Summary

FS37 WH BRFG CUTS ROBO 1230 CBS POOL [13:14:13] PSAKI>> Hi, everyone. Happy Friday. Okay. A couple of notes for you at the top. Today, the Biden/Harris administration took additional steps to provide stability and relief to homeowners who are still feeling the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. HUD, USDA, and VA announced details to help people with government backed mortgages stay in their homes through monthly payment reductions and potential loan modifications. Homeowners could see reductions in their monthly payments of roughly 20-25%, allowing them to remain in their homes and build long term equity. We're working hard to get the word out to Americans who may benefit from these new programs. And thanks to the work of the consumer financial protection borough and today's actions, most servicers of mortgages are required to provide borrowers' information about these options.Homeowners can visit consumerfinance.gov/housing for update information and more details. 131515 I also would note on our delegation in Haiti, the presidential delegation is safe and accounted for in light of the reported shootings outside of the funeral. They're on their way back to the United States. We are deeply concerned about unrest in Haiti. In this critical moment, Haiti's leaders must come together to chart a united path that reflects the will of the Haitian people. We remain committed to supporting the people of Haiti in this challenging time. [13:15:39] Also a vaccine sharing update for you, we shipped a record number of doses to a record number of countries this week. 22 million doses went out to 23 countries, including Guatemala, Senegal, Zambia. The jet, Gambia, El Salvador, Honduras, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Lesotho, Panama, Vietnam, Georgia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Mozambique. Been in Morocco, Tajikistan, Colombia, Madagascar, Liberia and the scrutiny. Our teams across the government are working to get more and more doses out every day, but this was a record week for efforts to provide supply to the global community. Finally, a week ahead. 131619 On Monday, the President will host an event in the Rose Garden to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which the President proudly co-sponsored as a senator. While we have much work to do to realize the full aspiration of the ADA, our country has made progress toward its goals of equality of opportunity, full participation, self sufficiency, and respect for the 61 million Americans with disabilities. 131643 Also Monday, the President will welcome the prime minister-- the prime minister of Iraq to theThe White House. The prime minister's visit will highlight the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq and advance bilateral cooperation under a strategic -- the strategic framework agreement. The visit will also focus on key areas of shared interests, including through education, health, cultural, economic, energy, and climate initiatives. 131707 President Biden looks forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Iraq on political, economic, and security issues, including joint efforts to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. On Wednesday, the president will travel to Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley -- in the Lehigh Valley area, where he will emphasize the importance of American manufacturing, buying products made in America, and supporting good paying jobs for American workers. We'll have more details for you over the weekend as things get finalized. Josh, why don't you kick us off? [13:17:35] Q>> Thanks Jed. Choose subject areas First. Hey, that's conservative. 45% of the unvaccinated and say they would definitely not get fascinated. Another 35% say they probably won't get vaccinated. What is this opposition still exist after all the public outreach and shouldn't more governments and employers mandate vaccinations? 131758 PSAKI>> Well, Josh, I think let's take a step back first. In December, before the President took office, the percentage of Americans willing to get a shot was in the thirties. Today, over 68% of adult Americans have taken a shot. So, what that shows you is that in a relatively short period of time, we've been able to influence a whole lot of people to change their minds, take an action -- take action, get a shot, save their lives and the lives of people around them. I'd also note that we've seen some encouraging data over the last couple of weeks. 131830 The five states with the highest case rates, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri and Nevada, had a higher rate of people getting newly vaccinated compared to the national average. That is a good sign. This is the second week in a row, I noted this last week. And, finally in the past 10 days, more than 5.2 million Americans have gotten a shot. Now, there will be institutions, there will be private sector companies and others who make decisions about how to keep their communities safe. That's -- certainly appropriate, but I would just note that we're going to continue our efforts to go community by community, case by case, to convey the accurate information about the efficacy of vaccines. 131911 Q>> Gotcha. Secondly, the Taliban has said that as a condition for peace in Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani has to be removed as president in a new negotiated government forum. [13:19:23] Does the administration believe that that's in the best interests of the Afghan people and us National security? PSAKI>> Well first, the president and the administration supports the leadership of the Afghan people, including Ashraf Ghani, the president was scheduled to speak with him today. I believe, and I don't believe there's a readout that's come out about that call quite yet. It may while we're speaking here. I would note that there are ongoing political negotiations and discussions that we certainly support between Afghan leaders, members of the Afghan government and the Taliban, 131955 And we believe a political solution is the only outcome to lasting peace in Afghanistan. But, we will continue to provide support to the government in the form of humanitarian support, security support, training. And we will also continue to encourage them to take a leading role in defending and protecting their own people. Go ahead. Q>> Thanks, Jen. Alabama's Republican governor says it is time to start blaming the unvaccinated folk who are letting us down. What do you think about that take? Should the administration be taking a sharper tone against unvaccinated people for putting vaccinated people at risk? 132031 PSAKI>> Well, I don't think our role is to place blame, but what we can do is provide accurate information to people who are not yet vaccinated about the risk they are incurring, not only on themselves but also the people around them. [13:20:44] And well, if you are a young person, you may think you are Superman or Superwoman and immune from the from getting the virus. That is not true. That is not accurate. You can get very sick. You can die from the virus. You can also make your grandparents sick and your parents sick. That is factual information. We're not, 132102 But we're not here to place blame or threats. We're here to provide accurate information. Q>> She says that she doesn't know what else she can do at this point, that she's hit a brick wall with trying to convince people to get vaccinated. Is that a sign that perhaps the federal government should step in and issue mandates? And if not, are you putting the needs of unvaccinated people ahead of the needs of vaccinated people? 