Schumers attempt to proceed with the Border Security bill on the senate floor. [indistinct conversation] ms. Jeanpierre hi. Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon. Ms. Jeanpierre alright. Okay, i have a couple things at the top, and then ill hand it over to our guest. Today, we announced that the Bidenharris Administration canceled student debt for an additional 160,000 people, meaning 4. 75 million americans have now benefitted from our debt relief actions, receiving on average 35,000 in debt relief each. One of those individuals is tiffany from oregon. She is the youngest of four children and was raised by a single mom. Tiffany had been repaying her loans since 1994. But thanks to President Bidens leadership, her debt was canceled and she is now excited about what her future holds. The president will never stop working to provide some more breathing room for americans like tiffany, no matter how many Times Republican elected officials try to stop him. As you know, one of the biggest priority of the president is nominating and confirming extraordinarily qualified men and women who are dedicated to our constitution and who represent the diversity of america. Thanks to his hard work and our partnership with the senate, we are at 200 judicial confirmations, which is monumental news for the rule of law and the American People. These highly qualified individuals have diverse professional backgrounds. They are labor lawyers, civil rights lawyers, public defenders, served in the u. S. Military, and much more. Over 60 percent of our nominees are women, and over 60 percent are people of color. They include Justice Ketanji brownjackson, the first black woman to serve on the supreme court. Weve confirmed more hispanic judges to circuit courts than any previous administration. Weve confirmed more black women to circuit courts than all previous president s combined. Lets remember these judges will rule on issues critical to fundamental freedoms, reproductive healthcare, the freedom to cast ballots, whether workers have the freedom to unionize, whether children have the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water. And while these milestones is great news, we know there is much more work to be done. Next, we are praying for those who tragically lost their lives as deadly tornadoes that ripped through iowa. We are also wishing a speedy recovery to those who were injured. The administration is deeply grateful for First Responders who jumped into action to save lives. We are in touch with state and local officials and stand ready to offer support. Tomorrow, the fema administrator will travel to iowa to meet with local officials and affected residents and survey the damage. In the meantime, residents in affected areas should remain vigilant and heed the advice of state and local officials. And finally, tomorrow, as you all know, Senate Republicans will have another opportunity to decide whether they want to support the toughest, fairest Border Security agreement in decades or continue putting their partisan political interests ahead of the nations security. Lets not forget, after months of negotiations, we reached a bipartisan agreement that would have delivered the significant policy changes, resources, and personnel needed to secure our border and make our country safer. That included thousands of Additional Border patrol agents and customs and Border Protection personnel; technology to catch fentanyl and personnel to go after drug traffickers; asylum officers and Immigration Judges to improve the processing of asylum cases so they are resolved in a few months and not years; a temporary Emergency Authority to shut down the border when the system is overwhelmed; and access to lawful immigration pathways while expediting access to Work Authorization for those who are eligible. The president is clear about where he stands. He believes we are a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. We can expand lawful immigration pathways, and we can ensure our border is secure and that those who do not have a legal basis to remain are removed. Time and time again, the American People have shown that they do not want mass raids, family separation, or kids in cages. They want a secure border and lawful immigration opportunities for those seeking to come to america to enrich our country. That is why President Biden is pushing for and that is what this bipartisan agreement would move us towards. Its now up to republicans in congress. Do you actually want to do something to solve the problem or would you rather use it as a political issue . With that, i will hand it over to Jake Sullivan, our National Security advisor, who would give us an update on the visit tomorrow with the kenyan president inaudible . Do you remember what you wanted to say, jake . Mr. Sullivan im not sure what that was in reference to. [laughter] but good afternoon, everybody. Thank you. The president and first lady will welcome president william ruto and first Lady Rachel Ruto to the white house for a state visit and dinner tomorrow. The official program will actually begin later today with President Biden and president ruto sharing some informal private time together and then participating together in a technology and investment roundtable with u. S. And kenyan ceos and other Business Leaders in the east room. President biden is really looking forward to celebrating and deepening our 60yearold friendship with kenya as it grows from a Regional Partnership to a global one. This is the first state visit by an african head of state in nearly 20 years. It is long overdue. And its emblematic of the priority that President Biden has placed on our commitment to the people of africa and to elevating their voices in Global Governance and global problemsolving. In december of 2022, the president hosted leaders from across the african continent for the u. S. Africa Leaders Summit in washington, d. C. , where, in fact, he first met president ruto. President biden called for the African Union to be able join the g20 as a permanent member. And in september of last year, the g20, in fact, welcomed the African Union as a permanent member. Weve also had a historic number of senior u. S. Government leaders travel to the continent. Since 2022, 24 senior officials have travelled to africa, including the Vice President , the first lady, and Seven Members of the president s cabinet. Now, as one of our closest Strategic Partners in africa, kenya has worked side by side with the United States to tackle some of the most significant challenges of our time. And over the next few days, youll see President Biden and president ruto commit to deepening our partnership on critical and emerging technologies, on improving health, on fighting climate change, on supporting