Transcripts For CSPAN Key Capitol Hill Hearings 20150130

About 10 percentage point more without a College Degree that pays a good wages, and the benefits are much better. Host last call. Rob from oregon. What is the name of the town . Caller the dalles. It seems like both sides of the aisle are calling for job creation. It would seem like giving the president trade authority would be a great step forward. I think the president mentioned in his state of union that about 95 of World Consumers live outside of the United States. Perhaps you could clarify that. It seems like United States is being left on the sidelines as the rest the world is negotiate trade deals. Were facing higher tariffs and other bears the competition. We need to be in this game and i think trade Promotion Authority is would be a greatway that we the would be a greatway that we are part of this Global Economy. It seems like a nobrainer and i would hope that congress would take steps forward and said the president something he would actually sign to keep our economy going. Guest you make an excellent point. The World Economy other countries are not standing by. There they are negotiating these deals that exclude us, and would mean higher tariffs. 95 of the worlds consumers live overseas. 70 of they has 70 of the world purchasing power. There are nearly 3 times of what we buy here in the United States outside of our borders. We need a bigger share of the economy. Trade agreements are the solution to leveling the Playing Field and make it fair for the u. S. To lead so that we can produce those highpaying jobs here in the United States and growing manufacturing. Guest we need to create jobs in this country. Unfortunately, trade Promotion Authority will not help us do that. The reality is, tariffs around the world are very low. We have had dozens of rounds of trade negotiations which eliminate tariffs on many goods. The real action the trade deals that we are negotiating today are on nontrade barriers like investment, intellectual property rights, rules of the road. The way these agreements are being negotiated now will hurt American People and consumers. We need to take advantage of these negotiations to level the Playing Field and compete with workers around the world. As i described the other day many things are impeding our ability at least 20 countries around the world are manipulating their currencies. If these countries really want to do a deal with United States, they should be willing to give up those currency manipulation policies before entering into this agreement. Those are the kind of terms that we ought to demand before we give these countries special access the United States. Host robert scott and linda dempsey, thank you. A live picture from philadelphia, where House Democrats are holding their policy retreat this week. President obama addressed the group yesterday. Coming up in a few moments, we will have live coverage of a News Conference with Democratic Leaders as they wrap up the retreat. Nancy pelosi and Xavier Becerra will leave the conference. One thing they could be addressed if the republicans repeated attempts to get rid of the Nations Health care law. We understand next week a bill to repeal it could come to the floor. That news briefing coming up shortly. We will have it live when it starts here on cspan. In the Washington Post today met romney told supporters he will not seek presidency for a third time in 2016, shortcircuiting a campaign that threaten to up and it fluid race for the republican nomination. Quote, after putting considerable thought into a run for president , i have decided that its best to give other leaders in the Party Opportunity to become our next nominee, he said, according to remarks. The 2012 republican president ial nominee had been weighing another run at the white house after telling Campaign Donors on january 9 that he still wanted to be president. That announcement was made in a Conference Call to supporters this morning. We do have audio of the call. Its about four minutes. We plan to bring it to you after this News Conference. Attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch was on the hill wednesday for a confirmation hearing. If you missed her testimony before the Senate Judiciary committee, you will be able to watch it in its entirety on sunday. We will have it for you starting at 10 30 a. M. Eastern time here on cspan. We are waiting for the start of the House Democrats news briefing at the tail end of their retreat in philadelphia. Right now i look at a new survey looking at the wellbeing of young adults in 1980 and today, from todays washington journal. Its called america by the numbers. We want to look at the statistics about americans. Today, a look at the millennial generation. Joining us is Jonathan Vespa of the u. S. Census bureau. How do you define a millennial . Guest what census looked at was generational comparisons. We wanted to put out an interactive tool census explore that would let us look at how baby boomers compare to millennials. For millennials, we mean young adults today, that segment of the population that is 18 to 34 years old. Host the comparison that you put was to 1980 when the socalled baby boomers were in the 18 to 34 range. What is your bottom line when it comes to comparing millennials today to 1980 . Guest one of the things that surprised us was that on the one hand millennials seem to be doing better today economically than baby boomers were when they were young adults. Some millennials are earning more today than when their parents were young, and they are more likely to have a College Degree. On the other hand, more millennials are unemployed and more are living in poverty. Host joining our conversation is aaron career courier of Pew Charitable trust. Why did the Census Bureau find what they were finding . Guest there are so many things happening with millennials right now. Every generation is sort of buffeted by the unique historical, economic, social context in which they grow up and come of age. For millennials, we are seeing that they entered the label Labor Force Just at a point when the economic downturn happened, and in the recovery and aftermath. That has huge implications for the way they experience their Economic Growth and their future opportunity. Host when you look at the data were millenials doing well in 1980 . That was kind of a bad year as well. Guest its true the 1980, 1981 recession is a play for baby boomers. The difference here with millenials is also the social context. They are entering the label or force labor force in which Postsecondary Education has never been more important, but its also never been more expensive. They are really grappling with the costbenefit analysis of how to succeed in the labor market with this backdrop of a really high unemployment and a question of whether it is still worth it to go to college. Host we have divided the numbers by age. Were talking about the economic wellbeing or advancements or nonadvancements of the millennial generation. The first number up there is for todays millenials, 18 to 34. Is todays millennial generation better off than their parents overall . Guest one of the things we looked at was earnings during earnings. What are millenials with fulltime jobs earning compared to what their parents were earning when they were young . In adults are earning about 2000 less than young adults were earning back in 1980. This is full for all time for fulltime workers working yearround. This isnt just a national trend. This varies across geography. This is a local experience. In some states and areas of the country, young adults are earning more than their parents were when they were young. I think we have a slide prepared on that. Host you have this chart here, young adults earn 2000 less than young adults arent in 1980. Why is that earned in 1980. Why is that . Guest if you look in the aggregate, you can see that earnings hasnt really grown over the last 30 years. The other thing thats important to keep in mind is that millenials have a lot of diverse experiences. Within a generation, there are a lot of people who are doing well, who are exceeding the earnings and income of their parents while at the same time you have higher rates of poverty among this group than you did in 1980. That just shows the while it is helpful to think about a generation based on its age, there is still a diversity of experience happening within that group. Host what is the significance of this data . Why should we care, and what kind of policies do you think may be developed because of what we are seeing with this data . Guest pew has been studying the health and status of the American Dream for a few years now. We care because americans care. This idea of being able to work hard, play by the rules, and get ahead is something that is a big part of our national ethos. Americans in general want to be able to see every generation of americans succeed. They want to be able to see that people can work hard, get an education, have a job, and their earnings will be reflective of that hard work. The policy solutions are wideranging. There isnt a Silver Bullet here. We have to think a list equally about all the things going on. That will be neighborhoods and community development. Theres a difference across the country and how people are experiencing earnings growth. That will also be education especially post secondary education. The other thing we are pointing out the savings and assets. This generation has to have some kind of financial cushion to propel themselves forward. Jonathan vespa, walk us through the chart we have on the screen. Young adults today are more likely to have a College Degree but live in poverty. Guest this is part of that National Story we are seeing that when we break it apart, it looks different in different parts of the country. It seems at face value that it is a contradiction. About 20 of young adults today are living in poverty. This is higher than the National Rate for the population as a whole, and higher than young adults in 1980. They also have more education. They are more likely to have a College Degree. Host 22 of young adults 18 to 34 have a College Degree correct . Compared to 16 in 1980 . Guest correct. Host jay is calling in from santa cruz california. Caller i would like to ask mr. Morrison if his organization could possibly do a study on where the heroin host we are going to have to hang up on you. That was the last segment. We switched segments. Chris, we are talking with the Census Bureau and the Pew Charitable trust about the millennial