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Mr. Carney:
Good afternoon,
ladies and gentlemen.
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Thank you for being
here on this Monday.
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It's Monday, right?
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Good.
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Before I take your questions,
I have something to say
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about health care reform
and saving consumers money.
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Today we are focusing on
the savings that millions
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of consumers have already seen
because of the health care law's
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provisions that ensure
Americans receive more value
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for their health
insurance premium dollars.
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For decades before
the Affordable Care Act,
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insurance premiums skyrocketed
for many middle-class families.
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And while insurance companies
still set premiums rates today,
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the health care law put into
place new rules to make sure
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that the vast majority of
consumers' premium dollars
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were being spent
to improve the quality
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of their care and
to better protect against
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unreasonable
increases in premiums.
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First, the law requires
insurance companies
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to spend at least
80 percent of premiums
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on medical care and on efforts
to improve the quality of care,
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instead of things
like overhead or profits.
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If they don't, insurers have
to send consumers a refund
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to meet this threshold,
either through a check
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in the mail or by
lowering future premiums
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or through another means
of refunding these savings
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to the consumer.
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Almost 80 million consumers
saved $3.4 billion up front on
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their premiums in 2012, and
8.5 million customers received
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an average refund of
approximately $100 per family.
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The health care law also
requires insurance companies
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to post publicly and justify
any proposed rate increase
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of 10 percent or more.
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As a result of state
action and public scrutiny,
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many insurers are withdrawing or
decreasing proposed rate hikes.
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If the Affordable Care
Act were repealed,
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these refund checks would
no longer be required --
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safe to say they'd
no longer be sent.
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And yet another way -- which is
yet another way the Republican
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repeal plan would
potentially raise costs
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for millions of Americans.
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I have a graphic
to go along with it.
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With that, I will
take your questions.
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The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
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Over the weekend, Paul Ryan
spoke about wanting to extract
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concessions from Democrats
in the next fight over raising
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the debt ceiling next year.
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Does the President's position
from the previous debt ceiling
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fight that you will not
negotiate over raising the debt
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ceiling, does that hold true
for the next debt ceiling fight?
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Mr. Carney:
The President's position
has not changed,
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and I would point
you to two things.
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One, I think Congressman Ryan as
well as Senator Murray deserve
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a lot of credit
for the compromise they reached
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on the budget deal.
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As I said last week,
it's a small step,
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but given the expectations
that have been set
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over recent periods by Congress,
it's an important step.
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They exceeded expectations
by proving that a return
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to regular order can be good
for our economy --
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is good for our economy
and good for the middle class.
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That's why we hope to see the
Senate follow what the House did
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by passing the budget agreement.
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And we hope to see what outside
forecasters are predicting,
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which is that as a
result of the rather new notion
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of certainty created by
a two-year budget deal,
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that we might see
added economic growth
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and job creation as a result.
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That would certainly
be a welcome change
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from what we've seen,
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certainly most recently in
October when Republicans
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in the House decided to shut the
government down out of partisan
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pursuit and to threaten
default for the same reason.
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So we do not expect Republicans
to walk that path again,
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precisely because it
proved to be so disastrous
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for them politically
and, more importantly,
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for the economy
and for the middle class
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when they went down
that path in October.
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I would point you to
numerous statements,
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including from the leader of the
Republican Party in the Senate,
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who have promised that
Republicans wouldn't do that
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again, and we certainly don't
expect them to do that again.
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So right now we're focused on
the positive accomplishment
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that we're seeing develop in
Congress now over the budget.
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We hope and expect
the Senate to act,
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and then we can continue to
address the many agenda items
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that need to be addressed when
it comes to growing the economy
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and helping the middle class.
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The Press:
But if they do
pursue that again,
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considering that their budget
chairman has said --
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Mr. Carney:
I said the President's
position hasn't changed.
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But I would simply suggest that
the numerous statements
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from Republican leaders of all
stripes essentially forsaking
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that strategy would lead us to
believe and might lead you
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to believe that they won't
pursue that strategy again.
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It's bad for the economy,
bad for the middle class;
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at least some people think it's
bad for the Republican Party.
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The Press:
And can you update us on
anything that the White House
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is doing actively to push
for extension of unemployment
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benefits other than merely
calling on Congress to do that?
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Is there anything going
on behind the scenes here?
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Mr. Carney: Sure.
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We're working with
Congress directly
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on how we make this happen.
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It's happened in the past.
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It happened under
President George W. Bush
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when the unemployment rate
was significantly lower
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than it still is today;
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when the average unemployed
person was unemployed
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for 17 weeks as
opposed to 36 weeks,
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which is the truth today --
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the unfortunate truth.
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Despite all the progress that
we've made in bringing the
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rate down and despite all
the jobs that have been created
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in the private sector,
we still have more work to do.
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And there's still
too many people out there
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who depend on these benefits.
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And so we will work
with Congress continually
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to try to find
a way to make sure
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that these benefits
are extended,
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as they have been in the past.
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The Press:
And some of the Republican
groups that had been --
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some Republican leaders
who have been pushing back
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against some groups that
have put them in a corner,
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recently we've heard some of
those groups come back and say
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that they think that
Speaker Boehner was maybe
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trying to lay the groundwork
for immigration next year
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by creating some distance there.
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Do you share that assessment?
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Mr. Carney:
The only assessment we have
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is that it is
absolutely imperative
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that Congress pass comprehensive
immigration reform.
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And there are just myriad
reasons for why that's
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a good thing to do, including
very conservative reasons
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as to why that's a
good thing to do.
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And we think that the
broad-based support we saw
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in the Senate, the broad support
across the country from business
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and labor, law enforcement and
faith communities demonstrates
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that this is an issue that
can and should be embraced
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by Democrats and Republicans.
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And we remain very hopeful that
the Republicans in the House
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will pass comprehensive
immigration reform
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the way that the Senate passed
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comprehensive
immigration reform.
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It's the right thing to do.
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And as I've said many
times in the past,
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it's good for the economy,
it's good for the middle class,
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it's good for border security,
it's good for innovation,
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and as at least some
observers have said,
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it would be good for the
Republican Party --
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again, going back to --
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like, you could
sort of pick your reason
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for doing it, but we think
it should be done.
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And we're optimistic that
Republicans will do it.
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Eventually we hope they will.
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Steve.
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The Press:
Would the President consider
amnesty for Edward Snowden
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if he were to turn over
all of his documents?
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Mr. Carney:
First of all, our
position has not changed
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on that matter at all.
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And what I can tell you is that
Mr. Snowden has been accused of
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leaking classified information,
and he faces felony charges
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here in the United States.
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He should be returned
to the United States
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as soon as possible
where he will be accorded
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full due process and
protections in our system.
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So that's our position
and it has not changed.
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The Press:
One of the NSA officials
brought this up.
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Is this --
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Mr. Carney:
He was expressing
his personal opinion.
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These decisions are made by
the Department of Justice,
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and I would refer
you there for more.
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But there's been no
change in our position.
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He has been
charged and accused
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of
leaking classified information.
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He faces felony charges here.
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He ought to be returned
to the United States --
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again, where he will face
full due process and protection
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under our system
of justice that we hope
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he will avail himself of,
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and we are obviously
pressing the Russians
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and others on that issue.
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The Press:
And on health care,
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you're coming up on the
December 23rd deadline.
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What assurances
has the White House received
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from insurance companies
that they will be flexible?
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Mr. Carney:
Well, we have taken
a series of steps
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to ensure that all those
Americans who enrolled,
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or enroll by December 23rd and
are seeking insurance coverage
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by January 1st are covered.
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And we are taking a number
of steps to do that,
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and that includes the sort of
belt-and-suspenders approach --
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reaching out to those who
believe they have enrolled,
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or have enrolled, to make sure
that they are aware of deadlines
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for paying their premiums;
that all their information
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is correct, as we've talked
about when we have discussed
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the backend issues,
the 834 forms.
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We're working to make sure
that all of those 834 forms
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are accurate,
both past and present 834 forms.
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And I think there's
been some reporting
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that shows the progress
we've made in the transmission
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of that information,
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and we're continuing
to work on the site
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on those issues and others.
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So we're focused on
this issue very closely,
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the team that is working
on the implementation
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of the Affordable Care Act
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and working on the
improvements to the website
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and working directly
with insurers to make sure
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that the fixes that
have been in place
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have had the desired effect in
terms of improving the accuracy
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of the information that's
conveyed to insurance companies,
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and making sure that
those problems that existed
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in the past and the
results of those problems
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when there are inaccuracies
are addressed,
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so that those who enrolled
or believed they enrolled,
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that they're made
whole essentially;
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that they know that
they're in the system,
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that they're insured,
and that they take the steps
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necessary to pay their premiums.
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Moving around.
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Jessica.
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The Press:
Question related to the NSA.
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This is something
coming from a lot
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of our foreign press colleagues,
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this idea that a lot
of countries have a problem
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with the NSA spying
on their citizens,
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which is under
a different set of rules
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than obviously surveillance
of U.S. citizens.
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Can you say whether or
not you would consider
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limiting the surveillance
of foreign citizens
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since you're addressing
this domestically?
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Mr. Carney:
Well, I think the President
has made clear that
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in the reviews that
he has asked for,
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that we are looking
at the entire system
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of intelligence-gathering
and evaluating it
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through the lens of whether
we are doing everything
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that we can and should
in order to protect Americans
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and protect the
United States and our allies;
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or are we doing
more than that --
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are we doing things
just because we can,
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because we have the tools
and capabilities to do that.
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So that process
remains underway.
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When it comes to the concerns
raised by other countries,
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by allies, we are communicating
with him directly through
246
00:12:18,934 --> 00:12:20,266
diplomatic channels.
247
00:12:20,266 --> 00:12:23,165
We have engaged in
a variety of levels
248
00:12:23,166 --> 00:12:25,200
with different
countries and leaders,
249
00:12:25,200 --> 00:12:28,467
as well as counterparts
at the State Department-level
250
00:12:28,467 --> 00:12:30,233
and elsewhere on these matters,
251
00:12:30,233 --> 00:12:33,900
and we have taken steps to
address those concerns and
252
00:12:33,900 --> 00:12:39,233
explain what we do in order to
try to allay those concerns
253
00:12:39,233 --> 00:12:40,632
as we review this process.
254
00:12:40,633 --> 00:12:42,066
What I can tell you
is that on Friday,
255
00:12:42,066 --> 00:12:44,667
the President's Review Group on
Intelligence and Communications
256
00:12:44,667 --> 00:12:48,633
Technology submitted its
report to the President.
257
00:12:48,633 --> 00:12:51,100
The President is
grateful to the group --
258
00:12:51,100 --> 00:12:52,500
that includes Richard Clarke,
259
00:12:52,500 --> 00:12:54,734
Michael Morell,
Geoffrey Stone, Cass Sunstein,
260
00:12:54,734 --> 00:12:56,333
and Peter Swire --
261
00:12:56,333 --> 00:12:58,233
for devoting themselves
to this effort over the past
262
00:12:58,233 --> 00:13:00,400
several months and
providing thoughtful input
263
00:13:00,400 --> 00:13:02,199
for the administration
to consider
264
00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:05,767
as we conclude
the ongoing interagency review
265
00:13:05,767 --> 00:13:07,433
of signals
intelligence collection
266
00:13:07,433 --> 00:13:09,266
being led by the White House.
267
00:13:09,266 --> 00:13:11,967
The review group's report
draws on the group members'
268
00:13:11,967 --> 00:13:15,567
considerable expertise and
intelligence, counterterrorism,
269
00:13:15,567 --> 00:13:17,767
civil liberties law,
and privacy matters,
270
00:13:17,767 --> 00:13:20,700
and on consultations
with the U.S. government,
271
00:13:20,700 --> 00:13:22,800
privacy, and
civil liberties advocates
272
00:13:22,800 --> 00:13:24,567
in the private sector.
273
00:13:24,567 --> 00:13:27,433
Over the next several weeks,
we will be reviewing the review
274
00:13:27,433 --> 00:13:30,233
group's report and its more
than 40 recommendations
275
00:13:30,233 --> 00:13:33,500
as we consider the path forward,
including sorting through
276
00:13:33,500 --> 00:13:35,600
which recommendations
we will implement,
277
00:13:35,600 --> 00:13:38,233
which might require
further study,
278
00:13:38,233 --> 00:13:42,566
and which we will
choose not to pursue.
279
00:13:42,567 --> 00:13:44,300
We expect the
overall internal review
280
00:13:44,300 --> 00:13:46,199
to be completed in January.
281
00:13:46,200 --> 00:13:48,834
After that, the President will
deliver remarks to outline
282
00:13:48,834 --> 00:13:52,367
the outcomes of our work, and at
that time we will make public
283
00:13:52,367 --> 00:13:56,266
the review group's full report
and other conclusions
284
00:13:56,266 --> 00:13:57,266
of our work.
285
00:13:57,266 --> 00:13:59,266
The Press:
Can we follow on that?
286
00:13:59,266 --> 00:14:01,065
Mr. Carney:
Yes, follow-up, sure.
