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Mr. Carney:
Good afternoon,
ladies and gentlemen.
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Thanks for being here.
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Thanks for coming to
your daily briefing.
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Before I take your questions
I have something to say
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about health care for seniors.
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The Press:
There's a pattern here.
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Mr. Carney:
You're catching on.
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Today we are highlighting that,
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thanks to
the Affordable Care Act,
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millions of seniors and
people with disabilities
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have access to more affordable
prescription medications
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and free preventive services
through Medicare.
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According to new data released
by the Centers for Medicare
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and Medicaid Services today,
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more than 25.4 million people
covered by original Medicare
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received at least one
preventive service at no cost
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to them during the
first 11 months of 2013
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because of
the Affordable Care Act.
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The health care law is also
closing the gap in prescription
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drug coverage known as the
doughnut hole where people
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with Medicare have
had to pay the entire cost
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of prescription
drugs out of pocket.
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As a result, since the
health care law was enacted,
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more than 7 million seniors
and people with disabilities
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have saved a total of nearly
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$9 billion
on prescription drugs.
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That's an average savings
of about $1,200 per person.
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If opponents of reform had
their way and repealed the law,
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millions of seniors would not
have access to free preventive
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services under Medicare and
would once again have
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to shoulder the burden
of higher out-of-pocket costs
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for their prescription drugs.
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Taken together,
this is yet another way
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that the Republican
repeal plan would raise costs
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for millions of Americans.
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I also wanted to
mention that tomorrow,
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President Obama
and First Lady Michelle Obama
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will meet with a group
of moms in the Oval Office
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to discuss how health care
could help their families.
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Moms are a key part
of our ongoing outreach
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and enrollment efforts and
have an important role to play
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in helping their adult children,
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family members and peers
to sign up for coverage.
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And that's tomorrow.
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With that, I will
take your questions.
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I hope you noted the graphic
also -- part of a pattern here.
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Jim Kuhnhenn.
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The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
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A couple questions on the NSA
decision yesterday -- ruling.
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Does the ruling in any way
affect the reviews of NSA
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practices that are taking place
at the President's direction?
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In other words, has he asked for
some of the concerns raised
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in this ruling to be considered
as part of this review?
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Mr. Carney:
Well, first of all,
the ruling just came down,
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as you know, yesterday, and
for reaction to a matter like
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that I would refer you to
the Department of Justice.
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I can tell you
that DOJ has said:
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"We have seen the opinion
and are studying it.
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We believe the program
is constitutional,
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as previous judges have found.
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And we have no further
comment at this time."
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So that's obviously part
of a legal review
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that they are undertaking.
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With regard to the review
that the President asked for,
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the President's Review Group on
Intelligence and Communications,
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on Friday submitted their
report to the President.
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The President is
grateful to the group --
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Richard Clarke, Michael Morell,
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Geoffrey Stone,
Cass Sunstein and Peter Swire --
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for devoting themselves to this
effort over the past several
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months and providing thoughtful
input for the administration
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to consider as we conclude the
ongoing interagency review of
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signals intelligence collection,
being led by the White House.
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The review group's report
draws on the group members'
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considerable expertise in
intelligence, counterterrorism,
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civil liberties,
law and privacy matters,
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and on their
consultations with the U.S.
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government privacy and
civil liberties advocates
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in the private sector.
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As I mentioned yesterday,
over the next several weeks,
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we will be reviewing the review
group's report and its more
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than 40 recommendations as
we consider the path forward,
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including sorting through
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which recommendations
we will implement,
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which might
require further study
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and which we will
choose not to pursue.
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We expect the overall internal
review to be completed
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in January, and the President
will deliver remarks.
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And as I mentioned yesterday,
the review group's report we
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expect to be released publicly.
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The Press:
I'm sorry, released what?
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Mr. Carney:
Publicly.
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The Press:
Next month?
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Mr. Carney:
I don't have timing on that,
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but we do expect it to
be released publicly.
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The Press:
Was the review or the ruling
a subject of a discussion
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with the tech leaders
who were here today
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talking to the President?
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Mr. Carney:
We will have a fuller
readout for you.
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That meeting was ongoing
as I came down here.
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As I mentioned yesterday,
or we mentioned yesterday,
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the President and Vice President
were going to meet and are now
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currently meeting with
executives from leading tech
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companies to discuss progress
made in addressing performance
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and capacity issues
with healthcare.gov,
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and how government
can better deliver IT
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to maximize innovation
efficiency and customer service.
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In the meeting, the President
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also announced
that Kurt DelBene,
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who most recently
served as president
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of the Microsoft
Office Division,
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will succeed Jeff Zients
as senior advisor
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to Secretary Sebelius
in leading the charge --
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or
our charge with healthcare.gov
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and the health
insurance marketplace.
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He starts tomorrow.
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The group discussed
the challenges
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around federal IT procurement.
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The meeting also is addressing
national security and economic
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impacts of the unauthorized
intelligence disclosures.
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So that goes to the
subject of your question,
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so it's certainly
under discussion.
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I am not aware that the court
ruling was part of that,
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but again, I don't have
a full readout for you
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as the meeting is ongoing.
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The Press:
The Government
Accountability Project,
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which aims to protect
whistleblowers,
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argued today that this
strengthens -- this decision
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ruling strengthens Snowden's
claim for whistleblower status.
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I wonder if you -- the
White House has any reaction.
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Mr. Carney:
Again, I have no
comment on the ruling
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beyond what I cited from DOJ.
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I certainly would repeat what
I said yesterday that it remains
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our view that Mr. Snowden
is accused of leaking
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classified information and
that he faces felony charges
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here in the United States.
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And he should be
returned to the U.S.
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as soon as possible,
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where he will be accorded full
due process and protections.
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The Press:
One last question on Ukraine.
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Putin today extended an offer
to provide $50 billion in bond
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asset purchases as well as
lower energy costs to Ukraine.
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Does the White House
see that as interfering
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in the decision-making in Kiev?
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Mr. Carney:
What I can tell you
is that we've seen the
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reports of that agreement
and we're reviewing --
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rather, we're awaiting details
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and will review them
when we see them.
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But any agreements
concluded between Kiev
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and Moscow will not
address the concerns
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of those who have gathered in
public protest across Ukraine.
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As we've said in the past, we
urge the Ukrainian government
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to listen to its people and
to find a way to restore a path
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to the peaceful,
just, democratic
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and economically
prosperous European future
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to which Ukrainian
citizens aspire.
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And we urge the Ukrainian
government to enter
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into immediate dialogue with
the opposition and all other
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stakeholders who have
expressed their desire
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for a better Ukraine through
public demonstrations.
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Again, we will look at the
details as they become available
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of these agreements
that have been reported,
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but they don't address
the concerns that peaceful
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demonstrators have
expressed in Ukraine.
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Jeff.
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The Press:
Jay, can you tell us how Kurt
DelBene was chosen for this job?
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Mr. Carney:
Well, as you know,
it's a position
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at the Department
of Health and Human Services.
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As Jeff Zients has done,
his successor, Mr. DelBene,
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will be serving as a senior
adviser to Secretary Sebelius
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and so the Secretary
obviously makes the choice.
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The search for a
successor involved,
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in addition to the Secretary
and members of her team,
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certainly Mr. Zients and
the Chief of Staff here,
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Denis McDonough.
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But I think for any of you who
know Mr. DelBene's background,
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you will know that he is
uniquely suited to this task,
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has vast experience with running
a complex piece of technology.
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And the President and the
Secretary are very grateful
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that he's agreed to take
on this position.
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The Press:
And so he'll be on
the government payroll?
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Can you tell us
what he'll get paid?
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Mr. Carney:
I don't know the status of
what he'll get paid or how much.
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I think we said in the past
that Mr. Zients
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was essentially volunteering --
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I mean, taking, I think,
a small, nominal salary.
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I don't know the case
with Mr. DelBene,
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but we'll get that to you.
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The Press:
And can you give any more
details about what Gene will do
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in his last month, in January?
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Will he be involved
in the budget still,
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since he's staying
a little longer?
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State of the Union?
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Mr. Carney: Sure.
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I will confirm that Gene
Sperling will be remaining in
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his position through at least
January, into early February,
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to participate, as he has so
effectively over these many
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years, in the process around
the State of the Union address
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that the President will
deliver at the end of January,
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and to continue work
on some of the issues
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that he's been focused on.
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So he'll also obviously assist
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in the transition
to Jeff Zients,
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who will take over that
position we expect
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in early February.
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The Press:
And then the last question,
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following up on Snowden.
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He apparently has
sought asylum in Brazil.
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Is the United States in touch
with Brazil about that request?
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Mr. Carney:
Our view, as I said
earlier, has not changed.
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We believe that Mr. Snowden
ought to be returned to --
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ought to return
to the United States,
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00:10:45,867 --> 00:10:47,165
where he faces charges for
leaking classified information
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00:10:47,166 --> 00:10:52,867
and where he will receive full
due process and protections.
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The broader issues with regards
to Brazil and other nations
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and the disclosures are ones
that we discuss directly
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with those nations
through diplomatic channels
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and with our
Brazilian counterparts,
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and that will continue.
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00:11:13,200 --> 00:11:14,300
But when it comes
to Mr. Snowden,
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our views certainly
haven't changed.
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Bill.
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The Press:
Jay, real quick -- the
NSA review panel's report --
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when did you say that would
be released to the public?
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Mr. Carney:
I said publicly.
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I don't have a date for you.
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As I mentioned yesterday, we
expect that it will be released.
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The Press:
Didn't you say January?
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Just to clarify,
you said the review
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would be completed in January?
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Mr. Carney:
What I know is that
our internal review --
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the word is being applied
to several different things --
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but the overall review
that's happening here
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will be completed in January.
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00:11:49,467 --> 00:11:52,165
The report --
the review group's report,
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which has been completed
and submitted to the President,
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will be released publicly.
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I just don't have a date
for when that will happen.
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I certainly expect it will
be no later than January.
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The Press:
Could it be sooner?
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00:12:02,300 --> 00:12:04,500
Mr. Carney:
Well, again, no later
than January certainly
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suggests it could be sooner.
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I just don't have a date, Bill.
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00:12:06,967 --> 00:12:07,967
Sorry.
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00:12:07,967 --> 00:12:08,967
Bill.
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00:12:08,967 --> 00:12:09,967
The Press:
If I could follow.
247
00:12:09,967 --> 00:12:11,199
Mr. Carney: Yes.
248
00:12:11,200 --> 00:12:12,200
The Press:
What is reason for
not releasing it now?
249
00:12:12,200 --> 00:12:13,867
If you're going to
release the full report?
250
00:12:13,867 --> 00:12:15,433
Mr. Carney:
I think it's rather
extraordinary that --
251
00:12:15,433 --> 00:12:17,400
I mean, part of the commitment
to transparency here
252
00:12:17,400 --> 00:12:19,300
is that this will be released.
253
00:12:19,300 --> 00:12:21,800
I just don't have
a date for you.
254
00:12:21,800 --> 00:12:23,266
The Press:
Wouldn't transparency
argue for releasing
255
00:12:23,266 --> 00:12:26,333
it now so we know what
the panel has recommended?
256
00:12:26,333 --> 00:12:29,100
Mr. Carney:
Well, again, I don't
have a date for you, Bill.
257
00:12:29,100 --> 00:12:34,233
And when it's released,
which I expect will be
258
00:12:34,233 --> 00:12:35,599
between now and the conclusion
259
00:12:35,600 --> 00:12:37,700
of the review here
at the White House,
260
00:12:37,700 --> 00:12:39,834
you'll be able
to examine its contents
261
00:12:39,834 --> 00:12:41,532
and
make assessments accordingly.
