Feed aggregator

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Maine and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding from December 17 to December 21, 2023.
 
The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, and Somerset.
 
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
 
Federal funding also is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm and flooding in the counties of Androscoggin, Franklin, Hancock, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington.
 
Finally, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
 
Mr. William F. Roy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 
 
Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and additional counties may be designated for assistance after the assessments are fully completed.
 
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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

The White House

Brian and Sandra, it’s an honor for Joe and me to host you tonight. We are proud to welcome you back to your White House home.

Most of you in this room know Brian and Sandra’s love story. They met working on the Obama-Biden campaign in 2008, then they both came to work at the White House. And apparently, we didn’t keep them busy enough, because along came marriage and a couple of beautiful children – Naomi and Ella, who are here with us.

Life was perfect, until Brian received a devastating diagnosis from his doctor shortly after their second daughter was born. In an instant, their world was turned upside down. Brian was diagnosed with ALS, and given six months to live. Against all odds, here they are six years later.

Brian, Sandra – you’ve channeled your pain into purpose, your energy into a nationwide movement.

You’ve both turned your experience and expertise in politics into I AM ALS, which has been an incredible force for change.

And now, you’ve expanded that work to link arms with leaders in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to drive progress for all of these neuro-degenerative diseases. And you’re also pushing for better access to care and more support for caregivers.

Thank you for all of your advocacy, and pouring every piece of your heart into this work.

Sandra, Brian, would you like to say a few words?

###

Thank you again Sandra and Brian – and thank you to everyone for being here in support of them and their fight. The film will begin shortly.

###

The post Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a White House Film Screening of No Ordinary Campaign appeared first on The White House.

The White House

Brian and Sandra, it’s an honor for Joe and me to host you tonight. We are proud to welcome you back to your White House home.

Most of you in this room know Brian and Sandra’s love story. They met working on the Obama-Biden campaign in 2008, then they both came to work at the White House. And apparently, we didn’t keep them busy enough, because along came marriage and a couple of beautiful children – Naomi and Ella, who are here with us.

Life was perfect, until Brian received a devastating diagnosis from his doctor shortly after their second daughter was born. In an instant, their world was turned upside down. Brian was diagnosed with ALS, and given six months to live. Against all odds, here they are six years later.

Brian, Sandra – you’ve channeled your pain into purpose, your energy into a nationwide movement.

You’ve both turned your experience and expertise in politics into I AM ALS, which has been an incredible force for change.

And now, you’ve expanded that work to link arms with leaders in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to drive progress for all of these neuro-degenerative diseases. And you’re also pushing for better access to care and more support for caregivers.

Thank you for all of your advocacy, and pouring every piece of your heart into this work.

Sandra, Brian, would you like to say a few words?

###

Thank you again Sandra and Brian – and thank you to everyone for being here in support of them and their fight. The film will begin shortly.

###

The post Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a White House Film Screening of No Ordinary Campaign appeared first on The White House.

On Tuesday, Quad STEM fellows gathered at the White House for an event to welcome a successful first year of the fellowship and mark the launch of applications for the second class of Quad Fellows. The first-of-its-kind fellowship was launched by Quad Leaders to bring together exceptional masters and doctoral students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to study in the United States.

Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer gave keynote remarks, and other senior administration officials addressed the group of fellows, in addition to senior representatives from the embassies of Quad countries and supporters of the program. During the event, they discussed the Quad and geopolitical landscape; the Administration’s tech agenda for the Indo-Pacific; and the importance of public service.

The International Institute for Education (IIE), a global non-profit with decades-long experience managing international fellowship programs including the U.S. Department of State Fulbright program, is serving as the new implementing partner of the Quad Fellowship program. Today, IIE announced an expansion of eligibility for the Fellowship to include students from ASEAN countries, further demonstrating the Quad’s commitment to deliver concrete benefits for the Indo-Pacific region.

Launched at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2021, the Quad Fellowship provides a scholarship to STEM graduate students from Quad countries studying in the U.S. and remains a priority for the Quad leaders as we grow our ties among our next generation of innovators.

The post Readout of the Quad STEM Fellows Event at the White House appeared first on The White House.

On Tuesday, Quad STEM fellows gathered at the White House for an event to welcome a successful first year of the fellowship and mark the launch of applications for the second class of Quad Fellows. The first-of-its-kind fellowship was launched by Quad Leaders to bring together exceptional masters and doctoral students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to study in the United States.

Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer gave keynote remarks, and other senior administration officials addressed the group of fellows, in addition to senior representatives from the embassies of Quad countries and supporters of the program. During the event, they discussed the Quad and geopolitical landscape; the Administration’s tech agenda for the Indo-Pacific; and the importance of public service.

The International Institute for Education (IIE), a global non-profit with decades-long experience managing international fellowship programs including the U.S. Department of State Fulbright program, is serving as the new implementing partner of the Quad Fellowship program. Today, IIE announced an expansion of eligibility for the Fellowship to include students from ASEAN countries, further demonstrating the Quad’s commitment to deliver concrete benefits for the Indo-Pacific region.

Launched at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2021, the Quad Fellowship provides a scholarship to STEM graduate students from Quad countries studying in the U.S. and remains a priority for the Quad leaders as we grow our ties among our next generation of innovators.

The post Readout of the Quad STEM Fellows Event at the White House appeared first on The White House.

Today the White House released visitor log records generated in October 2023. This set includes 83,315 records, bringing the total number of records posted to 1,045,432.

These records were posted pursuant to the White House’s policy to voluntarily disclose visitor log records. This release is consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to becoming the first administration to post visitor log records from its first full year in office.

To learn more about the policy, read our voluntary disclosure policy. To view visitor log records, view our disclosure page.

###

The post October 2023 Visitor Logs Records Posted appeared first on The White House.

Today the White House released visitor log records generated in October 2023. This set includes 83,315 records, bringing the total number of records posted to 1,045,432.

These records were posted pursuant to the White House’s policy to voluntarily disclose visitor log records. This release is consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to becoming the first administration to post visitor log records from its first full year in office.

To learn more about the policy, read our voluntary disclosure policy. To view visitor log records, view our disclosure page.

###

The post October 2023 Visitor Logs Records Posted appeared first on The White House.

Pelican Club
Jupiter, Florida

2:07 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sean, thanks for that introduction. And thank you, Kelly, for — keep raising Sean. (Laughter.) And, Fred, for being such good friends. I really mean it.

And thanks to all of you for your support.

Let me start with the simplest message: From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You’re the reason. You’re the reason I’m President. I came from a background — didn’t have much time to practice, but I was a trial lawyer. Spent a little bit of time before I got into politics almost accidentally.

But it was the right decision for me. You’re the reason Kamala Harris is a historic Vice President. And you’re the reason Donald Trump is a defeated president — former president. (Applause.)

And you’re the reason we’re going to make him a loser again. (Laughter.)

Folks, look, you’re all lawyers who care deeply about the rule of law. You’re on the frontlines of fairness and justice in defending our very democracy. It matters.

In 2020, I ran because I thought everything in this country that it — it stood for, believed in was at stake. I said at the time when I ran — and initially, people looked at me like, “Are you serious?” — I said, “We’re going to — I’m running to restore the soul of America.”

You know, and they’d say, “What do you mean? What do you mean, Joe? What do you mean when you say democracy is at risk? What do you mean when you say we’re in a battle for the soul of America?”

Well, people don’t ask me that question anymore. I don’t think — I don’t think today anyone doubts democracy is at stake — was at stake in 2020.

And thank God, because of the supporters like you, we won.

Just think back to the mess Donald Trump left this country: a pandemic — a pandemic and the economy with raging — with only a couple thousand people being have — having been vaccinated; an economy that was reeling.

Look how far we’ve come. We vaccinated the vast bulk of America. We got through that pandemic with less than 200 million — with less than 2 million people being vaccinated when I came to office. Today, 720 [270] million Americans have gotten COVID vaccine.

We created a record 14 million new jobs — brand new jobs — to get the economy going strong again. And we passed the American Rescue Plan, which put $14 — $1,400 checks in people’s pockets at a time of enormous need. And on top of that, $300 checks per child per month in hardworking families in America and thousands of dollars for people’s pockets through a real crisis.

And, folks, guess what? It grows the economy. It doesn’t — it’s not — doesn’t cost the taxpayers money. It grows the economy — economic growth. And I said that at the time. You stuck with me, and it turned out to be true. We’ve demonstrated it. That money helped cut child poverty in half in America.

You know, we know we have to do more and not everyone is feeling the consequences yet of the investments in progress. But the headlines in the papers are trying to — finally breaking through here.

Inflation is now lower in America than any other country in the world — any other country in the world. (Applause.) And in recent weeks, we started seeing real evidence that the American consumer is feeling real confidence in the economy that we’re building.

Just this morning, we learned that consumer confidence surged to its highest level in over two years. The Washington Post headline this weekend said, quote, “Falling inflation and rising growth give U.S. the world’s best recovery” — “the world’s best recovery.”

Let me tell you who else is noticing this: Donald Trump. He recently said, “When there’s a crash, I hope it will be in the next 12 months.” The [former] President of the United States hopes the crash will be the next 12 months. It’s unbelievable. I think it’s close to un-American. How can anyone — especially a former President — wish for an economic crash that would devastate millions of Americans?

Here’s what he really means: Donald Trump knows our economy is really strong and getting stronger. And almost every major economist in the world is pointing to America as a success story. He knows that while it’s good for America, it’s bad for him politically if we continue to succeed.

Trump also is the one president who doesn’t want to — he said, “I don’t want to be like Herbert Hoover.” That’s what he said. But I got bad news for him. As I told him earlier, he’s already Herbert Hoover. (Laughter.) He’s the only president, other than Herbert Hoover, who has lost jobs — more jobs than he had — he had fewer jobs when he left office than when he came to office. Yes, Donald “Herbert Hoover” Trump. (Laughter.)

But, look, I promised — (applause). For the bulk of my career, I spent in the United States Senate, taking on Big Pharma. You realize you have a prescription for any drug you need from prescription — product made in America, I can take you to Toronto, to Paris, to London, to Brussels, anywhere in the world, and get you that product for somewhere between 40 and 60 percent less than it costs here.

And I tried like the devil to take on Pharma through Medicare. We spend billions of dollars a year on Medicare payments, paying Pharma for the drugs we provide for the elderly. But guess what? We didn’t make it until now. I said we’d beat them, and we finally did.

Have anybody you know — I’m not asking you to raise your hand if you’re a diabetic, but you know somebody who is a diabetic, raise your hand. It used to cost 400 bucks a month or more for that insulin. It’s now $35 a month. (Applause.)

And, by the way, they’re still making three and a half times what it cost them to make it. It costs $10 to make that insulin — $10. And the guy who invented it didn’t patent it because he wanted everybody to have access to it. If you add in the cost of making it up and packaging it, maybe as high as $12 or $13. They’re still making — you know, $35 a month.

And, by the way, initially, when I got it passed, I had got it passed for everybody, not just people on Medicare. But guess what? My Republican friends blocked it. They didn’t think people should be able to get it unless you’re on Medicare. They didn’t vote for that either.

But here’s the deal — here’s the deal. We’re saving the taxpayers billions of dollars — billions of dollars. Not only is a person paying 35 bucks a month now instead of 400 bucks a month or more — guess what? It means the taxpayer is not writing a check to the drug company from Medicare — because of Medicare for federal tax dollars to pay for that.

And by the way, when we did it, we ended up being able to cut the deficit, not raise the deficit.

But with your vote in 2024, we’re going to make sure everyone qualifies.

Out-of-pocket costs for seniors for all prescription drugs when — the first bill we passed — is going to be limited to $2,000, no matter how expensive their total prescriptions are — beginning in 2024.

The reason for that — I know this is a very sophisticated audience — unfortunately, you know people are paying 10-, 12-, 14-, 15,000 bucks a month for cancer drugs — cancer treatment. Well, no one is going to have to pay more than a total of $2,000 a month. It matters.

I promised we’d e- — we’d ease the accumulation of student debt in America, what millions of Americans carried during the economic crisis of the pandemic and (inaudible) — the mic doesn’t work — (inaudible) — (laughter) — the consequence — (laughter).

Look, the fact is that we’re making real progress —

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Your mic is not working.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Now it is.

THE PRESIDENT: Can you hear me now?

AUDIENCE: Yes.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, we found another way to help those folks. The Supreme Court said I couldn’t forgive student debt. Well, guess what? I went back and I found a way to do it legally without them questioning anything.

We’ve now forgiven the debt of more than 3.7 million people — $130 billion in relief and counting.

I fixed what’s called the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. It said that if you were in public service — whether you’re a teacher, a firefighter, nurse, social worker, et cetera — your loan could be forgiven if you paid for 10 years in a row and never missed a payment. Well, guess what? Now that’s happening. And public services — and we’re able to forgive that debt.

It’s changing people’s lives. And by the way, it’s growing the economy. What are those kids doing? What are those young — pe- — they’re not so young anymore, many of them. They are in a situation where they can now finally have a down payment for their first home, they can begin to start that new business, they can take care of accumulated debt. It’s taken — it’s having a profound impact.

By the time I took office, the program had been in place for nearly 15 years, but because of red tape, only 7,000 people had even been helped by this program. But thanks to those reforms, instead 700,000 people have had their debt forgiven since then.

Look, and all of you lawyers know how lucky America would be when I kept the promise to appoint the first Black woman to the United States Supreme Court — and I kept it — Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson — (applause) — (inaudible).

And my introducer pointed out I’ve appointed judges — a lot of judges. I’ve ser- — I was Chairman of Judiciary Committee for a long time. It’s critical.

We’ve now appointed over 174 judges to the federal court. We’ve appointed more Black women to the Federal Court of Appeals than every other president in the United States history combined — combined. (Applause.)

And we put trial attorneys on the bench — trial attorneys on the bench, and we put public defenders on the bench, and, like I said, we have 171 brand new judges on the federal courts.

Folks, we have a lot more work to do. But I’ve never been more optimistic about our future. And I really mean that sincerely.

Look, for example, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I signed, there are now 40,000 infrastructure projects underway in America with a lot more to come.

Remember, Trump had “Infrastructure Week” every week — (laughter) — and never built a thing? Well, we’re building our roads — rebuilding our roads, our bridges, our ports, our airports. And we’re bringing affordable high-speed Internet to everywhere in America — everywhere.

We’re ripping out every lead pipe that’s been in place in America so every child can turn on the faucet, drink what they need to drink without worrying about brain damage.

We passed the most significant gun safety law in a decade. (Applause.) And I will not stop until I once again been able to win the assault weapons ban. I blocked it once; it came back. We’re going to ban assault weapons in America. (Applause.) There’s no need for them.

And we’re saving the planet with the most significant investment in climate change ever anywhere in the history of the world — literally anywhere. (Applause.) In my presidency, we tripled the sales of electric vehicles. We built a national network of 500,000 EV st- — charging stations. We put on the path to cut carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030. That’s the trajectory.

Now imagine the nightmare if Trump is returned to office.

The recent deadly school shooting in Perry, Iowa, where three kids — three people were killed, including one — one sixth grader and a school principal. What — what did he have to say? It’s hard to believe what — what he said. He said — when they asked him what he thought about it, he said, quote, you just got to “get over it.”

