South Lawn
(October 5, 2021)
Q Mr. President, are you okay if the Hyde Amendment is in the reconciliation bill?
THE PRESIDENT: Is it in the reconciliation bill?
Q Are you okay if — the progressives want it in there, but Joe Manchin has said he does not want it in there.
THE PRESIDENT: I want to get the bill passed.
Q So, what — would you sign it if the Hyde Amendment is included?
THE PRESIDENT: I'd sign it either way because the Hyde Amendment is — anyway.
Q What do you think is going to get cut from the final bill now that there is this agreed upon (inaudible) —
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, I'm not sure yet. We're not — it's not finished yet.
Q Are Democrats considering using the nuclear option to raise the debt limit — using a carveout with the filibuster to raise the debt limit?
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, I think that's a real possibility.
Q Mr. President, are you meeting with other groups of lawmakers this weekend — will you be meeting with more lawmakers —
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
Q — with more Democrats?
THE PRESIDENT: I'll be on the phone until this is finished, and maybe meeting in person.
Q Any comment towards China — China's provocation over Taiwan?
THE PRESIDENT: Look, China has — I've spoken with Xi about Taiwan. We agree we — we'll abide by the Taiwan agreement. That's who we are. And we made it clear that I don't think he should be doing anything other than abiding by the agreement.
Q Mr. President, the FDA commissioner — Mr. President, the FDA commissioner — Mr. President, FDA commissioner —
THE PRESIDENT: Why didn't I walk away from you? You're trouble.
Q I know, but I have more questions. Do you have a nominee for the FDA commissioner job yet?
THE PRESIDENT: We'll be talking about that in a little bit.
