Remarks by President Biden and Vice President Harris During Tour of the State Farm Stadium Vaccination Site in Glendale, Arizona

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 8, 2021   Remarks by President Biden and Vice President Harris During Tour of the State Farm Stadium Vaccination Site in Glendale, Arizona   Via Teleconference  2:38 P.M. EST   MR. ZIENTS:  Good afternoon, Mr. President and Madam Vice President.  On your second day in office, you announced a comprehensive national strategy to fight the pandemic.  Importantly, you called for a whole-of-government approach.  Central to that strategy, you directed your team to activate the full resources of the federal government to get more shots in arms.  We immediately got to work.  First, to increase vaccine supply.  Second, to get more vaccinators in the field.  And third, to create more places where Americans can get vaccinated.   We’re putting equity front and center, partnering with states to increase vaccinations in the hardest-hit and hard-to- reach communities.  We’re building new community vaccination centers from the ground up -- in stadiums, community centers, parking lots, and mobile units -- in states ranging from California, to Ohio, to New York.   And we’ve expedited financial support to increase capacity at existing community vaccination centers nationwide, with over $2.2 billion in funding across 32 states, tribes, and territories.   Today, we want to show you what it looks like on the ground, in Glendale, Arizona.  We’re going to do a tour of State Farm Stadium, which started giving its first shots on January 11.   The State of Arizona is one of the first states to reach out to ask for federal help from your administration.  On January 21st, we decided to deploy 25 FEMA staff, including logistics staff, traffic managers and runners, and administrative support -- helping enable the site to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  And we’re funding the Arizona National Guard onsite at zero cost to the state.   Since opening, the site has administered over 160,000 doses, now averaging 8,000 vaccinations a day.  This stadium is a model for other communities across the country on how they can operate in partnership with the federal government to vaccinate more people.   Our support to the state goes beyond State Farm Stadium.  We've deployed almost 300 federal personnel from FEMA and three other federal partners to support vaccination operations across the state.  That includes over 100 vaccinators from HHS that we sent just this weekend.    At the request of state and local leaders across the country, we've made the cost to build these sites fully reimbursable through FEMA.  Just yesterday, FEMA awarded $20 million to the state of Arizona to support the COVID-19 response, including vaccination operations.  These funds can help support building new community vaccination centers just like this one.    Here's a look at the site you're going to see today.  There's a great team on the ground who's going to walk you through it.    So now let me introduce you to Dr. Christ, the Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services.    Dr.  Christ, over to you.    DR. CHRIST:  Good afternoon, and we are so honored to have you here at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.  I want to take you into the command tent, where we manage the day-to-day operations of the state’s only 24/7 state-operated vaccination site.  So come on in.    So, State Farm Stadium is the first 24/7 vaccination site in Arizona.  We have a dashboard that we monitor all of our data that we look at.  And so we are averaging between 8,000 and 9,000 vaccines per day; that currently is both first and second doses.  It's about 350 to 400 vaccines per hour.  And like was said, we've vaccinated almost 170,000 times out here at State Farm Stadium.  This one site is responsible for over 18 percent of all of the vaccines delivered in Arizona since we started.  Our full capacity, though, here is 12,000 vaccines per day.    Let me take you over to the sitemap.  So we have an electronic registration system that people can either log in online and sign up, or they can call a call center if they're not comfortable working on the web.  But they will come in, they will have an appointment, they will get checked in, and we will make sure that they are registered at the data verification.  It's all done electronically.   They will come around to our vaccination tents where they receive their vaccine, and then are asked to stay on for about 15 to 30 minutes.    This is all done in the comfort of their own car, which is really important, potentially, as we head into the warmer months here in Arizona, and it allows for our vulnerable residents to stay socially distanced.    During their 15 to 30 minutes that they are spending with us to make sure that they're safe, we are registering them for their second-dose appointment, as well as getting them their vaccine card.    We also have a really strong partner in Walgreens.  They are set up, and they manage a 24/7 pharmacy onsite in State Farm Stadium.   And the main goal of this site was to really accelerate getting vaccine into the arms of Arizonans.  This has accelerated our efforts here in Arizona.  And we weren't sure what a 24/7 site would look like.  We weren't sure that we would have the demand that we -- that we needed.  However, our sites and appointments book up very quickly, and our flow through the night is just the same as it is during the day.  So we're running about 350 to 400 people through per hour.    What that has helped with is our -- the 24/7 nature of this operation allows us to ensure that no dose expires or goes unused.  So we've also got plans with our other pods in the valley that they can transfer a vaccine to us to make sure that they're not going to expire doses as well.    We are still in our Phase 1A and prioritized 1B populations here in Arizona, and there's an eligibility whether you call in or you sign up here.  But we're still doing healthcare workers, long-term care residents, protective services, our educators and childcare, as well as adults over the age of 65.    One of the other things that we've found really helps us keep up with our vaccine supply is to offer plus-ones.  So that is a clinical decision that is offered to somebody else who may have accompanied that individual in the car, whether it's a caretaker, a family member.  We’re trying to get as many vaccines into the arms of Arizonans, so we want to make sure that all of those around some of our vulnerable residents are protected.    The other thing: We have a very large influx of winter visitors and migrant agricultural workers to Arizona this time of year.  So Arizona has made the decision not to restrict vaccination to residents.  You can be from anywhere in the United States, and we will still vaccinate you if you are able to get a partnership.    And the final thing I want to touch on is: This could not have been possible without the partnerships from FEMA, from our state emergency management, but also the private-public partnerships that we've established.  Without the Arizona Cardinals, Walgreens, Arizona State University, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, we wouldn't be able to function as effectively as we have.    And this site was developed to be replicable, so we can scale it up and we can send it to other sites.  In fact, last week, we just opened our second state-operated site at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.  We're running about 2,000 to 3,000, but it has the same capacity as State Farm Stadium does, at 12,000.    And in the next couple of weeks, we will be opening up our third pod down in Pima County, which is Tucson, our second most populous county here in Arizona.    I'm happy to take any questions that you may have.    THE PRESIDENT:  Doctor, let me ask you -- this is Joe Biden.  Let me ask you a question.  Were you able to do this -- would you be able to do this without federal help?  The reason I ask it is, a lot of states originally said, “We're fine.  We don't need any help.  We'll -- just get us the vaccine, and we'll be fine.”  Talk to me practically about what it took to get it to this stage.   DR. CHRIST:  So, without the federal funding and without the federal partnership, this would be a huge logistical lift.  And so, the fact that we've got such great partnership with our federal partners -- whether it's FEMA, whether it's HHS -- that has been just -- that's been the crux.    And so, without that funding and the vaccine and the vaccinators that have come out here, along with all of the logistical support that we've gotten -- it's a huge lift to put something like this together.    THE PRESIDENT:  Why did you decide on this site for the drive-thru?   DR. CHRIST:  So that is a great question, Mr. President.  One of the things is our partnership with the Arizona Cardinals.  So Michael Bidwill and the Cardinals have been strong partners throughout the COVID response.  We actually had a testing site, in partnership here at -- with ASU, Arizona State University, as well as the Arizona Cardinals.  So we had some of the infrastructure and the plans in place to then build into a vaccination site.   But it's also got great freeway access.  Everybody knows where it is.  We can do freeway signs so that people can easily navigate into the parking lot.  And with the NFL season in Arizona being over, it was the perfect partnership.    THE PRESIDENT:  I got a call during the Super Bowl from the commissioner of football, and -- offering us, the federal government, the 30 major stadiums.  So I think they're going to be coming to you to look at how you did it because you're doing such a great job.    One last question.  Do you -- I was pleased and a little surprised to hear that if a caretaker drove somebody, or if I assume a family member drove someone who qualifies to get the shot, they would also qualify as well.  Is that correct?   DR. CHRIST:  Yes, it's a clinical decision made onsite, at the time.  It depends on our vaccine supply and the capacity that we have at the site to be able to register that additional person.  But we really try.    We know that people are in constant contact with family members and loved ones.  And the more we can do to surround them with vaccinated people, like their caretaker, it just keeps people safer.    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, one of the things you may recall -- the Vice President and I announced about 15 days ago that we were going to try and get 100 million shots in 100 days into the people's arms.  We found out we didn't quite have the supply of vaccine we thought initially.  We're all set now, but we're exceeding that number.    And so because of folks like you, who are dedicated -- and I just want to -- before I turn it over to the Vice President -- she may have some questions -- I just want to thank you for your dedication.  You're saving people's lives, short term and long term.  So thank you, thank you, thank you.  I'm looking forward to meeting you one day.   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, Doctor.  I join the President: thank you, thank you.  This is an incredible model.    