262
00:12:41,533 --> 00:12:43,967
But it is my understanding that
it will be released publicly.
263
00:12:43,967 --> 00:12:46,533
Ed Henry.
264
00:12:46,533 --> 00:12:47,533
The Press:
How are you, sir?
265
00:12:47,533 --> 00:12:48,900
Mr. Carney: Good.
266
00:12:48,900 --> 00:12:50,132
The Press:
I wanted to talk to you
a little bit about polls.
267
00:12:50,133 --> 00:12:52,867
I know that we often talk
about them and you say, look,
268
00:12:52,867 --> 00:12:54,433
we're not going to
govern based on that.
269
00:12:54,433 --> 00:12:56,700
But you said yesterday
the President is hopeful
270
00:12:56,700 --> 00:12:58,266
of still getting
immigration reform done.
271
00:12:58,266 --> 00:13:01,033
I assume he has a lot
on his agenda for 2014.
272
00:13:01,033 --> 00:13:03,400
When you look at the Washington
Post/ABC News poll today,
273
00:13:03,400 --> 00:13:06,467
and they say that he ends
his fifth year in office
274
00:13:06,467 --> 00:13:08,800
with one of the worst
approval ratings --
275
00:13:08,800 --> 00:13:10,233
I think only Nixon
had been worse
276
00:13:10,233 --> 00:13:12,032
at the end of his fifth
year in office;
277
00:13:12,033 --> 00:13:14,100
George W. Bush was higher
and Bill Clinton was higher,
278
00:13:14,100 --> 00:13:16,700
both parties --
how can you reasonably expect
279
00:13:16,700 --> 00:13:18,934
to get any of these big
issues like immigration reform
280
00:13:18,934 --> 00:13:20,632
done next year?
281
00:13:20,633 --> 00:13:22,233
Mr. Carney:
Because they're
the right thing to do.
282
00:13:22,233 --> 00:13:25,433
Because they're the kinds of
issues that have traditionally
283
00:13:25,433 --> 00:13:27,633
enjoyed bipartisan support.
284
00:13:27,633 --> 00:13:32,967
Because they go directly to
his promise to have as his top
285
00:13:32,967 --> 00:13:38,266
priority economic
growth and job creation,
286
00:13:38,266 --> 00:13:44,400
and creating a more secure
and expanding middle class.
287
00:13:44,400 --> 00:13:48,567
Because it's in the interests
of Democrats and Republicans
288
00:13:48,567 --> 00:13:51,233
to pass comprehensive
immigration reform.
289
00:13:51,233 --> 00:13:53,000
That's what law
enforcement groups say.
290
00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:54,166
That's what big business says.
291
00:13:54,166 --> 00:13:55,266
That's what small business says.
292
00:13:55,266 --> 00:13:57,567
That's what faith leaders say.
293
00:13:57,567 --> 00:14:02,200
That's what Democrats and
Republicans in the Senate say.
294
00:14:02,200 --> 00:14:05,967
It's what Republican political
leaders outside of Congress say.
295
00:14:05,967 --> 00:14:07,300
So we think that that kind
of consensus demonstrates
296
00:14:07,300 --> 00:14:12,967
why it's so important that we
get this done for our economy,
297
00:14:18,033 --> 00:14:20,734
for the effect
that it would have --
298
00:14:20,734 --> 00:14:21,900
the positive effect
it would have
299
00:14:21,900 --> 00:14:24,000
on increasing border security;
300
00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:28,333
for the effect it would have
on creating fairness in the way
301
00:14:28,333 --> 00:14:31,934
that our laws are applied
and fairness when it comes to
302
00:14:31,934 --> 00:14:34,400
employers and making
sure that they all play
303
00:14:34,400 --> 00:14:36,500
by the same set of rules.
304
00:14:36,500 --> 00:14:37,700
So that's why.
305
00:14:37,700 --> 00:14:44,300
I also think there's no question
that the American people
306
00:14:44,300 --> 00:14:50,300
are frustrated with
Washington and with the seeming,
307
00:14:53,033 --> 00:14:55,600
if not inability,
then minimal ability,
308
00:14:55,600 --> 00:15:00,667
to get the kinds of things done
that will address their lives
309
00:15:00,667 --> 00:15:02,967
and help them economically,
especially the middle class.
310
00:15:02,967 --> 00:15:07,266
I think we have seen in
recent days, including today,
311
00:15:07,266 --> 00:15:13,800
some glimmers of hope that
there might be a willingness to
312
00:15:13,800 --> 00:15:16,500
cooperate in a bipartisan way
that we haven't seen recently
313
00:15:16,500 --> 00:15:18,533
in the past, especially out
of the House of Representatives.
314
00:15:18,533 --> 00:15:21,834
So for that reason, I think,
as we talked about yesterday,
315
00:15:21,834 --> 00:15:28,433
there's at least the possibility
of greater cooperation and
316
00:15:28,433 --> 00:15:31,233
progress on a range of issues,
including immigration reform.
317
00:15:31,233 --> 00:15:32,599
The Press:
But you've been on both
sides of this podium,
318
00:15:32,600 --> 00:15:34,700
and you understand that a
President also needs to be able
319
00:15:34,700 --> 00:15:37,400
to move the public and then
that can move the Congress.
320
00:15:37,400 --> 00:15:39,632
You've made those arguments
on immigration reform,
321
00:15:39,633 --> 00:15:41,333
et cetera, before.
322
00:15:41,333 --> 00:15:44,065
Does he really still have
the clout to move the public,
323
00:15:44,066 --> 00:15:46,867
to move the Congress on these
big issues when his approval
324
00:15:46,867 --> 00:15:49,033
ratings continue to sink?
325
00:15:49,033 --> 00:15:54,066
Mr. Carney:
Well, Ed, again, you
won't hear an argument from me
326
00:15:54,066 --> 00:15:56,533
that everyone in Washington
is taking a hit
327
00:15:56,533 --> 00:16:00,633
because of Washington's
performance of late.
328
00:16:00,633 --> 00:16:05,266
Now, in recent days and weeks,
there has been I think
329
00:16:05,266 --> 00:16:09,500
some demonstrated improvement
in Washington's performance
330
00:16:09,500 --> 00:16:12,867
when it comes to
the budget agreement
331
00:16:12,867 --> 00:16:15,266
and also when it
comes to the fact
332
00:16:15,266 --> 00:16:17,300
that we're seeing government --
333
00:16:17,300 --> 00:16:19,099
Washington do some of the
things that it's supposed to do,
334
00:16:19,100 --> 00:16:21,367
Congress do some of the things
that it is supposed to do,
335
00:16:21,367 --> 00:16:23,900
like confirm qualified nominees
336
00:16:23,900 --> 00:16:27,834
for executive branch
positions and for the bench.
337
00:16:27,834 --> 00:16:29,867
So this is progress.
338
00:16:29,867 --> 00:16:33,233
And all we can do
here in Washington --
339
00:16:33,233 --> 00:16:36,367
everyone in Congress
and the administration --
340
00:16:36,367 --> 00:16:38,433
is get to work on the issues
341
00:16:38,433 --> 00:16:40,100
that the American
people care about,
342
00:16:40,100 --> 00:16:44,000
and hopefully when the American
people see that Washington
343
00:16:44,000 --> 00:16:45,900
is doing just that,
344
00:16:45,900 --> 00:16:51,600
then they will see the
resulting improvements
345
00:16:51,600 --> 00:16:54,834
in the economy and in
their own personal lives
346
00:16:54,834 --> 00:16:59,165
that these initiatives
are meant to address.
347
00:16:59,166 --> 00:17:01,433
So that's all we can focus on.
348
00:17:01,433 --> 00:17:07,467
I would also simply say that
this President has been focused
349
00:17:07,467 --> 00:17:09,867
on these issues since the day
he took office amidst the worst
350
00:17:09,867 --> 00:17:12,000
economic collapse
of our lifetimes
351
00:17:12,000 --> 00:17:14,800
and he will be focused every
day until he leaves office.
352
00:17:14,800 --> 00:17:15,800
The Press:
A couple quick
ones on health care.
353
00:17:15,800 --> 00:17:17,233
You mentioned
the Microsoft executive,
354
00:17:17,233 --> 00:17:18,567
Mr. DelBene, coming in.
355
00:17:18,567 --> 00:17:21,567
You said he had vast experience
running a complex operation.
356
00:17:21,567 --> 00:17:23,333
There are statements
out from Bill Gates
357
00:17:23,333 --> 00:17:24,834
and all these other
tech luminaries
358
00:17:24,834 --> 00:17:26,100
saying this person is terrific,
359
00:17:26,099 --> 00:17:27,867
he's going to do a great job.
360
00:17:27,867 --> 00:17:30,367
Why in the world didn't
the White House come up
361
00:17:30,367 --> 00:17:32,332
and hire someone
like this in the summer,
362
00:17:32,333 --> 00:17:36,300
in the spring, a year ago,
to roll out healthcare.gov?
363
00:17:36,300 --> 00:17:38,399
Mr. Carney:
I think your question
goes to the absolute
364
00:17:38,400 --> 00:17:39,400
acknowledgement that we've
made that healthcare.gov
365
00:17:39,400 --> 00:17:40,400
had a terrible start.
366
00:17:40,400 --> 00:17:43,967
And there's no question --
367
00:17:43,967 --> 00:17:49,633
The Press:
Right, but why didn't you go
to the tech community and say,
368
00:17:49,633 --> 00:17:53,700
give us somebody who knows how
to run a complex operation?
369
00:17:53,700 --> 00:17:55,600
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think it's
fair to say that,
370
00:17:55,600 --> 00:17:58,699
given the experience we've had
and given the improvements
371
00:17:58,700 --> 00:18:00,967
that have been overseen
by Jeff Zients,
372
00:18:00,967 --> 00:18:03,967
and the continued improvements
we expect to see under
373
00:18:03,967 --> 00:18:08,934
Mr. DelBene, that we think that
was the right decision to make.
374
00:18:08,934 --> 00:18:13,533
And obviously we would have
much preferred a more successful
375
00:18:13,533 --> 00:18:18,833
launch, and if that could have
been affected by having somebody
376
00:18:18,834 --> 00:18:20,667
in this position in the past,
then absolutely we should have
377
00:18:20,667 --> 00:18:22,632
had somebody in that
position in the past.
378
00:18:22,633 --> 00:18:26,000
What I think you have seen me
do and the President do and
379
00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:29,834
everyone involved in this effort
do is acknowledge at the outset
380
00:18:29,834 --> 00:18:34,100
in response to questions
of this nature that, yes,
381
00:18:34,100 --> 00:18:36,867
healthcare.gov got off
to a terrible start,
382
00:18:36,867 --> 00:18:39,734
and that is our
responsibility, that is on us.
383
00:18:39,734 --> 00:18:41,632
And that's why we are so
committed to making the
384
00:18:41,633 --> 00:18:45,600
improvements we've made, and why
every time I get asked
385
00:18:45,600 --> 00:18:49,800
on the positive side,
aren't you pleased
386
00:18:49,800 --> 00:18:54,667
by the dramatic increases in
enrollments, or by the --
387
00:18:54,667 --> 00:18:55,734
The Press: The
error rate has come down.
388
00:18:55,734 --> 00:18:57,100
Mr. Carney:
-- the error rate coming down,
389
00:18:57,100 --> 00:18:58,533
the increased stability,
the answer is, yes,
390
00:18:58,533 --> 00:18:59,800
but we have work to do.