civil society, on enhancing peace and security, and, of course, on enriching the peopletopeople ties between the United States and kenya. Their statements and their substantive announcements will showcase that our ties which are founded on shared democratic values, economic aspiration, and global interests deliver in a tangible way for americans and kenyans. Kenya is an emerging technology hub, and so you can expect announcements about new investments and partnership in Digital Technologies and emerging technologies. President ruto has been a leading voice on the challenges that debt poses to developing countries, so you can expect he and President Biden will announce their shared vision on how the International Community can step up to mitigate the mounting burden of debt and unleash inclusive growth. This visit will also highlight kenyas Important Role in global peace and security. The u. S. Kenya partnership, for example, plays a central role in International Efforts to defeat alshabaab and other terrorist organizations. And you can expect further announcements over the course of the visit that enhance our security partnership. The United States is also firmly committed to supporting haiti excuse me kenya in its deployment to lead the multiNational Security support mission to haiti, which will provide muchneeded Security Assistance to the haitian people. And we appreciate, of course, the strong, principled, consistent stance that kenya has taken in supporting ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. Through this visit, which will unfold through a series of events and culminate in the state dinner tomorrow night, we are demonstrating how, as President Biden has said himself, the United States is all in on africa and all in with africa. Most importantly, we are recognizing our rich history of partnership, friendship, and support for kenya and focusing on our shared future. This year marks 60 years of partnership with kenya. Were looking forward to the next 60 and the 60 after that. Thats what will be on display in this important and historic state visit. And with that, id be happy to take your questions. Yeah. Thanks, jake. During your trip over the weekend to israel and saudi arabia. A Senior Administration official said yesterday that israel has addressed many of the u. S. Concerns regarding its operation in rafah. 900,000plus civilians have fled rafah in recent weeks. Has israel addressed all of the administrations concerns . Does the u. S. Support what israel is doing in rafah right now . Mr. Sullivan we had detailed discussions on rafah during my visit to israel. These have built on weeks now, as ive discussed with you from this podium, of discussions on a professional basis about rafah and about how israel can achieve the defeat of hamas everywhere in gaza, including in rafah, while minimizing civilian harm. I explained to the Prime Minister and other senior israeli officials the president s clear position. I reiterated that position. I was briefed by israeli officials and by israeli professionals on refinements that israel has made to its plans to achieve its military objectives while taking account of civilian harm. What we have seen so far in terms of israels military operations in that area has been more targeted and limited, has not involved Major Military operations into the heart of dense urban areas. We now have to see what unfolds from here. We will watch that, we will consider that, and we will see whether what israel has briefed us and what they have laid out continues or Something Else happens. And one of you asked me the last time i was standing at this podium. How are you going to judge this . And i said that theres no mathematical formula. What were going to be looking at is whether there is a lot of death and destruction from this operation or if it is more precise and proportional. And we will see that unfold. And we will obviously remain closely engaged with the Israeli Government as we go. Thats how we see the situation right now. Did you, in your meetings, provide any u. S. Intelligence about sinwars whereabouts . Mr. Sullivan so, i think at the root of this question is a story that is just completely wrong that somehow we were withholding information from the Israeli Government relating to sinwar or any other hamas terrorist who was responsible for october 7th. The fact is that the United States has provided an intense range of assets and capabilities and expertise, which i got briefed on while i was in israel, to help hunt down and deliver justice to sinwar and everyone else who brought about october 7th. We have been doing that day in and day out for as long as this conflict has been going on, and we will do it until the job is done. Its not tied or conditioned on anything else. It is not limited. We are not Holding Anything back. We are providing every asset, every tool, every capability. And, frankly, we have some of the best there is in the business on this. And they are hard at work with the Israeli Government to help them try to achieve their ultimate objective here. So, i didnt have anything myself to come add because weve already flowed and supplied everything on a perpetual, ongoing basis through the work the that were doing on the ground right there in israel. And well continue to do that. Well, i ask because the Senior Administration official. Had suggested which i believe is the administrations view. That until hamas is fully held to account that the Peace Process and any twostate solution could not go forward. Do you see israel being able to deliver on that . And then do you see israel accepting a twostate solution . Mr. Sullivan id have to refer you to the Israeli Government about their position with respect to the future of a palestinian state or the palestinian question. I can just state to you what the u. S. Position is. And its been longstanding. President biden believes that a twostate solution that guarantees israels security and also a future of dignity and security for the Palestinian People is the best way to bring about longterm security and stability for everyone in the region. Israelis, palestinians, and arabs. And he has talked about a regional vision of israel actually being integrated with all of the moderate arab states in an architecture that can deliver regional stability. And i was in saudi arabia talking to the crown prince about that exact vision this weekend. And you saw public statements from him about what is possible if israel moves down that path. So, thats a conversation well continue to have with the Israeli Government. In the meantime, what we will do is work to ensure the enduring defeat of hamas and a day after in gaza that involves governance and security not provided by hamas but by an alternative that ultimately gets us on