Remarks in an Exchange With Reporters Upon Arrival From Joint Base Andrews, Maryland

Budget Reconciliation Process

Q. Mr. President, are you okay if the Hyde Amendment is in the reconciliation bill?

The President. Is it in the reconciliation bill?

Q. Are you okay if—the progressives want it in there, but Joe Manchin has said he does not want it in there.

The President. I want to get the bill passed.

Hyde Amendment Restricting the Use of Federal Funds for Abortion Services

Q. So what—would you sign it if the Hyde Amendment is included?

The President. I'd sign it either way because the Hyde Amendment is—anyway.

Budget Reconciliation Process

Q. What do you think is going to get cut from the final bill now that there is this agreed upon—[inaudible]——

The President. Oh, I'm not sure yet. We're not—it's not finished yet.

Public Debt Limit

Q. Are Democrats considering using the nuclear option to raise the debt limit, using a carve-out with the filibuster to raise the debt limit?

The President. Oh, I think that's a real possibility.

The President's Outreach to Members of Congress

Q. Mr. President, are you meeting with other groups of lawmakers this weekend—will you be meeting with more lawmakers——

The President. Yes.

Q. ——with more Democrats?

The President. I'll be on the phone until this is finished and maybe meeting in person.

China/Taiwan

Q. Any comment towards China—China's provocation over Taiwan?

The President. Look, China has—I've spoken with Xi about Taiwan. We agree we—we'll abide by the Taiwan agreement. That's who we are. And we made it clear that I don't think he should be doing anything other than abiding by the agreement.

Commissioner of Food and Drugs

Q. Mr. President, the FDA Commissioner—Mr. President, the FDA Commissioner—Mr. President, FDA Commissioner——

The President. Why can't I walk away from you? You're trouble.

Q. I know, but I have more questions. Do you have a nominee for the FDA Commissioner job yet?

The President. We'll be talking about that in a little bit.