391
00:18:59,800 --> 00:19:04,332
Yes, but we still have to
deliver on the promise
392
00:19:04,333 --> 00:19:06,967
of the Affordable Care Act --
which wasn't a promise
393
00:19:06,967 --> 00:19:08,033
to have a great website;
394
00:19:08,033 --> 00:19:09,867
it was a promise to make
available to millions
395
00:19:09,867 --> 00:19:12,899
of Americans quality,
affordable health insurance.
396
00:19:12,900 --> 00:19:14,333
The Press:
So no one is going
to be held accountable
397
00:19:14,333 --> 00:19:17,367
for not hiring somebody
who knows this stuff?
398
00:19:17,367 --> 00:19:19,265
Mr. Carney:
We've addressed that question.
399
00:19:19,266 --> 00:19:24,900
And we're about the business
right now of making the
400
00:19:24,900 --> 00:19:31,133
improvements necessary so
that this benefit that so many
401
00:19:31,133 --> 00:19:34,467
Americans clearly want
is available to them.
402
00:19:34,467 --> 00:19:39,100
And the fact that we, in
the first month-plus of this
403
00:19:39,100 --> 00:19:42,934
exercise, threw up so many
obstacles in the way
404
00:19:42,934 --> 00:19:46,600
of Americans who wanted this
benefit is our responsibility
405
00:19:46,600 --> 00:19:51,166
and we have acknowledged
that and addressed it,
406
00:19:51,166 --> 00:19:53,667
and we continue to do so and we
still have a lot of work to do.
407
00:19:56,834 --> 00:19:57,834
Yes, ma'am.
408
00:19:57,834 --> 00:19:58,934
We talked yesterday.
409
00:19:58,934 --> 00:20:00,533
I said I'd call on you
and I'm calling on you.
410
00:20:00,533 --> 00:20:01,734
The Press:
Thank you, Jay.
411
00:20:01,734 --> 00:20:03,567
Two questions on North Korea.
412
00:20:03,567 --> 00:20:07,266
How does the Obama
administration see relations
413
00:20:07,266 --> 00:20:12,033
for two years under North Korean
Kim Jong-un leadership
414
00:20:12,033 --> 00:20:15,199
or his regime?
415
00:20:15,200 --> 00:20:18,934
Mr. Carney:
Kim Jong-un or --
416
00:20:18,934 --> 00:20:20,000
The Press:
Kim Jong-un.
417
00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:22,633
And the second question --
418
00:20:22,633 --> 00:20:27,400
does the United States have
any contingency plan --
419
00:20:27,400 --> 00:20:30,600
for North Korea?
420
00:20:30,600 --> 00:20:33,899
Mr. Carney:
I think the only way
to address this is to point
421
00:20:33,900 --> 00:20:37,300
to what we've said in the past
about North Korean behavior
422
00:20:37,300 --> 00:20:43,834
and their failure to live up to
their international obligations;
423
00:20:43,834 --> 00:20:47,500
their failure to take steps that
would allow them to rejoin the
424
00:20:47,500 --> 00:20:52,200
community of nations and to end
the intense isolation that they
425
00:20:52,200 --> 00:20:53,467
are experiencing
in the world --
426
00:20:53,467 --> 00:20:59,233
an isolation that has, combined
with the regime's decision
427
00:20:59,233 --> 00:21:05,433
to spend the resources it does
have on military procurement
428
00:21:05,433 --> 00:21:07,100
rather than feeding
its own people,
429
00:21:07,100 --> 00:21:08,934
has resulted in
the impoverishment
430
00:21:08,934 --> 00:21:10,133
of the North Korean people.
431
00:21:10,133 --> 00:21:15,367
So that's how we would
evaluate circumstances
432
00:21:15,367 --> 00:21:16,466
in North Korea today.
433
00:21:16,467 --> 00:21:18,767
And then, when it comes
to contingency plans,
434
00:21:18,767 --> 00:21:20,500
I don't have anything
to report on that.
435
00:21:20,500 --> 00:21:24,133
But, obviously, we always,
as any administration does,
436
00:21:24,133 --> 00:21:26,533
would look at a variety
of contingencies.
437
00:21:28,834 --> 00:21:30,700
The Press:
Yesterday, when
the White House --
438
00:21:30,700 --> 00:21:33,667
when you all announced the
meeting with the tech CEOs,
439
00:21:33,667 --> 00:21:35,867
you said in there that they were
going to discuss, obviously,
440
00:21:35,867 --> 00:21:37,767
national security related
to the revelations,
441
00:21:37,767 --> 00:21:41,934
and then the economic effects
or impact of these revelations.
442
00:21:41,934 --> 00:21:44,800
Mr. Carney:
I think this addresses
some of the concerns that
443
00:21:44,800 --> 00:21:47,734
some of the tech
companies have raised
444
00:21:47,734 --> 00:21:51,399
in the wake of the disclosures.
445
00:21:51,400 --> 00:21:53,033
So that was --
I think that was the reference.
446
00:21:53,033 --> 00:21:56,899
The Press:
So not economic impact
to the U.S. economy overall,
447
00:21:56,900 --> 00:21:59,033
to their individual
companies, if that makes sense?
448
00:21:59,033 --> 00:22:00,533
Mr. Carney:
Again, we'll have
a fuller readout.
449
00:22:00,533 --> 00:22:04,300
But my understanding is that
was meant to respond to --
450
00:22:04,300 --> 00:22:06,600
or to acknowledge that we'd be
discussing some of the issues
451
00:22:06,600 --> 00:22:08,899
that tech companies and
their CEOs have raised.
452
00:22:08,900 --> 00:22:11,033
The Press:
And is there any reason --
I should have asked earlier,
453
00:22:11,033 --> 00:22:13,433
but no one from AOL
is in the meeting,
454
00:22:13,433 --> 00:22:17,100
and they were the only signatory
to that letter that doesn't have
455
00:22:17,100 --> 00:22:19,233
a representative in there.
456
00:22:19,233 --> 00:22:21,066
Mr. Carney:
I'll have to take the question
457
00:22:21,066 --> 00:22:23,500
in terms of the
makeup of the meeting.
458
00:22:23,500 --> 00:22:26,233
As you I think saw,
it's a pretty impressive
459
00:22:26,233 --> 00:22:27,233
group of individuals.
460
00:22:27,233 --> 00:22:28,233
Jon.
461
00:22:28,233 --> 00:22:29,567
Then, Brianna.
462
00:22:29,567 --> 00:22:32,834
The Press:
Do you have any update
at all for how successful
463
00:22:32,834 --> 00:22:35,667
the effort to sign people --
464
00:22:35,667 --> 00:22:38,500
get people to enroll
on healthcare.gov
465
00:22:38,500 --> 00:22:39,934
has been on getting
young people?
466
00:22:39,934 --> 00:22:42,367
What's the status on that?
467
00:22:42,367 --> 00:22:45,934
Mr.
Carney: I don't have any data
specifically broken down by age.
468
00:22:45,934 --> 00:22:47,200
I would refer you to CMS.
469
00:22:47,200 --> 00:22:48,567
I'm not sure what they have.
470
00:22:48,567 --> 00:22:51,667
There's no question
that overall,
471
00:22:51,667 --> 00:22:57,332
between now and March 31st,
there needs to be a good mix
472
00:22:57,333 --> 00:23:02,133
of individuals who enroll
in the marketplaces.
473
00:23:02,133 --> 00:23:07,567
As I think we've talked about
in general, it is common,
474
00:23:07,567 --> 00:23:08,800
as we've seen from
past experience,
475
00:23:08,800 --> 00:23:12,000
for enrollment of any kind
in these kinds of programs,
476
00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:14,100
including the private health
insurance that most of you
477
00:23:14,100 --> 00:23:16,332
enroll in and have open
enrollment periods for,
478
00:23:16,333 --> 00:23:19,000
to happen disproportionately
towards the end and that young
479
00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:24,200
people are even more inclined
to wait until the last minute
480
00:23:24,200 --> 00:23:29,600
to get their paperwork done or
their online applications done.
481
00:23:29,600 --> 00:23:33,533
So having stated those facts,
I don't have any specific
482
00:23:33,533 --> 00:23:38,132
information with regards to
the age breakdown so far.
483
00:23:38,133 --> 00:23:40,433
The Press:
CMS won't give that
information out either.
484
00:23:40,433 --> 00:23:41,667
I mean, do you not have it?
485
00:23:41,667 --> 00:23:43,000
You must have it.
486
00:23:43,000 --> 00:23:45,100
Mr. Carney:
I don't have it, so
I would refer you to CMS.
487
00:23:45,100 --> 00:23:46,500
I don't have that data.
488
00:23:46,500 --> 00:23:48,967
The Press:
And what efforts is
the administration making
489
00:23:48,967 --> 00:23:50,433
to get young people to sign?
490
00:23:50,433 --> 00:23:52,600
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think you've
seen a broad-based effort
491
00:23:52,600 --> 00:23:58,367
to focus on the opportunities
492
00:23:58,367 --> 00:24:01,200
and options available
to millions of Americans
493
00:24:01,200 --> 00:24:03,233
across the country,
including young people.
494
00:24:03,233 --> 00:24:07,367
I think that if you saw in the
Wall Street Journal yesterday,
495
00:24:07,367 --> 00:24:08,533
there was an article --
496
00:24:08,533 --> 00:24:12,699
we've often gotten questions
about or statements from
497
00:24:12,700 --> 00:24:17,433
commentators about the
fact that it would be proof
498
00:24:17,433 --> 00:24:21,367
that enrollment is working
and the website is functioning
499
00:24:21,367 --> 00:24:25,834
for the vast majority of users
when you saw outside groups,
500
00:24:25,834 --> 00:24:28,133
third-party groups,
including insurance companies,
501
00:24:28,133 --> 00:24:33,567
invest in advertising to
reach potential consumers.
502
00:24:33,567 --> 00:24:35,333
And I think there
was an important article
503
00:24:35,333 --> 00:24:36,367
in the Wall Street
Journal yesterday
504
00:24:36,367 --> 00:24:38,533
about a number
of insurance companies
505
00:24:38,533 --> 00:24:43,466
that are investing substantial
sums to do just that.
506
00:24:43,467 --> 00:24:47,333
And I think that would
indicate that they believe
507
00:24:47,333 --> 00:24:50,100
the opportunity to reach those
potential consumers exists,
508
00:24:50,100 --> 00:24:55,199
and that those consumers will be
able to enroll in their plans
509
00:24:55,200 --> 00:24:56,667
if they so choose.
510
00:24:56,667 --> 00:24:59,233
So it's going to be --
it's a broad-based effort
511
00:24:59,233 --> 00:25:03,399
and it continues not just
now but through March.
512
00:25:03,400 --> 00:25:04,533
The Press:
What do you make of
some of these efforts
513
00:25:04,533 --> 00:25:07,033
by Obamacare supporters
to reach out?
514
00:25:07,033 --> 00:25:09,000
I mean, some of them --
515
00:25:09,000 --> 00:25:10,567
the upside-down keg
stands and whatnot.
516
00:25:10,567 --> 00:25:13,633
I mean, is anybody
going to buy health care
517
00:25:13,633 --> 00:25:17,600
because "Barack Obreezy" tells
them to buy it because it's hot?
518
00:25:17,600 --> 00:25:23,199
Mr. Carney:
I think that,
having not designed
519
00:25:23,200 --> 00:25:26,033
advertising campaigns myself,
I'm not an expert,
520
00:25:26,033 --> 00:25:27,934
but I think that people --
521
00:25:27,934 --> 00:25:32,767
there are efforts underway
to reach potential consumers
522
00:25:32,767 --> 00:25:34,100
where they live, if you will,
523
00:25:34,100 --> 00:25:41,699
and to get them to be aware of
the options available to them
524
00:25:41,700 --> 00:25:44,166
and the wisdom
of getting covered,
525
00:25:44,166 --> 00:25:45,899
of having health insurance.