I’m not making this up. It’s almost — it’s almost un- — unbelievable. You just got to “get over it.” But we’re not going to get over it. We’re going to stop it. We’re going to stop it. (Applause.)

Trump and his MAGA friends want to repeal the historical climate legislation. Well, maybe they don’t think this climate change is real. But the rest of us know sure in hell it is real. And now, after trying and failing more than 60 times — 60 times with he and his MAGA friends in the Congress to get rid of the Affordable Care Act — guess what? He’s at it again.

And by the way, people don’t have a lot of money and need insurance. They would not be able to get any of this insurance because they have a preexisting condition but for the Affordable Care Act. That’s the only reason — the only reason people with preexisting conditions, and they want to take it away.

And seniors in Florida and all across America should know this: Trump and his MAGA friends are determined to take away the $35 a month insulin, which we just got passed in law, as well as a $2,000 cap on prescription drugs.

Instead of saving Social Security and Medicare, Trump wants once again to give another billion dollar — multibillion dollar tax cut to the super wealthy and big corporations.

I come from the corporate state of the world, Delaware. More corporations in Delaware than any other state — all — every other state in the union combined.

I’m not anti-corporation, but they should at least pay their fair share. Just pay their fair share. (Applause.)

And, by the way, you know, we now have — we now have — it’s not a bad thing, per se — we now have a thousand billionaires in America. You know what their average tax rate is — federal tax? 8.2 percent. 8.2 percent.

If they just paid 28 percent, which is less than all you are paying — if they just paid 28 percent, we’d have $40 billion to do a whole lot of things that would save a lot of money, save a lot of programs, reduce taxes overall for everybody else.

Trump and his MAGA friends are determined to take away your freedoms as well. They’ve already — doing it with voting rights. They’re under attack. You see it every day, everywhere in the country.

Trump is now bragging about having overturned Roe v. Wade — “I’m responsible for overturning Roe v. Wade” — taking away a woman’s freedom to choose.

Now, they’re planning, beyond that, a national ban. The MAGA Republicans are saying there’s going to be a national ban on abortion across every state in America — ban.

Well, guess what? I made it real clear: If the MAGA Republicans try to pass a national ban to the right to choose, I will veto it. (Applause.)

And if you elect — reelect me and Kamala with a Democratic House and a bigger Senate majority, I’m going to restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land across the board. (Applause.) I’m serious, and I believe we can do it.

Look, let me close with this. Trump and his MAGA friends are dividing us up, not uniting us; dragging us back to the past, not leading us to the future; refusing to accept the results of a legitimate election.

I mean, I sit — if you can hold a second — I just sit in my office. I walk down a little hall, and there’s a little dining room there. He sat in that dining room for hours watching what happened on January the 6th. Just watching. It’s called insurrection.

And Trump says, quote, he’s — and he’s seeking to, quote, “terminate elements of the United States Constitution,” threatening — threatening our — to embrace — and he embraces political violence.

Look, the one thing about an American democracy that’s clear: Violence is never, never, never appropriate in an elec- — in an electoral process. But he talks about it, threatening our very democracy.

Folks, the truth is there are lies and there is truth. We have to make clear where we stand — that we stand with the truth — and we’ll defeat his lies.

We have to make clear that, in America, we still believe in honesty, decency, treating people with some dignity and respect.

My dad used to have an expression, for real. My dad was a hardworking guy. He was a well-read man who didn’t get to go to college because of what happened because of World War Two. And he’d always say, “Joey…” — this is the God’s truth, my word as a Biden. He’d say, “Joey, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck. It’s about your dignity. It’s about respect. It’s about being able to look your kid in the eye and say, ‘Honey, it’s going to be okay,’ and mean it.”

We believe everybody deserves a shot. Everybody deserves an even shot.

That’s why I decided, instead of trickle-down economics — the reason why it’s working and you have major, major mainstream economists agreeing with me now — that the best way to build America is from the middle out and the bottom up. Because when they do that, then the — what you have is you have the poor have a shot and the wealthy still do very well.

And, you know, let me end by saying we’re — I found the easiest way to describe where I think we are. We’re unique in all the world. And that sounds like chauvinism about America, but we are the most unique country in the world based on our founding. Every other country — every other country in the world is based on ethnicity, religion, geography.

The United States is based on an idea — the only nation in the world — and it’s: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all women and men are created equal, endowed by their creator with cer-” —

We’ve never lived up to it. We’ve never fully walked away from it.

In America, we leave nobody behind. We believe everyone deserves just a fair shot. That’s all. And we give hate no safe harbor. We believe in America.

And we know what’s at stake. We have to keep the White House. We have to keep the Senate. We have to win back the House and win up and down the ticket in local offices.

Because here in Florida, you’ve had a real dose of “Trump-ism,” and — (the President makes sign of the cross). (Laughter.) Unusual guy.

But here in Florida, we have to organize, mobilize the vote. I think we can win Florida. I think the Democrats can win in Florida. (Applause.)

And when we do that, we’ll be able to look back and say something that few generations are able to say: When American democracy was at risk, like it is now, we saved it.

We just have to remember who in God’s name we are. We’re the United States of America, for God’s sake.

There’s nothing beyond our — you know, I mean this sincerely. Nothing beyond our capacity when we work together. Nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing.

We’re the only — think — think about this: We’re the only nation in the world that every crisis it’s gone through we’ve come out stronger on the other end than we went in — the only nation. It’s because of you, the American people.

We stand up. We fight back. And we understand that the institutions we inherited — called the Constitution — really matter. They’re the guardrails of allowing us to do what we have to do in a fair way.

So, with your help and, as my grandfather would say, “with the grace of God, the goodwill of the neighbors, and the crick not rising,” we’re going to win in 2024. (Applause.)

Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I appreciate it. I really do. Thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause.)

2:27 P.M. EST

The post Remarks by President Biden at a Campaign Reception | Jupiter, FL appeared first on The White House.

Pelican Club
Jupiter, Florida

2:07 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sean, thanks for that introduction. And thank you, Kelly, for — keep raising Sean. (Laughter.) And, Fred, for being such good friends. I really mean it.

And thanks to all of you for your support.

Let me start with the simplest message: From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You’re the reason. You’re the reason I’m President. I came from a background — didn’t have much time to practice, but I was a trial lawyer. Spent a little bit of time before I got into politics almost accidentally.

But it was the right decision for me. You’re the reason Kamala Harris is a historic Vice President. And you’re the reason Donald Trump is a defeated president — former president. (Applause.)

And you’re the reason we’re going to make him a loser again. (Laughter.)

Folks, look, you’re all lawyers who care deeply about the rule of law. You’re on the frontlines of fairness and justice in defending our very democracy. It matters.

In 2020, I ran because I thought everything in this country that it — it stood for, believed in was at stake. I said at the time when I ran — and initially, people looked at me like, “Are you serious?” — I said, “We’re going to — I’m running to restore the soul of America.”

You know, and they’d say, “What do you mean? What do you mean, Joe? What do you mean when you say democracy is at risk? What do you mean when you say we’re in a battle for the soul of America?”

Well, people don’t ask me that question anymore. I don’t think — I don’t think today anyone doubts democracy is at stake — was at stake in 2020.

And thank God, because of the supporters like you, we won.

Just think back to the mess Donald Trump left this country: a pandemic — a pandemic and the economy with raging — with only a couple thousand people being have — having been vaccinated; an economy that was reeling.

Look how far we’ve come. We vaccinated the vast bulk of America. We got through that pandemic with less than 200 million — with less than 2 million people being vaccinated when I came to office. Today, 720 [270] million Americans have gotten COVID vaccine.

We created a record 14 million new jobs — brand new jobs — to get the economy going strong again. And we passed the American Rescue Plan, which put $14 — $1,400 checks in people’s pockets at a time of enormous need. And on top of that, $300 checks per child per month in hardworking families in America and thousands of dollars for people’s pockets through a real crisis.

And, folks, guess what? It grows the economy. It doesn’t — it’s not — doesn’t cost the taxpayers money. It grows the economy — economic growth. And I said that at the time. You stuck with me, and it turned out to be true. We’ve demonstrated it. That money helped cut child poverty in half in America.

You know, we know we have to do more and not everyone is feeling the consequences yet of the investments in progress. But the headlines in the papers are trying to — finally breaking through here.

Inflation is now lower in America than any other country in the world — any other country in the world. (Applause.) And in recent weeks, we started seeing real evidence that the American consumer is feeling real confidence in the economy that we’re building.

Just this morning, we learned that consumer confidence surged to its highest level in over two years. The Washington Post headline this weekend said, quote, “Falling inflation and rising growth give U.S. the world’s best recovery” — “the world’s best recovery.”

Let me tell you who else is noticing this: Donald Trump. He recently said, “When there’s a crash, I hope it will be in the next 12 months.” The [former] President of the United States hopes the crash will be the next 12 months. It’s unbelievable. I think it’s close to un-American. How can anyone — especially a former President — wish for an economic crash that would devastate millions of Americans?

Here’s what he really means: Donald Trump knows our economy is really strong and getting stronger. And almost every major economist in the world is pointing to America as a success story. He knows that while it’s good for America, it’s bad for him politically if we continue to succeed.

Trump also is the one president who doesn’t want to — he said, “I don’t want to be like Herbert Hoover.” That’s what he said. But I got bad news for him. As I told him earlier, he’s already Herbert Hoover. (Laughter.) He’s the only president, other than Herbert Hoover, who has lost jobs — more jobs than he had — he had fewer jobs when he left office than when he came to office. Yes, Donald “Herbert Hoover” Trump. (Laughter.)

But, look, I promised — (applause). For the bulk of my career, I spent in the United States Senate, taking on Big Pharma. You realize you have a prescription for any drug you need from prescription — product made in America, I can take you to Toronto, to Paris, to London, to Brussels, anywhere in the world, and get you that product for somewhere between 40 and 60 percent less than it costs here.

And I tried like the devil to take on Pharma through Medicare. We spend billions of dollars a year on Medicare payments, paying Pharma for the drugs we provide for the elderly. But guess what? We didn’t make it until now. I said we’d beat them, and we finally did.

Have anybody you know — I’m not asking you to raise your hand if you’re a diabetic, but you know somebody who is a diabetic, raise your hand. It used to cost 400 bucks a month or more for that insulin. It’s now $35 a month. (Applause.)

And, by the way, they’re still making three and a half times what it cost them to make it. It costs $10 to make that insulin — $10. And the guy who invented it didn’t patent it because he wanted everybody to have access to it. If you add in the cost of making it up and packaging it, maybe as high as $12 or $13. They’re still making — you know, $35 a month.

And, by the way, initially, when I got it passed, I had got it passed for everybody, not just people on Medicare. But guess what? My Republican friends blocked it. They didn’t think people should be able to get it unless you’re on Medicare. They didn’t vote for that either.

But here’s the deal — here’s the deal. We’re saving the taxpayers billions of dollars — billions of dollars. Not only is a person paying 35 bucks a month now instead of 400 bucks a month or more — guess what? It means the taxpayer is not writing a check to the drug company from Medicare — because of Medicare for federal tax dollars to pay for that.

And by the way, when we did it, we ended up being able to cut the deficit, not raise the deficit.

But with your vote in 2024, we’re going to make sure everyone qualifies.

Out-of-pocket costs for seniors for all prescription drugs when — the first bill we passed — is going to be limited to $2,000, no matter how expensive their total prescriptions are — beginning in 2024.

The reason for that — I know this is a very sophisticated audience — unfortunately, you know people are paying 10-, 12-, 14-, 15,000 bucks a month for cancer drugs — cancer treatment. Well, no one is going to have to pay more than a total of $2,000 a month. It matters.

I promised we’d e- — we’d ease the accumulation of student debt in America, what millions of Americans carried during the economic crisis of the pandemic and (inaudible) — the mic doesn’t work — (inaudible) — (laughter) — the consequence — (laughter).

Look, the fact is that we’re making real progress —

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Your mic is not working.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Now it is.

THE PRESIDENT: Can you hear me now?

AUDIENCE: Yes.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, we found another way to help those folks. The Supreme Court said I couldn’t forgive student debt. Well, guess what? I went back and I found a way to do it legally without them questioning anything.

We’ve now forgiven the debt of more than 3.7 million people — $130 billion in relief and counting.

I fixed what’s called the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. It said that if you were in public service — whether you’re a teacher, a firefighter, nurse, social worker, et cetera — your loan could be forgiven if you paid for 10 years in a row and never missed a payment. Well, guess what? Now that’s happening. And public services — and we’re able to forgive that debt.

It’s changing people’s lives. And by the way, it’s growing the economy. What are those kids doing? What are those young — pe- — they’re not so young anymore, many of them. They are in a situation where they can now finally have a down payment for their first home, they can begin to start that new business, they can take care of accumulated debt. It’s taken — it’s having a profound impact.

By the time I took office, the program had been in place for nearly 15 years, but because of red tape, only 7,000 people had even been helped by this program. But thanks to those reforms, instead 700,000 people have had their debt forgiven since then.

Look, and all of you lawyers know how lucky America would be when I kept the promise to appoint the first Black woman to the United States Supreme Court — and I kept it — Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson — (applause) — (inaudible).

And my introducer pointed out I’ve appointed judges — a lot of judges. I’ve ser- — I was Chairman of Judiciary Committee for a long time. It’s critical.

We’ve now appointed over 174 judges to the federal court. We’ve appointed more Black women to the Federal Court of Appeals than every other president in the United States history combined — combined. (Applause.)

And we put trial attorneys on the bench — trial attorneys on the bench, and we put public defenders on the bench, and, like I said, we have 171 brand new judges on the federal courts.

Folks, we have a lot more work to do. But I’ve never been more optimistic about our future. And I really mean that sincerely.

Look, for example, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I signed, there are now 40,000 infrastructure projects underway in America with a lot more to come.

Remember, Trump had “Infrastructure Week” every week — (laughter) — and never built a thing? Well, we’re building our roads — rebuilding our roads, our bridges, our ports, our airports. And we’re bringing affordable high-speed Internet to everywhere in America — everywhere.

We’re ripping out every lead pipe that’s been in place in America so every child can turn on the faucet, drink what they need to drink without worrying about brain damage.

We passed the most significant gun safety law in a decade. (Applause.) And I will not stop until I once again been able to win the assault weapons ban. I blocked it once; it came back. We’re going to ban assault weapons in America. (Applause.) There’s no need for them.

And we’re saving the planet with the most significant investment in climate change ever anywhere in the history of the world — literally anywhere. (Applause.) In my presidency, we tripled the sales of electric vehicles. We built a national network of 500,000 EV st- — charging stations. We put on the path to cut carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030. That’s the trajectory.

Now imagine the nightmare if Trump is returned to office.

The recent deadly school shooting in Perry, Iowa, where three kids — three people were killed, including one — one sixth grader and a school principal. What — what did he have to say? It’s hard to believe what — what he said. He said — when they asked him what he thought about it, he said, quote, you just got to “get over it.”

I’m not making this up. It’s almost — it’s almost un- — unbelievable. You just got to “get over it.” But we’re not going to get over it. We’re going to stop it. We’re going to stop it. (Applause.)