How are you reaching out to your hardest-hit communities and those who may have a difficult time with transportation or just, proportionally, are some of the hardest hit but maybe not receiving the vaccine at the greatest numbers?  What kind of outreach are you doing?   THE PRESIDENT:  We lost you, Doc.   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Uh-oh.  You're muted.   DR. CHRIST:  Am I good?    THE PRESIDENT:  You’re good.  (Laughs.)   DR. CHRIST:  Okay, perfect.  Okay, sorry -- the technical.    So that is a really great question, Madam Vice President, and something that, here in Arizona, we feel strongly about.  So this is just one portion of our state vaccination plan.  So we are looking to partner with community leaders to put community-based pods in some of those hard-to-reach and targeted ZIP codes.  We have contracted with communications groups that specialize in reaching our Hispanic/Latino or our hard-to-reach populations to do intense communication about the importance of vaccine.    We're also working with our state's Medicaid program to ensure that we've got non-medical transport available that they can use if they want to come out here to one of these sites or any other sites.  And we're also taking advantage of the CDC’s retail pharmacy partnership to make sure that we're getting those vaccines into pharmacies in hard-hit areas, as well as our community health centers.    And so that's just a little bit about the plan, but we definitely are trying to target those populations because we know how at risk they are.   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And my other question is: What's the proportion -- do you have a sense -- of the folks that are getting the first vaccine versus the second vaccine?   DR. CHRIST:  So, we here are very surprised at how willing people are to get that second-dose vaccine.  So we've been -- that was one of our lessons learned here at State Farm Stadium: We register people for their second dose before they actually leave this site.  And prior, we had been just telling them we would email them.    That has been great.  We have a high demand for second dose.  And we actually take people who are looking to get their second dose, but can't find it somewhere else, here at State Farm as walk-ins.   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That's great.  Thank you for your work.  And to your whole team, thank them.    THE PRESIDENT:  Doing a great job, Doc.   DR. CHRIST:  All right, well, now I am going to hand it over to Brittney, who is our lead clinical supervisor.  She is out at the vaccination tents, and I know she's looking forward to talking with you.    THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.   MS. HAYES:  Hi, I'm Brittney Hayes.  I'm with Arizona State University.  I'm the head charge nurse here at the vaccination pod at State Farm Stadium.   So I’m just going to walk you guys through the process.   Let’s see -- I have 10 lanes here at the vaccination pod.  I have three people in charge of each lane.  I have a data verification person; they are in charge of entering and charting in the vaccine management system.    Once the cars are all checked in, then they come through to the tent, where I have a vaccinator and I have a clinical assist.  My clinical assist is in charge of safety.  They'll ensure that the car comes in, puts the car in park, all the windows are down, my car is turned off, and then they'll write the time on the windshield of when they entered that pod.    And then my vaccinator: My vaccinator is the first clinical person that a patron sees as they come through.  And they are in charge of an assessment -- pretty much looking for if there are people ill, if we have allergies, anything that we need to note so we can know if they need to stay for 15 to 30 minutes, if they're eligible for the vaccine.  And they ensure -- they are (inaudible) to give the vaccine using the proper technique and safety.    So safety is a big -- big part of what I'm in charge of here, ensuring that sharps containers are used properly, PPE equipment is used properly as well; infection control risks -- ensuring that we are giving the vaccines through the car-door windows if we can; and then in charge of contraindications to the vaccine.    So, some of the challenges that I have endured here -- as you know, this is a big operation: We have a mix of volunteers and staff, so just making the process as simple as possible.  So somebody can come in not knowing anything about what we're doing, and then training them as easily as possible and getting them to work an eight-hour shift safely and effectively.   And I think we have really narrowed it down here at my vaccination station to where we do a huddle, they are given their pertinent information, and then they are trained by the previous staff.   And then, as far as other challenges, we are a 24/7 site, so the no production has been a challenge for me.  So we have to implement things on the fly and how we communicate that with 50 people that are working your site.  So I have dedicated leadership staff that are here and help me with anything I need, and they are wonderful, and their dedication is greatly, greatly appreciated.   And then, as far as some of the successes, I mean, we're vaccinating one vaccine per 10 seconds, so I feel like that is very impressive, and we are giving people hope -- giving volunteers and staff purpose.  And then, feeling united.  This has been a long year, and I'm just thrilled that we can give that unity back.   Back to you.   THE PRESIDENT:  We're really proud of you.   MS. HAYES:  Thank you.  Thank you, sir.   THE PRESIDENT:  No, I really mean it.    Tell me about the number of volunteers.  Are these pure volunteers?  Do they get per diem or are they pure volunteers?   MS. HAYES:  (Inaudible) for our volunteers.  I'm not exactly sure everything that goes into that process, but over 50 percent of probably what is on my vaccination pods here are volunteers.  All of our datafication people are volunteers.   THE PRESIDENT:  And when someone comes through in a vehicle, do they have to demonstrate proof of eligibility or have they also been cleared before they get to that tent?   MS. HAYES:  That's what I'm for -- the charge nurse.  I have dedicated that to them to make that decision.  If they have allergies or something along those lines -- immunocompromised, if they had COVID and had the convalescent plasma -- that's my job to dig a little deeper than what the assessment of the vaccinator is and to really see that they are eligible, because I want to give the vaccine to everybody possible.   THE PRESIDENT:  Now, in Arizona, what is the age eligibility for coming through that tent?   MS. HAYES:  So we are -- since we are doing the Pfizer vaccine, it is 16 and over, but the 16 and over have to be -- the appointment needs to be made online.  If they are a walk-in, it does have to be 18 or older due to them just being minors.   THE PRESIDENT:  Right.  And what do you hear from the folks coming through that get the vaccine -- that actually get the shot in their arm?  What are the kind of things you most often hear from them or your -- your volunteers hear?   S. HAYES:  They're amaz- -- yeah, no.  I'm sorry.  They're amazed by the process, the smoothness.  I hear that a lot.  I hear a lot of other touching stories, you know, that people have gone through due to COVID.  And, you know, they're here, and really we're instilling hope.  A “dose of hope” is what I've been calling it.  I've heard a -- yeah, but the smoothness of the process is what I hear most.   THE PRESIDENT:  Last question I have: How can we best support you and other frontline workers?   MS. HAYES:  That’s a great question.  So, the collaboration that I have with FEMA, all of the other state -- everybody that I've partnered with here, I get nothing but the utmost support and it's been amazing to collaborate with everybody.  They check in.  If I need something, it's done.  They know that I'm trying to do everything to make this safe and efficient.  So, support.  Yeah.   THE PRESIDENT:  Are you a freshman at the university?  (Laughs.)   MS. HAYES:  No.  No. (Laughter.)  No.   THE PRESIDENT:  You look like a freshman.   MS. HAYES:  Why, thank you.   HE PRESIDENT:  Well, no, thank you for what you're doing.  It really matters.  As I said to the Doc last -- a few moments ago, Dr. Christ, we -- we committed when we got in that -- we were short on vaccines and short on organization, and -- when we got sworn in.  And we committed to do 100 million vaccinations in the first 100 days, and we're -- we're exceeding that.  With the grace of God, the goodwill of the neighbors, and help of people like you, we're going to end up doing more than that.  So, thank you for what you're doing.  You're saving people's lives.    MS. HAYES:  Absolutely.  And I'm more than happy to be here.   THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to turn it over to the Vice President.  She's got the tough questions.   MS. HAYES:  Oh, okay.   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, Brittney.   MS. HAYES:  Hi.    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, thank you for everything you're doing.  You are a role model of how this kind of approach can work, and thank you for that because it's not easy being a role model and being one of the first.  But -- but that being said, you're a leader, really, in the country around what you're experiencing right now and how that can help others that start to pop up.  And we intend on doing this around -- in many places around the country.    So what would your advice be to others who are setting up an operation like yours?  What did you learn worked and what didn't work?  So we can learn from -- from whatever you have experienced.   MS. HAYES:  I think -- like I said, one of my biggest challenges was staffing and just how to incorporate -- I feel like I have incorporated things that I had worked, you know, as a bedside nurse: getting a huddle together, getting a process together.  I have made a actual “charge binder” -- is what I have been calling it -- that has everything my charge nurse would need to know to be able to run the site efficiently.    MS. HAYES:  -- and being able to keep our patrons and staff safe.   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s great.  Thank you so very much.  You're doing it, and you're making a huge difference, and you are inspiring all of us.  So thank you for everything you are doing.  It really does matter in such a big way.    Thank you.   MS. HAYES:  Thank you.   THE PRESIDENT:  And you're a -- are you a nurse?    MS. HAYES:  I am.  I'm a nurse.  I'm an RN.  I've been an RN for about nine years now.    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I know, having been a significant consumer of healthcare, I can tell -- I know the Vice President knows this, when I say it: Doctors let you live; nurses make you want to live.  If there's any angels in Heaven, they're all nurses, male and female.  And that’s not an exaggeration.    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That's right.      THE PRESIDENT:  That’s the God's truth.  Thank you for all you do.   MS. HAYES:  Thank you very much.   THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Okay.  