132125 PSAKI>> Well, I think the question here -- One, that's not the role of the federal government. That is the role that institutions, private sector entities, and others may take. That certainly is appropriate. Also, local communities are going to take steps they need to take in order to protect people in their communities. 132142 I will say, we understand her frustration, and we understand the frustration of leaders out there and public voices who are trying to say the right thing, advocate for the efficacy of the virus, save people in their communities. What our role is and what we are going to continue to do is make the vaccine available. [13:21:58] We're going to continue to work in partnership to fight misinformation, and we're going to continue to advocate and work in partnership with local officials and entrusted voices to get the word out. Q>> Is there something to be learned from our neighbors to the North Canada? They got a much slower start. They didn't have nearly as many vaccines as we did early on, And yet now they a shot past us and 70% of the population is at least [13:22:27] partially vaccinated. What's the difference between the two countries? What can we learn from their experience? PSAKI>> Well first, I would say 162 Million Americans are now vaccinated. That certainly is a positive step. Were the first to say, and we have long said that that's not enough. We need to ensure more people and more communities are vaccinated and it is now we reached a point where there are some communities, even states where there's 70% 80% or higher vaccination rates. Other communities where there's 40% 50% or otherwise, That's not just a health issue. It's a huge health issue. It's an economic issue. We have seen how that can impact local communities that as it may lead to shut downs of different businesses that can bids an economic issue as well. So of course we work in close partnership with our neighbors, But we have 100 and 62 Million Americans vaccinated, where the world's largest provider of vaccines to the global community. That's progress. In our view, even as we've said From the beginning, there's more work to be done. Q>> Thank you [13:23:27] about the economics of folk that you just mentioned now that daily doses administered the vaccine or down below 300,000. For the first time since December. We've heard. Talk about updating the mask. Guys, do you know if there's been any talk here about updating guidance to start shutting businesses down in places that have very low vaccination rates? PSAKI>> No there has not been no. Q>> Okay, and then on, uh. Crime Generally PSAKI>> can I note though two things just for your public information purposes? One is that, um well, we have seen well, well, we don't look at one week of data as an indication of as you know, we talk about weekly averages. We did see larger numbers of unemployment claims in areas where there are lower vaccination rates we do. It's not enough data to draw conclusions. I'm just noting it for all of you. I would also note that. On the American rescue plan. The way we design that is for the impact and the assistance that we're providing to communities across the country to be long lasting not [13:24:28] to stop all in July are all in September. It extends far beyond it was that is a lesson learned from the past. And so there are different components of that package that's providing assistance to Businesses to organizations to communities that is going to be lasting for months to come. Q>> Okay. And then I'm crying with the intersection in D. C that was shot up last night, only about a mile and a half from here. President Biden have lunch in that neighborhood this summer. What is your message to innocent people to live in cities like this one who might start to get worried about being caught in the crossfire? PSAKI>> Well, either messages that, um, the cornerstone of the president's comprehensive plan to reduce gun violence is providing communities with the tools and resources they need to reduce gun crime, including in Washington, D. C And there are a couple of steps specific to Washington, D. C I mean, a lot of us live there or live in the neighboring communities or know people who are on 14th Street or in the neighbouring. Areas and for people who are not who are watching or hearing this. We're not from those neighborhoods. There's a lot of restaurants there a lot of foot traffic. This is a pretty popular part of the city. Many [13:25:28] of us live in. It's one of D C is one of the five areas Nation wide, where dj launched gun trafficking Strike forces just yesterday, which are going to focus law enforcement resources across jurisdictions to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. D. C is also a part of our 16 city community Violence Intervention Collaborative, which is helping cities implement evidence based strategies. Which have been shown to reduce violence by as much as 60% and in Washington, D. C is also taking advantage of the historic funding that they've gotten through the rescue plan to bolster public safety Mayor Bowser's budget. Proposal would invest $59 million from the rescue plan to reduce violent crime. It would add 100 new slots to the cadet program and add $14 million for youth safety initiatives. So we're certainly seeing this and feeling this even in our. Community here, and it is one of the cities that doj is focused on. Q>> And you just mentioned the White House is working with the sea as part of this collaborative, But just in the last week and a half or so since the mayor of D. C was here. A six year old girl was [13:26:32] shot and killed. Nationals game had to be evacuated. And then there's