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1 00:00:01,300 --> 00:00:01,934 Mr. Carney: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. 2 00:00:01,934 --> 00:00:02,934 Thanks for being here. 3 00:00:02,934 --> 00:00:06,800 Thanks for coming to your daily briefing. 4 00:00:06,800 --> 00:00:11,700 Before I take your questions I have something to say 5 00:00:11,700 --> 00:00:14,065 about health care for seniors. 6 00:00:14,066 --> 00:00:15,734 The Press: There's a pattern here. 7 00:00:15,734 --> 00:00:17,133 Mr. Carney: You're catching on. 8 00:00:17,133 --> 00:00:18,666 Today we are highlighting that, 9 00:00:18,667 --> 00:00:20,166 thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 10 00:00:20,166 --> 00:00:22,533 millions of seniors and people with disabilities 11 00:00:22,533 --> 00:00:26,000 have access to more affordable prescription medications 12 00:00:26,000 --> 00:00:30,033 and free preventive services through Medicare. 13 00:00:30,033 --> 00:00:33,200 According to new data released by the Centers for Medicare 14 00:00:33,200 --> 00:00:35,533 and Medicaid Services today, 15 00:00:35,533 --> 00:00:39,834 more than 25.4 million people covered by original Medicare 16 00:00:39,834 --> 00:00:43,600 received at least one preventive service at no cost 17 00:00:43,600 --> 00:00:47,567 to them during the first 11 months of 2013 18 00:00:47,567 --> 00:00:50,734 because of the Affordable Care Act. 19 00:00:50,734 --> 00:00:54,734 The health care law is also closing the gap in prescription 20 00:00:54,734 --> 00:00:58,367 drug coverage known as the doughnut hole where people 21 00:00:58,367 --> 00:01:01,699 with Medicare have had to pay the entire cost 22 00:01:01,700 --> 00:01:04,000 of prescription drugs out of pocket. 23 00:01:04,000 --> 00:01:07,333 As a result, since the health care law was enacted, 24 00:01:07,333 --> 00:01:10,400 more than 7 million seniors and people with disabilities 25 00:01:10,400 --> 00:01:12,433 have saved a total of nearly 26 00:01:12,433 --> 00:01:15,567 $9 billion on prescription drugs. 27 00:01:15,567 --> 00:01:21,500 That's an average savings of about $1,200 per person. 28 00:01:21,500 --> 00:01:25,533 If opponents of reform had their way and repealed the law, 29 00:01:25,533 --> 00:01:28,800 millions of seniors would not have access to free preventive 30 00:01:28,800 --> 00:01:31,467 services under Medicare and would once again have 31 00:01:31,467 --> 00:01:35,467 to shoulder the burden of higher out-of-pocket costs 32 00:01:35,467 --> 00:01:37,333 for their prescription drugs. 33 00:01:37,333 --> 00:01:40,200 Taken together, this is yet another way 34 00:01:40,200 --> 00:01:44,166 that the Republican repeal plan would raise costs 35 00:01:44,166 --> 00:01:46,834 for millions of Americans. 36 00:01:46,834 --> 00:01:49,900 I also wanted to mention that tomorrow, 37 00:01:49,900 --> 00:01:53,133 President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama 38 00:01:53,133 --> 00:01:56,199 will meet with a group of moms in the Oval Office 39 00:01:56,200 --> 00:02:00,667 to discuss how health care could help their families. 40 00:02:00,667 --> 00:02:03,300 Moms are a key part of our ongoing outreach 41 00:02:03,300 --> 00:02:06,433 and enrollment efforts and have an important role to play 42 00:02:06,433 --> 00:02:08,333 in helping their adult children, 43 00:02:08,333 --> 00:02:11,767 family members and peers to sign up for coverage. 44 00:02:11,767 --> 00:02:13,333 And that's tomorrow. 45 00:02:13,333 --> 00:02:14,966 With that, I will take your questions. 46 00:02:14,967 --> 00:02:20,367 I hope you noted the graphic also -- part of a pattern here. 47 00:02:20,367 --> 00:02:22,033 Jim Kuhnhenn. 48 00:02:22,033 --> 00:02:23,367 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 49 00:02:23,367 --> 00:02:28,033 A couple questions on the NSA decision yesterday -- ruling. 