UNIVERSAL NEWSREELS

PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PITTSBURGH / MISSING TOP OF PRESSER CORAOPOLIS, Pa. (AP) - A flight carrying 53 Haitian orphans has landed at Pittsburgh International Airport, a week after their orphanage was destroyed by the massive quake. Workers disembarked the plane Tuesday morning, some of them carrying children in their arms, and boarded waiting buses. Other children walked off the plane, waving at onlookers. The orphans will be taken to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh for medical care and be placed in group homes until their adoptions are finalized. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and other officials escorted the children from Haiti, where they and their American caretakers spent days in dire need of food and water after the quake. The families of two Pittsburgh sisters working at the orphanage used Twitter and Facebook to spread the word about their plight, prompting the evacuation.

MEDIUM TRACKING SHOT OF CAR CHASE ON ROAD IN RESIDENTIAL AREA ABOVE DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH. SEE BLUE FORD CROWN VICTORIA BEING CHASED BY THREE MARKED POLICE CARS AND ONE GRAY UNDERCOVER POLICE CAR. SEE CROWN VICTORIA SWERVE BETWEEN OTHER CARS DRIVING ON STREET. SEE PITTSBURGH SKYLINE IN BACKGROUND.

WIDE ANGLE OF STYLISTIC BRICK BUILDING WITH ARCHED WINDOWS AND ENDS THAT LOOK LIKE MINARETS. PANS RIGHT TO LEFT ACROSS THE BUILDING. ALLEGHENY COUNTY COURTHOUSE. STONE BUILDINGS. BARE TREE BRANCHES SUGGEST WINTER.

NEWSER / PRESSER / PRESS CONFERENCE W/ UPMC Children's Hospital on kids brought from Haiti PITTSBURGH, PA - 1330EDT - A Ben Avon woman was reunited with her sister today at Children's Hospital after a long journey home with the last of 54 Haitian orphans. Efforts to bring the orphans to Pittsburgh from the BRESMA orphanage in Haiti began after the massive earthquake left their building in ruins last week. On Tuesday, a plane landed at Pittsburgh International Airport bringing home Ali McMutrie, the first of two Ben Avon sisters who had been working at the orphanage. Ali brought 53 of the orphans along with her on her journey back to Pittsburgh. But the last orphan, Emma, went missing before their departure from Haiti. Jamie McMutrie, Ali's sister, stayed behind to find the child. Jamie and Emma touched down at Pittsburgh International Airport this morning, and then arrived at Children's Hospital at noon. Meanwhile, the other orphans were taken to the hospital after getting off of the plane on Tuesday. They were given medical examinations and spent the night there. Volunteers have been helping them adjust to their new surroundings. "This little boy just came over and just plopped on me, they turned off the lights and he went to sleep. I was like, 'This is awesome.' They all calmly laid down. It was nice," said Theresa Creighan, a Red Cross volunteer. "Since they've been here, they've had the whole realm of pizza, chicken nuggets, French fries, I believe some rice and beans - which is native to them, I understand. They have a variety and are trying to different things, which is kind of neat." Another volunteer said the menu is changing though depending on their needs. "That was yesterday. They kind of cut that out a little bit, because I think there was some stomach issues and stuff," said Dan Lenz, another Red Cross volunteer. "It was fruit and electrolytes this morning." The next step for 47 of the orphans, is going through an expedited adoption process. The adopted families, from all over the United States, flew into Pittsburgh in an attempt to bring their children home. Some of the families had the chance to spend time with the kids at the hospital on Tuesday night. LIVE HOSPITAL PRESSER EXPECTED SOURCE: KDKA/ PITTSBURGH - CBS COORDS: GALAXY 16/ 10 D TIMES: 1330-1430EDT EMBARGO: WPGH, WTAE

WIDE ANGLE OF THE USX TOWER BEHIND TREE BRANCHES WITH GREEN LEAVES. PANS DOWN TO RED BRICK BUILDING WITH WHITE ARCHED WINDOWS.

White House Press Briefing - STIX QUESTION: You said something last week about the Massachusetts elections that (inaudible) sort of repeated today that (inaudible). He said I think the White House did everything we were asked to do. Had we did not asked earlier, we would have responded earlier. And that's similar to something you said, I think, maybe on Friday or Thursday. 13:46:13 GIBBS: Well, I think I was asked Friday why we weren't coming on Tuesday but were coming on Friday. And I said we had been asked. QUESTION: No, I understand. But the implication here is that the White House, with an election this important today majority and to our agenda and to health care, can't assert itself or won't assert itself in this issue and try to make a difference. Can you talk about that a little bit? 13:46:37 GIBBS: Well, look, obviously, the president went on Sunday, lent his support for Martha Coakley, talked about why he believed she would be the best senator, somebody who has fought for middle-class, working-class folks in Massachusetts. 13:47:04 You know, we're going to have plenty of time to get into the back-and-forth of all this. I'd prefer to do that when we know what the result is. QUESTION: Well, it sounds like you're either saying that you don't want to assert yourself when something is important unless you're asked to do it, which seems a little weird. Or that you're setting yourself up for this -- for this election to be lost by the Democrats. 13:47:28 GIBBS: Well, look, again, we'll have a chance to discuss the outcome of the election when we know the outcome of the election when, as many people know, is ongoing. QUESTION: Quickly, on another topic. GIBBS: Sure. QUESTION: Tomorrow, there are, I believe, six hearings having to do with the Christmas airline attack, Yemen, al Qaeda, Fort Hood. Six all in one day. Can you talk a little bit about the object of that and how the White House is getting ready for that, how you want that to play out tomorrow? GIBBS: Yes. Look, I don't know much about preparation other than -- I mean, obviously, you've seen John's report on both topics. Obviously, these -- many of these hearings were announced after the incident but before these reports. And I think the administration, obviously, is more than happy to discuss what's in these reports but, more importantly, the steps that we're taking to address the concerns that these documents bring up. That's been the president's charge to the team this entire time. I think you've seen the president be 13:48:37 quite open in discussing our failings. The onus is on -- now, all of us, both Capitol Hill and the White House, to ensure that we do all that we can to plug those shortcomings. 13:48:43 QUESTION: Thank you. GIBBS: Yes, sir? QUESTION: So in the event of a Democratic loss in Massachusetts, what kind of contingency planning is the White House doing to prevent -- to keep the health-care bill alive as well as to... 13:49:08 GIBBS: Obviously, health care is an important priority to this president. We can get into discussing the results of tomorrow, tomorrow when we have results. QUESTION: Whatever the outcome of the election up there in Massachusetts, what's the thinking within the administration that this has exposed public skepticism, perhaps, even backlash against the president's agenda? And I'm speaking not just health care but financial reform... GIBBS: Again, I don't -- I think to get into why something happened before it happens -- we will schedule a briefing, not unlike this, at approximately the same time tomorrow where we can discuss a lot of this. Jake? QUESTION: Forgetting the results of the election... (LAUGHTER) It's incredibly close. Right? You guys have said it's incredibly close. 13:49:56 GIBBS: It's a heavily contested election. 13:50:03 JAKE TAPPER QUESTION: A heavily contested election in Massachusetts. Does the president think that the fact that it's so close is any reflection at all on him or his agenda or his governing style? 13:50:11 GIBBS: Look, I -- again, as I said to Matt, we'll have a chance to get into... QUESTION: No, I'm not talking about... GIBBS: No, I understand. Let me finish the -- I think there is, obviously -- and this isn't something that's known simply because there's an election in one state. I think there's a tremendous amount of upset and anger in this country about where we are economically. That's not a surprise to us in this administration because, Jake, in many ways, we're here because of that upset and anger. That upset and anger, quite frankly, dates much farther back than simply the 2008 election. And that's 13:51:01 not to talk about any previous administration except, for quite some time, the middle class has thought that Washington was looking out for Washington and the big special interests and not looking out for them. 13:51:13 I don't think there's any doubt of that. I think the president, who reads letters from people every day, will be in Ohio doing a town hall meeting later this week. I have no doubt that people are going to express anger and frustration about where we are. We have seen an economic downturn and collapse that we haven't seen since the 19 -- the late 1920's and the early 1930's. It's a -- I think that is -- 13:51:42 is going to be the source of, rightfully so, a lot of frustration understanding that there were a lot of people that were hurting well before that economic calamity hit Wall Street. Wages weren't going up. You guys heard the president talk about this. People were working longer. 13:52:01 People were working harder. People were more productive even as their wages weren't growing. So, look, the president understands there's a lot of economic frustration out there. QUESTION: If you look at the right-track, wrong-track number -- which I know you guy pay attention to -- it was improving after President Obama took office. GIBBS: Right. 13:52:14 JAKE TAPPER QUESTION: And it became that a majority of Americans, at one point, thought that we were on the right track. And that number has started to go down even as the economy has continued to tank. So it would seem that a lot of Americans are now attaching their frustration with Washington to President Obama and what he's doing. GIBBS: I think there is certainly some attachment to us. I think there's some larger attachment to this town. I think there's an attachment to the pace of that recovery that you would count the president among those frustrated about. You know, the president is -- understands that there's frustration out there and is frustrated himself. 13:53:03 JAKE TAPPER QUESTION: But when you look at the polls on what the American people think about his handling of health-care reform and the health- care reform bill itself, they don't approve. GIBBS: Right. QUESTION: Is it possible that it's not just that, along with President Obama, they're frustrated with the face of economic recovery but maybe that Americans disagree with what President Obama is doing, disagree with the direction he's taking the country? GIBBS: Well, look, we have had a vigorous back-and-forth in this country about health care. I think we'd be the first to admit that we -- we think there are a lot more benefits than people see and feel in these bills. If that's a failing, I think that is -- that's certainly a failing that I and others here at the White House take responsibility for up to and including the president. QUESTION: Robert? GIBBS: Yes, ma'am? QUESTION: If the Senate loses the 60-member filibuster-proof may not, does the president feel that it would be in the best interests of moving health care forward for House Democrats to support the Senate bill and get it on his desk as soon as possible? GIBBS: Let me -- these are going to be all great questions tomorrow. But I -- I'd just -- I promise I'll be 13:54:16 here tomorrow. How about that? (LAUGHTER) QUESTION: Can we turn to Haiti then? GIBBS: Sure. QUESTION: U.S. planes are flying -- are U.S. planes flying over Haiti broadcasting the message to the Haitians that they should not try to come to the United States; that they would be turned away? Can you tell us about that? GIBBS: I don't know the particular message that you're talking about. We certainly -- we have seen no preparation for any type of mass migration that some might have been concerned about. We don't see any evidence coalescing around that at this point. QUESTION: And you're not aware of any message that... GIBBS: I can certainly check on that, and I know that there's a 2 o'clock call -- the regular updated calls that we've done on giving you all information from our disaster response teams about the latest on the 13:55:20 ground. And our focus, obviously, is on search and rescue right now. QUESTION: Governor Rendell said that the White House was involved in actually getting the plane -- the orphanages, actually taking them out of Haiti, bringing them to Pittsburgh. Can you explain what the administration's role has been? And just clear up... GIBBS: They're working on putting that together for me now, but I don't have that up to date with me. QUESTION: OK. And do you know if half of those orphans were actually sent to Pittsburgh? There was a number of 53 that they had... GIBBS: They're working on some of that, and we'll get a better, fuller readout on that. They're putting that together. Some of the folks that were involved in that are on their way back from Haiti back to Washington today. QUESTION: And is there a 4 o'clock meeting with USAID here at the White House? GIBBS: With? QUESTION: USAID? GIBBS: There was a principles committee meeting, not a presidential meeting. And there may be some updates out of that that we would brief you on as well. But it's a meeting, not unlike we've had before. Sometimes the president has been in, sometimes he hasn't. Coordinating our response and ensuring that, if people feel like we need -- if they need more help in doing stuff, that that reaches the highest levels and we can make sure that happens. Yes, ma'am? QUESTION: What's the president's agenda for his second year in office, and what's the top priority? 13:56:45 GIBBS: I think the top priority, obviously, Helen, is to continue to work hard to getting this economy back on track and creating jobs again. I think that is -- he outlined some ideas in December on some successful programs, some of which were in the recovery act, that many people have -- in the parlance have oversubscribed in terms of the amount of money that was available but having applications for two or three or four times that amount of money. His primary focus will be on creating jobs. Chip? QUESTION: I would like to talk about a different topic -- the election in Massachusetts. (LAUGHTER) You said earlier that you don't want to discuss... (LAUGHTER) You don't want to discuss why something happens before it happens. But something has already happened, and that is that there has been a ground swell of support for a Republican in the blue state of Massachusetts for a candidate who's running against the president's agenda. Is this... GIBBS: Well... QUESTION: Goad ahead. GIBBS: Go ahead. I don't know if that was the end of your question. QUESTION: Well, there are so many different questions here. But one of the questions is -- the big question that a lot of people are posing now is: Is this a sign that the White House has simply lost touch with the American people? They just don't get it? This is not something has happening... GIBBS: When I read your poll, I didn't come away with that conclusion. When I read the CBS poll and I said 70 percent of the American people thought the president was -- cared about people like them, I came to the conclusion that 70 percent of the people believed that he cared about people like them. So, no, I don't... QUESTION: That's a diversion, but I mean, this is... GIBBS: So, that's your poll. QUESTION: It's happening in Massachusetts. 13:58:32 GIBBS: I hate to quote CBS to CBS. I should have tried it out on you and used your poll on him and sort of... QUESTION: It sounds to me like you're confident that the Republican is going to lose in Massachusetts. You think that the poll is reflective of where the American people are right now. GIBBS: Well, your question was whether the vote would be reflective of the American people. I simply said -- I said your poll showed, Chip. Again, we'll have time... QUESTION: ... that this White House has just lost touch with the American people? GIBBS: I think, according to any reasonable measure, the answer to that is, of course not. QUESTION: Is the president -- have you heard him express surprise or frustration about how close this race is in Massachusetts? GIBBS: Yes. QUESTION: What -- can you give us some details? GIBBS: He was surprised and frustrated. QUESTION: Anything else? Angry? And at whom? GIBBS: Not pleased. QUESTION: Frustrated at whom about what? GIBBS: We'll get into more of that tomorrow. QUESTION: Recognizing you don't know the results yet, in the... (LAUGHTER) QUESTION: In the interest of preparedness -- which I'm sure the president views as a virtue -- have you talked to Speaker Pelosi at all about this so-called Plan B of the House passing the Senate bill... GIBBS: I don't know that the president has had an opportunity. I could check on whether the president has spoken directly with Speaker Pelosi. QUESTION: Any member of staff that you're aware of? GIBBS: I assume that some people here have talked to the speaker. I do not have a catalog of each and every one of those conversations. QUESTION: Why didn't the president lay out the stakes when he was in Massachusetts on Sunday and say to those folks, if you don't put Martha Coakley in the United States Senate, our health-care bill likely dies? GIBBS: Well, I don't -- I don't -- again, let's wait for the results. I don't think the president believes that. QUESTION: OK. So he doesn't look at health care as sort of hanging on a string here? GIBBS: Health care is a priority for him now. It'll be a priority for him tomorrow. QUESTION: Is there any particular reason why he didn't... GIBBS: Well, I think the president... QUESTION: That could be a pretty compelling argument... GIBBS: I think the president laid out exactly what was at stake. For the people of Massachusetts, it's 14:00:27 about electing somebody that will represent their interests in the United States Senate. And are you going to elect somebody who has consistently fought for middle- class, working-class interests, as you heard the president say, or somebody who campaigns as an independent and has voted 96 percent of the time with Republicans in the state Senate. That's -- I think he laid it out quite clearly. QUESTION: The decision not to put it in those terms that's, if you don't send Coakley to the Senate, my health-care bill could fail, a passive acknowledgement that that's not a very compelling argument for voters right now. GIBBS: Again, I don't think the president believes and subscribes to that as an overall premise. GIBBS: Yes, ma'am? QUESTION: Beyond talking about focus on the economy and focus on... GIBBS: So there's a race near Connecticut... (LAUGHTER) QUESTION: I wasn't going to mention New England at all in this question. GIBBS: Right. (LAUGHTER) QUESTION: My question is... GIBBS: A state that begins with M... (LAUGHTER) Go ahead. QUESTION: But feel free to answer your own question, if you... (LAUGHTER) GIBBS: Mississippi is lovely this time of year. QUESTION: My question is: Could you give us some concrete and specific examples of what you'll be doing in the coming months to persuade the American people that you are focused on the economy and on jobs beyond just talking about in general terms? What specifically? GIBBS: You know, I could give you a list of what we're going to do. We'll have economic events here later this week, on Thursday here. He'll visit Ohio Friday. He'll talk to the U.S. Conference of Mayors about a jobs-creating agenda here also on Thursday. The president isn't going to get focused on the economy in the coming months. The president, obviously, has been focused quite clearly on the economy since his first moments in office. Last week, the president discussed a bank responsibility fee that focuses in on the health of the economy. The president will talk about an agenda for creating jobs, about getting ourselves back on a path towards fiscal responsibility, making college education more affordable and taking the banks out of being the middlemen for college loans. A lot of those things, the president has talked about and will continue to talk about. And you will see, obviously, some of that in the State of the Union. Mark? QUESTION: Well, since you've answered all of our questions on the special election, can I ask you if the president is going to take notice in any way tomorrow about the end of his first year in office? GIBBS: Nothing special, no. QUESTION: No? GIBBS: No. QUESTION: Is he aware of it? (LAUGHTER) GIBBS: Well, I mean, I don't want to be technical about it, but wouldn't today actually be the end of his first year? QUESTION: Tomorrow would be the end of it technically. (LAUGHTER) GIBBS: I don't know if there's anything that he'll doing prior to noon that's -- I mean, I've got to be 14:03:38 honest with you, Mark, I think, in many ways, it is -- it's -- you know, it's an anniversary of types, but I don't -- I don't see that a lot of people are ultimately focused on marking the first year. I mean, since we've been here, we've had the anniversary of the election. That was the first year. And then there was the end of the first year, which was the end of the year. And then there will be the end of the first year, which you appropriately point out will be at or around noon on -- so, you know, I mean, there's first 100 days, first 200 days, you know, you know first six months. You know, we could -- no, but I don't -- there will be no surprise parties for the end of the first year. QUESTION: Will the president call for a bipartisan commission on the debt in the State of the Union? GIBBS: He has, in talking about Laura's question about the economy, the president, obviously, has put 14:04:41 -- has talked a lot about the need to get our fiscal house in order, share the concern about where our fiscal situation is, and is exploring many options for -- in both of budget and in the State of the Union -- that we would talk about our commitments in doing so. QUESTION: And back to health care, why didn't the president and Harry Reid work even harder to keep Olympia Snore on their side back in October and November? GIBBS: Oh, the president continues to work hard on that. QUESTION: Robert, I understand you're still gathering information on Governor Rendell and the adoptions, but I'm wondering, does the administration hope that maybe this is a blueprint for future adoptions of Haitian children following this... GIBBS: Let me get a little bit more information before I get -- I mean, look, I think, obviously, it is a -- I think we have all seen remarkable stories coming out of such a calamitous disaster. You know, our search-and-rescue teams finding more and more people every day; a record number of people for an earthquake just yesterday. And I have, as you've heard administration officials on the ground in Haiti say, we will do better today than we did yesterday. We will do better tomorrow than we were going to do today. We're trying as hard as we can in working with the Haitian government and with our international partners to address, I think, what anybody would term the largest humanitarian effort they've ever seen. Again, what we do today will be bettered by what we do tomorrow. QUESTION: Totally new topic. Any update on where the president is going to donate his Nobel Prize money? GIBBS: I know they continue to talk about it. I think -- he has not received any money yet, but as soon as he makes those donations, we will let you guys know. QUESTION: Robert, you talked earlier about that during the campaign, you guy were able to tap into the sort of anger and angst in the country as essentially the outsider fighting on behalf of... GIBBS: Well, I also said that, you know, obviously, that anger was there and we certainly acknowledged it. QUESTION: So I guess the question is: Do you guys feel that what you -- what's now happened to the president and the White House is that you guys are now the recipients of that anger in a way that you maybe didn't expect? GIBBS: No, no, no. I mean to go back to Mark's question, we haven't been here for a year wondering what it is we were here to do. I mean, we -- you know, obviously, the president was elected to deal with 14:07:35 the set of problems, to make the right decision whether or not it was the popular decision. And, you know, look, this was the case long before the poll that Jake or the poll that I mentioned to Chip pointed out. Some of those decisions weren't popular ones. Well before we got to what you were talking about, Jake, ensuring that the banks didn't collapse was not a popular decision. The president strongly believes it was the right one. Ensuring that two domestic auto companies didn't go out of business, not popular. Again, the president believed it was the right decision to make. He understands, again -- he understands that frustration. He's heard it. In all honesty, he heard it when he ran for the United States Senate beginning in 2003. So, you know, I don't -- I don't believe that -- certainly, there's frustration. I think it is with a lot of people in this process. QUESTION: Robert, you said moments ago that you'd be the first to admit that there are more benefits in the health-care bill than many Americans see and that it's as failing to communicate that that you and others at the White House, including the president, take responsibility for. Why do you think, given the many words that have opinion spoken, the many appearances the president has made around the country... GIBBS: Do you think he's overexposed? QUESTION: No. Why do you think he's been unable... GIBBS: I'm baiting you. QUESTION: I know. I'm not taking the bait. GIBBS: I know. QUESTION: Why has he been unable to convince the American people -- to fully convince them -- that this bill is a good idea and the right thing to do? 14:09:22 GIBBS: Well, look, I think, in many ways -- and some of this is drowned out -- there's no doubt, as many words as the president has uttered and as many interviews as he's done and as many appearances as he's had, there's no doubt that, in some ways, it's drowned out by arguments that may or may not be central to the focus of the bill. 14:09:43 But whether we had -- whether health care today was passed or not, the president would be talking about the benefits of that bill even if it was passed. Many of those benefits that he would talk about go into effect immediately. Ensuring that a child that had previously been discriminated against in trying to get health insurance because of a pre-existing condition will get wiped away in -- as soon as the president signs health-care legislation. And he'll discuss that. QUESTION: But you're talking about failing. Is there anything that you would do differently looking back? Is there something you could have done better to make your case better to the American people so that we wouldn't be in the -- you wouldn't be in the situation that you're in right now? 14:10:31 GIBBS: You know, look, if we -- I'm sure that -- Cheryl (ph), I'll read this transcript and think there are things that I could have done better. I don't think there's any -- there's no doubt about that. You know, I'm not going to spend a lot of time, at least now, going through all that. Suffice it to say we do not -- nobody believes anybody's pitched a perfect game. I don't think anybody does. QUESTION: You mentioned Olympia Snowe. The president spoke to her by phone, I gather, on Friday. Can you tell us what they talked about? Is she part of a plan? GIBBS: Let me -- I don't have a readout on whether they talked or not, and I can certainly look at it. QUESTION: And is that also the subject of the meeting this afternoon -- Chris Dodd coming... GIBBS: I believe, if I'm not mistaken, my guess is -- well, I'm sure they'll touch on health care as well as financial reform. QUESTION: Can you give us an overall state of what we were talking about last week in the negotiations to try and bring the two houses together? 14:11:26 GIBBS: Well, I know the staffs met and discussed a lot of this going through the weekend. I don't have any meetings at this point to announce that the president is in, but I know they continue to work through at a staff level based on hours and hours of meetings of merging these two bills together. QUESTION: (Inaudible) pending the outcome of the election? GIBBS: No. QUESTION: Does President Obama take this special election personally? GIBBS: How so? QUESTION: You've said it's not a referendum on him, but should he feel or does he feel that he bears some responsibility for the... GIBBS: And, again, let's see what the outcome is before we... QUESTION: Will you say thing about it tonight? A statement or anything? GIBBS: Assume that the -- well, the president will call the winner. We'll have a readout of that call. I don't -- I mean, the polling -- I think the polls close, what, at 8:00? I don't know anticipate that the president will have a statement tonight. Yes, sir? QUESTION: On financial reform, is the president going to do a little arm-twisting as far as the consumer protection agency or is he coming around to thinking that maybe that could be responsibility (inaudible)? GIBBS: No. I mean, the president's viewpoint of this, I think, is quite clear; that we have to have a strong, independent voice on behalf of consumers. That's something the president has talked about repeatedly in this process and something he'll emphasize again. Yes, sir. QUESTION: (Inaudible) with Senator Dodd? 14:13:04 GIBBS: I believe that will -- my sense is financial reform at large will come up. I can get a sense after the meeting whether the consumer part came up. Yes, sir? QUESTION: Leading bank economists, last week, predicted that private-sector hiring will increase during the first three months of this year. And they suggested that politicians refrain from spending more tax dollars on job creation until the end of the three-month period. You know, if our projection is wrong, well, then you should spend federal dollars. I'm just wondering if the president, this week when he talks about the economy, will exhibit that kind of patience -- let's wait and see -- or is he ready to go full speed ahead and spend more money? GIBBS: Well, the president outlined a series of ideas which I mentioned earlier; increase in funding for 14:14:05 clean-energy jobs. There's, obviously, been discussions about infrastructure aid. There have been discussions about state and local fiscal relief. The president believes that the ideas he outlined in December are no less needed now than they -- than at any point. And he'll continue to push forward. Do I hope the private forecasters are correct? I think there's certainly millions of Americans that hope that's true. The question, obviously, that we will eventually get to is the pacing of that. And are there -- 14:14:42 are there things that can be done to accelerate this process? That will be -- that's what the president has asked his team, and that's what the president will demand of all of us, including Congress, involved. GIBBS: Well, again, I mean, you know, the whole -- the employment hole as we sit here and speak is about seven and a half million since that recession began in December of 2007. I don't think that anybody that -- and, again, that's just -- seven and a half million have lost their jobs. There's, obviously, 14:15:25 people that continue to -- that are not even in the statistics anymore because they continue to look, but they've been looking for more than six months. I don't think we're in danger in this three-month period in filling that hole completely. The president believes that we've got to do that and begin to add jobs based on a new foundation that doesn't depend on bubble and bust -- the bubble-and-bust economy that we've relied on for a long, long time. Yes, ma'am? QUESTION: Robert, so broadly speaking, can you talk about the difference between 59 and 60 votes in the Senate and what that means for the president's agenda this year? GIBBS: Broadly, it's one. QUESTION: All right. Can I try another one? (LAUGHTER) So tomorrow, several progressive groups... GIBBS: Mark taught me that... (LAUGHTER) QUESTION: ... including Code Pink, Green Peace are planning a rally outside the White House to protest what they say are saying has been a failure to act or at least deliver on a lot of the change that was promised a year ago. What's the White House's message for folks like that who are questioning the lack or at least the pace of the action on a lot of those priorities? GIBBS: Well, you know, look, this isn't directed at -- look, this isn't directed at -- as a response to those 14:16:40 interest groups or what have you. I guess, going back to Mark's question, the president -- I guess the reason that there's not a lot of recognition about one year is it's certainly -- it's a calendar date that denotes you've been here a year, but, you know, the president didn't outline throughout the campaign here are the things I'm going to do the first year, here's what I'm going to do -- here's how I'm going to fill years two and three and then, on year four, it will be this volume of -- change takes a long time. Change isn't ever easy. QUESTION: What did he learn? 14:17:24 GIBBS: Well, I think he learned, Helen, part of what I'm talking about, which is that change is never easy; that change takes time; that change has to go through Congress. And that's not to say -- you know, I think what Congress has accomplished this year has been enormous. 14:17:52 Getting a recovery plan through as quickly as was done to get resources into the economy that we've already seen has helped pull an economy from negative economic growth for four consecutive quarters to the positive -- I think there's an awful lot to be proud of in what has been accomplished. I can assure you the president never thought that we'd wake up at 11:59 January 20, 2010, and he would think, wow, I've finished it all; now what am I going to do? We always knew we'd have plenty to do. Yes, sir? QUESTION: Robert, is it fair to expect that the tenor of the State of the Union address next week will depend greatly on what happens in Massachusetts today? GIBBS: I don't think that's true, no. I think -- we've been working on a series of ideas and proposals. Helen asked what the most important issue was. On jobs, the president will -- regardless of what happens in Massachusetts, the president's going to talk about jobs. The president's going to talk about fiscal responsibility. He'll talk about our obligations in Iraq and Afghanistan to address terrorism. I honestly don't think that -- they're writing the speech right now, so if they're going to change it all tomorrow, I hope Favreau hears me and just goes a little early to the gym today. QUESTION: Isn't there a little difference, perhaps, in the body language between boldness and contrition? GIBBS: I think the president understands that, regardless of what happens in Massachusetts, we face a set of circumstances that have to be addressed and have to be dealt with. Whether there are 59 seats in the Senate or 60, we still have to work hard to get our economy back on track. We still have to work hard to make the promise of affordable, accessible health care for millions of Americans a reality. I don't believe that there's an entirely new agenda behind some door based on the results of tonight. David? QUESTION: Senator Voinovich said he thinks that President Obama agrees with him on the need for the bipartisan debt commission but isn't sure the politics are there for it. Does that sound right? GIBBS: Well, look, you know, I know that, in the coming days, the Senate is going to vote on what Senators Conrad and Gregg have proposed. That's certainly one thing that, among others, that we have looked at to get our country back on a path toward fiscal responsibility. April? QUESTION: Back on the State of the Union, what number draft is the speechwriter on for the speech? GIBBS: John, if you can hear this, please call. (LAUGHTER) I honestly don't know. I don't know. He's been working on it for a little while. QUESTION: When you say a little while -- so this is not like the first or second draft? It's been ongoing? GIBBS: Yes. He's been writing for a while. QUESTION: OK. Also, on the speech, when it comes it Haiti, will the president deal with the issue of Haiti in the speech and giving and the compassion of the American public? Is that part of the speech next week? GIBBS: He will, undoubtedly, mention Haiti. I think what we are all enormously proud of is as 14:21:13 Americans are the outpouring of support for the suffering that people have seen on their televisions. One of the things -- that's one of the reasons he wanted to visit the Red Cross yesterday. I think we have -- the spirit of the American people always meets the challenges that it faces. And I think, again, we can all be proud of that spirit. QUESTION: And I'll follow that. Is there a concern about some of the organizations that are raising funds, raising food, raising clothes for (inaudible)? Is there a concern in this White House about some of the controversies around some of these organizations right now as there's an immediate need and a long-term need? 14:22:10 GIBBS: Right. Well, look, I don't know enough about individual -- all the individual charities. Obviously, there's a set of criteria that people can look at before they give their money -- how much is spent so overhead, how much goes to, you know, to what -- to what is needed on the ground. Obviously, former President Bush and former President Clinton have helped to set up an organization to deal with both the search and rescue and what is needed to get food and water and resources there now but will also be there in the months and years to come in what will, clear, be a very long-term project of renewable and of rebuilding. Kurt (ph)? QUESTION: On Haiti... QUESTION: Thank you, Robert. Two things. You said the president was angry. With whom is he angry? GIBBS: I didn't expand on that. QUESTION: OK. (LAUGHTER) QUESTION: Can you now? GIBBS: I won't now. QUESTION: But you might tomorrow? GIBBS: There's all hope. (LAUGHTER) QUESTION: The other thing is you emphasized the president's concern... GIBBS: You and Mark annotate the transcript... (LAUGHTER) QUESTION: You've emphasized the president's concern about the unemployment numbers and about the deficit. In dealing with one, do you exacerbate the other? GIBBS: Well, look, I think that the president understands that, for instance the recovery plan was split up into basically cover to fiscal years because nobody believed that we would have turned this completely around given the depths of the recession that we were in immediately or only after a year. So I think the president is understanding of whatever -- what tension may be there in dealing with the medium- and long-term fiscal challenges that we face. But, absolutely, we've -- if you necessarily pull back completely, you're not -- you've got a gas-and-brake going that isn't going to necessarily help where the economy is. Thanks, guys. END .ETX