Keep it going.   MS. HAYES:  I'm going to turn it back to Dr. Christ.   THE PRESIDENT:  Okay.   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Okay.   DR. CHRIST:  Thank you so much, Brittney.  She is one of our most dedicated nurses out here, but we have such a great team behind us.  You can see -- this is the site behind us.  It takes about 30 minutes to go, from the time you pull on to the time you leave.   But with me, I have our Acting Regional Administrator for FEMA, Tammy Littrell, and the head of the Arizona National Guard, Major General Michael McGuire.  So, I'm going to turn it over to Tammy.   MS. LITTRELL:  Good afternoon, Mr. President and Madam Vice President.  It is such an honor today to be a part of this state's initiative to stand up what I call one of the most efficient and effective vaccination centers.  To just be able to see the -- all levels of government and the private sector, as well as all the volunteers, come together to help the American people get vaccinated is going to help us, as a FEMA team, be able to go back to California and be able to set up our vaccination centers in Oakland and in Los Angeles next week.   The one thing that I would add to the number of FEMA employees that we have deployed across the nation -- we have now a total of 991 FEMA employees deployed to help with these efforts -- the one thing that we're doing is working very closely with CDC and our public health professionals on how can we reach those in underserved communities.    So what we're going to take back when we operate and we open those two sites in Oakland and in Los Angeles is we are going to provide mobile teams.  And these mobile teams are going to be able to reach those who are not able to drive or get to a vaccination center.  We also just want to emphasize that FEMA is providing 100 percent reimbursable financial support to our states, to our tribes, to our territories, and it's really important.   We're also supplemental -- providing food support also.  Meals on -- similar to like what we normally know is Meals on Wheels, but you’re able to get food to those who are not also able to get out.    Of course, we cannot do this big lift of standing up by scratch.  As you can see, we're showing you today an efficient and effective operation.  In order for us to replicate this and to be able to open timely so that we can reach your 100 day goal, we are partnering with the Department of Defense, also the United States Department of Agriculture, and Health and Human Services to be able for us to replicate what we see and what we have learned here today.    With that, sir, I believe another -- I'd like to just take a moment just to share two examples that we have heard of, and that is the Navajo Nation.    THE PRESIDENT:  Yep.   MS. LITTRELL:  So as we support the Navajo Nation, we are going to stand up four vaccination centers.  This will help increase their access to the vaccination, as well as take the burden off of their tribal members from having to drive in these austere winter conditions that they are experiencing right now.   And then we also have our FEMA Corps teams who are helping us in the state of Kentucky, and they are also very mobile, and they are helping those seniors and those 65 or plus to be able to register and to be able to help them also enroll or do whatever it takes to be able to get vaccinated.    We also want to help open schools safely.  So, bottom line: We want to help those at risk and we want to get back to where people can move around, get around, and be educated as well.   With that, I just want to close with expressing my deep appreciation for those of you working here at this stadium -- the State Farm Stadium.  All of you -- I had an opportunity to come to both the day shift and the night shift.  I just can't thank you enough -- the positive attitudes of those performing jobs that they traditionally don't do.  But it's all about the willingness, the attitude, and the heart condition that we have all come together in order to make this happen.    So with that, I also want to just close with thanking you, Mr. President and Madam Vice President, for your leadership in leading the way.   THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you.    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.   MS. LITTRELL:  I will now turn it back over to you, Mr. President.   THE PRESIDENT:  Well, first of all, thank you.  You're doing one heck of a job.  One of the things that when we started to try to figure out what we were going to do when we came into office, because there wasn't much of a transition -- we didn't have -- we weren't given a lot of information.  And some of the information we had turned out not to be accurate in terms of vaccine supplies.  And -- and we met virtually with all the governors, and the governors basically said, "Just send us the vaccine; we'll take care of it."  And the fact is, I think they and everyone else vastly underestimated the logistical needs that go with having the vaccine -- assuming you have enough vaccine.    And so, one of the first things we did was we called in FEMA and also contacted every governor, General, and told them that we'll pay for the National Guard, it won't be their expense, because you guys are -- and women are badly needed.  And in addition to that, the Defense Department has allocated over 1,000 -- they're going to go up to 100,000 people who are going to be helping along -- 10,000 people who are helping along the way.   So I just want to thank you for the coordination.  I mentioned this to Dr. Christ a little earlier, but the coordination is really -- it really matters.  And we've got people who know what they're doing, starting with the Doc and you too, both with FEMA and -- well, the National Guard.  That that's your business.  You know how to get it done.  And so -- and you are -- you are really doing it.   I -- I just think what you put together is amazing.  Our hope is that we're going to be able to not only get -- keep the commitment to get 100 million shots in people's arms by the first 100 days -- I think we'll get -- we'll exceed that considerably -- but also to -- we've now been able to go out and talk with -- personally with the vaccine manufacturers.  They've upped significantly the commitments to the amount of vaccine they'll produce and when it'll be produced.  And so I -- and things are beginning to click.  People are beginning to feel that they can find their way to get the vaccine.    And lastly, one of the most important things for us -- and you mentioned what's happening on the Navajo tribe; I've met with the leaders -- is that it really -- it really does matter that we have access to the people who are most in need but are -- and most affected by the COVID crisis, dying at faster rates, getting sick at faster rates, and -- but not being available, not being able to get into the -- into the mix.  And so, equity is a big thing, and I want to thank you all -- all three of you -- for engaging in that.    But I don't -- we didn't hear from -- I'm going to turn this over to the Vice President.  But, General, I hope we're going to hear from you as well after the Vice President says something to -- whatever she wants to say.  Okay?   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Mr. President.  Just a quick question, Ms. Littrell.  Can you talk a little bit about what you think will be the challenges in terms of the mobile units and what will be the strengths of that?  Because, again, we're going to be watching these first rollouts as a model for what we do in other places.  So, from the ground, what do you see as being the challenges and the strengths of that -- of that operation around mobile units?   MS. LITTRELL:  Sure.  I would start with the strengths only because I've talked to our CDC partners and the public health professionals, where, first, I thought we were going to have -- you know, be using or depending upon our -- just our mobile command vehicles out of our detachment -- our MERS detachments out of FEMA, which they are still going to assist and help us because they have the means to technology where we can take on the road, and then also be able to allow those who need to enroll, be able to do so at ease.    But after talking with CDC and the public health professionals, they educated us and let us know that there are mobile operations within the public health sector that are really good at mobile operations.   So we're going to maximize as much as we possibly can and not just lean on our own understanding, our own FEMA resources in order to go mobile.  So a lot to learn still, but we're staying optimistic that we're going to once again be able to come together and be able to reach those who need us the most.    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you.   MS. LITTRELL:  Thank you, ma'am.   THE PRESIDENT:  General, how you doing?   MAJOR GENERAL MCGUIRE:  I'm doing good, Mr. President.  How are you today?   THE PRESIDENT:  Better for seeing you, man.   MAJOR GENERAL MCGUIRE:  Well, we appreciate the partnership with FEMA and all the DOD, all our federal partners who have been out here -- IHS, HHS -- all the things that have happened.   In Arizona, as you know, we have 15 counties and 22 tribes that have sovereign lands inside the borders of Arizona.  And those 37 entities work collaboratively with our agency.    And I have the unique and distinct privilege of not only commanding the Arizona National Guard, but functioning most analogous to Mr. Robert Fenton, your Acting FEMA Administrator here, as 17 other states and territories do emergency management.    Couldn't be prouder of the partnership we have not only with our federal partners, but obviously our local county hospitals, the incident command teams, and then the guidance that we get from Dr. Christ and her team working together.    And when we were brought into this problem set once the vaccine rolled out, from a military perspective we just felt that we had to increase volume.  And so the governor's office and Dr. Christ proposed a partnership here at State Farm Stadium.  We put a team of planners together with all of health services and brought in a whole lot of volunteers.    And as you can see, over half of this is now staffed by volunteers.  We feed them while they're here.  We provide them a work rest cycle.  But literally, the idea is to get this functioning with as little help from the Guard as possible so we can replicate this in all 15 counties all around the state.  And we couldn't do it without the federal partnership, especially the financial resources and obviously the delivery of the vaccine.    So thanks for all you're doing there on the federal team, and I look forward to continue to replicate this around Arizona, and hope plagiarism is the highest form of flattery.  That's what we say.  So if everyone wants to copy what Arizona is doing, we think we've got it figured it out here.  So, thanks, sir.   THE PRESIDENT:  Well, you sure have it figured out at that spot, General.  And thank you for all you've done, and thank you for what you do.  And you probably have been deployed with your group several times in the last 10 years, so thank you for that as well.    