last year the fbi arrested over 100 illegals that had association with terrorist groups. it goes on and on and on. and the lady talked about going to another country, what they would do. mexico itself had its army of -- not too long ago, deployed to its southern border with a shoot-to-kill policy for the illegals coming boo their country. then -- into their country. then they realized that they could rob these people, charge them an entry fee and then escort them right to the northern border so they could sneak into this country. this is the type of people we are dealing with. .. there have been an number of economic studies about the cost but also the economic impact that unauthorized immigrants in the country have broadly. there are certain macroeconomic analyses you need to do in order the jobs they are in,

the wages they are paid, the sales taxes they pay as well, the job growth, broadly, that they generate, being not just workers but also consumers. they are also purchasing goods and generating additional economic activity. on the whole, virtually all economic studies from professionals, economist, do say that they are not only a net >> >> there is a stronger boost to the economy with the objections from the advisers to need to a hundred billion dollars of additional gdp.

and i have found additional forms but as it is right now host: next rigo to brooklyn for republicans. >> this is not about immigration but the executive in congress that if the court believes the president is in cahoots this is the end run and i agree with the gentleman he delicate tens of thousands of women and children migrating to charge the

american border without being organized this is about organized crime and a total breakdown of the constitution and to be faithfully executed. >> the bad as part of deciding if this is the overreach but my response generally with the secretary of komen security and with those priorities with this administration than the preferred action to have that ability to apply for

authorization to apply for though work authorization came out in the reagan administration in 1981. against the backdrop of the regulatory context enacted the law that specifically recognized him if they were authorized to work by the attorney-general but with the regulatory framework studies related to the process then the administration put out a new regulation that has been in place for decades and decades.

host: milwaukee a democrat. caller: my question is if we have a problem with illegal immigrants and criminals to the what about those that contribute to society? what about them? host: independent line go ahead. caller: i was driving by a construction site there is a major real-estate construction but i realized this is the first time i saw a black person actually working on a construction site all were illegal immigrants. we'll furthermore the unemployment rate with blacks is 38% between ages 18 and 35.

so we bring all these people and half of whom have no high school education, a high illegitimacy rate and is essential number are in prison with that statistic i cannot figure out we have immigrants contribute to our society to understand that but i don't get it. the blacks have very high unemployment rate why are retreating in people without a high-school education it is low but the unemployment rate does not reflect that. host: let's get a response. >> across the board for that exception they have found of

those 11 million to not increase unemployment and there is a good reason for that. they stir jobs they create jobs and they're generating economic activity. i will check if they are unauthorized that is a question but that is what they have had for many years. they are far more likely that creates jobs so if you

think of that type of industry in did not come here because he was a really smart guy but it was the skills that. but i use to talk about what this country to get up and i always remember that of food those unauthorized immigrants must come to. because their churches and businesses should there be a better system in place? to match that reality. yes. no question but there is an

incredible contribution. >> the senate yesterday said the republicans were not able to block the plan to bring in more serious refugees but they blocked the republicans and they were five votes short to overcome the 60 that they needed i just want to throw that out in the conversation as well. >> but one of the amendments is if members of the senate agreed because the majority of the public did not want to have that. >> as the candidates are

returning to the senate yesterday they were in their voting as well. thank you for the conversation immigration policy experts. >> thank you so much

>> with the supporters are focusing on sanders on his socialist edge. joining us is the national correspondent for "the new york times". thanks for being with us. we heard this from president clinton today another surrogates what is this all about? what is the strategy? >> said democratic primaries in iowa and new hampshire not just indicating to be more motivated but pickings the most commander-in-chief potentially between bernie sanders but also on the

ballot. with a certain connotation. they would not be doing that issue was sailing through i went to hampshire but they're looking at ways to bring down sanders. >>. >> almost a 30-point lead but he is looking less like a threat and more like a runaway train. >> the with the independence there is this small cadre of activist the to see those losses read that of the gate with iowa and new hampshire the future looks tough but

almost all their efforts would be put toward i was. >> we are hearing the clinton people this is the debate between a candidate who inspires people. >> exactly right. it sounds familiar and is making the case with the democratic playbook and if that isn't the way to win with a polarized country those who are sympathetic and by the way there is a reason for that. to be dead g.o.p. nominee. >> but this is not their race the clinton team expected. >> goodness no.

with money and endorsements name recognition, and also with the politics it doesn't matter this has been a dogfight. nobody thought that b.a. serious contender. debated say great reminder it has been thrown out the window and unpredictable and this cycle certainly has. >> but with regard to hillary clinton with her own appeal to voters what is the problem? >> the -- i talked to

onetime adviser said she has done everything right with policy and fund-raising and running more of a grass-roots campaign especially in cultural areas where the democrats are now. and that has not mattered it is remarkable. but that story did not help. there was no grave concern about that. they are more excited about bernie sanders. >> let me ask about that third candidate as o'malley is back in new hampshire he

has not moved beyond the low single digits does he pose any threat at all and why can't you resonate among voters? >> would you look for an alternative you were on the left side of the spectrum. and martin o'malley with a more conventional politician has the resonate of its new term governor straight out of the state house in maryland and has that moment of vigor with the threat to the status crow, dash status quo. >> we will look for your reports. national political correspondent for "the new york times" is in manchester. thank you for your time. >> the person who lives here salsa's problems as big as the world.

that is the job every day. now the first lady who hope to get health care the senator who helped the city rise again this secretary of state that stared down house style leaders is the one candidate for president for every part of the job. and then stop the republicans so on february february 1st stand up for hillary because if you want to president. >> i am listening to you i am fighting for you and with your support i will deliver. >> as president i will defend this nation responsibly provide voted against the war in iraq and

was the right to vote and i will not forget the lessons of that experience. we should not do with alone we need an international coalition with this on the ground it is time to end that quagmire in the middle east and as president i will. i am bernie sanders and i approve this message. >> my family has lived on this farm three generations the balkan pipeline would prompt dirty crude across iowa senate that is one of the reasons we support bernie sanders to mickey doesn't hesitate to say no. >> if we don't act that will threaten the climate and health of our children. >> bernie sanders has the guts to stand up for what he believes in. >> i am bernie sanders and i approve this message.

