s about remembering those lives that were lost.  And I’m just going to leave it there. 

Q    Thanks.

Q    Did the president and vice president speak today?  I know he mentioned, as he was leaving —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.  So, the president mentioned that, as you know, as he was leaving the White House today.  On the South Lawn, he spoke to — he spoke to your colleagues, reporters on the South Lawn.  And he mentioned that he — he spoke to the vice president earlier today; they had a conversation.  Obviously, I’m not going to get into — into that conversation.  It was a — into any private conversation that the president has. 

But obviously, he wishes her luck.  He’s very proud of her.  And I remind you all, one of the things that the president has said — said recently is that the best decision that he made was making then-Senator Kamala Harris his running mate, and he believes that t- — to this day.

Q    Karine —

Q    Did he give her any advice?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  (Laughs.)

Q    Karine, the president also spoke to —

Q    That was a real question.  Sorry.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No, no, it’s a real question.  No, no, I — no, it’s a real question.  I just am not going to d- — dive into their conversation.  But it’s a real question.

Q    Has she asked him for advice?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not going to get into it.  I would — I would refer you to her campaign, anything that — that relates to her. 

But go ahead.

Q    So, the president said that the acc- — the shooting of the Turkish-American woman in the West Bank in Beita was apparently an accident and involved a ricocheting bullet.  Do you have any further details?  And there’s been some question about why the president hasn’t reached out to the family.  Has he done that in the meantime?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.  So, I’m going to start with your last question first.  I don’t have a — a call to read out to you o- — at this time.

But to your first question, he was referring — the first part of your question, he was referring to what the initial Israeli investigation concluded.  And I think Secretary Blinken, while he was in — he’s in London, and he talked about this earlier this morning. 

They released the findings today and briefed the U.S. government.  They’ve also announced a criminal investigation into the incident.  And so, we will continue to stay in close contact with the Israeli and also the Palestin- — Palestinian authorities as we learn more about the circumta- — -stances that led — led to this — to this — to this death, this tragic death.

Q    As a potential —

Q    Blinken’s — 

Q    — government shutdown looms, does the White House just have any, you know, comment, update kind of on maybe where things stand?  Just can you provide any update on — you know, has Biden spoken with any congressional leaders on — on what’s going on or —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, I think I talked a little bit about this.  As far as the White House, OM- — OMB and the Legis- — Leg Affairs Office has been in — in communication with senior — senior le- — well, House and — House and Senate leaders on this parti- — on this particular question that you asked me, on the need to — to pass a short-term CR to keep the government open without eroding our national defense, undermining our veterans and seniors, abandoning communities struck — struck by disaster, or threatening deva- — devastating — devastating across-the-board cuts to programs Americans count on. 

So, we’re coordinating with our Democratic leaders on this, on — on a short-term CR.  This is — and you’ve heard us say this many times before.  This is the part of their job that is, you know, the easy part of their job.  They can get this done, keep the government open, do it in a bipartisan way.  They’ve done it before. 

The president is always in regular touch with — with congressional members on the Hill.  I don’t have anything to read out to you, but as you can — as you just heard from me, his senior leadership, including OMB, is in constant communication with House and Senate leadership. 

And so, those conversations are going to continue.  But they should do their job.  They should do the basic part of their job, which is keep the government open. 

Q    Can we go back to 9/11 for just a second?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Sure.

Q    So, after 9/11, there was a huge increase in crimes — hate crimes against people who were Muslim or were conceived or perceived to be Muslim. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    You have been working on an Islamophobia strategy, which I keep asking about. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I know you do. 

Q    (Laughs.)  What’s the status on that?  And are you — you know, we are seeing now, in this current environment, where there’s so much tension around Gaza, both the rise in antisemitism but also a really notable increase in crimes against, you know, not just Muslims but anti-Palestinian hate crimes.  Chicago —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So —

Q    Like in Chicago —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — I think there was, like, a 200 percent increase —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — in those incidents in Chicago, which is the largest Palestinian American community. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, to your question about Islamophobia strategy, I just don’t have any news to make or anything to share at this time.  We’ve been very clear: Any form of hate, hate speech, violence has no place — no place in our country, no place in any community. 

And we are always ready to condemn that.  And — and the president has, the vice president has — not just these past three and a half years, throughout their career.  And we’ll continue to do so. 

And you’re right.  There’s a sharp increase in antisemitism.  We see an uptick in Islamophobia as well and this kind of violent rhetoric, hate speech against communities.  And it’s not okay.  It’s not okay.  And we — we need to stop — it needs to stop. 

That’s why the president has had a national antisemit- — an anti — antisemitism strategy that we talked about, that we’ve laid out over the past year or so and — and also, obviously, anti-Islamophobia strategy as well. 

And so, I don’t have anything new to share on that — no news to make.  But we are going to continue to condemn any form — any form of hate speech, any — you know, any violence that we see.  It’s no place in our — in our politics and certainly no place in this — in — in this country at all. 

Q    Can I follow up on Andrea’s earlier question —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — about Israel?  The president said the bullet appeared to ricochet off the ground.  How does a bullet ricochet off the ground, hit someone in the head?  And secondly, there have been calls for an independent investigation —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — into this.  Where does — does the president support that?  Is that going to happen?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I’m not going to go beyond what the president said.  He laid out the initial — he was talking about the initial part of the investigation.  And so, we’ve been very clear that we — we wanted to see an investigation. 

I’ll — a couple of things that I really — I think gets into — into your question.  Blinken called on the Israeli security forces to make fundamental changes to the way that they operate in the West Bank.  That is something that we heard from Blinken earlier today.  He also called it not — not acceptable. 

And I think this is a really important quote here: “No one — no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest.  No one should have to put their life at risk just to purely express their views.”  “The Israeli — the Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way they operate in the West Bank, including changes in their rules of engagement.” 

So, this is something I think that was incredibly powerful.  And he had a moment — the secretary had a moment to actually address this.  And so, certainly would refer you to those comment. 

And so, I would just reiterate from here: The shooting that led to her death is unacceptable.  It is unacceptable.  And — and Israel — Israel has taken responsibility for this incident and opened a criminal investigation, which is important to note.  And so, this is a welcome step.  And so, we want to continue to see those steps moving forward. 

Q    Karine, now, I’m just confused. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    I mean, if it — if they’ve opened a criminal investigation —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — and Blinken is calling for changes in what they’re doing —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — then how was it apparently an accident?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not going to get ahead of it.  I’m really — I — I — there’s initial investi- — initial readout of the investigation.  That’s what we were speaking to.  That’s what was shared. 