526
00:25:45,900 --> 00:25:49,266
And I think that's what
all these efforts are about.
527
00:25:49,266 --> 00:25:54,133
And we certainly believe
that there has been --
528
00:25:54,133 --> 00:25:55,867
I mean,
one fact is, in spite of --
529
00:25:55,867 --> 00:26:00,600
it was being noted
that the effort,
530
00:26:00,600 --> 00:26:02,934
the advertising
efforts and the like,
531
00:26:02,934 --> 00:26:05,066
had been pushed back
because of the problems
532
00:26:05,066 --> 00:26:06,367
with healthcare.gov.
533
00:26:06,367 --> 00:26:08,600
I mean, one of the facts that
I think often went unnoticed
534
00:26:08,600 --> 00:26:09,699
is that even despite that,
535
00:26:09,700 --> 00:26:16,200
we still have extraordinary
levels of interest
536
00:26:16,200 --> 00:26:17,467
demonstrated by the
number of visits
537
00:26:17,467 --> 00:26:18,467
to the website itself.
538
00:26:18,467 --> 00:26:19,734
And that continues.
539
00:26:19,734 --> 00:26:22,166
We continue to see I think
something like half a million
540
00:26:22,166 --> 00:26:25,867
over the weekend of
visitors to healthcare.gov.
541
00:26:25,867 --> 00:26:29,166
So the demand is there,
and it's our responsibility
542
00:26:29,166 --> 00:26:32,300
to make sure that the system
works so the demand can be met.
543
00:26:32,300 --> 00:26:34,300
Brianna.
544
00:26:35,467 --> 00:26:37,066
The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
545
00:26:37,066 --> 00:26:41,300
We're nearing the
end of the year here,
546
00:26:41,300 --> 00:26:43,100
looking to the next year.
547
00:26:43,100 --> 00:26:45,632
Can you just talk a little bit
548
00:26:45,633 --> 00:26:48,166
about what are the President's
biggest priorities?
549
00:26:48,166 --> 00:26:52,133
What is he hoping
to achieve in 2014?
550
00:26:52,133 --> 00:26:53,333
Mr. Carney: Sure.
551
00:26:53,333 --> 00:26:56,633
I will leave it to the
President to be more specific,
552
00:26:56,633 --> 00:26:59,667
and he will be certainly at
the State of the Union address.
553
00:26:59,667 --> 00:27:03,734
But his priority, which he made
clear at a speech he recently
554
00:27:03,734 --> 00:27:09,867
gave here in Washington,
is the economic health
555
00:27:09,867 --> 00:27:15,133
of the middle class and
the prospects for future,
556
00:27:15,133 --> 00:27:18,133
stronger economic growth for
the country and job creation
557
00:27:18,133 --> 00:27:19,333
for the country.
558
00:27:19,333 --> 00:27:20,700
And that has been his priority
since he came to office,
559
00:27:20,700 --> 00:27:23,500
and will continue to be
his priority going forward.
560
00:27:23,500 --> 00:27:29,533
And within that context,
he is concerned,
561
00:27:29,533 --> 00:27:33,600
as so many people are,
by the growing inequality
562
00:27:33,600 --> 00:27:38,600
that we've seen and the
effect that has on mobility,
563
00:27:38,600 --> 00:27:41,934
upward mobility for
Americans across the country.
564
00:27:41,934 --> 00:27:47,966
This country is obviously known
for the remarkable mobility
565
00:27:47,967 --> 00:27:51,000
that it has afforded
generations in the past.
566
00:27:51,000 --> 00:27:58,867
And I think it's a sobering
fact to learn that countries in
567
00:27:58,867 --> 00:28:05,700
Europe often, or in some cases,
have more upward mobility
568
00:28:05,700 --> 00:28:06,900
for their citizens now.
569
00:28:06,900 --> 00:28:10,300
I think that illustrates
why this is a problem
570
00:28:10,300 --> 00:28:11,600
that needs to be addressed.
571
00:28:11,600 --> 00:28:14,632
And you heard the President give
a substantive lengthy speech
572
00:28:14,633 --> 00:28:19,033
about that just the other week,
and he will certainly continue
573
00:28:19,033 --> 00:28:21,000
to address those issues.
574
00:28:21,000 --> 00:28:25,333
Comprehensive immigration reform
because it's so important
575
00:28:25,333 --> 00:28:29,367
for a variety of reasons,
including, first and foremost,
576
00:28:29,367 --> 00:28:32,734
it's important for our economy,
important for the middle class.
577
00:28:32,734 --> 00:28:36,500
And his Climate
Action Plan, again,
578
00:28:36,500 --> 00:28:40,333
because it addresses our
long-term energy needs
579
00:28:40,333 --> 00:28:41,700
and energy security needs,
580
00:28:41,700 --> 00:28:46,000
as well as the need
to address climate change.
581
00:28:46,000 --> 00:28:48,400
These are priorities that
the President has put forward
582
00:28:48,400 --> 00:28:52,000
and will continue to push
into 2014 and beyond.
583
00:28:52,000 --> 00:28:56,600
The Press:
Then if I can ask you
a question about the ACA.
584
00:28:56,600 --> 00:29:01,699
CMS last said that 10 percent of
the 834s that were transmitted
585
00:29:01,700 --> 00:29:04,633
to insurance companies
had errors in them.
586
00:29:04,633 --> 00:29:07,767
They're now saying that
number is inaccurate,
587
00:29:07,767 --> 00:29:10,233
but they aren't providing
an accurate percentage.
588
00:29:10,233 --> 00:29:12,332
So I guess really
the question is,
589
00:29:12,333 --> 00:29:15,834
is the White House
confidant that what --
590
00:29:15,834 --> 00:29:18,233
one, does the White House know
what the percentage is?
591
00:29:18,233 --> 00:29:21,633
Does the White House have
confidence that whatever
592
00:29:21,633 --> 00:29:24,800
that number is, whatever
the percentage is,
593
00:29:24,800 --> 00:29:28,300
coupled with the ability to
identify these errors and the
594
00:29:28,300 --> 00:29:30,367
outreach that's
going along with it,
595
00:29:30,367 --> 00:29:34,533
that that's going to mean the
number of people who are aiming
596
00:29:34,533 --> 00:29:38,332
to be signed for health
insurance by January 1st,
597
00:29:38,333 --> 00:29:39,333
that that's going to be
598
00:29:39,333 --> 00:29:42,166
what we would see
as minimal come January?
599
00:29:46,166 --> 00:29:48,066
Mr. Carney:
As I said yesterday
and previous days,
600
00:29:48,066 --> 00:29:51,300
there is no higher priority that
CMS has and the administration
601
00:29:51,300 --> 00:29:56,600
has right now on ACA than making
sure that those individuals who
602
00:29:56,600 --> 00:30:02,265
enrolled or believe they
enrolled are taking the steps
603
00:30:02,266 --> 00:30:06,800
necessary and have the data to
the insurer necessary that will
604
00:30:06,800 --> 00:30:09,133
allow them, if they sought
insurance coverage
605
00:30:09,133 --> 00:30:11,133
on January 1st, to get it.
606
00:30:11,133 --> 00:30:12,767
And there are a variety of means
607
00:30:12,767 --> 00:30:16,467
by which that
communication is happening.
608
00:30:16,467 --> 00:30:19,266
When it comes to
the backend issues,
609
00:30:19,266 --> 00:30:21,200
I can tell you that since
the beginning of December,
610
00:30:21,200 --> 00:30:23,567
enrollments that did not
generate the necessary
611
00:30:23,567 --> 00:30:28,033
transaction form, the 834 form,
that goes to the insurance
612
00:30:28,033 --> 00:30:29,600
company has been close to zero.
613
00:30:29,600 --> 00:30:31,600
And what that means is that --
614
00:30:31,600 --> 00:30:33,000
The Press:
But I'm not talking
-- I understand that.
615
00:30:33,000 --> 00:30:34,400
But that's not what
I'm talking about.
616
00:30:34,400 --> 00:30:37,767
And this seems to be where
we ask a question about --
617
00:30:37,767 --> 00:30:39,834
we know that 834s
are being transmitted.
618
00:30:39,834 --> 00:30:41,900
I'm talking about the ones
that are being transmitted
619
00:30:41,900 --> 00:30:43,233
and have errors in them.
620
00:30:43,233 --> 00:30:44,367
Mr. Carney: Right.
621
00:30:44,367 --> 00:30:47,899
And I'm saying that --
because this is important.
622
00:30:50,600 --> 00:30:52,966
As an anecdotal example,
we are confident
623
00:30:52,967 --> 00:30:56,800
that we have made major
improvements to healthcare.gov,
624
00:30:56,800 --> 00:30:59,466
including on the backend
issues, that have reduced
625
00:30:59,467 --> 00:31:02,867
that transmission problem
to zero or near zero,
626
00:31:02,867 --> 00:31:08,233
and that have addressed
the problems with errors.
627
00:31:08,233 --> 00:31:10,100
I think an example
of that is that insurers
628
00:31:10,100 --> 00:31:12,699
like Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Kansas
629
00:31:12,700 --> 00:31:16,000
are saying that they no longer
need to follow up individually
630
00:31:16,000 --> 00:31:18,233
with enrollees to
verify their information
631
00:31:18,233 --> 00:31:21,533
because the 834s are
coming through cleaner,
632
00:31:21,533 --> 00:31:23,199
are coming through accurately.
633
00:31:23,200 --> 00:31:28,800
Now, what I've said is that what
CMS is doing is reaching out
634
00:31:28,800 --> 00:31:33,700
to individuals who enrolled,
especially in the earlier period
635
00:31:33,700 --> 00:31:36,400
where there was a much higher
percentage of problems
636
00:31:36,400 --> 00:31:40,066
with the backend issues
and the 834 forms,
637
00:31:40,066 --> 00:31:44,433
to make sure that accurate
information is being delivered
638
00:31:44,433 --> 00:31:46,867
to their insurers; to make sure
that there is communication
639
00:31:46,867 --> 00:31:50,200
between the issuer and the
enrollees so that the enrollee
640
00:31:50,200 --> 00:31:56,166
knows what he or she has to do
in order to have coverage when
641
00:31:56,166 --> 00:31:59,000
they choose to have coverage
if it's January 1st or later.
642
00:31:59,000 --> 00:32:03,633
So the point is that -- and
we've been talking about this --
643
00:32:03,633 --> 00:32:08,166
the work that's being done on
the issue of 834 forms and ones
644
00:32:08,166 --> 00:32:12,734
that had errors in them or
transmission problems have to do
645
00:32:12,734 --> 00:32:16,667
with those closer to the
launch date of October 1st.
646
00:32:16,667 --> 00:32:19,500
And as improvements were made,
we saw fewer of those problems,
647
00:32:19,500 --> 00:32:24,867
and now we are at a situation
where there are very few indeed.
648
00:32:24,867 --> 00:32:27,367
The Press:
And the White House
then has a firm grasp
649
00:32:27,367 --> 00:32:30,433
on what, if any --
I mean, you assume
650
00:32:30,433 --> 00:32:32,200
there are going to be some --
651
00:32:32,200 --> 00:32:34,266
are there going to
be a small amount?
652
00:32:34,266 --> 00:32:35,533
A large amount?