Trump and his MAGA friends want to repeal the historical climate legislation. Well, maybe they don’t think this climate change is real. But the rest of us know sure in hell it is real. And now, after trying and failing more than 60 times — 60 times with he and his MAGA friends in the Congress to get rid of the Affordable Care Act — guess what? He’s at it again.

And by the way, people don’t have a lot of money and need insurance. They would not be able to get any of this insurance because they have a preexisting condition but for the Affordable Care Act. That’s the only reason — the only reason people with preexisting conditions, and they want to take it away.

And seniors in Florida and all across America should know this: Trump and his MAGA friends are determined to take away the $35 a month insulin, which we just got passed in law, as well as a $2,000 cap on prescription drugs.

Instead of saving Social Security and Medicare, Trump wants once again to give another billion dollar — multibillion dollar tax cut to the super wealthy and big corporations.

I come from the corporate state of the world, Delaware. More corporations in Delaware than any other state — all — every other state in the union combined.

I’m not anti-corporation, but they should at least pay their fair share. Just pay their fair share. (Applause.)

And, by the way, you know, we now have — we now have — it’s not a bad thing, per se — we now have a thousand billionaires in America. You know what their average tax rate is — federal tax? 8.2 percent. 8.2 percent.

If they just paid 28 percent, which is less than all you are paying — if they just paid 28 percent, we’d have $40 billion to do a whole lot of things that would save a lot of money, save a lot of programs, reduce taxes overall for everybody else.

Trump and his MAGA friends are determined to take away your freedoms as well. They’ve already — doing it with voting rights. They’re under attack. You see it every day, everywhere in the country.

Trump is now bragging about having overturned Roe v. Wade — “I’m responsible for overturning Roe v. Wade” — taking away a woman’s freedom to choose.

Now, they’re planning, beyond that, a national ban. The MAGA Republicans are saying there’s going to be a national ban on abortion across every state in America — ban.

Well, guess what? I made it real clear: If the MAGA Republicans try to pass a national ban to the right to choose, I will veto it. (Applause.)

And if you elect — reelect me and Kamala with a Democratic House and a bigger Senate majority, I’m going to restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land across the board. (Applause.) I’m serious, and I believe we can do it.

Look, let me close with this. Trump and his MAGA friends are dividing us up, not uniting us; dragging us back to the past, not leading us to the future; refusing to accept the results of a legitimate election.

I mean, I sit — if you can hold a second — I just sit in my office. I walk down a little hall, and there’s a little dining room there. He sat in that dining room for hours watching what happened on January the 6th. Just watching. It’s called insurrection.

And Trump says, quote, he’s — and he’s seeking to, quote, “terminate elements of the United States Constitution,” threatening — threatening our — to embrace — and he embraces political violence.

Look, the one thing about an American democracy that’s clear: Violence is never, never, never appropriate in an elec- — in an electoral process. But he talks about it, threatening our very democracy.

Folks, the truth is there are lies and there is truth. We have to make clear where we stand — that we stand with the truth — and we’ll defeat his lies.

We have to make clear that, in America, we still believe in honesty, decency, treating people with some dignity and respect.

My dad used to have an expression, for real. My dad was a hardworking guy. He was a well-read man who didn’t get to go to college because of what happened because of World War Two. And he’d always say, “Joey…” — this is the God’s truth, my word as a Biden. He’d say, “Joey, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck. It’s about your dignity. It’s about respect. It’s about being able to look your kid in the eye and say, ‘Honey, it’s going to be okay,’ and mean it.”

We believe everybody deserves a shot. Everybody deserves an even shot.

That’s why I decided, instead of trickle-down economics — the reason why it’s working and you have major, major mainstream economists agreeing with me now — that the best way to build America is from the middle out and the bottom up. Because when they do that, then the — what you have is you have the poor have a shot and the wealthy still do very well.

And, you know, let me end by saying we’re — I found the easiest way to describe where I think we are. We’re unique in all the world. And that sounds like chauvinism about America, but we are the most unique country in the world based on our founding. Every other country — every other country in the world is based on ethnicity, religion, geography.

The United States is based on an idea — the only nation in the world — and it’s: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all women and men are created equal, endowed by their creator with cer-” —

We’ve never lived up to it. We’ve never fully walked away from it.

In America, we leave nobody behind. We believe everyone deserves just a fair shot. That’s all. And we give hate no safe harbor. We believe in America.

And we know what’s at stake. We have to keep the White House. We have to keep the Senate. We have to win back the House and win up and down the ticket in local offices.

Because here in Florida, you’ve had a real dose of “Trump-ism,” and — (the President makes sign of the cross). (Laughter.) Unusual guy.

But here in Florida, we have to organize, mobilize the vote. I think we can win Florida. I think the Democrats can win in Florida. (Applause.)

And when we do that, we’ll be able to look back and say something that few generations are able to say: When American democracy was at risk, like it is now, we saved it.

We just have to remember who in God’s name we are. We’re the United States of America, for God’s sake.

There’s nothing beyond our — you know, I mean this sincerely. Nothing beyond our capacity when we work together. Nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing.

We’re the only — think — think about this: We’re the only nation in the world that every crisis it’s gone through we’ve come out stronger on the other end than we went in — the only nation. It’s because of you, the American people.

We stand up. We fight back. And we understand that the institutions we inherited — called the Constitution — really matter. They’re the guardrails of allowing us to do what we have to do in a fair way.

So, with your help and, as my grandfather would say, “with the grace of God, the goodwill of the neighbors, and the crick not rising,” we’re going to win in 2024. (Applause.)

Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I appreciate it. I really do. Thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause.)

2:27 P.M. EST

The post Remarks by President Biden at a Campaign Reception | Jupiter, FL appeared first on The White House.

Aboard Air Force One
En Route West Palm Beach, Florida

12:03 P.M. EST

MS. DALTON: Good afternoon, everybody. Quickly at the top, there’s news out this morning that consumer confidence continued to surge this month as Bidenomics grows the economy from the middle and the bottom up. Consumer confidence is now at its highest level in more than two years as Americans feel more optimistic about their personal finances and inflation expectations are falling.

This is no accident. It’s a direct result of the President’s agenda. In fact, this morning, we’re headed to Florida where President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has now led to more than $9 billion in private sector investment across Florida, as well as $14.5 billion in federal funding that has already been announced for clean energy and infrastructure projects across the state.

That includes roads, bridges, transit, rail, airports; $800 million for better access to clean water; and $2.7 billion to provide affordable, reliable high-speed Internet to everyone in Florida.

When President Biden entered office, the Florida unemployment rate was 5.9 percent and many small businesses had closed. Today, Florida’s unemployment rate has dropped to 3 percent with 1.2 million new jobs created since January 2021. Meanwhile, Floridians have filed 1.8 million new business applications in the same time period.

Florida residents are also saving money on their healthcare premiums and prescription drugs, high-speed Internet, and home energy costs. In fact, more than 4.8 million Florida residents with Medicare will benefit from the $2,000 yearly cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, a $35 monthly cap per in- — per insulin prescription, and free vaccines. And an astonishing 4 million Floridians signed up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces during the open enrollment period for 2024 and will benefit from up to thousands of dollars per year in savings from lower healthcare premiums.

With that, I’m going to turn it to John to speak to some foreign policy news this morning.

MR. KIRBY: Hey, everybody. Just a couple of things at the top. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today with Amir Sheikh Al Thani of Qatar to discuss the latest between Israel and Hamas in — in Gaza as al- — as well as also to talk about our continued efforts to try to get a hostage deal in place. We’re going to have a readout of that conversation to you all soon here.

Today, Mr. Sullivan is also having a chance to meet with the families of the Americans that are still being held hostage by Hamas.

And then, finally, I mentioned it the other day — I can’t remember whether it was yesterday or the day before — about the inaugural meeting that we’re having with the PRC on this Counternarcotics Working Group. So, I just wanted to give you a quick little readout that we brought a — the meeting was today, and we brought a whole delegation of the government, led by Jen Daskal of the NSC, that included DHS, DOJ, State, Treasury.

And what was interesting was the PRC reciprocated, and they brought a whole-of-government delegation as well. So, it was a good set of discussions.

They committed to cooperate on increased law enforcement coordination to tackle the distribution and export of precursor chemicals for — for the opioids that are taking so many lives, to deal with addressing illicit financing and to increase our information-sharing across the two governments.

Again, the goal here is to produce concrete and measurable actions that lead to a reduction in the supply of these precursor chemicals that are killing, again, so many Americans.

So, that’s a good start, but it is just a start. And there’s a lot more work to be done. There’s another set of meetings tomorrow. I believe that Treasury will be sort of leading there in Beijing. But again, a really good start to — to this — to this process. That’s it.

Q Has the IC come to a conclusion on who was behind the Jordan drone strike? And if so, can you say which militant group was behind the strike?

MR. KIRBY: I’m not in a position today to confirm exactly what group is responsible, Aamer. We’re still working through the analysis.

But as I said the other day, I mean, clearly this is the — the work has all the hallmarks of — of groups that are backed by the IRGC and, in fact, by — by Kata’ib Hezbollah as well. So —

Q (Inaudible) why wait 4- — it’s about 48 hours-ish now since the attack happened. Are you essentially giving these groups the opportunity to move personnel, move their weaponry out of the way? And what message does it send by waiting two days to strike back at — at this point?

MR. KIRBY: As — as we said, Aamer, and as the President has said, we’ll — we’re going to respond. And we’re going to do it really in a way and a time of our own choosing. And, you know, that’s no different — that’s not a different approach than we’ve taken in the past.

Q President Biden said this morning that they, as in Iran, are supplying the weapons that were used in this attack. Does that mean that Iran was the manufacturer of the drone that was used?

MR. KIRBY: That — Iran — I won’t get into the specifics about the actual drone. Again, DOD is still working through the forensics of the attack.

But — but we know for a fact that Iran and the IRGC provide these groups weapons and capabilities. We know for a fact that they have provided them drones in the past as well. But as for the exact drone that was — that was involved in this attack, again, DOD is still working through the forensics on it.

Q Will the President attend the dignified transfer of remain — remains?

MR. KIRBY: The President had an opportunity this morning to speak with the family members of the three service members who were tragically killed in this attack. He was grateful for their time.

He expressed to them how proud we all are of their service, how we mourn and feel this — feel sorrow over their loss, made sure that those families knew that not only was that service and sacrifice going to be honored and respected but that they would continue to get the support that they need as they work through what no family wants to have to go through. As I said, no Blue Star family wants to become a Gold Star family.

In that conversation, he also gauged their feelings about him going to the dignified transfer at Dover on Friday. All of them supported his presence there. And so, the President will be going to the dignified transfer on Friday.

Q John, on Israel and the hostage deal. What was the President’s reaction to Prime Minister Netanyahu voicing some disinterest in releasing, quote, unquote, “thousands of terrorists” in order to get a hostage deal done?

MR. KIRBY: The President’s view is we got to continue to do everything we can to get those hostages out. And he also believes that the work that we’ve been doing on the ground — Bill Burns, our CIA director; Brett McGurk, who was just in the region; Secretary Blinken — is — these have been productive discussions. They’ve been constructive. They — we believe that we are — that we are — that we’re making progress on trying to get an extended pause in place so that we can get those hostages out.

And the President is not going to waver on that. That’s what his commitment is.

Q So, is he disappointed that Prime Minis- — Minister Netanyahu said those words about not wanting to release thousands of —

MR. KIRBY: I think we’ll let the Prime Minister speak for himself. There’s no reason for us to change course here. We still believe that this is the right thing to do.

And we believe that there’s — that there’s — again, I don’t want to sound too sanguine, but we believe the work has been — has been productive, and — and we’re going to stay focused on that.

Q So the frame- — the framework hostage deal is still progressing; this wasn’t a setback at all?

MR. KIRBY: We aren’t looking — we — we believe we continue to make progress. Let me put it that way.

Q Do you have any clarity on why the drone was able to get to the — get to the base, why — why that was successful? Was there a mix-up? Do you have any more clarity on what happened with the attack?

MR. KIRBY: I don’t. I’d point you to the Defense Department to speak to the — again, they’re doing the forensics to figure out how this happened, as you would expect they will do, and then — and then — so that they can learn lessons and try to prevent such an attack in the future. But I don’t have any more granularity on that.

Q On a two-state solution. The British Foreign Secretary has floated the idea that it’s time to look at how to recognize the Palestinian state — what it would comprise, how it would work. Is the U.S. on the same page there?

MR. KIRBY: Well, look, we’ve been very clear. We want to see a Palestinian state. The President still believes very strongly in the promise of a two-state solution. And there’s a lot of work that has to be done to make that a reality. It’s going to require leadership, again, on both sides.

But we certainly share the Foreign Minister’s belief in the — in the importance of moving towards getting an independent Palestinian state —

Q But what does moving —

MR. KIRBY: — with Israel’s security guaranteed.

Q So, what does moving towards that look like? We know you support a two-state solution. But isn’t it time now to start thinking about how that would actually work?

MR. KIRBY: We’ve been working on this since almost the — well, the very — very beginning of the administration. It’s one of the reasons why — I mean, prior to October 7th, we were working so hard on a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, because we believe that that — it was — baked into that would have been something for the Palestinians.

And so, we still think there is an opportunity here, and we’re going to keep pursuing it. We think that that could be a significant milestone towards getting you closer to a two-state solution.

Q John, the President said when he left the White House that he had reached a decision on — on the strikes. What is the guiding principle as he makes this decision? And is it fair to say that these strikes will be more forceful than the ones that were done previously?

MR. KIRBY: Well, with the caveat that I’m certainly not going to telegraph punches here or get into specifics of potential future military operations, to your question: guiding principle is making sure that we continue to degrade the kinds of capabilities that these groups have at their disposal to use against our troops and our facilities and to send a — send a strong signal to their backers and the IRGC that these attacks are unacceptable.

And we’re going to do — the President will do what he has to do to protect our troops and our facilities and to look after our national security — our national security interests in the region.

And I would tell you that, as I said yesterday, we — they have now taken the lives of three American troops. And so, I think it’s fair for you to expect that we will — we will respond in an appropriate fashion. And it — and it is — it’s very possible that what you’ll see is — is a tiered approach here, not just a single action but potentially multiple actions —

Q Can you say if it will o- —

MR. KIRBY: — over a period of time.

Q And can you say if it will only be military in its nature? Or is economic responses, such as sanctions, on the table as well?

MR. KIRBY: Yeah, I don’t think I’m going to get into more detail than that.

Q On Ukraine aid. Some European leaders sound more pessimistic about the U.S. providing funding for more Ukraine aid. For example, President Macron talked about wanting European leaders to be ready to support Ukraine over the long term if — if U.S. aid doesn’t come through. Is there some reason why some of these European leaders are sounding more pessimistic? Do you know? Is there —

MR. KIRBY: You can hardly blame them when they look at what’s going on on Capitol Hill. We put a supplemental request in place in October for $60 billion. The number was carefully constructed in concertation with our Ukrainian counterparts about what they were going to need. You can hardly blame other leaders around the world from thinking about what other decisions they have to make now based on the uncertainty that the United States is going to be able to come through.

And it — and it points precisely to what we’ve been saying before: that American leadership matters and people do look to us for our example and for that leadership.

