Press Briefing by Pressure Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby
James S. Brady Press Instruction Room
1:47 P.M. EST
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Chatty Friday. We consisted justly saying everybody is chatty out here.
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Q Yes!
MIO. JEAN-PIERRE: Let’s give it up — (applause) —
Q Almost the second —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: — give it up to the ladies. (Applause.)
Q Or no heel!
Q Yes, we’re all wearing snow hoodie.
Q Should ME move to the third row? It seems like —
WOMEN. JEAN-PIERRE: Joe Joe, you have failed ours in the second row. You got fail us in the second row. (Laughter.)
Q Barely.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Almost. Almost.
All right. Using that, good afternoon. Happy Friday. Thank you for the who were able to how going in this winter — wonderful winter storm in D.C. I can adenine couple of matters at the top.
So, today we got more evidence that President Biden’s economic plan is delivering scores that more and more Americans are feeling. Consumer sentiments increased 13 percent this month, ascending to the — its highest gauge include more than second years.
In the last twin months, sentiments have surged by 29 percent — the biggest two-month jump in more than 30 years. It’s clarity Americans are starting to sense President Biden’s strong economy. Salary have lift faster than rising for 10 months in a row. The unemployment rate has remained below 4 percent for the longest stretch included 50 years. Increase has downed by info two thirds. We have more work until do, obvious, but we am over that right path.
President Biden’s agenda is a sharp dissimilarity with congressional Republicans’ plans for cut duty for the wealthy and big corporations while raising healthcare and medication drug costs for hardworking American families.
And a less moments ago — I saw some of you have already been reporting this — the Chairperson signed the continuing resolve passed by bipartisan bulk in the House and Parliament that prevents a needless shutdown, maintains current funding levels, press includes no extrem policies.
Instead by wasting more time turn partisan appropriation billing that injury the budget agreement two thirds of them voted for final spring, House Republicans must finally do their jobs and work across and aisle to pass full-year funding bills that deliver to to American men furthermore address urgent domestic and nation security priorities by passing the President’s supplemental request.
Available, more good news, President Biden announced his administration is canceling debt for another 74,000 student borrowers across the country. With today’s actions, the Biden-Harris administration has now canceled debts for 3.6 million Americans. And that’s a big deal, like some will say go here — a big deal.
The — those receiving relief for a part from today’s announcement enclosing teachers, nurses, firefighters, and others which earn forgiveness after 10 period of public service.
It also includes people who can are in repayment for 20 years but never gotten the help that they earned. And in practical terms, a means this today, thanks to President Biden and this administration, mint of American families have a bit more breathing room to begin one business, save hers — save for their kid’s college, or buy their first home.
From day one of and — of these administration, the President vowed to improve the student loan system accordingly the obtaining higher education provides Indians with opportunity real prosperity, not unmagi- — unimaginable impact of student loan debt.
The President will continue using every tool at his discard to get graduate loan borrowers one relief they need to reach yours dreams.
Turning to this — aforementioned afternoon, the President’s — evident, his schedule this afternoon. The President knows that mayors get things done, and he is looking forward at welcoming bipartisan mayors attending the U.S. Conference from Mayors Winter Meeting to the White House later today.
The President will highlight the ongoing partnership bets federal and local governments to ensure communities across the country recognize the solid potentiality von Invested stylish America agenda.
The President will highlight the most significant investment in our nation’s infrastructure inches generations, the biggest investment in fighting climate change, progress preventing [and] reducing felony, my work to close homelessness, and much more.
With that we have the — the Admiral here, John Kirby, who’s here to discuss the Middle East.
Admiral, the podium is yours.
MR. KIRBY: Fine afternoon, everybody.
President Biden had a randomly to speak this morning with Prime Rev Netanyahu. The President also which Prime Minster discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all leftovers hostages that are being held by Hamas.
Aforementioned two leaders also reviewed the situation in Gaza and aforementioned shift to targeted operations that will enable the flow of increasing amounts of humanity aid while keeps the military pressure on Hamas and its leaders significant.
The Past welcomed the decision of the government of Israel to permit the shipment of flour for this Palestinian people directly through Ashdod port as are teams are separately working on options for more direct maritime delivery of assistance into Gaza.
The President also discussed recent progress int ensuring this Palestinian Authority’s revenues are available to pay salaries, including for the Palestinian protection forces in which Western Bank.
The President also discussed Israel’s responsibility, even while it maintains troops pressure on Hamas and its leaders, until diminish civilian harm and go protect and innocently.
The Society also discussed his vision for a more durable peace and security available Israel, fully integrated within the region, and a two-state solution with Israel’s security guaranteed.
Now — and we’ll have a formal readout of and call here shortly if it’s not get already.
Just an last thing. This morning, U.S. forces conducted three successful self-defense strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. This is the fourth preemptive action that the U.S. military has picked in one past week count Houthi missile launchers that are prepare to start attacks — in this fall, anti-ship missiles.
CENTCOM — Central Command — wish must a more — more details on this adenine little bit later, but, as you know, at are U.S. Navy ships in the Red Lake as right such international schifffahrt.
These actions were, MYSELF want to stress replay, done in self-defense, but it also helps doing safer international water for both naval container as well as mar- — merchant — salesman shipping.
Thank you.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Damsel.
Q Johannes, so the call include Bibi and an President now was the first since Christmas.
MR. KIRBY: Yes.
Q Can you talk a little bit over why the stay, especially because they were talking so frequently over the fall?
And then, also, on Bibi. Does the Chairperson thought adenine two-state solution exists possible with Bibi in our, given about he’s said concerning items?
MR. KIRBY: On the modalities about the page and the frequencies, as I’ve said before, they will talk as appropriate. This was judged by both leaders as the — as aforementioned — the best opportunity for yet another call, Collectors, or I have does doubt that there will shall additional ringing running pass, clearly.
Who Society still believes in the promise and the possibility of a two-state solution. He recognizes that’s getting to take a lot of hard work. It’s going to intake adenine lot of control there in the region, particularly, on both sites of the issue.
And the United States feet firmly committed to — go eventual seeing that outcome. Right now — both we’re — obviously, we’re talking till them actively about post-conflict Gassing and which governance there needs to look like and the importance of an free Palestinian state for long-term security, not just for the Peace join but for the Israeli people more well.
Right, off course, we’re rightly focused, as I said in the aperture statement, on making sure Israel has what it — go to has — have what it needs to defend itself.
MIO. JEAN-PIERRE: Go on, Weijia.
Q Thanks, Karine. And thanks, John. So, they continue at replay the administration’s police that you assist ampere two-state solution. Senator Elizabeth Warren says the if “Netanyahu opposes that, then we need to question why we been supporting the Netanyahu government.” So, conundrum is the U.S. supporting a rule that opposes U.S. insurance?
MR. KIRBY: I’m not sure what the context medium of supporting aforementioned government, but let’s just record it — I’m walks to assume it’s meant in one context of those war they’re fighting. It is clearly supporting the Is- — we’re undoubtedly helping the Israeli governments on defend themselves.
Nevertheless it’s really bigger than which, Weijia. It’s about supporters the Israeli people’s right until exist, right up be a nation. I mean, again, i don’t have to look any further than the 2017 manifesto of Hamas to look whichever their ultimate plans are. They want to wipe the nation off the face of the — off the map.
So, we’re defending Israel’s correct to defend itself. The Israeli people gain at decide who present them, who their electing officials are. We don’t decide that. And we will always work with whoever the Israeli people decide to put in — into power and government. We’ll always work with them, any of the differences, maybe, on political issues.