>> to have a strong reputation in then to be introduced to say hello senator i hear you are a racist. [laughter] he said you sound like a bright young man. when you graduate if you want to come to washington to clark and then you can decide if i ever racist or not.

>> good afternoon. as you may know, the u.s. conference of mayors says media washington this week to discuss issues i ask for the three best mares in america to join me at the white house briefing today. a bipartisan group such going to meet today. to give them the opportunity to make a brief statement at the top. i will introduce them all. to my right is mayor james from misery -- missouri. [laughter] again he was chosen

specifically one of the best three mayors and america. to his left is the mayor from fresno california and a republican but also committed to solving problems and is a good example of someone who does not let partisan differences get in the way to do things for her city. into my left is from the great city of boston. >> first of all, is great to be here. bin leges it has something to do so to say first of all, kansas city has done quite well under this administration and we have been very fortunate to be

the recipient and to be put to use in tv connected specifically is something we treasure because it is a collaborative effort to stem the services to help change the dynamic in part of the city. >> and with the department to transfer its - - reservation we have the largest tiger grant of any streetcar we have collaborated quite well with secretary castro and engaged with mobility issues. but the thing is most important is during the time that president obama has been in office we have been able to increase our jobs

numbers by a tremendous amount finding their way to kansas city. so this is the administration that has helped tremendously because at the end of the day we tried to move the agenda along and this is an administration that has reached out to us to do some very good things. thank you very much. >> starting with baseball credentials we're not far from san francisco and the giants championship on the table for you to acquire. [laughter] the afternoon i and the mayor of fresno california

515,000 persons city in the heart of the state the fifth largest in the 34 largest city in the united states. it is known as the food capital of the world and we're known for our young and diverse population and. we have been known for chronic long-term economic challenges. but i am grateful and proud but in no small part thanks to the partnership with the obama administration under gore in 20111 of six cities in the nation to participate in a strong community initiative. half a dozen federal agencies assigned to open the economic development plan.

and to have to federal officials working directly with local officials to chart a new path. five years later the results are pretty incredible be developed adopted local land-use plans with new growth in fresno. california broke ground on the high-speed rail system the first of the kind in the nation. next month we break ground on another infrastructure project to support the downtown revitalization next week we will sign a contract for those federally funded lines to serve portions of the city chronicle business has dropped by 60 percent after coming dangerously

close of bankruptcy we are proud to say we have begun to restore the core city services with the emergency reserve level front the largest rainy day fund in the history of the city and i say that i really a republican. challenges remain but the partnership with the obama administration to reverse the course of many decades of decline charting diversity. thank you. >> for someone to say this is pretty cool. it is great to be here. my sports credentials don't fly with kansas city.

but it is a great opportunity. thanks for joining me today. headed into my third year the most surprising is the support from washington d.c. and in cities across america particularly westerners about the inability to act and affect our cities it is upon the mayors to do that you try to get things done the obama white house has been a good partner because they understand what it takes to move the cities ahead and to lead. to insure health and safety as well as opportunities for the residence for kobe keeps have initiatives working

closely with the administration that is not with the low income housing. we launched the city wide housing plan by the year 2013. the first call and i'm happy to announce two nights ago we ended homelessness and the city of boston. we're supporting the workforce by skill building opportunities. we are offering free salary negotiation workshops with the american association for women to understand and help to negotiate and the other

night we announced a task force and $15 per hour minimum wage in the city of boston. we cannot do that as a state law but we can see how we can do that. and then to support work place in career development. as a leader of community and police relations to engage the community as a tiny young men of color as well. in 2015 prime down 3% homicide rates fell to a low arrest drop by 15 percent so when boston we believe in lifting people up to make that happen across our city. in 2016 there work with the

white house very closely for a substance-abuse women share of the task force i have a great responsibility with those it doesn't matter if you're a democratic or republican and the white house has made a commitment and afford to working with have. thank you. >> we will take some questions. >> i am from kansas city. [laughter] i work for the bbc and asking about race relations? >> the best thing is he was elected twice that says something about race relations because people

believe that was an impossibility they thought they never had an opportunity to see that as a that is a tribute medley to him but the country that surpassed african americans so that gave us hope off the bat. not just because he likes to barbeque but because we're doing things where we able to show the people of the president of the united states is in town we can leverage that about race. has a set of policies and.

>> with a racially discreet an area of town it is also diverse in those types of things have an impact on people's lives and what we used to leverage good conversations about race and race relations. >> that study that you announced there is of a question if you support the $15 minimum wage? >> both i support it but also we have to look at nonprofits to see how this is implemented. as a legislator i voted for the minimum wage a couple times but looking at how we

can get there. >> the president made the initiative and with the president starts to talk about that $15 minimum wage and a lot of conversations are happening. we have to hospitals in boston better both increasing the lowest wages is the appropriate time with the incumbent in the quality gap. so we have to address those issues. >> who obviously this is something in recent weeks

what this administration needs to do harriet think that national approach for prescription and drug abuse is nationwide? >> as far as the national approach it is very different set not one system will face the problem and it comes to addiction and to figure out what is needed around the country. house some states have ignored that. just like any family watching this press conference they have thus young one is in the grips of addiction they are embarrassed so this to

listen then come up with policies how we address the issue. the fact it can just be a money situation was so how do we get a continuum of care and bays -- best practices how we get prevention and? so what we see today plan is we have had addiction for a long time. means there is a lot around it. >> but to change the narrative around the economy to be talking down to deconcini.