MAJOR GENERAL MCGUIRE:  Yes, sir.   THE PRESIDENT:  Madam Vice President.   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, General.  Thank you very much for all -- and please thank all your troops for us.   Thank you.   MAJOR GENERAL MCGUIRE:  Yes, ma'am.   THE PRESIDENT:  And, Dr. Christ, thank you for the -- for the tour and to meet some of your frontline workers.  I -- you know, I'm sorry that we weren't in a position that the governor could be with us today, but he's been very, very cooperative and very helpful.  He's stepped up.    And this is the kind of partnership between the federal and state governments that I think -- and the private sector -- to help us vaccinate more people more quickly, and to get ahead of this virus instead of behind it.    And we're optimistic that we have enough -- we'll have enough of the vaccine in the pipeline to be able to provide shots for over -- including double shots for over 300 million people before we get through the summer.  At least that's our hope.  And it includes getting vaccines to the pharmacies you pointed out to me earlier, Doc, and vaccination centers like the one you have there.  And we're going to need -- if we need more vaccinators, we'll send them, we'll find them for you.  So let us know.    And again, I want to thank you very, very much for your leadership.  I look forward to -- I wish we were in a situation -- it sounds -- it's counterintuitive -- because of COVID, we can't see you -- come and see you, which we'd ordinarily be doing -- getting on a plane and coming out and looking firsthand.  But, you know, the fact is that you're the reason why we're going to beat this -- this disease.  And we will beat it.   You know, big or small, we're going to do whatever it takes to reach and surpass our goal of over 100 million in 100 days.  And there's a lot to do, and it's going to take time.  We're going to face some setbacks along the way, including the complication of the strains that we're seeing from South Africa and other places.  But I know we can do it.  We've never failed as a country when we've done things together.  Never, ever, ever, ever fail when united.  And you guys are the example of unity.  So thank you, thank you, thank you.    Madam Vice President.   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you all.  As one of the first of this example of the partnership between the federal government, state, local, you all really are a model.  And there are folks around the country who are going to benefit from the work you all are doing on the ground in Arizona -- people who may not know your name, people you may not meet, but are going to be forever benefited because of your around-the-clock, hard work.  You are taking this on as a personal mission on behalf of folks who need your help, and you are there to do what's necessary.   So thank you.  Together with Governor Ducey, Senator Sinema, and Kelly, and so many others, I think we're showing how when we are unified, we can get a lot of good work done.   So thank you all.   THE PRESIDENT:  There's no such thing as a red state or a blue state when it comes to COVID.  There's no such thing as Democrat or Republican --   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.   THE PRESIDENT:  -- when it comes to COVID.  When we stand united, there's not a damn thing we've been unable to do.  And you're the -- you're a perfect example of that.    So thanks again.  Stay safe.  Stay safe.  And thank you.   THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.                            END                 3:17 P.M. EST

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, February 8, 2021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 8, 2021   Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, February 8, 2021 James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 12:07 P.M. EST   MS. PSAKI:  Hi, everyone.  (Phone alarm rings.)    TJ has an alarm going off.  He’s excited about the briefing.  (Laughter.)    Hey, just a couple of things for you all at the top.  The President and his entire administration are continuing to engage closely with leaders on Capitol Hill about the need to act quickly on the American Rescue Plan so we can finish the job of getting $2,000 checks out to Americans, so we can get more vaccines in the arms of Americans, so we can get economic relief to families facing eviction or food insecurity, and so we can help reopen schools safely.   We’re encouraged that both Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Schumer are in full agreement about the need to move swiftly on the President’s proposal, and the committee mark-ups we’ll see throughout this week are evidence of Congress acting on that expeditiously.   Our expectation is that this week’s House mark-ups will track closely with what the President has proposed, but there will, of course, be adjustments to strengthen the bill and tweaks as a result of the legislative process -- which he’s quite familiar with, having served there for 36 years -- which is exactly how the process is supposed to work.    We’re also going to continue to make the case directly to the American people about the urgency of getting this package across the finish line, including though national and local TV and radio interviews, engagement with hundreds of mayors and county elected officials, and consultations with stakeholders across the political spectrum, from labor and rural leaders to the faith community.      Here is a quick overview -- a number of you have asked about this -- of the sense of the scope of our efforts:   Over a dozen senior administration officials have conducted over 100 national TV, radio, and podcast interviews to discuss the American Rescue Plan.  We’ve done over 30 local TV interviews in states ranging from Nevada to Louisiana to Pennsylvania.  In the last week alone, our legislative affairs team had done more than 300 calls with members and staff on the Hill, including 40 calls with Republicans or bipartisan groups.   And you can expect that the President will engage throughout the course of this week with a range of stakeholders, including business leaders, mayors, and governors.   And as we’ve discussed before, this message is resonating.  Poll after poll show a bipartisan majority of the American people in support of the President’s plan.   A couple of other quick updates for all of you:   Many folks likely noticed, if you all watched the Super Bowl, the President and the First Lady yesterday appeared in a  PSA that aired during the pre-game show, thanking healthcare workers and addressing the importance of continuing to wear masks and getting vaccinations when it’s your turn.  This is a good example of how you can expect the White House, in the coming months, to reach out with critical public health messaging as part of an education campaign, meeting Americans where they are -- on their couches, watching the Super Bowl, for yesterday -- and communicating about the important mitigation steps people can take.   As many of you also know, last night during the Super Bowl, President Biden called service members to thank them for their courage, dedication, and service to our nation.  He first called troops with Resolute Support Mission in Kabul, and then the USS Nimitz.  He then shared via ship broadcast a message to the nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines who comprise the USS Nimitz crew.    With that, let's get your questions.  Go ahead, Alex.   Q    Thanks, Jen.  I have two.  The first is on your favorite topic: impeachment.  Does the President have plans to watch any of the trial this week?  And does the White House prefer a speedy impeachment trial, or would the President prefer a full airing of the violence of the Capitol and Trump’s role in inciting it through things like live witnesses?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, first, the President himself would tell you that we keep him pretty busy, and he has a full schedule this week, which we will continue to keep you abreast of and -- as soon as we have more details.  But we've already announced his plans to go visit the NIH, to go visit the Department of Defense.  As I noted, he will be engaging with business leaders, mayors, and governors -- and of course continuing to make the case and have conversations with Democrats and Republicans directly about his hopes and plans for the American Rescue Plan moving forward as quickly as possible.   So he -- I think it's clear from his schedule, and from his intention, he will not spend too much time watching the proceedings of -- any time over the course of this week.  He will remain closely in touch with Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, a range of officials on the Hill about his plan.  And that's exactly what they want him to do, is to remain focused on that.    And he will leave the pace and the process and the mechanics of the impeachment proceedings up to members of Congress.   Q    And President Biden said there’s no need for Trump to receive intelligence briefings.  Has Trump requested any?  Has he received any?  And is that the official decision?  Or who was that decision left up to?    MS. PSAKI:  Well, the President said, when asked, that he -- there was no need for him to receive them.  And he referenced, of course, his erratic behavior, which I think many Americans would agree with him on.  He was expressing his concern about former President Trump receiving access to sensitive intelligence.    But he also has deep trust in his intelligence -- own intelligence team to make a determination about how to provide intelligence information if, at any point, the former president requests a briefing.  So that's not currently applicable.  But if he should request a briefing, he leaves it to them to make a determination.    Go ahead.    Oh sorry, I've been meaning to go to Reuters next, so we'll go right to you next.  Go ahead.   Q    Thank you so much.  So, you mentioned that there will be adjustments -- or there could be adjustments --   MS. PSAKI:  Sure.   Q    -- to the ARP.  One component of that is -- that was really important as far as campaign promise was the $15 minimum wage.  The President has already signaled that that may not make it into the full package.  How important is that measure still to the White House?  And how will you get it done?   And then also, the other thing that came up this weekend is looking at tweaking the level of who gets the stimulus checks.  And Janet Yellen mentioned $60,000.  Can you explain who gets left out, right?  You know, if you get the 60 -- you know, who is between the $60,000 and the $75,000?   MS. PSAKI:  Sure.  Well, on the first question, the President is -- remains firmly committed to raising the minimum wage to $15.  That's why he put it in his first legislative proposal, and he doesn't -- he believes that any American who is working a full-time job trying to make ends meet should not be at the poverty level.  And it's important to him that the minimum wage is raised.   He was referring this weekend to, as you noted in your question, the parliamentary process.  Obviously, it's -- the most likely path at this point is through a reconciliation process.  There is a parliamentarian who will make decisions about what can end up in a final package.  