On this "Face the Nation" broadcast moderated by Margaret Brennan:
- Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner
- Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina
- Congressman James Clyburn, Democrat of South Carolina
- Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova
- Victoria Nuland, undersecretary of state for political affairs
Click on right here to browse full transcripts of "Face the Nation."
MARGARET BRENNAN: I am Margaret Brennan. And at this time on Face the Nation: a winter whiteout in elements of New England, as a blizzard with hurricane-force winds rocks the Northeast.
Plus, we'll speak with former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb concerning the new Omicron variant. How involved do you have to be?
Then: President Biden vows he'll make good on his promise for an historic choose for the Supreme Court docket, as Justice Stephen Breyer publicizes his retirement. We are going to speak to 2 key gamers relating to the affirmation. South Carolinians Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Jim Clyburn shall be with us.
Abroad, Ukraine's president insists the showdown with Russia simply is not as dire because the U.S. and Europeans warned. We may have a report from Jap Ukraine and test in with Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, and one of many Biden administration's high diplomats, Ambassador Victoria Nuland. It is all simply forward on Face the Nation.
Good morning, and welcome to Face the Nation. There's rather a lot to get to at this time, however we start with that large winter storm that walloped the Northeast, bringing with it a minimum of two toes of snow, hurricane-force winds and coastal flooding. Our Mola Lenghi experiences from Boston -- Mola.
MOLA LENGHI: Nicely, good morning, Margaret. It was a relentless and historic single-day snowstorm right here in Boston. There was extra snow right here yesterday than the town averages all the month of January.
All through Massachusetts, plows confronted whiteout circumstances, as the speed of the blinding snowfall made it a problem for these cleanup crews to maintain up. Now, the storm additionally whipped up waves Saturday, battering all the New England shoreline. Photographs from area present the bomb cyclone bearing down on the Northeast, dumping greater than two toes of snow. Winds gusted as excessive as 83 miles per hour on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. A pair hundred thousand houses and companies misplaced energy within the state, and tens of hundreds are nonetheless with out energy at this time.
A majority of flights, hundreds of them, have been canceled at main airports within the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast. Now, this morning, the snow has lastly let up, however we're not but within the clear, with a lot of the area now digging out and anxious a couple of deep freeze.
Your complete Jap Seaboard was one way or the other, a way impacted by this storm system, as far south as Florida, which felt freezing temperatures. Now, plows are engaged on the roads once more this morning. They proceed to do this, making an attempt to clear them, not just for the utility crews which have to revive energy, but in addition getting them prepared for the Monday morning work and faculty commutes -- Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Mola Lenghi in Boston, thanks. We flip now to the COVID-19 pandemic, the place, regardless of a decline in hospitalizations and new circumstances, deaths are nonetheless rising, and the virus remains to be extremely transmissible. Group unfold is within the excessive vary throughout the nation, and a brand new variant of Omicron has raised new considerations. Mark Strassmann experiences.
(Start VT)
MARK STRASSMANN (voice-over): Lastly, a COVID replace not steeped in dread.
JEFF ZIENTS (White Home COVID-19 Response Coordinator): We proceed to maneuver towards a time when COVID will not disrupt our each day lives, a time when COVID is not a disaster.
MARK STRASSMANN: New COVID circumstances down sharply, hospitalizations down encouragingly, however Omicron's total milder influence comes with a qualifier:
DR. ROCHELLE WALENSKY (CDC Director): Milder doesn't imply gentle. And we can't look previous the pressure on our well being programs and substantial variety of deaths.
MARK STRASSMANN: A wintry sorrow. We're now averaging 2,300 COVID deaths a day, many preventable.
WOMAN: We've been making an attempt to scream on the high of our lungs to say how dangerous it's.
MARK STRASSMANN: Roughly 100 million eligible Individuals have but to get absolutely vaccinated.
GOVERNOR MIKE DEWINE (R-Ohio): We've carried out the whole lot that we might. In the end, the choice does come again right down to the person, what alternative they need to make.
MARK STRASSMANN: After two months of runaway infections, Omicron is usually stress-free its headlock on American life. Solely 9 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, nonetheless require indoor masking, no matter vaccination standing. San Francisco will ease its masks mandate beginning Tuesday. And, in Roanoke, Virginia:
MAN: It is time to cease refusing mother and father their proper to mother or father.
MARK STRASSMANN: The varsity board agreed. Masking is optionally available beginning subsequent month. However day care facilities stay worrisome, with children too younger for vaccines. The CDC's new steering: Suppliers ought to get boosted and examined a minimum of as soon as every week.
(Finish VT)
MARK STRASSMANN: One thing to regulate, a brand new subvariant nicknamed Stealth Omicron.Detected in roughly half the states, preliminary findings present it is much more contagious. This really is the virus that would not go away -- Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Mark Strassmann, thanks. We go now to former FDA commissioner and Pfizer board member Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who made it out of the snowstorm in Connecticut and down right here to Washington, D.C. this morning. That's dedication, physician. Thanks.
DR. SCOTT GOTTLIEB: Thanks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: There's a new variant of concern BA2. The CDC says it is already right here in the USA. How involved can we must be?
