Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2021

November 19, 2021

Q. Mr. President, when do you expect the bill to hit your desk, sir?

Acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Q. Do you have any reaction to the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict?

The President. I just heard a moment ago.

Q. Do you have any reaction?

The President. I didn't watch the trial, so Iâyou knowââ

Q. Do you stand by your past comment equating him to White supremacy?

The President. Well, look, I stand by what the jury has concluded. The jury system works, and we have to abide by it.

Q. [Inaudible]âBuild Back Better?

The President's Health

Q. Sir, what is the state of your health, sir? What is the state of your health after this exam today?

The President. Good. They're going to release all the detail. I feel great. Nothing has changed. We're in great shape. And so, you know, I'm looking forward to celebrating my 58th birthday. [Laughter]

[*At this point, several reporters began speaking at once.*]

Build Back Better Act

Q. Sir, on the Build Back Better plan, sirâwhen can you expect it to hit your desk, sir, now that it's passed the House?

The President. Pardon me?

Q. The Build Back Better plan, now that it's passed the House, when do you expect it to land on your desk?

The President. Well, I don'tââ

Q. What's the goal?

The President. I don't know. It's going to take a while to get through the Senate. I think it will probably be after Thanksgiving.

Q. [Inaudible]

Q. Will you sign it if it doesn't contain paid family leave?

The President. I will sign it. Period.

Presidential Pardon Power/National Turkey Presentation

Q. Will you be pardoning any people in addition to turkeys?

The President. Are youâyou need a pardon? [Laughter]

Q. Noâ[inaudible]âhumansâ[inaudible].

The President. No, noâ[laughter]âthe turkeys areâthank you.

NOTE: The President spoke at 2:23 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to H.R. 5376.

Categories: Interviews With the News Media : Exchanges with reporters :: White House. Locations: Washington, DC.

Subjects: Communications : News media :: Presidential interviews; Law enforcement and crime : Pardons and commutations; Legislation, proposed : Build Back Better Act; Presidency, U.S. : Physical health exam; Wisconsin : Acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha.

DCPD Number: DCPD202100979.