653
00:32:35,533 --> 00:32:39,065
You're confident the White House
has a grasp on the size of
654
00:32:39,066 --> 00:32:42,367
the problems that will confront
people who are trying to sign up
655
00:32:42,367 --> 00:32:44,000
for insurance by January 1st?
656
00:32:44,000 --> 00:32:47,533
And by that, we mean people who
obviously think they're insured
657
00:32:47,533 --> 00:32:50,766
or have gone through the
process, and then, come January,
658
00:32:50,767 --> 00:32:55,300
find out maybe in a rather
rude awakening that they aren't.
659
00:32:55,300 --> 00:32:57,399
Mr. Carney:
I think that the
administration, CMS,
660
00:32:57,400 --> 00:32:58,967
and that includes
the White House,
661
00:32:58,967 --> 00:33:01,667
has made this a priority
in our dealing with --
662
00:33:01,667 --> 00:33:03,367
The Press:
But you feel like
you have a sense
663
00:33:03,367 --> 00:33:06,899
of the size of whatever
problem may come up in January?
664
00:33:06,900 --> 00:33:08,967
Mr. Carney:
I believe the answer
to that is, yes.
665
00:33:08,967 --> 00:33:12,233
I would point you to CMS because
they're doing the groundwork,
666
00:33:12,233 --> 00:33:15,066
the fieldwork, if you will,
as well as those teams
667
00:33:15,066 --> 00:33:18,033
that are meeting daily with
issuers to address the concerns
668
00:33:18,033 --> 00:33:19,332
that they've had with 834s.
669
00:33:19,333 --> 00:33:25,400
And I think a sign of progress
is the citation I made
670
00:33:25,400 --> 00:33:27,367
of Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Kansas.
671
00:33:27,367 --> 00:33:29,265
I think another sign of progress
672
00:33:29,266 --> 00:33:31,233
is what I mentioned
to Jon earlier
673
00:33:31,233 --> 00:33:33,066
that is Well Point Inc. --
674
00:33:33,066 --> 00:33:35,900
which has held off for
weeks on a planned campaign as
675
00:33:35,900 --> 00:33:38,500
problems with the
website made it impossible
676
00:33:38,500 --> 00:33:39,900
for many consumers to sign up --
677
00:33:39,900 --> 00:33:42,433
says that it expects
to spend up to $100 million
678
00:33:42,433 --> 00:33:46,033
by the end of the
year on TV, social media,
679
00:33:46,033 --> 00:33:49,533
and print ads targeting --
I forgot about this, Jon --
680
00:33:49,533 --> 00:33:52,867
targeting mostly young
and healthy people --
681
00:33:52,867 --> 00:33:54,200
$100 million.
682
00:33:54,200 --> 00:33:57,967
That's a pretty significant
investment by a single company.
683
00:33:57,967 --> 00:34:00,667
And I think they wouldn't be
making that investment if they
684
00:34:00,667 --> 00:34:03,332
didn't believe that they
would get some return
685
00:34:03,333 --> 00:34:06,300
on that investment,
that they would be able to --
686
00:34:06,300 --> 00:34:09,300
that they would attract
consumers to their product
687
00:34:09,300 --> 00:34:11,567
and that those consumers would
be able to purchase that product
688
00:34:11,567 --> 00:34:12,967
through the marketplace.
689
00:34:12,967 --> 00:34:14,967
The Press:
Do you feel that Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
690
00:34:14,967 --> 00:34:15,967
is representative of
691
00:34:15,967 --> 00:34:18,100
other insurance
companies' experiences?
692
00:34:18,100 --> 00:34:19,667
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think that --
693
00:34:19,667 --> 00:34:21,467
obviously,
I don't want to say
694
00:34:21,467 --> 00:34:24,533
that every insurance company
can be included in that.
695
00:34:24,533 --> 00:34:26,533
But it demonstrates
what we are seeing,
696
00:34:26,533 --> 00:34:30,132
which is that in real time --
and we're seeing, obviously,
697
00:34:30,132 --> 00:34:31,899
a significant increase
in the number --
698
00:34:31,900 --> 00:34:34,500
in the amount of traffic
and the number of enrollees --
699
00:34:34,500 --> 00:34:39,600
there are significantly
fewer problems with the backend
700
00:34:39,600 --> 00:34:41,366
and the 834 forms,
701
00:34:41,367 --> 00:34:45,066
and down or close to
zero when it comes
702
00:34:45,065 --> 00:34:47,033
to the transmission
of those forms.
703
00:34:49,867 --> 00:34:50,867
Yes.
704
00:34:50,867 --> 00:34:52,166
Peter, and then Bill.
705
00:34:52,166 --> 00:34:54,333
The Press:
Jay, on Secretary
Sebelius's blog announcement
706
00:34:54,333 --> 00:34:56,433
that Kurt DelBene would be
coming on beginning tomorrow,
707
00:34:56,433 --> 00:34:58,033
she says that he has agreed --
708
00:34:58,033 --> 00:35:00,633
or the agreement is that
he will stay through the middle
709
00:35:00,633 --> 00:35:02,533
or the first part of next year.
710
00:35:02,533 --> 00:35:05,667
I just wanted to get a sense
of how long the White House
711
00:35:05,667 --> 00:35:08,734
believes they will
have someone in this role
712
00:35:08,734 --> 00:35:10,600
before it's satisfied
all the needs.
713
00:35:10,600 --> 00:35:12,266
Is he the last guy to do this?
714
00:35:12,266 --> 00:35:14,767
Or will this exist in
perpetuity as long as --
715
00:35:14,767 --> 00:35:18,332
Mr. Carney:
I wouldn't presume
to know, Peter.
716
00:35:18,333 --> 00:35:22,000
Obviously, this position was
created not that many weeks ago
717
00:35:22,000 --> 00:35:29,533
when Jeff Zients filled it, and
filled it working seven days
718
00:35:29,533 --> 00:35:34,033
a week and making significant
progress in the effort
719
00:35:34,033 --> 00:35:38,232
to bring healthcare.gov
up to the performance standards
720
00:35:38,233 --> 00:35:40,533
that the American
people deserved.
721
00:35:40,533 --> 00:35:44,933
And it is because
of the Secretary's view
722
00:35:44,934 --> 00:35:47,500
and the President's view
that that role should be filled
723
00:35:47,500 --> 00:35:51,500
by someone of the kind
of experience that Mr. DelBene
724
00:35:51,500 --> 00:35:52,700
brings to the effort,
725
00:35:52,700 --> 00:35:56,066
that it will be filled
at least for as long
726
00:35:56,066 --> 00:35:59,799
as Kurt has agreed to
serve in that role.
727
00:35:59,800 --> 00:36:02,533
The Press:
I guess the question is,
728
00:36:02,533 --> 00:36:03,967
is there a standard point
at which you'll be satisfied
729
00:36:03,967 --> 00:36:05,033
that you've accomplished
everything you need,
730
00:36:05,033 --> 00:36:06,533
that that role is
no longer needed?
731
00:36:06,533 --> 00:36:08,366
Mr. Carney:
Well, I just --
in terms of that role,
732
00:36:08,367 --> 00:36:10,166
obviously, enrollments
in healthcare.gov
733
00:36:10,166 --> 00:36:17,967
or through healthcare.gov will
continue beyond March 31st
734
00:36:17,967 --> 00:36:19,967
and year after year after year.
735
00:36:19,967 --> 00:36:25,233
What I can't tell you now is
whether we might make a judgment
736
00:36:25,233 --> 00:36:28,233
or the Secretary might make
a judgment next spring,
737
00:36:28,233 --> 00:36:29,767
for example, or early summer,
738
00:36:29,767 --> 00:36:33,734
that that position
should be filled again.
739
00:36:33,734 --> 00:36:36,165
The Press:
In regards to the tech
meeting that took place
740
00:36:36,166 --> 00:36:38,333
or is still taking place,
as it sounds like,
741
00:36:38,333 --> 00:36:40,767
right now with the President,
couldn't the problem in many
742
00:36:40,767 --> 00:36:45,033
ways be solved by having the
phone companies keep track
743
00:36:45,033 --> 00:36:49,600
of this data as the review board
is apparently recommending?
744
00:36:49,600 --> 00:36:52,799
Mr. Carney:
Well, I can't speak
to recommendations
745
00:36:52,800 --> 00:36:53,900
by the review board.
746
00:36:53,900 --> 00:36:59,166
As I said, I think the
board will make available
747
00:36:59,166 --> 00:37:01,400
their report and
their recommendation.
748
00:37:01,400 --> 00:37:02,667
And I also don't --
749
00:37:02,667 --> 00:37:06,567
I think that that is an
issue that has been put forward
750
00:37:06,567 --> 00:37:10,266
in public discussion
so I'm aware of that
751
00:37:10,266 --> 00:37:14,200
as a proposition, but I don't
have any comment on that
752
00:37:14,200 --> 00:37:16,100
as a recommendation
at this time,
753
00:37:16,100 --> 00:37:17,967
because the President's
review is ongoing.
754
00:37:17,967 --> 00:37:19,400
The Press:
And then, if you can
give us a sense of --
755
00:37:19,400 --> 00:37:22,200
some of the tech companies
have been very delicate
756
00:37:22,200 --> 00:37:25,933
in the language they've used
about exactly what rules are
757
00:37:25,934 --> 00:37:27,900
governing what they can
and cannot communicate.
758
00:37:27,900 --> 00:37:29,667
So I guess I would pose simply,
759
00:37:29,667 --> 00:37:31,734
why shouldn't the
tech companies be allowed
760
00:37:31,734 --> 00:37:33,900
to tell the public more
761
00:37:33,900 --> 00:37:38,266
about what they're
being told to provide?
762
00:37:38,266 --> 00:37:41,433
Mr. Carney:
Again, I'm not --
in terms of what they --
763
00:37:41,433 --> 00:37:46,166
The Press:
What's at risk of them
being more transparent
764
00:37:46,166 --> 00:37:48,533
about what they're being
required to provide?
765
00:37:48,533 --> 00:37:51,533
Mr. Carney:
I'm not sure what
their obligations are,
766
00:37:51,533 --> 00:37:52,700
in terms of legal obligations.
767
00:37:52,700 --> 00:37:54,200
And I'd refer you to the
Department of Justice
768
00:37:54,200 --> 00:37:56,165
for those issues,
if that's what you're asking me.
769
00:37:56,166 --> 00:37:57,367
The Press:
I guess, what's at stake?
770
00:37:57,367 --> 00:37:59,667
If they were to say more,
not the specifics of the --
771
00:37:59,667 --> 00:38:02,500
Mr. Carney:
I think that's
the kind of question
772
00:38:02,500 --> 00:38:05,667
that I would have to point
you to the Department of Justice
773
00:38:05,667 --> 00:38:06,667
or elsewhere to answer --
774
00:38:06,667 --> 00:38:08,165
perhaps the NSA --
in terms of --
775
00:38:08,166 --> 00:38:09,834
if it has to do with
intelligence-gathering
776
00:38:09,834 --> 00:38:13,299
activities and potentially
classified programs.
777
00:38:13,300 --> 00:38:14,533
The Press:
And finally, if I can,
778
00:38:14,533 --> 00:38:16,433
earlier today we learned that
six more Americans died
779
00:38:16,433 --> 00:38:19,233
in Afghanistan during a Black
Hawk, I believe it was,
780
00:38:19,233 --> 00:38:21,000
that crashed -- if the
President's been notified,
781
00:38:21,000 --> 00:38:23,967
and if he has any comments
specific to this most recent --
782
00:38:23,967 --> 00:38:28,200
Mr. Carney:
I'll have to get
information on by whom
783
00:38:28,200 --> 00:38:31,100
and when the President
was notified.
