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1 00:00:00,133 --> 00:00:02,133 Mr. Carney: Good afternoon, everyone. 2 00:00:02,133 --> 00:00:04,600 Thank you for coming to the White House for your 3 00:00:04,600 --> 00:00:05,632 daily briefing. 4 00:00:05,633 --> 00:00:08,132 I want to welcome -- we have a group of Haitian journalists 5 00:00:08,132 --> 00:00:09,399 here visiting. 6 00:00:09,400 --> 00:00:12,834 I want to welcome you to the White House briefing room. 7 00:00:12,834 --> 00:00:19,000 I have a couple of things I'd like to read out to you before 8 00:00:19,000 --> 00:00:20,900 I take questions. 9 00:00:20,900 --> 00:00:26,500 First, I wanted to mention that thanks to the Affordable Care 10 00:00:26,500 --> 00:00:29,900 Act, insurance companies must spend at least 80 percent of 11 00:00:29,900 --> 00:00:33,300 your premium dollars on health care and not overhead, 12 00:00:33,300 --> 00:00:35,467 executive bonuses and advertising. 13 00:00:35,467 --> 00:00:38,400 If insurance companies fail to meet that standard, as you know, 14 00:00:38,400 --> 00:00:41,766 they must provide a rebate to their consumers. 15 00:00:41,767 --> 00:00:43,300 Provision of the Affordable Care Act. 16 00:00:43,300 --> 00:00:46,266 Today, the Kaiser Family Foundation released a new 17 00:00:46,266 --> 00:00:49,166 report, which found that thanks to the President's health care 18 00:00:49,166 --> 00:00:56,400 law, 15.8 million Americans will receive $1.3 billion in rebates 19 00:00:56,400 --> 00:00:59,900 -- an average rebate of $127 per enrollee in the 20 00:00:59,900 --> 00:01:01,500 individual market. 21 00:01:01,500 --> 00:01:04,800 Today's news is yet another sign of how the Affordable Care Act 22 00:01:04,800 --> 00:01:07,967 is already strengthening the health care system for millions 23 00:01:07,967 --> 00:01:10,667 of Americans. 24 00:01:10,667 --> 00:01:17,066 On a second matter, I just wanted to let you know that as 25 00:01:17,066 --> 00:01:19,567 part of his regular briefings on homeland security and 26 00:01:19,567 --> 00:01:22,500 counterterrorism, the President met today with members of his 27 00:01:22,500 --> 00:01:25,867 national security team to review the threat picture as we head 28 00:01:25,867 --> 00:01:29,567 into the anniversary of the bin Laden takedown. 29 00:01:29,567 --> 00:01:32,133 At this time, we have no credible information that 30 00:01:32,133 --> 00:01:34,567 terrorist organizations, including al Qaeda, 31 00:01:34,567 --> 00:01:37,866 are plotting attacks in the U.S. to coincide with the anniversary 32 00:01:37,867 --> 00:01:38,867 of bin Laden's death. 33 00:01:38,867 --> 00:01:42,467 However, we asses that AQ's affiliates and allies remain 34 00:01:42,467 --> 00:01:45,266 intent on conducting attacks in the homeland, 35 00:01:45,266 --> 00:01:47,633 possibly to avenge the death of bin Laden, 36 00:01:47,633 --> 00:01:50,533 but not necessarily tied to the anniversary. 37 00:01:50,533 --> 00:01:53,133 The President thanked his team and directed them to continue 38 00:01:53,133 --> 00:01:56,934 taking all necessary measures to protect the American people. 39 00:01:56,934 --> 00:01:58,233 With that, I'll take your questions. 40 00:01:58,233 --> 00:01:59,133 Ben. 41 00:01:59,133 --> 00:02:00,899 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 42 00:02:00,900 --> 00:02:01,467 Couple questions. 43 00:02:01,467 --> 00:02:03,734 First, on the Secret Service. 44 00:02:03,734 --> 00:02:05,934 They're now investigating another alleged incident 45 00:02:05,934 --> 00:02:07,867 involving agents and prostitutes. 46 00:02:07,867 --> 00:02:09,633 There's one in El Salvador during the President's trip. 47 00:02:09,633 --> 00:02:13,333 I know you defer questions about investigations to them, 48 00:02:13,333 --> 00:02:15,966 but I'm wondering if the President directly has ever 49 00:02:15,967 --> 00:02:18,233 been assured by Director Sullivan that what happened 50 00:02:18,233 --> 00:02:20,133 in Colombia was isolated. 51 00:02:20,133 --> 00:02:21,967 Or has there been an understanding here that there 52 00:02:21,967 --> 00:02:25,066 might have been other incidents? 53 00:02:25,066 --> 00:02:27,900 Mr. Carney: As you know, the President was briefed by Director Sullivan. 54 00:02:27,900 --> 00:02:31,033 I do not have a point-by-point readout for you of that meeting. 55 00:02:31,033 --> 00:02:34,466 He was briefed on the investigation specifically 56 00:02:34,467 --> 00:02:38,667 into the incident in Colombia. 57 00:02:38,667 --> 00:02:40,233 That investigation is continuing. 58 00:02:40,233 --> 00:02:43,200 Although, as you know, action has been taken with regard to a 59 00:02:43,200 --> 00:02:44,500 number of individuals. 60 00:02:44,500 --> 00:02:47,400 I don't have anything more for you on that. 61 00:02:47,400 --> 00:02:52,233 I would refer to you, as it relates to the reports that you 62 00:02:52,233 --> 00:02:56,333 just mentioned, to the Secret Service. 63 00:02:56,333 --> 00:03:00,633 I simply don't have anything for you on that from here. 64 00:03:00,633 --> 00:03:04,433 The Press: Has the President in any way directed the Pentagon 65 00:03:04,433 --> 00:03:07,500 in its investigation to be completely forthcoming? 66 00:03:07,500 --> 00:03:09,667 I ask because Senator McCain said today that the Secret 67 00:03:09,667 --> 00:03:12,667 Service seems to be forthcoming in its review. 68 00:03:12,667 --> 00:03:14,867 But as it relates to the military members, 69 00:03:14,867 --> 00:03:17,767 he said the Pentagon has completely stonewalled. 70 00:03:17,767 --> 00:03:20,433 Mr. Carney: Well, I would refer you to the Defense Department. 71 00:03:20,433 --> 00:03:24,033 I'm not -- I'm aware of the reports of what Senator McCain 72 00:03:24,033 --> 00:03:26,399 said, but I obviously am not familiar with the briefing 73 00:03:26,400 --> 00:03:27,400 they received. 74 00:03:27,400 --> 00:03:34,467 The President's position, as he explained it when he was taking 75 00:03:34,467 --> 00:03:38,767 questions in Colombia, is that he believes that every American 76 00:03:38,767 --> 00:03:43,100 who travels abroad, representing the United States, 77 00:03:43,100 --> 00:03:47,934 should behave himself or herself in accordance with the highest 78 00:03:47,934 --> 00:03:50,700 standards of probity and dignity. 79 00:03:53,166 --> 00:03:58,200 And I think that applies to representatives from all 80 00:03:58,200 --> 00:04:03,566 different branches of the government and agencies within 81 00:04:03,567 --> 00:04:05,333 the administration. 82 00:04:05,333 --> 00:04:09,233 The Press: Okay. One other question on the student loans. 83 00:04:09,233 --> 00:04:12,867 You've talked about how this issue shouldn't partisan, 84 00:04:12,867 --> 00:04:15,733 but it is. 85 00:04:15,734 --> 00:04:18,632 Boehner said -- Speaker Boehner said the President has turned 86 00:04:18,632 --> 00:04:22,532 this into a political one, not just by pushing for his idea but 87 00:04:22,533 --> 00:04:24,667 by traveling, going to campuses. 88 00:04:24,667 --> 00:04:29,799 And one of his quotes was -- today from Speaker Boehner was, 89 00:04:29,800 --> 00:04:31,200 "This is the biggest job in the world, 90 00:04:31,200 --> 00:04:34,967 and I've never seen a President make it so small." 91 00:04:34,967 --> 00:04:38,967 I'm wondering if you have any reaction to that, and whether, 92 00:04:38,967 --> 00:04:41,300 more broadly, you think we're sort of in another one of these 93 00:04:41,300 --> 00:04:43,567 low points in this town. 94 00:04:43,567 --> 00:04:46,066 Mr. Carney: Well, look, I understand that Speaker Boehner and 95 00:04:46,066 --> 00:04:49,933 Republicans on Capitol Hill are busy backing and filling, 96 00:04:49,934 --> 00:04:55,100 trying to explain how they can support -- how they now support 97 00:04:55,100 --> 00:04:57,500 fixing the student loan interest rate problem, 98 00:04:57,500 --> 00:05:01,667 when they all voted in favor of a Republican budget, 99 00:05:01,667 --> 00:05:04,299 the Ryan budget -- their governing document -- which 100 00:05:04,300 --> 00:05:09,700 explicitly took another course of action and would have allowed 101 00:05:09,700 --> 00:05:13,300 interest rate loans on -- Stafford loans to double. 102 00:05:13,300 --> 00:05:15,233 So they can't have it both ways. 103 00:05:15,233 --> 00:05:18,500 We are absolutely pleased that -- because the President has 104 00:05:18,500 --> 00:05:20,800 raised this issue, because he's taken it out to the country, 105 00:05:20,800 --> 00:05:25,033 because he's talked to students and others across the country 106 00:05:25,033 --> 00:05:28,400 about the need to ensure that these interest rates don't 107 00:05:28,400 --> 00:05:32,265 double, Republicans are now saying that they agree. 108 00:05:32,266 --> 00:05:33,266 Well, that's good. 109 00:05:33,266 --> 00:05:35,667 And I know that there is some suggestion that, well, 110 00:05:35,667 --> 00:05:40,332 even though they voted for the Republican budget that made it 111 00:05:40,333 --> 00:05:42,333 a fact, if had become -- if it were to become law, 112 00:05:42,333 --> 00:05:46,200 that these student interest loan rates would -- student 113 00:05:46,200 --> 00:05:51,567 loan rates would double, they were going to fix it; 114 00:05:51,567 --> 00:05:52,567 that was always their plan. 115 00:05:52,567 --> 00:05:53,633 They just didn't tell anyone. 