And that was certainly what he was referencing in his comments.   In terms of what the options are, we'll see what the parliamentarian decides, and then we'll see what additional options are.  But we're getting a little ahead of where we are at this point in the process.  I'm sure we can continue to have a discussion about it in here.   And then say your second question one more time.    Q    Sixty thousand.   MS. PSAKI:  Sure.  Well, one of the pieces that the President has talked about is his openness to engaging and having a discussion about what is called, kind of, the -- unofficially called, I guess -- the “scale up,” right?  So his proposal, as you know, had proposed $1,400 checks to make the $2,000 whole.  He had proposed, kind of, a threshold.  There's a discussion right now about what that threshold will look like.  A conclusion hasn't been finalized; that will be worked through Congress.   But either way, his bottom line is that families making $275,000, $300,000 a year may not be the most in need of checks at this point in time.  But whatever the threshold is, there will be a scale up.  So his view is that a nurse, a teacher, or a firefighter who’s making $60,000, shouldn't be left without any support or relief either.  It's just a question of, sort of, where the scale up looks like -- what it looks like in a final package.  But it's still being negotiated at this point in time.   Q    Jen, if I could just ask you on the $15 -- you know, doesn't it make it much harder to get it through if you don't attach it to this COVID relief bill?  I mean, does that really -- and then, the CBO is saying that, in fact, if you did go through with it, that, you know, it would lead to a 0.9 percent reduction in the number of jobs.   MS. PSAKI:  Well, I heard about the CBO score as I was walking out here, so I haven't talked with our economic team about that specifically.  And at this point in time, it's still working its way through the process in Congress, and the parliamentarian still has to make a determination about what will be in the final package.   Oh, I promised I’d go to you first --   Q    Thanks, Jen.   MS. PSAKI:  “Next,” I should say.  Thank you.  Go ahead.   Q    Thank you.  I have a couple of questions on COVID, but I wanted to start with Iran.    MS. PSAKI:  Sure.    Q    President Biden said that the U.S. would not lift sanctions first and that Iran would have to stop enriching uranium before negotiations could resume.  But since then, the Supreme Leader has said that the U.S. has to act first and roll back sanctions in order to reengage.  Is this a non-negotiable point for President Biden?  And if so, how do you get out of this stalemate?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, just to be very clear, the President never said that exactly.  It was stated by the interviewer, who -- Norah O'Donnell, who did the interview -- and he didn't respond to the question.   So the President's view -- position is that if Iran comes back into full --   Q    I believe he nodded when she asked that question.   MS. PSAKI:  I think if we were announcing a major policy change, we would do it in a different way than a slight head nod.  But, overall, his position has -- it remains exactly what it has been, which is that if Iran comes into full compliance with its obligations under the JCPOA, the United States would do the same, and then use that as a platform to build a larger and stronger agreement that also addresses other areas of concern.    And that would, of course, be done with our P5+1 partners as it was done when we were putting together the JCPOA in the first place.      Q    So what’s the response to Iran’s argument that it was actually the U.S. that violated the JCPOA by abandoning it, and therefore, it's the U.S.’s burden to reengage?   S. PSAKI:  Well, that -- those were actions of the former administration, as you know.  And President Biden, of course, was a part of an administration that MS. PSAKI:  Well that -- those were actions of the former administration, as you know.  And President Biden, of course, were advocating for the plan to be put together to begin with.   But I think his position, the position of our national security team, and the position that he's been in discussion with our partners about -- or I should say, conveying to our partners -- is that it's really up to Iran to come back into full compliance and -- with its obligations under the JCPOA.  And at that point, we could move the discussion forward.   Q    Thank you.   MS. PSAKI:  Sure.   Q    And on COVID: Can you talk about the concrete steps the administration is doing to target and stop the spread of the variants we keep hearing about?  Does that include surging vaccines to areas impacted like South Florida or California with the B117 strain?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, I know, for those of you -- and I know we had a lot of briefings today -- who had the opportunity to participate in the briefing with some of our medical and health experts, they talked about the importance of not only vaccination -- getting the vaccine when you're eligible -- that that is a protective step, obviously -- and also abiding by a number of the mitigation steps that our health experts have recommended.  But beyond that, I don't -- I'm not going to go beyond the advice of our health and medical experts at this point in time.    Go ahead, Kaitlan.   Q    Two questions for you, one on the minimum wage.  You're saying it's up to the parliamentarian to make a decision about whether that can be included in here.  Of course, we know Senator Sanders said they're still waiting on that.  But technically, the Vice President could overrule the parliamentarian on this.  And it hasn't happened in a long time, but is that an option the White House is considering?  Would Vice President -- or would President Biden want Vice President Harris to overrule the parliamentarian to include this in this package?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, I'm not aware of that being allowed; I'd certainly take you at your word.  I think our view is that the parliamentarian is who is chosen typically to make a decision in a nonpartisan manner in terms of what can be included in a package that goes through reconciliation, is the proper process to -- for this to journey through.   Q    So, when President Biden told CBS that he did not think it was going to survive, what was -- who had told him that he -- it wasn't going to make it through likely?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, the President was in Congress for -- in the Senate for 36 years.  Again, it still has not worked its way through the process, and that can take a bit of time, and we certainly defer to the parliamentarian and members of the House and -- of the Senate, I should say -- to give you a better assessment of what the timeline looks like.   Q    Okay, I have another question on impeachment.  But just to be clear, so --   MS. PSAKI:  Sure.   Q    -- if the parliamentarian says no -- no $15 minimum wage -- that's the decision the White House is going with?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, let's wait and see what they say.  And the President remains committed to raising the minimum wage.  It's something he talked about on the campaign trail, something he firmly believes in as a -- as a person and as a leader, but there hasn't been a determination made at this point in time.   Q    Okay.  And on impeachment, the President and the White House has not said either way if he believes that former President Trump should be convicted by the Senate in this trial.  But if he doesn't believe that he should get access to intelligence briefings, why can't he say whether or not he should be convicted by the Senate?   MS. PSAKI:  He's no longer in the Senate.  He's retired from the Senate and he's President of the United States, and his focus is on getting relief to the American people.  That's exactly what he's conveyed publicly, of course, and privately as well.  And he'll leave it to his former colleagues in the Senate or members of the Senate to determine the path forward.   Q    But doesn't he think that someone -- if he believes his behavior is too erratic to get access to intelligence, then doesn't he believe that he should be barred from holding office again?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, he ran against him because he felt he was unfit for office and he defeated him, and that's why he's no longer President -- Trump is no longer President of the United States.  So I think his views of the former President are pretty clear.  But he's going to leave it to the Senate to see this impeachment proceedings forward -- through.    Go ahead.   Q    Just to follow up on that question, will the President commit to giving his view once the -- all the evidence is heard in the impeachment trial?   And then, secondly, a question on Myanmar.  What is the U.S. doing to perhaps accelerate some of the action we're seeing over the weekend with protests?  And secondly, how concerned is the U.S. about China, which has not stepped in forcefully and is not calling it a “coup”?   MS. PSAKI:  Sure.  The -- we have been -- our national security team has been in touch with a number of our partners and allies.  We've obviously -- we were outspoken quite quickly in the days following the coup.  And we named it -- designated it a coup very quickly.    In terms of what actions we're taking, there are considerations that are underway or policy processes that are underway on our national security team, as we speak.  I don't have an update on that today, but when we do, we will certainly make you all abreast of that.  And certainly, we are concerned about China's absence from the conversation and lack of a vocal role here.   On the first question, the President was asked about this this morning, and he made pretty clear he wasn't planning to speak to it.  So I -- again, he's no longer in the Senate.  And we put out a statement at the conclusion of the House proceedings.  I -- certainly, we'd consider doing that at the conclusion of the Senate, but I don't expect that he's going to be, you know, posturing or commenting on this through the course of the week.   Go ahead.   Q    Thank you, Jen.  I do have a question on COVID.  But first, on energy: When is it that the Biden administration is going to let the thousands of fossil fuel industry workers, whether it's pipeline workers or construction workers who are either out of work or will soon be out of work because of a Biden EO, when it is and where it is that they can go for their green job?  And that is something the administration has promised.  There is now a gap.  So I'm just curious when that happens, when those people can count on that?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, I'd certainly welcome you to present your data of all the thousands and thousands of people who won't be getting a green job.  Maybe next time you're here, you can present that.   Q    Well, no, but you said that they would be getting green jobs.  So I'm just asking when that happens.  Richard Trumka, who is a friend -- longtime friend of --   MS. PSAKI:  Mm-hmm.   