DR. SCOTT GOTTLIEB: You realize, the query is, does this variation the choice area? I do not suppose it does. I do not suppose it actually adjustments the narrative. It perhaps, maybe extends the tail on the decline that we're seeing throughout the nation. There's some important questions. Is it extra contagious? It seems to be extra contagious. Information out of Denmark from the Serum Institute suggests it is about 1.5 instances extra contagious than the pressure of Omicron that has made it across the US–
MARGARET BRENNAN: which is already so transmissible.
DR. GOTTLIEB: Precisely. Does it evade our immune system? Does it evade the immunity that we have acquired from Omicron an infection or the vaccines? A lot of the proof up to now, it is preliminary, suggests it does. And in reality, there's knowledge out of the U.Okay. that implies that a absolutely boosted individual could also be extra protected in opposition to this new variant than they have been in opposition to the unique pressure of Omicron. After which the ultimate query is, is it extra virulent? Is it extra harmful? And up to now, primarily based on what we have seen out of Denmark and the U.Okay., that are amassing superb knowledge on this, it does not seem like a extra virulent pressure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So for those who had Omicron, are you able to be reinfected with this model?
DR. GOTTLIEB: You have to be protected. So the mutations on this new model should not within the receptor binding area on the spike protein. That is the portion of the spike protein that we develop our greatest antibodies in opposition to that neutralize the virus. A lot of the mutations are in a separate a part of the spike protein referred to as the N-terminal area. So for those who had Omicron an infection, you must have safety in opposition to subsequent an infection from this new variant. That is why I do not suppose that is going to create an enormous wave of an infection. What's prone to occur is as we have been coming down, and coming down fairly sharply in elements of the Northeast, Florida, the mid-Atlantic, you may see as this new pressure begins to select up, you may see that we begin to decelerate in that decline, however the decline will occur nonetheless. Proper now, it represents most likely about 5 % of infections within the US, and now we have a lot Omicron immunity that is most likely going to be a backstop in opposition to this actually taking off.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, , we have talked about it there each time that there's an an infection, these baby care facilities must shut down. That creates sensible issues for folks who need to exit and take part within the financial system. They need to present up for work. I imply, this can be a drag for the nation. The CDC issued new steering to baby care facilities. It beneficial toddlers stay masked. It lowered the advice for isolation post-infection to about 5 days. Is that this prudent? Is that this good well being coverage together with financial coverage?
DR. GOTTLIEB: Look, I believe they're doing all they will do, however the steering actually focuses on making an attempt to forestall unfold throughout the daycare middle. I believe we have to focus just a little bit extra consideration on making an attempt to forestall introduction into these settings, as a result of when you get an an infection in that setting it is exhausting to manage. You realize, you have bought children who do not put on masks very properly. I believe it is exhausting to ask a two or three yr outdated to put on a masks. Even for those who hold them in social pods, they'll play collectively, so it is exhausting to manage transmission inside that setting. I believe we needs to be focusing extra on making an attempt to maintain the an infection out within the first place.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, however to that time, and , as a result of I ask you nearly each week as a result of my very own children cannot get vaccinated, that that is simply going to proceed to be a danger proper till the youngest kids, 4 and below can get a vaccine. So this portion of the puzzle, and if a vaccine is greenlit for the youngest Individuals, does it unlock the whole lot else? Does this begin to transfer us again to regular?
DR. GOTTLIEB: I do not suppose it unlocks the whole lot else for a few causes. Primary, rather a lot of- we're seeing quite a lot of mother and father with younger children do not get their children vaccinated. Solely about 25 % of youngsters 5 to 11 have been vaccinated. It has been very disappointing. About 18 % have been absolutely vaccinated. So I believe that there is going to be some hesitation with the youngest children as properly. We won't absolutely clarify it. Additionally, whereas the vaccines forestall an infection, so a completely boosted grownup has most likely a 50 % decrease likelihood of getting contaminated within the first place with that vaccine. They don't seem to be- They don't seem to be 90 % protecting and doubtless within the youthful children, they'll be rather less protecting in opposition to an infection. So you are still going to see children be capable to get contaminated even when they're vaccinated. What the vaccine goes to do is shield them from dangerous outcomes. And we have seen quite a lot of dangerous outcomes with children. There may be some indication for those who take heed to federal well being officers that they might be rethinking the vaccine in zero- in six months to 4 years outdated. And I am hopeful that you may see some motion on making an attempt to entertain that utility earlier. In the end, the choice resides with FDA, however there's some indication that there could also be an early response on that utility.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Dr. Fauci stated this week the best- that it could be a 3 dose routine for the youngest. You stated finest case could be March. Are you sticking with that?