116 00:05:53,633 --> 00:05:55,467 It was a secret. 117 00:05:55,467 --> 00:05:58,366 And maybe they were just going to announce that -- spring it on 118 00:05:58,367 --> 00:06:00,367 the American people sometime late in June. 119 00:06:00,367 --> 00:06:03,233 Well, I know none of you believe that. 120 00:06:03,233 --> 00:06:07,433 And in fact, there was a vote in a committee on this issue, 121 00:06:07,433 --> 00:06:11,033 during the deliberations over the Republican budget, 122 00:06:11,033 --> 00:06:13,734 where a Democrat on the committee offered an 123 00:06:13,734 --> 00:06:16,500 amendment that would have fixed this problem, 124 00:06:16,500 --> 00:06:20,333 ensured that the lower interest rates continued beyond July 1st. 125 00:06:20,333 --> 00:06:23,100 Republicans voted unanimously against that. 126 00:06:23,100 --> 00:06:24,767 So we know what their position was. 127 00:06:24,767 --> 00:06:26,567 We are glad they changed it. 128 00:06:26,567 --> 00:06:28,400 And they changed it, in large part, 129 00:06:28,400 --> 00:06:34,066 because the President took his argument out to the country and 130 00:06:34,066 --> 00:06:35,833 they felt that pressure. 131 00:06:35,834 --> 00:06:39,266 The American people understand -- and in a way, 132 00:06:39,266 --> 00:06:43,867 I guess the Speaker doesn't -- that education is an essential 133 00:06:43,867 --> 00:06:46,967 element of the American economy. 134 00:06:46,967 --> 00:06:55,000 Making sure that our kids get a quality education is elemental 135 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:56,967 not just to their individual future, 136 00:06:56,967 --> 00:06:58,900 but to the future of the American economy. 137 00:06:58,900 --> 00:06:59,900 That's why it's so important. 138 00:06:59,900 --> 00:07:03,233 That's why the President is out there pushing this issue, 139 00:07:03,233 --> 00:07:11,734 and that's why he is happy to see Republicans now -- a little 140 00:07:11,734 --> 00:07:16,032 Johnny-come-lately -- supporting the position that he's taken. 141 00:07:16,033 --> 00:07:16,700 Yes. 142 00:07:16,700 --> 00:07:18,133 The Press: I wanted to follow in the same vein. 143 00:07:18,133 --> 00:07:20,767 One of the other things that Speaker Boehner said today was 144 00:07:20,767 --> 00:07:25,400 depicting this dispute over student loans as a fake fight, 145 00:07:25,400 --> 00:07:28,500 as something that the President amplified by going out into the 146 00:07:28,500 --> 00:07:29,667 country to speak about it. 147 00:07:29,667 --> 00:07:31,299 But you've just said that you think by going out into the 148 00:07:31,300 --> 00:07:34,433 country, that that actually caused the change that was -- 149 00:07:34,433 --> 00:07:36,300 that you were wanting. 150 00:07:36,300 --> 00:07:36,834 Mr. Carney: Yes. 151 00:07:36,834 --> 00:07:41,066 The Press: Just wondering if you could discuss -- is there not also 152 00:07:41,066 --> 00:07:42,933 a thought of engaging directly with Congress, 153 00:07:42,934 --> 00:07:46,266 having meetings here, having the President go to Capitol Hill 154 00:07:46,266 --> 00:07:49,500 instead of to North Carolina or -- 155 00:07:49,500 --> 00:07:51,433 Mr. Carney: Well, I think we've seen -- and we saw it in the 156 00:07:51,433 --> 00:07:58,533 payroll tax cut issue debate that resulted in Republicans 157 00:07:58,533 --> 00:08:02,033 ultimately doing the right thing and making sure that millions of 158 00:08:02,033 --> 00:08:03,834 Americans didn't have -- hardworking Americans didn't 159 00:08:03,834 --> 00:08:11,700 have their taxes go up this year -- that when the American public 160 00:08:11,700 --> 00:08:17,533 is behind an idea, that Congress respond, 161 00:08:17,533 --> 00:08:19,100 at least on some occasions. 162 00:08:19,100 --> 00:08:21,266 And that hopefully is the case here. 163 00:08:21,266 --> 00:08:22,266 Now, we're not there yet. 164 00:08:22,266 --> 00:08:24,934 There's obviously an effort to continue to politicize this, 165 00:08:24,934 --> 00:08:30,633 to try to refight old ideological battles and -- 166 00:08:30,633 --> 00:08:33,133 rather than just acknowledging that this is the right thing to 167 00:08:33,133 --> 00:08:36,233 do and working together to get it done. 168 00:08:36,232 --> 00:08:40,532 Again, I want to go back to the fact that -- the suggestion that 169 00:08:40,533 --> 00:08:46,467 this is a manufactured battle is belied by the overwhelming 170 00:08:46,467 --> 00:08:49,967 support that Republicans have evinced for the Ryan/Republican 171 00:08:49,967 --> 00:08:55,300 budget, which uses the money that would be gained by doubling 172 00:08:55,300 --> 00:09:00,433 these interest rates as part of their -- as part of how they 173 00:09:00,433 --> 00:09:04,467 provide tax cuts to the wealthy and reduce spending overall. 174 00:09:04,467 --> 00:09:07,567 So either -- you can't have it both ways. 175 00:09:07,567 --> 00:09:13,734 You can't say America has got the equivalent of the stage 3 176 00:09:13,734 --> 00:09:16,300 cancer of socialism because the federal government is tampering 177 00:09:16,300 --> 00:09:19,666 in all kinds of stuff it has no business tampering in -- 178 00:09:19,667 --> 00:09:21,233 Congressman, Republican, from Missouri, 179 00:09:21,233 --> 00:09:28,333 referring to this policy and the President's position on the need 180 00:09:28,333 --> 00:09:31,867 for Congress to take action to ensure these rates stay low -- 181 00:09:31,867 --> 00:09:33,800 and then say you were for it all along. 182 00:09:33,800 --> 00:09:37,266 It's just not credible. 183 00:09:37,266 --> 00:09:39,599 Let me move around. 184 00:09:39,600 --> 00:09:41,166 Jessica. 185 00:09:41,166 --> 00:09:43,433 The Press: The committee vote you're referring to, 186 00:09:43,433 --> 00:09:47,100 just to be clear, allowed a pay-for that would have -- the 187 00:09:47,100 --> 00:09:50,033 Democrats' proposal would have paid for this through closing 188 00:09:50,033 --> 00:09:54,600 corporate loopholes on jets, oil subsidies to oil companies. 189 00:09:54,600 --> 00:09:56,900 So when you talk about fighting old ideological fights, 190 00:09:56,900 --> 00:09:59,967 it seems the real battle here is over how to pay for this. 191 00:09:59,967 --> 00:10:02,467 Republicans object to the Democrats' proposal. 192 00:10:02,467 --> 00:10:06,533 Why is the White House objecting to the Republicans' proposal? 193 00:10:06,533 --> 00:10:09,600 Mr. Carney: Let's be clear: The real fight here -- there is 194 00:10:09,600 --> 00:10:14,800 a negotiation that should and hopefully will take place to 195 00:10:14,800 --> 00:10:19,065 decide how to pay for this in a constructive way that everyone 196 00:10:19,066 --> 00:10:20,066 can agree on. 197 00:10:20,066 --> 00:10:25,233 But your assessment -- the premise of your question would 198 00:10:25,233 --> 00:10:28,165 be true if Republicans heretofore had proposed -- if 199 00:10:28,166 --> 00:10:30,467 there was any evidence of any initiative by Republicans to 200 00:10:30,467 --> 00:10:31,766 lower these interest -- keep these interest rates low. 201 00:10:31,767 --> 00:10:33,633 The Press: They've said that they can plan to negotiate on this and -- 202 00:10:33,633 --> 00:10:38,333 Mr. Carney: They said that after the President made an issue of it. 203 00:10:38,333 --> 00:10:40,766 It is not in the Ryan/Republican budget. 204 00:10:40,767 --> 00:10:43,200 There was a committee vote where they rejected an effort 205 00:10:43,200 --> 00:10:47,467 to ensure that these interest rates stayed low. 206 00:10:47,467 --> 00:10:48,433 The Press: It's also not in the President's budget after 207 00:10:48,433 --> 00:10:49,233 next year. 208 00:10:49,233 --> 00:10:50,032 So he only extends it for -- 209 00:10:50,033 --> 00:10:51,567 Mr. Carney: Look, that's right, he did it for a year, 210 00:10:51,567 --> 00:10:54,700 and obviously we would assess it again in a year. 211 00:10:54,700 --> 00:10:57,934 It is absent from the governing document of the Republican Party 212 00:10:57,934 --> 00:10:59,733 that every Republican in the House voted for, 213 00:10:59,734 --> 00:11:01,667 that every leader in the Republican Party supports. 214 00:11:01,667 --> 00:11:04,233 So you can't then say you were always for it. 215 00:11:04,233 --> 00:11:10,400 Second, on the pay-fors, we support the Senate Democratic 216 00:11:10,400 --> 00:11:12,233 proposal as one alternative. 217 00:11:12,233 --> 00:11:14,099 There are other options to pay for it; 218 00:11:14,100 --> 00:11:17,667 many of them are available in the President's budget proposal. 219 00:11:17,667 --> 00:11:19,400 We are willing to negotiate this. 220 00:11:19,400 --> 00:11:22,233 It is not -- the thing I read at the top of this briefing about 221 00:11:22,233 --> 00:11:26,000 the billions of dollars of savings the American people have 222 00:11:26,000 --> 00:11:29,633 already received because of one provision in the Affordable Care 223 00:11:29,633 --> 00:11:33,500 Act, and yet Republicans want to somehow -- because they've lost 224 00:11:33,500 --> 00:11:36,967 this battle over the need to ensure that students don't have 225 00:11:36,967 --> 00:11:42,766 their interest rates double -- want to kind of messy the water 226 00:11:42,767 --> 00:11:45,300 -- stir up the waters here by making this about health care, 227 00:11:45,300 --> 00:11:50,367 having a pay-for pulled out of the Affordable Care Act. 228 00:11:50,367 --> 00:11:51,400 We've seen this before. 