And, you know, again, we’re hopeful — still hopeful, the President is, that we’re able to get this supplemental funding and we can — can go back to being the world’s leader in supporting Ukraine.

But, again, I don’t think you can — I don’t — I think other leaders in Europe and elsewhere can be forgiven for working through in their own minds how they’re going to be able to support Ukraine should the United States not be able, thanks to what’s going on on Capitol Hill, to be able to continue that support.

(Cross-talk.)

Q I just wanted to follow on J.J.’s earlier question on Netanyahu’s comments earlier. On the optimism for some — for a deal coming together, where — where’s that space? Because Netanyahu is saying not — no to thousands of prisoners and they’re going to stay in Gaza. Hamas is saying a deal has to hinge on lots of prisoners and them being out of Gaza. So, where — where is the space, I guess?

MR. KIRBY: Again, I can’t speak to the Prime Minister’s public comments. All I can tell you is the conversations that we have had in just recent days with our counterparts, including Israel, lead us to believe that — that — that there’s real potential progress here towards getting a deal in place for an extended pause that will allow those hostages to get home.

And I think that’s what the Israeli people want too. They want their loved ones back with — back in — with their homes and their families where they belong.

Q Kirby, and just a quick follow-up on —

Q Quickly following up. Are there any plans for the President to speak with Prime Minister Netanyahu, given his comments and given where things are with the hostage deal right now?

MR. KIRBY: I don’t have another call on the schedule to speak to.

Q One more — I have one more and a follow-up on that one. So, Hamas has said that the number of hostages that they would be releasing still has not been specified in these talks. Is that accurate?

MR. KIRBY: I won’t negotiate here on Air Force One.

Q Can I ask for clarification on some — on a question earlier? Has the U.S. identified who was behind the attack that killed three American servicemen?

MR. KIRBY: I — I already answered that question. We’re still — we’re still working our way through that.

Q But — but the President has decided on his response, he said. So, how can he decide on his response if you’re still working through that?

MR. KIRBY: I just don’t have anything more to add on that.

Q Can I ask you a question about another part of the world, particularly that the President, I know, has a lot of interest in? Northern Ireland’s largest British unionist party agreed to end a boycott, the one — that, essentially, I think, ends the Belfast government’s standstill. Did the — has the President taken note of this? And is there any White House reaction?

MR. KIRBY: We — we welcome that there is progress here. But as we understand it, there is still some legislation that’s required, and certainly we’d leave that to the — to the elected
officials in Northern Ireland to speak to. But as we understand it, there’s still some legislation that has to be inked before they can get that forward.

Q Just a quick one on Pakistan. Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Is there any concern that the U.S. has that the Pakistani government may be trying to send a message to his supporters? He’s obviously not on the ballot, but they do have the — the upcoming election in February. Does the U.S. have any concern that the Pakistani government may be trying to target Khan’s supporters through this sentence?

MR. KIRBY: We see this as an internal judicial matter for the Pakistani government to speak to. Obviously, as a democracy, just like for any other country, we want to make sure that elections are free and fair and that judicial processes are also done, you know, in the most appropriate manner possible, recognizing an individual’s rights. I think I’d leave it at that.

(Cross-talk.)

You guys done with me?

Q I’ve got — I’ve got one last question on Sudan, if I may. Given all the political and diplomatic capital you’re using up in the Middle East, are you able to bring any pressure on countries like the United Arab Emirates, who we know are backing the RSF that the U.S. has accused of ethnic cleansing? Do you have any extra diplomatic clout to put pressure on the UAE?

MR. KIRBY: I would push back on the notion that we’re somehow so fixated on what’s going on in the Middle East that we can’t focus on other places around the world, including Africa. We continue to be engaged diplomatically to make sure to — to do what we can to see that the aspirations of the Sudanese people are met and that the — and that the violence between these two sides stops.

Q Do you have any examples of what you’re doing on that front, including pressuring the UAE?

MR. KIRBY: You know, I’m sure — I’ll refer you to the State Department for details, but we continue to work this diplomatically.

All right. Thanks, everybody.

Q I wanted to ask about the border and the President’s statement that he would shut it down. What does that tech- — I mean, obviously, the bill would need to pass. But then what technically does that mean? Like, what would it look like, shutting the border down?

MS. DALTON: Look, I think Karine talked about this quite a bit yesterday. But this is a president who believes we need action to secure the border. He’s been working in good faith with Republicans and Democrats on a negotiated proposal to do just that, to deliver on meaningful policy reforms and meaningful resources that would allow us to secure the bor- — border.

Now, I’m not going to get into the particulars of what that proposal looks like at the end of the day. But, look, this is a — you know, a president who has unequivocally stated he is committed to securing the border and working in good faith across the aisle to get it done.

Q On the border deal itself, Speaker Johnson reiterated this morning that he is against, you know, the Senate deal. However it ultimately looks, it’s dead on arrival in the House. Does the White House still think it’s worth pursuing a negotiated deal?

MS. DALTON: I think we’ve unequivocally said yes. And if, you know, Speaker Johnson is serious about securing the border, which he also said this morning that he is, then he should work across the aisle with us — reach back across the aisle in good faith and join us. We’re working along with Senate Republicans as well as Democrats.

We think that if this proposal that’s on the table was to be enacted, it would be the most meaningful, fair, significant piece of legislation to secure the border that we’ve seen in decades.

Q Olivia, on — on the border again. Can you explain a little bit further why the President doesn’t take some executive actions on the — on the border himself?

MS. DALTON: Well, I think the President has also been clear that he needs additional authorities from Congress. And part of what he’s asking Congress to do here is to deliver those authorities.

I’m not going to get specifically into more of what the bill says down on the — you know, the line items. But the President has been really clear: He needs additional authorities to secure the border. And that’s exactly what he’s asking Democrats and Republicans in Congress to work with him to deliver.

Q Why not test his executive authority?

MS. DALTON: I’m sorry?

Q Why not test his executive authority, just do it?

MS. DALTON: Look, I think the President has a view — that, by the way, was shared by Speaker Johnson under the pri- — prior administration — that he needs a greater authority in order to secure the border and take action on the border. So, that’s what we’re — we’re looking to do.

Q So, Olivia, is it his position, then, that there’s nothing all the more that he can do on migration, that this is the limit to his authority?

MS. DALTON: Look, you heard from the President, I think, on the — just a moment ago that certainly he feels that there are things that are within his power, but there are also things that are not within his power that he’s looking for congressional authority to do in order to step up border security.

Q But why doesn’t he take — take some of those steps that are within his power? That’s what I’m asking. Like, there are some things in his power. Why doesn’t he do those?

MS. DALTON: Look, we’re in the middle of negotiating in good fa- — faith across the aisle with Democrats and Republicans in the Senate to try and get this proposal done. I’m not going to get into the particulars of those conversations and what is or is not on the table.

But, look, we think that there’s no reason we can’t come to a very significant deal here that, again, would be historic in nature that would deliver on meaningful reforms and resources that would help us secure the border. And, you know, that’s the stated goal of both Republicans and Democrats in Congress.

What’s standing in the way? We don’t think politics should.

Q What’s the White House’s view of this House Homeland Security vote that we’re expecting today to impeach Mayorkas? You know, they — they argue that he has refused to enforce immigration laws.

MS. DALTON: I don’t know that I can respond to that any better than Secretary Mayorkas did in his letter to the committee this morning, where he laid out extensively everything that he and the Department have done to be responsive to the committee and their requests — the testimony, you know, the documentation, all of the things that they have done to be responsive to this committee.

Now, look, there is an active process underway. President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas, Senate Democrats and Republicans are actively talking about bipartisan meaningful policy reforms and resources to help secure our border. House Republicans could be working with us on that as part of that effort. Instead, this is what they’re doing today.

We think that the American people would much rather see Democrats and Republicans working together in Congress, on Capitol Hill, with the White House to deliver on the — what we need to do, the action that we need to see to secure the border.

Q Just a quick question for you, Olivia. So, first, the call that the President had with servicemembers’ families, that was this morning at the White House?

MS. DALTON: That’s correct.

Q Okay. And when the President goes to Detroit this week, will he be meeting with Muslim and Arab American leaders when he’s there?

MS. DALTON: We have not confirmed travel — other travel this week.

Q Okay. And is there any other official business that’s taking place on this trip to Florida?

MS. DALTON: The President has two political events today. I’d refer you to the campaign to speak in more detail about those. But don’t have any additional official events to — to discuss on the ground here in Florida today.

Obviously, the President is continuing to stay in touch, as you’ve already heard from Admiral Kirby, with his team here — his team on the ground about the — you know, for critical national security updates; update- — updates on the border negotiations; economic news, like the consumer spending data we — we just got this morning; and — and more.

Q Can you tell us any more on the call with the — the Gold Star families? How much time did he spend on — on the call with them? Did he have any reaction after the call that he conveyed to staff? And is there anything you can tell us about what specifically he told the families?

Q And was it three separate calls?

MS. DALTON: I am happy to try to get some more texture from those calls that took place right before he arrived here. He — he conducted those calls right before he left the White House this morning. I don’t have a duration of each of those calls. I’m happy to try to get more that I can share out of those for you.

But certainly, as Admiral Kirby described, he was — you know, expressed his deepest sympathies for their loss, his pride in their service, and his hope that he could be there for their dignified transfer on Friday.

Q And there were three separate calls?

MS. DALTON: I believe so, but let me just come back to you with that.

Q And is the campaign fully reimbursing the White House for today’s trip, since there are no official events? Do you have any —

MS. DALTON: There are well-established guidelines that we always follow. We’ve done trips in recent weeks and months that are all political, all official, or a mix of both. And in every case, we follow the letter of the law in terms of the cost sharing that — that Counsel dictates.

Q Is that normal protocol, for the President to ask the Gold Star families if it will be okay for him to attend the dignified transfer?

MS. DALTON: I believe that is normal protocol. Certainly, the DOD and others could weigh in there, but I — I believe it’s protocol — certainly, you know, something respectful to — to offer to these families if they would want the President to be there.

Q And the Federal Reserve is meeting tomorrow. They — you’re going to have a jobs report on Friday. Do you think we’re going to hear from the President on the economy this week? And just where does he think the economy stands now compared to six months ago? And does he have a personal view on whether interest rates should — should be reduced?

MS. DALTON: You know, I think you — you hear from the President a lot on the economy. So, I’m not sure that will be any different this week. But I don’t have any specific sets of remarks to announce at this moment in time.

Certainly, we think it’s a huge deal that consumer spending continued — or consum- — consumer confidence continued to grow today for the third month straight. It’s a good sign that people are starting to feel the impact of the economic progress we’ve — we’ve been seeing and are starting to really internalize that.

Q Can you talk a little bit about the decision with this trip today to go to, particularly, Jupiter, which is kind of one of the hearts of Florida — Trump country in that Trump has a golf course there. Is the President taking a — I don’t know — maybe a little pleasure in tweaking the former President a little bit about going into his home turf?

MS. DALTON: I can’t speak too — too much in depth to the — these campaign events since I wasn’t involved in planning them or putting them together. So, I’d refer you to the campaign there. I just don’t want to get too close to — to crossing the Hatch Act line here.

Q But has the President told you — have you spoken to the President about — about these stops and has he said anything about whether he plans to say something about Trump?

MS. DALTON: I would leave it to the President to speak to this. I cannot, as a federal official, speak about campaign events, unfortunately.

Q There are reports that a House Democrat is being investigated by DOJ. Any White House comment or reaction?

MS. DALTON: (Inaudible.)

Q There’s a House Democrat being investigated by the DOJ — conflicting reports on who exactly. Any — has the White House been following this? Any comment or reaction? I think it’s Cori Bush.

MS. DALTON: We’re seeing the same news that you are. But certainly, on anything related to a DOJ investigation, would refer you to them, as they’re independent in this respect.

Q President Donald Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the Abraham Accords. Do you have any response?

MS. DALTON: Other than this is news to me, I — I had not heard that yet. But no, I don’t — I don’t necessarily have a — have an immediate comment or reaction to that from you — for you.

Anything else? Okay. See you, guys.

Q Is there someone from the campaign on the trip?

MS. DALTON: Sorry?

Q Is there someone on the camp- — from the campaign on the trip who might gaggle?

MS. DALTON: I’ll see who’s on the ground.

Q Okay. Great.

12:29 P.M. EST

The post Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton and NSC Coordinator John Kirby En Route West Palm Beach, FL appeared first on The White House.

Aboard Air Force One
En Route West Palm Beach, Florida

12:03 P.M. EST

MS. DALTON: Good afternoon, everybody. Quickly at the top, there’s news out this morning that consumer confidence continued to surge this month as Bidenomics grows the economy from the middle and the bottom up. Consumer confidence is now at its highest level in more than two years as Americans feel more optimistic about their personal finances and inflation expectations are falling.

This is no accident. It’s a direct result of the President’s agenda. In fact, this morning, we’re headed to Florida where President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has now led to more than $9 billion in private sector investment across Florida, as well as $14.5 billion in federal funding that has already been announced for clean energy and infrastructure projects across the state.

That includes roads, bridges, transit, rail, airports; $800 million for better access to clean water; and $2.7 billion to provide affordable, reliable high-speed Internet to everyone in Florida.

When President Biden entered office, the Florida unemployment rate was 5.9 percent and many small businesses had closed. Today, Florida’s unemployment rate has dropped to 3 percent with 1.2 million new jobs created since January 2021. Meanwhile, Floridians have filed 1.8 million new business applications in the same time period.

Florida residents are also saving money on their healthcare premiums and prescription drugs, high-speed Internet, and home energy costs. In fact, more than 4.8 million Florida residents with Medicare will benefit from the $2,000 yearly cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, a $35 monthly cap per in- — per insulin prescription, and free vaccines. And an astonishing 4 million Floridians signed up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces during the open enrollment period for 2024 and will benefit from up to thousands of dollars per year in savings from lower healthcare premiums.

With that, I’m going to turn it to John to speak to some foreign policy news this morning.

MR. KIRBY: Hey, everybody. Just a couple of things at the top. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today with Amir Sheikh Al Thani of Qatar to discuss the latest between Israel and Hamas in — in Gaza as al- — as well as also to talk about our continued efforts to try to get a hostage deal in place. We’re going to have a readout of that conversation to you all soon here.

Today, Mr. Sullivan is also having a chance to meet with the families of the Americans that are still being held hostage by Hamas.

And then, finally, I mentioned it the other day — I can’t remember whether it was yesterday or the day before — about the inaugural meeting that we’re having with the PRC on this Counternarcotics Working Group. So, I just wanted to give you a quick little readout that we brought a — the meeting was today, and we brought a whole delegation of the government, led by Jen Daskal of the NSC, that included DHS, DOJ, State, Treasury.

And what was interesting was the PRC reciprocated, and they brought a whole-of-government delegation as well. So, it was a good set of discussions.

They committed to cooperate on increased law enforcement coordination to tackle the distribution and export of precursor chemicals for — for the opioids that are taking so many lives, to deal with addressing illicit financing and to increase our information-sharing across the two governments.

Again, the goal here is to produce concrete and measurable actions that lead to a reduction in the supply of these precursor chemicals that are killing, again, so many Americans.