Q    -- Joe Biden, says, about that day one Keystone EO -- he says, "I wish he…" -- the President -- "…had paired that more carefully with the thing that he did second by saying, 'Here's where we are creating the jobs.'"  So, there's partial evidence from Richard Trumka.    MS. PSAKI:  Well, you didn't include all of his interview.   Q    Well, okay -- how about -- okay, so --   MS. PSAKI:  Would you like to include the rest?    Q    So how about this: The Laborers' International Union of North America said the Keystone decision will “cost 1,000 existing union jobs and 10,000 projected construction" jobs.   MS. PSAKI:  Well, what Mr. Trumka also indicated in the same interview was that President Biden has proposed a climate plan with transformative investments and infrastructure and laid out a plan that will not only create millions of good union jobs, but also help tackle the climate crisis.    And as the President has indicated when he gave his primetime address to talk about the American Rescue Plan, he talked about his plans to also put forward a jobs plan in the -- in the weeks or months following.  And he has every plan to do exactly that.   Q    But there are people living paycheck to paycheck.  There are now people out of job once the Keystone pipe -- out of jobs once the Keystone pipeline stopped construction.  It's been 12 days since Gina McCarthy and John Kerry were here, and it's been 19 days since that EO.  So what are these people who need money now -- when do they get their green job?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, the President and many Democrats and Republicans in Congress believe that investment in infrastructure -- building infrastructure that's in our national interests, that boosts the U.S. economy, creates good-paying union jobs here in America, and advances our climate and clean energy goals -- are something that we can certainly work on doing together.  And he has every plan to share more about his details of that plan in the weeks ahead.   Q    And then just a quick one on the stimulus.  There's reporting that House Democrats are going to come out with a $3,000-per-child stimulus for some eligible families.  Is that something that the White House supports making a permanent benefit?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, the President talked about this a bit on the campaign trail, and the importance of child tax credits to help working families ensure they can make ends meet.  This proposal is emergency funding, as I understand it.  It's a central priority of his first legislative proposal to cut child poverty half -- in half in the first -- this year -- sorry.  And that's why he included a Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan.  But that's, again, emergency funding and something that will help people get through this period of time.   Okay, go ahead.    Q    This is a follow-up to Peter's question.   MS. PSAKI:  Sure.   Q    What's this White House's stance on a universal basic income -- this idea of the government giving out the regular checks on a routine basis to Americans who might need it?   MS. PSAKI:  I know that's been proposed by a number of people, including some on the presidential campaign trail.  I don't have anything more for you on it.  I'm happy to check with our economic team if that's something that they're looking at, at all.   Q    As a corollary to it, do you agree with the need that many on the Hill, and not just Democrats, are expressing that there ought to be these enormous -- well, I won't say “enormous” -- but $3,000- or $4,000-per-child checks for families right now?   MS. PSAKI:  I -- as I tried to just indicate, I mean, the President supports the proposal that Representative Neal and others have put forward to ensure that there is money in the -- in the package that helps bring relief to families in the form of a Child Tax Credit.  That's something he certainly would support.    Go ahead.   Q    Thanks.  And I have two questions.  One of the other things that Secretary Yellen said yesterday is that the President is open to a mandate on family leave and childcare.  Is there a timetable on that?   MS. PSAKI:  I don't have any more details or a timetable for you.  Certainly, as a father himself, this is an issue that he has spoken about in the past.  But I don't have any more details at this point in time.    Q    And also, yesterday, did the President or did the White House have any concern about what we all saw on TV from Tampa, about the thousands of people out celebrating and without masks?  Any concern there?        MS. PSAKI:  Certainly.  I mean, the President -- I haven’t spoken with him specifically about the events of this weekend, but, you know, he did a PSA yesterday with Dr. Biden, making clear that social distancing, that mask wearing, that getting the vaccine when you have the opportunity to get the vaccine are vital steps to keeping more Americans safe and saving more lives.    And certainly, we know the Super Bowl looked not -- like, different from what it has in the past, and he also conveyed that he's hopeful that next year will be a moment where everybody can celebrate and party.  But he is, of course, concerned when there are pictures and photos -- we all are -- that show many, many people without masks, in close distance with one another, at the height of a pandemic.   Go ahead.   Q    Jen, I have two questions.  First, President Biden said in the CBS interview that he hadn't spoken to President Xi yet because he hadn’t had an occasion to talk to him; there's no reason not to call him.  But has there been -- is it actually part of the strategy to not call him yet and to hold off on that in hopes of, kind of, sending a message to China that, you know, President Biden is not going to, you know, try to work, you know, really hard to curry favor?  Is there something happening there?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, part of our strategy is to consult closely with our partners and allies.  And you saw we did readouts of these calls over the past week or so, that he spoke -- the President spoke with the Prime Minister of Japan, he spoke with the Prime Minister of South Korea, he spoke with the Prime Minister of Australia.  And China was, of course, an important topic of conversation during those conversations.    He also discussed China with -- in calls with his European allies thus far.  So part of our strategy is certainly engaging with partners in the region and allies, and doing those calls and engagements first, and also having consultations with Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill.    We've only -- I know I can't say this forever, but we've only been here two and a half weeks.  He has not called every global leader yet.  He's not had engagements with all of them, and I'm sure he will do more of that in the weeks ahead.   Q    But he has spoken to President Putin, who is somebody who is not quite an ally.   MS. PSAKI:  Certainly not.  Yes.   Q    So -- and that was more than a week ago at this point.  So --   MS. PSAKI:  Yes, but he had that conversation in part because there was a timeline for New START and the deadline that was approaching with New START.  And during that conversation, he made very clear that there are significant concerns he has, the administration has, about the reported actions of the Russian government.  But for the most part, his other calls have been with partners and allies in the region, in Asia and Europe as well, at this point in time.   Q    And then, on something else.  Ron Klain said on January 21st that the administration was going to try to build what he described as a "national clearinghouse" for information about the COVID vaccine.  Is something like that being built in the administration?  And if so, how long do you think that's going to take?  I think people are really struggling to find information about their state, their county, and, you know, there's just so -- there's so much difficulty in the vaccination process.   MS. PSAKI:  You're right, there's a great deal of confusion.  And one of the focuses we have had is trying to alleviate that confusion, and part of that has been through working with governors and local elected officials.    One of their biggest requests has been to have more of a heads up on how much vaccine supply there would be, of course, to increase vaccine supply.  We've worked to do both, to give -- ensure that there's (inaudible) planning time for vaccine allocation, increases in allotments as supply allows, and of course, deploying government resources to sites where they are needed.   We're looking at a host of measures that could help us achieve our goal, of course, of getting 100 million vaccines in the arms of Americans in the first 100 days, and also ensuring that we're reaching communities where there are higher levels of vaccine hesitancy.    But the President -- and the President has directed his team to do -- use whatever tools and resources necessary to get the job done.    So there are a range of options under consideration, but I don't have any updates for you on that particular proposal.  Certainly a lot of people would love that, but we're looking to prioritize how we can be most impactful as quickly as possible in working with states and governors to make those determinations.   Go ahead, Anne.   Q    Thank you.  Back on impeachment.  You mentioned that the President will be in close contact with Senator Schumer.  Do you expect that to be daily?  Have they -- for example, have they spoken since he's gotten back from Delaware?  Do you -- like, will that be a regular way that the President is briefed on the progress of the impeachment trial?   MS. PSAKI:  I don't expect that would be a primary topic.  I actually expect it would be more about the American Rescue Plan and progress being made on that front.    There are, of course, markups happening this week -- more on the House side.  And the President has remained in close touch with Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer very regularly over the course of the last few weeks, and I expect that would continue.    Q    Do you expect that they will have any strategy discussions at all as the trial is unfolding?   MS. PSAKI:  I don't expect that would be a primary point of discussion of their conversations.   Q    And you said that he's not -- he's busy and he's not going to be spending moment-by-moment attention to it this week, but will he get a daily update, or perhaps more frequently than that, from White House staff?   MS. PSAKI:  I don't expect that will be a primary focus for him this week or of his senior staff either.   Q    I’ve got a foreign policy question following on --   MS. PSAKI:  Sure.   Q    -- Weijia's question about Iran.  When the President ruled out dropping U.S. sanctions immediately, he didn't then go on and talk about some of the other strategies that are out there, including, for example, that the United States might drop its objections to Iran receiving an IMF loan -- credit-related IMF loan.  There are a couple other ideas that would allow Iran to get some economic benefit that would not be sanctions and maybe grease the wheel for negotiations.  Does the President have a view on that -- on those strategies?  