{"id":140815,"date":"2022-05-13T22:27:37","date_gmt":"2022-05-14T05:27:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/?p=140815"},"modified":"2022-05-13T22:27:37","modified_gmt":"2022-05-14T05:27:37","slug":"the-final-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-may-13-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/?p=140815","title":{"rendered":"The Final Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, May 13, 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Washington, DC&#8230;Hi, everyone.  Okay.  It would not be a briefing without some special guests.  So I have some with me today.  Today, President Biden is welcoming mayors, chiefs of police, a county commissioner, and a community violence intervention expert to the White House to talk about how the Rescue Plan is providing historic levels of support to make our communities safer.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/b77dugknRHU\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>The President will encourage even more communities to use Rescue Plan funding to invite more \u2014 to invest more in fighting violent crime and to deploy American Rescue Plan funding to make our communities safer as quickly as possible as we head into summer.<\/p>\n<p>As we announced earlier today, over $10 billion has been spent or committed already on public safety through the Rescue Plan, including by over 300 communities and more than half of the states.<\/p>\n<p>The money is being put to use keeping cops on the beat for community policing, investing in mental health and substance use disor- \u2014 substance use disorder services, crisis responders, community violence intervention, and other programs to address the causes of crime and ease the burden on police.<\/p>\n<p>These are stories from across the country about how this money is already making a difference, and we wanted you to hear about it directly from the leaders on the frontlines.<\/p>\n<p>First is Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Missouri, who has leveraged Rescue Plan money to avoid public safety layoffs and has used it to invest $10 million for new police technology.<\/p>\n<p>Because of the fiscal space provided by the Rescue Plan, Kansas City is also working to hire 150 new police officers.  Mayor Lucas was elected in 2018 and previously served on the city council.<\/p>\n<p>Next is Police Chief James White of the Detroit Police Department.  Together with Mayor Duggan, Chief White has used over $110 million from the Rescue Plan to invest in body cameras, new gunshot detection technology, and $30 million for enhanced police patrols, among other strategies.<\/p>\n<p>Chief White is a veteran of over two decades at the Detroit Police Department.  And since he was sworn in last year and with the help of the Rescue Plan, Detroit has recorded an 18 percent decrease in homicides compared to the previous year.  They\u2019ll each speak briefly, will take some questions.  They\u2019ll have to go to meet with the President, which is a good reason. <\/p>\n<p>So I will turn that over to \u2014 turn it over to Mayor Lucas.  Thank you so much. <\/p>\n<p>MAYOR LUCAS:  Thank you so much.  And it\u2019s an honor to be with you all today. <\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m here to discuss public safety, not just in Kansas City, but in many of America\u2019s cities.  If we think back just a few years, we had a challenge of tight budgets and rising crime.  The American Rescue Plan has filled an important and vital gap for us in Kansas City.  If not for the American Rescue Plan, officers would have lost their jobs, salaries would have been frozen, and our city would have become more dangerous.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, we have been able to invest in a number of vital and important areas.  First of all, we\u2019ve heard much discussion in recent years about community policing.  There is no community policing without the police.  The American Rescue Plan funds have allowed us to invest in more police officers \u2014 and not only more police officers, but salary increases so that we can make sure that we are recruiting and, importantly, retaining good officers in Kansas City.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to that, communications technology in Kansas City of $10 million from the American Rescue Plan allows us to invest in so many deferred technology areas so we can continue to be smart about how we solve crime, keep our officers safe as they\u2019re looking to solve crime, and, importantly, make sure that we\u2019re spending those additional funds in areas like recruiting in areas like intervention.<\/p>\n<p>As a mayor, I\u2019ve had the chance not just to have experiences with my own police department, but I\u2019ve done ride-alongs in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Washington, and a number of other American cities.  In each of those, you\u2019re hearing from people and mayors and leaders that are saying that this support has been key in terms of making our city safer and making sure that everyone in our community has police officers, but has police officers who have the time and have the opportunity to get involved in our neighborhoods each and every day.<\/p>\n<p>So I thank the President for giving us this opportunity with the American Rescue Plan.  I look forward to our conversation this afternoon where we\u2019ll continue to talk about how we can work together \u2014 police, politicians, so many other folks in Washington \u2014 in terms of making sure our city sta- \u2014 stays safer, rather, as we go into the summer.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you so much.<\/p>\n<p>CHIEF WHITE:  Good afternoon, everyone.  James White, Detroit Police Chief.  I took the role of police chief in Detroit June 1st of last year, after serving 24 years in the city of Detroit, having gone through bankruptcy in Detroit, retiring to take a job with the state, and then coming back to lead this great department of some of the hardest-working men and women in law enforcement.  Certainly a humbling and honoring experience for me.<\/p>\n<p>Coming back and recognizing what\u2019s happening in our country with law enforcement, police chiefs and police departments have to be innovative.  You cannot arrest your way out of crime.  There has to be community services, community programming, mental health support, and a number of other different programs.<\/p>\n<p>Having been an assistant chief at a time when Detroit went through bankruptcy and knowing what that felt like, I\u2019d much rather be the chief when there\u2019s the type of investment that we see from the American Rescue Plan for cities like Detroit.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s enabled us to do a number of different things.  Number one, put officers in high areas of crime, put officers around our city where we are looking at, statistically, gun violence being higher in those areas than in other areas in our city. <\/p>\n<p>But in addition, it\u2019s to provide our officers with state-of-the-art training, being able to develop training protocols based on best practices, and use our training facility and bring it up to standards that are necessary in this day and age in law enforcement, making sure that our officers are \u2014 are best equipped to deal with the programming and the issues that we\u2019re seeing in our community.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most exciting programs that we have is our crisis intervention training and our crisis intervention cars. When I took this role, we had crisis intervention officers in three of our precincts.  I\u2019m happy to say that today, as a result of this American Rescue Plan dollars, we\u2019re able to put it in six of our precincts.  And by the end of the year, we\u2019re hopeful that we\u2019ll be in all 12 precincts.<\/p>\n<p>And what that does for us is provide a very specific layer of safety \u2014 not just for the officers, but for the citizens who are in mental health crisis \u2014 by having a trained mental health professional in that car with a trained officer who is trained in mental health intervention, recognizing what they\u2019re looking at, recognizing what they\u2019re dealing with when they come upon someone who is in crisis and perhaps engaging in violent or erratic behavior.  Having those trained officers is an incredible layer of success and layer of equipment that we just did not have prior to this.<\/p>\n<p>And one last thing is the training facility and the opportunity to recruit.  Right now, in policing, recruiting is difficult, and having a state-of-the-art training facility and recruiting opportunity has been instrumental in what we\u2019re trying to accomplish in our city.<\/p>\n<p>So, with that, thank you.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  All right.  Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you.  Mayor, it is good to see you again.  A Missouri General Assembly just passed a bill just now that increases the percentage of Kansas City\u2019s budget that needs to be spent on policing.  What\u2019s your reaction to the bill?  But more importantly, what\u2019s your reaction to them passing it while you\u2019re here on this very topic?<\/p>\n<p>MAYOR LUCAS:  I think it\u2019s always important to have locally driven solutions to local problems.  I think that\u2019s why the American Rescue Plan was so helpful \u2014 money coming directly to cities and to states so we could solve public safety problems.<\/p>\n<p>I do not think, necessarily, that someone in outstate Missouri has better answers for policing than somebody in the core of Kansas City.  And what we\u2019ve been able to do, both with American Rescue Plan funding and our collaboration with folks at the state and federal level, is come to solutions, like more officers that my friends in the legislature and the governor are asking for.<\/p>\n<p>And so, I do not support anything that takes away our ability to work with our local police department and neighborhood leaders in terms of how we get to better solutions for violent crime.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Zolan.<\/p>\n<p>Q    This \u2014 this administration has often described \u2014 talked about funding the police as crucial to not just lowering crime but also for police reform.  I heard you talk about crisis intervention training, but did any of the ARP investments that you allocated also go towards implicit bias training or programs that require diversifying the rank and file or active bystander training?  Anything that specifically goes towards accountability or oversight?<\/p>\n<p>CHIEF WHITE:  Yeah, I\u2019ll take that.  And so, in Detroit, we\u2019re in the process right now of building out \u2014 just hired a diversity, equity, and inclusion director.  We\u2019re constantly looking at our policies.  It\u2019s enabled me to incorporate a number of different components of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which we already have, but just expanding out and recognizing that we can make improvements, and we\u2019ve been able to do that.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Did that come from ARP funds?<\/p>\n<p>MR. WHITE:  It \u2014 what it came from was the \u2014 the fact that we did not lose money or we didn\u2019t have a budgetary shortfall, so we were able to do some things without losing the dollars if we did not have the money.<\/p>\n<p>Q    But that\u2019s essentially, like, one \u2014 you\u2019re talking about a coordinator, somebody that\u2019s hired on to \u2014<\/p>\n<p>CHIEF WHITE:  You\u2019re talking about, really, a process.  Because, for us, it\u2019s for all of our officers.  There\u2019s a number of \u2014 there\u2019s a coordinator and then there\u2019s a programming from that coordinator that goes out department wide.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And do you see that as kind of the main method of accountability when it comes to ARP investments \u2014<\/p>\n<p>MR. WHITE:  No.<\/p>\n<p>Q    \u2014 or a program that enforces accountability?<\/p>\n<p>MR. WHITE:  No. I mean, that\u2019s just one of many.  You know, when we talk about community engagement, we can\u2019t fight crime without our communities.  Communities have to have trust.  