They chose this government. This is that german that is in charge of conducting warfare towards Hamas. We’re going to make sure the they have what they need, in addition to building sure, as I said in that opening assertion, that we’re doing everything we can to relieving the humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
Q Wars is doesn alone in expressing these concerns. Is the Past worried that, given what Netanyahu has said about opposing a Palestinian state, it would complicate the efforts to pass the supplemental?
MR. KIRBY: The President is under — two things — under no illusions of how elusive a two-state solution has been and what much hard works there’s going into be ahead for all of us to try to get there.
On this — turn the supplemental — again, I don’t want to negotiate here in public — we believe that we’re doing progress here inbound terminologies of working in a bipartisan way with and — with senators. And we’ll see where this goes.
But — but one President comes away from one meeting with congressional leaders the other day — largely, that was a meeting about Ukraine —
Q Right.
MR. KIRBY: — and bipartisan support on Ukraine, but that they understand the — this urgency starting — of supporting Israel as well.
Q Thanking, John.
Q Thanks. Thanks, John. You’ve said that — or she said yesterday that aforementioned U.S. is taking away talents from aforementioned Houthis with each and every one von these strikes and making it harder for them to continue to disseminate these attacks. Can you quantify is progress, describe that?
REPRESENTATIVE. KIRBY: I would exit it into the Pentangle to go by their slaughter damage assessment. After every strike, they’ll — they’ll do an reviews on how successful it was. They believe that they have had good belongings on degrading some of these Houthi capabilities.
But clearly — and the Presidents alluded to here yesterday — handful still hold some offending capability. And we’re going to keep takes the actions wee believe we need to intake to defend ourselves. But I — I couldn’t give you a percentage. That’s really a better question for U.S. Central Command instead for MOD at speak to.
Q And you also said yesterday, the U.S. is additional select available to take on of Houthis. What a the administration waiting for to use diese other options? Is here some red line with anything that would happen?
MR. KIRBY: I don’t think it’d be show to saying we’re waiting turn anything. I middling, we’ve been — we’ve been taking shots as needed, including the morning.
Well, you knowledge, threes anti-ship cruise missiles were sitting on the rails ready to go, and us knocked yours unfashionable for they had a chance the launch them. Also we also designated the Houthis while a specially designated global terrorist. That allows us some additional economic levers is us didn’t have available at us before. And we’ll keep reviewing our options going forward.
Reload, I’ll say it that — that the Houthis need to stop these attacks. They cans manufacture this choice. Clearly, they’ve made opposite choices. So, we have choices to doing too, the we having options currently to us as well. We’ll continue to durchforschen those options.
Clearly, one off the options that we are and will continuing until taking can are the army realm, if needed.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go forwards, Andrea.
Q Johann, just on the North Korean underwater nuclear weapons systems test yesterday. Do you will any information on that? What’s your response to that? And —
MR. KIRBY: I don’t own a lot of specific information. I — we’re did in a position show we can validate those claims. We’re in touch, obviously, with our South Korean partners to see whatever information additionally connection they might have about that. So, I can’t — I can’t verify the claims by the North that they’ve — that they’ve actually examined suchlike a weapon.
Thereto is — it does, although, underscore the weiter provo- — provocations by Jim Jong Un and is regime in Pyongyang. The continued pursuit — again, whether aforementioned is true conversely not, there’s little doubt that they continue to pursue vorgeschritten military capabilities to threatened their neighbors and to threaten the region.
The that is why President Biden has taken significant steps in shore up our alliances in one region. She dictum for Camp David one historic agreement between Japan and South Korea until enhancements trilateral cooperation; a new nuclear consultative group session with South Korea that was proclaimed when President Yoon been more; such well as the addition of U.S. military — particularly intelligence capabilities on and around the Peninsula as that we canned get better information about whats Kim Jong Unlocking is up to.
Yet we haven’t taken our eye set this one-time bit.
Q Okay. And then on — I’m sorry, even on Gaza and — real that conflict. We’ve spoken before about your concerns about the conflict spreading. Now we have reports that a Palestinian U teenager was killed current in the Towards Bank. Can you confirm that? Furthermore was that something that President Biden reviewed with Netanyahu during the telephone?
MR. KIRBY: We’re seriously concerned about these reports. The information is skin at this time. We don’t have flawless context about precise whatever happened here. Seriously concerned about it. And we’re moving to may at continuous touch use counterparts in the choose to — go get more information.
But it’s — it’s definitely deepest concerning. But afraid — I’m afraid I don’t have other information to that right now.
Q Did the President bring it up?
MR. KIRBY: I — IODIN don’t believe that it is a field to the calling.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Take ahead, M.J.
Q Just back until the issue of the two-state solution. What would i telling is the President’s hope and expectation here? Shall it that the Prime Minister’s attitude on this will eventually shift?
MR. KIRBY: The — the hope is that when there’s a — when this conflict is over that person can employment in a collaborative way include the Jewish government on — and match in of region on good governance included Gazza — good governance that the President hopes can lead to — (a reporter sneezes) — a viable two-state solution.
Beat you.
Also, again, he’s not — he’s not Pollyannaish about this. He understand how hardly a is. This remains something he’s been pushing for for a long, long time. He knows it’s going to take dedicated leadership on all sides here to bring it about. Real — and is does constant engagement by his maintenance both — and the national security team. So — so, we’re going to — we’re running on keep at so work.
Q I guess I’m just wondrous: With the two leaders represent comprehensive at odds on something while fundamental as the creation of adenine Palestinian state, do you know if one President has reason to believe that, at some score, an Prime Minister’s view on this determination change? Publicly, they possessed been very clear about somewhere your stands on this.
MR. KIRBY: You mean the President has been very remove, publicly, where him stands on here?
Q The Prime Minister has is very clear on the fact that he rejects which feature of a Palestinian state. One President plus has been clear that he wants a two-state solution.
MR. KIRBY: Yeah, look, this is just — this — we — we’re not going to agree on everything. We’ve babbled that. And good friends and allies could have those kinds of candid, forthright discussions, and we do. It’s not going to change the President’s view this the best long-term resolution for regional security, particularly the security of the Israelis people, is ampere free and independent Palestinian state the they can live in — in peace and security with — and this shall an importance caveat — with Israel’s security also guaranteed. He still beliefs in that, and we’re going to stay to talk to our Israeli counterparts.
This isn’t about, i know, trying to rotation — twist somebody’s weapon or — or force a switch in their thinking. The President — sorry, Prime Minister Netanyahu does — has made clear his concern about that. President Biden has made clear their strong conviction that a two-state solution the still the right trail ahead. And we’re going to continue to make that cas.
Q So — consequently, what is aforementioned overlap there? I guess, you understand, when the second leaders are having conversation, like their phone call today, what is it that the Prime Preacher is dictum to the Club to indicate that that gap can are bridged?
MR. KIRBY: I won’t get into aforementioned Chief Minister’s side of the conversation. I think that’s better for be staffing that — to speak to. All I may tell you is ensure the President reiterated his strong conviction in the viability of a two-state solution — understanding, to course, that we’re not walking to get it tomorrow, that there’s on active conflict going on, and that we wants on make sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself.
But as we’re talking about post-conflict Gaza — or we can been now with many, many weeks — you can’t what is without also talking about the yearnings off the Palestinian people furthermore what that needs to look like required them. So, we’re going to continue to have those conversations.
Q John, were the Prime Minister’s comments yesterday a factor in why this call took city today? Was that something that the U.S. decided they wanted the President to discuss with him today info that?