287
00:14:01,066 --> 00:14:03,600
The Press:
On Kim Jong-un
reappearing over the weekend,
288
00:14:03,600 --> 00:14:05,667
really today,
after the death of his uncle,
289
00:14:05,667 --> 00:14:08,467
is there any
White House reaction on that?
290
00:14:08,467 --> 00:14:10,033
Mr. Carney:
We don't have
any reaction here.
291
00:14:10,033 --> 00:14:13,300
We expressed our
views on the reports
292
00:14:13,300 --> 00:14:15,867
about his uncle last week.
293
00:14:15,867 --> 00:14:19,233
For more, I would refer you
to the State Department.
294
00:14:19,233 --> 00:14:20,666
Jon and then Brianna.
295
00:14:20,667 --> 00:14:22,667
The Press:
Jay, as we approach
this deadline
296
00:14:22,667 --> 00:14:26,633
for people to enroll
by the first of the year,
297
00:14:26,633 --> 00:14:29,500
how confident are
you that all of those
298
00:14:29,500 --> 00:14:35,734
who lost their insurance will be
able to enroll in new insurance
299
00:14:35,734 --> 00:14:38,967
by January 1st?
300
00:14:38,967 --> 00:14:41,766
Mr. Carney:
I think, Jon, as we've
talked about a lot lately,
301
00:14:41,767 --> 00:14:46,433
we are working overtime
to make sure that everyone
302
00:14:46,433 --> 00:14:50,834
who wants insurance
by January 1st --
303
00:14:50,834 --> 00:14:54,333
coverage by the 1st
is able to get it.
304
00:14:54,333 --> 00:14:58,800
Those who have -- either they
enrolled early in the process in
305
00:14:58,800 --> 00:15:03,599
the post-October 1st period and
experienced some problems with
306
00:15:03,600 --> 00:15:08,066
their enrollment, perhaps some
accuracy issues on the backend,
307
00:15:08,066 --> 00:15:11,667
we've taken steps to address
that to make sure all the
308
00:15:11,667 --> 00:15:14,266
information that's necessary
has been accurately conveyed to
309
00:15:14,266 --> 00:15:19,533
insurance companies, that the
two entities are linked up --
310
00:15:19,533 --> 00:15:22,700
the enrollee and the issuer --
311
00:15:22,700 --> 00:15:23,800
and that premiums --
312
00:15:23,800 --> 00:15:25,065
that enrollees know when
their premiums are due.
313
00:15:25,066 --> 00:15:29,800
When it comes to those who
received cancellation notices,
314
00:15:29,800 --> 00:15:31,967
those who fall into that group
that the President discussed,
315
00:15:31,967 --> 00:15:38,333
we obviously took action to
encourage states to allow for
316
00:15:38,333 --> 00:15:42,733
a greater duration, an extension
of the current policies
317
00:15:42,734 --> 00:15:45,166
that they have,
and a number of states --
318
00:15:45,166 --> 00:15:48,467
I think more than half --
have taken that up.
319
00:15:48,467 --> 00:15:52,533
So we're working as hard as we
can to make sure that everybody
320
00:15:52,533 --> 00:15:55,066
who wants coverage by January
1st receives coverage
321
00:15:55,066 --> 00:15:59,300
by January 1st in all the ways
that I discussed in answer
322
00:15:59,300 --> 00:16:01,000
to Steve's question.
323
00:16:01,000 --> 00:16:03,800
The Press:
But taken in its totality,
all those efforts,
324
00:16:03,800 --> 00:16:06,333
I mean, not all the
states went along --
325
00:16:06,333 --> 00:16:07,900
you said half did.
326
00:16:07,900 --> 00:16:11,165
Taken in totality, is the
White House reasonably confident
327
00:16:11,166 --> 00:16:14,066
that everybody who needs
to get coverage by January 1st
328
00:16:14,066 --> 00:16:16,734
will be able to be covered?
329
00:16:16,734 --> 00:16:18,200
Mr. Carney:
Well, obviously there are --
330
00:16:18,200 --> 00:16:19,967
this is a six-month
enrollment period
331
00:16:19,967 --> 00:16:22,433
and there are
uninsured Americans who may not,
332
00:16:22,433 --> 00:16:24,500
for a variety of reasons --
may not enroll
333
00:16:24,500 --> 00:16:28,066
until January
or February or March.
334
00:16:28,066 --> 00:16:31,266
I don't think the expectation
was that every uninsured
335
00:16:31,266 --> 00:16:33,433
American would have
insurance on January 1st --
336
00:16:33,433 --> 00:16:35,433
as welcome as that
development would be.
337
00:16:35,433 --> 00:16:37,033
The Press:
I guess I'm specifically asking
if those who need coverage
338
00:16:37,033 --> 00:16:38,467
because they lost
their coverage --
339
00:16:38,467 --> 00:16:40,033
they got those
cancellation notices.
340
00:16:40,033 --> 00:16:43,166
Mr. Carney:
Again, I think we're working
very closely with the states
341
00:16:43,166 --> 00:16:46,667
and issuers to ensure
that those who are seeking
342
00:16:46,667 --> 00:16:50,133
to purchase insurance, enroll in
insurance on the exchanges
343
00:16:50,133 --> 00:16:52,600
are able to
in time for January 1st.
344
00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:55,467
I think that that
universe also --
345
00:16:55,467 --> 00:16:57,867
you have to parse
it pretty carefully,
346
00:16:57,867 --> 00:16:59,867
because people who got
notices didn't necessarily
347
00:16:59,867 --> 00:17:03,300
get notices that their policies
ended on December 31st but
348
00:17:03,300 --> 00:17:06,165
that they would not be renewed
when those policies ran out,
349
00:17:06,165 --> 00:17:09,532
and that could be any time
through a period of months
350
00:17:09,532 --> 00:17:10,800
into the next year.
351
00:17:10,800 --> 00:17:14,700
So the action the President
took was to basically waive
352
00:17:14,700 --> 00:17:19,567
the requirement in the ACA and
therefore to make it possible
353
00:17:19,567 --> 00:17:22,800
for state insurance commissions
to extend those existing
354
00:17:22,800 --> 00:17:25,332
policies further
than previously allowed.
355
00:17:25,333 --> 00:17:29,100
So we're working very
closely, again, as I said,
356
00:17:29,100 --> 00:17:32,367
to make sure that everybody who
wants insurance on the market
357
00:17:32,367 --> 00:17:33,966
is able to get it.
358
00:17:33,967 --> 00:17:36,834
We're also, obviously, working
very closely with those states
359
00:17:36,834 --> 00:17:40,900
that chose to expand Medicaid
to ensure that those who qualify
360
00:17:40,900 --> 00:17:43,900
under the expanded Medicaid
program are getting the coverage
361
00:17:43,900 --> 00:17:45,333
that they now qualify for.
362
00:17:45,333 --> 00:17:47,834
The Press:
Are you able to guarantee
that everybody who enrolled
363
00:17:47,834 --> 00:17:51,400
on the website by December
23rd will actually have
364
00:17:51,400 --> 00:17:54,033
their insurance policies go
into effect by January 1st?
365
00:17:54,033 --> 00:17:57,000
Mr. Carney:
What I can tell is that
we are working overtime
366
00:17:57,000 --> 00:18:01,300
to make sure that every 834 form
is accurate when it goes
367
00:18:01,300 --> 00:18:04,133
to the issues of the backend
problems that existed,
368
00:18:04,133 --> 00:18:07,867
and I think you've seen a lot of
reporting on how those backend
369
00:18:07,867 --> 00:18:12,265
issues have been addressed --
or continue to be addressed.
370
00:18:12,266 --> 00:18:15,467
One of the processes here is to
ensure that those who enrolled
371
00:18:15,467 --> 00:18:18,066
are in communication
with their issuers
372
00:18:18,066 --> 00:18:23,033
to make sure they know
when their premiums are due,
373
00:18:23,033 --> 00:18:26,632
and that's something that
we're trying to help facilitate.
374
00:18:26,633 --> 00:18:29,200
And all I can tell you is
we're doing everything we can
375
00:18:29,200 --> 00:18:32,467
to make sure that
everyone who has enrolled
376
00:18:32,467 --> 00:18:39,633
and who pays his or her premium
is aware of all the information
377
00:18:39,633 --> 00:18:43,266
they need to do that and
is covered on January 1st.
378
00:18:43,266 --> 00:18:45,734
And this is something
we're going to push through
379
00:18:45,734 --> 00:18:47,699
all the way to the
end of the month.
380
00:18:47,700 --> 00:18:51,100
The Press:
But some will fall
through the cracks.
381
00:18:51,100 --> 00:18:53,966
Mr. Carney:
I can't speculate about
who may fail to pay his or her
382
00:18:53,967 --> 00:18:55,200
premium or what may happen.
383
00:18:55,200 --> 00:18:57,133
All I can tell you is what
we're doing now to make sure
384
00:18:57,133 --> 00:19:00,500
that all of the
forms are accurate,
385
00:19:00,500 --> 00:19:02,367
to make sure that everybody
is being contacted
386
00:19:02,367 --> 00:19:04,767
who may have enrolled
and may not be sure
387
00:19:04,767 --> 00:19:08,100
that the information
got to their issuer.
388
00:19:08,100 --> 00:19:09,433
And we are doing that --
389
00:19:09,433 --> 00:19:11,133
CMS is doing that
very aggressively.
390
00:19:11,133 --> 00:19:12,867
Brianna, and then
I'll go back again,
391
00:19:12,867 --> 00:19:15,332
and then I'll come to the front.
392
00:19:15,333 --> 00:19:16,600
The Press:
You said you're sort of --
393
00:19:16,600 --> 00:19:18,867
it seems like maybe
putting some of the onus
394
00:19:18,867 --> 00:19:20,367
on people needing
to follow through,
395
00:19:20,367 --> 00:19:22,834
make sure that they
paid for their plans.
396
00:19:22,834 --> 00:19:26,367
But it's hard for them to pay
for it if there's I think,
397
00:19:26,367 --> 00:19:28,533
what, 10 percent of
enrollment files at this point
398
00:19:28,533 --> 00:19:29,533
there are still errors.
399
00:19:29,533 --> 00:19:30,533
So there's a part of the --
400
00:19:30,533 --> 00:19:32,300
I guess my point
is just it seems like
401
00:19:32,300 --> 00:19:33,834
you're leaving room --
402
00:19:33,834 --> 00:19:34,834
The Press: Sure.
403
00:19:34,834 --> 00:19:36,000
I wasn't trying to
combine the two.
404
00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:37,400
I was saying that one of
the things that we're doing
405
00:19:37,400 --> 00:19:40,834
is making sure that
those who have enrolled --
406
00:19:40,834 --> 00:19:45,700
The Press:
People need to know
they have to pay
407
00:19:45,700 --> 00:19:47,066
and that they're not
fully enrolled unless they pay.
408
00:19:47,066 --> 00:19:48,233
But it seems --
409
00:19:48,233 --> 00:19:49,300
Mr. Carney:
Right, that they
need to pay on time.
410
00:19:49,300 --> 00:19:50,300
And we're working with issuers,
411
00:19:50,300 --> 00:19:51,367
encouraging them
to be flexible --
412
00:19:51,367 --> 00:19:52,367
The Press:
Yes, and to reach out.
413
00:19:52,367 --> 00:19:53,466
We hear you saying that.
414
00:19:53,467 --> 00:19:54,700
But it seems that you're
leaving room for the fact
415
00:19:54,700 --> 00:19:57,367
that there may be a lot
of people who want insurance,
416
00:19:57,367 --> 00:19:59,600
who apply for insurance,
who enroll for insurance,
417
00:19:59,600 --> 00:20:02,667
and who really need to
have it by January 1st
418
00:20:02,667 --> 00:20:05,500
but they may not
have it January 1st.
419
00:20:05,500 --> 00:20:06,867
Mr. Carney:
What I'm saying is that we are,
420
00:20:06,867 --> 00:20:10,700
as I've been talking about for
at least a couple of weeks now,
421
00:20:10,700 --> 00:20:14,367
taking all the steps
we can to reach out --
422
00:20:14,367 --> 00:20:16,433
we being the administration,
CMS principally --
423
00:20:16,433 --> 00:20:21,000
reaching out to those who
have enrolled to make sure
424
00:20:21,000 --> 00:20:23,600
that their
information is accurate,
425
00:20:23,600 --> 00:20:25,399
the information
conveyed to the issuers;
426
00:20:25,400 --> 00:20:28,800
making sure that they are in
contact with their insurance
427
00:20:28,800 --> 00:20:31,200
company so that they know
when premiums are due.
428
00:20:31,200 --> 00:20:34,567
We've taken steps to encourage
insurers to be flexible
429
00:20:34,567 --> 00:20:37,600
in terms of the
receipt of premiums,
430
00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:39,600
again with the mind
to making sure that everybody
431
00:20:39,600 --> 00:20:44,500
who has enrolled and seeks
to be covered by January 1st
432
00:20:44,500 --> 00:20:45,800
is covered.