>> to deal with chronic long-term unemployment in 2014 the job creation rate was one of the highest in the nation and the best in the world. we celebrate that and honor and recognize that achievement also looking at the mountain how much we have to climb usually it is both in and there are good things happening in the momentum but there is also a lot farther we have to go. and we need 10 years of good job performance to be where we want to me. >> within 24 hours we will have a major snow we've bent on its way. [laughter]

i saw the mayor on washington week on tv last night he was talking about preparation of washington is set with to feed that we dealt with last year then be prepared to reach out my public-works apartment has already contacted me if we don't it it we brought those out to remove the snow off the street so offer it to version needs a ploughs come to the city we will help. last year we had help around the country the white house reached down right away. we needed it three blizzards in in a row over three weekends and it did not melt in tow march ended fighting the last bit melted july 17.

[laughter] >> i've a question on the drought remains of california. every talk to the administration? >> absolutely it is a critical issue in california even though we're starting to see rainfall is a welcome sign but we need major cooperation between federal and state ever meant that the greatest extent possible we're keeping in storing got watered knowing we are a long way. it is a struggle it is a very complicated issue for those at the white house we have talked about literally be in the weeds to count the fish the second we can turn on the pump we can do that. >> they are focused on the

issue but i don't think we have seen the resolution we need to see it is incumbent on the federal and state government to manage that water situation of course, there are great debates when the time is to turn them on the major every drop of water that can be stored for next summer is stored. >> mayor, first of all, my condolences to your team in denver. [laughter] also congratulations to ge with the job subtractions to cities. in boston young people graduate and they step one dash 10 to stick around but what about the smaller cities to keep their brains in town?

of their lives to chicago or denver or san francisco. >> first of all, we do everything we can to keep the talent we do lose a lot of people we have 25 colleges universities so we have those conversations all the time some of that is trying to change some social perception housing stock is the big key because the cost and the affordability they leave because they cannot afford to live there. also the start up companies the downtown area is all skylines in the past has been insurance companies and financial services now there fell by high-tech companies. day you was a big win for the city but that doesn't mean we stop there as we

continue to attract new business is about quality of life and part of that is living in that city is a walkable and affordable those are the key components to attract young people. >> to any jobs come with them? >> about 1,000. >> we have a slightly different approach the date of cheesing smokestacks has become too unpredictable we like to grow our own to create an atmosphere where people come from other places like boston to kansas city. [laughter] i certainly don't want to disadvantage the mayor's but the competition right now is less floor businessman talent and we eared definitely in the talent competition business when we

were chosen to be one of the first cities in the country to have google install fiber our phones lit up up, televisions because people were curious how that could be used to promote -- to promote start-ups ended has been very successful. we have started up a village that straddles between kansas and missouri were there were two or three kids that showed up at a reception in cavemen off the street they said they were just driving from boston to go live in start up village where they started their business that deals with software for 3-d printers they moved to kansas city. >> famous have left their red sox at in the car.

[laughter] >> but we have a tremendously active entrepreneurial population with a lot of start-ups. for tech week that was on the experimental basis expecting 1500 and 4,000 showed up we had a launch code we use in the giveaway $500,000 and $50,000 blocks to enterprises that have no role getting secondary and third level funding. we are developing jobs at home because we believe that they're more likely to stay in the process to chase the big companies cost way to much money with incentives. we want to make sure we build the city for the future and it does not hurt with the reasonable cost of

living in kansas city. we have plenty of houses and you can afford them there spiritous to reinforce you notice the theme every mayor has the best city ever so we all tout our credentials. that is the case for the midsize cities there is no way he should have an expectation you can find the money necessary to become a major center like boston or los angeles you have to focus to build a great urban center in your community and cities have to have the quality urban infrastructure this generation wants to be in the downtown setting to make sure it is authentic in genuine and i will repeat it entreprenuership is the key so we focus on education at the undergraduate level to develop that degree teaching

students how to start their own businesses then at the graduate of all that high school the only high-school united states dedicated entirely to all entreprenuership note every fifth grader gets training as well it is the case to grow our own knowing that will reap the benefits down the road. >> can you comment on the crisis in flint michigan this is about neglecting infrastructure. do you share that view? >> first of all, bespoke to the chair last week our water and sewer department is one of the best in the country partly because of the federal court case forces to make some changes so we're trying to help them but that is an issue where the federal government and

the mayors have an obligation to come together to help the city in desperate support the we will offer any support that we can that is the obligation to work with the administration that is a partisan but right for american people. >> i certainly will anytime you get more than three mayors in the room to subjects in one is education the other is infrastructure because we deal with this i know these mares will tell you the businesses that reside in our cities are keen about the infrastructure available in the impact on their ability to conduct business. it has been neglected in this country and it needs to change because if it doesn't we will be in serious trouble it will be a national security issue if not already. not just roads beverages but

water in kansas city we are engaged with the epa mandate of an overflow control project 25 years on the horizon of $4 billion it is very expensive and costly but frankly we should have done 30 years ago and did not know we paid to catch up that is what happens when you neglect things a stitch in time saves nine we're doing that with every structure except it is a lot more serious and across the board. so to address that in a positive way we become stronger and more able to support security needs but we also put people to work infrastructure is a huge return of those problems in flint michigan that is also a very serious health problem it is horrible.