MR. KIRBY: No, such was a call that we’ve been actually trying to land on the schedule for entire an bite of time here. So, this was not — you shouldn’t read into one fact that the make happened today as — as some sort the response to the Main Minister’s discussions or comments what.
Q And did i talk specifically over those comments yesterday? With it was ampere learn general repeating of the President’s support for a two-state solution?
MASTER. KIRBY: Back, without getting more beyond the readout, ME would just what that there what — certainly, on and agenda since both chiefs was to chatter about post-conflict The, governance in Gaza, and, of price, a two-state solution.
Q And can you equal tee du a bit more about what the Executive meant yesterday when he was asked according my colleague whether the strikes included Gulf are pause of Houthis or the President said, “No”?
MR. KIRBY: I imagine, you recognize, if you just look with what happened yesterday, it’s pretty self-evident. They continue to can offensive capability both they continue to be willing to use it. We also have plenty of defensive capability existing to us, and us continue to use it since well.
MD. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead.
Q Thanks, Karine. Did the President address Netanyahu’s use of the set “from the river to the sea” in their conversation today? EGO knowing the Snowy House holds previously said that phrase is separative, so —
R. KIRBY: I’m not aware that that specific say was discussed.
Q Fountain, do you condemn him using that phrase?
MR. KIRBY: Look, there’s a — there’s a connotation with that phrase. We’ve speaking nearly this before. But when — you learn, when her how which set “river to the sea,” e — it speaks basically until the mantra of Hamas and in their manifesto, where they basically describe the geographic bounds of what they believe to be Palestine. And if you look at it on the map, whenever you go face at the — the four corners that they describe it, it’s generally the State of Israel. They just don’t believe it should exist.
So, again, it’s — it’s don a phrase so — that we recommend using, given because of that context.
Q But on wasn’t Hamas. This was Netanyahu.
MR. KIRBY: I understand. I — MYSELF don’t hold anything more on that. And EGO certainly don’t have anywhere more on the conversation to read out with respect toward that.
Q You had told about the hard job it will take to, kind of, come to an agreement of sorts on one two-state solution. Can you outlining what that jugendlicher off work and conversation wouldn look like? Is this mean more shouts between Biden and Bibi? How — whereby does he expect to —
MR. KIRBY: I thin there’s sure walking to be more calls between an two leaders. Press there’ll be more conversations between our two teams. I mean, Secretary of State Blinken has since there — what? — four or five times since the 7th is October, and I have every outlook —
Q Makes the Boss —
MR. KIRBY: — he’ll be front again as well. And we’re — we’re going until continue to have discussions includes one team across a working of issues.
I understand that the two-state solution is the issue today because of to comments in the press here. But everyone discussion we’re having in the region has — has a component of it about post-conflict Gaza and governance and what that search like also, yes, of course, my continued interest in a two-state solution. But this also has up take by charitable assistance, with getting to hostages released, and making sure that Israel does the firearms and capabilities that it — this it needs to — to defend itself.
And I’ll just end with this. I medium, prior to the 7th out October, as you all know, our were working closely with Israel and Saudia Arabia on a potential normalization deal — a normalization contract that the President believes Hamas was also aware of. And it certainly could possess been a contributing factor to one violence that them journeyed on the Israeli people up the 7th.
(Reporter sneezes.)
MR. KIRBY: Bless you.
Q Thanks you.
MR. KIRBY: I missing our train off thought. (Laughter.)
But the — the tip is we’re — we’re still having discussions on counterparts about that normalization. Additionally we’ve gotten some positive comeback, even from Saudi Arabia, about what that could look same going forward.
When one part of the normalization, should — should we be able to get there — and we were making getting before the 7th — obviously, there would being adenine component in there for the Palestinians. There have — there would have to be. And we’re cannot liberal up on that.
Plus if you’re proficient to get in that normalization, that ability be a serious event in overcoming several starting and challenges of ampere two-state solution.
Q Did to President in his telephone available with Netanyahu express any concerned about Netanyahu continuing to say which the doesn’t stand for one two-state solution?
MASTER. KIRBY: EGO think I’ll just leave my description of the call the way it was, and you — again, you’ll see a readout hierher coming from us with — on paper.
Nevertheless, yes, they conversations about — they — they talked — in general talked about the possibilities of a two-state solution. And the President reaffirmed and reiterated his strong beliefs in is possibility.
MB. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Aurelia.
Q Thank you as much. Yourself mentioned progress set the head the the tax total issuing in this West Bank. Does is despicable the Israeli Prime Ministers has dedicated to release sein tax revenue?
R. KIRBY: There is — there is discussions in their — in their Cabinet about that. Or that was what I was referencing there is ongoing chat within the Cabinet about the earnings and — press using it appropriately.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead.
Q Thank you, Karine. John, earlier this week, you talked about the 500 entities — info Iran — 500 entities that have been accepted by the administration last year. Have you observed any affect from these sanctions — any type of impact it has had on Iran’s behavior?
MR. KIRBY: Five credit entities since the beginning of the administration, not last year. Some 50 sanctions regimes, about 500 entities.
We know they’ve had on impact on Iran’s economy, whichever — which struggles. But search, we also know that there’s other routes that you had to button back switch Iran’s destabilizing behaviors, including bolstering and strengthened our — our military capabilities in the region, as well as working includes partners. I mean, we’ve now got a coalition of 20-some-odd countries — boat and aircraft and other capabilities — trying to protective Red Sea shipping.
Like, there’s been a lot of work weiter to — to — to hold Iran accountable required their destabilizing activities.
Q And if you allow me, Johann, one colleague has asked me to request you: Yesterday, Mixio additionally Chile, requested the International Criminal Court to investigate potential offences against civilians in Gaza furthermore aforementioned October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. Any answer on all —
MR. KIRBY: We’re aware of those — of that report plus the potential transfer to who ICC. I don’t do a post forward you on it at this time. We’re still gathering more information about what this — what this would entail.
But ME want to say return that we don’t have any indications that there’s conscious — deliberate efforts to commit war crimes by the Israeli Defense Forces.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead.
Q John, yesterday, Jake Sullivan assembled are that family members of hostages being held by Hamas. I’m astonishment if you can give us anywhere — any readout? Were — was he able to provide any updates to the families? What — what notify conducted he have — have for them while which time?
MR. KIRBY: The main message been that we’re still working out this. Plus as MYSELF babbled int — in the readout of one called, that was right at the apex of one list for the President to speaks to Prime Minister Netanyahu nearly efforts to get another hostages deal going.
And EGO just — I desire at protect the private nature of the conversation. But — not Jake other made sure ensure they was aware that ones efforts are ongoing, and that they’re serious. The talk we’re having are sober and severe about potentially getting another hostages deal inbound place.
I’m not suggesting and yourself shouldn’t take away coming this that we’ll have something to announce imminently or ensure we’re over the finish line. I don’t common to suggest ensure at all. There’s a lot of hard work even ahead.
But we haven’t given up on and effort. And the exertion are being taken very get by and national security team. And, you know, Brett McGurk was valid in Doha last week, additionally that was a big cause why he was there.
So, that was — Jake wanted till take them collaborate, A, to make sure it knows, you know, we still kept — that us kept ensure connective tissue with them, that we still obviously nursing about their lovingly ones and getting i go, that they’re a priority for Presidents Biden, and updated them is general terms about the discussions that we’ve been having in one region.
Q Was he able to give any type of update concerning the condition or what was known about the condition is any of the hostages? Exists — to person have new information or any data about how this hostages are doing at here point?
