Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure | Joint Base Andrews, MD
Joint Base Andrews
Prince George’s County, Maryland
10:40 A.M. EST
Q Mr. President, why the delay in getting hostages out?
THE PRESIDENT: We’re hopeful. Things are moving along.
Q Did you ask for a three-day pause to Netanyahu?
THE PRESIDENT: You know I’ve been asking for a pause for — for a lot more than three days (inaudible).
Q Did you ask him to pause for three days to get the hostages out for that length of time?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes. I’ve ask- — asked for even a longer pause for some of them.
Q Mr. President, we’re eight days from a shutdown — the shutdown — government shutdown. Just eight days. Can you give us an update on what you’re thinking on how to — to move past that?
THE PRESIDENT: I wish the — the House would just get to work. I’m not being facetious. I mean, this is not a political statement. The idea we’re playing games with a shutdown at this moment is just bizarre. And I think that we ought to be able to combine Ukraine and Israel. We ought to be able — and I’m open to discussions on the border, and I’ve already made some proposals. But there’s just no need for any of this.
Q Will you be bringing up the issue of an endorsement, Mr. President, with Shawn Fain?
THE PRESIDENT: Pardon me?
Q Will you be bringing up the issue of an endorsement with Shawn Fain when you meet him?
THE PRESIDENT: Will I bring up the endorsement?
Q The issue of an endorsement. He has a — the UAW hasn’t endorsed you yet.
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, no. They’re going to be fine.
Q Mr. President, were you frustrated with Prime Minister Netanyahu that he has not listened more to some of the things you have asked him to do?
THE PRESIDENT: It’s taking a little longer than I hoped.
Q They’re taking a little bit longer?
Q Do you support the UAW’s efforts to unionize Tesla and Toyota, Mr. President?
THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely.
Thank you.
10:42 A.M. EST