DR. GOTTLIEB: Nicely, look, if the- if federal well being officers within the company determine to authorize this on the premise of two doses, it might be out a lot sooner. And I believe the choice matrix has modified across the vaccine for six months to 4 yr olds. And as far as we all know that the vaccine is not as protecting at stopping an infection. Beforehand, we had knowledge exhibiting that the childhood vaccine for four- six months to 4 years wasn't as protecting in opposition to an infection because the grownup vaccine. That is the explanation why they pushed it out and requested for that third dose, however now, if the objective of the vaccine is to get baseline immunity within the children to forestall actually dangerous outcomes, and also you're actually not utilizing the vaccine as a instrument to forestall an infection within the first place, two doses might do this. Getting two doses into a baby can present baseline immunity that protects them from extreme illness from hospitalization. And I believe that could be why federal well being officers are rethinking this if in truth they determine to authorize this on the premise of two doses. It might be out a lot sooner, maybe as early as early March.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That might be an enormous improvement. We talked about there, our Mark Strassmann was reporting on San Francisco being the primary main metropolis to roll again its indoor masks mandate. Right here in D.C. that simply prolonged it to the top of February, a minimum of. Is there a transparent benchmark but for when well being measures needs to be lifted?
DR. GOTTLIEB: Yeah, that is going to be an actual problem. So proper now you take a look at quite a lot of federal well being steering, and it says that these measures needs to be lifted when there's low prevalence. The CDC defines low prevalence as 10 circumstances per 100,000 individuals per day. That was the outdated measure within the age of Omicron, with a way more contagious variant and with the truth that the inhabitants has quite a lot of immunity, so we're much less prone total, we could have to rethink that. We could have to determine that after we get to twenty circumstances per 100,000 per day, that could be the purpose at which we begin to withdraw this stuff. I am not so positive we'll get to 10 anytime quickly. Proper now, Washington, D.C. is at 50, New York's at 75. With this new homegrown pressure that is circulating, we could stall out round 20, and that could be the purpose the place now we have to contemplate withdrawing quite a lot of these measures.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK, Dr. Gottlieb, thanks a lot.
DR. GOTTLIEB: Thanks rather a lot. Good to see you.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Good to see you in individual. And FACE THE NATION shall be again in a single minute.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: President Biden has promised to call a black girl to switch Supreme Court docket Justice Stephen Breyer. Contenders embrace Ketanji Brown Jackson of Washington, D.C., Leondra Kruger of California, and Michelle Childs of South Carolina. The one potential nominee that the White Home has publicly acknowledged being into account is Childs.
South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham joins us from Clemson, South Carolina, this morning. Good morning to you, Senator.
SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Good morning.
MARGARET BRENNAN: As , arising on this program, Congressman Jim Clyburn, he has stated repeatedly in interviews that South Carolina Federal District Choose Michelle Childs, not solely as somebody he likes, however that each South Carolina Republican senators will assist her. So he is speaking about you. Did you inform him you are a sure vote on Childs?
SEN. GRAHAM: This is what I will inform him and the nation, I- I am unable to consider a greater individual for President Biden to contemplate for the Supreme Court docket than Michelle Childs. She has vast assist in our state. She's thought of to be a good minded, extremely gifted jurist. She's some of the first rate individuals I've ever met. It could be good for the courtroom to have someone who's not at Harvard or Yale. She's a graduate of the College of South Carolina, a public schooling background. She's been a employees comp decide. She's extremely certified. She's a very good character. And we'll see how she does if she's nominated. However I can't say something dangerous about Michelle Childs. She is an superior individual.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That- that seems like fairly near sure. You are a sure vote?
SEN. GRAHAM: Nicely, what I do not know if she's going to be nominated–
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yeah.
SEN. GRAHAM: if she's nominated, she is not going to be handled like Choose Kavanaugh, I promise you, by Republicans. Let's have a look at how she does on the listening to. However I believe I've made it fairly clear that I am an enormous admirer of–
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure, you probably did–
SEN. GRAHAM: Choose Charles. And I would prefer to see the courtroom have- a have much more steadiness, some frequent sense on it. All people does not must be from Harvard, Yale–
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yeah.
SEN. GRAHAM: It is okay to go to a public college and get your legislation diploma.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, you will have been glowing in your descriptions, however your colleague, Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, stated selecting a feminine black Supreme Court docket justice is affirmative racial discrimination. He questioned her- any potential impartiality from any of the candidates named. Nikki Haley of South Carolina additionally tweeted the president mustn't have a race or gender litmus check. President Reagan promised to appoint a girl, Sandra Day O'Connor. So why is that this completely different?
SEN. GRAHAM: Nicely, it is not completely different to me. Put me within the camp of constructing positive the courtroom and different establishments appear like America. You realize, we make an actual effort as Republicans to recruit girls and folks of colour to make the social gathering look extra like America. Affirmative motion is selecting someone not as properly certified for previous wrongs. Michelle qual- Childs is extremely certified. There is not any affirmative motion element for those who choose her. She is extremely certified. And President Reagan stated working for workplace that he wished to place the primary feminine on the courtroom. Whether or not you prefer it or not, Joe Biden stated, I'll choose an African-American girl to serve on the Supreme Court docket. I consider there are many certified African-American girls, conservative and liberal, that might go onto the courtroom. So I do not concede- I do not see Michelle Childs as an act of affirmative motion. I do see placing a black girl on the courtroom, making the courtroom extra like America. Within the historical past of our nation, we have solely had 5 girls serve and two African-American males, so let's make the courtroom extra like America. However qualifications must be the- the- the most important consideration. And as to Michelle Childs, I believe she's certified–
MARGARET BRENNAN: All proper.