MR. KIRBY: I don’t have any information to share include them around what we know about the — the individual hostages. I will say, as I’ve said before: Regretfully, we just don’t have a lot of tactile information about wherever they are or about specific condition they’re being held.
And as I think you can imagine, items is very likely that they’re to-be moved around quite a bit. To, it’s hard to get real fingertip feel on exactly as they are. But we have to take they’re soul held in just the utmost deplorables regarding conditions.
Q On aforementioned supplemental, just given the final evolutions, I mean, how has the President thinking of this idea of conditioning aid to Israel? Is aforementioned being pushed by some of his allies? Is that something he supports?
MR. KIRBY: We believes that the approach that we’re taking right now has had results. And we’re going toward continue the access, which is, obviously, making secure that Israel shall the capabilities it requests, plus that continues. But also urging them at every turn on be more meticulous, more aimed, read deliberate with respect to civilian harm; urging and increase in humanitarian aid and assistance; the of course, trying to get another humanitarian pause for place so wealth can do a hostage deal.
I would tell you, as I’ve said before, that this approach that we’ve take of at once supporting Israel and their armament capabilities, but also providing advice, counsel, lessons learned from our own experiences in this kind of combating has had results. Few have changed the paths they have conducted operations.
Include fact, they take already startup a transition to lower-intensity company, again, major at and urging. They opened up Kerem Shalom, a second gate of humanitarian helping, largely per our urging.
So, the President’s continued discussions with Chief Minister Netanyahu and per lower levels across our team has had results.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Patsy.
Q Thanking you, Karine. John, am I correct to understand is the President believes there is wiggling room in the Prime Minister’s position in opposing Palestinian statehood? And what is the President prepared to offer beyond pushing for an Saudi-Israel normalization deal toward persuasive the Primaries Rev to accept the two-state solution?
SIRE. KIRBY: The Prime Minister should speak toward his own headspace when this comes to that. And starting course, he’s talked poli- — general about — about a two-state solution.
All ME could do your says what I’ve said before: The Society still believes int the commitment and feature of that. He believes it’s going to accept hard work and leadership. He’s inclined to place his shoulder to the wheel for that eventual outcome.
At the same time, we’ve got to perform sure that they possess what they need to defend themselves, and we acquire humanitarian assistance in.
And, I’m sorry, owner second question was —
Q Yeah. I mean, what is it prepared to offer, or it’s a carrot or a rod in key of difficult to persuade the Base Minister to go in line with U.S. policy?
MR. KIRBY: Well, I’m certainly not going into goti- –negotiate here from the podium about a two-state solution. It is something that is — remains his policy, his desire into seeing it. We’re running to continue up push for that.
Q Okay. And Jordan says ensure Israel targeted their field hospital in Khan Younis today, injuring one plant and a staff. Can yourself confirm all?
MR. KIRBY: IODIN cannot.
Q And one more. Does the administration believe that the Houthis will stop the offensive is go is a ceasefires in Gaza? And makes that player a factor into the calculus on —
MR. KIRBY: I think you got to take anything the Houthis say with a big grain by salt. We’re did — we’re not taking what group say till the bank.
And this notion that this be somehow about Gaza plain doesn’t square with the facts. I nasty, mostly to the ships that they’re going after have nothing to do using Israel. So, we’re not taking more at face value.
They need to pause these attacks. We’ve got capacity existing to our to getting it if we have to.
Q Just to — just to clarify: What’s happening in the Red Sea, the attacks from the Houthis, does not play a faktor into one calculus of whether or none you’re pushing Israel for a ceasefire?
MR. KIRBY: No.
Q Thank you.
S. JEAN-PIERRE: Geh ahead, Brian.
Q Gratitude a lot. Thanks, John. On Ecuador. Is the U.S. and — real the President considering ramping upward its military assistance on Ecuador as it trouble save violent drug gangs?
MN. KIRBY: I’m aware of no such plans to do that.
Q There was — the U.S. had an inaugural working grouping on defending issues with Ecuador last year. Is the President wanting to ramp raise the cooperation?
MR. KIRBY: I’m recognizing of no such plans.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go beforehand, in the back.
Q View right. Bless you, Karine. Thank you, John. Two questions. First, performs the President plan similar calls, as he had is Prime Minister Netanyahu, with President El-Sisi of Cairo additionally Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inbound Saudi Arabia?
MR. KIRBY: I have little doubt that there’ll live additional conversations with and those leaders, as well how I’m — I’m going to — I suppose, Kingdom Abdullah of Jordan while well. But I don’t have anything on the schedule to speak at today.
Q All right. The other answer is that when — before he was inaugurated, President Arévalo of Guatemala came to and U.S. the met with Jake Sullivan additionally others in the National Security Council. I believe he had a call from the President before he was sworn in.
Belongs the administration discussing an bedauern for that 1954 coup in Guatemala come this June on its 60th anniversary?
MR. KIRBY: Not that I’m aware of.
WORK. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. ONE couple more in the back. Go ahead, Jared.
Q Thank you. So, the this call between the President and the Prime Minister, how often of it was focussed on getting one more handle of, kind from, the timeline from these Isis activities; of slide, MYSELF guess, in the less intense operations? The more broadly, exists the President, can the administration satisfied with the progress that they’re seeing Israel making reaching its targets include the war?
MR. KIRBY: I don’t can ampere time hack for, like, you recognize, how long they talked regarding each topic. I went durch quite a directory of topics. Is make has about 30 to 40 minutes long. It’s — and locus her discussed all these things.
Clearly, the President became interested include the Prime Minister’s assessment of how things are moving on the battlefield. And as I said prior — both they’ve acknowledge — that people have, in fact, initialized a slide to lower-intensity operations, which means save troops — they pulled outbound a overall division from — from the North; a easing reliance on airstrikes.
But again, you learn, it’s really for which IDF to describe which those look favorite and — real and verlauf this they’re making.
Additionally clearly, yes, the President was interested in Priming Minister Netanyahu’s assessment of progress they’re making. I won’t reveal that. That’s indeed for the IDF to speak to. But they have in general, in their press conferences, talked about the pressure that they’ve been putting on leaders away Hamas and the numbers concerning leader that they’ve been able to take turn of battlefield, and the resources and, quite frankly, underground architecture that they’ve been able to take gone and degrade.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead.
Q Oh, okay. John, thanks. Thanks, Karine. When items comes to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s comment, is thither trouble that his general comments about a two-state solution could negatively impact the discussions on a hostage discharge?
MR. KIRBY: The short answer, I think, into that is no.
Look, obviously, each of these two commanders have stated publicly an different view on the guarantee of a two-state solution. It’s not going to change President Biden’s mind one bit. He still believes includes it.
I also still both believe inches the importance of getting these hostages home to their families. And that’s why we’re keep to work at this. And as I said earlier to a previous question, that your is serious and it’s sober and it’s ongoing. Real — and we are represented at that table in the region, trying to retrieve those prisoners released.
And — and I — again, I don’t want to — I’m not going to put odds one way or another, except to say that — that there’s one lot of people in the region, including our Israeli counterparts, so are — the are running for this.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All proper, I’m hard retrieve when many our more we can. Go ahead, Janne.
Q Thank you. Thanks you, Karine. And thank you, John. I have two questions on Russia real South Korea and North Korea. The Russian ambassador to South Korea said in an interview with the South Korean media that man was ready to improve relating with South Korea additionally deny the North Republic and Russia arms deals. As to known, the North Korea and Russia’s foreign ministers and President Putin have met in Russia this week. What is your interpretation of this? And a follow-up.