this incident last night, where diners served time for cover. So at what point would the president maybe reconsider his strategy? PSAKI>> Well, I would say we're just implementing our strategy, which is a multi pronged effort to work in partnership with local leaders, including Mayor Bowser, who has been a great partner to us in this effort to address gun violence that's rising in cities across the country, including Washington and the events of the last week are just examples of that. Go ahead. Q>> It's secretary yelling, just said free came to the podium Bet. The Treasure Department take extraordinary measures. Element isn't raised by August, and she indicated to run out shortly after lawmakers return, possibly as soon as October. So does the White House. Is you guys setting a deadline before recess? Do you want to see that element raised And what is the White House doing to urge lawmakers to Address the debt limit. PSAKI>> This is like the Olympics for Bloomberg these days. Um so I would say, um, friend, Reuters Sorry, and [13:27:34] other financial outlets in the room. Um let me let me give you just a little bit of context. For those of you who have not seen the letter that just went from Secretary Yellen, too. The hill. 132738 So, this is a letter that's standard practice for treasury secretaries when a debt limit is going to be reimposed, which there's a timeline coming up at the end of this month. That is different -- I'm not saying you're suggesting this -- that is different from defaulting, which has never happened in the history of the United States, and would clearly be a catastrophic event. But it is a timeline for the debt limit to be -- to be raised or extended. So, during the previous two administrations, the treasury secretary sent nearly 50 letters to the Hill on the debt limit, some of which were very similar in wording and asked -- and updates to this letter. 132814 And raising or suspending the debt limit does not authorize new spending commitments; it simply enables the government to pay for obligations that congresses and presidents of both parties have already approved. [13:28:24] And Congress find the last piece of history has raised or suspended the debt limit approximately 80 times, which has happened Uh huh under both Republican and democratic presidents, I will say, just for historical fact more often under Republican presidents, but. But it has happened under both, and it has been supported a bipartisan away, so we expect Congress to act promptly to raise or suspend the debt limit and protect the full faith and credit of the United States. Now it is not. I give you all that context because it is not. Out of the ordinary, even though they're called extraordinary measures for Treasury secretaries to present to capital health steps that they are going to take, even as this is being litigated on Capitol Hill. That was that this is what that was what this update was to provide. In that letter. She also noted that. The period of time. That extraordinary measures may last is subject to considerable uncertainty due to a variety of factors, which are exacerbated this year by uncertainty related to the pandemic and calculations about inflows and outflows to the October timeline that she rose referenced in there or the October 1st date. I should say it was referenced was because there's a very large. Reduction [13:29:36] in the cast balance on October 1st. Or we're projecting that due to outflows on that day to meet our obligations to the Department of Defense, so she was giving a sense of what the timeline looks like, Well, not well, also conveying that we can't give a sense at this point on the length of time for extraordinary measures. 132947 We certainly expect Congress to act in a bipartisan manner, as they did three times under the prior administration to raise the debt limit. [13:29:54] Q>> Given that uncertainty is the White House communicating to congressional leaders that you'd like to see this debt limit extended before the recess for August. PSAKI>> I'm not here to set a new deadline. I'm conveying to the history and conveying to you that we think it's clear Congress should act. In a bipartisan manner to raise the debt limit as they have in the past, Q>> and then just one more on the bipartisan infrastructure framework. 133014 Is the White House getting involved in this dispute between Democrats and Republicans over transit funding? And are you recommending any solutions as to how that should be resolved? Are you backing Democrats who say it should remain with the 80-20 highway transit split? 133027 PSAKI>> Well, transit funding is obviously extremely important to the President, the Amtrak President, as we may call him. And -- But we believe that members can get this work done and can work through these issues quite quickly. And, as you know, the issue is about the balance of funding and how it would be allocated between different forms of infrastructure. 133048 But we're encouraged by their progress. They're having conversations, and we believe they can work through any disagreement. I'm just going to go to the back, because I'm not always good at that. Mike Memoli, do have a question today? [13:31:01] Q>> Uh distant. Thank you. Okay. PSAKI>> You didn't raise your hand but usually have a question. Um I'll go to the back back to you know, Q>> everyone's into it. Um, We've talked a lot about this. This week. The protocols are in place at the White House to ensure the president's safety. Interest with Covid 19. But we've seen over the last few weeks the president has been traveling the country quite a bit. He's been engaging in. More controlled environments [13:31:38] went to an ice cream. Stop on a rope line for almost an hour in Philly last week, he's doing a campaign PSAKI>> best hour he spent probably in a while. Q>> Well how Covid changed the way he would campaign last year. What What extends the rise in cases that we're seeing in this country leading to any discussions behind the scenes about whether the president would continue to engage. This kind of activity in public settings where you can't control for people's vaccinations. PSAKI>> Sure. Well, first, we're always going to abide by public health guidelines. And right now the public health guidelines continue to be that if you're vaccinated, and we expect them to continue to be if you're vaccinated, you are very much protected from severe illness from the virus and the president will continue to be a model and following those guidelines and also engaging. Uh with the public in a manner that one is his role as president of the United States, and it's certainly aligned with an appropriate