generation. How old are you . [no audio] we will have to move on from chris as well. Chris, reminder to turn down the volume on your tv. Erin courier, is it significant that the share of the young Adult Population is shrinking . Guest this is significant. This is part of a big demographic shift happening across the country simultaneously to an increase in families of color. We are moving towards an era in which we will have majorityminority population. This has big implications for the way we think about social safety net programs, Social Security being a perfect example. We have a lot of money going towards Older Americans and fewer resources being directed towards these younger families. Host chuck in palm coast florida. How old are you . Caller 74. Martin luther kings birthday. My comment is maybe i have some advice for the young people. I retired at 35. Im not enjoying it as much anymore. My advice to them is to vote carefully. In my opinion we have a racist president this is my opinion whose advantage in one sector of the population, and hes not even doing that well. We need jobs, because thats what i had an opportunity for. Host how do those jobs come about . Caller you just have to advantage the job creators. My wife used to have a Small Business. If you give the businessman a lower Corporate Tax rate, he will take that money to create jobs because he wants to advantage himself with a product that is available for more and more of the consumers. There will be more and more consumers if more and more jobs are created. Host i asked erin about the young Adult Population shrinking as a percentage of the u. S. Population. Statistically speaking, when you look at that, does that put the Social Security, medicare funding programs in a little bit of hot water . Guest a lot has been made about how the millennials are the largest generation yet in u. S. History. Anyway, thats true, in terms of raw numbers. If we look back compared to how large the baby boom generation was compared to the size of the u. S. Population than, baby boomers left a much larger footprint. Erins point is spoton here that even though we have more young adults today, they make up a smaller share of the population, which means the u. S. Population is aging at a faster rate than the young Adult Population is growing. Host nathan, st. Louis. How old are you . Caller 23. Host how welloff are you . Caller im able to pay all my bills host are you collegeeducated . Caller about two years, but i stopped going to college because of the cost of it. Host are you working fulltime . Caller yes. Host how would you compare your Current Situation to that of your parents when they were your age . Caller my parents always said they were working two, three jobs and its hard to find a job nowadays host are you working fulltime . Caller yes. Host do you plan on going back to school . Caller i really dont think so because im trying to get into real estate, so i dont think a College Degree would help me with that, and i think the record levels of college debt the students have these days, i dont think college is really worth it. Host you have been very nice and let me question you, but youre the one who called in. What would you like to ask . Caller i just wanted to say that the amount of debt the students have these days when they do get out of college, and the students that when they get a degree, its hard for them to find a job, so thats why i dont think its worth it. Host erin, college debt and how that affects his generation. Guest theres no question that for people who have a large amount of debt, it is front of mine for them, and especially for people struggling under that debt. If you look at this over the aggregate of everyone who has debt a lot is being made of this group who have huge amounts of debt but have a fouryear degree. What lacks attention being paid to is a number of people who have a small amount of debt but they are the most likely to default on that debt, maybe people who started a community College Degree, started a certificate program, for whatever reason could not finish, but took on all of this debt and dont have the degree to pay off the debt. The student loan issue is a really complicated one. Its not just the people with high debt load that we need to be worrying about. A lot of scholars are arguing Pay Attention to this group down here that has very little debt but is really, really struggling. Host maybe nathan spent two years in college and dropped out because of the cost. Guest i believe he said that he has a job now. That brings up a good point about where young adults are going after they graduate from college. Where are they going to find those jobs . When we put together the senses explore, we found census explorer we found transfer different across the u. S. Young adults who are earning more than their parents seem to be clustered on the eastern seaboard. When you look at cities and metro areas, the top 10 in the u. S. That have the highest levels of young adult employment, half of them are in just two states, north dakota and south dakota. That brings up a question about how these experiences are local and how young adults make those decisions. Host a baby boomer in charlotte, north carolina. How old are you . Caller 54. If you read a book by Charles Murray called coming apart, he talks about fishtown and belmont and the experiences people have and how they affect their satisfaction or success in life. We are probably talking about that with millenials. I see more super achieving millenials running around, doing extremely well, but i also see people who want to not conform they feel entitled, whether it is tattoos cornrows, not being able to speak properly, and going to interviews and are upset because they cant get a job. You can go to college and come out and not know the basic rules. I wish there was an extra class in school that says look, if you would like to go to work for a big company, you have to conform and assimilate and be a part of that group rather than say, im going to be an individual and complained about not getting hired. Host are your children better off than you are . Caller i have one child. Still in school, but i assume i know that my child up to this point has lived a much better life than i lived. I can assure you we will be coaching her on how to be more successful than my wife and i are today. Host we are going to continue to probe here. Are you paying for her education . Caller yes. Host so she will graduate with small or no debt . Caller small debt or no debt, whatever it takes. Another thing to look at is how early kids have children. If youre in high school or college and you have already had a child especially if youve had a child out of wedlock your chances of success still here, huh . We have buses filled with members who are waiting for us, so we will all try to be brief take a couple questions, and scoot out so we can make sure it continues to be a great conference. Shall we start . Thank you all for being here. Xavier becerra, chairman of the House Democratic caucus. We just had a rousing finish. Our vice chairman will tell you about that. We came understanding the mission we were given by the American People. We had it in the title of our conference. Pro americas economy, growing american paychecks. Honing in what we need to do to make sure it is clear who the real job creators are, the middle class. We know that the middleclass who go out there and generate demand for monday are the ones who build the markets. The middleclass drives our economy. We understand, and we choose to be democrats because we choose to be the party of the middle class, not the party of koch. We understand it had to be solutions. We had to do something more to make sure that more than 10 million americans get health security. We feel that the the middleclass want to dream even higher. They want to go beyond middleclass. We are shoulder to shoulder with the aspiring class, who dream of becoming part of the middleclass, part of the job that is why we came. We know where we go from here. Now let me ask our vice chairman tell us more about the conference. We had a rousing ending. Im so pleased to be here today and to have had the opportunity to introduce the Vice President before our caucus today. I want to thank the president for a stirring speech last night as well. Theres really no better way to end them with joe biden. He was wonderful. I want to thank Xavier Becerra and the caucus staff for a wonderful retreat. I want to thank the leadership as well on focusing our attention and continuing to do such a great job of focusing our party on growing our economy before the middleclass, giving a hand up to those who need it most. People were struggling i turned to the Ranking Member of the budget committee. I do want to thank our chairman and vice chairman. It was a terrific gathering. I think we all leave here with a big boost to go into the next round. Thank you, madam leader. On monday we will be hearing from the president in the form of his submission of the budget, which will build on his state of the union address. We will begin a discussion on the budget. Both the house and both the house and the senate, under the rules, have to come up with a budget byfebruary 15. The budget is really a discussion about where we are as a country. Where should we be, how do we move forward. How do we raise revenue. How do we do all that in a way that grows our economy in the fastest way possible and in a way that allows for the greatest share of prosperity. What we have seen is as the job market has picked up and as people have come back to work, we still have a real challenge was stagnant wages, especially for those in the middle class and those working towards the middle class. We will work like a laser beam on those issues. The present budget makes investments that are essential in powering our economy and education, Scientific Research and innovation. But it also provides help to working families and middle income families to help make ends meet. Things like the child independent tax credit. Things like the two earner tax credit. We want to make sure that both the investments that we make as well as the tax policy we build are designed to rapidly grow our economy in a way that everybody can benefit. What we do know is that the past is prelude, we expect it to be, are a our republican colleagues will put forward a budget in exactly the opposite direction, giving tax breaks to the people at the top. They will be dramatically cutting investments in our kids education and in Scientific Research that