there should not be children in this country in this day and age drinking led water especially in the stage for as long as it has been going on. water is essential to life and something will be rectified soon hopefully. >> i think about it every day i see the reports as i am watching what is unfolding, i am stunned by the tragic circumstances. i am also grateful in fresno we took significant steps over the last three years to raise their rates that nobody liked but we knew over 25 years there was talk of the need to upgrade infrastructure to take better advantage of surface water and stop pulling from the ground it took five

years to get the rates passed with your referendum and lawsuits but they passed and as a result we have 600 million of infrastructure spent to upgrade and frankly ultimately they came to grips with the fact we have to invest in water infrastructure but now just turn on the television to see that is the right decision for our kids and grandkids and great grandkids. >> one more. >> speaking of water can you weigh in on that impact? not too often you hear republican praising the white house talking about cooperation you on the statewide ballot again? are you not worried about

this clip being played down the road? >> my mom and grandmother always said give credit where credit is due in and tell the truth. it is the case that fresno has been substantially supported as a result of the work with the partnership of the obama administration to say otherwise would not tell the truth that does not mean i may agree with every circumstance but there has been good work done and as i and the first one to tell the story and speak the truth. if there are political consequences there always are but it doesn't matter you have to choose leadership and choose the path to do the right thing i'm sorry to miss the "state of the union" i have things going on here but i don't know if there is a complicated issue more than water issues of cow when dash in california i know

there will be lawsuits and challenges and issues to be worked out. fresno is south of the bay delta as we would benefit of more water coming south diary appreciate -- i appreciate our be fighting as hard so i hope there are technological and policy solutions if anybody can help figure this out it will be governor brown be rooting for him to be successful in this effort. >> we're focused a one football game at a time. [laughter]

>> the only thing i one may add to their presentation is a draw a similar conclusion and observation which is you saw three local leaders in different parties talking about how optimistic they are about their community that is indicative of the optimism the most people are feeling of the direction of the country there is more work to be done the president is looking forward to the things on his to do list this year but no denying the progress that has been made and that momentum we have built up with the challenge of this country so how do we capitalize on that momentum?

>> and with the poison --. >> with the conclusions that were drawn it does look to me you lifted right out of a spy novel. but also the way in which the political environment currently exist in russia seems to extend beyond russia's borders.

we see critics of the russian government with intimidation it in some cases death. yen the of willingness the conventions are in human rights is and free-speech that speaking out to make your political views known. in with this particular investigation why this is us source of serious concern but now part of many countries around the world. >>.

>> the concerns are unique because it took place on british soil. so there is the concern to be understandable. that makes sense to address some of those concerns. i have anything in direct response to these findings is a love that will involve a closer look. >> and the comments from sarah palin she was very critical but to see those

remarks? >> data in both the president saw those but the reaction is to make light of some of that rhetoric to be seen on the campaign trail but domestic violence is not a joke problems with addiction is not a joke and the consequences and these are issues that the administration is focused on every taken seriously there may communities and families

but this administration is to be focused on the issues. >> but i just say that instinct when they hear rhetoric is to make light of it and sometimes those jokes come pretty easy bed in this case when they talk about is quite serious and he said the issues we take quite seriously. >> and will this allow what was allowed before? >> i don't have any new

details to share with rules of the engagement. . . provide for the security situation in afghanistan. and as a part of those missions, we have been pretty aggressive in taking terrorists and extremists in afghanistan off of the battlefield come about to protect the united states and our men and women serving in afghanistan. these are serious tasks.

and there are american men and women in uniform in harms way right now that are making us safer. we of them a debt of gratitude for their work, but i do not have anything knew to announce in any change in the missions that have been doing. >> one other issue, confirmed the 1st perfect of the baby with a specific virus, how concerned should americans be about the spread of this particular virus? should they be concerned -- obviously informing people who travel to affected areas. >> well, what we are trying to do at this stage is communicate with the american public about the precise nature of the rest. i know this was discussed earlier today.

what the cdc has concluded is that it would be appropriate at this point for pregnant women and women who may become pregnant to be mindful of the risks associated with traveling to other countries in the western hemisphere that have had -- where we know this virus is being transmitted. this is a mosquito borne illness, and it is traditionally found in tropical areas. the concern is not as much about the impact of the virus itself on an individual who is -- that is bitten by a mosquito but rather the linkage that our public health professionals are concerned about between contracting this virus and birth defects, a particular

kind of birth defect that has been seen in brazil and has been -- and there is reason some public health professionals are concerned that the spike we have seen in a particular birth defect in brazil may be connected to this virus. we are at the stage now where we are trying to educate people about the risk that exists and to allow them to take action. impact of the virus on someone who is not pregnant or on men are symptoms that are rather mild, and the concern is the focus on the possible linkage between this virus and in particular birth defect that can have an impact on women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. >> tomorrow is the anniversary of the order to

close guantánamo bay. i am wondering if you have plans to ruin our snow day, release your demo plan, when that might be developed. >> i don't have any update for you in terms of the timing of a new plan that would be presented to congress. what i have committed is that when that report is presented to congress we will make it available publicly, and if that comes tomorrow we will put it on the internet so that if you are snowed in you will be able to cover this remotely. i don't have the expectation that it is coming tomorrow, but i don't have anything to share with you. [inaudible question] >> i'm wondering how viable

is that type of negotiation, especially the university type and whether the us should be involved. >> the united states has long been supportive of an afghan led reconciliation process. the conclusion that we have drawn here is one that based on the incident you just cited is pretty obvious, which is the taliban poses a security threat to both countries. the nations of afghanistan and pakistan will be able to more effectively confront that threat if they are able to more effectively cooperate. that is what we are hoping to do and facilitate. any sort of decisions about how the continuation of those talks and any sort of agreement that can be produced about whether it is