They have to believe in police officers.  And certainly, this is a time where police trust is super important.<\/p>\n<p>And so, when you talk about transparency in policing, that\u2019s \u2014 that\u2019s what these training opportunities provide us: to \u2014 to look at best practices, to be innovative, and to work on transparency with community.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Last one, Brian. <\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you.  Just to follow up on that a bit \u2014 going forward, in your community and other communities like yours, what do you think is the most needed, underfunded need that you have going forward? <\/p>\n<p>MAYOR LUCAS:  Among everything?  (Laughter.)<\/p>\n<p>Q    Yeah.  Among everything we were just talking about.<\/p>\n<p>MAYOR LUCAS:  In terms of community trust?<\/p>\n<p>Q    Yes.<\/p>\n<p>MAYOR LUCAS:  You know, I think there was a reason that both of us have talked about recruiting and retaining officers.  We want officers that actually have the time to be engaged in communities, time to actually interact with neighborhoods, time to get known by people in the neighborhood. <\/p>\n<p>In most cities in America, you\u2019re not catching people say, \u201cWe want to get rid of all the police.\u201d  In fact, I\u2019ve caught very few people who have said that.  They said they want the way they interact with police to be different.  They want somebody who has time to do community interaction. <\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why these investments, in my opinion, are so important \u2014 because then you build up community trust, which helps you solve crime, it helps you actually build the relationships that you need to long term. <\/p>\n<p>And so, there\u2019s not a single kind of magic program that I think works in terms of getting to any of these issues.  It\u2019s instead making sure that you\u2019re investing somewhat holistically in police departments \u2014 having enough officers that you can address things, like having an event at the community center, making sure there are people that are following up in neighborhoods, making sure that you have social workers in departments, which many of us have.<\/p>\n<p>And that\u2019s where these funds, I think, are largely helping us invest in areas where without them, we\u2019d be laying off police officers, cutting social programs, cutting everything that\u2019s actually needed to get people to trust the police more.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Do you have one more, Zeke?<\/p>\n<p>Q    Yeah.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you.  We\u2019re sitting here and violent crime, gun crime in particular, across the country is at an elevated level heading into the summer.  You talked about the risk there.  When you go in to meet with the President in a few minutes, is there any specific requests that you have from him, from the federal government for resources or tools that your department, your city need heading into the summer? <\/p>\n<p>CHIEF WHITE:  Sure.  I mean, certainly, you know, we \u2014 we\u2019re only one part of the judicial process.  Right?  I mean, we make the arrests; there\u2019s our courts, the prosecutor\u2019s office.  You know, we have a number of different needs.  And then there\u2019s the intersection of crime with mental illness.  And then we certainly recognize that, you know, we have a literacy problem in our country.<\/p>\n<p>And so, there are a number of different factors that drive crime.  By the time someone commits a crime, there\u2019s a number of failed systems that has caused that to happen. <\/p>\n<p>So, we \u2014 we\u2019re not going to simply arrest our last person and solve the problem.  We have to do a lot of work.  So, I\u2019ll be talking about those types of investments \u2014 community support, which we\u2019ve been able to do with our Ceasefire Detroit, and provide those community programming, because I think that\u2019s super important. <\/p>\n<p>Mental health is super important.  Engaging the courts at a high level is super important.  And certainly, supporting police officers and making sure that they\u2019re properly trained in some of the areas that we\u2019ve talked about today.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Thank you, Mayor Lucas and Chief White \u2014<\/p>\n<p>MAYOR LUCAS:  Thanks so much.<\/p>\n<p>CHIEF WHITE:  Thank you.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  \u2014 for joining us.  Really appreciate it.  Okay.  Oh, here, I don\u2019t want you to \u2014 here you go.  I\u2019m sorry.  Okay.  <\/p>\n<p>Okay, I just have a couple more toppers for all of you.  I\u2019m just really getting it all in on the last day here with the toppers for everybody.<\/p>\n<p>The President spoke earlier today with Abu Dhabi ruler Mohammed bin Zayid Al Nahyan to convey condolences on the passing of UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed.  The two leaders agreed to honor Sheikh Khalifa\u2019s memory by continuing to strengthen ties between the governments and people of the United States and the UAE.<\/p>\n<p>I also wanted to provide an update on infant formula and where we are, and some updates on steps that we have taken.  Yesterday, we announced a slate of actions to increase safe infant formula supply following Abbott\u2019s voluntary recall.  The President also spoke to major retailers and manufacturers to hear about what they are doing and what they need to help increase availability. <\/p>\n<p>One of the top issues \u2014 the very top issue \u2014 they asked us to act on was getting states to increase WIC flexibility so they can get more formula on the shelves faster.  Basically, how it works now is: Each state has a contract with a manufacturer, \u2014 whether it\u2019s Abbott or any of the other manufacturers.  And they want flexibility so that they can \u2014 if you have \u2014 if you use WIC and you get WIC assistance, you can purchase any kind of infant formula. <\/p>\n<p>This afternoon, Secretary Vilsack sent a letter to all states, urging them to adopt all pes- \u2014 possible flexibilities in the WIC program.  That is actually a step we\u2019d encourage them to do the day following the recall back in February.  But some states took the step and other states did not take the step at the time, so this is an extra urging to do that.<\/p>\n<p>He directed all states to review their practices.  And the Agricultural Department is reaching out to states throughout the day, building on months of conversations.<\/p>\n<p>And next week, USDA will follow up on the letter and calls to provide states with help to issue waivers.  That\u2019s what helps, obviously, consumers \u2014 people who have WIC who are rec- \u2014 recipients and they go to the store.<\/p>\n<p>What we\u2019re also doing at the same time to help create this flexibility that these manu- \u2014 or these supply \u2014 these store retailers asked for is \u2014 today, Abbott also committed to provide critical flexibility to states through the end of August in the form of rebates.  And that means that these states can plan ahead and they can purchase supply ahead from a range of manufacturers, not just the ones that they have contracts with.<\/p>\n<p>This means that families on WIC can purchase any available product in the months to come through August, and states and retailers can plan ahead, as I noted.<\/p>\n<p>The FDA also just issued a statement about importing formula from abroad.  They \u2014 the FDA committed to providing additional information early next week that will facilitate importation to get more product on U.S. store shelves as soon as possible. <\/p>\n<p>And last, we recognize that parents have a lot of questions \u2014 Mary asked about this yesterday; I think MJ asked about this too \u2014 about where to go and who to call if they cannot obtain formula right now. <\/p>\n<p>HHS has just launched a new webpage that provides resources and places that parents can go to obtain formula, including contacts with companies, food banks, healthcare providers.  You can find this at HHS.gov\/formula. <\/p>\n<p>This work is far from over.  And in the days ahead, you\u2019ll hear about new actions we\u2019re taking to increase safe infant formula. <\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll give you a week ahead: On Sunday, the President will deliver remarks honoring the law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2021 at the National Peace Officers\u2019 Memorial Service on the west front of the Capitol.<\/p>\n<p>On Monday, the President will award public safety officer medals of valor for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. <\/p>\n<p>Later in the day, the President will welcome the Prime Minister of Greece to the White House, where they will affirm our strong bilateral partnership and celebrate 201 years of Greek independence.  The leaders will discuss ongoing efforts with allies and partners to support the people of Ukraine and impose economic costs on Russia for its unprovoked aggression.<\/p>\n<p>After the bilat, the President and the First Lady will host a reception in honor of the Prime Minister. <\/p>\n<p>On Tuesday, the President and the First Lady will host a reception in the Rose Garden to celebrate Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  This month, we honor our diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  While the rich histories, cultures, and struggles of the AA \u2014 AA and NH\/PI communities may be different, their futures are woven together through a shared American experience. <\/p>\n<p>And finally, on Thursday, the President will depart for Seoul \u2014 with many of you \u2014 South Korea, for his first trip to Asia as President.  Karine and the team will have more to announce early next week.  And National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will join the briefing on Monday to preview the trip.<\/p>\n<p>Last thing I wanted to just say \u2014 so I have one more topper.  You know, this is my last briefing. <\/p>\n<p>Q    No.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  It is, Brian.  And I wanted to start with a series of thank yous.  And I promised myself I wasn\u2019t going to get emotional.  Whew.  Okay. <\/p>\n<p>Thank you.  I want to say thank you to the President and the First Lady.  They entrusted me in serving in this role for the last 15 months. <\/p>\n<p>And I\u2019ve talked about this a little bit before, but during my first conversation with them, which was in November of 2020, after the election, I was very nervous when I went to see them in Delaware.  And, really, what we talked about for the majority of our conversation was the importance of returning integrity, respect, and civility to the White House \u2014 the small sliver of my job here in engaging with all of you. <\/p>\n<p>That does not mean that we haven\u2019t let our Irish side show \u2014 mine and the President\u2019s as well \u2014 from time to time.  I recognize that. <\/p>\n<p>But on my best days and as I look back, I hope I followed the example of integrity and grace that they have set for all of us and do set for all of us every day.  And I\u2019m incredibly grateful to them. <\/p>\n<p>I have \u2014 I\u2019m not going to get everyone here, but I want to thank \u2014 there\u2019s a Biden family that has extended and expanded far beyond the Biden-named family.  And that includes people who have worked with the President and for the President for many years: Ron, Anita, Bruce, Cedric, Kate, JOD, Donilon, Ricchetti, Susan, Deese, Jake, Evan, Annie, Elizabeth Alexander.  There\u2019s so many others.<\/p>\n<p>And the reason I mention them is because part of my job or anyone\u2019s job in this role is to represent and talk about the policies of \u2014 and the work of any administration.  They have integrity, grit, commitment to trying, even on the hardest days and worst days, to make the world better for the American people.  And I am very grateful to them. <\/p>\n<p>Now, I\u2019m not going to cry about the press team.  Whew.  Okay.  (Laughs.)  Thank you to the press team.  Many of them are here.  Some of them are not here because they\u2019re taking much-needed days off.  It has nothing to do with me personally, I promise.  But you all know a lot of them.  