Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, December 5, 2022

December 6, 2022

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

3:28 P.M. EST  

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Good afternoon, everybody.  Apologies for being late.  I had a — my assembly with the President within the Oval went lengthy, so I apologize.

Okay —

Q    Is there any likelihood we will go straight to questions?  (Inaudible.) 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah, I’ve a — I used to be nearly to say — simply give me a second, Darlene — I’ve an excellent, tremendous brief factor on the prime. 

Q    Okay.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  After which we will get straight to questions.

Q    Thanks.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, as we speak, marks the primary day of Nationwide Flu Vaccine week.  As flu and COVID-19 proceed rising in circulation, we’ve got two secure and efficient vaccines which might be — are our greatest strategy to keep protected this winter. 

The easy message from our well being and medical specialists is that this: To be protected this winter, get your flu and COVID photographs.

Right this moment, Dr. Walensky held a briefing with the American Medical Affiliation to tic- — to kick off every week the place she and medical doctors throughout the nation will probably be blitzing the airwaves in regards to the significance of getting your COVID and flu photographs. 

And, with that, Darlene, go for it.

Q    Thanks.  Are you able to give us a rundown on what’s being carried out on the federal degree to hurry up the restoration {of electrical} energy to the parents in North Carolina?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, as you recognize, the White Home is monitoring — has been monitoring the state of affairs and is involved with native officers.  Native legislation enforcement is receiving federal assist on the investigation.  We are going to proceed to let that investigation play out.

President Biden has made, as you all know, essential infrastructure safe and resilience to all hazards, each pure and artifical, a precedence for the reason that first day of his administration. 

Whereas we nonetheless have an extended strategy to go, by way of initiatives just like the bipartisan infrastructure invoice and in addition the infer- — the Inflation Discount Act, the Biden-Harris administration is already flowing by way of on its prom- — following by way of on its promise to ship these outcomes to guard in opposition to the restrict — and the restrict of the impacts of incidents like this.

We’ve intently labored with non-public sector to strengthen resilience in opposition to this — the complete spectrum of potential threats, together with by way of using new applied sciences and bettering how authorities communicates and shares menace data with the non-public sector, which owns nearly all of our nation’s essential infrastructure.

Division of Power, Division of Justice, together with the FBI, are — will probably be your finest place to get extra particular data. 

However, once more, we’re going to let — we’re going to proceed — let the investigation play out.

Q    However on the difficulty of restoring energy, authorities there are saying it might be till Thursday earlier than energy is restored.  And so —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Understood.  We’ve got been — we’ve got been in contact with native officers, and we’re — we’re going to supply any help wanted to assist them on the bottom.

Q    Thanks.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Go forward.

Q    Yeah, thanks, Karine.  On Friday, you mentioned there have been no plans of going to Congress for any legislative modifications to the IRA for France and Europe.  Over the weekend, there have been some French officers who mentioned that a technique of constructing tweaks that President Biden proposed to the IRA was by way of govt orders.  And we’re questioning if the administration has already began engaged on, you recognize, sure EOs or should you’re planning to work on them going ahead.   Are you able to supply any specifics?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, there’s two issues.  The very first thing is, the President was clear that there are methods that we will tackle Europe’s considerations — proper? — the considerations that they really have.  It is a matter we’re working by way of a substantive session with Europe — our European count- — counterparts.  We don’t wish to get forward of that course of, however we’re going to have these conversations and discover methods to, once more, tackle their considerations.

I used to be chatting with particularly, like, glitches that could be — that we’ve got talked — that we’ve got heard about particularly — on this explicit piece of — this legislation now.  And so, what I used to be saying — no, there are not any — there are — there — we don’t have plans to return to Congress on that — on that.

However with regards to their considerations, in fact we’re going to have conversations with our European allies.

Q    And particularly on that, I imply, the administration did say in the course of the French President’s go to that — you recognize, that it had labored on overcoming French objections to no matter it’s that they have been speaking about in — with respect to the IRA.

However the administration has, once more, in fact, not launched any specifics on that.  And I do know you’re speaking about, you recognize, having future conversations with them, however may you discuss in regards to the work that has gone in thus far?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I’m not going to get into specifics.  Once more, we wish to have this dialog.  There’s a course of that’s taking place.  Don’t wish to get forward of that.

However I additionally simply wish to say, and also you’ve heard us say this many instances — look, the Inflation Discount Act was a historic piece of laws.  It’s going to assist Individuals — tens of millions of Individuals throughout the nation, as we discuss reducing prices, as we discuss actually attacking considered one of — the number-one precedence when you concentrate on the financial system for the President, which is reducing prices on healthcare, reducing prices on vitality, doing that — doing that historic funding on combating local weather change. 

So, that is one thing that the President could be very happy with.  And it’s going to actually, really change lives.

Relating to the considerations of our European companions and allies, definitely we’re going to do our greatest to have these conversations, however I’m simply not going to get forward of the method that’s at present taking place.

Q    And a fast one on Russian — on the oil worth hole.  Clearly, Russia has mentioned that, you recognize, they’re not going to abide by it, even when which means reducing manufacturing.  Ukraine is saying $60 is manner an excessive amount of.  You understand, Russian oil blends is promoting in Asian markets at $79 a barrel, which is like $20 greater per barrel and which sort of reveals that there’s willingness to purchase oil from Russia at that worth. 