helps to power our economy. We welcome this debate. We think this is the question that this country should be focused on. If you listen to a lot of republicans, they agree with is rhetorically what the challenges. You hear Mitch Mcconnell and Speaker Boehner talking for the first time about the middle class and wage stagnation. Now, how are you actually going to adjust that. The president has a plan and the democrats have a plan. We think the republicans take us in the wrong direction. Donna edwards is someone who has been, i should say, when it comes to the child tax credit, has been champing this for a long time. Thank you, chris. And thank you to our chairman and vice chairman for a really Great Congress for growing momentum to move the middle class for. Im here to talk to you today about a piece of Unfinished Business. It is the Unfinished Business of the last congress with a looming deadline of february 27 for 280,000 employees, the department of Homeland Security, and the United States. That is the expiration of funding for the department of Homeland Security. My chris in holland, i represent a district that is in the metropolitan washington region where our Law Enforcement agencies cooperate for our security. They are depending on the department of Homeland Security at a time of Great International threat, daily threat, and daily threats to our home in. Republicans have decided they want to have a food fight with the present them of the United States because he took executive action on immigration when they failed to act on immigration. Right now, they want to hold hostage the funding for the department of Homeland Security, and it is unacceptable. The Unfinished Business from last year the Unfinished Business of this congress, the first order of business, before we can even get to these parties, and we want to get to them, is to find the department of Homeland Security. I think the American People should know that it is at the sea of the Republican Party that our domestic security is in jeopardy. For all those employees who on february 27, they will be essential employees without a paycheck because of the republican failure to act. As we go back to washington, february 27 looms. It is the responsibility of the House Republicans to get their act together and fund the department of Homeland Security. With that, id like to turn this over to our leader who has taken charge over these last several days and who will lead nancy pelosi. Thank you very much, senator edwards. I would like to thank my fellow members of this caucus for a great meeting. It has been a great few days of conversation. It is just the tip of the iceberg of the work that has gone into it. What has gone into it has produced unity, camaraderie, and enthusiasm, and most importantly, momentum mmomentum for the middle class. The middle class, the true job creator. That is our message to the American People. A squeeze on the middle class is a squeeze on our economy. All of the Economic Indicators which show that our economy is growing, and prospects are good except for one the stagnation of wages for our working class families. Unless we can put purchasing power into the hands of the consumers, in this consumer economy, we will not have recovery that we need. That is why our focus has been on the middle class the backbone of our democracy, but also the job creators. As we gather here in philadelphia, where many of our sacred family documents were written, they talked about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That was amazing. In that time, they said life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have heard me say before in the Affordable Care act, we have given people the ability for a healthier life and the pursuit of happiness. The fact is also that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness must be reflected in the values of our country. I was very proud of the interaction only be getting on the budget by Ranking Member van hollen. Where we go from here continued discussion on the budget, and the values that everyone shares in this country. We go forward, chris will have Ranking Member van hollen will have those meetings with Members Around how we get consensus on a budget and the president s budget. Another senator is heading up our senator edwards will work on campaign reform, trying to reduce the role of money in politics and increase hope and precipitation of pparticipation of all people. We are very proud of steve israel, the head of our policy communication group. So that, again, everyone is in harmony and in force. Of course, our chairman, ben ray lujan, will be driving their political course and we are very proud of the action of congress had given to him. For us, it was a very successful weekend few days. We were very honored by the present speech and the Vice President speech as well. Building on the momentum of the state of the union address, reiterating returning to some of those principles and values and specific recommendations, Building Momentum for the middle class. Thank you. We will take a couple questions. Madam leader, the reaction to mitt romney . Any reaction to him not running . Let me say first, im, i can stay little later than others. Lets stay with our im happy to come back to that, but i understand last night that when the president talked about trade Promotion Authority, did you deliver the vote on that . I think that people as i have said over and over, lets find a path to yes. I do not know that is possible it, it depends on what is in tpp. Give us fast track to tpp, well, tell us what that is. I think people are open to listening. We are a party of trade and we understand the Global Economy. On the other hand, i will say what was that a few days ago, we will make a judgment as to what is in there and what impact it will have on the wages of americas working families. If i may ask a hometown question. Local media once the 16th convention here do you think that is why the mayor was here the whole time . He was great. I know you sell a lot of this conference talking about the middle class. How much have you talked about the voter issue and the Voting Rights issue . We talked a great deal about it. We opened on wednesday evening, the whole evening was about that. We showed some clips from that early era not just to focus on the movie selma, but to give our members two clips. One from a speech that Martin Luther king did in 1966, less than one year after the Voting Rights act was signed into law, and another from a speech he gave in 1967. Both of those features were in south carolina. To allow our members to see. Martin luther king junior had a big focus on the ballot box and legislation. It was not just about a dream unfulfilled. He spoke about how that dream should be fulfilled. We are focusing a lot of attention on this. I do believe to build this middle class economy, it is so critical for the future growth and development of this great country, we need to get more people engage and we will work very hard to do that. [indiscernible] yes we did, and we have a full task force. We will meet at least twice this coming week to get this ball moving. They all have great ideas on how we can maybe get this done. Other questions . I would like to ask a question about how this retreat was run. It seems like this has been a police state. Your staff has been heavy handed following reporters to the bathroom, at times yes, we have been escorted everywhere we have gone. The republicans do not work like this and that it is not like this on the capital, is this necessary . We are not aware we had to have security in the hotel where we are in because it is expected by Capitol Police that we would be secured. This hotel, where the press was located, we did not have those kinds of requirements. If you want to give me some names of staff, ill be willing to take them. They said they were operating under the direction of the caucus. The Capitol Police said the same thing. It is unlike any other retreat. That was not the direction of the caucus. Let me say this, as many of you know, i come from a less than middle class background. I defy middle class aspiration only. I believe my wife and i when i finished college, we made around 7000 per year, and i thought i was middle class. Im very concerned about staff, and a few of them came to me about this. I say, look, you have the president and the Vice President United States. You will read the headlines and you will know exactly what types of challenges the security of the first family is having. Were not going to be able tthey wanted to come in and have breakfast. Until people are validated by Social Security numbers, this is not what we would like, but this is what is required. They understand. I think we have the responsibility to maintain the security that the secret service were demanded. One last question. What have you told your colleagues about the 2016 cycle. How are you preparing . Various imaginations might be at play. I think were all clear, maybe a quote was taken out of context. There is excitement amongst her colleagues. You heard it yesterday. To feel the energy and last night and this morning, there were path on the backs. We are ready, there is excitement than. There is member engagement. You have seen members step forward today, maybe something happened in the past, but now they are stepping in. We do not like being in the minority. We know the republicans are overextended. They will be defending 20 seats. We are going forward. And they are having a messaging nightmare. Looking look at governor romney. The question came in, our reaction to them. I think republicans are happier than anyone that he is not running. We have to look at where our priorities are with the middle class. Charlie dent, week three, week four. What will come in week five . Llets look at that together. We are strong in coming out of this together around a unified message on middle class economics. For me, that means putting a roof over your head, putting bread in your refrigerator. Where i come from, those are the people creating jobs, putting people to work. That is where we are committed. We are all about strengthening working families in middle class america. Im excited about this. When i get a chance to talk about it, lets go. Were going to get to work here. Thats why got coming into this. I am more energized than i was coming into this retreat. Mr. Crowley would like to answer your question about the convention. I wanted i would like to thank the mayor for the welcome he has given to us to this incredibly important city to the United