CS VO ON EXTREMELY WEALTHY, ART DEALING FAMILY SECRETS REVEALED IN BITTER DIVORCE SEGMENT [3] 1998/01/21 ************************************************ KEYWORDS: DOGS; FRANCE; INCOME TAX; JUDAISM; LOOTING; LOST; MUSEUMS; PAINTING; PARIS; PHOTOGRAPHY; PLASTIC SURGERY; PRIMETIME LIVE; PRINCETON UNIVERSITY; UNIVERSITIES; US DOLLAR; WORLD WAR I (1914-18) 22:14:52 DIANE SAWYER OK, we're going to take you tonight now into a very different world, a world where a family's wealth is measured in billions -- not in millions, in billions. This is a family which made its fortune dealing in art and owns some of the world's masterpieces. And it was an extravagant lifestyle lived largely in private until recently, until a bitter divorce battle began peeling away the veil of secrecy. As chief investigative correspondent Brian Ross reports now, it is a story of scandal, of priceless treasures and perhaps of the harsh judgment of history. (Dogs barking) BRIAN ROSS, ABC NEWS (VO) For almost 20 years, this woman has been a member of one of the world's richest families -- the Wildensteins, a family of great art, great power and great secrecy. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN You know, when I enter this family, it was the established rule. So you get used to this all secrecy around you. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) That was the established rule? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Yes. BRIAN ROSS Total secrecy? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Total secrecy. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Her name is Jocelyne Wildenstein, a woman in crisis whose decision to break the family rule of secrecy in an ugly divorce battle has put her privileged life in jeopardy and held her up to public humiliation. It's been all over the news in New York, where she and he husband, Alec Wildenstein, have been fighting it out in divorce court, with much of the focus on Jocelyne Wildenstein's unusual exotic appearance -- the results, her husband has said, of excessive plastic surgery, which has dramatically changed her looks from the days she was a young Swiss beauty. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN I have nothing to say about it. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) And when your husband would say you were addicted to plastic surgery, you had -- you kept going? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Because he has nothing else to say against me. During the 19 years of marriage, he has nothing to tell against me. BRIAN ROSS (VO) And now, the bitter divorce and the tabloid tales of plastic surgery have put quite a focus on a family that operates in the shadows behind well - guarded walls in Paris and New York as perhaps the world's preeminent art dealers -- a family with lots of secrets, dark secrets that go back generations. Secrets we found in our PrimeTime investigation the people at the Wildenstein galleries don't like to talk about. AUCTION BIDDER I have $17 million. Now at $17 million. BRIAN ROSS (VO) A family little - known outside high society, high - priced art circles, the Wildensteins are rarely seen at big, public auctions, but they are a powerful presence behind the scenes. SOTHEBY'S AUCTIONEER Sold at $19 million. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Led by 80 - year - old Daniel Wildenstein, the family buys and sells masterpieces for a clientele of the rich and famous and is itself worth not millions, but billions. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN I mean, they are doing very well. They have the biggest, you know, art collection in the world. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) The biggest art? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN The biggest art collection in the world. Yeah, they do definitely. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Jocelyne Wildenstein greeted us in the spectacular New York City mansion which she says has been their family's home for 19 years. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN How nice to see you. It's a pleasure. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) Show me around this grand room. Tell me all about it. (VO) Wearing a designer outfit and some of her $10 million worth of jewelry, she showed us around what is known as the Bonnard room, in defiance of her husband's orders that no photographs were to be taken in this room. (on camera) And this your living room? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN This is my living room, yes. BRIAN ROSS (VO) The art in this room alone is worth a small fortune, including 10 paintings by post Impressionist artist Pierre Bonnard. (on camera) And this is tens of millions of dollars worth of art in this one room? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Yes. BRIAN ROSS (VO) And that's just New York. The family's wealth from the art business provides a life of luxury and splendor with properties around the world. There's a chateau outside Paris. The Wildensteins have their own thoroughbred stables in France, a private jet, a Caribbean retreat that sleeps 22 and Mrs Wildenstein's favorite getaway, a 66,000 - acre ranch in Kenya. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN We have 56 lake. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Jocelyne Wildenstein says she has spent as much as $1 million a month to keep all the households going. But, she says, in the 19 years she and her husband have lived in New York, they have never filed state or federal income tax returns. (on camera) In those years, did you ever pay US taxes? Did you ever sign an IRS tax return? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS You never did? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS A New York state tax return? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS So you've paid no tax at all? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Not on my knowledge, no. BRIAN ROSS Did anyone ever tell you that you might owe a few dollars in back taxes? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. No, definitely not. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Jocelyne's husband, Alec Wildenstein, declined to speak with us. He did offer to clean off our camera lens. His lawyers have acknowledged in court that he does not pay US taxes because he is not a US citizen and does not consider himself a US resident. The case has become so ugly the Wildensteins tried to kick Jocelyne out of the house until a judge stopped them. But the Wildensteins have cut her off in some ways that only the rich can do. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN The staff is allowed to cook for the dogs, and the medical is paid for the dogs. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) The staff can cook for the dogs? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Yes. The staff can cook for the dogs. And they can pay, they pay the medical for the dogs. BRIAN ROSS Can they cook for you? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. They cannot cook for me. BRIAN ROSS Do they pay your medical bills? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS (VO) At the same time, Alec Wildenstein reportedly has spent several hundred thousand dollars on his new 20 - year - old girlfriend, a Russian model seen with Wildenstein recently at a French racetrack. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN You know, you can be part of the family. You can shine with the family for 20 years, and one day if you're not part of this family, you are ejected out. Totally out. BRIAN ROSS (VO) The tales from the divorce come at a time when the Wildenstein empire is already under a cloud, a much more serious cloud because of other secrets now coming out -- secrets about a time when the Nazis occupied Paris, a time when other Jewish art dealers lost everything. But the Wildenstein family patriarch, George Wildenstein, somehow kept the family art gallery going. HECTOR FELICIANO, JOURNALIST The legacy of George Wildenstein creates problems. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Hector Feliciano, the author of the ground - breaking book "The Lost Museum" about the Nazi looting of art from Jewish families, discovered George Wildenstein's name in long - forgotten World War II archives. HECTOR FELICIANO According to this report, there is no doubt that George Wildenstein did collaborate with the Germans. And ... BRIAN ROSS (on camera) He was Jewish. HECTOR FELICIANO Yeah. But this -- this didn't matter. Because he managed, through his contacts, to collaborate, and he managed to save his gallery. And his gallery dealt also in looted art. BRIAN ROSS (VO) The report, prepared for American intelligence and based on an interrogation of Hitler's art dealer, Karl Haberstock, recounts how George Wildenstein made a deal with the Nazis to keep his art gallery open, by turning it over to a non - Jewish associate who would make it his business to discover important collections for the Nazis, which experts say almost certainly included Jewish collections. HECTOR FELICIANO The problem is that he did go beyond saving his gallery. He not only saved his gallery, but he kept working on with the Nazis. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) Why do you think George Wildenstein would do that? HECTOR FELICIANO He just wanted to buy and sell. To him, they were just new clients. BRIAN ROSS The Nazis were just new clients? HECTOR FELICIANO Yes, I think this is it. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Until the report came out, Wildenstein had been thought to be a victim of the Nazis, forced to flee to New York, where he had publicly criticized those who collaborated with the Nazis at the very time the Paris gallery was brokering art for Germans. EDGAR BRONFMAN, WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS I feel very deeply about the fact that people should not profit from the ashes of the Holocaust. BRIAN ROSS (VO) As head of the World Jewish Congress, Edgar Bronfman led the effort to identify gold stolen by the Nazis, and now he wants to do the same thing with art stolen by the Nazis from Jewish families. EDGAR BRONFMAN What the Nazis did, they didn't just take their gold and their paintings and their property, they also took their identities. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Bronfman was outraged when we showed him the World War II files on George Wildenstein. EDGAR BRONFMAN Shame on him. That's all. Shame on him. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) Shame on him? EDGAR BRONFMAN Yes, absolutely. BRIAN ROSS Why? EDGAR BRONFMAN Because he was helping the enemy. He was helping people who had stolen art from his people to conceal it or get rid of it or do whatever. He was an accessory before and after the fact. I mean, it's shameful. BRIAN ROSS (VO) But the questions for the Wildensteins today don't stop with George, dead since 1963. There are new questions about art stolen by the Nazis and discovered only last year in the Wildenstein gallery in New York City -- a rare set of handwritten Medieval manuscripts worth millions. PROF JAMES MARROW, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY I was told by the Wildensteins I was the first person scholar -- allowed to see these manuscripts. BRIAN ROSS (VO) It was James Marrow, a professor at Princeton, who made the startling discovery after he was called in to appraise the manuscripts for a possible sale. JAMES MARROW The Nazi documentation I have seen says that these manuscripts were stolen from the home of Alfonse Kann. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Alfonse Kann was a prominent Jewish art collector whose priceless collection was seized from his French estate in 1940 by the Nazis, each item recorded with a KA for Kann in a detailed Nazi inventory, including the manuscripts now in the Wildensteins' possession -- KA - 879 through KA - 886. FRANCIS WARRIN, KANN'S NEPHEW I knew that they were in the Wildenstein family, but I didn't have any proof. BRIAN ROSS (VO) But now, even with the proof, Francis Warrin, the nephew of Alfonse Kann, says the Wildensteins are still refusing to turn over the manuscripts, which Warrin says the Wildensteins wrongly claimed after the war once his uncle was dead. FRANCIS WARRIN I'm not there to judge the behavior of the people. That would be to the court to do. What I say is this belongs to us, and we want to get it back. BRIAN ROSS (VO) It's one more blight on the name of Wildenstein, something Daniel Wildenstein refused to talk to us about until we showed up one morning outside his apartment in Paris. (on camera) We have tried to get a hold of you to ask you some questions about art stolen by the Nazis. DANIEL WILDENSTEIN What do you want to know? BRIAN ROSS Well, is there any such art in the possession of the Wildenstein family now? DANIEL WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS What about those manuscripts? DANIEL WILDENSTEIN That's a stupidity. Those manuscripts are owned by us. BRIAN ROSS You own them? DANIEL WILDENSTEIN They are owned by us since 1903. BRIAN ROSS But the Nazis recorded them as being taken from the Kann family. DANIEL WILDENSTEIN Absolutely not. BRIAN ROSS It is on the inventories. Have you seen those? DANIEL WILDENSTEIN It's not -- there is no inventory. It's a stupidity, and it means absolutely nothing. BRIAN ROSS (VO) And Wildenstein was just as quick to dismiss any suggestion his father had helped protect and expand the family fortune by collaborating with the Nazis during the war DANIEL WILDENSTEIN Which is not true. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) It is not true? DANIEL WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS (VO) But now, after years of denials and secrets, 1998 could be the year of reckoning for the Wildensteins. There is the divorce case between Jocelyne and Alec being played out in the papers and in court, serious charges about works of art turning up in the vaults of the Wildensteins' New York City gallery and growing questions for the Wildensteins of today about what happened more than 50 years ago when the gallery did business with the Nazis. EDGAR BRONFMAN I think they have to search their souls and fess up. If that whole family fortune is based on this, that's wrong. DIANE SAWYER And beyond this story, the World Jewish Congress estimates that some 55,000 works of art, stolen by the Nazis in France alone, were never returned to their owners after the war and may be hanging in galleries around the world, including in the United States. ANNOUNCER These parents had to go to court for the right to raise their teenage son as they see fit. SUE VAN BLARIGAN We wanted to help David for his entire life. ANNOUNCER But does tough love have its limits? An exclusive interview, when PrimeTime continues. (Commercial Break) ANNOUNCER PrimeTime Live, an ABC News magazine, will continue after this from our ABC stations. (Station Break)

CS VO ON EXTREMELY WEALTHY, ART DEALING FAMILY SECRETS REVEALED IN BITTER DIVORCE SEGMENT [3] 1998/01/21 ************************************************ KEYWORDS: DOGS; FRANCE; INCOME TAX; JUDAISM; LOOTING; LOST; MUSEUMS; PAINTING; PARIS; PHOTOGRAPHY; PLASTIC SURGERY; PRIMETIME LIVE; PRINCETON UNIVERSITY; UNIVERSITIES; US DOLLAR; WORLD WAR I (1914-18) 22:14:52 DIANE SAWYER OK, we're going to take you tonight now into a very different world, a world where a family's wealth is measured in billions -- not in millions, in billions. This is a family which made its fortune dealing in art and owns some of the world's masterpieces. And it was an extravagant lifestyle lived largely in private until recently, until a bitter divorce battle began peeling away the veil of secrecy. As chief investigative correspondent Brian Ross reports now, it is a story of scandal, of priceless treasures and perhaps of the harsh judgment of history. (Dogs barking) BRIAN ROSS, ABC NEWS (VO) For almost 20 years, this woman has been a member of one of the world's richest families -- the Wildensteins, a family of great art, great power and great secrecy. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN You know, when I enter this family, it was the established rule. So you get used to this all secrecy around you. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) That was the established rule? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Yes. BRIAN ROSS Total secrecy? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Total secrecy. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Her name is Jocelyne Wildenstein, a woman in crisis whose decision to break the family rule of secrecy in an ugly divorce battle has put her privileged life in jeopardy and held her up to public humiliation. It's been all over the news in New York, where she and he husband, Alec Wildenstein, have been fighting it out in divorce court, with much of the focus on Jocelyne Wildenstein's unusual exotic appearance -- the results, her husband has said, of excessive plastic surgery, which has dramatically changed her looks from the days she was a young Swiss beauty. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN I have nothing to say about it. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) And when your husband would say you were addicted to plastic surgery, you had -- you kept going? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Because he has nothing else to say against me. During the 19 years of marriage, he has nothing to tell against me. BRIAN ROSS (VO) And now, the bitter divorce and the tabloid tales of plastic surgery have put quite a focus on a family that operates in the shadows behind well - guarded walls in Paris and New York as perhaps the world's preeminent art dealers -- a family with lots of secrets, dark secrets that go back generations. Secrets we found in our PrimeTime investigation the people at the Wildenstein galleries don't like to talk about. AUCTION BIDDER I have $17 million. Now at $17 million. BRIAN ROSS (VO) A family little - known outside high society, high - priced art circles, the Wildensteins are rarely seen at big, public auctions, but they are a powerful presence behind the scenes. SOTHEBY'S AUCTIONEER Sold at $19 million. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Led by 80 - year - old Daniel Wildenstein, the family buys and sells masterpieces for a clientele of the rich and famous and is itself worth not millions, but billions. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN I mean, they are doing very well. They have the biggest, you know, art collection in the world. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) The biggest art? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN The biggest art collection in the world. Yeah, they do definitely. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Jocelyne Wildenstein greeted us in the spectacular New York City mansion which she says has been their family's home for 19 years. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN How nice to see you. It's a pleasure. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) Show me around this grand room. Tell me all about it. (VO) Wearing a designer outfit and some of her $10 million worth of jewelry, she showed us around what is known as the Bonnard room, in defiance of her husband's orders that no photographs were to be taken in this room. (on camera) And this your living room? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN This is my living room, yes. BRIAN ROSS (VO) The art in this room alone is worth a small fortune, including 10 paintings by post Impressionist artist Pierre Bonnard. (on camera) And this is tens of millions of dollars worth of art in this one room? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Yes. BRIAN ROSS (VO) And that's just New York. The family's wealth from the art business provides a life of luxury and splendor with properties around the world. There's a chateau outside Paris. The Wildensteins have their own thoroughbred stables in France, a private jet, a Caribbean retreat that sleeps 22 and Mrs Wildenstein's favorite getaway, a 66,000 - acre ranch in Kenya. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN We have 56 lake. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Jocelyne Wildenstein says she has spent as much as $1 million a month to keep all the households going. But, she says, in the 19 years she and her husband have lived in New York, they have never filed state or federal income tax returns. (on camera) In those years, did you ever pay US taxes? Did you ever sign an IRS tax return? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS You never did? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS A New York state tax return? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS So you've paid no tax at all? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Not on my knowledge, no. BRIAN ROSS Did anyone ever tell you that you might owe a few dollars in back taxes? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. No, definitely not. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Jocelyne's husband, Alec Wildenstein, declined to speak with us. He did offer to clean off our camera lens. His lawyers have acknowledged in court that he does not pay US taxes because he is not a US citizen and does not consider himself a US resident. The case has become so ugly the Wildensteins tried to kick Jocelyne out of the house until a judge stopped them. But the Wildensteins have cut her off in some ways that only the rich can do. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN The staff is allowed to cook for the dogs, and the medical is paid for the dogs. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) The staff can cook for the dogs? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN Yes. The staff can cook for the dogs. And they can pay, they pay the medical for the dogs. BRIAN ROSS Can they cook for you? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. They cannot cook for me. BRIAN ROSS Do they pay your medical bills? JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS (VO) At the same time, Alec Wildenstein reportedly has spent several hundred thousand dollars on his new 20 - year - old girlfriend, a Russian model seen with Wildenstein recently at a French racetrack. JOCELYNE WILDENSTEIN You know, you can be part of the family. You can shine with the family for 20 years, and one day if you're not part of this family, you are ejected out. Totally out. BRIAN ROSS (VO) The tales from the divorce come at a time when the Wildenstein empire is already under a cloud, a much more serious cloud because of other secrets now coming out -- secrets about a time when the Nazis occupied Paris, a time when other Jewish art dealers lost everything. But the Wildenstein family patriarch, George Wildenstein, somehow kept the family art gallery going. HECTOR FELICIANO, JOURNALIST The legacy of George Wildenstein creates problems. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Hector Feliciano, the author of the ground - breaking book "The Lost Museum" about the Nazi looting of art from Jewish families, discovered George Wildenstein's name in long - forgotten World War II archives. HECTOR FELICIANO According to this report, there is no doubt that George Wildenstein did collaborate with the Germans. And ... BRIAN ROSS (on camera) He was Jewish. HECTOR FELICIANO Yeah. But this -- this didn't matter. Because he managed, through his contacts, to collaborate, and he managed to save his gallery. And his gallery dealt also in looted art. BRIAN ROSS (VO) The report, prepared for American intelligence and based on an interrogation of Hitler's art dealer, Karl Haberstock, recounts how George Wildenstein made a deal with the Nazis to keep his art gallery open, by turning it over to a non - Jewish associate who would make it his business to discover important collections for the Nazis, which experts say almost certainly included Jewish collections. HECTOR FELICIANO The problem is that he did go beyond saving his gallery. He not only saved his gallery, but he kept working on with the Nazis. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) Why do you think George Wildenstein would do that? HECTOR FELICIANO He just wanted to buy and sell. To him, they were just new clients. BRIAN ROSS The Nazis were just new clients? HECTOR FELICIANO Yes, I think this is it. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Until the report came out, Wildenstein had been thought to be a victim of the Nazis, forced to flee to New York, where he had publicly criticized those who collaborated with the Nazis at the very time the Paris gallery was brokering art for Germans. EDGAR BRONFMAN, WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS I feel very deeply about the fact that people should not profit from the ashes of the Holocaust. BRIAN ROSS (VO) As head of the World Jewish Congress, Edgar Bronfman led the effort to identify gold stolen by the Nazis, and now he wants to do the same thing with art stolen by the Nazis from Jewish families. EDGAR BRONFMAN What the Nazis did, they didn't just take their gold and their paintings and their property, they also took their identities. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Bronfman was outraged when we showed him the World War II files on George Wildenstein. EDGAR BRONFMAN Shame on him. That's all. Shame on him. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) Shame on him? EDGAR BRONFMAN Yes, absolutely. BRIAN ROSS Why? EDGAR BRONFMAN Because he was helping the enemy. He was helping people who had stolen art from his people to conceal it or get rid of it or do whatever. He was an accessory before and after the fact. I mean, it's shameful. BRIAN ROSS (VO) But the questions for the Wildensteins today don't stop with George, dead since 1963. There are new questions about art stolen by the Nazis and discovered only last year in the Wildenstein gallery in New York City -- a rare set of handwritten Medieval manuscripts worth millions. PROF JAMES MARROW, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY I was told by the Wildensteins I was the first person scholar -- allowed to see these manuscripts. BRIAN ROSS (VO) It was James Marrow, a professor at Princeton, who made the startling discovery after he was called in to appraise the manuscripts for a possible sale. JAMES MARROW The Nazi documentation I have seen says that these manuscripts were stolen from the home of Alfonse Kann. BRIAN ROSS (VO) Alfonse Kann was a prominent Jewish art collector whose priceless collection was seized from his French estate in 1940 by the Nazis, each item recorded with a KA for Kann in a detailed Nazi inventory, including the manuscripts now in the Wildensteins' possession -- KA - 879 through KA - 886. FRANCIS WARRIN, KANN'S NEPHEW I knew that they were in the Wildenstein family, but I didn't have any proof. BRIAN ROSS (VO) But now, even with the proof, Francis Warrin, the nephew of Alfonse Kann, says the Wildensteins are still refusing to turn over the manuscripts, which Warrin says the Wildensteins wrongly claimed after the war once his uncle was dead. FRANCIS WARRIN I'm not there to judge the behavior of the people. That would be to the court to do. What I say is this belongs to us, and we want to get it back. BRIAN ROSS (VO) It's one more blight on the name of Wildenstein, something Daniel Wildenstein refused to talk to us about until we showed up one morning outside his apartment in Paris. (on camera) We have tried to get a hold of you to ask you some questions about art stolen by the Nazis. DANIEL WILDENSTEIN What do you want to know? BRIAN ROSS Well, is there any such art in the possession of the Wildenstein family now? DANIEL WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS What about those manuscripts? DANIEL WILDENSTEIN That's a stupidity. Those manuscripts are owned by us. BRIAN ROSS You own them? DANIEL WILDENSTEIN They are owned by us since 1903. BRIAN ROSS But the Nazis recorded them as being taken from the Kann family. DANIEL WILDENSTEIN Absolutely not. BRIAN ROSS It is on the inventories. Have you seen those? DANIEL WILDENSTEIN It's not -- there is no inventory. It's a stupidity, and it means absolutely nothing. BRIAN ROSS (VO) And Wildenstein was just as quick to dismiss any suggestion his father had helped protect and expand the family fortune by collaborating with the Nazis during the war DANIEL WILDENSTEIN Which is not true. BRIAN ROSS (on camera) It is not true? DANIEL WILDENSTEIN No. BRIAN ROSS (VO) But now, after years of denials and secrets, 1998 could be the year of reckoning for the Wildensteins. There is the divorce case between Jocelyne and Alec being played out in the papers and in court, serious charges about works of art turning up in the vaults of the Wildensteins' New York City gallery and growing questions for the Wildensteins of today about what happened more than 50 years ago when the gallery did business with the Nazis. EDGAR BRONFMAN I think they have to search their souls and fess up. If that whole family fortune is based on this, that's wrong. DIANE SAWYER And beyond this story, the World Jewish Congress estimates that some 55,000 works of art, stolen by the Nazis in France alone, were never returned to their owners after the war and may be hanging in galleries around the world, including in the United States. ANNOUNCER These parents had to go to court for the right to raise their teenage son as they see fit. SUE VAN BLARIGAN We wanted to help David for his entire life. ANNOUNCER But does tough love have its limits? An exclusive interview, when PrimeTime continues. (Commercial Break) ANNOUNCER PrimeTime Live, an ABC News magazine, will continue after this from our ABC stations. (Station Break)

TAPE: EF02/0171 IN_TIME: 06:55:44 DURATION: 8:54 SOURCES: APTN RESTRICTIONS: DATELINE: Sydney Australia Saturday 23 February, 2002 SHOTLIST 1. Drag queens crossing Oxford Street - Mardi Gras parade route 2. Gay Elvis mannequin 3. Flamingoes on sticks 4. Wide of store participating in annual Shop Yourself Stupid day 5. Wig in window 6. Various drag queens shopping 7. Soundbite (English) Drag Queen 1: "The look is going to a be a little bit more glamour. We don't want to see a dull party. A little bit of sparkle, hint of colour. I'm thinking fushia, pink, lime green, that's going to be the go, but so long as you have a good time and have a fabulous Mardi Gras - that's what it's all about." 8. Soundbite (English) Drag Queen 2: "And remember it's all about being camp - as camp as a row of tents, and that's how they do it here in Sydney so it's a fabulous party. You should come and try it - it's fab." 9. Soundbite (English) Drag Queen 1: "The capital of Australia and the party of the world." 10. Soundbite (English) Drag Queen 3: "If you just look a little bit more glamorous you can have much more sex. That's what Mardi Gras is all about and having fun and, if in doubt, sequins are the go." 11. Drag queens enter store 12. Soundbite (English) Sonja Ganglmais, tourist: "I walked around the city and liked the place here on Oxford Street and these amazing people they are running here around and so we don't have this in Austria." 13. Bondage outfit on mannequin with street scape in background 14. Exterior Mephisto leather store 15. Various interior leather store 15. Tilt NYFD and NYPD jock straps 16. Soundbite (English) Ray, Owner Mephisto Leather: "The Mardi Gras again this year, obviously leather is always popular, particularly leather shorts and the briefer lines of leather. I'm holding these because they're one of newer lines - we get them exclusively under license from New York, selling like hot cakes. Shorts, all sorts of things with the logo on - just generally something light, comfortable and brief to wear out all weekend for partying all weekend." 17. Various mannequin in floristry window wearing lavish Mardi Gras parade outfit 18. Soundbite (English) Maxi Pad, Drag Queen: "Yes, usually it's a week before Mardi Gras and it gives us showgirls a chance to go out in the daylight and to show our wares during the day, which is very hard I might add - we look a bit terracotta" 19. Showgirl mannequins in House of Priscilla store 20. Various Mardi Gras outfits for sale 21. CU Cinnamon the dog 22. Various Stafford Hamilton from House of Priscilla sewing custom made Mardi Gras outfit 23. Soundbite (English) Stafford Hamilton, House of Priscilla: "They look really great on, they cling to the body, they make anybody look fabulous and plus because they've got these sequins on them they shine and glitter and look really great under spotlights, so we sell a lot of these for shows as well and people love wearing them for big parties because they're just so much fun and really bright and colourful." 24. Shopper trying on angel wings 25. Various Stafford Hamilton fitting Mardi Gras costume onto mannequin 26. Soundbite (English) Stafford Hamilton, House of Priscilla: "It's a sunflower costume we're making. It's almost finished now, it's just got to have a few more finishing touches, get someone in for the final fitting and that sort of thing. As you can see it comes with a big headdress and everything. It's just basically green with a lot of trimmings, to look like a flower, look like a plant and you can see that there's lots of glued on details and that sort of thing." 27. Signs in store 28. Soundbite (English) Stafford Hamilton, House of Priscilla: "This is just a 'Queen of the Desert' look, it's just like the halter neck jumpsuit and then you've got the jumpsuit with the pom poms and flowers. Those sort of things are always really popular for the parade because people just want to make a bold statement. It's bright coloured, it's really good fun and lots of people love it. I'd say that these sort of things are always popular for the parade." 29. Various collagen injecting procedure 30. Soundbite (English) Ginelle Cannon, Cosmetic Consultant, Beauty By Design : "Lots of people are coming in to have lipsuction. I've even had buttock implants, calf implants, pec implants, that sort of thing as well, you know? It's not as popular because it is surgery, but the non-surgical procedures like this are really popular." 31. Close up collagen injection 32. Various Troy, the patient, inspecting his new lips 33. Soundbite (English) Troy Moriarty-Schmidt, patient: "Because I'm very vain that's why. No, I heard from a friend about it and I was curious so I thought I'd give it a go. You try anything once, well almost anything once so, coming up to the build up of Mardi Gras I just thought why not give it a go, so it was just curiosity that got the better of me." 34. Pan from Bob the Builder float to Mardi Gras workshop 35. Various Mardi Gras volunteers working on floats 36. Soundbite (English) Jessie Deane, Workshop Coordinator: "That we've got 170 floats, and out of those 170 probably about five per cent are from overseas so there's quite a big contingent from overseas and it's getting bigger every year." 37. Various workshop 38. Soundbite (English) Pip Playford, Designer of Lamp Camp float: "This is the main pushable lamp and it's actually going to have woven plastic woven through the metal structure and it will have a bit of campery added to it. We've got some beach balls that will go on the end of the scrolls and a bit of this fluffy stuff to go on the bottom of it so we'll camp it up a bit." 39. Various workshop 40. Soundbite (English) Jessie Deane, Workshop Coordinator: "What's the vogue at the moment is a mixture of excitement and quite a lot of stress." 41. Tilt from nipple ring to face, Bob the Builder float SYDNEY PREPARES FOR ITS ANNUAL MARDI GRAS Final preparations are underway in Sydney for the world's biggest pride celebration - the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade. With less than a week to go, many partygoers are scrambling to find that perfect outfit to mark the celebrations. But for some, glittering attire will simply not do - and it seems this year some participants are going to extreme measures to get their look into shape. The parade, which is known the world over for its lavish and often outrageous costumes and floats, is the culmination of a month long festival which showcases Gay and Lesbian movies, theatre and other social events throughout the city. Now it all comes down to the parade on Saturday March 2nd on Sydney's Oxford Street with this year's procession promising glitz, glamour and plenty of camp. As always, the week before Saturday's grand finale is marked with a charity shopping day. Shop Yourself Stupid raises money for AIDS/HIV charities and also gives partygoers the chance to do some last minute shopping ahead of the main festivities. It's a day which provides a sneak peak of things to come - drawing drag queens out into the daylight hours to the amusement of locals and tourists alike. As always, must have items for Mardi Gras include glitter, feathers and leather. But the parade, which found its beginnings as a protest march in 1978, always has a topical twist. This year, the buzz on Oxford Street is that it will feature a float commemorating the events of September eleven. And a hot item on the shelves is clothing featuring the badges of the New York fire and police departments Ray, owner of the Mephisto leather store, says his New York range is all but sold out. Meantime others prefer the more traditional look. Maxi Pad says Shop Yourself Stupid provides the perfect chance to scour the stores for that vital last minute accessory. Originality is key for a large proportion of partygoers and parade participants and The House of Priscilla is one such store that ensures no two people will be dressed alike on the night and is a one-stop shop for wigs, shoes, frocks and jocks. Apart from its extensive ready-to-wear collection, the store also receives dozens of requests each year for original outfits which it custom makes on site. Many costumes that will feature in the parade are kept closely guarded secrets for maximum impact on the night. But Stafford Hamilton from House of Priscilla provided a sneak peak of one of the outfits he's currently working on. Many of these custom made outfits are worth hundreds of dollars so costume hire is still a popular option for some. This multi-coloured jumpsuit is a popular choice and was inspired by the Australian drag movie - 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert'. However, not everyone is content to simply frock up on the night. Increasingly, many members of the gay and lesbian community are going to extreme measures to achieve that perfect look. At about this time of the year, Beauty By Design, a Sydney cosmetic clinic, receives dozens of requests for a nip and tuck for Mardi Gras. Undergoing a spot of pre Mardi Gras restoration this year is Troy Moriarty-Schmidt who admits to only ever getting a eye lash tint in time for past parades. However this year he's decided kissable lips are the go - and is clearly pleased with the results of his collagen injections. While many are preoccupied with getting their personal look together there are hundreds of volunteers putting the finishing touches to the parade's overall look. Here at the Mardi Gras workshop, the floats for the parade are under construction - and there's still much work to be done. Participant numbers are said to be down this year - the slump in international travel impacting heavily on ticket sales the parade afterparty. Soaring insurance costs are also beginning to bite Mardi Gras organisers even though the month long festival has an annual turnover in excess of $US50 million. This is why volunteers are still a vital backbone, donating time and money to ensure the show will go on. Pip Playford is the head designer of the Camp Lamp float which promises to illuminate Oxford Street on Saturday night with some forty volunteers, a lava lamp, hand torches and this giant lampshade. According to workshop coordinator, Jessie Deane, the key to a successful Mardi Gras float is to keep the idea simple, add lots of sparkle and make sure it's waterproof - in case of rain. She says everyone is looking forward to the big night. The head float is still a closely guarded secret although religion is reportedly this year's overriding theme. However nothing is sacred in the parade, which attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the world to Oxford Street. In a sign of things to come even children's cartoon favourite Bob the Builder will be getting the hardcore treatment come Saturday.