ESTABLISHED ANGLE OF "JAMES GREER CARLISLE - PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY" OR COLONIAL STYLE TWO STORY BRICK HOUSE OR FORMER PLANTATION ON GRASSY HILL. SOME BARE TREES. LIBRARY SIGN ON BOTTOM RIGHT. MUSEUMS

WASH 8 PRESIDENT ELECT BIDEN KEY ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS INTRODUCTION REMARKS CUTS POOL 12112020 President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris formally introduced newly nominated and appointed members of their administration in Wilmington Friday afternoon, including Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, HUD Secretary Rep. Marcia Fudge, and VA Secretary Dennis McDonough, along with US Trade Rep. Katherine Tai and Leader of the Domestic Policy Council Susan Rice. Biden started the event by addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that we saw more deaths from COVID-19 in one day this week than from 9/11 or Pearl Harbor, stressing the need to take it seriously as good news on COVID vaccines is on the way. â?oWe're in the teeth of a crisis right now. And this nation needs presidential leadership right now. Presidential leadership that is willing to model the steps we should be taking for our -- to save our own lives and the lives of our families. You know, we can wish this away, but we have to face it head on,â?? Biden said. (14:56:45) â?oWe have to take it head on. Using every power available to me as president, we'll have a national coordination strategy that will -- that will beat this virus. You know, and as tough as things are now, I firmly believe better days are ahead. Weâ?Tve got some good news yesterday. The FDA committed -- committee I should say -- recommended emergency use authorization for Pfizer's biontech COVID-19 vaccine. But we're grateful for the scientists that at these -- not only there but other great organizations,â?? he added. (14:57:10) Biden also pointedly stressed that the vaccine was developed without politics, and was dictated by science and should not raise concerns for the public. â?oI want to make it clear to the public, you should have confidence in this. There is no political influence. These are first-rate scientists taking their time, looking at all of the elements that need to be looked at. Scientific integrity led us to this point. We know the immense challenges and hard work ahead,â?? Biden said. (14:57:57) The president-elect reiterated the three main steps of his plan to stem the spread of the virus, including getting 100 million shots of the vaccine into Americansâ?T arms in his first 100 days, and called on Congress to help him begin reopening schools. â?oIf we get the necessary funding from Congress, we can get most of our schools open in 100 days but we need the help from the Congress in the funding. The first 100 days won't end the COVID-19, but meeting those goals can slow the spread, save lives, and get us back to our lives with the people we love the most,â?? Biden said. (14:59:06) Biden also turned to the ongoing stimulus relief fight in congress, noting it's â?onot looking good now,â?? but stressing his belief that Congress needs to take action before they leave for the holidays. â?oThat's why the Congress needs to act and act now on the COVID package. I spoke to my two friends who are still in the Congress, the vice president and soon-to-be secretary of HUD. We have to get this done. They're pushing hard. But it doesn't look so good right now. But it has to get done before they go home. Millions and millions of Americans simply can't wait any longer,â?? Biden said. (14:59:58) â?oWe shouldn't. We can't get bogged down in issues that don't help people. State and local governments need the help. Not only that, as Iâ?Tve said for months, we need to protect the central personnel like law enforcement, firefighters, to make sure everything is in place and effectively distribute the vaccine so that we can do that. This relief package won't be the total answer even if it gets passed, but it's an important first step. There is so much we have to do,â?? He continued. (15:00:22) [HUNTER BIDEN Q] As he was leaving the event Biden was asked about the news this week that his son Hunterâ?Ts tax affairs are under investigation by the U.S. Attorneyâ?Ts office in Delaware. â?oDid Hunter Biden commit a crime? Have you spoken to your son, Mr. President Elect?â?? a reporter asked. (15:41:38) â?oIâ?Tm proud of my son,â?? Biden could be heard saying as he exited the room. (15:41:44) [CABINET INTRODUCTIONS] Biden spoke about each of his nominees, noting that while many of the people heâ?Ts introducing today were familiar faces, many were stepping into new roles--with the exception of Tom Vilsack, who Biden said was not eager to return to the role, but the president-elect was persistent in his asks. â?oHe wasn't anxious to come back.. He wasn't looking for this job. But I was persistent, and I asked him to serve again in this role because he knows the USDA inside and out. He knows the government inside and out. We need that experience now,â?? Biden said. Biden said he is â?oreally pleasedâ?? to nominate Ohio Congresswoman Marcia Fudge to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, noting that while sheâ?Ts qualified for a number of jobs it is this particular one that he believes she is best equipped to do as he aims to enact his â?obuild back better,â?? agenda. â?oI am really pleased to nominate Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who I might add could do many jobs beyond the one I'm asking her to do. But I think the job I'm asking you to do, congresswoman, is critically important to everything that the Vice President and I believe is how we're going to build back better,â?? Biden said of Fudge. (15:04:30) The president-elect particularly stressed the work Fudge will do to create more affordable housing and increase home ownership particularly in communities of color. â?oShe worked to increase home ownership as a means toward wealth generation, particularly for communities of -- communities of color. It's not just dealing with the other issues. We have to be able to build wealth in communities of -- of color color. And she's also going to help us build back better by working across the ideological spectrum to fulfill the promise of HUDâ?Ts mission. And here's what its mission is, itâ?Ts often forgotten, â?oto create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality-affordable homes for all,â?? end of quote,â?? Biden said. (15:06:09) During his remarks about Fudge, Biden talked about how powerful Delta Sigma Theta sorority is, Fudge previously served as the national president of the historic African-American sorority and was prominently featured and organized support behind Lorretta Lynch, a fellow sorority sister during her confirmation hearing. â?oShe's represented the great city of Cleveland...though I think of her most significant political feat, was being elected president of the Deltas. I know from this stage how powerful the Deltas are. You think I'm kidding. I'm not,â?? Biden said to laughs from Fudge. (15:04:48) Biden turned to one of his more controversial picks on the stage, Dennis McDonough, who despite not having a military background was tapped for VA secretary, noting his time spent in the field visiting with troops in the field while he served in the Obama White House. Biden said he gave Dennis a â?oclear mission.â?? â?oAnd in this role, I've given Denis a clear mission: Fight like hell. Fight like hell for our veterans and their families. And anyone, anyone who has worked with Dnnis will tell you, he'll move heaven and Earth to fix any problem to get a job done. He'll also work closely with our Secretary of -- Secretary of Defense designee Lloyd Austin and the entire cabinet as -- and Jill as first lady to pull every leader -- ever lever to help us build back the VA better than ever,â?? Biden said. (15:09:07) Biden promised Veterans and their families that McDonough would â?oalways be there for themâ?? as would he and Harris. The president-elect praised his pick for U.S. Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, and said trade will be a â?ocritical pillarâ?? in his foreign policy agenda, and noted Taiâ?Ts family story as the daughter of Chinese immigrants, and noting she would be the first woman of color to hold the position if confirmed. â?oShe's going to work closely with my economic and national security and foreign policy teams. Trade will be a critical pillar in our ability to build back better and carry out our foreign policy, foreign policy for the middle class. When I announced my candidacy, I talked about a foreign policy for the middle class. And I meant that in a literal sense,â?? Biden said. (15:11:28) Finally, Biden turned to Susan Rice, his appointee to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council, calling her a â?owonderful public servant,â?? noting her past experience and saying heâ?Ts â?othrilledâ?? to have her back. â?oThis is a big and critical role. That's why I asked Susan to serve. She's been there. She knows what it takes, like she did in helping mobilize the entire federal government to end the Ebola crisis. And her voice is particularly needed at this critical moment. A granddaughter of immigrants, descended in enslaved people, Susan will be an effective and tireless champion for all Americans. And she knows I'm really thrilled she was willing to come back, be at my side in the White House,â?? Biden said. (15:13:54) Biden thanked the nominees and appointees and their families for their willingness to serve in his administration, before delivering a message directly to the American people, promising â?ohelp is on the way. I promise we're not going to let you down.â?? [TOM VILSACK] Vilsack seemed to address some of the criticism of his previous tenure at USDA, beginning his remarks by promising to deal with systemic inequities. â?oI'm honored by the trust that youâ?Tve placed in me to return to the vital work of the USDA at a very critical moment for so many families and communities throughout America. And to begin that work by embracing the full benefits of a diverse and inclusive senior leadership team in the department, as I was proud to do in my previous tenure,â?? Vilsack said. (15:15:50) â?oAnd to continue the important work of rooting out inequities and systemic racism in the systems we govern and the programs we lead. When Abraham Lincoln established the Department of Agriculture, he called it the people's department. I look forward to making good on that moniker for all people as we build back better,â?? he added. (15:16:17) Vilsack, who turns 70 on Sunday, spoke about his path to this point, noting his childhood in an orphanage in Pittsburgh before moving to the Hawkeye state. Vilsack also spoke about the role that USDA in helping rural countries to rebound following COVID-19, and committed to addressing poverty in rural America. During his remarks Vilsack mentioned his support for Rep. Jim Clyburn's 10/20/30 plan, an effort the South Carolina congressman said aims to help counties that had a poverty level of more 20% for more than three decades. Those communities would then receive at least 10% of federal funds from a specific program. When asked in 2019 if he considered the measure a form of reparations. Clyburn, however, said the measure "absolutely" is. â?oTo make landmark investments in communities throughout rural America, especially those mired in poverty for far too long. By adopting the 10, 20, 30 rule of Congressman Jim Clyburn that sets aside 10% of federal funding to communities where 20% of people have been caught beneath the poverty line for 30 years or more. And to ensure that every child in our country, and all those who are in need, have access to safe, affordable and nutritious food,â?? Vilsack said. (15:19:10) [REP. MARCIA FUDGE] Fudge began her remarks by quoting scripture, going on to talk about the importance of housing in America and the need to give people hope in the midst of Americaâ?Ts ongoing crisis and rebuild Americansâ?T trust in their government. â?oI remember the feeling I had as a kid of the safety, security, and peace of mind contained in one word: Home. I remember the comfort of knowing that no matter what happened, I could always go home. But far too many Americans live without that feeling. More and more have had that comfort ripped away. The crisis of a pandemic that has threatened their lives, the crisis of a recession that has swallowed up jobs, hours, wages, and lifelines. The crisis of injustice that has forced communities of color to make it in America with one dream tied behind their back. Each crisis chips away at their hope, at the promise of our nation. But I believe that hope is on the way,â?? Fudge said. (15:21:46) â?oWe will pursue creative development projects to shape our landscapes and skylines, restart the engines of cities that have stalled out, and launch new opportunities in hometowns across America. But perhaps most importantly of all, we will help people believe once again that their government cares about them, no matter who they are. That we understand their problems, as the President-Elect often recalls his father's words,â?? Fudge later added. (15:23:20) [DENNIS McDONOUGH] McDonough noted the personal connection of the President-elect and Dr. Biden to the veteranâ?Ts community, and his own connection to the community as he was announced as the nominee to lead the VA, including his grandfather, the troops he met while serving in the Obama administration, and a football coach who left a mark in his life. â?oI'm also thinking of one of my high school football coaches back in Stillwater, Minnesota. An Iowan, Joe Sam Samuelson. He stormed the beaches of Normandy. And in home hospice at the end of his life, he and his family were grateful for the compassion of the VA. When he passed, his wife gave me his coaching jacket, one of my most -- most prized possessions. Coach Samâ?Ts jacket reminds me of why we're here,â?? Biden said. (15:25:40) McDonough pledged to make the VA more inclusive to all veterans, particularly women, Veterans of color and LGBTQ community members. â?oAs the President-Elect has said, his marching -- marching order to me is very clear: Fight like hell for our veterans. We're going to fight like hell to give our veterans and their families the health care, respect, and dignity they deserve. That means helping our veterans build civilian lives of meaning and opportunity, making our VA even more welcoming to all veterans, including our women veterans, veterans of color, and LGBTQ veterans,â?? He said (15:26:19) [KATHERINE TAI] Tai began by recalling her parents' immigrant story, her father, a researcher at Walter Reed, and her mother, who still works at the National Institutes of Health developing treatments for opioid addictions. Tai also stressed the role trade can play to create opportunities and lift people out of poverty, and the need to rebuild relationships around the globe. â?oTrade is like any other tool in our domestic or foreign policy. It is not an end in itself. It is a means to create more hope and opportunity for people. And it only succeeds when the humanity and dignity of every American, and of all people, lie at the heart of our approach. I am proud to join with leaders who instill their policy with purpose, and who never lose sight of the humanity and dignity, the opportunity and hope, that make trade a force for good in our nation and the world,â?? Tai said. (15:31:15) [SUSAN RICE] Rice was the last of the nominees to speak, laying out the path of her ancestors on both sides who overcame adversity--a paternal great grandfather who was born a slave in South Carolina, and maternal grandparents who immigrated from Jamaica with no education who worked to send all their children to college, and on to successful careers, including her motherâ?Ts role in creating the Pell Grant. Rice stressed her excitement to serve in the Biden administration, and talked about the need to develop policies that break down racial barriers that hold all Americans back. â?oAfter the Civil War, we ended slavery and enshrined the concept of equal protection under the law. During the Great Depression, we established the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. After World War II, we enacted the G.I. Bill. In the 1960s, we abolished legal segregation, established full voting rights, and enacted Medicare and Medicaid,â?? Rice said. â?oNow at the foot of yet another bridge between crisis and opportunity, I'm honored and excited to take on this role. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris's vision for our future is expansive but achievable. America must finally become a nation where every child, from Akron to Arkansas, from the Bronx to Brownsville, from the Sioux Nation to south central Los Angeles, can dream without limits and make her dreams come true,â?? Rice added. (15:35:42) Rice said she has â?ono illusionsâ?? about the difficulty of the job ahead of her, but said all of the individuals joining the Biden administration are â?ohere to get hard stuff done.â?? â?oI have no illusions about the difficulty of making that vision real. But we are here to get hard stuff done. Our top priorities will be to help end the pandemic and revitalize the economy so that it delivers for all. To bring dignity and humanity to our broken immigration system. To advance racial equity, justice, and civil rights for all. To ensure that health care is accessible and affordable. And to educate and train Americans to compete and thrive in the 21st century. I profoundly believe that we all rise or fall together, absolutely all of us,â?? Rice said. (15:36:21) [KAMALA HARRIS] Harris, as usual, was the last person to speak at the event, and addressed the need for their team to understand the challenges facing the country, including poverty and hunger, before speaking about her own experiences that shaped her life. â?oToday, we are announcing leaders who will help deliver immediate relief to every corner of our great country, from rural communities, to big cities, and every place in between. Leaders who will help care for our veterans and their families and advance opportunity for all Americans at this consequential moment in our country,â?? Harris said. (15:38:34) Harris spoke about her own connection to the nominees on the stage, and the qualities they share, stressing that all of them are ready to â?ohit the ground running on day one.â?? â?oThese leaders have different backgrounds and lifeâ?Ts experience. And they bring to their roles different skills, perspectives, and areas of expertise. And they all reflect the very best of our nation. They are all dedicated and compassionate public servants, and all of them are ready to hit the ground running on day one,â?? Harris said. (15:40:46) FULL LOG BELOW (VIA WASH 7, HEAD ON POOL): 145553 BIDEN>> Good afternoon, everyone. Please, please be seated, thank you. These are all friends, Iâ?Tm not used to them standing for me. But, thank you. Thank you very much. Good afternoon. 145605 Before I make my announcements today, I want to say a few words about the COVID crisis. This week marked another tragic milestone in our fight against COVID-19. More than 3,000 deaths in one single day, the highest single death count during this pandemic. That's more deaths in a single day than we saw on 9/11 or at Pearl Harbor. This is serious business. 145635 And the current director of the CDC said yesterday, we can expect a similar numbers of deaths or more every single day for the next 60 to 90 days. We're in the teeth of a crisis right now. And this nation needs presidential leadership right now. Presidential leadership that is willing to model the steps we should be taking for our -- to save our own lives and the lives of our families. You know, we can wish this away, but we have to face it head on. 145710 We have to take it head on. Using every power available to me as president, we'll have a national coordination strategy that will -- that will beat this virus. You know, and as tough as things are now, I firmly believe better days are ahead. Weâ?Tve got some good news yesterday. The FDA committed -- committee I should say -- recommended emergency use authorization for Pfizer's biontech COVID-19 vaccine. 145738 But we're grateful for the scientists that at these -- not only there but other great organizations. Researchers who developed this vaccine and several others on the way. And we're just as grateful to the scientists and the public experts who evaluated its safety and efficiency free from political influence. 145757 I want to make it clear to the public, you should have confidence in this. There is no political influence. These are first-rate scientists taking their time, looking at all of the elements that need to be looked at. Scientific integrity led us to this point. We know the immense challenges and hard work ahead. 145818 Earlier this week, I announced our covid response team thatâ?Tll scale up the manufacturing, distribution, and injection of the vaccine. We set a bold and doable challenge in my first 100 days. 100 million shots in 100 days. Asking the American people to wear a masks for the first 100 days of our administration. 145844 And if we get the necessary funding from Congress, we can get most of our schools open in 100 days but we need the help from the Congress in the funding. The first 100 days won't end the COVID-19, but meeting those goals can slow the spread, save lives, and get us back to our lives with the people we love the most. 145906 And weâ?Tll also be getting the right people confirmed during this period of time and in place to manage this robust, aggressive plan to contain the virus, help us build back better than ever, and make sure everyone is included. Now, today I'm really pleased to add members to my team that will get the job done. In addition to the pandemic's grim milestone, the economic crisis has left millions of Americans out of work, without a paycheck, without health insurance. 145937 Unable to put enough food on the table, literally unable to put food on the table. And unsure whether they can pay their rent when the -- when the new year begins or make their mortgage payments. Itâ?Ts affecting everyone from farmers to students, seniors to veterans, in red states, blue states, small towns and big cities. 145958 And that's why the Congress needs to act and act now on the COVID package. I spoke to my two friends who are still in the Congress, the vice president and soon-to-be secretary of HUD. We have to get this done. They're pushing hard. But it doesn't look so good right now. But it has to get done before they go home. Millions and millions of Americans simply can't wait any longer. 150022 We shouldn't. We can't get bogged down in issues that don't help people. State and local governments need the help. Not only that, as Iâ?Tve said for months, we need to protect the central personnel like law enforcement, firefighters, to make sure everything is in place and effectively distribute the vaccine so that we can do that. This relief package won't be the total answer even if it gets passed, but it's an important first step. There is so much we have to do. 150051 These crises have ripped the blinders right off the systemic racism that exists in America. The American people now can see clearly. Black, Latino, Native Americans, nearly three times more likely to die from COVID and more likely to get COVID to begin with. Black and -- black and Latino unemployment rates, too -- too large, too high. Communities of color are left to ask whether they'll ever be able to break the cycle, where in good times they lag, in bad times they're hit first and the hardest, and in recovery, they take the longest to bounce back. 150126 Vice President-Elect Harris and I knew weâ?Td have our work cut out for us when we got elected, but we also knew we could build a team that would meet this unique and challenging moment in American history. Some are familiar faces. Some are new in their roles. All are facing new circumstances and challenges. That's a good thing. They bring deep experience and bold new thinking. Above all, they know how government should and can work for all Americans. 150200 For Secretary of Agriculture, I nominate Tom Vilsack, an outstanding two-term governor of Iowa. The best Secretary of Agriculture I believe this country has ever had. He was there when the great recession was pummelling rural America. Over eight years, he oversaw a record-breaking investment to bring us back. He implemented the Recovery Act to help rural communities recover and rebuild. Tom helped expand markets around the world for American farmers. He improved our food safety standards. He helped millions of children and families receive healthy meals. 150238 He wasn't anxious to come back. He wasn't looking for this job. But I was persistent. [laughs] And I asked him to serve again in this role, because he knows the USDA inside and out. He knows the government inside and out. We need that experience now. One in six Americans and a quarter, a quarter of the children in America are facing hungry. The opioid crisis in rural America, itâ?Ts a rural America crisis, as is the climate crisis with droughts, floods, wiping out crops in small towns. 150316 Farmers and small businesses, small towns, rural communities, white, black, Latino, are reeling with the pandemic and economic downturn. Tom knows the full range of resources available to this department to get immediate relief to those most in need and address the crises -- not one, the crises -- facing rural America. He knows how to build back better for all Americans. 150342 He helped develop my rural plan for America in the campaign, and he now has the dubious distinction of having to carry it out. It's a good plan. That includes making American agriculture the first in the world to achieve net zero missions and create new sources of income for farmers in the process, by paying farmers to put their land in conservation, plant cover crops that use the soil to capture carbon. 150409 And heâ?Tll ensure that USDA promotes true racial equality and inclusion. He recognizes the history of discrimination and will root it out wherever it exists. I've known Tom for a long time, and I'm confident he'll get it done. 150425 For Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, I am, I am really pleased to nominate Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who I might add could do many jobs beyond the one I'm asking her to do. But I think the job I'm asking you to do, congresswoman, is critically important to everything that the Vice President and I believe is how we're going to build back better. 150445 As a former mayor, she understands how to manage challenges and forge solutions at a local level. For 12 years in Congress, she's represented the great city of Cleveland. You know, though I think of her most significant political feat was being elected president of the Deltas. I know from this state how powerful the Deltas are. You think Iâ?Tm kidding. Iâ?Tm not. 150515 She developed an entire career for fighting for working people on issues from affordable housing to urban revitalization. During the great recession, her district was hit hard by the housing crisis. She spent the past decade working to improve blighted neighborhoods, create safer, more affordable communities. She also understands where you live impacts on your health, access to education, jobs and economic opportunity. 