On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that President Biden has still not made a decision on whether he will sign into law a bill that would declassify intelligence on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic that was unanimously passed in the House and Senate.
The hesitancy marks a stark contrast to the Biden administration’s pledge to “bring transparency and truth back to the government to share the truth, even when it’s hard to hear,” which was promised on the president’s first day in office.
“I know you were asked about this last week,” a reporter said to Jean-Pierre. “At that point, you all didn’t have an answer. I wonder if you do have an answer now as to whether or not the President will sign the COVID origins intelligence bill that was unanimously passed.”
“I know I was asked about it, I believe on the plane on Monday, as you just mentioned,” Jean-Pierre responded. “So, we’re looking at it. We have continued to share information with members of Congress.”
“And, as you know, just months after the President came into office, he asked his intelligence community to double down and to take a look of the — of the origins — of the COVID origins because we believe it’s important to get to the bottom of this,” she claimed. “And to get — and also, if — once we have — once the intelligence community has made the — made the assessments, clearly, we would share that with the public.”
“As it relates to the legislation, we’re going to continue to — we’re going to take a look at it. And, certainly, we’ll have more to share,” Jean-Pierre added.
“But you haven’t made a decision whether he will sign it or not?” the reporter asked.
“No, we’re — we’re just taking a look. We’re taking a look into the — into the bill,” Jean-Pierre said before moving on.
“I wonder if you do have an answer now as to whether or not the president will sign the covid origins intelligence bill that was unanimously passed?"
KJP: *dodges* pic.twitter.com/OJGScVbzo2
— Conservative War Machine (@WarMachineRR) March 16, 2023