SEN. GRAHAM: by each measure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: All proper, Senator, I need to transfer on to Ukraine. Senator Menendez, Democrat, on one other program this morning, stated they're nearing bipartisan settlement on a package deal of sanctions, a few of which might put sanctions on Russia now, some later. I do know you are a part of the talks. I do know you need sanctions now. So what precisely are you pushing for? What must be hit?
SEN. GRAHAM: Extra. Extra in opposition to Russia, extra for Ukraine. There's bipartisan assist to sanction Russia now. They're dismembering the Ukraine by the invasion- the specter of invasion. It is 2022, for God's sake. You possibly can't get your manner by threatening to invade a rustic. So, punish Putin now extra, weapons to the Ukraine now to allow them to defend themselves, extra financial assist to the Ukrainian financial system in order that they can- they will take care of the specter of invasion and extra troops to NATO. As Putin tries to dismantle NATO and divide NATO, I assist President Biden's choice to ship extra troops in to strengthen NATO. He is making an attempt to destroy a neighboring democracy. He hates democracy- Putin. And I'll simply say this to President Putin. Should you invade the Ukraine, you'll destroy the flexibility of future presidents to deal with you and Russia as regular. You will lengthy for the nice outdated days of the Chilly Conflict as a result of each president sooner or later will pound you and each Congress sooner or later will pound you for those who dismantle this democracy. So watch out what you want for, my buddy.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, sturdy phrases there. We all know President Biden is already taking a look at sanctions after an invasion. He is taking a look at sovereign debt gross sales, hitting oligarchs near Vladimir Putin, the banks that deal with important industries and- on high of export import restrictions. Is that this sufficient or are you saying you are pushing President Biden additional?
SEN. GRAHAM: The bipartisan working group will submit sanctions now. Look what Putin has carried out. He is dismantled–
MARGARET BRENNAN: On what particularly, although?
SEN. GRAHAM: he is hurting the- Oh, an array of pre-invasion sanctions, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is a money cow for Putin, that'll most likely be after the invasion, knocking them out of economic programs that they might want to conduct enterprise usually, the Swift program. All of that is on the desk, however the–
MARGARET BRENNAN: European allies do not assist that.
SEN. GRAHAM: It's 20. Nicely, the Congress has a unique view right here. I need sanctions on Putin's conduct now. What's Putin doing? He is threatening- he is warning to get his manner by threatening it to invade a rustic. That is 2022, for God's sake. That is not the best way to resolve disputes. So, I believe there will be bipartisan assist for sanctions now. There'd be a bipartisan assist for more- extra deadly assist now to the Ukraine, extra financial help for the federal government now.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yeah.
SEN. GRAHAM: And I believe there's bipartisan assist to strengthen NATO.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK, properly, in your model of a invoice, what would set off invasion? Proper? As a result of there's an array of choices Vladimir Putin's taking a look at. Does a cyberattack set off sanctions?
SEN. GRAHAM: A cyber assault in opposition to the USA could be an act of struggle, and we will reply in type. I'm bored with Putin, China and North Korea attacking us. In the event that they blew up a pipeline that might be an act of struggle. Nicely, for those who shut it down by way of a cyber assault, it is the identical end result.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However a cyberattack in Ukraine?
SEN. GRAHAM: My Russian friends- Yeah. Nicely, any- any assault on the sovereignty of a nation, any assault on their important infrastructure, any assault on their capacity to do enterprise. However he must be sanctioned now. What's he carried out? He is utilizing the specter of pressure of arms to get his manner. That needs to be outlawed in 2022. Hear, I need to assist President Biden to the- to the total extent potential, however the Congress is able to sanction Putin now. However there shall be extra sanctions come if he invades. And I'll finish with this level: Should you invade the Ukraine, if Russia invades the Ukraine, no future president, no future Congress–
MARGARET BRENNAN: Yeah.
SEN. GRAHAM: will provide you with a cross. It would change the connection without end.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator, greater than 730 individuals have been charged by the Justice Division for his or her function within the assault on the Capitol on January Sixth to cease–
SEN. GRAHAM: Proper.
MARGARET BRENNAN: the certification of our election. Final evening, President Trump, at a rally, stated this.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: If I run and if I win, we'll deal with these individuals from January Sixth pretty. And if it requires pardons, we'll give them pardons as a result of they're being handled so unfairly.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Pardons? Do you agree?
SEN. GRAHAM: No, I do not need to ship any sign that it was OK to defile the Capitol. There are different teams with causes that will need to go right down to the violent path that these individuals get pardoned.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However is not that a harmful factor to say?
