White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre holds briefing

National Security and Foreign Policy

• President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden congratulated Representative-elect Tom Suozzi on his recent election win.
• Congressional Republicans blocked a bipartisan border security deal due to concerns that it would be effective and undermine Donald Trump's political standing.
• The National Security Supplemental agreement passed the Senate with bipartisan support and includes funding for Ukraine, Israel, troops in the Middle East, humanitarian assistance, and investments in the US defense industrial base.
• The agreement also supports allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
• President Biden urged Speaker Kevin McCarthy to bring the National Security Supplemental agreement to a vote in the House of Representatives.
• Congressman Mike Turner issued a statement calling for President Biden to declassify intelligence related to a serious national security threat.
• National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that he scheduled a briefing with the House members of the Gang of Eight to discuss the matter.
• Sullivan emphasized the importance of prioritizing sources and methods when declassifying intelligence.
• Sullivan acknowledged that NATO allies have stepped up in providing military assistance to Ukraine, but the United States remains a significant contributor.
• The United States needs to provide funding for Ukraine as other allies cannot fully replace the US's support.
• The US needs to replenish its own stocks of ammunition and other capabilities that it has provided to Ukraine.
• Ukraine can continue to fight, but without replenishment of supplies, they will be in a weaker position.
• The US is working towards a temporary pause in fighting in the Middle East as part of a hostage deal, with the goal of building towards a more enduring peace.
• The US does not believe that a warrant requirement for every query of lawfully collected data under FISA serves the National Security interest and would undermine the purpose of FISA.
• The National Security Advisor does not see any issue with the President's campaign using TikTok despite it being deemed a national security threat, as the US has supported legislation to address social media platform issues.
• There is no update on the 301 terrorist review on China, but it is ongoing.
• The US government views foreign assistance as a means to solve problems and advance US security and values.
• Loans may not be appropriate for humanitarian assistance, countries fighting for survival like Ukraine, or funding for Israel's security.
• The US is investigating reports of Israel's potential use of white phosphorus in Lebanon.
• Israel has not yet allowed a shipment of flowers into Gaza as promised, raising concerns about aid delivery during potential operations in Rafah.
• The US Vice President will attend the Munich Security Conference to reaffirm NATO's strength, transatlantic alignment on various challenges, and the importance of choosing sides in the current global context.
• The US is concerned about the possibility of escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, and is working to ensure Israel's security while minimizing the threat from Hezbollah.
• President Biden has advocated for progress on the hostage deal with Hamas, emphasizing the need for a sustained pause to alleviate humanitarian suffering, including urgent medical needs.
• Hamas also has a responsibility to account for its actions, as it puts civilians at risk by hiding among them.
• The US believes a deal can be reached and is pushing for it, despite the Israeli Prime Minister's decision not to send a delegation to Cairo for talks.
• Regarding Venezuela, the US-Maduro agreement was built on verification, with a six-month license for sanctions alleviation. The US will assess Maduro's commitment to the agreement before determining further actions.
• The US and Brazil have exchanged letters defending democracy. The US is aware of the Brazilian federal police's seizure of former President Bolsonaro's passport and is considering potential lessons and opportunities for cooperation.
• The Biden administration is engaging with the Israeli government regarding the deaths and detentions of American citizens in Gaza and the West Bank. Investigations are ongoing, and the US remains committed to protecting the welfare of its citizens.
• The US government is aware of the scientific study raising concerns about Chinese lab safety and is monitoring the situation. Biosafety and biosecurity practices in China and other countries remain a significant focus for multiple US government agencies.
• The White House has no comment on the particulars of the corruption case in Brazil involving the president's son, as it is a matter for the Brazilian courts to decide.
• President Biden has a long and direct relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and their interactions are focused on the security of Israel, the US-Israel relationship, and American national security interests, rather than personal motives.
• The US and South Korea remain committed to the NCG (Nuclear Consultative Group) process, which involves various agencies from both countries working together to enhance security and extended deterrence in the US-ROK alliance.
• The White House believes the impeachment case against Secretary Mayorkas is baseless and shameful, prioritizing politics over bipartisan efforts to address border security and immigration challenges.
• President Biden met with Congressional leadership recently and emphasized the importance of