50 00:02:28,033 --> 00:02:33,767 Does the ruling in any way affect the reviews of NSA 51 00:02:33,767 --> 00:02:38,000 practices that are taking place at the President's direction? 52 00:02:38,000 --> 00:02:42,400 In other words, has he asked for some of the concerns raised 53 00:02:42,400 --> 00:02:46,200 in this ruling to be considered as part of this review? 54 00:02:46,200 --> 00:02:48,266 Mr. Carney: Well, first of all, the ruling just came down, 55 00:02:48,266 --> 00:02:53,266 as you know, yesterday, and for reaction to a matter like 56 00:02:53,266 --> 00:02:55,466 that I would refer you to the Department of Justice. 57 00:02:55,467 --> 00:02:57,467 I can tell you that DOJ has said: 58 00:02:57,467 --> 00:03:01,133 "We have seen the opinion and are studying it. 59 00:03:01,133 --> 00:03:03,266 We believe the program is constitutional, 60 00:03:03,266 --> 00:03:05,000 as previous judges have found. 61 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:07,100 And we have no further comment at this time." 62 00:03:07,100 --> 00:03:09,299 So that's obviously part of a legal review 63 00:03:09,300 --> 00:03:12,400 that they are undertaking. 64 00:03:12,400 --> 00:03:16,600 With regard to the review that the President asked for, 65 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:20,367 the President's Review Group on Intelligence and Communications, 66 00:03:20,367 --> 00:03:23,333 on Friday submitted their report to the President. 67 00:03:23,333 --> 00:03:25,700 The President is grateful to the group -- 68 00:03:25,700 --> 00:03:27,266 Richard Clarke, Michael Morell, 69 00:03:27,266 --> 00:03:30,200 Geoffrey Stone, Cass Sunstein and Peter Swire -- 70 00:03:30,200 --> 00:03:32,466 for devoting themselves to this effort over the past several 71 00:03:32,467 --> 00:03:35,467 months and providing thoughtful input for the administration 72 00:03:35,467 --> 00:03:39,000 to consider as we conclude the ongoing interagency review of 73 00:03:39,000 --> 00:03:42,500 signals intelligence collection, being led by the White House. 74 00:03:42,500 --> 00:03:44,867 The review group's report draws on the group members' 75 00:03:44,867 --> 00:03:47,767 considerable expertise in intelligence, counterterrorism, 76 00:03:47,767 --> 00:03:50,033 civil liberties, law and privacy matters, 77 00:03:50,033 --> 00:03:52,299 and on their consultations with the U.S. 78 00:03:52,300 --> 00:03:55,200 government privacy and civil liberties advocates 79 00:03:55,200 --> 00:03:56,700 in the private sector. 80 00:03:56,700 --> 00:03:58,667 As I mentioned yesterday, over the next several weeks, 81 00:03:58,667 --> 00:04:01,900 we will be reviewing the review group's report and its more 82 00:04:01,900 --> 00:04:05,233 than 40 recommendations as we consider the path forward, 83 00:04:05,233 --> 00:04:06,533 including sorting through 84 00:04:06,533 --> 00:04:08,500 which recommendations we will implement, 85 00:04:08,500 --> 00:04:10,633 which might require further study 86 00:04:10,633 --> 00:04:14,066 and which we will choose not to pursue. 87 00:04:14,066 --> 00:04:18,300 We expect the overall internal review to be completed 88 00:04:18,300 --> 00:04:21,300 in January, and the President will deliver remarks. 89 00:04:21,300 --> 00:04:25,266 And as I mentioned yesterday, the review group's report we 90 00:04:25,266 --> 00:04:27,633 expect to be released publicly. 91 00:04:27,633 --> 00:04:29,233 The Press: I'm sorry, released what? 92 00:04:29,233 --> 00:04:30,333 Mr. Carney: Publicly. 93 00:04:30,333 --> 00:04:31,400 The Press: Next month? 94 00:04:31,400 --> 00:04:32,467 Mr. Carney: I don't have timing on that, 95 00:04:32,467 --> 00:04:36,099 but we do expect it to be released publicly. 96 00:04:36,100 --> 00:04:40,300 The Press: Was the review or the ruling a subject of a discussion 97 00:04:40,300 --> 00:04:43,567 with the tech leaders who were here today 98 00:04:43,567 --> 00:04:44,834 talking to the President? 