229 00:11:51,400 --> 00:11:55,632 We watched this movie during the payroll tax cut debate. 230 00:11:55,633 --> 00:11:58,300 It didn't end well for them, and that's because the American 231 00:11:58,300 --> 00:12:00,467 people overwhelmingly support this action. 232 00:12:00,467 --> 00:12:03,633 They overwhelmingly support the pay-fors that we propose. 233 00:12:03,633 --> 00:12:06,133 And they need to just -- if they want to fight about -- look, 234 00:12:06,133 --> 00:12:08,734 we know what the Republican position is on the Affordable 235 00:12:08,734 --> 00:12:09,734 Care Act. 236 00:12:09,734 --> 00:12:10,734 They want to repeal it. 237 00:12:10,734 --> 00:12:11,934 They have no alternative, but they want to -- 238 00:12:11,934 --> 00:12:13,400 The Press: This is a lot less money than the payroll tax cut debate. 239 00:12:13,400 --> 00:12:14,533 Mr. Carney: But hold on, they want to repeal it. 240 00:12:14,533 --> 00:12:16,233 We understand that. 241 00:12:16,233 --> 00:12:19,699 They will argue that in this campaign. 242 00:12:19,700 --> 00:12:23,300 They will argue that insurance companies will once again be 243 00:12:23,300 --> 00:12:28,567 able to dictate to consumers the rules of the road in terms of 244 00:12:28,567 --> 00:12:30,700 their insurance, their health care coverage. 245 00:12:30,700 --> 00:12:32,700 They will argue that the benefits that I just talked 246 00:12:32,700 --> 00:12:35,266 about at the top of this briefing should not be given 247 00:12:35,266 --> 00:12:36,934 to the American people, and that is fine. 248 00:12:36,934 --> 00:12:38,433 And let the election decide that. 249 00:12:38,433 --> 00:12:44,667 Let's solve the student loan rate problem now and focus on 250 00:12:44,667 --> 00:12:46,567 pay-fors that are reasonable and acceptable. 251 00:12:46,567 --> 00:12:48,433 The Press: The President said that the Republicans certainly 252 00:12:48,433 --> 00:12:51,165 wouldn't let student loan rates double overnight if they really 253 00:12:51,166 --> 00:12:52,834 cared about this issue. 254 00:12:52,834 --> 00:12:54,766 Does the President believe Republicans really don't 255 00:12:54,767 --> 00:12:56,433 care about this issue? 256 00:12:56,433 --> 00:12:58,967 Mr. Carney: I think we saw the other day in a statement by the 257 00:12:58,967 --> 00:13:01,900 spokesman of the House Republicans -- the House 258 00:13:01,900 --> 00:13:04,333 Speaker, the Republican leader in the House, 259 00:13:04,333 --> 00:13:08,533 when he suggested that the President was talking about 260 00:13:08,533 --> 00:13:11,066 this issue to avoid talking about the economy, 261 00:13:11,066 --> 00:13:13,767 to avoid his economic record. 262 00:13:13,767 --> 00:13:18,934 And I think it unintentionally revealed a perspective about 263 00:13:18,934 --> 00:13:23,233 what the economy is that stands in stark contrast to what the 264 00:13:23,233 --> 00:13:25,333 President's perspective is. 265 00:13:25,333 --> 00:13:28,533 Education is essential to our economy. 266 00:13:28,533 --> 00:13:30,867 It's essential to our future economic growth. 267 00:13:30,867 --> 00:13:34,500 The economy is not just the tax rates that the wealthiest 268 00:13:34,500 --> 00:13:35,967 individuals, hedge fund managers, 269 00:13:35,967 --> 00:13:40,000 law firm partners and big corporations pay. 270 00:13:40,000 --> 00:13:43,800 It's average folks out there who are trying hard to make a 271 00:13:43,800 --> 00:13:46,300 living, people who are trying to get an education so they can 272 00:13:46,300 --> 00:13:51,532 start a business, or be a teacher or be an engineer. 273 00:13:53,967 --> 00:13:59,033 That's a perfect inadvertent declaration of the difference, 274 00:13:59,033 --> 00:14:01,066 I think, in perspective that we have about this. 275 00:14:01,066 --> 00:14:04,834 So, yes, education is essential. 276 00:14:04,834 --> 00:14:08,599 Ensuring that these kids don't have their interest rates 277 00:14:08,600 --> 00:14:10,400 doubled on their loans is essential, 278 00:14:10,400 --> 00:14:13,867 and the President is going to keep pushing it. 279 00:14:13,867 --> 00:14:14,632 So many hands. 280 00:14:14,633 --> 00:14:16,033 Amy. 281 00:14:16,033 --> 00:14:18,166 The Press: Can you respond to the allegations -- a lot of 282 00:14:18,166 --> 00:14:20,800 Republicans are saying that you guys are flying all over the 283 00:14:20,800 --> 00:14:23,400 country on taxpayer dollars. 284 00:14:23,400 --> 00:14:24,733 Can you respond to that? 285 00:14:24,734 --> 00:14:26,433 Mr. Carney: I will respond to that with alacrity. 286 00:14:26,433 --> 00:14:31,633 I will note a couple of things. 287 00:14:31,633 --> 00:14:35,467 One, as all of the questions so far in this briefing prove, 288 00:14:35,467 --> 00:14:39,834 we are talking about a policy issue that needs to be acted 289 00:14:39,834 --> 00:14:40,800 on by Congress. 290 00:14:40,800 --> 00:14:43,834 The President supports, and Congress needs to act on it. 291 00:14:43,834 --> 00:14:49,934 Because of the efforts by the President to go out in the 292 00:14:49,934 --> 00:14:52,800 country to talk about this, to raise awareness about this 293 00:14:52,800 --> 00:14:59,733 looming deadline and the potential for payments that 294 00:14:59,734 --> 00:15:03,367 students have to make to go up, this has gotten a 295 00:15:03,367 --> 00:15:04,367 lot of attention. 296 00:15:04,367 --> 00:15:07,666 And Congress, hopefully, will act because of that. 297 00:15:07,667 --> 00:15:13,734 So I think it is eminently obvious that the President was 298 00:15:13,734 --> 00:15:15,934 out talking about a policy issue. 299 00:15:15,934 --> 00:15:18,000 This is official business. 300 00:15:18,000 --> 00:15:20,600 And he did it effectively. 301 00:15:23,367 --> 00:15:31,800 It is also, to me, ironic that the arguments about this are 302 00:15:31,800 --> 00:15:36,800 coming from people who know that we assiduously follow all the 303 00:15:36,800 --> 00:15:41,867 rules in terms of the delineations between campaign 304 00:15:41,867 --> 00:15:47,834 travel and official travel, just as our predecessor did. 305 00:15:47,834 --> 00:15:50,065 And I would note that the Speaker of the House, 306 00:15:50,066 --> 00:15:55,667 one such critic, praised a trip by President Bush to Ohio in 307 00:15:55,667 --> 00:16:01,900 2004, to talk about education, as absolutely the right 308 00:16:01,900 --> 00:16:02,567 thing to do. 309 00:16:02,567 --> 00:16:07,000 So I understand that there's an effort to politicize this, 310 00:16:07,000 --> 00:16:13,834 an effort to hide the fact that they have a policy problem on 311 00:16:13,834 --> 00:16:15,967 their hands. 312 00:16:15,967 --> 00:16:18,133 But our interest, the President's interest, 313 00:16:18,133 --> 00:16:20,934 is ensuring that this matter be taken care of on behalf of 314 00:16:20,934 --> 00:16:24,033 American college students. 315 00:16:24,033 --> 00:16:25,467 Yes, sir, in the red tie. 316 00:16:25,467 --> 00:16:30,133 The Press: So just to clarify this, when Speaker Boehner says that the 317 00:16:30,133 --> 00:16:33,133 President is campaigning on this issue and when he says that the 318 00:16:33,133 --> 00:16:35,233 President should pay back the Treasury on this issue, 319 00:16:35,233 --> 00:16:37,666 what's the response from the President's team or from the 320 00:16:37,667 --> 00:16:38,533 White House? 321 00:16:38,533 --> 00:16:40,200 Mr. Carney: Well, my response is what I just gave. 322 00:16:40,200 --> 00:16:43,834 We follow these rules by the book. 323 00:16:43,834 --> 00:16:47,032 We -- just the same rules that -- although there have been some 324 00:16:47,033 --> 00:16:49,333 changes that have been written about that you could argue 325 00:16:49,333 --> 00:16:54,733 aren't even advantageous to us, but the -- we follow the rules. 326 00:16:54,734 --> 00:16:57,166 And it was the same rules that were in place when President 327 00:16:57,166 --> 00:16:59,834 George W. Bush was in office and running for reelection in 2004, 328 00:16:59,834 --> 00:17:01,566 the same rules that were in place when President Clinton was 329 00:17:01,567 --> 00:17:05,000 running for reelection in 1996. 330 00:17:05,000 --> 00:17:09,733 It is a simple fact -- as Republicans have acknowledged 331 00:17:09,733 --> 00:17:12,399 when there's been a Republican President in office -- that when 332 00:17:12,400 --> 00:17:14,734 you are President, you are President 24 hours a day, 333 00:17:14,733 --> 00:17:15,800 seven days a week. 334 00:17:15,800 --> 00:17:19,867 You do not leave the office behind. 335 00:17:19,867 --> 00:17:24,399 And when you take -- when you make campaign travel, 336 00:17:24,400 --> 00:17:26,633 which this President has and will, 337 00:17:26,633 --> 00:17:29,066 you have to obviously travel on Air Force One, 338 00:17:29,066 --> 00:17:33,133 and you have security and communications requirements 339 00:17:33,133 --> 00:17:35,200 that come with the office, and staffing requirements that come 340 00:17:35,200 --> 00:17:36,567 with the office. 