a credible pathway to that twostate solution that President Biden has talked about. About the three european nations recognizing a palestinian state. Is the u. S. Concerned that this is just the tip of the iceberg that were now at a point where other nations, over u. S. Objections, will recognize palestine . Mr. Sullivan each country is entitled to make its own determinations. But the u. S. Position on this is clear. President biden, as i just said, has been on the record supporting a twostate solution. He has been equally emphatic on the record that that twostate solution should be brought about through direct negotiations through the parties, not through unilateral recognition. Thats a principled position that we have held on a consistent basis. Well communicate that to our partners around the world, and well see what unfolds. Just a quick followup on that. How concerned are you about israels growing, sort of, diplomatic isolation . And do you view it that way . And what does this also mean for any saudi deal to recognize israel Going Forward . Does this diminish the chances of that . Mr. Sullivan i think its a fair question. As a country that stands strong in defense of israel in International Forums like the united nations, we certainly have seen a growing chorus of voices, including voices that had previously been in support of israel, drift in another direction. That is of concern to us because we do not believe that that contributes to israels longterm security or vitality. And so, thats something that we discussed with the Israeli Government. And something that we believe that a strategic approach to defeating hamas, protecting civilians, surging humanitarian assistance, and then pursuing that vision of regional integration i just talked about will put israel in the best stead to engage countries around the world and revitalize a lot of the partnerships and friendships that have been a source of great strength for israel over time and can be again. You just said that theres no mathematical formula as you evaluate israels offense of rafah. But the administration repeatedly has said that the u. S. Will not support a largescale Ground Invasion. So, how do you define largescale Ground Invasion . Secondly, has the president s broken promise to visit africa created any challenges as you try to deepen relationships with the countries there . Mr. Sullivan the president would really look forward to visiting africa. He intends to do so as president of the United States. I obviously dont have anything to announce today. But if you look at the breadth of his personal engagement on this issue, including being a president the first in 20 years to actually host an african leader for a state visit here. I think it shows, along with these specific tangible policy actions that he has taken, including most recently, by the way an overlooked part of the National Security supplemental was funding, actually, to help emerging economies, including in africa. His record will stand for himself. We believe that what today will showcase is not questions about the u. S. Commitment but answers that the u. S. Is actually delivering for africa, for the african people. In this case, for the country of kenya but also with kenya for the broader continent. In terms of how we look at rafah, as ive said before, the key concern that we have is major maneuvers into dense urban areas. And that continues to be something that we will look at. What we have seen so far has not been that. What unfolds in the coming days is something that we will review closely day by day. Well continue to take briefings from israel about how they re are refining their approach, in part based on concerns that we have expressed to them. This is something that will be a continuing source of engagement and conversation between the two of us. And ill keep you posted as we assess how things are unfolding. Israel is responding to the move to recognize Palestinian Statehood by withholding funds from the palestinian authority. What do you make of this decision and the Economic Impact that it could have . Mr. Sullivan i think its wrong. I think its wrong on a strategic basis because withholding funds destabilizes the west bank. It undermines the search for security and prosperity for the Palestinian People, which is in israels interests. And i think its wrong to withhold funds that provide basic goods and services to innocent people. So, from our perspective, those funds should continue to go with all of the necessary safeguards, but they should continue to flow. Leader schumer is in talks with the speaker to invite netanyahu to come and address congress. Does the president support the Prime Minister delivering an address like this at this time . Mr. Sullivan we have not at this point heard from the Prime Minister on a joint address to the congress. The president talks to the Prime Minister in fact, he just talked to him not too long ago. Senior Administration Officials engage with him. I just did so over the weekend. Well stay in touch with the Prime Minister and obviously we will stay in touch with the congress and see what happens. Japan hosts the largest number of u. S. Forces overseas, and the previous Prime Minister was just here. And with all these wars breaking out, there is great concern on what china is doing in the region. Theres been reports that there are u. S. Military in taiwan for the First Time Since 1979. Can you confirm that at all . Mr. Sullivan i dont know what that report is. I know nothing about it. So, i cant speak to it. Also, been waiting for an interview with japanese media, so if that was possible. Mr. Sullivan an interview with japanese media . There hasnt been an interview with any of the japanese media yet. Mr. Sullivan the president has given a press conference in tokyo and answered questions from the japanese media. Yeah. Two questions. One, does the Administration Support the republican push of sanctioning the icc after the recent arrest warrant applications . If so, what would that mean . Also, i wanted to ask you after your trip to israel this weekend, could you characterize how you feel about the israeli exit strategy for ending the war in totality . Mr. Sullivan on the question related to the icc, were in consultations on a bipartisan, bicameral basis with the hill on all of the options for how to respond to what the icc has just done. We havent made any determinations. When we do, well be sure to let you know. And then your second question was . After the trip to israel this weekend, do you feel like the Israeli Government has a path towards ending the war . And what do you see as their exit strategy . Mr. Sullivan im going to let them speak to their exit strategy. What i will say is what ive said from this podium before. We believe the