SEN. GRAHAM: Kamala Harris- Yeah. Nicely, I believe it is inappropriate. I- I do not need to reinforce that defiling the Capitol was OK. I do not need to do something that might make this extra doubtless sooner or later. And simply let me end my thought right here. When Kamala Harris and her associates and the folks that work for her, her staffers, raised cash to bail out the rioters who hit cops within the head and burned down shops. I did not like that both. So I do not need to do something from elevating bail to pardoning individuals who take the legislation into their very own palms as a result of it would make extra violence extra doubtless. I need to deter individuals who did what–
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
SEN. GRAHAM: on January the Sixth. And people who did it, I hope they go to jail and get the guide thrown at them as a result of they deserve it.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That was clear, Senator, earlier than I allow you to go, I need to ask you. The District Legal professional in Georgia has- in Fulton County has gotten clearance to arrange a grand jury to analyze President Trump. She says she needs to speak to you about that cellphone name you made to Georgia's secretary of state ten days after the election, are you going to cooperate?
SEN. GRAHAM: Yeah give me a name. Yeah, I talked- I requested about how the system labored when it got here to mail in voting- balloting. The January 6 committee was not the 911 committee. After 911, we got here collectively, we shaped a bipartisan committee after the subsequent election--
MARGARET BRENNAN: I used to be speaking about Georgia although.
SEN. GRAHAM: So what is going on on Georgia and the January Sixth- Yeah. I do know, however there's an effort right here to make use of the legislation, I believe inappropriately. So I do not know what they'll do in Fulton County. I do not know what the Jan. 6 committee goes to do. I anticipate those that defile the Capitol to be prosecuted. However there is a political motion utilizing the legislation to attempt to knock Trump out of working. And I, notably, do not prefer it or recognize it.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK, Senator, thanks for becoming a member of us at this time. We'll be proper again with Congressman James Clyburn.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We go now to Democratic Whip Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina. Good morning to you Congressmen. You have been vocal in your endorsement of Federal District Choose Michelle Childs the White Home acknowledged she's being checked out. Senator Graham simply gave her a glowing suggestion. Have you ever spoken to President Biden about her?
HOUSE MAJORITY WHIP JIM CLYBURN: Sure, I did it a number of months in the past. I've not spoken to him not too long ago about her, despatched him or despatched the White Home a letter 13 months in the past.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Okay.
REP. CLYBURN: And he and I've been speaking about it for a number of months.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You and I are going to speak about her and the entire course of extra in only a second. However I've to hit this fast business break and we'll have an prolonged dialog on the opposite aspect of it. So stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome again to Face the Nation. We proceed our dialog with Democratic Whip, Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina. Good morning. Thanks for sticking with us by way of that break.
HOUSE MAJORITY WHIP JIM CLYBURN: Thanks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You had simply shared that you just'd spoken to President Biden months in the past with Michelle Childs, a candidate we all know for this potential spot on the Supreme Court docket. Extra broadly, you have been the person who actually exacted this promise throughout the marketing campaign from President Biden. What do you suppose placing this sort of range on the courtroom the primary black girl does for the nation?
REP. CLYBURN: Nicely, it says to each little baby up there rising up below reasonable circumstances, needing all the group assist elevate it, getting scholarships to go as much as faculty as a result of she could not afford to go in any other case, going to public colleges since you did not get a suggestion from one of many large personal colleges. It says to them, you have bought simply as a lot of an opportunity to learn from the greatness of this nation as everyone else. As you most likely know, I've made it the motto of my service; making America's greatness accessible and inexpensive for all Individuals. And that is what this can do. That is the form of dialog I had with candidate Biden manner again when he was working for president. In truth, we had these conversations when he was serving as vice chairman that he got here up below modest circumstances- Scranton, Pennsylvania, then in Delaware. And look, he ought to have as a lot alternative as everyone else.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
REP. CLYBURN: That is one of many issues that drawed me to him.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, we all know the president has stated he'll make his choose public by the top of February. That matches proper properly with that March 1st State of the Union deal with. As Whip, what else are you going to have the ability to ship to the president to- to kind of announce that date? Are you able to revive any portion of construct again higher, which is totally stalled in the mean time.
REP. CLYBURN: I hope we will. It is potential the opponents of the massive package deal have talked about issues that they will assist. As an example, baby tax credit score. Joe Manchin has made it very clear that if we have been to meet- make it means examined that he might comply with it. So that is the means check it. He is already stated that he agrees with us closing the so-called protection hole, in order that these people who find themselves eligible for Medicaid or in states that cannot- didn't increase the Medicaid, that they may have well being care. So if we will do these issues, let's do them. I am not-
MARGARET BRENNAN: By March 1st?
REP. CLYBURN: I am sorry?
MARGARET BRENNAN: By March 1st?
REP. CLYBURN: Sure, we will do this by March 1st. You are able to do it subsequent week. We return all this week. We return on Tuesday. What I am speaking about might be carried out in a number of days, if not a number of hours.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We shall be waiting for that. I need to ask you about one thing
REP. CLYBURN:I did not say I used to be going to be carried out. (LAUGHTER) It may be carried out.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, we'll watch you to see if it really shall be carried out, sir. You have repeatedly stated that black girls are the spine of the Democratic Celebration. And you've got talked about this Supreme Court docket nomination because the form of issues that Democrats might have. You realize, the failure to get voting rights laws handed, the failure to agree on a police reform invoice. Do you are feeling that Democrats want this nomination and that it's going to make a distinction going into the midterms, given these different guarantees weren't delivered on?