AP-APTN-1300: FRA Vuitton Saturday, 27 June 2009 STORY:FRA Vuitton- NEW Vuitton inspired by daredevil bike NY messengers LENGTH: 05:38 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: AP Television STORY NUMBER: 611058 DATELINE: Paris France June 25 2009 LENGTH: 05:38 CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: SHOTLIST (including transcript):- AP Television Paris, France, 25 June 2009 1. Pan down exterior of venue for Louis Vuitton fashion show 2. Medium shot Louis Vuitton sign 3. Medium shot high heeled shoes 4. Medium shot people arriving for fashion show 5. Pan from photographers to Black Eyed Peas posing 6. Various of Louis Vuitton menswear fashion show 7. Finale with menswear designer Paul Helvers and fellow Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs 8. Medium shot Black Eyed Peas walking 9. SOUNDBITE (English) Will.i.Am, Black Eyed Peas (responding to question on whether he enjoyed the show): "Yes, I loved it." (Reporter: "Are you looking forward to your show tonight here in Paris?") Will.i.Am: "Yes, I can't wait. I can't wait to get on stage and play and I can't wait until after the show and DJ. So yes, it's going to be a fun night. It's going to be a good night tonight." (Reporter: "And did you guys enjoy the show?") Taboo, Black Eyed Peas: "Definitely, we had a great time, we saw some things we could utilise in our stage show and we look forward to hooking up with Louis Vuitton." 10. Wide shot designer Marc Jacobs and the Black Eyed Peas posing for photographers, with zoom in on Marc Jacobs 11. SOUNDBITE (English) Marc Jacobs, designer (responding to question about the name of the collection): "I think for the story (behind the name), you'll have to ask Paul because it is really Paul's inspiration that provides the catalyst for what the collection becomes and I really don't have anything to do with it other than I get to sit here and appreciate it, look at it, I get a nice preview with Paul, he fills me in on what he's doing and I really admire it. I think this is a really beautiful show and I have my eyes on a lot of the pieces too and I think, as usual, the research for fabrics, the cuts in the clothes, the accessories and the styling was really beautiful and felt very fresh. I could definitely see the reference but it wasn't literal, which is always something that I appreciated in the work of the men's team at Vuitton." 12. Medium shot menswear designer Paul Helvers in backstage area 13. SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Helvers, Louis Vuitton menswear designer: "Well for me it was inspired by the New York bike messengers, the guys that are on the streets of New York delivering. For me the idea was what I love about looking at them... I describe them as street butterflies because they are so colourful and so original and what I like about looking at them is they often wear clothes from wherever they are from in the world and they mix it with very functional New York waterproof GAP garments and this kind of mix of something very personal and with a far reaching reference and then a more technical side for me was very inspiring and that's where it started." 14. Wide shot backstage area NEW YORK BIKE MESSENGERS INSPIRE VUITTON PARIS SHOW Menswear designer Paul Helvers paid homage to the bike messenger, sending out models in generously cut single-button jackets and cuffed shorts toting across-the-chest messenger bags in nubby leather. Models in dress shoes with heels capped in fluorescent rubber trod across a catwalk covered in black gravel that sparkled like asphalt. When asked about the inspiration behind the collection Helvers said: "Well for me it was inspired by the New York bike messengers, the guys that are on the streets of New York delivering. For me the idea was what I love about looking at them... I describe them as street butterflies because they are so colourful and so original and what I like about looking at them is they often wear clothes from wherever they are from in the world and they mix it with very functional New York waterproof GAP garments and this kind of mix of something very personal and with a far reaching reference and then a more technical side for me was very inspiring." The impeccably cut suits had sportswear touches like zippered hoodies and ventilation flaps. Often the suits, in eye-popping oranges and yellows or muted moss and mauve tones, were topped with flowing microfiber windbreakers or light trenches. Models wore plastic sunglasses with yellow-glazed lenses and jewelry meant to resemble bicycle chains. Fellow Vuitton desinger Marc Jacobs accompanied Helvers on the runway at the show's finale. Speaking backstage after the show, Jacobs said he very impressed by Helver's collection: "I think this is a really beautiful show and I have my eyes on a lot of the pieces too and I think, as usual, the research for fabrics, the cuts in the clothes, the accessories and the styling was really beautiful and felt very fresh." APTN APEX 06-27-09 0943EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-1300: LA Ascap Show Saturday, 27 June 2009 STORY:LA Ascap Show- NEW More reactions of showbiz stars to MJ death at ASCAP Awards LENGTH: 03:20 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: ASCAP STORY NUMBER: 611041 DATELINE: Los Angeles, June 26 2009 LENGTH: 03:20 CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: COMMERCIAL MUSIC, MUSIC VIDEO AND OR PERFORMANCES, MUST BE CLEARED ACCORDING TO YOUR OWN LOCAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND COPYRIGHT AGREEMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICABLE COLLECTING SOCIETY. DETAILS OF THE TRACKS, WHERE AVAILABLE, MAY BE FOUND AT THE END OF THE SCRIPT.YOU HAVE EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR USE OF ALL AND ANY CONTENT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE, AND FOR LIBEL, PRIVACY, COMPLIANCE AND THIRD PARTY RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO THEIR TERRITORY. SHOTLIST (including transcript):- ASCAP Beverly Hills, 26 June, 2009 1. UPSOUND (English) Berry Gordy/Musician: "My best friend, Mr. William 'Smokey' Robinson, Mr. William Smokey Robinson." 2. UPSOUND (English) Smokey Robinson/Musician: "Like I said, I am so blessed and so proud, all I'm going to say about Michael, because everything has been said about him tonight is that I miss him. So much. I mean I was stunned, like the world is mourning Michael Jackson now deservedly so." 3. UPSOUND (English) Paul Williams/ASCAP President and Chairman: "Now for the lady of the hour, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our 'Golden Note' recipient, Alicia Keys." UPSOUND (English) Alicia Keys/Musician: "I especially have to take the moment to thank Michael Jackson because, I know there is a sombre feeling in the air because we all have had a great loss. And I think that we can not ignore that loss that we have had. But I feel so inspired by him and just everywhere you go, there is mad video's playing and music is playing and it is just amazing to hear it all in one body of work, because you realise this man really broke all the rules. He broke all the rules. There were no rules with him. Nobody could tell him what he could or couldn't do and how long his videos could or could not be or how his song structure should be or how many records he could or couldn't sell. He went and did from his heart as a genuine good blessed artist. He broke all the rules and all the records.'" 4. UPSOUND (English) Timbaland/Musician: "I know it is a sad day because Michael Jackson, (Shakes head) no more Mike. So I've kind of been down for the last day so, I wasn't coming out because I had the opportunity, I was supposed to work with Mike coming up before the tour and it's like "Wow' The same thing happened to me when I was supposed to work with Biggie Small before he died. So, it's kind of like a sad day, but a good day because his music lives on." 5. Ne-Yo performs 6. Jeremiah performs JACKSON REMEMBERED AT ASCAP RHYTHM AND SOUL AWARDS Musicians, songwriters and producers gathered Friday night with heavy hearts to celebrate their work, while they mourned the loss of Michael Jackson. The 22nd Annual ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) Rhythm and Soul Awards paid tribute to R&B legend Smokey Robinson and singer songwriter, Alicia Keys. Robinson was honoured with ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award, co-presented by Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. Singer/songwriter Alicia Keys received the night's other special award, ASCAP's Golden Note Award. During his award acceptance speech, Robinson paid tribute to Michael Jackson saying, "I miss him. So much. I mean I was stunned, like the world is mourning Michael Jackson now deservedly so." Alicia Keys also shared her thoughts on the loss of a great artist: "I especially have to take the moment to thank Michael Jackson because, I know there is a sombre feeling in the air because we all have had a great loss. And I think that we can not ignore that loss that we have had. But I feel so inspired by him and just everywhere you go, there is mad video's playing and music is playing and it is just amazing to hear it all in one body of work, because you realise this man really broke all the rules. He broke all the rules. There were no rules with him. Nobody could tell him what he could or couldn't do and how long his videos could or could not be or how his song structure should be or how many records he could or couldn't sell. He went and did from his heart as a genuine good blessed artist. He broke all the rules and all the records.'" APTN APEX 06-27-09 0944EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-1300: World Jackson Reax Saturday, 27 June 2009 STORY:World Jackson Reax- NEW Tributes from UK, Germany, France, Mexico and Brazil/ includes John Galliano and Aaron Kwok LENGTH: 05:58 FIRST RUN: 0330 RESTRICTIONS: See Script TYPE: Various SOURCE: VARIOUS STORY NUMBER: 611019 DATELINE: Various - 26 June 2009 LENGTH: 05:58 CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: COMMERCIAL MUSIC, MUSIC VIDEO AND OR PERFORMANCES, MUST BE CLEARED ACCORDING TO YOUR OWN LOCAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND COPYRIGHT AGREEMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICABLE COLLECTING SOCIETY. DETAILS OF THE TRACKS, WHERE AVAILABLE, MAY BE FOUND AT THE END OF THE SCRIPT.YOU HAVE EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR USE OF ALL AND ANY CONTENT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE, AND FOR LIBEL, PRIVACY, COMPLIANCE AND THIRD PARTY RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO THEIR TERRITORY. SHOTLIST (including transcript):- AP Television - AP Clients Only Hong Kong June 27 2009 1. Various Shot Aaron Kwok Speaking on the stage 2. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Aaron Kwok Singer/Actor: "It's a shock. Michael Jackson is my only idol, real idol, since I know the performance on the stage, then I love the stage and dancing. He was a singer, a superstar who inspired me all the time. I think nobody can replace him at the stage and his real talent. There's no competitor both in the past and the future." AP Television - AP Clients Only Paris, France June 27 2009 3. SOUNDBITE (English) John Galliano, fashion designer: ++PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO IS ONLY ON ONE TRACK++ "My whole life has been influenced by Michael, I mean I was talking to Michael two weeks ago on the phone, we were going to do a collaboration together for the show so I am really still kind of in shock and very saddened, very saddened, so many important moments in my life have been inspired by Michael. " AP Television - AP Clients Only Paris, France June 26 2009 4. Wide of Michael Jackson fans gathered outside Notre Dame Cathedral AP Television - AP Clients Only Paris, France June 27 2009. 5.SOUNDBITE (English) John Galliano, fashion designer : "Michael was just like a child, just like a child when you talk to him you know you have to kind of prompt the conversation you know just like a child, really innocent a very beautiful, beautiful person and I think, well like I said, I have been playing Michael since I woke up this morning. " AP Television - AP Clients Only Paris, France June 26 2009 6. Fans crying and embracing 7. SOUNDBITE (French) Joann Lechaix, Michael Jackson fan: "He's a genius. He's the one who revolutionised music, there won't be another one, it's impossible, there won't be another one." 9. Close up of girls holding hands 10. Various shots of fans singing "I'll be there" AP Television - AP Clients Only Berlin, Germany 11. Wide of Alexanderplatz square in Berlin, Michael Jackson fans gathered 12. Fans holding candles and flowers 13. Close of Jackson photo on T-Shirt, tilt up to fan's face 14. Wide of fans with candles 15. Close of candles on the ground 16. Tilt up from candles to fans AP Television - AP Clients Only London, United Kingdom, 26 June 2009 17. Tilt down from Nelson's Column to Michael Jackson fans gathered in Trafalgar Square 18. Close of stereo playing music 19. Wide of fans singing "Billie Jean," zoom in on fans singing 20. Close of candle, zoom out to fans cheering 21. Pan from tribute sign to fans singing "Bad" at base of column 22. Man crowd surfing EPIC RECORDS - No Access Brazil (++MUST COURTESY GLOBO++) FILE: Salvador- February 1996 ++COMMENTARY++ 23. Various clips from Michael Jackson video "They Don't Really Care About Us" and behind the scenes filming GLOBO - No Access Brazil Salvador - 26 June 2009 24. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Jason de Jesus Queiroz, drummer from band Olodum: "I still can't believe it. I had the opportunity to dance with him in the historical city centre and I cannot believe he is gone." AP Television - AP Clients Only Rio de Janeiro - 26 June 2009 25. Pan from homes within the favela community to ledge declared "Michael Jackson's ledge" 26. Michael Jackson imitator Antonia Carlos Gomez dancing near ledge declared as "Michael Jackson's ledge" 27. Wide of homes in the Santa Marta favela community 28. Sign reading: (in Portuguese) "Be with God Michael" on rooftop 29. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Thiago Firmino, Santa Marta resident: "We are very sad because he came to our community. He chose to come here, as opposed to choosing some of Rio de Janeiro's other wonderful sights like Copacabana and the like. He chose to come into our community and to spend that time side-by-side with the residents of the community without any hesitation." Santa Maria Eco Group - AP Clients Only (++MUST COURTESY SANTA MARTA ECO GROUP++) FILE: Rio de Janeiro - February 1996 30. STILLS: Various of Jackson and director Spike Lee filming in Santa Marta AP Television - AP Clients Only Rio de Janeiro - 26 June 2009 31. Pan from desk in classroom to Michael Jackson signature on wall 32. Close-up of signature AP Television - AP Clients Only Mexico City, Mexico - 26 June, 2009 33. Various of record store in Mexico City 34. Close-up of Michael Jackson CD 35. Various of store employee arranging Michael Jackson CDs 36. Various of Michael Jackson video on television screen 37. Man imitating Michael Jackson in Mexico City street 38. Close-up of sign in honour of Michael Jackson 39. Poster displaying photos of Michael Jackson 40. Michael Jackson fan Oliver Munoz, dancing 41. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Oliver Munoz, Michael Jackson fan: "I was shocked. I didn't shed tears at the time, because one is in shock, you don't accept it right away, but afterwards you start feeling a lot of sadness and finally you give in to the tears." 42. Various of shrine to Michael Jackson GALLIANO SAYS MICHAEL WAS A BEAUTIFUL CHILD Fans across the world on Friday reacted with shock and sadness to the death of Michael Jackson, one of the world's most iconic pop idols. The 50-year-old musical superstar suffered cardiac arrest and died on Thursday, just as he was preparing for what would have been a series of 50 concerts starting July 13 at London's O2 arena. Fashion designer John Galliano was going collaborate with Jackson to design some stage outfits for the singer and spoke to him recently. Speaking before his fashion show in Paris, Galliano said: "My whole life has been influenced by Michael, I mean I was talking to Michael two weeks ago on the phone, we were going to do a collaboration together for the show so I am really still kind of in shock and very saddened, very saddened, so many important moments in my life have been inspired by Michael. " Word of Jackson's death jolted thousands, from Chinese students, to UK fans hoping to see their idol on stage this summer, to a generation of people around the world who have tried, in vain, to moonwalk. Hong Kong singer Aaron Kwok professed himself a life long fan: "It's a shock. MJ is my only idol, real idol, since I know the performance on the stage, then I love the stage and dancing. He was a singer, a superstar who inspired me all the time. I think nobody can replace him at the stage and his real talent. There's no competitor both in the past and the future." The dramatic death of the singer seemed to obscure his recent controversies and kindle warmer memories of Jackson the child star and Jackson the show-stopping, moon-walking headliner. In the French capital Paris, hundreds of Jackson fans gathered in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. They held up his pictures, sang his songs, danced, cried and shouted in grief. Similar scenes took place in both London and Berlin. People all over Brazil on Friday also mourned Jackson's death, recalling his many visits to South America's largest country. In Salvador's historical city centre, people from the band Olodum reminisced about playing drums alongside the the King of Pop during the filming of the 1996 video "They Don't Really Care About Us." More than one-hundred drummers participated in the video, including Jason de Jesus Queiroz, who was twelve at the time. Queiroz told TV Globo he still could not believe the 50-year-old singer was "gone." The video, which was directed by Spike Lee, also used the Rio de Janeiro shantytown Santa Marta as part of the backdrop of the song, which focuses on class inequality and racism. At the time, Santa Marta was controlled by drug gangs, which caused controversy around the filming since local media reported it was authorised by the community's infamous trafficker Marcinho VP. Today, residents in the revitalised community, which was declared drug-free by Rio de Janeiro's state government in 2008, only remember Michael Jackson's kindness and sensibility. "He chose to come here, as opposed to choosing some of Rio de Janeiro's other wonderful sights like Copacabana and the like. He chose to come into our community," DJ and Santa Marta native Thiago Firmino said. The ledge with a view of Rio de Janeiro's mountains and city landscape, where Jackson did most of the filming, is known as "Michael's ledge" within the community. Jackson impersonators gathered on the commemorative space to celebrate the artist's life. Santa Marta residents placed a memorial sash reading "Be with God, Michael." Jackson visited South America's largest country three times. His first visit to Brazil was in 1974, when he was still performing with the Jackson 5. Jackson's records were selling at a faster rate than usual in Mexico City, as fans, expecting a sell out, rushed to buy his albums. In the city centre, people gathered to honour their idol by imitating his trademark dance moves and setting up a shrine to the pop star. Oliver Munoz said he felt " shocked" upon hearing the news and it took a while for him to accept Jackson's death. He added that "afterwards you start feeling a lot of sadness and finally you give in to the tears." Meanwhile the Los Angeles County coroner's office completed its autopsy on Jackson but said that determining the cause of death would require further tests that will take six to eight weeks. A coroner's spokesman said Jackson's body showed no sign of trauma and foul play was not suspected. The pop star died after on Thursday after being stricken at his rented home in the upmarket Los Angeles neighbourhood of Holmby Hills. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him for three-quarter of an hour there before rushing him to the University of California Los Angeles Medical Centre. His brother Jermaine said Jackson apparently suffered cardiac arrest, an abnormal heart rhythm that stops the heart from pumping blood to the body. It can occur after a heart attack or be caused by other heart problems. APTN APEX 06-27-09 0945EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-1300: Japan Jackson Saturday, 27 June 2009 STORY:Japan Jackson- NEW Fans hold vigil to remember the King of Pop LENGTH: 01:27 FIRST RUN: 1230 RESTRICTIONS: AP Clients Only TYPE: Japanese/Nat SOURCE: AP TELEVISION STORY NUMBER: 611052 DATELINE: Tokyo - 27 June 2009 LENGTH: 01:27 SHOTLIST: AP Television Tokyo, Japan, 27 June 2009 1. Pan left of pop star Michael Jackson's fans in Japan holding a candle vigil 2. Tilt up from candle to woman's face 3. Mid of candle and Michael Jackson photos, UPSOUND Michael Jackson's tune "You Are Not Alone" 4. Close up of woman crying, UPSOUND Michael Jackson's tune "You Are Not Alone" 5. Mid of fans holding candles, UPSOUND Michael Jackson's tune "You Are Not Alone" 6. Close up of handwritten love message to Michael, UPSOUND Michael Jackson's tune "You Are Not Alone" 7. Close up of woman holding handkerchief, UPSOUND Michael Jackson's tune "You Are Not Alone" 8. Tilt up of vigil, UPSOUND Michael Jackson's tune "You Are Not Alone" 9. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Maki Izumi, 27 year-old Michael Jackson fan, Vox Pop: "I still cannot believe this at all." 10. Michael Jackson fan wearing mask imitating Michael's dance, then stumbling 11. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Kuro (only one name given), 18-year-old Michael Jackson fan, Vox Pop: "I hope his art will be kept as his legacy." 12. Wide of vigil JACKSON FANS GATHER FOR VIGIL IN TOKYO About two-hundred Japanese fans of pop star Michael Jackson gathered in central Tokyo for a candle vigil on Saturday evening, after the death of the pop music icon shocked the world. Jackson's fans held candles and listened to the star's music at Yoyogi Park. A fan danced the moon walk in tribute to the King of Pop who died in Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Another fan, 27 year-old Maki Izumi, said she still couldn't believe Jackson had died. Japan has one of Jackson's strongest fan bases. The star last visited Japan two years ago. The official cause of Jackson's death has not been determined and is not expected to be known for weeks. However Brian Oxman, a former Jackson attorney and a family friend, told NBC's "Today" show on Friday that he had been concerned about Jackson's use of painkillers and had warned the singer's family about possible abuse. In November 1993, Jackson cancelled the rest of his "Dangerous" world tour to seek treatment for addiction to painkillers prescribed after reconstructive scalp surgery. Whatever led to Jackson's death, his passing left a deep impression on fans and fellow singers worldwide. APTN APEX 06-27-09 0946EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-1300: Ppines Jackson Saturday, 27 June 2009 STORY:Ppines Jackson- NEW Prison inmates perform dance tribute to Michael Jackson LENGTH: 01:07 FIRST RUN: 1030 RESTRICTIONS: AP Clients Only TYPE: English/Natsound SOURCE: AP TELEVISION STORY NUMBER: 611038 DATELINE: Cebu - 27 June 2009 LENGTH: 01:07 SHOTLIST: AP Television Cebu - 27 June 2009 1. Various of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Centre inmates performing Michael Jackson's "Thriller" dance routine 2. People watching 3. SOUNDBITE: (English) No name given, tourist, vox pop: "I heard about it on YouTube and I'm so glad I came. It's been an amazing experience." 4. Various of inmates performing routine to sound of "We Are The World" FILIPINO INMATES PAY TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON The Filipino inmates who shot to global fame with a Youtube video recreating the "Thriller" dance swayed and stomped again on Saturday in a behind-bars tribute to their idol, Michael Jackson. After being told of Jackson's death on Thursday in Los Angeles, the 1,500 inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Centre hit the exercise yard, practicing for nine hours on Friday night, and into the wee hours of Saturday morning, for the show. They took breaks only to eat or when it rained, said professional choreographer Gwendolyn Lador, hired by the prison to teach the inmates the dance. Some inmates said they felt sad because they had lost their idol and they felt pressure to perform well on Saturday. A crowd of 700 Cebuanos and foreign tourists watched the performance from a second-floor corridor, swaying to the music and applauding as the inmates, dressed in orange prison jumpsuits, stomped and clapped in unison in the hilltop prison, behind thick stone walls topped by electrified razor wire. Other numbers included "Ben," "I'll Be There" and "We Are the World." The inmates then held up a 5-by-10 foot (1.5-by-3 meter) tarpaulin showing Michael Jackson holding a sword and his name written below it. Others waved the flags of the Philippines and other nations. Before the show, the performers dedicated a prayer to Jackson's family. Byron Garcia, the Cebu provincial security consultant who came up with the idea of adding synchronised dancing to poorly attended exercise sessions, said he was surprised by the popularity of the 2007 video, one of more than a dozen inmate dance numbers he has posted on YouTube. "Thriller" has attracted 24.3 (m) million hits since it was posted two years ago, with nearly a (m) million of them in the 24 hours since news of Jackson's death spread. APTN APEX 06-27-09 0948EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-1300: LA Def Jam Saturday, 27 June 2009 STORY:LA Def Jam- NEW Def Jam Rocks RAPS and remembers MJ LENGTH: 03:18 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: APTN STORY NUMBER: 611061 DATELINE: Los Angeles California June 26 2009 LENGTH: 03:18 SHOTLIST (including transcript):- AP Television Los Angeles, 26 June 2009 1. Wide shot of 'Avalon' 2. Medium shot of arrivals line 3. Poster for 'Def Jam' 25th anniversary 4. Musician Jeremih, posing for photos 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremih/Musician, on the event: "Tonight is actually a tribute to 'Def Jam' with Ace Hood, myself and Fabulous. We're definitely going to hit the stage and do our thing." 6. Rapper William Northpole posing for photos 7. SOUNDBITE (English) William Northpole/Rapper, on Michael Jackson's death: "As far as Michael passing away, I feel like being that he was the biggest entertainer in the world, ever, I really feel like 50 percent of the music is gone." 8. Rapper Ace Hood posing for photos 9. SOUNDBITE (English) Ace Hood/Rapper, on Michael Jackson: "You know growing up in my household, you know we definitely grew up on Michael Jackson, you know what I mean? I definitely remember being at my house moonwalking in my socks. You know what I mean?" 10. Singer Ne-Yo posing for photos 11. SOUNDBITE (English) Ne-Yo/Singer, on Michael Jackson: "Oh man. I can think back to being eight-years-old, skating around in the kitchen with my socks trying to figure out the moonwalk and all that." 12. Rapper Fabolous posing for photos 13. SOUNDBITE (English) Fabolous/Rapper, on Michael Jackson: "I had it all. From the 'Thriller' jacket to the toy glove that you put glue on. You put the glitter on the glove. So just losing him was just a tremendous loss to the world, not just the music generation as well." 14. Shot of musician Jeremih with reporters 15. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremih/Musician, on his music being similar to Michael Jackson's: "His music has influenced me heavily, man. My forthcoming album June 30th, there's a couple of records on there that may remind you of Michael. So growing up with the Jackson 5 until now, he's definitely influenced. He'll never be forgotten. His music never dies." 16. Wide shot interior of 'Avalon' 17. Performance, Jeremih, singing "Birthday Sex" 18. Shot of audience 19. Performance by rapper Fabolous 20. Shot of crowd jiving 21. Performance by Fabolous DEF JAM ROCKS, RAPS AND REMEMBERS MICHAEL JACKSON Hollywood played host to 'Def Jam's' 25th anniversary. While Friday night's bash was a festive event, hip hop stars and rappers were quick to remember the music world's loss of music legend, Michael Jackson. Almost all of the evenings chart topping guests had a story to tell about the king of pop. "You know growing up in my household we definitely grew up on Michael Jackson," revealed 21-year-old Ace Hood. "I definitely remember being at my house moon walking in my socks." For hip hop artist Ne-Yo, his memories of Michael took him back to his childhood. "Oh man. I can think back to being eight-years-old, skating around in the kitchen with my socks trying to figure out the moonwalk and all that." Rapper Fabolous admitted that his wardrobe was heavily influence by the late trendsetter. "I had it all. From the 'Thriller' jacket to the toy glove that you put glue on. You put the glitter on the glove." Arizona rapper, William Northpole perhaps summed it up best. "As far as Michael passing away, I feel like being that he was the biggest entertainer in the world. I really feel like 50 percent of the music is gone." Before hitting the stage for his free performance, Jeremih claims the spirit of Jackson is still alive and well and living in his own music. "My forthcoming album June 30th, there's a couple of records on there that may remind you of Michael. He'll never be forgotten. His music never dies." Inside the 'Avalon,' Fabolous, Jeremih and Ace Hood rocked, rapped and remembered one of their own who will live in music history forever. Def Jam Recordings is a United States based hip-hop record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as a part of The Island Def Jam Music Group APTN APEX 06-27-09 0957EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-1300: Lebanon Pageant Saturday, 27 June 2009 STORY:Lebanon Pageant- NEW Miss Lebanon 2009 is crowned LENGTH: 01:58 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation STORY NUMBER: 611057 DATELINE: Casino Du Liban, 20KM north of Beirut, Lebanon LENGTH: 01:58 CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: SHOTLIST: Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (LBC) Casino Du Liban, Adma (20Km North of Beirut), 26 June 2009 1. Various of girls modelling swimsuits 2. Various of winner Martine Andraos 3. Various of fireworks 4. Close up Martine Andraos MISS LEBANON 2009 CROWNED Martine Andraos was crowned Miss Lebanon 2009 on Friday 26 June, beating out 1st runner up, Marie-Ange Sebaaly and 2nd runner up Celine Hassoun. Miss Lebanon is the only national beauty contest that awards prizes worth more than half a million US dollars to its winners. Each year, the Miss Lebanon Pageant takes on a new format with a new number of contestants. APTN APEX 06-27-09 0957EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-1300: US Jackson Custody Saturday, 27 June 2009 STORY:US Jackson Custody- REPLAY Family Lawyer on Debbie Rowe's chances for custody LENGTH: 04:19 FIRST RUN: 0000 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: AP Television STORY NUMBER: 611014 DATELINE: New York, 26 June 2009 LENGTH: 04:19 CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: COMMERCIAL MUSIC, MUSIC VIDEO AND OR PERFORMANCES, MUST BE CLEARED ACCORDING TO YOUR OWN LOCAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND COPYRIGHT AGREEMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICABLE COLLECTING SOCIETY. DETAILS OF THE TRACKS, WHERE AVAILABLE, MAY BE FOUND BELOW. YOU HAVE EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR USE OF ALL AND ANY CONTENT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE, AND FOR LIBEL, PRIVACY, COMPLIANCE AND THIRD PARTY RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO THEIR TERRITORY. SHOTLIST (including transcript):- Hollywood.TV - No Access TMZ / No Access Access Hollywood / No Access Extra / No Access Inside Edition - DO NOT OBSTRUCT HOLLYWOOD TV LOGO Los Angeles California May 5 2009 1. Michael Jackson with his kids AP Television New York 26 June 2009 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Scott N. Banks/Attorney "It's not a simple case. Ms Rowe has not seen the children for approximately ten years. She gave up custody to Michael Jackson ten years ago, and like I said has not seen the children. Even though she's the biological mother of Prince Michael and Paris, there are other factors that come into play, and those are what's in the best interest of the children?" AP Television FILE: Date and location unknown 3. Michael Jackson waving to crowd AP Images Bahrain, 2006 4. Still of Michael Jackson walking with son AP Television New York 26 June 2009 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Scott N. Banks/Attorney "One of the things that would concern me as an attorney would be breaking up the siblings. There is a third child involved, who has been presumably very involved with his other siblings. And the question then becomes, will a court be willing to award custody to a biological parent, when that parent has had no connection with the children for such a lengthy period of time. And also separate those two children from their other sibling. So the courts have to weigh and balance those factors." AP Images Pasadena, Calif., 1996 6. Still of Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe AP Images Santa Maria, Calif., 2005 7. Still of Debbie Rowe at court for Michael Jackson's trial AP Television New York 26 June 2009 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Scott N. Banks/Attorney "Miss Rowe, although did not terminate her parental rights, did terminate her custodial rights. And not one effort, that at least I can be aware of, has she made to resurrect a relationship with both Prince Michael and with Paris, and I think that's going to be another factor in this case." AP Images 2004, exact date and location unknown 9. Still of Debbie Rowe during television interview AP Images Santa Maria, Calif., 2005 10. Still of Debbie Rowe at court for Michael Jackson's trial AP Television New York 26 June 2009 11. SOUNDBITE (English) N. Scott Banks/Attorney "What is the background of Debra Rowe? Why did she relinquished custody in 1999? Those are things that would have to be investigated at that point in time and presently. What are current living conditions? Does she have the ability to raise two children at the present time? So those are all the factors that a court is going to have ultimately determined." SONY FILE: Date and location unknown 12. Various of Michael Jackson performing AP Television New York 26 June 2009 13. SOUNDBITE (English) N. Scott Banks/Attorney "I suspect that the Jackson family is not going to go away too easily on this. And that they're going to use whatever their financial wherewithal to make sure, or at least attempt to make sure, that these two children, and also the third child, Blanket, stay together as one solid family. So I think that is the difficulty Miss Rowe is going to be facing right now." AP Television Los Angeles, 26 June 2009 14. Various of memorial at Hollywood Walk of Fame CAN MOTHER OF TWO OF JACKSON'S CHILDREN REGAIN CUSTODY? Now that Michael Jackson has passed, who gets custody of the children? Debbie Rowe is the mother of two of the pop star's three kids, Prince Michael Joseph Jackson and Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson. A third child, Prince Michael II, or better known as Blanket, was born to a surrogate mother. Rowe's former attorney, Iris Finsilver says she isn't currently representing Rowe, but has no doubt she will seek custody of the children. But that may not be as easy as it sounds. New York family attorney, Scott M. Banks says the court will look at several key factors that may trump her stature as their biological mother. "It's not a simple case. Ms Rowe has not seen the children for approximately ten years." Then there's Blanket. Where would he go? "Will a court be willing to award custody to a biological parent, when that parent has had no connection with the children for such a lengthy period of time? And also separate those two children from their other sibling." The courts have to weigh and balance those factors. Another issue is the Jackson family. Michael's mother has been in their lives since birth. "I suspect that the Jackson family is not going to go away too easily on this." Rowe and Jackson married in 1996 and divorced in 1999. APTN APEX 06-27-09 1009EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM -------------------

TAPE_NUMBER: EN9932 IN_TIME: 11:25:42 LENGTH: 03:15 SOURCES: APTN/ARTISAN ENTERTAINMENT RESTRICTIONS: No re-use/re-sale film/video clips without clearance from ARTISAN ENTERTAINMENT Santa Monica, California on (+001)310.449.92.00 or fax (+001) 310.255.38.60 No Access Internet FEED: SCRIPT: xfa BLAIR WITCH CASTS A SPELL AT THE U.S. BOX OFFICE STORY:BLAIRWITCH MARKETING LOCATION: VARIOUS DATE: AUGUST 10TH + FILE In the neverending battle to get bums on seats in movie theatres across the globe, two independent film makers are currently laughing all the way to the bank as their low budget hit, "The Blair Witch Project" came in second from the top of the US box office last weekend. The scary tale took in about $US24million, only $US2million less than the top box office film, "The Sixth Sense", Hollywood's big budget drama starring BRUCE WILLIS. It also beat "Runaway Bride" and "The Thomas Crown Affair" which isn't bad going for a film which only cost $US60,000 to make and has taken a total of $US80million so far, Cowrittendirected and edited by DANIEL MYRICK and EDUARDO SANCHEZ, The Blair Witch Project has benefitted from a canny marketing campaign ever since it first turned heads at the Sundance Festival in January of this year. After a midnight screening at Sundance, Artisan Entertainment purchased the film for $US1million and began its marketing campaign in earnest. The Blair Witch website which had been started in June '98, even before the film was edited, became a magnet for curious fans. Artisan added journal entries by one of the characters, faked police reports and a history of the Blair Witch dating back to the 18th century. Myrick and Sanchez next found themselves at the highly prestigious Cannes Film festival where the film was invited to participate in the "Quinzaine des Realisateurs" sidebar section. Now on general release in the States, Blair Witch has attracted a cult following, as witnessed by the average of 2 million hits its website receives every day. "Blair Witch" puts a modern twist on the universal fear of the dark and things that go bump in the night. But if you're expecting another Screamstyle gorefest, think again. This chiller is very much a pseudodocumentary. The story revolves around three students' attempt to find out more about the legend of a witch who lived in the Black Hills Forest in Maryland and whose magic was most definitely black. The innovative way the film was made, including black and white 16mm film and Hi8 video, has everything to do with how it plays out on screen. An opening title card informs that, in October 1994, three young film makers hiked into the Black Hills Forest in Maryland to shoot a documentary about the legend of the Blair Witch. The filmmakers were never heard from again, but a year later their footage was found, an edited version of which constitutes the present feature. This information, of course, puts a chill into the viewer from the outset, since it guarantees that things did not turn out well. While creating the students' horrific oneway journey into the forest, Myrick and Sanchez maintained a realistic documentary feel by training their actors to use cameras, then sending them out into the forest for eight days to shoot the picture themselves; certain destination points and encounters were established in advance, and notes to the thesps were left in baskets along the way. Otherwise, they were on their own, and improvised their way through a rigorous shoot without a clue as to how and when things were going to wind up. All the visuals, therefore, are either handheld, often jittery colour video images taken by the bossy director and project organizer, Heather (HEATHER DONAHUE), or blackandwhite 16mm shots filmed by the troupe's tyro cameraman, the hippieish Joshua (JOSHUA LEONARD); regular guy Michael (MICHAEL WILLIAMS) is along to record sound. The expedition starts out optimistically, as Heather interviews locals about the Blair Witch legend, which involves numerous mysterious disappearances and evidence of gruesome torture many years ago. Once into the forest, which is beginning to become brown and wet with the onset of autumn, Heather attempts to keep everyone's spirits up despite the long daily slogs with heavy backpacks, but terror sets in on the second night when they hear what sounds like people circling their tent and stepping on twigs and branches nearby. Thus begins an awful succession of days taken up with endless walking and periods of willed levelheadedness broken by feardriven yelling and recriminations about how they ever got into this mess. Unable to find their way back to civilization, the trio is forced to set up camp every evening and, just as they fear they will, the bonechilling noises continue; in the mornings, they emerge to find little rock piles and twig bundles that prove someone was there... Daniel Myrick studied cinema at the University of Florida and had made several shorts (including "All Shook Up") before launching into his first feature length film with Sanchez. His cinematic partner also studied at Florida University where he wrote and directed a 16mm feature entitled "Gabriel's Dream". SHOTLIST: BLAIR WITCH PROJECT" CLIP ; SOT HOWARD KARREN, DEPUTY EDITOR, PREMIERE MAGAZINE ; CLIP FILM ; SOT DIRECTORS EDUARDO SANCHEZ & DANIEL MYRICK ; SOT HOWARD KARREN ; GVS EXTR LOEWS THEATRE ; SOT VOX POP ; SOT VOX POP ; GVS INTERNET SITE ; SOT KARREN ; CLIP FILM 146302 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: DANDRIDGE 8/12/99 EN9932 10:57:09 04:57 APTN/HBO PICTURES No re-use/re-sale film/video clips without clearance/No access Internet English/Nat BERRY TELLS SAD HOLLYWOOD TALE STORY: DOROTHY DANDRIDGE LOCATION: LOS ANGELES DATE: AUGUST 9TH '99 HALLE BERRY has beaten JANET JACKSON and WHITNEY HOUSTON in a race to the screen. Berry stars in the DOROTHY DANDRIDGE STORY. Both Janet and Whitney had been desperate to bring the tragic life story of this postwar actress to the big screen. But it is Berry, best known for her lead role in WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE, who won the race. And in L.A. yesterday she proudly unveiled the movie she has nurtured onto the screen. Though Whitney secured the rights to one Dorothy Dandridge Story, Halle's interpretation, airing on HBO, is based on a book written about the starlet by Dandridge's manager Earl Mills. "Most of her life was public domain. So everything that was in my book is in Whitney's book, is in Janet's book." says Halle. There were plenty of low points in the life of Dandridge, but Halle says her story is more of a celebration. "I really want to tell the story in a positive point of view. If I had a hero, she would be my hero. I'm really going to celebrate how she lived and not how she tragically died." The attraction to these leading ladies of the Dandridge story is obvious. Dandridge was a rare individual in the Hollywood of the 1940s and 1950s she was black and she was an actress. She started out performing at the age of the 3 and took to the stage professionally as one of the Dandridge sisters. The highlight of her career was to become the first black woman nominated for a best actress award for her role in Carmen Jones as Carmen Jones. But her tough career and disappointments led to an early death at 42. As well as starring Berry was executive producer on the project. She also had more than 80 costume changes for this biopic which recreates many of her famous routines. Dandridge's nomination and affair with director Otto Preminger did not lead anywhere and her death was called an accidental overdose of prescription antidepressants. Dandridge's other films include DRUMS OF THE PARADE, TARZEN'S PERIL, THE DECKS RAN RED, THE MURDER MEN and ATLANTIC CITY. But the sad truth is that Hollywood just didn't know what to do with a talented, beautiful, black actress in post war America. KLAUS MARIA BRANDAUER (MEPHISTO, OUT OF AFRICA) stars at the director Preminger while BRENT SPINER (STAR TREK) plays her manager. Both of them joined Berry at the world premiere in L.A. yesterday. LIONEL RITCHIE also turned out as did the movie's director MARTHA COOLIDGE (RAMBLING ROSE, VALLEY GIRL), one of Hollywood's leading female filmmakers. Spiner's Star Trek colleague LAVAR BURTON also attended. CLIP FROM "DOROTHY DANDRIDGE" (COURTESY HBO); TILT DOWN MOVIE POSTER; TILT UP HALLE BERRY AND PULLOUT ; SOT HALLE BERRY ; FILM CLIP ; MCU BRENT SPINER ; SOT BRENT SPINER ; MCU KLAUS MARIA BRANDAUER ; FILM CLIP ; SOT KLAUS MARIA BRANDAUER ; SOT HALLE BERRY ; FILM CLIP ; SOT MARTHA COOLIDGE (DIRECTOR) ; MCU COOLIDGE AND BERRY POSING ; SOT LIONEL RITCHIE ; FILM CLIP. 146320 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: FAYE WONG 8/12/99 EN9932 11:02:14 02:20 APTN No access Internet Mandarin/Nat FAYE WONG DEFLECTS DIVORCE QUESTIONS STORY:FAYE WONG LOCATION: HONG KONG DATE: AUGUST 10TH 1999 Undoubtedly FAYE WONG is the undisputed Queen of Chinese and Cantopop in Asia. She is also one of the coolest pop stars on the planet, as famed in the East for her own brand of cool insouciance as for her music. Wong maintains a magical hold on her fans around the world and she has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. Although her fame in the East is not replicated in the wider world. But Wong lost some of her legendary cool at a press conference in Hong Kong this morning when a reporter pressed her on the progress of her divorce proceedings. Wong insisted the affair was no one's business but her own. And she wasn't about to reveal her innermost secrets to help the circulation of newspapers. Regarded as the queen of Asian pop, Wong was married to DO WEI, a Beijing pop musician in 1996 who has publicly admitted that he tied the knot with her only because she was pregnant. They have daughter who is now two years old but their divorce has hit the headlines in Asia as Do Wei has been seen with GAO YUAN, a photographer whom he had dated before marrying Wong. Today's press conference was called to launch the new Pepsi commercial which will feature Wong. The title song of the commercial will be the same title as her new record which will be seen in all of Asia on 11th August. This will also be the first time that the Pepsi commercial will be aired in mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong at the same time. Wong did a lot of firsts in this new commercial which is called Desire. She swam in front of the cameras for the first time, she did a somersault, she also went behind the camera and filmed one of the sequences of the video. It was also her first to act in a video with children. The song was composed by Faye Wong and ZHANG YA DONG. The lyrics were written by Wong. The theme of the commercial is 'unlimited desire' and is meant to encourage young people to challenge themselves and ask for more from their lives. They said Pepsi chose Wong because of her trendy image and unique position in the East. At the press conference she was presented with a belated birthday present a bird in flight with an inscription 'Your wish will come true'. They chose to give her the statue because birds feature a lot in the video. COUNTDOWN TO VIDEO FEATURING FAYE WONG ; WONG ENTERS PRESS ROOM: POSES TO PHOTOGRAPHERS; SOT FAYE WONG SOT IN MANDARIN; WIDE OF PRESSER; WONG IS PRESENTED WITH A PRESENT OF BIRD IN FLIGHT WITH INSCRIPTION YOUR WISH WILL COME TRUE; CUTAWAY MEDIA; SOT FAYE WONG ; CUTAWAY PHOTOGRAPHERS ; SOT FAYE WONG; CUTAWAY : SOT FAYE WONG; MCU SCREEN FEATURING VIDEO 146324 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: VICTOR MATURE 8/12/99 EN9932 10:51:22 01:15 FOX/PARAMOUNT No re-use/re-sale film/video clips without clearance/No access Internet English/Nat SCREEN IDOL DEAD AT 86 STORY:VICTOR MATURE LOCATION: VARIOUS DATE: FILE Veteran screen idol VICTOR MATURE, star of epics such as SAMSON AND DELILAH and MY DARLING CLEMENTINE, has died at the age of 86. The actor earned the nickname "beautiful hunk of a man" for his roles in such films as ONE MILLION B.C. Victor Mature liked to joke. He once tried to get into a country club that didn't accept actors by saying, "Hell, I'm no actor, and I've got 28 pictures and a scrapbook of reviews to prove it." Born January 29, 1913,(although there is some dispute about the year), in Louisville, Kentucky, he was the son of an Austrian immigrant who became a successful businessman. He arrived in California in the mid'30s, paying his way with odd jobs because he didn't want to rely on his father. At the height of his stardom, Mature dated stars such as RITA HAYWORTH and LANA TURNER, and was married five times. He first made his name as a glamourboy star with a devilmaycare attitude, but gradually gained more critical respect in the late 1940s. In the 1946 film "My Darling Clementine," he was Doc Holliday to Henry Fonda's Wyatt Earp. The version of the fabled gunfight at the OK Corral is considered one of director JOHN FORD's greatest films. Tall, darkhaired and muscular, Mature got his nickname "beautiful hunk of a man" from roles like Samson. The 1949 epic of Samson and Delilah cast Mature and HEDY LAMARR in the title roles. It was a smash hit. During the making of the film he was asked to wrestle with a tame lion. He was assured that it had no teeth, but Mature refused, saying he didn't want to be gummed to death. He was a favorite of reporters during his heyday, always available for interviews and happy to deflate the pomposities of Hollywood as well as his own image. He appeared in musicals, westerns, comedies, historical epics and melodramas before largely retiring from films around 1960. But in 1984 he made a rare appearance on television, playing Samson's father in a new version of "Samson and Delilah". Mature died at the age of 86 after battling cancer for three years. A funeral service will to be held Tuesday in Louisville. CLIP FROM "MY DARLING CLEMENTINE" (COURTESY FOX VIDEO) ; CLIP FROM "SAMSON AND DELILAH" (COURTESY PARAMOUNT) 146325 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: MARTIN SHEEN 8/12/99 EN9932 10:52:45 01:36 ABC No Access NORTH AMERICA/CNN/FOX, NO ACCESS INTERNET English/Nat MARTIN SHEEN ARRESTED ON PROTEST STORY: MARTIN SHEEN LOCATION: LOS ALAMOS, NEW MEXICO DATE: AUGUST 9TH 1999 His film star son CHARLIE SHEEN has had his fair share of run ins with the law. But now it was the turn of idealistic dad MARTIN SHEEN to get arrested. The star of BADLANDS and APOCALYPSE NOW was among 80 demonstrators to be arrested at an antinuclear demonstration in Los Alamos, New Mexico, yesterday. Sheen, a long time and devoted antinuclear protester, was the first demonstrator to be busted at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. About 400 protesters showed up at the weapons lab on the 54th anniversary of the Abombing of Nagasaki in World War Two. Sheen told the crowd he wants nuclear scientists to take a deep, personal look at what they're giving to the future. He crossed over the line into the National Laboratory and then proceeded to kneel down and recite the Lord's Prayer before being led away amidst a throng of reporters. As well as countering the nuclear industry, Sheen is an indefatigable activist on a host of liberal issues. He has been arrested many times on various protest marchs and sitins. His many other films include GANDHI, THE DEAD ZONE and WALL STREET. As befitting an idealist of his status, he has played both the late JOHN F KENNEDY and his slain brother BOBBY on screen. His two sons, Charlie and EMILIO ESTEVEZ, have both followed him into acting careers. Charlie has had plenty of run ins with the law but these tend to be for offences of a less idealistic nature. Sheen asked for nuclear scientist to look into their heart and conscience. "What we're calling them to do is take a real, deep, personal look at what they are giving to the future. These weapons are a larceny of the poor, and if we can have some measure of consciousness about this issue, maybe in another 50 years we won't even remember what happened here. "But today we have to come and remember what happened 54 years ago." As well as the estimated 400 people, some coming from as far away as Britain and France, the demonstration was attended by two llamas with signs draped over their backs that said: "Los Alamos, Stop Building Nuclear Bombs" and "Abolish Nuclear Weapons." Last year, Sheen was taken into custody at Fort Benning, Ga., while protesting U.S. training of Latin American soldiers who he said committed atrocities. He was arrested in 1997 for blocking access to a California strawberry field where he said workers were being exploited. MCU MARTIN SHEEN CROSSING LINE AND KNEELING DOWN AS HE SAYS THE LORDS PRAYER ; SHEEN BEING ARRESTED AND LED AWAY THROUGH CROWD W.S. SHEEN SURROUNDED BY REPORTERS AS HE IS LED AWAY; BACK VIEW W.S. SHEEN. 