only way to defeat hamas and lead to israels longterm security is connect the military effort to a holistic, integrated strategy for defeat of hamas and securing all of the other objectives that weve discussed. Thats something that we think israel could be clearer about publicly as well as privately, and well continue to work on that. But the most important thing is not really what i think. Its that youre hearing senior voices inside the israeli system speak to these issues. And that debate, we think, is a healthy debate, because at the end of the day, we know from our own experience that military force alone is not going to get the job done. It needs to be a holistic strategy. Jake, you talked about one of the key objectives, of course, is the provision of humanitarian aid and food to the people of gaza. The pentagon, within the last 24 hours, said that they did not believe that any of the aid from the pier, where the construction was led by the United States military, has been received by the people of gaza to this point. Your thoughts on that . Has this been a failure . How do we fix this situation . And was the u. S. Insufficiently prepared to utilize this as a means by which to deliver aid . Mr. Sullivan first just to levelset, since saturday, the u. N. Has in fact distributed humanitarian supplies from the pier to Palestinian Civilians in deir albalah, in almawasi, and in khan younis. Aid from the pier has now gone specifically to the palestinians who need it . Mr. Sullivan correct. And theres been about 695 metric tons of food that has come off the pier so far. About two thirds of that either has gone or is on its way to going to Palestinian Civilians. The issue is not actually getting food to the pier or off the poer. Pier. Its being able to ensure that we have necessary security arrangements in place to deliver it. We have had modalities to get some of that aid distributed. We are in the process of building out to get more of it distributed. So, the answer to your initial question is, no, its not a failure of planning. Yes it is an indication this is a dynamic environment and we need to continue to refine. But aid is flowing. It is not flowing at the rate that any of us would be happy with, because we always want more. But we are actually seeing good cooperation between the u. S. , the idf, the u. N. , and other humanitarian organizations to ensure that aid goes from that pier to innocent people in need. And well continue to do that as we go forward. Can i just follow up quickly on this situation in iran . Obviously, were within the five days of mourning after the loss of two of the key leaders in that country right now the mourning led by the ayatollah there. Obviously, there were initially concerns that the u. S. May somehow be blamed, but the u. S. Claims no responsibility, obviously, for the crash of this helicopter. Can you give us any better understanding of if there are concerns that the u. S. Is facing or youve been satisfied with the way iran has sort of characterized things in the days since then . Is there any reason for concern right now . Mr. Sullivan all i can say is we had nothing to do with it. And if at any point iran tries to accuse us of having anything to do with it, we will push back extremely strongly, directly, and vociferously. The uks defense minister said today that the u. S. And the uk has evidence that china could be providing lethal aid to russia. Can you speak to that at all . Mr. Sullivan going back to 2022, ive actually stood at this podium and warned about my concern that china might provide weapons direct lethal assistance to russia. We didnt see that in 2022. We didnt see that in 2023. We have not seen that to date. I look forward to speaking with the uk to make sure that we have a common operating picture. We have had one; weve been on the same page. So, i just want to understand better what exactly that comment was referring to. What i would point out is that just recently we have been articulating, in quite urgent terms, our concern about what china is doing to fuel russias war machine. Not giving weapons directly, but providing inputs to russias Defense Industrial base. That is happening. That is something were concerned about. Weve taken action to deal with that in a concerted way with our allies and partners, and you can expect more of that action in the period ahead. Will the president go to the peace summit next month in switzerland . He would be the only g7 leader who has not accepted that invitation. Mr. Sullivan i dont have any announcements on that today. What i will say is that ive personally engaged in preparations for that summit, as have others in our government, and weve been a key player in helping drive forward a vision of peace that includes ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles the of the u. N. Charter. But i cant make any announcements today about the president s travel. Can i go back to africa for two questions . Mr. Sullivan yes, you may. [laughter] one president ruto he has a , kind of checkered past. If you look back a decade or so, he was a defendant at the International Criminal court over actions taken after an election there. More recently, there are folks who express concerns about some authoritarian moves in the country. Is that something that the president will raise with his counterpart during this visit or something that causes any concern on the part of the administration . Mr. Sullivan weve seen robust and vigorous democracy in kenya in recent years. But, of course, we will continue to express our view about the ongoing need to nurture Democratic Institutions across the board. An independent judiciary; a noncorrupt economy; credible, free, and fair elections. And these kinds of principles are things the president will share, but hes not here to lecture president ruto. President ruto, in fact, is somebody who just was in atlanta speaking about these issues. And we will invest in kenyas Democratic Institutions, in its civil society, in all walks of kenyan life to help make sure that the basic foundations of kenyan democracy remain strong. And then just one followup on today. You mentioned that there might be some announcements on investment and the like during the visit. Do you anticipate any announcements being made today after the discussion . Either before or after or during the discussion with the ceos . Mr. Sullivan i would say, stay tuned. If theyre not made later today, theyll be made tomorrow morning. It will be one of the two, and youll have them soon enough. Spain, ireland, and norway they have said that their decision to recognize a palestinian state is because they want to contribute to the Peace Process, to a ceasefire. So, what is your view on that . Does this contribute to the process . Will this affect