I imply, given all of the work that’s getting into, how assured are you that that is going to really have any affect in any respect on Moscow and President Putin’s oil income?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, a few issues.  You — you simply requested me a pair questions abruptly — or made a few statements abruptly.  So, with regards to Russia’s reprom- — response, look, we’re not shocked by that.  We’re not shocked by what their response of — their response has been, and what they’re saying.

Look, the aim of the value cap has at all times been to make sure that discounted Russian oil continues to stream onto world markets, and — at the same time as we restrict the vitality income that Russia is utilizing to fund its unlawful struggle in Ukraine. 

And so we — we consider — we consider that the cap at this degree maintains clear incentives for Russia to proceed exporting.  Not doing so would have severe repercussions for Russia.  And so, that’s how we see this course of transferring ahead.  

I do know you have been mentioning, “Why 30 and never 60?”  And I do know that there’s been some feedback on the market.  And so, look, the value — the value will lock in a reduction on Russian oil, particularly in mild of the $100 per barrel they earned only a few months in the past, and it may be adjusted over time to forestall Russia from additional taking advantage of its struggle. 

And so, that is — we consider that is an — you recognize, that is an unprecedented motion that we’re seeing proper now.  And it demonstrates the unity that United States and our allies and companions have.  And I feel that is — we expect this is a vital step ahead.

Okay.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  In your assembly with the President, did he point out that he’d made any headway in his lunch with Senators Leahy and Shelby about reaching an settlement on the topline for the omnibus?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So don’t have a — don’t have any readout for you on the President’s — the President’s lunch.  As you simply talked about — simply first, for folk who is probably not conscious — the President had lunch as we speak with Senators Leahy and Shelby of the Senate Appropriations Committee to toast their lengthy careers but in addition, to your level, Phil, to debate the funding invoice.

Look, the President believes that Congress must and has to achieve a deal, a bipartisan deal.  That is one thing that they have been capable of just do final 12 months round this time in a bipartisan manner, and he believes that they need to be capable of do that once more.  This shouldn’t be about partisanship.  We’re speaking about essential, essential funding. 

When you concentrate on public — public training; when you concentrate on our nationwide safety; when you concentrate on — you recognize, about well being, these are vital issues which might be im- — which might be essential to the American individuals.  So, he believes that we should always — that Congress ought to transfer ahead in getting this carried out.  

However extra broadly talking, and I mentioned all this final week, with regards to our efforts and — and the funding, we — and the way we’re transferring ahead, we consider that course of is in good palms with our OMB director, Shalanda Younger.  She is aware of find out how to get this carried out.  She is aware of find out how to get a bipartisan deal — get that carried out.

And likewise, you recognize, we’ve got our Workplace of Leg Affairs, who’s engaged on this as effectively.  They’ve been — we’ve had, you recognize, a number of conversations with members of Congress.  And we’re persevering with to make calls.  We proceed to do briefings.

However, once more, that is one thing that the President believes must get carried out.  It was carried out final 12 months in a — in a bipartisan manner; we should always be capable of try this this 12 months.

Q    Only one follow-up on that.  Is the President — has he proven any openness to the thought of dropping the parity between protection spending and non-defense home spending, which is at present the Republican proposal on the desk?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, I’ll say this: You understand, I’m not going to get forward of any discussions which might be at present taking place proper now.  And so, I do know the Congress is transferring ahead, having these discussions.  I’m definitely not going to be negotiating from right here — from the rostrum.

Go forward.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Two subjects, if I can.  The Supreme Court docket heard arguments as we speak a few graphic designer who objected to designing web sites for homosexual {couples}.  The justices appear to be sympathetic towards her in as we speak’s — on the Court docket as we speak. 

We’ve heard the White Home discuss in regards to the potential ripple results after the Dobbs ruling.  Do you might have a touch upon this particular case?  And any considerations from the administration in regards to the potential wider implications of this explicit case?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So I wish to be very cautious right here.  Don’t wish to weigh in or pre-judge the Supreme Court docket — the Supreme Court docket’s final result.  You understand, that’s one thing I’m [not] going to do right here on the podium. 

However to your level, extra broadly talking — and we’ve talked about this — we acknowledge the — the proper to free speech, and we assist making certain that nobody is discriminated in opposition to or refused providers due to who they love and who they’re.

And so, as you recognize, we’ve been very clear about that.  The administration believes that each particular person — irrespective of their intercourse, race, faith, or who they love — ought to have the equal entry to society, together with entry to services on the identical phrases as different members of public.

Look, the Division of Justice mentioned in its transient that, for many years, non-discrimination public lodging legal guidelines have coexisted with the First Modification.  Courts have acknowledged that we will acknowledge — that we will require companies open to public — to service individuals, no matter their backgrounds, even when which means companies should by the way have interaction in speech which they’re — which they disagree upon.

So that is no cause to upend this steadiness proper now.  Because the — because the Division of Justice simply laid out — as I simply laid out what their — what they mentioned of their transient.  However, once more, I don’t wish to weigh in.  I don’t wish to get forward of what the Supreme Court docket’s determination will probably be on this.

Q    After which on the yearend want record and to-do record: Is there a push proper now by the White Home to resume the expanded Youngster Tax Credit score?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have something new to share on that individual piece of laws — or piece of a plan that — that’s extremely vital to the President.  As you recognize, he included it within the American Rescue Plan, and it was — it was capable of reduce baby pov- — baby poverty in a historic manner.

So, once more, an vital subject for this President.  Don’t have something to share — to share additional on — on that individual plan transferring ahead.

Go forward.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  I ponder should you may give extra element in regards to the Wednesday occasion in regards to the rise of antisemitism that’s hosted by the First Gen- —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  The Second Gentleman.