in the interest of both countries to pursue, those are decisions to be made by the leaders of those countries, as it should be. the united states will continue to play the role that we have for some time now and supporting reconciliation talks. >> secretary kerry said earlier today -- [inaudible question] -- how the us is tracking the money, whether you are going forward or if the money is being seem to go to groups that obviously pose security issues? >> well, primarily that is -- i don't have much i could

say about any possible intelligence programs or capabilities that we may have here. the point he is making is that, we know it ran supports terrorist activities. that is why they are on the list of state-sponsored terrorism and there are number of individuals and entities in iran that are under significant financial sanctions by the united states and international community because they support terrorism. so the united states has chosen to confront this threat in a variety of ways. the 1st and most important is making sure the government that supports terrorism does not have access to nuclear weapon. the other thing we have tried to do his work effectively with the international community including the united nations security council to counter this threat, and we have found that, i would say, not

consistently but certainly there have been important moments where we have been able to work effectively at the united nations security council to demonstrate international opposition to terrorism and governments to support terrorism. we have also sought to build up the capacity of our allies and partners in the middle east to mitigate the threat that is emanating from iran, whether it is in the form of terrorism or other destabilizing activities being engaged in. one thing i can tell you is, there have been talks between the united states and israel. renewing the memorandum of understanding between the united states and israel when it comes to the security assistance provided by the united states. next week there will be another delegation of senior delegation officials

traveling to continue conversations. obviously the president has made that a priority. he said that in the oval office with prime minister netanyahu last year, and that continues to be a high priority. we also continue to deepen our cooperation with our golf partners as well in that work continues. we are mindful of the risk posed by iran and their support for terrorism and are serious about confronting it. >> picking up on a ran, secretary kerry also made some comments about the supreme leader essentially praising him for making statements critical of the attack on the saudi embassy. i am wondering, does the

administration think the supreme leader is softening? secretary of state kind of say positive things about the actions of the supreme leader. >> i think what is clear is that any government around the world, including that of a ran has no obligation to provide security for diplomatic installations in the country. and so when i was asked about this after there was an incident at the saudi embassy inside iran. i noted with mark displeasure that iran had not fulfill there responsibilities to protect those embassies -- or that embassy, diplomatic institution. there's a basic responsibility of any government including the iranian government, as it relates to turning over new leaf i don't think that something will be able to

judge based on three or four days of public statements after the implementation of the agreement. i think this is most importantly, as we have long said, we will judge them by their actions and not do that based on any single action but rather on an observation over the long-term about whether or not they want to start fulfilling their international obligations. start joining the rest of the free world in doing a better joba better job of protecting the basic human rights of their people. so we are certainly going to be watching the actions of the iranian government moving forward, but as we have set a number of times, this was not predicated on iran improving their

behavior. rather, the agreement was implemented primarily because of our concern. >> entirely different subject, as i am sure you saw, reportedly identified a 50 caliber rifle was found in the hideout. is the administration frustrated? >> those reports, i have not been able to confirm them independently. obviously more generally. the ease with which arms tends to flow across the border between the united states and mexico. we have gone to great lengths to work with the mexican government.

>> i understand the president's motorcade, -- >> they were not the only vehicles affected by the snow last night. >> does the president have confidence in the city of washington as the storm is about the hits? >> well, i think -- i don't know. what seems to be the case is local officials are surprised by the amount of snow the region received last night. i feel confident based on the reporting that you are doing that they will not be surprised by the amount of snow hitting the region starting tomorrow. the snow emergency will begin tomorrow morning.

it's an indication that the city is taking this quite seriously and beginning to mobilize the kind of resources needed to deal with store. the governors of made similar announcements and are beginning to make similar preparations based upon the forecast. it looks like we're going to need it. my guess is the president will stay warm and toasty inside the white house. i suspect we will all be doing that. >> the president spent 74 minutes driving. do you have any insight on what he did during that extra long travel time? >> i don't. i did not have a chance to talk about that. i think what it probably was -- [inaudible conversations] i think probably what it is

is a reminder of how much the president will miss having access to marine one a year from now. he often talks about how marine one is something that makes us travel much more efficient. helicopter travel is not something he is likely to have regular access to is a former president. last night they have the reminder of how painful the transition can be. >> just implemented. talk about how the white house is this compromise that was struck with congress and specifically how it affects dual national >> i spent a lot of time talking with our staff today to understand exactly how this is implemented, and there is no denying there are a lot of complexities here. there are a couple things i want to start out by saying.

the goal of this legislation that congress passed in the last year was to improve and tighten the screening measures that were in place for those individuals that have recently traveled to countries that were a state sponsor of terrorism. and i guess i want to start there because prior to that, more than a year prior the department of homeland security had taken steps using their own executive enforcement authority to tighten screening measures for individuals traveling to the united states through the visa waiver program. that involved running more information through more databases and collecting more information from travelers. the need to try to tighten the security requirements is something that has been a priority for more than a year before congress acted,

and we sought to work closely with congress to develop some additional measures that congress to pass and the legislation passed reflected a compromise. let's talk about what that compromises. this is what makes it complicated. everyone shares the priority of protecting the homeland. it is one of the few things that transcends partisan differences. the other thing is we want to be mindful of the fact that the us has the strongest most durable economy in the world in part because us businesses do a lot of business overseas, particularly in visa waiver. we are talking about traditional allies. that is a top priority, but

