You talked a lot about climate being an emergency today.  Why not just declare it an emergency?

President Biden: Because I’m running [the] traps on the totality of the authority I have.  I will make that decision soon.

What would be the ramifications of doing it?  Do you think you’d be able to do more?

President Biden:  Well, I think I can do more, unless the Congress acts.  In the meantime, I can do more, because not enough is being done now.  And so, there’s still discussions going on about whether or not there will be some action on my climate plan.  I’m told that’s in play.  And we’ll see.  We’ll see what happens.

Do you still have hopes for a legislative agreement with Senator Joe Manchin on climate?

President Biden:  I’ve not spoken to Senator Manchin.

So, no?  No hopes for one?

President Biden:  I do not have an agreement with Senator Manchin.

Do you think it’s a good idea for Speaker Pelosi to travel to Taiwan this summer? 

President Biden: Well, I — I think that — the military thinks it’s not a good idea right now, but I don’t know what the status of it is.

And what about declaring a public health emergency for abortion, sir?  Where does that stand?

President Biden: Well, that’s in consideration as well.

Still?  That’s still under consideration? 

President Biden: Yes.  Okay.

Sir, are you pleased with your administration’s response to monkeypox?  Senator Patty Murray today expressed concern to the HHS.

President Biden: Well, I think we should be doing all that we possibly can.  And I’m getting a report on that on Friday.

Do you expect to talk to President Xi soon? 

President Biden: I think I’ll be talking to President Xi within the next 10 days. 

What’s your take on the next steps for COVID, Mr. President?  Cases are going up.  What should the country be doing right now?

President Biden: Getting vaccinated.

And for those who aren’t?

President Biden:They’ve got a problem.  It’s not in their interest or the public’s interest not to get vaccinated.  We have the capacity to control it. They should get vaccinated now.

You said you’re going to speak to President Xi in the next 10 days.

President Biden: I didn’t say that.  I said I expect to.

Expect to.  What will you tell him about tariffs? 

President Biden: I’ll tell him to have a good day.  No. 

What about the student loan decision?  People have said that you’re going to make that decision by the end of August.  Where does that stand at this point?

President Biden:  By the end of August.