150544 Zip codes should not determine the outcome on all those issues. She's going to bring that same vision as HUD secretary, using every lever at her disposal to help the millions of Americans facing evictions, trying to pay for their mortgages, find their way through this crisis. And I think you'll see that she's going to lead our charge to make housing more affordable and accessible. 150609 She worked to increase home ownership as a means toward wealth generation, particularly for communities of -- communities of color. It's not just dealing with the other issues. We have to be able to build wealth in communities of -- of color color. And she's also going to help us build back better by working across the ideological spectrum to fulfill the promise of HUDâ?Ts mission. 150633 And here's what its mission is, itâ?Ts often forgotten, â?oto create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality-affordable homes for all,â?? end of quote. Marcia will be the first woman to lead HUD in more than 40 years and just the second black woman ever. I'm honored to have her serve and thank her for being willing to do it in this Biden-Harris administration at this critical moment in our nationâ?Ts history. 150702 And for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, I nominate Denis McDonough, former White House Chief of Staff, deputy national security adviser, deep experience on Capitol Hill. I've known Denis for a long time. He shares my belief that we have many obligations as a nation, but we have only one truly sacred obligation: To prepare and equip our troops that we send into harm's way and then to care for them and their families when they return. He regularly traveled, as I did, to Iraq and Afghanistan to meet directly with our service members, to see what they were going through, understand the strain and the impact on them and their families. 150747 Heâ?Td visit them as I did often at Walter Reed to see firsthand the visible and invisible wounds they brought home. He knows the cost of war on veterans and their families, from the toll on their physical and mental health to the access to good-paying jobs. And he's a fierce advocate and a relentless workhorse. And I believe, and I think everyone who has ever worked with him knows, heâ?Ts a world class manager with an innate understanding for how government can and must work for our veterans. 150823 He worked closely with our then VA secretary Bob McDonald and with the Congress to increase the VA funding, to ensure veterans to get the benefits they earned and they deserve. And by the way, he knows we have a very, very steep hill to climb in getting more funding, more docs, more psychiatric nurses, more folks out of the private sector into, into the VA. 150846 That includes implementing veterans' choice, a bill led by my friend Bernie Sanders and my late friend and American hero, John McCain, and signed into law by President Obama in 2014 to help veterans access quality health care that they need when they need it. 150907 And in this role, I've given Denis a clear mission: Fight like hell. Fight like hell for our veterans and their families. And anyone, anyone who has worked with Dnnis will tell you, he'll move heaven and Earth to fix any problem to get a job done. He'll also work closely with our Secretary of -- Secretary of Defense designee Lloyd Austin and the entire cabinet as -- and Jill as first lady to pull every leader -- ever lever to help us build back the VA better than ever. 150939 And Denis, itâ?Ts a family endeavor. His wife Kari leads a nonprofit that helps connect veterans and military families in -- with local communities so they can help each other out and build a stronger country together. We're both -- both our spouses feel incredibly strongly about this and have for some time. To all the veteran families, nominating a VA secretary is one of the most important decisions I believe a president can make. And Denis will always be there for you, I promise you, always fighting for you, as will the vice president and I. 151020 For the United States trade representative, I nominate Katherine Tai. A trusted trade expert, a dedicated public servant who knows government and who spent her career leveling the playing field for American workers and their families. That's not hyperbole, that's a fact. She currently serves as the chief lawyer on trade for the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. She earned praise from both lawmakers in both political parties and from both labor and business as well. 151052 Now, that's a feat across the board. But all kidding aside, you have. I've got more calls complimenting me on your appointment than you can imagine. During the Obama-Biden administration, she was a chief trade enforcer against unfair trade practices by China, which will be a key priority in the Biden-Harris administration. She understands that we need a more strategic -- to be considerably more strategic than we've been in how we trade, and that makes us all stronger, how we're made stronger by trade. One that leaves nobody behind. 151128 She's going to work closely with my economic and national security and foreign policy teams. Trade will be a critical pillar in our ability to build back better and carry out our foreign policy, foreign policy for the middle class. When I announced my candidacy, I talked about a foreign policy for the middle class. And I meant that in a literal sense. She also brings a sophisticated understanding of the threats of climate change to trade as well as addresses the climate crisis with urgency. 151158 She also embodies a, a powerful immigration story of America. Her parents were both born in China. They moved to Taiwan and then came to the United States where Katherine was born. Her parents became government scientists at Walter Reed and NIH, inspiring their daughter to pursue a career in public service. Katherine says she's the first American-born -- born member of a family and a second-generation U.S. government servant. 151228 Thatâ?Ts a great way of expressing it. If confirmed, sheâ?Td be the first Asian-American and the first woman of color to serve in this position. In our nation, our economy, our workers, our businesses, we're fortunate to have her serve in this role. As director of the White House domestic policy council, I spent some time convincing this wonderful public servant, but I'm appointing Susan Rice. 151258 Former United States ambassador to the United Nations, former national security adviser to President Obama, former cabinet member, team player, policy heavyweight, through -- tough negotiator, and trusted and tested public servant who I've known for a long time and not only admired but have become friends with. She'll lead and coordinate my critical domestic policy agenda. And she's going to elevate and turbocharge a revitalized domestic policy council to help us build back better on every issue across the board. 151334 Sheâ?Tll work closely with my Director of National Economic Council,Brian Deese. She'll work closely with my National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and the National Security Council. Together, they'll align domestic policy, economic policy, and national security unlike ever before. 151354 This is a big and critical role. That's why I asked Susan to serve. She's been there. She knows what it takes, like she did in helping mobilize the entire federal government to end the Ebola crisis. And her voice is particularly needed at this critical moment. A granddaughter of immigrants, descended in enslaved people, Susan will be an effective and tireless champion for all Americans. 151419 And she knows I'm really thrilled she was willing to come back, be at my side in the White House. To each of you on this team, you have my gratitude, the gratitude of the Vice President and me for answering the call to serve again. To your families, thank you. We know the sacrifice that youâ?Tre making to allow your family member to serve as they are going to, god willing. 151445 And to career civil servants at these agencies, we look forward to working with you, because we know how many talented people are there. It's time to rededicate ourselves to the mission our government agencies were entrusted with. And to the American people, help is on the way. I promise we're not going to let you down. May God bless you and may God protect our troops. And now I'm going to turn this over to the team, starting with our next Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. Tom? Thank you. The podium is yours. I guess theyâ?Tre going to clean it. TOM VILSACK VILSACK>>> Mr. President-Elect, madam vice President-Elect, 151550 I'm honored by the trust that youâ?Tve placed in me to return to the vital work of the USDA at a very critical moment for so many families and communities throughout America. And to begin that work by embracing the full benefits of a diverse and inclusive senior leadership team in the department, as I was proud to do in my previous tenure. 151617 And to continue the important work of rooting out inequities and systemic racism in the systems we govern and the programs we lead. When Abraham Lincoln established the Department of Agriculture, he called it the people's department. I look forward to making good on that moniker for all people as we build back better. 151644 I happen to be celebrating a birthday on Sunday, one of those round numbers that causes you to reflect on your life. Thinking back on the path of my life, where it began in an orphanage in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Iowa where my incredible wife Christie and I raised our family and the home we've made there, to standing here today, being given a chance to serve our country once again. 151715 I feel enormously lucky and grateful to live in a country where pasts like mine are possible. A country, as the President-Elect often says, is defined by possibilities. But unfortunately and tragically, not all have experienced those possibilities. So, I consider it my duty and my responsibility to help expand those possibilities for all Americans at the USDA. And I know firsthand the character of the dedicated public servants who work hard each and every day to fulfill the mission of that department. 151756 And I'm especially grateful for the chance to get back to work alongside them. One of our first charges will need to be to contribute all we can as a department to aid in the pandemic response, reviving rural communities and economies, addressing dire food shortages and getting workers and producers the relief they need to hang on and to come back stronger. 151826 When we emerge from this crisis, we're going to have an incredible opportunity before us, to position American agriculture, to lead our nation and the world in combatting climate change, and reaping the new, good-paying jobs and farm income that will come from that leadership. 151846 To make landmark investments in communities throughout rural America, especially those mired in poverty for far too long. By adopting the 10, 20, 30 rule of Congressman Jim Clyburn that sets aside 10% of federal funding to communities where 20% of people have been caught beneath the poverty line for 30 years or more. 151910 And to ensure that every child in our country, and all those who are in need, have access to safe, affordable and nutritious food. We need to build back a vibrant and resilient rural economy that creates new possibilities for manufacturing workers, for family forest owners, for farmers, ranchers and producers that helps to make life better and richer for them and safer for all of us. 151939 And under my watch, the USDA will be a team player, working with our sister agencies to advance issues of shared interest, from rebuilding our infrastructure to fixing a broken immigration system, to combatting and fighting the opioid crisis. I look forward to pursuing that work on behalf of the American people and especially those who live, work, and raise their families in rural America. 152006 I will end by expressing my profound gratitude to the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect for this amazing opportunity to serve. Thank you. MARCIA FUDGE 152037 FUDGE>>> Mr. President-Elect, my good friend Madam Vice President-Elect, to my family, to my family, my friends, my sorority sisters, and my constituents, all, I thank you for the opportunity to join this remarkable team and work on behalf of people in every city and community. To serve all those are struggling and looking for the fair shot we all deserve. When I think about the enormity of the task ahead of us, I am reminded of the book of Matthew where it is written, â?ofoxes have holes, birds have nests, but the son of man has no place to lay his head.â?? 152120 There is dignity and there is grace within every woman, every man and every child in this nation, including those who live on the outskirts of hope, those who work hard but still struggle to make it work, and those who have no place to lay their head. It is one of the highest responsibilities of our government to see them, to see their dignity, and to lift them up. 152146 I remember the feeling I had as a kid of the safety, security, and peace of mind contained in one word: Home. I remember the comfort of knowing that no matter what happened, I could always go home. But far too many Americans live without that feeling. More and more have had that comfort ripped away. 152209 The crisis of a pandemic that has threatened their lives, the crisis of a recession that has swallowed up jobs, hours, wages, and lifelines. The crisis of injustice that has forced communities of color to make it in America with one dream tied behind their back. Each crisis chips away at their hope, at the promise of our nation. But I believe that hope is on the way. 152238 Because I know that President-Elect and Vice President-Elect are building a team that is grounded in dignity. And our task at the Department of Housing and human dev -- Urban Development will be to stand up for the dignity of all Americans and deliver the promise of our nation to all those left out in the cold. We will take on the deep-set roots of poverty and homelessness. 152304 We will fight for housing in every community that is affordable, decent and safe. We will help more Americans secure the dream of home ownership, to close the gaps of inequity, build wealth and pass it on to their children. 152320 We will pursue creative development projects to shape our landscapes and skylines, restart the engines of cities that have stalled out, and launch new opportunities in hometowns across America. But perhaps most importantly of all, we will help people believe once again that their government cares about them, no matter who they are. 152344 That we understand their problems, as the President-Elect often recalls his father's words. I am honored to have this chance to help restore the people's faith, to deliver for them and make them proud, and to build back better alongside this dedicated team. I thank you for the opportunity to serve. DENIS MCDONOUGH 152427 MCDONOUGH>> Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, I'm deeply humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me, and if confirmed by the Senate, will be honored to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Mr. President-Elect, you have pledged to restore the soul of our nation and to unite us as Americans. 152446 In this work, there is a mission that can bring every American together, caring for America's veterans and their families. As you have said, this is a sacred obligation, and itâ?Ts that -- for you and Dr. Biden, it's also very deeply personal. I've been inspired by the veterans in my life as well. 152510 Today, I'm thinking of my grandpa McDonough, a marine, all the troops I met on my visit to Afghanistan and Iraq, and the wounded warriors I spent time with at Walter Reed or showing around the white house. I'm thinking of the many vets Iâ?Tve had the pleasure to serve with, in and out of government, who have put the character and training that they developed in uniform to work, to continue serving our country as civilians. 152540 I'm also thinking of one of my high school football coaches back in Stillwater, Minnesota. An Iowan, Joe Sam Samuelson. He stormed the beaches of Normandy. And in home hospice at the end of his life, he and his family were grateful for the compassion of the VA. When he passed, his wife gave me his coaching jacket, one of my most -- most prized possessions. Coach Samâ?Ts jacket reminds me of why we're here. Our men and women in uniform have had their country's back, and when they come home, we need to have their back. 152619 As the President-Elect has said, his marching -- marching order to me is very clear: Fight like hell for our veterans. We're going to fight like hell to give our veterans and their families the health care, respect, and dignity they deserve. That means helping our veterans build civilian lives of meaning and opportunity, making our VA even more welcoming to all veterans, including our women veterans, veterans of color, and LGBTQ veterans. 152654 And keeping faith with our incredible military families and caregivers, because we need to have their backs, too. To the men and women of the VA, many of your veterans yourselves, your tirelessly to take care of our veterans and your demanding jobs have been made even more difficult by the pandemic. To you and to the many dedicated vets service organizations who include vets, survivors and their families, I look forward to being your partner. 152729 One united team in delivering care and support that's second to none. Finally, taking cares of our veterans is not a job for the VA alone. Every federal department and agency has a role to play, and I will fight like hell to make that happen. And even though only 1% of Americans wear the uniform, under President Biden, every American will be called upon to embrace our responsibility to support our veterans and our military families. 152803 Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, on behalf of my wife Kari on our family, thank you for this opportunity to serve. May God bless our troops, our veterans, and their families, and as a nation, may we always give them our very best, just as they have done for us. Thanks very much. KATHERINE TAI 152845 TAI>> Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, I'm grateful for this opportunity to serve and look forward to working with you, with our partners across the administration, and with the bright and dedicated public servants at USTR to deliver for the American people. When the President-Elect approached me about taking on this role, two memories from my past spring to mind. 152911 The first was from when I initially joined USTR in 2007. I was filling out paperwork and providing information about my family history. My parents were born in mainland China and grew up in Taiwan. In the 1960s, President Kennedy's immigration reforms welcomed them to America as graduate students in the sciences. My dad would become a researcher at Walter Reed, helping the Army advance treatments for afflictions that debilitated American G.I.s fighting in the Vietnam War. 152944 My mom still works at the National Institutes of Health developing treatments for opioid addiction. They were naturalized in 1979, five years after I was born in Connecticut. And it wasnâ?Tt until decades later filling out that paperwork that it occurred to me that I became an American before my parents, the very first American in our family. The second memory that came to mind was from several years later when a colleague and I from USTR went to Geneva to present a case, suing China before the World Trade Organization. 153024 We sat down at the table. She, whose parents had emigrated from south India, and I, whose parents had come from Taiwan, and my heart swelled with pride as we raised our placard and stated that we were there to present the case on behalf of the United States of America. Two daughters of immigrants there to serve, to fight for, and to reflect the nation that had opened doors of hope and opportunity to our families. 153057 Those memories fill me with gratitude for being an American and for what America is at our best. And they remind me of the extraordinary responsibilities that come with the honor as we navigate our relationships with the world. 153114 Trade is like any other tool in our domestic or foreign policy. It is not an end in itself. It is a means to create more hope and opportunity for people. And it only succeeds when the humanity and dignity of every American and of all people lie at the heart of our approach. I am proud to join with leaders who instill their policy with purpose and who never lose sight of the humanity and dignity, the opportunity and hope that make trade a force for good in our nation and the world. 153153 I am very proud to be an advocate for American workers, to stand up for their ingenuity and their innovation and for Americaâ?Ts interests around the globe. I look forward to harnessing the power of our trade relationships to help communities lift themselves out of the current crisis. And I am grateful for this chance to serve, fight for, and reflect America on behalf of all of our people once again. Thank you. SUSAN RICE 153241 RICE>> Thank you so much, Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect. I'm honored to join this tremendous team. Today, we confront a profoundly connected set of crises. A relentless pandemic, a struggling economy, urgent demands for racial equity and justice, a climate in need of healing, a democracy in need of repair, and a world in need of renewed American leadership. In the 21st century, our foreign, economic, and domestic imperatives are deeply intertwined. 153324 Tackling these challenges is personal to me. I am a descendent of immigrants and the enslaved, and service is in our blood. My paternal great-grandfather was born a slave in South Carolina and joined the union army. He went on to get a college degree, become an A.M.E. Minister, and he founded the Borden town school in New Jersey, which for seven decades provided African-Americans with vocational and college preparatory educations. 153401 Two generations later, my father, Emmett Rice, served as a Tuskegee airman and as a governor of the federal reserve. My maternal grandparents came to this country from Jamaica with no education. But working for decades as a janitor and a maid, they saved and they scraped to send all five of their children to college and on to professional success. 153430 My mother, Lois Rice, was known as the mother of the Pell Grant program, which has enabled 80 million Americans to reach college. And as she liked to say, not bad for a poor colored girl from Portland, Maine. 153447 But today, for far too many, the American dream has become an empty promise, a cruel mockery of lives held back by barriers new and old. That is not good enough for any American. But we know that throughout our history, Americans have forged opportunity out of crisis. After the Civil War, we ended slavery and enshrined the concept of equal protection under the law. 153521 During the Great Depression, we established the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. After World War II, we enacted the G.I. Bill. In the 1960s, we abolished legal segregation, established full voting rights, and enacted medicare and medicaid. 153542 Now at the foot of yet another bridge between crisis and opportunity, I'm honored and excited to take on this role. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris's vision for our future is expansive but achievable. America must finally become a nation where every child, from Akron to Arkansas, from the Bronx to Brownsville, from the Sioux Nation to south central Los Angeles, can dream without limits and make her dreams come true. 153621 I have no illusions about the difficulty of making that vision real. But we are here to get hard stuff done. Our top priorities will be to help end the pandemic and revitalize the economy so that it delivers for all. To bring dignity and humanity to our broken immigration system. To advance racial equity, justice, and civil rights for all. To ensure that health care is accessible and affordable. And to educate and train Americans to compete and thrive in the 21st century. 153700 I profoundly believe that we all rise or fall together, absolutely all of us. So, Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, I promise you, I will do everything I can to help this country I love to build back better, to make our government deliver for all Americans and for working families, and to bring the American dream far closer to reality for all. Thank you very much. KAMALA HARRIS 153753 HARRIS>> Good afternoon. Over these past few days and weeks, we have announced members of our administration who will help us meet the unprecedented challenges facing the American people. We have brought together a health care team that will help contain this pandemic once and for all. An economic team that will help build an economy that works for working people and all those looking to work. 153823 And a national security and foreign policy team that will help keep our nation safe and restore and advance our leadership around the world. 153834 Today, we are announcing leaders who will help deliver immediate relief to every corner of our great country, from rural communities, to big cities, and every place in between. Leaders who will help care for our veterans and their families and advance opportunity for all Americans at this consequential moment in our country. At a time when one in eight households say they didn't have enough money for food in the past week, we need leaders who understand that no one should go hungry in the United States of America. 153916 At a time when one in six renters are behind on rent, we need leaders who will not only help provide relief to all who need it, but help address the affordable housing crisis in America. You know, I was in high school by the time my mother saved up enough money to put down a down payment on a home. And I understand the dignity of home ownership and the importance of making the American dream a reality for everyone. 153946 At a time when veterans, including those I've represented in California, have been strained by almost two decades of war and economic hardship, we must have leaders who will treat all who have worn our nation's uniform and their families with the dignity and respect they have earned. Leaders who will be focused on doing what is in the best interests of the American people. Who will negotiate trade deals that are good for workers and good for our economy. 154021 Who will address the defining challenges of our time, from combatting our climate crisis to advancing racial justice. That is what these remarkable Americans will do. I know them well, and some are very dear friends. These leaders have different backgrounds and lifeâ?Ts experience. And they bring to their roles different skills, perspectives, and areas of expertise. And they all reflect the very best of our nation. 154055 They are all dedicated and compassionate public servants, and all of them are ready to hit the ground running on day one. So, Mr. President-Elect, congratulations on these outstanding choices. I look forward to working with each member of the team and the whole team that we are bringing together to meet the urgent challenges facing our nation and to rebuild our country in a way that lifts up all Americans. Thank you. BIDEN>> Thank you, all. 154133 Q>> President Elect Biden, how soon do you plan on taking a coronavirus vaccine? 154138 Q>> Did Hunter Biden commit a crime? Have you spoken to your son, Mr. President Elect? 154144 BIDEN>> Iâ?Tm proud of my son. ##