784
00:38:31,100 --> 00:38:37,133
This is obviously, as is the
case anytime we lose men and
785
00:38:37,133 --> 00:38:43,767
women in uniform, a tragedy and
something that we mourn greatly.
786
00:38:43,767 --> 00:38:49,567
And it's a reminder of, even
as we go about our lives here
787
00:38:49,567 --> 00:38:53,900
stateside, that we have so many
of our fellow Americans serving
788
00:38:53,900 --> 00:38:56,867
in harm's way still
in Afghanistan.
789
00:38:56,867 --> 00:38:58,500
The Press:
Do you know the cause?
790
00:38:58,500 --> 00:39:00,066
Mr. Carney:
I'll have to --
I don't know yet.
791
00:39:00,066 --> 00:39:02,667
The Press:
Do you know if it was
caused by enemy action?
792
00:39:02,667 --> 00:39:04,299
Mr. Carney:
I would refer you to
the Defense Department.
793
00:39:04,300 --> 00:39:05,500
I don't know.
794
00:39:05,500 --> 00:39:06,934
The Press:
One more question
about the tech meeting.
795
00:39:06,934 --> 00:39:09,867
Did the letter that they penned
last week prompt this meeting?
796
00:39:09,867 --> 00:39:10,900
Mr. Carney:
I don't have the answer to that.
797
00:39:10,900 --> 00:39:12,033
I'll have to take the question.
798
00:39:12,033 --> 00:39:16,232
I think that it has
been -- we have had,
799
00:39:16,233 --> 00:39:17,567
this administration
in particular,
800
00:39:17,567 --> 00:39:21,500
ongoing interactions
with major tech companies
801
00:39:21,500 --> 00:39:25,333
and major tech CEOs for the
entirety of the administration.
802
00:39:25,333 --> 00:39:29,500
So whether this specific meeting
was in response to that letter
803
00:39:29,500 --> 00:39:32,633
I can't say, but this is not the
first time the President
804
00:39:32,633 --> 00:39:34,567
has sat down with tech CEOs.
805
00:39:34,567 --> 00:39:37,467
The Press:
Could you take that
question, though, to see --
806
00:39:37,467 --> 00:39:39,633
Mr. Carney:
I'm sure it may just
be that the meeting,
807
00:39:39,633 --> 00:39:42,100
because the meeting has
on its agenda other issues
808
00:39:42,100 --> 00:39:45,533
besides this,
may have been something
809
00:39:45,533 --> 00:39:47,500
that was going to
be scheduled anyway.
810
00:39:47,500 --> 00:39:50,500
The Press:
Was it still going on
when you came out here?
811
00:39:50,500 --> 00:39:51,500
Mr. Carney: Yes.
812
00:39:51,500 --> 00:39:52,500
John.
813
00:39:52,500 --> 00:39:53,934
The Press:
With regard to immigration,
814
00:39:53,934 --> 00:39:57,767
if the President is in the
desired position of implementing
815
00:39:57,767 --> 00:40:01,200
an immigration law,
what would the White House take
816
00:40:01,200 --> 00:40:03,500
as a learning experience
from healthcare.gov
817
00:40:03,500 --> 00:40:05,800
and the rollout of health care?
818
00:40:05,800 --> 00:40:09,266
You've got -- 9 million
is the estimate of people
819
00:40:09,266 --> 00:40:11,066
who would be applying
for legalization
820
00:40:11,066 --> 00:40:13,834
through various means,
different pathways.
821
00:40:13,834 --> 00:40:16,265
You've got an E-Verify system
that requires businesses
822
00:40:16,266 --> 00:40:17,734
to interact with
the administration.
823
00:40:17,734 --> 00:40:20,799
What have you learned from that
that would help you implement
824
00:40:20,800 --> 00:40:23,533
immigration, and what assurances
can you give the public
825
00:40:23,533 --> 00:40:25,333
that that would roll out
better than health care?
826
00:40:25,333 --> 00:40:27,834
Mr. Carney:
I got pretty much the
same question yesterday,
827
00:40:27,834 --> 00:40:32,433
and I would say that these are
two different kinds of things,
828
00:40:32,433 --> 00:40:34,133
very significantly different.
829
00:40:34,133 --> 00:40:38,500
The fundamental problems with
the rollout of the marketplaces
830
00:40:38,500 --> 00:40:41,233
had to do with the technology
associated with healthcare.gov,
831
00:40:41,233 --> 00:40:44,400
with a website that was
trying to do something
832
00:40:44,400 --> 00:40:46,233
rather significant
and unprecedented,
833
00:40:46,233 --> 00:40:49,066
and is doing it now
much more effectively.
834
00:40:49,066 --> 00:40:54,332
So I think I would note,
before the analogies are made,
835
00:40:54,333 --> 00:40:57,333
that there are significant
differences in implementations
836
00:40:57,333 --> 00:41:00,133
of these two pieces
of legislation.
837
00:41:00,133 --> 00:41:02,799
I certainly hope that
for the sake of the country
838
00:41:02,800 --> 00:41:06,834
and the economy and border
security and innovation,
839
00:41:06,834 --> 00:41:11,265
that we have the opportunity
to implement comprehensive
840
00:41:11,266 --> 00:41:15,200
immigration reform because
the economy needs it
841
00:41:15,200 --> 00:41:17,399
and our security needs it.
842
00:41:17,400 --> 00:41:18,667
The Press:
I understand that you're saying
843
00:41:18,667 --> 00:41:20,266
that they're not
perfectly analogous,
844
00:41:20,266 --> 00:41:21,600
and certainly there
are a lot of differences
845
00:41:21,600 --> 00:41:24,467
between the two, but are
there lessons to be learned
846
00:41:24,467 --> 00:41:28,467
from the implementation of
a major program that requires
847
00:41:28,467 --> 00:41:30,600
a lot of technology
for the next one that has
848
00:41:30,600 --> 00:41:33,200
a lot of technology?
849
00:41:33,200 --> 00:41:36,200
Mr. Carney:
Well, I haven't looked
at the technological aspects
850
00:41:36,200 --> 00:41:38,133
of implementing comprehensive
immigration reform.
851
00:41:38,133 --> 00:41:41,133
A big piece of it
is border security,
852
00:41:41,133 --> 00:41:44,834
and I think that this
administration has demonstrated
853
00:41:44,834 --> 00:41:49,799
its commitment to and success in
improving our border security.
854
00:41:49,800 --> 00:41:53,567
And a piece of it has
to do with improving
855
00:41:53,567 --> 00:41:57,834
our legal immigration process
so that those who come
856
00:41:57,834 --> 00:42:00,165
and study in
our universities can --
857
00:42:00,166 --> 00:42:01,433
and want to start
businesses here --
858
00:42:01,433 --> 00:42:04,000
can stay here and start
businesses in the United States
859
00:42:04,000 --> 00:42:07,834
and hire American workers
to do that when they do that.
860
00:42:07,834 --> 00:42:11,366
So these are things that
build on what we've already
861
00:42:11,367 --> 00:42:14,233
demonstrated a capacity to do.
862
00:42:14,233 --> 00:42:17,734
So I guess I --
I'm not suggesting
863
00:42:17,734 --> 00:42:18,967
there wouldn't be
lessons learned.
864
00:42:18,967 --> 00:42:22,166
I'm saying that because I
haven't looked at the specific
865
00:42:22,166 --> 00:42:26,467
requirements of implementing
immigration reform I wouldn't be
866
00:42:26,467 --> 00:42:31,000
the person best able to tell you
what specific lessons might be
867
00:42:31,000 --> 00:42:33,900
learned from the problems
at healthcare.gov versus
868
00:42:33,900 --> 00:42:40,233
the problems associated with
bringing 11 million undocumented
869
00:42:40,233 --> 00:42:43,767
people out of the shadows out
and into a system where they get
870
00:42:43,767 --> 00:42:48,466
to the back of the line and move
through a process like the one
871
00:42:48,467 --> 00:42:51,867
envisioned through comprehensive
immigration reform.
872
00:42:51,867 --> 00:42:54,900
The Press:
A couple questions
about the CEO meeting.
873
00:42:54,900 --> 00:42:57,200
It appeared it was
going on at least twice
874
00:42:57,200 --> 00:42:59,033
as long as it was scheduled for.
875
00:42:59,033 --> 00:43:01,834
Even when you came out, did
you have any indication
876
00:43:01,834 --> 00:43:04,100
in what direction
that meeting was going?
877
00:43:04,100 --> 00:43:06,000
Mr. Carney:
I did and that's
what I provided to you,
878
00:43:06,000 --> 00:43:07,834
that I know that
they spoke about --
879
00:43:07,834 --> 00:43:09,700
I not just anticipated,
880
00:43:09,700 --> 00:43:14,200
but know that they had already
discussed healthcare.gov issues.
881
00:43:14,200 --> 00:43:18,466
They spoke about procurement
issues related to federal IT,
882
00:43:18,467 --> 00:43:23,367
and they spoke about issues
related to disclosures,
883
00:43:23,367 --> 00:43:27,767
as I noted in my brief
readout of a meeting
884
00:43:27,767 --> 00:43:29,299
that was still going on.
885
00:43:29,300 --> 00:43:32,033
The Press:
And by meeting with
CEOs on the NSA --
886
00:43:32,033 --> 00:43:34,066
Mr. Carney:
They also -- and of course,
the President announced,
887
00:43:34,066 --> 00:43:38,165
and he's in the room, the
appointment of Kurt DelBene
888
00:43:38,166 --> 00:43:40,600
to succeed Jeff Zients.
889
00:43:40,600 --> 00:43:43,900
The Press:
By meeting with the
CEOs on the NSA today,
890
00:43:43,900 --> 00:43:47,166
what message is he trying
to send to businesses
891
00:43:47,166 --> 00:43:49,834
and the American people?
892
00:43:49,834 --> 00:43:54,433
Mr. Carney:
As I think we've said
in the past in addressing
893
00:43:54,433 --> 00:43:58,333
national security and economic
impacts related to unauthorized
894
00:43:58,333 --> 00:44:02,834
intelligence disclosure,
the President was hoping to hear
895
00:44:02,834 --> 00:44:06,066
directly from the CEOs of these
companies about these issues
896
00:44:06,066 --> 00:44:08,232
and their concerns,
and also, obviously,
897
00:44:08,233 --> 00:44:13,834
looking for the opportunity to
explain both how these programs
898
00:44:13,834 --> 00:44:17,667
are viewed by him and the fact
that he is engaging in the kind
899
00:44:17,667 --> 00:44:24,133
of comprehensive review of our
signal intelligence-gathering
900
00:44:24,133 --> 00:44:25,633
that has been undertaken now
901
00:44:25,633 --> 00:44:27,399
for the past several
weeks and months,
902
00:44:27,400 --> 00:44:30,300
and which will conclude
in January, looking at,
903
00:44:30,300 --> 00:44:33,967
as I've said in
the past, what we do through
904
00:44:33,967 --> 00:44:36,000
essentially two prisms --
905
00:44:36,000 --> 00:44:42,667
one, the absolute value
that the NSA and other agencies
906
00:44:42,667 --> 00:44:46,033
in our intelligence
community provide in keeping
907
00:44:46,033 --> 00:44:47,700
the American people,
the United States,
908
00:44:47,700 --> 00:44:50,033
and our allies safe;
909
00:44:50,033 --> 00:44:54,799
and doing so in a way that
is legal and constitutional.