146359 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: FLAMENCO 8/12/99 EN9932 11:17:15 03:47 APTN music/ performance rights must be cleared/No access Internet Spanish/Nat STORY: LAS MINAS FLAMENCO FESTIVAL LOCATION: ANDALUCIA, SPAIN, DATE: AUGUST 8 & 9 1999 Some of Spain's best known and upandcoming flamenco artists are currently strutting their stuff at the Las Minas Flamenco festival in Andalucia, the home of flamenco. The weeklong Flamenco festival is considered one of the most important in promoting new Flamenco artists with competitions in dance, song and flamenco guitar. Held in La Union, a small mining town in Andalucia known for its singing lore, the festival has been going since 1961. The evening performances, held in La Union's old market place, were given by veteran flamenco singer "EL PELE", (aka MANYUEL MORENO MAYA), followed by 26 yearold flamenco singer, MIGUEL POVEDO, from Barcelona and ending with internationally known flamenco dancer, SARA BARRAS. El Pele, who has gypsy origins, has incorporated other rhythms such as the drum into his performances, moving away from the purer form of Flamenco exemplified in Miguel Povedo's style. Pele says "Flamenco is one of the oldest, richest and most important of all cultures. In Flamenco, various moods are expressed from happiness to grief and sadness. All the desire to live, all the moods that you may have, in this case my emotions, are expressed singing. It is very expressive and connects quickly with people." 26yearold Miguel Povedo's career in Flamenco started in 1993 when he won the singing prize Lampara Minera in LA Union's competitions. His style is considered classical Flamenco and is highly acclaimed by Flamenco critics around the world. For Povedo, Flamenco is his way of expressing himself: "Flamenco is my way of self expression, and it is the best way,to express myself through, music, song and Flamenco, through song which is my favorite." Flamenco dancer Sarra Barras finished the evening performance with a standing ovation, dancing her first act, dressed in traditional mens clothing and performing traditionally men's flamenco steps. Sarra is considered one of the best women flamenco dancers at the moment, and according to local press, has travelled to Hollywood to meet with TOM CRUISE for a possible part in a future movie, dancing flamenco. In the 80's and 90's, flamenco has experienced a revival and returned to the Spanish mainstream, with styles infused by jazz, salsa, blues and rock making their way in the charts and clubs and a new respect for the old, traditional flamenco artists. The sanitized kitsch image of flamenco as all frills and castanets that was exploited during Franco's rule of Spain has been left behind and a new generation of flamenco singers and dancers are now expressing the vitality and attitudes of a younger generation. The roots of flamenco have evolved in southern Spain from many sources : Morocco, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Greece and other parts of the Near and Far East. How exactly they came together as flamenco is still a subject of great debate, though most authorities believe the roots of the music were brought to Spain by gypsies arriving in the 15th century. It was then fused with elements of Arab and Jewish music in the Andalucian mountains where the "pagan" gypsies had taken refuge from the Catholic authorities. EXTR PEOPLE QUEUEING OUTSIDE VENUE IN OLD MARKETPLACE ; CU TICKETS ; PEOPLE ENTERING VENUE ; WS FLAMENCO PERFORMANCE ; PAN DANCERS ; CA AUDIENCE ; PELE IN PERFORMANCE ; SOT PELE (SPANISH) ; MIGUEL POVEDO PERFORMANCE ; SOT MIGUEL (SPANISH) ; SARA BARRAS PERFORMANCE. 146364 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: WILLIAM SHATNER 8/12/99 EN9932 11:09:17 02:00 ABC/APTN FILE ABC = No access N. America/CBC/No access Internet English/Nat HOLLYWOOD IN SHOCK AS WILLIAM SHATNER'S WIFE FOUND DEAD Story: William Shatner Date: August 10th Location: North Hollywood The wife of actor WILLIAM SHATNER was found dead in the swimming pool of their home, an apparent drowning that authorities said they were treating as an accident. NERINE SHATNER, 40, was pronounced dead at the scene. Shatner arrived home at about 10:15 p.m. and found her at the bottom of the pool, police Lt. ADAM BERCOVICI said. "(Shatner) dialed 911 and dived into the pool to render aid to his wife," Bercovici said. The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to the Studio City home, but efforts to revive Mrs. Shatner were unsuccessful, spokesman Brian Humphrey said. "Sadly, she was beyond our help," Humphrey said. Foul play did not play a role in her death, Bercovici said. "She was home alone for a short period of time and accidentally drowned while swimming in the family pool," he said. An autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The couple was married in November 1997. Shatner, 68, is best known as Capt. James T. Kirk on the science fiction television show "Star Trek." He also appeared in several "Star Trek" movies and the 1980s television police drama "T.J. Hooker." Tragedy struck the "Star Trek" cast in June, when DeForest Kelley, who portrayed the cantankerous and compassionate Dr. McCoy, died after a lengthy illness at the age of 79. ABC PIX OF POLICE OUTSIDE WILLIAM SHATNER'S HOUSE ( ; SOT LT. ADAM BERCOVICI; CLIP FROM "STAR TREK" (END ABC FILE) ; APTN FILE: WS WILLIAM SHATNER AT STAR TREK CONVENTION ; SOT WILLIAM SHATNER; W.S. SHATNER 146417 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: SHATNER REAX 8/12/99 EN9932 11:29:04 01:32 ABC ABC = No access N. America/CBC/No access Internet English/Nat STAR TREK STAR SPEAKS OF HIS GRIEF. STORY:WILLIAM SHATNER REAX DATE:AUGUST 10TH '99 LOCATION: L.A. WILLIAM SHATNER, alias Captain Kirk in the longrunning Star Trek series, spoke of his grief over the loss of his wife, NERINE SHATNER, (forty) after she was found dead in the swimming pool of their home yesterday. Authorities said they were treating the death as an accident. Shatner arrived home at about 10:15 p.m. and found her at the bottom of the pool, police Lt. ADAM BERCOVICI said. "(Shatner) dialed 911 and dived into the pool to render aid to his wife," Bercovici said. The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to the Studio City home, but efforts to revive Mrs. Shatner were unsuccessful, spokesman Brian Humphrey said. "Sadly, she was beyond our help," Humphrey said. Foul play did not play a role in her death, Bercovici said. "She was home alone for a short period of time and accidentally drowned while swimming in the family pool," he said. An autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The couple was married in November 1997. Both Nerine and her husband have a history of alcohol abuse but Nerine had been sober for several years. Shatner, 68, is best known as Capt. James T. Kirk on the science fiction television show "Star Trek." He also appeared in several "Star Trek" movies and the 1980s television police drama "T.J. Hooker." Tragedy struck the "Star Trek" cast in June, when DeForest Kelley, who portrayed the cantankerous and compassionate Dr. McCoy, died after a lengthy illness at the age of 79. ABC PIX OF POLICE OUTSIDE WILLIAM SHATNER'S HOUSE ( ; SOT LT. ADAM BERCOVICI; CLIP FROM "STAR TREK" (END ABC FILE) ; APTN FILE: WS WILLIAM SHATNER AT STAR TREK CONVENTION ; SOT WILLIAM SHATNER; W.S. SHATNER 146503 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: MICKEY BLUE EYES 8/12/99 EN9932 11:11:28 04:43 APTN/WARNER BROS No re-use/re-sale film/video clips without clearance from Warner Bros on (+0044) 0171.437.56.00/No access Internet English/Nat THIN LIZZIE DAZZLES PREMIERE CROWD STORY: MICKEY BLUE EYES PREMIERE LOCATION: LONDON DATE: AUGUST 10TH '99 LIZ HURLEY, the English actress celebrated for her habit of wearing cleavageplunging dresses, dazzled fans once again when she accompanied boyfriend HUGH GRANT to the premiere of his new film, "Mickey Blue Eyes", in London last night. Always faithful to the Versace label, she kept the cameras clicking with a backless, floorlength split dress made of gold mesh which was sheer around the legs. On it was sewn a myriad of mirrors which jangled as she walked, as well as a mosaic of tiny pink squares. She said of her passion for Versace: "Donatella is a friend of mine and she sends them to me from time to time. "I wear jeans 365 days a year and it's quite nice to get out of them occasionally." The dress itself was featured in Versace's haute couture show held in Paris last month. And the actress, who produced the film rather than starring in it, revealed she actually manages to get ready for her glitzy appearances faster than her longterm partner, Hugh. Speaking at last night's screening in London's Leicester Square, the glamorous star said: "It doesn't take me long to get ready, but it takes Hugh ages. "He has a lot of shirts to choose from but they all look the same." Hurley's dresses have been show stoppers at many of Grant's past premieres including the opening of "Four Weddings And A Funeral", where she wore the Versace safetypin creation and the "Notting Hill" event at which she upstaged the leading lady, JULIA ROBERTS. "Mickey Blue Eyes" is the second producing venture for Hurley who set up Simian Films with Hugh Grant as part of their firstlook deal with Castle Rock Entertainment several years ago. Their first venture together was the '96 thriller, "Extreme Measures" which costarred Grant and GENE HACKMAN. On working together, Grant said it was a "surprisingly good" experience but added "We fight as you would with any girlfriend that's working with you, like cats. But it's also quite soothing if you're a neurotic actor like I am when there's someone who knows your foibles." In the film, Grant plays Michael Felgate, an English auctioneer who falls in love with Gina (played by JEANNE TRIPPLEHORN), a young school teacher whose father is tied up with the mafia. Gina has always been secretive about her father (played by JAMES CAAN) but when Michael finally meets the charming Frank Vitale, he can't understand why. After Michael proposes to Gina, she is forced to explain exactly what kind of family she comes from. Her father is a prominent member of New York's ultra violent Graziosi crime family and she won't accept Michael's marriage proposal because every her father has ultimately destroyed every "civilian" relationship she's ever attempted. Michael promises to steer clear of the Mob but keeping his hands clean proves harder than he imagined and bit by bit he is drawn into the mob's world. After Michael inadvertently finds himself aiding the mob to launder money via his art auction house, he loses the girl he loves and ends up an accessory to murder. Desperate to win back the woman he loves, Michael buys himself time by posing as the notorious Chicago wiseguy, Mickey Blue Eyes. But just how long will his luck last, now there's the real question... Grant commented: "I've always been obsessed with the mob. I've always wanted to be in a mob film, and no one asked me, but now I am." Tripplehorn who was also at the event in a stunning sleeveless outfit, admitted her obsession with Hugh Grant, laughing that she had at last succeeded in her long term desire to get him into bed. The film was directed by KELLY MAKIN, known for his commercials and rock videos and for his film, "The Kids In the Hall's Brain Candy". Other guests at the screening included Oasis star, LIAM GALLAGHER and his pregnant wife PATSY KENSIT, for whose child Hurley is to be Godmother. CLIP FROM 'MICKEY BLUE EYES' ; ARRIVAL LIZ HURLEY & HUGH GRANT ; PULL UP POSTER ; GRANT KISSES FAN ; ARRIVAL PATSY KENSIT & LIAM GALLAGHER ; CA PHOTOGRAPHERS ; JEANNE TRIPPLEHORN & GRANT POSE FOR PRESS ; ARRIVAL INTR DIRECTOR ; SOT DIRECTOR, KELLY MAKIN ; ARRIVAL TRIPPLEHORN ; SOT TRIPPLEHORN (ON BEING QUOTED AS WANTING TO GET GRANT INTO BED) ; CA HURLEY ; SOT TRIPPLEHORN ; CLIP FILM ; SOT HURLEY ; CA HURLEY & GRANT ; SOT GRANT ; CA GRANT ; SOT GRANT ; CLIP TRAILER 146504 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: CRADLE OF FILTH 8/12/99 EN9932 11:37:33 03:47 APTN/MUSIC FOR NATIONS No re-use/re-sale film/video clips without clearance/No access Internet, music/ performance rights must be cleared English/Nat LONDON COMES OUT TO WORSHIP THE LORDS OF BLACK METAL STORY:CRADLE OF FILTH LOCATION:LONDON DATE:AUGUST 10TH '99 In the murky, but hugely popular, underworld of black metal, CRADLE OF FILTH are the new lords. This British band have become one of the most popular groups in a genre that has hundreds of thousands of fanatical fans around the world. Black Metal; a crude and sometimes ridiculous mix of heavy metal, gothic lyrics, halfbaked satanism and whatever inspiration can be taken from old horror movies. For the Cradle of Filth, their greatest inspiration comes from the camp horror films of the Hammer studio from 1960's England. And on their latest record, CRUELTY AND THE BEAST, they are joined by actress INGRID PITT, the screen queen of countless Hammer horror movies. Pitt starred in THE VAMPIRE LOVERS and COUNTESS DRACULA, two movies based loosely on Erzsebet Bathory, the 16th century noble woman who liked to bathe in the blood of virgin girls. On the Filth's new album, Pitt provides the distinctive vocals on the track, BATHORY ARIA, PART III, EYES THAT WITNESSED MURDER. The Filth began life in 1991, formed in their home base of Suffolk. After recording a couple of much bootlegged demos, they signed to Cacophonous Records in 1993 and released the hugely popular, THE PRINCIPLE OF EVIL MADE FLESH. After falling out with their record label and several lineup changes, the group signed to Music For Nations and released their massive seller DUSK AND HER EMBRACE. The group like to describe themselves as "supreme vampyric evil" and certainly they had lots of little devils worshipping them when they turned up for a record signing in the centre of London on Tuesday. After a meet and greet with the fans, the band lived upto their blackened reputation by trashing their dressing room in true rock 'n roll style before being escorted off the premises by police. The songs of Filth are frenzied, intense, demonic and painful screams with which no effort is spared. The group were arrested in the Vatican for wearing 'I Love Satan' teachers and dressing as priests. And they are constantly harrassed by religious groups over their popular and blasphemous tshirts. But that is exactly the sort of stuff that their fans love them for. They have recently returned from the States were they headlined the Milwaukee Metal Fest. The current lineup of the group is DANI FILTH (Oral Pleasures), STUART (Infernal Overkill), LECTOR (Torture Chamber Music), ROBIN GRAVES (Nocturnal Pulse) and ADRIAN ERLANDSSON (Drums). While not worshipping the antiChrist and defying organised religion, the boys like nothing better than settling down with a bottle of Jack Daniels and reading Nietzsche, Byron and Bram Stoker. And there is a special treat in store for Filth fans at the end of the month with the release of the longawaited PanDaemonAeon, a long form video of uncensored promo videos, live footage and band interviews directed by cult movie maker ALEX CHANDON. For more information about Cradle of Filth contact Music For Nations. VIDEOCLIP "FROM CRADLE TO ENSLAVE"; VS FANS QUEUING UP FOR CRADLE OF FILTH ; MCU FANS GOING NUTS TO CAMERA ; VOXPOP FAN;VOXPOP FAN; CRADLE OF FILTH MEMBERS ARRIVING DOWNSTAIRS ; C.A. SECURITY MEN ; C.U. BAND MEMBER AND PULLOUT ; C.U. BAND MEMBERS; C.U. DANI FILTH ; W.S. PHOTOGRAPHERS AND BAND ; SOT LEAD SINGER, DANI FILTH; VIDEOCLIP ; SOT DANI FILTH (ABOUT VIDEOCLIP); TILT UP DANCER IN FISHNET STOCKINGS TO BAND AT SIGNING ; C.U. DANI FILTH SIGNING ; SIDESHOT DANI SIGNING ; C.U. FANS PHOTOGRAPHING EACH OTHER NEXT TO DANI;.C.U. PAPER SIGN "COME AND SEE THE FREAKS"; VOXPOP FANS; VIDEOCLIP;SOT DANI FILTH ; VIDEOCLIP. 146547 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: BOB HERBERT 8/12/99 EN9932 11:16:17 00:52 APTN/VIRGIN No re-use/re-sale film/video clips without clearance/No access Internet, music/ performance rights must be cleared English/Nat POP MUSIC GURU BOB HERBERT DIES IN CAR ACCIDENT Story: Bob Herbert Date: August 11th Location: London BOB HERBERT, the man who formed the SPICE GIRLS and who lately had managed the teen pop group FIVE, has been killed in a car accident. Herbert, 57, was killed instantly Monday afternoon (9/8) when he lost control of his car in heavy rain and it collided with another car in Windsor, west of London, according to RCA, Five's record company. Two people in the other car were injured. Herbert's management of the stillpopular Spice Girls set the pace for the late1990s trend for manufactured pop groups that appeal to teenaged record buyers, like America's Backstreet Boys. Herbert and his son, Chris, had sought candidates for the Spice Girls via an advertisment in a trade magazine in 1996, then chose and drilled the five young women who would go on to international pop stardom. But once the fivesome became successful, they decided they wanted more artistic input and control over their repertoire and careers in general, and fired him in favour of manager SIMON FULLER.. "We were all shocked and saddened to hear the news," the Spice Girls said in a statement Tuesday (10/08). "Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family. We know he will be sadly missed." Five is on a promotional trip in South America and unavailable for comment. Herbert, who lived in Camberley, south of London, is survived by his wife, Ann, daughter Nicky, and son Chris, who is comanager of Five. APTN filmed Bob Herbert and the band Five during a magazine photoshoot in October 1998 during the making of a television documentary called 'Love Me For A Reason' chronicling the history of teen bands. The documentary was shown on Channel Five in the UK and TV3 in Ireland. Bob and his son Chris Herbert ran the pop music company, Safe management. APTN FILE (OCTOBER 1998) OF CHRIS HERBERT AND GROUP 'FIVE' EATING PIZZA ; PULL UP FROM HERBERT TO GROUP MEMBERS ; PULL BACK HERBERT TO WS FIVE IN PHOTO SHOOT ; CLIP VIDEO 'GOODBYE' FROM SPICE GIRLS 146555 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: LYNX FESTIVAL 8/12/99 EN9932 11:30:45 01:35 VNR music/ performance rights must be cleared/No access Internet English/Nat MUSIC FESTIVAL CASHES IN ON ECLIPSE HYPE Story: Voodoo Lynx Festival Date: August 11th, '99 Location: Cornwall, UK It's been brewing for weeks; radio and TV programmes around the world have been informing us all about the solar eclipse, why it occurs, the best place to see it and how not to go blind while witnessing this truly oncein alifetime natural occurence. So it's hardly surprisingly that a few festival entrepreneurs got together and came up with the LYNX VOODOO ECLIPSE; an all night dance event celebrating the magic and mysticism of the UK's first full solar eclipse in seventy years. Sponsored by the men's deodorant, Lynx, the event was timed to coincide with the total eclipse and is being held at "a secret location" in the South of England where visibility of the phenomenon was expected to be the best. Among the acts taking part in the event are dance music maestros, FATBOY SLIM, FAITHLESS, CARL COX, FREESTYLERS and DJ SONIQUE. Two other eclipse festivals are also taking place in the south of England; the Lizard 99 Festival at Goonhilly Downs, Cornwall, where around 13,000 people were on site on Wednesday morning and the similar sized Total Eclipse Festival at Newnham Park, near Plymouth. Both are hoping for a capacity crowd of 20,000. An hour before the eclipse a torrential rainstorm lashed west Cornwall and heavy cloud completely blocked out the sun and moon. But at 11.11am the screen showed the vanishing sun, the freak "eclipse wind" blew across the area, and blackness suddenly descended. Despite the fact that the sun and moon could not be seen, the crowd saw an amazing sunset effect in the South West. In Cornwall the eclipse was witnessed by over 1.1 million people, with the county council estimating that around 270,000 visitors, doubling the normal number for the season, had come to see the event. Numbers were swelled by over 25,000 people who flooded into Cornwall overnight in a late dash for the darkness. The target for huge numbers of eclipse watchers was west Cornwall, right on the centre line of totality. The eclipse was first experienced in the UK on the Isles of Scilly at 9.55am when the moon took the first "bite" out of the solar disc. In Marazion and Penzance, right in the centre of the 64mile wide band of totality, day turned to night for two minutes and six seconds when the moon completely obscured the face of the sun, unfortunately witnessed by noone in the area. The twohour 40minute heavenly spectacular moved away from the UK mainland when Torquay, the last spot to experience totality, was plunged into darkness for 72 seconds. Watching the event in Falmouth, Cornwall, was TV astronomer Patrick Moore, who described it as a "strange, weird experience". He added: "The temperature dropped suddenly and the light dropped, and there were strange atmospheric effects too, a strange kind of breeze I have not felt before." Among the ecstatic sky watchers popping champagne corks in Falmouth was Steve Stavrou, 32, who travelled overnight from his home in Brighton to view the event. He said: "It's disappointing we didn't get the full view but it was still a marvellous event. The main thing was to have been with so many people for what is really a unique experience." Andrea Simmons, watching from Penzance where totality lasted for two minutes and six seconds, said: "It was absolutely fantastic, a wonderful experience. There were clouds but you still got the full atmosphere of it, and I felt really shivery when a big gust of wind came with it." Fellow Penzance eclipse watcher Richard Brown said: "I think the cloud helped the effect. To see the dawn effect in the south west was fantastic. I think the conditions must have helped increase the effect." Thousands of music fans gathered as the BBC Radio One Roadshow swung into action overlooking Mount Bay and the famous St Michael's Mount in Marazion, Penzance. Coastguards confirmed later that the eclipse had passed without incident as a flotilla of up to 10,000 boats headed for the line of totality. COACHES ARRIVING AT NIGHT ; PARTYGOERS ARRIVING ; WS ENTRANCE TO FESTIVAL ; GVS DANCE HALL WITH DEEJAY AT CONTROLS ; SOT FAT BOY SLIM ; GVS EVENT ; PERFORMANCE TRIBAL DANCERS ; FAT BOY SLIM PERFORMANCE 146685 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: THE RATCATCHER 8/12/99 EN9932 11:41:28 03:45 APTN/PATHE DISTRIBUTION No re-use/re-sale film/video clips without clearance/No access Internet English/Nat EDINBURGH FILM FESTIVAL OPENS WITH LOCAL FILM STORY:THE RATCATCHER LOCATION:CANNES, FRANCE DATE:RECENT A major part of the massive annual Edinburgh Festival is the Edinburgh Film Festival. Although tiny compared to Cannes or Venice, Edinburgh has established itself as an important stopping off point on the round of international film festivals. It attracts major international films, but also important is the growing number of Scottish and British movies that get screened at Edinburgh. And this year the festival's opening movie on Sunday will be the UK premiere of RATCATCHER, a debut feature from young Scottish director LYNNE RAMSAY. Set in Glasgow in the 1970s, Ratcatcher is seen through the eyes of 12 year old James Gillespie. Haunted by a tragic secret, he becomes more and more estranged from his own family and disappears into a private world of his own. His closest companions are Margaret Anne, a vulnerable 14 year old who expresses her desperate need for love in all the wrong ways, and the animalloving Kenny. Ratcatcher was shown to great acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section. APTN caught up with the director at the South of France festival. National Film School graduate Ramsay has already won a Cannes Prix du Jury the previous year for her short film, Small Deaths. For the central roles of James and Margaret, Ramsay and her producer GAVIN EMERSON saw 1500 children before casting WILLIAM EADIE and LEANNE MULLEN. Neither had ever acted before. Ramsay's niece, Lynne Ramsay Jr, plays James's sister. Scottish actors TOMMY FLANAGAN and MANDY MATTHEWS play James' father and mother. Ratcatcher is a coproduction between BBC films and Pathe Pictures. PATHE DISTRIBUTION IN LONDON ON 00 44 171 323 5151. FILMCLIP "THE RATCATCHER"; SOT LYNNE RAMSAY; FILM CLIP ; SOT LYNNE RAMSAY; FILM CLIP; SOT LYNNE RAMSAY; FILM CLIP 146686 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: TEACHING MRS TINGLE 8/12/99 EN9932 11:45:21 02:48 APTN/MIRAMAX No re-use/re-sale film/video clips without clearance/No access Internet English/Nat WILLIAMSON'S NEW MOVIE IS A SCREAM STORY:TEACHING MRS TINGLE LOCATION:LOS ANGELES DATE:AUGUST 11TH '99 Writer KEVIN WILLIAMSON reinvented and reinvigorated the horror genre in the 1990s with SCREAM and I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER. Now he is back and making his directing debut with an even more deadly story, TEACHING MRS TINGLE. Although this latest film was actually the first script that Williamson wrote, way back in 1994. The script languished on a production company's shelf for years while Williamson became one of the hottest new properties in Hollywood. Miramax bought up the script and offered Williamson the chance to direct it. Inspired by his own memories of a much hated teacher at Pamlico County High School in North Carolina, this dark comedy is about a bunch of students who decide on an extreme measure to improve their school grades they plan to kill their teacher. Williamson has gathered together an impressive cast. HELEN MIRREN (PRIME SUSPECT, SOME MOTHER'S SON) plays the much hated Mrs Tingle. The film also stars VIVICA A. FOX (INDEPENDENCE DAY), KATIE HOLMES (DAWSON'S CREEK), MARISA COUGHLAN, MICHAEL MCKEAN (SPINAL TAP), MOLLY RINGWALD (BREAKFAST CLUB), JEFFREY TAMBOR (LARRY SAUNDERS) and LESLEY ANN WARREN. Williamson and some of his stars, Holmes, Mirren and Warren, turned out for the world premiere in Hollywood last night. In keeping with the High School setting, the actresses abandoned the customary limos and arrived on a school bus. Holmes plays young, pretty and popular Jo Lynn, preparing to graduate from high school with a bright future ahead of her. But when another classmate sets Jo Lynn up in her History class she receives a failing mark from the muchfeared and despised Mrs. Tingle. Because of that one black mark Jo Lynn loses the opportunity to be her school's valedictorian, an opening that her big rival Mary Beth (LIZ STAUBER) is quick to seize. With her postgraduation dreams swiftly eroding away, Jo Lynn comes up with the only option available to her Mrs. Tingle's history class is going to need a substitute teacher. EXTR THEATRE ; PULL DOWN POSTER ; SCHOOL BUS ARRIVAL ; CLIP TRAILER 'TEACHING MRS TINGLE' ; SOT KEVIN WILLIAMSON ; CLIP TRAILER ; HELEN MIRREN ARRIVAL AT PREMIERE ; ARRIVAL KATIE HOLMES ; SOT MIRREN ; CLIP FILM ; SOT KATIE HOLMES ; CLIP FILM ; 146688 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: KISS 8/12/99 EN9932 11:32:25 02:18 APTN/POLYGRAM RECORDS/NEW LINE No re-use/re-sale film/video clips without clearance/No access Internet English/Nat KISS WALK THE WALK STORY:KISS STAR OF FAME LOCATION:LOS ANGELES DATE:AUGUST 11TH '99 Those giants of seventies' pomp rock, KISS, finally got to walk the walk when they joined the pantheon of music and film greats on the Hollywood Walk of Fame yesterday. The creaking legends of spandex, makeup and flying rock solos attended the ceremony in L.A. and naturally turned up in all their slap and finery. This is a busy week for the tongue wagging rocksters. On Monday night they attended the world premiere of DETROIT ROCK CITY. So it was even more appropriate that they were being honoured in Hollywood. In a move that stretches the tonguewagging talents of the four piece, GENE SIMMONS, PAUL STANLEY, ACE FREHLEY and PETER CRISS all play themselves, although the focus of the film lies with a small group of their diehard fans. The story is a coming of age comedy featuring four Midwestern High School kids who are on an unstoppable quest to snag a quartet of tickets for a KISS concert. In their passionate pursuit of this hard rock Holy Grail, the foursome are pitted against authoritarian nightmare figures, parental hypocrisy, trials of conscience and the persistent, unwanted interference of disco. What began as a desire to bag a handful of concert tickets becomes a more meaningful metaphor for their future lives Detroit Rock City is about nothing if it not about the liberty to pursue one's dreams. EDWARD FURLONG, GIUSEPPE ANDREWS, SAM HUNTINGTON and JAMES DE BELLO star as the foursome in the film that tries to capture the very particular world of the 1970s, as lived by a bunch of Kissheads. Gene Simmons is acting as producer on the film. KISS became cultural icons in the 1970s with their outlandish style, makeup and high volume rock'n' roll. The original foursome split up acrimoniously but they recently reformed and have found a whole new generation of rock fans across America. The movie, due for release this summer, should awaken the interest of even more young fans. NEW LINE CINEMA IN LONDON ON (00 44 171 439 1378). MCU KISS FAN (WITH MASK ON) AND PULLOUT TO CROWD OF FANS ; TILT UP KISS FANS IN COSTUME ; MCU FAN WEARING KISS T.SHIRT ; MCU ARRIVAL KISS ; C.A. FAN IN CROWD ; SOT MAYOR OF HOLLYWOOD INTRODUCING KISS MEMBERS ;SOT PETER CRISS (KISS GUITARIST AND VOCALIST); VIDEOCLIP "I LOVE IT LOUD" (COURTESY POLYGRAM); PULLOUT FROM STAR TO REVEAL KISS MEMBERS POSING IN FRONT OF PLAQUE ; C.U. STAR ; MCU GENE SIMMONS TWISTING HIS TONGUE AND SOT PETER CRISS ; FILM CLIP FROM "DETROIT ROCK CITY"; GENE SIMMONS WIGGLING HIS TONGUE AT CAMERA. 146700 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: SPIELBERG 8/12/99 EN9932 11:34:51 02:34 APTN No access Internet English/Nat STEVEN SPIELBERG IS HONOURED BY THE PENTAGON Story: Steven Spielberg Date: August 11th'99 Location: Washington DC Film maker STEVEN SPIELBERG, winner of five Academy Awards for his epic "Saving Private Ryan", has received the highest U.S. civilian honour at the Pentagon, in Washington DC. He's the top director in Hollywood and now he is being honoured by the Pentagon for his commitment to public service. Steven Spielberg was also given an honour cordon by US Defence SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN and his wife Janet. Usually this ceremony is reserved for top diplomats, but on Wednesday (11/08) it was Spielberg's moment to be recognised for the place he commands in popular Western culture. He collected the military's highest civilian honour at a special ceremony in the Pentagon. Spielberg won five Academy Awards for "Saving Private Ryan". At the ceremony Secretary Cohen remarked that this film contributed to North America's national conscience. It reminded audiences of the sacrifices made by an earlier generation to secure today's freedom. And the Defence Secretary also called Spielberg's blockbuster epic an "emotional catharsis" for all who saw it, particularly World War II veterans. The award, a medal for distinguished public service, honours Spielberg for making "an historic contribution to the national consciousness". The ceremony was attended by General Henry Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, other military brass and invited guests. Other recent recipients of the award include former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, Senator Strom Thurmond, and former Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn. The film maker told the gathering that he was trying to pursue an "active remembrance of the past" so that the younger generation would not forget the sacrifices of their forefathers. And he added that of all the movies he has directed only two have instilled him with real pride, SCHINDLER'S LIST and Saving Private Ryan. AR ARRIVING AND STEVEN SPIELBERG GETTING OUT OF CAR AND BEING GREETED BY US DEFENCE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN AND HIS WIFE JANET; C.A MILITARY OFFICERS ; SPIELBERG WALKING UP STEPS OF THE PENTAGON ; W.S. CEREMONY ; C.A. PRESS; SOT WILLIAM COHEN ; C.A. SPIELBERG ;SOT COHEN; MCU SPIELBERG BEING PRESENTED WITH MEDAL ; SOT SPIELBERG;C.A. PRESS ; SOT SPIELBERG ; W.S. SPIELBERG AND COHEN. 146723 ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: CARNIE WILSON 8/12/99 EN9932 11:48:15 01:15 APTN/SBK No re-use/re-sale film/video clips without clearance/No access Internet, music/ performance rights must be cleared. English/Nat CARNIE WILSON SHRINKS LIVE ON THE INTERNET Story: Carnie Wilson Date: August 11th Location: San Diego Singer and former talk show host CARNIE WILSON gave an unusual performance yesterday a live broadcast via the Internet of her gastric bypass surgery. She's one of over 100,000 Americans who've chosen this radical form of cosmetic surgery to drastically lose weight and change their body shape. Wilson, the 31yearold daughter of Beach Boy Brian Wilson, said prior to Tuesday's surgery that she was "morbidly obese" and the procedure provided a permanent solution to weight loss. "I am so obese the fact is that I could die. That's really what it is. I could have a massive heart attack," she said in a videotaped interview provided on the Web site www.adoctorinyourhouse.com. The surgery was performed at Alvarado Hospital Medical Center by a team of doctors. Many people who tried to see the surgery weren't successful because the Internet server couldn't handle the demand, a hospital spokeswoman said. The Web site features celebrities and their health problems. Wilson, part of the nowdefunct Wilson Phillips trio, said she has battled weight problems since childhood, craving sugar to the point of sneaking into the kitchen to eat powdered cake mix. In the operation, Wilson's stomach was reduced to a small pouch and attached to her small intestine. One of Wilson's surgeons, Dr. Wesley Clark, says the surgery is recommended only for people who are more than 100 pounds overweight. He wouldn't say what Wilson's weight was, but says she was at least twice her ideal body weight. W.S. PERSON ON INTERNET ; C.U. WEBSITE ; C.U.SCREEN ; EXCERPTS FROM LIVE OPERATION ; VIDECLIP "HOLD ON" BY WILSON PHILLIPS TRIO); EXCERPTS FROM OPERATION LIVE ON THE INTERNET. 147544 ARTIC: GREENPEACE - EVIDENCE OF GLOBAL WARMING 8/18/99 EF99/0917 13:19:27 01:26 Greenpeace VNR Greenpeace = No re-use without clearance VARIOUS (THE ABOVE TIME-CODE IS TIME-OF-DAY) Natural Sound A recent Greenpeace expedition to the Arctic claims to have found growing evidence that global warming is threatening the survival of Arctic wildlife. Greenpeace say they've found new evidence of the polar ice pack retreating by hundreds of kilometres in just a few short weeks. That is putting increasing pressure on the survival of local wildlife. Greenpeace research teams say they've seen a steady decline in the number of walrus in the Arctic in recent years. For three weeks a team of scientists and activists aboard the Greenpeace icebreaker "Arctic Sunrise" have surveyed the wildlife in the Chukchi Sea region between Alaska and Russia. They found that the rim of the ice pack in some parts of the area had retreated by nearly 300 miles (approximately 480 kilometres) during their short visit to the Arctic. Greenpeace say that the emission of greenhouse gasses by the chemical industry and the burning of fossil fuels are causing global warming. During their visit the researchers also launched this protest, hanging a banner from one of the retreating icecaps. They were highlighting how the western Arctic is one of the regions with the steepest increase in temperature levels on earth. Temperatures are rising at up to five times the rate observed in other parts of the globe, Greenpeace say. As a result, the rim of the polar ice pack, habitat and hunting ground of Arctic wildlife, is fast retreating. Many species have difficulty adapting to their changing environment. Over the past years a steady decline of the walrus population in the Arctic has been observed by Greenpeace. While more calves were found this year than in previous years, results showed that fewer and fewer were reaching adulthood. It's not just the walrus population which could be threatened. Reindeer, polar bears, seals and seabirds like the black guillemot are also dependent on the area around the rim of the polar ice as their hunting grounds. As with the walrus, if the polar ice melts any more, they could soon disappear. Arctic, 1. Dingy driving past Greenpeace icebreaker "Arctic Sunrise", drifting ice block in foreground 2. Greenpeace activists moving empty chemical barrels on shore 3. Woman activist moving barrel 4. Male activist by barrel with yellow writing "SHELL" 5. Two woman activists assembling a measuring device 6. Close up of hands fastening thread on device 7. Pan of group of activists hanging device on a post 8. Man with ice picks climbing down side of iceberg 9. Activists on edge of iceberg rigging up big yellow banner 10. Close up of picture of skull 11. Banner 12. Activist tightening ropes of banner 13. Banner, pull out into wide shot of iceberg 14. Group of walrus on sandbank 15. Reindeer grazing 16. Sea swallow on rock, flying off 147624 ISRAEL: 2 SOLDIERS KILLED BY GUERRILLAS 8/18/99 EF99/0916 03:15:54 - 09:22:20 02:38 IBA/Channel2 No Access Israel/Internet VARIOUS (THE ABOVE TIME-CODE IS TIME-OF-DAY) Hebrew/Nat Two Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes with guerrillas Tuesday in southern Lebanon. The first Israeli fatalities in the region since Prime Minister Ehud Barak took office in July. The deaths are sure to increase already mounting public pressure on Barak to pull Israel's troops out of Lebanon. Barak's election campaign promised to withdraw from the security zone that Israel occupies to protect its northern villages from cross-border attacks. Tuesday's casualties bring to 12 the total number of Israelis killed this year in Lebanon. The two young Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes with guerillas. Their deaths mark the first Israeli fatalities in the area since Prime Minister Ehud Barak took office in July. Barak campaigned on a pledge to withdraw troops by next July from a security zone that Israel occupies to protect its northern villages from cross-border attacks. The deaths are sure to increase already mounting public pressure on Barak to pull Israel's troops out of Lebanon. SOUNDBITE: (Hebrew) "There is a certain escalation in Lebanon. We will continue to do everything in order to get Israel Defense Forces, with all its great achievements and with the pain that comes with it, out of Lebanon and back to the International border." SUPERCAPTION: Ehud Barak, Israeli Prime Minister The casualties came on a day of fierce artillery, mortar and rocket exchanges, after Hezbollah vowed revenge for Monday's killing of commander Ali Hassan Deeb, better known as Abu Hassan. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government blame Israel for the roadside bomb that killed him, although no one has claimed responsibility. Army chief-of-staff, Lieutenant General Shaul Mofaz, suggested Tuesday that Abu Hassan's death was the result of a power struggle among the guerrillas themselves. Other Israelis said Abu Hassan had criminal links. The chief of staff defended the Israeli Defense Force's role in south Lebanon. SOUNDBITE: (Hebrew) "In the past few months I can say that Hezbollah's action inside the security zone in South Lebanon, including the road side bombs and the mortar fire continues. That means, there is war activities inside the security zone in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Force continues doing its job - guarding the Northern border of Israel." SUPERCAPTION: Shaul Mofaz, Army Chief of Staff The army identified the two Israelis killed as Staff Sergeant Eyal Goyta, 21 and Staff Seargant Doron Hirshkowitz, 21. The army spokesman said in a statement that three Hezbollah guerrillas were also killed. Three of seven Israelis injured were in serious condition, the army said, and one of the wounded was a battalion commander. Northern Israel, 17 August 1999 Helipad, Northern border of Israel, Channel 2 1. Helicopter landing 2. Two soldiers walking 3. Wide shot of soldiers approaching helicopter Rambam Hospital, Haifa (North Israel), IBA 4. Midshot of ambulances with helicopter above 5. Helicopter landing by ambulances 6. Various shots of paramedics carrying soldiers on stretchers 7. Various shots of wounded soldiers on stretchers being led into the Hospital 8. Soldier in stretcher surrounded by people inside hospital 9. Soldier on phone being led on stretcher 10. Stretcher being wheeled into lift with doctors and nurses 11.SOUNDBITE: (Hebrew) Ehud Barak, Israeli Prime Minister 12. Helicopter taking off 13. SOUNDBITE: (Hebrew) Shaul Mofaz, Army Chief of Staff 14. Israeli army jeep with soldier sitting inside 147638 USA: TURKISH EARTHQUAKE DISASTER: RESCUE WORKERS DESPATCHED 8/18/99 EF99/0916 07:25:26 - 09:13:26 02:35 APTN VARIOUS (THE ABOVE TIME-CODE IS TIME-OF-DAY) English/Nat A 70-member team from Virginia, USA, accompanied by fire trucks and specially trained dogs, is due to arrive in Turkey on Wednesday to help locate victims of Tuesday's devastating earthquake. Once there, the team will aid the overwhelmed Turkish emergency services to help with search-and-rescue operations, survivor detection and rubble removal. In a global outpouring of help for victims of Tuesday's massive earthquake in Turkey, governments around the world dispatched sniffer dogs and rescue experts to search for the missing and medical teams to cope with thousands of injuries. A major relief operation quickly moved into high gear - fighting against time to try to rescue those trapped under debris and to assist thousands who lost their homes. Fairfax County's search and rescue team from Virginia prepared to head out to Turkey to join forces with other international teams. SOUNDBITE: (English) "That hasn't been determined yet to the extent of what role we will play over there, but what we are trained to do is search and rescue victims that may be trapped. But once we arrive there and make an assessment of what we can do to help restore this country back to a normal state, we will take part in it." SUPER CAPTION: Lieutenant Lorenzo Thrower, Urban Search and Rescue Team Spokesman The team is one of two in the United States that can be dispatched anywhere in the world for rescue operations. Usually the team which includes cave-in experts, dog teams, doctors and paramedics works at collapsed concrete structures. SOUNDBITE: (English) "Other than the specialised concrete-breaking tools and things like that we are taking with us, we also have the capability of doing electronic searches by using listening devices that are very sensitive. We can pick up people tapping with their fingers inside collapsed buildings, as well as very special search cameras that we can probe down into void spaces and try to identify the location of where people are. So, we are pretty technically advanced as far as things like that go. We've done a lot of training with that type of equipment and we have found people in the past with that equipment." SUPER CAPTION: Lieutenant Michael Regan, Urban Search and Rescue Team Manager Previously the team helped after the Philippine earthquake in 1990 and in rescue operations at the federal building in Oklahoma City and the U-S Embassy in Nairobi after both were bombed. In Turkey the latest death count has topped two-thousand. Authorities say nearly eleven-thousand have been injured. It seems certain the casualty count will climb. As many as ten-thousand people could still be trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings around Golcuk a navy base town near the quake's epicentre. Thousands more are missing in Istanbul and elsewhere. Fairfax, Virginia, USA - August 17 1999 1. Fireman readying equipment 2. Firemen carrying equipment 3. Crews weighing equipment to be shipped 4. Close up helmet 5. Crew loading truck 6. Firefighter with his son in his arms 7. Close up assignment sheet 8. Firemen signing up and checking identification 9. Close up Fairfax County shirt 10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Lieutenant Lorenzo Thrower, Urban Search and Rescue Team Spokesman 11. Rescue-trained dog 12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Lieutenant Michael Regan, Urban Search and Rescue Team Manager 13. Buses transporting firefighters to Air Force base 14. Firefighter dropping equipment and receiving instructions 147639 USA: NEW YORK: JEWISH SECURITY CONFERENCE 8/18/99 EF99/0916 03:22:53 - 07:37:33 - 09:25:06 02:11 APTN VARIOUS (THE ABOVE TIME-CODE IS TIME-OF-DAY) English/Nat In the wake of last week's race-motivated shooting at a Jewish community center in Los Angeles, a group of Jewish organizations has united to address the issue of security in their community. The Anti-Defamation League (A-D-L) and United Jewish Communities (U-J-C) sponsored a special satellite conference on security awareness and procedures Tuesday afternoon. SOUNDBITE: (English) "The purpose of our coming together is to discuss the issue of security in the Jewish community." SUPER CAPTION: Abraham H. Foxman, National Director, Anti-Defamation League The event came a week after an alleged neo-Nazi sympathisers attacked a Los Angeles Jewish community centre. Nearly 200 Jewish organizations nationwide were invited to participate. The talks, which were not open to the media, also included presentations from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (F-B-I) as well as senior law enforcement experts. At a press conference before the satellite conference, Jewish leaders said although there was cause for concern about the safety of Jewish centers, it would be wrong to let hate-mongers have the upper hand. SOUNDBITE: (English) "We hope and pray that it's not a pattern. That it's only a throw back into the past. But we are concerned. We're concerned and therefore decided to reach out to the totality of the Jewish community to ask them and to inform them that there is a danger, but at the same time to make sure that it is put into perspective. God forbid that the bigots and the hate mongers would instill a level of fear to the extent that it changes the way Jewish institutions live and operate." SUPER CAPTION: Abraham H. Foxman, National Director, Anti-Defamation League Speakers also raised the importance of not over-reacting in trying to secure a safe environment for children. SOUNDBITE: (English) "We want our children to be secure but not scared. And we want communities to take prudent action, but not panic. And it is an extraordinarily difficult balance." SUPER CAPTION: Martin Raffle, Associate Executive Director, Jewish Council for Public Affairs Jewish leaders also discussed placing more emphasis on prevention in law enforcement, as well as strengthening hate crime legislation throughout the country. SOUNDBITE: (English) "A responsible response is to be aware. 50% of prevention comes from awareness, seeing whether people are there who shouldn't be there, seeing whether things are there that don't belong. And then we're calling for debate and discussion in another area. Which is that government, that law enforcement begin to change the balance as important as it is to remove and apprehend a criminal and remove him from the streets of society, it's just as important to prevent the crime. And I think it's important that we begin to reexamine whether our law enforcement shouldn't be given more authority to prevent some crimes." SUPER CAPTION: Abraham H. Foxman, National Director, Anti-Defamation League Meanwhile, in Washington, President Bill Clinton unveiled new initiatives to combat youth violence - in a move to combat youth violence after all the recent shootings. In addition to anti-violence advertisements, Clinton announced new grants to beef up school security as well as an outreach programme encouraging parents to talk to their children about violence. New York City, USA - 17 August, 1999 1. Wide shot of presser with Abraham Foxman on podium 2. Cutaway press 3. Cutaway press 4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Abraham H. Foxman, National Director, Anti-Defamation League 5. Cutaway cameras 6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Abraham H. Foxman, National Director, Anti-Defamation League 7. Wide shot, Martin Raffle at podium 8. Cutaway press 9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Martin Raffle, Associate Executive Director, Jewish Council for Public Affairs 10. Close-up journalist 11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Abraham H. Foxman 12. Wide shot presser 147642 USA: BAN ON BRITISH BLOOD DUE TO BSE 8/18/99 EF99/0916 03:21:39 01:06 APTN/BBC/VNR BBC = No Access UK/CNBC/CNN/Fox/Euronews/Internet VARIOUS (THE ABOVE TIME-CODE IS TIME-OF-DAY) English/Nat The U-S government has announced it's banning blood donations from anyone who has spent more than six months in Britain and may have been exposed to mad cow's disease. Officials said the restriction would cut the U-S blood supply during a critical time of shortage - but the government deems it a necessary precaution. The U-S Food and Drug Administration imposed the ban on blood donations by anyone who has travelled to, or lived in, Britain for a total of six months since 1980. America is desperately short of donated blood but the government is determined to avoid the risk of contamination. That means tighter controls. Now the U-S - fearful of mad cow disease has banned donations from anybody who has spent at least 6 months in Britain since 1980. This man used to be a regular blood donor. Now he's forbidden. SOUNDBITE: (English) "I've been to the U-K in the past ten years maybe 20/25 times." SUPER CAPTION: VOX POP, Blood donor Americans are familiar with images of British cows stricken with mad cow disease. Some say the ban shows reasonable caution. SOUNDBITE: (English) "We're dealing with a disease that may still be on the increase in terms of human disease. We're dealing with an organism that you can't identify. And we're dealing with a disease that only causes symptoms some several years after its first transmitted. All of those things I think argue in favour of more caution." SUPERCAPTION: Dr Peter Lurie, Medical Researcher The donor ban is strictly a precaution - there is no evidence that any mad cow-type illness has been spread through blood transfusions. But the mad cow disease that swept through Britain's cattle has been linked to a human brain-destroying illness. Both illnesses are so mysterious that scientists simply can't rule out the possibility they could infect blood. Still, the FDA's donor ban is controversial. It's sure to frighten both Americans whose blood is refused - a?