according to those guidelines, as you all know, he has an event later this evening with. Governor Future governor, maybe former [13:32:39] Governor Terry Mcauliffe in Virginia, where he will be, um, certainly engaging with people and with people of Virginia who are making decisions about their future leadership, But I expect he'll be engaging as he did at events last week, so nothing has changed about. Our approach or protocols over the past week or how you've seen him engaged at the ice cream shop or larger crowd events we've had 133256 Q>> And then a question about infrastructure. With some key votes coming up, obviously, next week again, we've seen the President not necessarily engaging in the kind of meetings at the White House with lawmakers on this specific set of proposals in the way we have earlier on in the process. He's been meeting more with outside stakeholders. It seems like there's an outside pressure campaign. But can you give us an update on what his specific conversations might be with lawmakers involved in this process? We haven't really heard much about that. 133323 PSAKI>> He has had a range of conversations with lawmakers over the phone. And he's always conveyed to his team that if it would be helpful to bring members down here, as he has continued to do, he's always happy to do that. The door to the Oval Office is always open, and he is available and will be through the course of the weekend, but also through the coming pivotal weeks as we work to get the infrastructure package across the finish line in the Senate and also the reconciliation bill moved forward. [13:33:50] Okay We're gonna go all the way to the very back. Todd Gillman. I see you somewhere there. Q>> Thank you. Um so the Texas Democrats who require me from the Legislature. Um but they're about halfway through their one month farm break. They've been trying really hard to get in to a meeting, even if it's a zoom meeting with the president. Is he going to meet with them? Is he specifically not meeting with them because of fears that they are spreading covid. PSAKI>> No. He's the vice president who is leading our voting rights effort and our voting rights movement. We're building across the country met with these lawmakers last week, as you well know, uh and the president is very proud of their activism. Their vocal support and [13:34:40] advocacy for voting rights, But I don't have any meeting scheduled for him. Q>> Kind of similar vein regarding coated. Well, the first lady be quarantined away from the president. When she gets back from Japan. PSAKI>> The first lady will follow all public health guidelines. I don't believe that's part of the protocols. Alright let's go. Let's see to the middle here. I'm just jumping around today because, you know, try and better go ahead. Q>> Um, since the White House have a reaction to Mississippi's descend past the Supreme Court to overturn Roe V. Wade. PSAKI>> Well, certainly we are prominent support. We are supporters, the president supporter of preserving Roe V. Wade that is our position in terms of a legislator, a legal reaction I would point to the Department of Justice. Um, let's go to you, Patsy. Go ahead. Q>> Jim I have a question on China trying to just announced sanctions. Yep Again. Six individuals and an entity in the us and retaliations of sanctions imposed by the bike by the administration. On Chinese officials over Hong [13:35:40] Kong. Do you think that this announcement will complicate or impact any plans for a deputy secretary of State Wendy Sherman's visit Changin and is the administration concern. On the escalating sanctions potential escalating sanctions war. PSAKI>> Well, first, I'm not aware of any changes to her planned trip, and certainly we discussed not only areas where we agree, but areas where we disagree, Uh, when we have engagements and diplomatic meetings. In terms of the sanctions. We are aware, of course of the reports that the prc has imposed sanctions on several individuals and ngos, including at least one official from the previous administration, were undeterred by these actions when we remain fully committed. Implementing all relevant U. S sanctions authorities. These actions are the latest examples of how Beijing punishes private citizens companies and civil society organizations as a way to send political signals and further illustrate the prc's deteriorating it deteriorating investment climate and rising political risk. These actions would follow the baseless sanctioning in March of two [13:36:41] commissioners from the U. S Commission on International Religious Freedom. The prc's January sanctions on 21 28. U. S officials and their July 2020 sanctions on us officials and organizations promoting democracy and human rights around the world. Americans of both parties opposed these outrageous moves to target those who defend universal human rights and fundamental freedoms and Beijing's attempt to intimidate and bully internationally respected ngos only demonstrate its further isolation from the world. Let's keep going. I'm just going to keep going around because. Go ahead. Go ahead in the back. I'm just gonna keep going around saying get smart people Q>> on vaccines. Yeah you've been asked about the travel restrictions for international Yeah, before but reflect something different with the president drop those restrictions and airlines adopted vaccine passports or vaccine mandates. I know you've. Sort of encouraged businesses to take steps to get everyone vaccinated that they prosecute. PSAKI>> I would say first that their ongoing working groups that are having discussions about how to [13:37:41] hopefully move forward to a point where there is international travel and is returning something we would all like to see not just for tourism, but for families to be reunited. There are a range of topics and those discussions that are ongoing. The president receives regular briefings on them, but we rely on public health. And medical advice on when we're going to determine changes to be made, Q>> as the president continued engaging with Chancellor Merkel on the subject. I know they talked about that. In the bilateral press conference here with me PSAKI>> that was raised. He has not had another follow up conversation with her since that point in time, why don't I go to the young man next to you? Hmm. Q>> A lot of parents are concerned about the coming school year. What's the White House doing so? Make sure that we're not. We're not doing remote learning again. Nationwide PSAKI>> Well, our plan and our objective and our desire and commitment is to, uh to push for and ensure 100% of schools are open across the country. That's also of