99 00:04:44,834 --> 00:04:46,834 Mr. Carney: We will have a fuller readout for you. 100 00:04:46,834 --> 00:04:51,033 That meeting was ongoing as I came down here. 101 00:04:51,033 --> 00:04:53,567 As I mentioned yesterday, or we mentioned yesterday, 102 00:04:53,567 --> 00:04:58,266 the President and Vice President were going to meet and are now 103 00:04:58,266 --> 00:05:01,100 currently meeting with executives from leading tech 104 00:05:01,100 --> 00:05:04,467 companies to discuss progress made in addressing performance 105 00:05:04,467 --> 00:05:07,200 and capacity issues with healthcare.gov, 106 00:05:07,200 --> 00:05:09,667 and how government can better deliver IT 107 00:05:09,667 --> 00:05:15,133 to maximize innovation efficiency and customer service. 108 00:05:15,133 --> 00:05:16,133 In the meeting, the President 109 00:05:16,133 --> 00:05:18,967 also announced that Kurt DelBene, 110 00:05:18,967 --> 00:05:21,233 who most recently served as president 111 00:05:21,233 --> 00:05:23,600 of the Microsoft Office Division, 112 00:05:23,600 --> 00:05:26,367 will succeed Jeff Zients as senior advisor 113 00:05:26,367 --> 00:05:30,433 to Secretary Sebelius in leading the charge -- 114 00:05:30,433 --> 00:05:32,066 or our charge with healthcare.gov 115 00:05:32,066 --> 00:05:34,799 and the health insurance marketplace. 116 00:05:34,800 --> 00:05:35,800 He starts tomorrow. 117 00:05:35,800 --> 00:05:38,200 The group discussed the challenges 118 00:05:38,200 --> 00:05:39,933 around federal IT procurement. 119 00:05:39,934 --> 00:05:43,867 The meeting also is addressing national security and economic 120 00:05:43,867 --> 00:05:48,000 impacts of the unauthorized intelligence disclosures. 121 00:05:48,000 --> 00:05:49,567 So that goes to the subject of your question, 122 00:05:49,567 --> 00:05:51,500 so it's certainly under discussion. 123 00:05:51,500 --> 00:05:55,300 I am not aware that the court ruling was part of that, 124 00:05:55,300 --> 00:05:58,133 but again, I don't have a full readout for you 125 00:05:58,133 --> 00:06:00,366 as the meeting is ongoing. 126 00:06:00,367 --> 00:06:01,867 The Press: The Government Accountability Project, 127 00:06:01,867 --> 00:06:03,767 which aims to protect whistleblowers, 128 00:06:03,767 --> 00:06:06,800 argued today that this strengthens -- this decision 129 00:06:06,800 --> 00:06:09,467 ruling strengthens Snowden's claim for whistleblower status. 130 00:06:09,467 --> 00:06:14,933 I wonder if you -- the White House has any reaction. 131 00:06:14,934 --> 00:06:16,667 Mr. Carney: Again, I have no comment on the ruling 132 00:06:16,667 --> 00:06:19,467 beyond what I cited from DOJ. 133 00:06:19,467 --> 00:06:24,233 I certainly would repeat what I said yesterday that it remains 134 00:06:24,233 --> 00:06:30,333 our view that Mr. Snowden is accused of leaking 135 00:06:30,333 --> 00:06:34,266 classified information and that he faces felony charges 136 00:06:34,266 --> 00:06:35,300 here in the United States. 137 00:06:35,300 --> 00:06:36,834 And he should be returned to the U.S. 138 00:06:36,834 --> 00:06:39,300 as soon as possible, 139 00:06:39,300 --> 00:06:44,867 where he will be accorded full due process and protections. 140 00:06:44,867 --> 00:06:47,300 The Press: One last question on Ukraine. 141 00:06:47,300 --> 00:06:52,633 Putin today extended an offer to provide $50 billion in bond 142 00:06:52,633 --> 00:06:57,532 asset purchases as well as lower energy costs to Ukraine. 143 00:06:57,533 --> 00:07:01,467 Does the White House see that as interfering 144 00:07:01,467 --> 00:07:05,366 in the decision-making in Kiev? 145 00:07:05,367 --> 00:07:10,233 Mr. Carney: What I can tell you is that we've seen the 146 00:07:10,233 --> 00:07:14,467 reports of that agreement and we're reviewing -- 147 00:07:14,467 --> 00:07:15,767 rather, we're awaiting details 148 00:07:15,767 --> 00:07:17,533 and will review them when we see them. 149 00:07:17,533 --> 00:07:20,900 But any agreements concluded between Kiev 150 00:07:20,900 --> 00:07:24,233 and Moscow will not address the concerns 151 00:07:24,233 --> 00:07:28,633 of those who have gathered in public protest across Ukraine. 