Pool Reports of May 15, 2024

In town pool report #1 - rolling to Capitol

President Biden walked out of the South Portico and stepped into his presidential limo at 11:41 am. The motorcade started rolling a minute later.

The president is heading to the US Capitol to attend the National Peace Officers Memorial Service. He is scheduled to speak at 12 pm.

Biden's remarks will be live streamed in CSPAN:

https://www.c-span.org/video/?535661-1/president-biden-speaks-2024-natio...

And the White House YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/live/-lLpq8N97R0?si=Mvx1cIdgMYLQaO5e

This is from the White House press office----

Traveling with the President via motorcade en route to the U.S. Capitol:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Neera Tanden, Assistant to the President & Domestic Policy Advisor
Ashley Williams, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Strategic Outreach
Dilpreet Sidhu, Special Assistant to the President & NSC Deputy Chief of Staff
Aviva Feuerstein, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Presidential Speechwriter
Jacob Spreyer, Special Assistant to the President & Personal Aide to the President

BACKGROUND on the President's Attendance at Annual Peace Officers Memorial Service

Attributable to a White House Official:

Today, President Biden will attend the 40th Annual Peace Officers Memorial Service where he will honor the lives and service of fallen officers across the country. As the President says, we must do more to protect our brave men and women in law enforcement. That means funding for more officers, more detectives, and more technology – so officers have what they need to do their jobs safely and protect us, and taking additional action to counter gun violence. From Day One, President Biden has taken bold action to reduce crime, bolster public safety, and protect the safety of police who walk the beat.

The Biden-Harris Administration's investments resulted in the largest-ever federal investment in fighting and preventing crime thanks to the President's American Rescue Plan and has taken historic action to stop the flow of illegal guns. As a result of the American Rescue Plan, cities and states across the country have been able to invest over $15 billion in public safety and violence prevention, including supporting additional police officers, paying overtime, modernizing their equipment, and supporting violence prevention and intervention strategies and hiring more crisis responders to reduce the burdens on police, and more.

President Biden is also committed to ensuring police officer wellness, and that law enforcement have the mental health supports that they need. He increased funding for law enforcement mental health and wellness, and in 2022, the President signed the Public Safety Officer Support Act to extend the Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program, expanding death benefits to family members of fallen police officers.

Since President Biden took office, we have seen historic declines in crime because of the work of brave law enforcement officers and community leaders. We can't stop now. That's why President Biden continues to call on Congress to pass his Safer America Plan, to invest $37 billion to support law enforcement and crime prevention, including by funding 100,000 additional police officers for accountable community policing, investing $5 billion in community violence interventions, and enacting commonsense gun safety reforms such as a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and a universal background check requirement.

In town pool report #2 - arrival at Capitol, ceremony begins

President Biden's motorcade arrived at the Capitol at 11:49 am. Your pooler didn't see Biden step out of the limo

During the short drive, dozens of people along the street held up phones to take photos and videos. As the motorcade drove by the US Botanic Garden, a group of protesters held a banner that read, "THE PEOPLE DEMAND: STOP ARMING ISRAEL."

A large audience is seated quietly on the West lawn of the Capitol. There are many umbrellas over people's heads as a light misting rain has started.

Biden walked out at 12 pm along a red platform toward the stage. The toe of his left shoe caught the first step heading to the stage, but he was able to keep his stride despite tripping up.

Biden watched the color guard and held his hand over his heart during the National Anthem.

In town pool report #3 - Biden speaks, attendees

President Biden spoke for about 10 minutes. Speech was streamed live on CSPAN and YouTube.

He mentioned his visit with families of slain officers in Charotte, North Carolina earlier this month.

Biden quotes:

"Everytime you put on that shield your family wonders if that call will come."

"We owe you as a nation."

He talked about losing his wife and daughter and son Beau and described the feeling of loss as "that black hole in the middle of your chest."

"I know what it's like."

"Only one thing that helped: family."

"I've unfortunately spoken at too many funerals of too many police officers."

"You are the steel spine of this country."

He described actions he's taken as president: funding for policing in the American Rescue Plan, a gun safety law, reining in ghost guns, mental health resources for police officers. He said violent crime is down and said there is more work to be done.

After his remarks, he put a red flower on a wreath and walked off the stage.

His motorcade returned to the White House at 12:45 pm.