433
00:20:45,800 --> 00:20:49,500
And we have engaged in a process
of evaluating all those
434
00:20:49,500 --> 00:20:51,834
834 forms to make sure
that they are accurate,
435
00:20:51,834 --> 00:20:55,200
especially -- including those
going back into October,
436
00:20:55,200 --> 00:20:57,333
which is a relatively
small pool,
437
00:20:57,333 --> 00:20:59,567
given the trouble
we had with the site,
438
00:20:59,567 --> 00:21:03,033
but where there were more
problems throughout the site,
439
00:21:03,033 --> 00:21:04,367
including on the backend.
440
00:21:04,367 --> 00:21:09,633
So when it comes to everything
that we can do, we are doing it,
441
00:21:09,633 --> 00:21:16,433
and with the idea
that those who have enrolled
442
00:21:16,433 --> 00:21:19,433
and seek insurance coverage
by January 1st will get it.
443
00:21:19,433 --> 00:21:22,700
Again, we extended the deadline
from the 15th to the 23rd;
444
00:21:22,700 --> 00:21:25,734
we've taken steps to encourage
insurers to be flexible;
445
00:21:25,734 --> 00:21:29,433
and are working on all the
issues with the 834 forms.
446
00:21:29,433 --> 00:21:30,800
The Press:
How problematic is that rate,
447
00:21:30,800 --> 00:21:33,834
the 10 percent error rate
for enrollment files?
448
00:21:33,834 --> 00:21:36,266
Mr. Carney:
Look, I think there's
been a lot of reporting
449
00:21:36,266 --> 00:21:39,467
on this, and I think what you've
seen is a dramatic reduction
450
00:21:39,467 --> 00:21:41,333
in the problems
with the 834 forms.
451
00:21:41,333 --> 00:21:43,200
There are some --
452
00:21:43,200 --> 00:21:45,333
The Press:
I'm talking about
like where it is now.
453
00:21:45,333 --> 00:21:47,200
I mean, we know there's been --
454
00:21:47,200 --> 00:21:49,066
it went from thousands
of enrollment files
455
00:21:49,066 --> 00:21:50,300
that weren't transmitted.
456
00:21:50,300 --> 00:21:53,332
But that rate, I guess I'm
trying to get a sense of how
457
00:21:53,333 --> 00:21:56,000
it's been communicated to the
White House and the President,
458
00:21:56,000 --> 00:21:57,867
and how problematic --
459
00:21:57,867 --> 00:22:00,100
Mr. Carney:
But you're citing
data that also is --
460
00:22:00,100 --> 00:22:01,699
since the beginning
of December enrollments
461
00:22:01,700 --> 00:22:04,133
that did not generate
the necessary transaction form
462
00:22:04,133 --> 00:22:05,433
that goes to the
insurance company --
463
00:22:05,433 --> 00:22:09,100
in other words, that backend
problem has been close to zero
464
00:22:09,100 --> 00:22:12,867
since the November
30th deadline.
465
00:22:12,867 --> 00:22:16,166
So obviously there are past
problems that we're addressing,
466
00:22:16,166 --> 00:22:18,000
but in this month --
467
00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:20,200
The Press: But the 10 percent
that still may have some errors,
468
00:22:20,200 --> 00:22:21,600
like how big
of an issue is that,
469
00:22:21,600 --> 00:22:23,065
I guess?
470
00:22:23,066 --> 00:22:24,734
Mr. Carney:
I think it's been clear
that it's our top priority.
471
00:22:24,734 --> 00:22:29,966
CMS's top priority is making
sure that every 834 form --
472
00:22:29,967 --> 00:22:31,433
both past and
present -- is accurate.
473
00:22:31,433 --> 00:22:34,567
So that my point about
December is that the fixes
474
00:22:34,567 --> 00:22:38,667
that have been made to the
site have resulted in a lot
475
00:22:38,667 --> 00:22:43,466
of improvements including
the fact that the enrollments --
476
00:22:43,467 --> 00:22:45,834
that the problem we had when our
enrollments weren't generating
477
00:22:45,834 --> 00:22:49,934
834 forms has been
reduced to zero, close to zero.
478
00:22:49,934 --> 00:22:52,367
That doesn't mean
that we don't have
479
00:22:52,367 --> 00:22:53,934
to deal with those enrollments,
480
00:22:53,934 --> 00:22:57,066
those 834 forms that
were inaccurate
481
00:22:57,066 --> 00:23:00,133
or where they were not
completed or did not send,
482
00:23:00,133 --> 00:23:02,100
and that's what CMS has been
working on to make sure
483
00:23:02,100 --> 00:23:04,600
that all of those past
834 forms are accurate
484
00:23:04,600 --> 00:23:09,000
so that those who enrolled
for insurance on January 1st
485
00:23:09,000 --> 00:23:10,767
are able to get it.
486
00:23:10,767 --> 00:23:12,633
The Press:
And I know you've
been asked about this,
487
00:23:12,633 --> 00:23:15,433
but it's been a couple weeks --
has the President signed up
488
00:23:15,433 --> 00:23:16,867
for insurance yet?
489
00:23:16,867 --> 00:23:18,300
Mr. Carney:
I have no updates on that.
490
00:23:18,300 --> 00:23:24,500
The President will purchase
insurance on the exchanges.
491
00:23:24,500 --> 00:23:25,800
The Press:
Is there like a time --
492
00:23:25,800 --> 00:23:27,000
he doesn't have to do it.
493
00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:30,934
He doesn't need it by the 1st.
494
00:23:30,934 --> 00:23:32,000
Mr. Carney:
He doesn't.
495
00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:35,133
Obviously, the enrollment
is still March 31st.
496
00:23:35,133 --> 00:23:40,300
So when we have an update
on it we'll provide it to you,
497
00:23:40,300 --> 00:23:41,533
but our guidance
on that has not changed.
498
00:23:41,533 --> 00:23:42,667
The Press:
And what exchange will it be?
499
00:23:42,667 --> 00:23:44,033
And also, will we get
a chance to see him do it?
500
00:23:44,033 --> 00:23:45,265
Mr. Carney:
I just don't have any
new information on that
501
00:23:45,266 --> 00:23:46,233
beyond what we said in the
past, which is that he will.
502
00:23:46,233 --> 00:23:47,466
Jon-Christopher.
503
00:23:47,467 --> 00:23:50,600
The Press:
Assuming that the
Senate passes the bill,
504
00:23:50,600 --> 00:23:55,500
the Ryan-Murray bill, what
assurances can the President
505
00:23:55,500 --> 00:23:59,233
give a very anxious global
financial market that this may,
506
00:23:59,233 --> 00:24:02,066
in fact, be the end
of financial uncertainty,
507
00:24:02,066 --> 00:24:03,633
including the debt ceiling --
508
00:24:03,633 --> 00:24:05,667
raising the debt ceiling?
509
00:24:05,667 --> 00:24:07,734
Mr. Carney:
Well, I would point you
to what I said earlier
510
00:24:07,734 --> 00:24:10,166
about the small but important
step that has been taken here
511
00:24:15,233 --> 00:24:19,466
by Congress and that this
budget deal represents:
512
00:24:19,467 --> 00:24:22,033
compromise by both sides,
513
00:24:22,033 --> 00:24:23,367
bipartisan cooperation,
514
00:24:23,367 --> 00:24:25,466
and a return to regular order.
515
00:24:25,467 --> 00:24:29,500
And what a return to
regular order means is that,
516
00:24:29,500 --> 00:24:33,467
at least in this instance
and hopefully moving forward,
517
00:24:33,467 --> 00:24:36,800
this period of governing
by crisis and governing
518
00:24:36,800 --> 00:24:43,033
by congressionally generated
crisis has at least,
519
00:24:43,033 --> 00:24:49,632
if not come to an end, has been
pushed back into the future
520
00:24:49,633 --> 00:24:50,633
for some time.
521
00:24:50,633 --> 00:24:52,200
And we hope,
as I mentioned earlier,
522
00:24:52,200 --> 00:24:55,367
that when it comes
to the full faith and credit
523
00:24:55,367 --> 00:24:56,533
of the United States
524
00:24:56,533 --> 00:24:59,233
and any willingness or
suggestion that Republicans
525
00:24:59,233 --> 00:25:03,800
would again threaten to default,
that that will not be the case
526
00:25:03,800 --> 00:25:07,934
because of all the damage
that that approach has done
527
00:25:07,934 --> 00:25:11,834
to our economy and to the
middle class, to job creation,
528
00:25:11,834 --> 00:25:13,800
and to the Republican Party.
529
00:25:13,800 --> 00:25:18,300
So we're very hopeful that the
many Republican leaders
530
00:25:18,300 --> 00:25:21,066
who have said that they will
not go down that road again,
531
00:25:21,066 --> 00:25:23,033
go down the same road
they went down in October,
532
00:25:23,033 --> 00:25:28,100
speak broadly for the party
itself and for Republicans
533
00:25:28,100 --> 00:25:31,000
in Congress, and that
would be a good thing.
534
00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:34,834
That's why we welcomed
the deal that Senator Murray
535
00:25:34,834 --> 00:25:38,700
and Chairman Ryan produced,
536
00:25:38,700 --> 00:25:41,667
because as we've seen
537
00:25:41,667 --> 00:25:45,934
in the private
sector analysis,
538
00:25:45,934 --> 00:25:50,867
merely the certainty
created by it would be
539
00:25:50,867 --> 00:25:53,466
a positive for the economy,
for growth and job creation.
540
00:25:53,467 --> 00:25:55,967
And that's a good thing.
541
00:25:55,967 --> 00:25:57,400
And the details
would also be --
542
00:25:57,400 --> 00:26:00,300
in the buying down
of the sequester,
543
00:26:03,333 --> 00:26:05,633
that obviously has
positive impacts
544
00:26:05,633 --> 00:26:08,967
because it means that we're
able to invest in very key
545
00:26:08,967 --> 00:26:11,200
and necessary areas
of our economy
546
00:26:11,200 --> 00:26:14,500
so that it grows and
creates jobs and lays
547
00:26:14,500 --> 00:26:17,066
a foundation for the future
on scientific research
548
00:26:17,066 --> 00:26:18,133
and other areas.
549
00:26:18,133 --> 00:26:21,700
So this is what counts
for significant progress
550
00:26:21,700 --> 00:26:25,600
in a period when Congress
has been inflicting wounds
551
00:26:25,600 --> 00:26:28,833
on the economy instead
of making it easier to grow
552
00:26:28,834 --> 00:26:31,133
and create jobs.
553
00:26:31,133 --> 00:26:32,533
Major, and then Chuck.
554
00:26:32,533 --> 00:26:35,300
The Press:
CBS News talked to Iranian
Foreign Minister Zarif
555
00:26:35,300 --> 00:26:37,667
yesterday about the Friday
decision or announcement
556
00:26:37,667 --> 00:26:40,833
of freezing of assets and
transactions for companies
557
00:26:40,834 --> 00:26:42,800
evading existing sanctions.
558
00:26:42,800 --> 00:26:45,734
He called it a very wrong move,
and he said the process --
559
00:26:45,734 --> 00:26:47,766
meaning the technical
discussions --
560
00:26:47,767 --> 00:26:50,633
over implementing phase
one has been derailed,
561
00:26:50,633 --> 00:26:52,300
it has not died.
562
00:26:52,300 --> 00:26:54,734
What's your reaction
to those comments,
563
00:26:54,734 --> 00:26:57,199
that the process
of reaching agreement
564
00:26:57,200 --> 00:26:59,467
on phase one implementation
has been derailed?
565
00:26:59,467 --> 00:27:01,266
Mr. Carney:
Well, we made clear,
566
00:27:01,266 --> 00:27:04,100
and I think that the
Foreign Minister's comments
567
00:27:04,100 --> 00:27:05,699
in many ways reinforced this,
568
00:27:05,700 --> 00:27:08,734
that implementing
existing sanctions
569
00:27:08,734 --> 00:27:15,667
was always intended and not part
of the Joint Plan of Action,
570
00:27:15,667 --> 00:27:19,466
not part of the
preliminary agreement.
571
00:27:19,467 --> 00:27:26,834
Our call on Congress to refrain
from passing new sanctions
572
00:27:26,834 --> 00:27:30,433
came with it the assurance that
we would continue to maintain
573
00:27:30,433 --> 00:27:32,667
the existing sanctions structure
574
00:27:32,667 --> 00:27:35,199
and we would continue
to implement existing sanctions,
575
00:27:35,200 --> 00:27:39,266
which the action that was
announced last week represented.
576
00:27:39,266 --> 00:27:42,000
And we continue to prepare --
577
00:27:42,000 --> 00:27:46,033
The Press:
Did that help you calm things
down on the Hill a little bit?
578
00:27:46,033 --> 00:27:49,199
Mr. Carney:
It is a fulfillment of what
we've been doing all along.
579
00:27:49,200 --> 00:27:54,934
And again, the issue here
is new sanctions
580
00:27:54,934 --> 00:27:57,033
versus existing sanctions.