REP. CLYBURN: As- I actually do consider that. I believed that two years in the past, it's why I suggested then Candidate Biden to place that into his marketing campaign. And also you recall the primary time he ever stated that was on the South Carolina debate the twenty fifth of February-
MARGARET BRENNAN: I keep in mind I used to be there.
REP. CLYBURN - 0f 2020. OK. Nicely, I suggested that. Now lots of people advised him to not do it. However his guts advised him as he advised me, once you develop up with the form of expertise the 2 of us have had, then your guts telling you some issues, and generally individuals didn't have these experiences they might not really feel. So he did it, and it made all of the distinction on this planet and it is nonetheless making an enormous distinction.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, speaking about these midterms and the necessity for a win right here, I need to ask you about Jamie Harrison, the top of the Democratic Celebration, proper now. I do know he labored for you for years on Capitol Hill. You are near him. You are a mentor. He is reportedly contemplating leaving that job forward of the midterm races due to disagreements with the White Home. Do you suppose the DNC wants new management?
REP. CLYBURN: I don't. I believe he's precisely what we want for this social gathering at this specific juncture. I additionally know he like all of us on this enterprise. He has his detractors. I've mine. It doesn't suggest that he's incorrect or they're incorrect. It implies that individuals have completely different approaches to doing issues. And so Jamie Harrison is there. He won't ever run. He believes in preventing relatively than switching.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You might be being very diplomatic in your reply there. Again in November, you advised the AP, "Jaime Harrison is aware of methods to do the job. I concern he might not be allowed to do the job. He is being hamstrung by individuals who by no means ran for something." Who're these individuals whose standing in his manner?
REP. CLYBURN: I am not going to call these individuals, I believe it is not-
MARGARET BRENNAN:Is it the White Home?
REP. CLYBURN: No, I am not saying who it's, I'm saying that each one of us, I had the identical drawback each time I run for election, speaking to my grandson simply yesterday, telling me what he thought I must do now. I stated now, when is the final time you have been out asking anyone for his or her vote? So we don't essentially consider in the entire consultants and the individuals who run issues. Jamie Harrison ran a really bruising race with the gentleman you simply had on right here. He is aware of what it's to run. He is aware of what it's to lose. And I am the identical manner I misplaced thrice earlier than I bought elected. So I do know what it's to lose an election and I do know what's to come back again from the election. So Jamie Harrison is simply what we want.
MARGARET BRENNAN: All proper, congressman, thanks on your time at this time.
REP. CLYBURN Thanks very a lot for having me.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We'll be proper again in a second.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: Turning now to the tensions in Ukraine. The diplomatic backwards and forwards continues, and NATO allies are contemplating sending extra troops to the area. This as Moscow continues to ship weapons and gear. Holly Williams is close to Donbas (Sp?), near the entrance strains.
HOLLY WILLIAMS: Good morning. Right here in jap Ukraine, individuals don't appear to be panicking, and maybe that is as a result of they have been dwelling with Russian aggression for years. However they're making preparations for a potential Russian invasion.
(BEGIN VT)
HOLLY WILLIAMS (voice over): Extra Russian fighter jets arrived in Belarus this week on Ukraine's northern border. Moscow says for army workout routines subsequent month. That is when President Biden believes there is a distinct risk Russia might invade. The secretary of protection warned of unconventional techniques, like staged incidents that Russia might use as a pretext to maneuver in.
LLOYD AUSTIN, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: That is straight out of the Russian playbook. They usually're not fooling us.
HOLLY WILLIAMS: With tensions reaching a crescendo, Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, laid a wreath for the fallen throughout the Second World Conflict. Russia nonetheless maintains it has no plans to invade its neighbor, however that does not clarify the roughly 100,000 Russian troops amassed on Ukraine's border, whereas Russia army drills on land and at sea have set off alarm bells. Specialists say they've beforehand been a prelude to an incursion.
LLOYD AUSTIN: And Mr. Putin can do the fitting factor as properly. There is not any motive that this case has to devolve into battle. He can select to de-escalate.
HOLLY WILLIAMS: There are 8,500 American troops on heightened alert. NATO says it is sending extra fighter jets and ships to strengthen jap Europe. And aircraft a great deal of army gear have been arriving in in Kyiv, together with Javelin anti-tank missiles.
(END VT)
HOLLY WILLIAMS: Ukraine's authorities is just not ruling out an escalation, however continues to induce calm. The nation's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, accused different world leaders of sowing panic late final week and placing Ukraine's financial system in danger. Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Holly Williams, thanks. We're now joined by Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the USA. Good morning to you, Ambassador. Thanks for being right here.
AMBASSADOR OKSANA MARKAROVA: Good morning. Good morning.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Employees, Mark Milley, says he hasn't seen a army buildup like this because the Chilly Conflict: Artillery, ballistic missiles, floor air forces. He stated the influence could be horrific if Russia makes use of these. However President Zelensky stood up and stated Russia could merely be making use of psychological stress. Why is your president downplaying the chance?