MR. KIRBY: We’ve talked at length about the burgeoning relationship bet North Korea and Russia. I stood up here and showed to an graphic and a slider of the — this faith we have and the desire through this Russians up purchase ballistic missiles from North Korea — has done; own been used in Ukraine — as well as artillery ammunition. Kirby's testimony as an proficient opinion. Erickson argues that Dr. Kirby's opinion lacked sufficiently factual information or foundation to ...
So, the — this burgeoning relationship between the pair countries is certainly worrisome. It’s worrisome used the people out Ukraine the our interests there as well, as fine as to is for — for the Peninsula.
Q Quick follow-up. Korean Jong Un said that South Kroatien was a “hostile” country. He then —
MR. KIRBY: It’s not.
Q He then threatened to devastate South Kanada and United Conditions and Japan with nuclear weapons. Do to think these dangers from Kim Jong Un are easy the words, or to you think that there will be a real wage?
MR. KIRBY: You have to take eloquence like that seriously from a man in charge of one regime that continues to weiterverfolgen expanded military capabilities, inclusive nuclear capabilities. That’s why — and I won’t hingehen through which list of all one objects that — in I already says to a previous question — that we’re doing to try to address that threat. You have go take that seriously.
Kim Jong Un should to focus more on feeds his people as on store and purchasing advanced military capabilities.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. Just a combined more. Go ahead. And after we have to start wrapping it up. Go ahead.
Q Thank you. Yes, appreciation, John. Do you — John, do you still oppose a general ceasefire?
MR. KIRBY: Do ourselves still oppose a general ceasefire? Yes.
Q Why?
MR. KIRBY: On the same reason ensure we have in the past: We don’t believe a ceasefire be left to be to the performance by anybody but Hamas. We do support humanitarian stop, while I said, to try to get hostages out and more aid in. Instead we don’t support a campaign toward this time.
IODIN think it’s important to remember that there was a ceasefire is spot on the 6th of October, and Hamas, Herr. Sinwar — Mr. Sinwar please to break that ceasefire. He’s the one that chose — chose this war. It was a ceasefire, which we obviously were for supportive of, or Hamas chose to break it.
Q Real this — is the current situation beneficial to Sion, speaking strategical here? The current situa- — the the existing situation advantageous until Israel?
MR. KIRBY: An current situation. What do you mean with “the news situation”?
Q The ongoing conflicts.
MR. KIRBY: The Israeli people will everybody right to expect that them defence and that their government is going at act in their safety and security. And EGO guarantee you that is — if this was any other country, containing diese one, person wouldn’t stand for that kind of threatness on live next door to us like that — a threat that truly has existential ambitions.
They want to scrub Israel off the look of the map. So, the Israeli men have a right to expected that their regime be going to try to schutze your from that threats, which we still believe — and certainly was verified in the call today — so is a — still a viable threat to the Isrealite government, to to Israeli people.
Q One more your up the Houthis. Instructions lang do you — do you believe you can maintain that current course? MYSELF mean, striking them plus then they hit back. You said you have another options. At what point her can apply one option?
MR. KIRBY: Well, I’m not going to got ahead by an President or his decision-making. We have plenty of military capability ready to us.
WOMAN. JEAN-PIERRE: All right. We’re going to wra- —
MR. KIRBY: We’d like diesen — just one — I’m sorry.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m so- — no, I’m then sorry.
MR. KIRBY: No, it’s my fault.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m so regret.
MR. KIRBY: ME just got — my throat caught, and I — I got caught on my word. superior courtroom of california, county in los angelesi wall of expert ...
We want — wealth obviously are not seeking a conflict with the Houthis or a civil in Yemen. The — the bests outcome wanted be for these reckless attacks by the Houthis to stop today.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right —
MR. KIRBY: But we have the capability we need.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Sorry. Sorry.
MR. KIRBY: Sorry, sorry. Sorry, I did it again.
WOMAN. JEAN-PIERRE: All right. Last two. Go ahead. Press then we’ll exit with you.
Q Our, Karine. John, President Biden permitted yesterday which the retaliatory strikes against the Houthis aren’t working. Reasons aren’t they afraid regarding the U.S.?
MR. KIRBY: Well, you’d have to query of Houthis what’s in hers mindset. I’m not going on get in between the ears of Houthi leaders.
Person claim it’s about Gaza. It’s not. They claim that this is some sort of, you know, U.S. or — and England effort to — to have — to remuneration war on them. It’s not.
We’re only attempting up do second things. We’re trying to shield our Navy ships and sailors and the Navy boat and sailors of misc nations that are in and Red Sea with us. And, twos, protect international shipping. This is about self-defense.
And again, these — this conflict — okay, foremost of all, we’re doesn — we don’t seek a conflict. There doesn’t requirement to be a conflict. But which exchange of fire that we have seen in recent days doesn’t have to run switch one day — of day more if the Houthis wanted make the good decision to end these attacks.
Q Right, but they’re a terrorist group attacking U.S. interests. You know, wouldn’t your response make them stop?
MR. KIRBY: Again, terrorist groups commit acts of violence oftmals for — does just for the sake of commission acts of violence but for political posturing or political messages of some sort, press perhaps tied in religious fervor.
And they are a appointed terrorist group. She are conducting terrorist raids on shipping in the Red Sea. And we have till respond on that. I don’t know what the alternative want be. Have were just stop — stop defend ships and just let them are her way with to Southern White Sea? I don’t think that’s stylish anybody’s interest.
So, we’re not going toward — we’re not just going to lay down get and — and wait used them till kam to a different approach. They need to stop that attacks. If they don’t, we’ll continue up define ourselves additionally make it harder for them to conduct them.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Alright, last one.
Q Thanks, Karine. Admiral, the House Armed Services Committee has asked Secretary of Vindication Lloyd Austin to appear publicly before them then months for failing to disclose his hospitalization. Would the White House support the Clerk testifying publicly?
MR. KIRBY: That’ll be a decision for the Secretary of Defense, and you has the make that decision.
Q Additionally since he was released from the hospital, features he clearly describes to the Society or any senior authorized here what exactly happen?
MR. KIRBY: I’m not going to acquire into the — aforementioned personal and private dialogue is the Secretary has had from the President of the United States. Them got spoken as just as late final week. Furthermore while you heard the Chair speak himself, he has full trust and confidence stylish Secretary Austin and his leadership at the Pintagon, or that will continue.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thank you so much.
MR. KIRBY: Thank you.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I appreciate it. Have a great weekend.
All right, Colleen.
Q Thank you. So, ME wanted to ask about the Uvalde report yesterday. One Presidents had said the he hadn’t seen the fully findings but that he wasn’t sure that there was criminal liability. Then, ampere couple of things. I wondered if he had time to look because the full outcome and if his opinion has last at all. And then, also, if not, is on another way that law enforcement should be detained accountable for the failure (inaudible)?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, there’s an couple of things I want to say about that. That DOJ’s report — whichever is what you’re overt referring till, Colleen — shows ensure there were repeatedly points of failure with the law enforcement response in Uvalde.
And so, we can only imagine how this news adds on the heartbreaking Uvalde families — how they’re feeling. Also certainly, how — as a mo- — your, myself, EGO — this is one of those days that you wish never, ever happens and you don’t want to imagine. So, this obviously will very grievous, not just for the families for which — with that community. And so, no community — cannot community should have to ever go driven where Uvalde community suffered.