WASH 7 PRESIDENT ELECT BIDEN KEY ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS INTRODUCTION REMARKS POOL 12112020 President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris formally introduced newly nominated and appointed members of their administration in Wilmington Friday afternoon, including Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, HUD Secretary Rep. Marcia Fudge, and VA Secretary Dennis McDonough, along with US Trade Rep. Katherine Tai and Leader of the Domestic Policy Council Susan Rice. Biden started the event by addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that we saw more deaths from COVID-19 in one day this week than from 9/11 or Pearl Harbor, stressing the need to take it seriously as good news on COVID vaccines is on the way. â?oWe're in the teeth of a crisis right now. And this nation needs presidential leadership right now. Presidential leadership that is willing to model the steps we should be taking for our -- to save our own lives and the lives of our families. You know, we can wish this away, but we have to face it head on,â?? Biden said. (14:56:45) â?oWe have to take it head on. Using every power available to me as president, we'll have a national coordination strategy that will -- that will beat this virus. You know, and as tough as things are now, I firmly believe better days are ahead. Weâ?Tve got some good news yesterday. The FDA committed -- committee I should say -- recommended emergency use authorization for Pfizer's biontech COVID-19 vaccine. But we're grateful for the scientists that at these -- not only there but other great organizations,â?? he added. (14:57:10) Biden also pointedly stressed that the vaccine was developed without politics, and was dictated by science and should not raise concerns for the public. â?oI want to make it clear to the public, you should have confidence in this. There is no political influence. These are first-rate scientists taking their time, looking at all of the elements that need to be looked at. Scientific integrity led us to this point. We know the immense challenges and hard work ahead,â?? Biden said. (14:57:57) The president-elect reiterated the three main steps of his plan to stem the spread of the virus, including getting 100 million shots of the vaccine into Americansâ?T arms in his first 100 days, and called on Congress to help him begin reopening schools. â?oIf we get the necessary funding from Congress, we can get most of our schools open in 100 days but we need the help from the Congress in the funding. The first 100 days won't end the COVID-19, but meeting those goals can slow the spread, save lives, and get us back to our lives with the people we love the most,â?? Biden said. (14:59:06) Biden also turned to the ongoing stimulus relief fight in congress, noting it's â?onot looking good now,â?? but stressing his belief that Congress needs to take action before they leave for the holidays. â?oThat's why the Congress needs to act and act now on the COVID package. I spoke to my two friends who are still in the Congress, the vice president and soon-to-be secretary of HUD. We have to get this done. They're pushing hard. But it doesn't look so good right now. But it has to get done before they go home. Millions and millions of Americans simply can't wait any longer,â?? Biden said. (14:59:58) â?oWe shouldn't. We can't get bogged down in issues that don't help people. State and local governments need the help. Not only that, as Iâ?Tve said for months, we need to protect the central personnel like law enforcement, firefighters, to make sure everything is in place and effectively distribute the vaccine so that we can do that. This relief package won't be the total answer even if it gets passed, but it's an important first step. There is so much we have to do,â?? He continued. (15:00:22) [HUNTER BIDEN Q] As he was leaving the event Biden was asked about the news this week that his son Hunterâ?Ts tax affairs are under investigation by the U.S. Attorneyâ?Ts office in Delaware. â?oDid Hunter Biden commit a crime? Have you spoken to your son, Mr. President Elect?â?? a reporter asked. (15:41:38) â?oIâ?Tm proud of my son,â?? Biden could be heard saying as he exited the room. (15:41:44) [CABINET INTRODUCTIONS] Biden spoke about each of his nominees, noting that while many of the people heâ?Ts introducing today were familiar faces, many were stepping into new roles--with the exception of Tom Vilsack, who Biden said was not eager to return to the role, but the president-elect was persistent in his asks. â?oHe wasn't anxious to come back.. He wasn't looking for this job. But I was persistent, and I asked him to serve again in this role because he knows the USDA inside and out. He knows the government inside and out. We need that experience now,â?? Biden said. Biden said he is â?oreally pleasedâ?? to nominate Ohio Congresswoman Marcia Fudge to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, noting that while sheâ?Ts qualified for a number of jobs it is this particular one that he believes she is best equipped to do as he aims to enact his â?obuild back better,â?? agenda. â?oI am really pleased to nominate Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who I might add could do many jobs beyond the one I'm asking her to do. But I think the job I'm asking you to do, congresswoman, is critically important to everything that the Vice President and I believe is how we're going to build back better,â?? Biden said of Fudge. (15:04:30) The president-elect particularly stressed the work Fudge will do to create more affordable housing and increase home ownership particularly in communities of color. â?oShe worked to increase home ownership as a means toward wealth generation, particularly for communities of -- communities of color. It's not just dealing with the other issues. We have to be able to build wealth in communities of -- of color color. And she's also going to help us build back better by working across the ideological spectrum to fulfill the promise of HUDâ?Ts mission. And here's what its mission is, itâ?Ts often forgotten, â?oto create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality-affordable homes for all,â?? end of quote,â?? Biden said. (15:06:09) During his remarks about Fudge, Biden talked about how powerful Delta Sigma Theta sorority is, Fudge previously served as the national president of the historic African-American sorority and was prominently featured and organized support behind Lorretta Lynch, a fellow sorority sister during her confirmation hearing. â?oShe's represented the great city of Cleveland...though I think of her most significant political feat, was being elected president of the Deltas. I know from this stage how powerful the Deltas are. You think I'm kidding. I'm not,â?? Biden said to laughs from Fudge. (15:04:48) Biden turned to one of his more controversial picks on the stage, Dennis McDonough, who despite not having a military background was tapped for VA secretary, noting his time spent in the field visiting with troops in the field while he served in the Obama White House. Biden said he gave Dennis a â?oclear mission.â?? â?oAnd in this role, I've given Denis a clear mission: Fight like hell. Fight like hell for our veterans and their families. And anyone, anyone who has worked with Dnnis will tell you, he'll move heaven and Earth to fix any problem to get a job done. He'll also work closely with our Secretary of -- Secretary of Defense designee Lloyd Austin and the entire cabinet as -- and Jill as first lady to pull every leader -- ever lever to help us build back the VA better than ever,â?? Biden said. (15:09:07) Biden promised Veterans and their families that McDonough would â?oalways be there for themâ?? as would he and Harris. The president-elect praised his pick for U.S. Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, and said trade will be a â?ocritical pillarâ?? in his foreign policy agenda, and noted Taiâ?Ts family story as the daughter of Chinese immigrants, and noting she would be the first woman of color to hold the position if confirmed. â?oShe's going to work closely with my economic and national security and foreign policy teams. Trade will be a critical pillar in our ability to build back better and carry out our foreign policy, foreign policy for the middle class. When I announced my candidacy, I talked about a foreign policy for the middle class. And I meant that in a literal sense,â?? Biden said. (15:11:28) Finally, Biden turned to Susan Rice, his appointee to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council, calling her a â?owonderful public servant,â?? noting her past experience and saying heâ?Ts â?othrilledâ?? to have her back. â?oThis is a big and critical role. That's why I asked Susan to serve. She's been there. She knows what it takes, like she did in helping mobilize the entire federal government to end the Ebola crisis. And her voice is particularly needed at this critical moment. A granddaughter of immigrants, descended in enslaved people, Susan will be an effective and tireless champion for all Americans. And she knows I'm really thrilled she was willing to come back, be at my side in the White House,â?? Biden said. (15:13:54) Biden thanked the nominees and appointees and their families for their willingness to serve in his administration, before delivering a message directly to the American people, promising â?ohelp is on the way. I promise we're not going to let you down.â?? [TOM VILSACK] Vilsack seemed to address some of the criticism of his previous tenure at USDA, beginning his remarks by promising to deal with systemic inequities. â?oI'm honored by the trust that youâ?Tve placed in me to return to the vital work of the USDA at a very critical moment for so many families and communities throughout America. And to begin that work by embracing the full benefits of a diverse and inclusive senior leadership team in the department, as I was proud to do in my previous tenure,â?? Vilsack said. (15:15:50) â?oAnd to continue the important work of rooting out inequities and systemic racism in the systems we govern and the programs we lead. When Abraham Lincoln established the Department of Agriculture, he called it the people's department. I look forward to making good on that moniker for all people as we build back better,â?? he added. (15:16:17) Vilsack, who turns 70 on Sunday, spoke about his path to this point, noting his childhood in an orphanage in Pittsburgh before moving to the Hawkeye state. Vilsack also spoke about the role that USDA in helping rural countries to rebound following COVID-19, and committed to addressing poverty in rural America. During his remarks Vilsack mentioned his support for Rep. Jim Clyburn's 10/20/30 plan, an effort the South Carolina congressman said aims to help counties that had a poverty level of more 20% for more than three decades. Those communities would then receive at least 10% of federal funds from a specific program. When asked in 2019 if he considered the measure a form of reparations. Clyburn, however, said the measure "absolutely" is. â?oTo make landmark investments in communities throughout rural America, especially those mired in poverty for far too long. By adopting the 10, 20, 30 rule of Congressman Jim Clyburn that sets aside 10% of federal funding to communities where 20% of people have been caught beneath the poverty line for 30 years or more. And to ensure that every child in our country, and all those who are in need, have access to safe, affordable and nutritious food,â?? Vilsack said. (15:19:10) [REP. MARCIA FUDGE] Fudge began her remarks by quoting scripture, going on to talk about the importance of housing in America and the need to give people hope in the midst of Americaâ?Ts ongoing crisis and rebuild Americansâ?T trust in their government. â?oI remember the feeling I had as a kid of the safety, security, and peace of mind contained in one word: Home. I remember the comfort of knowing that no matter what happened, I could always go home. But far too many Americans live without that feeling. More and more have had that comfort ripped away. The crisis of a pandemic that has threatened their lives, the crisis of a recession that has swallowed up jobs, hours, wages, and lifelines. The crisis of injustice that has forced communities of color to make it in America with one dream tied behind their back. Each crisis chips away at their hope, at the promise of our nation. But I believe that hope is on the way,â?? Fudge said. (15:21:46) â?oWe will pursue creative development projects to shape our landscapes and skylines, restart the engines of cities that have stalled out, and launch new opportunities in hometowns across America. But perhaps most importantly of all, we will help people believe once again that their government cares about them, no matter who they are. That we understand their problems, as the President-Elect often recalls his father's words,â?? Fudge later added. (15:23:20) [DENNIS McDONOUGH] McDonough noted the personal connection of the President-elect and Dr. Biden to the veteranâ?Ts community, and his own connection to the community as he was announced as the nominee to lead the VA, including his grandfather, the troops he met while serving in the Obama administration, and a football coach who left a mark in his life. â?oI'm also thinking of one of my high school football coaches back in Stillwater, Minnesota. An Iowan, Joe Sam Samuelson. He stormed the beaches of Normandy. And in home hospice at the end of his life, he and his family were grateful for the compassion of the VA. When he passed, his wife gave me his coaching jacket, one of my most -- most prized possessions. Coach Samâ?Ts jacket reminds me of why we're here,â?? Biden said. (15:25:40) McDonough pledged to make the VA more inclusive to all veterans, particularly women, Veterans of color and LGBTQ community members. â?oAs the President-Elect has said, his marching -- marching order to me is very clear: Fight like hell for our veterans. We're going to fight like hell to give our veterans and their families the health care, respect, and dignity they deserve. That means helping our veterans build civilian lives of meaning and opportunity, making our VA even more welcoming to all veterans, including our women veterans, veterans of color, and LGBTQ veterans,â?? He said (15:26:19) [KATHERINE TAI] Tai began by recalling her parents' immigrant story, her father, a researcher at Walter Reed, and her mother, who still works at the National Institutes of Health developing treatments for opioid addictions. Tai also stressed the role trade can play to create opportunities and lift people out of poverty, and the need to rebuild relationships around the globe. â?oTrade is like any other tool in our domestic or foreign policy. It is not an end in itself. It is a means to create more hope and opportunity for people. And it only succeeds when the humanity and dignity of every American, and of all people, lie at the heart of our approach. I am proud to join with leaders who instill their policy with purpose, and who never lose sight of the humanity and dignity, the opportunity and hope, that make trade a force for good in our nation and the world,â?? Tai said. (15:31:15) [SUSAN RICE] Rice was the last of the nominees to speak, laying out the path of her ancestors on both sides who overcame adversity--a paternal great grandfather who was born a slave in South Carolina, and maternal grandparents who immigrated from Jamaica with no education who worked to send all their children to college, and on to successful careers, including her motherâ?Ts role in creating the Pell Grant. Rice stressed her excitement to serve in the Biden administration, and talked about the need to develop policies that break down racial barriers that hold all Americans back. â?oAfter the Civil War, we ended slavery and enshrined the concept of equal protection under the law. During the Great Depression, we established the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. After World War II, we enacted the G.I. Bill. In the 1960s, we abolished legal segregation, established full voting rights, and enacted Medicare and Medicaid,â?? Rice said. â?oNow at the foot of yet another bridge between crisis and opportunity, I'm honored and excited to take on this role. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris's vision for our future is expansive but achievable. America must finally become a nation where every child, from Akron to Arkansas, from the Bronx to Brownsville, from the Sioux Nation to south central Los Angeles, can dream without limits and make her dreams come true,â?? Rice added. (15:35:42) Rice said she has â?ono illusionsâ?? about the difficulty of the job ahead of her, but said all of the individuals joining the Biden administration are â?ohere to get hard stuff done.â?? â?oI have no illusions about the difficulty of making that vision real. But we are here to get hard stuff done. Our top priorities will be to help end the pandemic and revitalize the economy so that it delivers for all. To bring dignity and humanity to our broken immigration system. To advance racial equity, justice, and civil rights for all. To ensure that health care is accessible and affordable. And to educate and train Americans to compete and thrive in the 21st century. I profoundly believe that we all rise or fall together, absolutely all of us,â?? Rice said. (15:36:21) [KAMALA HARRIS] Harris, as usual, was the last person to speak at the event, and addressed the need for their team to understand the challenges facing the country, including poverty and hunger, before speaking about her own experiences that shaped her life. â?oToday, we are announcing leaders who will help deliver immediate relief to every corner of our great country, from rural communities, to big cities, and every place in between. Leaders who will help care for our veterans and their families and advance opportunity for all Americans at this consequential moment in our country,â?? Harris said. (15:38:34) Harris spoke about her own connection to the nominees on the stage, and the qualities they share, stressing that all of them are ready to â?ohit the ground running on day one.â?? â?oThese leaders have different backgrounds and lifeâ?Ts experience. And they bring to their roles different skills, perspectives, and areas of expertise. And they all reflect the very best of our nation. They are all dedicated and compassionate public servants, and all of them are ready to hit the ground running on day one,â?? Harris said. (15:40:46) FULL LOG BELOW (VIA WASH 7, HEAD ON POOL): 145553 BIDEN>> Good afternoon, everyone. Please, please be seated, thank you. These are all friends, Iâ?Tm not used to them standing for me. But, thank you. Thank you very much. Good afternoon. 145605 Before I make my announcements today, I want to say a few words about the COVID crisis. This week marked another tragic milestone in our fight against COVID-19. More than 3,000 deaths in one single day, the highest single death count during this pandemic. That's more deaths in a single day than we saw on 9/11 or at Pearl Harbor. This is serious business. 145635 And the current director of the CDC said yesterday, we can expect a similar numbers of deaths or more every single day for the next 60 to 90 days. We're in the teeth of a crisis right now. And this nation needs presidential leadership right now. Presidential leadership that is willing to model the steps we should be taking for our -- to save our own lives and the lives of our families. You know, we can wish this away, but we have to face it head on. 145710 We have to take it head on. Using every power available to me as president, we'll have a national coordination strategy that will -- that will beat this virus. You know, and as tough as things are now, I firmly believe better days are ahead. Weâ?Tve got some good news yesterday. The FDA committed -- committee I should say -- recommended emergency use authorization for Pfizer's biontech COVID-19 vaccine. 145738 But we're grateful for the scientists that at these -- not only there but other great organizations. Researchers who developed this vaccine and several others on the way. And we're just as grateful to the scientists and the public experts who evaluated its safety and efficiency free from political influence. 145757 I want to make it clear to the public, you should have confidence in this. There is no political influence. These are first-rate scientists taking their time, looking at all of the elements that need to be looked at. Scientific integrity led us to this point. We know the immense challenges and hard work ahead. 145818 Earlier this week, I announced our covid response team thatâ?Tll scale up the manufacturing, distribution, and injection of the vaccine. We set a bold and doable challenge in my first 100 days. 100 million shots in 100 days. Asking the American people to wear a masks for the first 100 days of our administration. 145844 And if we get the necessary funding from Congress, we can get most of our schools open in 100 days but we need the help from the Congress in the funding. The first 100 days won't end the COVID-19, but meeting those goals can slow the spread, save lives, and get us back to our lives with the people we love the most. 145906 And weâ?Tll also be getting the right people confirmed during this period of time and in place to manage this robust, aggressive plan to contain the virus, help us build back better than ever, and make sure everyone is included. Now, today I'm really pleased to add members to my team that will get the job done. In addition to the pandemic's grim milestone, the economic crisis has left millions of Americans out of work, without a paycheck, without health insurance. 145937 Unable to put enough food on the table, literally unable to put food on the table. And unsure whether they can pay their rent when the -- when the new year begins or make their mortgage payments. Itâ?Ts affecting everyone from farmers to students, seniors to veterans, in red states, blue states, small towns and big cities. 145958 And that's why the Congress needs to act and act now on the COVID package. I spoke to my two friends who are still in the Congress, the vice president and soon-to-be secretary of HUD. We have to get this done. They're pushing hard. But it doesn't look so good right now. But it has to get done before they go home. Millions and millions of Americans simply can't wait any longer. 150022 We shouldn't. We can't get bogged down in issues that don't help people. State and local governments need the help. Not only that, as Iâ?Tve said for months, we need to protect the central personnel like law enforcement, firefighters, to make sure everything is in place and effectively distribute the vaccine so that we can do that. This relief package won't be the total answer even if it gets passed, but it's an important first step. There is so much we have to do. 150051 These crises have ripped the blinders right off the systemic racism that exists in America. The American people now can see clearly. Black, Latino, Native Americans, nearly three times more likely to die from COVID and more likely to get COVID to begin with. Black and -- black and Latino unemployment rates, too -- too large, too high. Communities of color are left to ask whether they'll ever be able to break the cycle, where in good times they lag, in bad times they're hit first and the hardest, and in recovery, they take the longest to bounce back. 150126 Vice President-Elect Harris and I knew weâ?Td have our work cut out for us when we got elected, but we also knew we could build a team that would meet this unique and challenging moment in American history. Some are familiar faces. Some are new in their roles. All are facing new circumstances and challenges. That's a good thing. They bring deep experience and bold new thinking. Above all, they know how government should and can work for all Americans. 150200 For Secretary of Agriculture, I nominate Tom Vilsack, an outstanding two-term governor of Iowa. The best Secretary of Agriculture I believe this country has ever had. He was there when the great recession was pummelling rural America. Over eight years, he oversaw a record-breaking investment to bring us back. He implemented the Recovery Act to help rural communities recover and rebuild. Tom helped expand markets around the world for American farmers. He improved our food safety standards. He helped millions of children and families receive healthy meals. 150238 He wasn't anxious to come back. He wasn't looking for this job. But I was persistent. [laughs] And I asked him to serve again in this role, because he knows the USDA inside and out. He knows the government inside and out. We need that experience now. One in six Americans and a quarter, a quarter of the children in America are facing hungry. The opioid crisis in rural America, itâ?Ts a rural America crisis, as is the climate crisis with droughts, floods, wiping out crops in small towns. 150316 Farmers and small businesses, small towns, rural communities, white, black, Latino, are reeling with the pandemic and economic downturn. Tom knows the full range of resources available to this department to get immediate relief to those most in need and address the crises -- not one, the crises -- facing rural America. He knows how to build back better for all Americans. 150342 He helped develop my rural plan for America in the campaign, and he now has the dubious distinction of having to carry it out. It's a good plan. That includes making American agriculture the first in the world to achieve net zero missions and create new sources of income for farmers in the process, by paying farmers to put their land in conservation, plant cover crops that use the soil to capture carbon. 150409 And heâ?Tll ensure that USDA promotes true racial equality and inclusion. He recognizes the history of discrimination and will root it out wherever it exists. I've known Tom for a long time, and I'm confident he'll get it done. 150425 For Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, I am, I am really pleased to nominate Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who I might add could do many jobs beyond the one I'm asking her to do. But I think the job I'm asking you to do, congresswoman, is critically important to everything that the Vice President and I believe is how we're going to build back better. 150445 As a former mayor, she understands how to manage challenges and forge solutions at a local level. For 12 years in Congress, she's represented the great city of Cleveland. You know, though I think of her most significant political feat was being elected president of the Deltas. I know from this state how powerful the Deltas are. You think Iâ?Tm kidding. Iâ?Tm not. 150515 She developed an entire career for fighting for working people on issues from affordable housing to urban revitalization. During the great recession, her district was hit hard by the housing crisis. She spent the past decade working to improve blighted neighborhoods, create safer, more affordable communities. She also understands where you live impacts on your health, access to education, jobs and economic opportunity. 150544 Zip codes should not determine the outcome on all those issues. She's going to bring that same vision as HUD secretary, using every lever at her disposal to help the millions of Americans facing evictions, trying to pay for their mortgages, find their way through this crisis. And I think you'll see that she's going to lead our charge to make housing more affordable and accessible. 150609 She worked to increase home ownership as a means toward wealth generation, particularly for communities of -- communities of color. It's not just dealing with the other issues. We have to be able to build wealth in communities of -- of color color. And she's also going to help us build back better by working across the ideological spectrum to fulfill the promise of HUDâ?Ts mission. 150633 And here's what its mission is, itâ?Ts often forgotten, â?oto create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality-affordable homes for all,â?? end of quote. Marcia will be the first woman to lead HUD in more than 40 years and just the second black woman ever. I'm honored to have her serve and thank her for being willing to do it in this Biden-Harris administration at this critical moment in our nationâ?Ts history. 150702 And for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, I nominate Denis McDonough, former White House Chief of Staff, deputy national security adviser, deep experience on Capitol Hill. I've known Denis for a long time. He shares my belief that we have many obligations as a nation, but we have only one truly sacred obligation: To prepare and equip our troops that we send into harm's way and then to care for them and their families when they return. He regularly traveled, as I did, to Iraq and Afghanistan to meet directly with our service members, to see what they were going through, understand the strain and the impact on them and their families. 150747 Heâ?Td visit them as I did often at Walter Reed to see firsthand the visible and invisible wounds they brought home. He knows the cost of war on veterans and their families, from the toll on their physical and mental health to the access to good-paying jobs. And he's a fierce advocate and a relentless workhorse. And I believe, and I think everyone who has ever worked with him knows, heâ?Ts a world class manager with an innate understanding for how government can and must work for our veterans. 150823 He worked closely with our then VA secretary Bob McDonald and with the Congress to increase the VA funding, to ensure veterans to get the benefits they earned and they deserve. And by the way, he knows we have a very, very steep hill to climb in getting more funding, more docs, more psychiatric nurses, more folks out of the private sector into, into the VA. 150846 That includes implementing veterans' choice, a bill led by my friend Bernie Sanders and my late friend and American hero, John McCain, and signed into law by President Obama in 2014 to help veterans access quality health care that they need when they need it. 150907 And in this role, I've given Denis a clear mission: Fight like hell. Fight like hell for our veterans and their families. And anyone, anyone who has worked with Dnnis will tell you, he'll move heaven and Earth to fix any problem to get a job done. He'll also work closely with our Secretary of -- Secretary of Defense designee Lloyd Austin and the entire cabinet as -- and Jill as first lady to pull every leader -- ever lever to help us build back the VA better than ever. 150939 And Denis, itâ?Ts a family endeavor. His wife Kari leads a nonprofit that helps connect veterans and military families in -- with local communities so they can help each other out and build a stronger country together. We're both -- both our spouses feel incredibly strongly about this and have for some time. To all the veteran families, nominating a VA secretary is one of the most important decisions I believe a president can make. And Denis will always be there for you, I promise you, always fighting for you, as will the vice president and I. 151020 For the United States trade representative, I nominate Katherine Tai. A trusted trade expert, a dedicated public servant who knows government and who spent her career leveling the playing field for American workers and their families. That's not hyperbole, that's a fact. She currently serves as the chief lawyer on trade for the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. She earned praise from both lawmakers in both political parties and from both labor and business as well. 151052 Now, that's a feat across the board. But all kidding aside, you have. I've got more calls complimenting me on your appointment than you can imagine. During the Obama-Biden administration, she was a chief trade enforcer against unfair trade practices by China, which will be a key priority in the Biden-Harris administration. She understands that we need a more strategic -- to be considerably more strategic than we've been in how we trade, and that makes us all stronger, how we're made stronger by trade. One that leaves nobody behind. 151128 She's going to work closely with my economic and national security and foreign policy teams. Trade will be a critical pillar in our ability to build back better and carry out our foreign policy, foreign policy for the middle class. When I announced my candidacy, I talked about a foreign policy for the middle class. And I meant that in a literal sense. She also brings a sophisticated understanding of the threats of climate change to trade as well as addresses the climate crisis with urgency. 151158 She also embodies a, a powerful immigration story of America. Her parents were both born in China. They moved to Taiwan and then came to the United States where Katherine was born. Her parents became government scientists at Walter Reed and NIH, inspiring their daughter to pursue a career in public service. Katherine says she's the first American-born -- born member of a family and a second-generation U.S. government servant. 151228 Thatâ?Ts a great way of expressing it. If confirmed, sheâ?Td be the first Asian-American and the first woman of color to serve in this position. In our nation, our economy, our workers, our businesses, we're fortunate to have her serve in this role. As director of the White House domestic policy council, I spent some time convincing this wonderful public servant, but I'm appointing Susan Rice. 151258 Former United States ambassador to the United Nations, former national security adviser to President Obama, former cabinet member, team player, policy heavyweight, through -- tough negotiator, and trusted and tested public servant who I've known for a long time and not only admired but have become friends with. She'll lead and coordinate my critical domestic policy agenda. And she's going to elevate and turbocharge a revitalized domestic policy council to help us build back better on every issue across the board. 151334 Sheâ?Tll work closely with my Director of National Economic Council,Brian Deese. She'll work closely with my National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and the National Security Council. Together, they'll align domestic policy, economic policy, and national security unlike ever before. 151354 This is a big and critical role. That's why I asked Susan to serve. She's been there. She knows what it takes, like she did in helping mobilize the entire federal government to end the Ebola crisis. And her voice is particularly needed at this critical moment. A granddaughter of immigrants, descended in enslaved people, Susan will be an effective and tireless champion for all Americans. 151419 And she knows I'm really thrilled she was willing to come back, be at my side in the White House. To each of you on this team, you have my gratitude, the gratitude of the Vice President and me for answering the call to serve again. To your families, thank you. We know the sacrifice that youâ?Tre making to allow your family member to serve as they are going to, god willing. 151445 And to career civil servants at these agencies, we look forward to working with you, because we know how many talented people are there. It's time to rededicate ourselves to the mission our government agencies were entrusted with. And to the American people, help is on the way. I promise we're not going to let you down. May God bless you and may God protect our troops. And now I'm going to turn this over to the team, starting with our next Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. Tom? Thank you. The podium is yours. I guess theyâ?Tre going to clean it. TOM VILSACK VILSACK>>> Mr. President-Elect, madam vice President-Elect, 151550 I'm honored by the trust that youâ?Tve placed in me to return to the vital work of the USDA at a very critical moment for so many families and communities throughout America. And to begin that work by embracing the full benefits of a diverse and inclusive senior leadership team in the department, as I was proud to do in my previous tenure. 151617 And to continue the important work of rooting out inequities and systemic racism in the systems we govern and the programs we lead. When Abraham Lincoln established the Department of Agriculture, he called it the people's department. I look forward to making good on that moniker for all people as we build back better. 151644 I happen to be celebrating a birthday on Sunday, one of those round numbers that causes you to reflect on your life. Thinking back on the path of my life, where it began in an orphanage in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Iowa where my incredible wife Christie and I raised our family and the home we've made there, to standing here today, being given a chance to serve our country once again. 151715 I feel enormously lucky and grateful to live in a country where pasts like mine are possible. A country, as the President-Elect often says, is defined by possibilities. But unfortunately and tragically, not all have experienced those possibilities. So, I consider it my duty and my responsibility to help expand those possibilities for all Americans at the USDA. And I know firsthand the character of the dedicated public servants who work hard each and every day to fulfill the mission of that department. 151756 And I'm especially grateful for the chance to get back to work alongside them. One of our first charges will need to be to contribute all we can as a department to aid in the pandemic response, reviving rural communities and economies, addressing dire food shortages and getting workers and producers the relief they need to hang on and to come back stronger. 151826 When we emerge from this crisis, we're going to have an incredible opportunity before us, to position American agriculture, to lead our nation and the world in combatting climate change, and reaping the new, good-paying jobs and farm income that will come from that leadership. 151846 To make landmark investments in communities throughout rural America, especially those mired in poverty for far too long. By adopting the 10, 20, 30 rule of Congressman Jim Clyburn that sets aside 10% of federal funding to communities where 20% of people have been caught beneath the poverty line for 30 years or more. 151910 And to ensure that every child in our country, and all those who are in need, have access to safe, affordable and nutritious food. We need to build back a vibrant and resilient rural economy that creates new possibilities for manufacturing workers, for family forest owners, for farmers, ranchers and producers that helps to make life better and richer for them and safer for all of us. 151939 And under my watch, the USDA will be a team player, working with our sister agencies to advance issues of shared interest, from rebuilding our infrastructure to fixing a broken immigration system, to combatting and fighting the opioid crisis. I look forward to pursuing that work on behalf of the American people and especially those who live, work, and raise their families in rural America. 152006 I will end by expressing my profound gratitude to the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect for this amazing opportunity to serve. Thank you. MARCIA FUDGE 152037 FUDGE>>> Mr. President-Elect, my good friend Madam Vice President-Elect, to my family, to my family, my friends, my sorority sisters, and my constituents, all, I thank you for the opportunity to join this remarkable team and work on behalf of people in every city and community. To serve all those are struggling and looking for the fair shot we all deserve. When I think about the enormity of the task ahead of us, I am reminded of the book of Matthew where it is written, â?ofoxes have holes, birds have nests, but the son of man has no place to lay his head.â?? 152120 There is dignity and there is grace within every woman, every man and every child in this nation, including those who live on the outskirts of hope, those who work hard but still struggle to make it work, and those who have no place to lay their head. It is one of the highest responsibilities of our government to see them, to see their dignity, and to lift them up. 152146 I remember the feeling I had as a kid of the safety, security, and peace of mind contained in one word: Home. I remember the comfort of knowing that no matter what happened, I could always go home. But far too many Americans live without that feeling. More and more have had that comfort ripped away. 152209 The crisis of a pandemic that has threatened their lives, the crisis of a recession that has swallowed up jobs, hours, wages, and lifelines. The crisis of injustice that has forced communities of color to make it in America with one dream tied behind their back. Each crisis chips away at their hope, at the promise of our nation. But I believe that hope is on the way. 152238 Because I know that President-Elect and Vice President-Elect are building a team that is grounded in dignity. And our task at the Department of Housing and human dev -- Urban Development will be to stand up for the dignity of all Americans and deliver the promise of our nation to all those left out in the cold. We will take on the deep-set roots of poverty and homelessness. 152304 We will fight for housing in every community that is affordable, decent and safe. We will help more Americans secure the dream of home ownership, to close the gaps of inequity, build wealth and pass it on to their children. 152320 We will pursue creative development projects to shape our landscapes and skylines, restart the engines of cities that have stalled out, and launch new opportunities in hometowns across America. But perhaps most importantly of all, we will help people believe once again that their government cares about them, no matter who they are. 152344 That we understand their problems, as the President-Elect often recalls his father's words. I am honored to have this chance to help restore the people's faith, to deliver for them and make them proud, and to build back better alongside this dedicated team. I thank you for the opportunity to serve. DENIS MCDONOUGH 152427 MCDONOUGH>> Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, I'm deeply humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me, and if confirmed by the Senate, will be honored to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Mr. President-Elect, you have pledged to restore the soul of our nation and to unite us as Americans. 152446 In this work, there is a mission that can bring every American together, caring for America's veterans and their families. As you have said, this is a sacred obligation, and itâ?Ts that -- for you and Dr. Biden, it's also very deeply personal. I've been inspired by the veterans in my life as well. 152510 Today, I'm thinking of my grandpa McDonough, a marine, all the troops I met on my visit to Afghanistan and Iraq, and the wounded warriors I spent time with at Walter Reed or showing around the white house. I'm thinking of the many vets Iâ?Tve had the pleasure to serve with, in and out of government, who have put the character and training that they developed in uniform to work, to continue serving our country as civilians. 152540 I'm also thinking of one of my high school football coaches back in Stillwater, Minnesota. An Iowan, Joe Sam Samuelson. He stormed the beaches of Normandy. And in home hospice at the end of his life, he and his family were grateful for the compassion of the VA. When he passed, his wife gave me his coaching jacket, one of my most -- most prized possessions. Coach Samâ?Ts jacket reminds me of why we're here. Our men and women in uniform have had their country's back, and when they come home, we need to have their back. 152619 As the President-Elect has said, his marching -- marching order to me is very clear: Fight like hell for our veterans. We're going to fight like hell to give our veterans and their families the health care, respect, and dignity they deserve. That means helping our veterans build civilian lives of meaning and opportunity, making our VA even more welcoming to all veterans, including our women veterans, veterans of color, and LGBTQ veterans. 152654 And keeping faith with our incredible military families and caregivers, because we need to have their backs, too. To the men and women of the VA, many of your veterans yourselves, your tirelessly to take care of our veterans and your demanding jobs have been made even more difficult by the pandemic. To you and to the many dedicated vets service organizations who include vets, survivors and their families, I look forward to being your partner. 152729 One united team in delivering care and support that's second to none. Finally, taking cares of our veterans is not a job for the VA alone. Every federal department and agency has a role to play, and I will fight like hell to make that happen. And even though only 1% of Americans wear the uniform, under President Biden, every American will be called upon to embrace our responsibility to support our veterans and our military families. 152803 Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, on behalf of my wife Kari on our family, thank you for this opportunity to serve. May God bless our troops, our veterans, and their families, and as a nation, may we always give them our very best, just as they have done for us. Thanks very much. KATHERINE TAI 152845 TAI>> Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, I'm grateful for this opportunity to serve and look forward to working with you, with our partners across the administration, and with the bright and dedicated public servants at USTR to deliver for the American people. When the President-Elect approached me about taking on this role, two memories from my past spring to mind. 152911 The first was from when I initially joined USTR in 2007. I was filling out paperwork and providing information about my family history. My parents were born in mainland China and grew up in Taiwan. In the 1960s, President Kennedy's immigration reforms welcomed them to America as graduate students in the sciences. My dad would become a researcher at Walter Reed, helping the Army advance treatments for afflictions that debilitated American G.I.s fighting in the Vietnam War. 152944 My mom still works at the National Institutes of Health developing treatments for opioid addiction. They were naturalized in 1979, five years after I was born in Connecticut. And it wasnâ?Tt until decades later filling out that paperwork that it occurred to me that I became an American before my parents, the very first American in our family. The second memory that came to mind was from several years later when a colleague and I from USTR went to Geneva to present a case, suing China before the World Trade Organization. 153024 We sat down at the table. She, whose parents had emigrated from south India, and I, whose parents had come from Taiwan, and my heart swelled with pride as we raised our placard and stated that we were there to present the case on behalf of the United States of America. Two daughters of immigrants there to serve, to fight for, and to reflect the nation that had opened doors of hope and opportunity to our families. 153057 Those memories fill me with gratitude for being an American and for what America is at our best. And they remind me of the extraordinary responsibilities that come with the honor as we navigate our relationships with the world. 153114 Trade is like any other tool in our domestic or foreign policy. It is not an end in itself. It is a means to create more hope and opportunity for people. And it only succeeds when the humanity and dignity of every American and of all people lie at the heart of our approach. I am proud to join with leaders who instill their policy with purpose and who never lose sight of the humanity and dignity, the opportunity and hope that make trade a force for good in our nation and the world. 153153 I am very proud to be an advocate for American workers, to stand up for their ingenuity and their innovation and for Americaâ?Ts interests around the globe. I look forward to harnessing the power of our trade relationships to help communities lift themselves out of the current crisis. And I am grateful for this chance to serve, fight for, and reflect America on behalf of all of our people once again. Thank you. SUSAN RICE 153241 RICE>> Thank you so much, Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect. I'm honored to join this tremendous team. Today, we confront a profoundly connected set of crises. A relentless pandemic, a struggling economy, urgent demands for racial equity and justice, a climate in need of healing, a democracy in need of repair, and a world in need of renewed American leadership. In the 21st century, our foreign, economic, and domestic imperatives are deeply intertwined. 153324 Tackling these challenges is personal to me. I am a descendent of immigrants and the enslaved, and service is in our blood. My paternal great-grandfather was born a slave in South Carolina and joined the union army. He went on to get a college degree, become an A.M.E. Minister, and he founded the Borden town school in New Jersey, which for seven decades provided African-Americans with vocational and college preparatory educations. 153401 Two generations later, my father, Emmett Rice, served as a Tuskegee airman and as a governor of the federal reserve. My maternal grandparents came to this country from Jamaica with no education. But working for decades as a janitor and a maid, they saved and they scraped to send all five of their children to college and on to professional success. 153430 My mother, Lois Rice, was known as the mother of the Pell Grant program, which has enabled 80 million Americans to reach college. And as she liked to say, not bad for a poor colored girl from Portland, Maine. 153447 But today, for far too many, the American dream has become an empty promise, a cruel mockery of lives held back by barriers new and old. That is not good enough for any American. But we know that throughout our history, Americans have forged opportunity out of crisis. After the Civil War, we ended slavery and enshrined the concept of equal protection under the law. 153521 During the Great Depression, we established the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. After World War II, we enacted the G.I. Bill. In the 1960s, we abolished legal segregation, established full voting rights, and enacted medicare and medicaid. 153542 Now at the foot of yet another bridge between crisis and opportunity, I'm honored and excited to take on this role. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris's vision for our future is expansive but achievable. America must finally become a nation where every child, from Akron to Arkansas, from the Bronx to Brownsville, from the Sioux Nation to south central Los Angeles, can dream without limits and make her dreams come true. 153621 I have no illusions about the difficulty of making that vision real. But we are here to get hard stuff done. Our top priorities will be to help end the pandemic and revitalize the economy so that it delivers for all. To bring dignity and humanity to our broken immigration system. To advance racial equity, justice, and civil rights for all. To ensure that health care is accessible and affordable. And to educate and train Americans to compete and thrive in the 21st century. 153700 I profoundly believe that we all rise or fall together, absolutely all of us. So, Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, I promise you, I will do everything I can to help this country I love to build back better, to make our government deliver for all Americans and for working families, and to bring the American dream far closer to reality for all. Thank you very much. KAMALA HARRIS 153753 HARRIS>> Good afternoon. Over these past few days and weeks, we have announced members of our administration who will help us meet the unprecedented challenges facing the American people. We have brought together a health care team that will help contain this pandemic once and for all. An economic team that will help build an economy that works for working people and all those looking to work. 153823 And a national security and foreign policy team that will help keep our nation safe and restore and advance our leadership around the world. 153834 Today, we are announcing leaders who will help deliver immediate relief to every corner of our great country, from rural communities, to big cities, and every place in between. Leaders who will help care for our veterans and their families and advance opportunity for all Americans at this consequential moment in our country. At a time when one in eight households say they didn't have enough money for food in the past week, we need leaders who understand that no one should go hungry in the United States of America. 153916 At a time when one in six renters are behind on rent, we need leaders who will not only help provide relief to all who need it, but help address the affordable housing crisis in America. You know, I was in high school by the time my mother saved up enough money to put down a down payment on a home. And I understand the dignity of home ownership and the importance of making the American dream a reality for everyone. 153946 At a time when veterans, including those I've represented in California, have been strained by almost two decades of war and economic hardship, we must have leaders who will treat all who have worn our nation's uniform and their families with the dignity and respect they have earned. Leaders who will be focused on doing what is in the best interests of the American people. Who will negotiate trade deals that are good for workers and good for our economy. 154021 Who will address the defining challenges of our time, from combatting our climate crisis to advancing racial justice. That is what these remarkable Americans will do. I know them well, and some are very dear friends. These leaders have different backgrounds and lifeâ?Ts experience. And they bring to their roles different skills, perspectives, and areas of expertise. And they all reflect the very best of our nation. 154055 They are all dedicated and compassionate public servants, and all of them are ready to hit the ground running on day one. So, Mr. President-Elect, congratulations on these outstanding choices. I look forward to working with each member of the team and the whole team that we are bringing together to meet the urgent challenges facing our nation and to rebuild our country in a way that lifts up all Americans. Thank you. BIDEN>> Thank you, all. 154133 Q>> President Elect Biden, how soon do you plan on taking a coronavirus vaccine? 154138 Q>> Did Hunter Biden commit a crime? Have you spoken to your son, Mr. President Elect? 154144 BIDEN>> Iâ?Tm proud of my son. ##