AMB. MARKAROVA: We aren't downplaying the chance. We really see the state of affairs the identical manner and we see the construct up and we additionally know what Russia is able to as a result of they've attacked us already. Since 2014, for eight years, we're at struggle and we're defending our nation. On the similar time, with the intention to defend our nation, we can't afford to panic. We've to prepare. All of us, not solely our army, our very succesful army and veterans, but in addition all civilians. So we all know and we see what is going on on. That is the fact with which we stay for eight years. That is the fact of this current escalation since April. So we monitor it. We assess it. We share the data with our mates and allies. We're very grateful for the USA, for very sturdy relations, sturdy relations and robust response this time.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However your president stated Ukraine's grateful for assist, however I am unable to be like different politicians who're grateful to the USA only for being the USA. What does he imply by that? As a result of it sounds rather a lot like there's some friction right here.
AMB. MARKAROVA: There isn't a friction. I imply, look, we will have some discussions and we will have distinction of opinions. However United States is our strategic associate, and I might even say strategic buddy, primary. Our relationships, particularly over the past yr, has been on the highest stage ever, I might say in 30 years.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However the White Home says- they issued an announcement: "On the similar time, President Zelensky is downplaying the chance of invasion, he is asking for lots of of tens of millions of dollars in weapons to defend in opposition to one. "We expect it is essential to be open and candid about that risk."
AMB. MARKAROVA: We're open and candid and we're discussing it with our companions right here. Once more, we simply can't afford to panic. So we're getting ready for any choices. And once more, as I stated, we all know what Russians are able to, However let's be very clear right here, we all know who aggressor is and everybody is aware of who aggressor is. It is Russia. With the USA, particularly and with different companions and allies, we could have distinction of opinions on when to introduce sanctions, we could have distinction of opinions on some points, however these are pleasant, open and candid discussions–
MARGARET BRENNAN: You do–
AMB. MARKAROVA: and we actually worth this.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I need to perceive what you want now. What are you asking the White Home for?
AMB. MARKAROVA: It is the identical now we have been asking for eight years, however particularly this yr, , sturdy three ranges of deterrence: political, financial and army defensive. So sturdy political messages. And we're very glad that this yr U.S. is definitely taking energetic function in negotiations.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However you are when it comes to what you are asking U.S. taxpayers for. The chairman of your parliament wrote a letter to eight senators, together with one among them on this program, asking for air protection, anti-ship, anti-armor capabilities, versatile loans, financing mechanisms. Is that this a proper request out of your authorities? Is what the White Home supplying you with not adequate?
AMB. MARKAROVA: Nicely, for those who take a look at the assertion by our presidents once they met within the White Home, you will notice plenty of these points within the joint assertion. Additionally, you will see it within the framework settlement that we signed. So we're merely discussing what we already agreed with the USA, and we're discussing methods to implement it
MARGARET BRENNAN: To be very clear, you might be asking Congress and also you have been asking the White Home to place sanctions on Russia proper now to not watch for an invasion. Is that proper?
MARKAROVA: We ask each. Russia is there. Russia illegally occupied Crimea. Russia illegally occupies along with their managed individuals, elements of Donetsk and Luhansk territories, they usually did not change their conduct throughout the eight years. So sure, we consider the premise for sanctions is there.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You advised me earlier than you suppose a cyber assault will proceed any army motion? What precisely are you getting ready for? As a result of the US is warning this might have world influence.
AMB. MARKAROVA: Nicely, along with army assaults, we expertise it since 2014 and particularly now, Russia engages in cyber assaults or form of hybrid struggle, cyber disinformation, all types of data campaigns. Not too long ago, couple of weeks in the past, plenty of Ukrainian ministers have been attacked and defaced. The assault has been wider than that, and our safety sources, along with our companions from the U.S., are taking a look at that individual assault. Nevertheless it's one among many. We're below fixed assault, particularly within the our on-line world. And we're making an attempt the whole lot potential and doing the whole lot potential to strengthen our capabilities there as properly.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You are saying the struggle has already began.
AMB. MARKAROVA: In 2014, when Crimea has been attacked and when Crimea has been illegally occupied or annexed, as Russia says, that has been the beginning of the struggle.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So if Vladimir Putin does launch an additional assault on Ukraine, do you consider he'll cease there?
AMB. MARKAROVA: Nicely, the explanation why Putin attacked us is just not as a result of he needs Ukraine, or solely Ukraine. The rationale he attacked us is as a result of now we have chosen to be a democracy and now we have the Euro-Atlantic and European aspirations. So it is an assault on democracy, and I consider no person is protected if Ukraine shall be attacked. We don't need to be a part of the Soviet Union or the Russian Empire or the Russian Federation. We need to be sovereign, we're sovereign and we're preventing for our independence. And if Ukraine shall be additional attacked by Russia, after all they won't cease in Ukraine- after Ukraine. In order that's why it is within the curiosity of Europe and all democratic world to assist us to defend ourselves, but in addition to point out that the worldwide rule of legislation nonetheless works.
MARGARET BRENNAN: All proper. Ambassador, thanks very a lot on your time at this time.