the relationship of the United States with these countries . Mr. Sullivan i have not heard the logic for how it contributes. What i can tell you is we believe the only way that you are going to achieve a twostate solution that delivers for both israelis and palestinians, is through direct negotiations between the parties. Thats what weve been focused on. Thats what weve been driving towards. And thats what a larger regional strategy engaging arab states to try to generate momentum in that direction thats why its been such a focus of President Biden from the beginning, not just postoctober 7th. But youd have to ask them how they connect the unilateral recognition to actual progress on a Peace Process or a ceasefire, because ive not seen how that logic actually plays out. Thank you, jake. Israels National Security minister went today to the ground of the alaqsa mosque, which is reminiscent inaudible of what sharon did in 2000. Im sure you remember that. Do you see this as provocation . Do you condemn this as a way to cause unrest in israel, jerusalem, and in the west bank . And i have another question. Mr. Sullivan i have not seen what he did and therefore do not want to comment on it prematurely. What ill do is go check out what exactly unfolded today, and then well have comment for you as a result of that. Okay. And allow me to press you on what you said about the israelis on the twostate solution. With due respect, this sounds like an easy answer, because the president s vision is dependent on the twostate solution. The president s vision is and the leverage is all on the israelis to make them closer to what he wants to achieve. American National Security is dependent on that whether its with the houthis in yemen, the militias in iraq, or the hezbollah in lebanon. So, it is vital for you to use all the leverage to convince the israelis. So, how can you tell us, well, go and ask the israelis, because if they said no, then thats no, but this is our vision. How can you see their vision and your vision as not contradictory . The israeli vision of complete denial and rejection of a palestinian state and your vision the president s vision of, like, the only way that you have secure israel is to have a twostate solution. And hence, you have all these countries unilaterally recognizing the state of palestine. Mr. Sullivan i think i said at this podium not too long ago that diplomacy is a thousand days of failure and one day of success. Maybe in the case of the israelipalestinian conflict, its even more than a thousand days, since across multiple administrations, multiple decades. By the way, this is not just a u. S. Issue. Arab states believe in the twostate solution. European states believe in a q twostate solution. The world believes in it. So, this is not a bilateral issue between the u. S. And israel. Of course, we make our views known. And, of course, we press on the diplomatic front on this. But at the end of the day, what the United States can do through hard gumshoe diplomacy led by the president , the secretary of state, myself, others is try to , put the pieces in place for a vision of an integrated region, of a secure israel, of a two state solution. Put all those pieces in place and show that for the longterm strength and vitality of the jewish, Democratic State of israel, this is whats required. Israel is a sovereign nation. It will ultimately have to decide what it does. What we can do as a friend is try to put the pieces in place to drive down that road. Thats what the president has done throughout his career. Its what hes done as president. And its what well continue to do. We reported this morning that the kenyan government has yet to necessary documentation to the Un Security Council on the mss with details on the sequencing of deployment, details on the intended end state of the mission and rules of engagement as well. Are you confident that kenya is prepared to answer those questions . And specifically on rules of engagement. What do you want to see of the mission and specifically of kenyan leadership . Mr. Sullivan i am confident that israel too many countries that kenya is prepared to carry out what it has set forth with respect to this multiNational Security support mission. And its not just going to be kenya. Its going to be kenya leading with a range of other countries, with the United States providing a considerable amount of financial and Logistical Support and a certain backbone to all of it. Obviously this is not something that, you know, is a completely straight line. It is a dynamic operating environment, to say the least, in haiti. And this is going to require an adaptive, flexible approach, but one guided by certain Core Functions and operations. Kenya has laid that out. Its worked that out in close collaboration with the United States. And it has consulted closely with the u. N. On this along the way. So, with respect to whatever particular report or forms are necessary to file, thats one thing. In terms of whether the substance of the operation is well understood by kenya, the partners in the United States, i believe it is. And we expect the deployments to unfold in the nottoodistant future. In terms of rules of engagement, the key thing here is that this multiNational Security support mission is exactly that. A support mission. A support mission of the institutions of the haitian state, not a replacement for it. That is the core proposition behind it. And thats what its going to carry out. Do you have a reaction to the british Prime Minister calling a general election for july 4th . Were you surprised to see that today . Mr. Sullivan i confess that i was surprised to see it today, because i think it was not an expected announcement. But i dont have any real comment on it, because ill leave it to the uk to deal with their politics while, of course, the United States deals with its politics. We have a very strong maybe thats an understatement partnership and alliance with the uk, regardless of elections, regardless of Prime Ministers. So, you know, we wish them luck in the conduct of their election. And well be here as the United States standing with the uk through it all. Is the president going to meet with the Prime Minister at the g7 . Does this change anything given that the election will be two weeks later . Mr. Sullivan honestly, i heard about this two hours ago. So, im not sure exactly what its going to mean from the point of view of the u. K. At the g7 summit. What i can tell you is that we didnt have a specific bilateral plan. But, of course, hes going to sit around that roundtable with that small group of g7 leaders. I assume the uk Prime Minister will be there, and theyll be talking about substance, not politics. So, thats not going to change anything in terms of the agenda of