And then I don’t have anything to share beyond what you heard from Blinken, beyond what you heard from the president.  And — and we’ve been just very, very clear about more changes need to be made. 

And so, there’s a criminal investigation, which is different than the investigation that the Israeli — Israeli government is — is calling on — is doing — I shouldn’t say calling on, but is doing.  And so, that’s what we want to continue to see. 

Q    And so, you know, are there any ramifications if this was —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not —

Q    You know, Blinken is calling for changes. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    The U.S. government has repeatedly said it does not believe that the U- — that Israel is engaging in war crimes.  You know, are these — does this change anything for you in terms of conditioning military aid or — or any kind of message?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, there’s an investigation going.  We’re going to let that process go — continue.  There is no changes in our policy —

Q    Does —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — and how we move. 

Q    Does the president find the Israeli investigation credible?  Like, his comments leaving the South Lawn makes it sound like —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  It was an initial — it was an initial report on the investigation.  I don’t have anything else to share.  You heard from Secretary Blinken.  And what we know is what happened to this young person, this young woman, was unacceptable — unacceptable.  And I think that Blinken’s comments earlier today was incredibly powerful and forceful and I think lays out exactly how — obviously, how this president feels and where we stand with this today.

Q    Does the president plan to speak with Prime Minister Netanyahu anytime soon, or what does —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, the president and — and the prime minister have spoken many times over the past several months.  Certainly, they will continue to do so. 

I don’t have a call to read out to you.  And when they — because they’ve known each other for decades, when they speak, they have an honest and frank conversation.  That’s because they have that relationship.  Don’t have anything else to — to read out.

Q    Does he plan to call the family now —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  We’ve got to sit down, guys.

Q    — now that the investigation —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t —

Q    Okay.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have anything to read out on a call. 

Q    Thank you. 

Q    Is he at all — how does he feel about the debate going on tonight without him?  Does he feel unhappy he’s not there or happy he’s not there?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I think I would refer you back to what the president said in the Oval Office and — and when he talked about passing the torch and the moment being now and how proud he was to do that and to pass it to the vice president.  I just don’t have anything else beyond that. 

Thank you.  We’ve got to sit down.

Q    Thanks, Karine.

5:43 P.M. EDT

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Aboard Air Force One
En Route New York, New York

5:28 P.M. EDT

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  All right.  So, tomorrow, the president and the vice president will visit all three sites of the September 11th terrorist attacks to honor the 2,977 lives lost and to support the families and loved ones who still feel the pain of that horrible day.

In the morning, the president and the vice president will participate in a 9/11 commemoration ceremony at Ground Zero.  And then they will tr- — they will travel to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to participate in a Flight 93 wreath-laying ceremony in the afternoon.  In the evening, the president and the vice president will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon.

We can only — only imagine the heartbreak and the pain that the 9/11 families and survivors have felt every day for the past 23 years, and we will always remember and honor those who were stolen — who were stolen from us way too soon.  We

will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that an attack like this never happens again, and we will remain vigilant against all threats to the homeland and — and take action as necessary to keep Americans safe.

Today, a new report shows that nearly 50 million people have had coverage in the Affordable Care Act marketplace.  That’s one in seven Americans who have benefited from the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they can get the care they need when they need it. 

Still, Republicans in Congress remain committed to taking us backwards by repealing the Affordable Care Act and taking that peace of mind away.  In fact, they voted more than 50 times to repeal the law. 

The Affordable Care Act is more popular than ever, and Affordable Care Act coverage is more affordable than ever.  That’s because President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked tirelessly to protect and build on the ACA.  Now more Americans have health insurance than ever before, and Americans are saving an average of $800 per year on their premiums.  The president and Vice President Harris remain focused on building on this progress.

And finally, the White House mourns the passing of James Earl Jones.  His remarkable talents will not be forgotten.  As President Biden said, “Through iconic characters, film, stage, commercials, radio, and more, his voice carried a sense of grace and dignity that commanded respect and demanded to be heard.  His roles made us stop, stayed — stayed with us, and inspired us to reflect on everything from race and power, good and evil, to our place in the world.”

The president and the first lady send their love and condolences to his family and everyone he inspired. 

Darlene.

Q    Thank you.  Two questions.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Sure.

Q    Earlier today, Congress awarded its highest honor to the 13 service members that were killed in the Afghanistan withdrawal.  Is there anything that you’d like to add from the White House side?  I know they — some of them already received Purple Hearts.  But is there anything you want to — want to add?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.  So, these Gold Star families have given more to our country than any family should be asked to give.  Like the president said last month on the anniversary of that — of that tragic attack, and I quote, “These 13 Americans and the many more that were wounded were patriots in the highest sense.” 

I don’t know if you remember this, but the president did sign the bill into law, posthumously awarding a Congressional Gold Medal in December of 2021.  And the president and the first lady grieve with the families and respect them and wish them to know that we will continue to do everything we can to support them and to honor both their sacrifice and f- — and that of their fallen loved ones.

We with — we will, with all sincerity, meet this most sacred of obligations and continue to honor the sacrifices their loved ones made. 

Q    And on 9/11.  Why is it important for both the president and the vice president to be at all three stops tomorrow?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  As I stated a little bit at the top, when I was talking about yesterday and what — it was tomorrow — pardon me, tomorrow — and what that day is going to look like, they want to honor the 2,977 lives that were lost on that tragic day and support the families and also their loved ones who are still — still feeling a horrible pain. 

And so, they wanted to do that.  They’re — on this particular year, they’re doing it together.  And so, they want to make sure that they continue to lift up — as you remember, you know, one of the things that was said is that we will never forget, and this is definitely — when you think about 9/11, it’s a moment, it’s a day, obviously, 23 years ago, we will never forget. 

Q    Does it have anything to do with the fact that she is now a candidate for president?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not going to get into politics.  Tomorrow is not about politics.  It’s — it’s about remembering those lives that were lost.  And I’m just going to leave it there. 

Q    Thanks.

Q    Did the president and vice president speak today?  I know he mentioned, as he was leaving —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.  So, the president mentioned that, as you know, as he was leaving the White House today.  On the South Lawn, he spoke to — he spoke to your colleagues, reporters on the South Lawn.  And he mentioned that he — he spoke to the vice president earlier today; they had a conversation.  Obviously, I’m not going to get into — into that conversation.  It was a — into any private conversation that the president has. 

But obviously, he wishes her luck.  He’s very proud of her.  And I remind you all, one of the things that the president has said — said recently is that the best decision that he made was making then-Senator Kamala Harris his running mate, and he believes that t- — to this day.

Q    Karine —

Q    Did he give her any advice?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  (Laughs.)