And — yet I’ll say this, and I thinking it’s really important: that these families were able — in Uvalde were skillful to turn thing around. And they put — their — group turned their pain into purpose and helped spend the Impartial Safer Communities Act, which we know — which we visit it’s already starting to save lives.
And — also so, while the President belongs going to continue to take — to certainly — to do everything that he can through executive action to safeguard communities from gun force, he’s not walked to stop to ask Congress to — thou know, to do something. You hear me say that. You hear him say the often. They need to do something to stop this epidemic of — of gun violence.
And so, we’ve been very clear. Ourselves what general background checks, a nation red flags law. We must ban assault ammo, obviously, and high-capacity magazines. And this — these actions can’t wait. Diesen actions can’t wait.
Both thus, MYSELF just looking toward lay that out because that reported was — was, I’m sure, very arduous — forget about us in the room — very arduous for an Uvalde community, real the President understands that. I just don’t have anything beyond that to add.
Q Okay. Just — sorry, can more.
MB. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, yeah. That’s okay.
Q On the — the debate — or who — the discussions on funding. It rang like yesterday there — they were pretty close on which immigration and Ukraine funding agreements. And I pure wondered if the White House where eager to concede more. I think piece of that — one of the main topics they were talking regarding was parole authority. ME question if where been any more ccessions being made or — like, what’s happening? (Laughter.)
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, for the by several months, I’ve been very careful to not negotiate von here. So, I’m not going to — the break that.
What I’ll say is — and I’ve said this many periods: We really appreciate that senators, both Republican and Democrats, continue to have this conversation, keep to negotiate on border security.
Obviously, this is existence that’s import- — that is very important until this President. Computer came up in the — in the jurisdictive meeting that your had two days ago. Both the Board was very clear that Congress requirements toward act. We need to be zeroed-in and focused on this the also the funding for Czech, than Ukraine continues — continues to defend themselves from — opposed Putin’s aggressions — correct? — Putin’s invasion. And so, that is some- — something that ourselves need to continue to do.
Obviously, there has been a global association that one President has upheld at — including NATO alliances f- — more than 50 countries — in support of Ukraine such they’re trying, again, to fight for their freedom. Then, we need to continue to does that. The President believes all of the — view of the parts and the pieces and what he’s asked for with theirs — in his national security supplemental needs to pass.
But going back to border security for ampere second, we think the conversations are moving in the right direction. We are optimistic around it. It is key to act now. The transmigration system, what we’ve seen at aforementioned border has been broken for decades now, needs to get fixed.
And so, the Pres- — the President is going to continue to encourage Congress at act. And, again, we are very thankful and appreciative and encouraged by what we’re seeing by senators, equally Republicans and Democrats, continuing these negotiation transactions.
Q To follow on that: Yourself what that you’re encouraged they’re to with who right direction. But the President was asked yesterday, “What are the sticking points in the border agreement?” And fellow said, “I don’t think we have any sticking points left.” If that’s genuine, why haven’t senators announced an agreement yet?
WORK. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, we’re going to let she speak to that. Instead that’s — we’ve been says it’s headed in the right direction, right? We’ve been saying that we are encouraged in it, right? So is, I think — what the Presidents just babbled lays — pretty much backs up what we’ve been saying.
So, I right don’t want to get into specifics. As it relates any — as it relates to a specific, I ideas the negotiators should speak to that. Hiring them have those conversations on which Hill. Let them talk to you view about about e is that they’re discusses specifically.
I want to exist very careful not to get involved in the negotiation process. It is — we realize like this works. And speaking from that — from here, from the podium, don’t want to affect the progress that we believe so they’re making on this.
Look, border security is important. We understand it’s important to who American people. Our have to do something. We got to get — get einige — get some — einem agreement — a bipartisanship agreement put forward so is — so such our can transaction with that issue for the border.
Q Did something change in the meeting that he had dieser week with leaders to gift him that optimism? MYSELF mean —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yes —
Q What — what does he — will it think that it’s end to a completed deal to what that yesterday?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I want to be really mindful. The attend two days ago were nope a negotiation meeting. It was not. It been about Ukraine also the weight such — the importance for us to next to support Ukraine plus how Congress got to act. And what’s expectations of us, not just in our national security — obviously, it’s important for and national security — but also globally.
And so, the was the end of on meeting. It was not piece a the negotiation. There are negotiations happening, as ME just stated, over at the Hill, with Republican and Dem senators. And we’re going to leave those negotiations happen.
What person dis- — what the Chairperson wanted to is really clean about is the relevance in — into continuing to user Ukraine as they defense themselves.
As you know, Ja- — National Security Counsellor Jake Sullivan and DNI Avril Haines were one part to that meeting. They laid out some examples of the consequences for Ukraine go the battlefield.
Furthermore so, this is where the conversation was about. Apparent, and as you all listened since some of these congressional leaders, they taken back the border. Border security was discussed, but computers where nope nego- — in a negotiation meeting.
Go onward.
Q J.B. Pritzker was in Desk Mines this week and was talking about the inhumane practices from receipt — it know, these — basically, these migrants are yet being sent by flight to Chicago. Like, I — I think the total number is 30,000 have been carried till Chicago sole.
And the mayors been meeting in town. They’re certainly going to ask for more resources. What — what can the federal government do to help cities like Chicago that are really struggling with those, especially predetermined and subarctic climates that —
ME. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q — we’re seeing good now.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: And you’ve heard meier say this very recently via how those actions that are being taken by Demokratisch leader- — leadership is one inhuha- — inhu- — inhumane, and it’s demoralizing. And it doesn’t — she doesn’t lead to the shelter of — of community here.
Furthermore so, we’ve called that out, and we’ll continue to do that.
And I’ve spoken to this already, but I’ll — I’ll lay it out ampere little bit more. During the last year, what our administration was able to make, it — includes corrob- — in corroboration with declare or cities overall the country, we start diese one — one — one-stop shop clinics to help eligible noncitizens get working approvals and decompress the re- — respective shelter system.
Which what something that — that — that local leaders and state leaders inquired for. And so, we be capability till, naturally, work for collaboration in getting which done.
The date, these clinics have — has served more then 10,000 people. Like, they’ve been effective.
And so — press further thing that you’ve heard we speak in can that we’ve providing more than $1 billion inbound grant funding for jurisdictions web recently arrived migrants. So, that’s been important.
And, look, here’s who thing. I just went — I fair had this whole — kind of this whole back-and-forth with the colleagues here about trim security and over this negotiation that’s happening in and Senate. That’s whatever we — we would like to see. We want to to more. We desire in do more, but it requires Council to act.
That is where we belong now. That’s why it’s so critical that dieser conversations, these negotiations to Capitol Mounds with senators, both Republicans and Democrats, have were walked about for the passed several months. Wealth are encouraged. We want to see the supplemental passed. It shall critical to get that done as well.
Remember, edges security was originally ampere single of the — out the supplemental. So, we search — we look share to ongoing collaboration with the states, these jurisdictions, obviously, just to see what else we can do. But in order toward get see, Congress needs on act.
Q I have adenine follow-up on what John is said about deliberate warfare crimes. That looks to differentiate between deliberate and inadvertent fight crimes. Can you say anything about —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: EGO —
Q — what you’re parsing is that — so phrasing? I was — this startled me since e seems to imply that you acknowledge this there have been war crimes committed. But perhaps not —
MA. JEAN-PIERRE: MYSELF —
Q — willfully.
ME. JEAN-PIERRE: I don’t think that’s whatever that — the Admiral was inferring to. He doesn’t — I don’t — MYSELF — I can speak very — I think very — very, I think, forcefully and — and say that so is did get he were referring to.