Q    The Second Gentleman.  I messed that up.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Have been you going to name him the First Gentleman?

Q    I slipped up.  (Laughter.)  How lengthy has it been within the works?  And what do you hope Mr. — what does the White Home hope Mr. Emhoff provides to the controversy?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, a few issues, simply to offer you some perception of what’s going to be taking place with that — with the roundtable talks — the antisemitism roundtable talks that the Second Gentleman will probably be — will probably be internet hosting.

So, before everything, President Biden has constantly spoken out — I simply wish to be sure that’s clear — in opposition to antisemitism — its rhetoric, it’s hate, and all the vile language that we’ve got been listening to, which is extremely harmful — these previous couple of weeks. 

And so, we’re going to proceed condemning antisemitism and hate wherever it exists.  It doesn’t have — it shouldn’t have a spot in our society.  And so, you’ll — you’ll proceed to listen to that.

The President says, “Silence is complicit- — complicity.”  And so, you recognize, that’s one thing that we’ll be sure that we proceed to sentence. 

Now, because it pertains to Wednesday, the Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will convene a roundtable with Jewish leaders from throughout the nation.  The roundtable will embrace leaders of Jewish organizations combating antisemitism that represents the big selection of Jewish group from college students to seniors, and together with Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox denominations. 

And the Second Gentleman will probably be joined by Ambassador Susan Rice, White Home Home Coverage Advisor; Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Particular Envoy to Monitor and Fight Antisemitism; and Keisha Lance Bottoms, Senior Advisor to the President for Public Engagement.

He felt it was vital to host the roundtable given the rise, as I simply was mentioning, of antisemitism that we’ve got seen over the previous a number of months and even longer. 

That is one thing the Second Gentleman takes very personally.  He’s the primary Jewish particular person on this position, the primary Jewish particular person married to a President or a Vice President.  He has mentioned himself that he’s in ache and that that is one thing we can not normalize.  And that’s one of many causes, as I simply laid out, that he wished to do that personally.

Q    Only a — simply to comply with up.  Is it one thing that he requested for or one thing that the President directed him to do?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Properly, I simply laid out: The President has — has been very clear in condemning antisemitism, the hate that we’ve got been seeing — racism, the rise of hatred that we’ve been seeing simply the previous a number of months. 

So, that is one thing that his administration extra broadly goes to proceed to do once we discuss condemning that sort of speech.

However, look, I simply laid out: That is one thing, with regards to this roundtable that the Second Gentleman is holding — it’s one thing that could be very private to him and vital for him that he believed that he wanted to do.

And clearly, you recognize, it’s a part of the — our administration’s response.  And positively, we welcome — we’ll welcome it.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  To comply with up somewhat bit on that — the week forward.  After Wednesday, there have been no public occasions for the President.  Is that so we will take a extra hands-on method to the spending deal if needed?  And might we anticipate him to drop by that antisemitism roundtable on Wednesday?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  It’s an excellent query.  I don’t have something to preview presently on — on if he’ll capable of cease by.  Clearly, we’re at all times working by way of the President’s schedule, as you recognize.

However simply to put out the President’s engagement on — on the — as we’re discussing the federal government funding invoice.  Look, as you recognize, he had the Large 4 right here final week — and management — to speak about — they talked about this.  You noticed it within the readout.  He met with President Leahy — President — pardon me, Senators Leahy and Shelby to have the dialogue in regards to the omnibus invoice.

And so, the President goes to proceed to have these conversations.  He’s going to proceed to be concerned.  I don’t have something to preview presently on — on what the remainder of his schedule goes to appear like for the week.

Q    And because it pertains to Wednesday additionally, may we anticipate remarks from him no matter what occurs in Georgia on Wednesday?

After which, lastly, the President, he didn’t find yourself going to Georgia in the course of the marketing campaign to marketing campaign for Raphael Warnock.  He hasn’t been in the course of the runoff election.  Why is that?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, I should be cautious — the Hatch Act — that is an ongoing, as you recognize, election with this explicit — what we’re seeing — the runoff in — in Georgia, so I wish to be actually cautious right here.

However I’ve mentioned many instances earlier than at this podium that the President will do something that that he can do for Senator Warnock to be useful to him. 

As you all have seen on the President’s schedule, just lately he’s carried out a excessive quantity of fundraising; attended a number of political occasions, together with telephone banks and unions, and far and — with unions; and way more.

Look, the best way that we see this, if you concentrate on the midterms that simply occurred: The President performed a giant position right here.  He set the narrative on how Democrats have been going to maneuver ahead within the midterms, how they have been going to speak in regards to the successes that that they had, how they — how they have been going to speak about what was vital to American households.  Proper? 

They made that distinction with Republican electives, Republican officers who have been speaking about eliminating Social Safety, placing that on the chopping block, placing Medicare on the chopping block. 

He talked in regards to the freedoms of — the American individuals wished, because it pertains to Roe v. Wade and the way we noticed the Supreme Court docket do away with Roe.  And we talked about that and the way Republicans wished to place a nationwide ban — they have been pushing for a nationwide ban.  And it didn’t matter by which states, should you’re a crimson or a blue state.  And that is the factor that the President talked about, and others adopted.

So, the President performed a giant position in setting that narrative, setting that distinction.  And let’s not neglect: The successes that we’ve got seen — his financial coverage successes, as we discuss in regards to the Bipartisan Infrastructure laws, the Infl- — Inflation Discount Act — these are the issues that the President was capable of get carried out, and Democrats have been capable of run on it.