Q    Karine, the president also spoke to —

Q    That was a real question.  Sorry.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No, no, it’s a real question.  No, no, I — no, it’s a real question.  I just am not going to d- — dive into their conversation.  But it’s a real question.

Q    Has she asked him for advice?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not going to get into it.  I would — I would refer you to her campaign, anything that — that relates to her. 

But go ahead.

Q    So, the president said that the acc- — the shooting of the Turkish-American woman in the West Bank in Beita was apparently an accident and involved a ricocheting bullet.  Do you have any further details?  And there’s been some question about why the president hasn’t reached out to the family.  Has he done that in the meantime?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.  So, I’m going to start with your last question first.  I don’t have a — a call to read out to you o- — at this time.

But to your first question, he was referring — the first part of your question, he was referring to what the initial Israeli investigation concluded.  And I think Secretary Blinken, while he was in — he’s in London, and he talked about this earlier this morning. 

They released the findings today and briefed the U.S. government.  They’ve also announced a criminal investigation into the incident.  And so, we will continue to stay in close contact with the Israeli and also the Palestin- — Palestinian authorities as we learn more about the circumta- — -stances that led — led to this — to this — to this death, this tragic death.

Q    As a potential —

Q    Blinken’s — 

Q    — government shutdown looms, does the White House just have any, you know, comment, update kind of on maybe where things stand?  Just can you provide any update on — you know, has Biden spoken with any congressional leaders on — on what’s going on or —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, I think I talked a little bit about this.  As far as the White House, OM- — OMB and the Legis- — Leg Affairs Office has been in — in communication with senior — senior le- — well, House and — House and Senate leaders on this parti- — on this particular question that you asked me, on the need to — to pass a short-term CR to keep the government open without eroding our national defense, undermining our veterans and seniors, abandoning communities struck — struck by disaster, or threatening deva- — devastating — devastating across-the-board cuts to programs Americans count on. 

So, we’re coordinating with our Democratic leaders on this, on — on a short-term CR.  This is — and you’ve heard us say this many times before.  This is the part of their job that is, you know, the easy part of their job.  They can get this done, keep the government open, do it in a bipartisan way.  They’ve done it before. 

The president is always in regular touch with — with congressional members on the Hill.  I don’t have anything to read out to you, but as you can — as you just heard from me, his senior leadership, including OMB, is in constant communication with House and Senate leadership. 

And so, those conversations are going to continue.  But they should do their job.  They should do the basic part of their job, which is keep the government open. 

Q    Can we go back to 9/11 for just a second?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Sure.

Q    So, after 9/11, there was a huge increase in crimes — hate crimes against people who were Muslim or were conceived or perceived to be Muslim. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    You have been working on an Islamophobia strategy, which I keep asking about. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I know you do. 

Q    (Laughs.)  What’s the status on that?  And are you — you know, we are seeing now, in this current environment, where there’s so much tension around Gaza, both the rise in antisemitism but also a really notable increase in crimes against, you know, not just Muslims but anti-Palestinian hate crimes.  Chicago —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So —

Q    Like in Chicago —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — I think there was, like, a 200 percent increase —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — in those incidents in Chicago, which is the largest Palestinian American community. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, to your question about Islamophobia strategy, I just don’t have any news to make or anything to share at this time.  We’ve been very clear: Any form of hate, hate speech, violence has no place — no place in our country, no place in any community. 

And we are always ready to condemn that.  And — and the president has, the vice president has — not just these past three and a half years, throughout their career.  And we’ll continue to do so. 

And you’re right.  There’s a sharp increase in antisemitism.  We see an uptick in Islamophobia as well and this kind of violent rhetoric, hate speech against communities.  And it’s not okay.  It’s not okay.  And we — we need to stop — it needs to stop. 

That’s why the president has had a national antisemit- — an anti — antisemitism strategy that we talked about, that we’ve laid out over the past year or so and — and also, obviously, anti-Islamophobia strategy as well. 

And so, I don’t have anything new to share on that — no news to make.  But we are going to continue to condemn any form — any form of hate speech, any — you know, any violence that we see.  It’s no place in our — in our politics and certainly no place in this — in — in this country at all. 

Q    Can I follow up on Andrea’s earlier question —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — about Israel?  The president said the bullet appeared to ricochet off the ground.  How does a bullet ricochet off the ground, hit someone in the head?  And secondly, there have been calls for an independent investigation —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — into this.  Where does — does the president support that?  Is that going to happen?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I’m not going to go beyond what the president said.  He laid out the initial — he was talking about the initial part of the investigation.  And so, we’ve been very clear that we — we wanted to see an investigation. 

I’ll — a couple of things that I really — I think gets into — into your question.  Blinken called on the Israeli security forces to make fundamental changes to the way that they operate in the West Bank.  That is something that we heard from Blinken earlier today.  He also called it not — not acceptable. 

And I think this is a really important quote here: “No one — no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest.  No one should have to put their life at risk just to purely express their views.”  “The Israeli — the Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way they operate in the West Bank, including changes in their rules of engagement.” 

So, this is something I think that was incredibly powerful.  And he had a moment — the secretary had a moment to actually address this.  And so, certainly would refer you to those comment. 

And so, I would just reiterate from here: The shooting that led to her death is unacceptable.  It is unacceptable.  And — and Israel — Israel has taken responsibility for this incident and opened a criminal investigation, which is important to note.  And so, this is a welcome step.  And so, we want to continue to see those steps moving forward. 

Q    Karine, now, I’m just confused. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    I mean, if it — if they’ve opened a criminal investigation —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — and Blinken is calling for changes in what they’re doing —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    — then how was it apparently an accident?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not going to get ahead of it.  I’m really — I — I — there’s initial investi- — initial readout of the investigation.  That’s what we were speaking to.  That’s what was shared. 

And then I don’t have anything to share beyond what you heard from Blinken, beyond what you heard from the president.  And — and we’ve been just very, very clear about more changes need to be made. 

And so, there’s a criminal investigation, which is different than the investigation that the Israeli — Israeli government is — is calling on — is doing — I shouldn’t say calling on, but is doing.  And so, that’s what we want to continue to see. 

Q    And so, you know, are there any ramifications if this was —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m not —

Q    You know, Blinken is calling for changes. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah.

Q    The U.S. government has repeatedly said it does not believe that the U- — that Israel is engaging in war crimes.  You know, are these — does this change anything for you in terms of conditioning military aid or — or any kind of message?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, there’s an investigation going.  We’re going to let that process go — continue.  There is no changes in our policy —

Q    Does —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  — and how we move. 