course, up to school districts to implement but from the federal government, the role we have played is by, uh. We're [13:38:43] advocating for funding in the American rescue plan that can help provide funding for mitigation member measures for schools so that they can invest in social distancing opportunities or repairing events that need to improve ventilation. We're also we've also put out public health guidance from the CDC that includes specific mitigation measures that schools can take and our secretary of education has been focused on. This issue from the first day he was sworn into office working across school districts to share best practices and ensure we can work towards returning kids to in school. Learning Q>> Delta doesn't change that right? PSAKI>> Delta has not changed our public health guidelines. No. Okay, let's go back to the front Go ahead 133920 RACHEL SCOTT Q>> Just a quick follow up on infrastructure. On the transit spending, we know that's important to the President. Is that a red line for him if that is dropped from this package? Would he still support it? 133927 PSAKI>> I'm not setting red lines here, but we are confident that they can work through the funding issues and the breakdown of funding issues between Democrats and Republicans over the coming days. 133937 RACHEL SCOTT Q>> And then just one other question just on Alabama, and then I have one on Hunter Biden. On Alabama, the big concern here and the reason why these comments from the governor are so alarming is because of the low vaccination rates, right? So, is there some concern from the White House and does the administration fear that some elected leaders may just get so frustrated and accept this fact that there are just some people in this country that just may not want to get vaccinated? 133959 PSAKI>> Well, I don't -- I didn't hear those comments as accepting the fact. I heard those comments as being frustrated that, you know, it's an effort to protect the citizens in your state and trying to figure out what steps you can take to encourage people to get vaccinated and save their lives and the lives of their loved ones. We always knew it would be harder as more people got vaccinated. That's the stage we're in now. But we also believe that there is still opportunity through a range of approaches and tactics and partnerships with governors and leaders and civic leaders to get more people vaccinated. There are a range of factors, you all -- many of you have reported on, that are leading individuals in these five states with lower vaccination rates to get vaccinated. 134041 Some are -- is the Delta variant, and reporting, frankly, and fears of the transmissibility of the Delta variant. Some is, unfortunately, individuals are experiencing people in their communities, family members, who are getting sick and getting hospitalized because of the transmissibility of the Delta variant. 134059 I don't think we have complex data quite yet to determine what is leading to the increase in vaccination rates in some of these states, but we think that's an encouraging sign. We know it's frustrating, we get it. But we have to stay at it to save people's lives. 134111 RACHEL SCOTT Q>> And last one on Hunter Biden. You confirmed yesterday that he will be meeting with prospective buyers, but you also said that he's not going to have any conversation -- PSAKI>> Not that he's meeting with prospective buyers. That he is attending gallery events that had been prior -- prior planned and announced. RACHEL SCOTT Q>> There could be prospective buyers there. PSAKI>> He's not -- Those discussions will be happening with the gallerist, but that is different than meeting with prospective buyers. 134134 RACHEL SCOTT Q>> If there are prospective buyers there, you said yesterday that he is not going to have any conversations related to the selling of art. How can the administration guarantee that? 134145 PSAKI>> The selling of his art will all happen through gal -- the gallerist, and the names and individuals will be kept confidential. We will not be aware, neither will he be aware. RACHEL SCOTT Q>> Is there anything stopping anyone from directly telling, though, Hunter Biden, that they're going to purchase his art? And if they do, the American people won't know who they are. 134203 PSAKI>> He will not know. We will not know who purchases his art. Go ahead, Jeff. [13:42:07] Q>> The president said yesterday that 25% Covid group is quote investigating every aspect of any change. What specifically, are they doing? Or is you looking for them to do in regards to the adult? A. Very and what information is he looking for them to bring back to him? PSAKI>> You mean the CDC or discussions with our public health experts? I think what he was conveying Jeff is that he gets regular weekly, if not more frequent. Updates from his Koba team about. What is happening with the virus. The rise of certain variants, including the delta variant, [13:42:46] and certainly steps that they suggest we take as a result, that's an ongoing process. That's not new, So I think he's of course, um. Looking for their updates and guidance on what the spread is where we're seeing the spread. What impacts we're having, and any mitigation measures they recommend we take from a public health and data driven perspective Q>> on testing specifically, does the president believe that more testing should be done? It's fallen some 75% or so since November, specifically, do you think should be done to see. Industry done untested. PSAKI>> He relies on the guidance of his health and medical experts if they are advising that that is a factor than certainly his role would be to advocate for expanding it. If in his role as president, bu that they obviously provide recommendations publicly as well. Q>> Final thing here, you said, it's not your role to place planned, but the president has a remarkable ability to use the bully pulpit. Pick up the telephone. It happens all the time with. With the corporations and things. What is he doing specifically [13:43:46] with celebrities, perhaps, or with a business leaders like we saw the NFL this week to use his power of the office to try and get some companies or groups to Do mandates will make changes. Is he doing anything himself? Uh reaching out. PSAKI>> We mean aside from getting aside from getting enough vaccine to make sure every American is vaccinated and donating more to the world than any other country and ensuring we're expanding accessibility to pharmacies, too. Community groups and giving $3 billion to empower local voices to get into local communities to get people vaccinated. That's a that's a fair amount that he's done. Q>> You