the deputy press secretary was the one who let this briefing, raj sjhah. mr. shah: good afternoon, everyone. i want to start with a statement, then we'll take your questions. our normal policy, consistent with the policies of past administrations, is to not comment on background checks and security clearances. given the unusual nature of these circumstances, when a number of false reports floating around, we wanted to try to explain as best we can within our security limitations how the background investigation process works and then talk a little bit about rob porter and how the -- how his situation fits within that process. background investigation process is a process for evaluating allegations about a white house staffer's conduct prior to joining the white house. it's run by the federal law enforcement and intelligence communities. it's used throughout the u.s. government. it's thorough, it's complex, and it takes time. it takes time because we want to get it right. it's also costly but it's absolutely worth it. over the course of any investigation, some