581
00:27:57,033 --> 00:28:01,966
Our view has been
that Congress ought to wait
582
00:28:01,967 --> 00:28:03,700
until it is necessary,
583
00:28:03,700 --> 00:28:05,667
if it is necessary,
to impose new sanctions,
584
00:28:05,667 --> 00:28:12,300
to pass new sanctions for
a time when Iran either fails
585
00:28:12,300 --> 00:28:14,899
to meet its obligations
on the preliminary agreement
586
00:28:14,900 --> 00:28:17,367
or fails to reach agreement
with the P5-plus-1
587
00:28:17,367 --> 00:28:21,700
on a comprehensive solution,
our comprehensive agreement.
588
00:28:21,700 --> 00:28:26,934
And if Congress were to do that
it would have the kind of effect
589
00:28:26,934 --> 00:28:27,966
that sanctions are meant to,
590
00:28:27,967 --> 00:28:31,200
and rather than if
they were to impose
591
00:28:31,200 --> 00:28:32,533
or pass new sanctions now,
592
00:28:32,533 --> 00:28:36,332
which could undermine our
unity internationally
593
00:28:36,333 --> 00:28:41,867
with the P5-plus-1 and cause
problems and potentially scuttle
594
00:28:41,867 --> 00:28:44,066
the initial
preliminary agreement.
595
00:28:44,066 --> 00:28:49,166
But I think that the point
that's been made here is that
596
00:28:49,166 --> 00:28:51,533
this administration has
led the way in building
597
00:28:51,533 --> 00:28:54,500
the most comprehensive
sanctions regime in history,
598
00:28:54,500 --> 00:28:56,967
led the way in building
international consensus behind
599
00:28:56,967 --> 00:29:01,266
that and behind the central
premise that the problem here
600
00:29:01,266 --> 00:29:04,433
was Iranian behavior --
not Western behavior,
601
00:29:04,433 --> 00:29:06,433
not American behavior,
but Iranian behavior.
602
00:29:06,433 --> 00:29:09,900
And the steps that President
Obama took in his first term
603
00:29:09,900 --> 00:29:13,500
were persuasive, which allowed
us to create that consensus.
604
00:29:13,500 --> 00:29:16,100
And as you know, when it comes
to this kind of sanctions
605
00:29:16,100 --> 00:29:22,734
regime, it's only as effective
as it's been when it includes
606
00:29:22,734 --> 00:29:26,332
not just the United States
but all of our international
607
00:29:26,333 --> 00:29:27,633
partners, which
has been the case.
608
00:29:27,633 --> 00:29:30,734
So we're going to continue to
implement the sanctions that
609
00:29:30,734 --> 00:29:38,300
exist, that have been
implemented and then continue to
610
00:29:38,300 --> 00:29:41,934
work on preparing to implement
the Joint Plan of Action.
611
00:29:41,934 --> 00:29:46,767
And we're prepared to meet again
with our P5-plus-1 partners and
612
00:29:46,767 --> 00:29:50,133
Iran as soon as possible to
resume the technical talks that
613
00:29:50,133 --> 00:29:52,000
were taking place last week.
614
00:29:52,000 --> 00:29:54,200
The EU will make an
announcement once the date
615
00:29:54,200 --> 00:29:55,700
for the talks is finalized.
616
00:29:55,700 --> 00:29:57,433
The Press:
Do you agree the process
has been "derailed,"
617
00:29:57,433 --> 00:30:00,600
in Mohammad Zarif's words?
618
00:30:00,600 --> 00:30:01,766
Mr. Carney:
Well, no, we don't.
619
00:30:01,767 --> 00:30:04,000
We think that implementation
of existing sanctions
620
00:30:04,000 --> 00:30:05,367
is completely in keeping --
621
00:30:05,367 --> 00:30:08,000
The Press:
No, no, he's talking
about the process
622
00:30:08,000 --> 00:30:10,467
of working out the technical
implementation of phase one.
623
00:30:10,467 --> 00:30:12,700
That's what he's referring to.
624
00:30:12,700 --> 00:30:15,734
Mr. Carney:
Again, what you cited
to me is that he was saying
625
00:30:15,734 --> 00:30:17,667
that was the result
of the implementation
626
00:30:17,667 --> 00:30:18,833
of existing sanctions,
627
00:30:18,834 --> 00:30:21,266
and our position is of
course that's not the case.
628
00:30:21,266 --> 00:30:23,467
And we certainly look
forward to the resumption
629
00:30:23,467 --> 00:30:24,834
of technical talks.
630
00:30:24,834 --> 00:30:28,433
It was always going to be the
case that these highly complex,
631
00:30:28,433 --> 00:30:32,133
detailed technical
conversations and negotiations
632
00:30:32,133 --> 00:30:36,800
would require the teams
to return to their capitals,
633
00:30:36,800 --> 00:30:38,966
which is what happened,
and we look forward
634
00:30:38,967 --> 00:30:42,934
to the resumption of those
talks in the near future.
635
00:30:42,934 --> 00:30:45,000
The Press:
A big meeting on the
Trans-Pacific Partnership
636
00:30:45,000 --> 00:30:46,233
this morning.
637
00:30:46,233 --> 00:30:48,500
Is that a signal that the
administration feels it needs
638
00:30:48,500 --> 00:30:50,533
to regain momentum,
has lost some momentum?
639
00:30:50,533 --> 00:30:54,065
Missed the deadline for the
end of this year and you need
640
00:30:54,066 --> 00:30:56,834
to sort of re-gather
your strength?
641
00:30:56,834 --> 00:30:59,900
Mr. Carney: No, I think that
it represents a couple things.
642
00:30:59,900 --> 00:31:02,500
One, that this remains a top
priority of the President
643
00:31:02,500 --> 00:31:05,800
because of the positive economic
benefits that come from it,
644
00:31:05,800 --> 00:31:08,700
and that's why he met with
members of his Cabinet and
645
00:31:08,700 --> 00:31:12,133
senior staff to receive an
update on his trade agenda.
646
00:31:12,133 --> 00:31:14,900
They specifically discussed
trade promotion authority and
647
00:31:14,900 --> 00:31:17,133
the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
648
00:31:17,133 --> 00:31:19,433
The team updated the President
on the progress made by trade
649
00:31:19,433 --> 00:31:23,233
ministers last week on the TPP
and discussed the importance
650
00:31:23,233 --> 00:31:25,300
of trade promotion authority.
651
00:31:25,300 --> 00:31:27,899
Congress and the American public
have high expectations
652
00:31:27,900 --> 00:31:29,233
for the TPP.
653
00:31:29,233 --> 00:31:32,734
The administration is determined
to get the best deal possible,
654
00:31:32,734 --> 00:31:35,300
and we are pleased with the
progress made towards achieving
655
00:31:35,300 --> 00:31:38,233
an ambitious, comprehensive,
high-standard agreement.
656
00:31:38,233 --> 00:31:41,500
The TPP is critical for
creating jobs, promoting growth,
657
00:31:41,500 --> 00:31:43,867
providing opportunity
for American workers,
658
00:31:43,867 --> 00:31:46,033
and leveling the playing
field for American businesses
659
00:31:46,033 --> 00:31:47,300
in the Asia Pacific.
660
00:31:47,300 --> 00:31:50,567
As you know, the President
has put a priority on engaging
661
00:31:50,567 --> 00:31:52,467
in the Asian Pacific
region at all levels,
662
00:31:52,467 --> 00:31:59,767
and that's why we believe that
the work being done on TPP
663
00:31:59,767 --> 00:32:01,066
has been so important.
664
00:32:01,066 --> 00:32:03,533
The President welcomed the
opportunity to get an update
665
00:32:03,533 --> 00:32:04,966
on our progress on that issue.
666
00:32:04,967 --> 00:32:05,967
The Press:
And just one more question,
667
00:32:05,967 --> 00:32:08,266
following up on the
one about immigration.
668
00:32:08,266 --> 00:32:11,934
The President has identified
several times that the reason
669
00:32:11,934 --> 00:32:14,633
that the Speaker of the House
hasn't brought immigration
670
00:32:14,633 --> 00:32:18,400
reform to the floor is a faction
within a faction within the
671
00:32:18,400 --> 00:32:19,600
House Republican conference.
672
00:32:19,600 --> 00:32:22,867
Last week, the Speaker
of the House defied that faction
673
00:32:22,867 --> 00:32:25,867
and those who, from the
outside, support it.
674
00:32:25,867 --> 00:32:29,399
It seems obvious --
or at least arguable --
675
00:32:29,400 --> 00:32:32,133
that that could create
a window that you see,
676
00:32:32,133 --> 00:32:33,633
that you didn't see before,
677
00:32:33,633 --> 00:32:36,000
on immigration since
it's that very same faction
678
00:32:36,000 --> 00:32:38,567
that would likely
be in a position or try to be
679
00:32:38,567 --> 00:32:40,867
in a position
to scuttle immigration reform.
680
00:32:40,867 --> 00:32:44,265
You don't see an opening
created in the aftermath
681
00:32:44,266 --> 00:32:45,734
of the budget deal?
682
00:32:45,734 --> 00:32:47,833
Mr. Carney:
Well, if you're saying
that there's an opening created,
683
00:32:47,834 --> 00:32:49,934
I would say, from your
lips to the Speaker's ear,
684
00:32:49,934 --> 00:32:52,332
we hope that's the case.
685
00:32:52,333 --> 00:32:58,233
We're not going to
get into analyzing the --
686
00:32:58,233 --> 00:32:59,300
The Press:
But you have analyzed
687
00:32:59,300 --> 00:33:01,066
what the fundamental
problem is legislatively,
688
00:33:01,066 --> 00:33:02,633
and I'm just saying,
well, here's the Speaker --
689
00:33:02,633 --> 00:33:04,233
Mr. Carney:
Well, that's been the
fundamental problem --
690
00:33:04,233 --> 00:33:07,734
The Press:
-- was taking on that problem
and that may create an opening.
691
00:33:07,734 --> 00:33:09,567
Mr. Carney: Or it remains to
be seen whether the Republican
692
00:33:09,567 --> 00:33:14,333
leaders, not just the Speaker,
but Republican leaders broadly
693
00:33:14,333 --> 00:33:18,900
decide to act despite some
opposition from some quarters
694
00:33:18,900 --> 00:33:20,633
on comprehensive
immigration reform.
695
00:33:20,633 --> 00:33:24,367
And I wouldn't
project into the future
696
00:33:24,367 --> 00:33:27,166
based on what's
happened recently --
697
00:33:27,166 --> 00:33:29,166
The Press:
Are you even asking?
698
00:33:29,166 --> 00:33:31,100
Mr. Carney: We have been
pressing all of the House
699
00:33:31,100 --> 00:33:34,367
Republican leaders who have
demonstrated an interest in this
700
00:33:34,367 --> 00:33:36,633
and talked about the need
to deal with immigration --
701
00:33:36,633 --> 00:33:37,967
and the Speaker is one of them,
702
00:33:37,967 --> 00:33:40,500
others are among
that group --
703
00:33:40,500 --> 00:33:43,533
about the necessity
and wisdom of moving forward.
704
00:33:43,533 --> 00:33:47,966
And we hope that we'll see
progress from the House as soon
705
00:33:47,967 --> 00:33:51,133
as possible because of all
the benefits that passing
706
00:33:51,133 --> 00:33:53,533
comprehensive immigration
reform would deliver.
707
00:33:53,533 --> 00:33:55,233
The Press:
Is what you saw last
week give you any more
708
00:33:55,233 --> 00:33:58,966
optimism that that's possible
than you had let's say two weeks
709
00:33:58,967 --> 00:34:00,400
ago when you were
still advocating,
710
00:34:00,400 --> 00:34:01,400
pressing all the same buttons?
711
00:34:01,400 --> 00:34:06,066
Do you think the terrain
has shifted any way?
712
00:34:06,066 --> 00:34:12,000
Mr. Carney:
I think we can only
hope that there is more
713
00:34:12,000 --> 00:34:13,600
interest in pushing forward
on comprehensive
714
00:34:13,600 --> 00:34:15,000
immigration reform.
715
00:34:15,000 --> 00:34:22,033
I would hesitate to assume that
the decision to push ahead with
716
00:34:22,033 --> 00:34:26,100
a budget agreement against some
resistance from some elements of
717
00:34:26,100 --> 00:34:31,766
the Republican Party would mean
anything more than that decision
718
00:34:31,766 --> 00:34:34,766
was made and
followed through on.
719
00:34:34,766 --> 00:34:36,033
But of course we remain hopeful.
720
00:34:36,033 --> 00:34:39,967
And if this is a sign that
there's the potential for more
721
00:34:39,967 --> 00:34:43,533
compromise and the potential
for a greater willingness by
722
00:34:43,533 --> 00:34:47,667
Republican leaders to listen
to the center as opposed to the
723
00:34:47,667 --> 00:34:53,799
wing, or the wings, then that
would be a good development I
724
00:34:53,800 --> 00:34:56,100
think for American people
and the American economy.