CLOSE ANGLE OF WINDOWS IN MULTI-STORY BUILDING. COULD BE APARTMENT BUILDING, OFFICE BUILDING, OR CONDOMINIUMS. SNOW AND BARE TREES IN FOREGROUND. STONE BUILDING. BRICK BUILDING.

WASH 7 PRESIDENT ELECT BIDEN KEY ADMINISTRATION MEMBERS INTRODUCTION REMARKS POOL 12112020 REFEED President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris formally introduced newly nominated and appointed members of their administration in Wilmington Friday afternoon, including Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, HUD Secretary Rep. Marcia Fudge, and VA Secretary Dennis McDonough, along with US Trade Rep. Katherine Tai and Leader of the Domestic Policy Council Susan Rice. Biden started the event by addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that we saw more deaths from COVID-19 in one day this week than from 9/11 or Pearl Harbor, stressing the need to take it seriously as good news on COVID vaccines is on the way. â?oWe're in the teeth of a crisis right now. And this nation needs presidential leadership right now. Presidential leadership that is willing to model the steps we should be taking for our -- to save our own lives and the lives of our families. You know, we can wish this away, but we have to face it head on,â?? Biden said. (14:56:45) â?oWe have to take it head on. Using every power available to me as president, we'll have a national coordination strategy that will -- that will beat this virus. You know, and as tough as things are now, I firmly believe better days are ahead. Weâ?Tve got some good news yesterday. The FDA committed -- committee I should say -- recommended emergency use authorization for Pfizer's biontech COVID-19 vaccine. But we're grateful for the scientists that at these -- not only there but other great organizations,â?? he added. (14:57:10) Biden also pointedly stressed that the vaccine was developed without politics, and was dictated by science and should not raise concerns for the public. â?oI want to make it clear to the public, you should have confidence in this. There is no political influence. These are first-rate scientists taking their time, looking at all of the elements that need to be looked at. Scientific integrity led us to this point. We know the immense challenges and hard work ahead,â?? Biden said. (14:57:57) The president-elect reiterated the three main steps of his plan to stem the spread of the virus, including getting 100 million shots of the vaccine into Americansâ?T arms in his first 100 days, and called on Congress to help him begin reopening schools. â?oIf we get the necessary funding from Congress, we can get most of our schools open in 100 days but we need the help from the Congress in the funding. The first 100 days won't end the COVID-19, but meeting those goals can slow the spread, save lives, and get us back to our lives with the people we love the most,â?? Biden said. (14:59:06) Biden also turned to the ongoing stimulus relief fight in congress, noting it's â?onot looking good now,â?? but stressing his belief that Congress needs to take action before they leave for the holidays. â?oThat's why the Congress needs to act and act now on the COVID package. I spoke to my two friends who are still in the Congress, the vice president and soon-to-be secretary of HUD. We have to get this done. They're pushing hard. But it doesn't look so good right now. But it has to get done before they go home. Millions and millions of Americans simply can't wait any longer,â?? Biden said. (14:59:58) â?oWe shouldn't. We can't get bogged down in issues that don't help people. State and local governments need the help. Not only that, as Iâ?Tve said for months, we need to protect the central personnel like law enforcement, firefighters, to make sure everything is in place and effectively distribute the vaccine so that we can do that. This relief package won't be the total answer even if it gets passed, but it's an important first step. There is so much we have to do,â?? He continued. (15:00:22) [HUNTER BIDEN Q] As he was leaving the event Biden was asked about the news this week that his son Hunterâ?Ts tax affairs are under investigation by the U.S. Attorneyâ?Ts office in Delaware. â?oDid Hunter Biden commit a crime? Have you spoken to your son, Mr. President Elect?â?? a reporter asked. (15:41:38) â?oIâ?Tm proud of my son,â?? Biden could be heard saying as he exited the room. (15:41:44) [CABINET INTRODUCTIONS] Biden spoke about each of his nominees, noting that while many of the people heâ?Ts introducing today were familiar faces, many were stepping into new roles--with the exception of Tom Vilsack, who Biden said was not eager to return to the role, but the president-elect was persistent in his asks. â?oHe wasn't anxious to come back.. He wasn't looking for this job. But I was persistent, and I asked him to serve again in this role because he knows the USDA inside and out. He knows the government inside and out. We need that experience now,â?? Biden said. Biden said he is â?oreally pleasedâ?? to nominate Ohio Congresswoman Marcia Fudge to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, noting that while sheâ?Ts qualified for a number of jobs it is this particular one that he believes she is best equipped to do as he aims to enact his â?obuild back better,â?? agenda. â?oI am really pleased to nominate Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who I might add could do many jobs beyond the one I'm asking her to do. But I think the job I'm asking you to do, congresswoman, is critically important to everything that the Vice President and I believe is how we're going to build back better,â?? Biden said of Fudge. (15:04:30) The president-elect particularly stressed the work Fudge will do to create more affordable housing and increase home ownership particularly in communities of color. â?oShe worked to increase home ownership as a means toward wealth generation, particularly for communities of -- communities of color. It's not just dealing with the other issues. We have to be able to build wealth in communities of -- of color color. And she's also going to help us build back better by working across the ideological spectrum to fulfill the promise of HUDâ?Ts mission. And here's what its mission is, itâ?Ts often forgotten, â?oto create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality-affordable homes for all,â?? end of quote,â?? Biden said. (15:06:09) During his remarks about Fudge, Biden talked about how powerful Delta Sigma Theta sorority is, Fudge previously served as the national president of the historic African-American sorority and was prominently featured and organized support behind Lorretta Lynch, a fellow sorority sister during her confirmation hearing. â?oShe's represented the great city of Cleveland...though I think of her most significant political feat, was being elected president of the Deltas. I know from this stage how powerful the Deltas are. You think I'm kidding. I'm not,â?? Biden said to laughs from Fudge. (15:04:48) Biden turned to one of his more controversial picks on the stage, Dennis McDonough, who despite not having a military background was tapped for VA secretary, noting his time spent in the field visiting with troops in the field while he served in the Obama White House. Biden said he gave Dennis a â?oclear mission.â?? â?oAnd in this role, I've given Denis a clear mission: Fight like hell. Fight like hell for our veterans and their families. And anyone, anyone who has worked with Dnnis will tell you, he'll move heaven and Earth to fix any problem to get a job done. He'll also work closely with our Secretary of -- Secretary of Defense designee Lloyd Austin and the entire cabinet as -- and Jill as first lady to pull every leader -- ever lever to help us build back the VA better than ever,â?? Biden said. (15:09:07) Biden promised Veterans and their families that McDonough would â?oalways be there for themâ?? as would he and Harris. The president-elect praised his pick for U.S. Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, and said trade will be a â?ocritical pillarâ?? in his foreign policy agenda, and noted Taiâ?Ts family story as the daughter of Chinese immigrants, and noting she would be the first woman of color to hold the position if confirmed. â?oShe's going to work closely with my economic and national security and foreign policy teams. Trade will be a critical pillar in our ability to build back better and carry out our foreign policy, foreign policy for the middle class. When I announced my candidacy, I talked about a foreign policy for the middle class. And I meant that in a literal sense,â?? Biden said. (15:11:28) Finally, Biden turned to Susan Rice, his appointee to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council, calling her a â?owonderful public servant,â?? noting her past experience and saying heâ?Ts â?othrilledâ?? to have her back. â?oThis is a big and critical role. That's why I asked Susan to serve. She's been there. She knows what it takes, like she did in helping mobilize the entire federal government to end the Ebola crisis. And her voice is particularly needed at this critical moment. A granddaughter of immigrants, descended in enslaved people, Susan will be an effective and tireless champion for all Americans. And she knows I'm really thrilled she was willing to come back, be at my side in the White House,â?? Biden said. (15:13:54) Biden thanked the nominees and appointees and their families for their willingness to serve in his administration, before delivering a message directly to the American people, promising â?ohelp is on the way. I promise we're not going to let you down.â?? [TOM VILSACK] Vilsack seemed to address some of the criticism of his previous tenure at USDA, beginning his remarks by promising to deal with systemic inequities. â?oI'm honored by the trust that youâ?Tve placed in me to return to the vital work of the USDA at a very critical moment for so many families and communities throughout America. And to begin that work by embracing the full benefits of a diverse and inclusive senior leadership team in the department, as I was proud to do in my previous tenure,â?? Vilsack said. (15:15:50) â?oAnd to continue the important work of rooting out inequities and systemic racism in the systems we govern and the programs we lead. When Abraham Lincoln established the Department of Agriculture, he called it the people's department. I look forward to making good on that moniker for all people as we build back better,â?? he added. (15:16:17) Vilsack, who turns 70 on Sunday, spoke about his path to this point, noting his childhood in an orphanage in Pittsburgh before moving to the Hawkeye state. Vilsack also spoke about the role that USDA in helping rural countries to rebound following COVID-19, and committed to addressing poverty in rural America. During his remarks Vilsack mentioned his support for Rep. Jim Clyburn's 10/20/30 plan, an effort the South Carolina congressman said aims to help counties that had a poverty level of more 20% for more than three decades. Those communities would then receive at least 10% of federal funds from a specific program. When asked in 2019 if he considered the measure a form of reparations. Clyburn, however, said the measure "absolutely" is. â?oTo make landmark investments in communities throughout rural America, especially those mired in poverty for far too long. By adopting the 10, 20, 30 rule of Congressman Jim Clyburn that sets aside 10% of federal funding to communities where 20% of people have been caught beneath the poverty line for 30 years or more. And to ensure that every child in our country, and all those who are in need, have access to safe, affordable and nutritious food,â?? Vilsack said. (15:19:10) [REP. MARCIA FUDGE] Fudge began her remarks by quoting scripture, going on to talk about the importance of housing in America and the need to give people hope in the midst of Americaâ?Ts ongoing crisis and rebuild Americansâ?T trust in their government. â?oI remember the feeling I had as a kid of the safety, security, and peace of mind contained in one word: Home. I remember the comfort of knowing that no matter what happened, I could always go home. But far too many Americans live without that feeling. More and more have had that comfort ripped away. The crisis of a pandemic that has threatened their lives, the crisis of a recession that has swallowed up jobs, hours, wages, and lifelines. The crisis of injustice that has forced communities of color to make it in America with one dream tied behind their back. Each crisis chips away at their hope, at the promise of our nation. But I believe that hope is on the way,â?? Fudge said. (15:21:46) â?oWe will pursue creative development projects to shape our landscapes and skylines, restart the engines of cities that have stalled out, and launch new opportunities in hometowns across America. But perhaps most importantly of all, we will help people believe once again that their government cares about them, no matter who they are. That we understand their problems, as the President-Elect often recalls his father's words,â?? Fudge later added. (15:23:20) [DENNIS McDONOUGH] McDonough noted the personal connection of the President-elect and Dr. Biden to the veteranâ?Ts community, and his own connection to the community as he was announced as the nominee to lead the VA, including his grandfather, the troops he met while serving in the Obama administration, and a football coach who left a mark in his life. â?oI'm also thinking of one of my high school football coaches back in Stillwater, Minnesota. An Iowan, Joe Sam Samuelson. He stormed the beaches of Normandy. And in home hospice at the end of his life, he and his family were grateful for the compassion of the VA. When he passed, his wife gave me his coaching jacket, one of my most -- most prized possessions. Coach Samâ?Ts jacket reminds me of why we're here,â?? Biden said. (15:25:40) McDonough pledged to make the VA more inclusive to all veterans, particularly women, Veterans of color and LGBTQ community members. â?oAs the President-Elect has said, his marching -- marching order to me is very clear: Fight like hell for our veterans. We're going to fight like hell to give our veterans and their families the health care, respect, and dignity they deserve. That means helping our veterans build civilian lives of meaning and opportunity, making our VA even more welcoming to all veterans, including our women veterans, veterans of color, and LGBTQ veterans,â?? He said (15:26:19) [KATHERINE TAI] Tai began by recalling her parents' immigrant story, her father, a researcher at Walter Reed, and her mother, who still works at the National Institutes of Health developing treatments for opioid addictions. Tai also stressed the role trade can play to create opportunities and lift people out of poverty, and the need to rebuild relationships around the globe. â?oTrade is like any other tool in our domestic or foreign policy. It is not an end in itself. It is a means to create more hope and opportunity for people. And it only succeeds when the humanity and dignity of every American, and of all people, lie at the heart of our approach. I am proud to join with leaders who instill their policy with purpose, and who never lose sight of the humanity and dignity, the opportunity and hope, that make trade a force for good in our nation and the world,â?? Tai said. (15:31:15) [SUSAN RICE] Rice was the last of the nominees to speak, laying out the path of her ancestors on both sides who overcame adversity--a paternal great grandfather who was born a slave in South Carolina, and maternal grandparents who immigrated from Jamaica with no education who worked to send all their children to college, and on to successful careers, including her motherâ?Ts role in creating the Pell Grant. Rice stressed her excitement to serve in the Biden administration, and talked about the need to develop policies that break down racial barriers that hold all Americans back. â?oAfter the Civil War, we ended slavery and enshrined the concept of equal protection under the law. During the Great Depression, we established the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. After World War II, we enacted the G.I. Bill. In the 1960s, we abolished legal segregation, established full voting rights, and enacted Medicare and Medicaid,â?? Rice said. â?oNow at the foot of yet another bridge between crisis and opportunity, I'm honored and excited to take on this role. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris's vision for our future is expansive but achievable. America must finally become a nation where every child, from Akron to Arkansas, from the Bronx to Brownsville, from the Sioux Nation to south central Los Angeles, can dream without limits and make her dreams come true,â?? Rice added. (15:35:42) Rice said she has â?ono illusionsâ?? about the difficulty of the job ahead of her, but said all of the individuals joining the Biden administration are â?ohere to get hard stuff done.â?? â?oI have no illusions about the difficulty of making that vision real. But we are here to get hard stuff done. Our top priorities will be to help end the pandemic and revitalize the economy so that it delivers for all. To bring dignity and humanity to our broken immigration system. To advance racial equity, justice, and civil rights for all. To ensure that health care is accessible and affordable. And to educate and train Americans to compete and thrive in the 21st century. I profoundly believe that we all rise or fall together, absolutely all of us,â?? Rice said. (15:36:21) [KAMALA HARRIS] Harris, as usual, was the last person to speak at the event, and addressed the need for their team to understand the challenges facing the country, including poverty and hunger, before speaking about her own experiences that shaped her life. â?oToday, we are announcing leaders who will help deliver immediate relief to every corner of our great country, from rural communities, to big cities, and every place in between. Leaders who will help care for our veterans and their families and advance opportunity for all Americans at this consequential moment in our country,â?? Harris said. (15:38:34) Harris spoke about her own connection to the nominees on the stage, and the qualities they share, stressing that all of them are ready to â?ohit the ground running on day one.â?? â?oThese leaders have different backgrounds and lifeâ?Ts experience. And they bring to their roles different skills, perspectives, and areas of expertise. And they all reflect the very best of our nation. They are all dedicated and compassionate public servants, and all of them are ready to hit the ground running on day one,â?? Harris said. (15:40:46) FULL LOG BELOW (VIA WASH 7, HEAD ON POOL): 145553 BIDEN>> Good afternoon, everyone. Please, please be seated, thank you. These are all friends, Iâ?Tm not used to them standing for me. But, thank you. Thank you very much. Good afternoon. 145605 Before I make my announcements today, I want to say a few words about the COVID crisis. This week marked another tragic milestone in our fight against COVID-19. More than 3,000 deaths in one single day, the highest single death count during this pandemic. That's more deaths in a single day than we saw on 9/11 or at Pearl Harbor. This is serious business. 145635 And the current director of the CDC said yesterday, we can expect a similar numbers of deaths or more every single day for the next 60 to 90 days. We're in the teeth of a crisis right now. And this nation needs presidential leadership right now. Presidential leadership that is willing to model the steps we should be taking for our -- to save our own lives and the lives of our families. You know, we can wish this away, but we have to face it head on. 145710 We have to take it head on. Using every power available to me as president, we'll have a national coordination strategy that will -- that will beat this virus. You know, and as tough as things are now, I firmly believe better days are ahead. Weâ?Tve got some good news yesterday. The FDA committed -- committee I should say -- recommended emergency use authorization for Pfizer's biontech COVID-19 vaccine. 145738 But we're grateful for the scientists that at these -- not only there but other great organizations. Researchers who developed this vaccine and several others on the way. And we're just as grateful to the scientists and the public experts who evaluated its safety and efficiency free from political influence. 145757 I want to make it clear to the public, you should have confidence in this. There is no political influence. These are first-rate scientists taking their time, looking at all of the elements that need to be looked at. Scientific integrity led us to this point. We know the immense challenges and hard work ahead. 145818 Earlier this week, I announced our covid response team thatâ?Tll scale up the manufacturing, distribution, and injection of the vaccine. We set a bold and doable challenge in my first 100 days. 100 million shots in 100 days. Asking the American people to wear a masks for the first 100 days of our administration. 145844 And if we get the necessary funding from Congress, we can get most of our schools open in 100 days but we need the help from the Congress in the funding. The first 100 days won't end the COVID-19, but meeting those goals can slow the spread, save lives, and get us back to our lives with the people we love the most. 145906 And weâ?Tll also be getting the right people confirmed during this period of time and in place to manage this robust, aggressive plan to contain the virus, help us build back better than ever, and make sure everyone is included. Now, today I'm really pleased to add members to my team that will get the job done. In addition to the pandemic's grim milestone, the economic crisis has left millions of Americans out of work, without a paycheck, without health insurance. 145937 Unable to put enough food on the table, literally unable to put food on the table. And unsure whether they can pay their rent when the -- when the new year begins or make their mortgage payments. Itâ?Ts affecting everyone from farmers to students, seniors to veterans, in red states, blue states, small towns and big cities. 145958 And that's why the Congress needs to act and act now on the COVID package. I spoke to my two friends who are still in the Congress, the vice president and soon-to-be secretary of HUD. We have to get this done. They're pushing hard. But it doesn't look so good right now. But it has to get done before they go home. Millions and millions of Americans simply can't wait any longer. 150022 We shouldn't. We can't get bogged down in issues that don't help people. State and local governments need the help. Not only that, as Iâ?Tve said for months, we need to protect the central personnel like law enforcement, firefighters, to make sure everything is in place and effectively distribute the vaccine so that we can do that. This relief package won't be the total answer even if it gets passed, but it's an important first step. There is so much we have to do. 150051 These crises have ripped the blinders right off the systemic racism that exists in America. The American people now can see clearly. Black, Latino, Native Americans, nearly three times more likely to die from COVID and more likely to get COVID to begin with. Black and -- black and Latino unemployment rates, too -- too large, too high. Communities of color are left to ask whether they'll ever be able to break the cycle, where in good times they lag, in bad times they're hit first and the hardest, and in recovery, they take the longest to bounce back. 150126 Vice President-Elect Harris and I knew weâ?Td have our work cut out for us when we got elected, but we also knew we could build a team that would meet this unique and challenging moment in American history. Some are familiar faces. Some are new in their roles. All are facing new circumstances and challenges. That's a good thing. They bring deep experience and bold new thinking. Above all, they know how government should and can work for all Americans. 150200 For Secretary of Agriculture, I nominate Tom Vilsack, an outstanding two-term governor of Iowa. The best Secretary of Agriculture I believe this country has ever had. He was there when the great recession was pummelling rural America. Over eight years, he oversaw a record-breaking investment to bring us back. He implemented the Recovery Act to help rural communities recover and rebuild. Tom helped expand markets around the world for American farmers. He improved our food safety standards. He helped millions of children and families receive healthy meals. 150238 He wasn't anxious to come back. He wasn't looking for this job. But I was persistent. [laughs] And I asked him to serve again in this role, because he knows the USDA inside and out. He knows the government inside and out. We need that experience now. One in six Americans and a quarter, a quarter of the children in America are facing hungry. The opioid crisis in rural America, itâ?Ts a rural America crisis, as is the climate crisis with droughts, floods, wiping out crops in small towns. 150316 Farmers and small businesses, small towns, rural communities, white, black, Latino, are reeling with the pandemic and economic downturn. Tom knows the full range of resources available to this department to get immediate relief to those most in need and address the crises -- not one, the crises -- facing rural America. He knows how to build back better for all Americans. 150342 He helped develop my rural plan for America in the campaign, and he now has the dubious distinction of having to carry it out. It's a good plan. That includes making American agriculture the first in the world to achieve net zero missions and create new sources of income for farmers in the process, by paying farmers to put their land in conservation, plant cover crops that use the soil to capture carbon. 150409 And heâ?Tll ensure that USDA promotes true racial equality and inclusion. He recognizes the history of discrimination and will root it out wherever it exists. I've known Tom for a long time, and I'm confident he'll get it done. 150425 For Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, I am, I am really pleased to nominate Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who I might add could do many jobs beyond the one I'm asking her to do. But I think the job I'm asking you to do, congresswoman, is critically important to everything that the Vice President and I believe is how we're going to build back better. 150445 As a former mayor, she understands how to manage challenges and forge solutions at a local level. For 12 years in Congress, she's represented the great city of Cleveland. You know, though I think of her most significant political feat was being elected president of the Deltas. I know from this state how powerful the Deltas are. You think Iâ?Tm kidding. Iâ?Tm not. 150515 She developed an entire career for fighting for working people on issues from affordable housing to urban revitalization. During the great recession, her district was hit hard by the housing crisis. She spent the past decade working to improve blighted neighborhoods, create safer, more affordable communities. She also understands where you live impacts on your health, access to education, jobs and economic opportunity. 150544 Zip codes should not determine the outcome on all those issues. She's going to bring that same vision as HUD secretary, using every lever at her disposal to help the millions of Americans facing evictions, trying to pay for their mortgages, find their way through this crisis. And I think you'll see that she's going to lead our charge to make housing more affordable and accessible. 