AP-APTN-2000: US Hung Thursday, 25 June 2009 STORY:US Hung- REPLAY HBO's latest comedy series 'Hung' premieres LENGTH: 06:57 FIRST RUN: 0600 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: APTN/HBO STORY NUMBER: 610723 DATELINE: Los Angeles, 24 June 2009. LENGTH: 06:57 CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: ALL SUBSCRIBERS PLEASE ENSURE THAT FILM CLIPS ARE CLEARED FOR MEDIA BROADCAST AND/OR INTERNET USE OR THAT THEY COME WITHIN THE PROMOTIONAL WINDOW FOR YOUR TERRITORY. CONTACT DETAILS, WHERE AVAILABLE, MAY BE FOUND AT THE END OF THE SCRIPT. SHOTLIST (including transcript):- AP Television Los Angeles, 24 June 2009 1. Wide exterior of the Paramount Theater on the studio lot 2. Medium of backdrop 3. Wide of arrivals 4. Fashion shot Thomas Jane 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Thomas Jane/Actor, on the synopsis: "It's about a guy trying to survive the times, you know? Here's a guy who's an all American guy. A relatively good looking guy, talented, baseball player, played a season for the Braves. Married his high school sweet heart, home coming queen, had a couple of kids, travelling around the country, he's got it made. This is America for God's sake." HBO 6. TV clip: "Hung" AP Television Los Angeles, 24 June 2009 7. Camera cutaway 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Thomas Jane/Actor: "He's trying to hang on, to what is left of his American dream. And that's a house, and his two kids. And there is a little house fire, he burns down half his damn house, he's living in a tent in the backyard, his kids can no longer sleep with him. So he ends up doing what any civilized American man would do, he starts selling his penis for money." 9. Camera cutaway 10. Fashion shot Ann Heche 11. Anne Heche speaks to reporter 12. SOUNDBITE (English) Anne Heche/Actor: "Jessica is a girl who, you know it's kind of little bit of the story of Jack and Diane, she is an American kid in Detroit, and fell in love with a boy named Ray and then they grew up. And then things weren't as wonderful as she thought they were and not as wonderful as she would continue to like them to be. So she lives a little in that bubble." HBO 13. TV clip: "Hung" AP Television Los Angeles, 24 June 2009 14. Jane Adams poses for photographers 15. Jane Adams speaks to reporter 16. SOUNDBITE (English) Jane Adams/Actor: (Reporter: "High five, very empowering.") Jane: "Oh good, good, it is empowering. It's empowering. It's a little empowering. I'm selling his ass. Selling his ass." (Reporter: "Is it going for a pretty penny?") Jane: "It's going to go for a pretty penny, we hope." HBO 17. TV clip: "Hung" AP Television Los Angeles, 24 June 2009 18. Jane Adams speaks to reporter 19. SOUNDBITE (English) Jane Adams/Actor: (Reporter: "Do we see anything?) Jane: "I see it all the time." (Reporter: "And?") Jane: "It's awesome. What a great job I have. What a great job. Thomas Jane in the bathtub, Thomas Jane in the, my mock apartment running around naked. He loves to be naked." 20. SOUNDBITE (English) Thomas Jane/Actor: "I am my own stunt cock. I am my own stunt cock. Fortunately things look bigger on film. Things look bigger on film, that's all I got to say." 21. Rhea Perlman speaks to reporter 22. SOUNDBITE (English) Rhea Perlman/Actor: "I guess he didn't have to, I wonder did he have to audition that way? (Laughs) Because how do we know? Oh my God. I never thought of that. Poor dude, I don't know, oh geez. (Laughs.)" 23. SOUNDBITE (English) Thomas Jane/Actor: (Reporter: "What in the world did the audition consist of for this role?") Thomas: "I don't know, I'd say it was a little bit of type casting. But I try to avoid it, but in this business it just keeps getting harder and harder...I don't know." HBO 24. TV clip: "Hung" AP Television Los Angeles, 24 June 2009 25. Charlie Saxton and Sianoa Smit-Mc-Phee pose for photographers 26. Charlie Saxton speaks to reporter 27. SOUNDBITE (English) Charlie Saxton/Actor: "But it is definitely laid back, and a totally fun atmosphere, but getting the work done but also you're on a show about a guy with a big penis sop. (Laughs) You kind of have to have fun and be light hearted about it all in way." 28. Sianoa Smit-Mc-Phee speaks to reporter 29. SOUNDBITE (English) Sianoa Smit-Mc-Phee/Actor: "You want me to describe it? I don't know if I can. This is hung, 'Hung', that is what hung is. Everyone knows what it is." 30. SOUNDBITE (English) Jane Adams/Actor: "The next big thing. That is what we just figured out what hung is. It's the next big thing." 31. Cast photo "HUNG" PREMIERES IN L.A. HBO celebrated the premiere of its latest addition to the line-up, "Hung" on Wednesday (24JUN09) in Los Angeles. The offbeat comedy is about a well-endowed schoolteacher-come-escort named Ray Drecker. "It's about a guy trying to survive the times, you know?" said the show's star Thomas Jane. "Here's a guy who's an all American guy. A relatively good looking guy, talented, baseball player, played a season for the Braves. Married his high school sweet heart, home coming queen, had a couple of kids, travelling around the country, he's got it made. This is America for God's sake." As the economy gets tougher and tougher to survive, the underpaid teacher decides to supplement his income by capitalizing on his generous physical gift. With the help of a former-acquaintance-turned-pimp, Tanya (Jane Adams), Ray attempts to earn extra cash. "It's a little empowering. I'm selling his ass. Selling his ass," jokes Jane Adams. "It's going to go for a pretty penny, we hope." The extra money helps to counter the financial drains caused by his divorce from his ex-wife (Anne Heche), the needs of his teenaged twins, a lapsed fire-insurance policy, and a stubborn inability to take control of his life. "Jessica is a girl who, you know it's kind of little bit of the story of Jack and Diane, she is an American kid in Detroit, and fell in love with a boy named Ray and then they grew up," explained Heche. "And then things weren't as wonderful as she thought they were and not as wonderful as she would continue to like them to be. So she lives a little in that bubble." For those living in caves, "Hung" does not refer to anyone's last name. It's a description of Drecker's sole useful asset. Because, you know, he's hung. It leaves one to wonder what the audition process was like for Thomas Jane. Quick to admit to the process, Thomas Jane shows no shame. "I don't know, I'd say it was a little bit of type casting," smirks Jane. "But I try to avoid it, but in this business it just keeps getting harder and harder...I don't know." "Hung" debuts on HBO, Sunday, June 28. APTN APEX 06-25-09 1624EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-2000: US My Sisters Keeper Thursday, 25 June 2009 STORY:US My Sisters Keeper- REPLAY Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin attend premiere of new film LENGTH: 06:07 FIRST RUN: 0600 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: AP, New Line Cinema STORY NUMBER: 610722 DATELINE: New York, 24 June 2009 LENGTH: 06:07 CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: ALL SUBSCRIBERS PLEASE ENSURE THAT FILM CLIPS ARE CLEARED FOR MEDIA BROADCAST AND/OR INTERNET USE OR THAT THEY COME WITHIN THE PROMOTIONAL WINDOW FOR YOUR TERRITORY. CONTACT DETAILS, WHERE AVAILABLE, MAY BE FOUND AT THE END OF THE SCRIPT. CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: FOOTAGE CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY SHOTLIST (including transcript):- AP Television New York, 24 June 2009 1. Wide shot, pan left from street to Loews Theater 2. Zoom out from poster to Cameron Diaz on red carpet 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Cameron Diaz, Actress: "I didn't really think twice about if it was a mother role. I didn't worry whether it was something believable or that I hadn't played it before. It was something that I really enjoyed. I though the script was really well done and if I was ever going to do a film like this, with this subject matter I would want to do it with Nick Cassavetes because I knew that he wouldn't make it overly sentimental, he would be honest and straight forward." New Line Cinema 4. Clip trailer: 'My Sister's Keeper' AP Television New York, 24 June 2009 5. Wide shot, Cameron Diaz speaks to reporters 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Cameron Diaz, Actress (on how the role affected her emotionally): "It does take its toll on you. But that's what we do, you know? It's like how policemen go into a crime scene or a fireman comes out of a fire, you know? It's just sort of what we do emotionally. And it's hard to explain how you equip yourself with that because everybody does it differently. But we had a lot of great support. We all have our families and we all have each other and we laughed a lot whilst we were on the film. It's one of those things that you don't think we would but we actually did laugh a lot." New Line Cinema 7. Clip trailer: 'My Sister's Keeper' AP Television New York, 24 June 2009 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Cameron Diaz, Actress (on working with teen actors): "I was amazed at how courageous they were, you know? Sophia shaved her head and her eyebrows at fifteen, you know. That's a really formidable time when kids really have their identity with their hair. That's who they are. And she just did it. She had hair down to here. And Abigail was just sort of fearless in everything. She's a warrior. They're just both very powerful, wonderful girls and I really felt honoured that I got to work with them in this capacity." 9. Pan up, Abigail Breslin speaks to reporters 10. SOUNDBITE (English) Abigail Breslin, Actress: "My grandpa died of cancer, so you know, I know that anybody in my family would have given anything to make him feel better and that's sort of what's going on in this family too." New Line Cinema 11. Clip film: 'My Sister's Keeper' AP Television New York, 24 June 2009 12. Medium shot, Abigail Breslin speaks to reporters 13. SOUNDBITE (English) Abigail Breslin, Actress (on how she prepared for the role): "Well you know I read the script and there was a girl on set, Nicole, and she was a technical supervisor and technical consultant. And she went through leukaemia and she's great. She's a really cool person and she's like my hero." 14. Medium shot, Sofia Vassilieva poses on the red carpet 15. SOUNDBITE (English) Sofia Vassilieva, Actress (on shaving her head): "It was such a great team to support me through and I remember when I was shaving my head, Nick was there. Nick Cassavetes, our incredible director. Nicole Schultz who's a girl who was actually our support. She's gone through cancer and she knows all the steps. She was there and we chanted fuzzy wuzzy was a bear, fuzzy wuzzy had no hair and I shaved some of it off. So it was fuelled with energy but of course it was scary up until then. The eyebrows were the worst. Hair can be a fashion statement, but your eyebrows, that automatically labels you with an illness." New Line Cinema 16. Clip trailer: 'My Sister's Keeper' AP Television New York, 24 June 2009 17. Wide shot, pan from Sofia Vassilieva to Cameron Diaz 18. SOUNDBITE (English) Sofia Vassilieva, Actress (on Cameron Diaz): "She's a gem. She's precious. She's one of those people that you come by so rarely in life that meeting them and being able to work with them is a dream because they're so supportive and so strong and so welcoming and they fuel you with energy and strength and to be able to work with Cameron and be a team with her made us all stronger." New Line Cinema 19. Clip film: 'My Sister's Keeper' AP Television New York, 24 June 2009 20. Pan up, Thomas Dekker and Sofia Vassilieva pose on red carpet 21. SOUNDBITE (English) Thomas Dekker, Actor (on creating on-screen chemistry): "The first day that we were shooting together is when we met. We'd had no time previous. And Sophia and I are both people who don't really open up to anybody. We're kind of?and so there was no chemistry there. Shot this really short thing fortunately so it didn't really matter. The Nick asked me to take her out for the night and we just went out for like four hours and laughed and really opened up to each other and from that point on we didn't even really have to build the chemistry. It was just there." New Line Cinema 22. Clip film: 'My Sister's Keeper' DIAZ TAKES ON NEW ROLE IN "MY SISTER'S KEEPER" Hollywood superstar Cameron Diaz admits she didn't think twice about becoming a mom - in her latest film that is. "I didn't worry whether it was something believable or that I hadn't played it before," she says. "It was something that I really enjoyed." And though she's not a real-life mother, Diaz plays the bulldog matriarch Sara in director Nick Cassavetes' latest drama, 'My Sister's Keeper.' The film premiered Wednesday (24 June) in New York City. Based on the Jodi Picoult best-seller, the film focuses on the Fitzgerald family, and the drastic decision they made in medically engineering a child (Abigail Breslin) as a perfect genetic match to help save the life of their older daughter Kate (Sofia Vassilieva), who has leukaemia. Diaz says working on such a heart-wrenching movie takes its toll on the actors. "It does take its toll on you. But that's what we do, you know? It's like how policemen go into a crime scene or a fireman comes out of a fire, you know? It's just sort of what we do emotionally," she says. In the film little Anna provides blood, bone marrow, whatever Kate needs. She does it because she loves her sister, and because it's all she'd ever known. Now at 11, with Kate needing a kidney, Anna says no for the first time - and beyond that, she files a lawsuit seeking medical emancipation from her parents to keep them from making further decisions about her body. Diaz says she was "amazed" how courageous her young co-stars were during filming: "Sophia shaved her head and her eyebrows at fifteen, you know. That's a really formidable time when kids really have their identity with their hair. That's who they are. And she just did it. She had hair down to here. And Abigail was just sort of fearless in everything. She's a warrior." Vassilieva admits that shaving her head was a scary prospect at first, but credits her colleagues for helping her through. "It was such a great team to support me through and I remember when I was shaving my head Nick was there. Nick Cassavetes, our incredible director. Nicole Schultz who's a girl who was actually our support. She's gone through cancer and she knows all the steps. She was there and we chanted fuzzy wuzzy was a bear, fuzzy wuzzy had no hair and I shaved some of it off. So it was fuelled with energy but of course it was scary up until then. The eyebrows were the worst. Hair can be a fashion statement, but your eyebrows, that automatically labels you with an illness," says the star of TV's "Medium." Breslin says she was able to draw on real life experience for the role. "My grandpa died of cancer, so you know, I know that anybody in my family would have given anything to make him feel better and that's sort of what's going on in this family too," she says. In the film Kate shares her first love with a fellow cancer patient, played by Thomas Dekker ("Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles"). Dekker says portraying their romance was a challenge at first. "The first day that we were shooting together is when we met," explains Dekker. "We'd had no time previous. And Sophia and I are both people who don't really open up to anybody. We're kind of?and so there was no chemistry there. Shot this really short thing fortunately so it didn't really matter. Then Nick asked me to take her out for the night and we just went out for like four hours and laughed and really opened up to each other and from that point on we didn't even really have to build the chemistry. It was just there." "My Sister's Keeper" opens in US and UK theaters 26 June 2009. Other release dates include: Iceland 8 July 2009 Greece 9 July 2009 Australia 30 July 2009 New Zealand 30 July 2009 Russia 13 August 2009 Ukraine 13 August 2009 Taiwan 14 August 2009 Romania 21 August 2009 Czech Republic 27 August 2009 Germany 27 August 2009 Netherlands 27 August 2009 Bulgaria 28 August 2009 Italy 4 September 2009 Norway 4 September 2009 France 9 September 2009 Portugal 17 September 2009 Belgium 23 September 2009 Brazil 25 September 2009 Sweden 25 September 2009 Finland 4 December 2009 APTN APEX 06-25-09 1625EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-2000: FILE Michael Jackson Obit Thursday, 25 June 2009 STORY:FILE Michael Jackson Obit- REPLAY Michael Jackson dies in an LA hospital at age 50 LENGTH: 02:26 FIRST RUN: Flash RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: AP, Pool STORY NUMBER: 610840 DATELINE: Various LENGTH: 02:26 CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: ALL SUBSCRIBERS PLEASE ENSURE THAT FILM CLIPS ARE CLEARED FOR MEDIA BROADCAST AND/OR INTERNET USE OR THAT THEY COME WITHIN THE PROMOTIONAL WINDOW FOR YOUR TERRITORY. CONTACT DETAILS, WHERE AVAILABLE, MAY BE FOUND AT THE END OF THE SCRIPT. CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: COMMERCIAL MUSIC, MUSIC VIDEO AND OR PERFORMANCES, MUST BE CLEARED ACCORDING TO YOUR OWN LOCAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND COPYRIGHT AGREEMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICABLE COLLECTING SOCIETY. DETAILS OF THE TRACKS, WHERE AVAILABLE, MAY BE FOUND AT THE END OF THE SCRIPT.YOU HAVE EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR USE OF ALL AND ANY CONTENT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE, AND FOR LIBEL, PRIVACY, COMPLIANCE AND THIRD PARTY RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO THEIR TERRITORY. SHOTLIST: AP Television Japan, 4 March 2007 1. FILE: Med shot, Michael Jackson greeted by fans in Japan 2. FILE: Med shot, Michael Jackson in Japan 3. FILE: Med shot, Michael Jackson in Japan AP Television Santa Maria, CA, 28 February 2005 4. Michael Jackson waves to fans at Santa Maria Courthouse during child molestation trial AP Television Santa Maria, CA, 10 March 2005 5. Michael Jackson arrives at courthouse with pajamas on during child molestation case 6. Michael Jackson enters courthouse AP Television Santa Maria, CA, March 2005 7. Michael Jackson at Santa Maria, CA courthouse AP Television Santa Maria, CA, March 2005 8. Michael Jackson at Santa Maria, CA courthouse AP Television Recent 11. Med shot of Michael Jackson Pool London, 5 March 2009 12. 6. Various of Jackson on stage 13. Crowd cheering 14. SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Jackson, pop star: "I just want to say that these, these will be my final show performances in London. This will be it, and when is say this it really means this is it because (laughs)." 15. Pan of crowd 16. Various of Jackson on stage 17. SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Jackson, pop star: "I'll be performing the songs my fans want to hear. This is it, I mean this is really it, this is the final, this is the final curtain call. OK, and I'll see you in July, and..." 18. Wide of Jackson on stage TITLE Script CLEARANCE DETAILS APTN APEX 06-25-09 2024EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-2000: US Jackson controversary Thursday, 25 June 2009 STORY:US Jackson controversary- NEW A look at the controversary behind Jackson's life LENGTH: 03:41 FIRST RUN: 0000 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: AP Television STORY NUMBER: 610843 DATELINE: New York, 25 June 2009 LENGTH: 03:41 SHOTLIST(including transcript):- Associated Press Television - File Dateline Unknown 1. Medium shot, Michael Jackson Associated Press Television New York, 25 June 2009 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Alicia Quarles, Entertainment Editor, Associated Press: "Michael Jackson's legacy is obviously going to be his great musical impact, but it's alos going to be the fact that his life was shrouded in a lot of controversy." AP Images Encino, California 1972 3. Michael Jackson at age 13 AP Images Location unknown, July 1984 4. Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson Associated Press Television New York, 25 June 2009 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Alicia Quarles, Entertainment Editor, Associated Press: "Michael Jackson's childhood was controversial. His father was the one who put together the Jackson Five and if you watch biographies about their lives and read books about their lives, he was the one that really drove the family and he was that one that in fact made the brothers and sisters kind of alienate the family when they got older." Associated Press Television - File Japan, 4 March 2007 6. Various shots of Michael Jackson greeted by fans in Japan AP Images Encino, California 1972 7. Michael Jackson at age 13 Associated Press Television New York, 25 June 2009 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Alicia Quarles, Entertainment Editor, Associated Press: "America feel in love with Michael Jackson as a cute, little brown-skinned bow with a huge afro and a cute smile. As a man he looked like a different person. He had almost white skin, very different nose, long straight hair. Despite that transformation, Michael Jackson claimed that he didn't have a lot of plastic surgery." AP Images Dateline unknown 9. Various headshots of Michael Jackson through the years Associated Press Television New York, 25 June 2009 10. SOUNDBITE (English) Alicia Quarles, Entertainment Editor, Associated Press: "One of Michael Jackson's most shocking moments was definitely his marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis Presley's daughter. People could not believe that these two are together. She after they divorced went on Oprah and said that she actually loved Michael Jackson. It just didn't work out." AP Images New York, 8 Sept., 1994 11. Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley at the MTV Music Video Awards 12. Michael Jackson kisses Lisa Marie Presley at the MTV Music Video Awards Associated Press Television New York, 25 June 2009 13. SOUNDBITE (English) Alicia Quarles, Entertainment Editor, Associated Press: "Michael Jackson never denied the fact that he loved children. He had a couple kids of his own, but his own career had a lot of controversy over the fact that he was confused but never convicted of molestation a couple of times." Associated Press Television - File Santa Maria, CA, 10 March 2005 14. Michael Jackson arrives at courthouse with pajamas on during child molestation case 15. Michael Jackson enters courthouse Associated Press Television New York, 25 June 2009 16. SOUNDBITE (English) Alicia Quarles, Entertainment Editor, Associated Press: "Speaking of children you cannot forget that famous video of Michael Jackson dangling his baby over the edge of a hotel in Europe. Now he says that he didn't think it was controversial. He just wanted his fans to see his baby. Child advocacy groups said it was downright dangerous." AP Images Berlin, Germany, 21 November 2002 17. Michael Jackson holds his daughter as he stands near his hotel balcony Associated Press Television New York, 25 June 2009 16. SOUNDBITE (English) Alicia Quarles, Entertainment Editor, Associated Press: "It's interesting that Michael Jackson started off his career so successfully. He of course had all this controversy, this mystery surrounding him. But it seemed that his life was on an upturn. He was slated to start a tour. He had recently given a press conference. So his death is just shocking to his fans and the media world alike." Pool London, 5 March 2009 17. SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Jackson, pop star: "I just want to say that these, these will be my final show performances in London. This will be it, and when is say this it really means this is it because (laughs)." 18. Pan of crowd 19. Various of Jackson on stage MICHAEL JACKSON DIES IN LA HOSPITAL; KING OF POP WAS 50 A source says that Michael Jackson, the sensationally gifted child star who rose to become the "King of Pop" and the biggest celebrity in the world only to fall from his throne in a freakish series of scandals, has died at age 50. A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that Jackson died Thursday in a Los Angeles hospital. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity. The circumstances of his death were not immediately clear. Capt. Steve Ruda told the Los Angeles Times that Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m. local time (1930 GMT). Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s. APTN APEX 06-25-09 2028EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-2000: US Fawcett Reax Thursday, 25 June 2009 STORY:US Fawcett Reax- REPLAY Fans react to Fawcett's death at her star on Walk of Fame LENGTH: 02:04 FIRST RUN: 2000 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: AP Television STORY NUMBER: 610827 DATELINE: Los Angeles, 25 June 2009 LENGTH: 02:04 SHOTLIST (including transcript):- AP Television Los Angeles, 25 June 2009 1. Close-up of Farrah Fawcett's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with flowers 2. Close-up from another angle of Fawcett's star 3. Close-up of a flower and note left by a fan on the star 4. Close-up of the TV symbol on her star 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Vox-Pop: "Well, I actually garner a lot of strength from her, because I'm a liver cancer sufferer. I mean, I just got it now, but you know. And I once met Kate, I worked for her once. I don't know, I have this bond with them and they don't even know me. 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Vox-Pop "Well, I just saw her love for other people. That she cared enough to do this in her pain, to maybe help someone else and just what a compassionate person she was. It was really touching. I cried a lot." 7. SOUNDBITE (English) Vox-Pop: "Oh, she had nice hair, yeah, lovely hair. Yeah, and she was always the tall, sophisticated looking in 'Charlie's Angels.'" 8. Medium shot of worker placing traditional wreath from Hollywood Historic Trust on the star 9. Close-up of ribbon on wreath: "Farrah Fawcett" 10. Close-up of card on wreath, "With Deepest Sympathy / The Hollywood Historic Trust" FANS REMEMBER FARRAH FAWCETT Just a couple hours after news broke that actress Farrah Fawcett passed away following a three-year battle with cancer, fans began to place flowers on her Hollywood Walk of Fame star. The biggest bouquet came from The Hollywood Historic Trust, which maintains the Walk of Fame. Fans paying their respects at her star remembered her for her fight against cancer, her compassion, and of course, her hair. "I actually garner a lot of strength from her, because I'm a liver cancer sufferer," said one. "And I once met Kate (Jackson), I worked for her once. I don't know, I have this bond with them and they don't even know me." "I just saw her love for other people," said another, "what a compassionate person she was." "She had nice hair, yeah, lovely hair," said another fan. "She was always the tall, sophisticated looking in 'Charlie's Angels.'" Fawcett burst on the scene in 1976 as one-third of the crime-fighting trio in TV's "Charlie's Angels." A poster of her in a clingy swimsuit sold in the millions. Her full, layered hairstyle became all the rage, with girls and women across America adopting the look. She left the show after one season and turned to more serious roles in the 1980s and 1990s, winning praise and an Emmy nomination for playing an abused wife in the TV film "The Burning Bed." She was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006. As she underwent treatment, she enlisted the help of longtime beau Ryan O'Neal, who is the father of her now 24-year-old son, Redmond. APTN APEX 06-25-09 2029EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-2000: OBIT Farrah Fawcett Thursday, 25 June 2009 STORY:OBIT Farrah Fawcett- REPLAY Ryan O'Neal reacts to Fawcett's death + Fawcett b-roll LENGTH: 03:34 FIRST RUN: 1800 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: AP, Sony STORY NUMBER: 610823 DATELINE: File LENGTH: 03:34 CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment - News access only CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: For Hollywood.tv footage, NO TMZ, NO ACCESS HOLLYWOOD, NO EXTRA, NO INSIDE EDITION. Also, please keep logo on screen and verbally mention HOLLYWOOD DOT TV when possible - www.Hollywood.tv Hollywood.tv Los Angeles, 25 June 2009 1. Ryan O'Neal walking to car, talking to reporter: "Farrah's gone." AP Television FILE: Los Angeles, 6 July 2005 2. Farrah Fawcett poses for photographers 3. Photographers cutaway 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Farrah Fawcett/Actor: "Well, I was called for jury duty, and . . . not on Monday, not on Tuesday, not on Wednesday, you know . . . It's interesting to learn the process of the law and the country that I live in. Uh, but somebody was saying to me, 'Could you have gotten out of it?' and I was listening to the judge, 'The country that gives you so much asks very little.' You pay taxes, but you have to give back. I mean, you can't just be silent and say, 'Oh, I don't like how things are going? Why did this happen?' So, if our guys are over there, you know, then the least we can do is do our part here." 5. Photographers cutaway 6. (Reporter: "So, are you done for the day?") SOUNDBITE (English) Fawcett: "No, no, no no, I'm going in. In fact, the judge might be waiting on me. That might not be good." AP Television FILE: Miami - 29 August 2004 7. Tilt up Farrah Fawcett 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Farah Fawcett: "Because I think for a while, either the country or the younger generation, were filled with apathy, you know, and I think that I would rather see you either extreme one way or the other than just be apathetic and so, you need to. It's almost like they were asleep for a while, things were too easy so now, you know, be conscious, yeah you have a say so let's vote. Take some responsibility." AP Images Miami - 29 August 2004 9. Farrah Fawcett arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards AP Images Pasadena, Calif. - 26 July 1999 10. Farrah Fawcett appears to ponder a question during a news conference Monday, July 26, 1999, before the Television Critics Association AP Images Hollywood, Calif - 23 February 1995 11. Farrah Fawcett poses during ceremonies honoring her with the 2,044th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame AP Images New York - 5 March 1989 12. Ryan O'Neal, Farrah Fawcett, Robert Downey Jr., Cybill Shepherd and Mary Stuart Masterson are shown together at the premiere of the motion picture production "Chances Are" AP Images Los Angeles - 13 August 2006 13. Farrah Fawcett posing for photographers on the red carpet before Comedy Centrals "Roast of William Shatner" 14. Fashion shot of Farrah Fawcett posing for photographers on the red carpet before Comedy Central event AP Images Los Angeles - 27 August 2006 15. Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith, left to right, former stars of the television series "Charlie's Angels,' pay tribute to producer Aaron Spelling during the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards AP Images Los Angeles - September 1984 16. Farrah Fawcett smiles during an interview AP Images New York - 8 August 1979 17. Farrah Fawcett-Majors appears on NBC's "Today" show AP Images Los Angeles - 3 April 1978 18. Farrah Fawcett-Majors arrives at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for the 50th Annual Academy Awards presentations AP Images New York - 14 November 1977 19. Shirley MacLaine and Farrah Fawcett-Majors AP Images Mission Viejo, Calif. - 4 April 1977 20. Farrah Fawcett at celebrity tennis match in a television taping of "Challenge of the Network Stars" AP Images Mission Viejo, Calif. - 4 April 1977 21. Farrah Fawcett at celebrity tennis match in a television taping of "Challenge of the Network Stars" Sony Pictures Home Entertainment - News access only 22. Clip - 'Charlies Angels' FARRAH FAWCETT DIES AT 62 Farrah Fawcett, whose luxurious tresses and blinding smile helped redefine sex appeal in the 1970s as one of TV's "Charlie's Angels," died Thursday after battling cancer. She was 62. The pop icon, who in the 1980s set aside the fantasy girl image to tackle serious roles, died Thursday shortly before 9:30 a.m. PDT in a Santa Monica hospital, spokesman Paul Bloch said. She burst on the scene in 1976 as one-third of the crime-fighting trio in TV's "Charlie's Angels." A poster of her in a clingy swimsuit sold in the millions. She left the show after one season but had a flop on the big screen with "Somebody Killed Her Husband." She turned to more serious roles in the 1980s and 1990s, winning praise playing an abused wife in "The Burning Bed." She had been diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006. As she underwent treatment, she enlisted the help of actor Ryan O'Neal, who had been her longtime companion and was the father of her son, Redmond, born in 1985. This month, O'Neal said he asked Fawcett to marry him and she agreed. They would wed "as soon as she can say yes," he said. Her struggle with painful treatments and dispiriting setbacks was recorded in the television documentary "Farrah's Story." Fawcett sought cures in Germany as well as the United States, battling the disease with iron determination even as her body weakened. "Her big message to people is don't give up, no matter what they say to you, keep fighting," her friend Alana Stewart said. NBC estimated the May 15, 2009, broadcast drew nearly 9 million viewers. In the documentary, Fawcett was seen shaving off most of her trademark locks before chemotherapy could claim them. Toward the end, she's seen huddled in bed, barely responding to a visit from her son. Fawcett, Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith comprised the original "Angels," the sexy, police-trained trio of martial arts experts who took their assignments from a rich, mysterious boss named Charlie (John Forsythe, who was never seen on camera but whose distinctive voice was heard on speaker phone.) The program debuted in September 1976, the height of what some critics derisively referred to as television's "jiggle show" era, and it gave each of the actresses ample opportunity to show off their figures as they disguised themselves in bathing suits and as hookers and strippers to solve crimes. Backed by a clever publicity campaign, Fawcett - then billed as Farrah Fawcett-Majors because of her marriage to "Six Million Dollar Man" star Lee Majors - quickly became the most popular Angel of all. Her face helped sell T-shirts, lunch boxes, shampoo, wigs and even a novelty plumbing device called Farrah's faucet. Her flowing blond hair, pearly white smile and trim, shapely body made her a favorite with male viewers in particular. A poster of her in a dampened red swimsuit sold millions of copies and became a ubiquitous wall decoration in teenagers' rooms. Thus the public and the show's producer, Spelling-Goldberg, were shocked when she announced after the series' first season that she was leaving television's No. 5-rated series to star in feature films. (Cheryl Ladd became the new "Angel" on the series.) But the movies turned out to be a platform where Fawcett was never able to duplicate her TV success. Her first star vehicle, the comedy-mystery "Somebody Killed Her Husband," flopped and Hollywood cynics cracked that it should have been titled "Somebody Killed Her Career." The actress had also been in line to star in "Foul Play" for Columbia Pictures. But the studio opted for Goldie Hawn instead. "Spelling-Goldberg warned all the studios that that they would be sued for damages if they employed me," Fawcett told The Associated Press in 1979. "The studios wouldn't touch me." She finally reached an agreement to appear in three episodes of "Charlie's Angels" a season, an experience she called "painful." She returned to making movies, including the futuristic thriller "Logan's Run," the comedy-thriller "Sunburn" and the strange sci-fi tale "Saturn 3," but none clicked with the public. Fawcett fared better with television movies such as "Murder in Texas," "Poor Little Rich Girl" and especially as an abused wife in 1984's "The Burning Bed." The last earned her an Emmy nomination and the long-denied admission from critics that she really could act. As further proof of her acting credentials, Fawcett appeared off-Broadway in "Extremities" as a woman who is raped in her own home. She repeated the role in the 1986 film version. Not content to continue playing victims, she switched type. She played a murderous mother in the 1989 true-crime story "Small Sacrifices" and a tough lawyer on the trail of a thief in 1992's "Criminal Behavior." She also starred in biographies of Nazi-hunter Beate Klarsfeld and photographer Margaret Bourke-White. "I felt that I was doing a disservice to ourselves by portraying only women as victims," she commented in a 1992 interview. In 1995, at age 50, Fawcett posed partly nude for Playboy magazine. The following year, she starred in a Playboy video, "All of Me," in which she was equally unclothed while she sculpted and painted. She told an interviewer she considered the experience "a renaissance," adding, "I no longer feel ... restrictions emotionally, artistically, creatively or in my everyday life. I don't feel those borders anymore." Fawcett's most unfortunate career moment may have been a 1997 appearance on David Letterman's show, when her disjointed, rambling answers led many to speculate that she was on drugs. She denied that, blaming her strange behavior on questionable advice from her mother to be playful and have a good time. In September 2006, Fawcett, who at 59 still maintained a strict regimen of tennis and paddleball, began to feel strangely exhausted. She underwent two weeks of tests and was told the devastating news: She had anal cancer. O'Neal, with whom she had a 17-year relationship, again became her constant companion, escorting her to the hospital for chemotherapy. "She's so strong," the actor told a reporter. "I love her. I love her all over again." She struggled to maintain her privacy, but a UCLA Medical Center employee pleaded guilty in late 2008 to violating federal medical privacy law for commercial purposes for selling records of Fawcett and other celebrities to the National Enquirer. "It's much easier to go through something and deal with it without being under a microscope," she told the Los Angeles Times in an interview in which she also revealed that she helped set up a sting that led to the hospital worker's arrest. Her decision to tell her own story through the NBC documentary was meant as an inspiration to others, friends said. The segments showing her cancer treatment, including a trip to Germany for procedures there, were originally shot for a personal, family record, they said. And although weak, she continued to show flashes of grit and good humor in the documentary. "I do not want to die of this disease. So I say to God, `It is seriously time for a miracle,"' she said at one point. Born Feb. 2, 1947, in Corpus Christi, Texas, she was named Mary Farrah Leni Fawcett by her mother, who said she added the Farrah because it sounded good with Fawcett. She was less than a month old when she underwent surgery to remove a digestive tract tumor with which she was born. After attending Roman Catholic grade school and W.B. Ray High School, Fawcett enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin. Fellow students voted her one of the 10 most beautiful people on the campus and her photos were eventually spotted by movie publicist David Mirisch, who suggested she pursue a film career. After overcoming her parents' objections, she agreed. Soon she was appearing in such TV shows as "That Girl," "The Flying Nun," "I Dream of Jeannie" and "The Partridge Family." Majors became both her boyfriend and her adviser on career matters, and they married in 1973. She dropped his last name from hers after they divorced in 1982. By then she had already begun her long relationship with O'Neal. The couple never married. Both Redmond and Ryan O'Neal have grappled with drug and legal problems in recent years. APTN APEX 06-25-09 2030EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-2000: US Jackson reax Thursday, 25 June 2009 STORY:US Jackson reax- NEW New York fans react to Jackson's death LENGTH: 01:41 FIRST RUN: 0000 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: AP Television STORY NUMBER: 610844 DATELINE: New York, 25 June 2009 LENGTH: 01:41 SHOTLIST(including transcript):- AP Television New York, 25 June 2009 1. SOUNDBITE (English) Hugh Porter/Michael Jackson Fan "Very, very sad. Very, very sad. He's like an Idol to everyone to all the people in this world, you know? All over the country, all over the world. He's like an Idol to everybody. Kids look up to him. Old people. You know. Very sad. I really, I really feel bad. I feel like crying myself." 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Era Kessaris/Michael Jackson Fan "I was hoping that maybe he'd come to New York too. I would've paid anything to see him. (Reporter: What's his legacy?) I just think his music, his videos, his talent just speaks for itself. That's all I can really say right now. I'm really upset about it. Thanks, sorry." 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Stefanie C. O'Conner/Michael Jackson Fan "I think he was a great artist before he went down a path that basically put him into a position of becoming something other than talented. That people looked at him more as a freak show than at his talent." 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Dan McDermott/Michael Jackson Fan "distrought when I heard that. I cried. He's my lifelong Idol. I thought he was immortal. I thought he'd never die and he died. That stuff doesn't happen, you know?' 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Lisa Pearson/Michael Jackson Fan "I saw him at Madison Square Garden when I was 12, 13 years old. He was, I guess the same age. I was a big teeny bopper. A Jackson Five fan and that's really tragic. Really tragic." 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Abritto El/Michael Jackson Fan "Sad for him. I know his family's probably hurt. He was like the best thing out the whole Jackson Five." FANS REACT TO JACKSON DEATH Fans in New York City are mourning the death of Michael Jackson. Outside of Penn Station, people reacted to the news of the singer's passing from a heart attack at age 50. "Very sad. I really, I really feel bad. I feel like crying myself," said Hugh Porter. Some expressed regret they would never get to see him in concert: "I was hoping that maybe he'd come to New York too. I would've paid anything to see him." The circumstances of his death were not immediately clear. Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m., Capt. Steve Ruda told the Los Angeles Times. The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda told the newspaper. Michael Jackson is survived by three children. APTN APEX 06-25-09 2031EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM ------------------- AP-APTN-2000: US Jackson Auction Thursday, 25 June 2009 STORY:US Jackson Auction- NEW A look at Jackson's finances LENGTH: 03:47 RESTRICTIONS: Check script for details TYPE: English/Nat SOURCE: See script STORY NUMBER: 610855 DATELINE: See script LENGTH: 03:47 CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: ALL SUBSCRIBERS PLEASE ENSURE THAT FILM CLIPS ARE CLEARED FOR MEDIA BROADCAST AND/OR INTERNET USE OR THAT THEY COME WITHIN THE PROMOTIONAL WINDOW FOR YOUR TERRITORY. CONTACT DETAILS, WHERE AVAILABLE, MAY BE FOUND BELOW. CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: COMMERCIAL MUSIC, MUSIC VIDEO AND OR PERFORMANCES, MUST BE CLEARED ACCORDING TO YOUR OWN LOCAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND COPYRIGHT AGREEMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICABLE COLLECTING SOCIETY. DETAILS OF THE TRACKS, WHERE AVAILABLE, MAY BE FOUND BELOW. YOU HAVE EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR USE OF ALL AND ANY CONTENT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE, AND FOR LIBEL, PRIVACY, COMPLIANCE AND THIRD PARTY RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO THEIR TERRITORY. SHOTLIST(including transcript):- Pool London, 5 March 2009 1. Michael Jackson walks out of van 2. Michael Jackson on stage 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Jackson/Recording Artist "This is it." 4. Cheering crowd *** NOTE NO AUDIO *** AP Television File 5. Various of Jackson at Neverland Associated Press Television New York City, 24 March 2009 6. Wide shot of Times Square, pan to Hard Rock Caf? marquee Associated Press Television 2005 Santa Barbara, Calif. 7. Various file of Michael Jackson during trial Associated Press Television New York City, 24 March 2009 8. Tilt up of poster for Michael Jackson memorabilia auction 9. Wide shot of jackets 10. Medium shot of belt, crown, and jewels on table 11. SOUNDBITE (English) Martin Nolan/Julien's Auctions "All of this stuff came from Michael Jackson and from his land, Neverland in the Santa Innes Valley in Santa Barbara, California." 12. Medium shot of glove on table 13. Close up of glove 14. Tilt up on jacket 15. Close up on jacket 16. SOUNDBITE (English) Martin Nolan/Julien's Auctions "On this table here you can see this amazing jacket from the Victory tour. A truly heavy jacket with the epilates and the sash. Michael was also known for the sash. 17. Tilt up on king's robe 18. Wide shot of media in display room 19. Tight shot of Guernsey's sign on exterior 20. Wide pan of Jackson Five memorabilia 21. Tight shot pull out to Michael Jackson's black fedora 22. Medium tilt down of replica of Hollywood star, fedoras and other memorabilia 23. Tight shot of handwritten lyrics to "ABC" written by Tito Jackson 24. Tight pan of "ABC" lyrics written by Tito Jackson 25. Tight shot of Michael Jackson's black crested jacket 26. Close up of monogram on Michael Jackson's jacket 27. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) Arlan Ettinger, President, Guernsey's: "Michael Jackson's beautifully embroidered jacket, just as the red jacket over there is Michael's, as was this when he was a member of the Jackson Five; we have pictures of him wearing it." AP Television Santa Maria, Ca, 28 Feb 2005 28. Various of Jackson going into court MICHAEL JACKSON HAD HIS SHARE OF FINANCIAL WOES Michael Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer. He had the biggest selling record of all time, successful concert tours, and made savvy business decisions. But Jackson lived a lavish lifestyle that eventually caught up with him later in his career. The 50-year-old singer died Thursday (25 JUNE) of cardiac arrest. A major catalyst to the singer's lifestyle came from the mounting legal costs after acquired after being acquitted of child molestation in California in 2005. He has struggled to pay his debts, and was forced to give up the deed to his Neverland ranch. Last April, he went to court to halt the sale of 2,000 items taken from Neverland by Julien's Auctions. Martin Nolan from Julien's Auctions. "All of this stuff came from Michael Jackson and from his land, Neverland in the Santa Innes Valley in Santa Barbara, California." Some of these items were on display at the Hard Rock Caf? in New York City's Times Square. Among the items are a silver and white silk jacket worn during the Victory tour, his 1984 American Music Awards for "Thriller," and "Beat It," and a variety of capes, crowns, belts, and jewel-encrusted accessories. That auction was stopped at the last minute. In 2007, Jackson settled with another auction company after a warehouse full of his memorabilia at a failed storage facility was put on the block. Items included his signature black fedora, Tito Jackson's handwritten lyrics to the hit "ABC," Michael Jackson's black crested jacket and other awards. His 1982 album "Thriller" - which included the blockbuster hits "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" - remains the biggest-selling album of all time, with more than 26 million copies. Jackson also owned most the Beatles song catalog in a venture with Sony records. Jackson was set to play 50 concerts in London this summer. CLEARANCE DETAILS APTN APEX 06-25-09 2150EDT ------------------- END -- OF -- ITEM -------------------