Q    Does the president find the Israeli investigation credible?  Like, his comments leaving the South Lawn makes it sound like —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  It was an initial — it was an initial report on the investigation.  I don’t have anything else to share.  You heard from Secretary Blinken.  And what we know is what happened to this young person, this young woman, was unacceptable — unacceptable.  And I think that Blinken’s comments earlier today was incredibly powerful and forceful and I think lays out exactly how — obviously, how this president feels and where we stand with this today.

Q    Does the president plan to speak with Prime Minister Netanyahu anytime soon, or what does —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, the president and — and the prime minister have spoken many times over the past several months.  Certainly, they will continue to do so. 

I don’t have a call to read out to you.  And when they — because they’ve known each other for decades, when they speak, they have an honest and frank conversation.  That’s because they have that relationship.  Don’t have anything else to — to read out.

Q    Does he plan to call the family now —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  We’ve got to sit down, guys.

Q    — now that the investigation —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t —

Q    Okay.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have anything to read out on a call. 

Q    Thank you. 

Q    Is he at all — how does he feel about the debate going on tonight without him?  Does he feel unhappy he’s not there or happy he’s not there?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I think I would refer you back to what the president said in the Oval Office and — and when he talked about passing the torch and the moment being now and how proud he was to do that and to pass it to the vice president.  I just don’t have anything else beyond that. 

Thank you.  We’ve got to sit down.

Q    Thanks, Karine.

5:43 P.M. EDT

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South Lawn

4:41 P.M. EDT

Q    Mr. President, sir — Mr. President, what do you expect, sir, to see in the debate tonight?  What do you ex- —

Q    What’s — what’s your advice?

Q    What do you expect to see in the debate tonight?

Q    Mr. President —

THE PRESIDENT:  Hang on a second.  I’m going up to my granddaughter’s birthday in New York.  Then we’re going to watch the debate.  And then, tomorrow, I’m doing 9/11. 

I spoke to the vice president.  She seems calm, cool, and collected.  I think she’s going to do great.  And I’m not going to tell you what advice I gave her. 

Q    On IVF.  On IVF —

Q    Mr. President, will you lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons by Ukraine?

THE PRESIDENT:  We’re working that out right now.

(Cross-talk.)

Q    On IVF, President Biden.

Q    What’s your reaction, sir, to the killing of the — of the Israeli admission that they probably killed the Turkish activist in the West Bank?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m finding more detail.  Apparently, it was an accident.  It ricocheted off the ground and it — got hit by accident.  But we’ll have — I’m working that out now.

(Cross-talk.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.

4:42 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure appeared first on The White House.

South Lawn

4:41 P.M. EDT

Q    Mr. President, sir — Mr. President, what do you expect, sir, to see in the debate tonight?  What do you ex- —

Q    What’s — what’s your advice?

Q    What do you expect to see in the debate tonight?

Q    Mr. President —

THE PRESIDENT:  Hang on a second.  I’m going up to my granddaughter’s birthday in New York.  Then we’re going to watch the debate.  And then, tomorrow, I’m doing 9/11. 

I spoke to the vice president.  She seems calm, cool, and collected.  I think she’s going to do great.  And I’m not going to tell you what advice I gave her. 

Q    On IVF.  On IVF —

Q    Mr. President, will you lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons by Ukraine?

THE PRESIDENT:  We’re working that out right now.

(Cross-talk.)

Q    On IVF, President Biden.

Q    What’s your reaction, sir, to the killing of the — of the Israeli admission that they probably killed the Turkish activist in the West Bank?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m finding more detail.  Apparently, it was an accident.  It ricocheted off the ground and it — got hit by accident.  But we’ll have — I’m working that out now.

(Cross-talk.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.

4:42 P.M. EDT

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1:45 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, hello, hello.  (Applause.)

Well, let me be the first to say: Welcome back.  (Laughter and applause.)  I won’t be here next year, but you may be.  (Laughter.)  If these guys over here have anything to do with it, they’re both trouble.

Look, it’s great to have so many UConn friends and fans here today with us, including Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.  (Applause.)  You know, Miguel is a slow learner.  (Laughter.)  He has four degrees and credentials from UConn.  I told him that equals one from Delaware.  (Laughter.)  No, only kidding.  Only kidding.  (Laughter.)  Don’t get mad at me.  Don’t get mad. 

He couldn’t make the damn basketball team, but there’s no doubt he’s a Husky through and through, man.  

And my personal aide, Jacob, who sits outside the Oval Office, played tennis at UConn.  (Applause.)  Jake — but you’d think, during basketball season, he played basketball.  It’s all he talks about, man.  (Laughter.)  All he talks about.

We’re also joined by several good friends and members of Congress: Senator Blumenthal, who was a good friend of my deceased son, Beau; and Senator Murphy.  Stand up, guys.  Come on.  (Applause.) 

And the former senator from the state of Connecticut — you’d think he had gone to UConn — and a great friend, Chris Dodd.  Is Chris here?  (Applause.)  Get up, Chris.  Get up.  The Dodd Center is at the University of Connecticut, isn’t it?  Your dad and your — yeah, well, I’ll tell you what, man.  Do they intimidate you?  (Laughter.)  Because they d- —

January 20th, 2020, following the loss to Villanova, Coach Hurley said, quote, “People better get us now.  That’s all.  You better get us now.”  (Laughter.)  Damn, Coach, you were right.  (Laughter.)

Four years later, for the first time in 17 years, there was back-to-back men’s college basketball champions, the UConn Huskies.  (Applause.)

And we’ve got two future Huskies right there who are going to play on the basketball team, right in the front row here.  (Laughter.) 

And for the sixth time in just 25 years, the UConn Huskies are atop the men’s basketball world again, man.  That’s pretty cool.  (Applause.) 

It wasn’t easy.  Last year, you started on a — underestimated.  The only thing is, you only lost three star players the previous season to the NBA.  People questioned whether or not you had the talent to go back-to-back.  I guess they didn’t see you guys standing up, man.  (Laughter.) 

Although, I should note, I picked you guys on my ticket.  (Laughter.)  And this morning, I picked the mayor’s South Carolina girls.  I made a lot of money.  (Laughter.)  That’s a joke.  (Laughter.)  Trust, that is a joke.

But, man, you proved everybody wrong.  You were a force, winning the Big East regular season title, winning the Big East tournament, winning the NCAA tournament games.  By an average of 23 points, you won those games.  (Applause.) 

But even you made it look easy at times, you know, you made a lot of sacrifices.  The trust you built in each other, taking the time to the court, knowing every team in America was going after you.  Every time you showed up on the court, you were the number one target.  And — but you’re winners.  And winners win.  You know, you know that — that winning takes a lot of work.  We know that. 