said several times. It's not the role of the government to, uh. Essentially talked to private corporations. But president talks to corporations leaders all the time. Certainly during the rest of you don't know his vice president happened all the time talking to private corporations. If a corner is to be turned here on the hesitancy. Is there anything that he believes that he personally can [13:44:47] do among some different leaders, Not giving a public speech meant that he can do? PSAKI>> Well first. I think I reference the $3 billion because the most powerful and impactful role we've seen across the country from community to community is engaging. Educating and empowering those trusted local voices. We know the president, the vice president, Olivia Rodrigo, who are very grateful to and others have been out there advocating for the efficacy of the vaccine, and we're hopeful that's effective and it can be and he'll continue to do that, and we'll continue to look to partner with. More voices and more creative, you know, well known individuals to elevate the issue of vaccine of the effectiveness of the vaccine. But we've seen that that's that. Actually local voices people, you may not know who may not have a Twitter Following are actually the most powerful people in this fight and will continue to empower and fund those efforts. Oh, Jeff, Go ahead, and I'll go to Karen. Go ahead. Q>> Thank you. Pfizer says the U. S government is [13:45:47] purchasing a dollar 200 million doses of its taxi for Children and for potential booster shots, community. Confirm the purchase. And can you say whether they're thinking about the need for booster shots has crystallized with the maintenance? Think PSAKI>> uh, First, HHS has all the specifics, but yes, we have made that purchase. Here's the bottom line. We've always prepared for every scenario. The federal government is exercising an option in its contract advisor to purchase these 200 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine to be delivered between the fall of 2021 in the spring of 2022 to prepare for future vaccination needs, including as you referenced Jeff. Vaccines for Children under 12 and possible booster shots. If studies show they are necessary, I will note I have said from the podium many times that we were like Boy Scouts and Girl scouts and we were going to prepare for every contingency. That's the job of the federal government right to ensure we have maximum flexibility. We don't know if we'll need a booster shot. That's going to be up to the research that's ongoing with the fda. That's [13:46:48] not. Recommendation that's currently made. We also don't know. We also can't predict what the outcome will be of research on kids under 12 or certainly hopeful, and we don't know which vaccine will be most effective, but we want to have maximum flexibility. So this is an effort to provide us with that, Q>> All right. They just want an infrastructure. We understand that Senate. Negotiators are looking at repurposing covid relief funds for hospitals and nursing homes pays for parts of the bill. Is that something the White House would support. PSAKI>> There's a range of final nitty gritty discussions between both sides, but I'm not going to give feedback on each of the discussions from here. Okay as my God, Karen. Oh Karen. Sorry. Go ahead. Karen. 134731 KAREN TRAVERS Q>> Thank you. Sort of keying off of what Jeff -- PSAKI>> Yeah. KAREN TRAVERS Q>> was asking, the NFL is telling teams that they could potentially forfeit games for a COVID outbreak among unvaccinated players, and the players could lose their pay for any missed games. Does the administration support a policy where players or, more broadly, employees could lose pay if they are unvaccinated and cause a COVID outbreak at their place of work? 134751 PSAKI>> Well, first, I'm not gonna make a sweeping private sector conclusion here. What I will say is the NFL policy is making clear how they're going to proceed with their season. That's their role to do, right? We certainly believe the biggest takeaway is that getting vaccinated is our ticket back to normal and that vaccines are effective and allow all of us a high degree of protection, importantly, avoid hospitalization or death. So, this provides --this is guidance they determined, the NFL, about how they're going to proceed with their season. That is their role to do. 134828 KAREN TAVERS Q>> And there is a new model out from an organization that consults with the CDC, and it's predicting that the current surge in cases right now could continue until a peak in mid October, the daily deaths potentially more than tripling where they are right now. What can the President do right now to prepare Americans for that possibility? You talk so much about the long winter last year. What about a potentially long fall? 134851 PSAKI>> Well, I think the President's role right now is to continue to encourage people to get vaccinated, because it is incredibly effective, and protect -- protecting them from serious illness, from death, from hospitalization from the virus. That's the most powerful role he can play at this point in time. George, go ahead. 134908 Q>> This morning, the Cleveland Indians announced they're changing their name to Guardians, and that's already become an issue in the Ohio Senate race. And the former president just minutes ago attacked it. Any reaction by the President or the White House? 134924 PSAKI>> We certainly support their change of name. We may be on the other side of the president, former president, on that front, I would guess. I haven't seen his tweet, or however he's communicating these days. Go ahead. 134935 Q>> Jen, two questions on the vaccine. [13:49:36] I'm first you have mentioned yesterday that every individual at at ts White House has been offered a vaccine. So can you clarify the administration? Not mandating vaccines for White House step. No we have not met. Okay And do you have a total? Can you offer any confirmation to us on the percentage of employees who are vaccinated? PSAKI>> I'm not going to provide that. I will see if there's more information to provide Q>> you offer any guidance stint on how you're confirming vaccination status of important PSAKI>> they're vaccinated here in the White House Medical unit for the most part. Go ahead. I'll call Kelly. I'm sorry. I'll come to you next one. Q>> This administration has long claimed that you're trying to most transparent history. If that's the case, why won't you just release the number of breaking. Pieces that you've had fascinated staffers. PSAKI>> Well I think first we're in a very different place than we were 6 to 7 months ago as it