Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

February 19, 2024

Q. President Bidenââ

Speaker of the House of Representatives J. Michael Johnson

Q. Mr. President, will you meet with Speaker Johnson to try and negotiate the aid?

The President. Sure, I'd be happy to meet with him if he has anything to say.

Death of Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny

Q. Mr. President, would you go as far as to say that Aleksey Navalny's blood is on the hands of House Republicans right now?

The President. Well, I wouldn't use that term. They're making a big mistake not responding.

Look, the way they're walking away from the threat of Russia, the way they're walking away from NATO, the way they're walking away from meeting our obligations, it's just shocking. I mean, they're wild. I've never seen anything like this.

Q. How do youâ[inaudible]?

Q. President Bidenââ

U.S. Assistance to Ukraine

Q. Do you think Navalny's death will make any difference in nudging House Republicans to take up Ukraine aid? They're on vacation right now.

The President. I hope so. But I'm not sure anything is going to change.

Potential Additional U.S. Sanctions Against Russia

Q. Are you going to impose additional sanctions on Russia over Navalny's death?

The President. We already have sanctions, but we're considering additional sanctions, yes. Thank you.

Q. Do you supportâ[inaudible]?

Q. Mr. President, what's theâ[inaudible]?

NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 10:25 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White House after exiting Marine One.

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

Names: Johnson, J. Michael.

Subjects: News media, Presidential interviews; North Atlantic Treaty Organization; Russia, conflict in Ukraine; Russia, death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny; Russia, U.S. and international sanctions; Speaker of the House of Representatives; Ukraine, Russian invasion and airstrikes; Ukraine, U.S. assistance.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400113.