910
00:44:54,800 --> 00:44:58,800
He also has made clear that
because of the remarkable
911
00:44:58,800 --> 00:45:03,166
advancements in technology
that the United States
912
00:45:03,166 --> 00:45:06,367
has both led the way in and
been able to take advantage of,
913
00:45:06,367 --> 00:45:12,500
as have other countries, we
need to look at our activities
914
00:45:12,500 --> 00:45:17,033
through the lens of making sure
that we're doing what we can
915
00:45:17,033 --> 00:45:20,200
and should, but not just --
916
00:45:20,200 --> 00:45:22,299
or what we
should to keep ourselves safe,
917
00:45:22,300 --> 00:45:23,467
but not just what we can
918
00:45:23,467 --> 00:45:25,533
because we have the
technological capacity to do it.
919
00:45:25,533 --> 00:45:29,667
And I think that is
the sort of framework
920
00:45:29,667 --> 00:45:32,834
around which the President has
been approaching this review.
921
00:45:32,834 --> 00:45:35,133
The Press:
Is he concerned that
the Snowden revelations
922
00:45:35,133 --> 00:45:37,133
have hurt his reputation
for trustworthiness
923
00:45:37,133 --> 00:45:39,033
and transparency?
924
00:45:39,033 --> 00:45:42,734
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think that
the disclosures have been
925
00:45:42,734 --> 00:45:47,667
problematic in far more
significant ways than how they
926
00:45:47,667 --> 00:45:51,000
affect people's view of him.
927
00:45:51,000 --> 00:45:52,467
They've been problematic because
they are leaks of classified
928
00:45:52,467 --> 00:45:58,467
information, and that is why
Mr. Snowden has had charges
929
00:46:03,500 --> 00:46:04,667
brought against him.
930
00:46:04,667 --> 00:46:08,667
And others can address the
impacts of those kinds of
931
00:46:08,667 --> 00:46:12,633
disclosures on our activities
and our safety and security.
932
00:46:12,633 --> 00:46:14,899
I think those are the issues
that concern the President.
933
00:46:14,900 --> 00:46:17,633
The Press:
There are indications
that he does have some problems
934
00:46:17,633 --> 00:46:19,000
with regard to his reputation.
935
00:46:19,000 --> 00:46:21,967
What's the President
doing to rebuild that --
936
00:46:21,967 --> 00:46:28,867
Mr. Carney:
The President is focused every
day on what he has committed
937
00:46:28,867 --> 00:46:32,900
himself to do, which is to work
on behalf of the American people
938
00:46:32,900 --> 00:46:35,233
to create an economy --
or help foster an economy
939
00:46:35,233 --> 00:46:38,367
that is growing from the middle
out instead of the top down;
940
00:46:38,367 --> 00:46:41,967
that is making more secure
and expanding the middle class;
941
00:46:41,967 --> 00:46:45,166
is creating ladders of
opportunity for those
942
00:46:45,166 --> 00:46:47,767
who aspire to membership
in the middle class;
943
00:46:47,767 --> 00:46:52,899
that is bringing jobs
back home to the United States
944
00:46:52,900 --> 00:46:58,867
so that we can have the kind
of industries and businesses
945
00:47:01,233 --> 00:47:05,066
that create good jobs
946
00:47:05,066 --> 00:47:08,265
that sustain secure
middle-class lives.
947
00:47:08,266 --> 00:47:11,000
That's his focus.
948
00:47:11,000 --> 00:47:14,066
Also his focus is the safety and
security of the American people,
949
00:47:14,066 --> 00:47:18,000
and he is fiercely
committed to that.
950
00:47:18,000 --> 00:47:20,467
But as you've heard him say
in regards to the issues
951
00:47:20,467 --> 00:47:21,567
around these disclosures,
952
00:47:21,567 --> 00:47:25,066
he has been very candid
and frank about the need
953
00:47:25,066 --> 00:47:29,200
to review our activities
in the way that I described,
954
00:47:29,200 --> 00:47:32,000
and he has undertaken this
in a very deliberate way.
955
00:47:32,000 --> 00:47:34,133
That review --
the overall review --
956
00:47:34,133 --> 00:47:36,066
there's a lot of different
reviews with the review,
957
00:47:36,066 --> 00:47:39,000
but the overall review will
be completed in January.
958
00:47:39,000 --> 00:47:40,333
The Press:
What about with foreign leaders?
959
00:47:40,333 --> 00:47:43,533
What's he doing to repair that
relationship, rebuild that link?
960
00:47:43,533 --> 00:47:44,767
Mr. Carney: Sure.
961
00:47:44,767 --> 00:47:48,133
I've gotten this question a lot
with regard to countries
962
00:47:48,133 --> 00:47:50,533
that have expressed concerns
about the disclosures,
963
00:47:50,533 --> 00:47:53,933
and we deal directly,
counterpart to counterpart,
964
00:47:53,934 --> 00:47:56,900
leader to leader, as well
as minister to minister,
965
00:47:56,900 --> 00:48:00,567
on these issues and through
the normal diplomatic channels.
966
00:48:00,567 --> 00:48:03,767
And we are doing that with
leaders in countries that have
967
00:48:05,900 --> 00:48:13,000
been a part of the disclosures
as a matter of regular order.
968
00:48:13,000 --> 00:48:14,700
Voice of America.
969
00:48:14,700 --> 00:48:15,700
The Press:
Thank you.
970
00:48:15,700 --> 00:48:17,066
Jay, on South Sudan,
how has the President
971
00:48:17,066 --> 00:48:18,933
been keeping apprised
of events there?
972
00:48:18,934 --> 00:48:20,433
We have a curfew in effect.
973
00:48:20,433 --> 00:48:25,133
There are fresh reports of new
battles there in South Sudan.
974
00:48:25,133 --> 00:48:28,033
And this was an issue that
he's mentioned several times,
975
00:48:28,033 --> 00:48:29,232
including at the United Nations.
976
00:48:29,233 --> 00:48:31,500
Does he have --
977
00:48:31,500 --> 00:48:33,767
Mr. Carney:
Well, he gets briefed
on developments there.
978
00:48:33,767 --> 00:48:37,000
And as you I think are
noting in your question,
979
00:48:37,000 --> 00:48:40,233
circumstances there
have gotten worse
980
00:48:40,233 --> 00:48:42,900
and we remain deeply
concerned about developments
981
00:48:42,900 --> 00:48:44,233
in South Sudan.
982
00:48:44,233 --> 00:48:46,600
We are monitoring the situation
closely and continue to call
983
00:48:46,600 --> 00:48:49,500
on all parties to resolve their
differences peacefully
984
00:48:49,500 --> 00:48:51,233
and democratically.
985
00:48:51,233 --> 00:48:54,767
We want to see an end to the
violence and for South Sudan
986
00:48:54,767 --> 00:48:57,433
to get back
to working toward realizing
987
00:48:57,433 --> 00:49:00,867
the vision it articulated
at its independence of forging
988
00:49:00,867 --> 00:49:02,700
an inclusive, democratic state
989
00:49:02,700 --> 00:49:05,232
at peace internally
and with its neighbors.
990
00:49:05,233 --> 00:49:08,567
Recent violence moves
South Sudan further from,
991
00:49:08,567 --> 00:49:10,367
not closer to, that goal.
992
00:49:10,367 --> 00:49:12,233
But if South Sudan chooses
peace and democracy,
993
00:49:12,233 --> 00:49:16,033
we are confident that
it can get back on track.
994
00:49:16,033 --> 00:49:17,866
So the President
gets briefed on it.
995
00:49:17,867 --> 00:49:20,834
We're very concerned about
the developments we've seen.
996
00:49:20,834 --> 00:49:23,200
Our embassy, I think has
been reported elsewhere,
997
00:49:23,200 --> 00:49:25,834
is currently closed and we are
moving to an ordered departure
998
00:49:25,834 --> 00:49:27,332
because of the
uptick in violence.
999
00:49:27,333 --> 00:49:28,400
And we call on the government
to open critical points
1000
00:49:28,400 --> 00:49:29,333
of entry and egress,
including at the airport.
1001
00:49:29,333 --> 00:49:33,000
The Press:
Any call to Salva Kiir?
1002
00:49:37,800 --> 00:49:40,467
Mr. Carney:
I don't have any presidential
calls to read out.
1003
00:49:40,467 --> 00:49:42,033
I'm sure, if you
speak with State,
1004
00:49:42,033 --> 00:49:44,433
there are communications
government to government.
1005
00:49:44,433 --> 00:49:45,967
Ann.
1006
00:49:45,967 --> 00:49:47,467
The Press:
Thank you very much.
1007
00:49:47,467 --> 00:49:50,867
Did the President ask Secretary
Sebelius to initiate the
1008
00:49:50,867 --> 00:49:53,900
Inspector General's review
inside the Department of HHS?
1009
00:49:53,900 --> 00:49:58,000
And because it's an in-house
review, is that good enough?
1010
00:49:58,000 --> 00:50:03,133
And does it indicate Secretary
Sebelius's job is secure?
1011
00:50:03,133 --> 00:50:05,000
Mr. Carney:
I think Secretary Sebelius --
1012
00:50:05,000 --> 00:50:07,166
or the department has
put out information
1013
00:50:07,166 --> 00:50:09,633
about that review that
I believe she initiated,
1014
00:50:15,867 --> 00:50:17,367
and I've answered questions
about this in the past.
1015
00:50:17,367 --> 00:50:18,500
The President has confidence
in Secretary Sebelius,
1016
00:50:18,500 --> 00:50:21,200
and he knows that she,
like everyone on her team,
1017
00:50:21,200 --> 00:50:26,500
is focused on implementing
the Affordable Care Act,
1018
00:50:26,500 --> 00:50:29,367
making improvements
to healthcare.gov,
1019
00:50:29,367 --> 00:50:32,700
and ensuring that we deliver
on the promise to the American
1020
00:50:32,700 --> 00:50:36,600
people that they would
have access to quality,
1021
00:50:36,600 --> 00:50:38,834
affordable health insurance
through the marketplaces.
1022
00:50:38,834 --> 00:50:40,667
The Press:
The President said that his
first priority was to get
1023
00:50:40,667 --> 00:50:43,033
the website up and
working and people enrolled,
1024
00:50:43,033 --> 00:50:45,933
but that it would be time
to find out what happened.
1025
00:50:45,934 --> 00:50:49,266
Does the President think it's
the right path to investigate
1026
00:50:49,266 --> 00:50:52,633
that within the department by
the Inspector General as opposed
1027
00:50:52,633 --> 00:50:55,667
to some other kind
of investigation?
1028
00:50:55,667 --> 00:50:58,333
Mr. Carney:
I mean, I think there's
plenty of oversight
1029
00:50:58,333 --> 00:51:02,900
happening on Capitol Hill,
and we agree with -- or rather
1030
00:51:02,900 --> 00:51:05,166
cooperate with all legitimate
oversight into this matter
1031
00:51:05,166 --> 00:51:07,333
and others, and we're
doing that now.
1032
00:51:07,333 --> 00:51:11,166
I certainly don't think there's
any disagreement with the
1033
00:51:11,166 --> 00:51:13,734
actions that Secretary
Sebelius has taken.
1034
00:51:13,734 --> 00:51:16,834
They are entirely appropriate.
1035
00:51:16,834 --> 00:51:21,033
However, we're focused on
implementing the Affordable Care
1036
00:51:21,033 --> 00:51:23,500
Act, making sure that those
millions of Americans who have
1037
00:51:23,500 --> 00:51:29,300
demonstrated, despite the
obstacles that have been put
1038
00:51:29,300 --> 00:51:33,100
in front of them, their intense
interest in enrolling in the
1039
00:51:33,100 --> 00:51:35,066
marketplaces and purchasing
health insurance through the
1040
00:51:35,066 --> 00:51:38,366
marketplaces are able to
do so in a timely fashion.