Together, you capped off one of the most successful two-year runs in the — in the history of the sport, ushering in a new era of UConn men’s basketball, passing the likes of Duke and Indiana for all-time national titles.  (Applause.)  And now there’s no doubt at all about who are the blue bloods of basketball.  (Applause.)  

With this team sending 4 players to the NBA draft this year, this university sending 11 athletes to the Paris Olympics, there’s clearly something — you must have something in the water up there, man.  (Laughter.)  I don’t know what you all are drinking. 

Coach, you’ve said that UConn has been running college basketball for 30 years.  With you at the helm, I think they better get ready for another 30.  (Applause.)  

Every single one — every single one of you embodies the — the — I don’t know — the possibilities of your school, your state, and this great nation. 

So, congratulations to you all.  And may God support our troops and bless our troops. 

I want to hand this over now to Coach Hurley, who’s going to say a few words how I’m going to fill in next year —  (laughter) — as a — as a player.  (Laughter.)

Anyway, Coach, the floor is yours.  You’re the good man.  (Applause.)

COACH HURLEY:  Everywhere we go — (laughs) — everywhere we go, we say this thing — right? — every — every arena that we go into, we start — when we — when we enter a place and it’s: “The champs are here.” 

THE PRESIDENT:  I thought you started with dragon underwear.  (Laughter.)

COACH HURLEY:  Well, it’s not just the dragons.  I have sharks; I have wolves.

THE PRESIDENT:  Oh.

COACH HURLEY:  I ride the hot hand.  You know?  (Laughter.)  And I — actually, I don’t just make the dragons do the games.  I actually got the dragons on right now as a — (laughter) — a reward for the dragons.  They’re on right now. 

Yeah, I thought this would be easier in year two.  Oh, man, I’ve been to the White House before.  This is scary as shit.  (Laughter.) 

Stick — stick to the script.  All right.

Thank you, Mr. Pres- —

THE PRESIDENT:  I went to Catholic school too.

COACH HURLEY:  (Laughs.)  You’re just — thank you, Mr. President, and, obviously, everyone in here, you know, who’s joined us, you know, for — for the celebration today.

You know, we said it last year.  We wanted to make this thing an an- — an annual visit for us.  And, you know, here we are again as — as back-to-back champs, right back here.  So, you know, obviously thrilled to be here.

Our — our goal, really, going into the year: We knew we had the potential to have a special team, and it was like a real simple mindset that we were trying to create, which was like: Let’s just win every single, you know, tournament or every opportunity to win a championship; like, let’s just win everything.

And there were five opportunities for us to win championship trophies during the course of the season, and we — and we won — we won all five.  (Applause.) 

You know, being a championship program, I think everyone in the organization understands the standards and the way we go about our business.  In the organization, it’s the highest possible standards that we hold each other to.  We understand that because we’ve climbed the mountain before.

And this team here, it was — it was a different group of men that we took the court with this year and, you know, produced even greater results and an even — an even greater team — and a team that will go down as one of the most dominant teams in college basketball history, the way we just destroyed everybody.  (Applause.)

From those early season tournaments all the way through to, you know, the Big East tournaments and — and March Madness, you know, we won everything.  Our kind of — our mindset is, like,

relentless competitiveness with the way we go about things, a focus on just consistent improvement.  You know, we mindfully communicate with each other.  I don’t do that with the refs, but — (laughter) — with each other, we do well with it.

And then we — we really — you know, we’re really a strong pack of Huskies here.  You know, we don’t have any — you know, any weakness in the group here.  It is just an incredibly strong, you know, group of men — their relentlessness, their resilience and toughness, their talent, their skill,

the preparation, their connection and brotherhood and the way they sacrifice for each other. 

You know, we played a brand of basketball that was absolutely beautiful to watch and absolutely dominant

and — but then all we can think about is winning the next one.  It’s weird as shit.  (Laughter.)  Sorry again.  (Laughter.)  I just don’t know where I am.

Strengthened by our success as a program, you know, our focus, again, is — is quickly turning to our pursuit of this third national championship in a row, potentially.  (Applause.)  Yeah.

Tod- — I mean, today is, like, an incredible moment for us to pause, because, basically, you just celebrate cool stuff like this and then just work really hard.  You know, like, that’s basically all that this thing is. 

And — and for us right now, it’s just like, you know, lock in on this three-peat, celebrate these incredible players that we’ve lost, and then, you know, go get ready to — to truly make history in college basketball next year as the — as the first three-peat champion since Coach Wooden and truly do something historic.

And that is not lost on any of us.  The enormity of our season coming up is — is special, so we’re excited about that. 

But thank you, President, for giving us the opportunity to be here.  And it’s — only the champs come in here.  You know, there’s no — no participation or high scorer, you know?  (Laughter.)  “Oh, I was the high scorer.  I had a triple-double.”  I’m going, “No.  Triple-doubles don’t get you in the White House.  You’ve got to be a champion to get in here.”  And we’re in here.

Mr. President, we’d like to have you add something to your UConn collection of — (laughter) — of championship swag.  (Applause.)

(The president is presented with a University of Connecticut Huskies jersey.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Good.

Any parents in the room?  Stand up.  Any parents, stand up.  Come on.  (Applause.)

COACH HURLEY:  (Inaudible.)

THE PRESIDENT:  You and I had something in common: We married up.  (Laughter.)

All right.  Any graduates of the University of Connecticut in the room?  Stand up.  (Applause.)

All right.  Such a great honor.  Thank you very, very, very much.  And although I won’t be president next year — I’m retiring — but I may come back and watch you.  (Applause.)

Thank you.  (Applause.)

1:58 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by President Biden Honoring the 2023-2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions, the University of Connecticut Huskies appeared first on The White House.

1:45 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, hello, hello.  (Applause.)

Well, let me be the first to say: Welcome back.  (Laughter and applause.)  I won’t be here next year, but you may be.  (Laughter.)  If these guys over here have anything to do with it, they’re both trouble.

Look, it’s great to have so many UConn friends and fans here today with us, including Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.  (Applause.)  You know, Miguel is a slow learner.  (Laughter.)  He has four degrees and credentials from UConn.  I told him that equals one from Delaware.  (Laughter.)  No, only kidding.  Only kidding.  (Laughter.)  Don’t get mad at me.  Don’t get mad. 

He couldn’t make the damn basketball team, but there’s no doubt he’s a Husky through and through, man.  

And my personal aide, Jacob, who sits outside the Oval Office, played tennis at UConn.  (Applause.)  Jake — but you’d think, during basketball season, he played basketball.  It’s all he talks about, man.  (Laughter.)  All he talks about.