Go forward.

Q    This has, in fact, been a harsh season for respiratory diseases in youngsters.  There proceed to be anecdotal studies that some medication are briefly provide in sure locations, like youngsters’s Tylenol, ibuprofen, amoxicillin.  The provision chain is clearly beneath duress, and a few Individuals are struggling to seek out the medication they want.  What’s the administration doing about it, and the way large of a problem do you consider it’s?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, first, I’d refer you to the FDA who’s preserving a detailed eye on this, and they’re going to share extra on any particulars about provides because it pertains to considerations on medication, which you’re laying out to me, Ben.

However what I’ll say extra broadly on that is — for context — is that drug shortages usually are not unusual, and it’s one thing the administration is repeatedly monitoring. 

The FDA is at all times monitoring shortages on the nationwide degree and works intently with producers to grasp their manufacturing and provide. 

And whereas FDA doesn’t manufacture medication and can’t require a pharmaceutical firm to make — to make a drug — make extra of a drug or change the distribution of a drug, FDA is in contact with the assorted producers and stand prepared to supply assist with — the place attainable.

Once more, that is one thing that we’re monitoring.  I’d refer you to the FDA on any specifics.

Q    Are you contemplating stepping in and dealing with firms in any manner, much like the way you all did with the newborn formulation scarcity?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have something extra to share on — on any sort of outreach.  However, once more, FDA can be one of the best place so that you can get extra particulars on how they’re transferring ahead with this.

Go forward, Weijia.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Has the administration determined whether or not to attraction the courtroom ruling the ends Title 42, as a result of the deadline is that this week?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I’ve been requested this query a few instances within the briefing room.  That is one thing that –as a result of it’s a authorized matter, it’s one thing that the Division of Justice will determine on, and I would go away it to them.

Q    We perceive that the administration is contemplating a proposal that might bar sure migrants from receiving asylum right here within the U.S. in the event that they don’t search asylum in different international locations first.  Is {that a} proposal that you just’re transferring ahead with?  Or are there every other different measures to Title 42 on the desk?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, we’re dedicated to persevering with to safe our borders whereas sustaining secure, orderly, and humane process- — processing of migrants.  That’s one thing that we’re dedicated to beneath this administration.

It will stay the case with Title 42 — when Title 42 is lifted.  Any options that we could be altering a coverage or taking a look at a unique coverage is inaccurate presently.  I do know there’s been conversations about that.  We haven’t made any — no such choices have been made but.  However, once more, we’re dedicated to securing our border.

Q    And I’ve a pair questions on this Chinese language hack by the group APT41.  The Secret Service says that this state-sponsored group of cyber criminals stole at the least $20 million in COVID reduction, together with Small Enterprise Administration loans —

(A cellphone rings.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I do know that ring.  (Laughter.)

Q    — unemployment, insurance coverage funds.  What safeguards are in place to forestall this type of fraud?  And why did they fail? — is my first query.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, we — we don’t touch upon particular legislation enforcement instances.  So, clearly, not going to do this from the rostrum.  However the President has frequently embraced and known as for robust oversight and enforcement in opposition to potential fraud. 

The President made clear that, within the State of the Union — in his State of Union simply earlier this 12 months, and when he introduced the Justice Division’s appointment of a chief prosecutor for pandemic fraud as a part of the interagency COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Process Pressure. 

So, for extra on any specifics on this or any extra particulars — like, once more, it is a authorized enforcement matter — that is one thing that the Division of Justice would converse to.

Q    Will China face any penalties?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Once more, that is one thing that the Division of Justice can be coping with, as it’s an ongoing legislation enforcement matter.

Go forward.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  On the journey tomorrow, President Biden has visited loads of semiconductor vegetation.  What — are you able to simply discuss what makes this one particular?  Is it, you recognize, primarily based on that it’s run by Taiwan — a Taiwan firm?  Is it superior chips?  What’s sort of differentiates this journey?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, it’s an excellent query.  We’re going to be having a background name this night at 6:30, which goes to be led by Brian Deese.  And so, I’d encourage all of you to affix that background name and also you’ll have extra specifics. 

Q    You’re certain it’s on background, as a result of —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I’m sorry — a backgrounder.  Backgrounder.  Sure.  It’s a backgrounder.  And it’ll — as you recognize, it’s normally lifted the following morning.  So, sure, it’s a background name with Brian Deese that’ll occur at 6:30.  So, once more, I’ll encourage all of you to affix. 

However, look, you recognize, as you recognize, he’s going to be going to Phoenix, Arizona, to be discussing American manufacturing.  Below this President, we’ve got seen manu — American manufacturing coming again to the U.S., and loads of that’s due to the President’s financial insurance policies.

We’ve seen greater than 700,000 manufacturing jobs created beneath this President.  And he’s going to proceed to speak about that, discuss in regards to the CHIPS and Science Act, and that historic piece of laws that was, as you all know, a bipartisan piece of laws that’s going to proceed ensuring that we’ve got manufacturing jobs proper right here within the U.S. 

So, once more, you’ll get extra particulars on that.  Don’t wish to get forward of that dialog that will probably be had by Brian Deese at 7:30.  It’s a background name.  I, once more, encourage all of you to affix. 

Go forward.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Two questions for you.  First, on the North Carolina energy outage, the native authorities have mentioned they consider it’s an intentional assault.  Is the White Home conscious of any motive which may have been behind that?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Once more, I’m simply not going to get forward of the method.  It’s being checked out, investigated at present.  Not go- — I’m going to let that investigation play out. 