So, that’s a good start, but it is just a start. And there’s a lot more work to be done. There’s another set of meetings tomorrow. I believe that Treasury will be sort of leading there in Beijing. But again, a really good start to — to this — to this process. That’s it.

Q Has the IC come to a conclusion on who was behind the Jordan drone strike? And if so, can you say which militant group was behind the strike?

MR. KIRBY: I’m not in a position today to confirm exactly what group is responsible, Aamer. We’re still working through the analysis.

But as I said the other day, I mean, clearly this is the — the work has all the hallmarks of — of groups that are backed by the IRGC and, in fact, by — by Kata’ib Hezbollah as well. So —

Q (Inaudible) why wait 4- — it’s about 48 hours-ish now since the attack happened. Are you essentially giving these groups the opportunity to move personnel, move their weaponry out of the way? And what message does it send by waiting two days to strike back at — at this point?

MR. KIRBY: As — as we said, Aamer, and as the President has said, we’ll — we’re going to respond. And we’re going to do it really in a way and a time of our own choosing. And, you know, that’s no different — that’s not a different approach than we’ve taken in the past.

Q President Biden said this morning that they, as in Iran, are supplying the weapons that were used in this attack. Does that mean that Iran was the manufacturer of the drone that was used?

MR. KIRBY: That — Iran — I won’t get into the specifics about the actual drone. Again, DOD is still working through the forensics of the attack.

But — but we know for a fact that Iran and the IRGC provide these groups weapons and capabilities. We know for a fact that they have provided them drones in the past as well. But as for the exact drone that was — that was involved in this attack, again, DOD is still working through the forensics on it.

Q Will the President attend the dignified transfer of remain — remains?

MR. KIRBY: The President had an opportunity this morning to speak with the family members of the three service members who were tragically killed in this attack. He was grateful for their time.

He expressed to them how proud we all are of their service, how we mourn and feel this — feel sorrow over their loss, made sure that those families knew that not only was that service and sacrifice going to be honored and respected but that they would continue to get the support that they need as they work through what no family wants to have to go through. As I said, no Blue Star family wants to become a Gold Star family.

In that conversation, he also gauged their feelings about him going to the dignified transfer at Dover on Friday. All of them supported his presence there. And so, the President will be going to the dignified transfer on Friday.

Q John, on Israel and the hostage deal. What was the President’s reaction to Prime Minister Netanyahu voicing some disinterest in releasing, quote, unquote, “thousands of terrorists” in order to get a hostage deal done?

MR. KIRBY: The President’s view is we got to continue to do everything we can to get those hostages out. And he also believes that the work that we’ve been doing on the ground — Bill Burns, our CIA director; Brett McGurk, who was just in the region; Secretary Blinken — is — these have been productive discussions. They’ve been constructive. They — we believe that we are — that we are — that we’re making progress on trying to get an extended pause in place so that we can get those hostages out.

And the President is not going to waver on that. That’s what his commitment is.

Q So, is he disappointed that Prime Minis- — Minister Netanyahu said those words about not wanting to release thousands of —

MR. KIRBY: I think we’ll let the Prime Minister speak for himself. There’s no reason for us to change course here. We still believe that this is the right thing to do.

And we believe that there’s — that there’s — again, I don’t want to sound too sanguine, but we believe the work has been — has been productive, and — and we’re going to stay focused on that.

Q So the frame- — the framework hostage deal is still progressing; this wasn’t a setback at all?

MR. KIRBY: We aren’t looking — we — we believe we continue to make progress. Let me put it that way.

Q Do you have any clarity on why the drone was able to get to the — get to the base, why — why that was successful? Was there a mix-up? Do you have any more clarity on what happened with the attack?

MR. KIRBY: I don’t. I’d point you to the Defense Department to speak to the — again, they’re doing the forensics to figure out how this happened, as you would expect they will do, and then — and then — so that they can learn lessons and try to prevent such an attack in the future. But I don’t have any more granularity on that.

Q On a two-state solution. The British Foreign Secretary has floated the idea that it’s time to look at how to recognize the Palestinian state — what it would comprise, how it would work. Is the U.S. on the same page there?

MR. KIRBY: Well, look, we’ve been very clear. We want to see a Palestinian state. The President still believes very strongly in the promise of a two-state solution. And there’s a lot of work that has to be done to make that a reality. It’s going to require leadership, again, on both sides.

But we certainly share the Foreign Minister’s belief in the — in the importance of moving towards getting an independent Palestinian state —

Q But what does moving —

MR. KIRBY: — with Israel’s security guaranteed.

Q So, what does moving towards that look like? We know you support a two-state solution. But isn’t it time now to start thinking about how that would actually work?

MR. KIRBY: We’ve been working on this since almost the — well, the very — very beginning of the administration. It’s one of the reasons why — I mean, prior to October 7th, we were working so hard on a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, because we believe that that — it was — baked into that would have been something for the Palestinians.

And so, we still think there is an opportunity here, and we’re going to keep pursuing it. We think that that could be a significant milestone towards getting you closer to a two-state solution.

Q John, the President said when he left the White House that he had reached a decision on — on the strikes. What is the guiding principle as he makes this decision? And is it fair to say that these strikes will be more forceful than the ones that were done previously?

MR. KIRBY: Well, with the caveat that I’m certainly not going to telegraph punches here or get into specifics of potential future military operations, to your question: guiding principle is making sure that we continue to degrade the kinds of capabilities that these groups have at their disposal to use against our troops and our facilities and to send a — send a strong signal to their backers and the IRGC that these attacks are unacceptable.

And we’re going to do — the President will do what he has to do to protect our troops and our facilities and to look after our national security — our national security interests in the region.

And I would tell you that, as I said yesterday, we — they have now taken the lives of three American troops. And so, I think it’s fair for you to expect that we will — we will respond in an appropriate fashion. And it — and it is — it’s very possible that what you’ll see is — is a tiered approach here, not just a single action but potentially multiple actions —

Q Can you say if it will o- —

MR. KIRBY: — over a period of time.

Q And can you say if it will only be military in its nature? Or is economic responses, such as sanctions, on the table as well?

MR. KIRBY: Yeah, I don’t think I’m going to get into more detail than that.

Q On Ukraine aid. Some European leaders sound more pessimistic about the U.S. providing funding for more Ukraine aid. For example, President Macron talked about wanting European leaders to be ready to support Ukraine over the long term if — if U.S. aid doesn’t come through. Is there some reason why some of these European leaders are sounding more pessimistic? Do you know? Is there —

MR. KIRBY: You can hardly blame them when they look at what’s going on on Capitol Hill. We put a supplemental request in place in October for $60 billion. The number was carefully constructed in concertation with our Ukrainian counterparts about what they were going to need. You can hardly blame other leaders around the world from thinking about what other decisions they have to make now based on the uncertainty that the United States is going to be able to come through.

And it — and it points precisely to what we’ve been saying before: that American leadership matters and people do look to us for our example and for that leadership.

And, you know, again, we’re hopeful — still hopeful, the President is, that we’re able to get this supplemental funding and we can — can go back to being the world’s leader in supporting Ukraine.

But, again, I don’t think you can — I don’t — I think other leaders in Europe and elsewhere can be forgiven for working through in their own minds how they’re going to be able to support Ukraine should the United States not be able, thanks to what’s going on on Capitol Hill, to be able to continue that support.

(Cross-talk.)

Q I just wanted to follow on J.J.’s earlier question on Netanyahu’s comments earlier. On the optimism for some — for a deal coming together, where — where’s that space? Because Netanyahu is saying not — no to thousands of prisoners and they’re going to stay in Gaza. Hamas is saying a deal has to hinge on lots of prisoners and them being out of Gaza. So, where — where is the space, I guess?

MR. KIRBY: Again, I can’t speak to the Prime Minister’s public comments. All I can tell you is the conversations that we have had in just recent days with our counterparts, including Israel, lead us to believe that — that — that there’s real potential progress here towards getting a deal in place for an extended pause that will allow those hostages to get home.

And I think that’s what the Israeli people want too. They want their loved ones back with — back in — with their homes and their families where they belong.

Q Kirby, and just a quick follow-up on —

Q Quickly following up. Are there any plans for the President to speak with Prime Minister Netanyahu, given his comments and given where things are with the hostage deal right now?

MR. KIRBY: I don’t have another call on the schedule to speak to.

Q One more — I have one more and a follow-up on that one. So, Hamas has said that the number of hostages that they would be releasing still has not been specified in these talks. Is that accurate?

MR. KIRBY: I won’t negotiate here on Air Force One.

Q Can I ask for clarification on some — on a question earlier? Has the U.S. identified who was behind the attack that killed three American servicemen?

MR. KIRBY: I — I already answered that question. We’re still — we’re still working our way through that.

Q But — but the President has decided on his response, he said. So, how can he decide on his response if you’re still working through that?

MR. KIRBY: I just don’t have anything more to add on that.

Q Can I ask you a question about another part of the world, particularly that the President, I know, has a lot of interest in? Northern Ireland’s largest British unionist party agreed to end a boycott, the one — that, essentially, I think, ends the Belfast government’s standstill. Did the — has the President taken note of this? And is there any White House reaction?

MR. KIRBY: We — we welcome that there is progress here. But as we understand it, there is still some legislation that’s required, and certainly we’d leave that to the — to the elected
officials in Northern Ireland to speak to. But as we understand it, there’s still some legislation that has to be inked before they can get that forward.

Q Just a quick one on Pakistan. Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Is there any concern that the U.S. has that the Pakistani government may be trying to send a message to his supporters? He’s obviously not on the ballot, but they do have the — the upcoming election in February. Does the U.S. have any concern that the Pakistani government may be trying to target Khan’s supporters through this sentence?

MR. KIRBY: We see this as an internal judicial matter for the Pakistani government to speak to. Obviously, as a democracy, just like for any other country, we want to make sure that elections are free and fair and that judicial processes are also done, you know, in the most appropriate manner possible, recognizing an individual’s rights. I think I’d leave it at that.

(Cross-talk.)

You guys done with me?

Q I’ve got — I’ve got one last question on Sudan, if I may. Given all the political and diplomatic capital you’re using up in the Middle East, are you able to bring any pressure on countries like the United Arab Emirates, who we know are backing the RSF that the U.S. has accused of ethnic cleansing? Do you have any extra diplomatic clout to put pressure on the UAE?

MR. KIRBY: I would push back on the notion that we’re somehow so fixated on what’s going on in the Middle East that we can’t focus on other places around the world, including Africa. We continue to be engaged diplomatically to make sure to — to do what we can to see that the aspirations of the Sudanese people are met and that the — and that the violence between these two sides stops.

Q Do you have any examples of what you’re doing on that front, including pressuring the UAE?

MR. KIRBY: You know, I’m sure — I’ll refer you to the State Department for details, but we continue to work this diplomatically.

All right. Thanks, everybody.

Q I wanted to ask about the border and the President’s statement that he would shut it down. What does that tech- — I mean, obviously, the bill would need to pass. But then what technically does that mean? Like, what would it look like, shutting the border down?

MS. DALTON: Look, I think Karine talked about this quite a bit yesterday. But this is a president who believes we need action to secure the border. He’s been working in good faith with Republicans and Democrats on a negotiated proposal to do just that, to deliver on meaningful policy reforms and meaningful resources that would allow us to secure the bor- — border.

Now, I’m not going to get into the particulars of what that proposal looks like at the end of the day. But, look, this is a — you know, a president who has unequivocally stated he is committed to securing the border and working in good faith across the aisle to get it done.

Q On the border deal itself, Speaker Johnson reiterated this morning that he is against, you know, the Senate deal. However it ultimately looks, it’s dead on arrival in the House. Does the White House still think it’s worth pursuing a negotiated deal?

MS. DALTON: I think we’ve unequivocally said yes. And if, you know, Speaker Johnson is serious about securing the border, which he also said this morning that he is, then he should work across the aisle with us — reach back across the aisle in good faith and join us. We’re working along with Senate Republicans as well as Democrats.

We think that if this proposal that’s on the table was to be enacted, it would be the most meaningful, fair, significant piece of legislation to secure the border that we’ve seen in decades.

Q Olivia, on — on the border again. Can you explain a little bit further why the President doesn’t take some executive actions on the — on the border himself?

MS. DALTON: Well, I think the President has also been clear that he needs additional authorities from Congress. And part of what he’s asking Congress to do here is to deliver those authorities.

I’m not going to get specifically into more of what the bill says down on the — you know, the line items. But the President has been really clear: He needs additional authorities to secure the border. And that’s exactly what he’s asking Democrats and Republicans in Congress to work with him to deliver.

Q Why not test his executive authority?

MS. DALTON: I’m sorry?

Q Why not test his executive authority, just do it?

MS. DALTON: Look, I think the President has a view — that, by the way, was shared by Speaker Johnson under the pri- — prior administration — that he needs a greater authority in order to secure the border and take action on the border. So, that’s what we’re — we’re looking to do.

Q So, Olivia, is it his position, then, that there’s nothing all the more that he can do on migration, that this is the limit to his authority?

MS. DALTON: Look, you heard from the President, I think, on the — just a moment ago that certainly he feels that there are things that are within his power, but there are also things that are not within his power that he’s looking for congressional authority to do in order to step up border security.

Q But why doesn’t he take — take some of those steps that are within his power? That’s what I’m asking. Like, there are some things in his power. Why doesn’t he do those?

MS. DALTON: Look, we’re in the middle of negotiating in good fa- — faith across the aisle with Democrats and Republicans in the Senate to try and get this proposal done. I’m not going to get into the particulars of those conversations and what is or is not on the table.

But, look, we think that there’s no reason we can’t come to a very significant deal here that, again, would be historic in nature that would deliver on meaningful reforms and resources that would help us secure the border. And, you know, that’s the stated goal of both Republicans and Democrats in Congress.

What’s standing in the way? We don’t think politics should.

Q What’s the White House’s view of this House Homeland Security vote that we’re expecting today to impeach Mayorkas? You know, they — they argue that he has refused to enforce immigration laws.

MS. DALTON: I don’t know that I can respond to that any better than Secretary Mayorkas did in his letter to the committee this morning, where he laid out extensively everything that he and the Department have done to be responsive to the committee and their requests — the testimony, you know, the documentation, all of the things that they have done to be responsive to this committee.

Now, look, there is an active process underway. President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas, Senate Democrats and Republicans are actively talking about bipartisan meaningful policy reforms and resources to help secure our border. House Republicans could be working with us on that as part of that effort. Instead, this is what they’re doing today.

We think that the American people would much rather see Democrats and Republicans working together in Congress, on Capitol Hill, with the White House to deliver on the — what we need to do, the action that we need to see to secure the border.

Q Just a quick question for you, Olivia. So, first, the call that the President had with servicemembers’ families, that was this morning at the White House?

MS. DALTON: That’s correct.

Q Okay. And when the President goes to Detroit this week, will he be meeting with Muslim and Arab American leaders when he’s there?

MS. DALTON: We have not confirmed travel — other travel this week.

Q Okay. And is there any other official business that’s taking place on this trip to Florida?

MS. DALTON: The President has two political events today. I’d refer you to the campaign to speak in more detail about those. But don’t have any additional official events to — to discuss on the ground here in Florida today.