For those who don\u2019t know them: They are incredibly tough, smart, hardworking, and deeply, deeply good human beings, deeply good public servants.<\/p>\n<p>And, you know, people always ask me \u2014 and I\u2019m sure you guys get asked this too \u2014 about whether Washington is rotten; you know, whether everybody is corrupt here and, you know, nothing good happens and we all just argue with each other.  And I, having done this job, believe the absolute opposite is true. Because I have worked with and engaged with all of these incredible people across the administration and this amazing team, many of whom are here, that I get to work with every day.<\/p>\n<p>And I \u2014 as I said about Karine last week, these people are already the stars of the team, but they\u2019re going to be shining stars in the future.  And I\u2019ll miss them a lot.  Okay.  Whew. I promised myself I was going to keep it together; I\u2019m not. <\/p>\n<p>This is the last part of this: I want to thank all of you in this room.  You have challenged me.  You have pushed me.  You have debated me.  And at times, we have disagreed.  That is democracy in action.  That is it working. <\/p>\n<p>Without accountability, without debate, government is not as strong, and you all play an incredibly pivotal role. <\/p>\n<p>Thank you for what you do.  Thank you for making me better.  And, most importantly, thank you for the work every day you do to make this country stronger.  And I am very grateful to all of you as well. <\/p>\n<p>So, thank you for your role and to the role of your colleagues here and around the world.<\/p>\n<p>Okay.  With that, Zeke, go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    (Cross-talk by reporters.)<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you, Jen.  And we wish you well.  And we hope you enjoy \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    (Cross-talk by reporters.)<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Can I do one more thank-you?  Because my husband is here.  And I think anybody who is married with kids knows that without a remarkable spouse, you would never be able to do it.  I know many of you have kids.  I\u2019m just looking at Ashley, Ed, Mary, so many \u2014 MJ.  And he has not only been a supporter, an advocate of mine, but he is an incredible partner and dad, and I wouldn\u2019t be here without him.<\/p>\n<p>Okay, go ahead.  Now let\u2019s talk about serious issues.  Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    I have a suggestion \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thanks, Jen.  Could you \u2014 you talked \u2014 Brian Deese talked a little \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    Why don\u2019t you take questions from across the room?  Jen, I have a suggestion to give on your last press briefing.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Brian Deese, this morning, (inaudible) and he suggested that the administration had been aware of the \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    Why don\u2019t you take questions from across the room?<\/p>\n<p>Q    He suggested the administration has been aware of this formula shortage for \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    Because that\u2019s what you have not been able to do for the past 15 months.<\/p>\n<p>Q    \u2014 some months now.  Is there a reason why the administration waited until this week, once the issue was in the public, in the limelight, to take some of these actions that you had discussed or \u2014 particularly that website?  Those are resources that people might have benefitted from greatly over the last several weeks and months.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, Zeke, we have not waited to take action.  So, what we have done since the day after the recall was announced \u2014 we actually took steps, working with these producers and working with states, to ensure both, one, we were pushing states and encouraging them to expand flexibility as it relates to WIC \u2014 which is, again, the biggest ask of most people we talk to \u2014 and then we\u2019ve been working with manufacturers.  And that has resulted in Gerber increasing production by 50 percent; Ricketts increasing production by 30 percent.  And over the last four weeks, more production of formula than there was in the four weeks prior and in comparison with last year.<\/p>\n<p>This is all work that has been underway for the last several \u2014 several months since this recall was enacted.<\/p>\n<p>On the website: This is a website \u2014 we saw the need, of course, over the last 24 hours as people had questions and they needed more information.  We wanted to make it readily available and accessible to people.<\/p>\n<p>But prior to that period of time, we had not seen, obviously, what we\u2019ve seen over the last few days.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Has \u2014 on a different topic \u2014 did the President see and the White House have any reaction the disturbing images out of Israel this morning of Israeli police beating mourners of the Al Jazeera journalist and American citizen Shireen Abu Akleh, including they briefly dropped the casket?  Does the White House have any response?  And is the President taking any action in response?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, I would first that we have all seen those images; they\u2019re obviously deeply disturbing.  We \u2014 this is a day where we should all be marking, including everyone there, the memory of a remarkable journalist who lost her life.  We know that there is \u2014 with the disturbing footage from the funeral procession today in Jerusalem, we regret the intrusion into what should have been a peaceful procession.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve urged respect for the funeral procession, the mourners, and the family at this sensitive time. <\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re also in close touch with Israeli and Palestinian authorities \u2014 have been and obviously will continue to be, especially given the images we\u2019ve seen today.  We\u2019re not currently involved in any of the investigation, but we are working to bridge cooperation and available to provide assistance as needed.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And just finally, is there a reason why the President\u2019s meeting with King Abdullah this morning was not open to the press?  Usually the President\u2019s meetings with foreign leaders are open to take some questions<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Understand completely.  It\u2019s a private meeting.  It wasn\u2019t meant to be a bilateral of discussion.  They\u2019ve known each other for some time.  Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Jen, can I ask you a question from the back?<\/p>\n<p>Q    Back on the issue of the formula shortage.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Jen, can I ask you a question from the back?<\/p>\n<p>Q    Simon!  Please stop.<\/p>\n<p>Q    I understand.  But, you know \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    Simon, please show some respect to everyone else in the room.  Thank you.<\/p>\n<p>Q    For 15 months, you have (inaudible).<\/p>\n<p>Q    Jen, on the issue of formula.  Thank you.  Sir \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    And I\u2019m saying that, for the sake of equity, we (inaudible) \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    First of all, thank you for your service, and thank you to your husband for his service as well.<\/p>\n<p>On the issue of formula \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    (Cross-talk by reporters.)<\/p>\n<p>Q    I think, if anything, this crisis has reminded everyone \u2014<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Simon, if you could respect your colleagues and media and reporters in here, that would be greatly appreciated.<\/p>\n<p>Q    No, the biggest \u2014 the biggest disrespect is not to have a question for 15 months.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Go ahead, Mary.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you.  If anything this \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    That\u2019s why I\u2019m asking you.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Sir, please.<\/p>\n<p>Q    If you can spread the questions (inaudible) \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    If anything, this has reminded, I think, the entire country and the world that this is not a \u2014<\/p>\n<p>Q    \u2014 then all of us in the back (inaudible).<\/p>\n<p>Q    \u2014 luxury item, but an essential.<\/p>\n<p>Q    (Cross-talk by reporters.)<\/p>\n<p>Q    Not today.  Not today.  Not today.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you.  Formula is not a luxury item; it is an essential.  It is something that families across the country rely on.<\/p>\n<p>Is this such a valuable commodity that the President thinks that we need some kind of backstop, some ability to surge in the way that we do for other essential items \u2014 perhaps even some kind of stockpile?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, I would say there have been discussion, and some members of Congress have raised questions, say, of the Defense Production Act, which that would be something which is on the table, we\u2019ve not made a decision about, but would be \u2014 would help address issues over the long term.<\/p>\n<p>What we are doing here is we\u2019re trying to be \u2014 to ensure that states and others can plan over the long term, as in the coming months.  But it is \u2014 it is certainly, you know, a reminder that not only do we need to continue to work closely with manufacturers, continue to work closely with retailers and providers, but ensure that everybody knows what they can do to get access over the longer term.<\/p>\n<p>But I\u2019m not \u2014 there\u2019s not a discussion of a stockpile.  What we need to do is ensure we are addressing any issues in the supply chain and addressing any issues with speeding up manufacturing.<\/p>\n<p>Q    You mentioned that the Defense Production Act \u2014 and forgive me if I\u2019m not understanding how this works, but \u2014<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Sure.<\/p>\n<p>Q    But how would that actually work?  Because you say you\u2019re exploring it, but it seems that the issue here is really not having enough manufacturing capacity.  So is it really a matter of just looking for other sites that can produce this?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, that\u2019s exactly right, Mary.  And so the reason why it would have a longer-term impact is because their production of manu- \u2014 of baby formula is so specialized and so specific that you can\u2019t just use the Defense Production Act to say to a company that produces something else, \u201cProduce baby formula.\u201d  It just doesn\u2019t work that way exactly.  That is something that could be a consideration over the longer term.<\/p>\n<p>And certainly, there are ways that the Defense Production Act has been used in other industries \u2014 right? \u2014 as it relates to a chemical that is needed or a specific tool or part that is needed.<\/p>\n<p>So, right now, of course, we\u2019re keeping that option under consideration.  But our focus primarily is twofold: One is increasing supply, making \u2014 and the other is making it readily available.<\/p>\n<p>And, obviously, production is working with these manufacturers; and also imports, making sure we\u2019re making more baby formula available through imports; and then making it readily available.  The biggest step we can take is this WIC flexibility component, which obviously we took two steps, not just pushing states, but also working with Abbott to ensure they\u2019re providing a rebate for longer-term planning.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And just lastly, you said that the FDA is going to have more on easing imports and some of those steps next week.  But does the President believe that parents should be allowed to buy formula directly from abroad?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, there have been difficult \u2014 there have been limitations on this because, of course, we have a very high level of, you know, FDA approval processes to ensure that we have the best formula that is safe for babies.  