341 00:17:36,567 --> 00:17:39,166 You can't -- that's an essential, elemental part of it. 342 00:17:39,166 --> 00:17:46,800 But all the rules that we follow are the ones that our 343 00:17:46,800 --> 00:17:48,600 predecessors followed. 344 00:17:48,600 --> 00:17:52,899 And going back to this trip, I think as this discussion shows 345 00:17:52,900 --> 00:17:57,834 very clearly, the President was arguing on behalf of a policy 346 00:17:57,834 --> 00:18:00,333 that he believes is essential. 347 00:18:00,333 --> 00:18:02,734 He was calling on Congress, and will continue to call on 348 00:18:02,734 --> 00:18:08,000 Congress to act, to fix a problem that if not fixed will 349 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:12,200 negatively affect millions of students across the country. 350 00:18:12,200 --> 00:18:14,900 And he'll continue to do that as part of his job. 351 00:18:14,900 --> 00:18:18,300 It's an important part of his job. 352 00:18:18,300 --> 00:18:19,100 Jake. 353 00:18:19,100 --> 00:18:22,100 The Press: Following up on Ben's question about the alleged 354 00:18:22,100 --> 00:18:25,433 incident with Secret Service agents in El Salvador, 355 00:18:25,433 --> 00:18:28,400 was the President aware that there were allegations like 356 00:18:28,400 --> 00:18:32,800 this before the news report this morning? 357 00:18:32,800 --> 00:18:34,800 Mr. Carney: I don't think so. I doubt it. 358 00:18:34,800 --> 00:18:38,667 I don't know that any of us were aware of it until we read 359 00:18:38,667 --> 00:18:39,766 newspaper reports. 360 00:18:39,767 --> 00:18:44,133 The Press: I guess my question is, if we're learning about this 361 00:18:44,133 --> 00:18:48,600 from the media, this alleged incident, is it not possible 362 00:18:48,600 --> 00:18:51,300 that the Secret Service is not actually doing a thorough 363 00:18:51,300 --> 00:18:55,000 investigation of previous incidents as well? 364 00:18:55,000 --> 00:18:57,033 Mr. Carney: I would refer you to the Secret Service for 365 00:18:57,033 --> 00:18:59,399 questions about their investigation. 366 00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:04,033 We have said that when that investigation is complete, 367 00:19:04,033 --> 00:19:10,567 they may have things to say about questions regarding 368 00:19:10,567 --> 00:19:13,767 overall culture or issues with the Service, if there are any, 369 00:19:13,767 --> 00:19:17,767 that extend beyond this particular incident in Colombia. 370 00:19:17,767 --> 00:19:19,433 But certainly for the time being, 371 00:19:19,433 --> 00:19:23,900 we're not going to comment on unconfirmed reports that appear 372 00:19:23,900 --> 00:19:27,300 in the newspaper about potential other incidents. 373 00:19:27,300 --> 00:19:30,600 I think the Secret Service is handling this and that's where 374 00:19:30,600 --> 00:19:31,600 you should direct your questions. 375 00:19:31,600 --> 00:19:32,600 The Press: But are they? 376 00:19:32,600 --> 00:19:34,265 Are they looking into other possible reports? 377 00:19:34,266 --> 00:19:37,200 Mr. Carney: Well, I think you should ask them what direct questions -- 378 00:19:37,200 --> 00:19:38,066 The Press: But we have. 379 00:19:38,066 --> 00:19:40,900 And the first statement the Secret Service gave this morning 380 00:19:40,900 --> 00:19:44,066 was something along the lines of unconfirmed reports, 381 00:19:44,066 --> 00:19:46,133 we'll look into anything credible. 382 00:19:46,133 --> 00:19:49,734 Well, I guess the question is, is it up to the media to 383 00:19:49,734 --> 00:19:52,000 investigate what the Secret Service might have done, 384 00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:53,867 or is the Secret Service taking the lead on that? 385 00:19:53,867 --> 00:19:55,633 Mr. Carney: Well, again, I would refer you to what the 386 00:19:55,633 --> 00:19:57,400 Secret Service said. 387 00:19:57,400 --> 00:19:59,600 I don't have anything more for you on it. 388 00:19:59,600 --> 00:20:01,132 The Press: All right, just one other issue. 389 00:20:01,133 --> 00:20:06,233 Could you comment at all on the Department of Labor rule 390 00:20:06,233 --> 00:20:10,600 requiring 90 hours of training for safety, 391 00:20:10,600 --> 00:20:13,265 for children that might be working on farms? 392 00:20:13,266 --> 00:20:16,533 This has offended some people in rural communities. 393 00:20:16,533 --> 00:20:21,100 And I'm wondering, why did the administration feel like this 394 00:20:21,100 --> 00:20:22,265 rule was necessary? 395 00:20:22,266 --> 00:20:25,033 What's the reasoning behind it? 396 00:20:25,033 --> 00:20:29,100 And how much were rural communities consulted before 397 00:20:29,100 --> 00:20:30,466 it was issued? 398 00:20:30,467 --> 00:20:31,667 Mr. Carney: Jake, I'm not familiar with it. 399 00:20:31,667 --> 00:20:32,867 I'll have to take the question. 400 00:20:32,867 --> 00:20:33,500 Thanks. 401 00:20:33,500 --> 00:20:34,033 The Press: Okay. 402 00:20:34,033 --> 00:20:34,867 Mr. Carney: Norah. 403 00:20:34,867 --> 00:20:36,367 The Press: How is the President going to be assured 404 00:20:36,367 --> 00:20:40,433 that this is not a pattern of behavior by the Secret Service? 405 00:20:40,433 --> 00:20:43,467 Mr. Carney: Norah, I will answer your question as I have others, 406 00:20:43,467 --> 00:20:47,867 which is the Secret Service is still engaged in an investigation. 407 00:20:47,867 --> 00:20:55,734 The issues that may or may not emanate beyond the specifics of 408 00:20:55,734 --> 00:20:58,033 this case I think are ones that you should, 409 00:20:58,033 --> 00:20:59,567 if you have questions about it, should address 410 00:20:59,567 --> 00:21:01,633 to the Secret Service. 411 00:21:02,700 --> 00:21:04,233 While this is an ongoing investigation, 412 00:21:04,233 --> 00:21:05,399 we're not going to comment more broadly. 413 00:21:05,400 --> 00:21:08,467 And we're certainly not going to comment upon rumors or 414 00:21:08,467 --> 00:21:11,433 speculation that appears in the media about either this incident 415 00:21:11,433 --> 00:21:14,400 or other potential incidents. 416 00:21:14,400 --> 00:21:15,367 The Press: Would the President like to make sure that 417 00:21:15,367 --> 00:21:16,734 it's not a pattern of behavior? 418 00:21:16,734 --> 00:21:23,734 Mr. Carney: The President made clear that he believes that those of us 419 00:21:23,734 --> 00:21:27,100 who work for the U.S. government, 420 00:21:27,100 --> 00:21:30,667 whether at the White House or in an agency 421 00:21:30,667 --> 00:21:34,833 of the administration, or for Congress or in the military, 422 00:21:34,834 --> 00:21:37,800 when we travel abroad on official trips we are 423 00:21:37,800 --> 00:21:44,166 representing the people of this country and we should do so by 424 00:21:44,166 --> 00:21:48,000 conducting ourselves in an appropriate manner. 425 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:50,233 The Press: When the Democratic leader, Harry Reid, 426 00:21:50,233 --> 00:21:52,667 was asked about it today, whether this was a pattern of 427 00:21:52,667 --> 00:21:54,132 behavior and what should be done, 428 00:21:54,133 --> 00:21:56,367 his response was hire more women. 429 00:21:56,367 --> 00:21:58,667 Does the President believe that's the answer? 430 00:21:58,667 --> 00:22:02,567 Mr. Carney: Again, I think this goes to a broader question about 431 00:22:02,567 --> 00:22:06,734 the nature of the agency, culture of the agency. 432 00:22:06,734 --> 00:22:10,367 I think for now, anyway, those questions are best addressed to 433 00:22:10,367 --> 00:22:12,100 the agency itself. 434 00:22:12,100 --> 00:22:16,000 The Press: And then, finally, Secretary Napolitano on the Hill yesterday 435 00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:17,967 said that over the past two and half years, 436 00:22:17,967 --> 00:22:20,600 the Secret Service Office of Professional Responsibility has 437 00:22:20,600 --> 00:22:23,766 not received any such complaint of wrongdoing. 438 00:22:23,767 --> 00:22:26,967 Is that sufficient, having not received a complaint that 439 00:22:26,967 --> 00:22:28,900 there's no wrongdoing at all? 440 00:22:28,900 --> 00:22:32,000 Mr. Carney: I would just refer you to Secretary Napolitano, 441 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:36,133 obviously whose department oversees this agency. 442 00:22:36,133 --> 00:22:37,033 Roger. 443 00:22:37,033 --> 00:22:40,500 The Press: Can you give us a bit of a preview tomorrow, 444 00:22:40,500 --> 00:22:41,834 travel to Fort Stewart, Georgia? 445 00:22:41,834 --> 00:22:43,633 What's the message? 446 00:22:43,633 --> 00:22:45,467 Mr. Carney: First of all, where are we going? 447 00:22:45,467 --> 00:22:46,734 The Press: Fort Stewart, Georgia. 448 00:22:46,734 --> 00:22:48,867 Mr. Carney: Georgia? 449 00:22:48,867 --> 00:22:51,000 How come you guys aren't asking, why are we going to Georgia? 450 00:22:51,000 --> 00:22:52,166 The Press: How many times -- 451 00:22:52,166 --> 00:22:54,100 Mr. Carney: It's a battleground, that's why. 452 00:22:54,100 --> 00:22:55,065 It's in play. 453 00:22:55,066 --> 00:22:55,900 The Press: Trying to go to blue states? 