From the White House press office ---

Participating in a photoline with the President:

Attorney General Merrick Garland, U.S. Department of Justice
Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

In attendance for the President's remarks at the Capitol for the Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service:

Run of Show:
Advancement of the Colors by U.S. Capitol Police Host Agency
National Anthem, performed by Officer Tyler Pride, Tyler Texas Police Department
Rick Snyder, Chaplain, National Fraternal Order of Police
Patrick Yoes, President, National Fraternal Order of Police
Musical tribute by Cooper Alan, Country Recording Artist
Glenda Lehmann, President, Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary
Patrick Yoes, President, National Fraternal Order of Police and Introducer
The President

Notable Attendees:
Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49)
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30)
Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01)
Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-03)

In town pool report #4 - short quote on debates, spray with Combatant Commanders

Pool was ushered into the Cabinet Room at 4:41 pm. President Biden was seated at the center of the conference table surrounded by combatant commanders of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Biden started by giving remarks to the commanders.

Biden quotes:

"Thank you for your leadership."

"Never before have I seen our nation ask so much of the military in so many parts of the world at the same time."

"In Europe, you're helping to train Ukrainian troops as they defend their freedom against Russia's vicious onslaught. In Africa, you're working with our partners to take the terrorists off the battlefield. In the IndoPacific, you're building alliances with Australia, Philippines, Japan, Republic of Korea and improving our relationship with India as well."

"In the Middle East you have stepped up to defend against a range of unprecedented attacks on US forces, Israel and our partners throughout the region."

"Next, I want to thank you for your commitment. I know last year hasn't been easy. As you've faced crises abroad, you've also faced unprecedented chaos here at home. Polarized politics, which I'm sure doesn't confuse you at all, it does me sometimes, potential shutdowns, performative stunts that impact on morale and readiness and too many military families. But you keep going."

"I'm proud that for the first time in nearly a decade the rates of sexual assault and harassment within the active duty forces are down. That's because of your leadership."

"Please pass along my deepest thanks to all the men and service women under your control and under your charge."

After Biden finished speaking, reporters shouted questions at him as press aides ushered the pool out the door.

Karen Travers from ABC News asked: "Why debate in June. Are you worried about your position in the polls?" Biden shook his head no.

Peter Doocy from Fox News asked: "You don't want to debate RFK Jr.?" Biden looked at him and smiled.

Daniel Kemp from AFP asked: "Are you looking forward to the debates?"

Biden said, "I am. Come on!"

(Biden's "come on!" comment seemed to be an indication to the press to finish up and walk out of the room.) Then Biden drummed his hands on the table. The press was ushered out at 4:46 pm.

From the White House---

The President is hosting a meeting with the Joint Chiefs and Combatant Commanders.

Attendees
Secretary Lloyd Austin, Department of Defense
T.H. Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
T.H. Kathleen Hicks, Deputy Secretary of Defense
T.H. Christine Wormuth, Secretary of the Army
T.H. Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy
T.H. Frank Kendall, Secretary of the Air Force
General Charles Q. Brown Jr., USAF, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Admiral Christopher W. Grady, USN, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
General B. Chance Saltzman, USSF, Chief of Space Operations
General Randy A. George, USA, Chief of Staff of the Army
General Eric M. Smith, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps
Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, USN, Chief of Naval Operations
General David W. Allvin, USAF, Chief of Staff of the Air Force
General Daniel R. Hokanson, USA, Chief of the National Guard Bureau
Admiral Linda L. Fagan, USCG, Commandant of the Coast Guard
General Jaqueline D. Van Ovost, USAF, Commander, US Transportation Command
General Laura J. Richardson, USA, Commander, US Southern Command
General Erik Kurilla, Commander, USA, US Central Command
General Christopher G. Cavoli, USA, Commander, US European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe
General Michael E. Langley, USMC, Commander, US Africa Command
General Anthony J. Cotton, USAF, Commander, US Strategic Command
General Stephen N. Whiting, USSF, Commander, US Space Command
General Timothy D. Haugh, USAF, Commander, US Cyber Command
General Gregory M. Guillot, USAF, Commander, US Northern Command
Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, USN, Incoming Commander, US Indo-Pacific Command
General Paul J. LaCamera, USA, Commander, UN Command, ROK/US Combined Forces Command, US Forces Korea
T.H. Maher Bitar, Deputy Assistant to the President & Coordinator for Intelligence & Defense Policy
T.H. Jason Israel, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for Defense Policy and Strategy

In town pool report #5 - lid

The White House press office called a lid at 6:04 pm.

Have a good night all!