AMB. MARKAROVA: Thanks and thanks to all of your viewers and all American individuals for assist.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We'll be again in a second.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: We go now to Victoria Nuland, the State Division undersecretary for political affairs. Good morning to you, ambassador.
AMBASSADOR VICTORIA NULAND: Good morning, Margaret. Good to be with you.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We heard from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs this week that Russia has given itself the potential if it wished for a full invasion, not simply an incursion. What's the US evaluation at this level? Has Vladimir Putin decided on what to do subsequent?
AMB. NULAND: Margaret, we do not consider he is but decided, however as he has carried out previously, he is given himself each choice, together with, because the chairman stated, an enormous potential invasion of all of Ukraine, together with cyber assaults, together with incursion from Belarus, the place he's shifting as much as thirty thousand troops there as properly. So now we have to be ready for all choices.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So there isn't a signal but of any form of de-escalation.
AMB. NULAND: Quite the opposite, he is moved extra forces since we have been encouraging him to de-escalate. That stated, Margaret, as , we did ship our diplomatic proposal to Russia, as did NATO this week. We have heard some indicators that the Russians are considering partaking on that proposal, together with the truth that Secretary Blinken and International Minister Lavrov will doubtless converse this week. So once more, here is, here is the place we're. We need to settle these points by way of diplomacy, by way of arms management. Putin's given himself that choice, however he is additionally given himself the choice of a significant invasion. So now we have to be prepared for that, too.
MARGARET BRENNAN: How vital is the chance that Russia could deploy tactical nuclear weapons to to the border? Is there any indication of that kind of buildup?
AMB. NULAND: We've not seen nuclear weapons transfer. There have been some free speak from people in Russia. However as , Russia already has tactical tactical nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad and elsewhere that may vary Europe.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You realize, precisely. I believe that is an essential level to make to point out the potential of this sort of battle. Are you able to kind of put in perspective what the technique is right here? As a result of President Biden has stated he isn't sending fight troops to Ukraine. He is speaking about shifting probably a small variety of troops into allied international locations within the area. Is that this about containing the risk from turning into a regional struggle?
AMB. NULAND: Nicely, to begin with, Margaret, with regard to the diplomatic proposal, , Putin put ahead and publicly the entire issues that he is considering. Our response and NATO's response agrees to interact him on a lot of this stuff that you've got talked about. We've stated, let's speak concerning the medium and quick vary missiles, the risk you are feeling from us, the risk we really feel from you. Let's discuss how we will de-escalate, with regard to workout routines, with regard to army deployments, let's have that dialog on a reciprocal foundation. However we even have to organize, as I stated. So what we have been doing is first, given Ukraine the sorts of defensive deadly gear that they want so as to have the ability to make this if Russia makes that large mistake and strikes in a really bloody battle and sluggish Moscow's function. So defensive deadly gear like anti-tank, like anti-air, all of those sorts of issues. We've additionally labored with our European allies on an enormous package deal of financial sanctions in order that if he does transfer on Ukraine, he'll really feel it acutely, as will the Russian individuals when it comes to their financial system. It would have a crushing blow on them, and we're additionally getting ready inside NATO's territory as a result of clearly now we have a sacred and sovereign accountability to guard our NATO allies and with the form of forces that he is shifting. They're coming additionally nearer to the borders of our Baltic allies Poland, Romania, Hungary, so now we have to be prepared.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Understood. Ukraine's President Zelensky stated Friday that his nation is conscious of those dangers, however they do not need panic. Do you are feeling that's what the White Home is doing right here? Have you ever resolved this sort of friction with the Ukrainians? You do not need to have divide with an ally right here.
AMB. NULAND: Panic is just not a coverage, as one among my bosses as soon as stated, what we have to do is prudent planning, and that is what we're doing. That is what our NATO allies are doing. That is what we're encouraging Ukraine to do as properly. So, , on condition that Putin has made these strikes earlier than, whilst we encourage diplomacy, now we have to be prepared for the worst.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, it seems that the Senate can also be nearing a bipartisan settlement on a package deal of sanctions, a few of which might hit Russia. Now some publish administrate... post-invasion. The administration has wished to attend and maintain on to sanctions as leverage. Will the president veto this invoice? I imply, what would the influence be?
AMB. NULAND: We're working intensively with the Congress on this piece of laws that we anticipate shall be very properly aligned with what we're additionally constructing with our NATO allies and companions. I might say that one of many strengths of U.S. coverage vis-a-vis Ukraine going again some 30 years, however notably on this occasion, has been that we have had a very sturdy bipartisan method to supporting Ukraine. We have had members of Congress on the market repeatedly over the past couple of weeks. However with regard to this package deal of sanctions, , deterrence is finest when there's just a little little bit of strategic ambiguity round precisely what we're going to do. So we have stated monetary measures, we have stated export controls, we have stated new sanctions on Russian elites. But when we put them on the desk now, then Russia will be capable to begin mitigating and that does not make any sense to us.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Ambassador Nuland, thanks on your time at this time. We'll be proper again.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: That is it for us at this time. Thanks for watching. Till subsequent week, for FACE THE NATION, I am Margaret Brennan.
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