And were they part of the discussion at the principals meeting on Friday?    MS. PSAKI:  I am not going to rule -- read out a principals meeting, which was primarily focused on a range of issues in the Middle East.  Of course, Iran was a topic of discussion, or was expected to be a topic of discussion.    I think during the interview, the President was asked about whether he would roll back sanctions, and he conveyed, no, that it's -- the ball is in Iran's court.  It wasn't a more extensive conversation than that during the interview.  And that's long been his position, so that really is the next step in terms of engagement with Iran from here.   Q    So that is not ruling it out necessarily?  That there might be other ways to, sort of, help Iran get back to the table that would be short of dropping U.S. sanctions?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, again, I think his view is that the ball is in Iran's court to come back into full compliance with the JCPOA, and that that would be the basis for the United States doing the same and then using that as a platform to build a longer and stronger agreement.   But that is really the next step, in his view, in the process.   Q    I have one more very quickly on the Post Office, if I could.  On-time First Class mail delivery dropped to 38 percent in December of this year from 92 percent the year before.  Does the President have a view on whether the Postmaster General should keep his job?  And if he would like to see the Postmaster General removed, would he move to change the makeup of the governing board that could make that happen?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, as I understand it, there are a number of openings right now on the governing board of the Post Office -- or vacancies, I should say -- that would, of course, work their way through a personnel process.   I don't think I have anything more for it on this for you, but I can follow up with our team and see what more we can report out.    Go ahead.   Q    Back on the subject of the COVID checks.  Bernie Sanders said it would be absurd to lower the threshold -- the income threshold.  And some other Democrats have raised the prospect that doing so could lead to a political backlash, given voters in Georgia were explicitly promised this aid by the President, and they didn't really have any reason to believe that fewer people would qualify for that aid under the Democrats' plan.  So I'm wondering if that's something you guys are concerned about and how you would address that criticism.   MS. PSAKI:  Well, the President proposed the $1,400 checks to make -- to -- plus $600 is, of course, $2,000 -- because he was -- felt it was important and vital to get that direct relief to as many Americans as possible and target that relief to the Americans who need help the most.  And that's how his original plan and proposal was designed.    He's also said, and I've said many times from here, that the final plan will look different from what the plan he proposed in his joint session address.  It's still working its way through Congress, and I don't think a conclusion has been made yet on the exact level of targeting.  And when it does, we're happy to have a conversation about that.   But part of this is, you know, an opportunity for members of both parties and members who are across the political spectrum -- of course, even in the Democratic Party -- to weigh in on what the path forward should look like.   Go ahead, in the back.   Q    Thank you, Jen.  A little bit of follow-up on a Iran and China question.  What does President Biden consider the biggest threat to the U.S. national security?   MS. PSAKI:  Overall in the world?   Q    Yes.   MS. PSAKI:  Well, I'm not sure I'm going to define that for you in this moment.  There are a range of threats that he's talked about in the past, and I'm sure he'll have more to say on his national security approach and strategy in the weeks ahead.   Q    And then, one question.  Last week, a report made by NGOs and universities was sent to the White House, recommending that United States break negotiations on trade and others, with Brazil, over climate and human rights violation.  And likewise, some Democrats on the Hill already had expressed the same opposition to expand economic partnership with Brazil.  Is the White House paying attention to those reports and to what's happening in Brazil?   MS. PSAKI:  We certainly are paying close attention to what is happening in Brazil.  Obviously, we share a vibrant partnership that spans two centuries of mutual interest and shared values.  And we, you know, have even announced in recent days -- you know, on February 5th -- the United States government, through USAID, announced it has delivered an additional $1.5 million in emergency COVID response in Brazil.    And, we, of course, remain, you know, closely engaged in these -- in what is a significant economic relationship.  We are, by far, the largest investor in Brazil, including in many of Brazil's most innovative and growth-focused companies, and we'll continue to strengthen our economic ties and increase our large and growing trade relationship in the months ahead.   Q    But, Jen, the policies of the Brazilian President and President Biden, on many issues -- climate, gay rights, other ones -- are very different.  How can they work together?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, just as is true in many of our relationships, we look for opportunities to work together on issues where there is joint national interest.  And obviously there's a significant economic relationship, and we will not hold back on areas where we disagree, whether it's climate or human rights, or otherwise.  And so that will be the path forward with our relationship with Brazil as well.   Go ahead, Yamiche.   Q    Thanks so much.  A few questions.  The first is, what should Americans take away from the fact that President Biden campaigned on unity, talked about unity, got into office, about two weeks in has decided -- all but decided, it seems, to go with a process where Democrats can pass a $1.9 trillion plan without the support of Republicans?    I know that there are Republicans across the country that the White House is pointing to saying, "They support this bill."  But there is this -- there is the fact that Democrats don't have to have Republican support in Congress for this bill, and the President is seemingly supporting that process.  So I'm wondering what people should take away from that.  And will that definition of bipartisanship be the one that is going forward with this White House?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, the President ran on unifying the country, not on creating one political party.  But I will note that 16 of the last 21 reconciliation bills that have gone through Congress have been bipartisan.  And certainly there's opportunity for Republicans to not only offer amendments as it's going through the House committee process, and then will go through the Senate committee process following that, but they will have the opportunity to, of course, vote for a package that will -- that the vast majority of the American people support.   So, you know, the President is -- his first priority is getting relief to the American people.  But the vast majority of the public -- Democrats, Republicans, independents -- are with him in that effort.  There's a long history of bipartisan support for reconciliation bills, a parliamentary process again.    Again, I don't think the American people are particularly worried about how the direct relief gets to their -- into their hands.  And, you know, that -- if that's the process that it moves forward through, which seems likely at this point, the President would certainly support that.   Q    I have a question also on impeachment.  I know the President, you say, isn't going to be watching it, but there are going to be millions of Americans who will be watching it.  I wonder what the President's message is to Americans, especially the ones that are still mourning the loss of people who died in the Capitol, who are still wondering whether or not the President -- former President Trump will be possibly acquitted in this trial.    Even if he -- even if Biden doesn’t look -- President Biden doesn’t want to say whether or not President Trump should be convicted, I just wonder if the White House has any message to Americans who are gearing up for what could be a tumultuous and dramatic two weeks.   MS. PSAKI:  Well, the President's focus is on delivering what those millions and millions and millions of Americans care deeply about, which is getting the pandemic under control, putting 10 million Amer- -- you know, putting millions of Americans back to work, getting vaccines in the arms of Americans, reopening schools.  And he has been clear that he views the events of January 6th as a horrific attack on our democracy.    He put out a statement -- we put out a statement from him, I should say, when the House voted.  But he's going to leave it to the Senate to determine the path forward here.  That doesn't change.  You know, and his view is that he was elected to deliver on the promises he made on the campaign trail.  So that's what he's going to keep his focus on in the weeks ahead.   Go ahead.   Q    (Inaudible.)   MS. PSAKI:  Oh, go ahead, Yamiche.    Q    Saying that the GOP can offer amendments, that doesn’t mean that they have to listen to them or accept them.  So I wonder, then, if Republicans have to just accept what the Democrats have approved.  I just wonder if you could talk a bit more about this definition of "bipartisanship," because there is this -- I know you're saying that Democrats are giving Republicans the opportunity, but there's still this -- this idea that Democrats are in -- two weeks in, are going it alone.   MS. PSAKI:  Well, again, 16 of 21 reconciliation bills in the past have received bipartisan support.  And the ideas in this package, the proposals in this package, have broad support from Democrats, Republicans, and independents across the country.  So I would pose the question back to Republicans: Why aren't you supporting what the vast majority of the public supports?    I'll leave it at that.  Go ahead.   Q    And can I ask you about military and sexual assault?   MS. PSAKI:  Oh, sure.  Go ahead.   Q    It's completely different, but --   MS. PSAKI:  It’s okay.  We can switch topics.  That’s fine.  Go ahead.   Q    A completely different topic, which is, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wrote his first memo on January 23rd that the President had ordered a 90-day commission to pursue solutions to sexual assault in the military.  I'm wondering if you could talk a little bit about if that's a White House commission, a Defense commission; who picks the commissioners -- anything more you can say about that commission that's supposed to be looking at sexual assault in the military.   MS. PSAKI:  I believe it's a commission at the Department of Defense.  It's certainly an initiative the President of the United States supports, but I would send you to the Department of Defense for more specifics about the timeline and membership.   Go ahead.   