725
00:34:56,100 --> 00:34:57,100
Ed.
726
00:34:57,100 --> 00:34:58,333
The Press:
A couple on health care.
727
00:34:58,333 --> 00:35:01,400
The top Democrats on seven
different House committees are
728
00:35:01,400 --> 00:35:05,400
asking for a classified briefing
with Speaker Boehner and Leader
729
00:35:05,400 --> 00:35:09,133
Pelosi to talk about the risks
of releasing documents that
730
00:35:09,133 --> 00:35:12,533
spell out security
protocols at healthcare.gov,
731
00:35:12,533 --> 00:35:16,366
and it appears from the reports
that these documents were turned
732
00:35:16,367 --> 00:35:19,100
over to Republican
Darrell Issa un-redacted.
733
00:35:19,100 --> 00:35:22,866
And so my question in part is,
was that an accident that they
734
00:35:22,867 --> 00:35:23,834
were turned over --
735
00:35:23,834 --> 00:35:24,834
Mr. Carney:
They weren't turned over.
736
00:35:24,834 --> 00:35:25,933
My understanding --
Ed, I think you need
737
00:35:25,934 --> 00:35:26,934
to look into this story --
738
00:35:26,934 --> 00:35:27,934
is that the concern --
739
00:35:27,934 --> 00:35:29,233
I shouldn't speak
for the House Democrats,
740
00:35:29,233 --> 00:35:31,967
but my understanding
is the concern was that
741
00:35:31,967 --> 00:35:37,066
there has been not exactly
a demonstration of care taken
742
00:35:37,066 --> 00:35:39,866
in the release of documents
by that committee.
743
00:35:39,867 --> 00:35:41,567
And when you're talking
about documents
744
00:35:41,567 --> 00:35:43,600
that contain information --
745
00:35:43,600 --> 00:35:45,834
The Press: Well, was
some turned over by the --
746
00:35:45,834 --> 00:35:46,834
or were they leaked?
747
00:35:46,834 --> 00:35:49,332
Or what is the
concern by Democrats?
748
00:35:49,333 --> 00:35:52,367
Mr. Carney:
No, no, I think this might
have to do with an outside --
749
00:35:52,367 --> 00:35:54,700
a third-party, a contractor
is my understanding.
750
00:35:54,700 --> 00:35:56,767
The Press:
Is turning them over to Issa?
751
00:35:56,767 --> 00:35:58,399
Mr. Carney:
Again, I would
look at the stories.
752
00:35:58,400 --> 00:36:00,567
I don't have all the details.
753
00:36:00,567 --> 00:36:03,367
The Press:
But does the White House
have concerns about it?
754
00:36:03,367 --> 00:36:05,000
Mr. Carney:
I think we would
have, in general,
755
00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:08,066
concerns about the potential for
the release of information that
756
00:36:08,066 --> 00:36:12,899
could provide guidelines
to would-be hackers
757
00:36:12,900 --> 00:36:16,000
of any federal IT system.
758
00:36:16,000 --> 00:36:19,700
But beyond that, I would refer
you to the committee that's
759
00:36:19,700 --> 00:36:22,799
called for this meeting
that you mention.
760
00:36:22,800 --> 00:36:24,233
The Press:
The very same committee,
761
00:36:24,233 --> 00:36:26,033
run by a critic of the
administration, Darrell Issa,
762
00:36:26,033 --> 00:36:28,500
is having a field hearing
in Texas today where they're
763
00:36:28,500 --> 00:36:31,100
alleging that some of the health
care navigators that try to help
764
00:36:31,100 --> 00:36:37,000
people sign up for the new law
have in some cases, they allege,
765
00:36:37,000 --> 00:36:39,266
have committed fraud
and told people,
766
00:36:39,266 --> 00:36:41,800
lie about your income so you
can get better subsidies,
767
00:36:41,800 --> 00:36:44,400
and that there's not proper
background checks of some of
768
00:36:44,400 --> 00:36:45,834
these people to see
that they're actually --
769
00:36:45,834 --> 00:36:48,000
they can
be trusted to guide people.
770
00:36:48,000 --> 00:36:50,567
What's the reaction here?
771
00:36:50,567 --> 00:36:53,767
Mr. Carney:
This is just one more data point
in the Republican obsession
772
00:36:53,767 --> 00:36:55,667
with sabotaging Obamacare.
773
00:36:55,667 --> 00:36:59,366
All navigators must complete
about 20 hours of training,
774
00:36:59,367 --> 00:37:01,800
including training
on privacy issues.
775
00:37:01,800 --> 00:37:04,367
And this training is not
a one-time only process.
776
00:37:04,367 --> 00:37:07,400
Navigators have regular
refresher opportunities where
777
00:37:07,400 --> 00:37:09,834
they can share updates,
receive information,
778
00:37:09,834 --> 00:37:12,767
and address issues as they are
in the process of helping people
779
00:37:12,767 --> 00:37:14,366
in their communities.
780
00:37:14,367 --> 00:37:17,000
All navigators must complete
their training and pass course
781
00:37:17,000 --> 00:37:20,400
exams to ensure appropriate
understanding of relevant
782
00:37:20,400 --> 00:37:24,300
exchange-related information,
which includes privacy issues.
783
00:37:24,300 --> 00:37:27,200
Navigators are required to
comply with privacy and security
784
00:37:27,200 --> 00:37:29,533
standards and they should
not obtain information
785
00:37:29,533 --> 00:37:32,767
without the consumer's consent.
786
00:37:32,767 --> 00:37:34,332
And let's pull back
a little bit further.
787
00:37:34,333 --> 00:37:39,667
When Republicans attack
navigators they're attacking
788
00:37:39,667 --> 00:37:42,066
folks like the
University of Arkansas,
789
00:37:42,066 --> 00:37:45,667
the Epilepsy
Foundation of Florida,
790
00:37:45,667 --> 00:37:49,767
the Visiting Nurse Services
of Iowa, Ascension Health,
791
00:37:49,767 --> 00:37:52,799
Ohio Association of Food Banks,
and the National Urban League.
792
00:37:52,800 --> 00:37:55,400
These are just a few of the
organizations that actually hire
793
00:37:55,400 --> 00:37:56,667
and supervise these navigators.
794
00:37:56,667 --> 00:37:58,500
These are people who are
engaging in an effort to help
795
00:37:58,500 --> 00:38:04,567
Americans who want health
insurance to get it.
796
00:38:07,734 --> 00:38:13,734
So I think it's pretty evident
upon scrutiny that this is an
797
00:38:16,266 --> 00:38:21,033
effort to in a partisan way
sabotage the Affordable Care Act
798
00:38:21,033 --> 00:38:23,333
that's in keeping
with a long line of efforts
799
00:38:23,333 --> 00:38:24,934
to sabotage the
Affordable Care Act.
800
00:38:24,934 --> 00:38:32,000
And let's put some faces to
the name "navigators" here.
801
00:38:32,000 --> 00:38:34,433
These are folks in their
communities working for
802
00:38:34,433 --> 00:38:37,800
organizations like the ones
I discussed who are doing
803
00:38:37,800 --> 00:38:41,333
something very simple but
important: helping their fellow
804
00:38:41,333 --> 00:38:44,133
community members get the
information they need
805
00:38:44,133 --> 00:38:47,299
if they seek to enroll
and purchase health insurance --
806
00:38:47,300 --> 00:38:49,567
for many of them,
health insurance coverage
807
00:38:49,567 --> 00:38:51,734
that they have
not had in the past
808
00:38:51,734 --> 00:38:53,600
that's quality and
affordable coverage.
809
00:38:53,600 --> 00:38:56,000
The Press:
Last one was an allegation
put out not by Republicans,
810
00:38:56,000 --> 00:38:58,133
but The Washington Post over
the weekend had a long story
811
00:38:58,133 --> 00:39:00,366
suggesting that people
who used to work for this
812
00:39:00,367 --> 00:39:03,867
administration were suggesting
that regulations were held back
813
00:39:03,867 --> 00:39:06,066
last year because
it was an election year --
814
00:39:06,066 --> 00:39:08,299
not just on health care,
but a whole range of issues --
815
00:39:08,300 --> 00:39:10,300
because the President
didn't want to pick fights
816
00:39:10,300 --> 00:39:11,500
on some of these issues,
817
00:39:11,500 --> 00:39:14,467
wanted to wait until after he
got reelected to lay out
818
00:39:14,467 --> 00:39:16,200
some of these new health
care regulations.
819
00:39:16,200 --> 00:39:17,299
How do you react to that?
820
00:39:17,300 --> 00:39:18,867
Mr. Carney:
Well, I would point you to OIRA,
821
00:39:18,867 --> 00:39:22,800
which is the agency that
handles regulations,
822
00:39:22,800 --> 00:39:26,433
and as they have said, their
approach to regulatory review
823
00:39:26,433 --> 00:39:29,266
is consistent with longstanding
precedent across previous
824
00:39:29,266 --> 00:39:32,266
administrations of both parties,
and fully adheres to the
825
00:39:32,266 --> 00:39:35,667
established principles
guiding regulatory policy.
826
00:39:35,667 --> 00:39:39,866
OMB works as expeditiously
as possible to review rules,
827
00:39:39,867 --> 00:39:41,367
but when it comes
to complex rules
828
00:39:41,367 --> 00:39:43,433
with significant
potential impact,
829
00:39:43,433 --> 00:39:45,567
we take the time
needed to get them right.
830
00:39:45,567 --> 00:39:48,367
The administration is committed
to a regulatory strategy
831
00:39:48,367 --> 00:39:51,533
that maintains a balance between
protecting the health, welfare,
832
00:39:51,533 --> 00:39:54,299
and safety of Americans,
and promoting economic growth,
833
00:39:54,300 --> 00:39:57,166
job creation, competiveness,
and innovation.
834
00:39:57,166 --> 00:40:00,533
Our goal is to move -- is not,
rather, to move rules hastily,
835
00:40:00,533 --> 00:40:03,333
but to maximize the
effectiveness and benefits
836
00:40:03,333 --> 00:40:04,367
of the rules we complete.
837
00:40:04,367 --> 00:40:08,166
And I would say on
that issues, in 2012,
838
00:40:08,166 --> 00:40:10,533
one of the most important sets
of economically significant
839
00:40:10,533 --> 00:40:13,033
rules completed in decades
was the fuel economy standards
840
00:40:13,033 --> 00:40:17,133
for cars and light-duty trucks
issued in August of 2012.
841
00:40:17,133 --> 00:40:19,767
Two other economically
significant rules issued during
842
00:40:19,767 --> 00:40:21,734
the President's first
term included the Mercury
843
00:40:21,734 --> 00:40:24,799
and Air Toxic Standards
issued in December 2011,
844
00:40:24,800 --> 00:40:27,967
and the Unique Device
Identification rule issued
845
00:40:27,967 --> 00:40:29,800
in July of 2012.
846
00:40:29,800 --> 00:40:32,767
In addition, in 2012,
the administration issued
847
00:40:32,767 --> 00:40:35,600
more than 20 rules related
to the Affordable Care Act
848
00:40:35,600 --> 00:40:37,967
and affordable
insurance exchanges.
849
00:40:37,967 --> 00:40:40,266
And I can tell you
that from November 6, 2011
850
00:40:40,266 --> 00:40:42,200
to November 6, 2012,
851
00:40:42,200 --> 00:40:44,500
the Office of Information
and Regulatory Affairs --
852
00:40:44,500 --> 00:40:46,367
the aforementioned OIRA --
853
00:40:46,367 --> 00:40:49,033
concluded review of 436 rules,
854
00:40:49,033 --> 00:40:52,100
81 of which were
economically significant.
855
00:40:52,100 --> 00:40:53,933
Finally, through
the fourth fiscal year
856
00:40:53,934 --> 00:40:55,734
of President Obama's presidency,
857
00:40:55,734 --> 00:40:58,866
the net benefits
of major rules finalized
858
00:40:58,867 --> 00:41:02,300
was about $159 billion per year.
859
00:41:02,300 --> 00:41:05,033
That's four times the net
benefits through the fourth
860
00:41:05,033 --> 00:41:07,333
fiscal year of the
previous administration.
861
00:41:07,333 --> 00:41:09,200
Chuck.
862
00:41:09,200 --> 00:41:10,899
The Press:
Just to follow up, though,
863
00:41:10,900 --> 00:41:12,867
can you say with certainty
there was no politics?
864
00:41:12,867 --> 00:41:14,300
Politics never entered --
865
00:41:14,300 --> 00:41:16,166
Mr. Carney:
I can tell you what --
866
00:41:16,166 --> 00:41:17,633
The Press:
I understand the
rules that were made.
867
00:41:17,633 --> 00:41:18,866
Can you say with
certainty, though,
868
00:41:18,867 --> 00:41:21,233
that anything -- that politics
didn't enter any decision
869
00:41:21,233 --> 00:41:22,600
to delay a regulation?
870
00:41:22,600 --> 00:41:24,266
Mr. Carney:
Look, I can just tell --
OIRA runs this process.