I’d refer you to the Division of Power, Division of Justice, FBI to get any extra particular particulars on that. 

Q    After which, Democratic leaders within the Home are discussing attaching Senator Manchin’s allowing invoice to the annual protection coverage invoice, which is a must-pass.  Is the White Home urging that, too?  And if that’s the case, how are you doing that?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, sure, the President believes we should always move the defensive authorization invoice and that the allowing invoice ought to be included in that laws.  So that’s one thing that we assist from right here.

Go forward, Steven.

Q    Different issues on the to-do record: the antitrust tech invoice.  Does the President wish to see motion on that within the lame duck?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have something extra to say than what I shared final week.  I refer you again to — I used to be requested about this a pair instances final week, so I refer you again to these feedback. 

Q    Thanks.

The Electoral Depend Act reform.  Is that one thing that —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  That’s one thing that’s certainly vital to the President, and he needs to see that transfer ahead. 

Q    Okay.

The — there was phrase as we speak of an settlement in precept between Senators Tillis and Sinema on immigration reform.  Is that one thing?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, we haven’t seen all the — sort of, the language on that individual invoice, so don’t wish to remark from right here a- — don’t wish to get too far forward.  I do know there’s a drafted proposal. 

However, look, the President has repeatedly known as on Congress to completely defend DREAMers, farmworkers, important employees, and others and to supply them with the pathway to citizenship.  Keep in mind, the primary day of his — his administration, he put forth a complete immigration invoice. 

So, we’re dedicated to working with members of Congress from each events on actual options to modernize and — our outdated immigration system. 

So, that’s definitely a precedence for the President.  However we haven’t seen the detailed proposal, so I can’t remark from — about that from right here. 

Q    One last item.  Senator Shaheen has an announcement.  She’s apparently not coming to the ball tonight. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Oh.  Okay.

Q    She’s upset that the President endorsed a proposal to place South Carolina forward of New Hampshire.  And she or he says that New Hampshire is now weak for her celebration, which — does the President have a response to that?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, we honor — we honor the Hatch Act, as I discussed many instances earlier than, right here, as we’re speaking a few potential election — a 2024 presidential election.

However, trying backward, it’s the final irony, you recognize, that the 2020 election was — was confirmed by the Trump administration’s Homeland — oh, sorry — I feel I received forward of myself there.  (Laughs.)

We take the legislation very critically right here.  And so, that’s the primary factor.  And once more, I wish to be very cautious due to 2024, and it locations strict limits on what I can say, due to the Hatch Act, about future elections and, in fact, political celebration processes. 

I do know I used to be requested this query many instances earlier than in regards to the DNC.  And so, I’ve at all times referred people to go to the DNC. 

However once more, as a candidate in 2020 and, as we’ve got heard the night time of New Hampshire major, Joe Biden was very clear that, to him, respecting our variety as a nation and breaking down boundaries for our individuals is a elementary precept. 

And — and so, he believes that what Democrats in workplace stand for — and he has upheld that precept as President. 

And so, once more, you’ve seen him try this all through his nearly two years in administration, ensuring that we see the variety inside his administration that’s represented clearly throughout — throughout the nation.  And he needs to honor these values. 

And so, that’s so far as I’m going to get from right here in regards to the particular calendar.  Once more, don’t wish to get into po- — politics because it pertains to political events. 

Go forward.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Are you able to discuss with Congress contemplating repealing the COVID vaccine mandate for service members within the NDAA?

John Kirby spoke earlier about President’s place, Secretary Austin’s place of wanting, clearly, to maintain it.  So, what’s the White Home ready to do for that side of it?  And is the President personally participating with lawmakers on this?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, when — when the President met with the Large 4 simply final week, as you all know — as you recognize, Chief McCarthy raised eliminating the requirement that service members be vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.  So, clearly, that they had a dialog, as you requested me about speaking to members.

The President informed him that he would think about it, but in addition made clear that he wished to seek the advice of with the Pentagon.  And since then, as we’ve all heard, the — the Secretary of Protection has really useful retaining the mandate. 

That’s as a result of the COVID vaccination requirement was put in place to maintain our service members secure and wholesome and ready for service. 

And I’d remind, you recognize — remind all of you that the Pentagon has a variety of vaccines it has lengthy required, so that is nothing new.  Once more, that is — you recognize, there’s historical past right here.  There’s precedent. 

So, with respect to NDAA, these discussions are ongoing.  I don’t wish to get forward of it.  However clearly, as I simply talked about, it was me- — it was introduced up of their dialog that he had with the Large 4 yes- — final week.

Q    Has he had conversations about it since then?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have the rest to preview presently for you on conversations particularly on the NDAA.  I can inform — I can say that we’re simply not going to get forward of the method that’s at present taking place in Congress.

Q    And also you’ve mentioned from the rostrum that the White Home isn’t going to reply to each single factor that former President Trump says or does. 

However the White Home additionally did put out some statements over the weekend about his calls to basically overturn the 2020 Election and put apart the Structure.  So I’m questioning should you can elaborate on that and share extra about — in response to his feedback. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look — you recognize, and, once more, he’s a — he’s a declared candidate, so I wish to be very cautious on how I reply to somebody who has declared in 2024. 