States. We have had an incredible warm welcome. I welcome the entire mayor to the 2016 convention. Thank you very much. Congresswoman batey also has something to say. The mayor has always been an intellectual resource to us as far as policy and organizing. I dont know if you saw a speech the other day, he talks the infrastructure and thank us for what we did. The fact is he came to washington and advocate for that in a very positive way and got results. What a wonderful city for many purposes. This meeting certainly went off a well. [indiscernible] the dnc makes the decision. We probably concluded. The prospect of success was not there, despite the fact that he would win on election night. They are a wonderful family, he is a wonderful american. He served our country in many ways. I do not want to make a joke about his candidacy, but i do not think i said, i thought he was the preferred candidate. Thank you all again. I just want to go back to one point. You mentioned about Voting Rights and civil rights, that aspect of this meeting. I just like to say that mr. Van hollen said where do we go from here, Budget Priorities and how we arrive at them. I started my remarks by quoting doctor king. He said that he wanted his children to be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I thought that that sentence by doctor king he taught us so much, but to listen to that judge. He used the word judge. By the content of their character. How do we, as a country, judge the content of childrens character when their parents are not making a death money to put food on the table and have two jobs. They do not have any time to judge them. Housing is a situation that really causes some psychological problems for children when it is in doubt, or not adequate. The opportunity gap that we have in our country in order to address it, we have to address the education gap and what is happening. 40 million children will be on the other side of the Digital Divide if we do not have the right Budget Priorities to address education, and the right policies in the budget to address enabling families to have the time to measure their children, and nurture their children. The content of the character of a nation that does not enable the nurturing of its children in its policies . While we have heard doctor kings words so many times, we take them one at a time judge judge the content of americas children the heirs of americas future. It was very much a part of the values that we discussed in our plans as we go forward. Thank you all for participating and see you next time. [indiscernible] the question to john is about the judgment of our country. Howie make a judgment about whatever agreement there is. I thought that was appropriate. I think that whatever you think of, apart from all the rest, is two weeks before the election in israel. I will say, another point, i think that establishing the state of israels one of the greatest accomplishments in the 20 century. Our National Security is interested. The United States of america has as part of our Foreign Policy a pillar against weapons of mass destruction iran cannot have that weapon. It is dangerous to our country and dangers to the globe. Nobody has to instruct us as to the seriousness of this issue. Certainly, i get with all respect to the Prime Minister and love to in to the state of israel, i do not know if they would want the end of i think they would like the opportunity. I think he is a respected speaker and continues our values, and has established that relationship with the American People. Again, disclosed to the election, it does not feel appropriate. Thank you. Will most of your cock is democrats are wrapping up their retreat in philadelphia. If you missed any of that, it is available in the c span library. We will go now to a white house hearing. This is just getting started. I think the reason that we have had tremendous success in building a coalition of more than 60 nations to take the fight to isil and institute the policy against isil. Particularly like the nations like jordan understands the risks that they faced by extremists. There are ambitions, particularly articulate by isil, to expand their footprints. That is why it was so important for countries around the world to come together and facedown is that. As the present them with building this coalition, there were some doubts expressed as to how much he says he would have in lifting the support of other nations in the fight. We are pleased that nations like jordan, saudi arabia, uae, are not just ready to stand with the United States in this effort, to alternately degraded destroy up isil, they are joining the fight. We see members of the military from jordan, saudi arabia, uae, flying along with american pilots. I think that sends a clear signal to our enemies and to the world that the world is united to based on the threat. On another topic, does the present them have any reaction to his former opponent mitt romney to not seek the presidency again . I do not have a chance to talk to the president since mitt romney made that announcement. Certainly he is a man of great faith and a man who had committed loyalty to his country. That is something that is worthy of our respect. Im confident that the announcement they made today was a difficult one, i imagine he acknowledged so much. It was a very personal decision , one that he and his family had to make. I will say that he said in recent days that we should have more robust debate in this country around policies that benefit middle class families. He was articulating something that he thought about not enough benefit being reflected back to middle class families. That is something that present them obama has shared. Im sure that mitt romneys endorsement will be sought by other republican candidates. I am hopeful that he will use the inputs to try to elevate the debate, and have more intention and focus on policies actually benefit middle class families. Surely we will have disagreements about the best ways to do that, but it can at least be our starting point. In remarks last night, the present band seemed to relish over the debate on poverty in the United States with mitt romney. If that is the case, do you think he would be disappointed to not have that debate now . I do not think he is disappointed. Following up on that, you saw the president tweaking the governor update, was at his intention . Again, think his intent was to note that we are seeing more rhetoric from republicans indicating what was previously an unstated concern for people who are not at the top. The president certainly welcomes the concern in these issues. I think the governor romney is genuine when he is particularly not concern. The problem is and something we see too often from the republican side is that they often use the middle class as a talking point, i do not say put forward false is that benefit the middle class. Again, to the extent that mitt romney can use his influence and change the debate that would be a good thing. It would certainly be a way for governor romney, although he has indicated he will not be a candidate, a way that he can substantially contribute to the debate. On a couple other topics russias central banm Interest Rate today in reaction to the possibility of a recession in the country. I will not comment extensively on the actions that were taken by another central bank. I can say that the general matter, and i also notice, within the last week or so, the central bank had aactually race central rates dramatically in order to protect its own currency. This illustrates that there is an element of chaos in the russian economy. Some of that is a result to the International Sanctions campaign that our present them played a role in. There are clear Economic Costs associated with president prudence expedition into ukraine that continue to violate the integrity of neighbors and is having an economic impact, 1, on russia. As russia continues to not live up to commitments it made, costs will only intensify. Were hopeful that these costs now, it will prompt husband and putin to reevaluate his strategy. If the white house watching thats a citizens there . We are continuing to monitor the situation in ukraine. Were seeing repeatedly that they are unable to live up to the agreements. The deaths of civilians, are they the results of military actions by separatists that are armed by the Russian Military . That is an indication that we need to change the cycle. Were hopeful that the International Community continues to show its resolve and cost piles up on the russian economy, that the president putin will change course. What is the white house reaction to the announcement today that it will not cooperate with imf and european lenders . I do not have a specific reaction to that. I can say in general, the president conference with greece. There are implications and impact on the u. S. Economy and the Global Economy. We will continue to work closely with the eu and engaging with the new political leaders increase to try to resolve differences in degrees in europe and the global commie back on a path towards growth and prosperity. That ultimately will be in the best interest of the u. S. Economy. I want to ask first about gdp. It came in a bit lower than expected today. I know the president has talked recently about promising Economic Science in the region and with the budget, if we can invest in all priorities. I will tell you that it may end up being true, but i do not think the gp or numbers today are much evidence of that. This is one snapshot. If you have heard me say it here for years, we do not get too excited about one economic report or to too disappointed about it. Just in 2014, the economy grew at a rate of 14 . That is robust growth and one that we want to grow on. This is why try to knowledge at the beginning of my answer to question, there are consequences for a slowdown in the International Economy on the u. S. Economy. We do continue to be concerned about some of the things jason kerman appeared in a briefing with me and talked about this, potential impacts from the slowing Global Economy. Certainly our work with the europeans that jeff asked about is evidence of her ongoing effort to work with the International Community to strengthen the economy around the globe. Last day in philadelphia, it sounded like there was a discussion on trade. I know the president at said he would demand more. Im wondering if after the discussion you feel like you have the figures he needs for trade Promotion Authority. The present them was not there to count