the summit. Ill take one more question. Yeah. I have a chinarelated question. Secretary yellen is in europe encouraging european allies to work with the United States to counter chinas overcapacity and the trade practice. What is the objective and the action plan for that . Also, china Just Announced a sanction against former congressman mike gallagher, who just resigned last month. And he had been critic to the communist party, also a supporter of taiwan. Also today, china announced another sanction against 12 u. S. Defense companies and its employees for selling weapons to taiwan. What is the administrations position on china sanctioning u. S. Congressional members, companies, and citizens . Mr. Sullivan we oppose all of those sanctions, full stop, four square. Simple as that. With respect to the overcapacity issue, weve been very clear and the president has been clear, as well as secretary yellen, lael brainard, and others and and daleep singh have all spoken articulately to this challenge being not a challenge thats bilateral between the u. S. And china. It is a global challenge. Chinas distorted practices, nonmarket economic practices, subsidizing at dramatic Scale Industries where they are going to produce so much quantity of good and then flood the Global Markets with it threatens to create global imbalances that are not stabilizing. Thats why its not surprising that youve seen countries in latin america, countries in europe, countries in asia, and, of course, the United States step up and say, weve got to look at this and take countermeasures to this. And i think what the secretary is hoping to do at the g7, building up to the summit in italy, is to get a common picture of what the nature of the challenge is. Get a common understanding of what the tools to deal with it are, and also a common understanding of how we engage with china in a dialogue on these questions to express our concerns and indicate that we need to take steps to defend ourselves. Thats what the intent is. Thats what we hope to do. Thank you all very much. And ill talk to you soon. Ms. Jeanpierre thank you so much, jake. So, i know we dont have too much time because i know the first ladys office is holding a press event, and we promised her office that would be done before then so all of you can have an opportunity to attend that. We have a couple minutes. The president intends to visit africa while he is president. There are less than eight months until inauguration day. Should we expect the visit to the african continent between now and january 20th, 2025 . Ms. Jeanpierre as jake also said in his answers, we dont have anything to announce at this time. But obviously, while hes president , he would like to keep that commitment and indeed make a visit to africa. I just dont have anything to announce at this time. And then on one of your favorite topics, the hatch act. The office of special counsel indicated that they would begin working to enforce the hatch act on white house employees. Is that something that this white house is supportive of . Ms. Jeanpierre we are reviewing the opinion. Obviously, that just occurred. I do want to note a couple of things that, as recently as november of 2021, the office of special counsel stated that, and i quote, significant constitutional concerns would be raised by referring white house commissioned officers to the merit system protection board this is the mspb for discipline. And for decades we have to remember this as well oscs practice with respect to hatch act matters involving white house commissioned officers has been to refer those matters to the president for discipline. Thats whats been going on for decades now. And that is also what osc has said was legally required in 2021. Were not aware of any changes in the law eliminating that requirement. But obviously, were going to review that opinion. Just dont have anything to share at this time. Im going to leave it to my White House Counsels Office colleagues. Does that mean youre now more free to talk about political matters . Ms. Jeanpierre because the hatch act apparently doesnt seem to be enforceable on you. Ms. Jeanpierre i wish. I just dont have anything to share at this time. But obviously, were going to review the opinion. I wish i could. Has the president spoken to any of the governors in the midwest who are dealing with a lot of this Severe Weather . Ms. Jeanpierre you heard me at the top mention how you know, how we are obviously, folks are in our thoughts and how devastating its been with these extreme weather and what its led to. And obviously, people have left lost their lives. And so, its devastating to hear. The president continues to be kept updated on whats happening in different states. Obviously, we just i just talked about iowa at the top. I know he has had conversations with leadership on the ground. The fema administrator has been all hands on deck. And talking to folks on the ground as well. I dont have anything to read out on specific calls. But we are here to help, as we have done over the past three years when these types of disasters occur. We will be here to help in any way that is needed. I just dont have anything in detail or specifics to share. But obviously, our hearts go out to folks who are recovering and folks who have lost loved ones. It is devastating to see. Peter. The rnc headquarters is reporting that it received blood vials today. Right now, obviously, thats under investigation, but this white house has been very clear in the past about aggressively condemning political violence, intimidation of any kind. Will you do the same, given these circumstances . Ms. Jeanpierre i will do the same as i have done many times before. The Capitol Police is looking into this. I would leave it to them to investigate whats going on. It is concerning. We have obviously seen the report. And we are going to do what we consistently have done from here is condemn any political violence, threats, or intimidation. That has no place in any community and certainly in our political discourse. And it is important that we continue to repeat that. That has no place in our politics, no place anywhere. And so, we certainly condemn any form of threats. You opened todays briefing by talking about the latest student loan cancellations for i think we said what did we say in total . 4. 