And, of course, whatever formula would be imported would meet those standards. <\/p>\n<p>But we think the best steps we can take is to work with Abbott, and Abbott has a responsibility here, too, to work closely with the FDA and doing the steps that are necessary to get back and operational online. <\/p>\n<p>We have a great deal of manufacturing capacity here in the United States.  That\u2019s less the issue.  The issue is, obviously, this was a recall in February, that, as a reminder, was done because there \u2014 in \u2014 there was a factory in Michigan that had tainted formula that killed two babies. <\/p>\n<p>But we have a range of manufacturing capacity here.  So this import step would be not forever or necessarily even long term.  It\u2019s just to address the current need. <\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you, Jen.  And thank you for your work here the last \u2014<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Thank you.<\/p>\n<p>Q    \u2014 16 months.<\/p>\n<p>You said yesterday that the United States would support Sweden and Finland\u2019s application to NATO.  Turkey is a current NATO member and the President of Turkey is saying that they would not \u2014 his country would not look positively on that.  What is the U.S. reaction to that?  And will the U.S. intervene on the Nordic countries\u2019 behalf?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Yeah, so, we are working to clarify Turkey\u2019s position.  We would refer you to the Turkish government for more information on their views. <\/p>\n<p>I think there\u2019s no question \u2014 and you\u2019ve seen this from the public statements of a number of NATO leaders \u2014 that there is broad support from NATO member countries in Finland and Sweden\u2019s, you know, desire or interest \u2014 stated interest in applying to join NATO.  But we are continuing to work with Turkey, and I would point you to their representatives.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Also, any White House reaction to Elon Musk saying today that his deal to buy Twitter is on hold while getting information on fake bot accounts?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Yes.  I would say this is a transaction \u2014 a potential transaction, I guess we can call it at this point \u2014 from a private investor.  And we don\u2019t have any comment on private transactions. <\/p>\n<p>Our views, broadly speaking, on the role of social media platforms and the need for reforms certainly still stands.  But \u2014 but right now, it\u2019s a \u2014 it\u2019s a reported view of a transaction of a private investor. <\/p>\n<p>Go ahead, Ed.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you, Jen, for what I\u2019m told is episode 224 of the briefing.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Yes, that is true. <\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you for doing this, as you\u2019ve done.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Has time gone as quickly for you?  (Laughter.)<\/p>\n<p>Q    I haven\u2019t been here for all the episodes.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  That\u2019s true.  You\u2019ve been here for a lot of them.<\/p>\n<p>Q    A few things.  Back to the murder of Shireen Abu Akleh, I\u2019m curious: Does the President himself plan to speak with her family, given especially in part that she is an American citizen?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  We have, obviously, reached out and engaged through national security officials with her family.  I don\u2019t have any calls to predict or preview at this point in time.  But if that does happen, we\u2019d, of course, make that information available to all of you.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And does the President have any plans to speak with the Israeli government directly about the death and the ongoing investigation?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, certainly, we have been engaged with them and have offered support.  And if they need specific support from us, we will provide that.  But I don\u2019t have any calls to predict at this point in time.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And then two quick ones on immigration.  There could be a ruling today in federal court on the future of Title 42 and whether or not it gets delayed beyond the May 23rd deadline.  Can you give us a status report on ongoing preparations for the end of it should that deadline hold and how they might change if they get delayed by a quarter?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, the preparations have been ongoing, led by the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Mayorkas.  As we\u2019ve talked about in the past, he has outlined a plan that he has been preparing since last fall to ensure we\u2019re increasing capacity at the border, that we are taking steps to ensure that we are prepared for the lifting of Title 42.<\/p>\n<p>Those are proceeding.  Obviously, I\u2019m not going to prejudge a court ruling that hasn\u2019t quite happened yet and what it will mean, or prejudge what the Department of Justice may do in response.  I\u2019m sure there\u2019ll be more discussion about that if and when they rule today.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And one other \u2014 you may remember, last fall, there were questions about court cases brought by families that were separated at the border.  And at the time, the White House said, \u201cIf it saves taxpayer dollars and puts the disastrous history of the previous administration\u2019s use of zero tolerance and family separation behind us, the President is perfectly comfortable with the Department of Justice settling with the individuals and families who are currently in litigation\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A CBS News review of court records published this week, however, finds that the Justice Department is actually seeking to dismiss all lawsuits filed by migrant families requesting compensation over the separations during the Trump years.  <\/p>\n<p>Just curious, how do the Justice Department\u2019s moves to dismiss those cases line up with what was said here last fall and the overall commitment to bringing justice to these people?<\/p>\n<p>And is the administration willing to return to the negotiating table to try to forge some kind of a settlement with them, since the President, among others, has called that policy criminal?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  It was, and the President believes it was horrific and inhumane.  And our sta- \u2014 our statement made last fall stands.<\/p>\n<p>Now, these are negotiations and discussions being led by the Department of Justice.  I don\u2019t have any confirmation of that report.  I\u2019d certainly point you to them for the status of any discussions with the families. <\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thanks, Jen.  And thank you for always taking my questions. <\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Of course, Jacqui.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Happy to catch your last briefing.  Thank you from all of us. <\/p>\n<p>So, you must have some information on baby formula from these manufacturers from the discussions that the President has been having.  The administration has been saying that more formula has been produced in the last four weeks than the four weeks preceding the recall and the shutdown.  So, what is the best sense of a timeline for parents on how long is this going to be an issue and when in-stock rates are going to get better?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, we \u2014 there\u2019s a couple of issues at play here, Jacqui, and this is a really important question.  But it\u2019s hard for us to make an assessment from here. <\/p>\n<p>What we\u2019re seeing is that the supply shortages are re- \u2014 can be regional and sometimes they can rotate.  And sometimes the issue at play here is that bigger man- \u2014 manufa- \u2014 or, bigger retailers have a \u2014 have a more streamlined process for stocking the shelves than smaller retailers. <\/p>\n<p>Now, a lot of people go to stores in their community to go buy baby formula.  And it may just be that there\u2019s a bit of a delay in stocking some of those shelves.  It is certainly a good sign and a positive sign that here has been this increased production from these other retailers. <\/p>\n<p>And our hope is also that because there\u2019s going to be more flexibility with WIC in the ability of WIC recipients to purchase different kinds of formula, enabling many people who are maybe waiting for their states to make that decision, and also that states will have this rebate opportunity, it will provide the incentive to further provide flexibility \u2014 that will also help.  And, of course, imports.<\/p>\n<p>So, we\u2019re working to not just address \u2014 we\u2019ve been working to address for months \u2014 but we\u2019re working to make this \u2014 to ensure that there is greater supply \u2014 consistent supply on the shelves as long as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Now, what we know \u2014 and I know from feeding formula to two kids \u2014 is that typically you have one formula that you give your kid, right?  And so, the challenge here is also for parents, when they\u2019re reliant on one formula \u2014 and maybe it is \u2014 maybe their child has certain needs because they\u2019re sensitive to dairy products or other products. <\/p>\n<p>And so, the other part of this that we\u2019re trying to address is providing these resources so that if people have questions about what kind of formula they can take as an alternative \u2014 like the ones that will be imported are not necessarily formulas that people know, but there may be ones that are parallel to the formulas that people are taking \u2014 or giving to their children.<\/p>\n<p>So we are working on every lever here to expedite addressing this and to ensure that when people go, when mothers go to the grocery stores in the coming weeks, that they will see a shelf stocked.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And I did just go through the HHS website that you guys put out.  One of the suggestions for emergency situations would be to call your pediatrician, see if they have in-store samples or \u2014 or in-office office samples, or go to a local food pantry.  Clearly, you\u2019ve outlined this as, you know, there\u2019s going to be a range, sort of, timelines depending on where you live in the country and where you shop.<\/p>\n<p>But say for big-box stores \u2014 I mean the Walmarts and Giants and Krogers \u2014 can you give us sort of a ballpark window for just, realistically, how many weeks or months this \u2014 parents are going to be having trouble finding it, or in-stock rates would get \u2014 would start to improve?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, let me first say that the reason we suggest calling peop- \u2014 your pediatrician is because of this question I just touched on.  Because when you\u2019re feeding your child formula, typically they don\u2019t recommend changing formula necessarily, but there are ways to do it.  And if your child has specific needs or is intolerant to certain ingredients, a pediatrician can help advise on that.  But obviously, there are a lot of other resources through public health sites as well.<\/p>\n<p>I would say for the bo- \u2014 big \u2014 bigger retailers \u2014 you know, some of whom the President spoke with yesterday \u2014 their number one biggest ask was the flexibility on WIC.  And their feeling was that that would help them take steps, given the increased supply of these other manufacturers, to help stock the shelves more quickly.<\/p>\n<p>Q    So you guys aren\u2019t comfortable giving any sort of ballpark window of time, basically? <\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  \u201cAs quickly as possible\u201d is our objective, Jacqui, but it\u2019s going to be different store to store.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Okay.  And then one more on the \u2014 also on baby formula.  