by President Obama traveling to Columbus. As part of the help us here tour to highlight how the American rescue plan will lower healthcare costs for many families a big deal as my boss might put it. In Ohio, the President had as much work but for the children. In Ohio, the President will talk about how the Affordable Care Act has changed the lives of millions of Americans, enabling millions of families to have the peace of mind that comes with access to quality, affordable health care. He's always thought that this was the Affordable Care Act was something that would be built upon and the American rescue plan is an opportunity to do exactly that. In Ohio alone, the ACA has cut the state's uninsured rate by half,
dropping from 12%
to 6%. There's also provided protections for millions of Ohioans with pre existing conditions. And the American rescue plan makes coverage under the ACA even more affordable for Ohio families over 90,000. currently uninsured Ohioans can get a better deal on health insurance because of the rest of the plan. And premiums for people who have coverage under the ACA will fall by an average of $50 per person per month. You also remind Americans to sign up for insurance and healthcare.gov during the special enrollment period. And they'll have an update on that as well today. I also just wanted to note that our Health and Human Services Secretary is heavier. Sarah is also traveling to Carson City, Nevada to visit a health center today.
update from the governor's called
the weekly Governor's call that Jeff science did this morning. Today in our weekly Governor's call, he announced that we will have 27 million doses allocated across all channels this week. Of those 27 million doses. 4 million will be Johnson and Johnson, two thirds of the 27 million doses will be going to states and jurisdictions. And the rest will go to other channels primarily the pharmacy program which has been very successful and we've been increasing supply to this means that in 62 days since taking office, we've more than tripled vaccine output from 8.6 million doses to 27 million doses. And then last update is the President spoke with the governor governor polis of California, I'm sorry, of Colorado this morning, of course offered his condolences and support as the state of Boulder deals with the tragedy of last evening with that wants to kick it up a couple of questions.
First, with respect to the Colorado shooting, what can you tell us about the shooters motive? There's been some speculation that there were aces ties. Can you confirm or deny that? And then the President talked today about the need for new gun control measures? Has there been talk about attaching any of those to a future infrastructure bill? And if not, has this incident change to thinking about the filibuster? On the first
question, we'd obviously defer to law enforcement authorities who gave it provided an update this morning, but they will be in the lead on any determination about motive, reasoning, etc. So we'll look for updates from them, the President will get updated as there is additional information to be provided. If there's more to provide all to all of you. We will certainly do that, as it relates to gun safety measures on the first day that putting in place common sense gun safety measures has been a passion of the president since he was in the Senate, he left helped lead the fight to get the brady bill passed. He helped pass the assault weapons ban. He was in in the lead in the Obama Biden administration putting in place more than a dozen executive actions on gun safety. And this will continue to be an issue that he's focused on day in and day out in this administration. He talked this morning about two bills that have passed the house that would increase background checks and improve background checks, something that's supported by the vast majority of the American public. That's something he'll continue to advocate for also, putting in place an assault weapons ban, there is legislation that's been introduced by Senator Feinstein, Congressman sileni. So there are different mechanisms for that to move forward. And it is certainly something you will continue to advocate for in terms of the filibuster, his position remains has not changed. He is of course, believes that we should work with Democrats and Republicans to get work done for the American people, including common sense gun safety measures. He's also open to hearing ideas, he does not going to allow for obstruction to get work done for the American people. But his preference and priority is working with members of both parties.
Question about effective options. 10 sorry, with every new executive action on the island, we are
certainly considering a range of levers, including working through legislation, including executive actions to address obviously, you know, not just gun safety measures but of violence in communities. So that is has been under discussion and we'll continue to be under
discussion about Iraq. We're reporting
that a rocket bass for the start of talks about withdrawing the remaining US troops. Can you confirm that you've received that request? Did you know when those talks will be starting?
I have to check with our national security team on update on that and do D as well, I
can venture to do that.
When I when we finish our gaggle with the President
was departing his remarks earlier and he answered a quick question saying, I'll have more for you later when he was asked about new legislation. So can you talk about any new legislative proposals that may be in the works?
I think he was. He was referring to his commitment to continuing to work on gun safety measures. There's again a range of levers right there is legislation he advocated for that is currently moving through Congress. There is legislation that's I am Senator Feinstein and Congressman Fiscalini have proposed and the assault weapons ban. There's, of course, as I referenced earlier, executive actions that are under discussion and in our administration. As we know, this tragedy just happened last night. So I would not expect a new proposal put forward under 24 hours. But we are going to continue to work with Congress and work on what executive actions and levers you can
take as president and during the presidential campaign. He said on day one, that he would send legislation repealing the liability protection for gun manufacturers. Is that still part of his legislative agenda agenda for gun since he hasn't done that yet?