75 million americans. Now i think its 160,000 in this latest round. Mike johnson, the Republican House speaker, today described this as a massive wealth transfer for americans who did not attend college to those who did. And he described it as a shameful play to buy more votes six months before an election. Ms. Jeanpierre congressional i will say to congressional member mike johnson obviously, what is shameful is that republicans continue to get in the way of helping us deliver a little bit of breathing room for americans who deserve that opportunity. You heard me talk about tiffany, the young woman. One of the things that people should know, and if if you dont, is that when folks are receiving these debt relief announcements from the president , they have an opportunity to tell their story. They have an opportunity to say why this matters to them. And were talking about millions of americans who now have an opportunity to start a life. Have an opportunity to move forward in a way where they can reach that American Dream or reach whatever it is that they wanted to do not just for themselves but for their family. The president is not going to walk away from doing that. He believes its an important commitment that he made to americans. It is a broken system. The question, though, is what, then, is the white houses message to those americans who did not attend college for a variety of reasons, perhaps, including perhaps that they didnt want to take on all the debt that went with it right now that they feel like, in some form, they are responsible for allowing those who did not to pay their fair share . Ms. Jeanpierre look, heres the thing. This is a president who has been very clear about making sure that hes building the economy that leaves no one behind. If you look at what the president has done holistically over the past three and a half years, he has tried to build an economy for everyone. This is one part of his economic policy. When you think about creating 15 million jobs, many of those jobs, if you think about the different legislation that hes passed into law whether its the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, the chips and science act. It is creating jobs that are good unionpaying jobs that where you dont need a College Education right . Where you can make six figures and actually have that opportunity to start your family. He is creating an economy from the bottom up, middle out making sure that the millionaires, the billionaires, and corporations are paying their fair share, right . Not like republicans in congress who want to give them a tax giveaway. This is one part of his economic policy, but as hes thinking forward, as hes looking at all americans, all communities, he wants to make sure that there is an economy that doesnt leave anybody behind. Historically that trickledown economics does not work. And he does not want to see that. So, we have given opportunities, and we want to continue to give opportunities for folks who feel like they need a little bit more help. Just to put a fine point on it right now. For the 4. 7 million americans who have received this debt relief, the average, as you said at the start of this visit was 35,000, their relief has been for. Why dont those individuals who didnt receive 35,000 in debt cancellation deserve a 35,000 check from other americans for what other means they would want to use it . Ms. Jeanpierre you are talking about . Those people who didnt go to college so theyre not getting debt relief because they didnt go. Ms. Jeanpierre were talking about folks who are in debt who are literally being crushed. Financially. Okay . Is that okay with you . But crushed financially. And so, theyre trying to get their lives back on track, right . Theyre trying to get into a place because they took a bet on themselves in a different way a bet on themselves in going to college. And some of them, it is difficult to do that. Right . And they did that. Financially, its hurt them, and we want to give them that breathing room. But its not just folks who have debt because of colleges. Were trying to help people in different communities as well. Folks who dont have to get that College Degree and can make sixfigure salary. That is one of the things that the president was very proud of when he passed the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, when he signed the chips and science act. Those are really important components of what hes trying to do as well. If you think about making sure healthcare is more affordable, getting that prescription drugs many for diabetes, for cancer. Making sure that those costs are lower insulin. So, there are many ways that the president has made sure that americans have what they need to move forward with their lives, create and build a family where they feel like theyre going after their dreams as well. We want to make sure that again, the student loan piece is one part of the president s economic policy. And the president is not going to step away from it. Hes not going to back down, because he believes its the right thing to do. We have to wrap up. Go ahead, michael. Forgive me if youve addressed this already, but the five americans who are being held in turks and caicos on charges related to allegedly bringing shell casings in their luggage. Theyre facing 12 years in prison. Do you have a comment, and do you have a message for them . Ms. Jeanpierre that is an ongoing case here, so i dont want to comment from here. So, i dont have anything to add beyond whats being reported out there. Go ahead, jared. On the border vote in the senate tomorrow. I guess two questions related to that. One, can you kind of explain the timing of how this came together . Are there developments that you are more optimistic this will be more successful than it was last time . And if it is not, does the president intend to try and reengage republicans and democrats to come up with a new agreement before novembers election . Ms. Jeanpierre look, its up to republicans in congress if this is going to be successful or not. As i stated, it took several months to come to this bipartisan agreement, obviously, coming out of the senate. We have said over and over again we believe, if the president has an opportunity to sign this into law, it will be the toughest and the fairest legislation to deal with a broken immigration system that has been broken for decades. And we have not seen a legislation like this in some time. And so, we believe its important to move that forward. On day one, the president put forth a comprehensive immigration legislation. Nothing happened for three and a half years. You know, we got to work. And at the beginning of this year, we were able to make something happen. And we want it to see moving. We want it to see happening. The majority of Americans Care about this issue. They care about whats going on at the border. They care about fixing immigration. And they have to do their jobs. This is something, an opportunity for legislators, for congress to do something that Americans Care about. So, were going to let that process play out. The vote happens tomorrow. Weve been very clear. We could not be more clearer on how we want this to be moved forward. We could not be more clearer how