However, you recognize, that is what I used to be attempting to say earlier — you recognize, because it pertains to, you recognize, 2020 — 2020 and election conspiracy.  Look, it’s an irony — proper? — that the 2020 Election was — was — that he says this, as a result of finally it was confirmed by the Trump administration’s Homeland Safety officers to be essentially the most safe of all time.  And never simply the Homeland Safety officers, it was additionally upheld by Trump’s administration’s lawyer normal and by over 80 federal judges of whom have been nominated by Donald Trump himself. 

And so, in 2022, the American individuals got here collectively — simply the previous midterms — and completely rejected the damaging conspiracy that we’ve got been listening to — the Large Lie that we’ve got been listening to from the previous President but in addition many Republicans. 

And so, look, they’ve been — American individuals have been very clear, they — they’re — they oppose the best way that Republicans have talked about this.  They oppose the violent rhetoric that excessive MAGA officers have engaged in.  And so, we should always take heed to what the American individuals needed to say simply a few weeks in the past. 

Go forward.

Q    Karine?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yeah, after which I’ll return. 

Q    Okay, thanks.  Simply on Arizona once more, is there one other aspect to this journey — a political aspect — and past the CHIPS side?  As a result of he’s carried out loads of related speeches in future or present vegetation.  In all probability to loads of Individuals, Arizona, politically talking, may sound like that place the place they’ve loads of election deniers.  So it’s sort of a scorching — a hotspot for politics.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, I’m not going to get forward of the background name that’s going to occur at 6:30.  I’m going to let Brian Deese converse to why this journey is so vital, why — what TS- — TSMC’s semiconductor materials manufacturing facility is a giant deal. 

And so don’t — once more, don’t wish to get forward of it.  I’ll encourage you to affix the decision, and also you’ll hear — you’ll hear extra in regards to the President’s journey tomorrow. 

Q    Okay.  However I imply, I’m not speaking on the CHIPS aspect, proper?  Simply on —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I do know.  You’re asking me if there’s — there’s —

Q    — on the political aspect, is there a message, politically —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  You’re asking me —

Q    — he needs to ship to people in Arizona? 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Oh, as a result of it’s in Arizona? 

Q    Sure.  Sure, sure.  Why — you recognize, as a result of he’s been to a bunch of locations which might be, you recognize, comparatively related.  Proper?   

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I — look, I put — no, I hear your query, however the President is —

Q    It’s a really totally different a part of the nation. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No, I — I hear your query.  However the President has mentioned this time and again: He’s a President for — for everybody.  Whether or not you reside in a, you recognize, crimson state, blue state, purple state, that is about delivering for the American individuals.  That is about preserving his guarantees as he strikes ahead together with his financial insurance policies. 

Look, the CHIPS and Science Act is a historic piece of laws that’s going to carry — and we’re seeing this already — manufacturing again to the U.S. and has created a whole bunch of 1000’s of producing jobs. 

And so, that’s why it is a — this is a vital — this is a vital transfer ahead that we’re seeing on this — with this explicit facility in Arizona.  And he needs to focus on that.  He needs to carry that up. 

And so, I don’t wish to get forward of what — what the bulletins are going to be or what he’s going to speak particularly about — about what we’re going to see at this facility tomorrow. 

However as you concentrate on politics, as you’re asking me this query: Once more, it is a President who has been very, very clear he’s going to ship for all Individuals. 

Q    Okay.  And a really, very fast one in regards to the medical.  I feel you’ve mentioned beforehand that the a part of the medical has been carried out already — the bodily examination — however when will the remainder of it’s carried out?  Like very roughly, is it by the top of the 12 months or —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  I don’t have any — any particular dates to format or a timeline to put out.  I can say — I feel I mentioned this final week — it was going to be within the subsequent few months.  We are going to — we’ll launch the President’s bodily in the identical style — in the identical clear style as we did final 12 months. 

Go forward.

Q    Karine — thanks a lot, Karine.  This morning, the Nationwide Safety Advisor met with the President-elect of Brazil, Lula, for about 1 hour and half-hour.  What would you spotlight from the assembly? 

And likewise, Mr. Sullivan invited Lula to the White Home earlier than Lula’s inauguration January 1st.  Is that go to taking place?  And why is the White Home extending these very — not quite common invitation to Lula even earlier than he’s the president?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, to your first query, they — the 2 of them had a wide-ranging and productive dialog about how the US and Brazil can proceed to work collectively to deal with frequent challenges and deepen our robust bilateral relationship. 

And we may have a fuller readout of the go to — his — the — Jake Sullivan’s go to to Brazil later as we speak, and also you’ll — you’ll have extra particulars on that.

To your final query, look, we may have extra to share on that quickly, as — your query to a go to.  Look, that is actually vital to — to the President.  We’ve got mentioned earlier than, we — we’ve been working with members of incoming Lula’s administration for a face-to-face engagement — that’s nothing new; we’ve talked about that — and we — at excessive ranges in order that we will hit the bottom working as soon as President-elect Lula turns into president in January. 

So that is one thing that we’ve got been very clear about, very clear about.  Once more, as I simply acknowledged, we wish to hit the bottom working with that relationship, that vital bilateral relationship that we’ve got with Brazil.

Q    And did the White Home determine who’re you guys sending to the inauguration?  It’s going to be the Vice President —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  The delegation — the U.S. delegation.

Q    Sure.  Who’s going to be main the delegation? 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  We’ll have — we’ll have extra to share on what that’s going to — what that make-up of the delegation may appear like.  I don’t have something to share for you presently.

Go forward.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Thanks.  The administration mentioned they’re going to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve beneath $70 a barrel.  The Russian worth cap went into impact as we speak at $60 a barrel.  May — is the President contemplating placing Russian oil within the Strategic Petroleum Reserve?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  No, as a result of it’s been banned. 

