Pool Reports of March 6, 2023

In-Town Pool Report #1: Gathered for departure

Good morning. Pool is gathered for departure to the International Association of Fire Fighters conference at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill.

In-town pool report #2: Wheels rolling 11:37am

Motorcade rolling to the IAFF legislative conference where Biden is slated to speak.

Biden was walking slowly with his head down engrossed in his phone or something else he was reading.

https://www.iaff.org/legcon23/

In-town pool report #3: traveling with POTUS

Traveling with the President via motorcade en route to the 2023 International Association of Fire Fighters Legislative Conference:

Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Travis Dredd, Special Assistant to the President & Trip Director
Ryan Harper, Special Assistant to the President & NSC Deputy Chief of Staff
Sheila Grant, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Presidential Speechwriter

In-town pool report #4: Arrival at the conference

Motorcade arrived at the Hyatt at 11:44pm. No eyes on Biden. Remarks expected at 12:15pm.

In-town pool report #5: Biden remarks

BIDEN: "literally, the fire company at my home saved my life."

Recounts how is fire company transported him for a nine-hour operation when there were severe weather conditions that prevented Marine 1 from flying.

Describes firefighters responding to the fatal car crash that killed his wife and daughter.

"The only protection [for fight fighters] is more firefighters"

Acknowledges #1 ask from the firefighters' association: passing legislation to address the cancerous chemicals and toxins in their gear (PFAS)

"I promise you you've had my back and I'll have yours," Biden says to a standing ovation.

"I'm determined to make sure you all have the gear to protect you without making you and your family sick."

Biden endorses Sen. Klobuchar & Rep. Pascrell bill that extends public safety benefits program to firefighters.

Congress needs to pass that bill and get it to my desk, he says.

"We can still cut the deficit," Biden says then leans into to whisper, "if we make everyone pay their fair share."

"No billionaire should be paying a lower tax rate than a fire fighter."

Discussed infrastructure. Repeats his "let's finish the job" refrain.

In-town pool report #6: Wheels rolling back 1:09pm

Motorcade heading back to White House.

In-town pool report #7: Arrival at WH

President Biden has returned to the White House.

In-town pool report number #8: Briefing happening now

It started around 3 minutes ago.

In-town pool report #9 - lid 2:53pm

White House has called a lid for the day.