Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2021

March 28, 2021

The President's Agenda

Q. Have you made a final decision on how you're going to approach your legislative agenda? Is it going to be one bill, or are you going to split it up into multiple bills?

The President. I have, but I ain't telling you. [Laughter]

Political Unrest and Violence in Burma

Q. Any reaction to what happened in Myanmar?

The President. It's terrible. It's absolutely outrageous. And based on the reporting I've gotten, an awful lot of people have been killed, totally unnecessarily.

Gun Control Legislation

Q. Senator Chris Murphy said today that he thinks there's a chance to get 60 votes for a background check proposal. Are you prepared to make calls forâto Republicans to try to get it over the finish line?

The President. Sure, I am. Of course, I am. I'm the only one that's ever gotten it passed, man.

Everybody keeps wondering whether I cared about dealing with rational gun control. The only gun control legislation ever passed was mine. It's going to happen again.

Cybersecurity

Q. Mr. President, how close are you to naming a national cyber director?

The President. Close.

Q. Within days, sir?

The President. Close. [Laughter]

Q. Close?

Q. We've seen Republicanââ

Coronavirus Prevention Efforts

Q. Mr. President, COVID cases are going up. What's going wrong in America?

The President. Well, based on what I'm hearing, apparently people are letting their guard down. But I have toâI'm having a meeting with the team tomorrow, and I'll get a better sense.

The President's Observance of Lent

Q. Mr. President, what have you given up for Lent?

The President. I gave up all sweets for Lent. You have no idea how hard it is for me. [Laughter]

Q. What's the first sweet you're looking forward to having when it's over?

The President. Ice cream. Ice cream.

Political Unrest and Violence in Burma

Q. What are you going to do to sanction Myanmar? What is the plan here for the U.S. reaction to what is going on?

The President. Well, we're working on that now.

Border Security

Q. Mr. President, we've seen Republican Senators at the border. Former President Trump said he's been asked by some Border Patrol agents to go to the border. Do you think that would be productive? And whenâany timetable on when you might go?

The President. We are putting in place a plan that I feel very confident about, and I don't care what the other guy does.

Thank you.

Q. Mr. President, how concerning is the emerging partnership between China and Iran?

Q. On Neera Tanden, sir, do you have a place in mind for her yet?

China-Iran Relations

Q. How concerning is the emerging partnership between China and Iran?

The President. I've been concerned about that for years.

NOTE: The President spoke at 4:12 p.m. upon arrival at the New Castle Airport. A reporter referred to Neera Tanden, president, Center for American Progress.

Categories: Interviews With the News Media : Exchanges with reporters :: New Castle, DE. Locations: New Castle, DE.

Subjects: Burma : Human rights issues; Burma : Political unrest and violence; China : Relations with Iran; Communications : News media :: Presidential interviews; Defense and national security : Cybersecurity :: Strengthening efforts; Delaware : New Castle; Delaware : President's visits; Diseases : Coronavirus, domestic prevention efforts; Holidays and special observances : Lent; Immigration and naturalization : Unaccompanied alien children at Mexico-U.S. border, response to influx; Iran : Relations with China; Law enforcement and crime : Gun control.

DCPD Number: DCPD202100264.