We’re also joined by several good friends and members of Congress: Senator Blumenthal, who was a good friend of my deceased son, Beau; and Senator Murphy.  Stand up, guys.  Come on.  (Applause.) 

And the former senator from the state of Connecticut — you’d think he had gone to UConn — and a great friend, Chris Dodd.  Is Chris here?  (Applause.)  Get up, Chris.  Get up.  The Dodd Center is at the University of Connecticut, isn’t it?  Your dad and your — yeah, well, I’ll tell you what, man.  Do they intimidate you?  (Laughter.)  Because they d- —

January 20th, 2020, following the loss to Villanova, Coach Hurley said, quote, “People better get us now.  That’s all.  You better get us now.”  (Laughter.)  Damn, Coach, you were right.  (Laughter.)

Four years later, for the first time in 17 years, there was back-to-back men’s college basketball champions, the UConn Huskies.  (Applause.)

And we’ve got two future Huskies right there who are going to play on the basketball team, right in the front row here.  (Laughter.) 

And for the sixth time in just 25 years, the UConn Huskies are atop the men’s basketball world again, man.  That’s pretty cool.  (Applause.) 

It wasn’t easy.  Last year, you started on a — underestimated.  The only thing is, you only lost three star players the previous season to the NBA.  People questioned whether or not you had the talent to go back-to-back.  I guess they didn’t see you guys standing up, man.  (Laughter.) 

Although, I should note, I picked you guys on my ticket.  (Laughter.)  And this morning, I picked the mayor’s South Carolina girls.  I made a lot of money.  (Laughter.)  That’s a joke.  (Laughter.)  Trust, that is a joke.

But, man, you proved everybody wrong.  You were a force, winning the Big East regular season title, winning the Big East tournament, winning the NCAA tournament games.  By an average of 23 points, you won those games.  (Applause.) 

But even you made it look easy at times, you know, you made a lot of sacrifices.  The trust you built in each other, taking the time to the court, knowing every team in America was going after you.  Every time you showed up on the court, you were the number one target.  And — but you’re winners.  And winners win.  You know, you know that — that winning takes a lot of work.  We know that. 

Together, you capped off one of the most successful two-year runs in the — in the history of the sport, ushering in a new era of UConn men’s basketball, passing the likes of Duke and Indiana for all-time national titles.  (Applause.)  And now there’s no doubt at all about who are the blue bloods of basketball.  (Applause.)  

With this team sending 4 players to the NBA draft this year, this university sending 11 athletes to the Paris Olympics, there’s clearly something — you must have something in the water up there, man.  (Laughter.)  I don’t know what you all are drinking. 

Coach, you’ve said that UConn has been running college basketball for 30 years.  With you at the helm, I think they better get ready for another 30.  (Applause.)  

Every single one — every single one of you embodies the — the — I don’t know — the possibilities of your school, your state, and this great nation. 

So, congratulations to you all.  And may God support our troops and bless our troops. 

I want to hand this over now to Coach Hurley, who’s going to say a few words how I’m going to fill in next year —  (laughter) — as a — as a player.  (Laughter.)

Anyway, Coach, the floor is yours.  You’re the good man.  (Applause.)

COACH HURLEY:  Everywhere we go — (laughs) — everywhere we go, we say this thing — right? — every — every arena that we go into, we start — when we — when we enter a place and it’s: “The champs are here.” 

THE PRESIDENT:  I thought you started with dragon underwear.  (Laughter.)

COACH HURLEY:  Well, it’s not just the dragons.  I have sharks; I have wolves.

THE PRESIDENT:  Oh.

COACH HURLEY:  I ride the hot hand.  You know?  (Laughter.)  And I — actually, I don’t just make the dragons do the games.  I actually got the dragons on right now as a — (laughter) — a reward for the dragons.  They’re on right now. 

Yeah, I thought this would be easier in year two.  Oh, man, I’ve been to the White House before.  This is scary as shit.  (Laughter.) 

Stick — stick to the script.  All right.

Thank you, Mr. Pres- —

THE PRESIDENT:  I went to Catholic school too.

COACH HURLEY:  (Laughs.)  You’re just — thank you, Mr. President, and, obviously, everyone in here, you know, who’s joined us, you know, for — for the celebration today.

You know, we said it last year.  We wanted to make this thing an an- — an annual visit for us.  And, you know, here we are again as — as back-to-back champs, right back here.  So, you know, obviously thrilled to be here.

Our — our goal, really, going into the year: We knew we had the potential to have a special team, and it was like a real simple mindset that we were trying to create, which was like: Let’s just win every single, you know, tournament or every opportunity to win a championship; like, let’s just win everything.

And there were five opportunities for us to win championship trophies during the course of the season, and we — and we won — we won all five.  (Applause.) 

You know, being a championship program, I think everyone in the organization understands the standards and the way we go about our business.  In the organization, it’s the highest possible standards that we hold each other to.  We understand that because we’ve climbed the mountain before.

And this team here, it was — it was a different group of men that we took the court with this year and, you know, produced even greater results and an even — an even greater team — and a team that will go down as one of the most dominant teams in college basketball history, the way we just destroyed everybody.  (Applause.)

From those early season tournaments all the way through to, you know, the Big East tournaments and — and March Madness, you know, we won everything.  Our kind of — our mindset is, like,

relentless competitiveness with the way we go about things, a focus on just consistent improvement.  You know, we mindfully communicate with each other.  I don’t do that with the refs, but — (laughter) — with each other, we do well with it.

And then we — we really — you know, we’re really a strong pack of Huskies here.  You know, we don’t have any — you know, any weakness in the group here.  It is just an incredibly strong, you know, group of men — their relentlessness, their resilience and toughness, their talent, their skill,

the preparation, their connection and brotherhood and the way they sacrifice for each other. 

You know, we played a brand of basketball that was absolutely beautiful to watch and absolutely dominant

and — but then all we can think about is winning the next one.  It’s weird as shit.  (Laughter.)  Sorry again.  (Laughter.)  I just don’t know where I am.

Strengthened by our success as a program, you know, our focus, again, is — is quickly turning to our pursuit of this third national championship in a row, potentially.  (Applause.)  Yeah.

Tod- — I mean, today is, like, an incredible moment for us to pause, because, basically, you just celebrate cool stuff like this and then just work really hard.  You know, like, that’s basically all that this thing is. 

And — and for us right now, it’s just like, you know, lock in on this three-peat, celebrate these incredible players that we’ve lost, and then, you know, go get ready to — to truly make history in college basketball next year as the — as the first three-peat champion since Coach Wooden and truly do something historic.

And that is not lost on any of us.  The enormity of our season coming up is — is special, so we’re excited about that. 

