Jennifer Rene Psaki

“ There are Democrats who see that the first meeting the President is having face-to-face with lawmakers is with Republicans and not Democrats. I guess, why would the Dem- — why is the White House doing that? ”

“ So, on the first, I’m not going to give a deadline here other than to say that it is urgent we move forward for all the reasons we’ve already been discussing, including the need to ensure families can put food on the table; the need to ensure we have time to plan for getting schools the necessary funding to reopen; the need to ensure we can get vaccines in the arms of Americans.Clearly, there’s urgency. As you know, and as many of you know who cover Congress, there’s a process that’s ongoing this week. There’s still some time here as that process works its way through for changes to be made. ”

“ Q And what’s the President’s message to senators like Portman and Capito, who will be here today, who have seemed to warn that if you can’t get unity on this issue, it’s going to be much harder to achieve down the road on other issues? MS. PSAKI: The President is confident that issues like reopening schools, getting shots in the arms of Americans, ensuring people have enough food to eat are not just Democratic issues. He takes his former Republican colleagues at their word, of course, that they’re committed to these issues too. ”

“ Well, I think the fact that there was a tasking done through our national security team on domestic violent extremism that is going to review all activity that could pose a threat, including the activities of white supremacists, tells you what a priority it is and tells you that we believe that there is more that needs to be done and a greater assessment.So that review is ongoing. ”

“ It’s hard when we haven’t done any travel yet, and we’re certainly hoping to do that at some point in time to engage with Americans more directly.I don’t have anything specific. He does receive, of course, letters. It takes some time for them to come in. As you know, they kind of go through a process once they are — arrive at the White House. ”

“ Democrats and Republicans — we just saw the Republican governor of West Virginia come out earlier today and advocate for a big package.So, you know, when the President talks about unifying the country and bringing the country together, he’s not suggesting that he is going to make one party out of the Democratic and Republican parties in Congress. ”

“ Look, I think President Biden — I don’t think the international community sees President Biden as a root of the events on January 6th. And certainly he has made every effort through conversations directly with partner and alli- — partners and allies, through how he has spoken publicly in disgust about the events on January 6th, and through his own commitment to restoring rule of law, democracy here in the United States.The United States remains a country in the world that is looked to for, you know, leadership. ”

“ Q I have a follow to Yamiche’s great question about reconciliation, and it’s that the Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell, back in 2017 famously said, “Winners make policy; losers go home.” Given that, why shouldn’t Democrats, why shouldn’t President Biden be as tactically ruthless as Republicans have been in pushing priorities that he champions? ”

“ A separate analysis by Moody’s Analytics found that the President’s plan would create 7.5 million jobs this year and double our economic growth, and return our economy back to full employment one year faster. ”

“ So our focus is on what the American people need to get through this crisis, which is why we are pushing for this piece of legislation.
Go ahead.
Q Thanks, Jen. On school reopening: The Democratic mayor of Chicago has said that it’s safe to reopen schools. They’ve invested $100 million into safety measures. But the teachers there remain on the verge of striking. Does the White House agree with the mayor that if enough funding has been put into place and safety measures have been taken, that kids should return to schools? ”

“ Marcella Nunez-Smith — who was, of course, part of the briefing this morning — to lead this taskforce, and why he campaigned on the need for response rooted in addressing the disproportionate impact on communities of color.There are a couple of steps that we are taking substantively. One includes standing up and supporting additional venues for vaccinations, targeted — reaching those at the highest risk and the communities hardest hit by this pandemic. ”

“ And there is historic evidence that it is possible to take a number of paths — including through reconciliation, if that’s the path that is pursued — and for the vote to be bipartisan.But it’s important to him that he hears his group out on their concerns, on their ideas. ”

“ He has been in touch, but also members of our senior team have been in touch with Democrats across the political spectrum, and that will continue. And there will be definitely Democrats who will be part of conversations here at the White House. ”