we don't want unnecessarily disadvantage american businesses that are trying to do business overseas. ultimately it is good for the economy and for creating jobs. there are a number, there are additional works already underway to try to work with members of congress on refining the measure was passed end of last year. and again, the goal is to number one, make sure that the country is safe and we have in place appropriate screening for individuals that have traveled to iran, iraq, sudan, syria. at the sameat the same time we do not want to undermine the ability of us businesses to interact with and to do business with partners or counterparts in countries like the uk, france,

germany, and other countries in europe that are allies of the us that are part of the visa waiver program. the last thing is, the restrictions put in place by the administration and congress is not going to prevent individuals from traveling to the united states but they subjected them to more screening which is an important thing for people to understand. >> levo dual nationals. >> that is a good example of how we feel the system can be improved. let me give you one example. there may be individuals who are dual nationals. somebody who was born in france, french citizen, but was born to a parent who was

in a iranian citizen and therefore that individual was a dual national, and even though they never traveled to iran they would be subjected to additional screening measures. and because of their status as a dual national. that is -- our view is that is something that could be refined to ensure that our screening system is applied in a way that prioritizes national security that makes the system as efficient as possible. >> to follow up on that, exceptions on a case-by-case basis. >> yes. >> stretching a loophole. can you talk about that?

>> there almost common sense. the other example we have used resonates more was the journalists. journalists traveled to iraq to cover the iraq war. those are individuals who don't pose much of a risk as other individuals for whom the system was designed. if talked for a long time. individuals who have traveled to iraq or syria and take up arms alongside. and these are individuals that have western passports. we want to know if they are planning to travel back to

the united states, and in some cases we may not want them to. the number of citizens is relatively small, but there are other countries including europe with a number is substantially larger and these are countries with whom the united states participates in the visa waiver program. the concern is an individual , european citizen has traveled, and now may want to use that western passport to enter the united states with very little screening. that is a situation we want to try to prevent. and that is legal of these measures which is obviously much different than a journalist or aid worker are somebody who has traveled as a part of a regional or subnational government for official government purposes. and so the more that we can

try to draw those distinctions which makes implementing the law extraordinarily complex, but we want to make sure we are doing this in a waya way that reflects the economic realities of the global economy. >> on guantánamo i understand you laid out the public disclosure. can you tell us where he is? >> obviously the pentagon has been working on putting this report together for a number of months. you are part -- the part of this report included some site visits to a couple of facilities around the us to evaluate the security measures in place and whether or not these were places where detainees could eventually be transferred.

but what their work has primarily been focused on his developing those options and trying to put some hard numbers around the fiscal impact of closing the prison part of our case has been the taxpayers can save money , and that is a responsibility we all have to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. the long-standing concern that the president has comeau one that is shared by democrats and republicans including the presence republican predecessor comeau we know terrorist organizations continue to use prisoners at guantánamo bay as a recruiting tool. so both for that obvious national security reasons but also for fiscal reasons,

that is the reason that the president promised seven years ago tomorrow to close the prison at guantánamo bay and is why every day since had administration has made that a national security priority. all of what i have laid out also underscores why there is no surprise ending to the airport. those of you who have covered this closely for most people in this room have and understand what our strategy is. the development of a plan is not an attempt to implement a radically different strategy but to provide more texture and detail about the benefits of the strategy we are pursuing. you will have an opportunity to take a look at that when the report is completed and presented to congress. [inaudible question] >> well, look, as i mentioned earlier, 1st

asked about this over the summer in july, present a report to congress very soon that obviously did not happen, so i don't want to be in a position of making additional promises about timing that i have already broken. once the plan is been presented to congress we will make sure you have an opportunity to take a look at it. >> going back to iran the secretary specifically said, some of the money will end up in the hands of the irg see or other entities, some of which are legal terrorists. >> he began by saying i think, and i think that reflects his rather logical conclusion that a nation that supports terrorism may

use some of the money coming in the country to further support terrorism. now, the thing that is important to recognize is that our critics of this agreement often exaggerate the value of the sanctions relief that iran will obtain. and they often overlook the rather severe economic priorities that are that are badly underfunded inside of iran. there are number of bills already passed do that need to be paid, investments in infrastructure that need to be made because they are already having an impact on the economy. and one economic analysis indicates that iran is not going to immediately bring all the available money in the country because it would have the effect of artificially appreciating

their currency which would further weaken their economy. so i guess that is why we have been honest about the fact that this agreement will concern that is entirely likely that iran will continue to support terrorism. because of iran's intent -- attention that is what makes it so important. not just a case that we made but the case that israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu has made. he himself made it a priority for very good reason. the president concluded the best way to do that is through a diplomatic agreement. and that is what is motivating this action, and

it is why the implementation of this agreement was one that we celebrated because it did represent substantial steps iran had to take to scale back significantly and to cooperate with the kinds of international protections that will verify they are not developing a nuclear weapon and that is access and change that could not be achieved through military action. >> what you are saying is while some may conclude. [inaudible] you do say -- >> well, we have been candid about that possibility. and that assessment is drawn from iran's long-standing support for terrorism. again, that long-standing support is what motivated us

to prevent them from obtaining a nuclear weapon and is also what motivates us to ramp up efforts to provide additional support to our closest ally in the region and to seek to better integrate the defense and security capabilities of our partners as well. >> on the treacherous roads not necessarily plowed or salted, where there concerns in traffic where others are swerving and having accidents? serious safety concern? >> there is no doubt that these kinds of road conditions pose a hazard to everyone on the roads. obviously the president was being driven in a heavy suv with a highly trained professional driver at the wheel and surrounded by a

number of other vehicles as well. the assessment that was made by the president's team including the military and secret service is the driving home from andrews would be much safer than flying over the helicopter. the president security when he travels is a top priority which is what led them to choose to drive home. >> been in the news a little bit of late, and i just wanted to ask you, how would you characterize the presence level of confidence in the intelligence community? >> these kinds of reviews are done independent of the administration. the decisions to pursue a particular review and the results of those reviews presented to capitol hill are made public and are entirely decisions made independent of the administration.