important it was to us that the president and his team worked on this for months. But does the president want to see a new deal if this doesnt. Ms. Jeanpierre there is a deal right there. If it fails, and it doesnt move forward . Ms. Jeanpierre look, im not going to get ahead. Im not going to speculate on whats going to happen tomorrow. But there is literally a bipartisan deal that was worked on for months that can start dealing with this issue. There is. And why do we need a new deal when theres one right there that they negotiated on . With our help, obviously. We were a part of that. But there is one. There is a deal that could deal with the broken immigration system and the challenges at the border. They should move forward on it. Is he considering an executive order on the border . I wanted to follow up on the Student Loan Debt forgiveness. In the announcement, the under secretary of education said, we congratulate those borrowers on their due forgiveness. Im just wondering why people who take out a loan to go to school, then go to school why are they due forgiveness . Ms. Jeanpierre everybody has a different story as to why they need student loans. Everybody has a different reasoning as to why they want to go to college. I cannot speak for everyone. Why is forgiveness due to them . Ms. Jeanpierre what we have been very clear about is the student loan system needs to be fixed. The president is trying to do that and fix it in a way where people are not feeling that crushing financial burden that they deal with when they leave college. And that is something that they should not have to. They should be given a little bit of breathing room. Thats something that a majority by the waythats something that a majority of americans agree on to be given a little bit of breathing room. Our polls show more than half disagree with using tax dollars. Ms. Jeanpierre thats one poll. But a followup question, if you will. Does the administration think that Student Loan Debt cancellation contributes to inflation . Ms. Jeanpierre what we believe is student debt cancellation gives an opportunity for americans to start a life, to buy a house, to start a family. That adds to the economy. That is also important to the economy. And it gives, again, a little bit of breathing room so that they can actually take action and do things that they have wanted to do. Whether it is going after a dream. Whether, again, its starting a family; whether its buying house. That matters. That matters to many, many americans. Go ahead, jacqui. Thank you, karine. On the border bill. Schumer isnt even allowing amendments, and this exact text failed before. So, how can this be seen as anything other than a cynical attempt to try to show americans that democrats care about the border . Ms. Jeanpierre i mean, i dont understand how that would be cynical when it sounds like senator schumer is trying to do his job and move forward a piece of legislation that had bipartisan support. That was negotiated in a bipartisan way that majority of Americans Care about. Hes trying to move that forward on behalf of obviously, not just of what the negotiators wanted to get done in that bipartisan way but also this is something that the American People want to see. They Want Congress to take action on this particular issue. I am not sure why that would be cynical. Because this exact text failed, and hes not allowing for any changes. Ms. Jeanpierre im going to let senator schumer do the work and move that forward. It is his decision to make that decision. We support it, obviously. Weve been very clear about supporting that, about wanting to see that plan move forward. We want to see that happen. We want to see that happen. Now it is up to republicans to decide if they want to deal with this issue that matters, again, to majority of americans. You opened the briefing by saying its up to republicans to do something to solve the problem or continue to use it as a political issue. The president has the authority to do something about this unilaterally. Congress is in a divided government right now. Why isnt he doing anything . Ms. Jeanpierre why should he have to do it unilaterally . Why shouldnt we do it in a legislative way . And lets not forget. He took unilateral action before. Ms. Jeanpierre you are right he took many executive actions , before. But in order to deal with whats happening at the border, in order to deal with a broken immigration system, you need law, you need legislation, you need it to happen in a bipartisan way. And it was negotiated. There was an agreement in the senate. Republicans and democrats came together. You just said its divided, to be more clear and they came and , they did that. And so, that matters. Weve been able, during this past three and a half years, to move forward in a bipartisan way on many legislation. So, this one is important. Why cant we do that here . Well, just because of the framework through which its again, not allowing for any coming up again, not allowing for any changes; no indication this vote is going to be any different. And it looks like, if anything, bringing up this vote again and setting it up to fail, again, is really just an indication that democrats know that theyre vulnerable on this issue. Ms. Jeanpierre heres what ill say is that im going to leave it to senator schumer. I will leave it to Senate Leadership to speak to the votes, to speak through the process and how theyre going to move forward. That is literally something for them to talk about. What i will say is it is long past time to get this done, to get this moving. We were able to get a bipartisan negotiation a plan forward on an issue that many Americans Care about. An issue that matters for our immigration system, for whats happening at the border. And thats a good thing. And so, senator schumer and we support this wants to move this forward. We want to see this move forward as well. The senator is very good at this. Hes very good at dealing with big legislation, obviously, as weve been able to move important legislation through over the past three and a half years. So, im going to let him speak to that. One last one on a different topic. On the icc. You said that the administration is working with congress in a bipartisan way on this icc arrest warrant issue. Is the administration willing to implement any visa bans or place sanctions on icc officials . Ms. Jeanpierre National Security advisor Jake Sullivan literally was just asked a question about this. I dont have anything else to add. We are in conversations on the hill. He said this in a bicameral way, in a bipartisan way. Dont have anything to announce. Weve been very clear on where we stand on icc. Thank you so much, guys. Jerry carl. Time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from ind