It seems like when there\u2019s a crisis, you often call on the FTC to look at price gouging.  I recall this administration doing that with gas prices.  It didn\u2019t seem to really bring down gas prices and did not increase supply.  How is it going to be different this time around with baby formula?  And how quickly are they going to be cracking down on people who are reporting and not \u2014 what are the ramifications?  When are we going to see that play out?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, the FTC is an independent agency.  So by us calling for them to look at price gouging \u2014 they obviously haven\u2019t taken a step on oil companies; otherwise you would be fully aware of it \u2014 but it is something that we can all watch, even as non-economists and even as non-oil experts.  When the price of oil goes down, the price of gas should go down.  And that is not what we have seen consistently.<\/p>\n<p>I would say as it relates to baby formula, what we know is that we are certainly seeing, and we have seen, hoarding happen.  And so we are looking for, you know, that to be looked into.  And we think that\u2019s an issue where if there\u2019s caps \u2014 and this is something we have been working to institute \u2014 on the number of containers that can be purchased, that will help.  But also, we\u2019re \u2014 we are \u2014 we are taking every step we can to ensure that that is tracked and that can be addressed, if needed, to \u2014 in the pool of doing everything we can to address this.<\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Jen, thanks for your service, and thanks for delivering on your commitment to return the daily briefing.  All of us in this room are grateful for that.<\/p>\n<p>I want to ask, if I can, about crime that the President is going to be addressing a little bit later.  We had one of the mayors and one of the police chiefs here a short time ago.  Beyond directing dollars, can you sort of detail the level of concern with this administration about bail reform right now and about some district attorneys being too lenient in their prosecution of criminals? <\/p>\n<p>And I guess, beyond that, what other points of leverage do you have to encourage stronger prosecution efforts or any efforts to change that?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, I would say, first, on bail reform: On the President \u2014 on the campaign trail, the President said that cash bail has become the modern-day debtor\u2019s prison.  No one should be held just because they are poor.  And a person who is dangerous but has the money to pay bail shouldn\u2019t have a \u201cget out of jail\u201d card.  That continues to be his view.<\/p>\n<p>What we see is some \u2014 there are a couple of big issues as it relates to crime.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve seen \u2014 we\u2019ve inherited from the previous administration the largest year-over-year jump in murders in record history in 2020. <\/p>\n<p>Our focus from here has been putting more cops on the beat \u2014 you heard the police chief talk about that through the American Rescue Plan, backed up by more federal agents; to take violent crime off the streets; cracking down on firearm traffickers \u2014 77 percent of violent crime in the last assessment of data we have is a result \u2014 is with \u2014 is with guns; to get illegal guns off of our streets, and stemming the flow of ghost guns \u2014 something the President has taken a number of actions on \u2014 and investing through the ARP and community programs to prevent crime by interrupting disputes before they spill into violence.<\/p>\n<p>I will note, and you heard \u2014 you heard the police chief just talk about this \u2014 but in cities like Detroit and Houston, who have both used Rescue Plan funds to invest in fighting crime, we\u2019ve seen declines in certain categories.  Because our view and the President\u2019s view is: If you fund and have more cops on the beat working with communities, that is going to help address this issue.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019d also note that as it relates to guns \u2014 which is a huge concern of ours \u2014 since last summer, we obviously initiated these and announced these DOJ-led strike forces; they\u2019re an integral part of the President\u2019s plan to keep our community safe.  And as I noted, 77 percent of homicides committed in 2020 \u2014 the last year we had data \u2014 were done with a firearm.  Since the launch last summer, the DOJ strike force has already seized 5,100. <\/p>\n<p>And one of the steps that can be taken is, of course, to confirm Steve Dettelbach, a very qualified person, to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Arms.<\/p>\n<p>And the President has also called for an additional $30 billion in new funding in his 2023 budget to fight crime.  And that is a step that he is hopeful there will be bipartisan support for.<\/p>\n<p>Q    There\u2019s a lot of questions in the room, so I\u2019ll limit mine to two today.  The other one is about ASEAN that\u2019s here.  What commitments has the President secured from the leaders of ASEAN to condemn Russia?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, there will be a communiqu\u00e9 that comes out later this evening.  I know communiqu\u00e9s are very exciting to everyone, but there will be interest.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Talk about the unique challenge (inaudible).<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I\u2019m certain in this one.<\/p>\n<p>I will say, you know, Ukraine and Russia would not typically be a major topic of discussion at ASEAN, right?  You all have covered them before.  You visited.  You\u2019ve traveled to cover ASEAN summits.  And it certainly will be a topic of discussion and was last night and will continue to be today.<\/p>\n<p>So there will be a broad discussion of Ukraine and Russia.  The United States \u2014 in these meetings, we\u2019ll continue to lay out our approach to Russia\u2019s unjustified and illegal war.  We believe the ASEAN leaders are very interested to hear more about our approach, both where things stand and in terms of the next steps.<\/p>\n<p>We extep [sic] \u2014 expect that the leaders statement will also have a reference to Ukraine in it as well.  But that is still being finalized in the coming hours.<\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Will President Biden address the abortion rally tomorrow?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  He has no plans to address the rally tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And, separately, does he have any plans to meet with abortion advocates \u2014 rights advocates at the White House here?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  We are very engaged with women\u2019s rights advocates, abortion advocates, and other advocates, as well as members of Senate \u2014 members of the Senate and members of Congress.<\/p>\n<p>I would note that this is an issue that is much broader than abortion advocates.  They are, of course, marching in the streets and having their voices heard and peacefully protesting.  And we respect the right to peacefully protest.  But two thirds of the country does not want Roe to be overturned. <\/p>\n<p>So this is an issue that we are engaged very broadly with across the spectrum about what steps we are considering, what steps we have the capacity to do, and what we would do if the final opinion looks like the draft that was leaked last week.<\/p>\n<p>Q    The families of Americans detained in Iran have appealed directly to the President for help in getting them out.  They\u2019re not \u2014 they don\u2019t seem to have much faith in or hope that the nuclear negotiations are going along fast.  So is he \u2014 is he receptive of that?  Is there an effort ongoing to free those people?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  There is an ongoing effort led by our negotiating team from the State Department to bring every American home who is detained or held in a country and wants to be, of course, home with their families.<\/p>\n<p>It has always been a separate channel than the Iran nuclear negotiation talks.  It is not in the same channel.  But certainly the President is committed to and will do everything possible to bring Americans home who are detained in Iran.<\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    A question on Brittney Griner.  Does the White House have a response on her detention being extended?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Yeah, there was a report on that this morning.<\/p>\n<p>So I would say first that while we don\u2019t have a comment on this specific development, I would just reiterate that the Russian system wrongfully detained Ms. Griner.  We take our responsibility to assist U.S. citizens seriously.  And we will continue to press for fair and transparent treatment for all U.S. citizens when they are subject to legal processes overseas.<\/p>\n<p>Now, because the State Department recategorized her as wrongfully detained, it means that our Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs \u2014 it\u2019s quite a title but a well-deserved one \u2014 is going to be overseeing this case and leading the effort.  Because it\u2019s a deliberative process and we know from experience of bringing other Americans home, we\u2019re just not going to detail what those efforts look like at this point in time.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And last question.  You said that the President won\u2019t participate in any of the activities tomorrow.  Will anyone from the administration take part in either protest tomorrow here in D.C.?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  As an official representative from the government?  I will let you know if there\u2019s someone that we have officially representing.  I\u2019m certain that people in their private time will participate and attend.<\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    As we sit here, there doesn\u2019t look to be a lot of appetite right now for more COVID funding in Congress.  There have been warnings, of course, from the White House about what that will mean.  Are you able to say what the plan B is?  If there is no funding, is there money in the couch cushions to order the stuff that you say they\u2019re not going to be able to order?  Or when \u2014 can you give us an update on when things will start running out in the coming months?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Sure.  Well \u2014 well, I would say there is no plan B.  While there is, you know, a limited amount of funding that we have to work with, it\u2019s very limited, and it will require us making tough choices about what remaining tests, treatments, and vaccines we can get.  We are continuing to work the phones, hold briefings, make our case publicly, of course, as you noted.<\/p>\n<p>And we are having bipartisan, bicameral discussions about why we need this funding, what the consequences will be if we do not have it.  And those are significant.<\/p>\n<p>I mean, obviously, more Americans will die needlessly, which is the biggest heartbreaking issue. <\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re going to exhaust our treatment supply.  We\u2019ll lose out to other tr- \u2014 countries on promising new treatments.<\/p>\n<p>This is one of the biggest components that is of concern to the President and all of us.  Because, as you know, how we\u2019ve approached this to date is we have ordered ahead so that we are first in line and we have the supply needed when there is a better booster or when there is a better vaccine or a vaccine that will treat specific variants.  And we are putting ourselves, essentially, at the back of the line without this funding.<\/p>\n<p>Yesterday, there was a \u2014 we hosted a global summit.  We requested $5 billion for funding for \u2014 to help continue to be the arsenal of vaccines in the world.  We will no longer be able to provide that funding.  We also will be unable to maintain our supply of COVID tests, and we will be unable to ensure that there will be an \u2014 an \u2014 a never- \u2014 you know, an ongoing supply of free treatments for families across the country.