votes last night, he was there to talk about his strategy when it comes to these approaches to opening market exports. He made out a compelling sspeech, similar to what he said in the state of the union. The president has a strong case to make about how an agreement that he will sign will only be in agreement that is in the best interest of the middle class families and businesses. That will be the guideposts as we pursue this agreement with a range of other countries in the asia pacific. We will make our case to democrats and republicans alike along those lines. I will say that the president up during the last six years, should give those who are concerned about the middle class some confidence that he knows what he is talking about when he says he will go out there and stand up for middle class families. To the present, away from that feeling like there is enough democratic support . I will say that the present them came with the impression that people are focused on this issue and that he got a fair hearing from the democrats in attendance. I do not anticipate everything with democrat will vote for this thing. I do think that as long as people give the present them an opportunity to present the facts and asked legitimate questions about the details of the agreement, i think well have an opportunity to continue to make our case and when some support as a result. [indiscernible] israel has announced it will build 450 units on the west bank. They say this is a result of the Prime Minister to speak here. On a number of occasions, we have had the opportunity to make clear our position on settlement activity. We say they are counter a two state. They will further isolate israel is internationally. The United States, as a close ally of israel, uses our diplomatic influence around the globe trying to build support for israel. An announcement like this only serves to further isolate them. It is nothing to bolster israels security, it does not increase their prosperity, and it does not move towards the cause of peace. In fact, just the opposite. I do not know exactly what the motive is. What is clear, in our view, it would only undermine the support of israelis internationally, and the sort of support they need for a tuesday outcome, which we think is the best one. Can you talk about the reports on taliban fighters. There are a couple of facts that are important, and should be reflected. None of these individuals have returned to the battlefield. None of them is allowed to travel outside of qatar. Don has engaged in physical violence. In fact, each of them at this moment is still in qatar and subject to monitoring. I can also say that we are really in touch with wat about the mitigation efforts. In light of the consent to your phrase, i can tell you that those have been updated to reflect those concerns. Because of the cooperation that we got from them and we continue to have confidence that there are measures in place to substantially mitigate the threat that they pose to american National Security. What you mean by updated . Im not in a position i think for variety of reasons, obvious. Youre making the point that have not returned to the battlefield, but doesnt it suggests that they could potentially pose a threat United States. You recall that when the transfer from Guantanamo Bay to qatar, the secretary of defense had to identify the third mitigation threats in place to mitigate the threat they pose to National Security. Secretary hagel defined as such last summer. The success of this litigation matters depends on the cooperation of the qatar government. We have gotten good cooperation about these measures that need to be implemented, and the fact we have updated them to reflect some concerns is evidence that we have a system in place that is protecting american National Security. The fact is that if contact happen in the first place, will be ministration rethink the effort to potentially close guantanamo . No, it does not. Simply because keeping the prison opened undermines our National Security. That is the view of the present them of the United States. It was actually the view of the previous administration. The fact is that prison in Guantanamo Bay only works to drain our resources. The opening of that prison or discontinued operations has only served to damage our relationship with countries around the world. The president believes it is an easy call that we need to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay and as we transferred prisoners, we need to mitigate the risk that those people opposed to the United States. I can say with confidence that this individual has not returned to the battlefield. They are not allowed to travel outside of qatar, and they have not engaged in any physical violence. In fact, this person is in qatar right now. I would ask you about something here home. There are a lot of concerns by the cdc about this recent spread of measles. It is now affecting people in 14 states. How concerned is the white house . The cdc is obviously monitoring this very closely. We have Public Health experts across the country were taken careful look at this. I think what those experts would tell you is if you are sick, we recommend you do not get on an airplane you do not click on the location. That is true of the flu and other illnesses as well. This obviously is an illness that is a bit more potent than the flu. It has certainly attracted the attention of our Public Health officials. It is something we will continue to closely monitor. A revise the discussion over vaccines. Does the white house have a message on that . The president certainly believes that these decisions are ones that should be made by parents. Ultimately, we talk about vaccinations, were time of vaccinations are given to. Childrenthe science on this is clear. That they should get vaccinations . That is what science says, and what our Public Health officials would recommend. Following science on this is typically a good approach. An article from politico today, says that the administration is pushing leftward. Is that a Fair Assessment . I think that the president is driving towards the middle. Now on the ideological spectrum, but driving towards the middle class. That has been his focal point since he took office. I think its fair to say that he is doubling down on that effort. That was included in the history of the union address, and when he unrolled his budget on monday, you will see that we have an orientation in that budget remake clear that our priority is the middle class family. When our economy is moving from the middle out, we know our economy is on its strongest fitting. I do not know of supporting middle class families means that you are more oriented towards the progressive poll of the spectrum. If so, so be it. I want to switch gears and talk about immigration. I know a great deal has been said about people who are already here. Im wondering about policy moving forward about people who want to come here and be here for longer periods. For example, there are thousands of canadians to come here and work here, but then go back because there is a time limitation. This is one of the tragedies of the House Republicans decision to not consider a vote on the Bipartisan Legislation that passed through the senate early in 2013. That legislation included a wide variety of things, including reforms of our Legal Immigration system. There should be something that we could do to better attract talent from all across the world, and entrepreneurs from all across the world. If they want to come to the United States and open a business, they should have a clear path to do so. Right now, our system does not operate as efficiently as we would like, and certainly does not optimize opportunity for talent coming to the United States. When people come to the United States to go to school, and then their education is up, we tell them, sorry, you have to go back to your home country. The president does not think that makes much sense, and the chamber of commerce which is not typically aligned with the present day, agrees with him and says it does not make sense. He says he will use all the power that is in at his disposal to perform the immigration system, but there is more work to be done. The site should include reforms of the Legal Immigration system. One more thing. There is a game coming up on sunday. We want to know, that the present them have a team . The president always roots for the chicago bulls. He said he will not route for a particular team. He is is working for a good team, i would say the same for myself. They say they will put together a working group to draft an alternative to the Affordable Care act. Do you think there is anything premature about putting together a working group . In general, white house reaction to what has long been missing from republican reaction a full blown replacement to Affordable Care act . We have been waiting for years for republicans to engage constructively and put forth a plan to reform our Health Care System. That is why the present and had to drive so hard to get this across the finish line because he was obstructed all along by republicans. He said, since the success of passing a healthcare reform and expanded health care to millions of americans, we Welcome Ideas from republicans to improve it along. The fact is that they voted for it 50 times to eliminate the law. It is not clear that republicans are serious about putting for their own plan, or even reform our Health Care System that is good for Small Business owners and middle class families. Do you think theres anything to the idea that the act becomes at this point, we will remain confident that the Supreme Court will take a close look at the arguments and conclude what so many other people have that the commonsense reading of the legislation, that people should be able to collect tax credits, regardless of who is very lame the marketplace. We remain confident in that and frankly, what we found from republicans who are waiting those concerns, those are the same republicans who voted against the Affordable Care act in the first place. On monday, several rule to put forward a recommendation on policy in the ukraine. Among the things that they will suggest is that this administration provide military equipment to ukraine because after many months of sanctions, they will argue that the ukraine government Needs Resources and the military means by which to make continued use of russian separatists this is a menstruation willing to give any consideration to the concept of arming, or providing arms, to the ukraine . I do not know that anyone here has been able to take a look at the report. Im sure when it is released on monday, we will take a close look at it. There are a couple of things when something we arty have agreement. There is substantially more Financial Support that we can offer the ukrainian government, as a result of this insecurity that have been fomented by the russians. They have sustained some pretty significant Economic Cost themselves. That is why the president urge congress to act on a 1 million loan to ukraine. Consistent to reforms they have put in place, we would be available to do more in the second half of the year. The other thing, the president has been urging the congress to do some long overdue reforms to the imf. At least that element of the report, as you describe it, is consistent to argue that there is more that we can and should do to the ukraine financially. As it relates to military support, the president has been reluctant to do that. Principally because i think at this point what i would say is he has been reluctant. Ultimately, there will not be a military solution to this problem. This is the kind of dispute that needs to be resolved diplomatically. We need to see the russians of lies by what they agreed to do at the negotiating table. One would say that that has been tested. There must be a military response and russians need to feel it. The ukraines need to be a will to defend themselves. For there to be a different conclusion on the russian side about the necessity of reaching ppolitical accommodation i think i would look on the report before i say one way or the other. The other part of this is the more the sanctions in place, the more Economic Cost russia must pay. The announcement from the Russian Central Bank today is that they will attempt to lower their Interest Rates, just a few days after they are increased. There is an element of chaos in russia. I think it is too early to say that the Economic Cost the russia has to bear, as a result of their encroachment on ukraine, is not enough for them to change their mind, and it will not be. As discussed now, theres still the possibility that it could come to reevaluate the strategy in ukraine. Questions on trade. If the tables in the house the white house benchmark . What is the argument about the House Democrats who opposed this . Im not ready to establish a benchmark as far as House Democrats that we expect on this legislation. What we see is a majority in the house of representatives on the bill. Whether that is all republicans or republicans in a small number of democrats, it is frankly not something we are concerned about. We want to see this legislation passed. On your second question, whether we will try and persuade reluctant democrats on this matter, i think we would try and persuade them about two fax. There is significant risk associated with not engaging in this region of the world. If the United States were to stand back and say we will not engage in these countries, it only serves to create an opening for china to step in and start writing the rules of the road in ways that are not advantageous to american businesses or workers. In fact, it would put american businesses and workers at a significant disadvantage if china were to start writing the rules of engagement with a bunch of other countries in the asia pacific. That is why the president believes it is important for us to go into that situation and set a higher standard, and raise standards to level the Playing Field and create opportunities for american businesses to grow and thrive, and open access to markets in other countries. The assignment countries that have combined a Large Population and a lot of customers, a lot of potential customers. There is an opportunity to be seized here. Theres also a cost associated with failing to seize it. That is what is on the mind of the present them. Also, an argument that it would be very persuasive too Many Democrats in congress the president says he would not sign an agreement that is against the interest of american middle class families, and he means that. This is the most dynamic economy in the world. It is understandable that other countries would want to have more access to sell the goods here and look at some of the businesses here. We got the care on we have the carrot. The stick is to make sure this is in the best interest of the middle class families. That is the criteria that the president will use to analyze this agreement. As i said, over the last six years, the president has made policies that are in the best interest of the middle class families. That gives them some credibility. I do think he deserves, and has gotten so far, a fair hearing. This case will be made in the next few weeks ahead. Register comments by saying is without the decision. Are you supporting that because they have a special reason for it, which may be based upon science . Thats holding gets back from getting vaccines. Does the president support that . The president believes we should be listened to listening to our health professionals. They can offer the best advice to americans about how they can best protect themselves and their kids from diseases like measles. My point is, im not going to stand here and dispense medical advice. I am going to suggest that the president s view is that people should evaluate this for themselves, with a bias towards good science, and towards the advice of our Public Health professionals, who are trained to offer us exactly this kind of advice. As i understand it, the regulations now are that you have to have a vaccine to go to school. But if you have, but there are exemptions. In the exemptions are for religious reasons, and also if you have a special concern trade does that law need to be addressed, to illuminate the special concerns which are not based on science . I havent heard any discussion about those revising those rules. This is administration relies in the best science available to give americans the information they need so they can take the steps that are necessary to protect them selves and their families. Thats we believe is the most Important Role for the government in this case. In the state of the union, the president said it was time for congress to begin to lift the embargo to cuba. Do you believe that legislation which was proposed is with the president is talking about . Its not asking for the embargo to be lifted, but the travel restrictions. Think its a step in the right direction and reflects the kind of bipartisan support there is for policy change the president has started to implement on his own has called for commerce followup on. We welcome that piece of legislation, and hope it will get due consideration with the house and senate. Do you think the second step the lifting of the embargo will, . I know there are democrats and republicans on both sides of the aisle reducing or it, the president will continue to advocate for that. Flex you would just mentioned earlier that you welcome republican ideas to change obamacare. One of those that might have come up today was the push for medical research, reporting rescinding the medical device tax. Im curious if there has been any movement on that at all . I dont think there is much of a connection between medical device tax and the announcement the president made today. The announcement the president made today related to the position of medicine is part of a substantial investment he believes is necessary in the kind of medical innovation that could serve to dramatically overhaul health care in this country, in a way that would have tremendous benefits for the health and wellbeing of people all across the country. The president also support of those because they have important economic benefits as well. Right now, its difficult to predict exactly what kind of businesses could sprout up around some of these innovations. But there is tremendous economic potential associated with a lot of this research. For both of those reasons, the president strongly believes this is a worthwhile investment. You let more details about what that investment is in the budget. Many republicans Many Companies that come up with these innovations are pushing for the medical device tax to be rescinded for that very reason. That will give the more time in more resources to put into research. We certainly have indicated a willingness to have a conversation with publicans republicans and the medical device tax. Some of them have expressed concerns, we are willing to have the conversation. I dont think there is any reason why the medical device tax would in any way limit the kind of innovation the president believes could revolutionize health care and has great economic potential for both those wellestablished health care companies, but also new companies that could emerge as a result of some of this new technology. On the super bowl, im wondering if the president has any thoughts about whether the nfl has done on Domestic Violence on the issue of concussions . I think has been covered in a lot of the reporting, this has been a challenging year for the nfl. There are range of important issues that even they having knowledge that they need to address. I havent heard the president evaluate the specific response of the nfl to some of these challenges. But certainly, knowledge and that these challenges exist is important, there is no question that the nfl has done that. Getting back to the president s remarks last night specifically when he referenced governor romney. The president did say that governor romney is a former president ial candidate who is suddenly deeply concerned. He was meeting romney, was he not . I think the president was observing a phenomenon which we have seen emerge from the mouth of many members of the Republican Party in the last few months, then all of a sudden, a party that has, for years, advocated policies that benefit those of the top with the expectation that those benefits may trickle down to those in the middle all of a sudden, at least on republicans some republicans seem to be changing their tune, indicating there they are interested in helping the middle class. They are hoping their interest is actual policy proposals, not just a new set of talking points. How much does the president expect his message, the one he delivered last night, that hes trying to convey in this upcoming Budget Proposal is picked up by Hillary Clinton or Democratic Party heading into 2016 . Is he trying to set the table for whoever may be running for the nomination in 2016 . X the short answer is no. With the president