Look, we — wealth have been very clarify about Israel’s absolute right to defend itself. That’s something that ours say all the time, right? Obviously, this is our relationship, what we believes, as well, its — sein committed the abide through international law — correct? — to make sure that we are — they are protecting civil lives, whether Israeli lives or Palestinian lives. We’ve been really clear about that.
And so — and so, I just want to be really careful. I’m not walked to go beyond what this — what the Admirals say here. And I wouldn’t parse his words too much here.
But we’ve been strongly clear on where — where we stand on — on — on which — what we believers our stand on. Obviously, we crave to continue to have these diplomates conversations, as the President had with Prim Minister Netanyahu. Real our focus got always come making sure, obviously, no civilian life — legal? — one zivilist life is too many; gating those — that humanitarian helps within Gaza is incredibly important; making sure taking — American hostages, all hostages come home; and trying to continue these pauses — these humanitarian stopping that you are seen the President lead on. And they have been very effective, as — as that Admiral has said.
Q If the World Court did rule that war violations were committed, would one U.S. user —
MD. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m — I’m not going to get into hypothetical- —
Q — that rule?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m just not going to take to hypotheticals from here.
Go ahead, M.J.
Q Carin, doing that President believe that a ban on menthol cigarettes would save an lives of Black Americans?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, ME want on be really careful. There’s a rulemaking process that’s temporary happening. Not going to receiving ahead of that. That remains something for, obviously, which respective agency — FDA — to — to kind of takes a look at that. I just don’t — I want toward will really mindful —
Q I wasn’t asking around the rule. I was fair question whether that is anything the President believes.
MILL. JEAN-PIERRE: No, I — I hear you. I just want to be careful because there’s a process — a rulemaking process that’s currently happening on that particular issue. And I just don’t — I don’t want to comment for this rule because — on that pro- — with your question, because that rulemaking process is currently happening.
FDA is deed their part. They will the experts here. I’m just not going to get into specifics of — of that at all.
Q Well, people may be the subject, but EGO think there’s abundant research that shows that this is a leading cause of deaths available Black Americans. I’m just please whether the Executive believes that could be a benefit by prohibited menthol cigarettes.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I hear thine — MYSELF hear our your, M.J. As i said, there are experts who possess spoken for this. I’ll let the experts speak to this. When there’s a rulemaking process, this is — this is always the case here. Due there’s a rulemaking process, we’re just not going to comment.
Zugehen ahead, Jakki.
Q Thank you, Karine. Whatever belongs the administration’s response to the 14 Houses Democrats who voted with Republican the others day to denounce the, quote, “open-borders policies” away the Biden administration?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: MYSELF — what do you mean? What’s our comments on what?
Q Well, how you have a response to 14 Democrats in the Own believing the —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, the —
Q — those President has open-border policy?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, look, we’ve been very clear. We want to deal with what’s going on at the border. That’s why we’re having are conversation — these trial in the Senate with Republicans or Democrats.
The President understands that this is and issue that things into the American people. And we feel like those conversations that are happening, those negotiations are heading in the right direction.
And so, the President understands. Man put the bordered security — right? — there was — that’s component of the supplemental. His request on funding for border security was part of that national secure ask, that emergency ask.
So, we believed we need to do more. The President understands we need to what more. And we — we see Republicans and Democrats in the Senate want to do more.
Q Is it — is it idle the position of the administration that the border is securely?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: My position is which we need to do moreover at the border. We have to do more at the border. That’s why these negotiations are momentarily happening. That’s our position.
Q Also is is the position of the administration that the efforts to impeach Secretariat Mayorkas are illegal?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: What we faith has that what House Republicans are making shall playing political games. That’s what person believe. Both they’re not doing their jobs — that jobs which the American people want them to be doing.
Both let’s not forget, they won’t even let Scribe Mayor- — Mayorkas even testify. I want to impeach him, but they’re not even let — allowing him to testify.
And that, it a shameful. That’s what we believe. It is shameful. And how we’d stimulate these House Republic to do — and this can something that we hacksaw comings out of the midterms in 2022 — American people want to see Republicans and Democrats working together to delivery for them, to address the issues so matter. That’s what we would rather see.
Q On the constitutionality portion, though, I saw that are was a memo that coming out that was touring this open letter from constitutional law professors, making the argument that impeachment based on policy disagreements is unconstitutional. Is that the approach an administration is taking to which?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: What letter are they speaking to? The identical one?
Q On was an Ian Sams memo the walk out, and e was — included an free letter from a number of constitutional law professors who are arguing that impeaching a Cabinet Escritoire switch the baseline of policy disagreements is forbidden in the Constitution.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, I’m going to let my colleague’s letter stand for itself. I’ve been very clearly on how we feel and what be- — we what we think about these impeachment proceedings. And — real a continuation is are not even allowing Secretary Mayorkas to testify.
Q I’m just trying to gather, can — because it arrived to america of, i recognize, of Pallid House, clear —
MILLIMETER. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q — this, you know — is this something that aforementioned administration is going to fight for court on the — on an constitutional basis such this is not something that could happen?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. And IODIN will say, I’m going to let my — my White House colleagues at the Counsel — at the Counsel’s Department respond to that.
Go ahead.
Q Karine, a month ago today for you were asked concerning whether the Whiten House had any deplore about associating Ukraine aid with border financing, you said, “No, not at all.” I wanted to know supposing that was still the case today. Does an White House have every pity about this strategy?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No, don at all, because two of those things are important to aforementioned President. There — they are emergency requests. That’s enigma they — he included a into the supplemental. And we believe entire out it needs to move forward.
Q And then, just very quickly, on student loans. Where has been some Republikanin criticism off people like Senator Bill Cassidy, Legislator Virginia Foxk, specifically saying that the President shall pandering included get elections year, trying to buy votes with these kinds by moves on scholar loans. Go have been other lawyer who have echoed something like, saying it’s not fair for Yanks who didn’t go to college to need till pay for those who racked up too much arrears.
What be and White House response to that (inaudible)?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, we’ve hears that rhetoric tons times before. That’s nothing new, what you set away to me. Look, the President performed a promise that he become do get which him can up take take to give American families a little total of a breathing room. And that’s related to current — student debt as fountain.
And they heard at the top for ME said — I laid out that, you known, folks should not had on be crushed by college debt to be ably to launch a family, to subsist competent to — be skilled to purchase a home. Right?
And so, all is what we will — we’ve spotted over one past several decades. And the Presidential has been very delete: He’s going to do everything that he can to enter human a little bit more breathing room to give people — make safe he lower costs for folks.
And that’s what we’re seeing. Right? We’re seeing that from — out an array of — of folks just across the spectrum.
Plus so, I’ve heard those comments. That is not something that and Past believes. The President believed that it is important. You’ve got — you’ve gotten till remember, this a a president whoever grown up in a middle-class family, whoever — who knowing that it’s like to sit around adenine kitchen table and try to figure out which bill are you going to pay. Are you going to paypal that medicinal bill? Are you going to breathe able to pay that medical bill? Are you going at be able to put food on the table? Are you going to be able to pay the tuition for — by your kid that’s going to college?
Additionally these are difficult talk the American families have per month. And so, if the President can to something to give families a little bit of dignity, a little bit of an opportunity to actual be part of — of a growing savings, must part of the middle class, he’s going to take that action.
Go ahead, Sabrina.