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Is it possible that you\u2019ll cut short previous orders to either \u2014 either because you can\u2019t pay for them or because you want to reallocate the money?<\/p>\n<p>MS.  PSAKI:  We will have to end programs, and some of that will feel abrupt.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Can I pivot and ask a little bit about \u2014 you know, the \u2014 about the baby formula challenge right now.  Everyone\u2019s 401(k)s are not looking hot at the moment \u2014 or maybe I\u2019m speaking for myself.  (Laughter.)  Consumer sentiment today hit a fresh low since 2011 at its lowest point.  And inflation, of course, is high.  Gas prices are surging again.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a sense right now that \u2014 you know, that there\u2019s a lot of challenges in the economy in the U.S.  What do you say to voters who are frustrated by that and, in particular, those who voted for this President because he, sort of, promised to be a, sort of, capable steward in contract to the previous president, since that was sort of the pitch he made to voters?<\/p>\n<p>MS.  PSAKI:  Well, I think, first, we would say to families: We understand there are challenges you\u2019re dealing with every day \u2014 costs are too high, it is too expensive to fill up your gas tank, food is too expensive at the store.  And our focus right now is on taking every step possible to address those issues. <\/p>\n<p>We know that the President \u2014 that the big driver of this is the \u2014 was the pandemic and the impact on supply chains and the \u2014 and then the uptick in the pandemic with Delta last summer.  Then we had an additional challenge, as \u2014 you\u2019ve noted some of these \u2014 but with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which drove up energy prices.  And that is the biggest driver of inflationary costs at this point in time. <\/p>\n<p>Now, we saw a downtick a bit earlier this week, but what we would also say to families is: One, we are at record economic growth.  The unemployment rate is 3.6 percent.  We\u2019re seeing encouraging business investment.  Those are all good signs. <\/p>\n<p>What our focus is on is doing everything we can to lower costs, and that includes a range of steps the President has taken just over the last couple of weeks: making sure we\u2019re lowering the price of high-speed Internet, giving farmers the tools and resources they need to boost production. <\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re also \u2014 he led the release of a million barrels of oil through the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; issued a waiver for E15 gasoline so thousands of gas stations in the Midwest could have an additional 10 cents cheaper option at the pump; fix the family glitch.<\/p>\n<p>He is mindful and focused on doing everything he can to give people breathing room and lower costs.  And what we\u2019d sel \u2014 say to Americans also is: Look at the alternative.  We all acknowledge inflation and cost is a challenging issue.  What is the Republicans \u2014 what are they presenting as the option?<\/p>\n<p>Q    Is he frustrated by this?  I mean, he likes to say the buck stops with him.  You know, is he \u2014 things aren\u2019t working.  Is he frustrated with the circumstance?  Is he frustrated with his team?  Is he frustrated he hasn\u2019t been able to get it under control?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I would say: When you\u2019ve served, as the President has, as Vice President for eight years, you\u2019re pretty clear-eyed about the fact that leading the country means that the buck stops with you and that every challenge we face is on your desk.  And he\u2019s very aware of that. <\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Yeah, you\u2019ve said that some states have not done this WIC waiver.  Which ones?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  (Laughs.)  I can see if we can get you a rundown.  That was not meant to be a naming and shaming.  There are some states that just didn\u2019t take that step when the recall was \u2014 happened.  And we encouraged them to do that in February. <\/p>\n<p>So, today is an opportunity for the Secretary of Agriculture to say, \u201cNow Is the time to do this.  If you want to make sure that people in your state who benefit from WIC are getting helped, this is the way to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Q    Okay.  Congresswoman Elise Stefanik \u2014 and she tweeted something I will read to you \u2014 but several other Republican politicians have also gone along this line.  She says, \u201cJoe Biden continues to put America last by shipping pallets of baby formula to the southern border as American families face empty shelves.\u201d  She says, \u201cThis is unacceptable.\u201d  Do you have a response to that?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, we do like facts here, so let me just give you a little sense of the facts on this one.  There\u2019s something called the Flores statemen- \u2014 Settlement, which she may or may not be aware of, that\u2019s been in place since 1997.  It requires adequate food and elsewhere, specifies age appropriateness, hence formula for kids under the age of one. <\/p>\n<p>CBP is following the law \u2014 that law that has been in place and been followed, by the way, by the past \u2014 every administration since 1997. <\/p>\n<p>So this has been a law in the United States for a quarter century.  It\u2019s been followed by every administration.  And on \u2014 but I would also note that we also think it\u2019s morally the right thing to do.  You know, and this is a difference from the last administration.  It is the law, but we believe that when children and babies \u2014 or babies, I should say, are crossing the border with a family member, that providing them formula \u2014 formula is morally right.  And so we certainly support the implementation of it. <\/p>\n<p>Q    If I could \u2014 just one last question.  The governors of Colorado and Massachusetts have sent a letter to the President urging him to urge the FDA to hurry up and consider Moderna\u2019s application for a vaccine for children under the age of five.  Would the President do such a thing?  Does the administration have any view on the apparent delay in consideration of that vaccine?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I would say the parents in here have a view, and we all are very eager to bring our children and get them vaccinated who are under the age of five. <\/p>\n<p>But science \u2014 this is the President\u2019s view, most importantly \u2014 moves at the pace of science.  The FDA is the gold standard for a reason.  And we want to ensure that when those vaccines are available, when we are taking our kids \u2014 bribing them if needed \u2014 to get their shots, that it is safe and we know it\u2019s safe. <\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Jen \u2014<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I\u2019ll come back.  I\u2019m sorry about that.  Go \u2014 I\u2019ll come back to you.  Go ahead, Ashley.<\/p>\n<p>Q    As you know, the anniversary of George Floyd\u2019s killing is a little over a week away.  As a candidate, President Biden embraced some of the messages about police reform and, later, he even promised George Floyd\u2019s family that he would get something done on the issue.  But now, police reform has failed in Congress, there\u2019s no executive order, and today he\u2019s basically asking cities to pump money into police departments.  What is the administration\u2019s message for people who had hoped the Biden administration would actually significantly reform policing?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, first, I would say he\u2019s actively considering a police reform executive order and has every intention of doing that.  It just takes some time.  I understand that since it was \u2014 a version of it came out into the public, which happens, back in January, it feels like a long time.  But these take a long time.  There\u2019s a legal review, a policy review.  And he has every intention of doing that. <\/p>\n<p>We actually paused because there was bipartisan negotiations happening.  And obviously, that was always the preference, because that would make it more permanent. <\/p>\n<p>I would say that it\u2019s not just about pumping funding into police departments, it\u2019s about ensuring that there are enough cops on the beat to crack down on violent crime, to crack down on illegal guns that are the cause of 77 percent of crimes across the country.<\/p>\n<p>And what he\u2019s also done and the Department of Justice has also done is implemented federal steps like bans on chokeholds and other steps that the President would certainly like to see, you know, implemented across the country and a part of federal law.<\/p>\n<p>So he is going to continue to support the funding of police.  He hopes Republicans will join him in supporting his budget.  Now, they did not support the $10 billion he announced today because they voted against the American Rescue Plan.  And he is \u2014 but he is also \u2014 supports accountability, and a police reform executive order will be a part of that<\/p>\n<p>Q    And pivoting briefly, what advice do you have for Karine as she prepares to step into your role?<\/p>\n<p>Q    That you can say in public.  (Laughter.)<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I can \u2014 I can say we\u2019re very transparent here, Brian.  (Laughter.) <\/p>\n<p>You know, I would say that some of the lessons I\u2019ve learned that I would \u2014 I would tell anyone, including Karine \u2014 obviously, we\u2019ve had many discussions about this \u2014 would be: One, you know, the best \u2014 the most important job that you have in this \u2014 in this role, I think \u2014 tied with another one, but I\u2019ll get to the point \u2014 is to project, convey the positions, the policies, the views of the President of the United States. <\/p>\n<p>And every opportunity you have to speak with him, to engage with him, to ask him questions \u2014 oftentimes, I will tell you, they are questions that you all have asked me in the Briefing Room or otherwise \u2014 it will make you better equipped and even more effective, because our job is to speak on his behalf. <\/p>\n<p>The second thing I would say \u2014 and in my heart, I\u2019m a bit of a policy nerd, but I would tell this to anyone \u2014 is that the more you know about policy issues and the more you can go in depth on it and spend time digging, pushing, and questioning the policy teams, the better able you will be to answer tough questions, to answer the 12th question, and, hopefully, provide information to the public. <\/p>\n<p>And the last thing I would say is that it can be repetitive in here from time to time.  (Laughter.)  That\u2019s not a critique.  You are all doing your jobs.  But in the age of social media, always provide the context and all the details, because you never want to be a meme with one line.  That would be my (inaudible).<\/p>\n<p>But, otherwise, be yourself.  And Karine, as I said last week, is going to bring her own magic, her brilliance, her style to this briefing room.  And always, for anyone who comes after Karine \u2014 me or Karine, it\u2019s to continue to make it better and do better for the President and the \u2014 and the American people.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Very tiny follow-up on that.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Yes.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Should we expect that under Karine there will still be daily briefings?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I will let her speak to that.<\/p>\n<p>MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Yes.  (Laughter.)<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  But, yes, that is the plan. <\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you.  Thank you, Jen.  The $10 billion that\u2019s being announced today, where does the President and the White House kind of \u2014 is \u2014 does the President see that as something to kind of celebrate?  