Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2023

March 9, 2023

Senate Minority Leader A. Mitchell McConnell

Q. Mr. President, have you spoken to Leader McConnell?

The President. I've spoken to the family. I think he's going to be all right, he'll be good.

Q. What did you say to the family?

President Xi Jinping of China/China-U.S. Relations

Q. Mr. President, on Chairman Xi's remarks and the Foreign Minister's remarks this week, they were rather sharp and definitive going after the United States. What's your read on what that means?

The President. Not much.

2024 Fiscal Year Budget

Q. Republicans say your budget is dead on arrival. "Why introduce it?" What do you say to them?

The President. Watch me.

Q. What areas do you think you can find compromises with the Republicans?

The President. Well, we'll see what their budget is. I'm ready to meet with him tomorrow if he shows me his budget.

NOTE: The President spoke at 5:38 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House after exiting Marine One. In his remarks, he referred to Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin O. McCarthy. A reporter referred to Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang of China. Audio was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.

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

Names: McCarthy, Kevin O.; McConnell, A. Mitchell.

Subjects: China, relations with U.S.; Fiscal year 2024 budget proposal; News media, Presidential interviews; Senate minority leader; Speaker of the House of Representatives.

DCPD Number: DCPD202300179.

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