871
00:41:24,266 --> 00:41:26,266
They run a rigorous process.
872
00:41:26,266 --> 00:41:29,333
And I can either point you
to a number of high-profile,
873
00:41:29,333 --> 00:41:35,300
highly economically significant
and contentious rules
874
00:41:38,200 --> 00:41:44,100
that were put out and acted
on in 2012 and late 2011.
875
00:41:44,100 --> 00:41:45,467
The Press:
This report referred
to politics,
876
00:41:45,467 --> 00:41:46,567
referred to the campaign.
877
00:41:46,567 --> 00:41:49,000
I mean, it's not
like made up by --
878
00:41:49,000 --> 00:41:52,533
it wasn't made up by a
political opponent, in fairness.
879
00:41:52,533 --> 00:41:54,433
Mr. Carney:
Well, again, I
would just point you
880
00:41:54,433 --> 00:41:55,767
to what actions were taken.
881
00:41:55,767 --> 00:41:59,033
The fact that 20 -- again, as
regards the Affordable Care Act,
882
00:41:59,033 --> 00:42:02,000
20 rules related to the ACA
and to the affordable insurance
883
00:42:02,000 --> 00:42:05,533
exchanges were
issued in 2012 alone.
884
00:42:05,533 --> 00:42:10,834
So those actions were taken;
they seem to contradict the
885
00:42:10,834 --> 00:42:12,299
assertions of that story.
886
00:42:12,300 --> 00:42:14,100
The Press:
I want to ask about Syria.
887
00:42:14,100 --> 00:42:18,667
Considering the suspension of
some of the non-lethal aid to
888
00:42:18,667 --> 00:42:23,700
some of the moderate groups, is
there a sense that essentially
889
00:42:23,700 --> 00:42:26,933
they're losing Syria,
considering -- that basically
890
00:42:26,934 --> 00:42:30,834
it's a choice between
extremists on one end and Assad?
891
00:42:33,000 --> 00:42:34,000
Mr. Carney:
Well, first of all,
892
00:42:34,000 --> 00:42:36,400
I think on the
suspension of aid,
893
00:42:36,400 --> 00:42:41,500
that relates to the material
security of aid itself
894
00:42:41,500 --> 00:42:45,367
after the raid of the warehouse.
895
00:42:45,367 --> 00:42:48,700
And that suspension of
deliveries of non-lethal
896
00:42:48,700 --> 00:42:53,066
assistance into Northern Syria,
while we evaluate the situation
897
00:42:53,066 --> 00:42:55,433
and gather additional
details, continues.
898
00:42:55,433 --> 00:42:58,934
But it is related to
that specific instance.
899
00:42:58,934 --> 00:43:01,333
And our humanitarian assistance,
which is distributed through
900
00:43:01,333 --> 00:43:03,834
international and
non-governmental organizations,
901
00:43:03,834 --> 00:43:07,066
including the U.N., is not
affected by the suspension,
902
00:43:07,066 --> 00:43:12,066
nor is our broader commitment to
providing non-lethal assistance
903
00:43:12,066 --> 00:43:16,799
to the Syrian people, as well
as assistance to the opposition.
904
00:43:16,800 --> 00:43:21,767
We are the leader in the
provision of assistance and
905
00:43:21,767 --> 00:43:23,133
we'll continue to do that.
906
00:43:23,133 --> 00:43:29,466
What is unquestionably the case
is that there is no resolution
907
00:43:29,467 --> 00:43:35,166
to the conflict in Syria without
a negotiated political solution.
908
00:43:35,166 --> 00:43:39,033
And that is why it's important
to move forward to Geneva,
909
00:43:39,033 --> 00:43:44,299
and why it's important to engage
in a political process that can
910
00:43:44,300 --> 00:43:49,700
produce a resolution so that the
bloodshed can end and the Syrian
911
00:43:49,700 --> 00:43:54,734
people can begin to rebuild
their country and enjoy the
912
00:43:54,734 --> 00:43:56,799
better future that they deserve.
913
00:43:56,800 --> 00:44:01,467
There's no question the
situation there has been and is
914
00:44:01,467 --> 00:44:04,400
terrible for so many reasons.
915
00:44:04,400 --> 00:44:10,066
But the only way out of this is
through a political resolution.
916
00:44:10,066 --> 00:44:11,299
The Press:
Does the administration --
917
00:44:11,300 --> 00:44:14,400
does the President feel
almost powerless now?
918
00:44:14,400 --> 00:44:16,533
Mr. Carney:
No, look, we have
a broad-based effort
919
00:44:16,533 --> 00:44:17,767
to provide
substantial assistance
920
00:44:17,767 --> 00:44:19,299
to work with the opposition,
921
00:44:19,300 --> 00:44:21,600
to move forward on
the political process.
922
00:44:21,600 --> 00:44:22,967
There's no question
that it's difficult
923
00:44:22,967 --> 00:44:25,800
and there's no question
that Assad continues
924
00:44:25,800 --> 00:44:28,233
to brutally murder
his own people,
925
00:44:28,233 --> 00:44:32,100
including with his recent
use of barrel bombs
926
00:44:32,100 --> 00:44:37,834
in and around Aleppo,
which killed dozens of citizens,
927
00:44:37,834 --> 00:44:40,200
many of them women and children.
928
00:44:40,200 --> 00:44:42,866
The use of those bombs further
underscores the brutality
929
00:44:42,867 --> 00:44:45,066
of the regime and the
lengths it will go
930
00:44:45,066 --> 00:44:47,066
to attack and kill
its own people.
931
00:44:47,066 --> 00:44:49,533
These specific weapons
are not intended to strike
932
00:44:49,533 --> 00:44:52,366
a particular target
but rather are intended
933
00:44:52,367 --> 00:44:54,700
to cause mass casualties,
934
00:44:54,700 --> 00:44:55,767
which is what they did,
935
00:44:55,767 --> 00:44:58,366
including the killing
of women and children.
936
00:44:58,367 --> 00:45:02,734
So the brutality continues, and
that is why it is so important
937
00:45:02,734 --> 00:45:06,266
to take the actions that we've
taken and move to a political
938
00:45:06,266 --> 00:45:08,667
process and resolution.
939
00:45:08,667 --> 00:45:11,165
The Press:
Is the administration
considering any actions
940
00:45:11,166 --> 00:45:12,834
against the
Ukraine government,
941
00:45:12,834 --> 00:45:15,834
considering what's going on?
942
00:45:15,834 --> 00:45:20,265
Mr. Carney:
I think we've made clear our
view that the government there
943
00:45:20,266 --> 00:45:24,100
needs to respect the
rights of its citizens
944
00:45:24,100 --> 00:45:26,333
to peaceful protest.
945
00:45:26,333 --> 00:45:29,967
And we've made clear
our views on the issue
946
00:45:29,967 --> 00:45:33,667
in terms of
European integration.
947
00:45:33,667 --> 00:45:36,333
But I don't have any new
updates on our policy position
948
00:45:36,333 --> 00:45:38,400
toward Ukraine in light of this.
949
00:45:38,400 --> 00:45:40,200
The Press:
-- talking about some
sort of substantial
950
00:45:40,200 --> 00:45:41,567
economic or anything like that?
951
00:45:41,567 --> 00:45:43,166
Mr. Carney:
I would refer you to
State for more information
952
00:45:43,166 --> 00:45:50,166
about Ukraine, but our view is
that the government there needs
953
00:45:50,166 --> 00:45:54,100
to demonstrate that
it allows peaceful protests
954
00:45:54,100 --> 00:45:56,533
and that it listens
to its people.
955
00:45:56,533 --> 00:45:57,900
Margaret.
956
00:45:57,900 --> 00:45:58,900
The Press: Thanks.
957
00:45:58,900 --> 00:46:00,800
There's a ruling out
announced today
958
00:46:00,800 --> 00:46:03,467
from a U.S. District Court judge
959
00:46:03,467 --> 00:46:06,667
who happened to be an
appointee of President Bush's
960
00:46:06,667 --> 00:46:08,100
saying that the NSA's
telephone eavesdropping program
961
00:46:08,100 --> 00:46:09,133
appears to have
been unconstitutional.
962
00:46:09,133 --> 00:46:10,165
My understanding
is there's actually
963
00:46:10,166 --> 00:46:11,567
a stay on his order
pending appeal.
964
00:46:11,567 --> 00:46:13,000
But what is the administration's
initial reaction?
965
00:46:13,000 --> 00:46:15,033
This is sort of the first --
966
00:46:15,033 --> 00:46:16,900
Mr. Carney:
I would refer you to
the Department of Justice.
967
00:46:16,900 --> 00:46:17,900
I don't have anything.
968
00:46:17,900 --> 00:46:19,734
I'm not even aware
of that ruling.
969
00:46:19,734 --> 00:46:22,400
The Press:
Do you expect you may have
something yourself later today?
970
00:46:22,400 --> 00:46:23,834
Mr. Carney:
Since I'm just learning
about it from you,
971
00:46:23,834 --> 00:46:24,834
I couldn't even say.
972
00:46:24,834 --> 00:46:26,700
But I would refer
you to Justice.
973
00:46:26,700 --> 00:46:30,899
The Press:
Okay, well, I may come back
to you after going to Justice.
974
00:46:30,900 --> 00:46:32,333
Mr. Carney: Okay.
975
00:46:32,333 --> 00:46:34,233
The Press:
You were asked twice today
about the administration's
976
00:46:34,233 --> 00:46:35,900
position on negotiating
the debt limit
977
00:46:35,900 --> 00:46:38,000
and said the position
hasn't changed.
978
00:46:38,000 --> 00:46:40,800
Would you be willing to
go one step further and say
979
00:46:40,800 --> 00:46:42,967
prospectively that
it will not change
980
00:46:42,967 --> 00:46:47,266
just so we can stop
asking you about it?
981
00:46:47,266 --> 00:46:50,233
Mr. Carney:
Well, yes, because it
is simply unconscionable
982
00:46:50,233 --> 00:46:52,100
to imagine that Republicans
are going to try
983
00:46:52,100 --> 00:46:54,232
to exact -- or extract, rather,
984
00:46:54,233 --> 00:47:01,266
ideological wins in exchange for
fulfilling their responsibility
985
00:47:01,266 --> 00:47:03,233
to pay the bills that
they've already racked up.
986
00:47:03,233 --> 00:47:04,734
I mean, we've --
987
00:47:04,734 --> 00:47:05,734
The Press:
But even if it's unimaginable,
988
00:47:05,734 --> 00:47:07,366
you will not change
your position?
989
00:47:07,367 --> 00:47:09,433
Mr. Carney:
We have not and will
not change our position,
990
00:47:09,433 --> 00:47:15,367
nor do we expect Republicans
to travel down that road again,
991
00:47:15,367 --> 00:47:19,400
because, one, so many of
them have said they won't,
992
00:47:19,400 --> 00:47:25,967
including those who endorsed the
approach in October; and two,
993
00:47:25,967 --> 00:47:31,600
because that approach and
pursuit was so disastrous
994
00:47:31,600 --> 00:47:35,567
for them and for the economy
and for the middle class.
995
00:47:35,567 --> 00:47:37,667
So I'm not going to anticipate
a decision by Republicans
996
00:47:37,667 --> 00:47:38,734
to do that again,
997
00:47:38,734 --> 00:47:43,533
to play chicken with
the full faith and credit
998
00:47:43,533 --> 00:47:48,066
of the United States, because
we don't believe, obviously,
999
00:47:48,066 --> 00:47:50,165
that they should, and nor
do we believe that they will.
1000
00:47:50,166 --> 00:47:54,867
The President's position
has not and will not change.
1001
00:47:54,867 --> 00:47:56,300
The Press:
One quick last one.
1002
00:47:56,300 --> 00:48:02,367
Our week-ahead had nothing on
it except for a Friday evening
1003
00:48:05,500 --> 00:48:06,500
departure from the White House.
1004
00:48:06,500 --> 00:48:08,066
I was wondering
if you could sort of
1005
00:48:08,066 --> 00:48:09,399
fill the tree a little bit.
1006
00:48:09,400 --> 00:48:11,433
What's he trying to do before
he leaves for a well-deserved
1007
00:48:11,433 --> 00:48:12,433
family vacation?
1008
00:48:12,433 --> 00:48:14,033
What can we expect this week?
1009
00:48:14,033 --> 00:48:16,000
Mr. Carney:
Well, sure, he will have and
is having a series of meetings,
1010
00:48:16,000 --> 00:48:17,266
substantive policy meetings.
1011
00:48:17,266 --> 00:48:19,166
As you know, he had one earlier
today on a trade agenda
1012
00:48:19,166 --> 00:48:24,433
and will continue to have
a variety of policy meetings
1013
00:48:24,433 --> 00:48:26,133
through the week.
1014
00:48:26,133 --> 00:48:31,033
I would note that also in
that week-ahead was the events
1015
00:48:31,033 --> 00:48:34,400
surrounding the anniversary
of Newtown on Saturday.