so it is hard to pass judgment on them on where the other. ultimately it is the responsibility of the inspector general to describe what he or she is doing and explain why it's part of their scope of responsibility. >> the president values that position because if he didn't there would be one. >> what i can say is in principle the president does believe that independent inspectors general who fulfill the responsibilities consistent with the law are an important part of holding government in general accountable to the taxpayers which is an important position and because of the independence of the inspector general at the intelligence community, i don't want to be in the position of rendering a judgment one way or the other about the decisions made by that individual or

the office they run. the american public will have to arrive at their own conclusions. in general the administration is quite strongly supportive of the principle of having independent oversight primarily because of the obligation to taxpayers. >> can you think of another example in history of someone with the experience of secretary clinton publicly criticizing such a position in the way that she did recently for basically accusing this high-ranking official of colluding with a political party to influence an election. can you think of another example of this happening? >> what i can say is, i think that while people who have a position like i do have the responsibility of protecting the independence of the inspector general and the administration and it is

one of the reasons i try not to comment too much because i don't want to leave you with the appearance of trying to influence their activities. responsibility on the part of the inspector general to avoid in deed and appearance actions that would be carried out to politically benefit one side of the other one party or another. that responsibility is the responsibility to protect the independence is one that i take seriously, and the inspectors general should do the same thing. >> unprecedented. accuse someone at that level of colluding with the political party, it seems extraordinary if nothing else. >> i leave it to you to assess the actions of the inspector general. i do not know if this latest

report has been the subject of a number of new stories. it is something that is not been made public yet, but when it is the american public will have the opportunity to evaluate whether or not the decisions made by the inspector general were appropriately independent and unbiased and consistent with the responsibility to be looking out for taxpayers. >> the epa situation in flint. i have been looking at a number of different stories that i've gone through a tick-tock from february and april and june. and these people have been drinking this contaminated water. the process seems to have played out slowly and in a dangerous way for the people of flint. what is your assessment of the process?

>> well, there are a number of factors important to consider. the 1st is the state and local officials were primarily responsible for the safety of the water supply. >> well, with the president acknowledged yesterday is that we need to take a look at the relationship that the epa has with state and local governments to make sure that that process does not impede unnecessarily the ability of the epa to present information that may have a significant impact on the health and safety of the american people. that is one of the things the president talked about in his conversation, take a look at the procedures in place and determine if they needed to make changes to make sure if the epa is aware of information that

could have a direct impact on the health and safety of the american public that they are not somehow prevented from sharing that information. that is an important principle. the other thing that this underscores is the value of the role of government and keeping a safe and protecting our health. there is a vigorous debate going on on the campaign trail now about the proper role of government, but this highlights the fact that there is a role to play when to protect our public health and safety and keep water clean and their claim and we need to make sure we are holding government accountable for filling their responsibilities. >> do you agree that the epa was prevented from alerting the public? >> what is true is that

continues to be an ongoing investigation about what exactly transpired in the months since the water supply or the source of the water was transferred from one source to another. and so i don't want to get out ahead of that investigation by commenting one way or the other, but certainly the principle of accountability is important particularly when the stakes of this high. and the president wants to make sure and will make sure that if there were errors of wrongdoing was carried out by officials of the epa that they are held accountable. >> spend time preparing.

obviously there are a lot of questions being raised about how dual nationality lamenting. >> well, based upon the exchange i had implementing this law is complex and the thing we want to be sure of is that the complexities associated not affect her ability to keep the country safe. that is why you have seen the dhs and the state department enter into a rigorous process here, evaluating the law in determining the most effective way, and they will continue to be rigorous because we do -- keeping the american people safe is our priority. >> in terms of obviously people are upset who feel

that they are already being unfairly targeted. >> well, it is a balance that we believe could be more effectively struck. what you saw was democrats and republicans working together to find a couple was for imposing tighter screening on individuals from visa waiver countries who have recently traveled to iran, iraq, sudan, or syria. the administration has been focused on tightening the screening in place because we were one for the threat posed by foreign fighters. what is clear in our view is that there are some refinements to the program that will make it more effective and will try to work together in the same

spirit that allowed us to pass these reforms to try to pass some refinements of the program that we believe would make it more effective. >> the motorcade. the president back in 2,009 i had some comments. some way disparaging the personal nature, and i wonder if you think washington needs to toughen up? and more properly. >> what i think is clear is local officials last night when a pretty difficult situation. the amount of snow was not on its own significant, but

based on the amount of snow exceeding expectations and coming at the onset of evening rush hour, dealing with a surprise was rather challenging. there is no denying 18 to 24 ina challenge city metropolitan area, certainly one like the washington dc area that did not have as much experience dealing with situations like this. but the president is confident that global leaders in the area are all appropriately attuned to the risk and are taking the kind of precautions needed to keep the citizens of the

local and state authorities are primarily responsible. the epa is supposed to be the gatekeeper. and when you say it shows the value, this seems to be the ultimate example of government failing at every level, when most people would consider the primary role of the government to

protect them. now we know that we could have done things faster. strong words from the president briefly yesterday. is this not enormously concerning to the administration that the epa clearly knew about it and did not alert the public? we are talking about long-term contamination. the way it is described as very -- i am not sure it matches the level of emotion >> i think that there are more facts that need to be learned to substantiate the claims of responsibility. >> the epa knew about it. they did not let the public. isn't that enough to know that this was a big failure? >> no, it is not.