Q    Okay.  What in regards to the — in Arizona — I simply wish to ask you — he’s going to that chips manufacturing facility.  Any plans in Arizona to go to the border and see for — the state of affairs for himself there?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, I wish to be very clear right here.  The President’s journey tomorrow is in regards to the American manufacturing growth we’re seeing all throughout the nation because of, once more, his financial insurance policies — once more, greater than we’ve got seen in his — his, you recognize, nearly two-year time period; greater than 700,000 jobs — manufacturing jobs which were created simply right here alone in the US. 

So, he’ll be visiting at TSMC, an organization making a serious funding to manufacturing cutting-edge chips in Phoenix.  This funding will carry new jobs and financial alternative to Arizona — crucial to the individuals in Arizona.  And it’s largely because of the CHIPS and Science Act the President signed into legislation — and a historic — let’s not neglect — a bipartisan piece of laws. 

And, look, we should always be capable of attain a bipartisan — you recognize, a bipartisan settlement on immigration too.  And that’s what we’re calling for.  Proper?  We’re asking for Republican officers to come back and work with us and let’s have a bipartisan settlement on immigration, as an alternative of doing political stunts, as an alternative of doing what they’re doing: going to the border, not really developing with any actual concepts about that.  That’s the place I’ll depart it. 

That’s what the President is doing tomorrow.  He’s going to go to Arizona to speak about an vital initiative that’s going to alter Individuals’ lives, particularly in Arizona. 

Go forward.

Q    Thanks, Karine.  Only a follow-up on Edward’s query.  If the President is just not going to make time to go to the border throughout his journey tomorrow — throughout his journey tomorrow to a border state, will he do it in — within the new 12 months?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Look, I addressed this final week in regards to the President visiting the border.  I’m not going to transcend what I simply laid out. 

I feel and we consider the query, once more, as I used to be simply answering to your colleague within the again, is that: What are congressional Republicans going to do to really take care of this subject as an alternative of doing political stunts — a lot of them political stunts that harm households, that harm youngsters, that harm youngsters — proper? — that harm people who find themselves — who’re coming right here to attempt to search asylum — leaving a, you recognize, leaving a dictatorship? 

As a substitute of going to the border and speaking about — you recognize, about issues that — not going to really ship and hold our borders secure, why don’t they work with us?  Why don’t they really do one thing?  Why don’t they really, you recognize, assist the President get the funding that he requested — historic funding to — into homeland — into the Division of Homeland Safety?  That’s a technique of doing that. 

However once more, they’re enjoying political video games and doing political stunts.

Q    However the cause I ask is simply because the President had mentioned beforehand that he hadn’t had loads of time to get to the border.  He’s going to a border state tomorrow, so that you’d suppose perhaps there can be time there.  If there isn’t tomorrow, are you able to say, at this level, that he —

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  What I’m saying is: Tomorrow, he’s going to really give attention to a problem — a bipartisan subject that was voted in Congress — the CHIPS and Science Act — one thing that’s going to ship for the individuals in Arizona, creating jobs and making individuals’s lives higher, and ensuring that we’re bringing manufacturing again into the U.S.  That’s critically vital. 

Now, what I’m saying — the second a part of that, to your query: If Republican officers really, really wish to take care of immigration — if they honestly wish to take care of the border, then they’d cease doing political stunts and truly work with us on the plan that we’ve got put ahead, which they aren’t. 

And that’s what we wish to make very loud and clear.  There’s methods to take care of this.  Once more, they’ll come and truly do that in a bipartisan manner, identical to we did with the CHIPS and Science Act. 

Q    So the journey is clearly to Phoenix, to not the border, to not Georgia, which is type of a urgent subject for Democrats, for the President.  Have Democrats decided {that a} go to to Georgia wouldn’t assist Senator Warnock’s reelection bid?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  The President really — and I really already answered this.  And I’ll simply repeat what I simply mentioned: The President — when — and I wish to be very cautious about speaking about an election that’s taking place tomorrow, as a result of it’s an ongoing — it’s an election, and I’m have — I’m coated beneath the Hatch Act, so I’m not going to touch upon that particularly. 

However after I — once we look again on the President’s position in the course of the midterm elections, he performed a major position for Democrats.  It was as a result of — once more, I simply answered this query — it was due to the best way he made the distinction with Republican officers, once more, who wished to place — who talked about placing Social Safety and Medicare on the chopping block as a result of they have been upset in regards to the Inflation Discount Act — which is a historic piece of laws, goes to decrease prices for American households — that’s what they have been upset about; as a result of we have been saying we wished to ensure large firms pay their justifiable share and never put it on the little man.  And — and that’s what they put ahead. 

And the American individuals have been very — spoke very loud and clear.  That’s not what they need.  They need us to proceed to combat for his or her freedoms.  They need us to proceed to combat for democracy.  And, you recognize, that crimson wave by no means occurred.

Go forward.  Go forward. 

Q    Actual quick, Karine?  Simply actual fast, on Twitter, since you guys mentioned you’re preserving a detailed eye on Elon Musk’s possession.  And I’ve — that is the primary time we’ve talked to you since he launched the information a couple of days in the past.  Is it the White Home view that choices at Twitter have been made appropriately when it comes to choices to censor this reporting forward of the election?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Let me — you see — you mischaracterize, really, what I — what I really mentioned, and took it out of context whenever you requested your query. 