But thank you, President, for giving us the opportunity to be here.  And it’s — only the champs come in here.  You know, there’s no — no participation or high scorer, you know?  (Laughter.)  “Oh, I was the high scorer.  I had a triple-double.”  I’m going, “No.  Triple-doubles don’t get you in the White House.  You’ve got to be a champion to get in here.”  And we’re in here.

Mr. President, we’d like to have you add something to your UConn collection of — (laughter) — of championship swag.  (Applause.)

(The president is presented with a University of Connecticut Huskies jersey.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Good.

Any parents in the room?  Stand up.  Any parents, stand up.  Come on.  (Applause.)

COACH HURLEY:  (Inaudible.)

THE PRESIDENT:  You and I had something in common: We married up.  (Laughter.)

All right.  Any graduates of the University of Connecticut in the room?  Stand up.  (Applause.)

All right.  Such a great honor.  Thank you very, very, very much.  And although I won’t be president next year — I’m retiring — but I may come back and watch you.  (Applause.)

Thank you.  (Applause.)

1:58 P.M. EDT

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East Room

11:03 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  My name is Joe Biden.  I work for Jim Clyburn.  (Laughter.)

Folks, welcome.  Welcome to the White House.  The national champions, University of South Carolina.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)  (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT:  All right.  You got it, kid.  I was getting some tips from the coach.

Look, a lot of supporters here today, including several members of Con- — 

Jim, I was just bragging about you.

REPRESENTATIVE CLYBURN:  Oh, thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:  You know what I mean?  Because I — I’m afraid of you.  I don’t want to — (laughter) — don’t want to cross you.  And, by the way, get him back in — in line, will you?  You know what I mean?

REPRESENTATIVE CLYBURN:  I’m working on it.

THE PRESIDENT:  He — he used to be my close friend.  We got to get that way again.  (Laughter.)

I love Columbia so much, I asked the former mayor to join me in the White House full-time: Steve Benjamin.  (Applause.)  And he claimed credit for every win this year.  I don’t know what the story is.  (Laughter.)

Truth is, I wouldn’t be here today were it not for the support of the pe- — great people of South Carolina.  Let me say it again: Thank you, thank you, thank you.

To the families and friends and, most of all, to the players and coaches, congratulations on an incredible run of excellence.  Incredible. 

I know why you’re so good.  You got a girl from Philly running this team.  (Laughter and applause.)  I married a Philly girl.  You don’t screw around with a Philly girl, man.  They’re tough.  (Laughter.)  Jilly from Philly.

Coach, before you took the job in South Carolina, the women’s team had just — you had been to just two tournaments in 17 years. 

And now we’re here to celebrate the third national championship — second in three years — (applause) — with 109 to 3 record in that span — 109 to 3.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE PRESIDENT:  You got it, kid.  You’re back there going — you’re right.

Just the 10th team to ever go undefeated in women’s college basketball. 

That’s not to say you — you weren’t challenged all the way to your 38 and 0 effort.  You know, you had to replace five starters due to the WNBA draft and graduation.  And there were doubts all over — doubts all over about contending for the title this year. 

But for the record — and this is the God’s truth — I picked you to win on my card.  (Laughter and applause.)  I won a lot of money.  No, that’s a joke.  (Laughter.)

But you — you never gave up.  You never gave up.  You kept the faith and you just finished the job.

Look, take the title game against Iowa.  In the back-and-forth game, everyone had to step up.  Nine players recorded double-digit in nine minutes — double — nine.  Four players scored in double figures.  Your bench outscored Iowa’s bench 37 to nothing. 

And here’s another big number.  The championship game was the most watched basketball game in five years, peaking at over 24 million viewers.  (Applause.)

I’ll tell you what, I don’t think anybody is watching men’s basketball anymore.  (Laughter.)

Look, from the — the college game to the WNBA, with a proud South Carolina alum, A’ja Wilson — (applause) — and the Las — Las Vegas Aces, who we had at the White House here to celebrate the WNBA championship.

So, you know, for the Olympics, where she also led the U.S. team to gold in Paris as one of a dozen South Carolina athletes in the Summer Games; and where Coach Staley joined Jill on the official delegation opening — at the opening ceremonies; and from everywhere in between, I think it’s fair to say everyone — everyone watches women’s sports now — everyone.  No, you’ve cha- — it’s amazing.  (Applause.)

And when new fa- — and when new fans watch for the first time, when young girls see their idols, they see the power of your example.  Coach Staley, when you took this job, Carolyn Peck, the first Black female coach in Division 1 women’s basketball national champion, gave you a piece of the net from her title game.  All she asked was that you pay it forward, and that’s what you’ve done. 

After your first title game, you sent a piece of the net to every Black woman head coach in Division I basketball.  That network is your legacy, kid.  (Applause.)  It’s the legacy of this whole team: setting an example for the next generation. 

Congratulations, national championships [champions], University of South Carolina women’s basketball.  (Applause.)  You’re the best.  You’re incredible to watch.  And God bless you all. 

And I’m going to turn it over to the coach to say a few words.  (Applause.)

COACH STALEY:  Thank you.  Thank you, President Biden. 

To my good friend Dr. Biden and distinguished guests, thank you for this incredible honor. 

To stand here in the White House — a house that symbolizes hope, unity, and opportunity for all — is a moment that is not lost on me.

I feel like this is a teachable moment for my team.  I’m reminded of the journey of our state — our home state, South Carolina, has taken — how not so long ago, the Confederate flag was taken down from our state capitol — a symbol that represented division and exclusion.  That moment wasn’t just about a symbol being removed; it was about people coming together, uniting for a shared vision of progress, justice, and equality.

Today, my staff, my team, and I stand here embodying diversity, inclusiveness, and unity.  My — my hope is that this moment lands on you, as my team, as a powerful reminder of the beauty that co- — that can come from unifying for a common goal and doing things the right way.

To my incredible staff and my relentless team, this moment is yours.  I ask so much of you, and you never back down.  You rise to every challenge with grace, tenacity, and heart.  We stand here today because of that commitment, because of your willingness to put in work and sacrifice to achieve something greater than ourselves. 

We want to take a moment to thank our families, who are our foundation; our fans, or “FAMs” — (laughter) — as we call them, who will travel the globe to support us and have become our unofficial sixth man.

To the University of South Carolina and the great state of South Carolina, we work hard every day to represent you well, and I truly hope we made you proud.

Most importantly, we know we wouldn’t be here without the grace of God.  So, I’d just like to say just thank you.  Thank you everyone for supporting our team.  I want to thank President Biden for your leadership.  We appreciate your service.  And we hope — we truly hope that your legacy will continue in — in all of us.  So, thank you so much.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Let me say something here.  All of those of you who hold public office in South Carolina, you better hope she keeps coaching and doesn’t run.  (Laughter and applause.)