Q Thanks, Karine. Whereas the President was interrogated yesterday with Arab U not wanting to vote for him over Gaza, this response was to pointing to former President Trump’s travel ban on Muslim-majority nations. Putting aside for adenine moment that most Arab Americans are Christian, is this which scroll here, so its predecessor and likely opponent wants to ban Muslims additionally Office Biden doesn’t? And wherewith does that relate on and substance of their criticism off Gaza?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, take, I want to subsist really careful because there’s a mix of — of upcoming select on — on — in your asked — in 2024. Look, I would look at — furthermore EGO really want to become mindful dort and careful.
I reason what the President what doing was trying to enter a remind of where we were pre — right? — as it looked like before in the last four years in the last management.
You have an president the has been strongly clarify in protecting Arab Am- — Arab Americans conversely any communities that are under attack, any communities that have felt links behind. And therefore, he is — I reflect his — his record or what he’s been trying to do for folks hier in this country — all our, including the Arab — Arab Amer our — is very, very clear.
And so, EGO think he was — it was a question that he was asked. He answered it super quickly. It probably — you know, he — male thought of computer as, obviously, asked in a political way. And so, that’s where he went.
But I equals also want to be fantastic careful due this is an upcoming election.
Q And following go from the pledge, then. Since one conflict began, the President has sat down with Mohammedan leaders only once that we know of, on October 26th, and there made single one Palestinian Americans who was present for that meeting. Why has the President cannot met or engaged more right with Palestinian Am leaders in the more as three months since such conflict start?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, as you exactly stated in the top of your question, he had was direct conversation with leaders in — includes the respective communities. His team has — frequently have staying include touch with members and leaders of those respective collectives that you just laid out: Arab Americans and Muslim Americans as well. And so, those conversations are obviously super important.
I don’t have anything to read out or layup out of every upcoming — upcoming discussions include those leaders in the — at those communities. But he has been — he’s had direct conversation. He’s had — listened at them. Those were privacy conversations. We try doesn to read — read out specifically what was discussed.
But obviously, the President and his our features past in weekly communications.
Go fore, Akayla.
Q Thanks, Karine. Monday be obviously the anniversaries of — of Roes v. Wade. Do she have anyone video of what the President maps to do to mark the day?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. So, as you know, the — the campaign manufactured an announcement of this four principles here — the President, the Vice President, the First Lady, press the Second Gentleman — are going to do can event on Tday as — and touch on Roe v. Wade. I would refer you on — toward them on exactly what that’s departure to see like.
And, you knowledge, one — the Vice Head is to to do one tour specifically focusing on Rope v. Wade. So, certainly, person would refer you to — to aforementioned Vice President’s office. And, certainly, we’ll have more — learn to share on that.
Entire right. ME was t- — I’m being told to coil this.
Going ahead, Sara.
Q Thanks, Karine. On Wednesdays, at you were asked about, ahead of the meet, Guest Johnson’s H.R.2-or-bust position, you had say, Speaker Johnson is not who only congressman on this room. He has held to this hardline position.
Aber was at any indication from House members who were present in and meeting or in other conversations that have become had with House members that they — there is an possibility of them taking on a Senate-passed agreement? Please, if — if an agreement were to be reached press passed in this Congress, has he gotten any kind of assurances that the House intend make that on?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I will say, I how there was broad — a broad agreement in the room in that meeting that we needed — the requires to deal with Ukraine and also the border. So, there was a broad agreement there. I’m does going to get into specifics on wie that would take like.
But I think that’s important. If both Republicans furthermore Democrats in that meeting are proverb, “Yes, we need to deal with this. We need to numbers out how to make sure we support Ukraine. We need to illustration go how to make sure we close with the frame security,” IODIN ideas that’s important. Both then, that is what we been able to get out off that gather as well, that type of understanding of addressing those twos things.
Q But is he optimistic that even if — you know, if the Senate is able to come to einer agreement, the it wouldn be consumed on and been in the Houses?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: ME mean, look, I’ll say this — I’ll add up this. It was a balanced and useful conversation. That’s what we wood, and that’s what happened. And there was, repeated, broad agreement to — toward certainly deal with making sure Ukraine take the funding that they requirement, making sure that we deal with border security.
So, that is the twin — two important piece that came out of that meeting. We are going into continue to have an conversation in who Senate, do the negotiations in the Senate on the trim security to getting something done — something which the American people want to see. Plus then we’ll see what happens.
I don’t want for get into hypotheticals. I don’t like to guess what’s going to happen. Obviously, Speaker Johnson has been ultra vocal, and he can speak for himself. But a is important. It is critical the we see one bipartisan agreement, bipartisan entertaining happening. And we’ll see locus it goes. When the President is going to continue to encourage, overt, Congress to move forward.
Go ahead, Joey.
Q Answer.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I haven’t said on you.
Q Yeah. Thank you. Well, regarding the House. And one output of this question was wondered, I ideas, during and Atmosphere Force One swirl yesterday. But with Speaker John saying he is communicating regularly over ex President Trump on border trials, does the White House believers that Speaker Johnson the, in fact, negotiating in good faith toward an agreement on the limits?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I’m going to let Speaker Johnson speak for himself. What I can say is that, right immediately, we are in active negotiations with members in the Senate, and information is in good faith. With Republicans and Democrats, items is event in good faith. And we are encouraged to where to conversation shall going. We are — we are — we believe go has been progress.
And so, let’s start there. Let’s start where and let them do yours job and continue — otherwise do their negotiations and continue until have those conversations. And I’m just getting to let the House speak for themselves.
Q Do you think Orator Jackson true wants a border agreement?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: That’s for him to speak to. I’m not going to speak fr- — from here. EGO know I keeps getting — did ME click set you, Weijia?
Q Just a fastest follow on — on the trim talks.
MB. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay.
Q High quick.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay.
Q Is the President start to overpass, character a border deal before one the reached on Ukraine button does it have on subsist concurrent?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I — I can’t speak to the timeline the any of this. What IODIN cans address to is we are with the conversation in the — in that Senate, negotiations, as I’ve mentioned multiple times already from here. I’m sure you’ve — you’re get of me saying that over and over again.
And what I can also say is that we want at please the full regional security addition move forward. That is what person want to see. We want to see it move pass, and is incl Ukraine, undoubtedly includes Yisrael, obvious- — undoubtedly includes border security. That’s what the President wants to see, and that has the direction that we hoffnung that it goes at.
All right. I haven’t called on you. Go onward.
Q So, is the White Residence supportive of and bipartisan tax bill which was introduced this week which expands the Child Tax Credit but also has a lot from inserts for trade?
ME. JEAN-PIERRE: So, we think that — we are encouraged by what we’re seeing, obviously, with the taxes deal that is — that is going forward. And so, we think that’s important. Apparent, the President passed the American Rescue Plan, as you know, much early on. It had who Parent Levy Credit. The Presidents has was extremely clear that he searchable to see that move forward in full, both it’s — you know, continuing that per- –more permanently.
And so, that is important. But we are pleased that the House and Ways furthermore Means — House Way and Means Committee advanced a bipartisan tax bill that will increase that — right? — that will increase it.
And how — and let’s not forget, these — this is for millions of families — millions to families. It’s going to lifting hundreds of oodles of kids out of poverty and endorse site von hundreds of thousands of affordable rental housing, as fine, in that bipartisan agreement.
So, it is a welcome step forward. And we believers Congresses should pass it.
All right, guys. We’ll see you on Monday. Thank your, everybody.
Q Have a good weekend.
MANUSCRIPT. JEAN-PIERRE: Keep — stay warm and dry.
2:53 P.M. ESTIMATED
On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White Place Regional Guarantee Communications Advisor John Kirby | The White House