is try to do is set the table for some progress for the country over the course of the two remaining years of his presidency. The president is hopeful he can work with congress to make some of that progress, he is also the First Technology have to take some steps on his own to realize some of that progress. Hes willing to do both. Thats what the president is going to be focused on for the last two years. There will be this other president ial campaign thats going on. Im confident that there will be some people who are running for president who are going to be critical of some of the president s proposals. There are going to be people who will be complementing the president. Ultimately the debate he will have is going to be one that is focused on the middle class and how we can make progress with the middle class. The people who are part of that campaign will be making the case for the country about how they can make that progress if they are given the same kind of opportunities this president has been given to serve your the white house. With governor romney making his decision today, there are gender thoughts your the white house as to how soon perhaps Hillary Clinton or joe biden should be making some decisions . They will make those decisions in their own time frame. I want to get back to the Bowe Bergdahl swap. Numeral rest of this white house for that swap . Of course not jim. No regrets for this white house . As the commanderinchief it is his responsibility that no man or woman who wears the uniform of the notices military is left hind. As a principal the president is committed to upholding in the same way that commanders in chief before him upheld that principle. And that ultimately is where this debate starts and stops for him. When you said that none of these individuals who returned to the battlefield, has the admin attrition confirmed that . I was that made in recent days . Jim, the National Security team here is in really touch with our counterparts in qatar. These individuals are in qatar and they are subject to monitoring and mitigation measures that ensure that we are limiting activities and doing so in a way that protects National Security interests of the United States. The United States is doing a monitoring . Jim, we are in close touch with the monitoring and mitigation procedures. Im not in a position to detail exactly what those are. Just a button this up the fact that this individual was perhaps in contact with people on the battlefield, or in the theater of concern does that concern the white house . Youre saying that on the battlefield, making the distinction. The perhaps making attempts to Contact People on the battlefield that should be a concern, i would think. I cant talk about the individual concerned that we have, i can just say as a general matter that there have been concerns that have been raised about one individual, and that the monitoring and mitigation measures that were in place have been updated to reflect those concerns. But i cant get into the details of either what prompted those concerns, what the concerns are with the mitigation measures were. [indiscernible] that it will be fine for you to interpret it that way. Because of the concerns of the white house this week, there have been some reports about drone concerns of the super bowl this weekend. People may try to do this sort of thing, people have been told not to do that. What is the department of Homeland Security i guess activities related to that . Was this a new concern, sort of a new phenomenon that the department of Homeland Security is looking at as National Security apparatus . Theyre looking at in respect to keeping people safe this weekend . The concern is newly in the headlines, but a concern that our National Security team and specifically department of Homeland Security has been aware of and focus on for quite some time. I can tell you as a relates to the white house, this is something that has been the subject of extensive conversation at the United States secret service, the Agency Responsible for protecting the white house. I also know that part of Homeland Security is involved in some of the security precautions that are put in place a crown around the super bowl, as they are with other large gatherings like that. I refer you to the department of Homeland Security to discuss what they can about the security measures in place to keep people safe when they attend the super bowl this weekend. I want to follow up on the majors question, i know you said you remain confident about the Supreme Courts decision. Is there any legislative moves that the administration is considering they could get through two republican chambers of congress that would get through congress if it went the other way . We are not we are we are confident that is not going to go get away. Republicans of indicated they are again to determined to try to undermine the Affordable Care act. They think its good policy to try and take Health Care Way for people, not sure why, but thats the conclusion they have reached. They said they would block any sort of legislative improvement to be a Affordable Care act. Thats unfortunate, but thats the situation as it exists. Thats why its a good thing we continue to be confident. The Supreme Court is going to take a look at the legislation and consider what is a pretty straightforward reading, that the congress intended for individuals who are qualified to accept tax credits to make their health care more affordable and actually accept them. Thats a Pretty Simple principle, and i dont think its one that we its a conclusion that has been a knowledge by others who have looked at this, for example when the Congressional Budget Office did a review of the Affordable Care act, they did so in their analysis indicated they expected people who lived in states where the federal government was running the marketplaces, those people would be eligible to collect tax credits to make their insurance more affordable. Its not as if this is some sort of thing creative interpretation of the legislation, i think it is rather the clear intent of those who wrote the law ultimately, this is the Supreme Court that has to decide this. I think on its face, the matter of common sense. Since republicans control both chambers, theres no point for the white house are suing a backstop proposal of the Supreme Court went the other way . We dont think theyre going to go the other way, and republicans said they wouldnt consider legislative solution. We are pretty busy and other delegate duties of our time. Does the white house have reactions to texas state representative molly white and a decision she made to put an israeli flag on her desk and ask people to sign a pledge of allegiance muslims who were visiting her Office Yesterday . Does the white house have any reaction to that . We dont, thats the first time hearing about it. [laughter] josh, i want to know is ferguson still a special issue item for the president looking at daily to find a was happening . This broader issue of strengthening the bonds of trust between local Law Enforcement officials and the citizens of the communities they serve is something the president is very focused on. As you know, there is this commission that has been hard at work, that was appointed by the president to take a look at some of these issues. This is a commission that included members of Law Enforcement and communities civil rights leaders and others who can examine what some communities across the country have done to build this trust and to try and find a way to share those best practices with other communitys across the country. But youre still looking at that issue, what does the president say about the dustup that happened in ferguson as tensions are still very high between the black canadian Law Enforcement there . I havent talked to the president about it. I have the news reports you are referring to. I think this an indication there is more worth than needs to be done on this. I dont think thats a surprise to anybody. I actually in the community. I dont think thats a surprise anybody. I think so much of the turmoil we saw in that community over the summer and fall were not the results of issues that had just hopped up. These were issues that were long simmering and interrupted in rather tragic ways. Into public view. The department of justice, as you know, has been intensively involved in a locally community in that local community trying to resolve those issues. We are hopeful that the work of this commission the president has appointed will have some practical, tangible recommendations for ferguson, and other communities across the country large and small. There are some ideas about things they can do to try and head off these issues before they erupted so violently in the way they did in ferguson. Second, you brought up mitt romney, and you spoke very glowingly of him saying he is a man of his faith and the difficult decisions. Jim asked about inclusion. During his run for president , he was not known for inclusion. With that, what does this white house think of the candidates running as relates to inclusion to include traditions in ferguson, its avenue new york, with Trayvon Martin does this is administration feel that it has a responsibility for these essential president ial candidates to really reach out for inclusion versus being a party personal group of people . The best way for me to answer that is to talk about the president s experience. The president believe the strength of his campaign that was built on the diversity of the support he enjoyed all across the country. That the president s campaign has succeeded in energizing people who had been involved in politics before, that we have democrats and republicans and independents excited about the prospect of being able to change their country. The president believe that ultimately, in 2008 and 2012, that was the key to his success. To the extent that the campaigns that are running in 2016 are going to want to emulate successful recent successful president ial campaigns a core element of those campaigns will need to be predicated on building that diversity and Inclusive National campaigns. There is no room for just focusing on one group of people . Ultimately the people running those campaigns will have to devise their own strategy. I can tell you when the president devise a strategy in 2008 and 2012, one of the most important elements of that strategy was building an Inclusive Campaign that reflected the kind of diverse support he wanted to earn from voters and supporters all across the country. Speaking