150609 She worked to increase home ownership as a means toward wealth generation, particularly for communities of -- communities of color. It's not just dealing with the other issues. We have to be able to build wealth in communities of -- of color color. And she's also going to help us build back better by working across the ideological spectrum to fulfill the promise of HUDâ?Ts mission. 150633 And here's what its mission is, itâ?Ts often forgotten, â?oto create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality-affordable homes for all,â?? end of quote. Marcia will be the first woman to lead HUD in more than 40 years and just the second black woman ever. I'm honored to have her serve and thank her for being willing to do it in this Biden-Harris administration at this critical moment in our nationâ?Ts history. 150702 And for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, I nominate Denis McDonough, former White House Chief of Staff, deputy national security adviser, deep experience on Capitol Hill. I've known Denis for a long time. He shares my belief that we have many obligations as a nation, but we have only one truly sacred obligation: To prepare and equip our troops that we send into harm's way and then to care for them and their families when they return. He regularly traveled, as I did, to Iraq and Afghanistan to meet directly with our service members, to see what they were going through, understand the strain and the impact on them and their families. 150747 Heâ?Td visit them as I did often at Walter Reed to see firsthand the visible and invisible wounds they brought home. He knows the cost of war on veterans and their families, from the toll on their physical and mental health to the access to good-paying jobs. And he's a fierce advocate and a relentless workhorse. And I believe, and I think everyone who has ever worked with him knows, heâ?Ts a world class manager with an innate understanding for how government can and must work for our veterans. 150823 He worked closely with our then VA secretary Bob McDonald and with the Congress to increase the VA funding, to ensure veterans to get the benefits they earned and they deserve. And by the way, he knows we have a very, very steep hill to climb in getting more funding, more docs, more psychiatric nurses, more folks out of the private sector into, into the VA. 150846 That includes implementing veterans' choice, a bill led by my friend Bernie Sanders and my late friend and American hero, John McCain, and signed into law by President Obama in 2014 to help veterans access quality health care that they need when they need it. 150907 And in this role, I've given Denis a clear mission: Fight like hell. Fight like hell for our veterans and their families. And anyone, anyone who has worked with Dnnis will tell you, he'll move heaven and Earth to fix any problem to get a job done. He'll also work closely with our Secretary of -- Secretary of Defense designee Lloyd Austin and the entire cabinet as -- and Jill as first lady to pull every leader -- ever lever to help us build back the VA better than ever. 150939 And Denis, itâ?Ts a family endeavor. His wife Kari leads a nonprofit that helps connect veterans and military families in -- with local communities so they can help each other out and build a stronger country together. We're both -- both our spouses feel incredibly strongly about this and have for some time. To all the veteran families, nominating a VA secretary is one of the most important decisions I believe a president can make. And Denis will always be there for you, I promise you, always fighting for you, as will the vice president and I. 151020 For the United States trade representative, I nominate Katherine Tai. A trusted trade expert, a dedicated public servant who knows government and who spent her career leveling the playing field for American workers and their families. That's not hyperbole, that's a fact. She currently serves as the chief lawyer on trade for the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. She earned praise from both lawmakers in both political parties and from both labor and business as well. 151052 Now, that's a feat across the board. But all kidding aside, you have. I've got more calls complimenting me on your appointment than you can imagine. During the Obama-Biden administration, she was a chief trade enforcer against unfair trade practices by China, which will be a key priority in the Biden-Harris administration. She understands that we need a more strategic -- to be considerably more strategic than we've been in how we trade, and that makes us all stronger, how we're made stronger by trade. One that leaves nobody behind. 151128 She's going to work closely with my economic and national security and foreign policy teams. Trade will be a critical pillar in our ability to build back better and carry out our foreign policy, foreign policy for the middle class. When I announced my candidacy, I talked about a foreign policy for the middle class. And I meant that in a literal sense. She also brings a sophisticated understanding of the threats of climate change to trade as well as addresses the climate crisis with urgency. 151158 She also embodies a, a powerful immigration story of America. Her parents were both born in China. They moved to Taiwan and then came to the United States where Katherine was born. Her parents became government scientists at Walter Reed and NIH, inspiring their daughter to pursue a career in public service. Katherine says she's the first American-born -- born member of a family and a second-generation U.S. government servant. 151228 Thatâ?Ts a great way of expressing it. If confirmed, sheâ?Td be the first Asian-American and the first woman of color to serve in this position. In our nation, our economy, our workers, our businesses, we're fortunate to have her serve in this role. As director of the White House domestic policy council, I spent some time convincing this wonderful public servant, but I'm appointing Susan Rice. 151258 Former United States ambassador to the United Nations, former national security adviser to President Obama, former cabinet member, team player, policy heavyweight, through -- tough negotiator, and trusted and tested public servant who I've known for a long time and not only admired but have become friends with. She'll lead and coordinate my critical domestic policy agenda. And she's going to elevate and turbocharge a revitalized domestic policy council to help us build back better on every issue across the board. 151334 Sheâ?Tll work closely with my Director of National Economic Council,Brian Deese. She'll work closely with my National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and the National Security Council. Together, they'll align domestic policy, economic policy, and national security unlike ever before. 151354 This is a big and critical role. That's why I asked Susan to serve. She's been there. She knows what it takes, like she did in helping mobilize the entire federal government to end the Ebola crisis. And her voice is particularly needed at this critical moment. A granddaughter of immigrants, descended in enslaved people, Susan will be an effective and tireless champion for all Americans. 151419 And she knows I'm really thrilled she was willing to come back, be at my side in the White House. To each of you on this team, you have my gratitude, the gratitude of the Vice President and me for answering the call to serve again. To your families, thank you. We know the sacrifice that youâ?Tre making to allow your family member to serve as they are going to, god willing. 151445 And to career civil servants at these agencies, we look forward to working with you, because we know how many talented people are there. It's time to rededicate ourselves to the mission our government agencies were entrusted with. And to the American people, help is on the way. I promise we're not going to let you down. May God bless you and may God protect our troops. And now I'm going to turn this over to the team, starting with our next Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. Tom? Thank you. The podium is yours. I guess theyâ?Tre going to clean it. TOM VILSACK VILSACK>>> Mr. President-Elect, madam vice President-Elect, 151550 I'm honored by the trust that youâ?Tve placed in me to return to the vital work of the USDA at a very critical moment for so many families and communities throughout America. And to begin that work by embracing the full benefits of a diverse and inclusive senior leadership team in the department, as I was proud to do in my previous tenure. 151617 And to continue the important work of rooting out inequities and systemic racism in the systems we govern and the programs we lead. When Abraham Lincoln established the Department of Agriculture, he called it the people's department. I look forward to making good on that moniker for all people as we build back better. 151644 I happen to be celebrating a birthday on Sunday, one of those round numbers that causes you to reflect on your life. Thinking back on the path of my life, where it began in an orphanage in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Iowa where my incredible wife Christie and I raised our family and the home we've made there, to standing here today, being given a chance to serve our country once again. 151715 I feel enormously lucky and grateful to live in a country where pasts like mine are possible. A country, as the President-Elect often says, is defined by possibilities. But unfortunately and tragically, not all have experienced those possibilities. So, I consider it my duty and my responsibility to help expand those possibilities for all Americans at the USDA. And I know firsthand the character of the dedicated public servants who work hard each and every day to fulfill the mission of that department. 151756 And I'm especially grateful for the chance to get back to work alongside them. One of our first charges will need to be to contribute all we can as a department to aid in the pandemic response, reviving rural communities and economies, addressing dire food shortages and getting workers and producers the relief they need to hang on and to come back stronger. 151826 When we emerge from this crisis, we're going to have an incredible opportunity before us, to position American agriculture, to lead our nation and the world in combatting climate change, and reaping the new, good-paying jobs and farm income that will come from that leadership. 151846 To make landmark investments in communities throughout rural America, especially those mired in poverty for far too long. By adopting the 10, 20, 30 rule of Congressman Jim Clyburn that sets aside 10% of federal funding to communities where 20% of people have been caught beneath the poverty line for 30 years or more. 151910 And to ensure that every child in our country, and all those who are in need, have access to safe, affordable and nutritious food. We need to build back a vibrant and resilient rural economy that creates new possibilities for manufacturing workers, for family forest owners, for farmers, ranchers and producers that helps to make life better and richer for them and safer for all of us. 151939 And under my watch, the USDA will be a team player, working with our sister agencies to advance issues of shared interest, from rebuilding our infrastructure to fixing a broken immigration system, to combatting and fighting the opioid crisis. I look forward to pursuing that work on behalf of the American people and especially those who live, work, and raise their families in rural America. 152006 I will end by expressing my profound gratitude to the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect for this amazing opportunity to serve. Thank you. MARCIA FUDGE 152037 FUDGE>>> Mr. President-Elect, my good friend Madam Vice President-Elect, to my family, to my family, my friends, my sorority sisters, and my constituents, all, I thank you for the opportunity to join this remarkable team and work on behalf of people in every city and community. To serve all those are struggling and looking for the fair shot we all deserve. When I think about the enormity of the task ahead of us, I am reminded of the book of Matthew where it is written, â?ofoxes have holes, birds have nests, but the son of man has no place to lay his head.â?? 152120 There is dignity and there is grace within every woman, every man and every child in this nation, including those who live on the outskirts of hope, those who work hard but still struggle to make it work, and those who have no place to lay their head. It is one of the highest responsibilities of our government to see them, to see their dignity, and to lift them up. 152146 I remember the feeling I had as a kid of the safety, security, and peace of mind contained in one word: Home. I remember the comfort of knowing that no matter what happened, I could always go home. But far too many Americans live without that feeling. More and more have had that comfort ripped away. 152209 The crisis of a pandemic that has threatened their lives, the crisis of a recession that has swallowed up jobs, hours, wages, and lifelines. The crisis of injustice that has forced communities of color to make it in America with one dream tied behind their back. Each crisis chips away at their hope, at the promise of our nation. But I believe that hope is on the way. 152238 Because I know that President-Elect and Vice President-Elect are building a team that is grounded in dignity. And our task at the Department of Housing and human dev -- Urban Development will be to stand up for the dignity of all Americans and deliver the promise of our nation to all those left out in the cold. We will take on the deep-set roots of poverty and homelessness. 152304 We will fight for housing in every community that is affordable, decent and safe. We will help more Americans secure the dream of home ownership, to close the gaps of inequity, build wealth and pass it on to their children. 152320 We will pursue creative development projects to shape our landscapes and skylines, restart the engines of cities that have stalled out, and launch new opportunities in hometowns across America. But perhaps most importantly of all, we will help people believe once again that their government cares about them, no matter who they are. 152344 That we understand their problems, as the President-Elect often recalls his father's words. I am honored to have this chance to help restore the people's faith, to deliver for them and make them proud, and to build back better alongside this dedicated team. I thank you for the opportunity to serve. DENIS MCDONOUGH 152427 MCDONOUGH>> Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, I'm deeply humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me, and if confirmed by the Senate, will be honored to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Mr. President-Elect, you have pledged to restore the soul of our nation and to unite us as Americans. 152446 In this work, there is a mission that can bring every American together, caring for America's veterans and their families. As you have said, this is a sacred obligation, and itâ?Ts that -- for you and Dr. Biden, it's also very deeply personal. I've been inspired by the veterans in my life as well. 152510 Today, I'm thinking of my grandpa McDonough, a marine, all the troops I met on my visit to Afghanistan and Iraq, and the wounded warriors I spent time with at Walter Reed or showing around the white house. I'm thinking of the many vets Iâ?Tve had the pleasure to serve with, in and out of government, who have put the character and training that they developed in uniform to work, to continue serving our country as civilians. 152540 I'm also thinking of one of my high school football coaches back in Stillwater, Minnesota. An Iowan, Joe Sam Samuelson. He stormed the beaches of Normandy. And in home hospice at the end of his life, he and his family were grateful for the compassion of the VA. When he passed, his wife gave me his coaching jacket, one of my most -- most prized possessions. Coach Samâ?Ts jacket reminds me of why we're here. Our men and women in uniform have had their country's back, and when they come home, we need to have their back. 152619 As the President-Elect has said, his marching -- marching order to me is very clear: Fight like hell for our veterans. We're going to fight like hell to give our veterans and their families the health care, respect, and dignity they deserve. That means helping our veterans build civilian lives of meaning and opportunity, making our VA even more welcoming to all veterans, including our women veterans, veterans of color, and LGBTQ veterans. 152654 And keeping faith with our incredible military families and caregivers, because we need to have their backs, too. To the men and women of the VA, many of your veterans yourselves, your tirelessly to take care of our veterans and your demanding jobs have been made even more difficult by the pandemic. To you and to the many dedicated vets service organizations who include vets, survivors and their families, I look forward to being your partner. 152729 One united team in delivering care and support that's second to none. Finally, taking cares of our veterans is not a job for the VA alone. Every federal department and agency has a role to play, and I will fight like hell to make that happen. And even though only 1% of Americans wear the uniform, under President Biden, every American will be called upon to embrace our responsibility to support our veterans and our military families. 152803 Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, on behalf of my wife Kari on our family, thank you for this opportunity to serve. May God bless our troops, our veterans, and their families, and as a nation, may we always give them our very best, just as they have done for us. Thanks very much. KATHERINE TAI 152845 TAI>> Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, I'm grateful for this opportunity to serve and look forward to working with you, with our partners across the administration, and with the bright and dedicated public servants at USTR to deliver for the American people. When the President-Elect approached me about taking on this role, two memories from my past spring to mind. 152911 The first was from when I initially joined USTR in 2007. I was filling out paperwork and providing information about my family history. My parents were born in mainland China and grew up in Taiwan. In the 1960s, President Kennedy's immigration reforms welcomed them to America as graduate students in the sciences. My dad would become a researcher at Walter Reed, helping the Army advance treatments for afflictions that debilitated American G.I.s fighting in the Vietnam War. 152944 My mom still works at the National Institutes of Health developing treatments for opioid addiction. They were naturalized in 1979, five years after I was born in Connecticut. And it wasnâ?Tt until decades later filling out that paperwork that it occurred to me that I became an American before my parents, the very first American in our family. The second memory that came to mind was from several years later when a colleague and I from USTR went to Geneva to present a case, suing China before the World Trade Organization. 153024 We sat down at the table. She, whose parents had emigrated from south India, and I, whose parents had come from Taiwan, and my heart swelled with pride as we raised our placard and stated that we were there to present the case on behalf of the United States of America. Two daughters of immigrants there to serve, to fight for, and to reflect the nation that had opened doors of hope and opportunity to our families. 153057 Those memories fill me with gratitude for being an American and for what America is at our best. And they remind me of the extraordinary responsibilities that come with the honor as we navigate our relationships with the world. 153114 Trade is like any other tool in our domestic or foreign policy. It is not an end in itself. It is a means to create more hope and opportunity for people. And it only succeeds when the humanity and dignity of every American and of all people lie at the heart of our approach. I am proud to join with leaders who instill their policy with purpose and who never lose sight of the humanity and dignity, the opportunity and hope that make trade a force for good in our nation and the world. 153153 I am very proud to be an advocate for American workers, to stand up for their ingenuity and their innovation and for Americaâ?Ts interests around the globe. I look forward to harnessing the power of our trade relationships to help communities lift themselves out of the current crisis. And I am grateful for this chance to serve, fight for, and reflect America on behalf of all of our people once again. Thank you. SUSAN RICE 153241 RICE>> Thank you so much, Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect. I'm honored to join this tremendous team. Today, we confront a profoundly connected set of crises. A relentless pandemic, a struggling economy, urgent demands for racial equity and justice, a climate in need of healing, a democracy in need of repair, and a world in need of renewed American leadership. In the 21st century, our foreign, economic, and domestic imperatives are deeply intertwined. 153324 Tackling these challenges is personal to me. I am a descendent of immigrants and the enslaved, and service is in our blood. My paternal great-grandfather was born a slave in South Carolina and joined the union army. He went on to get a college degree, become an A.M.E. Minister, and he founded the Borden town school in New Jersey, which for seven decades provided African-Americans with vocational and college preparatory educations. 153401 Two generations later, my father, Emmett Rice, served as a Tuskegee airman and as a governor of the federal reserve. My maternal grandparents came to this country from Jamaica with no education. But working for decades as a janitor and a maid, they saved and they scraped to send all five of their children to college and on to professional success. 153430 My mother, Lois Rice, was known as the mother of the Pell Grant program, which has enabled 80 million Americans to reach college. And as she liked to say, not bad for a poor colored girl from Portland, Maine. 153447 But today, for far too many, the American dream has become an empty promise, a cruel mockery of lives held back by barriers new and old. That is not good enough for any American. But we know that throughout our history, Americans have forged opportunity out of crisis. After the Civil War, we ended slavery and enshrined the concept of equal protection under the law. 153521 During the Great Depression, we established the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. After World War II, we enacted the G.I. Bill. In the 1960s, we abolished legal segregation, established full voting rights, and enacted medicare and medicaid. 153542 Now at the foot of yet another bridge between crisis and opportunity, I'm honored and excited to take on this role. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris's vision for our future is expansive but achievable. America must finally become a nation where every child, from Akron to Arkansas, from the Bronx to Brownsville, from the Sioux Nation to south central Los Angeles, can dream without limits and make her dreams come true. 153621 I have no illusions about the difficulty of making that vision real. But we are here to get hard stuff done. Our top priorities will be to help end the pandemic and revitalize the economy so that it delivers for all. To bring dignity and humanity to our broken immigration system. To advance racial equity, justice, and civil rights for all. To ensure that health care is accessible and affordable. And to educate and train Americans to compete and thrive in the 21st century. 153700 I profoundly believe that we all rise or fall together, absolutely all of us. So, Mr. President-Elect, Madam Vice President-Elect, I promise you, I will do everything I can to help this country I love to build back better, to make our government deliver for all Americans and for working families, and to bring the American dream far closer to reality for all. Thank you very much. KAMALA HARRIS 153753 HARRIS>> Good afternoon. Over these past few days and weeks, we have announced members of our administration who will help us meet the unprecedented challenges facing the American people. We have brought together a health care team that will help contain this pandemic once and for all. An economic team that will help build an economy that works for working people and all those looking to work. 153823 And a national security and foreign policy team that will help keep our nation safe and restore and advance our leadership around the world. 153834 Today, we are announcing leaders who will help deliver immediate relief to every corner of our great country, from rural communities, to big cities, and every place in between. Leaders who will help care for our veterans and their families and advance opportunity for all Americans at this consequential moment in our country. At a time when one in eight households say they didn't have enough money for food in the past week, we need leaders who understand that no one should go hungry in the United States of America. 153916 At a time when one in six renters are behind on rent, we need leaders who will not only help provide relief to all who need it, but help address the affordable housing crisis in America. You know, I was in high school by the time my mother saved up enough money to put down a down payment on a home. And I understand the dignity of home ownership and the importance of making the American dream a reality for everyone. 153946 At a time when veterans, including those I've represented in California, have been strained by almost two decades of war and economic hardship, we must have leaders who will treat all who have worn our nation's uniform and their families with the dignity and respect they have earned. Leaders who will be focused on doing what is in the best interests of the American people. Who will negotiate trade deals that are good for workers and good for our economy. 154021 Who will address the defining challenges of our time, from combatting our climate crisis to advancing racial justice. That is what these remarkable Americans will do. I know them well, and some are very dear friends. These leaders have different backgrounds and lifeâ?Ts experience. And they bring to their roles different skills, perspectives, and areas of expertise. And they all reflect the very best of our nation. 154055 They are all dedicated and compassionate public servants, and all of them are ready to hit the ground running on day one. So, Mr. President-Elect, congratulations on these outstanding choices. I look forward to working with each member of the team and the whole team that we are bringing together to meet the urgent challenges facing our nation and to rebuild our country in a way that lifts up all Americans. Thank you. BIDEN>> Thank you, all. 154133 Q>> President Elect Biden, how soon do you plan on taking a coronavirus vaccine? 154138 Q>> Did Hunter Biden commit a crime? Have you spoken to your son, Mr. President Elect? 154144 BIDEN>> Iâ?Tm proud of my son. ##

