Biden calls the jobs report “grim” and says it “shows an economy that’s stalling,” but he added that it “doesn’t have to stay that way.
Biden’s remarks on the November jobs report and the economy began at 3:20 p.m. ET.
Biden called the jobs report “grim” and said it “shows an economy that’s stalling,” but he added that it “doesn’t have to stay that way.” He said Americans were not “looking for a hand-out. They just need help.”
Biden said Congress needs to “act and act now” on relief legislation. He said he was “encouraged by bipartisan efforts” in Congress on the relief package. But he said that any legislation during the lame-duck session would be a starting point for his administration and said lawmakers would need to act again in January.
He wrapped up his speech at 3:31 p.m. ET and then took questions. He was asked about the distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine, his Cabinet, negotiations over an economic relief package in Congress, plans for his presidential inauguration, his relationship with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and the importance of wearing facemasks during the pandemic.
He wrapped up at 3:54 p.m. ET, put on a blue medical facemask, and departed the stage. As he was leaving someone asked him if he planned to go to Georgia for the Senate runoffs. “Yes,” he said, without breaking stride or offering timing on when that appearance might happen.
The pool is now awaiting a photo spray during Biden’s virtual meeting with the National Association of Counties Board of Directors. He will be joined by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.