Obviously, the President is continuing to stay in touch, as you’ve already heard from Admiral Kirby, with his team here — his team on the ground about the — you know, for critical national security updates; update- — updates on the border negotiations; economic news, like the consumer spending data we — we just got this morning; and — and more.

Q Can you tell us any more on the call with the — the Gold Star families? How much time did he spend on — on the call with them? Did he have any reaction after the call that he conveyed to staff? And is there anything you can tell us about what specifically he told the families?

Q And was it three separate calls?

MS. DALTON: I am happy to try to get some more texture from those calls that took place right before he arrived here. He — he conducted those calls right before he left the White House this morning. I don’t have a duration of each of those calls. I’m happy to try to get more that I can share out of those for you.

But certainly, as Admiral Kirby described, he was — you know, expressed his deepest sympathies for their loss, his pride in their service, and his hope that he could be there for their dignified transfer on Friday.

Q And there were three separate calls?

MS. DALTON: I believe so, but let me just come back to you with that.

Q And is the campaign fully reimbursing the White House for today’s trip, since there are no official events? Do you have any —

MS. DALTON: There are well-established guidelines that we always follow. We’ve done trips in recent weeks and months that are all political, all official, or a mix of both. And in every case, we follow the letter of the law in terms of the cost sharing that — that Counsel dictates.

Q Is that normal protocol, for the President to ask the Gold Star families if it will be okay for him to attend the dignified transfer?

MS. DALTON: I believe that is normal protocol. Certainly, the DOD and others could weigh in there, but I — I believe it’s protocol — certainly, you know, something respectful to — to offer to these families if they would want the President to be there.

Q And the Federal Reserve is meeting tomorrow. They — you’re going to have a jobs report on Friday. Do you think we’re going to hear from the President on the economy this week? And just where does he think the economy stands now compared to six months ago? And does he have a personal view on whether interest rates should — should be reduced?

MS. DALTON: You know, I think you — you hear from the President a lot on the economy. So, I’m not sure that will be any different this week. But I don’t have any specific sets of remarks to announce at this moment in time.

Certainly, we think it’s a huge deal that consumer spending continued — or consum- — consumer confidence continued to grow today for the third month straight. It’s a good sign that people are starting to feel the impact of the economic progress we’ve — we’ve been seeing and are starting to really internalize that.

Q Can you talk a little bit about the decision with this trip today to go to, particularly, Jupiter, which is kind of one of the hearts of Florida — Trump country in that Trump has a golf course there. Is the President taking a — I don’t know — maybe a little pleasure in tweaking the former President a little bit about going into his home turf?

MS. DALTON: I can’t speak too — too much in depth to the — these campaign events since I wasn’t involved in planning them or putting them together. So, I’d refer you to the campaign there. I just don’t want to get too close to — to crossing the Hatch Act line here.

Q But has the President told you — have you spoken to the President about — about these stops and has he said anything about whether he plans to say something about Trump?

MS. DALTON: I would leave it to the President to speak to this. I cannot, as a federal official, speak about campaign events, unfortunately.

Q There are reports that a House Democrat is being investigated by DOJ. Any White House comment or reaction?

MS. DALTON: (Inaudible.)

Q There’s a House Democrat being investigated by the DOJ — conflicting reports on who exactly. Any — has the White House been following this? Any comment or reaction? I think it’s Cori Bush.

MS. DALTON: We’re seeing the same news that you are. But certainly, on anything related to a DOJ investigation, would refer you to them, as they’re independent in this respect.

Q President Donald Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the Abraham Accords. Do you have any response?

MS. DALTON: Other than this is news to me, I — I had not heard that yet. But no, I don’t — I don’t necessarily have a — have an immediate comment or reaction to that from you — for you.

Anything else? Okay. See you, guys.

Q Is there someone from the campaign on the trip?

MS. DALTON: Sorry?

Q Is there someone on the camp- — from the campaign on the trip who might gaggle?

MS. DALTON: I’ll see who’s on the ground.

Q Okay. Great.

12:29 P.M. EST

The post Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton and NSC Coordinator John Kirby En Route West Palm Beach, FL appeared first on The White House.

On January 30, the United States and the People’s Republic of China launched their bilateral Counternarcotics Working Group – a critical mechanism going forward for coordinating bilateral efforts to counter the global manufacturing and trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, including fentanyl. The U.S.-PRC Counternarcotics Working Group is a key outcome of President Biden’s and President Xi Jinping’s decision, announced at the Leaders’ Summit in Woodside, California in November 2023, to resume bilateral cooperation on counternarcotics.  By working to disrupt the flow of fentanyl this effort aims to save lives in the United States and around the world and halt the corruption and violence of drug traffickers.

The two sides emphasized the need to coordinate on law enforcement actions; address the misuse of precursor chemicals, pill presses, and related equipment to manufacture illicit drugs; target the illicit financing of transnational criminal organization networks; and engage in multilateral fora.  The delegations further discussed the importance of regular sharing of information to ensure a common understanding of the dynamic illicit threat posed by synthetic drugs. 

The delegation was led by Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Jennifer Daskal and included representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. 

###

The post Readout of the U.S.-PRC Bilateral Counternarcotics Working Group Inaugural Meeting appeared first on The White House.

On January 30, the United States and the People’s Republic of China launched their bilateral Counternarcotics Working Group – a critical mechanism going forward for coordinating bilateral efforts to counter the global manufacturing and trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, including fentanyl. The U.S.-PRC Counternarcotics Working Group is a key outcome of President Biden’s and President Xi Jinping’s decision, announced at the Leaders’ Summit in Woodside, California in November 2023, to resume bilateral cooperation on counternarcotics.  By working to disrupt the flow of fentanyl this effort aims to save lives in the United States and around the world and halt the corruption and violence of drug traffickers.

The two sides emphasized the need to coordinate on law enforcement actions; address the misuse of precursor chemicals, pill presses, and related equipment to manufacture illicit drugs; target the illicit financing of transnational criminal organization networks; and engage in multilateral fora.  The delegations further discussed the importance of regular sharing of information to ensure a common understanding of the dynamic illicit threat posed by synthetic drugs. 

The delegation was led by Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Jennifer Daskal and included representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. 

###

The post Readout of the U.S.-PRC Bilateral Counternarcotics Working Group Inaugural Meeting appeared first on The White House.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar today to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza and their efforts to secure the immediate release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.  Mr. Sullivan thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his unwavering efforts in this regard.  He urged that all possible efforts be brought to bear on Hamas to secure the release of hostages without delay. They agreed to stay in regular contact until all hostages are reunited with their families. 

###

The post Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar appeared first on The White House.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar today to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza and their efforts to secure the immediate release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.  Mr. Sullivan thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his unwavering efforts in this regard.  He urged that all possible efforts be brought to bear on Hamas to secure the release of hostages without delay. They agreed to stay in regular contact until all hostages are reunited with their families. 

###

The post Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar appeared first on The White House.

South Lawn

10:34 A.M. EST

Q Mr. President, what — do you hold Iran responsible for the death of the three Americans?

Q Have you made a decision how you’ll respond to the attacks?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q And —

Q Mr. President, do you hold Iran responsible for the death of those three Americans?

THE PRESIDENT: I do hold respon- — them responsible in the sense that they’re supplying the weapons to the people who did it.

Q But directly responsible?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, we’ll have that discussion.

Q (Inaudible) have not deterred these attacks in the past. What will be different this time?

THE PRESIDENT: We’ll see.

Q Mr. President, (inaudible) are you worried about a regional war in the Mi- — a wider war in the Middle East? How worried are you?

THE PRESIDENT: I don’t think we need a wider war in the Middle East. That’s not what I’m looking for.

Q Should Donald Trump be allowed on the ballot? Should Donald Trump be allowed on the ballot?

THE PRESIDENT: As far as I’m concerned, that’s fine.

Q Why is he leading in the polls if he is a threat to democracy, as you say?

THE PRESIDENT: Because guys like you. (Laughs.)

Q What am I doing? Come on.

Q Mr. President —

THE PRESIDENT: I’m teasing, man. I’m teasing. It’s early.

(Cross-talk.)

Q Mr. President, on the border. Have you done everything you can do with executive authority? Or is there more you could do absent (inaudible)?

THE PRESIDENT: I’ve done all I can do. Just give me the power. I’ve asked from the very day I got into office. Give me the Border Patrol. Give me the people — give me the people, the judges. Give me the people who can stop this and make it work right.

(Cross-talk.)

Q Are you worried about the possible escalation in the military involvement in the Middle East? What do you say to those in your party?

THE PRESIDENT: (Inaudible.) We’ll see.

10:36 A.M. EST

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

South Lawn

10:34 A.M. EST

Q Mr. President, what — do you hold Iran responsible for the death of the three Americans?

Q Have you made a decision how you’ll respond to the attacks?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q And —

Q Mr. President, do you hold Iran responsible for the death of those three Americans?

THE PRESIDENT: I do hold respon- — them responsible in the sense that they’re supplying the weapons to the people who did it.

Q But directly responsible?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, we’ll have that discussion.

Q (Inaudible) have not deterred these attacks in the past. What will be different this time?

THE PRESIDENT: We’ll see.

Q Mr. President, (inaudible) are you worried about a regional war in the Mi- — a wider war in the Middle East? How worried are you?

THE PRESIDENT: I don’t think we need a wider war in the Middle East. That’s not what I’m looking for.

Q Should Donald Trump be allowed on the ballot? Should Donald Trump be allowed on the ballot?

THE PRESIDENT: As far as I’m concerned, that’s fine.

Q Why is he leading in the polls if he is a threat to democracy, as you say?

THE PRESIDENT: Because guys like you. (Laughs.)

Q What am I doing? Come on.

Q Mr. President —

THE PRESIDENT: I’m teasing, man. I’m teasing. It’s early.

(Cross-talk.)

Q Mr. President, on the border. Have you done everything you can do with executive authority? Or is there more you could do absent (inaudible)?

THE PRESIDENT: I’ve done all I can do. Just give me the power. I’ve asked from the very day I got into office. Give me the Border Patrol. Give me the people — give me the people, the judges. Give me the people who can stop this and make it work right.

(Cross-talk.)

Q Are you worried about the possible escalation in the military involvement in the Middle East? What do you say to those in your party?

THE PRESIDENT: (Inaudible.) We’ll see.

10:36 A.M. EST

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

Private Residence
Los Gatos, California

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you. 

Good afternoon, everyone.  Good afternoon. 

Let me first thank my husband for being such an incredible partner.  And, also, really, he’s been doing an extraordinary job of —

(Referring to a handheld microphone.)  I’m — this is — what’s happening here?  There.

— of spending time traveling the country, talking about many of the issues.  He has been particularly powerful on the issue of speaking out against hate and antisemitism.  And I’d like to just acknowledge, in front of all of the friends, the work that you are doing as an incredible — (applause) — first Second Gentleman.

So, it’s good to see everyone.  Listen, Doug said it well.  I do believe everything is at stake in this election.  I do believe — you know, many of us have talked — I’m going to just walk around.  I hate being behind a podium.  (Laughter.)

Many of us have been active for every election cycle.  And
pretty much as far back as I can remember, we have, at one moment or another, referred to those election cycles as being existential, everything being at stake.  This absolutely is existential.

When I think about what we are up against and full-on frontal attacks on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights, a full-on agenda that is about taking us backward in such an unapologetic and clear way, I know that this is existential.

Doug mentioned traveling.  I have now, as Vice President, met with over 150 world leaders — presidents, prime ministers, chancellors, and kings — many of whom I’ve actually hosted at our temporary public housing in D.C.  (Laughter.)  But many of whom I’ve now met and talked with a number of times so that we’ve established relationships and friendships. 

And the most recent international trips I took as Vice President, then, were at the end of last year.  I went to the UK to talk about what we are doing in terms of AI and the — our host is a — is a leading authority on that issue.  And so, I was there talking about how we are thinking, as America, about the safety issue as it relates to AI.  And then, later — two weeks later — I went to Dubai to represent our country at COP28, the global convening on climate.

To a one, the world leaders that I saw, who are now friends and we have relationships — to a one, when they came up to me, the first point they made, “Hope you guys are going to be okay.”
And be clear, that was out of self-interest.  Because what they know is what we know, which is why we are here.

And, Shannon, I cannot thank you for all that you have always done and continue to do — both of you and Kevin and Chloe and Coco.  (Applause.)  Right?

What we know is that when we are talking about this fight for our democracy, the nature of democracy is there’s a duality to it. 

On the one hand, it’s very strong.  When a democracy is intact, it is so strong in terms of what it does to empower its people through the protection and the respect of individual rights and liberties, what it does to give its people dignity.  There is such strength in a democracy when it is intact.

And it is very fragile.  It is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it. 

So, when I see these world leaders or travel our country — right? — I started a college tour in the fall.  And then now I’m on a — just started — second stop today on our “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” in a tour.  What I know and I see around the world and in our own country is that there are so many of us who do understand that concept and understand that the trajectory of America en- — depends entirely on her people.

This election, yes, it is about the Biden-Harris ticket and it is about winning an election.  But I would propose that what will happen in November will be a reflection of a question, which is: For us, as Americans, what kind of country do we want to live in?  What kind of country do we want to live in?

And when I think about what is at stake, then, I would offer that, in November, there’s a split screen.  Among the many big issues challenging our world and our country that are complex and not binary, November of ’24: binary.

So, just pull up the — the split screen.  On the one hand, you have a former President who openly celebrates dictators and has professed and promised he will be a dictator on “day one”; openly and unapologetically expresses his intention to weaponize the United States Department of Justice; openly, brazenly talks about what he will do to exact revenge on his political enemies.

Recently, many — recently said, when asked about the Dobbs decision, which undid Roe v. Wade, said he was “proud”
of what he did, which, of course, was to handpick three justices with the full intention that it is they who would undo the protection of an individual’s right to make decisions about their own body.  “Proud.”

Proud that right now in states like Texas — where is my friend from Texas? — right? — in states like Texas, they are providing for prison time for life for healthcare providers; punishing women; making no exception, in many cases around our country, for rape or incest.

And, you know, most of us, I think, can handle this conversation.  Look, you guys know my background.  Most of my career, I was a prosecutor.  Started out, DA of San Francisco, first woman.  I was Attorney General, reelected, first woman. 

Well, what you may not know about my background is, when I was in high school, my best friend, I learned, was being molested by her stepfather.  And when I found out, I said to her, “You have to come and stay with us.”  Called my mother, my mother said, “Absolutely, she does.”  And she did.

And I decided I wanted to do the work that was about protecting women and children from violence.  The idea that these so-called leaders would be proposing that after someone has survived a crime of violence to their body, a violation to their body, that they would have no authority or right to make a decision about what happens to their body next — that’s immoral.  And he’s proud of the suffering we’re seeing every day in our country?

Pull up the split screen.

On the other side of that screen, you see, in our President, Joe Biden, and the work we have done as an administration on some of the biggest challenges facing our world.  Be it the first time there’s a war in Europe in over 70 years and bringing NATO together and strengthening NATO so now we have two additional members.

