The White House has outlined a list of legislative priorities for the rest of President Joe Biden’s term.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday held the first White House press briefing since President-elect Donald Trump secured victory in the 2024 election.
Jean-Pierre told reporters that Biden has several goals for the remaining 74 days of his term.
“We’re going to make sure that we keep the government open. We are going to deliver assistance to communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other recent disasters. We’re going to pass the [National Defense Authorization Act], that’s important,” the press secretary said.
Biden will also push to quickly fill federal judiciary vacancies and make other federal agency appointments, according to Karine Jean-Pierre.
“We are going to make sure we confirm well-qualified judicial nominees,” she said.
The president also plans to continue diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of all hostages.
The White House would not weigh in on whether Biden would issue any last-minute pardons but the press secretary said there are still no plans for Biden to pardon his son, Hunter, before leaving office.
“Our answer stands, which is no,” Jean-Pierre said.
When she was asked about the possibility of a commutation, the press secretary answered, “That’s not what we’re going to do.”
The White House is disappointed in the outcome of the election, but it respects the will of the American people, Jean-Pierre stated. She also said that Biden still stands by his decision to step aside in the 2024 race and commended Harris on her presidential campaign.
“The president is very proud of what he was able to accomplish. He was very proud and when he made that decision to hand over the torch, to pass the torch, to the vice president. It was the right decision at the time.”
Jean-Pierre reiterated that there will be a peaceful transfer of power, echoing statements made by both Harris and Biden.
The White House also said that the next administration is going to inherit a strong economy.
President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance’s team has yet to enter into an agreement with the White House General Services on transition plans which is traditional for an incoming administration.
According to the White House, Trump and Biden will meet “in the near future,” after Biden called Trump to congratulate him and invited him to the White House. Jean-Pierre didn’t offer more details at the briefing.
Biden addressed the nation on Nov. 7 after Harris conceded defeat to Trump, suggesting his intent to finish the rest of his term strong.
“Now we have 74 days to finish the term—our term. Let’s make every day count. That’s the responsibility we have to the American people,” the president said.