PROCESS PLATE 3/4 FRONT RIGHT OF CITY STREETS. URBAN AREAS. STOREFRONTS VISIBLE. COULD BE INDUSTRIAL AREA. MERCEDES BENZ DRIVES AROUND SEMI-TRUCK IN STREET.

The Regular State Department Briefing MR. PHILIP CROWLEY: And just to continue on, I've got several announcements before taking your questions. The Government of Canada is hosting a preparatory conference in Montreal on January 25th. The meeting is not itself a donors conference regarding Haiti, but rather a preparatory meeting for an eventual donors conference. There's not yet a date for the donors conference, but Secretary Clinton committed to her counterpart in Canada over the weekend that she plans to attend this meeting. Special Envoy George Mitchell arrived in Beirut today. He will meet today with the foreign minister and have dinner with Prime Minister Hariri. Tomorrow, he meets with President Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, and UN Special Representative for Lebanon Michael Williams. Later tomorrow, he travels to Damascus for meetings with President Asad and Foreign Minister Mualem. And then later tomorrow night, he travels to Israel where he will have meetings later in the week with Israelis and Palestinians, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas. Obviously, his trip is part of our ongoing efforts to encourage both sides to return to negotiations as soon as possible to secure a lasting, comprehensive peace in the region. Over the weekend, there were a couple of important elections around the world. We congratulate the Ukrainian people on the conduct of their January 17 presidential elections which the OSCE deemed to have been high quality, showing significant progress over previous elections. This is another significant demonstration of the development of democracy in Ukraine. The U.S. looks forward to free and fair runoff elections on February 7 and working with whomever the Ukrainians choose as their next president. We also congratulate President-elect Sebastian Pinera on his election and we congratulate the Chilean people for another exemplary election process which illustrated, again, Chile's enormous respect for democracy. And we look forward to continuing our strong bipartisan - I'm sorry, our strong bilateral partnership which will continue under President-elect Pinera's government. I'm sure you've got a number of questions on Haiti. The - our broad priorities for today are to continue to bolster security for in-country transportation and the distribution of emergency supplies. And we can see with each passing day that we are expanding the distribution network in and around Port-au-Prince. We continue to flow medical equipment and supplies into the country, along with food and water and material for shelter and eventual settlement support of affected populations. We continue to look at - very closely at the supplies of fuel and the condition in terms of sanitation and hygiene within the country. At the same time, the significant U.S. and international search-and-rescue teams continue to conduct activities throughout Port-au-Prince. We're very gratified that to date, there have been 72 individuals that have been rescued, including 40 by the U.S. teams. And as a testament of the generosity or ongoing generosity of the American people, in terms of the fundraising effort that we helped launch on behalf of the American Red Cross, that effort where people text "Haiti" to 90999, we now have more than 2 million contributors and have raised so far $23 million. QUESTION: On Mitchell - I'm sorry I didn't catch everything you said about Mitchell travel. That was from earlier. Could you just repeat that? MR. CROWLEY: Mm-hmm. He is in Beirut today. QUESTION: Right. MR. CROWLEY: He'll be in Damascus tomorrow. QUESTION: And who did you say he was meeting in Damascus? MR. CROWLEY: President Asad -- QUESTION: That's what I thought you said, okay. MR. CROWLEY: -- and Foreign Minister Mualem and then continues on to Israel, where he'll meet later in the week with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas. QUESTION: Okay. QUESTION: On this, P.J, can I ask - obviously, his portfolio is the Middle East peace process and any negotiations that might start between the Palestinians and the Israelis, but do you expect him to stick to that general issue with the Syrians? Or do you think he might broach other subjects like perhaps terrorism, perhaps Iraq? MR. CROWLEY: Well, I think we obviously have as a goal comprehensive peace in the Middle East, and Syria is - would be vital to achieving that objective. At the same time, whenever you have a high-level U.S. official in Damascus, it would be the opportunity to reflect on the current state of the U.S.-Syrian relationship. So it is primarily to continue our discussions on how we might make progress on the other tracks of the peace process in addition to the Israeli-Palestinian track, but I suspect that there will be other subjects discussed. QUESTION: Can you give us numbers on the number of dead and missing Americans so far? MR. CROWLEY: Missing Americans is much more difficult, but in terms of the current number, we still have roughly 27 confirmed U.S. fatalities. QUESTION: Roughly 27? MR. CROWLEY: (Inaudible) we have 27. I mean, there are some that - we have an additional number that are presumed dead, but we have - we're still looking for specific confirmations. QUESTION: Around 27? MR. CROWLEY: Twenty-seven confirmed. QUESTION: And how many are you looking - we heard 24 yesterday unconfirmed. Is that -- MR. CROWLEY: Something along those lines. I'm just - let me - I'll see if I have this number here. I don't see it in my book. QUESTION: And P.J., that includes the -- QUESTION: And how -- QUESTION: Sorry, that includes the one official - U.S. fatality? MR. CROWLEY: Actually, thank you, Arshad. We have the one U.S. Government official fatality and 27 private, and so a total of 28 so far. QUESTION: And missing? QUESTION: And missing? MR. CROWLEY: Missing - I mean, we have - we still continue our efforts to try to determine the status of the roughly 45,000 American citizens. Most of them are dual citizens of the United States and Haiti. I think it's safe to say that we have several thousand instances where people have provided information to us, and we've worked through a number of these cases that we were able to resolve. We have been able to evacuate 4,500 American citizens so far, so - but there are still substantial numbers of people for whom - either they have not contacted the Embassy, but we don't have any information on their status at the present time. QUESTION: And to follow up on adoptions, how are you doing in - serving in that? There have been large outcries from Americans who just don't know where their child is. And what -- MR. CROWLEY: I mean, this has been one of our higher priorities since the earthquake occurred. We have a task force within Consular Affairs that is working specifically on the issue of adoptions, and obviously, tragically, we now have a number of people - a number of children who may well have lost their parents and other loved ones. Through the course of the past few days, we have been able to process and provide visas to 24 children who have moved back to the United States. Overnight, there was an additional movement of 53 or 54. I've heard both numbers. Now, in the plane that came back, it landed, I think, this morning in Pittsburgh, there are a number of those children who will stay in the United States, and there are some children on the plane who will continue on to other countries. So in terms of - but that gives you an idea. But we're working very closely with the Haitian Government. Obviously, as the earthquake hit, there were a number of children that were in the process of being adopted. Some of these cases were virtually completed and that represents those whom - for whom we have completed the process, received permission from the Haitian Government, and been able to bring to the United States. There are a number of cases that are pretty close to complete and we're working with the Haitian Government and want to see those children moved to safety as rapidly as possible. And obviously, we are working on a daily basis, on a continual basis with the orphanages and the Haitian Government, and this is something that is very important to try to move as many of these children as possible to -- QUESTION: Will there be anything considered like a Pedro Pan like they did in Cuba in the '60s? Because a lot of these children are in medical need, desperate medical need. MR. CROWLEY: Sure. QUESTION: Is there any consideration of doing something like that? MR. CROWLEY: Well, and you heard from the Department of Homeland Security an announcement - in the last 24 hours, we're granting humanitarian paroles so that children - and there already has been a movement of children to the United States, those that in particular are in need of medical care. So we are bending over backwards to try to protect and to - as many children as possible in Haiti and move those that we can to get medical attention or on to their adoptive parents. QUESTION: On a related issue -- QUESTION: P.J., you said that there is -- MR. CROWLEY: Sure, all right. QUESTION: You said that they're - the - you said that they're expanding distribution in Port-au-Prince. But there are continuing reports from the ground that the distribution of aid simply isn't getting out, that there - it may be getting on the ground, but it's not getting to people in Port-au-Prince and other areas. What is holding it up? MR. CROWLEY: I actually don't think that your characterization is true. If the - the issue remains the limited infrastructure that is inhibiting us from bringing more and more food, water, shelter into the country. But the assistance that is getting to the airport is flowing out to the people of Haiti. The challenge is that we are not yet at the level where we can sustain a population of 3 million people. But we - every day, we're making progress. Obviously, over the last 24 hours, you've had the arrival of the Marine amphibious group. That provides you several capabilities: one, another platform from which we can have helicopter flights into Port-au-Prince. With the Marines come manpower and vehicles, humvees so that now we can extend our reach into more sections of the city and the outlying areas. The helicopter lift is vitally important to that because we know that the population in Haiti is moving. And so we want to try to stay up with that flow. We're looking and have been experimenting over the last couple of days at finding ways to be able to airdrop more supplies, particularly to the outlying areas, to help feed and provide water to as many people as possible. So this is just an ongoing effort. As the Secretary said when she was in Haiti on Saturday, our objective is to make today better than yesterday and tomorrow better than today. And we are making that progress, but obviously we're not at a point yet where we think we are at a sustainment level. We are also bringing in lots of various kinds of water, collection and production and distribution capability, so that not only - we're not relying solely on bottled water; we're relying on ways in which we can provide substantial quantities of water to more of the population. QUESTION: And just to be precise -- MR. CROWLEY: Sure. QUESTION: -- who exactly makes the determination for where this aid goes? Is that USAID or is it the UN overall? Who's doing -- MR. CROWLEY: And the Government of Haiti, working collaboratively. As the Secretary talked to President Preval on Saturday, there was a joint communiqué that was released on Sunday, but it outlined - and we have put together additional mechanisms so that there is a coordination center in - at the airport so that collectively, we can identify, early in the day, where do we think the highest priorities are; the greatest need, where they might exist. We have established - we being the UN, the United States, the Government of Haiti - four hubs around Haiti, and then from that, a couple hundred distribution points so that you're just trying to expand this network every day so that more and more people are receiving assistance. We're doing it not only in terms of direct deliveries; we're turning it - we're doing it in terms of working through NGOs and we're finding other ways to - such as the air drops being done on a measured scale because there are - there is a risk that comes with air drops if the area is not secure. I think another development today is the Coast Guard and the Navy continue to work on how we might be able to utilize port facilities. We are bringing in ships that can offload supplies without benefit of a pier. So once we have that, that will significantly expand the flow of material into Haiti. We also have established an operation in the Dominican Republic, in Santo Domingo, and are bringing more and more supplies overland from the DR to Haiti. Charlie. QUESTION: Yeah. Can we go back - you mentioned children and working to get injured children to the U.S. What about adults who are injured severely and who need transport to the U.S.? One, do they require visas? Is there any consideration being given to waiving that requirement if it is such? And we - there have been reports that severely injured adults have been refused or denied transfer to the U.S. for further medical help. Is that the case as you understand it? MR. CROWLEY: Well, first of all, we are trying as best we can to bring more and more medical capability directly to Haiti - not only helping Haiti repair the existing hospitals - there are a number of field hospitals that we've established not only in the United States, but the international community as well. So we are trying to increase the medical infrastructure in Haiti so we can provide, in some cases, lifesaving and important medical assistance where these people are. On a case-by-case basis, where people have urgent medical needs that cannot be met within country, we're looking at these on a case-by-case basis. I can't really give you any numbers as to how many times we've done that, but this is something that we will continue to work as aggressively as we can. QUESTION: And as you work on a case-by-case basis, do they require a visa? Does a Haitian severely injured require a visa to evacuate them to the US? MR. CROWLEY: Well, obviously, it would require some sort of permission from the United States to travel, whether it was a visa, whether it would be a humanitarian parole. And working closely with DHS, we're identifying these cases and trying, where we can, to move them as quickly as possible. QUESTION: P.J. -- MR. CROWLEY: Yeah. Bob. QUESTION: -- piggybacking your point about the air drops -- MR. CROWLEY: Mm-hmm. QUESTION: -- the Secretary herself had said the other day that she wondered why, from the very beginning, they weren't doing air drops. And she said the reason she was given was similar to the one you cited about security risks. What's changed that makes it a more acceptable risk now that we -- MR. CROWLEY: Well, now that she - I mean, you have the MEU there with 2,000 Marines. You've got components of the 82nd Airborne that are still - they might be, for the most part, off shore but still available to us. As you increase your manpower and your mobility, you're able to go out and secure the drop zone so that as you're able to bring in this food, water, shelter, you've got a mechanism in place on the ground where it can be securely delivered to people. So, I mean, your networks and your colleagues on the ground have shown those examples where food has been dropped and there's been a crush of people, understandably so, to be able to race to get to this material. We want to make sure that we're delivering material in a way that doesn't cause - create further injury. And so as we're able to increase our manpower and expand the size of the network, then more and more, this becomes a viable option. The other aspect, though, is - the value of air drops is because in some of those outlying areas where we still might not have all the roads cleared, it allows you to be able to provide some assistance in the outlying areas where people may be gravitating towards. So it also is something that we are looking at every day as we look at what's the current situation on the ground, what's the current need in different parts of the city and the outlying areas, and adapting our approach as we go along. QUESTION: Are you saying this is being done only in areas that - where it has been secured in advance? MR. CROWLEY: I mean, I'd probably be best to defer. You're having a series of briefings and most of the operational information now is moving from here, and rightfully so, right down to Port-au-Prince. So in terms of specifically how it's being done, I'll defer to my colleagues on the ground in Port-au-Prince. But that remains something that we are looking at, and we continue to develop those operations as we think they make sense. QUESTION: What did the State Department have to do to get those Haitian orphans on the flight last night - the Governor Rendell flight? Did they have all the paperwork they needed before they left Haiti? MR. CROWLEY: In some cases, these were cases that were virtually complete. In other cases, working with the governor and his staff and the task force, not only here but on the ground in Port-au-Prince, we were able to process additional paperwork last night to be able to make that - the size of the group ending up at 53 or 54. QUESTION: But they all had - did they have the visas and passports or just visas? What did they have to get? MR. CROWLEY: I mean, it might depend, because on that flight last night, you had people whose ultimate destination, children whose ultimate destiny was the United States, and you had others who came to the United States this morning but now are moving on to other countries. So the paperwork would vary depending on whether they're an adoptive child, whether they're an orphan, or whether they continuing on to a third country. But in all cases, we obviously need to be able to provide them the appropriate documents so that they are able to enter the United States. QUESTION: And they had all that before leaving Haiti? MR. CROWLEY: They had all that before leaving, but they did not - but that - thanks to our good work of the task force, we were able - in some cases, some of these children were ready to go, and in many cases they weren't, but we worked that through the day yesterday so that we could put as many children on that flight last night as possible. QUESTION: Change of subject? QUESTION: (Inaudible.) MR. CROWLEY: Okay. QUESTION: P.J., you'll remember the Secretary being very frustrated a while back that there wasn't a USAID administrator in place. And the USAID Administrator was sworn in literally days before this tragedy struck. Is there any way that that lack of an administrator, or coming in at a very - at the last moment before this had any effect on the way that this operation is being carried out? MR. CROWLEY: I think it's been a tremendously positive effect. She is thrilled that Dr. Raj Shah is on board. Thankfully, he was on board when this tragedy took place. And it is - he has energized USAID. He has led them ably over the past week as the senior U.S. official designated by President Obama. He has a familiarity with Haiti. But every day, Raj has been pushing to try to do as much as possible for the benefit of our citizens and Haitian citizens. So we're - I think the Secretary is enormously grateful that we were able to have Raj in place before this started. QUESTION: Could I ask you just one more? MR. CROWLEY: Sure. QUESTION: We're getting a lot of comments from -- MR. CROWLEY: But, I mean, let me - but to your point, I mean, the significant limiting factor in terms of our ability to move forward is, in reality, the infrastructure in Haiti. And we are working on these things every day to try to expand the channels of assistance. And once we're able to build our ability to operate the ports, you're going to see an enormous increase in the flow. But to the credit of the United States military, we started the operation with maybe 20 or so flights a day; they're now up well over a hundred. And so the use of the airport has expanded significantly in recent days. So - but it is the collaboration, the military working closely with USAID, and USAID drawing from the strengths of other agencies of government, from HHS on the health side, FEMA to provide additional search-and-rescue capability. This has been, I think, quite an effective operation. There are those who are suggesting that it should have been entirely a military organization; it should have been entirely civilian organization. The fact is working closely with the Haitian Government, working effectively as a whole-of-government team, the military, civilians working side by side. I think this has been an extraordinary effort over the past week led by Dr. Shah. QUESTION: Just one last question, because we get so many comments from people in the field about how things are working on the ground, but a little bit broader. Is there any way that when the United States makes decisions about what it wants to on the ground, it has to consult, of course, it's getting with the government, with the Haitian Government, with the UN, et cetera. But is there any way that in waiting or doing things at the behest of that government that the U.S. didn't move quickly enough? In other words, the government really wasn't up and functioning very well. Is there a possibility that the U.S. waited for the Haitian Government to say what it wanted and valuable time was lost? MR. CROWLEY: Well, I think actually it was the opposite. I don't think you can question the speed through which we have done what we've done. It's been nothing short of remarkable, giving - given the inherent limiting factors that we were confronting in trying to help the poorest country in our hemisphere recover from this. So I don't think speed is really the issue. The issue here, as you pointed out, Jill, in one of your earlier questions, is how fast can we get to a level of sustainment where we can stabilize this population? That remains a significant challenge. Every day we increase the amount of aid being delivered to more people. But we are not, quite honestly, at the 3 million mark yet. We're getting there, but we're not there yet. But within a couple of hours of the earthquake, we were in touch with the Haitian ambassador the United States. And on behalf of his country, he gave us a very simple message: We welcome your support, and provide us everything you can possibly provide us. And we've taken that charge. We've moved forward. But one of the purposes of the Secretary's trip to Port-au-Prince on Saturday was to make sure that we were fully coordinated and to make sure that we had common understanding between the United States and Haiti and the international community on what was expected of us and mechanisms so that together we could advance as effectively as possible, and we have done that. And so, I don't think - but I don't think that anyone can question the speed, and I don't think anyone can question the fact that we've put on the ground enormous capabilities that work - they're very mindful. There are some things that can repeat themselves from one disaster to another, but a disaster in Haiti is remarkably different than a disaster in Indonesia, which is remarkably different from a disaster in New Orleans. QUESTION: Well -- MR. CROWLEY: And we have tried to adapt our operations based on the realities that exist on the ground in Haiti today, and based on a common understanding from the Haitian Government, the United States Government, the UN, and the international community, what can we do most effectively today to serve the needs of the Haitian people. QUESTION: (Inaudible) P.J. I mean, you talked a lot about this whole-of-government approach, and that every agency from the U.S. Government is working on this particular crisis. And so what some disaster experts say is that agencies of the United States don't necessarily - the way they work and the way they think for a U.S. disaster or a U.S. emergency isn't the same as a kind of international disaster where some of the things that need to be focused on are not being focused on. For instance, the search and rescue - obviously, that's a priority of the Haitian Government, but the amount of -- MR. CROWLEY: It was also a priority of the United States Government. QUESTION: Well, I'm not saying that it's not, but what some disaster experts are saying, while search and rescue is important, it's more important to stave off a second wave where you can actually lose more lives if you don't prevent the second wave of disaster, of disease, of starvation, of lack of clean water and sanitation, than you could by saving in the search and rescue. And so do you think that this whole-of-government, of U.S. approach, is equipped to deal with an international emergency? MR. CROWLEY: Well, several things. First of all, in any disaster, the first priority is urban search and rescue and to try and save as many lives as possible in that critical period of time in the first 72 hours or so. And we know we're past that 72-hour period and the teams are still there on the ground and still have active search-and-rescue operations underway. We did - so we did this based on the reality of what we understood about Haiti, because we do know Haiti exceedingly well. And I'm not sure in getting from 20 flights a day to where we hope to get to 200 flights a day - I'm not sure where a first wave and a second wave work into this. From the very outset, we were - while we were focusing on getting the airport up and running and getting search-and-rescue teams here, we were also flowing medical disaster teams, also flowing food and water. So we didn't wait and do just one thing; we were doing several things simultaneously. But we recognize, given the inherent limitation of the infrastructure that there, it's not so much waves, it's really capacity. And what we have done, but it's taken a while, is over seven days been able to expand the capacity, the flow, and the networks so that more and more assistance is coming into Haiti. It's one of the reasons why the carrier is important, because it brought with it significant supplies, but it brought with it helicopters which allowed us a second channel of assistance. Now with the (inaudible) there, that gives us a third channel of assistance. Now we have the ports that we are gradually starting to bring up a very limited flow of containers through the ports, and that gives us a fourth channel of assistance. And then working very closely with the Dominican Republic that has wanted to be very helpful, we have the flow of material on land from the base at San Isidro, that gives us a fifth channel of assistance. And we are now working to where, even though we are still focused on rescue, we're looking at what do we have to do to sustain this population, and it's not too early to think of what do we have to do to start to rebuild Haiti going forward. All of these things are working simultaneously. But those that want to suggest that there's a better way have to recognize that we have to deal with - we have been dealing for a week with the reality that exists in Haiti and trying to work through figurative and literal obstacles - clearing roads, expanding the network, looking at a variety of ways in which we can deliver assistance to the Haitian people. QUESTION: Who is running the Office of Foreign Assistance? Is it the USAID? Is it the director of FEMA at this point? MR. CROWLEY: The - FEMA is supporting DART, part of the USAID. So, FEMA's not - FEMA is in a support role providing a different capacity. QUESTION: Well, isn't the direct -- MR. CROWLEY: For example, the Miami-Dade search-and-rescue team was provided to USAID by FEMA. QUESTION: Well, but isn't the director of FEMA or someone in a high position in FEMA actually running right now the USAID Office of Foreign Assistance? MR. CROWLEY: I don't know. QUESTION: Can you take the question? MR. CROWLEY: You might ask that question of DHS as well, since they own FEMA. But I mean -- I'll -- QUESTION: Well, it's a USAID, is it State -- MR. CROWLEY: For example, who's running this operation? It's Dr. Raj Shah who's in charge of USAID. It's Dr. Raj Shah. Now, you have, again, under whole-of-government that you somehow questioned a minute ago, are we bringing experts in from other parts of government to contribute their expertise to this? We are. Are there FEMA people that - I mean, there are DHS people that have been seconded to USAID to supplement our capacity in various places as we've moved many of our assets down range. I mean, obviously, for the Secretary, one of her long-range objectives for USAID, is actually to grow the capacity that exists inside USAID. It is a shell of what it used to be. And she wants to expand the - those who are working directly under Administrator Shah as we go forward. So to the extent that we are bringing in expertise from across government, bringing in expertise that might exist within the private sector or the nongovernmental sector, sure we're doing that. So is it logical that that might be the case where you've got a FEMA person integrated into USAID because they have relevant expertise that exists within the U.S. Government, I think that's an effective use of the talent that exists within the United States Government. QUESTION: But FEMA is a federal emergency management agency, and is -- MR. CROWLEY: With extraordinary experience -- QUESTION: I'm not saying that. MR. CROWLEY: -- when it comes to disasters. QUESTION: Okay, but that's - I'm not saying that they don't have experience on disasters. But - these are - this is an international disaster with specific needs for the population that - a federal emergency, we don't have those type of issues. MR. CROWLEY: Yeah. Elise, you can - I don't get your point. In other words, if you've got somebody who's an expert in water or hygiene or food delivery, whether they previously delivered that during a hurricane in Florida and now are delivering similar assistance to the people of Haiti -- QUESTION: You don't think there're different considerations for Haiti than there are for assistance in Florida? MR. CROWLEY: Are there differing considerations? QUESTION: Yes. MR. CROWLEY: But at the end of this - I mean, what - I mean, we're doing the other - you're taking military logisticians who are used to providing supplies to troops in Afghanistan and Haiti - or Afghanistan and Iraq, and now they're delivering valuable resources to the people of Haiti. I mean, you have a core expertise, and we are, in fact, drawing people who have expertise from across government. As we go forward, I'm sure that we'll be drawing on our experts in agriculture from the Department of Agriculture to kind of resurrect the agricultural sector in Haiti. So, I mean, we are using the same fundamental approach in this case as we are doing in other instances such as Afghanistan, which is we have experts within government. And I know, for example, there are some, such as General Honore', who thinks that that you seem to channel assistance through one mechanism, and his preferred mechanism is the United States military. We're not doing it that way. We have significant expertise across the government, not just in the State Department, not just in USAID, not just in the Department of Defense. We're drawing from valuable resources from the Department of Homeland Security, from HHS. Going forward, we'll need Treasury experts to help us with how to rebuild the Haitian economy, how to get the banks reopened again. Why do we think that, somehow, there is one set formula and we're only going to draw by that formula? It doesn't make any sense. Yes. QUESTION: P.J, can you comment on the security (inaudible) just so Pentagon announced there will be another runway open. Is that - can we see that as a response to -- MR. CROWLEY: I don't know that that's -- QUESTION: -- True? MR. CROWLEY: There's one runway at the airport. QUESTION: Yeah. They say there will be another - which, I just saw it on my Blackberry. MR. CROWLEY: Well, I mean, to the extent that you can improve the capacity of that airport, that has been, as we've talked about today, a limiting factor. But, I mean, our - humanitarian operations is a core mission of the military. It's something that we have done many times in the past. Most people remember, whether it's earthquake assistance in Pakistan or tsunami assistance in Indonesia, they have a proud history of doing this. So the real thing they have to focus on is what are we doing and why are we doing this? We're not doing this to take over Haiti. We are doing this because you have three million people in dire need of assistance, and that's what American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marine, and civilians, have done for many, many decades. Yes. Go ahead. Sure. QUESTION: Do you have any comment the weekend terrorist strike by the Taliban inside Kabul, where 12 people were killed there? MR. CROWLEY: Well, the Taliban have obviously claimed responsibility for this latest attack and we condemn these in the strongest possible terms. I think it only will increase our determination to work with the Afghan Government and with our NATO allies and others to try to help Afghanistan in every way possible mitigate and ultimately defeat this insurgent adversary. QUESTION: Do you see indeed the strikes and ability increasing, ability, capability of Taliban to strike, such strikes? MR. CROWLEY: I - we - obviously, this was an attack perpetrated by a relatively small number of individuals. I think we look at - the Afghan security forces performed very admirably in responding to and ultimately dealing with the perpetrators of this. So I think you have to look - I mean, there are going to be attacks. We understand that we are facing a determined insurgency. The timing of the attack was probably not a coincidence in terms of the early stages of the Karzai administration. But it's why we are there, it is why we are working very closely with the Afghan Government. It's why we are going to continue to build the capacity of the Afghan Government, build the capability of the Afghan security forces so they can do what they did yesterday and ultimately extend the security of the nation. QUESTION: It is one year that the Administration, this Administration's one year tomorrow. How do you view the situation there in Afghanistan and Pakistan? You have two reviews over there. MR. CROWLEY: Well, we are - as the President -- QUESTION: (Inaudible) right direction? Or it's - there have been more strikes -- MR. CROWLEY: Well, it is - it's a challenging situation. By the same token, you've seen progress. You've - the Karzai government is putting its - gradually putting its government in place. President Karzai is having to work with his parliament, just like President Obama works with his Congress. We are committed to expand the capacity of the government at the national level and also work to improve the delivery of services at the local level. So we're - we think we are on the right path, we have the right strategy, we're adding resources to the fight. And we are confident that this is the right strategy. QUESTION: (Inaudible) Iran? MR. CROWLEY: Sure. QUESTION: Can we go back to Haiti, actually? MR. CROWLEY: Let's go to Iran first. QUESTION: Turns out that the Iranians had submitted some days ago their formal response to the LEU proposal in which they described a sort of counterproposal. What is the Department's comment on that Iranian -- MR. CROWLEY: I'm not sure that they've delivered a formal response, but it is clearly an inadequate response. And -- QUESTION: What do you mean it wasn't a formal response? MR. CROWLEY: I'm not - I asked the question; I'm not sure that whatever they've done, perhaps today, is any different than what they've done previously. We don't think it's an adequate response. We believe that we've put on the table a fair, reasoned, approach. And Iran has not addressed the concerns of the international community on its - answered the questions that have been raised about its nuclear program. We had a very useful meeting in New York on Saturday within the P-5+1 process, and we will continue to discuss with our partners and a range of countries appropriate next steps and options that might exist going forward. So we do not view Iran's gestures as being adequate. QUESTION: Why do you say it was a useful meeting? QUESTION: Yeah. MR. CROWLEY: It was a useful meeting. QUESTION: But we don't see any signs of usefulness from our perspective. MR. CROWLEY: How so? QUESTION: Well, you had a lower-level Chinese official -- MR. CROWLEY: Mm-hmm. QUESTION: And -- MR. CROWLEY: We had (inaudible) -- QUESTION: -- you've been talking a lot about -- MR. CROWLEY: We had -- QUESTION: -- moving towards sanctions, and I don't see any -- MR. CROWLEY: Well, I think there - we have a shared view. There was a statement put out on Saturday that recommits the P-5+1 that we continue to have concerns. We continue to see the Iranian response as inadequate. We continue our conversations in terms of options that are available to us, both in terms of the Security Council going forward but also steps that can be taken in a coordinated way, on a national basis. We're developing options on the pressure track. At the same time, the door is open for further dialogue with Iran, but so far, they haven't been willing to engage us seriously. So we thought it was a constructive meeting and we'll continue this process. QUESTION: China needs more persuading? MR. CROWLEY: I don't think that we bridged different views that the United States and others and China have about the issue of sanctions. These are longstanding concerns and we'll continue to talk to China about them. QUESTION: Can you just give us a little more detail on what exact steps you talked about in a coordinated way on a national basis on this pressure track? MR. CROWLEY: Well, we - there are existing sanctions -- QUESTION: Right. MR. CROWLEY: -- and there are other options that countries individually can take. QUESTION: So what specifically did you - was discussed on Saturday? MR. CROWLEY: Well, we are developing a list - a set of options and we're not going to discuss them here. QUESTION: Well, wait a minute. Is - one more follow-up on that. I mean, if you're now - you guys have talked for some time about - including the Secretary - about working with likeminded states. But if that's what you're talking about at the P-5+1, it suggests to me that you don't have high hopes for another UN Security Council resolution that would provide the imprimatur of the international community for sanctions. MR. CROWLEY: I think - we are moving on both tracks. We believe we are making progress. And when we have - when the process has gone down the road a bit further, I think you'll see some actions emerge. But we are considering what to do next. We're consulting closely. QUESTION: Can I -- MR. CROWLEY: I mean, you're describing - let's see, I'll do a baseball metaphor - you're describing the final out - you're projecting final outcome when we're only in the middle innings. QUESTION: Just to change the subject, one small one, to go back to the Middle East? MR. CROWLEY: Sure. QUESTION: The Palestinian news agency Wafa today, I believe, quotes President Abbas as saying that - okay, well, if Israel isn't going to engage in a complete and total freeze on settlements, then the United States ought to lay out the parameters for the endgame so that we can perhaps get back into talks. Sounds like he's moving off the dime a little bit in terms of a willingness to consider returning to talks with the Israelis absent a complete and total freeze. Are you heartened by those? Have you seen them and are you heartened by those comments? MR. CROWLEY: I think we look forward to having a direct conversation with President Abbas later this week. QUESTION: Had you seen the comments? MR. CROWLEY: I personally have not, no. QUESTION: I have two questions - last questions on Haiti. First of all, could you talk a little bit about the radio messages from VOA and others that were delivered to -- MR. CROWLEY: Nice shout-out, David. QUESTION: -- that David Gollust was broadcasting into - (laughter) - into Haiti? Just about why you thought that they were - about Haitians should stay in Haiti and not take the risks to come to the United States? If you could talk a little bit about why you thought that was necessary, and are you also broadcasting to Haitians about where to get aid? And then secondly, can you talk a little bit about the priorities of what types of planes are getting in? Because as you - I'm sure you've seen the statement from Doctors Without Borders last night that said that a lot of the medical supplies are not getting in that they need. And we've also heard from some other doctors that they're not - that there are plenty of doctors on the ground ready to help, but there's a real shortage of medical supplies getting out to the people. So can you talk about - a little bit about the priority of getting food and water versus medical supplies out? MR. CROWLEY: All of those are priorities, as I listed at the top of the briefing. Getting - distributing medical supplies is among our highest priorities. We are trying to work on a system where any aircraft has to apply in advance before taking off. They're slotted in. There have been a small number of diversions. I think if you look at the overall scope of the operation, it's been remarkable that the diversions have been a relatively small number. But these can happen for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is you have an airplane that lands and is projected to be able to offload its cargo and be on its way in a certain timeframe, and for some reason, the airplane takes longer to offload, the airplane breaks. But because you have a limited capacity or limited ramp space at the airport, then all of a sudden, it has a cascading effect. And in that case, if there's a delay, in some cases, airplanes are orbiting and they have sufficient fuel. In some cases, they are diverted and then they have to get back in line again. I know it's frustrating for particular organizations, but I think if you look at this at the 20,000-foot level, it's been remarkable how we've been able to get as much assistance into a very limited airport as we have. And we will continue to work these issues and to make the operation as efficient as possible. But on a daily basis, it's likely that a handful of flights are going to be diverted not because we're trying to prevent any particular type of assistance from getting in, but just because we're having to work through very challenging logistical and transportation conditions. QUESTION: How was the decision made to let Governor Rendell's plane come in versus a plane that had medical equipment that could have saved lives and that was diverted? I mean, how do you make that call? MR. CROWLEY: I'll defer to the operation down south only because obviously, to land, you have to have permission. And to have permission, you have to apply, and that airplane was permitted to land. QUESTION: Okay. Could you talk about the messages, the radio messages? MR. CROWLEY: Well, we are trying to find a variety of ways to communicate to the Haitian people, and in some cases, we're looking to see if the Haitian media are coming back up and running. We've been doing aggressive outreach to the diaspora here in the United States because they have the ability to communicate back to Haiti as well. We've been looking at ways in which we can use tools that exist with the United States Government to communicate with the people of Haiti. Here at the State Department, and maybe we'll have someone come down and brief you, we've started working with the wireless providers in Haiti. They're gradually bringing their capability back up again. And we're working to be able to have a texting program. We've got a lot of volunteers who are manning a network so that people can text from Haiti and say "I'm here and I need water," "I'm here and I need medical care," "I'm here and I'm wondering where do I go to get - where's the nearest distribution point so I can get food, water or whatever I need." You had some instances where people have been texting "I'm pinned under the rubble here at this particular location," so mindful of that - there's cell phone technology in Haiti, we're looking at ways in which we can exploit that cell phone technology to make sure that we are providing important information to the people of Haiti. QUESTION: But P.J., these are messages that the ambassador - apparently the Haitian ambassador recorded, telling people, "Don't even think about trying to come to the United States because you'll be turned back." Now, what I guess we'd like to hear from you is an explanation for that because that could be perceived as pretty cruel under certain circumstances to tell people, "Don't even think about fleeing your villages to come to the United States." MR. CROWLEY: Well, and when the - when we made the decision -- QUESTION: Now, why is it necessary? MR. CROWLEY: -- regarding extending temporary protective status to Haitians who are here, we have made clear and we are communicating to the Haitian people, you're - we will bring assistance to you. And we are doing that, for - given these conditions, for them to attempt a perilous journey across the water to try to get to the United States or to try to get to one of the surrounding countries, we think is a substantial risk. Every time you've had this kind of movement from Haiti in the past, there's been significant loss of life at sea. So we are trying to communicate and make sure that they understand - we understand you're in a dire situation; we are bringing assistance to you - food, water, medical care. We're going to expand our ability to help provide shelter. We're going to look for everything we possibly can in the next days and weeks to stabilize the population in Haiti. And then we will begin the process of rebuilding. And I know when Secretary Clinton talked to President Preval and Prime Minister Bellerive on Saturday, Haiti is going to need all of its energy, all of its drive, all of its ingenuity to help rebuild from this tragedy. So rather than seeing yet another brain drain from Haiti, we're also encouraging them - stay even though the conditions are horrible, and we'll get the situation stabilized as quickly as possible, but then we will rely on you, the people of Haiti, to rise from this tragedy and to help the country rebuild. QUESTION: P.J., on Google, has that demarche been issued and can you tell us what it says? MR. CROWLEY: Kurt made clear that he had - he said what he said. I'm not going to go further. QUESTION: No, but I mean, you told us on Friday it was going to be issued. MR. CROWLEY: I'm - yes. QUESTION: A different subject? MR. CROWLEY: Sure. QUESTION: Do you have any update on Robert Park, the U.S. citizen detained in North Korea? MR. CROWLEY: No, no update. QUESTION: And then can I ask one more question about it? I mean, first, I want to - could you tell us about - are there efforts has been made from U.S. State Department to acquire information about him? And second, last time when two U.S. reporters were detained in North Korea, North Korea Government allowed consular access after two weeks of their detention, but this time, you are still seeking consular access after almost a month, so -- MR. CROWLEY: That's right. QUESTION: -- is North Korea trying to connect this case to the political situation? MR. CROWLEY: That's a fine question to ask the Government of North Korea. As we would do of any citizen, we want to have consular access to him through our protective power in Pyongyang, and we continue to encourage the Government of North Korea to allow us that access. Yes. QUESTION: I have a question on Guinea. Recently, Johnnie Carson visited Morocco where he met with his - along with his French counterpart Pierre Parent, with the interim president in Morocco. And in the aftermath of this visit, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding (inaudible) in Burkina Faso. How satisfactory for the United States is this agreement? And what's your appreciation of the role played by Morocco in facilitating negotiation between the parties? MR. CROWLEY: Actually, we are encouraged. I believe very soon, if not today, you're going to have - I think Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia is bringing back the deputy head of the junta to formally begin the transition process towards an election in the coming months. We are - so we are encouraged that there are now steps being taken that follow through on the agreement that was reached. We're very grateful to the Government of Morocco and to the Government of Burkina Faso for their efforts. And we will continue to be directly engaged with officials in Conakry as they work to implement the agreement and to restore civilian government to that country. QUESTION: Thank you. QUESTION: Thank you.

CLOSE ANGLE OF WINDOWS IN MULTI-STORY BUILDING. COULD BE APARTMENT BUILDING, OFFICE BUILDING, OR CONDOMINIUMS. SNOW AND BARE TREES IN FOREGROUND. PAPER ON WINDOWS. STONE BUILDING. BRICK BUILDING.