1016
00:48:34,400 --> 00:48:40,734
But as some of these
meetings take shape,
1017
00:48:40,734 --> 00:48:44,133
I'm sure we'll have more
information about them for you,
1018
00:48:44,133 --> 00:48:45,332
at least some of them.
1019
00:48:45,333 --> 00:48:46,700
The Press:
And an end-of-the-year
news conference?
1020
00:48:46,700 --> 00:48:50,399
Mr. Carney:
I don't have a scheduling
update to provide to you.
1021
00:48:50,400 --> 00:48:52,467
But as we get more information
about this schedule,
1022
00:48:52,467 --> 00:48:53,467
we'll let you know.
1023
00:48:53,467 --> 00:48:54,900
Jackie.
1024
00:48:54,900 --> 00:48:56,800
The Press:
To follow up on Margaret,
1025
00:48:56,800 --> 00:49:00,333
who was following others,
on your optimism about there
1026
00:49:00,333 --> 00:49:02,266
not being another
fiscal showdown
1027
00:49:02,266 --> 00:49:06,867
when the debt limit
needs to be raised --
1028
00:49:06,867 --> 00:49:08,400
Mr. Carney:
You think it's naïve?
1029
00:49:08,400 --> 00:49:09,934
[laughter]
1030
00:49:09,934 --> 00:49:11,834
The Press:
Do you?
1031
00:49:11,834 --> 00:49:12,834
Mr. Carney: No.
1032
00:49:12,834 --> 00:49:14,200
[laughter]
1033
00:49:14,200 --> 00:49:16,165
I don't, because, again, leader
after leader in the Republican
1034
00:49:16,166 --> 00:49:18,900
Party, including those who
endorsed the strategy back -- or
1035
00:49:18,900 --> 00:49:24,233
at least held their nose as the
strategy was pursued in October
1036
00:49:24,233 --> 00:49:27,233
I think have come out and made
clear that it was the wrong
1037
00:49:27,233 --> 00:49:29,867
strategy to pursue and that
they would not pursue it again.
1038
00:49:29,867 --> 00:49:31,667
So what we obviously can't do
with 100 percent certainty is
1039
00:49:31,667 --> 00:49:38,500
predict the future, but we do
not anticipate that Republicans
1040
00:49:38,500 --> 00:49:44,867
would want to threaten
default again.
1041
00:49:44,867 --> 00:49:48,900
But under great pressure,
I committed to Margaret that
1042
00:49:48,900 --> 00:49:53,266
our position on Congress's
responsibility to pay the bills
1043
00:49:53,266 --> 00:49:55,600
that Congress has racked
up would not change.
1044
00:49:55,600 --> 00:49:59,400
The Press:
Well, those comments
you suggest from
1045
00:49:59,400 --> 00:50:00,967
Republican leaders who were
saying that the shutdown
1046
00:50:00,967 --> 00:50:02,567
was the wrong strategy --
1047
00:50:02,567 --> 00:50:04,333
Mr. Carney:
But they were also --
1048
00:50:04,333 --> 00:50:06,533
The Press:
-- they were speaking
to the shutdown and --
1049
00:50:06,533 --> 00:50:07,834
Mr. Carney:
No, there were
Republican leaders
1050
00:50:07,834 --> 00:50:10,933
who have also spoken to debt
limit and threatening default.
1051
00:50:10,934 --> 00:50:14,467
The Press:
But some of those who have
spoken to the debt limit
1052
00:50:14,467 --> 00:50:15,900
have said they want
the administration,
1053
00:50:15,900 --> 00:50:17,600
the President
has to pay a price,
1054
00:50:17,600 --> 00:50:19,232
that there has
to be more savings.
1055
00:50:19,233 --> 00:50:25,667
Some have talked about Speaker
Boehner's previous policy
1056
00:50:25,667 --> 00:50:29,866
that there would be
dollar-for-dollar budget cuts
1057
00:50:29,867 --> 00:50:31,200
to raise the debt limit.
1058
00:50:31,200 --> 00:50:34,200
Mr. Carney:
As fun as it sounds
to engage in that kind of
1059
00:50:34,200 --> 00:50:39,165
negotiation now in anticipation
of something that may or may not
1060
00:50:39,166 --> 00:50:43,567
happen months from now, I think
that we're focused on making
1061
00:50:43,567 --> 00:50:46,867
sure that Congress takes
the final steps to pass
1062
00:50:46,867 --> 00:50:48,200
the current budget agreement.
1063
00:50:48,200 --> 00:50:49,567
I would note something you don't
hear from those who talk about
1064
00:50:49,567 --> 00:50:56,667
a willingness to shut down
the government over deficit
1065
00:50:56,667 --> 00:50:58,700
reduction, that we have
seen the deficit come down
1066
00:50:58,700 --> 00:51:01,200
at the fastest rate
in our lifetimes --
1067
00:51:01,200 --> 00:51:05,466
unless some of you
were here prior to World War II.
1068
00:51:05,467 --> 00:51:06,633
And that effort continues.
1069
00:51:06,633 --> 00:51:11,567
And even the budget agreement,
as modest as it was,
1070
00:51:11,567 --> 00:51:15,033
that was reached between
the House and the Senate,
1071
00:51:15,033 --> 00:51:17,767
Senator Murray
and Congressman Ryan,
1072
00:51:17,767 --> 00:51:21,133
contains within it continued
modest deficit reduction
1073
00:51:21,133 --> 00:51:23,933
to build on the deficit
reduction we've seen thus far.
1074
00:51:23,934 --> 00:51:26,934
The focus we need to have and
that the American people want us
1075
00:51:26,934 --> 00:51:30,934
to have is as we maintain steady
progress on dealing with our
1076
00:51:30,934 --> 00:51:35,467
deficits to take action to
help the economy grow faster,
1077
00:51:35,467 --> 00:51:38,433
to help it create more jobs and
help it to create the kinds of
1078
00:51:38,433 --> 00:51:41,734
jobs that middle-class
families can rely on.
1079
00:51:41,734 --> 00:51:45,767
The Press:
Isn't there a prospect that
the fact that the Republicans --
1080
00:51:45,767 --> 00:51:48,700
House Republicans did
compromise, as they see it,
1081
00:51:48,700 --> 00:51:52,767
on the appropriations for the
next fiscal year will make them
1082
00:51:52,767 --> 00:51:56,000
dig in on the
debt limit and try to --
1083
00:51:56,000 --> 00:51:57,367
Mr. Carney:
I suppose there is.
1084
00:51:57,367 --> 00:52:00,767
I mean, it goes to the question
I had earlier about whether or
1085
00:52:00,767 --> 00:52:07,133
not the decision to compromise
and reject the advice of some of
1086
00:52:07,133 --> 00:52:14,700
the advocacy groups on the right
harbors well for the potential
1087
00:52:14,700 --> 00:52:19,299
of reaching a comprehensive
immigration deal with the House.
1088
00:52:19,300 --> 00:52:20,667
It might or it might not.
1089
00:52:20,667 --> 00:52:23,667
What I can simply say is that
the President's position is what
1090
00:52:23,667 --> 00:52:25,232
it is, and it won't change.
1091
00:52:25,233 --> 00:52:29,166
And I would be surprised --
1092
00:52:29,166 --> 00:52:31,433
and maybe you'll tell
me how wrong I was --
1093
00:52:31,433 --> 00:52:34,433
but I would be surprised
if Republicans wanted to go
1094
00:52:34,433 --> 00:52:38,967
down that road again right as we
continue to see positive signs
1095
00:52:38,967 --> 00:52:44,033
in the economy and continue to
see people going back to work
1096
00:52:44,033 --> 00:52:50,366
and positive numbers in
industrial production
1097
00:52:50,367 --> 00:52:52,300
and the like.
1098
00:52:52,300 --> 00:52:56,533
So we need to be focused
on growth and job creation,
1099
00:52:58,667 --> 00:53:01,834
not just deficit reduction.
1100
00:53:01,834 --> 00:53:04,533
We continue to maintain
that that's important.
1101
00:53:04,533 --> 00:53:08,500
We have seen significant deficit
reduction over the course
1102
00:53:08,500 --> 00:53:11,500
of this presidency,
and the President is committed,
1103
00:53:11,500 --> 00:53:15,967
as you've seen in his budgets,
to addressing the medium-
1104
00:53:15,967 --> 00:53:18,767
and longer-term issues related
to our debt in a way that's
1105
00:53:18,767 --> 00:53:20,299
responsible and balanced.
1106
00:53:20,300 --> 00:53:22,400
So we'll work with
Congress on those issues,
1107
00:53:22,400 --> 00:53:23,834
but I don't think that we would
expect -- we're always ready --
1108
00:53:23,834 --> 00:53:28,299
but I don't think
we would expect Congress
1109
00:53:28,300 --> 00:53:34,000
to want to threaten
default again
1110
00:53:34,000 --> 00:53:36,066
after what we all saw
happen in October.
1111
00:53:36,066 --> 00:53:38,066
Jared.
1112
00:53:39,433 --> 00:53:40,667
The Press:
Thank you.
1113
00:53:40,667 --> 00:53:42,232
I don't know if this broke
just while we were in here,
1114
00:53:42,233 --> 00:53:45,667
but Yemen's parliament voted
to immediately halt the U.S.
1115
00:53:45,667 --> 00:53:47,266
drone strikes in their country.
1116
00:53:47,266 --> 00:53:51,100
Does the White House have a
response and are you in touch
1117
00:53:51,100 --> 00:53:53,633
with President Hadi about this?
1118
00:53:53,633 --> 00:53:55,533
Mr. Carney:
I don't have a
specific response.
1119
00:53:55,533 --> 00:53:58,400
We obviously cooperate closely
with the government of Yemen
1120
00:53:58,400 --> 00:54:01,000
on counterterrorism -- have
in the past and will continue
1121
00:54:01,000 --> 00:54:02,367
in the future to do that.
1122
00:54:02,367 --> 00:54:03,867
State Department might
have more reaction.
1123
00:54:03,867 --> 00:54:07,667
In the back.
1124
00:54:07,667 --> 00:54:09,834
The Press:
It's less than two months
until the Sochi Olympic Games
1125
00:54:09,834 --> 00:54:12,734
kick off and we have not
heard who the delegation
1126
00:54:12,734 --> 00:54:15,433
from the United States will
be to the opening ceremonies.
1127
00:54:15,433 --> 00:54:17,500
It was like four months
ahead of time for London
1128
00:54:17,500 --> 00:54:19,867
that you announced that
the First Lady was going,
1129
00:54:19,867 --> 00:54:22,934
so why the delay in the Sochi
Games and when can we expect
1130
00:54:22,934 --> 00:54:25,133
to see a delegation announced?
1131
00:54:25,133 --> 00:54:27,767
Mr. Carney:
I don't have any updates
on the answer I gave to
1132
00:54:27,767 --> 00:54:31,466
that question last week,
which is that when we have
1133
00:54:31,467 --> 00:54:33,900
a delegation to announce,
we'll announce it,
1134
00:54:33,900 --> 00:54:36,400
but no new information
to provide today.
1135
00:54:36,400 --> 00:54:38,633
April.
1136
00:54:38,633 --> 00:54:41,567
The Press:
Jay, two questions on
two different subjects --
1137
00:54:41,567 --> 00:54:44,500
2014, we know immigration
is going to be the issue.
1138
00:54:44,500 --> 00:54:45,734
What about gun control?
1139
00:54:45,734 --> 00:54:48,866
When will we see the President
lean and put his shoulder
1140
00:54:48,867 --> 00:54:51,900
in on the issue of gun control?
1141
00:54:51,900 --> 00:54:54,800
Mr. Carney:
I think we addressed
that in part on Saturday
1142
00:54:54,800 --> 00:54:56,934
on that very somber anniversary.
1143
00:54:56,934 --> 00:54:59,900
The President remains committed
to doing everything he can
1144
00:54:59,900 --> 00:55:05,333
to advance common-sense measures
that reduce gun violence.
1145
00:55:05,333 --> 00:55:11,200
The legislation that failed in
the Senate was supported by vast
1146
00:55:11,200 --> 00:55:13,399
majorities of the American
people in states across
1147
00:55:13,400 --> 00:55:18,333
the country -- red, blue, and
purple -- and it was quite
1148
00:55:18,333 --> 00:55:23,233
a disappointment that the
Senate failed to heed their
1149
00:55:23,233 --> 00:55:24,967
constituents on that issue.
1150
00:55:24,967 --> 00:55:28,233
The President continues to
urge Congress to take action on
1151
00:55:28,233 --> 00:55:34,867
common-sense measures
to reduce gun violence.
1152
00:55:34,867 --> 00:55:38,266
And even as he does that,
recognizing that Congress is the
1153
00:55:38,266 --> 00:55:40,000
obstacle when it
comes to legislation,
1154
00:55:40,000 --> 00:55:43,433
even the legislation that has
broad support from the American
1155
00:55:43,433 --> 00:55:47,734
people, he will continue to take
action administratively on the
1156
00:55:47,734 --> 00:55:52,600
23 actions that were outlined in
his overall proposal and where
1157
00:55:52,600 --> 00:55:57,667
in other areas where he sees
that he can make a difference.