of people who might potentially be running for president , joe biden, when he was at the democratic conference, he said the state the obvious, past six years have been really really hard for this country. What was Vice President biden trying to say there . This president has been in charge of the country for the past six years. I think the Vice President was observing that it has been difficult to dig out of the financial crisis that this president inherited when he took office. And that is been hard work to dig out of that crisis. And because of the great and determination of the American People and the American Workers because of the policies that this of menstruation put in place, our economy has bounced back stronger than ever. We laid a new foundation that we need to capitalize on. The president is hobbled on top of the new foundation, we get ashley put in place policies that will benefit middle class families, whether its opening up the doors for College Education to more middleclass families, making it easier for middleclass families to save for retirement, helping middleclass family stretch a paycheck, particularly if both mom and dad are working, there are a number of policies we can put in place that will be in the best interest of middleclass families. Thats an opportunity we have now that we have recovered from a terrible financial crisis. You are very clear, but on a related note, the democrats are having a panel today titled where do we go from here . Does that suggest that the rest of the Democratic Party are adrift . Crexendo speak for all democrats, i just be for the most powerful democrat in the world i dont speak for all the democrats, just because the most powerful democrat in the world come and he is clear on where he wants to take the country. Admiral robert tolerance told reuters the u. S. Would welcome japan. The Chinese Government had a reaction to that. In china coming was newspapers also react strongly by saying that washington has no authority to draw japan in. And also, a japan did send air patrols to South China Sea china would counter that action. And also announce the South China Sea air defense zone. Is this a new strategy for obamas the administration to evolve involve japans military in South China Sea, and is there any chance. I can tell you the policy we have sought to pursue is to make sure that disputes that are rising in the South China Sea are resolved peacefully. If the South China Sea is a zone of commerce that is critically important to the Global Economy and ensuring the commerce can be conducted in that region of the world is in the clear interest of the largest economy in the world, including china, japan, the United States. We all have an interest in making sure that those disputes are resolved peacefully. And in a way that will allow commerce to continue in that region of the world. With u. S. Support japan in south tennessee South China Sea . Let me see if i can get my colleagues to get back to on that. Last night, one of the other messages from the president was the department of Homeland Security funding. What can democrats do at this point, and have you heard anything new from republicans on where thats headed . We have not heard anything new from republicans. As i mentioned earlier republicans yesterday we discussed this. They spend a lot of time trying to campaign that they can have the majority in the house of representatives and the majority of the United States senate. And that they promised that they would show the country the kind of leadership that the Republican Party stands for. But less than one month into this new era of republican majorities in both houses of congress, we see the republicans are saying its not that big of a deal if they dont fund the department of Homeland Security. I can tell you its a pretty big deal to a Border Patrol officer. If he is going to be expected show to work and protect the country and not get a paycheck for doing so, it is a big deal for the president. Its a big deal when we are dealing with some pretty significant National Security challenges. That were not giving the department of Homeland Security the flexibility and certainty they need to carry out their mission, because they dont have a budget. So again, if republicans want to take some responsibility, as they said they did when they were running from the majority russian running for the majority, we hope they have is to protect the country, and to protect our Homeland Security. And to make sure the agency who is charged with Homeland Security is properly funded. In the spirit of the president s repeated calls for raising taxes on the most welloff in america, will president support legislation that would strip the nfl and its taxexempt status . I havent seen that specific proposal but maybe after he rolls out the budget, he will have more to say about this. Secondly, unrelated, over the last six years, if you and i wanted to discuss the policy in afghanistan, we would be able to draw on a wealth of data. If we wanted to discuss the recruitment and training equipment of afghan forces, we would be able to draw on data, and people were in the field what is their status, we cant anymore. Because the nato command has classified information is used to make public. Will the president reversed that decision . How are we supposed to hold this administration and this policy to account if we cant get this information . Im not aware of the specific issue, but we can take a look at to it a look into it. The president is trying to be more transparent, and that has included trying to limit the overclassification of the tendency to classify data in a way that ultimately, upon further review, isnt necessary. I dont know if this is one of those situations. But we can take a look into it and get back to you. One more on the president s speech last night. He said there was no economic metric by which we are not better off. Does the include the National Debt in that . What the president has noted is that when you evaluate the deficit, the deficit is actually fallen by two thirds. The way we measure that is the way that economists evaluated. The evaluate it. They dont look at the sum total. They evaluate the deficit as a percentage of the economy. Thats a more effective and precise way to evaluate the impact of the deficit on our economy. And by that measure, the deficit has been brought down by two thirds since the president took office. What about the debt, which has gone up 70 on his watch . I dont know what the measure is of the debt, as relates to when you measure it as a percentage of the economy. But i can tell you that the president continues to be committed to the kinds of fiscally responsible policies that were important to getting the debt under control only first entered office. That includes raising taxes on the top so we can offer some tax cuts to the middle class. Thats why closing loopholes and making our tax code a little more fair, we can also make it easier for middleclass families to make their ends meet. We can do that in a way that doesnt exacerbate the federal deficit. Might he conceived of the debt is not a metric that shows we are better off . I think you would concede, as i would, that the raw math shows that the debt had increased. But the steps the president have taken have been important to improving our fiscal state. The Senate Armed Service committee will hold a confirmation hearing for the defense secretary. Advocates of been calling for two things one of which is a not discriminate in rule. A nondiscrimination rule. I dont know there is a lot of volunteering that goes on in those kind of settings. I think they asked questions. Im sure he will answer them if he is given the opportunity to do so. One thing you could do is ask members of congress if they are going to ask him. The federal contractor exxon mobil announced they have adopted and lgbt inclusive not dissemination policy for its workers. This follows an order president released. I was not aware of that news and so you just informed me. I guess that is your profession. I will say is that i think this is an indication of something we have talked about quite a bit. There are a number of ways the president can advance the kind of agenda he thinks is in the best interest of the country. Sometimes thats by passing legislation that would apply broadly across the economy and across the country. Sometimes its about the president taking action that applies only to the federal government, and using that as a model for other businesses that are considering or other entities that are considering similar action. He saw this when it came to the minimum wage. The president was able to waste raise the minimum wage for federal contractors. And that in conjunction with that, we saw that other states said thats probably a good idea in our state. Voters in other states said we should do that in our state. There is a way for the president to use his executive authority in a way that may come at the beginning, have only a limited effect. But does serve to motivate and in some case, even inspire other states or other companies to take similar steps. Certainly, we are gratified by the success we have had when it comes to pushing other states to raise the minimum wage or states to expand access to quality Early Childhood education. Its possible, based on what you described to me, this could be an example of that as well. [indiscernible] do you think those are two things the pentagon could implement without full confirmation . You will have to check with about a. We are going to do a week ahead. The president will be here at the white house to watch the super bowl with friends and family. As you may know, the president on sunday will be doing an interview with nbcs savannah guthrie, that will be around 4 30 on sunday. It will be aired live. Those of you who are watching the super bowl should tune in early for that. Will there be a party . I think they are going to have a little fun. Just a moment to two left in the white house briefing. We will leave it at this point. The u. S. House is about to come in for what is expected to be a brief pro forma session. No legislative business or votes are scheduled. Members return monday at 2 00 eastern with no votes until 6 30 p. M. We could see a vote on the bill that could reveal the Nations Health care law and order bill. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore the house will be in order. The chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. The clerk the speakers rooms, washington, d. C. January 30, 2014 2015. I hereby