(The president is presented with a University of South Carolina Gamecocks jersey.)  (Applause.)

Let me make something clear: I played baseball and football.  I didn’t play basketball in college.  And there’s a rumor (inaudible).  (Laughter.) 

Thank you.  It’s a great honor.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)

11:12 A.M. EDT

The post Remarks by President Biden Honoring the 2023-2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Champions, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks appeared first on The White House.

East Room

11:03 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  My name is Joe Biden.  I work for Jim Clyburn.  (Laughter.)

Folks, welcome.  Welcome to the White House.  The national champions, University of South Carolina.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)  (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT:  All right.  You got it, kid.  I was getting some tips from the coach.

Look, a lot of supporters here today, including several members of Con- — 

Jim, I was just bragging about you.

REPRESENTATIVE CLYBURN:  Oh, thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:  You know what I mean?  Because I — I’m afraid of you.  I don’t want to — (laughter) — don’t want to cross you.  And, by the way, get him back in — in line, will you?  You know what I mean?

REPRESENTATIVE CLYBURN:  I’m working on it.

THE PRESIDENT:  He — he used to be my close friend.  We got to get that way again.  (Laughter.)

I love Columbia so much, I asked the former mayor to join me in the White House full-time: Steve Benjamin.  (Applause.)  And he claimed credit for every win this year.  I don’t know what the story is.  (Laughter.)

Truth is, I wouldn’t be here today were it not for the support of the pe- — great people of South Carolina.  Let me say it again: Thank you, thank you, thank you.

To the families and friends and, most of all, to the players and coaches, congratulations on an incredible run of excellence.  Incredible. 

I know why you’re so good.  You got a girl from Philly running this team.  (Laughter and applause.)  I married a Philly girl.  You don’t screw around with a Philly girl, man.  They’re tough.  (Laughter.)  Jilly from Philly.

Coach, before you took the job in South Carolina, the women’s team had just — you had been to just two tournaments in 17 years. 

And now we’re here to celebrate the third national championship — second in three years — (applause) — with 109 to 3 record in that span — 109 to 3.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE PRESIDENT:  You got it, kid.  You’re back there going — you’re right.

Just the 10th team to ever go undefeated in women’s college basketball. 

That’s not to say you — you weren’t challenged all the way to your 38 and 0 effort.  You know, you had to replace five starters due to the WNBA draft and graduation.  And there were doubts all over — doubts all over about contending for the title this year. 

But for the record — and this is the God’s truth — I picked you to win on my card.  (Laughter and applause.)  I won a lot of money.  No, that’s a joke.  (Laughter.)

But you — you never gave up.  You never gave up.  You kept the faith and you just finished the job.

Look, take the title game against Iowa.  In the back-and-forth game, everyone had to step up.  Nine players recorded double-digit in nine minutes — double — nine.  Four players scored in double figures.  Your bench outscored Iowa’s bench 37 to nothing. 

And here’s another big number.  The championship game was the most watched basketball game in five years, peaking at over 24 million viewers.  (Applause.)

I’ll tell you what, I don’t think anybody is watching men’s basketball anymore.  (Laughter.)

Look, from the — the college game to the WNBA, with a proud South Carolina alum, A’ja Wilson — (applause) — and the Las — Las Vegas Aces, who we had at the White House here to celebrate the WNBA championship.

So, you know, for the Olympics, where she also led the U.S. team to gold in Paris as one of a dozen South Carolina athletes in the Summer Games; and where Coach Staley joined Jill on the official delegation opening — at the opening ceremonies; and from everywhere in between, I think it’s fair to say everyone — everyone watches women’s sports now — everyone.  No, you’ve cha- — it’s amazing.  (Applause.)

And when new fa- — and when new fans watch for the first time, when young girls see their idols, they see the power of your example.  Coach Staley, when you took this job, Carolyn Peck, the first Black female coach in Division 1 women’s basketball national champion, gave you a piece of the net from her title game.  All she asked was that you pay it forward, and that’s what you’ve done. 

After your first title game, you sent a piece of the net to every Black woman head coach in Division I basketball.  That network is your legacy, kid.  (Applause.)  It’s the legacy of this whole team: setting an example for the next generation. 

Congratulations, national championships [champions], University of South Carolina women’s basketball.  (Applause.)  You’re the best.  You’re incredible to watch.  And God bless you all. 

And I’m going to turn it over to the coach to say a few words.  (Applause.)

COACH STALEY:  Thank you.  Thank you, President Biden. 

To my good friend Dr. Biden and distinguished guests, thank you for this incredible honor. 

To stand here in the White House — a house that symbolizes hope, unity, and opportunity for all — is a moment that is not lost on me.

I feel like this is a teachable moment for my team.  I’m reminded of the journey of our state — our home state, South Carolina, has taken — how not so long ago, the Confederate flag was taken down from our state capitol — a symbol that represented division and exclusion.  That moment wasn’t just about a symbol being removed; it was about people coming together, uniting for a shared vision of progress, justice, and equality.

Today, my staff, my team, and I stand here embodying diversity, inclusiveness, and unity.  My — my hope is that this moment lands on you, as my team, as a powerful reminder of the beauty that co- — that can come from unifying for a common goal and doing things the right way.

To my incredible staff and my relentless team, this moment is yours.  I ask so much of you, and you never back down.  You rise to every challenge with grace, tenacity, and heart.  We stand here today because of that commitment, because of your willingness to put in work and sacrifice to achieve something greater than ourselves. 

We want to take a moment to thank our families, who are our foundation; our fans, or “FAMs” — (laughter) — as we call them, who will travel the globe to support us and have become our unofficial sixth man.

To the University of South Carolina and the great state of South Carolina, we work hard every day to represent you well, and I truly hope we made you proud.

Most importantly, we know we wouldn’t be here without the grace of God.  So, I’d just like to say just thank you.  Thank you everyone for supporting our team.  I want to thank President Biden for your leadership.  We appreciate your service.  And we hope — we truly hope that your legacy will continue in — in all of us.  So, thank you so much.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Let me say something here.  All of those of you who hold public office in South Carolina, you better hope she keeps coaching and doesn’t run.  (Laughter and applause.)

(The president is presented with a University of South Carolina Gamecocks jersey.)  (Applause.)

Let me make something clear: I played baseball and football.  I didn’t play basketball in college.  And there’s a rumor (inaudible).  (Laughter.) 

Thank you.  It’s a great honor.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)

11:12 A.M. EDT

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