relates to the virus, and as many medical experts have said, inside and outside of the government. Those who are vaccinated are protected from serious illness. Most asymptomatic if they are individuals were vaccinated to get the virus and you know we are in a different place in terms of the impact of individuals who may have, as you said breakthrough cases, [13:50:52] Q>> Why not just provide the number. Are you trying to hide something? PSAKI>> But what is the Why do you need to have that information Q>> case of transparency interest the public going understood, having a better understanding of how breakfast cases work here in the White House. PSAKI>> Well, first there are the CDC tracks and let me give you this information to The CDC tracks across the country, of course, hospitalizations and deaths as we have seen, they also do a great deal of tracking in cohorts and ensure that so let me give you a little more information on this, which I think. I don't know if it hopefully, it's of interest. Um so the way that because people have asked us before, so the way the CDC is actively tracking big through cases, there are tens of thousands of people across the country, of course. Who are in what were what they call cohort Studies, which the CDCs actively monitoring. For example, the CDC has a long term care facility study where it is getting data from more than 14,000 long term care facilities. CDC has a health care worker study where they monitor vaccinated healthcare workers who got tested who get [13:51:53] tested with pcr tests every single week. And CDC also collects what they call passive surveillance, which is where hospitals provide CDC with data when they identify someone who was hospitalized but has been vaccinated, so there's a range of means our public health officials are tracking across the country across D C across any individuals here about who is vaccinated, who is. Getting the virus getting hospitalized, hopefully not remains a small percentage 135215 Q>> And following up on the question about Hunter Biden and his art shows, are there any specific procedures you can tell us that are being put in place to ensure these conversations remain, as you say, not about the sales? Will he get ethics training, will he have to report afterwards about the conversations? Anything specific you can tell us about how you are monitoring this? 135233 PSAKI>> Well again, I think it is certainly a commitment that has been made by all parties involved. He is not involved in the sale or discussions about the sale of his art, and he will not be informed of the -- of the sale of his art and who is purchasing that art. That is a commitment that's been made, and we expect that all parties would abide by it. Go ahead, Kelly. [13:52:54] Q>> I wanted to ask about the CDC shirking because and you gave us some information now, But as of May 1st they stopped tracking breakthrough cases that did not result. Hospitalization or death, with the exception of those kinds of tests that you just described. Should there be a more broader net on breakthrough cases with the president's support that to get a better picture of breakthrough, and those White House employees staff? GOP on the campus in any capacity, who are not vaccinated. Are they working here? Or are they working from home? PSAKI>> Uh will any individual who has chosen not to be vaccinated? Same as in the press corps? The public health guidance is to wear a mask that is the public health guidance that's provided to employees as well. In terms of the it is much more expensive than hospitalizations. That what that was what I was trying to convey. What the CDC does is they have these they actively [13:53:54] track breakthrough cases through these cohorts of individuals who are. Vulnerable populations who are had high risks of exposure, and they, of course, include it as I noted, long term care facilities, health care workers and others who would be in those cohorts and categories. I would also note that because the vast majority of individuals who are vaccinated who who get test positive for Covid may be asymptomatic or have moderate or minimal cases. Those are cases. We may not know we may not know about right. Q>> Um the CDC says as they first they stopped tracking right through cases that don't result in hospital is, um, PSAKI>> they do track through these cohorts, which is a large swath of people who would be vulnerable or on the front lines of exposure. Q>> My periodic question, She asked six months. When can we expect to know about a physical exam for the president? And what are the plans for that? PSAKI>> There is absolutely he will have a physical exam. Absolutely You will know about the physical exam. I don't have a date for you at this point in time, and [13:54:54] I expect it will continue to ask as you should. Go ahead. Q>> Thank you. This is some sort of rhetorical. Question vaccination. It is a shame that people have to get very sick and some people have to DI In order to increase the vaccination rate in many parts of this country. Isn't that I guess a logical order of how this would play out or is there a political component to teach them? PSAKI>> I'm not sure I'm following your question. Try again. Q>> Tell me more about what? You're looking for Standard practice that people more people are getting sick in a certain area. That. Those people in that area who are unvaccinated was a G. I really need to go get vaccinated. Isn't that a logical order? For this or is there a political component? Do you think that has kept people away from being vaccine? PSAKI>> I think there are a range of reasons we've seen across the country where individuals have not yet been vaccinated. Some of it is [13:55:55] misinformation, a large amount. In our view. Some of it is fear. Some of it is they may feel time. Some of it is they're young, and they feel they're Superman or superwoman, and they're not going to get sick. That shouldn't be. We don't want that to be the order of events. It shouldn't be that someone should have to know. A neighbor who gets sick and hospitalized to motivate them to go to a hospital to go to get vaccinated. We don't want that to be the case. Um we have seen anecdotally and through some of your all of your reporting that that has been the case in some. Communities But certainly our objective is to communicate to people. This is not a political issue. It is not a partisan issue. This is about protecting lives. The virus does not discriminate between political party affiliation go ahead of Q>> the White House noted yesterday that. 40% of cases are coming from three states before vaccination rights. Florida Texas Them deserved all three