FS36 WH BRFG HEAD ON ROBO 1230 ABC UNI WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING WITH PRESS SECREARY JEN PSAKI [12:37:22] PSAKI>> Hi, everyone. Good afternoon. Well, we are very excited that later today, the President will sign an executive order that takes a whole-of-government approach to securing critical US supply chains, ensuring we can withstand crises and create good-paying jobs in the process. [12:37:43] The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the need for resilient supply chains and robust domestic manufacturing so all Americans have access to essential goods and services in times of crisis. The EO will direct immediate 100 day reviews of supply chains for critical products that go into everything from phones to pharmaceuticals. [12:28:03] It will also direct reviews of industrial based sectors, including defense, public health and biological preparedness, information and communications technology, transportation, energy, and food production. This is an issue with strong bipartisan support. And later this afternoon, the President will meet with a bipartisan group of House and Senate members to discuss supply chain resilience and the need to work together and strengthening it will provide you a list of that later this afternoon as it's finalized. [12:38:28] Joining us today to talk through the details of the executive order. Our deputy director of the National Economic Council, Sameera Fazili, I may have betrayed your last name as mine is butchered. Sometimes I'll keep working on it and senior Director International economics and competitiveness at the nsc. Peter Harrell. Thank you for joining us on day will take. We'll see if we have time to take a couple questions. They have good reason they have to go see the president shortly. Okay? Thank you very much. HARRELL>> Jan And thanks to all of you, it's a privilege for mto be here. Aziz Jen said this afternoon, the president will sign an executive order that takes a critical step in ensuring that America's supply chains can withstand any crisis as well. A supporting jobs across the country last year in the early months of the pandemic, frontline health care workers couldn't find the masks, gloves. Ppe that they [12:39:25] needed to keep themselves safe as they treated covid-19 patients today. Automotive automakers across the country or having to take workers off factory lines because they can't get access to enough computer chips to maintain full production. Last July. President Biden committed that as president, he would direct his administration to take a comprehensive approach to securing America's supply chance, he said then, and he will reiterate later today that America should never face shortages of critical products in times of crisis. Our sply chain should not be vulnerable to manipulation by competitors. Nations Theo that the president will sign later today formally launches the initiative. President Biden committed to last year to build strong and resilient supply chains. This is the first Whole of government approach to promoting the resilience of America's supply chains from pharmaceuticals to foods. We're going to get out of the business of reacting to supply chain crises as they arise and get into the business, preventing future supply chain [12:40:25] problems. As Jen, said the eoe the president will sign will direct immediate 100 Day reviews of supply chains for four critical products. Computer chips for everything from cars to phones. Large capacity batteries such as those used in electric cards, cars so that America leads and making next generation electric vehicles. Pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The key ingredients to American medicines. Critical minerals and strategic materials such as rare Earth minerals that are essential to American industry and to America's defense base. CEO will also direct six sector specific reviews to be completed within one year of today to be focused on defense, public health and biological preparedness, information and communications technology. Transportation energy and food production. These sectoral reviews will be modeled after the process that the Defense Department uses to regularly evaluate and struck strengthen America's defense Industrial base. 124123 Make no mistake. We are not simply planning to order up reports. We are going to be taking actions to close gaps as we identify them, just as we have been working with industry in recent weeks to ensure that U.S. automobile manufacturers have the parts they need to keep making cars here in America. 124142 But we expect that by taking this type of comprehensive approach to supply chain resilience, we'll be able to strengthen our supply chains for the long term. [12:41:51] With that I'm happy to turn this over to my friend and colleague Sameer FAZILI>> Thank you, Peter. Creating more resilient supply chains is an opportunity for our country to come together to create well payg jobs for workers across our country. That is why today's action reinforces the president's overarching commitment to help [12:42:26] our country build back better. We know that even before the covid crisis, the economy was not working for most Americans. Worker pay was too low. Many families could not make ends meet. Many of the jobs that served as the heart of the middle class had been lost due to changes in both technology and the structure of the global economy. Disruption is inevitable. But over the past few years we have moved from crisis to crisis when some essential product was suddenly n short supply. We need is a capacity to respond quickly when hit by a challenge. This executive order moves the whole government towards being more prepared. The sector specific reviews that the president orders today. We're going to be asking agencies to do the following Going to review risks and supply chains and in our domestic industrial base, they're going to think broadly about risk. There's climate risk and geopolitical risk. But there's also risk and not having enough workers ready to meet the needs of that sector or in a factories or the right equipment to make a good retool shift. Shift to a new spike in [12:43:28] demand for an essential good. They're going to be recommending actions to improve resiliency in some instances, that action might be the data that government can publish. And so the private sector can plan and mobilize and take action. In other instances, we have levels like procurement authority that we can use to support, stockpiling or support some level of domestic production. We're also going to be looking for opportunities to work with Congress to give us more tools so that we can improve our preparedness and today's conversation with members of Congress is gonna be part of an ongoing conversation We've been having with him on this. Finally Big part of this executive order is consultation with stakeholders and experts were going to be reaching out to talk to the American people. Government action alone will not solve complex supply chain challenges. This is going to be broad engagement. Broad conversations that will include business labor, Local communities, Academia, This work is going to require a new commitment to public private [12:44:28] partnerships, and we need all voices at that table to help us design those partnerships. 124428 This is a real opportunity to invest in the future of America and build on our nation's strength. There are opportunities for small business development to help diversify supplier networks and alleviate the risk of too big to fail companies in the supply chains for critical goods. There are opportunities to improve worker readiness and training, so they have the skills needed to ramp up research, production, or distribution of a critical good. [12:44:50] There are opportunities to bring more jobs to communities around the country, including communities of color to leverage the ingenuity and grit of the American people. This is gonna leverage. Us scientific leadership. It's going further advance our research and development prowess. It will do so while also recognizing that our ability to maintain our innovative edge in research requires us to invest in both research and manufacturing in communities across America. Because when you pair thinkers and doers, that's how you create the technologies and products that help us tackle tomorrow's challenges. I want [12:45:30] to read reiterate, my colleagues have said. This work is not going to be about America going it alone the answer to these weaknesses is not always to be to ramp up domestic production. We know these vulnerabilities affect not just American households. It's a global problem for in some of these supply chains. We're committed to working with partners and allies to reduce his vulnerabilities that are affecting all of us. Work ahead builds upon America's historic legacy of making strategic investments in our Fure that lay the foundation for broad based economic growth. Smart of us investments in research manufacturing, domestic capacity, and our workforce has in the past unleashed decades of economic expansion and an expansion that raise wages and living standards for American families across the country. We can and should build upon that legacy, and that is how we will approach the supply chain work. This problem was decades in the making. We can solve it by making smart investments that are long term in nature. Reach families and workers in all of [12:46:32] America. Thank you. Hey take a breath. Next. Gen Huh? Q>> Presidents For decades, you've been promising to create factory jobs where we've got about hopefully two million factory jobs. That's down from 17 billion in 2000. How many jobs do you think this initiative can create? And what do your metrics of success? FAZILI>> Yeah. I think we think it's important to have a broad lens and Broadview on How you measure the jobs and the job creation in the manufacturing space because manufacturing is not used doesn't just support and create jobs in the manufacturing sector. There are broad spillover effect that it has they're going to be our Indy jobs here. Research shops here there's gonna be jobs in the kind of supplier networks and the services industry. So Think it's we have to start [12:47:33] tracking and understanding that manufacturers contributions to our economy can't just be narrowly counted in that way, that suggest. Okay, um, Q>> when you talk about incentivizing and funding on the budget that your upcoming budget do you think that you will propose some sort of federal funding to help increase the supply of semiconductors? FAZILI>> You know, we're still in the process of formulating the budget. So at this time, I'm not able to talk in specifics about the budget proposal, But what I would say is we are looking forward to talking with members of Congress. About what more we can do in partnership with them to give us the funds we need. Huh? HARRELL>> Just like this step back for, you know, for a moment. Obviously, we're talking about Multiple different supply chains here, and I think that the solutions we will be proposing and implementing will very a little bit by supply chain you supply chain for semiconductors obviously looks [12:48:33] quite different from the supply chain for rare Earths. So I think what you're going to see is us come forward with a comprehensive suite of recommendations that will be tailored for each of the different critical goods that we're looking at. In general across the board were expecting will be using a mix of incentives to encourage production. Here looking at ways to ensure their surge capacity available for things. That might need to be ramped up, quickly stockpiling, working with our allies and partners to make sure that we have cross border open flows with our allies and partners where we might collectively need to take some actions. I think we're really going to be looking at a range of different tools here. Not just any particular single tool Defense Production act is there. Q>> Do you think that that what else would consider using the Defense Production? Asked for specifically for the semiconductors? HARRELL>> Um, you know, I don't think we're here to talk about how we would use the D P a on any particular supply chain at this point, but clearly as we look at making [12:49:36] resilient supply chains across the board, all tools are on the table for this administration and then untie Juan. Q>> Can you say how his Taiwan reacted to some of your request for assistance on this that they've been receptive? To your pleas for help on boosting the supplies of the chips. HARRELL>> I don't want to get in the nuances of specific diplomatic conversations. We have had. Clearly Taiwan is an important partner of the United States, and we've had constructive conversations with them. PSAKI>> I'm sorry we had to let him go. But I know there's a lot of interest in this and what we could do a follow up questions afterwards as well. But thank you both so much for joining us at the briefing, and you're welcome back in time. Thank you. Okay. I just have a couple of additional items at the top. A Z. You heard in our covid public health everything just a few minutes ago, Starting next month, we will begin to deliver millions of mass to food banks and community health centers around the country. These are two nationwide networks that disproportionately serve. Hard [12:50:36] hit populations today, many low income Americans still like access to this basic protection. That's why we're think, think, taking this thoughtful and targeted action to keep Americans safe. We will deliver more than 25 million masks across the country. These mass will be available at Holmes. I'm sorry at more than 1300 community health centers and around 60,000. Food pantries. Any American who needs a mask will be able to walk into these health centers or food pantries and pick up Ah high quality American made mask that is consistent with CDC guidance. This program is made possible through existing funding at HHS, and with this action, we're hoping to level the playing field giving vulnerable populations quality, well fitting masks a couple other things I know lots going on today. I wanted to make sure you saw a letter released this morning by over 160 CEOs representing some of America's biggest and most represented company, respected companies calling on Congress to act on the president's rescue plan. There's growing consensus [12:51:36] across the country for this package, and that's reflected employing showing a bipartisan majority of Americans back it as the more than 160 business leaders put in this their letter to congressional leaders, previous federal leaf measures have been essential, but more must be done to put the country on a trajectory for a strong and durable recovery. Also Winter Storm Update. Temperatures are back within normal ranges for this time of year across the states that have been impacted by the storm. That's of course, good news, but water system outages and boil water advisories, although improving remain and ongoing issue across the region, requiring additional federal support Delayed shipments of covid-19 vaccine doses are anticipated to be filled in the coming days. As we noted last week, and vaccination sites have re opened and are doubling up appointments to accommodate those canceled last week. All major airports are open. All rail criers have returned to normal operations, Interstate in state highways or open transit agencies are returning to normal operations and Porter [12:52:37] operating under normal circumstances. Federal assistance continues. We noted the additional 31 counties yesterday and, of course, Wolf continued to consider additional reque moving forward. Finally For me and transparent with you in the American people we wanted to she that the president tested negative for covid-19 on Monday. We will venture to provide this update the following day in the future, but this is part of our regular covid safety protocols that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. The entire White House complexes, you know, continues to it here too strict. Mask wearing social distancing and other medications strategies. Ok sorry. Few things at the top. Go ahead. Q>> Thanks Jen on the masks any sense why the White House is using masks instead of True, so he have, sir. And you have ah listed manufacturers of the mask? PSAKI>> Sure Well, I would say that these Max, these masks are all here to CDC guidelines, and certainly they meet those requirements set by our federal [12:53:37] standard. Tell me your second question again. Q>> A list of the manufacturers of the masks. PSAKI>> I don't have a list of those. I can see if there's more details we can provide. Q>> Okay then separately, Vladimir Putin said today that Russia's gonna redouble its efforts. Opposing foreign powers, who he say basically trying to undermine Russia. Is the White House believe that tensions with Russia are increasing. PSAKI>> We believe that certainly over the last several years, there have been more concerning steps that have been taken by Vladimir Putin and by members of the Kremlin, as the president has expressed and expressed during the campaign, and that is why he asked his national security team to launch a process of looking into not only hacking reports of hacking around the 2020 election but also Of the bounties on our troops that was kind of concerned, of course, the solar winds hack on to take a close. Look at that. So we [12:54:39] have our own assessment. A zoo? You know. The president also spoke with President Putin just maybe two weeks ago and did not hold back and expressing his concerns about the actions of his government. But we're letting that process see itself through. As I noted yesterday, it will be weeks not months before it's concluded, and we have more details about a response. Good. 125455 Q>> Thank you. So, I just wanted to see if you could confirm that the President is speaking with King Salman of Saudi Arabia today and if he'll do that in advance of the report on Khashoggi coming out. 125507 PSAKI>> Well, as we've noted in the past, we remain committed to releasing through the DNI, of course, an unclassified report t that we expect to happen soon. I don't have an updated timeline for you on that. I know there were also reports on a proposed call. We also expect that to happen soon. We're still in the process of scheduling one that will happen. Q>> And what are they going to be talking about in that call? 125530 PSAKI>> Well -- Well, when we have the call and the president has the call, I'm sure we'll do a readout of it. Of course, we've had engagements at many levels with the Saudis to date, but we'll do a readout once we conclude the call. [12:55:41] Q>> Yes as update on Neera Tanden with all of the delays on Capitol Hill as far as her confirmation and PSAKI>> tell me more about what you mean by that Q>> date, as far as whether you're going to withdraw that name. It doesn't seem like the votes are there for her. 125557 PSAKI>> Well, let me first state that, as the president repeated yesterday, we're fighting for her nomination, and she and our team remain in close contact and close touch with senators and key constituency groups. She's an expert whose qualifications are critical during this time of an unprecedented crisis, and she has rolled up her sleeves. She's very engaged and doing outreach to senators, two members on the Hill, answering any questions they have an offering to do that, and we're doing the same. 125625 And I know there was an announcement about a delay of a confirmation vote today, and they put out a statement to make clear that, of course, they're going to do due diligence, as are we to continue that outreach and continue to fight for her nomination. Go ahead. Q>> Jen, thank you. How big of a setback does the White House view the fact that the Senate committees have delayed the vote on her confirmation to be? 125648 PSAKI>> Well again, they put out the statement from the leadership of the committee conveying clearly that they wanted to continue to do work to build support for her nomination. Q>> Does the White House see this as a setback to Neera Tanden's confirmation? 125701 PSAKI>> I wouldn't put it in those terms. I think we are committed to continuing to fight for all of our nominees, continuing to do the outreach needed, to answer questions, to address concerns anyone has, to reiterate the qualifications of all of the nominees that the president has put forward and to do due diligence in fighting for the team he's nominated. 125725 Q>> Even if she is confirmed, does it undercut the president's budget agenda to have this confirmation delayed? 125732 PSAKI>> Well, as I noted a couple of times here, but it's worth repeating, Neera Tanden has a record of working with people who disagree with her, working with people who -- who have different viewpoints and different objectives and priorities, and that's something she would certainly take into the job if she's confirmed. 125749 Q>> And just one more, Jen. Richard Shelby has said he would support the confirmation of Shalanda Young. What is your reaction to that? Is she a potential replacement should Neera Tanden not follow through? 125803 PSAKI>> Well, there's one nominee to lead the budget department. Her name's Neera Tanden, and that's who we're continuing to fight for. Q>> -- discussions about Shalanda Young? PSAKI>> We are focused on fighting for the person the president has nominated. Go ahead, Kaitlan. Q>> On Neera Tanden, one more follow up on that, has she offered to withdraw her nomination yet? 125820 PSAKI>> We're working in close touch with Neera -- with Neera Tanden and with members of Congress on continuing to do the outreach and engagement to fight for her confirmation. That's where our focus is. Q>> But no yes or no, whether she's offered to withdraw? 125834 PSAKI>> That's not the stage we're in, Kaitlan. The stage we're in is working to continue to fight for her nomination. And, as you know, it's a numbers game, right? It's a matter of getting one Republican to support her nomination. We're continuing to do that outreach, answer questions they have, and continue to reiterate her qualifications. 125853 Q>> And on the call with King Salman that's expected to happen, you said you're still working on scheduling it. Does President Biden want the Saudi crown prince to be on that call? 125902 PSAKI>> The president's intention, as is the intention of this government, is to -- to recalibrate our engagement with Saudi Arabia and to have counterparts communicate with counterparts. And Prince -- he communicated -- Prince Salman communicated with the secretary of defense. That's the appropriate line of communication. And the President will speak with the king at the appropriate time. 125927 It will be soon, and as soon as we have an update on that being finalized, and of course, when it happens, we'll provide you all with a readout. Q>> I know that, yeah, they'll be speaking, but is he okay if he's on the call? 125935 PSAKI>> I wouldn't anticipate the call being directly with the King in a one on one call, or a call, of course, you know it's -- you know, those would be the primary participants. Q>> Okay. And my last question is on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as it's moving toward authorization. It looks like Jeff Zients, the coordinator, said today they believe they're going to have between three and four million to ship pending authorization. 125955 That was initially was supposed to be much higher, according to the contract that they -- that Johnson & Johnson signed with the federal government, closer to 10 million I believe in February. So, is President Biden disappointed that Johnson & Johnson is not going to have closer to 10 million vaccines ready to go if and when they get authorization? 130016 PSAKI>> Well, Kaitlan, we were surprised to learn that Johnson & Johnson was behind on their manufacturing. As you noted, it was kind of reported earlier to be about 10 million, and now it's more like 3 to 4 million doses that they would be ready to ship next week if they are moved through the FDA process, which is not yet concluded, just to note. And we are going to continue to work with them on ensuring that -- that that can be expedited. So, if there -- if the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is approved. Go ahead. 130050 Q>> I want to follow up on what you just said about recalibration with the Saudis. Is that the extent of the recalibration? Just having the President deal directly with King Salman? You say that MBS has been engaging in his counterpart at the Defense Department. If the U.S. government believes that Mohammed bin Salman was behind or in some way related to the death of Jamal Khashoggi, how can this administration continue to deal with him, and in what way do you intend to? 130111 PSAKI>> Well, I think we'll wait for the unclassified report to be released, which will be released through the DNI, and while I don't have an update on that, I expect that will be soon, to speak further. And, of course, as I -- when I talked about recalibration, I was referring to, of course, the counterpart to counterpart to counterpart, because that was kind of how the question was posed. But, you know, we always look. The president is taking a fresh approach to how he engages with foreign leaders around the world and different from the prior administration. 130141 And that means he will not hold back. And he will speak out when there are concerns he has about human rights abuses, about the lack of freedom of speech or the lack of freedom of media and expression, or any concerns he has. At the same time, we have a long relationship with Saudi Arabia. They are being attacked in the region. And that is certainly an area where we continue to work with them on, but I expect we'll have more to say when we get post the release of that report. [13:02:08] Q>> What is this president's view toward the loyalty that teachers unions should have towards students? Teacher--- This president's a strong supporter of unions, public sector unions. The teachers union obligation to the workers and their concerns about safety. Where's the teacher's union obligation? Also, two streets. PSAKI>> Well, I can't speak to the obligations or the I'm not a spokesperson for the teachers union. I'm a spokesperson for [13:02:41] the president of the United States so I could convey to you that his commitment is to the students and to the teachers and to the parents who want to have their kids back in school, and he wants to do that safely. And that's what his focus is not, and that's the role he can play from the federal government. Go ahead David. Q>> Justback on the Saudi issue, understand it until you've had the conversation. You're not gonna talk much about the policy implications. President did have some things to say during the campaign, he said. We were in fact going to make them pay a price on, uh, make them. In fact, the pariah that they are. And later, he said, there was little social redeeming value in the present government in Saudi Arabia. Any reason to believe his view was overall view of the Saudis. Saudi government as a pariah and little redeeming social value--. 130330 PSAKI>> The president, as you well know, David, because you've probably been covering him for a good chunk of this time, has had a long time he's spent in the world of foreign policy, and he is certainly familiar with the leadership in Saudi Arabia, as he is in the Middle East and many parts of the world. And I would certainly not say his concerns or his views have changed. 130352 He is, of course, now president of the United States, and in that role, he is not going to hold back, as I noted, in speaking out when there are concerns. Of course, he has the right to take action of any kind as the president of the United States. But there are also areas where we will work with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on, including ensuring that they have the protections they need to face the threats that are facing them. [13:04:17] Q>> A little more on this and falling on how you sort of think about this. We have a pretty good idea What's in the declassified report or when it comes up because many elements of it leaked two years ago when, when it was first? First came out. If you come to the conclusion that [13:04:43] there were any senior Saudi officials who were involved in the shoji murder. Will those officials be welcome to the United States who they conceivably be subject to criminal prosecution as accessories to a murder in us. Not want to interview United States. PSAKI>> I certainly understand the line of questioning and I know there's an eagerness for the full report to be released. I'm not going to get ahead of the policy process or the release of that report. And you'll have to come back. Others will have to come back on the day after it's just released in or the days after, and we can discuss it further. Good I'm sorry. We'll come back to you sitting you're, go ahead. Q>> Thank you. A New York related question for me, PSAKI>> sure. Q>> You've been asked about whether the president has confidence in Governor Andrew Cuomo, given all the controversy surrounding the nursing home issues in New York. During the pandemic. but more broadly, I'd like to ask if there are any lessons to be learned here if the administration believes that, or has, you know, kicked off [13:05:43] any discussions in terms of what type of roll the federal government should play providing guidance during In outbreak of a future infectious disease to nursing homes and whether there should be some sort of standardized data collection, so they don't run into these issues with states writing different Neither have different times. PSAKI>> Sure. Well, it Z there. A lot of lessons learned from what we've gone through as a country over the last year, And as you know, New York is one of the hardest hit states in the country and earliest states hit hard in the country was kind of on the front lines of that, and the challenges that came up. You know, I will say that our focus at this point in time is on working with Governors from across the country from Red States and blue states, on working with them to ensure we can take the steps now to increase vaccines that are being distributed to states [13:06:44] Yesterday we announced another increase in that to an over 70% increase since the president took office to increasing communication. To increasing the number of vaccination sites that are on the ground. There's going to be plenty of time to look back. There will be many lessons learned, but right now we're still in the midst of the crisis, and we need to keep our resource is in our focus on saving more lives. Go ahead. 130702 Q>> Thanks, Jen. Did the White House -- any White House officials reach out to some of those CEOs who signed the letter? Was there any communications ahead of that letter? 130710 PSAKI>> Wel, the letter was put together by a group from the outside -- or a couple of groups, I should say, from the outside business. Forward I think was one of them, and there were a couple of other organizations. We, of course, engage with business groups and business leaders all the time, but it was not put together. It was put together by these outside groups. 130725 Q>> And did the White House specifically talk to any of them, any of the CEOs before they signed the letter and to encourage them to sign the letter? I know it was put out by other groups, but just wondering if -- 130735 PSAKI>> W didn't play an organizational role here. As I understand it, it was done by these outside groups, but we, of course, engage with business leaders all the time. [13:07:44] So um, you know, and I don't know that I have more specifics lay out you Q>> is the White House specifically talked to Bernice is Senator Bernie Sanders or Senator Kristen Cinema about the viability? Have they talked to them today? About what? What's gonna happen going forward? PSAKI>> About T viability of her nomination? Q>> Correct. PSAKI>> We have been engaged. I noted yesterday and I don't have a new number. Update that Neera Tanden herself had engaged directly with 44 senators. We've also engaged with many more far beyond that Democrats and Republicans. Some of them have been over the last three days. Some of them were before that. Some of them have been repeats, but we don't we're not going to read out the individual conversations from here. Obviously any senator can speak to our engagement from their platform if they choose to. 130830 Q>> Thank you, Jen. We spoke yesterday about immigration and this facility, HHS facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas for migrant Children, and you said it is not kids in cages. We've seen some photos now of containers. Is there a better description? Is it kids in containers instead of kids and cages? What is the White House's description of this facility? 130855 PSAKI>> Well, let me let me give a broader description of what's happening here. We have a number of unaccompanied minors, children who are coming into the country without their families. What we are not doing, what the last administration did, was separate those kids, rip them from the arms of their parents at the border. We are not doing that. That is immoral, and that is not the approach of this administration. 130917 These kids, we have a couple of options. We can send them back home and do a dangerous journey back. We are not doing that either. That is also putting them at risk. We can quickly transfer them from CBP to these HHS run facilities. That's one option. Or, we can put them with families and sponsors without any vetting. There were some problems that -- that that process ring into his well. We've chosen the middle option. 130945 And these HHS facilities, this is one of them you're referring to, we had to expand and open additional facilities, because there was not enough space in the existing facilities, and, if we were to abide by COVID protocols. That's the process and the step. This facility in Texas, which has been reopened, has been revamped, has been -- there are teachers, there is medical facilities, and our objective is to move them -- move these kids quickly from there to vetted sponsored families into places where they can safely be. 131015 This is a difficult situation. It's a difficult choice. That's the choice we've made. Q>> So, just one step back from that, we've been talking of people down at the border who say that right now, DHS and the Border Patrol are using the same kind of facilities now that they did during the Trump administration and that there's a facility right now, it's in Donna, Texas, instead of McAllen, Texas, but it's tents and chain link fence around it, and so -- 131042 PSAKI>> A CBP facility before they're transferred to the HHS facility? Is that what you're referring to? Q>> Yes. And the issue would be that just in the last couple days, they had hundreds of kids that they were holding for over 72 hours, which is the legal limit to keep somebody in a temporary facility. So I'm just curious, why is this happening? 131101 PSAKI>> Well, let's be clear, though, because I know you want to be clear with the public about the differences. The CBP facilities, which you're right, the objective is to -- is to move kids, unaccompanied minors, as quickly as possible under 72 hours to these HHS fund sponsored facilities, which is the one where we've been referring to in Texas. They are two different things. 131122 There has been some -- There were some delays last week because of weather and because some of these facilities to safely move these kids to did not have power and were not in a place where they could -- they had the capacity to take in these kids and do it safely. That is not our objective. That is not our goal. So some, unfortunately, did stay four days, five days, or longer, but the objective is to move them as quickly as possible to the HHS sponsored facilities. 131147 Q>> Has the White House seen the comment from Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, who, speaking about that HHS facility in Carrizo Springs, said, "This is not okay, never has been okay, never will be okay, no matter the administration or party." 131201 PSAKI>> Well, I think the difficulty is I haven't seen the full context of the quote or interview -- Q>> It was a Tweet. PSAKI>> -- of the tweet that was -- that she shared. But I would say the difficulty is what I outlined earlier. We have kids coming across the border. It is heartbreaking. I think we all as human beings are heartbroken, as parents, as mothers, as fathers, too. We only have a couple of choices. What we are not doing is dividing these kids and separating from their parents at the border, which is what the last administration did and why President Biden, or then candidate Biden and then candidate Harris were outspoken at the time about these kids being pulled from their parents. 131240 What we are doing is working as quickly as possible to process these kids into these HHS facilities, which have been revamped, which have medical and educational services available, so that we can then transfer them to families. That's what our approach is. 131253 Q>> And so if there is this big difference, would the administration's support, if it could be done safely because of COVID and with privacy concerns for the children in mind, would the administration support letting reporters in and the press is to see what the difference is? 131308 PSAKI>> I think you'd have to talk to the Department of Homeland Security about that. There are obviously safety protocols about that, privacy concerns, but I certainly encourage you to reach out about that. Go ahead in the back. [13:13:21] Q>> I of a totally different Texas questions sure about the president's visit on right, so the president's infrastructure plan includes a promise too. Modernize the nation's electric grid, making it smarter and more resilient. Not be done without federal oversight of the Texas Grand, which we all got reminder is not under federal oversight. PSAKI>> Uhh You're right, and some parts of Texas [13:13:50] are on the tech are on the federal grid. Aziz you will know somebody who knows a lot about Texas. Look, I think there's going to be a lot of time in the future to have a discussion and debate about what whether weatherization what preparations should have been taken in advance. We're not gonna have that debate today. We're not gonna have that debate on Friday. The president is going to Texas because he wants to show his support because he wants to survey the damage on the ground. See how people are impacted? See how we can tap into additional resource is in the federal government, as you know, and as I noted at the top Texas is still in a state of emergency. There are millions of people were impacted. We can have a policy debate later. Right now We're gonna help the people who are still suffering and going through a really challenging time. Q>> Does the president. Consider what happened in Texas last week, and you know, we still have the aftereffects. Is he considered that to be a natural disaster or a man made disaster? And how does that affect the policy response? PSAKI>> Well again, they'll be a policy discussion, and I'm sure a Zoe look ahead to delivering on the president's [13:14:51] build back. Better agendas. You know, he's been a longtime fan of infrastructure. He loves infrastructure is one of the things that I'm sure we'll be talking about in the months ahead. But I'm protecting our nation's critical infrastructure, which we all know is outdated, but we're not gonna put new labels on it today. We're just going to focus on how we make sure people have Drinking water. How people have you know not in the cold, how families have a place to live, and we will have plenty of time to have a policy debate 131515 Q>> Two quick follow ups on this. Any significance to picking Houston as the place to go, significance with the fact that it's Ted Cruz's hometown, for instance, any other significance? 131524 PSAKI>> That is not of significance. I would say that we -- While the president is there, he wanted to also visit a vaccine, a place where vaccines are being distributed. So, that was another component of the trip. In addition, we worked in very close coordination, as I noted as we were trying to figure out the timing of the trip, with experts on the ground, with our acting FEMA administrator on where it would be most appropriate to visit. 131547 Q>> And you may have sort of already addressed this, but I just want to be clear. Can we expect any sort of announcement while the president is in Texas or going to Texas, investigations, new aid, deliverables, anything? 131559 PSAKI>> We've been kind of reviewing every day new assistance that can be distributed, which I've been trying to read out at the top of the briefing, in coordination with our acting FEMA administrator and Liz Sherwood-Randall. So, I don't know -- It may be that there may be more, because we're just trying to get as much out the door as possible. But, I wouldn't expect -- I wouldn't -- There's nothing that we're holding, I should say, for Friday, if that makes sense. [13:6:23] Q>> But Jen for me, and I'm the pooler today. So one for my colleague. Okay? Um What's the White House view on this thing? Very that's emerged from California. How it might factor into You're modeling on a timetable for normalcy and your vaccination campaign? PSAKI>> Sure Well, one of the reasons we've been quite careful or I have tried [13:16:52] to be about predicting a return to normalcy is because there are Unpredictable components of the things that come up with the virus, right as we've seen with other variants, and certainly the California very his example of that the reporting on this is quite new, as you know, on our health and medical experts will, of course, take a close look at it on make some evaluations about what they first see the impact as being so it's certainly deferred to them on that. On that perspective and send you to them to ask any health questions, Q>> and it has the president been briefed specifically on California vary in intensity, Concerned alarm. PSAKI>> The president is briefed regularly on covid. He asked questions about covid and updates and I would not be surprised if he had not asked. This'll morning. I was not in any policy meetings within this morning, so I don't have any update on his briefings, Q>> so from my colleagues inside the room actually received several questions. PSAKI>> Sure go ahead. Q>> some of the Saudi. Call with Saudi King. So as well as the surgery before And I know you've [13:17:55] addressed this, but is it important for the president to speak with the king in the context of the release of the report? PSAKI>> I'm not gonna preview his call with the king. Obviously they'll cover a range of topics on Gwen. We have concluded that call. I'm sure will provide up by Readouts, all of you. Right? 131810 Q>> Yeah, just a quick follow up on the Tanden nomination. We were told that Senator Sanders wasn't consulted at all before you guys announced her nomination, and I just wanted to ask why didn't Senator Sanders get a heads up on it? 131821 PSAKI>> We consult -- I mean, the process and having worked on the confirmations team, I can give you a little insight onto this. The process during the transition of nominees being selected, you know, there often was consultation with a limited number of members. It usually -- typically wasn't very broad in advance of a selection. Obviously the president selects people he's going to nominate for positions. 131843 And then oftentimes, the immediate follow up to an announcement is immediate outrage from the nominees to a range of senators and a range of officials in Congress. So that's a normal part of the process, Q>> -- budget, though. So is there any reason why he wasn't given a heads up? 131859 PSAKI>> Again, I don't think I can speak to, you know, her announcement or who was or wasn't consulted in the days ahead from several months ago. But Senator Sanders is someone who we consult with regularly at many levels, including at the president's level and expect we'll work with him on confirmations but also a range of the president's objectives. [13:19:19] Q>> Just a quick follow up on immigration, so House and Senate Democrats have raised the possibility of putting a pathway for undocumented essential workers. Into a second reconciliation package. Pelosi even said it would be wonderful if you could fit Does the president supports that option? PSAKI>> I'm sure we'll have discussions and consultations with Speaker Pelosi, as he does frequently and others about how they want to move the path forward on immigration, and he proposed the comprehensive bill with several components because he thinks they all are pivotal. But you know, we haven't had [13:19:58] any extensive conversations on that yet. So I don't have anything to read out Q>> for reconciliation. Tegan. Asian You haven't had PSAKI>> No, we'll see what we'll let Congress play out the process of what they want to propose or how they want to work through the components of the immigration package. He's proposed it in as a full, multi step comprehensive Package because he feels that smart security pathway to citizenship and addressing the root causes air all pivotal, but we expect this to be an ongoing conversation about different components of what members support this Q>> one more. I mean, as you know, you are benefits expire March, Courtney. Is there a back up plan Supported package doesn't Passed Congress by that PSAKI>> Uh, well, let me first say that that, you know the president. Eyes focused on moving this forward as quickly as possible, because, as you noted, there is a timeline in the middle of March when millions of people would you lose their benefits [13:20:59] and it's not everybody on that day and it progression of it, but That is of great concern, and that is one of the reasons why there is significant urgency and moving this forward as quickly as possible. And as you also know, covering Congress, you know a back up plan. Most scenarios would involve Congress. This is the best pathway to preventing people millions of people from losing their benefits, and that's why we are Hopeful that it will move quickly through the house as we anticipate it will and then quickly through the Senate, and we'll be able to get the rescue plan signed into law so that that is not an issue. In the back. Q>> Thank you, Jen. I have two questions on Iran and Yemen on Iran. President opted for diplomacy, But there's words and religion and Europe as well. Their ballistic missile development and Iran's interference in the region. Why not be addressed or linked to the nuclear part, and assure us that actually, this is the case and second, you believe that Iran is destined [13:21:59] to result in Iraq by attacking the green Zones on the a P L. A airport, isn't it? PSAKI>> Well, first on T first question. Can you just say the last part of it again? You were saying? I'm sorry Masks make it difficult. Q>> You guys gonna link their ballistic missiles development on Iran's interference in four countries, so the nuclear fallout or are you guys leave it separately because their worries That's actually a very, good picture of to secure a deal and you're gonna leave this behind like it happened in 2015. PSAKI>> Well, first, the president's lot. Iran is a long way from compliance as you well know, from covering this issue quite closely on the president has been clear that if Iran comes back into full compliance with its obligations, we will do the same. And of course, then use that as a platform to build a longer and stronr agreement, including addressing ballistic missiles and many of the concerns that As you noted countries in the region, our European partners have about [13:23:01] the actions of Iran, but we are not at that point. The point we're at is that the United States has expressed an openness to an invitation to have a diplomatic conversation. That's the stage we're at. As you know, we have not taken any steps to roll back on sanctions or to provide. I should say sanctions relief as has been requested. On We are in a place where we're waiting to see if Iran will you know what their response will be to the Europeans invitation Q>> So why you're not responding to the attacks in Iraq and elsewhere. The attacks in Iran. Well these attacks in Iraq, I should say, PSAKI>> Well, first, we have not made a final attribution of but of the attacks. We will, I will say is, you know the president spoke with the prime minister last night. They This was an extensive part of the conversation. We do hold Iran accountable for the actions of their proxies. And of course we reserve the right to respond in a manner and in a time of our [13:24:02] choosing, But we will respond in a way that's calculated on our time timetable and using a mix of tools seen and unseen what we will not Geo and what we've seen in the past is lash out and risk an escalation that plays into the hands of Iran by further destabilizing Iraq, and that is our priority. Q>> If I may on human since you are missed the houthis as a terrorist organization. Do you believe that the humanitarian situation has improved? Considering that now they are trying to take a man battery, which is a big city, on by some say that they've been involved in by lifting thefrom that list. PSAKI>> Yes. And as you know, our issue has never been with the people of Yemen right on. Certainly the humanitarian situation has been a long time concerned. I don't have an assessment of the humanitarian situation on the ground. The State Department is likely gonna have the best assessment of that, but I can also talk to them or you can, of course, reach out to them directly to get an assessment. [13:25:04] Q>> I think straight out two quick questions. If you don't mind the first time voting rights for seeing several states considered bills to restrict voting rights or restrict voting. Is the administration willing to work with Congress to pass legislation to expand access to voting. Certainly expanding access to voting, making it easier for people to vote. I's a priority of the president's a priority of the vice presidents, and we're happy to have that conversation, Would you be willing to do so? Democrats have sent a letter to the president asking for policing of Boating related crimes. Is that something of the administration is going to look into and what are other specific stuff that the administration's willing to do to help. Combat some of these. These He's the legislation that we're seeing in other states. PSAKI>> I have not taken a full look at all the different pieces of legislation. I'm happy to talk to Ambassador Reiss, who's running point on this and expect we'll have more to say and voting rights soon, But let me do that. We can see if we get any more specifics after the briefing Q>> and then shifting gears, I know that you have talked about supporting a study [13:26:05] of reparations. But on another note, we've talked about the impact that So that has had on the black community want in death in the job losses is administration considering some type of targeted relief for black communities or committees that have been hit far. That may not be reparations, but maybe job training or something to help communities build back from this pandemic, specifically communities that have been hit hard, such as me? PSAKI>> Sure. Well let me first say that the American rescue plan is the package that we hope we will have signed into law soon that is going to provide relief that is targeted at the communities and the people and the families who have been hardest hit from direct checks and payments to more money for vaccinations to get them out to communities that have been harder hits to the reopening of schools that is certainly impacting many, many communities, including black communities. On that. Obviously the president will consider range of options things that we talked about on the campaign trail to build the economy back [13:27:06] better. That's not anything we have to preview or that's been finalized at this point in time, but our objective right now is to get the American rescue plan past and to get that direct relief out to a range of communities a Q>> and I understand 1400 checks are one thing, but I guess down the road helping communities people that have lost their jobs, training them for these jobs of the future. Is that something again? PSAKI>> Job retraining, helping the manufacturing sector. Doing better with caregiving, imploring, proving our nation's infrastructure these air all components of the president's agenda that he talked about on the campaign trail and is certainly a blueprint for what he would like to do as president. But right now we're just focused on the rescue plan, getting it past getting it through getting that direct relief out. And then I expect we'll have more to say he will have more to say after that is concluded. Q>> Look for something fast for you. On the minimum wage. Sure, one of the points of debate as it relates to Residents covid relief package. What the president's support [13:28:07] Anything below $15. For example, the proposal for $11 minimum wage, PSAKI>> the president put $15 minimum wage and increase and his package because that's what he believes the increase should be a zoo, you know, is working its way through parliamentary process at this point in time, Hopefully we'll have more news on that in the coming days on end. But his support is for the $15 increase. Q>> Senator Sanders has said there's no room for compromise. Just the president think there's room for compromise on that $15 PSAKI>> Well, the compromise will be between members of the Senate, who may have disagreement on where the minimum wage should sit in what the process should be. But the first step is the bird. Rule the birdbath. I just like to say that every day on Ben members will and we're certainly hopeful that that will conclude with the minimum wage being included in there. But that is up to the parliamentarian. For that process to conclude and then senators will have to debate with a final package looks like Q>> There has been some survey data that [13:29:07] suggests fishing hesitancy within the armed services. Making a vaccine commander in chief in theory could require Members of the military thinking vaccines that something he's considered doing. And this is what you wanted, running or willing to do. PSAKI>> That's a really interesting question. Everyone's questions are interesting, but that's a very interesting question. I have not spoken with him about that, or to Secretary Austin about that. Who any decision like that would be in consultation and had his recommendation. I'm happy to follow up with it on it, or I would I would suggest you talk to My old friend John Kirby, about WRE they stand on that question. Go ahead. Q>> Just far from curtains on the minimum weight there. It sounds from your description of Negotiation underway now between House and Senate on a warning that the president would basically signed whatever comes out of conference here. That would be the implication of here. Your statement and he doesn't really have a choice on the minimum wage at this point. Is that what you meant to say that? PSAKI>> That is not my implication. I hope that's not what other people took from what I said. [13:30:08] But what I wasn't conveying is that there's a process that this has to undergo and it needs to move through the parliament. Senate parliament Terry process We don't even know where they're going to conclude and whether the minimum wage is in the package or not in the package on certainly, and I'll leave the analysis to all of you. There would be many who would Supported not being in the package and there would be many who would oppose it. Not being in the package. We understand that we know how Bill becomes law. What I'm conveying as we're not going to get ahead of that process, Q>> and then you're not saying the president won't sign it if it doesn't have a minimum wage. PSAKI>> I think we're not even at the stage. The president proposed an increase in the minimum wage and his package. That's what he wants to be in the final package. He also was in the Senate for 36 years and has great respect for the parliamentary process. We're going to see that through once that's concluded, we can all talk further about the next steps. Q>> There's a worth of South Korea is working with the Rand toe, possibly unfree $7 billion in Iranian money, but they would need a waiver from the U. S State Department. Is that something that the administration would consider? [13:31:08] PSAKI>> I've not seen those reports. I'm happy to follow up with our team in the State Department, but probably more direct if you follow up with them directly. Q>> Okay One more vaccines. This White house think when they see governor like the Democratic governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, who says he thinks if he goes his own way, not with the national recommendations, too. Distribute vaccines just based on age than he could get them out faster and more equitably than If he follows the recommendations from the federal level. PSAKI>> Well, we make recommendations at the federal level for a reason, because there are groups that we feel should be prioritized whether their frontline workers health care workers, individuals over a certain age, as you noted, and our objective, of course, is to get to the stage where there's recommendations for people who are much younger who don't have health conditions that would I mean, they would qualify S O. That's what that's the reason we laid them out as we do. Obviously governors make different choices about the [13:32:09] prioritization and the prioritization order. But we stand by the guidelines we've recommended reading national level. Thanks, everyone. [END]