1300 VA SECRETARY AT NPC VTR57 80 SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ROBERT WILKIE SPEAKS AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB TRANSCRIPT: UNKNOWN: Please, hold your applause until all of the head table guests are introduced. Helpful to have the list. So, from my left and from your right we have Sean Butcher, communications manager at Disabled Sports USA and editor of Challenge Magazine. We have retired Navy Captain, Jim Noone(PH) Commander of the American Legion Post 20 here at the--at the National Press Club. Next to Captain Noone, we have retired U.S. Marine Corps, Lieutenant Brooks Tucker. He's the Assistant Secretary for the VA's Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs. We have Laurie Ru--Russo(PH), she's the President of Stanton Communications and co-Chair of the National Press Club Headliner's Team. We have Max Lederer(PH), he's the publisher of Stars and Stripes. We have retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jim Burne(PH) he's the deputy secretary of Veteran's Affairs. Coming from my right and your left, we have retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Luke Kuneteg(PH) he's a director at the McCain Institute. We have Jerry Zerenski(PH) Washington Bureau Chief of the Buffalo News and former president of the National Press Club. We have retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Pamela Powers. She's the chief of staff of the Department of Veteran's Affairs. We have John Hughes, he's an editor of Bloomberg News and he's a former president of the National Press Club. We have retired U.S. Navy Captain Kevin Wenseng(PH) he's the National Press Club headliners member who arranged today's event. Skipping over our guest, just for one moment we have Donna Linewonleje(PH) she's the president at D.C. Media Strategies and she is also a former National Press Club president and she is the co-chair of the National Press Club headliner's team. I would like to acknowledge a few additional members of the Headliner's Team responsible for organization today's luncheon--Laurie Russo and Donna Linewond(PH) whom we just mentioned, Kevin, and Press Club Staff liaison Lindsay Underwood(PH), membership engagement manager Laura Coker(PH), Chef Susan Delbert(PH) who prepared your lunch today and National Press Club Executive Director, Bill McCarren(PH). Thank you all. (APPLAUSE) I'd also like to give a shout to American Legion Post 20 which celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. It has been meeting at the club since its inception in 1919, is that right? No? Yes. Yes. We are so proud to have you here. (APPLAUSE) And now, let me tell you just a little bit about Secretary Robert Wilkie. Robert Wilkie is not a doctor, but he is responsible for the healthcare of about 20 million U.S. Veterans. And that, is just the beginning. As secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Secretary Wilkie is also in charge of administering veteran's benefits including health insurance, the GI bill and even home loans. His agency employs about 375,000 people who care for millions. And healthcare is the most important benefit as well as the biggest challenge. Five years ago it was reported that some veterans were waiting months for care and that some may have died because of those delays. Some members of congress proposed privatizing the VA while others have sought major, major reform. Secretary Wilkie today is overseeing a major shift in how healthcare for veterans is delivered giving those who serve our country more access to care outside of the VA system. Before being sworn in as VA secretary in July of 2018 Wilkie served as undersecretary as Defense for Personnel and Readiness. He's the son of an army artillery commander and he spent his youth at Fort Bragg. He has more than 20 years at the national service and international level and today, he remains an officer in the U.S. Air Force reserve with the rank of colonel. Before he joined the Air Force, he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve with the joint forces intelligence command and the office of Naval Intelligence. So, on the Eve of Veteran's Day weekend please join me in welcoming to the National Press Club, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. (APPLAUSE) WILKIE: Thank you, ladies and gentleman. Thank you so much for having me back for an encore. I said last--last year that I wanted to be one of you that I was like some of you a high school newspaper editor--I learned how to cut out column inches in my easel in Fayetteville, at Read Ross High School, I had a dog eared copy of Dan Rather's The Camera Never Blinks and the collected broadcasts of Edward R. Murrow (PH). I was taught at an early age by my father who was an incredibly decorated combat soldier that Edward R Murrow represented other people who are on the front line of freedom, on the front line of history. And my father's time he saw many of your colleagues give the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam--during the invasion of Cambodia he was in the sector when two NBC News correspondents and cameramen did not come back from doing the job that they had sworn to do. So, whenever I speak to journalists as a group of journalists I thank you for defending the ideals that I hope all of us in national security strive to uphold because without you the rest of it wouldn't be worth very much. So, thank you all very much. (APPLAUSE) The other--the other item that I want to use as a point of personal privilege I just came back from New Orleans and visiting the VA hospital there. I broke ground on a new Fischer House(PH). My parents are New Orleanians of many generations. In our family's history we were privileged to get to know one of new--new Orleans' most prominent families, a fellow who ended up being one of the great majority leaders of the United States House of Representatives and his wife who not only took his seat in the United States House but went on to be our Ambassador to the Vatican. Of course, I'm talking about Hale and Lindsay Boggs(PH). We lost a great American earlier this year, Cokie Roberts(PH). I first met her when she would frequent my family's bakery on Toledano Avenue in New Orleans. She was a regular customer. I became reacquainted with her as I became an adult and then through her work at New Orleans helping Loyola University get back on her feet after Katrina. She had one piece of advice for me and it came from her father and it was about doing business in Washington particularly in the Congress when she said that the fellow that you are arguing with in the morning will probably be the fellow that you walk out of the chamber with your arm around in the evening. I think we would all be much better as a people and a country if we stuck by Cokie Roberts dictum. So, thank you. (APPLAUSE) So I--I will say I am glad to be back at the Press Club celebrating the anniversary of Post American Legion Post Number 20 here. A post that was inaugurated by the only man who is below George Washington on our protocol the first man below George Washington on the protocol chart--General Pershing. The general of the armies--general of the armies--General Pershing a member of this club and also the person that found the post here one of the oldest and is now celebrating it's 100th anniversary. (APPLAUSE) So, since the first shots were fired at Lexington in April of 1775 more than 41 million Americans have put on the Nation's uniform to defend freedom. Today, America's Army is comprised only of citizen volunteers who have determined to defend this country. And our history is filled with heroes who found a way to fight even after being told they either weren't healthy enough or young enough or were not the right color or gender to walk on the battlefield and defend those colors. So, who were these Americans that were told they could not serve? One of them was a 33-year-old bookworm/farmer from Jackson County, Missouri. He lied and he cheated to get into the field artillery prior to World War I because he could not bare the thought of his friends and neighbors going to war and he not being there to support them. What he was saddled with was a battery called Battery D of the 29th field artillery of the Missouri National Guard. In France, they were known as the Dizzy D's. The Dizzy D's was the hardest drinking group of Irishmen ever to stagger around the streets of Kansas City and they were saddled with a be-speckled Baptist 33-year-old who had never commanded anything in his life except a plow. And before his first battle he sent a note to his future wife and he said, I have my doubts about my bravery when the explosive shells begin to explode and the gas attacks start. But when Battery D came under fire for the first time in 1918, one Private said of Captain Harry S. Truman, I don't think he'd ever been under fire before and I don't think it bothered him a damn. About the same time, thousands of young African American soldiers marched to the colors before they could vote in most parts of the country and before they were recognized for the foundational role that they played in the creation of our great Republic. The legendary 369th infantry regiment of Harlem, New York signed up before anybody else in America. But they were not permitted to join the farewell parade down 5th Avenue. But these dedicated Americans were attached to the French Army because there were parts of our Army that would not accept them. They spent more time on the front lines--they suffered over 1500 casualties they received 100 French quadiger(PH). They were on the line longer, suffered more casualties and received more commendations than any other American infantry unit in World War I. And when they returned home in 1919 the City of New York insisted that they lead the parade down 5th Avenue. Just a few years ago, President Obama awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor to Needham Roberts(PH), William Johnson the two most decorated soldiers of the most decorated unit of the United States Army almost 100 years after they so richly deserved it. There are some other characters. At the outset of World War II there was a very small accountant from Chicago by the name of George Rumsfeld who wanted to join the Navy. He was told he's too light. He spent months drinking milkshakes and eating Banana splits just so he could pass the weight requirement. He couldn't do anything about his age but he could do something about his strength. And he spent months at the gym trying to build up his endurance and the Navy finally allowed him to enter service. But the Navy actually moved young Enson(PH) Rumsfeld to a blimp base in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Much to the consternation of his young son who told his daddy that he needed to start writing letters to President Roosevelt to convince him that he needed to go to the Pacific. Well, they wrote those letters and George Rumsfeld persevered and the Navy finally agreed to let him go serve in combat in the Pacific. My father didn't want to spend the war in North Carolina, Donald Rumsfeld said. And he did what every American was proud to do--go where the country sent them. So, one of our strongest bonds as Americans are those stories that we share about military service and how we come together as a nation to protect individual freedoms we love and enjoy. This year, I was reminded of my own childhood at Fort Sill and Fort Bragg when I was visited by a classmate and a friend. In the 1960's and 1970's, when a child was called to the principal's office either in kindergarten or elementary school where I grew up, there was always a chance that that child wasn't going to a doctor's appointment--that there was bad news from Southeast Asia. My own father was so badly wounded in the invasion of Cambodia took him three years to recover. It was a year after he was wounded when we saw him and he came back weighing half of what he did when he left. But that wasn't the end of the story for those times. When he recovered, he joined the most decorated combat division in all of the military of the United States the All Americans, the 82nd Airborne Division. And in that time and in that place he was not allowed to wear his uniform off post for fear of reaction of his fellow citizens. Ladies and gentleman that was not Berkeley, California or Cambridge, Massachusetts that was Southeastern North Carolina, the heart of Richard Nixon country. But people still stepped forward. One of those who did in the 1970's was Master Sergeant Denning Cicero Johnson(PH) of Harnett County, North Carolina. He was an Air Force medical. And in April of 1975, Donald Rumsfeld and Gerald Ford decided to evacuate all the orphanages in Saigon the head of the advance of the North Vietnamese Army. They called it Operation Baby Lift. Sergeant Johnson volunteered for that mission. And, on April 5th, 1975 as the guns of the North Vietnamese could be heard he boarded a C5 with 178 Vietnamese orphans. The C5 did not make it to the end of the runway at Ton Sanut Air Base. 138 children lost their lives and 11 airmen. One of them was Master Sergeant Denning Johnson. This year, 44 years later, I accompanied my classmate, Denise, to panel 1W of the Vietnam wall where she was able to touch the name of her father one of the last from that conflict. And, if you look just under his name on that same panel is the name of one of the eight women officers of the United States Air Force. Nurses and doctors who lost their lives in Vietnam. Captain Mary Therese Klinker(PH) was on that plane when Sergeant Johnson went down is the name right below his. So, next week we start our second century of remembering America's heroes on what used to be called Armistice Day, the 11th day, the 11th month, the 11th hour that mark the end of the forlornly named war to end all wars. In the mid 1950's after more wars demanded more from the American people--America began celebrating not the stopping of the guns, but the men and women who made them stop. And under General Eisenhower, Armistice Day became Veteran's Day. We rightfully call our veterans heroes but I can think of an even higher--an even higher complement than that. These men and women rise to the defense of this nation because I think they see more clearly than most of us that our way of life is not guaranteed. It must be fought for as members of this profession have done throughout history. Alvin York(PH) started life in the Army as a conscientious objector but soon became the Greatest American Hero of the Great War and by the time World War II came around he had been sounding the alarm as to what he saw happening in the place that he had fought in in 1917 and 1918. And, he went around the country reminding America that America is the last best hope on the planet. He said, of those who wanted to avoid fighting Nazi Germany the thing that we forget is that liberty and freedom and democracy are so very precious that you do not fight to win them once and then stop. Liberty and freedom and democracy are prizes awarded only to those people who fight to win them and to keep fighting them internally to hold onto them. I am privileged to be part of an organization that stands with men and women who talked like that. That is why I appreciated Richard Nixon's grand gesture to Veterans when America withdrew from Vietnam. In those days, the counterculture was rampant. Something I said--I saw as a young boy when my father as I mentioned, could not wear his uniform off of Fort Bragg. But Nixon actually saw clearly that we had to value our soldiers no matter what the outcome. He signed legislation boosting education and work training as a way of reaffirming our respect and gratitude to all of those who had (INAUDIBLE) the battle. He praised them when they came back for the job they did in Vietnam which he said, was honorably undertaken and honorably ended. He said that our American soldiers are the strongest hope for America's future. I am very fortunate to be in this position. To be in a position here we care for our veterans, we care for their families and we remind people every day that they are sleeping soundly at night because of the sacrifices of their fellow citizens who have experienced the incommunicable experience of war. A few years ago the VA was not in a very good place. It was scandal after scandal as many in this department, in this place have--have noted. I believe we have turned the corner. This year--I was able on behalf of the President to present the largest budget in the history of Veteran's Affairs--$220 billion calling for 400,000 employees over 172 hospitals. Our patient satisfaction rates are at the great in our history, 89.7 percent. We had embarked on the most transformational period in our history with the Mission Act. We finally put the veteran at the center of his care, not put VA institutional prerogatives at the center of that veteran's care. We are giving veteran's the option to choose the healthcare that they want. But one of the things that I am happy to say in an unfiltered environment is the veterans are choosing with their feet this year veterans have shown so much confidence in this department that we have already taken care of 3 million more appointments than we did in all of last year. (APPLAUSE) We have a department that is where veterans can come because we understand the culture and we speak the language. And that is why I've said in many--in many forums including today in front of the White House press corps that if anybody accuses us of privatizing this system when we have a $220 billion dollar budget, 400,000 employees, 172 hospitals and a patient satisfaction rate of 89.7 percent only in Washington D.C. would people say that is an argument that others are trying to privatize an institution. So, what are my personal reflections as the leader of--of this wonderful department. I mentioned that we have turned a great corner. Customer experience not customer experience in the way you would think about it--but customer experience within the veteran's department amongst our employees. Our satisfaction rates are at an all-time high. Underneath the headlines we are embarking on the changes that will make our supply chain a modern 21st century supply chain. We are reforming our personnel system and in memory of people like my father for the very first time even though generations have talked about this administrations have spent barrels of ink on it--next year, we will begin to roll out the electronic health record. The Electronic Health Record that will be built the moment that young American walks into a military entrance processing station and is handed off to the Department of Veterans' Affairs. No longer will people like my father after 30 years of jumping out of airplanes, being shot to pieces in Vietnam have to spend the rest of his post service life carrying around an 800-page paper record. Those days will be over. (APPLAUSE) But we are on the frontline in the middle of two crisis that are devas--devastating this nation. The first is the opioid crisis. The last year or so, this department has reduced opioid prescriptions by 51 percent and we have done it in a very simple way. Instead of treating this we have made a corporate decision to treat the sources of pain. We are substituting opioids with simple things like Tylenol and Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and aspirin. But we are augmenting that with alternative therapies. Alternative therapies. What does that mean? In my father's day, if I had told him Colonel, we're going to make you feel better by doing Tai Chi and Yoga. This nose would have been flat against my face. It was not part of the ethos. We are setting the standard of offering our veterans a multitude of ways to address the pain that came as a result of their military service. But the saddest thing that we encounter is veteran suicide. I have been accused of--of being a--an amateur historian so I think I will plead guilty to that and talk to you a minute about history. Now, some of you know--some of you may not know who Benjamin Harrison was. His only mark in the history books is that the served in between two nonconsecutive presidential terms of Grover Cleveland. Benjamin Harrison had been a major general in the civil war. He had seen death on a massive scale. And one of the things that troubled him most in his four short years in the White House was the avalanche of suicide notices he was receiving on his desk from the war department. Suicide was devastating the frontier army. And, Harrison ordered the war department to begin taking count of how many American soldiers took their lives with their own hands. This is a problem that has been with us for that long. We saw a massive ramp up in suicides prior to the attack in Pearl Harbor. We saw a massive jump in the days after Vietnam. But this is a national pro--problem. One of the days I testified in front of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the New York Times and National Public Radio ran stories about a 30 percent increase in teens suicides amongst those teenagers who had watched a Netflix show called 13 Reasons Why. Today, suicide is the number one cause of death for American youth. The New York City Police Department, the finest in the world is now being hit with an epidemic--an epidemic of suicides. In our veteran's world, 20 a day take their lives. Of those 20, 60 percent have no contact with VA. The majority of those who take their lives are from my father's generation, from Vietnam. Ladies and gentlemen, Lyndon Johnson left Washington D.C. 50 years ago in January. That is how long many of these problems have been brewing with so many of our warriors. So, for the first time, we are making a national call to combat the scourge. The Prevents Taskforce from the President is the first attempt to bring a whole of government, whole health approach to the issue of suicide by bringing Indian Health, HHS, DOD, HUD and the National Institutes of Health to come together and find ways to reach Americans. Now, I have said and it has been pointed out I am not a medical professional--I do know soldiers. It has been said that most federal commissions write reports that the day after become doorsteps. I had a great fear for this one. Because if we just focused on the last tragic act in a veteran's life this would be another report that serves as a doorstop for those doors over there. So, I have asked us to take a deep dive into mental health, into addiction and into homelessness. That tragic continuum that leads to so many tragedies. I am confident that we will have a new direction come March and I thank the administration for bringing the resources together to do that. So I--I will conclude and then we can have questions. But if I had one message for all of you for the country on veteran's day would be to remind everyone that none of our great leaders of the past or present ever wanted caring for veterans to be an activity for one day. When it comes to veterans some of our biggest successes as a nation have come from realizing that we have a special responsibility and that we can never go back to those days of the 1970's when those who put on those uniform were shunned by the nation as a whole. So, every time a company hires a veteran or provides a flexible work schedule for family members to care for veterans that company sets an example for America. Every time you donate money, every time you donate time or food or work for causes like the Fisher House Foundation which builds housing to keep families close together when that veteran or that soldier is getting treatment you are serving the cause. And, I am an example of what used to happen when a soldier came home--my mother was not even allowed to visit my father for the one year that he was recovering from his wounds because it was not a part of the ethic. We now know that if a veteran or solider on active is to recover those Americans need the care and comfort of their families close at hand. So, at VA we are seeking more ways--more ways, more often to improve and to realize that the task is too big for any one federal department to organize a national thank you for America's veterans. So, we are working with the state's, the localities, the nonprofits, and others that we see in the system to come together and finally say that the freedoms that we enjoy were carried on the shoulders of our fellow citizens. I want to close before we begin questions with a little personal reflection because I am going to commit a sacrilege. I am from a part of the country that has contributed a few great things to western civilization; Louis Armstrong, Elvis (LAUGHTER) Coca Cola and William Faulkner. Last year, I was a guest at Roanoke, the ancestral home of Mr. Faulkner in Oxford, Mississippi and it was pointed out to me that my great aunt who ended up being the first woman, American woman to be the chief judge on the court of Veteran's appeals during the Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt administration--as a young student at Old Miss, she had convinced this rather eccentric gentleman who used to walk around Oxford, Mississippi in the old uniform of an officer of the Royal Canadian Flying Corps with two big boxers--he was known as Count, No Count. She convinced him to use some of that eccentric information in the service of literature and he wrote six short plays for the Old Miss Marionette Society. And I was privileged at Roanoke to talk about that. But I wanted to reflect when I was there on what I thought William Faulkner always wanted to be. And that was a soldier. He came from a long line of soldiers and he had been a mechanic in the Canadian Air Force during World War I but he always dreamed of being on the front lines. The most profound speech I think any American gave in the 20th Century was one dedicated to all of you in this room--to writers and journalists. It was Faulkner's 1950's Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech. It was the shortest Nobel Price Acceptance Speech in history by the way. And, the most powerful. But he was talking to you to writers, to journalists, but I think at his hear the was really talking to soldiers--the soldier that the wanted to be. So, the sacrilege that I have committed is that I have substituted the word writer with the word soldier in the last two paragraphs of Faulkner's address. And, he said with my addition--the soldier must teach himself that the basis of all things is to be afraid. And teaching himself that forget it forever leaving no room for anything but the old verities. The old truths of the heart. The old universal truths lacking which any story is ephemeral and doomed. He writes of defeats in which nobody loses anything of value, of victories without hope and worst of all, without pity or compassion. His griefs--grieve on no universal bones leaving no scars. But until the soldier relearns those things he lives as though he stood among and watched the end of man. But I declined to accept the end of man. It is easy enough to say that man is immortal simply because he will endure. And that when the last ding dong of doom has clanged and faded from the last worthless rock hanging tideless in the last red and dying evening that even then there will still be one more sound--that of the soldiers inexhaustible voice still talking about hope. I think that is what we are about. We are about hope. We are about fulfilling a pledge never to fail nor forsake those who were born to battle. And as I said at the beginning, it is always an honor for me to be here to pay my respects to a profession that knows so much about those sacrifices. And a profession that those soldiers have sacrificed so much to keep vibrant and free. So, thank you all very much. (APPLAUSE) EDNEY: Secretary Wilkie, thank you so much for being here with us today. WILKIE: Sure. EDNEY: We have a lot of questions to get to. WILKIE: No. Not at DC. EDNEY: Not at DC. But there are so many great questions especially from the audience I'd really like to get to as many as we can, so I'm going to get started. We know that healthcare requires innovation to help more patients. Can you talk to us a little bit about what the VA is doing to advance innovations for veterans and pushing those innovations to them how are these things (INAUDIBLE)? WILKIE: So, let me put my Forrest Gump hat on again, history. The Department of Veteran's Affairs is one of the world's great medical innovators. The first pacemaker, the first liver transplant, the first electrical heart surgery and it goes--the first nicotine patch. Innovation is part of our DNA. I said today at the--the press conference at the White House that we are partnered with the greatest medical institutions in this country. One, right up the road at John's Hopkins, MD Anderson, Stanford, Harvard, Duke, as a Wake Forest man I have to mention Duke. (LAUGHTER) And, we have spent incredible amounts of money on research. But research that is not only relevant for veterans but it is relevant for the country. Let me give you an example. I had an interesting meeting last year with my counterpart in Canada. I was proud to tell him that I had a closer relationship with the National Hockey League than he does. Why? The stories that you've been reading--stories that some of you have actually reported on the research into the concussive effects of professional football and professional hockey and college football are being done at the VA hospital in Boston and Magee(PH) who has been one of times 100 most influential Americans is doing that research in our Boston VA hospital with the help of the NF--the NFL, the NHL, and the Department of Defense. As the undersecretary of Defense, I look to her to come up with more solutions so that we can make our soldiers and marines in the front lines more survivable on the battlefield. So we are translating that innovation into real world effect. I will always advocate increase in our research budget. And it's not just for the veterans--it's for the entire country. But our partnerships--partnership that Omar Bradley(PH) set forth when he was VA administrator after World War II he said, we want to be the hub of American medical innovation and it was his goal tangentially to have every medical student and nursing student do residency in VA. We don't have 100 percent as General Bradley envisioned but we do have 70 percent. EDNEY: Can you give us a couple of examples of pilots that are in development within the new VA innovation center and when you might be planning to release some of those? WILKIE: Well, I can't because they are being trotted out for competition. But let me tell you about innovation and innovative ways of dealing with current--current problems--mental health. The last great frontier in medicine. I've said, we're not even at the sputnik stage when it comes to getting our arms around what goes on inside here. We have shunned away from talking about it as a nation. Well, VA now has same day mental health services. Every veteran who comes to us has a mental heath screening. And just in this last fiscal year we have screened more than one million veterans for mental health issues--we follow 3000 of those on a daily basis. The other area that I will tell you--I can tell you about pilot programs in this area because we have already awarded some of them. When you go to University of Pittsburgh or you go to the VA hospital in Minneapolis you will see the leading edge of robotic technology. VA robots are now allowing veterans who would have died on the in the rice patties of Vietnam or even in the sands of Desert Storm, they are allowing--we are allowing them to walk. Our exoskeletons are something that George Lucas envisioned in the 1970s and he made--he made fiction out of it. But it is a reality. We are--we are awarding biomedical engineering pilot programs for robotic arms, robotic assistance, robotic legs. We are the world's leader in prosthetic devices all across the world. If you haven't had a chance to see them those of you in the press tell me, I will take you to see them. To see veterans who would have never been able to walk, get up and walk across the room. And, I saw some walk into Tampa Stadium. Why they would want to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I don't know-- (LAUGHTER) --But, they did and it was--it was a miraculous thing to see. EDNEY: The third party administrators for the new MISSION Act have reportedly said that they need an influx of millions of dollars and a larger network of care-- WILKIE: --No-- EDNEY: --to accommodate veterans seeking services in the private sector. Is this new program not going to be able to meet veterans' needs? What are you doing to (INAUDIBLE)-- WILKIE: --So, let me tell you what MISSION Act has done. I don't know why the Congress picked June 6th. Do anybody know what that means D-Day. They picked June 6th to begin our program. So, let me tell you what has happened since MISSION Act kicked in. We have had over almost 2 million Americans come to VA, use the decision support tool, and go out into the public to get their--get their medical treatment. As I mentioned--I think I mentioned earlier, we have had 70,000 go into urgent care. We replaced a failing network of support and what this is about is supporting our partners out in the field, meaning paying our bills. We inherited a failing proposition. In getting the new--getting the new program online, we created a backstop. There are--there is a company in place working, paying our people, paying the private sector that is doing that until the company that actually won the contract gets online. I will say that MISSION has probably been the most successful rollout of a program, the likes of which I--I cannot--I can't remember when the federal government has rolled out something this big that has been this successful. I will also point to the surveys that have been done by our veteran service organizations since MISSION rolled out. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, the second largest veteran service organization in the country, in response to MISSION, they did their national survey. Ninety percent patient satisfaction rate, but more importantly, nine out of ten members of the VFW have said, "We want our veterans who are not using VA to use VA." As I said earlier, they're voting with their feet. So, I--I will give you a--since I--I have been a victim of the Jesuits in my lifetime--that's why this is flat in the back. (LAUGHTER) I will--I will use a good Jesuit word, (UNTRANSLATED) about that story. (UNTRANSLATED), when there's a literal translation from the Latin sometimes means purposely incomplete. EDNEY: Clearly, there have been many advances at the VA. You mentioned that patient--patient satisfaction rates are at the highest now with 87--89.7 percent, I think, and you've taken care of 3 million more appointments this year than in all of last year. These are laudatory figures. Obviously, there's still more to be done. One example is in West Virginia, Clarksburg-- WILKIE: --Sure-- EDNEY: --Virginia. Law enforcement authorities are investigating at least ten patient deaths at the VA hospital there, including two homicides, or categorized homicides, over a year long period. So, who is investigating what the hospital could have done differently to stem the death toll? And, what is the VA learning from this investigation? WILKIE: Sure. So, Clarksburg is a national tragedy. There is no two ways about it. We've lost ten World War II warriors. But, let me--let me take a step back. I mentioned doing--presenting an unfiltered account of what VA is. We are not immune from problems that impact this nation. America has a shortage of mental health providers. We have a shortage of mental health providers. America has a shortage of internists. We have a shortage of internists. Suicide impacts everybody, not just veterans. And, from time to time, in an organization of almost 400,000 with nine and a half million patients, we can be the victims of a crime, crimes that are so unusual that they probably wouldn't be caught even in the private sector, probably not. In fact, some of you were with me when I addressed the American Legion in Indianapolis. That day, there was a story in the Indianapolis paper about a doctor in Chicago--I mean, in--in Cincinnati. I apologize to Chicago--who is probably responsible for the deaths of 23 of his patients, malfeasance, deliberate. What we have done at Clarksburg is our people who discovered it and--and criminals are clever, this is in the hands of the independent inspector general. This investigation actually began before I was sworn in as secretary. The U.S. attorney has it. I will tell you that my first call, whenever I encounter things like this, is to make sure the Justice Department is aware. I'll give you an example. There's probably a question in there about an incident that was reported in the New York Times at our DC VA. My first note I think--and Jim Burn, who's over here knows--I heard about it and pushed it up the chain to the deputy attorney general. When we come across these things, we treat them as vigorously as we can and we have been reviewing our protocols strenuously, and my pledge is that we do everything we can to make it safe. Let me tell you what else has happened in Clarksburg. Our veterans know that what I just said is real. Clarksburg has had a dramatic spike in terms of the number of veterans using that facility. It has one of the highest veterans approval rates of any hospital in the country. They know that what happened is an anomaly and they also know that we do everything we can to make their lives whole. I am hoping and I have urged the inspector general to get this investigation done so that we know those final answers. EDNEY: When you say you're reassessing protocols, can you tell us some of the things that you may be considering changing? WILKIE: Well, we--we look at--we look at scheduling. We look at whether we have it-- EDNEY: --And, you're thinking about changing scheduling-- WILKIE: --No, we're just--we're reviewing-- EDNEY: --What types of-- WILKIE: --We're reviewing--we're reviewing how we monitor wards. Are the cameras there? Are there enough cameras? Were the proper checklists in place? This is something that we do in the military. I'll give you an example. It's called High Reliability Organization. We have now implemented it at--at VA. It was the brain child of two geniuses, Curtis LeMay, the father of the nuclear air force, and Hyman Rickover, the father of the nuclear navy. They implemented a system--because let me tell you why they--they revolutionized the way we do things like this. They knew that a mistake in their world had the potential to be a--a global catastrophe, nuclear navy, strategic air command. So, what they put in place was a review process. So, we meet as a squadron every day. You've got the pilots, the logistics, the navigators, the fuel men, the intel guys, and the food people, and we go over what happened the day before, not what went right, but what went wrong. And, that allows these people to have a say in the direction of the organization. One of the reasons we have such high employee satisfaction rates right now is because of an organization like this that we've implemented across--across the country, where people at the custodial level, the sterile processing level, the surgical level are going through the checklists every day. So, in Clarksburg, we're making sure that--and I think we have made sure that everything is--is in place. But, I will say this, and my father used to say it about soldiering. He said, "If somebody is that dedicated to doing harm to you, sometimes you can't find it." And, we are doing everything we can to make sure that--that we are as vigilant as possible. EDNEY: I'm going to piggyback on a question that Derek Wallbank, my friend and colleague from Bloomberg News asked you last year when you were here. Is the VA going to recommend to Congress to change the law and allow the VA to negotiate drug prices with industry? WILKIE: Well, we already have. So, I learned this. I've been there a year and three months. We already have--Jim, correct me if I'm wrong. We already have special pricing arrangements for our--for our drugs. Is that correct? EDNEY: That's correct, yeah. WILKIE: We work with industry on those prices. We--we are--we're different from the rest of the government. EDNEY: Got it. Great. That's good to know. I'd like to ask a question-- WILKIE: --But, when you think about it, think about it from businesses perspective. We have nine and a half million patients-- EDNEY: --Exactly, that's--it's a-- WILKIE: --And, we may get more patients in the next few years. EDNEY: Yes. I'd like to ask a question about Austin Tice-- WILKIE: --Yes-- EDNEY: --who is a Marine Corps vet-- WILKIE: --Yes-- EDNEY: --turned journalist-- WILKIE: --2012-- EDNEY: --Yes, went missing in Syria. What can veterans be doing-- WILKIE: --Sure-- EDNEY: --to support the safe return of Austin Tice? WILKIE: So, let me go back to what I said earlier today about my own family's experience with what my father told me about correspondence that he saw, one he had to recover. I--I'm not saying this because I'm in front of you. Journalists are on the frontlines of freedom. They put their lives in danger every day. Austin Tice was captured, I believe, in, I think it was September of 2012, Marine Corps veteran, incredibly brave journalist. There have been times in this journey, this terrible journey, when we've known--we think we've known where he was. So, let me tell you what I--I think we should continue to do. We celebrate freedoms. We impress upon the culture that what you all do can be incredibly dangerous. We support Reporters Without Borders. We engage the Congress. And, I found in my career that awareness and constantly repeating a mantra is one of the most effective things that we can do. I--I lament the demise of the (INAUDIBLE) for that one reason, because it does serve to remind us that the first--first freedom in this country is you all. So, engagement, as with most things in American life, is the key. But, I'm--I'm very happy to--to say that we need Austin Tice back. EDNEY: We do. (APPLAUSE) You mentioned that there would probably be an influx, more veterans coming into the system. So, one example of this, maybe the blue water Vietnam-- WILKIE: --Sure-- EDNEY: --veteran disability claims that the VA is going to start processing next year. How--will an--will an influx of claims slow down processing times for these disability claims? Why or why not? WILKIE: --Well, let me tell you--that's an interesting question. So, let me--I'm telling the journalists it's an interesting question. Let me tell you a little bit about a Washington quandary-- EDNEY: --And, we are down to two minutes-- WILKIE: --We've got two minutes. Real quick-- EDNEY: --I'd like to ask one more question as well-- WILKIE: --Okay. Yeah, no, we've been preparing. We are hiring more people. But, let--real quick, we were moving out under a court order to begin paying claims earlier in this year. Then Congress passed a law that overrode the court decision and said we can't start paying claims until January 1st. I've got protestors outside of my building today demanding why I'm not paying--demanding to know why I'm not paying those bills, even though Congress told us I can't do it until January 1st. So, I've made them a promise. We're going to be the one department in the federal government working on January 1st, to process those claims in accord with the law. EDNEY: One quick question, very quick if I may, about cost overruns. There's a GAO report that came out on delays in cost overruns for new veteran cemeteries. Some projects have been delayed for years and estimates for the facilities have been off by as much as 200 percent. Why is this happening and what are you doing to address it? WILKIE: Well, let me tell you, our veteran cemeteries are probably as important as anything we do. We're just opening one in Western New York. I've just opened one in West Los Angeles, 90,000 spots in West Los Angeles, in Hollywood. So, what I've seen--I--I don't know how old that GAO report is-- EDNEY: --September-- WILKIE: Is it September? But, it probably stopped reporting a long time ago and that's the flow. No, we have--we have an all-time high budget for our cemeteries. One of our problems is--is federal acquisition regulations that prevent us from doing certain things. Give you a quick example. California, I couldn't build a clinic in Bakersfield because the federal acquisition regulations say that it was within eyesight of a liquor store. They need a clinic. The same thing is happening, in many cases, on the cemeteries. But, we're opening cemeteries all over the country. EDNEY: Thank you. So, before I give you the final question, I'd like to just mention a couple of upcoming events that we have here at the club. We have a party for the 100th anniversary of American Legion Post 20 on Tuesday, November 19th. You're all welcome. And, we have an upcoming headliners luncheon Friday, November 15th. It's with former GA--former Georgia House democratic leader, Stacey Abrams. Now, you know, I think-- WILKIE: --Yes-- EDNEY: --from last year, that we also have a tradition of giving each esteemed speaker a National Press Club mug, so now you have a collection-- WILKIE: --I do-- EDNEY: --I hope it grows. Thank you so much for being here today-- WILKIE: --Thank you-- EDNEY: --But, I do-- (APPLAUSE) --Wait, wait, wait. Wait, wait, wait. We have one more final question and that is, in your opinion, who is the greatest living veteran? WILKIE: I would never say it. (LAUGHTER) You know what? You look at-- EDNEY: --It's tricky-- WILKIE: --You look at--you look at the average Medal of Honor winner. They fall into two categories primarily. One is the perennial misfit, the guy who was the troublemaker in high school, the guy who was in trouble with the law. And, the other categories, the category is reflected in the person of Audie Leon Murphy, too small to go to the Marine Corps, too small to go to the Army Air Corps. By a freakish accident, got into the United States Army. He was the most decorated soldier of World War II. Service to me is service. I quote Oliver Wendell Holmes often, someone who experienced the hell of Antietam. Sixteen thousand, gone. More--four times as many people lost in that battle Holmes was wounded in than in the entire D--D-Day campaign. Ordinary people called upon to do extraordinary things. So, you can't put a price on it. You can't say who was the greatest. But, it's--it's great to reflect on every one who's done the job. EDNEY: Well, thank you very much for coming here and speaking with us today. It's a real honor. (APPLAUSE) Thank you. WILKIE: Let--let me take my prize. EDNEY: Take your prize. Take your mug. And, on behalf of the National Press Club, I would like to thank all veterans for their service. Thank you so very much. With that, we are adjourned. (APPLAUSE)

WIDE ANGLE OF TOWN OR NEIGHBORHOOD STREET NEAR HARBOR. RED BRICK BUILDINGS SURROUND STREETS. COULD BE WAREHOUSES OR SHIPYARDS. PPC AND AMERICAN FLAG VISIBLE IN BACKGROUND. NEAR MAURICE J. TOBIN MEMORIAL BRIDGE (OR MYSTIC RIVER BRIDGE). LOWER CLASS NEIGHBORHOOD.

UP ANGLE OF WHITE MULTI-STORY BUILDING WITH AN AMERICAN FLAG ON THE TOP. PANS UPWARD LEFT TO BRICK BUILDING WITH ARCHED WINDOWS. PANS DOWN TO INTERSECTION.

WIDE ANGLE OF STYLISTIC BRICK BUILDING WITH ARCHED WINDOWS AND ENDS THAT LOOK LIKE MINARETS. PANS RIGHT TO LEFT ACROSS THE BUILDING. ALLEGHENY COUNTY COURTHOUSE. STONE BUILDINGS. BARE TREE BRANCHES SUGGEST WINTER.

TRACKING SHOT OF MERCEDES BENZ DRIVING ON CITY STREET. COULD BE URBAN OR INDUSTRIAL AREA. WAREHOUSES AND BRICK BUILDINGS VISIBLE.

Wide shot aerial booming up and over the Cork Factory Lofts on the Allegheny river at sunset. Built in 1901, the Armstrong Cork Factory is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The factory was renovated in 2007 and now is comprised of luxury loft apartments.