454 00:22:55,900 --> 00:22:58,000 (laughter) 455 00:22:58,000 --> 00:23:00,233 Mr. Carney: I think I mentioned yesterday on Air Force One, 456 00:23:00,233 --> 00:23:01,600 in response to a question about this, 457 00:23:01,600 --> 00:23:05,966 that the subject matter of the trip, which is an official trip, 458 00:23:05,967 --> 00:23:11,567 is the President and First Lady's commitment to our 459 00:23:11,567 --> 00:23:13,133 veterans and military families. 460 00:23:13,133 --> 00:23:15,867 It will be related to that. 461 00:23:15,867 --> 00:23:17,834 I think we'll have more specifics for you on the 462 00:23:17,834 --> 00:23:21,967 trip later today in a call that you can join. 463 00:23:21,967 --> 00:23:24,166 The Press: Do you know if he'll be talking about the status 464 00:23:24,166 --> 00:23:29,033 agreement talks between the U.S. and Afghanistan? 465 00:23:29,033 --> 00:23:30,833 Mr. Carney: Well, I think I just gave you a little bit 466 00:23:30,834 --> 00:23:33,667 of preview of the subject matter, which seems a little different 467 00:23:33,667 --> 00:23:35,367 from what you just asked. 468 00:23:35,367 --> 00:23:37,800 But for more details, I urge you to call in. 469 00:23:37,800 --> 00:23:39,834 I will give you information for that call a little later. 470 00:23:39,834 --> 00:23:40,734 The Press: Can I just follow up on that for a second? 471 00:23:40,734 --> 00:23:41,199 Mr. Carney: Sure. 472 00:23:41,200 --> 00:23:44,667 The Press: You mentioned the briefing he got today about OBL anniversary. 473 00:23:44,667 --> 00:23:47,199 Biden mentioned it today at NYU. 474 00:23:47,200 --> 00:23:50,734 Is he going to do anything on Tuesday -- 475 00:23:50,734 --> 00:23:53,833 Mr. Carney: I don't have any advanced scheduling announcements for 476 00:23:53,834 --> 00:23:55,200 you, for next week. 477 00:23:55,200 --> 00:23:57,667 I'm sure we'll have more information about next week 478 00:23:57,667 --> 00:23:58,533 for you tomorrow. 479 00:23:58,533 --> 00:23:59,833 The Press: But it sounds like he's not going to be talking 480 00:23:59,834 --> 00:24:01,667 about it tomorrow. 481 00:24:01,667 --> 00:24:03,100 Mr. Carney: Again, we'll have more information 482 00:24:03,100 --> 00:24:04,199 about tomorrow's trip. 483 00:24:04,200 --> 00:24:07,967 I did, perhaps a little prematurely, 484 00:24:07,967 --> 00:24:10,133 show a little ankle on the subject matter yesterday. 485 00:24:10,133 --> 00:24:11,967 So I'm confirming what I said yesterday that it will be 486 00:24:11,967 --> 00:24:16,200 related to veterans and military family issues. 487 00:24:16,200 --> 00:24:18,934 But beyond that, we'll have more information for you later. 488 00:24:18,934 --> 00:24:22,533 The Press: Jay, on that same thing, is there any discomfort at the 489 00:24:22,533 --> 00:24:28,065 White House about politicizing the decisions and everything 490 00:24:28,066 --> 00:24:32,467 else that surrounded the takedown of bin Laden? 491 00:24:32,467 --> 00:24:36,633 Mr. Carney: I think -- I'm not sure what your question -- I 492 00:24:36,633 --> 00:24:37,600 think you need to ask a more specific question. 493 00:24:37,600 --> 00:24:38,632 The Press: Well, in Biden's -- it was a highlight of the 494 00:24:38,633 --> 00:24:40,166 Biden speech today. 495 00:24:40,166 --> 00:24:44,533 And I'm just wondering, to what extent is this going to become a 496 00:24:44,533 --> 00:24:46,833 political issue? 497 00:24:46,834 --> 00:24:48,600 The Press: He said it was the bumper sticker for your campaign. 498 00:24:48,600 --> 00:24:53,433 Mr. Carney: Well, I think that foreign policy will 499 00:24:53,433 --> 00:24:55,567 obviously be discussed in the campaign. 500 00:24:55,567 --> 00:24:59,433 I would refer you to the campaign for more on the Vice 501 00:24:59,433 --> 00:25:01,767 President's speech, which was a campaign speech. 502 00:25:01,767 --> 00:25:05,800 But I think that we have, and the President has, 503 00:25:05,800 --> 00:25:11,734 discussed the mission that resulted in bin Laden's death 504 00:25:11,734 --> 00:25:16,632 and the extraordinary work of our military and intelligence 505 00:25:16,633 --> 00:25:18,967 services in bringing it about. 506 00:25:18,967 --> 00:25:29,500 And the -- in terms that I think are very sober and reflect the 507 00:25:29,500 --> 00:25:33,300 reality of the fact that al Qaeda was and is our number-one 508 00:25:33,300 --> 00:25:35,834 enemy; that al Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, 509 00:25:35,834 --> 00:25:40,967 launched attacks against this country that took 510 00:25:40,967 --> 00:25:42,266 thousands of lives. 511 00:25:42,266 --> 00:25:47,667 And that fight continues to this day. 512 00:25:47,667 --> 00:25:52,766 So it's a part of his foreign policy record, obviously. 513 00:25:52,767 --> 00:25:58,000 But it's also part of a very serious endeavor to keep our 514 00:25:58,000 --> 00:25:58,934 country safe. 515 00:25:58,934 --> 00:26:01,066 The Press: So how do you strike a balance between all of 516 00:26:01,066 --> 00:26:03,967 what you just said and taking it out on -- 517 00:26:03,967 --> 00:26:08,133 Mr. Carney: I think the way that we've handled it is -- 518 00:26:08,133 --> 00:26:10,700 represents exactly the balance you need to strike. 519 00:26:10,700 --> 00:26:12,233 The Press: Can I just follow on him? 520 00:26:12,233 --> 00:26:13,800 Mr. Carney: I'll go to Ed. 521 00:26:13,800 --> 00:26:17,300 The Press: Jay, an EPA official has apologized now for 522 00:26:17,300 --> 00:26:20,800 what he says was a poor choice of words when he said in 2010 523 00:26:20,800 --> 00:26:24,332 his philosophy on oil and gas enforcement was to be like the 524 00:26:24,333 --> 00:26:27,600 Romans and find the first five guys and crucify them. 525 00:26:27,600 --> 00:26:30,065 Now, the person has apologized, as I said. 526 00:26:30,066 --> 00:26:32,400 Does the administration have any concerns that this tape 527 00:26:32,400 --> 00:26:33,734 was doctored in any way? 528 00:26:33,734 --> 00:26:35,867 Have you done any investigation to see whether it's accurate? 529 00:26:35,867 --> 00:26:37,966 There have been other cases where tapes like this have 530 00:26:37,967 --> 00:26:39,834 been selectively edited. 531 00:26:39,834 --> 00:26:40,867 I just want to be clear up front, 532 00:26:40,867 --> 00:26:44,000 do you challenge the accuracy of this at all? 533 00:26:44,000 --> 00:26:49,033 Mr. Carney: I have not heard suggested that there is an issue with that. 534 00:26:49,033 --> 00:26:52,934 I think that you noted correctly that the individual here 535 00:26:52,934 --> 00:26:56,466 apologized and made clear that those comments are an inaccurate 536 00:26:56,467 --> 00:26:58,667 way to characterize the work EPA does. 537 00:26:58,667 --> 00:27:02,199 And in fact, he's right -- they are entirely inaccurate as a 538 00:27:02,200 --> 00:27:04,066 characterization of the work that EPA does. 539 00:27:04,066 --> 00:27:07,800 I would notice that just -- note that just recently there was a 540 00:27:07,800 --> 00:27:10,567 rule put out by EPA, affecting natural gas, 541 00:27:10,567 --> 00:27:14,500 that was supported by both industry and environmentalists, 542 00:27:14,500 --> 00:27:18,633 demonstrating the kind of approach that we take on 543 00:27:18,633 --> 00:27:19,633 matters like this. 544 00:27:19,633 --> 00:27:21,500 And I would note that since the President took office, 545 00:27:21,500 --> 00:27:24,433 oil and gas production has increased each year. 546 00:27:24,433 --> 00:27:26,100 Oil is currently at an eight-year high, 547 00:27:26,100 --> 00:27:28,734 and domestic natural gas production is higher than 548 00:27:28,734 --> 00:27:30,966 at any time in history. 549 00:27:30,967 --> 00:27:32,800 On federal lands and waters alone, 550 00:27:32,800 --> 00:27:36,133 oil production is up 13 percent since the President took office. 551 00:27:36,133 --> 00:27:39,467 And in 2010, for the first time in 13 years, 552 00:27:39,467 --> 00:27:42,734 imported oil accounted for less than 50 percent of the 553 00:27:42,734 --> 00:27:44,667 oil consumed in America. 554 00:27:44,667 --> 00:27:47,000 So our -- the President's approach, 555 00:27:47,000 --> 00:27:53,667 his all-of-the-above approach to our energy needs, I think, 556 00:27:53,667 --> 00:27:58,065 documents and proves that those comments do not reflect his 557 00:27:58,066 --> 00:28:00,867 policy or the approach that the EPA has taken. 558 00:28:00,867 --> 00:28:03,133 The Press: Republican Senator Inhofe, who has been a long-time critic of 559 00:28:03,133 --> 00:28:07,400 the EPA -- many, many years -- says, however, that there have 560 00:28:07,400 --> 00:28:10,500 been actions taken by the EPA in states like Pennsylvania, 561 00:28:10,500 --> 00:28:13,233 where they've accused natural gas companies 562 00:28:13,233 --> 00:28:15,367 of contaminating water. 563 00:28:15,367 --> 00:28:18,500 He and other Republicans think it's been trumped up. 564 00:28:18,500 --> 00:28:22,467 Does this not call into question some of those actions when you 565 00:28:22,467 --> 00:28:24,767 now have this tape of an official letting his hair down 566 00:28:24,767 --> 00:28:26,700 and saying, let's crucify them? 567 00:28:26,700 --> 00:28:31,800 Mr. Carney: Well, again, the official's comments not only are inaccurate 568 00:28:31,800 --> 00:28:37,500 as a representation of -- or characterization of the 569 00:28:37,500 --> 00:28:41,467 way that the EPA has operated under President Obama, 570 00:28:41,467 --> 00:28:47,467 they are provably inaccurate by our record on these issues. 