of those states of governors, who in recent weeks of criticized the White House's strategy. One of them is even fundraising off of it as you. Probably aware what's being done to engage those governors [13:56:55] come up with a common message. Common strategy to try. Be one team with those governors in terms of fighting stars. PSAKI>> Well I would say first our public health experts work with governors from across the country and work with local health officials from across the country and all of these states, especially the ones at this point in time where there are lower vaccination rates, and we're seeing the delta variant spread, and this is one of the reasons we rely so much on. That Miss knees. Okay hold on. Okay Maybe we'll come back was his wife. Sorry So we're really didn. This is why we rely on local messengers. And with my real, we rely on trusted voices because whether it's the president of the United States. Or the governor. Sometimes those aren't the people you trust. Sometimes that is too political or partisan for people. We understand that. That's why we rely on and we're funding and empowering local trusted voices who aren't seen through a political prism Q>> and little bits of coast right now we're seeing wildfires in Oregon. In northern California. What steps is the administration taking to combat the Kirk fires and also additional fires this summer? PSAKI>> Um well, I [13:57:58] appreciate you asking about this because this has gotten a lot of attention across the country and we haven't talked about it. A lot of so much going on. One. The president receives regular reports on the wildfire situation. He's quite focused on it as I think you're probably aware, but others may not be the national Wild wild Land Fire preparedness level is at five, which is the highest level due to significant fire activity. And as of today 2.5 million acres have burned across the United States In the past two weeks alone, the number of large uncontained fires across the United States has increased by nearly 90% So right now what we're doing one. The President's very focused on this and wants regular updates. He's regularly met with Western governors and I expect we'll do that again. Soon. The FEMA administrator is visiting. Idaho, Oregon and California this week to meet with state, federal and tribal partners, an emergency groups about the worsening wildfire situation to coordinate response efforts and discuss how the regions are addressing. Climate change and ongoing resilience work. We are also closely coordinating with officials on the front lines to [13:58:58] provide federal assistance as needed, including by recently approving fire management assistance grants for fire departments in Oregon, California. And Washington, which are where there's the collective threat to homes and major communities, and we are also continue to monitor monitor these fires from here again. The president receives regular updates, and he's quite focused on this. Go ahead. Q>> Cuba Yeah, function with Salazar says that the administration could turn the Internet back on for Cubans within minutes. I guess it's just technology to allow high textile is float. Over Cuba to act as towers. What's being done, Or can you provide an update on interstate? I'm restoring Internet service to Cuba and PSAKI>> I wish it was that easy. We are exploring aange of options. We are quite focused and interested in restoring Internet access to the people of Cuba. Which we actually which we absolutely believe and agree, I would say [13:59:58] would provide, um, information would allow individuals to communicate and we feel if we can get it done. That would be a great step forward and beneficial to the people of Cuba. Go ahead here and, um. Q>> You mentioned at the top of that Republicans had also increased the debt sailing and certainly pending bipartisan for many years. I'm wondering what the president's long term you. Country's balance sheets are given that under current long term, cbo estimates, debt is never again expected dip below 100% of gross domestic product and then within 30 years as projected to hit 202% of gross domestic product. PSAKI>> Well, first, I would say the president's proposed a way to pay for his proposals, which is something that is a fiscally responsible step some of his predecessors, the most recent one did not do when worked in advocated to support the passing of $2 trillion in tax cuts that did not. Bear out the financial benefit, he promised, and also certainly added to the [14:00:59] deficit. The president takes these issues seriously. He is focused on being a president who cares about the future of our. The next generations, and I think his actions have borne that out. Q>> And then I quit felt There was a lot of discussion about masking the other day. This administration has always followed CDC guy. Yeah if the CDC was to say. We need to return to masking with this administration policy. PSAKI>> We're always going to follow the guidance of our health and medical experts go ahead Q>> on the vaccine immunity and given advisers now seem waiting. Immunity and suffered from who is vaccinated and who is not the White House looking at models and projections that say in the next year as everyone who has been vaccinated could start to lose that immunity. What does that look like for hospitalizations and deaths? PSAKI>> Well, first, I would certainly point to our health and medical experts to answer questions about future projections about the impact of waning immunity. I will say that as they look at this data and assess from are from the CDC and other public health entities in the government, they certainly [14:02:02] talked to private sector companies like Pfizer, but that's only one source of data and engagement. They look at a range of data across the board as they make projections, so we really rely on there. Broad data and projections as we assess what the future looks like Q>> honest, honest while you mentioned continuing us support does that include continuing military support when we've seen a number of airstrikes at the U. S has launched on Taliban targets over the last 30 days? Could that continue? At the end of the military mission at the end of August. PSAKI>> I don't have anything on that for you. I'd certainly point to the department of Defense, but what I'm what I was communicating about was, uh, over the coming weeks. We maintain our authorities as you know, and we provide. We provided a range of training and security assistance equipment to the Afghans and the leaders. Of Afghanistan as we transition to bringing our men and women home. Thanks so much. Everyone have a great weekend. [end]