FS23 WH BRFG HEAD ON POOL 3 1230 CNN POOL WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING WITH PRESS SECREARY JEN PSAKI [12:37:22] PSAKI>> Hi, everyone. Good afternoon. Well, we are very excited that later today, the President will sign an executive order that takes a whole-of-government approach to securing critical US supply chains, ensuring we can withstand crises and create good-paying jobs in the process. [12:37:43] The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the need for resilient supply chains and robust domestic manufacturing so all Americans have access to essential goods and services in times of crisis. The EO will direct immediate 100 day reviews of supply chains for critical products that go into everything from phones to pharmaceuticals. [12:28:03] It will also direct reviews of industrial based sectors, including defense, public health and biological preparedness, information and communications technology, transportation, energy, and food production. This is an issue with strong bipartisan support. And later this afternoon, the President will meet with a bipartisan group of House and Senate members to discuss supply chain resilience and the need to work together and strengthening it will provide you a list of that later this afternoon as it's finalized. [12:38:28] Joining us today to talk through the details of the executive order. Our deputy director of the National Economic Council, Sameera Fazili, I may have betrayed your last name as mine is butchered. Sometimes I'll keep working on it and senior Director International economics and competitiveness at the nsc. Peter Harrell. Thank you for joining us on day will take. We'll see if we have time to take a couple questions. They have good reason they have to go see the president shortly. Okay? Thank you very much. HARRELL>> Jan And thanks to all of you, it's a privilege for mto be here. Aziz Jen said this afternoon, the president will sign an executive order that takes a critical step in ensuring that America's supply chains can withstand any crisis as well. A supporting jobs across the country last year in the early months of the pandemic, frontline health care workers couldn't find the masks, gloves. Ppe that they [12:39:25] needed to keep themselves safe as they treated covid-19 patients today. Automotive automakers across the country or having to take workers off factory lines because they can't get access to enough computer chips to maintain full production. Last July. President Biden committed that as president, he would direct his administration to take a comprehensive approach to securing America's supply chance, he said then, and he will reiterate later today that America should never face shortages of critical products in times of crisis. Our sply chain should not be vulnerable to manipulation by competitors. Nations Theo that the president will sign later today formally launches the initiative. President Biden committed to last year to build strong and resilient supply chains. This is the first Whole of government approach to promoting the resilience of America's supply chains from pharmaceuticals to foods. We're going to get out of the business of reacting to supply chain crises as they arise and get into the business, preventing future supply chain [12:40:25] problems. As Jen, said the eoe the president will sign will direct immediate 100 Day reviews of supply chains for four critical products. Computer chips for everything from cars to phones. Large capacity batteries such as those used in electric cards, cars so that America leads and making next generation electric vehicles. Pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The key ingredients to American medicines. Critical minerals and strategic materials such as rare Earth minerals that are essential to American industry and to America's defense base. CEO will also direct six sector specific reviews to be completed within one year of today to be focused on defense, public health and biological preparedness, information and communications technology. Transportation energy and food production. These sectoral reviews will be modeled after the process that the Defense Department uses to regularly evaluate and struck strengthen America's defense Industrial base. 124123 Make no mistake. We are not simply planning to order up reports. We are going to be taking actions to close gaps as we identify them, just as we have been working with industry in recent weeks to ensure that U.S. automobile manufacturers have the parts they need to keep making cars here in America. 124142 But we expect that by taking this type of comprehensive approach to supply chain resilience, we'll be able to strengthen our supply chains for the long term. [12:41:51] With that I'm happy to turn this over to my friend and colleague Sameer FAZILI>> Thank you, Peter. Creating more resilient supply chains is an opportunity for our country to come together to create well payg jobs for workers across our country. That is why today's action reinforces the president's overarching commitment to help [12:42:26] our country build back better. We know that even before the covid crisis, the economy was not working for most Americans. Worker pay was too low. Many families could not make ends meet. Many of the jobs that served as the heart of the middle class had been lost due to changes in both technology and the structure of the global economy. Disruption is inevitable. But over the past few years we have moved from crisis to crisis when some essential product was suddenly n short supply. We need is a capacity to respond quickly when hit by a challenge. This executive order moves the whole government towards being more prepared. The sector specific reviews that the president orders today. We're going to be asking agencies to do the following Going to review risks and supply chains and in our domestic industrial base, they're going to think broadly about risk. There's climate risk and geopolitical risk. But there's also risk and not having enough workers ready to meet the needs of that sector or in a factories or the right equipment to make a good retool shift. Shift to a new spike in [12:43:28] demand for an essential good. They're going to be recommending actions to improve resiliency in some instances, that action might be the data that government can publish. And so the private sector can plan and mobilize and take action. In other instances, we have levels like procurement authority that we can use to support, stockpiling or support some level of domestic production. We're also going to be looking for opportunities to work with Congress to give us more tools so that we can improve our preparedness and today's conversation with members of Congress is gonna be part of an ongoing conversation We've been having with him on this. Finally Big part of this executive order is consultation with stakeholders and experts were going to be reaching out to talk to the American people. Government action alone will not solve complex supply chain challenges. This is going to be broad engagement. Broad conversations that will include business labor, Local communities, Academia, This work is going to require a new commitment to public private [12:44:28] partnerships, and we need all voices at that table to help us design those partnerships. 124428 This is a real opportunity to invest in the future of America and build on our nation's strength. There are opportunities for small business development to help diversify supplier networks and alleviate the risk of too big to fail companies in the supply chains for critical goods. There are opportunities to improve worker readiness and training, so they have the skills needed to ramp up research, production, or distribution of a critical good. [12:44:50] There are opportunities to bring more jobs to communities around the country, including communities of color to leverage the ingenuity and grit of the American people. This is gonna leverage. Us scientific leadership. It's going further advance our research and development prowess. It will do so while also recognizing that our ability to maintain our innovative edge in research requires us to invest in both research and manufacturing in communities across America. Because when you pair thinkers and doers, that's how you create the technologies and products that help us tackle tomorrow's challenges. I want [12:45:30] to read reiterate, my colleagues have said. This work is not going to be about America going it alone the answer to these weaknesses is not always to be to ramp up domestic production. We know these vulnerabilities affect not just American households. It's a global problem for in some of these supply chains. We're committed to working with partners and allies to reduce his vulnerabilities that are affecting all of us. Work ahead builds upon America's historic legacy of making strategic investments in our Fure that lay the foundation for broad based economic growth. Smart of us investments in research manufacturing, domestic capacity, and our workforce has in the past unleashed decades of economic expansion and an expansion that raise wages and living standards for American families across the country. We can and should build upon that legacy, and that is how we will approach the supply chain work. This problem was decades in the making. We can solve it by making smart investments that are long term in nature. Reach families and workers in all of [12:46:32] America. Thank you. Hey take a breath. Next. Gen Huh? Q>> Presidents For decades, you've been promising to create factory jobs where we've got about hopefully two million factory jobs. That's down from 17 billion in 2000. How many jobs do you think this initiative can create? And what do your metrics of success? FAZILI>> Yeah. I think we think it's important to have a broad lens and Broadview on How you measure the jobs and the job creation in the manufacturing space because manufacturing is not used doesn't just support and create jobs in the manufacturing sector. There are broad spillover effect that it has they're going to be our Indy jobs here. Research shops here there's gonna be jobs in the kind of supplier networks and the services industry. So Think it's we have to start [12:47:33] tracking and understanding that manufacturers contributions to our economy can't just be narrowly counted in that way, that suggest. Okay, um, Q>> when you talk about incentivizing and funding on the budget that your upcoming budget do you think that you will propose some sort of federal funding to help increase the supply of semiconductors? FAZILI>> You know, we're still in the process of formulating the budget. So at this time, I'm not able to talk in specifics about the budget proposal, But what I would say is we are looking forward to talking with members of Congress. About what more we can do in partnership with them to give us the funds we need. Huh? HARRELL>> Just like this step back for, you know, for a moment. Obviously, we're talking about Multiple different supply chains here, and I think that the solutions we will be proposing and implementing will very a little bit by supply chain you supply chain for semiconductors obviously looks [12:48:33] quite different from the supply chain for rare Earths. So I think what you're going to see is us come forward with a comprehensive suite of recommendations that will be tailored for each of the different critical goods that we're looking at. In general across the board were expecting will be using a mix of incentives to encourage production. Here looking at ways to ensure their surge capacity available for things. That might need to be ramped up, quickly stockpiling, working with our allies and partners to make sure that we have cross border open flows with our allies and partners where we might collectively need to take some actions. I think we're really going to be looking at a range of different tools here. Not just any particular single tool Defense Production act is there. Q>> Do you think that that what else would consider using the Defense Production? Asked for specifically for the semiconductors? HARRELL>> Um, you know, I don't think we're here to talk about how we would use the D P a on any particular supply chain at this point, but clearly as we look at making [12:49:36] resilient supply chains across the board, all tools are on the table for this administration and then untie Juan. Q>> Can you say how his Taiwan reacted to some of your request for assistance on this that they've been receptive? To your pleas for help on boosting the supplies of the chips. HARRELL>> I don't want to get in the nuances of specific diplomatic conversations. We have had. Clearly Taiwan is an important partner of the United States, and we've had constructive conversations with them. PSAKI>> I'm sorry we had to let him go. But I know there's a lot of interest in this and what we could do a follow up questions afterwards as well. But thank you both so much for joining us at the briefing, and you're welcome back in time. Thank you. Okay. I just have a couple of additional items at the top. A Z. You heard in our covid public health everything just a few minutes ago, Starting next month, we will begin to deliver millions of mass to food banks and community health centers around the country. These are two nationwide networks that disproportionately serve. Hard [12:50:36] hit populations today, many low income Americans still like access to this basic protection. That's why we're think, think, taking this thoughtful and targeted action to keep Americans safe. We will deliver more than 25 million masks across the country. These mass will be available at Holmes. I'm sorry at more than 1300 community health centers and around 60,000. Food pantries. Any American who needs a mask will be able to walk into these health centers or food pantries and pick up Ah high quality American made mask that is consistent with CDC guidance. This program is made possible through existing funding at HHS, and with this action, we're hoping to level the playing field giving vulnerable populations quality, well fitting masks a couple other things I know lots going on today. I wanted to make sure you saw a letter released this morning by over 160 CEOs representing some of America's biggest and most represented company, respected companies calling on Congress to act on the president's rescue plan. There's growing consensus [12:51:36] across the country for this package, and that's reflected employing showing a bipartisan majority of Americans back it as the more than 160 business leaders put in this their letter to congressional leaders, previous federal leaf measures have been essential, but more must be done to put the country on a trajectory for a strong and durable recovery. Also Winter Storm Update. Temperatures are back within normal ranges for this time of year across the states that have been impacted by the storm. That's of course, good news, but water system outages and boil water advisories, although improving remain and ongoing issue across the region, requiring additional federal support Delayed shipments of covid-19 vaccine doses are anticipated to be filled in the coming days. As we noted last week, and vaccination sites have re opened and are doubling up appointments to accommodate those canceled last week. All major airports are open. All rail criers have returned to normal operations, Interstate in state highways or open transit agencies are returning to normal operations and Porter [12:52:37] operating under normal circumstances. Federal assistance continues. We noted the additional 31 counties yesterday and, of course, Wolf continued to consider additional reque moving forward. Finally For me and transparent with you in the American people we wanted to she that the president tested negative for covid-19 on Monday. We will venture to provide this update the following day in the future, but this is part of our regular covid safety protocols that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. The entire White House complexes, you know, continues to it here too strict. Mask wearing social distancing and other medications strategies. Ok sorry. Few things at the top. Go ahead. Q>> Thanks Jen on the masks any sense why the White House is using masks instead of True, so he have, sir. And you have ah listed manufacturers of the mask? PSAKI>> Sure Well, I would say that these Max, these masks are all here to CDC guidelines, and certainly they meet those requirements set by our federal [12:53:37] standard. Tell me your second question again. Q>> A list of the manufacturers of the masks. PSAKI>> I don't have a list of those. I can see if there's more details we can provide. Q>> Okay then separately, Vladimir Putin said today that Russia's gonna redouble its efforts. Opposing foreign powers, who he say basically trying to undermine Russia. Is the White House believe that tensions with Russia are increasing. PSAKI>> We believe that certainly over the last several years, there have been more concerning steps that have been taken by Vladimir Putin and by members of the Kremlin, as the president has expressed and expressed during the campaign, and that is why he asked his national security team to launch a process of looking into not only hacking reports of hacking around the 2020 election but also Of the bounties on our troops that was kind of concerned, of course, the solar winds hack on to take a close. Look at that. So we [12:54:39] have our own assessment. A zoo? You know. The president also spoke with President Putin just maybe two weeks ago and did not hold back and expressing his concerns about the actions of his government. But we're letting that process see itself through. As I noted yesterday, it will be weeks not months before it's concluded, and we have more details about a response. Good. 125455 Q>> Thank you. So, I just wanted to see if you could confirm that the President is speaking with King Salman of Saudi Arabia today and if he'll do that in advance of the report on Khashoggi coming out. 125507 PSAKI>> Well, as we've noted in the past, we remain committed to releasing through the DNI, of course, an unclassified report t that we expect to happen soon. I don't have an updated timeline for you on that. I know there were also reports on a proposed call. We also expect that to happen soon. We're still in the process of scheduling one that will happen. Q>> And what are they going to be talking about in that call? 125530 PSAKI>> Well -- Well, when we have the call and the president has the call, I'm sure we'll do a readout of it. Of course, we've had engagements at many levels with the Saudis to date, but we'll do a readout once we conclude the call. [12:55:41] Q>> Yes as update on Neera Tanden with all of the delays on Capitol Hill as far as her confirmation and PSAKI>> tell me more about what you mean by that Q>> date, as far as whether you're going to withdraw that name. It doesn't seem like the votes are there for her. 125557 PSAKI>> Well, let me first state that, as the president repeated yesterday, we're fighting for her nomination, and she and our team remain in close contact and close touch with senators and key constituency groups. She's an expert whose qualifications are critical during this time of an unprecedented crisis, and she has rolled up her sleeves. She's very engaged and doing outreach to senators, two members on the Hill, answering any questions they have an offering to do that, and we're doing the same. 125625 And I know there was an announcement about a delay of a confirmation vote today, and they put out a statement to make clear that, of course, they're going to do due diligence, as are we to continue that outreach and continue to fight for her nomination. Go ahead. Q>> Jen, thank you. How big of a setback does the White House view the fact that the Senate committees have delayed the vote on her confirmation to be? 125648 PSAKI>> Well again, they put out the statement from the leadership of the committee conveying clearly that they wanted to continue to do work to build support for her nomination. Q>> Does the White House see this as a setback to Neera Tanden's confirmation? 125701 PSAKI>> I wouldn't put it in those terms. I think we are committed to continuing to fight for all of our nominees, continuing to do the outreach needed, to answer questions, to address concerns anyone has, to reiterate the qualifications of all of the nominees that the president has put forward and to do due diligence in fighting for the team he's nominated. 125725 Q>> Even if she is confirmed, does it undercut the president's budget agenda to have this confirmation delayed? 125732 PSAKI>> Well, as I noted a couple of times here, but it's worth repeating, Neera Tanden has a record of working with people who disagree with her, working with people who -- who have different viewpoints and different objectives and priorities, and that's something she would certainly take into the job if she's confirmed. 125749 Q>> And just one more, Jen. Richard Shelby has said he would support the confirmation of Shalanda Young. What is your reaction to that? Is she a potential replacement should Neera Tanden not follow through? 125803 PSAKI>> Well, there's one nominee to lead the budget department. Her name's Neera Tanden, and that's who we're continuing to fight for. Q>> -- discussions about Shalanda Young? PSAKI>> We are focused on fighting for the person the president has nominated. Go ahead, Kaitlan. Q>> On Neera Tanden, one more follow up on that, has she offered to withdraw her nomination yet? 125820 PSAKI>> We're working in close touch with Neera -- with Neera Tanden and with members of Congress on continuing to do the outreach and engagement to fight for her confirmation. That's where our focus is. Q>> But no yes or no, whether she's offered to withdraw? 125834 PSAKI>> That's not the stage we're in, Kaitlan. The stage we're in is working to continue to fight for her nomination. And, as you know, it's a numbers game, right? It's a matter of getting one Republican to support her nomination. We're continuing to do that outreach, answer questions they have, and continue to reiterate her qualifications. 125853 Q>> And on the call with King Salman that's expected to happen, you said you're still working on scheduling it. Does President Biden want the Saudi crown prince to be on that call? 125902 PSAKI>> The president's intention, as is the intention of this government, is to -- to recalibrate our engagement with Saudi Arabia and to have counterparts communicate with counterparts. And Prince -- he communicated -- Prince Salman communicated with the secretary of defense. That's the appropriate line of communication. And the President will speak with the king at the appropriate time. 125927 It will be soon, and as soon as we have an update on that being finalized, and of course, when it happens, we'll provide you all with a readout. Q>> I know that, yeah, they'll be speaking, but is he okay if he's on the call? 125935 PSAKI>> I wouldn't anticipate the call being directly with the King in a one on one call, or a call, of course, you know it's -- you know, those would be the primary participants. Q>> Okay. And my last question is on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as it's moving toward authorization. It looks like Jeff Zients, the coordinator, said today they believe they're going to have between three and four million to ship pending authorization. 125955 That was initially was supposed to be much higher, according to the contract that they -- that Johnson & Johnson signed with the federal government, closer to 10 million I believe in February. So, is President Biden disappointed that Johnson & Johnson is not going to have closer to 10 million vaccines ready to go if and when they get authorization? 130016 PSAKI>> Well, Kaitlan, we were surprised to learn that Johnson & Johnson was behind on their manufacturing. As you noted, it was kind of reported earlier to be about 10 million, and now it's more like 3 to 4 million doses that they would be ready to ship next week if they are moved through the FDA process, which is not yet concluded, just to note. And we are going to continue to work with them on ensuring that -- that that can be expedited. So, if there -- if the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is approved. Go ahead. 130050 Q>> I want to follow up on what you just said about recalibration with the Saudis. Is that the extent of the recalibration? Just having the President deal directly with King Salman? You say that MBS has been engaging in his counterpart at the Defense Department. If the U.S. government believes that Mohammed bin Salman was behind or in some way related to the death of Jamal Khashoggi, how can this administration continue to deal with him, and in what way do you intend to? 130111 PSAKI>> Well, I think we'll wait for the unclassified report to be released, which will be released through the DNI, and while I don't have an update on that, I expect that will be soon, to speak further. And, of course, as I -- when I talked about recalibration, I was referring to, of course, the counterpart to counterpart to counterpart, because that was kind of how the question was posed. But, you know, we always look. The president is taking a fresh approach to how he engages with foreign leaders around the world and different from the prior administration. 130141 And that means he will not hold back. And he will speak out when there are concerns he has about human rights abuses, about the lack of freedom of speech or the lack of freedom of media and expression, or any concerns he has. At the same time, we have a long relationship with Saudi Arabia. They are being attacked in the region. And that is certainly an area where we continue to work with them on, but I expect we'll have more to say when we get post the release of that report. [13:02:08] Q>> What is this president's view toward the loyalty that teachers unions should have towards students? Teacher--- This president's a strong supporter of unions, public sector unions. The teachers union obligation to the workers and their concerns about safety. Where's the teacher's union obligation? Also, two streets. PSAKI>> Well, I can't speak to the obligations or the I'm not a spokesperson for the teachers union. I'm a spokesperson for [13:02:41] the president of the United States so I could convey to you that his commitment is to the students and to the teachers and to the parents who want to have their kids back in school, and he wants to do that safely. And that's what his focus is not, and that's the role he can play from the federal government. Go ahead David. Q>> Justback on the Saudi issue, understand it until you've had the conversation. You're not gonna talk much about the policy implications. President did have some things to say during the campaign, he said. We were in fact going to make them pay a price on, uh, make them. In fact, the pariah that they are. And later, he said, there was little social redeeming value in the present government in Saudi Arabia. Any reason to believe his view was overall view of the Saudis. Saudi government as a pariah and little redeeming social value--. 130330 PSAKI>> The president, as you well know, David, because you've probably been covering him for a good chunk of this time, has had a long time he's spent in the world of foreign policy, and he is certainly familiar with the leadership in Saudi Arabia, as he is in the Middle East and many parts of the world. And I would certainly not say his concerns or his views have changed. 130352 He is, of course, now president of the United States, and in that role, he is not going to hold back, as I noted, in speaking out when there are concerns. Of course, he has the right to take action of any kind as the president of the United States. But there are also areas where we will work with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on, including ensuring that they have the protections they need to face the threats that are facing them. [13:04:17] Q>> A little more on this and falling on how you sort of think about this. We have a pretty good idea What's in the declassified report or when it comes up because many elements of it leaked two years ago when, when it was first? First came out. If you come to the conclusion that [13:04:43] there were any senior Saudi officials who were involved in the shoji murder. Will those officials be welcome to the United States who they conceivably be subject to criminal prosecution as accessories to a murder in us. Not want to interview United States. PSAKI>> I certainly understand the line of questioning and I know there's an eagerness for the full report to be released. I'm not going to get ahead of the policy process or the release of that report. And you'll have to come back. Others will have to come back on the day after it's just released in or the days after, and we can discuss it further. Good I'm sorry. We'll come back to you sitting you're, go ahead. Q>> Thank you. A New York related question for me, PSAKI>> sure. Q>> You've been asked about whether the president has confidence in Governor Andrew Cuomo, given all the controversy surrounding the nursing home issues in New York. During the pandemic. but more broadly, I'd like to ask if there are any lessons to be learned here if the administration believes that, or has, you know, kicked off [13:05:43] any discussions in terms of what type of roll the federal government should play providing guidance during In outbreak of a future infectious disease to nursing homes and whether there should be some sort of standardized data collection, so they don't run into these issues with states writing different Neither have different times. PSAKI>> Sure. Well, it Z there. A lot of lessons learned from what we've gone through as a country over the last year, And as you know, New York is one of the hardest hit states in the country and earliest states hit hard in the country was kind of on the front lines of that, and the challenges that came up. You know, I will say that our focus at this point in time is on working with Governors from across the country from Red States and blue states, on working with them to ensure we can take the steps now to increase vaccines that are being distributed to states [13:06:44] Yesterday we announced another increase in that to an over 70% increase since the president took office to increasing communication. To increasing the number of vaccination sites that are on the ground. There's going to be plenty of time to look back. There will be many lessons learned, but right now we're still in the midst of the crisis, and we need to keep our resource is in our focus on saving more lives. Go ahead. 130702 Q>> Thanks, Jen. Did the White House -- any White House officials reach out to some of those CEOs who signed the letter? Was there any communications ahead of that letter? 130710 PSAKI>> Wel, the letter was put together by a group from the outside -- or a couple of groups, I should say, from the outside business. Forward I think was one of them, and there were a couple of other organizations. We, of course, engage with business groups and business leaders all the time, but it was not put together. It was put together by these outside groups. 130725 Q>> And did the White House specifically talk to any of them, any of the CEOs before they signed the letter and to encourage them to sign the letter? I know it was put out by other groups, but just wondering if -- 130735 PSAKI>> W didn't play an organizational role here. As I understand it, it was done by these outside groups, but we, of course, engage with business leaders all the time. [13:07:44] So um, you know, and I don't know that I have more specifics lay out you Q>> is the White House specifically talked to Bernice is Senator Bernie Sanders or Senator Kristen Cinema about the viability? Have they talked to them today? About what? What's gonna happen going forward? PSAKI>> About T viability of her nomination? Q>> Correct. PSAKI>> We have been engaged. I noted yesterday and I don't have a new number. Update that Neera Tanden herself had engaged directly with 44 senators. We've also engaged with many more far beyond that Democrats and Republicans. Some of them have been over the last three days. Some of them were before that. Some of them have been repeats, but we don't we're not going to read out the individual conversations from here. Obviously any senator can speak to our engagement from their platform if they choose to. 130830 Q>> Thank you, Jen. We spoke yesterday about immigration and this facility, HHS facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas for migrant Children, and you said it is not kids in cages. We've seen some photos now of containers. Is there a better description? Is it kids in containers instead of kids and cages? What is the White House's description of this facility? 130855 PSAKI>> Well, let me let me give a broader description of what's happening here. We have a number of unaccompanied minors, children who are coming into the country without their families. What we are not doing, what the last administration did, was separate those kids, rip them from the arms of their parents at the border. We are not doing that. That is immoral, and that is not the approach of this administration. 130917 These kids, we have a couple of options. We can send them back home and do a dangerous journey back. We are not doing that either. That is also putting them at risk. We can quickly transfer them from CBP to these HHS run facilities. That's one option. Or, we can put them with families and sponsors without any vetting. There were some problems that -- that that process ring into his well. We've chosen the middle option. 130945 And these HHS facilities, this is one of them you're referring to, we had to expand and open additional facilities, because there was not enough space in the existing facilities, and, if we were to abide by COVID protocols. That's the process and the step. This facility in Texas, which has been reopened, has been revamped, has been -- there are teachers, there is medical facilities, and our objective is to move them -- move these kids quickly from there to vetted sponsored families into places where they can safely be. 131015 This is a difficult situation. It's a difficult choice. That's the choice we've made. Q>> So, just one step back from that, we've been talking of people down at the border who say that right now, DHS and the Border Patrol are using the same kind of facilities now that they did during the Trump administration and that there's a facility right now, it's in Donna, Texas, instead of McAllen, Texas, but it's tents and chain link fence around it, and so -- 131042 PSAKI>> A CBP facility before they're transferred to the HHS facility? Is that what you're referring to? Q>> Yes. And the issue would be that just in the last couple days, they had hundreds of kids that they were holding for over 72 hours, which is the legal limit to keep somebody in a temporary facility. So I'm just curious, why is this happening? 131101 PSAKI>> Well, let's be clear, though, because I know you want to be clear with the public about the differences. The CBP facilities, which you're right, the objective is to -- is to move kids, unaccompanied minors, as quickly as possible under 72 hours to these HHS fund sponsored facilities, which is the one where we've been referring to in Texas. They are two different things. 131122 There has been some -- There were some delays last week because of weather and because some of these facilities to safely move these kids to did not have power and were not in a place where they could -- they had the capacity to take in these kids and do it safely. That is not our objective. That is not our goal. So some, unfortunately, did stay four days, five days, or longer, but the objective is to move them as quickly as possible to the HHS sponsored facilities. 131147 Q>> Has the White House seen the comment from Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, who, speaking about that HHS facility in Carrizo Springs, said, "This is not okay, never has been okay, never will be okay, no matter the administration or party." 131201 PSAKI>> Well, I think the difficulty is I haven't seen the full context of the quote or interview -- Q>> It was a Tweet. PSAKI>> -- of the tweet that was -- that she shared. But I would say the difficulty is what I outlined earlier. We have kids coming across the border. It is heartbreaking. I think we all as human beings are heartbroken, as parents, as mothers, as fathers, too. We only have a couple of choices. What we are not doing is dividing these kids and separating from their parents at the border, which is what the last administration did and why President Biden, or then candidate Biden and then candidate Harris were outspoken at the time about these kids being pulled from their parents. 131240 What we are doing is working as quickly as possible to process these kids into these HHS facilities, which have been revamped, which have medical and educational services available, so that we can then transfer them to families. That's what our approach is. 131253 Q>> And so if there is this big difference, would the administration's support, if it could be done safely because of COVID and with privacy concerns for the children in mind, would the administration support letting reporters in and the press is to see what the difference is? 131308 PSAKI>> I think you'd have to talk to the Department of Homeland Security about that. There are obviously safety protocols about that, privacy concerns, but I certainly encourage you to reach out about that. Go ahead in the back. [13:13:21] Q>> I of a totally different Texas questions sure about the president's visit on right, so the president's infrastructure plan includes a promise too. Modernize the nation's electric grid, making it smarter and more resilient. Not be done without federal oversight of the Texas Grand, which we all got reminder is not under federal oversight. PSAKI>> Uhh You're right, and some parts of Texas [13:13:50] are on the tech are on the federal grid. Aziz you will know somebody who knows a lot about Texas. Look, I think there's going to be a lot of time in the future to have a discussion and debate about what whether weatherization what preparations should have been taken in advance. We're not gonna have that debate today. We're not gonna have that debate on Friday. The president is going to Texas because he wants to show his support because he wants to survey the damage on the ground. See how people are impacted? See how we can tap into additional resource is in the federal government, as you know, and as I noted at the top Texas is still in a state of emergency. There are millions of people were impacted. We can have a policy debate later. Right now We're gonna help the people who are still suffering and going through a really challenging time. Q>> Does the president. Consider what happened in Texas last week, and you know, we still have the aftereffects. Is he considered that to be a natural disaster or a man made disaster? And how does that affect the policy response? PSAKI>> Well again, they'll be a policy discussion, and I'm sure a Zoe look ahead to delivering on the president's [13:14:51] build back. Better agendas. You know, he's been a longtime fan of infrastructure. He loves infrastructure is one of the things that I'm sure we'll be talking about in the months ahead. But I'm protecting our nation's critical infrastructure, which we all know is outdated, but we're not gonna put new labels on it today. We're just going to focus on how we make sure people have Drinking water. How people have you know not in the cold, how families have a place to live, and we will have plenty of time to have a policy debate 131515 Q>> Two quick follow ups on this. Any significance to picking Houston as the place to go, significance with the fact that it's Ted Cruz's hometown, for instance, any other significance? 131524 PSAKI>> That is not of significance. I would say that we -- While the president is there, he wanted to also visit a vaccine, a place where vaccines are being distributed. So, that was another component of the trip. In addition, we worked in very close coordination, as I noted as we were trying to figure out the timing of the trip, with experts on the ground, with our acting FEMA administrator on where it would be most appropriate to visit. 131547 Q>> And you may have sort of already addressed this, but I just want to be clear. Can we expect any sort of announcement while the president is in Texas or going to Texas, investigations, new aid, deliverables, anything? 131559 PSAKI>> We've been kind of reviewing every day new assistance that can be distributed, which I've been trying to read out at the top of the briefing, in coordination with our acting FEMA administrator and Liz Sherwood-Randall. So, I don't know -- It may be that there may be more, because we're just trying to get as much out the door as possible. But, I wouldn't expect -- I wouldn't -- There's nothing that we're holding, I should say, for Friday, if that makes sense. [13:6:23] Q>> But Jen for me, and I'm the pooler today. So one for my colleague. Okay? Um What's the White House view on this thing? Very that's emerged from California. How it might factor into You're modeling on a timetable for normalcy and your vaccination campaign? PSAKI>> Sure Well, one of the reasons we've been quite careful or I have tried [13:16:52] to be about predicting a return to normalcy is because there are Unpredictable components of the things that come up with the virus, right as we've seen with other variants, and certainly the California very his example of that the reporting on this is quite new, as you know, on our health and medical experts will, of course, take a close look at it on make some evaluations about what they first see the impact as being so it's certainly deferred to them on that. On that perspective and send you to them to ask any health questions, Q>> and it has the president been briefed specifically on California vary in intensity, Concerned alarm. PSAKI>> The president is briefed regularly on covid. He asked questions about covid and updates and I would not be surprised if he had not asked. This'll morning. I was not in any policy meetings within this morning, so I don't have any update on his briefings, Q>> so from my colleagues inside the room actually received several questions. PSAKI>> Sure go ahead. Q>> some of the Saudi. Call with Saudi King. So as well as the surgery before And I know you've [13:17:55] addressed this, but is it important for the president to speak with the king in the context of the release of the report? PSAKI>> I'm not gonna preview his call with the king. Obviously they'll cover a range of topics on Gwen. We have concluded that call. I'm sure will provide up by Readouts, all of you. Right? 131810 Q>> Yeah, just a quick follow up on the Tanden nomination. We were told that Senator Sanders wasn't consulted at all before you guys announced her nomination, and I just wanted to ask why didn't Senator Sanders get a heads up on it? 131821 PSAKI>> We consult -- I mean, the process and having worked on the confirmations team, I can give you a little insight onto this. The process during the transition of nominees being selected, you know, there often was consultation with a limited number of members. It usually -- typically wasn't very broad in advance of a selection. Obviously the president selects people he's going to nominate for positions. 131843 And then oftentimes, the immediate follow up to an announcement is immediate outrage from the nominees to a range of senators and a range of officials in Congress. So that's a normal part of the process, Q>> -- budget, though. So is there any reason why he wasn't given a heads up? 131859 PSAKI>> Again, I don't think I can speak to, you know, her announcement or who was or wasn't consulted in the days ahead from several months ago. But Senator Sanders is someone who we consult with regularly at many levels, including at the president's level and expect we'll work with him on confirmations but also a range of the president's objectives. [13:19:19] Q>> Just a quick follow up on immigration, so House and Senate Democrats have raised the possibility of putting a pathway for undocumented essential workers. Into a second reconciliation package. Pelosi even said it would be wonderful if you could fit Does the president supports that option? PSAKI>> I'm sure we'll have discussions and consultations with Speaker Pelosi, as he does frequently and others about how they want to move the path forward on immigration, and he proposed the comprehensive bill with several components because he thinks they all are pivotal. But you know, we haven't had [13:19:58] any extensive conversations on that yet. So I don't have anything to read out Q>> for reconciliation. Tegan. Asian You haven't had PSAKI>> No, we'll see what we'll let Congress play out the process of what they want to propose or how they want to work through the components of the immigration package. He's proposed it in as a full, multi step comprehensive Package because he feels that smart security pathway to citizenship and addressing the root causes air all pivotal, but we expect this to be an ongoing conversation about different components of what members support this Q>> one more. I mean, as you know, you are benefits expire March, Courtney. Is there a back up plan Supported package doesn't Passed Congress by that PSAKI>> Uh, well, let me first say that that, you know the president. Eyes focused on moving this forward as quickly as possible, because, as you noted, there is a timeline in the middle of March when millions of people would you lose their benefits [13:20:59] and it's not everybody on that day and it progression of it, but That is of great concern, and that is one of the reasons why there is significant urgency and moving this forward as quickly as possible. And as you also know, covering Congress, you know a back up plan. Most scenarios would involve Congress. This is the best pathway to preventing people millions of people from losing their benefits, and that's why we are Hopeful that it will move quickly through the house as we anticipate it will and then quickly through the Senate, and we'll be able to get the rescue plan signed into law so that that is not an issue. In the back. Q>> Thank you, Jen. I have two questions on Iran and Yemen on Iran. President opted for diplomacy, But there's words and religion and Europe as well. Their ballistic missile development and Iran's interference in the region. Why not be addressed or linked to the nuclear part, and assure us that actually, this is the case and second, you believe that Iran is destined [13:21:59] to result in Iraq by attacking the green Zones on the a P L. A airport, isn't it? PSAKI>> Well, first on T first question. Can you just say the last part of it again? You were saying? I'm sorry Masks make it difficult. Q>> You guys gonna link their ballistic missiles development on Iran's interference in four countries, so the nuclear fallout or are you guys leave it separately because their worries That's actually a very, good picture of to secure a deal and you're gonna leave this behind like it happened in 2015. PSAKI>> Well, first, the president's lot. Iran is a long way from compliance as you well know, from covering this issue quite closely on the president has been clear that if Iran comes back into full compliance with its obligations, we will do the same. And of course, then use that as a platform to build a longer and stronr agreement, including addressing ballistic missiles and many of the concerns that As you noted countries in the region, our European partners have about [13:23:01] the actions of Iran, but we are not at that point. The point we're at is that the United States has expressed an openness to an invitation to have a diplomatic conversation. That's the stage we're at. As you know, we have not taken any steps to roll back on sanctions or to provide. I should say sanctions relief as has been requested. On We are in a place where we're waiting to see if Iran will you know what their response will be to the Europeans invitation Q>> So why you're not responding to the attacks in Iraq and elsewhere. The attacks in Iran. Well these attacks in Iraq, I should say, PSAKI>> Well, first, we have not made a final attribution of but of the attacks. We will, I will say is, you know the president spoke with the prime minister last night. They This was an extensive part of the conversation. We do hold Iran accountable for the actions of their proxies. And of course we reserve the right to respond in a manner and in a time of our [13:24:02] choosing, But we will respond in a way that's calculated on our time timetable and using a mix of tools seen and unseen what we will not Geo and what we've seen in the past is lash out and risk an escalation that plays into the hands of Iran by further destabilizing Iraq, and that is our priority. Q>> If I may on human since you are missed the houthis as a terrorist organization. Do you believe that the humanitarian situation has improved? Considering that now they are trying to take a man battery, which is a big city, on by some say that they've been involved in by lifting thefrom that list. PSAKI>> Yes. And as you know, our issue has never been with the people of Yemen right on. Certainly the humanitarian situation has been a long time concerned. I don't have an assessment of the humanitarian situation on the ground. The State Department is likely gonna have the best assessment of that, but I can also talk to them or you can, of course, reach out to them directly to get an assessment. [13:25:04] Q>> I think straight out two quick questions. If you don't mind the first time voting rights for seeing several states considered bills to restrict voting rights or restrict voting. Is the administration willing to work with Congress to pass legislation to expand access to voting. Certainly expanding access to voting, making it easier for people to vote. I's a priority of the president's a priority of the vice presidents, and we're happy to have that conversation, Would you be willing to do so? Democrats have sent a letter to the president asking for policing of Boating related crimes. Is that something of the administration is going to look into and what are other specific stuff that the administration's willing to do to help. Combat some of these. These He's the legislation that we're seeing in other states. PSAKI>> I have not taken a full look at all the different pieces of legislation. I'm happy to talk to Ambassador Reiss, who's running point on this and expect we'll have more to say and voting rights soon, But let me do that. We can see if we get any more specifics after the briefing Q>> and then shifting gears, I know that you have talked about supporting a study [13:26:05] of reparations. But on another note, we've talked about the impact that So that has had on the black community want in death in the job losses is administration considering some type of targeted relief for black communities or committees that have been hit far. That may not be reparations, but maybe job training or something to help communities build back from this pandemic, specifically communities that have been hit hard, such as me? PSAKI>> Sure. Well let me first say that the American rescue plan is the package that we hope we will have signed into law soon that is going to provide relief that is targeted at the communities and the people and the families who have been hardest hit from direct checks and payments to more money for vaccinations to get them out to communities that have been harder hits to the reopening of schools that is certainly impacting many, many communities, including black communities. On that. Obviously the president will consider range of options things that we talked about on the campaign trail to build the economy back [13:27:06] better. That's not anything we have to preview or that's been finalized at this point in time, but our objective right now is to get the American rescue plan past and to get that direct relief out to a range of communities a Q>> and I understand 1400 checks are one thing, but I guess down the road helping communities people that have lost their jobs, training them for these jobs of the future. Is that something again? PSAKI>> Job retraining, helping the manufacturing sector. Doing better with caregiving, imploring, proving our nation's infrastructure these air all components of the president's agenda that he talked about on the campaign trail and is certainly a blueprint for what he would like to do as president. But right now we're just focused on the rescue plan, getting it past getting it through getting that direct relief out. And then I expect we'll have more to say he will have more to say after that is concluded. Q>> Look for something fast for you. On the minimum wage. Sure, one of the points of debate as it relates to Residents covid relief package. What the president's support [13:28:07] Anything below $15. For example, the proposal for $11 minimum wage, PSAKI>> the president put $15 minimum wage and increase and his package because that's what he believes the increase should be a zoo, you know, is working its way through parliamentary process at this point in time, Hopefully we'll have more news on that in the coming days on end. But his support is for the $15 increase. Q>> Senator Sanders has said there's no room for compromise. Just the president think there's room for compromise on that $15 PSAKI>> Well, the compromise will be between members of the Senate, who may have disagreement on where the minimum wage should sit in what the process should be. But the first step is the bird. Rule the birdbath. I just like to say that every day on Ben members will and we're certainly hopeful that that will conclude with the minimum wage being included in there. But that is up to the parliamentarian. For that process to conclude and then senators will have to debate with a final package looks like Q>> There has been some survey data that [13:29:07] suggests fishing hesitancy within the armed services. Making a vaccine commander in chief in theory could require Members of the military thinking vaccines that something he's considered doing. And this is what you wanted, running or willing to do. PSAKI>> That's a really interesting question. Everyone's questions are interesting, but that's a very interesting question. I have not spoken with him about that, or to Secretary Austin about that. Who any decision like that would be in consultation and had his recommendation. I'm happy to follow up with it on it, or I would I would suggest you talk to My old friend John Kirby, about WRE they stand on that question. Go ahead. Q>> Just far from curtains on the minimum weight there. It sounds from your description of Negotiation underway now between House and Senate on a warning that the president would basically signed whatever comes out of conference here. That would be the implication of here. Your statement and he doesn't really have a choice on the minimum wage at this point. Is that what you meant to say that? PSAKI>> That is not my implication. I hope that's not what other people took from what I said. [13:30:08] But what I wasn't conveying is that there's a process that this has to undergo and it needs to move through the parliament. Senate parliament Terry process We don't even know where they're going to conclude and whether the minimum wage is in the package or not in the package on certainly, and I'll leave the analysis to all of you. There would be many who would Supported not being in the package and there would be many who would oppose it. Not being in the package. We understand that we know how Bill becomes law. What I'm conveying as we're not going to get ahead of that process, Q>> and then you're not saying the president won't sign it if it doesn't have a minimum wage. PSAKI>> I think we're not even at the stage. The president proposed an increase in the minimum wage and his package. That's what he wants to be in the final package. He also was in the Senate for 36 years and has great respect for the parliamentary process. We're going to see that through once that's concluded, we can all talk further about the next steps. Q>> There's a worth of South Korea is working with the Rand toe, possibly unfree $7 billion in Iranian money, but they would need a waiver from the U. S State Department. Is that something that the administration would consider? [13:31:08] PSAKI>> I've not seen those reports. I'm happy to follow up with our team in the State Department, but probably more direct if you follow up with them directly. Q>> Okay One more vaccines. This White house think when they see governor like the Democratic governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, who says he thinks if he goes his own way, not with the national recommendations, too. Distribute vaccines just based on age than he could get them out faster and more equitably than If he follows the recommendations from the federal level. PSAKI>> Well, we make recommendations at the federal level for a reason, because there are groups that we feel should be prioritized whether their frontline workers health care workers, individuals over a certain age, as you noted, and our objective, of course, is to get to the stage where there's recommendations for people who are much younger who don't have health conditions that would I mean, they would qualify S O. That's what that's the reason we laid them out as we do. Obviously governors make different choices about the [13:32:09] prioritization and the prioritization order. But we stand by the guidelines we've recommended reading national level. Thanks, everyone. [END]