571 00:28:47,467 --> 00:28:52,767 As I just mentioned, oil production is up 13 percent on 572 00:28:52,767 --> 00:28:55,033 federal water -- federal lands and waters. 573 00:28:55,033 --> 00:28:56,632 Oil is currently at an eight-year high of 574 00:28:56,633 --> 00:28:57,633 production here. 575 00:28:57,633 --> 00:28:59,233 And domestic natural gas production -- the issue that 576 00:28:59,233 --> 00:29:02,466 you're talking about -- is at an all-time high. 577 00:29:02,467 --> 00:29:09,100 So clearly, there is not an effort of the nature that you 578 00:29:09,100 --> 00:29:10,100 talk about. 579 00:29:10,100 --> 00:29:13,433 Quite the contrary, there is a commitment to ensure 580 00:29:13,433 --> 00:29:18,066 that natural gas is an essential part of our energy future, 581 00:29:18,066 --> 00:29:20,633 and the President believes very strongly that we can exploit 582 00:29:20,633 --> 00:29:22,633 that resource in a safe and responsible way. 583 00:29:22,633 --> 00:29:24,266 The Press: So last thing -- if that is your policy, 584 00:29:24,266 --> 00:29:26,233 and if the President's approach -- going back to the '08 585 00:29:26,233 --> 00:29:29,533 campaign -- was about hope and change and setting a new tone -- 586 00:29:29,533 --> 00:29:32,699 of setting a new tone -- somebody saying we should 587 00:29:32,700 --> 00:29:35,100 crucify the industry, why is that person still working at 588 00:29:35,100 --> 00:29:36,632 the EPA as a political appointee of the President? 589 00:29:36,633 --> 00:29:37,667 Are you going to fire him? 590 00:29:37,667 --> 00:29:39,699 Mr. Carney: Well, I think he's apologized and he's -- what he said is 591 00:29:39,700 --> 00:29:44,900 clearly not representative of either this President's 592 00:29:44,900 --> 00:29:47,633 belief in the way that we should approach these 593 00:29:47,633 --> 00:29:50,367 matters or in the way that he has approached these matters, 594 00:29:50,367 --> 00:29:54,700 either from this office here in the White House or at the EPA. 595 00:29:54,700 --> 00:29:56,133 Yes, Kristen. 596 00:29:56,133 --> 00:29:57,467 The Press: Jay, what was the President's reaction 597 00:29:57,467 --> 00:30:02,066 when he heard about the allegations out of El Salvador? 598 00:30:02,066 --> 00:30:03,867 Mr. Carney: I have not spoken to him about them. 599 00:30:03,867 --> 00:30:07,667 Again, you're talking about a rumor in a newspaper that, 600 00:30:07,667 --> 00:30:08,833 as far as I know, is not confirmed, 601 00:30:08,834 --> 00:30:11,166 and I would just refer you to the Secret Service. 602 00:30:11,166 --> 00:30:11,966 The Press: It wasn't a rumor. 603 00:30:11,967 --> 00:30:12,767 Mr. Carney: Well -- 604 00:30:12,767 --> 00:30:14,367 The Press: I mean, it was an investigation by -- 605 00:30:14,367 --> 00:30:15,133 there was a source and then -- 606 00:30:15,133 --> 00:30:15,967 The Press: And the Secret Service has said that -- 607 00:30:15,967 --> 00:30:17,100 Mr. Carney: And reporters never -- like investigations, 608 00:30:17,100 --> 00:30:18,100 they never get it wrong. 609 00:30:18,100 --> 00:30:19,466 (laughter) 610 00:30:19,467 --> 00:30:20,667 The Press: At least somebody is investigating it. 611 00:30:20,667 --> 00:30:21,300 Mr. Carney: No, fair enough. 612 00:30:21,300 --> 00:30:22,466 But I haven't talked to him about it. 613 00:30:22,467 --> 00:30:25,133 I don't have a reaction for you. 614 00:30:25,133 --> 00:30:28,266 The Press: And going back to Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano's 615 00:30:28,266 --> 00:30:31,834 comments yesterday, she also said that not everybody else 616 00:30:31,834 --> 00:30:33,734 was doing it, and that, second, 617 00:30:33,734 --> 00:30:35,734 this behavior is not a part of the Secret Service way 618 00:30:35,734 --> 00:30:36,699 of doing business. 619 00:30:36,700 --> 00:30:38,633 To be fair, she also said the investigation is continuing. 620 00:30:38,633 --> 00:30:41,233 But is there any concern that some of those comments may have 621 00:30:41,233 --> 00:30:44,233 been premature? 622 00:30:44,233 --> 00:30:46,000 Mr. Carney: Well, look, I think the President has said, 623 00:30:46,000 --> 00:30:48,266 and said as recently as two nights ago, 624 00:30:48,266 --> 00:30:54,166 that he believes very strongly that the vast majority of the 625 00:30:54,166 --> 00:30:56,200 men and women who work for the Secret Service conduct 626 00:30:56,200 --> 00:30:59,633 themselves in an entirely professional manner, 627 00:30:59,633 --> 00:31:03,367 and they conduct themselves that way as they carry out a 628 00:31:03,367 --> 00:31:08,767 responsibility that is dangerous and difficult and essential to 629 00:31:08,767 --> 00:31:10,767 our democracy. 630 00:31:12,600 --> 00:31:19,533 This does not excuse any occasion where those standards 631 00:31:19,533 --> 00:31:21,899 have not been met. 632 00:31:21,900 --> 00:31:27,033 But the President believes, and I think Secretary Napolitano 633 00:31:27,033 --> 00:31:33,466 reflected this in her remarks, that the vast majority of those 634 00:31:33,467 --> 00:31:37,433 men and women who work for the Secret Service are absolute 635 00:31:37,433 --> 00:31:41,200 professionals committed to their mission, 636 00:31:41,200 --> 00:31:45,200 and that their work is very important. 637 00:31:45,200 --> 00:31:48,433 The Press: Shifting topics, Jay -- Senator Marco Rubio has 638 00:31:48,433 --> 00:31:51,600 proposed his own DREAM Act of sorts, which the administration, 639 00:31:51,600 --> 00:31:54,065 I believe, feels doesn't go far enough to create a path to 640 00:31:54,066 --> 00:31:56,133 citizenship for some children of immigrants. 641 00:31:56,133 --> 00:31:58,266 Has the President reviewed this plan -- 642 00:31:58,266 --> 00:31:59,567 Mr. Carney: I think that's actually not a quite accurate 643 00:31:59,567 --> 00:32:02,834 representation of his loose proposal, 644 00:32:02,834 --> 00:32:04,767 which is not in legislative form. 645 00:32:04,767 --> 00:32:07,367 But in terms of the path to citizenship -- 646 00:32:07,367 --> 00:32:08,767 The Press: Has the President reviewed this plan? 647 00:32:08,767 --> 00:32:09,467 Mr. Carney: Has the President -- 648 00:32:09,467 --> 00:32:10,266 The Press: -- reviewed this plan? 649 00:32:10,266 --> 00:32:11,100 Mr. Carney: Have you? 650 00:32:11,100 --> 00:32:13,500 I don't think it's ever been presented, to my knowledge. 651 00:32:13,500 --> 00:32:14,300 But the -- 652 00:32:14,300 --> 00:32:15,066 The Press: Has the President -- 653 00:32:15,066 --> 00:32:17,967 Mr. Carney: Let's just -- well, let's go back to what we're talking 654 00:32:17,967 --> 00:32:19,900 about here. 655 00:32:19,900 --> 00:32:22,233 The President has repeatedly made clear that he is a strong 656 00:32:22,233 --> 00:32:24,734 proponent of comprehensive immigration reform in order to 657 00:32:24,734 --> 00:32:28,332 restore accountability and responsibility to a badly broken 658 00:32:28,333 --> 00:32:31,700 immigration system, which is something that's vitally 659 00:32:31,700 --> 00:32:39,967 important to building an economy that has the foundation for -- 660 00:32:39,967 --> 00:32:43,667 necessary so that America can compete and win in 661 00:32:43,667 --> 00:32:45,065 the 21st century. 662 00:32:45,066 --> 00:32:48,433 And that position includes his very strong support for the 663 00:32:48,433 --> 00:32:49,433 DREAM Act. 664 00:32:49,433 --> 00:32:52,333 And it's important to remember that the only reason the DREAM 665 00:32:52,333 --> 00:32:56,266 Act is not law right now, the only reason that immigration -- 666 00:32:56,266 --> 00:33:00,100 comprehensive immigration reform is not law right now is because 667 00:33:00,100 --> 00:33:03,766 Republicans have consistently demagogued the issue and blocked 668 00:33:03,767 --> 00:33:07,400 action in Congress. 669 00:33:07,400 --> 00:33:11,300 Now, if Republicans are ready to recognize that we can work 670 00:33:11,300 --> 00:33:13,934 together on this issue, and if they want to start with 671 00:33:13,934 --> 00:33:16,133 the DREAM Act and give young people who have been raised as 672 00:33:16,133 --> 00:33:18,400 Americans a path to citizenship so they can serve in our 673 00:33:18,400 --> 00:33:22,200 military, put their talent to work in our schools, 674 00:33:22,200 --> 00:33:24,400 work in our labs and start businesses, 675 00:33:24,400 --> 00:33:25,400 then we should do that. 676 00:33:25,400 --> 00:33:28,066 And let's give them a rigorous and thorough process to get 677 00:33:28,066 --> 00:33:29,967 right with the law, but one that provides 678 00:33:29,967 --> 00:33:31,367 a pathway to citizenship. 679 00:33:31,367 --> 00:33:34,834 And I think this is an issue here. 680 00:33:34,834 --> 00:33:35,834 That's what makes sense. 681 00:33:35,834 --> 00:33:39,567 And the President is ready to sign into law 682 00:33:39,567 --> 00:33:41,500 such a bill tomorrow. 683 00:33:41,500 --> 00:33:43,233 We need to do this in a bipartisan way -- that's 684 00:33:43,233 --> 00:33:44,233 been proven. 