What we have accomplished in terms of — forever, administrations of both parties saying, “Hey, let’s deal with the…” — I’m looking at (inaudible).  “Let’s deal with the fact that America’s infrastructure is over 150 years old, and it’s time we dealt with it.”  And they’d talk about “Infrastructure Week” in that last administration.  And we got it done, and now, by my estimate, looking at over a trillion dollars that’s going to American jobs to build back up our roads and bridges and sidewalks and airports.

This group of friends understands — and I say this as a proud Californian — the importance of investing in research and development and science.  And we got the CHIPS and Science Act done, which is going to mean billions of dollars in investment, in technology, in our ability to see what’s possible and then go for it and allow our country to be a leader — a global leader.  That happened under our administration.

Doing the work of understanding that, for generations, seniors have been struggling, if they have diabetes, to figure out how to either afford to fill their prescription or fill their refrigerator.  And we have now capped the cost of insulin at $35 a month. 

We now — and Joe Biden — I just — it makes me sick when people criticize our President about questioning him, when he has been so bold in terms of understanding what is an investment in the future of our country and taking on, as we have, for example, the pharmaceutical companies saying: We’re going to, for the first time, allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices for seniors and cap the annual cost of medication for seniors at $2,000.  That’s a big deal.

And I could go on and on.  Like Doug says — it’s so funny when you say that — it’s the CVS — (laughter) — it’s a CVS receipt.  I could go on and on.

But the contrast.  On the one hand, we’re looking at, at the very least, chaos — but actually, chaos leading to destruction around foundational, fundamental institutions and values.  And on the other hand, competence and calm and clarity.

And I’ll — I’ll end my comments so I can come and walk around, but with a — with a basic point that I think also is something we have to acknowledge about what’s happening in our country right now. 

There’s a — there’s a kind of perverse, I think, ideology that is being pushed around that suggests that the measure of a leader’s strength is based on who you beat down, instead of what we all know: The true measure of that strength is based on who you lift up.  You know, this perverse notion that, somehow, it’s a sign of weakness to have compassion, care, when the real character trait of a real leader is someone who has some level of curiosity and concern and care for the suffering of other people and then does something about it to alleviate that suffering.

So, we got a fight in front of us.  And I’ll tell you — I was saying to a couple of the friends — over the Christmas break, Doug and I left D.C. and came home to California.  And, first of all, we slept.  (Laughter.)  We didn’t realize how tired we were.  We just slept.  And then Doug looked at me and was like, “Honey, I think we’re defrosting.”  (Laughter.)

And I was in my happy place.  I was cooking.  I — let me tell you, I love your kitchen, by the way.  I have — (laughter) — you have, like, an eight-burner stove.  I love your kitchen. 

MS. HUNT-SCOTT:  You can come anytime.  You should see the downstairs kitchen.  It’s even better.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Okay.  I want to see it.  (Laughter.)

So, I was in my happy place and I was cooking.  The kids were home.  They — just it was all good.  But because we knew, starting in January, this is no joke.  And already in the last two and half weeks, I’ve been North Carolina, South Carolina twice, Georgia, Wisconsin, Nevada twice, New York, California, just in the first, like, two and a half weeks of this year.

And I know we’re all prepared to do something similar, in terms of each day, starting now, understanding what is at stake and understanding it’s going to take all of us. 

We love our country.  We love our country.  We believe in our foundational principles.  And it is incumbent on each one of us to do everything we can.  And I know I’m preaching to the choir, because that’s why you guys are here. 

And I thank you very much.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

     END

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Reception | Los Gatos, CA appeared first on The White House.

Private Residence
Los Gatos, California

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you. 

Good afternoon, everyone.  Good afternoon. 

Let me first thank my husband for being such an incredible partner.  And, also, really, he’s been doing an extraordinary job of —

(Referring to a handheld microphone.)  I’m — this is — what’s happening here?  There.

— of spending time traveling the country, talking about many of the issues.  He has been particularly powerful on the issue of speaking out against hate and antisemitism.  And I’d like to just acknowledge, in front of all of the friends, the work that you are doing as an incredible — (applause) — first Second Gentleman.

So, it’s good to see everyone.  Listen, Doug said it well.  I do believe everything is at stake in this election.  I do believe — you know, many of us have talked — I’m going to just walk around.  I hate being behind a podium.  (Laughter.)

Many of us have been active for every election cycle.  And
pretty much as far back as I can remember, we have, at one moment or another, referred to those election cycles as being existential, everything being at stake.  This absolutely is existential.

When I think about what we are up against and full-on frontal attacks on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights, a full-on agenda that is about taking us backward in such an unapologetic and clear way, I know that this is existential.

Doug mentioned traveling.  I have now, as Vice President, met with over 150 world leaders — presidents, prime ministers, chancellors, and kings — many of whom I’ve actually hosted at our temporary public housing in D.C.  (Laughter.)  But many of whom I’ve now met and talked with a number of times so that we’ve established relationships and friendships. 

And the most recent international trips I took as Vice President, then, were at the end of last year.  I went to the UK to talk about what we are doing in terms of AI and the — our host is a — is a leading authority on that issue.  And so, I was there talking about how we are thinking, as America, about the safety issue as it relates to AI.  And then, later — two weeks later — I went to Dubai to represent our country at COP28, the global convening on climate.

To a one, the world leaders that I saw, who are now friends and we have relationships — to a one, when they came up to me, the first point they made, “Hope you guys are going to be okay.”
And be clear, that was out of self-interest.  Because what they know is what we know, which is why we are here.

And, Shannon, I cannot thank you for all that you have always done and continue to do — both of you and Kevin and Chloe and Coco.  (Applause.)  Right?

What we know is that when we are talking about this fight for our democracy, the nature of democracy is there’s a duality to it. 

On the one hand, it’s very strong.  When a democracy is intact, it is so strong in terms of what it does to empower its people through the protection and the respect of individual rights and liberties, what it does to give its people dignity.  There is such strength in a democracy when it is intact.

And it is very fragile.  It is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it. 

So, when I see these world leaders or travel our country — right? — I started a college tour in the fall.  And then now I’m on a — just started — second stop today on our “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” in a tour.  What I know and I see around the world and in our own country is that there are so many of us who do understand that concept and understand that the trajectory of America en- — depends entirely on her people.

This election, yes, it is about the Biden-Harris ticket and it is about winning an election.  But I would propose that what will happen in November will be a reflection of a question, which is: For us, as Americans, what kind of country do we want to live in?  What kind of country do we want to live in?

And when I think about what is at stake, then, I would offer that, in November, there’s a split screen.  Among the many big issues challenging our world and our country that are complex and not binary, November of ’24: binary.

So, just pull up the — the split screen.  On the one hand, you have a former President who openly celebrates dictators and has professed and promised he will be a dictator on “day one”; openly and unapologetically expresses his intention to weaponize the United States Department of Justice; openly, brazenly talks about what he will do to exact revenge on his political enemies.

Recently, many — recently said, when asked about the Dobbs decision, which undid Roe v. Wade, said he was “proud”
of what he did, which, of course, was to handpick three justices with the full intention that it is they who would undo the protection of an individual’s right to make decisions about their own body.  “Proud.”

Proud that right now in states like Texas — where is my friend from Texas? — right? — in states like Texas, they are providing for prison time for life for healthcare providers; punishing women; making no exception, in many cases around our country, for rape or incest.

And, you know, most of us, I think, can handle this conversation.  Look, you guys know my background.  Most of my career, I was a prosecutor.  Started out, DA of San Francisco, first woman.  I was Attorney General, reelected, first woman. 

Well, what you may not know about my background is, when I was in high school, my best friend, I learned, was being molested by her stepfather.  And when I found out, I said to her, “You have to come and stay with us.”  Called my mother, my mother said, “Absolutely, she does.”  And she did.

And I decided I wanted to do the work that was about protecting women and children from violence.  The idea that these so-called leaders would be proposing that after someone has survived a crime of violence to their body, a violation to their body, that they would have no authority or right to make a decision about what happens to their body next — that’s immoral.  And he’s proud of the suffering we’re seeing every day in our country?

Pull up the split screen.

On the other side of that screen, you see, in our President, Joe Biden, and the work we have done as an administration on some of the biggest challenges facing our world.  Be it the first time there’s a war in Europe in over 70 years and bringing NATO together and strengthening NATO so now we have two additional members.

What we have accomplished in terms of — forever, administrations of both parties saying, “Hey, let’s deal with the…” — I’m looking at (inaudible).  “Let’s deal with the fact that America’s infrastructure is over 150 years old, and it’s time we dealt with it.”  And they’d talk about “Infrastructure Week” in that last administration.  And we got it done, and now, by my estimate, looking at over a trillion dollars that’s going to American jobs to build back up our roads and bridges and sidewalks and airports.

This group of friends understands — and I say this as a proud Californian — the importance of investing in research and development and science.  And we got the CHIPS and Science Act done, which is going to mean billions of dollars in investment, in technology, in our ability to see what’s possible and then go for it and allow our country to be a leader — a global leader.  That happened under our administration.

Doing the work of understanding that, for generations, seniors have been struggling, if they have diabetes, to figure out how to either afford to fill their prescription or fill their refrigerator.  And we have now capped the cost of insulin at $35 a month. 

We now — and Joe Biden — I just — it makes me sick when people criticize our President about questioning him, when he has been so bold in terms of understanding what is an investment in the future of our country and taking on, as we have, for example, the pharmaceutical companies saying: We’re going to, for the first time, allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices for seniors and cap the annual cost of medication for seniors at $2,000.  That’s a big deal.

And I could go on and on.  Like Doug says — it’s so funny when you say that — it’s the CVS — (laughter) — it’s a CVS receipt.  I could go on and on.

But the contrast.  On the one hand, we’re looking at, at the very least, chaos — but actually, chaos leading to destruction around foundational, fundamental institutions and values.  And on the other hand, competence and calm and clarity.

And I’ll — I’ll end my comments so I can come and walk around, but with a — with a basic point that I think also is something we have to acknowledge about what’s happening in our country right now. 

There’s a — there’s a kind of perverse, I think, ideology that is being pushed around that suggests that the measure of a leader’s strength is based on who you beat down, instead of what we all know: The true measure of that strength is based on who you lift up.  You know, this perverse notion that, somehow, it’s a sign of weakness to have compassion, care, when the real character trait of a real leader is someone who has some level of curiosity and concern and care for the suffering of other people and then does something about it to alleviate that suffering.

So, we got a fight in front of us.  And I’ll tell you — I was saying to a couple of the friends — over the Christmas break, Doug and I left D.C. and came home to California.  And, first of all, we slept.  (Laughter.)  We didn’t realize how tired we were.  We just slept.  And then Doug looked at me and was like, “Honey, I think we’re defrosting.”  (Laughter.)

And I was in my happy place.  I was cooking.  I — let me tell you, I love your kitchen, by the way.  I have — (laughter) — you have, like, an eight-burner stove.  I love your kitchen. 

MS. HUNT-SCOTT:  You can come anytime.  You should see the downstairs kitchen.  It’s even better.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Okay.  I want to see it.  (Laughter.)

So, I was in my happy place and I was cooking.  The kids were home.  They — just it was all good.  But because we knew, starting in January, this is no joke.  And already in the last two and half weeks, I’ve been North Carolina, South Carolina twice, Georgia, Wisconsin, Nevada twice, New York, California, just in the first, like, two and a half weeks of this year.

And I know we’re all prepared to do something similar, in terms of each day, starting now, understanding what is at stake and understanding it’s going to take all of us. 

We love our country.  We love our country.  We believe in our foundational principles.  And it is incumbent on each one of us to do everything we can.  And I know I’m preaching to the choir, because that’s why you guys are here. 

And I thank you very much.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

     END

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Reception | Los Gatos, CA appeared first on The White House.

Mexican Heritage Plaza
San Jose, California

12:20 P.M. PST

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everyone.  (Applause.)  Hi, San Jose!

MS. BUSH:  I mean, how cool is this?  (Laughter.)

Before we get into serious business, I just personally want to extend a thank you.  We did this for the first time — having a conversation like this one — two years ago —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yes.

MS. BUSH:  — on a college campus across the country. 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.

MS. BUSH:  And day in and day out, while you are in the position to hold the issues of the world, you keep our rights a top issue in the administration and in the White House.  And on behalf of all women and potentially pregnant people everywhere, I just want to thank you.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you so much.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

MS. BUSH:  Okay.  So, we are in a moment as a nation, and I’m curious, from your vantage point, how you see it and — and why you have decided to lead this “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.  Well, first of all, it’s great to be with you, Sophia.  And thank you for sharing the stage and — and for using your voice in such an important way. 

And I want to thank the senators who are here.  I know that we had Senator Padilla, Butler — who are here.  They are doing extraordinary work along with the Secretary, Xavier Becerra, and so many others.  And so, I want to just acknowledge them in front of all of the friends.  (Applause.)

As well as my husband, the first Second Gentleman of the United States.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)

So, here we are, January of 2024, where, just over a year ago, the highest court in our land, the Court of Thurgood and RBG, took a constitutional right that had been recognized from the people of America, from the women of America.  And thereafter, in state after state, we have seen extremist so-called leaders propose and pass laws that would criminalize healthcare providers, some of them literally legislating prison for life; punishing women; making no exception even for rape or incest.

You know, I will tell you —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Madam Vice President, we demand a ceasefire now!  Ceasefire now!  Ceasefire now!  There is no reproductive justice without a ceasefire now!  (Inaudible.)  

AUDIENCE:  MVP!  MVP!  MVP! 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah, let — let me say, in a — in a — in a real democracy, everyone has a right to have their voice heard.  (Applause.)  Everyone has a right to have their voice heard.

And I will say, we all want this conflict to end as soon as possible.  (Applause.)  And the President and I are working on that every single day.  So — (applause).

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, back to what we were discussing — back to what we’re discussing.  We are looking at a situation —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Ceasefire now!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We’re looking at a situation in our country —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Ceasefire now (inaudible).

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — where there are people who are literally suffering, many — most, silently suffering because of what has been proposed and/or passed in states across our country. 

Part of why I’m doing this tour is because I think that more people — not the people here, but more people who may not be here and are not as attuned to what’s happening in real time — must understand — you know, for years, so many of us, we were in marches; we’ve talked; we have fought — let’s keep Roe alive.  We have to protect Roe, and we all did.  Most of us, for our entire adult lives, it was intact.  We knew it was prescion [sic], and we need to defend it — we knew it was precious.  But we kind of thought it would always be there.

And now we have seen that it has been taken.  And all over our country — Dr. Gupta started to talk about that — the number of people who are suffering — we’re all grown in here, so I’m going to just speak fact because fact must be told: Women are having miscarriages in toilets in our country.  I’ve met women who were in the midst of a miscarriage —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — who were — went to an emergency room —

AUDIENCE:  MVP!  MVP!  MVP!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — went to an emergency room to seek healthcare and were rejected by the healthcare professionals there who were afraid they would be jailed for providing women in distress healthcare. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Ceasefire now!  Ceasefire now!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I met a woman —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I met a woman who literally developed sepsis.  And it was not until she developed sepsis that she received the healthcare that she needed. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  You are complacent (inaudible).  Ceasefire now!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We have a lot of very important issues that we all must discuss, but the topic for this discussion is what we need to do to fight back against laws that are criminalizing healthcare providers and making women suffer in our country.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yes, we are going to win this election.  (Applause.)  Yes, we will.