what the president has been quite clear about in the president was pretty blunt in talking about his reaction to the situation, as a parent he would be beside himself if he knew the water he had been giving to his child was poisoning them. that is an outrage. and so the question is, essentially, there are number of questions. what we do to make sure this is not happening other places which is why because we know that state and local officials have primary responsibility for the safety and integrity, what is -- what are the guiding principles for the way that the epa interacts with state and local officials who are themselves responsible for

the health and safety of people drinking the water in their communities that the president wants to get to bottom of that. we don't want a situation where the epa has unnecessarily been obstructed from sharing information with the public that is a direct impact on the health, safety, and well-being. the president has that concern and has made clear he is concerned it would happen. the 2nd is we should take a look at the actions taken by the epa and if there are individuals who make mistakes i did not do their job appropriately than they should be accountability. i think we are also gratified to see that state and local officials were primarily responsible for the water supply are taking a similar posture.

what is also important is that the federal government is doing what is necessary. the steps that fema has taken to try to enhance the response by providing bottled water and logistical support, the president has test the secretary of health and human services to coordinate the federal effort to support the state and local response and tapped that individual because there is a significant public health problem. having somebody with that expertise to coordinate is important. the last thing as it relates to the role of government, the president does believe government is to be held accountable and has a basic responsibility for the health and safety of the american people particularly when it comes to keeping and

water clean. in some ways the situation underscores the danger of the approach advocated by some republicans are doing things like eliminating the epa. it does not seem like a smart thing to do. the consequences are on full display. >> mega monster storm barreling down on us. the president's motorcade after an inch of snow which prompted an apology by the mayor of the nation's capitol the next day. does not bode okay for how they will handle the several feet of snow? are there concerns? it kind of seems like a bad omen. >> local officials were caught off guard. the likelihood that they were caught offguard is

quite low. they've already taken significant steps to prepare for the oncoming storm. the advice we would share is the advice i offer up quite frequently. steps they should take in advance of the storm to prepare for it. if they do that even if it is a record storm we will be able to whether it together. >> now that the report is out based upon what is in their it is legal process that came to the conclusion based upon what has been shared between the us and burden, based on us intelligence, did the administration share that assessment? >> well, the evidence we have seen put forward by the british government is compelling, but we have not

thoroughly review the report to draw our own conclusion. once we have done that we will let you know. >> predictions, sanctions relief. next year 15 percent increase in funding for the revolutionary guard and the doubling of intelligence spending, wondering if you think it's time to revisit assumptions? >> again, the only assumption we have made was based upon the observation from the secretary of state that it certainly seems possible not likely that they will use some of those funds to support acts of terrorism.

the possibility exists and is precisely why we have implemented an agreement. as dangerous as their ongoing support is, it would be even more dangerous if iran had access to a nuclear weapon. they don't because we successfully implemented this agreement that caused them to dismantle thousands of centrifuges, ship out there stockpile and agreed to a set of intrusive inspections that will verify their ongoing compliance and that they are not actively working to build a nuclear weapon in the nuclear program exists solely for peaceful purposes. that is the goal. we will continue to have significant concerns. developing a ballistic missile program or even threatening israel from our closest ally in the middle east.

we are going to continue to take steps to further isolate iran for any continued efforts they make with regard. that is why on saturday or sunday even as we were announcing the completion of the agreement the treasury department was announcing an initial round of sanctions that will be imposed on those individuals connected in one way or another to iran's missile program because iran continues to engage in activities in violation of solutions that govern the missile program. our approach has been quite realistic and consistent with achieving our top priority. >> go ahead. >> your assumptions. and you have said and

administration officials of said that a portion of the money will go toward building infrastructure, economic issues like this. it looks like that might not be the case. >> i think we will have to see exactly what happens. the observations we have made our that at least that some have made. i don't know if this is an official government conclusion, but there is reason to doubt why it would not make good economic sense to bring the money back because it would cause the currency to artificially appreciate. the same thing applies to a number of bills that have come do, the infrastructure projects that iran has engaged in but not paid for,

and creditors of the interested in collecting money owed. the state of the iranian economy has been significantly weakened by international sanctions, and that is with pressured them to come to the table in the 1st place. iran is going to have to use that money to address the economic weaknesses. and again, the reason iran was compelled to the negotiating table is because -- quite obviously driven by the concern about the state of the economy. and you know, we know there has been an ongoing commitment for supporting terrorism but i don't thinki don't think they came so they can get access to more money. they were concerned about the economic pressure being applied to their country and the impact it would have on the domestic political situation.

there want to make their own decisions, but there are a lot of reasonable assumptions based on our knowledge of their economy and our knowledge of basic economic principles like our currency is the chief of the value is affected by significant flows of cash in our knowledge of their ongoing support for terrorism. the administration has been realistic. again, for thoseagain, for those who say our concern should principally be about iran and the support for terrorism, we agree which exactly why the president did as much as can be done to verify and prevent iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is a nuclear armed iran that supports terrorism would be dangerous to the us and our allies which is why we have gone to such great lengths to prevent that from happening, and all of that was accomplished without the

united states waging of the land war in the middle east. that is why the president noted over the weekend implementation is something that can and should be celebrated. thank you. good luck with the snow tomorrow. >> if the government is closed comeau we will not have a briefing. we will keep you updated. [inaudible conversations] >> not if we are close tomorrow. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations]

>> watching the campaign this year. and that may have some thing to do with whether is more interesting these candidates and their books. ..