there remain a range of options under consideration. And obviously, tragedies like last night and the shootings in Atlanta are just reminders of how vital it is to move forward on gun safety measures in a range of formats. But I don't have enough data on my windows executive actions or what steps might be next design considerations not
doing this Ohio trip given the scale of the loss of life in Colorado? And does he feel that there is anything different in the political landscape now that would be more amenable to these ideas that have stymied lots of administration's? Is he is there anything different now, that would make this a bigger priority for the President? Well,
it's always been a priority for the President. He's personally committed to continuing to push for gun safety measures, something that he has been committed to since he was in the Senate, and was a a big advocate for the brady bill for the assault weapons ban for an executive actions and legislation that as you, as you kind of alluded to, we tried to move through the Obama Biden administration. He's also a believer that just because you can't get something through the first time, it doesn't mean you keep trying, don't keep trying, and that he is somebody who is committed to pushing through working with people from both parties, you know, continuing to advocate to move policy forward. So I don't think he has an assessment on the political landscape less than 24 hours after these tragic events happen. But it is an issue that is on his mind, and has long been throughout the course of his time in public life. Does he have an I'm sorry? I did. I meant to answer that question, too. You know, we always look at making adjustments as needed, we felt it was still important to have the President traveled to Ohio and to speak to the importance of health care and access and affordability and improving that access something that impacted millions of Americans across the country. Obviously, he addressed the tragedy of last night, and felt that it was important, he felt personally was important to do that. He also received an update, I think, as all of you know, during the PDB, this morning, from his team as well.
And there has been there have been several democrats who have now urged him to appoint of national director for gun violence prevention. I know you're saying that there are several steps under consideration. Is that something that you're actively considering? Is that being seamlessly with them?
I would just say that, ultimately, it's a priority to the President of the United States. And as you saw earlier today, the Vice President of the United States and senior members of our policy team,
who have
been considering and discussing a range of actions, executive actions on addressing gun violence and community violence, and I think that speaks to his commitment to the issue.
Question on the Postmaster General, as you know, yesterday, he kind of came out with his 10 year plan, and he's planning the largest rollback in consumer mail services in the generation. Obviously, you know, several democrats again, have asked the president to fire the board would cause and like new Biden nominees for the judges. If the Postmaster General is fit for office. Have you been kind of discussing that? I know there has been some action but is there anything new that you can tell us
it doesn't work exactly that way? He has nominated a number of members of the board the board. The board is responsible for determining who the future leadership is. Obviously he has expressed concerns about the decision making in the past and the the performance at times of the Postal Service not not to speak to the men and women who were serving but the leadership at the top And keep those concerns remain
traveled to Boulder.
I don't have anything to report on that at this point. As you know, obviously, the families are grieving the community is grieving. We saw that from the press conference this morning. And certainly, you know, he will, we will, and he will, you know, discuss that at the appropriate time, but it's less than 24 hours.
If we update the zone from the time can you provide an update on Ambassador Jacobson's trip to Mexico City, Arkansas is also going to Guatemala? Yeah. Is it possible that we could see an asylum cooperative agreement come out of that trip, something that diverts asylum seekers at the border to Central America to see protection? Well, they're
only on really the first full day of their trip right now. And they're not returning for a couple of days, I do expect we'll have a full readout at the end of their trip. They did go down there. Because as you know, it's important and vital that we work through diplomatic channels, with governments in the region to help figure out how to address root causes and improve cooperation after years of it being not at the at the status it should be. So that's the purpose of their trip. But I don't want to get ahead of what they may discuss or what they may conclude coming out of it.
And then just a quick follow, I know you said the president is still committed to working with members of both parties, even after these events, but two mass shootings in the last 110 days. I mean, has that increased the sense of urgency to move forward with executive action before any kind of legislation makes us wasteless.
The way he sees it is that there are a number of levers that any president of the United States can use. And he as vice president was leading the effort on determining executive actions that could be taken on gun safety measures. It's something that he has worked on he's passionate about, he has feels personally connected to. But there's an ongoing process. And I think we feel we have to work on multiple channels at the same time.
You know, is making an effort for a virus free summit for world leaders in June. What does the President think about that possibility of him traveling and being there in that environment?
Well, we certainly are aware of the timing of the upcoming NATO Summit, and certainly the president I know, would love to go overseas and travel overseas and and have discussions about global issues and how to work together on a range of issues, including the pandemic, economic recovery, etc. But we're gonna rely on the advice of our health and medical experts. And I don't have anything to preview on the likelihood of the trip at this point in time.
From that the President is attending the European Council meeting on Thursday. Yeah,
okay.
Yeah, that's virtual obviously, yes. Sometimes the future of the US
EU relationship or anything else?
Yes, I know, he's attending. Let me venture to get you a little bit more on the agenda, which I will do, hopefully before the end of the flight. That is Thursday. It's a virtual meeting with the European Council. Exactly.
on guns, and why isn't the president nominated someone to leave the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives? And do you have any update for us on that nomination?
I don't have any update on the nomination. Obviously, it's an important position and role. But, and one that we are eager to have nominated and confirmed. But we are also focused on the steps we can take working with members of Congress working with policy leads in the administration to move forward and see what progress can be made on gun safety measures.
consideration to changing the policy related to unaccompanied minors at the border, given the numbers that are now in US custody and how this situation has evolved to try to change the messaging about those children being received and kept in the United States?