FS24 WH BRFG CUTS POOL 4 1230 CNN POOL WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING WITH PRESS SECREARY JEN PSAKI [12:37:22] PSAKI>> Hi, everyone. Good afternoon. Well, we are very excited that later today, the President will sign an executive order that takes a whole-of-government approach to securing critical US supply chains, ensuring we can withstand crises and create good-paying jobs in the process. [12:37:43] The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the need for resilient supply chains and robust domestic manufacturing so all Americans have access to essential goods and services in times of crisis. The EO will direct immediate 100 day reviews of supply chains for critical products that go into everything from phones to pharmaceuticals. [12:28:03] It will also direct reviews of industrial based sectors, including defense, public health and biological preparedness, information and communications technology, transportation, energy, and food production. This is an issue with strong bipartisan support. And later this afternoon, the President will meet with a bipartisan group of House and Senate members to discuss supply chain resilience and the need to work together and strengthening it will provide you a list of that later this afternoon as it's finalized. [12:38:28] Joining us today to talk through the details of the executive order. Our deputy director of the National Economic Council, Sameera Fazili, I may have betrayed your last name as mine is butchered. Sometimes I'll keep working on it and senior Director International economics and competitiveness at the nsc. Peter Harrell. Thank you for joining us on day will take. We'll see if we have time to take a couple questions. They have good reason they have to go see the president shortly. Okay? Thank you very much. HARRELL>> Jan And thanks to all of you, it's a privilege for mto be here. Aziz Jen said this afternoon, the president will sign an executive order that takes a critical step in ensuring that America's supply chains can withstand any crisis as well. A supporting jobs across the country last year in the early months of the pandemic, frontline health care workers couldn't find the masks, gloves. Ppe that they [12:39:25] needed to keep themselves safe as they treated covid-19 patients today. Automotive automakers across the country or having to take workers off factory lines because they can't get access to enough computer chips to maintain full production. Last July. President Biden committed that as president, he would direct his administration to take a comprehensive approach to securing America's supply chance, he said then, and he will reiterate later today that America should never face shortages of critical products in times of crisis. Our sply chain should not be vulnerable to manipulation by competitors. Nations Theo that the president will sign later today formally launches the initiative. President Biden committed to last year to build strong and resilient supply chains. This is the first Whole of government approach to promoting the resilience of America's supply chains from pharmaceuticals to foods. We're going to get out of the business of reacting to supply chain crises as they arise and get into the business, preventing future supply chain [12:40:25] problems. As Jen, said the eoe the president will sign will direct immediate 100 Day reviews of supply chains for four critical products. Computer chips for everything from cars to phones. Large capacity batteries such as those used in electric cards, cars so that America leads and making next generation electric vehicles. Pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The key ingredients to American medicines. Critical minerals and strategic materials such as rare Earth minerals that are essential to American industry and to America's defense base. CEO will also direct six sector specific reviews to be completed within one year of today to be focused on defense, public health and biological preparedness, information and communications technology. Transportation energy and food production. These sectoral reviews will be modeled after the process that the Defense Department uses to regularly evaluate and struck strengthen America's defense Industrial base. 124123 Make no mistake. We are not simply planning to order up reports. We are going to be taking actions to close gaps as we identify them, just as we have been working with industry in recent weeks to ensure that U.S. automobile manufacturers have the parts they need to keep making cars here in America. 124142 But we expect that by taking this type of comprehensive approach to supply chain resilience, we'll be able to strengthen our supply chains for the long term. [12:41:51] With that I'm happy to turn this over to my friend and colleague Sameer FAZILI>> Thank you, Peter. Creating more resilient supply chains is an opportunity for our country to come together to create well payg jobs for workers across our country. That is why today's action reinforces the president's overarching commitment to help [12:42:26] our country build back better. We know that even before the covid crisis, the economy was not working for most Americans. Worker pay was too low. Many families could not make ends meet. Many of the jobs that served as the heart of the middle class had been lost due to changes in both technology and the structure of the global economy. Disruption is inevitable. But over the past few years we have moved from crisis to crisis when some essential product was suddenly n short supply. We need is a capacity to respond quickly when hit by a challenge. This executive order moves the whole government towards being more prepared. The sector specific reviews that the president orders today. We're going to be asking agencies to do the following Going to review risks and supply chains and in our domestic industrial base, they're going to think broadly about risk. There's climate risk and geopolitical risk. But there's also risk and not having enough workers ready to meet the needs of that sector or in a factories or the right equipment to make a good retool shift. Shift to a new spike in [12:43:28] demand for an essential good. They're going to be recommending actions to improve resiliency in some instances, that action might be the data that government can publish. And so the private sector can plan and mobilize and take action. In other instances, we have levels like procurement authority that we can use to support, stockpiling or support some level of domestic production. We're also going to be looking for opportunities to work with Congress to give us more tools so that we can improve our preparedness and today's conversation with members of Congress is gonna be part of an ongoing conversation We've been having with him on this. Finally Big part of this executive order is consultation with stakeholders and experts were going to be reaching out to talk to the American people. Government action alone will not solve complex supply chain challenges. This is going to be broad engagement. Broad conversations that will include business labor, Local communities, Academia, This work is going to require a new commitment to public private [12:44:28] partnerships, and we need all voices at that table to help us design those partnerships. 124428 This is a real opportunity to invest in the future of America and build on our nation's strength. There are opportunities for small business development to help diversify supplier networks and alleviate the risk of too big to fail companies in the supply chains for critical goods. There are opportunities to improve worker readiness and training, so they have the skills needed to ramp up research, production, or distribution of a critical good. [12:44:50] There are opportunities to bring more jobs to communities around the country, including communities of color to leverage the ingenuity and grit of the American people. This is gonna leverage. Us scientific leadership. It's going further advance our research and development prowess. It will do so while also recognizing that our ability to maintain our innovative edge in research requires us to invest in both research and manufacturing in communities across America. Because when you pair thinkers and doers, that's how you create the technologies and products that help us tackle tomorrow's challenges. I want [12:45:30] to read reiterate, my colleagues have said. This work is not going to be about America going it alone the answer to these weaknesses is not always to be to ramp up domestic production. We know these vulnerabilities affect not just American households. It's a global problem for in some of these supply chains. We're committed to working with partners and allies to reduce his vulnerabilities that are affecting all of us. Work ahead builds upon America's historic legacy of making strategic investments in our Fure that lay the foundation for broad based economic growth. Smart of us investments in research manufacturing, domestic capacity, and our workforce has in the past unleashed decades of economic expansion and an expansion that raise wages and living standards for American families across the country. We can and should build upon that legacy, and that is how we will approach the supply chain work. This problem was decades in the making. We can solve it by making smart investments that are long term in nature. Reach families and workers in all of [12:46:32] America. Thank you. Hey take a breath. Next. Gen Huh? Q>> Presidents For decades, you've been promising to create factory jobs where we've got about hopefully two million factory jobs. That's down from 17 billion in 2000. How many jobs do you think this initiative can create? And what do your metrics of success? FAZILI>> Yeah. I think we think it's important to have a broad lens and Broadview on How you measure the jobs and the job creation in the manufacturing space because manufacturing is not used doesn't just support and create jobs in the manufacturing sector. There are broad spillover effect that it has they're going to be our Indy jobs here. Research shops here there's gonna be jobs in the kind of supplier networks and the services industry. So Think it's we have to start [12:47:33] tracking and understanding that manufacturers contributions to our economy can't just be narrowly counted in that way, that suggest. Okay, um, Q>> when you talk about incentivizing and funding on the budget that your upcoming budget do you think that you will propose some sort of federal funding to help increase the supply of semiconductors? FAZILI>> You know, we're still in the process of formulating the budget. So at this time, I'm not able to talk in specifics about the budget proposal, But what I would say is we are looking forward to talking with members of Congress. About what more we can do in partnership with them to give us the funds we need. Huh? HARRELL>> Just like this step back for, you know, for a moment. Obviously, we're talking about Multiple different supply chains here, and I think that the solutions we will be proposing and implementing will very a little bit by supply chain you supply chain for semiconductors obviously looks [12:48:33] quite different from the supply chain for rare Earths. So I think what you're going to see is us come forward with a comprehensive suite of recommendations that will be tailored for each of the different critical goods that we're looking at. In general across the board were expecting will be using a mix of incentives to encourage production. Here looking at ways to ensure their surge capacity available for things. That might need to be ramped up, quickly stockpiling, working with our allies and partners to make sure that we have cross border open flows with our allies and partners where we might collectively need to take some actions. I think we're really going to be looking at a range of different tools here. Not just any particular single tool Defense Production act is there. Q>> Do you think that that what else would consider using the Defense Production? Asked for specifically for the semiconductors? HARRELL>> Um, you know, I don't think we're here to talk about how we would use the D P a on any particular supply chain at this point, but clearly as we look at making [12:49:36] resilient supply chains across the board, all tools are on the table for this administration and then untie Juan. Q>> Can you say how his Taiwan reacted to some of your request for assistance on this that they've been receptive? To your pleas for help on boosting the supplies of the chips. HARRELL>> I don't want to get in the nuances of specific diplomatic conversations. We have had. Clearly Taiwan is an important partner of the United States, and we've had constructive conversations with them. PSAKI>> I'm sorry we had to let him go. But I know there's a lot of interest in this and what we could do a follow up questions afterwards as well. But thank you both so much for joining us at the briefing, and you're welcome back in time. Thank you. Okay. I just have a couple of additional items at the top. A Z. You heard in our covid public health everything just a few minutes ago, Starting next month, we will begin to deliver millions of mass to food banks and community health centers around the country. These are two nationwide networks that disproportionately serve. Hard [12:50:36] hit populations today, many low income Americans still like access to this basic protection. That's why we're think, think, taking this thoughtful and targeted action to keep Americans safe. We will deliver more than 25 million masks across the country. These mass will be available at Holmes. I'm sorry at more than 1300 community health centers and around 60,000. Food pantries. Any American who needs a mask will be able to walk into these health centers or food pantries and pick up Ah high quality American made mask that is consistent with CDC guidance. This program is made possible through existing funding at HHS, and with this action, we're hoping to level the playing field giving vulnerable populations quality, well fitting masks a couple other things I know lots going on today. I wanted to make sure you saw a letter released this morning by over 160 CEOs representing some of America's biggest and most represented company, respected companies calling on Congress to act on the president's rescue plan. There's growing consensus [12:51:36] across the country for this package, and that's reflected employing showing a bipartisan majority of Americans back it as the more than 160 business leaders put in this their letter to congressional leaders, previous federal leaf measures have been essential, but more must be done to put the country on a trajectory for a strong and durable recovery. Also Winter Storm Update. Temperatures are back within normal ranges for this time of year across the states that have been impacted by the storm. That's of course, good news, but water system outages and boil water advisories, although improving remain and ongoing issue across the region, requiring additional federal support Delayed shipments of covid-19 vaccine doses are anticipated to be filled in the coming days. As we noted last week, and vaccination sites have re opened and are doubling up appointments to accommodate those canceled last week. All major airports are open. All rail criers have returned to normal operations, Interstate in state highways or open transit agencies are returning to normal operations and Porter [12:52:37] operating under normal circumstances. Federal assistance continues. We noted the additional 31 counties yesterday and, of course, Wolf continued to consider additional reque moving forward. Finally For me and transparent with you in the American people we wanted to she that the president tested negative for covid-19 on Monday. We will venture to provide this update the following day in the future, but this is part of our regular covid safety protocols that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. The entire White House complexes, you know, continues to it here too strict. Mask wearing social distancing and other medications strategies. Ok sorry. Few things at the top. Go ahead. Q>> Thanks Jen on the masks any sense why the White House is using masks instead of True, so he have, sir. And you have ah listed manufacturers of the mask? PSAKI>> Sure Well, I would say that these Max, these masks are all here to CDC guidelines, and certainly they meet those requirements set by our federal [12:53:37] standard. Tell me your second question again. Q>> A list of the manufacturers of the masks. PSAKI>> I don't have a list of those. I can see if there's more details we can provide. Q>> Okay then separately, Vladimir Putin said today that Russia's gonna redouble its efforts. Opposing foreign powers, who he say basically trying to undermine Russia. Is the White House believe that tensions with Russia are increasing. PSAKI>> We believe that certainly over the last several years, there have been more concerning steps that have been taken by Vladimir Putin and by members of the Kremlin, as the president has expressed and expressed during the campaign, and that is why he asked his national security team to launch a process of looking into not only hacking reports of hacking around the 2020 election but also Of the bounties on our troops that was kind of concerned, of course, the solar winds hack on to take a close. Look at that. So we [12:54:39] have our own assessment. A zoo? You know. The president also spoke with President Putin just maybe two weeks ago and did not hold back and expressing his concerns about the actions of his government. But we're letting that process see itself through. As I noted yesterday, it will be weeks not months before it's concluded, and we have more details about a response. Good. 125455 Q>> Thank you. So, I just wanted to see if you could confirm that the President is speaking with King Salman of Saudi Arabia today and if he'll do that in advance of the report on Khashoggi coming out. 125507 PSAKI>> Well, as we've noted in the past, we remain committed to releasing through the DNI, of course, an unclassified report t that we expect to happen soon. I don't have an updated timeline for you on that. I know there were also reports on a proposed call. We also expect that to happen soon. We're still in the process of scheduling one that will happen. Q>> And what are they going to be talking about in that call? 125530 PSAKI>> Well -- Well, when we have the call and the president has the call, I'm sure we'll do a readout of it. Of course, we've had engagements at many levels with the Saudis to date, but we'll do a readout once we conclude the call. [12:55:41] Q>> Yes as update on Neera Tanden with all of the delays on Capitol Hill as far as her confirmation and PSAKI>> tell me more about what you mean by that Q>> date, as far as whether you're going to withdraw that name. It doesn't seem like the votes are there for her. 125557 PSAKI>> Well, let me first state that, as the president repeated yesterday, we're fighting for her nomination, and she and our team remain in close contact and close touch with senators and key constituency groups. She's an expert whose qualifications are critical during this time of an unprecedented crisis, and she has rolled up her sleeves. She's very engaged and doing outreach to senators, two members on the Hill, answering any questions they have an offering to do that, and we're doing the same. 125625 And I know there was an announcement about a delay of a confirmation vote today, and they put out a statement to make clear that, of course, they're going to do due diligence, as are we to continue that outreach and continue to fight for her nomination. Go ahead. Q>> Jen, thank you. How big of a setback does the White House view the fact that the Senate committees have delayed the vote on her confirmation to be? 125648 PSAKI>> Well again, they put out the statement from the leadership of the committee conveying clearly that they wanted to continue to do work to build support for her nomination. Q>> Does the White House see this as a setback to Neera Tanden's confirmation? 125701 PSAKI>> I wouldn't put it in those terms. I think we are committed to continuing to fight for all of our nominees, continuing to do the outreach needed, to answer questions, to address concerns anyone has, to reiterate the qualifications of all of the nominees that the president has put forward and to do due diligence in fighting for the team he's nominated. 125725 Q>> Even if she is confirmed, does it undercut the president's budget agenda to have this confirmation delayed? 125732 PSAKI>> Well, as I noted a couple of times here, but it's worth repeating, Neera Tanden has a record of working with people who disagree with her, working with people who -- who have different viewpoints and different objectives and priorities, and that's something she would certainly take into the job if she's confirmed. 125749 Q>> And just one more, Jen. Richard Shelby has said he would support the confirmation of Shalanda Young. What is your reaction to that? Is she a potential replacement should Neera Tanden not follow through? 125803 PSAKI>> Well, there's one nominee to lead the budget department. Her name's Neera Tanden, and that's who we're continuing to fight for. Q>> -- discussions about Shalanda Young? PSAKI>> We are focused on fighting for the person the president has nominated. Go ahead, Kaitlan. Q>> On Neera Tanden, one more follow up on that, has she offered to withdraw her nomination yet? 125820 PSAKI>> We're working in close touch with Neera -- with Neera Tanden and with members of Congress on continuing to do the outreach and engagement to fight for her confirmation. That's where our focus is. Q>> But no yes or no, whether she's offered to withdraw? 125834 PSAKI>> That's not the stage we're in, Kaitlan. The stage we're in is working to continue to fight for her nomination. And, as you know, it's a numbers game, right? It's a matter of getting one Republican to support her nomination. We're continuing to do that outreach, answer questions they have, and continue to reiterate her qualifications. 125853 Q>> And on the call with King Salman that's expected to happen, you said you're still working on scheduling it. Does President Biden want the Saudi crown prince to be on that call? 125902 PSAKI>> The president's intention, as is the intention of this government, is to -- to recalibrate our engagement with Saudi Arabia and to have counterparts communicate with counterparts. And Prince -- he communicated -- Prince Salman communicated with the secretary of defense. That's the appropriate line of communication. And the President will speak with the king at the appropriate time. 125927 It will be soon, and as soon as we have an update on that being finalized, and of course, when it happens, we'll provide you all with a readout. Q>> I know that, yeah, they'll be speaking, but is he okay if he's on the call? 125935 PSAKI>> I wouldn't anticipate the call being directly with the King in a one on one call, or a call, of course, you know it's -- you know, those would be the primary participants. Q>> Okay. And my last question is on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as it's moving toward authorization. It looks like Jeff Zients, the coordinator, said today they believe they're going to have between three and four million to ship pending authorization. 125955 That was initially was supposed to be much higher, according to the contract that they -- that Johnson & Johnson signed with the federal government, closer to 10 million I believe in February. So, is President Biden disappointed that Johnson & Johnson is not going to have closer to 10 million vaccines ready to go if and when they get authorization? 130016 PSAKI>> Well, Kaitlan, we were surprised to learn that Johnson & Johnson was behind on their manufacturing. As you noted, it was kind of reported earlier to be about 10 million, and now it's more like 3 to 4 million doses that they would be ready to ship next week if they are moved through the FDA process, which is not yet concluded, just to note. And we are going to continue to work with them on ensuring that -- that that can be expedited. So, if there -- if the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is approved. Go ahead. 130050 Q>> I want to follow up on what you just said about recalibration with the Saudis. Is that the extent of the recalibration? Just having the President deal directly with King Salman? You say that MBS has been engaging in his counterpart at the Defense Department. If the U.S. government believes that Mohammed bin Salman was behind or in some way related to the death of Jamal Khashoggi, how can this administration continue to deal with him, and in what way do you intend to? 130111 PSAKI>> Well, I think we'll wait for the unclassified report to be released, which will be released through the DNI, and while I don't have an update on that, I expect that will be soon, to speak further. And, of course, as I -- when I talked about recalibration, I was referring to, of course, the counterpart to counterpart to counterpart, because that was kind of how the question was posed. But, you know, we always look. The president is taking a fresh approach to how he engages with foreign leaders around the world and different from the prior administration. 130141 And that means he will not hold back. And he will speak out when there are concerns he has about human rights abuses, about the lack of freedom of speech or the lack of freedom of media and expression, or any concerns he has. At the same time, we have a long relationship with Saudi Arabia. They are being attacked in the region. And that is certainly an area where we continue to work with them on, but I expect we'll have more to say when we get post the release of that report. [13:02:08] Q>> What is this president's view toward the loyalty that teachers unions should have towards students? Teacher--- This president's a strong supporter of unions, public sector unions. The teachers union obligation to the workers and their concerns about safety. Where's the teacher's union obligation? Also, two streets. PSAKI>> Well, I can't speak to the obligations or the I'm not a spokesperson for the teachers union. I'm a spokesperson for [13:02:41] the president of the United States so I could convey to you that his commitment is to the students and to the teachers and to the parents who want to have their kids back in school, and he wants to do that safely. And that's what his focus is not, and that's the role he can play from the federal government. Go ahead David. Q>> Justback on the Saudi issue, understand it until you've had the conversation. You're not gonna talk much about the policy implications. President did have some things to say during the campaign, he said. We were in fact going to make them pay a price on, uh, make them. In fact, the pariah that they are. And later, he said, there was little social redeeming value in the present government in Saudi Arabia. Any reason to believe his view was overall view of the Saudis. Saudi government as a pariah and little redeeming social value--. 130330 PSAKI>> The president, as you well know, David, because you've probably been covering him for a good chunk of this time, has had a long time he's spent in the world of foreign policy, and he is certainly familiar with the leadership in Saudi Arabia, as he is in the Middle East and many parts of the world. And I would certainly not say his concerns or his views have changed. 130352 He is, of course, now president of the United States, and in that role, he is not going to hold back, as I noted, in speaking out when there are concerns. Of course, he has the right to take action of any kind as the president of the United States. But there are also areas where we will work with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on, including ensuring that they have the protections they need to face the threats that are facing them. [13:04:17] Q>> A little more on this and falling on how you sort of think about this. We have a pretty good idea What's in the declassified report or when it comes up because many elements of it leaked two years ago when, when it was first? First came out. If you come to the conclusion that [13:04:43] there were any senior Saudi officials who were involved in the shoji murder. Will those officials be welcome to the United States who they conceivably be subject to criminal prosecution as accessories to a murder in us. Not want to interview United States. PSAKI>> I certainly understand the line of questioning and I know there's an eagerness for the full report to be released. I'm not going to get ahead of the policy process or the release of that report. And you'll have to come back. Others will have to come back on the day after it's just released in or the days after, and we can discuss it further. Good I'm sorry. We'll come back to you sitting you're, go ahead. Q>> Thank you. A New York related question for me, PSAKI>> sure. Q>> You've been asked about whether the president has confidence in Governor Andrew Cuomo, given all the controversy surrounding the nursing home issues in New York. During the pandemic. but more broadly, I'd like to ask if there are any lessons to be learned here if the administration believes that, or has, you know, kicked off [13:05:43] any discussions in terms of what type of roll the federal government should play providing guidance during In outbreak of a future infectious disease to nursing homes and whether there should be some sort of standardized data collection, so they don't run into these issues with states writing different Neither have different times. PSAKI>> Sure. Well, it Z there. A lot of lessons learned from what we've gone through as a country over the last year, And as you know, New York is one of the hardest hit states in the country and earliest states hit hard in the country was kind of on the front lines of that, and the challenges that came up. You know, I will say that our focus at this point in time is on working with Governors from across the country from Red States and blue states, on working with them to ensure we can take the steps now to increase vaccines that are being distributed to states [13:06:44] Yesterday we announced another increase in that to an over 70% increase since the president took office to increasing communication. To increasing the number of vaccination sites that are on the ground. There's going to be plenty of time to look back. There will be many lessons learned, but right now we're still in the midst of the crisis, and we need to keep our resource is in our focus on saving more lives. Go ahead. 130702 Q>> Thanks, Jen. Did the White House -- any White House officials reach out to some of those CEOs who signed the letter? Was there any communications ahead of that letter? 130710 PSAKI>> Wel, the letter was put together by a group from the outside -- or a couple of groups, I should say, from the outside business. Forward I think was one of them, and there were a couple of other organizations. We, of course, engage with business groups and business leaders all the time, but it was not put together. It was put together by these outside groups. 130725 Q>> And did the White House specifically talk to any of them, any of the CEOs before they signed the letter and to encourage them to sign the letter? I know it was put out by other groups, but just wondering if -- 130735 PSAKI>> W didn't play an organizational role here. As I understand it, it was done by these outside groups, but we, of course, engage with business leaders all the time. [13:07:44] So um, you know, and I don't know that I have more specifics lay out you Q>> is the White House specifically talked to Bernice is Senator Bernie Sanders or Senator Kristen Cinema about the viability? Have they talked to them today? About what? What's gonna happen going forward? PSAKI>> About T viability of her nomination? Q>> Correct. PSAKI>> We have been engaged. I noted yesterday and I don't have a new number. Update that Neera Tanden herself had engaged directly with 44 senators. We've also engaged with many more far beyond that Democrats and Republicans. Some of them have been over the last three days. Some of them were before that. Some of them have been repeats, but we don't we're not going to read out the individual conversations from here. Obviously any senator can speak to our engagement from their platform if they choose to. 130830 Q>> Thank you, Jen. We spoke yesterday about immigration and this facility, HHS facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas for migrant Children, and you said it is not kids in cages. We've seen some photos now of containers. Is there a better description? Is it kids in containers instead of kids and cages? What is the White House's description of this facility? 130855 PSAKI>> Well, let me let me give a broader description of what's happening here. We have a number of unaccompanied minors, children who are coming into the country without their families. What we are not doing, what the last administration did, was separate those kids, rip them from the arms of their parents at the border. We are not doing that. That is immoral, and that is not the approach of this administration. 130917 These kids, we have a couple of options. We can send them back home and do a dangerous journey back. We are not doing that either. That is also putting them at risk. We can quickly transfer them from CBP to these HHS run facilities. That's one option. Or, we can put them with families and sponsors without any vetting. There were some problems that -- that that process ring into his well. We've chosen the middle option. 130945 And these HHS facilities, this is one of them you're referring to, we had to expand and open additional facilities, because there was not enough space in the existing facilities, and, if we were to abide by COVID protocols. That's the process and the step. This facility in Texas, which has been reopened, has been revamped, has been -- there are teachers, there is medical facilities, and our objective is to move them -- move these kids quickly from there to vetted sponsored families into places where they can safely be. 131015 This is a difficult situation. It's a difficult choice. That's the choice we've made. Q>> So, just one step back from that, we've been talking of people down at the border who say that right now, DHS and the Border Patrol are using the same kind of facilities now that they did during the Trump administration and that there's a facility right now, it's in Donna, Texas, instead of McAllen, Texas, but it's tents and chain link fence around it, and so -- 131042 PSAKI>> A CBP facility before they're transferred to the HHS facility? Is that what you're referring to? Q>> Yes. And the issue would be that just in the last couple days, they had hundreds of kids that they were holding for over 72 hours, which is the legal limit to keep somebody in a temporary facility. So I'm just curious, why is this happening? 131101 PSAKI>> Well, let's be clear, though, because I know you want to be clear with the public about the differences. The CBP facilities, which you're right, the objective is to -- is to move kids, unaccompanied minors, as quickly as possible under 72 hours to these HHS fund sponsored facilities, which is the one where we've been referring to in Texas. They are two different things. 131122 There has been some -- There were some delays last week because of weather and because some of these facilities to safely move these kids to did not have power and were not in a place where they could -- they had the capacity to take in these kids and do it safely. That is not our objective. That is not our goal. So some, unfortunately, did stay four days, five days, or longer, but the objective is to move them as quickly as possible to the HHS sponsored facilities. 131147 Q>> Has the White House seen the comment from Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, who, speaking about that HHS facility in Carrizo Springs, said, "This is not okay, never has been okay, never will be okay, no matter the administration or party." 131201 PSAKI>> Well, I think the difficulty is I haven't seen the full context of the quote or interview -- Q>> It was a Tweet. PSAKI>> -- of the tweet that was -- that she shared. But I would say the difficulty is what I outlined earlier. We have kids coming across the border. It is heartbreaking. I think we all as human beings are heartbroken, as parents, as mothers, as fathers, too. We only have a couple of choices. What we are not doing is dividing these kids and separating from their parents at the border, which is what the last administration did and why President Biden, or then candidate Biden and then candidate Harris were outspoken at the time about these kids being pulled from their parents. 131240 What we are doing is working as quickly as possible to process these kids into these HHS facilities, which have been revamped, which have medical and educational services available, so that we can then transfer them to families. That's what our approach is. 131253 Q>> And so if there is this big difference, would the administration's support, if it could be done safely because of COVID and with privacy concerns for the children in mind, would the administration support letting reporters in and the press is to see what the difference is? 131308 PSAKI>> I think you'd have to talk to the Department of Homeland Security about that. There are obviously safety protocols about that, privacy concerns, but I certainly encourage you to reach out about that. Go ahead in the back. [13:13:21] Q>> I of a totally different Texas questions sure about the president's visit on right, so the president's infrastructure plan includes a promise too. Modernize the nation's electric grid, making it smarter and more resilient. Not be done without federal oversight of the Texas Grand, which we all got reminder is not under federal oversight. PSAKI>> Uhh You're right, and some parts of Texas [13:13:50] are on the tech are on the federal grid. Aziz you will know somebody who knows a lot about Texas. Look, I think there's going to be a lot of time in the future to have a discussion and debate about what whether weatherization what preparations should have been taken in advance. We're not gonna have that debate today. We're not gonna have that debate on Friday. The president is going to Texas because he wants to show his support because he wants to survey the damage on the ground. See how people are impacted? See how we can tap into additional resource is in the federal government, as you know, and as I noted at the top Texas is still in a state of emergency. There are millions of people were impacted. We can have a policy debate later. Right now We're gonna help the people who are still suffering and going through a really challenging time. Q>> Does the president. Consider what happened in Texas last week, and you know, we still have the aftereffects. Is he considered that to be a natural disaster or a man made disaster? And how does that affect the policy response? PSAKI>> Well again, they'll be a policy discussion, and I'm sure a Zoe look ahead to delivering on the president's [13:14:51] build back. Better agendas. You know, he's been a longtime fan of infrastructure. He loves infrastructure is one of the things that I'm sure we'll be talking about in the months ahead. But I'm protecting our nation's critical infrastructure, which we all know is outdated, but we're not gonna put new labels on it today. We're just going to focus on how we make sure people have Drinking water. How people have you know not in the cold, how families have a place to live, and we will have plenty of time to have a policy debate 131515 Q>> Two quick follow ups on this. Any significance to picking Houston as the place to go, significance with the fact that it's Ted Cruz's hometown, for instance, any other significance? 131524 PSAKI>> That is not of significance. I would say that we -- While the president is there, he wanted to also visit a vaccine, a place where vaccines are being distributed. So, that was another component of the trip. In addition, we worked in very close coordination, as I noted as we were trying to figure out the timing of the trip, with experts on the ground, with our acting FEMA administrator on where it would be most appropriate to visit. 131547 Q>> And you may have sort of already addressed this, but I just want to be clear. Can we expect any sort of announcement while the president is in Texas or going to Texas, investigations, new aid, deliverables, anything? 131559 PSAKI>> We've been kind of reviewing every day new assistance that can be distributed, which I've been trying to read out at the top of the briefing, in coordination with our acting FEMA administrator and Liz Sherwood-Randall. So, I don't know -- It may be that there may be more, because we're just trying to get as much out the door as possible. But, I wouldn't expect -- I wouldn't -- There's nothing that we're holding, I should say, for Friday, if that makes sense. [13:6:23] Q>> But Jen for me, and I'm the pooler today. So one for my colleague. Okay? Um What's the White House view on this thing? Very that's emerged from California. How it might factor into You're modeling on a timetable for normalcy and your vaccination campaign? PSAKI>> Sure Well, one of the reasons we've been quite careful or I have tried [13:16:52] to be about predicting a return to normalcy is because there are Unpredictable components of the things that come up with the virus, right as we've seen with other variants, and certainly the California very his example of that the reporting on this is quite new, as you know, on our health and medical experts will, of course, take a close look at it on make some evaluations about what they first see the impact as being so it's certainly deferred to them on that. On that perspective and send you to them to ask any health questions, Q>> and it has the president been briefed specifically on California vary in intensity, Concerned alarm. PSAKI>> The president is briefed regularly on covid. He asked questions about covid and updates and I would not be surprised if he had not asked. This'll morning. I was not in any policy meetings within this morning, so I don't have any update on his briefings, Q>> so from my colleagues inside the room actually received several questions. PSAKI>> Sure go ahead. Q>> some of the Saudi. Call with Saudi King. So as well as the surgery before And I know you've [13:17:55] addressed this, but is it important for the president to speak with the king in the context of the release of the report? PSAKI>> I'm not gonna preview his call with the king. Obviously they'll cover a range of topics on Gwen. We have concluded that call. I'm sure will provide up by Readouts, all of you. Right? 131810 Q>> Yeah, just a quick follow up on the Tanden nomination. We were told that Senator Sanders wasn't consulted at all before you guys announced her nomination, and I just wanted to ask why didn't Senator Sanders get a heads up on it? 131821 PSAKI>> We consult -- I mean, the process and having worked on the confirmations team, I can give you a little insight onto this. The process during the transition of nominees being selected, you know, there often was consultation with a limited number of members. It usually -- typically wasn't very broad in advance of a selection. Obviously the president selects people he's going to nominate for positions. 131843 And then oftentimes, the immediate follow up to an announcement is immediate outrage from the nominees to a range of senators and a range of officials in Congress. So that's a normal part of the process, Q>> -- budget, though. So is there any reason why he wasn't given a heads up? 131859 PSAKI>> Again, I don't think I can speak to, you know, her announcement or who was or wasn't consulted in the days ahead from several months ago. But Senator Sanders is someone who we consult with regularly at many levels, including at the president's level and expect we'll work with him on confirmations but also a range of the president's objectives. [13:19:19] Q>> Just a quick follow up on immigration, so House and Senate Democrats have raised the possibility of putting a pathway for undocumented essential workers. Into a second reconciliation package. Pelosi even said it would be wonderful if you could fit Does the president supports that option? PSAKI>> I'm sure we'll have discussions and consultations with Speaker Pelosi, as he does frequently and others about how they want to move the path forward on immigration, and he proposed the comprehensive bill with several components because he thinks they all are pivotal. But you know, we haven't had [13:19:58] any extensive conversations on that yet. So I don't have anything to read out Q>> for reconciliation. Tegan. Asian You haven't had PSAKI>> No, we'll see what we'll let Congress play out the process of what they want to propose or how they want to work through the components of the immigration package. He's proposed it in as a full, multi step comprehensive Package because he feels that smart security pathway to citizenship and addressing the root causes air all pivotal, but we expect this to be an ongoing conversation about different components of what members support this Q>> one more. I mean, as you know, you are benefits expire March, Courtney. Is there a back up plan Supported package doesn't Passed Congress by that PSAKI>> Uh, well, let me first say that that, you know the president. Eyes focused on moving this forward as quickly as possible, because, as you noted, there is a timeline in the middle of March when millions of people would you lose their benefits [13:20:59] and it's not everybody on that day and it progression of it, but That is of great concern, and that is one of the reasons why there is significant urgency and moving this forward as quickly as possible. And as you also know, covering Congress, you know a back up plan. Most scenarios would involve Congress. This is the best pathway to preventing people millions of people from losing their benefits, and that's why we are Hopeful that it will move quickly through the house as we anticipate it will and then quickly through the Senate, and we'll be able to get the rescue plan signed into law so that that is not an issue. In the back. Q>> Thank you, Jen. I have two questions on Iran and Yemen on Iran. President opted for diplomacy, But there's words and religion and Europe as well. Their ballistic missile development and Iran's interference in the region. Why not be addressed or linked to the nuclear part, and assure us that actually, this is the case and second, you believe that Iran is destined [13:21:59] to result in Iraq by attacking the green Zones on the a P L. A airport, isn't it? PSAKI>> Well, first on T first question. Can you just say the last part of it again? You were saying? I'm sorry Masks make it difficult. Q>> You guys gonna link their ballistic missiles development on Iran's interference in four countries, so the nuclear fallout or are you guys leave it separately because their worries That's actually a very, good picture of to secure a deal and you're gonna leave this behind like it happened in 2015. PSAKI>> Well, first, the president's lot. Iran is a long way from compliance as you well know, from covering this issue quite closely on the president has been clear that if Iran comes back into full compliance with its obligations, we will do the same. And of course, then use that as a platform to build a longer and stronr agreement, including addressing ballistic missiles and many of the concerns that As you noted countries in the region, our European partners have about [13:23:01] the actions of Iran, but we are not at that point. The point we're at is that the United States has expressed an openness to an invitation to have a diplomatic conversation. That's the stage we're at. As you know, we have not taken any steps to roll back on sanctions or to provide. I should say sanctions relief as has been requested. On We are in a place where we're waiting to see if Iran will you know what their response will be to the Europeans invitation Q>> So why you're not responding to the attacks in Iraq and elsewhere. The attacks in Iran. Well these attacks in Iraq, I should say, PSAKI>> Well, first, we have not made a final attribution of but of the attacks. We will, I will say is, you know the president spoke with the prime minister last night. They This was an extensive part of the conversation. We do hold Iran accountable for the actions of their proxies. And of course we reserve the right to respond in a manner and in a time of our [13:24:02] choosing, But we will respond in a way that's calculated on our time timetable and using a mix of tools seen and unseen what we will not Geo and what we've seen in the past is lash out and risk an escalation that plays into the hands of Iran by further destabilizing Iraq, and that is our priority. Q>> If I may on human since you are missed the houthis as a terrorist organization. Do you believe that the humanitarian situation has improved? Considering that now they are trying to take a man battery, which is a big city, on by some say that they've been involved in by lifting thefrom that list. PSAKI>> Yes. And as you know, our issue has never been with the people of Yemen right on. Certainly the humanitarian situation has been a long time concerned. I don't have an assessment of the humanitarian situation on the ground. The State Department is likely gonna have the best assessment of that, but I can also talk to them or you can, of course, reach out to them directly to get an assessment. [13:25:04] Q>> I think straight out two quick questions. If you don't mind the first time voting rights for seeing several states considered bills to restrict voting rights or restrict voting. Is the administration willing to work with Congress to pass legislation to expand access to voting. Certainly expanding access to voting, making it easier for people to vote. I's a priority of the president's a priority of the vice presidents, and we're happy to have that conversation, Would you be willing to do so? Democrats have sent a letter to the president asking for policing of Boating related crimes. Is that something of the administration is going to look into and what are other specific stuff that the administration's willing to do to help. Combat some of these. These He's the legislation that we're seeing in other states. PSAKI>> I have not taken a full look at all the different pieces of legislation. I'm happy to talk to Ambassador Reiss, who's running point on this and expect we'll have more to say and voting rights soon, But let me do that. We can see if we get any more specifics after the briefing Q>> and then shifting gears, I know that you have talked about supporting a study [13:26:05] of reparations. But on another note, we've talked about the impact that So that has had on the black community want in death in the job losses is administration considering some type of targeted relief for black communities or committees that have been hit far. That may not be reparations, but maybe job training or something to help communities build back from this pandemic, specifically communities that have been hit hard, such as me? PSAKI>> Sure. Well let me first say that the American rescue plan is the package that we hope we will have signed into law soon that is going to provide relief that is targeted at the communities and the people and the families who have been hardest hit from direct checks and payments to more money for vaccinations to get them out to communities that have been harder hits to the reopening of schools that is certainly impacting many, many communities, including black communities. On that. Obviously the president will consider range of options things that we talked about on the campaign trail to build the economy back [13:27:06] better. That's not anything we have to preview or that's been finalized at this point in time, but our objective right now is to get the American rescue plan past and to get that direct relief out to a range of communities a Q>> and I understand 1400 checks are one thing, but I guess down the road helping communities people that have lost their jobs, training them for these jobs of the future. Is that something again? PSAKI>> Job retraining, helping the manufacturing sector. Doing better with caregiving, imploring, proving our nation's infrastructure these air all components of the president's agenda that he talked about on the campaign trail and is certainly a blueprint for what he would like to do as president. But right now we're just focused on the rescue plan, getting it past getting it through getting that direct relief out. And then I expect we'll have more to say he will have more to say after that is concluded. Q>> Look for something fast for you. On the minimum wage. Sure, one of the points of debate as it relates to Residents covid relief package. What the president's support [13:28:07] Anything below $15. For example, the proposal for $11 minimum wage, PSAKI>> the president put $15 minimum wage and increase and his package because that's what he believes the increase should be a zoo, you know, is working its way through parliamentary process at this point in time, Hopefully we'll have more news on that in the coming days on end. But his support is for the $15 increase. Q>> Senator Sanders has said there's no room for compromise. Just the president think there's room for compromise on that $15 PSAKI>> Well, the compromise will be between members of the Senate, who may have disagreement on where the minimum wage should sit in what the process should be. But the first step is the bird. Rule the birdbath. I just like to say that every day on Ben members will and we're certainly hopeful that that will conclude with the minimum wage being included in there. But that is up to the parliamentarian. For that process to conclude and then senators will have to debate with a final package looks like Q>> There has been some survey data that [13:29:07] suggests fishing hesitancy within the armed services. Making a vaccine commander in chief in theory could require Members of the military thinking vaccines that something he's considered doing. And this is what you wanted, running or willing to do. PSAKI>> That's a really interesting question. Everyone's questions are interesting, but that's a very interesting question. I have not spoken with him about that, or to Secretary Austin about that. Who any decision like that would be in consultation and had his recommendation. I'm happy to follow up with it on it, or I would I would suggest you talk to My old friend John Kirby, about WRE they stand on that question. Go ahead. Q>> Just far from curtains on the minimum weight there. It sounds from your description of Negotiation underway now between House and Senate on a warning that the president would basically signed whatever comes out of conference here. That would be the implication of here. Your statement and he doesn't really have a choice on the minimum wage at this point. Is that what you meant to say that? PSAKI>> That is not my implication. I hope that's not what other people took from what I said. [13:30:08] But what I wasn't conveying is that there's a process that this has to undergo and it needs to move through the parliament. Senate parliament Terry process We don't even know where they're going to conclude and whether the minimum wage is in the package or not in the package on certainly, and I'll leave the analysis to all of you. There would be many who would Supported not being in the package and there would be many who would oppose it. Not being in the package. We understand that we know how Bill becomes law. What I'm conveying as we're not going to get ahead of that process, Q>> and then you're not saying the president won't sign it if it doesn't have a minimum wage. PSAKI>> I think we're not even at the stage. The president proposed an increase in the minimum wage and his package. That's what he wants to be in the final package. He also was in the Senate for 36 years and has great respect for the parliamentary process. We're going to see that through once that's concluded, we can all talk further about the next steps. Q>> There's a worth of South Korea is working with the Rand toe, possibly unfree $7 billion in Iranian money, but they would need a waiver from the U. S State Department. Is that something that the administration would consider? [13:31:08] PSAKI>> I've not seen those reports. I'm happy to follow up with our team in the State Department, but probably more direct if you follow up with them directly. Q>> Okay One more vaccines. This White house think when they see governor like the Democratic governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, who says he thinks if he goes his own way, not with the national recommendations, too. Distribute vaccines just based on age than he could get them out faster and more equitably than If he follows the recommendations from the federal level. PSAKI>> Well, we make recommendations at the federal level for a reason, because there are groups that we feel should be prioritized whether their frontline workers health care workers, individuals over a certain age, as you noted, and our objective, of course, is to get to the stage where there's recommendations for people who are much younger who don't have health conditions that would I mean, they would qualify S O. That's what that's the reason we laid them out as we do. Obviously governors make different choices about the [13:32:09] prioritization and the prioritization order. But we stand by the guidelines we've recommended reading national level. Thanks, everyone. [END]