So, there are a lot of big issues impacting our world right now which evoke, rightly, very, very strong emotions and fears and anger and tears and concerns. 

The topic for today here is the topic of what has happened in our country after the Dobbs decision, which took away the right of people to make decisions about their own body and has resulted in extreme harm.  And so, I’m going to get back to the issue, because it’s an important one, and we should not be distracted from any important issue. 

So, what we’re talking about — (applause) — what we’re looking at in these — in these states, for example, that have made no exception even for rape or incest — now, many of you, this is my — I grew up in California, in the Bay Area.  Many of you know my career, so you know that I started my career as a prosecutor.  What you may not know is one of the biggest reasons why. 

When I was in high school, one of my closest friends, one of my best friends, I learned, was being molested by her stepfather.  And when I learned, I said to her, “You have to come and stay with us.”  I called my mother, and my mother said, “Of course she does.”  And she came to stay with us.

And I decided at a very early age I wanted to do everything I could to protect women and children from harm.  And I specialized, for a long time in my career as a prosecutor, including when I was working as AG, on crimes affecting women and children.

“No exception even for rape or incest.”  Let’s understand what that means.  It means that these so-called leaders are saying to a survivor of a crime of violence to their body, a violation to their body, that they don’t have the right to make a decision about what happens to their body next.  That’s immoral.

This is what’s happening around our country. 

So, when we talk about the layers of harm — be it harm to our democracy, harm to our Constitution, harm to our freedoms and our rights — and we then understand the real harm that also exists every day for individuals who are being denied the healthcare they need, it’s extraordinary. 

And for that reason, I know we all are approaching this with a sense, yes, of — of empathy and understanding but also profound commitment, with a sense of urgency, to do something about it to end the pain and the suffering that is happening right now in real time in our country. 

And so, that’s the issue as much as anything.  And the way that we are going to ultimately deal with this is to, one, have some consensus — which I do believe exists — which is that one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do with her body.  (Applause.)

If she chooses — if she chooses, she will consult with her pastor, her priest, her rabbi, her imam, but not the government telling her what to do. 

And so, we need, this November, to elect a majority of people in the United States Congress who simply agree it’s not the government’s right to tell a woman what’s in her own best interest when she knows what’s in her own best interest and doesn’t need some person walking around with a flag pin to tell her what to do.  (Applause.)

And Joe Biden has been very clear: When Congress puts back in place the rights that the Court took away, he will sign it into law.  He will sign into law the protections of Roe v. Wade.  (Applause.)

So, that’s part of the task in front of us right now.

MS. BUSH:  I don’t think it’s lost on any of us in this moment — here or in the world — given the conversation we’re all having, that, as you said earlier, when extremism comes home to roost —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.

MS. BUSH:  — whether it’s here in America or around the world, it’s women and girls who suffer worst.  And it can feel overwhelming to try to hold all of these issues. 

I know for me, as a citizen, I look to you.  And I — I can’t imagine the pressure you feel with all of us looking to you, going, “Tell us what to do.” 

But one of the things that you often encourage us to do when we feel helpless in the face of global suffering and of the suffering of women and girls and at-risk people is to get involved locally. 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yes.

MS. BUSH:  That’s why you’re here on —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yes.

MS. BUSH: — a local tour with us —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yes.

MS. BUSH:  — talking about this issue, while you, daily, hold all the rest of them. 

And I’m curious, for those of us who, you know, don’t get the binders and the briefings: What should we be doing in our states?  And what can we encourage our states to do?  And what can states do across the nation to fight back and protect our reproductive freedoms?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s great.  So, I’ll start with this.

Part of the environment in which this issue exists is an environment that is heavily laden with judgment, suggesting to these individuals, suggesting to these women that they’ve done something wrong and something they should be embarrassed about.  And — and understand, then, the layers that come along with that that include making her feel as though she’s alone. 

And, as we know, one of the things that can be most disempowering is when people feel they’re alone; when they feel they don’t have community, much less support; when they feel they’re being judged and outcast, as opposed to embraced. 

And so, this is the power of each of us as individuals in a community, in a society, on every level, including this one, which is to think about how you use the way that you talk with people, be it — you know, Mom, Peg, I see you here.  My mother-in-law is here.  (Laughter.)  That’s going to be by the telephone — (laughs) — or text or social media.

But the ways that we can talk with people — friends and strangers — about the issue to remind them about what’s at stake and — and the harm that is happening every day. 

I have seen — as I am traveling the country on this issue, I’ve seen the power of that communication.  I have met with people who started — especially before the Dobbs decision came down — and were vehement that they were opposed to abortion and who have not abandoned their faith and their — whatever reason it is for why they feel that way and strongly about themselves and their family, but also didn’t know and weren’t aware of the suffering that would happen as a result and, now knowing the suffering that is happening, are reconsidering their position in terms of the policy of it all — the policy being to deny other people a decision to make that very important decision for themselves and not the government telling them. 

So, the power of communication on this is very important. 

I think there’s also another thing that is at play on so many issues in our country, which is, if you will, I think a certain thing that is quite perverse that is being pushed by some so-called leaders, which is to suggest that the measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you beat down instead of who you lift up.  Right?  (Applause.)

You know, there’s a — there’s a thing happening that suggests that to care about people somehow is a sign of weakness, when we all know that one of the great characteristics and character of — of real leadership is the character that has some level of concern, curiosity, and compassion about the suffering of other people and then wants to do something about alleviating that suffering. 

And so, I work with the belief that the mass ma- —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — the vast majority of people in our country have that feeling.

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, the work that needs to be done over these next 10 months includes using our voices to really help people understand how this is affecting people in real time, because there’s nothing abstract about this issue.  There is nothing hypothetical about it.  It is — it does not require and it absolutely deserves more than some kind of intellectual political debate.  It requires action to stop the harm that is happening right now.  And that’s about organizing. 

Californians, thankfully, we have a state that has done beautiful and important work to protect rights, to put it in the Constitution.  (Applause.)  This is very important.  But we have neighboring states, not so much.  And so, think about, you know, how you travel and when you travel to do that. 

But the other point that I’d make on being a Californian right now: Let’s not — don’t get too comfortable with that, because if these folks have their way — and they’ve already articulated it’s part of their agenda — they’ll get a national ban.  So, let’s understand, none of us can afford to sit back and say, “Thank God we’re in California.”

MS. BUSH:  Right. 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Because, as we know, they go for — they go for — they — and then they come for you.  Right?  And so, let’s keep that in mind as well. 

And we just got to hustle over these next 10 — 10 months.  You know, Doug and I have been very clear.  We came home for the holiday, and it was very funny.  I — a lot of friends here, so I’ll just share with you a little personal story.  We slept.  (Laughs.)  I mean, we were just tired.  We slept.  (Laughter.)  Doug looked at me, and he was like, “Honey, I think we’re defrosting.”  Right?  (Laughter.)  

And I cooked, which is my happy place — and family.  But all knowing that, starting in January, got to hit the road.  This year, already in the last two and a half weeks — I’m looking at Xavier — I’ve been North Carolina, South Carolina twice, Nevada twice, Georgia, Wisconsin, New York, California — in the first two and a half weeks.  (Applause.)  So — and Alex Padilla has been there, Laphonza Butler. 

So, we got a lot of ground to cover — all of us.  And — and we can make a difference on this issue for people that, by the way, for the most part, we may never meet; for people who, for the most part, will never know any of our names but whose lives will forever be impacted because of the work that we do in organizing and using our voices at this moment.  (Applause.)

MS. BUSH:  When — when we hold these two things to be true at the same time, the fact that we — in California, we’re lucky enough to enshrine our rights via Proposition 1 into our state laws, but we’re looking at the risk of a national ban.  We — we see the extremists on the GOP side going after mifepristone and medication abortion, which over 50 percent of pregnant people use in —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.

MS. BUSH:  — when they are in need.  We’re — we’re talking about the potential denial of care, even here, if — if the mail stops.  And when we talk about the strain that comes into our state from our surrounding states, where our friends don’t have the rights that we do here —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.

MS. BUSH:  — at this time, we’re — we’re really doing the math locally, but potentially nationally for a true healthcare crisis. 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.

MS. BUSH:  This is a crisis. 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You’re absolutely right. 

MS. BUSH:  And —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You’re absolutely right. 

MS. BUSH:  — I’m just curious: Can you walk us through who’s responsible for this?  Because this was an intentional crisis.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Indeed. 

MS. BUSH:  And you’ve mentioned that the Supreme Court overturned Roe, but can we — can we just cover how we got to that point?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I think we should.

MS. BUSH:  I think we should too.  (Laughter.)  It feels appropriate to tell some truth. 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, the former President of the United States hand-picked — hand-picked three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo Roe.  Let’s be very clear about it. 

And he has been very clear that that is exactly what he intended.  Just take him at his word.  Take him at his word when he said recently he’s “proud” of what he did. 

And I asked, “Proud?”  I’m looking at Christine Pelosi.  I — I asked, “Proud?”  Proud that doctors might go to jail for giving healthcare?  Proud that women are having miscarriages without any healthcare that they need?  Proud that — that fundamental freedoms have been taken from the American people?

To understand the arrogance that is associated with the taking and then what we are up against — and so, this is why we know what is before us and the fight that is before us.  This is a fight that is fundamental.  And it is fundamentally about freedom — freedom — the freedom to make decisions about your own body. 

And understand, as we step back, there is — and I travel our country — there is afoot a full-on intent to attack hard-fought, hard-won freedoms in our country.  Just look at what is happening.  Look at what is happening with a “Don’t Say Gay” bill.  Okay?

So, now, let me — I will remind my fellow Californians: In 2004 — actually, Valentine’s weekend 2004 — so, it’ll be 20 years — I was proud to be one of the first elected officials in the country to perform same-sex marriages — (applause) — almost 20 years ago. 

A “Don’t Say Gay” bill — so, imagine this.  So, 20 years ago — so, this means that some young teacher in Florida is afraid to put up a photograph of themselves and their partner for fear they may be fired.  For doing what?  For doing the God’s gift to all of us to avow themselves to teach other people’s children?  As it is, they don’t get paid enough. 

In 2024, we’re looking at attacks on the LGBTQ community. 

In 2024, we’re looking at attacks on the freedom to vote and access to the ballot.  I was just in Georgia.  You know, they passed a law in Georgia to make it illegal to give people food and water while they stand in line to vote.  What happened to “love thy neighbor”?  I mean, the hypocrisy abounds.

The kinds of freedoms that are under attack in America right now, and — and I would offer — you know, I asked my team to create a Venn diagram for me.  I love Venn diagrams.  (Laughter.)  And, you know, whenever you’re kind of looking at something complex, a Venn diagram can usually help you out. 

And the overlap, then — right? — between where we’re seeing the attacks against voting rights, where we’re seeing the attacks against LGBTQ, where they’re seeing the attacks against reproductive freedom, and you would not be shocked to see the profound intersection between them.

So, this also — then, I say, as we organize and think about these next many months — is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves not only to community building but as an extension of that coalition building.  Let’s bring together all the folks who’ve been fighting for voting rights; all the folks who have been fighting for LGBTQ rights; all the folks who have been fighting for reproductive health rights, including maternal health rights and maternal mortality — (applause) — fighting against that.  Right?

By the way, on that issue, Sophia, so I’ve also been doing a lot of work over many years on the issue of combating maternal mortality.  It is — we have, as a so-called developed nation, one of the highest rates of maternal mortality of any nation in the world.  It’s a — it’s a crying shame. 

And so, again, the hypocrisy ob- — abounds.  In the states with the top 10 worst numbers on maternal mortality, all have bans.  I say to these so-called extremist leaders, “Okay.  So, you say that your work to — to ban abortion — ban access to reproductive healthcare is because you are so concerned about mothers and children.  Well, why you been silent on maternal mortality?”  (Applause.)  “Where you been?”

When I became Vice President, I issued a challenge to states: Extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum care from what is the standard 2 months to 12 months.  (Applause.)  When I started, 3 states were doing it; now 43 have done it.  Right?  (Applause.)  Right?

All these issues are connected.  All these issues are connected.

MS. BUSH:  That gives me hope, the coalition building —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.

MS. BUSH:  — the — the work that you all are succeeding on.  And we need hope in a world that feels so heavy. 

I want to know what gives you hope for the year ahead, because you’re gearing up for a big fight.  We know what we’re up against.  It can’t be easy.  What keeps you positive and ready for this?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  A number of things.  One, this audience.  I mean, and I know who’s here.  I know who’s here.  And — and each of you have so many other things you could be doing with your time, so many other obligations, and — and the individuals here have come together as a community to stand together and with each other on a very important issue that’s going to require a certain level of selflessness on behalf of us all and certainly sacrifice to speak up.

What gives me hope is an understanding that if you — we all know history.  There has never been any progress that has come about in our country, as far as I’m concerned, that came about without a fight.  (Applause.)  It requires a fight.

You know, here’s how I think about democracy, as an extension of all the points we’re making about fighting for freedoms.  The nature of democracy — there’s a duality to it.  On the one hand, it’s very strong.  When a democracy is intact, what it does to protect and preserve individual rights and freedoms and the dignity of people, the equality of people — it’s very strong, what it does for its people.

It is also very fragile.  It is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it.  And so, fight we will. 

You know, we just, not long ago, celebrated Mar- — the birthday of Martin Luther King.  And when I do — and I always do — I will always also refer to the great Coretta Scott King.  (Applause.)  And — because she, too, was a great freedom fighter.  And Coretta Scott King — I’ll paraphrase — but she famously said, and I quote it all the time, “The — the fight for civil rights” — which is the fight for freedom — right? — the fight for equality — she said, “must be fought and won with each generation.” 

And by that, I think she had two points.  One, it is the nature of our fight for freedoms that whatever gains we make, the nature is they will not be permanent.  It’s just the nature of it.  Therefore, understanding that, we must always be vigilant.  We must understand how precarious and precious this all is and commit ourselves every day to stand for and fight for these rights and these freedoms.

And so, you know, understanding it’s the nature of it, I think that there’s — there’s — we know what the job is ahead of us.  We know —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)  Ceasefire now!  Ceasefire now!  Ceasefire now!

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, let us remember, there’s a lot to fight for.  And, look, as I like to say and we all say many times: When we fight, we win.  When we fight, we win.  (Applause.)

And there are a lot of folks who need to know that the people who can be in a room like this are thinking of them, because there are a lot of folks who will never be in this room, can’t be in this room.  And I think we all know it is our duty — not just our responsibility but that we have a duty — to stand for these most essential freedoms.

And this is an era right now where we are looking at these attacks, and we’re clear-eyed about where it’s coming from.  And I think that when we show that we are going to stand in solidarity, at some point, folks are going to realize they can’t win with this stuff.

And — and that means all of us being in it together, holding each other up, taking care of each other.  In this moment, when there are people trying to divide our country and distract us from what’s important, let’s just hold on to each other.  Look at the person next to you, if you don’t know them, and just let them know we’re all in this together.  Okay?  We’re all in this together.

Thank you, all.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

MS. BUSH:  Thank you so much.

END                  12:52 P.M. PST

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris in a Moderated Conversation with Sophia Bush on the National “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” Tour | San Jose, CA appeared first on The White House.