152 00:07:28,633 --> 00:07:32,467 As we've said in the past, we urge the Ukrainian government 153 00:07:32,467 --> 00:07:36,166 to listen to its people and to find a way to restore a path 154 00:07:36,166 --> 00:07:38,332 to the peaceful, just, democratic 155 00:07:38,333 --> 00:07:41,367 and economically prosperous European future 156 00:07:41,367 --> 00:07:44,533 to which Ukrainian citizens aspire. 157 00:07:44,533 --> 00:07:47,066 And we urge the Ukrainian government to enter 158 00:07:47,066 --> 00:07:50,366 into immediate dialogue with the opposition and all other 159 00:07:50,367 --> 00:07:53,333 stakeholders who have expressed their desire 160 00:07:53,333 --> 00:07:56,934 for a better Ukraine through public demonstrations. 161 00:07:56,934 --> 00:08:02,500 Again, we will look at the details as they become available 162 00:08:02,500 --> 00:08:04,467 of these agreements that have been reported, 163 00:08:04,467 --> 00:08:08,633 but they don't address the concerns that peaceful 164 00:08:08,633 --> 00:08:13,500 demonstrators have expressed in Ukraine. 165 00:08:13,500 --> 00:08:15,066 Jeff. 166 00:08:15,066 --> 00:08:17,799 The Press: Jay, can you tell us how Kurt DelBene was chosen for this job? 167 00:08:17,800 --> 00:08:19,000 Mr. Carney: Well, as you know, it's a position 168 00:08:19,000 --> 00:08:24,934 at the Department of Health and Human Services. 169 00:08:24,934 --> 00:08:31,967 As Jeff Zients has done, his successor, Mr. DelBene, 170 00:08:31,967 --> 00:08:35,933 will be serving as a senior adviser to Secretary Sebelius 171 00:08:35,933 --> 00:08:39,299 and so the Secretary obviously makes the choice. 172 00:08:39,299 --> 00:08:44,232 The search for a successor involved, 173 00:08:44,232 --> 00:08:47,199 in addition to the Secretary and members of her team, 174 00:08:47,200 --> 00:08:50,734 certainly Mr. Zients and the Chief of Staff here, 175 00:08:50,734 --> 00:08:52,066 Denis McDonough. 176 00:08:52,066 --> 00:08:57,867 But I think for any of you who know Mr. DelBene's background, 177 00:08:57,867 --> 00:09:01,165 you will know that he is uniquely suited to this task, 178 00:09:01,166 --> 00:09:09,066 has vast experience with running a complex piece of technology. 179 00:09:09,066 --> 00:09:13,000 And the President and the Secretary are very grateful 180 00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:14,967 that he's agreed to take on this position. 181 00:09:14,967 --> 00:09:16,699 The Press: And so he'll be on the government payroll? 182 00:09:16,700 --> 00:09:19,300 Can you tell us what he'll get paid? 183 00:09:19,300 --> 00:09:25,233 Mr. Carney: I don't know the status of what he'll get paid or how much. 184 00:09:25,233 --> 00:09:28,699 I think we said in the past that Mr. Zients 185 00:09:28,700 --> 00:09:31,000 was essentially volunteering -- 186 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:36,066 I mean, taking, I think, a small, nominal salary. 187 00:09:36,066 --> 00:09:38,367 I don't know the case with Mr. DelBene, 188 00:09:38,367 --> 00:09:40,632 but we'll get that to you. 189 00:09:40,633 --> 00:09:43,000 The Press: And can you give any more details about what Gene will do 190 00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:44,533 in his last month, in January? 191 00:09:44,533 --> 00:09:46,667 Will he be involved in the budget still, 192 00:09:46,667 --> 00:09:48,533 since he's staying a little longer? 193 00:09:48,533 --> 00:09:50,433 State of the Union? 