Look, after I answered the query — and I already — I really already addressed this — about how the White Home and the administration is seeing what’s taking place on Twitter, we have been — we comply with additionally what’s happening identical to you guys are reporting it, identical to you guys are seeing.

And what I used to be commenting to is like, sure, we’re seeing what is going on, identical to you all are seeing what’s taking place with Twitter.  So, simply wish to clear that up since you undoubtedly mischaracterized what I mentioned or put it out of context.

And so, are you able to ask your query once more?

Q    Sure.  My query was that you just had mentioned, I feel, six or so days in the past that the White Home was watching intently the state of affairs at Twitter after Elon Musk’s possession of it with respect to misinformation. 

And since these information have been launched on the idea of, you recognize, hacked supplies clause at Twitter, choices have been made to censor reporting main as much as the election.  My query was: Is it the White Home view that these choices have been made appropriately, in mild of what has come out?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Which choices?  By whom?

Q    By Twitter.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  By Twitter on — okay.  So, look, we see this as a — an attention-grabbing or a coincidence, if I’ll, that he would so haphazardly — Twitter would so haphazardly push this distraction that may be a — that is filled with previous information, if you concentrate on it.  And on the similar time, Twitter is going through very actual and really severe questions in regards to the rising quantity of anger, hate, and antisemitism on their platform, and the way they’re letting it occur.

And, you recognize, the President mentioned final week: Extra leaders want to talk out and reject this.  And it’s very alarming and really harmful. 

And what our focus proper now could be serving to the American households — I simply talked about what the President goes to be doing in Arizona — speaking in regards to the CHIPS and Science Act; speaking about how we’re bringing manufacturing jobs again right here to the U.S.; speaking about, beneath this administration, greater than 700,000 jobs have been created in manufactur- — manufacturing jobs, to be extra particular.

Look what is going on, it’s not — frankly, it’s not wholesome.  It gained’t do something to assist a single American enhance their lives.  And so, look, it is a — we see this as attention-grabbing, you recognize, coincidence.  And — and, you recognize, it’s a distraction.

Q    Karine, only one extra on the NDAA.  Some members of Congress are speaking about offering safety help to Taiwan within the vary of about $10 billion over 5 years.  Does the White Home have a place on that?  And is there any concern that offering further safety help to Taiwan may act as an irritant within the relationship with China?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, look, not going to get forward of the method because it pertains to — in Congress or the NDAA. 

I’ll say this extra broadly: We proceed to work with Congress on methods we will reinforce deterrence throughout the Taiwan Strait and construct Taiwan’s resilience in significant methods, together with the self-defense capabilities.  However, once more, I’m not going to get forward of the method that we’re at present seeing in Congress presently.

All proper, all people.  Thanks, all people.

Oh, what do I — what’s happening?

Q    You could have a customer — Arizona.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Oh, I — okay.

Q    Karine, are you going to take a query on U.S. Africa Summit?  There’s a (inaudible).

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay, I’ll take that.  Let me simply do that, and I’ll —

Q    Thanks.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay, we’ve got a visitor.  I forgot.  (Laughs.)  Okay, so we’re happy to have a neighborhood reporter from the Arizona Republic and Arizona Central be a part of us within the briefing room as we speak and — forward of the President’s journey, as we’ve been speaking about Arizona and the CHIPS and Science Act.  His identify is Ronald J. Henson.  He’s the paper’s nationwide political reporter and has been a member of their workforce for about 15 years. 

And, Ron, thanks for becoming a member of us.  Hi there.

Q    Yeah.  Hello, thanks, Karine.  As you recognize, the TSMC plant was introduced in 2020.  So, I wished to notice a pair issues.  Primary, what ought to strange Individuals anticipate that’s attributable to the CHIPS Act?  How quickly ought to they be seeing the consequences of that in Arizona or elsewhere?

And likewise, in the long term, ought to the federal government be enjoying any better position in offering extra water sources to a spot like Arizona in mild of this water-intensive trade?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  So, in your first query, Ronald, I’d refer you to the Division of Commerce as timeline.  They’re engaged on this and so they’re enjoying level with regards to the CHIPS and Science Act.

In your last query, it’s vital that these amenities are constructed sustainably and in a manner that doesn’t hurt the setting of a area.  We all know that these chip fabs might be water intensive, however each TSMC and Intel have taken steps to cut back water utilization at their amenities in Arizona.

Within the case of TSMC, they’ve deliberate on a website in- — industrial water reclamation plant that can important cut back — considerably cut back liquid discharge. 

Inside the Biden administration, it is a matter we take very critically, as evidenced by funding for Arizona drought resiliency sources, together with — included within the Inflation Discount Act, as you recognize, Ronald.

And as these tasks proceed, state officers, native officers might want to take this subject critically as they work with chipmakers and construct of their area. 

And so, there you go, Ronald.  Thanks a lot for becoming a member of us on —

I do know there was a query on the summit.  

Q    (Inaudible.)

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  We may have extra — we’ll — we may have — we may have extra to share within the subsequent couple of days. 

Sure, the U.S. Summit is extremely vital.  We’ve got invited 49 African heads of state to Washington, D.C., for a three-day summit to focus on how the U.S. and African nations are strengthening our partnerships to advance shared priorities. 

The Summit displays the U.S. technique in direction of Sub-Saharan Africa, which emphasizes the essential significance of the area to satisfy this period’s defining challenges.

Once more, we may have extra to share on the upcoming days.  I received to go guys.  Thanks a lot.

4:16 P.M. EST

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