When I look at the original pool \u2014 and I realize it\u2019s an initial tranche of $350 billion, and I know there\u2019s different, kind of, competing priorities here \u2014 I\u2019m wondering if the White House sees today as sort of another call to action to states to spend even more on police departments.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  That\u2019s part of it.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Or is this kind of saying \u201cis he impressed\u201d by \u2014 that they\u2019ve already spent all this money?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, I would say part of it is he thinks it\u2019s important that it has been spent and he has seen \u2014 we have seen the impact of it in some states, you know, that I mentioned \u2014 Detroit and Houston, for example. <\/p>\n<p>But part of it is also about the need to spend more.  We know $245 billion is what\u2019s been spent to date, so there is more funding left from the American Rescue Plan package.  And, certainly, he thinks keeping communities safe, making sure police departments have the resources they need is an important way to spend the money.<\/p>\n<p>Q    I just have a quick clarification on the DPA, too.  You said the administration is considering the DPA for \u2014 to ramp up manufacturing.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  It\u2019s one of the options under consideration.  Sure.<\/p>\n<p>Q    I think there\u2019s two titles under DPA.  One would prioritize contracts and say, \u201cCompanies, you need to develop this.\u201d  Another would allow the federal government to distribute loans, to distribute actual money to companies so that they can ramp up manufacturing.  Is the administration considering that provi- \u2014 title of DPA, to actually give money?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  There\u2019s also options beyond that about the use of specific \u2014 to use \u2014 there\u2019s a range of ways you can use DPA, so I don\u2019t have specifics about how it might be used.<\/p>\n<p>I would say that we are already working, and we have been working, with manufacturers to increase production.  So that is already effectively happening.  And the challenge, which I mentioned before, with baby formula is that you \u2014 you know, it\u2019s \u2014 it\u2019s complex, and you can\u2019t just say to a manufacturing facility that makes cereal, \u201cYou need to make baby formula now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>So it\u2019s a bit challenging and different in that regard.  But it is an option.  There are a range of utilities and ways you can use it, and it remains under consideration.<\/p>\n<p>Q    You said it\u2019s already happening.  Title \u2014 \u201cIt\u2019s already happening.\u201d  Title 3 is already happening?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  No, no, no.  We\u2019re already working with manufacturers to increase production.  So that\u2019s one of the part \u2014 the aspects or one of the ways to use DPA, but we\u2019re already doing that effectively.  So that was the point I was making.<\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Hey, Jen.  Thank you.  The FDA Commissioner, a little while ago, said that the \u2014 he intends to announce plans next week to help streamline the import of baby formula into the U.S.  Is there anything you can preview for us on that front and maybe explain some of the hurdles that currently exist that this process would be fixing? <\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Sure.  Well, right now, every kind of baby formula that\u2019s made in other countries is not allowed to be imported here necessarily.  So it\u2019s \u2014 it\u2019s cutting red tape and easing those restrictions. <\/p>\n<p>Now, as I noted a little bit earlier, what that may mean is that when moms go to the grocery store, they may see a form of baby formula that they have not seen before.  And they may have questions about what that is and \u201cCan I feed it to my baby?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why we have a range of resources and hotlines that people can call to get those questions answered.  But, overall, what it\u2019s trying to do is provide more supply so that there can be a range of options and a range of supply on shelves so that mothers don\u2019t have to fear not being able to have formula to feed their children.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And I know you said that the administration has been on top of this issue since this issue emerged with the Abbott plant back in February and you\u2019ve been working on this issue since then. <\/p>\n<p>So can you explain why something like this, in terms of streamlining the import of products, wasn\u2019t done sooner, wasn\u2019t done before parents arrived at the supermarket to find empty shelves? <\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, we \u2014 we ex- \u2014 we believe that part of what\u2019s happening right now is that there was supply that a lot of the larger retailers had.  And it was, kind of, six to eight weeks where they had that supply and they haven\u2019t been able to restock it quickly enough. <\/p>\n<p>But we would not be where we are with Gerber increasing production by 50 percent or Reckitt increasing production by 30 percent had we not been working on this from the beginning. <\/p>\n<p>And I would note that what the retailer said yesterday they need the most is these \u2014 this flexibility on WIC, because that\u2019s where they see the challenge is coming up. <\/p>\n<p>So that is actually something we did the day after and something that, you know, we\u2019re continuing to push states to do.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Is there more, you think, you could have done sooner?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, look, hindsight is always 20\/20.  But I would say that we \u2014 what\u2019s important to note \u2014 as much as this wasn\u2019t being reported on because people were not seeing shortages at the stores as much \u2014 we did \u2014 there was an announced recall back in February \u2014 right? \u2014 and there were steps we have been taking every single day since then, the F- \u2014 with the FDA in the lead to help address any potential shortage. <\/p>\n<p>Q    And lastly, just a quick follow-up on your comments about the images we saw in Israel today.  You said that \u2014 you just called these images \u201cdeeply disturbing\u201d of Israeli police beating mourners who were carrying this casket.  You said that \u201cWe regret the intrusion.\u201d  Do you condemn these actions by Israeli forces?  And do you believe that they had any justification for actually beating these mourners and these pallbearers as we saw in these images?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I think, when we said they were disturbing, we obviously were not \u2014 were not justifying them. <\/p>\n<p>Q    But were condemning them.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  But I think I will leave my comments at what I said. <\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you, Jen.  I wanted to ask two quick policy questions here.  On the House floor earlier today, the Democratic Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer, said, quote, \u201cIt is unfortunate that in a time of war, that we spend all the time blaming our own President.\u201d  Just a clarification: It\u2019s not the White House\u2019s belief that we\u2019re at war or we\u2019re engaged in any kind of conflict?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I think he\u2019s \u2014 I did not see the full context of his comments.  What I\u2019m betting he was referring to was the war happening in Ukraine with Russia that obviously the U.S. has a stake in, given the amount of military, humanitarian, economic assistance we\u2019ve provided.  And as I\u2019ve said before: Of course, the Ukrainians deserve the greatest accolades for their bravery and their courage, but the American people also deserve a lot of gratitude for their sacrifices and their support of this war.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And then one more.  The President supports the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act, which did not pass in the Senate.  And, of course, that would codify Roe, but it would also go beyond that.  Some opponents, like Senator Susan Collins, have pointed out that by codifying the federal right to abortion, that the bill would necessarily strike down some state laws restricting certain procedures \u2014 for instance, banning sex-selective abortions and laws that require parental notifications for minors seeking an abortion.<\/p>\n<p>So, should we read into the President\u2019s support of that legislation that he also supports overturning state laws that would ban sex-selective abortions or require parental notifications? <\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  The President believes in codifying Roe, and there are a range of ways to do that through Congress. <\/p>\n<p>Q    Right.  But that wasn\u2019t \u2014 but that\u2019s not an answer to the specific policy question.  Where is the President on these specific restrictions? <\/p>\n<p>No one here doubts the President supports Roe v. Wade and codifying it, but there\u2019s allegations that this \u2014 this proposed bill goes farther.  So where does he stand on this specifically?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  The bill \u2014 the bill failed.  The President supports the bill. <\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you, Jen.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Yeah, Jen, thank you.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Oh, go \u2014 go, ahead.  Nadia.  Go ahead, Nad- \u2014 and then I\u2019ll go to you, Ed.  And go \u2014 yeah.  Ladies first.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you, Jen.  And thank you for your service.  And good luck with your new (inaudible).<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Thank you.  Thank you. <\/p>\n<p>Q    I have a question and a follow-up.  On the question \u2014 the Russian ambassador to Vienna said today that under different circumstances, Russia probably could have provided its good offices to the two sides, but not now \u2014 referring to the Iran talks.  And the EU chief \u2014 foreign policy chief said there is enough positivity for the talks to resume. <\/p>\n<p>Do you believe that Russia is an obstacle to going back to the deal?  And do you think that there is actually a chance that we can go back to it? <\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, I would say that our belie- \u2014 our view on the deal is that Iran needs to decide whether it insists \u2014 is going to continue to insist on extraneous conditions and whether it wants to conclude a deal or not.<\/p>\n<p>We believe that concluding a deal would serve all sides\u2019 interests.  But while we have certainly condemned the actions of Russia in Ukraine and their \u2014 the actions of a war criminal in invading Ukraine, are \u2014 the biggest obstacle to an Iran deal moving forward is Iran.  <\/p>\n<p>Q    And I want to follow up with my colleague\u2019s mention of Shireen Abu Akleh.  And I want to emphasize she is an American citizen. <\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Yes.<\/p>\n<p>Q    You know, when American journalists are killed in Ukraine, nobody waits for an investigation; they pinpoint their \u2014 you know, (inaudible) to the Russians.  Why Israel get away with this?  Why not calling for an independent inquiry since Palestinians do not believe that Israel is capable of investigating itself?  I mean, this journalist was fully covered in a vest, in a helmet, yet she was targeted under the ear.  That means it\u2019s a professional job by a sniper.  And many people believe that it was an Israeli soldier who shot her. <\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, as we understand it, there are investigations by both sides.  We\u2019ve offered our assistance to the Israelis, to the Palestinians, and we\u2019re prepared to provide that should they want it.<\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thanks, Jen.  Two questions.  One, do you have a comment on a Texas Supreme Court ruling allowing state officials to conduct abuse investigations of parents with transgender kids?