685 00:33:44,233 --> 00:33:45,233 I mean, we had a situation where, 686 00:33:45,233 --> 00:33:46,734 with comprehensive immigration reform, 687 00:33:46,734 --> 00:33:48,466 one of the major proponents of it abandoned his support for it 688 00:33:48,467 --> 00:33:53,567 on the Republican side. 689 00:33:53,567 --> 00:33:58,166 So the President is willing to work with any member of Congress 690 00:33:58,166 --> 00:34:00,200 who is willing to work constructively on this issue, 691 00:34:00,200 --> 00:34:01,800 and he's going to continue to fight for this much 692 00:34:01,800 --> 00:34:03,433 needed reform. 693 00:34:03,433 --> 00:34:04,233 Peter. 694 00:34:04,233 --> 00:34:09,199 The Press: Jay, General Gantz of Israel was quoted on an 695 00:34:09,199 --> 00:34:11,833 interview yesterday saying that he does not think Iran was going 696 00:34:11,833 --> 00:34:14,000 to build a nuclear bomb. 697 00:34:14,000 --> 00:34:14,766 What does that -- 698 00:34:14,766 --> 00:34:15,799 Mr. Carney: Saying what, I'm sorry? 699 00:34:15,800 --> 00:34:17,400 The Press: Does not believe Iran is going to build a nuclear 700 00:34:17,400 --> 00:34:23,667 bomb, seemingly taking a position less strident, perhaps, 701 00:34:23,667 --> 00:34:26,165 than Prime Minister Netanyahu's assessment of the situation. 702 00:34:26,166 --> 00:34:28,300 How does the White House look at this? 703 00:34:28,300 --> 00:34:31,066 Does that change or affect in any way how 704 00:34:31,065 --> 00:34:34,100 you all view that issue? 705 00:34:34,100 --> 00:34:35,266 Mr. Carney: Well, no, it doesn't. 706 00:34:35,266 --> 00:34:40,967 We are firmly committed, Peter, to preventing Iran 707 00:34:40,967 --> 00:34:42,700 from acquiring a nuclear weapon. 708 00:34:42,699 --> 00:34:44,833 That is the focal point of our policy. 709 00:34:44,833 --> 00:34:48,734 When the President came into office, 710 00:34:48,734 --> 00:34:53,967 the world was divided about this issue and about the appropriate 711 00:34:53,967 --> 00:34:55,767 approach to it. 712 00:34:55,766 --> 00:34:57,633 Because of the policy approach the President has taken, 713 00:34:57,633 --> 00:35:02,834 the world is now united at making -- in making clear that 714 00:35:02,834 --> 00:35:05,299 it is Iranian behavior that is the issue; 715 00:35:05,300 --> 00:35:09,033 it is Iran's failure to demonstrate to the international 716 00:35:09,033 --> 00:35:13,100 community that it does not seek a nuclear weapon that 717 00:35:13,100 --> 00:35:14,400 is the issue. 718 00:35:14,400 --> 00:35:18,934 And what the P5-plus-1 talks represent, essentially, 719 00:35:18,934 --> 00:35:27,533 is an avenue for Iran to change that equation by demonstrating 720 00:35:27,533 --> 00:35:31,200 that, in a verifiable way, that they will forsake their nuclear 721 00:35:31,200 --> 00:35:32,966 weapons ambitions. 722 00:35:32,967 --> 00:35:37,467 And if they do that, there is a path open to Iran to rejoining 723 00:35:37,467 --> 00:35:39,367 the international community of nations, 724 00:35:39,367 --> 00:35:43,533 ending their severe isolation and ending the punishing 725 00:35:43,533 --> 00:35:45,967 sanctions that have been imposed upon them because 726 00:35:45,967 --> 00:35:47,533 of their bad behavior. 727 00:35:47,533 --> 00:35:48,967 The Press: But does the United States share General 728 00:35:48,967 --> 00:35:51,166 Gantz's view that, in fact, Iran is not likely to build 729 00:35:51,166 --> 00:35:52,433 a nuclear bomb? 730 00:35:52,433 --> 00:35:58,600 Mr. Carney: Look, I think we've discussed various assessments by this 731 00:35:58,600 --> 00:36:05,400 administration or this U.S. government on Iran's programs 732 00:36:05,400 --> 00:36:07,400 and intentions. 733 00:36:07,400 --> 00:36:13,100 We have said that they are some time away from having the 734 00:36:13,100 --> 00:36:17,033 capacity to build a weapon. 735 00:36:17,033 --> 00:36:21,433 But we are very clear-eyed about Iranian intentions, 736 00:36:21,433 --> 00:36:25,900 and that is why we insist on verifiable action as opposed 737 00:36:25,900 --> 00:36:27,433 to promises in rhetoric. 738 00:36:27,433 --> 00:36:30,133 The Press: Another topic, real quickly -- the Judicial Watch says 739 00:36:30,133 --> 00:36:32,700 it's received documents from you all, 740 00:36:32,700 --> 00:36:33,866 from the administration, the government, 741 00:36:33,867 --> 00:36:37,066 showing that Mrs. Obama's trip to Spain in 2010 cost 742 00:36:37,066 --> 00:36:40,299 the taxpayers $467,000. 743 00:36:40,300 --> 00:36:41,800 Do you all have any comment on that? 744 00:36:41,800 --> 00:36:42,667 Mr. Carney: I haven't seen that. 745 00:36:42,667 --> 00:36:45,133 I think we addressed this issue a long time ago, 746 00:36:45,133 --> 00:36:48,299 but I'll have to -- I don't think I have a comment on it, 747 00:36:48,300 --> 00:36:49,200 but thanks. 748 00:36:49,200 --> 00:36:51,100 Yes, Jared. 749 00:36:51,100 --> 00:36:52,967 The Press: I know you were asked about this two days ago on Air Force 750 00:36:52,967 --> 00:36:54,233 One -- you said you'd look into it. 751 00:36:54,233 --> 00:36:56,000 But when the President -- 752 00:36:56,000 --> 00:36:56,900 Mr. Carney: I hope I did. Sorry. 753 00:36:56,900 --> 00:36:58,000 (laughter) 754 00:36:58,000 --> 00:36:59,800 I sometimes forget. 755 00:36:59,800 --> 00:37:01,133 The Press: When the President -- or if the President was 756 00:37:01,133 --> 00:37:05,165 briefed on the Bo Xilai scandal that's been going on in China? 757 00:37:05,166 --> 00:37:06,667 Mr. Carney: Look, I think -- I want to make clear a couple 758 00:37:06,667 --> 00:37:07,633 of things about this. 759 00:37:07,633 --> 00:37:09,466 One is, this is obviously something that's in the press, 760 00:37:09,467 --> 00:37:12,400 and I'm sure that he is aware of it through that. 761 00:37:12,400 --> 00:37:15,367 He gets briefed regularly on both things that aren't in the 762 00:37:15,367 --> 00:37:17,700 press as well as things that are, 763 00:37:17,700 --> 00:37:24,466 that are matters of concern or just matters that are out there 764 00:37:24,467 --> 00:37:26,166 on the national security horizon. 765 00:37:26,166 --> 00:37:28,967 This is an issue within China. 766 00:37:28,967 --> 00:37:32,467 And I think the State Department is a good place to ask questions 767 00:37:32,467 --> 00:37:32,967 about this. 768 00:37:32,967 --> 00:37:36,767 This is not a White House matter, particularly. 769 00:37:36,767 --> 00:37:38,799 So when you asked me, when was he briefed on it, I mean, 770 00:37:38,800 --> 00:37:40,667 I think he -- I don't know that he was. 771 00:37:40,667 --> 00:37:44,967 I'm not in the habit of ticking off the subject items in every 772 00:37:44,967 --> 00:37:47,467 intelligence or presidential daily briefing he gets. 773 00:37:47,467 --> 00:37:51,467 But this is not an item that requires presidential 774 00:37:51,467 --> 00:37:53,033 action or attention. 775 00:37:53,033 --> 00:37:55,000 The Press: I mean, this is a leadership issue in China. 776 00:37:55,000 --> 00:37:56,300 They're a huge economic power. 777 00:37:56,300 --> 00:37:57,000 I mean -- 778 00:37:57,000 --> 00:37:59,934 Mr. Carney: But -- so if you're asking me if he's aware of it, 779 00:37:59,934 --> 00:38:00,734 I'm sure he is. 780 00:38:00,734 --> 00:38:01,767 But beyond that -- 781 00:38:01,767 --> 00:38:02,834 The Press: Has he been briefed on it? 782 00:38:02,834 --> 00:38:03,633 I guess that's -- 783 00:38:03,633 --> 00:38:05,265 Mr. Carney: I just -- I don't know. 784 00:38:05,266 --> 00:38:09,800 But again, this is not a policy matter for the United States or 785 00:38:09,800 --> 00:38:16,233 -- it is obviously a story that if you read the newspapers 786 00:38:16,233 --> 00:38:18,700 you're following, but beyond that I just don't have really 787 00:38:18,700 --> 00:38:19,899 a comment on it. 788 00:38:19,900 --> 00:38:24,567 The Press: And then yesterday, Chairman Bernanke said that the Fed would 789 00:38:24,567 --> 00:38:27,700 not be able to I guess offset the fiscal cliff that would 790 00:38:27,700 --> 00:38:30,567 happen at the end of the year if the Bush tax cuts weren't 791 00:38:30,567 --> 00:38:33,066 renewed and the payroll tax cut weren't renewed. 792 00:38:33,066 --> 00:38:35,700 And I wonder if that complicates the President's effort to try 793 00:38:35,700 --> 00:38:38,533 and make sure that those -- that the Bush tax cuts themselves 794 00:38:38,533 --> 00:38:41,100 aren't extended. 795 00:38:41,100 --> 00:38:43,633 Mr. Carney: I'm not sure that's exactly how I understood his comments. 796 00:38:43,633 --> 00:38:48,165 But what I think -- I think what his assessment and the 797 00:38:48,166 --> 00:38:49,700 assessments of others, including the President, 798 00:38:49,700 --> 00:38:54,133 make clear is that we need to take concerted, 799 00:38:54,133 --> 00:38:58,667 bipartisan action to address our deficit and debt challenges. 800 00:38:58,667 --> 00:39:01,366 And we need to do it in a balanced way. 801 00:39:01,367 --> 00:39:05,300 We need to do it in a way that bipartisan commissions that have 802 00:39:05,300 --> 00:39:08,433 addressed this problem have all said is essential. 803 00:39:08,433 --> 00:39:11,767 You have to look -- I mean, this is not -- there's been enough 804 00:39:11,767 --> 00:39:16,533 attention and enough study of this issue of late, 805 00:39:16,533 --> 00:39:19,000 that I think everyone understands that it's actually 806 00:39:19,000 --> 00:39:22,233 not that complicated in the broadest sense. 