Well, I think the the messaging will continue to be that it is not the time to come. It is not a safe journey to make, that we are turning away. People at the border majority of people have turned away at the border. And but at the same time, we believe that it is the humane and moral step to to, to ensure we are treating these children male with that they are in safe places when they come across the border. So I'm not sure if you're asking about you acknowledge that
that by by making that point about the humane treatment of children that there is in perhaps to the ears of a desperate parent of motivation, because the child would be received and kept across the border. So does that require a change? I
think our view is that there are a number of factors here that are pushing families to put their children on buses or to make the journey, including the economic conditions, including crime and corruption, including the term two hurricanes that struck the region. Those are factors that our experts feel are the main driving factor. to children making that journey and the steps we can take and that we can we have
the,
you know, control. overtaking, of course is ensuring that we're expediting processing at the border, we're opening new facilities. We just opened another one in Texas, there will be additional facilities that are opened in the coming days and weeks. And ensuring that we can get these kids moved as quickly as possible from Border Patrol per se
pandemic emergency rule is actually still in place for adults and families. Recent data has actually shown that despite title 42 Yeah, there are there is an increase in families being accepted into the US. It's not just due to, you know, a breakdown in coordination with Mexican authorities who are supposed to receive those families, or is that us leaning towards accepting more than it isn't it is
largely an issue of Mexico not having the capacity to accept some of these families. These circumstances are limited. When they come they are tested, they're quarantined as needed. But it's not a reflection or prediction of a change of policy.
The pandemic emergency rule is in its essence, temporary. I mean, it's rooted in the coronavirus pandemic. So what's the plan for when the administration needs to live back? And when is the administration going to look,
I expect that decision will be made with our health team in the lead and in coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Homeland Security.
But is there? Is there any consideration of another restriction, another rule that could be implemented for when title 42? There's a little bit
I don't think we're at that point. Obviously, we're still in the middle of a pandemic 1400 people
are still dying in our country every
day.
So I don't think we're at that point in the process.
readout from last night's meeting with the Senate Democratic Caucus, we don't see one. I can give you one. You know,
the purpose of the meeting was to have to thank them for their support and efforts in passing the American rescue plan and to reiterate the bipartisan support across the country and his commitment to communicating with the American people as he is doing today about the benefits of the package. He also took some questions from members during that call as a part of the conversation. But that was the purpose of the call.
One one on soccer and the Russian and Chinese media have been building a narrative that the US is threatening to disconnect them from the International payment system as punishment for the recent hacks. Is that something the White House is at all considering
seriously. I don't have any predictions to make in terms of costs that will be paid for recent hacks. Obviously,
the review is ongoing
as it relates to Russia, and certainly China to separately, and I expect we'll have more on that soon.
No update on weeks days? I would
say weeks, not months.
But I don't have an update on the timeline here. Sorry
about delays in distributing some of the 14 $100 checks to those who don't have to file taxes. Is the administration aware of what the issue is? Are you taking any steps to alleviate those delays?
You know, if somebody is a non filer, which I think is what you're referring to, but they benefit from any US tax program, then they would be getting payments via direct payment. So that shouldn't be an issue. But as any issues arise of the IRS and the Treasury Department certainly look into them as they arise, as I understand it's been limited. But I can certainly check up there's more specifics about
it. On the border access for journalists that we talked about. I expect
you'll know you'll have more details soon. But our plan is to make access available likely through a pool. And we're working to finalize those details.
Press Conference,
there's no question.
Are we still looking? Is there on record time that we can still be in
the afternoon?
But we're finalizing the details based on some other specifics in his schedule, preparing for the presser? How's he preparing for it?
Looking at your
Twitter's and seeing what's on your mind?
You know, I think he is,
you know, thinking about it's an opportunity for him to speak to the American people, obviously, directly through the coverage directly through all of you. And so I think he's thinking about what he wants to say what he wants to convey, where he can provide updates. And I'm, you know, looking forward to the opportunity to engage
with a free press for more nominations. If you have an update. There's no one in place that I CVP and obviously with the situation at the border, do you expect those nominations to be announced anytime
soon? I just
we our personnel team is obviously working on all of these important and vital positions. We want to find the right individuals for a lot of these for all of these roles. Of course I just don't
have an update on when we'll have announcements on them. The update
on the permanent nominee for OMB, I think a lot is going to get confirmed as we plan for like
it. That's She has her own landing. I don't I don't have an update on that. Obviously she will be serving the acting role. Once she's confirmed as as we have anticipated.
We're not yet Not
yet. So, Secretary, my orcas was the first. Can we do? Yes. Do you think does the President feel that immigrants should be leaving ice or CBP to rebuild trust with those communities?
These are great question. I
haven't had that discussion with him. I know that when he selected and asked Secretary may workers deserve that, his experience, his background is personal. His personal perspective he would bring to the role was we're all appealing to the president but