1041
00:51:38,367 --> 00:51:39,867
That's been our
focus and that's what people
1042
00:51:39,867 --> 00:51:41,700
have been working on 24/7.
1043
00:51:41,700 --> 00:51:45,100
The Press:
And the President said he
wants to know what went wrong.
1044
00:51:45,100 --> 00:51:46,100
Is it --
1045
00:51:46,100 --> 00:51:47,100
Mr. Carney:
I don't have any update, Ann,
1046
00:51:47,100 --> 00:51:49,567
on what he said
about that or --
1047
00:51:49,567 --> 00:51:52,300
The Press:
He's satisfied with
what she's doing now?
1048
00:51:52,300 --> 00:51:55,166
Mr. Carney:
He has confidence
in Secretary Sebelius,
1049
00:51:55,166 --> 00:51:57,633
believes that what she's
doing is appropriate.
1050
00:51:57,633 --> 00:52:00,100
And again, he wants his
team principally focused on
1051
00:52:00,100 --> 00:52:02,967
delivering on the promise of the
Affordable Care Act because
1052
00:52:02,967 --> 00:52:06,433
so many millions of Americans
continue to demonstrate their
1053
00:52:06,433 --> 00:52:09,333
interest in this,
their desire for it,
1054
00:52:09,333 --> 00:52:14,567
as measured by the substantial
traffic at healthcare.gov and as
1055
00:52:14,567 --> 00:52:18,166
measured elsewhere and as
we've seen, as I cited earlier,
1056
00:52:18,166 --> 00:52:23,433
the efforts that are beginning
to take place from outside
1057
00:52:23,433 --> 00:52:26,266
groups, from insurance
companies and others,
1058
00:52:26,266 --> 00:52:30,767
in this effort to make sure that
those Americans who have these
1059
00:52:30,767 --> 00:52:33,567
options available to them are
aware of those options and take
1060
00:52:33,567 --> 00:52:35,100
advantage of them
if they so desire.
1061
00:52:35,100 --> 00:52:36,366
April.
1062
00:52:36,367 --> 00:52:39,600
The Press:
Jay, are the White House
or HHS offering
1063
00:52:39,600 --> 00:52:43,467
any kind of help to states
that are having problems
1064
00:52:43,467 --> 00:52:47,233
with their websites, their
health care websites?
1065
00:52:47,233 --> 00:52:51,200
Mr. Carney:
I'm not specifically aware
of what that communication is.
1066
00:52:51,200 --> 00:52:54,533
I'm sure there is some, but I
think HHS or CMS could give
1067
00:52:54,533 --> 00:52:56,799
a more detailed answer.
1068
00:52:56,800 --> 00:52:58,400
It depends -- I mean,
you would have to ask them.
1069
00:52:58,400 --> 00:52:59,734
I think the answer
is probably, yes,
1070
00:52:59,734 --> 00:53:01,667
but you would have to
ask them specifically
1071
00:53:01,667 --> 00:53:04,533
which state and which issue.
1072
00:53:04,533 --> 00:53:07,165
The Press:
-- there's no expectation
that anything could
1073
00:53:07,166 --> 00:53:10,834
be delayed, any kind of
timelines will be extended
1074
00:53:10,834 --> 00:53:13,366
or delayed because
things are now fixed
1075
00:53:13,367 --> 00:53:15,500
or in the process
of being fixed?
1076
00:53:15,500 --> 00:53:17,300
Mr. Carney:
No, I think that what we've
said is that we are working
1077
00:53:17,300 --> 00:53:25,100
to do everything we can
to make, as I was just saying,
1078
00:53:25,100 --> 00:53:29,033
these options available to
Americans who want them.
1079
00:53:29,033 --> 00:53:32,734
And we have taken a number
of steps to make this process
1080
00:53:32,734 --> 00:53:38,066
easier for those Americans who
have either had trouble because
1081
00:53:38,066 --> 00:53:41,033
of the healthcare.gov website or
because of the cancellations
1082
00:53:41,033 --> 00:53:42,299
of existing policies.
1083
00:53:42,300 --> 00:53:48,433
And so we're continuing to
address and make the adjustments
1084
00:53:48,433 --> 00:53:49,900
necessary to
make this transition
1085
00:53:49,900 --> 00:53:51,166
as smooth as possible --
1086
00:53:51,166 --> 00:53:57,100
again, with the goal being
providing access to the quality,
1087
00:53:57,100 --> 00:53:58,633
affordable health insurance
that so many millions
1088
00:53:58,633 --> 00:54:01,533
of Americans so clearly desire.
1089
00:54:01,533 --> 00:54:03,066
The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
1090
00:54:03,066 --> 00:54:04,066
Mr. Carney:
All right.
1091
00:54:04,066 --> 00:54:05,567
Alexis, last one.
1092
00:54:05,567 --> 00:54:07,133
The Press:
Jay, a couple quick follow-ups.
1093
00:54:07,133 --> 00:54:08,700
On the signal
surveillance review,
1094
00:54:08,700 --> 00:54:11,500
some months back you made clear
that the administration
1095
00:54:11,500 --> 00:54:14,000
and President Obama had already
made some modifications,
1096
00:54:14,000 --> 00:54:15,867
interim modifications,
and you might remember
1097
00:54:15,867 --> 00:54:17,433
what those were related to.
1098
00:54:17,433 --> 00:54:20,867
But to what extent will the
President be specific with the
1099
00:54:20,867 --> 00:54:23,667
international audience and the
American people when he does
1100
00:54:23,667 --> 00:54:27,400
finish the review and get to
talk about all of the changes
1101
00:54:27,400 --> 00:54:30,200
put together that he's accepted?
1102
00:54:30,200 --> 00:54:32,265
Mr. Carney:
I think you can expect
the President will speak
1103
00:54:32,266 --> 00:54:35,900
to this issue,
will make remarks about it,
1104
00:54:35,900 --> 00:54:40,133
outlining the
outcomes of the review
1105
00:54:40,133 --> 00:54:41,466
that has been conducted --
1106
00:54:41,467 --> 00:54:44,266
and that will take
place in January, I expect.
1107
00:54:44,266 --> 00:54:47,433
But I think he does desire
to be as specific and detailed
1108
00:54:47,433 --> 00:54:49,433
as he can be
given the issues here.
1109
00:54:49,433 --> 00:54:52,867
I think that's reflected in the
fact that the Review Group on
1110
00:54:52,867 --> 00:54:55,300
Intelligence and Communications
Technologies will be releasing
1111
00:54:55,300 --> 00:54:57,200
its report publicly.
1112
00:54:57,200 --> 00:55:03,265
So the President's comments and
remarks about the steps that
1113
00:55:05,333 --> 00:55:09,000
he'll be taking or has taken
I think will reflect
1114
00:55:09,000 --> 00:55:12,400
that same desire for
providing as much information
1115
00:55:12,400 --> 00:55:13,934
about it as possible.
1116
00:55:13,934 --> 00:55:14,967
The Press:
Two other quick questions.
1117
00:55:14,967 --> 00:55:17,166
Both on Friday and today,
1118
00:55:17,166 --> 00:55:20,367
you have described the
President's legislative agenda
1119
00:55:20,367 --> 00:55:23,533
as including his
Climate Action Plan.
1120
00:55:23,533 --> 00:55:25,900
And there are people in
Washington who think that
1121
00:55:25,900 --> 00:55:29,033
a midterm year in divided
government is a challenging year
1122
00:55:29,033 --> 00:55:31,533
to try to press for
climate change legislation.
1123
00:55:31,533 --> 00:55:35,000
Can you expand on what the
President hopes to urge Congress
1124
00:55:35,000 --> 00:55:38,266
to adopt in 2014
on climate change?
1125
00:55:38,266 --> 00:55:41,200
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think if you look
at the Climate Action Plan --
1126
00:55:41,200 --> 00:55:42,767
when I talk about that
as part of the President's
1127
00:55:42,767 --> 00:55:45,165
agenda, I talk about that as
part of the President's agenda,
1128
00:55:45,166 --> 00:55:47,467
not just his legislative agenda.
1129
00:55:47,467 --> 00:55:49,867
And I've mentioned this with
regards to economic measures
1130
00:55:49,867 --> 00:55:53,433
and other measures, including
measures to reduce gun violence,
1131
00:55:53,433 --> 00:55:56,567
that we absolutely
want to work with Congress
1132
00:55:56,567 --> 00:55:59,200
and get bipartisan
legislation passed where we can
1133
00:55:59,200 --> 00:56:01,399
and where Congress
chooses to be --
1134
00:56:01,400 --> 00:56:03,233
especially House Republicans --
1135
00:56:03,233 --> 00:56:06,500
cooperative and to work
in a spirit of compromise
1136
00:56:06,500 --> 00:56:08,400
to get things done that
the American people want done.
1137
00:56:08,400 --> 00:56:11,533
But where Congress
refuses to act,
1138
00:56:11,533 --> 00:56:14,567
the President will avail
himself of whatever means
1139
00:56:14,567 --> 00:56:18,400
he can to act administratively
to advance an agenda
1140
00:56:18,400 --> 00:56:21,500
that he believes is vital
to our economic growth
1141
00:56:21,500 --> 00:56:23,000
and to the middle class.
1142
00:56:23,000 --> 00:56:25,400
So I don't have specifics.
1143
00:56:25,400 --> 00:56:26,400
I'll leave that
to the President
1144
00:56:26,400 --> 00:56:28,367
in terms of what
actions he'll be taking,
1145
00:56:28,367 --> 00:56:30,300
what legislation
he'll be proposing,
1146
00:56:30,300 --> 00:56:33,233
how he envisions working with
Congress and how he envisions
1147
00:56:33,233 --> 00:56:37,667
making progress elsewhere on
these issues that are so clearly
1148
00:56:37,667 --> 00:56:40,366
vital to our economic
growth, vital to jobs
1149
00:56:40,367 --> 00:56:42,400
and vital to
our national security.
1150
00:56:42,400 --> 00:56:43,667
The Press:
One other quick follow up.
1151
00:56:43,667 --> 00:56:45,100
There's been some reporting
on the President's interest
1152
00:56:45,100 --> 00:56:46,866
in planning for his
presidential library,
1153
00:56:46,867 --> 00:56:49,900
the early stages of
putting together a team.
1154
00:56:49,900 --> 00:56:54,433
Do you know if the President
has made a decision to be
1155
00:56:54,433 --> 00:56:57,834
transparent about the donors who
contribute to the construction
1156
00:56:57,834 --> 00:57:01,799
and development of the
library and center?
1157
00:57:01,800 --> 00:57:03,667
Mr. Carney:
I think my reading
of that story is --
1158
00:57:03,667 --> 00:57:04,734
what my understanding is,
1159
00:57:04,734 --> 00:57:07,133
there isn't even an
effort that exists yet.
1160
00:57:07,133 --> 00:57:12,633
There isn't even an outside
organization that exists yet.
1161
00:57:12,633 --> 00:57:16,667
I know that he and everyone
here is focused on advancing
1162
00:57:16,667 --> 00:57:18,834
the President's agenda
for his second term
1163
00:57:18,834 --> 00:57:19,834
that we just talked about.
1164
00:57:19,834 --> 00:57:23,734
So I think we're
ahead of ourselves,
1165
00:57:23,734 --> 00:57:26,400
as that article reflected.
1166
00:57:26,400 --> 00:57:28,400
Thanks very much.