FS37 WH BRFG CUTS ROBO 1230 ABC UNI WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING WITH PRESS SECREARY JEN PSAKI [12:37:22] PSAKI>> Hi, everyone. Good afternoon. Well, we are very excited that later today, the President will sign an executive order that takes a whole-of-government approach to securing critical US supply chains, ensuring we can withstand crises and create good-paying jobs in the process. [12:37:43] The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the need for resilient supply chains and robust domestic manufacturing so all Americans have access to essential goods and services in times of crisis. The EO will direct immediate 100 day reviews of supply chains for critical products that go into everything from phones to pharmaceuticals. [12:28:03] It will also direct reviews of industrial based sectors, including defense, public health and biological preparedness, information and communications technology, transportation, energy, and food production. This is an issue with strong bipartisan support. And later this afternoon, the President will meet with a bipartisan group of House and Senate members to discuss supply chain resilience and the need to work together and strengthening it will provide you a list of that later this afternoon as it's finalized. [12:38:28] Joining us today to talk through the details of the executive order. Our deputy director of the National Economic Council, Sameera Fazili, I may have betrayed your last name as mine is butchered. Sometimes I'll keep working on it and senior Director International economics and competitiveness at the nsc. Peter Harrell. Thank you for joining us on day will take. We'll see if we have time to take a couple questions. They have good reason they have to go see the president shortly. Okay? Thank you very much. HARRELL>> Jan And thanks to all of you, it's a privilege for mto be here. Aziz Jen said this afternoon, the president will sign an executive order that takes a critical step in ensuring that America's supply chains can withstand any crisis as well. A supporting jobs across the country last year in the early months of the pandemic, frontline health care workers couldn't find the masks, gloves. Ppe that they [12:39:25] needed to keep themselves safe as they treated covid-19 patients today. Automotive automakers across the country or having to take workers off factory lines because they can't get access to enough computer chips to maintain full production. Last July. President Biden committed that as president, he would direct his administration to take a comprehensive approach to securing America's supply chance, he said then, and he will reiterate later today that America should never face shortages of critical products in times of crisis. Our sply chain should not be vulnerable to manipulation by competitors. Nations Theo that the president will sign later today formally launches the initiative. President Biden committed to last year to build strong and resilient supply chains. This is the first Whole of government approach to promoting the resilience of America's supply chains from pharmaceuticals to foods. We're going to get out of the business of reacting to supply chain crises as they arise and get into the business, preventing future supply chain [12:40:25] problems. As Jen, said the eoe the president will sign will direct immediate 100 Day reviews of supply chains for four critical products. Computer chips for everything from cars to phones. Large capacity batteries such as those used in electric cards, cars so that America leads and making next generation electric vehicles. Pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The key ingredients to American medicines. Critical minerals and strategic materials such as rare Earth minerals that are essential to American industry and to America's defense base. CEO will also direct six sector specific reviews to be completed within one year of today to be focused on defense, public health and biological preparedness, information and communications technology. Transportation energy and food production. These sectoral reviews will be modeled after the process that the Defense Department uses to regularly evaluate and struck strengthen America's defense Industrial base. 124123 Make no mistake. We are not simply planning to order up reports. We are going to be taking actions to close gaps as we identify them, just as we have been working with industry in recent weeks to ensure that U.S. automobile manufacturers have the parts they need to keep making cars here in America. 124142 But we expect that by taking this type of comprehensive approach to supply chain resilience, we'll be able to strengthen our supply chains for the long term. [12:41:51] With that I'm happy to turn this over to my friend and colleague Sameer FAZILI>> Thank you, Peter. Creating more resilient supply chains is an opportunity for our country to come together to create well payg jobs for workers across our country. That is why today's action reinforces the president's overarching commitment to help [12:42:26] our country build back better. We know that even before the covid crisis, the economy was not working for most Americans. Worker pay was too low. Many families could not make ends meet. Many of the jobs that served as the heart of the middle class had been lost due to changes in both technology and the structure of the global economy. Disruption is inevitable. But over the past few years we have moved from crisis to crisis when some essential product was suddenly n short supply. We need is a capacity to respond quickly when hit by a challenge. This executive order moves the whole government towards being more prepared. The sector specific reviews that the president orders today. We're going to be asking agencies to do the following Going to review risks and supply chains and in our domestic industrial base, they're going to think broadly about risk. There's climate risk and geopolitical risk. But there's also risk and not having enough workers ready to meet the needs of that sector or in a factories or the right equipment to make a good retool shift. Shift to a new spike in [12:43:28] demand for an essential good. They're going to be recommending actions to improve resiliency in some instances, that action might be the data that government can publish. And so the private sector can plan and mobilize and take action. In other instances, we have levels like procurement authority that we can use to support, stockpiling or support some level of domestic production. We're also going to be looking for opportunities to work with Congress to give us more tools so that we can improve our preparedness and today's conversation with members of Congress is gonna be part of an ongoing conversation We've been having with him on this. Finally Big part of this executive order is consultation with stakeholders and experts were going to be reaching out to talk to the American people. Government action alone will not solve complex supply chain challenges. This is going to be broad engagement. Broad conversations that will include business labor, Local communities, Academia, This work is going to require a new commitment to public private [12:44:28] partnerships, and we need all voices at that table to help us design those partnerships. 124428 This is a real opportunity to invest in the future of America and build on our nation's strength. There are opportunities for small business development to help diversify supplier networks and alleviate the risk of too big to fail companies in the supply chains for critical goods. There are opportunities to improve worker readiness and training, so they have the skills needed to ramp up research, production, or distribution of a critical good. [12:44:50] There are opportunities to bring more jobs to communities around the country, including communities of color to leverage the ingenuity and grit of the American people. This is gonna leverage. Us scientific leadership. It's going further advance our research and development prowess. It will do so while also recognizing that our ability to maintain our innovative edge in research requires us to invest in both research and manufacturing in communities across America. Because when you pair thinkers and doers, that's how you create the technologies and products that help us tackle tomorrow's challenges. I want [12:45:30] to read reiterate, my colleagues have said. This work is not going to be about America going it alone the answer to these weaknesses is not always to be to ramp up domestic production. We know these vulnerabilities affect not just American households. It's a global problem for in some of these supply chains. We're committed to working with partners and allies to reduce his vulnerabilities that are affecting all of us. Work ahead builds upon America's historic legacy of making strategic investments in our Fure that lay the foundation for broad based economic growth. Smart of us investments in research manufacturing, domestic capacity, and our workforce has in the past unleashed decades of economic expansion and an expansion that raise wages and living standards for American families across the country. We can and should build upon that legacy, and that is how we will approach the supply chain work. This problem was decades in the making. We can solve it by making smart investments that are long term in nature. Reach families and workers in all of [12:46:32] America. Thank you. Hey take a breath. Next. Gen Huh? Q>> Presidents For decades, you've been promising to create factory jobs where we've got about hopefully two million factory jobs. That's down from 17 billion in 2000. How many jobs do you think this initiative can create? And what do your metrics of success? FAZILI>> Yeah. I think we think it's important to have a broad lens and Broadview on How you measure the jobs and the job creation in the manufacturing space because manufacturing is not used doesn't just support and create jobs in the manufacturing sector. There are broad spillover effect that it has they're going to be our Indy jobs here. Research shops here there's gonna be jobs in the kind of supplier networks and the services industry. So Think it's we have to start [12:47:33] tracking and understanding that manufacturers contributions to our economy can't just be narrowly counted in that way, that suggest. Okay, um, Q>> when you talk about incentivizing and funding on the budget that your upcoming budget do you think that you will propose some sort of federal funding to help increase the supply of semiconductors? FAZILI>> You know, we're still in the process of formulating the budget. So at this time, I'm not able to talk in specifics about the budget proposal, But what I would say is we are looking forward to talking with members of Congress. About what more we can do in partnership with them to give us the funds we need. Huh? HARRELL>> Just like this step back for, you know, for a moment. Obviously, we're talking about Multiple different supply chains here, and I think that the solutions we will be proposing and implementing will very a little bit by supply chain you supply chain for semiconductors obviously looks [12:48:33] quite different from the supply chain for rare Earths. So I think what you're going to see is us come forward with a comprehensive suite of recommendations that will be tailored for each of the different critical goods that we're looking at. In general across the board were expecting will be using a mix of incentives to encourage production. Here looking at ways to ensure their surge capacity available for things. That might need to be ramped up, quickly stockpiling, working with our allies and partners to make sure that we have cross border open flows with our allies and partners where we might collectively need to take some actions. I think we're really going to be looking at a range of different tools here. Not just any particular single tool Defense Production act is there. Q>> Do you think that that what else would consider using the Defense Production? Asked for specifically for the semiconductors? HARRELL>> Um, you know, I don't think we're here to talk about how we would use the D P a on any particular supply chain at this point, but clearly as we look at making [12:49:36] resilient supply chains across the board, all tools are on the table for this administration and then untie Juan. Q>> Can you say how his Taiwan reacted to some of your request for assistance on this that they've been receptive? To your pleas for help on boosting the supplies of the chips. HARRELL>> I don't want to get in the nuances of specific diplomatic conversations. We have had. Clearly Taiwan is an important partner of the United States, and we've had constructive conversations with them. PSAKI>> I'm sorry we had to let him go. But I know there's a lot of interest in this and what we could do a follow up questions afterwards as well. But thank you both so much for joining us at the briefing, and you're welcome back in time. Thank you. Okay. I just have a couple of additional items at the top. A Z. You heard in our covid public health everything just a few minutes ago, Starting next month, we will begin to deliver millions of mass to food banks and community health centers around the country. These are two nationwide networks that disproportionately serve. Hard [12:50:36] hit populations today, many low income Americans still like access to this basic protection. That's why we're think, think, taking this thoughtful and targeted action to keep Americans safe. We will deliver more than 25 million masks across the country. These mass will be available at Holmes. I'm sorry at more than 1300 community health centers and around 60,000. Food pantries. Any American who needs a mask will be able to walk into these health centers or food pantries and pick up Ah high quality American made mask that is consistent with CDC guidance. This program is made possible through existing funding at HHS, and with this action, we're hoping to level the playing field giving vulnerable populations quality, well fitting masks a couple other things I know lots going on today. I wanted to make sure you saw a letter released this morning by over 160 CEOs representing some of America's biggest and most represented company, respected companies calling on Congress to act on the president's rescue plan. There's growing consensus [12:51:36] across the country for this package, and that's reflected employing showing a bipartisan majority of Americans back it as the more than 160 business leaders put in this their letter to congressional leaders, previous federal leaf measures have been essential, but more must be done to put the country on a trajectory for a strong and durable recovery. Also Winter Storm Update. Temperatures are back within normal ranges for this time of year across the states that have been impacted by the storm. That's of course, good news, but water system outages and boil water advisories, although improving remain and ongoing issue across the region, requiring additional federal support Delayed shipments of covid-19 vaccine doses are anticipated to be filled in the coming days. As we noted last week, and vaccination sites have re opened and are doubling up appointments to accommodate those canceled last week. All major airports are open. All rail criers have returned to normal operations, Interstate in state highways or open transit agencies are returning to normal operations and Porter [12:52:37] operating under normal circumstances. Federal assistance continues. We noted the additional 31 counties yesterday and, of course, Wolf continued to consider additional reque moving forward. Finally For me and transparent with you in the American people we wanted to she that the president tested negative for covid-19 on Monday. We will venture to provide this update the following day in the future, but this is part of our regular covid safety protocols that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. The entire White House complexes, you know, continues to it here too strict. Mask wearing social distancing and other medications strategies. Ok sorry. Few things at the top. Go ahead. Q>> Thanks Jen on the masks any sense why the White House is using masks instead of True, so he have, sir. And you have ah listed manufacturers of the mask? PSAKI>> Sure Well, I would say that these Max, these masks are all here to CDC guidelines, and certainly they meet those requirements set by our federal [12:53:37] standard. Tell me your second question again. Q>> A list of the manufacturers of the masks. PSAKI>> I don't have a list of those. I can see if there's more details we can provide. Q>> Okay then separately, Vladimir Putin said today that Russia's gonna redouble its efforts. Opposing foreign powers, who he say basically trying to undermine Russia. Is the White House believe that tensions with Russia are increasing. PSAKI>> We believe that certainly over the last several years, there have been more concerning steps that have been taken by Vladimir Putin and by members of the Kremlin, as the president has expressed and expressed during the campaign, and that is why he asked his national security team to launch a process of looking into not only hacking reports of hacking around the 2020 election but also Of the bounties on our troops that was kind of concerned, of course, the solar winds hack on to take a close. Look at that. So we [12:54:39] have our own assessment. A zoo? You know. The president also spoke with President Putin just maybe two weeks ago and did not hold back and expressing his concerns about the actions of his government. But we're letting that process see itself through. As I noted yesterday, it will be weeks not months before it's concluded, and we have more details about a response. Good. 125455 Q>> Thank you. So, I just wanted to see if you could confirm that the President is speaking with King Salman of Saudi Arabia today and if he'll do that in advance of the report on Khashoggi coming out. 125507 PSAKI>> Well, as we've noted in the past, we remain committed to releasing through the DNI, of course, an unclassified report t that we expect to happen soon. I don't have an updated timeline for you on that. I know there were also reports on a proposed call. We also expect that to happen soon. We're still in the process of scheduling one that will happen. Q>> And what are they going to be talking about in that call? 125530 PSAKI>> Well -- Well, when we have the call and the president has the call, I'm sure we'll do a readout of it. Of course, we've had engagements at many levels with the Saudis to date, but we'll do a readout once we conclude the call. [12:55:41] Q>> Yes as update on Neera Tanden with all of the delays on Capitol Hill as far as her confirmation and PSAKI>> tell me more about what you mean by that Q>> date, as far as whether you're going to withdraw that name. It doesn't seem like the votes are there for her. 125557 PSAKI>> Well, let me first state that, as the president repeated yesterday, we're fighting for her nomination, and she and our team remain in close contact and close touch with senators and key constituency groups. She's an expert whose qualifications are critical during this time of an unprecedented crisis, and she has rolled up her sleeves. She's very engaged and doing outreach to senators, two members on the Hill, answering any questions they have an offering to do that, and we're doing the same. 125625 And I know there was an announcement about a delay of a confirmation vote today, and they put out a statement to make clear that, of course, they're going to do due diligence, as are we to continue that outreach and continue to fight for her nomination. Go ahead. Q>> Jen, thank you. How big of a setback does the White House view the fact that the Senate committees have delayed the vote on her confirmation to be? 125648 PSAKI>> Well again, they put out the statement from the leadership of the committee conveying clearly that they wanted to continue to do work to build support for her nomination. Q>> Does the White House see this as a setback to Neera Tanden's confirmation? 125701 PSAKI>> I wouldn't put it in those terms. I think we are committed to continuing to fight for all of our nominees, continuing to do the outreach needed, to answer questions, to address concerns anyone has, to reiterate the qualifications of all of the nominees that the president has put forward and to do due diligence in fighting for the team he's nominated. 125725 Q>> Even if she is confirmed, does it undercut the president's budget agenda to have this confirmation delayed? 125732 PSAKI>> Well, as I noted a couple of times here, but it's worth repeating, Neera Tanden has a record of working with people who disagree with her, working with people who -- who have different viewpoints and different objectives and priorities, and that's something she would certainly take into the job if she's confirmed. 125749 Q>> And just one more, Jen. Richard Shelby has said he would support the confirmation of Shalanda Young. What is your reaction to that? Is she a potential replacement should Neera Tanden not follow through? 125803 PSAKI>> Well, there's one nominee to lead the budget department. Her name's Neera Tanden, and that's who we're continuing to fight for. Q>> -- discussions about Shalanda Young? PSAKI>> We are focused on fighting for the person the president has nominated. Go ahead, Kaitlan. Q>> On Neera Tanden, one more follow up on that, has she offered to withdraw her nomination yet? 125820 PSAKI>> We're working in close touch with Neera -- with Neera Tanden and with members of Congress on continuing to do the outreach and engagement to fight for her confirmation. That's where our focus is. Q>> But no yes or no, whether she's offered to withdraw? 125834 PSAKI>> That's not the stage we're in, Kaitlan. The stage we're in is working to continue to fight for her nomination. And, as you know, it's a numbers game, right? It's a matter of getting one Republican to support her nomination. We're continuing to do that outreach, answer questions they have, and continue to reiterate her qualifications. 125853 Q>> And on the call with King Salman that's expected to happen, you said you're still working on scheduling it. Does President Biden want the Saudi crown prince to be on that call? 125902 PSAKI>> The president's intention, as is the intention of this government, is to -- to recalibrate our engagement with Saudi Arabia and to have counterparts communicate with counterparts. And Prince -- he communicated -- Prince Salman communicated with the secretary of defense. That's the appropriate line of communication. And the President will speak with the king at the appropriate time. 125927 It will be soon, and as soon as we have an update on that being finalized, and of course, when it happens, we'll provide you all with a readout. Q>> I know that, yeah, they'll be speaking, but is he okay if he's on the call? 125935 PSAKI>> I wouldn't anticipate the call being directly with the King in a one on one call, or a call, of course, you know it's -- you know, those would be the primary participants. Q>> Okay. And my last question is on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as it's moving toward authorization. It looks like Jeff Zients, the coordinator, said today they believe they're going to have between three and four million to ship pending authorization. 125955 That was initially was supposed to be much higher, according to the contract that they -- that Johnson & Johnson signed with the federal government, closer to 10 million I believe in February. So, is President Biden disappointed that Johnson & Johnson is not going to have closer to 10 million vaccines ready to go if and when they get authorization? 130016 PSAKI>> Well, Kaitlan, we were surprised to learn that Johnson & Johnson was behind on their manufacturing. As you noted, it was kind of reported earlier to be about 10 million, and now it's more like 3 to 4 million doses that they would be ready to ship next week if they are moved through the FDA process, which is not yet concluded, just to note. And we are going to continue to work with them on ensuring that -- that that can be expedited. So, if there -- if the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is approved. Go ahead. 130050 Q>> I want to follow up on what you just said about recalibration with the Saudis. Is that the extent of the recalibration? Just having the President deal directly with King Salman? You say that MBS has been engaging in his counterpart at the Defense Department. If the U.S. government believes that Mohammed bin Salman was behind or in some way related to the death of Jamal Khashoggi, how can this administration continue to deal with him, and in what way do you intend to? 130111 PSAKI>> Well, I think we'll wait for the unclassified report to be released, which will be released through the DNI, and while I don't have an update on that, I expect that will be soon, to speak further. And, of course, as I -- when I talked about recalibration, I was referring to, of course, the counterpart to counterpart to counterpart, because that was kind of how the question was posed. But, you know, we always look. The president is taking a fresh approach to how he engages with foreign leaders around the world and different from the prior administration. 130141 And that means he will not hold back. And he will speak out when there are concerns he has about human rights abuses, about the lack of freedom of speech or the lack of freedom of media and expression, or any concerns he has. At the same time, we have a long relationship with Saudi Arabia. They are being attacked in the region. And that is certainly an area where we continue to work with them on, but I expect we'll have more to say when we get post the release of that report. [13:02:08] Q>> What is this president's view toward the loyalty that teachers unions should have towards students? Teacher--- This president's a strong supporter of unions, public sector unions. The teachers union obligation to the workers and their concerns about safety. Where's the teacher's union obligation? Also, two streets. PSAKI>> Well, I can't speak to the obligations or the I'm not a spokesperson for the teachers union. I'm a spokesperson for [13:02:41] the president of the United States so I could convey to you that his commitment is to the students and to the teachers and to the parents who want to have their kids back in school, and he wants to do that safely. And that's what his focus is not, and that's the role he can play from the federal government. Go ahead David. Q>> Justback on the Saudi issue, understand it until you've had the conversation. You're not gonna talk much about the policy implications. President did have some things to say during the campaign, he said. We were in fact going to make them pay a price on, uh, make them. In fact, the pariah that they are. And later, he said, there was little social redeeming value in the present government in Saudi Arabia. Any reason to believe his view was overall view of the Saudis. Saudi government as a pariah and little redeeming social value--. 130330 PSAKI>> The president, as you well know, David, because you've probably been covering him for a good chunk of this time, has had a long time he's spent in the world of foreign policy, and he is certainly familiar with the leadership in Saudi Arabia, as he is in the Middle East and many parts of the world. And I would certainly not say his concerns or his views have changed. 130352 He is, of course, now president of the United States, and in that role, he is not going to hold back, as I noted, in speaking out when there are concerns. Of course, he has the right to take action of any kind as the president of the United States. But there are also areas where we will work with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on, including ensuring that they have the protections they need to face the threats that are facing them. [13:04:17] Q>> A little more on this and falling on how you sort of think about this. We have a pretty good idea What's in the declassified report or when it comes up because many elements of it leaked two years ago when, when it was first? First came out. If you come to the conclusion that [13:04:43] there were any senior Saudi officials who were involved in the shoji murder. Will those officials be welcome to the United States who they conceivably be subject to criminal prosecution as accessories to a murder in us. Not want to interview United States. PSAKI>> I certainly understand the line of questioning and I know there's an eagerness for the full report to be released. I'm not going to get ahead of the policy process or the release of that report. And you'll have to come back. Others will have to come back on the day after it's just released in or the days after, and we can discuss it further. Good I'm sorry. We'll come back to you sitting you're, go ahead. Q>> Thank you. A New York related question for me, PSAKI>> sure. Q>> You've been asked about whether the president has confidence in Governor Andrew Cuomo, given all the controversy surrounding the nursing home issues in New York. During the pandemic. but more broadly, I'd like to ask if there are any lessons to be learned here if the administration believes that, or has, you know, kicked off [13:05:43] any discussions in terms of what type of roll the federal government should play providing guidance during In outbreak of a future infectious disease to nursing homes and whether there should be some sort of standardized data collection, so they don't run into these issues with states writing different Neither have different times. PSAKI>> Sure. Well, it Z there. A lot of lessons learned from what we've gone through as a country over the last year, And as you know, New York is one of the hardest hit states in the country and earliest states hit hard in the country was kind of on the front lines of that, and the challenges that came up. You know, I will say that our focus at this point in time is on working with Governors from across the country from Red States and blue states, on working with them to ensure we can take the steps now to increase vaccines that are being distributed to states [13:06:44] Yesterday we announced another increase in that to an over 70% increase since the president took office to increasing communication. To increasing the number of vaccination sites that are on the ground. There's going to be plenty of time to look back. There will be many lessons learned, but right now we're still in the midst of the crisis, and we need to keep our resource is in our focus on saving more lives. Go ahead. 130702 Q>> Thanks, Jen. Did the White House -- any White House officials reach out to some of those CEOs who signed the letter? Was there any communications ahead of that letter? 130710 PSAKI>> Wel, the letter was put together by a group from the outside -- or a couple of groups, I should say, from the outside business. Forward I think was one of them, and there were a couple of other organizations. We, of course, engage with business groups and business leaders all the time, but it was not put together. It was put together by these outside groups. 130725 Q>> And did the White House specifically talk to any of them, any of the CEOs before they signed the letter and to encourage them to sign the letter? I know it was put out by other groups, but just wondering if -- 130735 PSAKI>> W didn't play an organizational role here. As I understand it, it was done by these outside groups, but we, of course, engage with business leaders all the time. [13:07:44] So um, you know, and I don't know that I have more specifics lay out you Q>> is the White House specifically talked to Bernice is Senator Bernie Sanders or Senator Kristen Cinema about the viability? Have they talked to them today? About what? What's gonna happen going forward? PSAKI>> About T viability of her nomination? Q>> Correct. PSAKI>> We have been engaged. I noted yesterday and I don't have a new number. Update that Neera Tanden herself had engaged directly with 44 senators. We've also engaged with many more far beyond that Democrats and Republicans. Some of them have been over the last three days. Some of them were before that. Some of them have been repeats, but we don't we're not going to read out the individual conversations from here. Obviously any senator can speak to our engagement from their platform if they choose to. 130830 Q>> Thank you, Jen. We spoke yesterday about immigration and this facility, HHS facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas for migrant Children, and you said it is not kids in cages. We've seen some photos now of containers. Is there a better description? Is it kids in containers instead of kids and cages? What is the White House's description of this facility? 130855 PSAKI>> Well, let me let me give a broader description of what's happening here. We have a number of unaccompanied minors, children who are coming into the country without their families. What we are not doing, what the last administration did, was separate those kids, rip them from the arms of their parents at the border. We are not doing that. That is immoral, and that is not the approach of this administration. 130917 These kids, we have a couple of options. We can send them back home and do a dangerous journey back. We are not doing that either. That is also putting them at risk. We can quickly transfer them from CBP to these HHS run facilities. That's one option. Or, we can put them with families and sponsors without any vetting. There were some problems that -- that that process ring into his well. We've chosen the middle option. 130945 And these HHS facilities, this is one of them you're referring to, we had to expand and open additional facilities, because there was not enough space in the existing facilities, and, if we were to abide by COVID protocols. That's the process and the step. This facility in Texas, which has been reopened, has been revamped, has been -- there are teachers, there is medical facilities, and our objective is to move them -- move these kids quickly from there to vetted sponsored families into places where they can safely be. 131015 This is a difficult situation. It's a difficult choice. That's the choice we've made. Q>> So, just one step back from that, we've been talking of people down at the border who say that right now, DHS and the Border Patrol are using the same kind of facilities now that they did during the Trump administration and that there's a facility right now, it's in Donna, Texas, instead of McAllen, Texas, but it's tents and chain link fence around it, and so -- 131042 PSAKI>> A CBP facility before they're transferred to the HHS facility? Is that what you're referring to? Q>> Yes. And the issue would be that just in the last couple days, they had hundreds of kids that they were holding for over 72 hours, which is the legal limit to keep somebody in a temporary facility. So I'm just curious, why is this happening? 131101 PSAKI>> Well, let's be clear, though, because I know you want to be clear with the public about the differences. The CBP facilities, which you're right, the objective is to -- is to move kids, unaccompanied minors, as quickly as possible under 72 hours to these HHS fund sponsored facilities, which is the one where we've been referring to in Texas. They are two different things. 131122 There has been some -- There were some delays last week because of weather and because some of these facilities to safely move these kids to did not have power and were not in a place where they could -- they had the capacity to take in these kids and do it safely. That is not our objective. That is not our goal. So some, unfortunately, did stay four days, five days, or longer, but the objective is to move them as quickly as possible to the HHS sponsored facilities. 131147 Q>> Has the White House seen the comment from Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, who, speaking about that HHS facility in Carrizo Springs, said, "This is not okay, never has been okay, never will be okay, no matter the administration or party." 131201 PSAKI>> Well, I think the difficulty is I haven't seen the full context of the quote or interview -- Q>> It was a Tweet. PSAKI>> -- of the tweet that was -- that she shared. But I would say the difficulty is what I outlined earlier. We have kids coming across the border. It is heartbreaking. I think we all as human beings are heartbroken, as parents, as mothers, as fathers, too. We only have a couple of choices. What we are not doing is dividing these kids and separating from their parents at the border, which is what the last administration did and why President Biden, or then candidate Biden and then candidate Harris were outspoken at the time about these kids being pulled from their parents. 131240 What we are doing is working as quickly as possible to process these kids into these HHS facilities, which have been revamped, which have medical and educational services available, so that we can then transfer them to families. That's what our approach is. 131253 Q>> And so if there is this big difference, would the administration's support, if it could be done safely because of COVID and with privacy concerns for the children in mind, would the administration support letting reporters in and the press is to see what the difference is? 131308 PSAKI>> I think you'd have to talk to the Department of Homeland Security about that. There are obviously safety protocols about that, privacy concerns, but I certainly encourage you to reach out about that. Go ahead in the back. [13:13:21] Q>> I of a totally different Texas questions sure about the president's visit on right, so the president's infrastructure plan includes a promise too. Modernize the nation's electric grid, making it smarter and more resilient. Not be done without federal oversight of the Texas Grand, which we all got reminder is not under federal oversight. PSAKI>> Uhh You're right, and some parts of Texas [13:13:50] are on the tech are on the federal grid. Aziz you will know somebody who knows a lot about Texas. Look, I think there's going to be a lot of time in the future to have a discussion and debate about what whether weatherization what preparations should have been taken in advance. We're not gonna have that debate today. We're not gonna have that debate on Friday. The president is going to Texas because he wants to show his support because he wants to survey the damage on the ground. See how people are impacted? See how we can tap into additional resource is in the federal government, as you know, and as I noted at the top Texas is still in a state of emergency. There are millions of people were impacted. We can have a policy debate later. Right now We're gonna help the people who are still suffering and going through a really challenging time. Q>> Does the president. Consider what happened in Texas last week, and you know, we still have the aftereffects. Is he considered that to be a natural disaster or a man made disaster? And how does that affect the policy response? PSAKI>> Well again, they'll be a policy discussion, and I'm sure a Zoe look ahead to delivering on the president's [13:14:51] build back. Better agendas. You know, he's been a longtime fan of infrastructure. He loves infrastructure is one of the things that I'm sure we'll be talking about in the months ahead. But I'm protecting our nation's critical infrastructure, which we all know is outdated, but we're not gonna put new labels on it today. We're just going to focus on how we make sure people have Drinking water. How people have you know not in the cold, how families have a place to live, and we will have plenty of time to have a policy debate 131515 Q>> Two quick follow ups on this. Any significance to picking Houston as the place to go, significance with the fact that it's Ted Cruz's hometown, for instance, any other significance? 131524 PSAKI>> That is not of significance. I would say that we -- While the president is there, he wanted to also visit a vaccine, a place where vaccines are being distributed. So, that was another component of the trip. In addition, we worked in very close coordination, as I noted as we were trying to figure out the timing of the trip, with experts on the ground, with our acting FEMA administrator on where it would be most appropriate to visit. 131547 Q>> And you may have sort of already addressed this, but I just want to be clear. Can we expect any sort of announcement while the president is in Texas or going to Texas, investigations, new aid, deliverables, anything? 131559 PSAKI>> We've been kind of reviewing every day new assistance that can be distributed, which I've been trying to read out at the top of the briefing, in coordination with our acting FEMA administrator and Liz Sherwood-Randall. So, I don't know -- It may be that there may be more, because we're just trying to get as much out the door as possible. But, I wouldn't expect -- I wouldn't -- There's nothing that we're holding, I should say, for Friday, if that makes sense. [13:6:23] Q>> But Jen for me, and I'm the pooler today. So one for my colleague. Okay? Um What's the White House view on this thing? Very that's emerged from California. How it might factor into You're modeling on a timetable for normalcy and your vaccination campaign? PSAKI>> Sure Well, one of the reasons we've been quite careful or I have tried [13:16:52] to be about predicting a return to normalcy is because there are Unpredictable components of the things that come up with the virus, right as we've seen with other variants, and certainly the California very his example of that the reporting on this is quite new, as you know, on our health and medical experts will, of course, take a close look at it on make some evaluations about what they first see the impact as being so it's certainly deferred to them on that. On that perspective and send you to them to ask any health questions, Q>> and it has the president been briefed specifically on California vary in intensity, Concerned alarm. PSAKI>> The president is briefed regularly on covid. He asked questions about covid and updates and I would not be surprised if he had not asked. This'll morning. I was not in any policy meetings within this morning, so I don't have any update on his briefings, Q>> so from my colleagues inside the room actually received several questions. PSAKI>> Sure go ahead. Q>> some of the Saudi. Call with Saudi King. So as well as the surgery before And I know you've [13:17:55] addressed this, but is it important for the president to speak with the king in the context of the release of the report? PSAKI>> I'm not gonna preview his call with the king. Obviously they'll cover a range of topics on Gwen. We have concluded that call. I'm sure will provide up by Readouts, all of you. Right? 131810 Q>> Yeah, just a quick follow up on the Tanden nomination. We were told that Senator Sanders wasn't consulted at all before you guys announced her nomination, and I just wanted to ask why didn't Senator Sanders get a heads up on it? 131821 PSAKI>> We consult -- I mean, the process and having worked on the confirmations team, I can give you a little insight onto this. The process during the transition of nominees being selected, you know, there often was consultation with a limited number of members. It usually -- typically wasn't very broad in advance of a selection. Obviously the president selects people he's going to nominate for positions. 131843 And then oftentimes, the immediate follow up to an announcement is immediate outrage from the nominees to a range of senators and a range of officials in Congress. So that's a normal part of the process, Q>> -- budget, though. So is there any reason why he wasn't given a heads up? 131859 PSAKI>> Again, I don't think I can speak to, you know, her announcement or who was or wasn't consulted in the days ahead from several months ago. But Senator Sanders is someone who we consult with regularly at many levels, including at the president's level and expect we'll work with him on confirmations but also a range of the president's objectives. [13:19:19] Q>> Just a quick follow up on immigration, so House and Senate Democrats have raised the possibility of putting a pathway for undocumented essential workers. Into a second reconciliation package. Pelosi even said it would be wonderful if you could fit Does the president supports that option? PSAKI>> I'm sure we'll have discussions and consultations with Speaker Pelosi, as he does frequently and others about how they want to move the path forward on immigration, and he proposed the comprehensive bill with several components because he thinks they all are pivotal. But you know, we haven't had [13:19:58] any extensive conversations on that yet. So I don't have anything to read out Q>> for reconciliation. Tegan. Asian You haven't had PSAKI>> No, we'll see what we'll let Congress play out the process of what they want to propose or how they want to work through the components of the immigration package. He's proposed it in as a full, multi step comprehensive Package because he feels that smart security pathway to citizenship and addressing the root causes air all pivotal, but we expect this to be an ongoing conversation about different components of what members support this Q>> one more. I mean, as you know, you are benefits expire March, Courtney. Is there a back up plan Supported package doesn't Passed Congress by that PSAKI>> Uh, well, let me first say that that, you know the president. Eyes focused on moving this forward as quickly as possible, because, as you noted, there is a timeline in the middle of March when millions of people would you lose their benefits [13:20:59] and it's not everybody on that day and it progression of it, but That is of great concern, and that is one of the reasons why there is significant urgency and moving this forward as quickly as possible. And as you also know, covering Congress, you know a back up plan. Most scenarios would involve Congress. This is the best pathway to preventing people millions of people from losing their benefits, and that's why we are Hopeful that it will move quickly through the house as we anticipate it will and then quickly through the Senate, and we'll be able to get the rescue plan signed into law so that that is not an issue. In the back. Q>> Thank you, Jen. I have two questions on Iran and Yemen on Iran. President opted for diplomacy, But there's words and religion and Europe as well. Their ballistic missile development and Iran's interference in the region. Why not be addressed or linked to the nuclear part, and assure us that actually, this is the case and second, you believe that Iran is destined [13:21:59] to result in Iraq by attacking the green Zones on the a P L. A airport, isn't it? PSAKI>> Well, first on T first question. Can you just say the last part of it again? You were saying? I'm sorry Masks make it difficult. Q>> You guys gonna link their ballistic missiles development on Iran's interference in four countries, so the nuclear fallout or are you guys leave it separately because their worries That's actually a very, good picture of to secure a deal and you're gonna leave this behind like it happened in 2015. PSAKI>> Well, first, the president's lot. Iran is a long way from compliance as you well know, from covering this issue quite closely on the president has been clear that if Iran comes back into full compliance with its obligations, we will do the same. And of course, then use that as a platform to build a longer and stronr agreement, including addressing ballistic missiles and many of the concerns that As you noted countries in the region, our European partners have about [13:23:01] the actions of Iran, but we are not at that point. The point we're at is that the United States has expressed an openness to an invitation to have a diplomatic conversation. That's the stage we're at. As you know, we have not taken any steps to roll back on sanctions or to provide. I should say sanctions relief as has been requested. On We are in a place where we're waiting to see if Iran will you know what their response will be to the Europeans invitation Q>> So why you're not responding to the attacks in Iraq and elsewhere. The attacks in Iran. Well these attacks in Iraq, I should say, PSAKI>> Well, first, we have not made a final attribution of but of the attacks. We will, I will say is, you know the president spoke with the prime minister last night. They This was an extensive part of the conversation. We do hold Iran accountable for the actions of their proxies. And of course we reserve the right to respond in a manner and in a time of our [13:24:02] choosing, But we will respond in a way that's calculated on our time timetable and using a mix of tools seen and unseen what we will not Geo and what we've seen in the past is lash out and risk an escalation that plays into the hands of Iran by further destabilizing Iraq, and that is our priority. Q>> If I may on human since you are missed the houthis as a terrorist organization. Do you believe that the humanitarian situation has improved? Considering that now they are trying to take a man battery, which is a big city, on by some say that they've been involved in by lifting thefrom that list. PSAKI>> Yes. And as you know, our issue has never been with the people of Yemen right on. Certainly the humanitarian situation has been a long time concerned. I don't have an assessment of the humanitarian situation on the ground. The State Department is likely gonna have the best assessment of that, but I can also talk to them or you can, of course, reach out to them directly to get an assessment. [13:25:04] Q>> I think straight out two quick questions. If you don't mind the first time voting rights for seeing several states considered bills to restrict voting rights or restrict voting. Is the administration willing to work with Congress to pass legislation to expand access to voting. Certainly expanding access to voting, making it easier for people to vote. I's a priority of the president's a priority of the vice presidents, and we're happy to have that conversation, Would you be willing to do so? Democrats have sent a letter to the president asking for policing of Boating related crimes. Is that something of the administration is going to look into and what are other specific stuff that the administration's willing to do to help. Combat some of these. These He's the legislation that we're seeing in other states. PSAKI>> I have not taken a full look at all the different pieces of legislation. I'm happy to talk to Ambassador Reiss, who's running point on this and expect we'll have more to say and voting rights soon, But let me do that. We can see if we get any more specifics after the briefing Q>> and then shifting gears, I know that you have talked about supporting a study [13:26:05] of reparations. But on another note, we've talked about the impact that So that has had on the black community want in death in the job losses is administration considering some type of targeted relief for black communities or committees that have been hit far. That may not be reparations, but maybe job training or something to help communities build back from this pandemic, specifically communities that have been hit hard, such as me? PSAKI>> Sure. Well let me first say that the American rescue plan is the package that we hope we will have signed into law soon that is going to provide relief that is targeted at the communities and the people and the families who have been hardest hit from direct checks and payments to more money for vaccinations to get them out to communities that have been harder hits to the reopening of schools that is certainly impacting many, many communities, including black communities. On that. Obviously the president will consider range of options things that we talked about on the campaign trail to build the economy back [13:27:06] better. That's not anything we have to preview or that's been finalized at this point in time, but our objective right now is to get the American rescue plan past and to get that direct relief out to a range of communities a Q>> and I understand 1400 checks are one thing, but I guess down the road helping communities people that have lost their jobs, training them for these jobs of the future. Is that something again? PSAKI>> Job retraining, helping the manufacturing sector. Doing better with caregiving, imploring, proving our nation's infrastructure these air all components of the president's agenda that he talked about on the campaign trail and is certainly a blueprint for what he would like to do as president. But right now we're just focused on the rescue plan, getting it past getting it through getting that direct relief out. And then I expect we'll have more to say he will have more to say after that is concluded. Q>> Look for something fast for you. On the minimum wage. Sure, one of the points of debate as it relates to Residents covid relief package. What the president's support [13:28:07] Anything below $15. For example, the proposal for $11 minimum wage, PSAKI>> the president put $15 minimum wage and increase and his package because that's what he believes the increase should be a zoo, you know, is working its way through parliamentary process at this point in time, Hopefully we'll have more news on that in the coming days on end. But his support is for the $15 increase. Q>> Senator Sanders has said there's no room for compromise. Just the president think there's room for compromise on that $15 PSAKI>> Well, the compromise will be between members of the Senate, who may have disagreement on where the minimum wage should sit in what the process should be. But the first step is the bird. Rule the birdbath. I just like to say that every day on Ben members will and we're certainly hopeful that that will conclude with the minimum wage being included in there. But that is up to the parliamentarian. For that process to conclude and then senators will have to debate with a final package looks like Q>> There has been some survey data that [13:29:07] suggests fishing hesitancy within the armed services. Making a vaccine commander in chief in theory could require Members of the military thinking vaccines that something he's considered doing. And this is what you wanted, running or willing to do. PSAKI>> That's a really interesting question. Everyone's questions are interesting, but that's a very interesting question. I have not spoken with him about that, or to Secretary Austin about that. Who any decision like that would be in consultation and had his recommendation. I'm happy to follow up with it on it, or I would I would suggest you talk to My old friend John Kirby, about WRE they stand on that question. Go ahead. Q>> Just far from curtains on the minimum weight there. It sounds from your description of Negotiation underway now between House and Senate on a warning that the president would basically signed whatever comes out of conference here. That would be the implication of here. Your statement and he doesn't really have a choice on the minimum wage at this point. Is that what you meant to say that? PSAKI>> That is not my implication. I hope that's not what other people took from what I said. [13:30:08] But what I wasn't conveying is that there's a process that this has to undergo and it needs to move through the parliament. Senate parliament Terry process We don't even know where they're going to conclude and whether the minimum wage is in the package or not in the package on certainly, and I'll leave the analysis to all of you. There would be many who would Supported not being in the package and there would be many who would oppose it. Not being in the package. We understand that we know how Bill becomes law. What I'm conveying as we're not going to get ahead of that process, Q>> and then you're not saying the president won't sign it if it doesn't have a minimum wage. PSAKI>> I think we're not even at the stage. The president proposed an increase in the minimum wage and his package. That's what he wants to be in the final package. He also was in the Senate for 36 years and has great respect for the parliamentary process. We're going to see that through once that's concluded, we can all talk further about the next steps. Q>> There's a worth of South Korea is working with the Rand toe, possibly unfree $7 billion in Iranian money, but they would need a waiver from the U. S State Department. Is that something that the administration would consider? [13:31:08] PSAKI>> I've not seen those reports. I'm happy to follow up with our team in the State Department, but probably more direct if you follow up with them directly. Q>> Okay One more vaccines. This White house think when they see governor like the Democratic governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, who says he thinks if he goes his own way, not with the national recommendations, too. Distribute vaccines just based on age than he could get them out faster and more equitably than If he follows the recommendations from the federal level. PSAKI>> Well, we make recommendations at the federal level for a reason, because there are groups that we feel should be prioritized whether their frontline workers health care workers, individuals over a certain age, as you noted, and our objective, of course, is to get to the stage where there's recommendations for people who are much younger who don't have health conditions that would I mean, they would qualify S O. That's what that's the reason we laid them out as we do. Obviously governors make different choices about the [13:32:09] prioritization and the prioritization order. But we stand by the guidelines we've recommended reading national level. Thanks, everyone. [END]