Q    With some of the crises that the nation has faced in recent months -- you've got COVID, more than 400,000 Americans dead; January 6th, the attack on American democracy -- there have been calls for a 9/11-style commission to write the official histories of those events.  Is that something the President would support?   MS. PSAKI:  Of the COVID commission?   Q    Or 9/11.  I'm sorry, or January 6th, rather.   MS. PSAKI:  Well, you know, a determination of that kind would be made by Congress, as you all know.  And his focus, at this point in time, is on addressing the crisis in this moment -- right? -- which is ensuring that more Americans get shots in their arms, that we are getting the pandemic under control.    There has been a report by HHS looking at the prior administration's handling of the COVID crisis, and we've also not held back in areas where we felt that it was handled in a way that impacted the lives of millions.    So -- but at this point in time, our focus is really on getting the pandemic under control, and we'll leave that decision up to Congress.   Go ahead.   Q    Two quick ones.  One, news of the day: Has President Biden reached out to anybody from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?  And if not, is that something that's going to happen today?   MS. PSAKI:  It’s very exciting, the outcome of the Super Bowl, I guess, if you're a fan of the Buccaneers.  But we will be inviting -- I don't have an update for if it's happened yet, but I do have an update though that we look forward to inviting the Buccaneers, as well as the 2020 NBA champions, the Lakers, to the White House, when it is COVID safe.  But I don't know when that will take place yet.   Q    Thank you.  And on immigration, there's some new reporting that ICE is going to get some new guidance to no longer focus on deporting illegal immigrants who have been convicted of DUIs, simple assault, solicitation, drug-based crimes, among other things.  And I'm curious how that is in the interest of public safety.   MS. PSAKI:  Well, first, it's guidelines that would be put out by the Department of Homeland Security, and I'd certainly send you to them.  They have a confirmed Secretary now.    But the priority for the enforcement of immigration laws will be on those who are posing a national security threat; of course, a public safety threat; and on recent arrivals.  Nobody is saying that DUIs or assault are acceptable behavior.  And those arrested for such activities should be tried and sentenced as appropriate by local law enforcement.  But we're talking about the prioritization of who is going to be deported from the country.   Q    And more broadly, would this be what Biden was talking about in the debate, where he said, in the Obama administration, they didn't do enough to reform the immigration system, because he was just Vice President, but that if he was President, things would change?  Is this the kind of change that he was talking about?   MS. PSAKI:  Well, I think the kind of change he was talking about was putting forward an immigration bill, at a time where modernization of immigration is long overdue, that addresses not only a pathway to citizenship, but puts in place smart security measures and addresses the root causes of these issues in the countries in Central America.    So I think that's primarily what he was referring to, but also prioritization, which, again, would be up to the Department of Homeland Security.  To ensure our focus is on the individuals who pose the greatest national security threat is also something he's long supported.   Go ahead, Kaitlan.   Q    Sorry.  You seem to be saying this, but I just want it to be clear.   MS. PSAKI:  Yeah.   Q    President -- former President Trump has not requested any intelligencer briefings, right?   MS. PSAKI:  Not -- not that I'm aware of, but I would point you to the intelligence community and the ODNI for more specifics.   Q    And a follow-up on that.  Why -- is there a reason Morgan Muir is no longer leading President Biden's daily intelligence briefings?   MS. PSAKI:  I believe he is overseeing the process of preparing materials --   Q    Yeah, he's still in the role, but --   MS. PSAKI:  -- but I don't have any more details.  I'd point you to ODNI on that as well.   Q    Okay.  So there's no reason you know of that he's not leading the in-person briefings?  He's assembling the daily briefings --   MS. PSAKI:  Yeah.   Q    -- not leading them in person, like he was.   MS. PSAKI:  Which is a very important role to play, and very -- very labor intensive.  But I would point you to them for more specifics on the briefings and who will be providing the briefings.   Go ahead.   Q    Thanks, Jen.  I have two questions.  One is a quick follow on impeachment.   MS. PSAKI:  Sure.   Q    Aside from the particulars of this case, does President Biden think it's constitutional to impeach and convict a former President who is no longer in office?   MS. PSAKI:  I'm just not going to have any more for you on weighing in on impeachment.  I appreciate the -- it's a big story, but our focus is on the American Rescue Plan and delivering for the American people.   Q    Got it.  I do have a COVID --   MS. PSAKI:  Yeah.   Q    -- COVID-crisis-related question because --   MS. PSAKI:  Go ahead.   Q    -- the attacks in the Asian American community continue to rise, and over the weekend, there some videos that went viral because elderly Asian Americans were really attacked and in a way that is difficult to watch.  And I wonder, other than the presidential memorandum, is President Biden going to take any further actions to address this problem or -- and has he seen the videos?   MS. PSAKI:  I'm not aware that he's seen the videos, but he is concerned about the discrimination against, the actions against the Asian American community, which is why he signed the executive order and why he has been outspoken and making clear that, you know, attacks -- verbal attacks, any attacks of any form are unacceptable, and we need to work together to address them.    But obviously, the executive order is something he did very early in his administration -- it's still early, but even earlier -- because he felt it was so important to put a marker down.   Q    Is there anything more that can be done, like offer DOJ or FBI assistance to local law enforcement authorities?  I mean, what --   MS. PSAKI:  I'd certainly defer to -- you know, we would support, of course, additional action on a local level or a federal level, but I would send you to DOJ or FBI for any further specifics on that.   Q    Thank you, Jen.   MS. PSAKI:  Thank you, everyone.  See you tomorrow.                           END                12:50 P.M. EST

Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 8, 2021   Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, committing that the United States and India will work closely together to win the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, renew their partnership on climate change, rebuild the global economy in a way that benefits the people of both countries, and stand together against the scourge of global terrorism. The leaders agreed to continuing close cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including support for freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and a stronger regional architecture through the Quad. The President underscored his desire to defend democratic institutions and norms around the world and noted that a shared commitment to democratic values is the bedrock for the U.S.-India relationship. They further resolved that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld in Burma. The leaders agreed to stay in close touch on a range of global challenges and look forward to what the United States and India will achieve together for their people and for their nations.

Statement of President Joe Biden on the Passing of Former Secretary George Shultz

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 7, 2021   Statement of President Joe Biden on the Passing of Former Secretary George Shultz   Few people did as much to shape the trajectory of American diplomacy and American influence in the 20th century as George Shultz. He was a gentleman of honor and ideas, dedicated to public service and respectful debate, even into his 100th year on Earth. That’s why multiple presidents, of both political parties, sought his counsel. I regret that, as president, I will not be able to benefit from his wisdom, as have so many of my predecessors. For a man so inked into the pages of our history, his mind was always keyed toward the future. He focused on the possibilities of what could be, unhindered by the impasses or deadlocks of the past. That was the vision and dedication that helped guide our nation through some of its most dangerous periods and ultimately helped create the opening that led to the end the Cold War. And, while he and I sometimes argued the opposite sides of issues when I was a young senator, I was proud to often find common ground on issues vital to the security and prosperity of the American people. As the driving force behind the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces treaty, Secretary Shultz made real the critical concept that we should work to negotiate with our adversaries where possible in order to make life better and safer for our people. I also admired Secretary Shultz’s commitment to pressing for the rights and release of Refuseniks, raising them directly with his counterparts in the Soviet Union. He was a man of incredible courage. Whether it was donning the uniform of the United States Marines to defend the cause of liberty in World War II, or speaking out directly to the President of the United States when he disagreed with a policy, George Shultz knew when to stand and fight. For the young women and men whose minds he helped shape throughout his career, there was no better role model for a life of integrity and service than George Shultz. Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Shultz family—his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Our nation mourns his loss along with you even as we honor his lifetime of patriotic service.

Statement of President Joe Biden on the Passing of Susan Bayh

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 7, 2021   Statement of President Joe Biden on the Passing of Susan Bayh   Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Susan Bayh, a beloved public servant and a warm and wonderful friend who brought light to the lives of all who knew her.   A former First Lady of Indiana, Susan came to Washington after her husband Evan served as Governor and was elected to the United States Senate. In a family whose name is synonymous with service and achievement, Susan stood out as a singular treasure — a model of goodness, generosity, and grace.   Over the years, our families were bonded by collegiality and friendship, and, later, by a terrible disease. Susan was diagnosed with glioblastoma, the same illness that took our son, Beau. Just like him, Susan fought her battle as she lived her life: bravely, with love and purpose.   Our prayers are with our dear friend Evan, their twin boys, Nick and Beau, the entire Bayh family, and the millions of Hoosiers who loved and respected Susan. Jill and I will miss our friend.