194 00:09:50,433 --> 00:09:51,633 Mr. Carney: Sure. 195 00:09:51,633 --> 00:09:56,367 I will confirm that Gene Sperling will be remaining in 196 00:09:56,367 --> 00:10:00,132 his position through at least January, into early February, 197 00:10:00,133 --> 00:10:04,200 to participate, as he has so effectively over these many 198 00:10:04,200 --> 00:10:08,600 years, in the process around the State of the Union address 199 00:10:08,600 --> 00:10:11,033 that the President will deliver at the end of January, 200 00:10:11,033 --> 00:10:14,467 and to continue work on some of the issues 201 00:10:14,467 --> 00:10:15,699 that he's been focused on. 202 00:10:15,700 --> 00:10:18,166 So he'll also obviously assist 203 00:10:18,166 --> 00:10:19,800 in the transition to Jeff Zients, 204 00:10:19,800 --> 00:10:22,266 who will take over that position we expect 205 00:10:22,266 --> 00:10:23,433 in early February. 206 00:10:23,433 --> 00:10:25,266 The Press: And then the last question, 207 00:10:25,266 --> 00:10:27,567 following up on Snowden. 208 00:10:27,567 --> 00:10:30,467 He apparently has sought asylum in Brazil. 209 00:10:30,467 --> 00:10:35,367 Is the United States in touch with Brazil about that request? 210 00:10:35,367 --> 00:10:39,333 Mr. Carney: Our view, as I said earlier, has not changed. 211 00:10:39,333 --> 00:10:43,967 We believe that Mr. Snowden ought to be returned to -- 212 00:10:43,967 --> 00:10:45,867 ought to return to the United States, 213 00:10:45,867 --> 00:10:47,165 where he faces charges for leaking classified information 214 00:10:47,166 --> 00:10:52,867 and where he will receive full due process and protections. 215 00:10:55,500 --> 00:11:01,533 The broader issues with regards to Brazil and other nations 216 00:11:04,300 --> 00:11:07,500 and the disclosures are ones that we discuss directly 217 00:11:07,500 --> 00:11:10,400 with those nations through diplomatic channels 218 00:11:10,400 --> 00:11:12,199 and with our Brazilian counterparts, 219 00:11:12,200 --> 00:11:13,200 and that will continue. 220 00:11:13,200 --> 00:11:14,300 But when it comes to Mr. Snowden, 221 00:11:14,300 --> 00:11:15,766 our views certainly haven't changed. 222 00:11:15,767 --> 00:11:17,166 Bill. 223 00:11:17,166 --> 00:11:20,000 The Press: Jay, real quick -- the NSA review panel's report -- 224 00:11:20,000 --> 00:11:24,266 when did you say that would be released to the public? 225 00:11:24,266 --> 00:11:25,266 Mr. Carney: I said publicly. 226 00:11:25,266 --> 00:11:27,300 I don't have a date for you. 227 00:11:27,300 --> 00:11:31,567 As I mentioned yesterday, we expect that it will be released. 228 00:11:31,567 --> 00:11:32,767 The Press: Didn't you say January? 229 00:11:32,767 --> 00:11:34,900 Just to clarify, you said the review 230 00:11:34,900 --> 00:11:37,533 would be completed in January? 231 00:11:37,533 --> 00:11:41,467 Mr. Carney: What I know is that our internal review -- 232 00:11:41,467 --> 00:11:44,266 the word is being applied to several different things -- 233 00:11:44,266 --> 00:11:46,699 but the overall review that's happening here 234 00:11:46,700 --> 00:11:49,467 will be completed in January. 235 00:11:49,467 --> 00:11:52,165 The report -- the review group's report, 236 00:11:52,166 --> 00:11:54,734 which has been completed and submitted to the President, 237 00:11:54,734 --> 00:11:55,867 will be released publicly. 238 00:11:55,867 --> 00:11:57,867 I just don't have a date for when that will happen. 239 00:11:57,867 --> 00:12:00,800 I certainly expect it will be no later than January. 240 00:12:00,800 --> 00:12:02,300 The Press: Could it be sooner? 241 00:12:02,300 --> 00:12:04,500 Mr. Carney: Well, again, no later than January certainly 242 00:12:04,500 --> 00:12:05,500 suggests it could be sooner. 243 00:12:05,500 --> 00:12:06,967 I just don't have a date, Bill. 244 00:12:06,967 --> 00:12:07,967 Sorry. 245 00:12:07,967 --> 00:12:08,967 Bill. 246 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.