1158
00:55:57,667 --> 00:56:01,500
But ultimately, when it
comes to legislation,
1159
00:56:01,500 --> 00:56:08,300
we have to see a change in
Congress so that we can do
1160
00:56:08,300 --> 00:56:13,934
something as sensible and simple
as improving our background
1161
00:56:13,934 --> 00:56:18,533
checks system -- something that
has had enormous support across
1162
00:56:18,533 --> 00:56:20,799
the country, including
from conservatives,
1163
00:56:20,800 --> 00:56:23,900
including in very
conservative states.
1164
00:56:23,900 --> 00:56:27,166
And we'll press on that issue,
and as we press on that issue,
1165
00:56:27,166 --> 00:56:31,333
recognizing that we hit a wall
because of the Senate refusal to
1166
00:56:31,333 --> 00:56:36,600
pass it, we're not going to
then just press only there,
1167
00:56:36,600 --> 00:56:39,400
but we're going to continue
in the ways that we have.
1168
00:56:39,400 --> 00:56:40,834
The Press:
In February of this year,
1169
00:56:40,834 --> 00:56:43,667
Education Secretary Arne Duncan
said some of the safest places
1170
00:56:43,667 --> 00:56:45,100
in this country
are schoolhouses.
1171
00:56:45,100 --> 00:56:47,467
Is that still the case?
1172
00:56:47,467 --> 00:56:49,567
Mr. Carney:
I would refer
to Secretary Duncan.
1173
00:56:49,567 --> 00:56:51,900
I don't have an update
on his comments.
1174
00:56:51,900 --> 00:56:53,033
The Press:
And on my last question --
1175
00:56:53,033 --> 00:56:55,066
Mr. Carney:
It certainly should be.
1176
00:56:58,700 --> 00:57:00,100
The Press: Okay.
1177
00:57:00,100 --> 00:57:03,165
Can you confirm or deny that an
administration official went
1178
00:57:03,166 --> 00:57:06,867
to QSSI a couple Saturdays
ago to look at the operation
1179
00:57:06,867 --> 00:57:09,900
to see what was going on?
1180
00:57:09,900 --> 00:57:12,600
Mr. Carney:
April, I wouldn't
deny it because I'm sure
1181
00:57:12,600 --> 00:57:15,100
numerous administration
officials have visited the place
1182
00:57:15,100 --> 00:57:18,366
where the work is being
done to make improvements
1183
00:57:18,367 --> 00:57:24,900
to the healthcare.gov website,
so I would be surprised if
1184
00:57:24,900 --> 00:57:27,900
administration officials hadn't
been engaged in that effort.
1185
00:57:27,900 --> 00:57:29,467
I'm quite sure that they have.
1186
00:57:29,467 --> 00:57:31,500
The Press:
Was Denis McDonough
one of those persons?
1187
00:57:31,500 --> 00:57:32,900
Mr. Carney:
I know you emailed
me about this.
1188
00:57:32,900 --> 00:57:34,300
I'll have to find out.
1189
00:57:34,300 --> 00:57:35,700
I wouldn't be surprised
if he was there.
1190
00:57:35,700 --> 00:57:39,066
I just don't know,
but I would be shocked if --
1191
00:57:39,066 --> 00:57:41,232
in fact, I am sure that
administration officials
1192
00:57:41,233 --> 00:57:43,767
have been deeply engaged
in the effort, as you know,
1193
00:57:43,767 --> 00:57:46,466
to improve the
healthcare.gov site.
1194
00:57:46,467 --> 00:57:47,934
The Press: I'm talking
about people in this building,
1195
00:57:47,934 --> 00:57:50,033
in this building,
in the West Wing.
1196
00:57:50,033 --> 00:57:51,033
Mr. Carney: Right.
1197
00:57:51,033 --> 00:57:52,033
Again, I certainly
wouldn't surprise me.
1198
00:57:52,033 --> 00:57:53,033
All right.
1199
00:57:53,033 --> 00:57:54,033
Thanks very much, guys.
1200
00:57:54,033 --> 00:57:58,100
Oh, wait, everybody,
return to your seats.
1201
00:57:58,100 --> 00:58:00,165
[laughter]
1202
00:58:01,233 --> 00:58:05,066
The Press:
Wow, this better be good.
1203
00:58:05,066 --> 00:58:07,066
[laughter]
1204
00:58:08,266 --> 00:58:11,533
Mr. Carney:
The pressure is on.
1205
00:58:11,533 --> 00:58:14,700
The Press:
You talked a little bit
about immigration reform.
1206
00:58:14,700 --> 00:58:15,767
Do the problems with the
healthcare.gov rollout,
1207
00:58:15,767 --> 00:58:18,165
does that impinge on the
administration's ability
1208
00:58:18,166 --> 00:58:21,066
to convince both Congress and
the American public that
1209
00:58:21,066 --> 00:58:26,500
the administration could enact
and roll out a comprehensive
1210
00:58:26,500 --> 00:58:29,600
immigration reform system
without the same sorts of
1211
00:58:29,600 --> 00:58:32,633
computer glitches and
problems that were inherent
1212
00:58:32,633 --> 00:58:34,265
in the health care rollout?
1213
00:58:34,266 --> 00:58:36,333
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think that's
an interesting question.
1214
00:58:36,333 --> 00:58:42,300
I would argue first that these
are obviously two very different
1215
00:58:48,433 --> 00:58:51,467
steps in terms of
implementation.
1216
00:58:51,467 --> 00:58:58,333
The healthcare.gov website is
unique in its complexity and
1217
00:58:58,333 --> 00:59:04,400
what it does in terms of linking
would-be purchasers of insurance
1218
00:59:07,834 --> 00:59:10,399
in all the states that aren't
running their own exchanges and
1219
00:59:10,400 --> 00:59:16,166
those insurers who are
offering plans in those states
1220
00:59:16,166 --> 00:59:19,734
all the information
that it provides.
1221
00:59:19,734 --> 00:59:23,700
And there's no question that the
early stages of the rollout of
1222
00:59:23,700 --> 00:59:29,700
that website were not up to the
standards that we had set
1223
00:59:32,433 --> 00:59:34,166
or that we expected,
which is why you've seen
1224
00:59:34,166 --> 00:59:38,467
all the effort expended to fix
the problems with the website.
1225
00:59:38,467 --> 00:59:43,166
So our belief is that when
it comes to comprehensive
1226
00:59:43,166 --> 00:59:48,867
immigration reform that the
wisdom of passing it comes
1227
00:59:48,867 --> 00:59:52,633
from the benefits that it would
provide to the economy --
1228
00:59:52,633 --> 00:59:55,533
the conservative arguments
for why it would be
1229
00:59:55,533 --> 00:59:58,333
the right thing to do in terms
of making sure every employer
1230
00:59:58,333 --> 00:59:59,967
plays by the same rules,
1231
00:59:59,967 --> 01:00:05,967
making sure that our border
is enforced even further
1232
01:00:05,967 --> 01:00:10,400
beyond what we've done in
the past nearly five years,
1233
01:00:10,400 --> 01:00:14,767
and in all the other ways that
comprehensive immigration reform
1234
01:00:14,767 --> 01:00:18,232
would be a boon and a benefit
to the economy and the people.
1235
01:00:18,233 --> 01:00:19,834
The Press:
The question was whether
people have confidence
1236
01:00:19,834 --> 01:00:21,966
that the administration can
implement all the things that
1237
01:00:21,967 --> 01:00:23,633
you're talking about
given what they've seen
1238
01:00:23,633 --> 01:00:26,100
over the last
three or four months.
1239
01:00:26,100 --> 01:00:28,366
Mr. Carney:
Well, Reid, I guess
I would say, again,
1240
01:00:28,367 --> 01:00:29,867
that these are
different systems, A;
1241
01:00:29,867 --> 01:00:32,934
and B, I would point to the
extraordinary effort
1242
01:00:32,934 --> 01:00:37,367
that's gone into fixing
the problems on healthcare.gov,
1243
01:00:37,367 --> 01:00:40,834
acknowledging
the shortcomings --
1244
01:00:40,834 --> 01:00:42,734
the serious,
significant shortcomings,
1245
01:00:42,734 --> 01:00:45,333
taking ownership
and responsibility for them
1246
01:00:45,333 --> 01:00:47,467
and acting to fix the problem.
1247
01:00:47,467 --> 01:00:51,400
Because in the end -- and this
would be true of immigration
1248
01:00:51,400 --> 01:00:55,700
reform as it is of
healthcare.gov or the ACA --
1249
01:00:55,700 --> 01:01:02,433
the issue isn't in the end
how the process is;
1250
01:01:02,433 --> 01:01:08,000
the process is performed in
service of the legislation
1251
01:01:08,000 --> 01:01:09,000
and the goal.
1252
01:01:09,000 --> 01:01:10,333
And in this case,
in immigration reform,
1253
01:01:10,333 --> 01:01:15,367
it's in service of a bill that
would provide, when implemented,
1254
01:01:15,367 --> 01:01:17,934
the benefits that we've
described and that outside
1255
01:01:17,934 --> 01:01:21,033
analysts have described.
1256
01:01:21,033 --> 01:01:26,133
So we believe that it will pass,
that there will be comprehensive
1257
01:01:26,133 --> 01:01:29,734
immigration reform that
the President can sign,
1258
01:01:29,734 --> 01:01:34,900
because of the unique,
broad-based support for
1259
01:01:34,900 --> 01:01:37,767
immigration reform among
conservatives and liberals,
1260
01:01:37,767 --> 01:01:39,700
business and labor, law
enforcement and faith
1261
01:01:39,700 --> 01:01:44,866
communities, and
Republicans and Democrats.
1262
01:01:44,867 --> 01:01:49,233
And we encourage the House to
take it up and to work with the
1263
01:01:49,233 --> 01:01:50,667
Senate and work
with the administration
1264
01:01:50,667 --> 01:01:52,933
so that we can get this done on
behalf of the American people,
1265
01:01:52,934 --> 01:01:54,200
the middle class
and our economy.
1266
01:01:54,200 --> 01:01:55,466
The Press:
And one last thing
on this point.
1267
01:01:55,467 --> 01:01:57,400
Nancy Pelosi, over the weekend,
said that the President
1268
01:01:57,400 --> 01:02:00,467
should ease off of the
deportation policy.
1269
01:02:00,467 --> 01:02:02,734
Is that something that the
White House is considering?
1270
01:02:02,734 --> 01:02:05,734
I know the President got a
question from a hackler in San
1271
01:02:05,734 --> 01:02:06,900
Francisco last month on this.
1272
01:02:06,900 --> 01:02:09,934
But is there any sort of
move or suggestion that this
1273
01:02:09,934 --> 01:02:13,767
administration or the President
is moving in that direction of
1274
01:02:13,767 --> 01:02:16,133
doing something unilateral?
1275
01:02:16,133 --> 01:02:18,100
Mr. Carney:
Well, what the President
has said is that he
1276
01:02:18,100 --> 01:02:21,000
can't not enforce the law.
1277
01:02:21,000 --> 01:02:22,166
We have to enforce the law.
1278
01:02:22,166 --> 01:02:23,500
He does, the
administration does.
1279
01:02:23,500 --> 01:02:27,700
Obviously there is prosecutorial
discretion, and that is applied.
1280
01:02:27,700 --> 01:02:31,767
The focus is on those who
have committed felonies.
1281
01:02:31,767 --> 01:02:36,265
But the broader question and
the problems with this aspect
1282
01:02:36,266 --> 01:02:43,266
of immigration policy reinforces
the argument for why we need to
1283
01:02:43,266 --> 01:02:47,233
pass comprehensive
immigration reform --
1284
01:02:47,233 --> 01:02:50,633
that the piecemeal
solutions aren't solutions.
1285
01:02:50,633 --> 01:02:55,033
We need the whole
comprehensive reform to pass.
1286
01:02:55,033 --> 01:02:58,567
And that was the case with
the so-called DREAMers,
1287
01:02:58,567 --> 01:03:04,066
and remains the case,
that the deferred action that
1288
01:03:04,066 --> 01:03:06,667
has been implemented
with regard to the DREAMers is,
1289
01:03:06,667 --> 01:03:09,100
as we described at the
time, not a solution;
1290
01:03:09,100 --> 01:03:10,834
it's an action that
can be taken now,
1291
01:03:10,834 --> 01:03:12,433
but it's not a replacement
1292
01:03:12,433 --> 01:03:14,900
for comprehensive
immigration reform.
1293
01:03:14,900 --> 01:03:17,033
That's why Congress
needs to act.
1294
01:03:17,033 --> 01:03:20,533
And we believe that this
situation reinforces the
1295
01:03:20,533 --> 01:03:25,165
argument for acting
on a broad base,
1296
01:03:25,166 --> 01:03:26,166
House and Senate together,
1297
01:03:26,166 --> 01:03:27,900
so that the President
can sign a bill.
1298
01:03:27,900 --> 01:03:29,900
Thanks.