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I have not looked into this specific court case, but I would tell you that any efforts to discriminate against, to bully, to, you know, put transgender kids at risk would be something we would oppose.  But I would have to check out more about this specific Court case.<\/p>\n<p>Q    On the Summit of the Americas, you\u2019ve mentioned a couple times that invitations have not gone out.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Yeah.<\/p>\n<p>Q    It is assumed that the President of Mexico and the President of Brazil are invited.  You recognize Juan Guaid\u00f3 as the Interim President of Venezuela.  Why is it not assumed he\u2019s getting invited?  Why the mystery? <\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  There are a range of conversations going about the final invitation list.  I just don\u2019t have a final conclusion on those.  And as soon as we do, we will make those \u2014 information available to all of you.<\/p>\n<p>Q    And then, just to bookend our time at the State Department, I wanted to ask about Israel \u2014 a broader question on how the President seems to be the first in the modern era not to put quite an emphasis on solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  He has not appointed a special envoy for the conflict.  He has not assigned the portfolio to a top administration official.  What should we read into that?  What priority is it of his, especially as we see these images coming out of Jerusalem, to personally get involved in dialogue? <\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I would say first: As it\u2019s always been the case, any envoy would be working out of the State Department.  It was the case when I was at the State Department.  And we knew each other there.  And certainly, you\u2019ve seen the Secretary of State and also the President talk for decades about the need for a two-state solution, how that is the only viable end \u2014 way to end an ongoing conflict in the region. <\/p>\n<p>And I would certainly say that remains his view, remains his policy, and \u2014 but I would point you to the State Department for any updates on negotiations or on engagement.<\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    I have a follow-up on Brittney Griner.  Does the President have plans to meet with Brittney Griner\u2019s family like he met with Trevor Reed\u2019s family?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  We are in touch with her family, but I don\u2019t have any planned meetings to preview for you at this point in time. <\/p>\n<p>Q    And then I have a follow-up on Title 42.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Sure.<\/p>\n<p>Q    I know a judge\u2019s ruling hasn\u2019t been made yet, but if he does rule to sort of continue to temporarily delay Title 42 from being lifted, does the Biden administration plan to appeal that?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  That would be an announcement made by the Department of Justice. <\/p>\n<p>Q    And one more question just regarding that.  You know, it seems that the Biden administration has been challenged by the court several times on, you know, immigration efforts that they\u2019ve tried to overturn from the previous administration. <\/p>\n<p>I guess, what concerns does the administration have that this will continue as, you know, immigration is pretty much a pretty big policy, you know, that the Biden administration and President Biden himself has said that he would try to overturn some of these policies that were implemented under the previous administration?<\/p>\n<p>I guess, how does the President feel about some of these<\/p>\n<p>sort of roadblocks that the administration keeps hitting, you know, with judges and the courts not allowing \u2014 or further delaying these?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, I would say the biggest roadblock is the fact that the President put forward an immigration bill on his first day in office, and we haven\u2019t been able to move it forward.  And there have been efforts to move it forward through the Senate, through the reconciliation process.  There have been efforts to try to engage in a way \u2014 we\u2019re very open to engaging, have been very open to engaging in a bipartisan way.<\/p>\n<p>There are aspects of his proposal \u2014 many aspects \u2014 that should not be controversial at all: you know, the effort to invest in smarter security, to fix our broken asylum processing system.  Those are our biggest obstacles. <\/p>\n<p>And what is deeply unfortunate is that the need to implement immigration reform to fix a very broken and outdated system has become so political that there\u2019s an unwillingness to engage from the other side on what solutions should be \u2014 you know, we can \u2014 where we can work together on it.<\/p>\n<p>It wasn\u2019t that long ago when there were bipartisan bills that were being discussed and even almost passing.<\/p>\n<p>Go ahead, Ed.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Yeah.  I want to build on Josh\u2019s question here.  You know, CPI inflation is 8.3 percent.  We know it\u2019s hard to get baby formula.  Gas and diesel fuel is now at record prices again today.  House staffers are getting free Peloton memberships.  A Monmouth poll says \u2014<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Wow, there\u2019s a lot packed into that list there you have.  (Laughter.) <\/p>\n<p>Q    Yeah, I know.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I don\u2019t know how it\u2019s related.  It\u2019s a potpourri.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Okay, it is potpourri.  And \u2014 and it\u2019s a wider view.  A Monmouth poll shows that 79 percent of Americans believe the country is going in the wrong direction.  So my question is: Is the President \u2014 as the head of the country, as the head of the Democratic Party \u2014 out of touch economically with Americans?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, there was a lot packed in there.  And I\u2019m not entirely sure the root of your question, but I will do my best. <\/p>\n<p>I would say first: The President\u2019s top priority \u2014 and you heard him say this the other day \u2014 is addressing costs and addressing inflation for the American people.  And he laid out a specific plan to do exactly that. <\/p>\n<p>And he has taken a number of steps that would \u2014 to do exactly that, including lowering the cost of the Internet; ensuring we\u2019re taking every step we can to bring down the cost of gas; taking steps to ease the supply chain \u2014 something he\u2019s been working on from his first day in office; and he has proposed and advocated for and continue to fight for a reconciliation package that will lower significant costs for the American people.<\/p>\n<p>I would say the contrast here is what the other side is offering, which, as you\u2019ve heard me say many times but it\u2019s worth repeating, is a plan by Chairman Scott that would raise costs on a hundred \u2014 on 75 million Americans who make less than $100,000. <\/p>\n<p>So, I would say: For the American people, what they can know and understand is we all agree inflation is an issue; we all agree costs are too high.  The question is: Who has a plan to address it?<\/p>\n<p>Q    But on gas specifically, the Interior Secretary testified before the House Appropriations Committee that there was no plan to go forward with a five-year plan for oil drilling in the Gulf.  They need that plan in order to open up leases down the road for that.  We\u2019ve se- \u2014 we saw the Department of Interior cancel a lease sale. <\/p>\n<p>So, are there signals, you know, to bring down gas prices?  Are there long-term \u2014<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Well, we know the Department of Interior made quite clear that they canceled the Cook Inlet project because there was a lack of industry interest.  That\u2019s not actually the issue.  The issue, if we take a step back, is that leasing and production offshore is a lengthier process, taking up to 10 years.  Mo- \u2014 second, of the more than 10.9 million offshore acres currently under lease, industry is not producing on 8.26 million acres.  That\u2019s 75 percent that is non-producing.  Of the 24.9 million onshore acres under lease, industry is not producing 12.3 million.  That\u2019s almost 50 percent.  And there are almost 9,000 onshore permits.<\/p>\n<p>The issue is not permits.  There are plenty of places for oil \u2014 for oil companies to drill on.  They\u2019re not.  That is the issue. <\/p>\n<p>Go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you, Jen. <\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Okay, go ahead, Patsy.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you, Jen.  Thank you for your service, and good luck for your next endeavor.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Thank you.  I have two questions on the U.S.-ASEAN Summit.  As I understand, there are no bilaterals scheduled with the President, but he did have quick private time, as we were told, with each of the leaders. <\/p>\n<p>I have two questions on that.  Did the President use the opportunity for his private time to press Indonesian President Joko Widodo to disinvite President Putin from the G20 Summit? That\u2019s number one.<\/p>\n<p>And number two: Which leader did he specifically press on human rights, if any?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  The President never holds back in raising human rights issues.  I don\u2019t know how long these brief pull-asides were, so I don\u2019t know the range of topics that were discussed.  And certainly, his publicly stated position is that we \u2014 it should not be business as usual at the G20, which is six months away, and that he does not \u2014 and he believes that President Putin should not be a part of that.<\/p>\n<p>Okay.<\/p>\n<p>Q    Just to follow up on the human rights though, Jen: There\u2019s a lot of criticism coming out from human rights activists that the White House hasn\u2019t been strong enough in terms of condemning some of the human rights concerns in the Southeast Asian countries.  And you\u2019ve given out statements on the initiatives, you\u2019ve given out statements on maritime security \u2014 you know, in terms of regional security, maritime cooperation \u2014 but nothing so far on human rights. <\/p>\n<p>So how does the administration respond to that?<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  I stated very clearly the other day, on Cambodia, that we had had past concerns about human rights, we have made those clear, and we never hesitate to raise concerns about human rights when warranted. <\/p>\n<p>Q    Thank you, Jen.<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Thank you, everyone.<\/p>\n<p>Q    We will miss you!  We will miss you!<\/p>\n<p>MS. PSAKI:  Thank you, everyone.<\/p>\n<p>2:32 P.M. EDT<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Washington, DC&#8230;Hi, everyone. Okay. It would not be a briefing without some special guests. So I have some with me today. Today, President Biden is welcoming mayors, chiefs of police, a county commissioner, and a community violence intervention expert to the White House to talk about how the Rescue Plan is providing historic levels of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":140816,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,5,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-140815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-government","category-news","last_archivepost"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Fullscreen-capture-5132022-102411-PM.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140815","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=140815"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140815\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":140817,"href":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140815\/revisions\/140817"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/140816"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=140815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=140815"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=140815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}