807 00:39:22,233 --> 00:39:27,200 You need to reduce nondefense discretionary spending pretty 808 00:39:27,200 --> 00:39:30,000 significantly, and we've done that. 809 00:39:30,000 --> 00:39:31,967 Lowest levels of nondefense discretionary spending since 810 00:39:31,967 --> 00:39:35,433 Dwight Eisenhower was President, before most people in this room 811 00:39:35,433 --> 00:39:37,934 were born, okay? 812 00:39:37,934 --> 00:39:42,600 Second, you need to deal with, in a responsible way, 813 00:39:42,600 --> 00:39:44,567 reductions in defense spending. 814 00:39:44,567 --> 00:39:47,000 The President has proposed that. 815 00:39:47,000 --> 00:39:51,600 You need to deal with reform of entitlement programs in a way 816 00:39:51,600 --> 00:39:55,232 that ensures that the essential benefits and guarantees 817 00:39:55,233 --> 00:39:58,834 represented by Medicare and Social Security remain available 818 00:39:58,834 --> 00:40:02,066 to future generations of Americans, 819 00:40:02,066 --> 00:40:06,066 but that reform those programs so that they retain their 820 00:40:06,066 --> 00:40:07,767 solvency going forward. 821 00:40:07,767 --> 00:40:09,899 The President has proposed that. 822 00:40:09,900 --> 00:40:13,100 And you need to -- as a matter of essential balance, 823 00:40:13,100 --> 00:40:16,967 so that you don't have to gut everything else -- you need to 824 00:40:16,967 --> 00:40:17,967 increase revenues. 825 00:40:17,967 --> 00:40:19,700 You need to look at tax expenditures. 826 00:40:19,700 --> 00:40:22,767 And the President has proposed exactly that. 827 00:40:22,767 --> 00:40:27,000 The one missing element in all of this has been -- in embracing 828 00:40:27,000 --> 00:40:29,467 that comprehensive, balanced approach -- has been 829 00:40:29,467 --> 00:40:32,333 Republicans, by and large, and elected Republicans. 830 00:40:32,333 --> 00:40:33,800 Republicans out in the country support it. 831 00:40:33,800 --> 00:40:38,467 Republicans who used to be elected but are retired now 832 00:40:38,467 --> 00:40:40,033 support it. 833 00:40:40,033 --> 00:40:42,933 Republican statesmen support it. 834 00:40:42,934 --> 00:40:45,633 But members of the House in particular, but also 835 00:40:45,633 --> 00:40:46,933 the Senate, don't. 836 00:40:46,934 --> 00:40:50,033 And I think that is severely at odds with American public 837 00:40:50,033 --> 00:40:55,100 opinion and it's severely at odds with common-sense policy. 838 00:40:55,100 --> 00:40:56,633 So that's our position. 839 00:41:00,266 --> 00:41:02,633 Wow. 840 00:41:02,633 --> 00:41:06,533 Voice of America, more foreign policy, please. 841 00:41:06,533 --> 00:41:09,033 The Press: Thank you, always enlightening. 842 00:41:09,033 --> 00:41:11,567 To go back to your statement about the assessment of 843 00:41:11,567 --> 00:41:14,367 continuing intent by al Qaeda affiliates -- I'm 844 00:41:14,367 --> 00:41:15,934 asking about Yemen. 845 00:41:15,934 --> 00:41:17,867 We've seen an escalating conflict there between 846 00:41:17,867 --> 00:41:19,734 government troops and al Qaeda forces. 847 00:41:19,734 --> 00:41:23,433 And we've seen a lot of deaths and wounded there. 848 00:41:23,433 --> 00:41:25,633 The FBI director was there the other day. 849 00:41:25,633 --> 00:41:27,799 What should Americans think about that situation 850 00:41:27,800 --> 00:41:28,633 at this point? 851 00:41:28,633 --> 00:41:31,966 Should they think it's improving, in terms of the -- 852 00:41:31,967 --> 00:41:33,867 Mr. Carney: Well, we remain very focused on supporting 853 00:41:33,867 --> 00:41:36,633 a peaceful transition, political transition in Yemen. 854 00:41:36,633 --> 00:41:40,100 And we'll continue to stand by the Yemeni people as they take 855 00:41:40,100 --> 00:41:42,066 steps to realize a more secure, prosperous, 856 00:41:42,066 --> 00:41:43,933 and democratic future. 857 00:41:43,934 --> 00:41:49,433 It is obviously a very important place, 858 00:41:49,433 --> 00:41:50,967 and we have made that clear with regards to 859 00:41:50,967 --> 00:41:51,967 our national security. 860 00:41:51,967 --> 00:41:54,800 Our approach to Yemen is comprehensive. 861 00:41:54,800 --> 00:41:58,633 And we will continue, as the transition progresses, 862 00:41:58,633 --> 00:42:00,533 to meet the needs of the Yemeni people by delivering 863 00:42:00,533 --> 00:42:03,100 humanitarian and economic aid, as well as providing security 864 00:42:03,100 --> 00:42:06,700 and counterterrorism support, to combat the common threat 865 00:42:06,700 --> 00:42:09,466 of violent extremism. 866 00:42:09,467 --> 00:42:13,600 As I said earlier, which I think you made reference to, 867 00:42:13,600 --> 00:42:19,299 al Qaeda, despite the successes that we have achieved in the 868 00:42:19,300 --> 00:42:22,900 fight against it, remains a threat to the United States. 869 00:42:22,900 --> 00:42:31,133 And AQAP is in particular a threat, as we see it. 870 00:42:31,667 --> 00:42:37,667 So that's why we have the relationship that we have with 871 00:42:37,667 --> 00:42:41,133 Yemen in terms of our joint efforts to fight the threat of 872 00:42:41,133 --> 00:42:43,734 violent extremism, and that's why we'll continue to do that. 873 00:42:43,734 --> 00:42:45,232 The Press: Are the drone strikes helping -- 874 00:42:45,233 --> 00:42:48,667 Mr. Carney: Well, you know I'm not going to comment on counterterrorism 875 00:42:48,667 --> 00:42:51,232 authorities or intelligence matters, 876 00:42:51,233 --> 00:42:53,667 but we do obviously cooperate. 877 00:42:53,667 --> 00:42:54,333 The Press: Foreign policy -- 878 00:42:54,333 --> 00:42:55,700 Mr. Carney: Yes, Jon-Christopher. 879 00:42:55,700 --> 00:42:58,433 The Press: According to satellite imagery being collected here in the U.S., 880 00:42:58,433 --> 00:43:01,767 there is unambiguous evidence that the Sudanese military are 881 00:43:01,767 --> 00:43:08,033 once again bombing unarmed South Sudan folks, civilians there. 882 00:43:08,033 --> 00:43:09,066 Do you have any comment on that? 883 00:43:09,066 --> 00:43:11,066 Mr. Carney: Well, I think I actually addressed this the other day, 884 00:43:11,066 --> 00:43:14,000 but -- and my answer is the same today as it was then, 885 00:43:14,000 --> 00:43:17,433 which is that we strongly condemn that violence, 886 00:43:17,433 --> 00:43:25,133 assaults on the South Sudanese, and we call on all sides to 887 00:43:25,133 --> 00:43:29,567 refrain from taking military action. 888 00:43:29,567 --> 00:43:36,934 We are working very closely with our international partners on 889 00:43:36,934 --> 00:43:40,200 this issue and monitoring it very closely. 890 00:43:40,200 --> 00:43:42,299 The Press: One more? 891 00:43:42,300 --> 00:43:45,133 Mr. Carney: Yes. Yes, with the camera, sure. 892 00:43:45,133 --> 00:43:46,200 The Press: Thank you. 893 00:43:46,200 --> 00:43:48,533 A few days ago, the U.S. President made a statement 894 00:43:48,533 --> 00:43:53,633 on the Armenian Remembrance Day in which he avoided directly 895 00:43:53,633 --> 00:43:55,767 characterizing what has happened to Armenians in 896 00:43:55,767 --> 00:43:59,000 1915 mass genocide -- although that was one of his promises 897 00:43:59,000 --> 00:44:01,834 during the election campaign that he would do so and he would 898 00:44:01,834 --> 00:44:05,533 describe what happened to Armenians -- mass genocide. 899 00:44:05,533 --> 00:44:08,133 So your comment on this -- why these discrepancies? 900 00:44:08,133 --> 00:44:09,366 Mr. Carney: Well, I would point you to the statement. 901 00:44:09,367 --> 00:44:11,066 The President's position on this is well known, 902 00:44:11,066 --> 00:44:14,866 and I think the statement was fairly comprehensive. 903 00:44:14,867 --> 00:44:16,066 The Press: Can I quickly follow up? 904 00:44:16,066 --> 00:44:16,834 Mr. Carney: Yes. 905 00:44:16,834 --> 00:44:20,767 The Press: There was a U.S. President who actually did describe the event 906 00:44:20,767 --> 00:44:22,332 of 1915 mass genocide. 907 00:44:22,333 --> 00:44:25,734 That was Ronald Reagan who did that back in 1981, in April. 908 00:44:25,734 --> 00:44:26,866 He was already in this building. 909 00:44:26,867 --> 00:44:32,166 So I wonder if the records -- the institutional memory of this 910 00:44:32,166 --> 00:44:34,934 building has kept this file that -- 911 00:44:34,934 --> 00:44:37,400 Mr. Carney: Again, I would just point you to the President's statement 912 00:44:37,400 --> 00:44:40,734 and the fact that his position on this issue is well known. 913 00:44:40,734 --> 00:44:41,467 All the way in the back. 914 00:44:42,166 --> 00:44:43,033 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 915 00:44:43,033 --> 00:44:45,533 The Press: Secretary of State today announced that she'll be 916 00:44:45,533 --> 00:44:47,900 traveling to India next month, early next month, 917 00:44:47,900 --> 00:44:49,834 along with China. 918 00:44:49,834 --> 00:44:51,700 This was not in the trip initially. 919 00:44:51,700 --> 00:44:55,633 Is she carrying any message from the President on the India trip? 920 00:44:55,633 --> 00:44:58,165 Mr. Carney: I would refer you to the State Department on that. 921 00:44:58,166 --> 00:45:00,300 I don't have any information on her trip. 922 00:45:00,300 --> 00:45:01,066 Thank you all, very much. 923 00:45:01,066 --> 00:45:01,633 The Press: Thanks, Jay.