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Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NY) Discusses Biden Laying Out Core Details of $1.75 Spending Plan & Progressives Pushing Back on Infrastructure Vote Without Social Spending Package; Jan 6th Committee Losing Patience with Mark Meadows As It Seeks His Testimony; Big Oil Executives Face Grilling over Climate Disinformation; Former NHL Player Reveals Alleged Abuse by Ex-Blackhawks Coach. Aired 1:30-2p ET

Aired October 28, 2021 - 13:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

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ERICA HILL, CNN HOST: Back now to our breaking news out of Capitol Hill. House progressives still pushing back on holding a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill without assurances that the social spending package will get through.

One, in fact, saying, hell no. Another said she feels bamboozled by cuts to the social spending bill.

Senator Bernie Sanders, we're learning, fighting to include provisions on drug pricing, which are currently out, and saying there shouldn't be an infrastructure bill yet because of that.

Joining us now, Democratic congressman from New Jersey, Josh Gottheimer. He's also the chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus.

My colleague, Jim Sciutto, was joking with you on Tuesday morning that you're always the most optimistic guy.

You were optimistic on Tuesday morning. You said to Jim, we've got to get a vote on this in terms of infrastructure this week. Your progressive colleagues are saying we're not voting for it.

What do you say to them?

REP. JOSH GOTTHEIMER (D-NY): Well, you know, I'm -- listen, I'm with the president on this. And he came to our caucus this morning and expects us to vote on this as he heads to Europe here. And when he lands, he wants us to have voted on this package.

I mean, you're talking about a bill that was supported with 69 votes in the Senate back in early August to fix our roads, our bridges, our water, broadband, help us fight climate change, right?

This is a historic once-in-a-century package. And he asks us to support it. The speaker has asked us to back it.

Obviously, right now, the White House and our leadership is working the votes. And at the same time, you know, we put out a framework for the other package, which is also really important.

As you know, that includes childcare and helping us fight climate change and reinstating the state and local tax deduction and universal pre-K, so much good for the country.

And bottom line, we need to get this done. This is a competitiveness point of view from the president. He said that competitiveness -- competitiveness versus complacency. And I think he's spot on about that.

HILL: Do you think he was missing something in his message this morning, specifically to progressives?

Even before going into the meeting from the Progressive Caucus, we heard from Congresswoman Jayapal, and she said, look, the two things we're not getting is any new information from the president.

She said she didn't hear anything new because it was the framework she already knew about and no firm support from Senators Manchin and Sinema.

GOTTHEIMER: I certainly don't think that's true. Senator Sinema has put out statements making it clear, at least to me -- and I don't speak for either one of them -- that they support it.

And the president represents that he backs it and he has assurances from them --

(CROSSTALK)

HILL: Senator Sinema didn't specifically say in that statement -- it was a very positive statement. I'll agree on that.

But she didn't say specifically -- unless there's a new statement that came out in the last 34 minutes that I missed. She didn't say I'm on board with this framework, I'm a definite yes, progressives, you should feel comfortable, I'm here.

GOTTHEIMER: Based on the conversations we're having and the fact she said, let's get it done, that seemed pretty clear to me.

But the bottom line is this. The president came to speak to us today.

And said, for the country, for our competitiveness, for, you know, our competitiveness with China, for our fight against climate change, for childcare, for fixing our infrastructure and getting two million people to work every year for the next decade, hard working men and women of labor, we need to get this done.

And I couldn't agree more with the president, which is why I think we should work all day and get a vote on this, as the speaker said to us today, that she will have a vote on this.

[13:35:04]

So I'm hoping that all my colleagues come together and do the right thing and get this done for the country. The country needs this win.

HILL: Based on your conversations with your colleagues, so Congresswoman Jayapal coming out of that meeting saying they would put together a resolution, right, about the framework.

Do you think that is enough? If there were a resolution that could be voted on, is that enough to get the votes for infrastructure, to get that to pass?

(CROSSTALK)

HILL: What's the juggling happening?

GOTTHEIMER: You know, I haven't seen obviously what she's said so it's hard for me to comment on it.

All I know is today we should be voting, as the president asked us to, before he lands, on the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which has been sitting here waiting for action since early August.

And he came to New Jersey this week where we're trying to get the Gateway Tunnel to replace the existing 113-year-old crumbling train tunnel between New York and New Jersey to get this new tunnel built.

You're talking about getting lead out of drinking water, out of our kids drinking water, and fixing our bridges in Jersey. A third of the bridges are considered unsafe, third worst roads in the country.

This is an issue, infrastructure, that's affecting our economy and competitiveness. That's what the president was talking about today. There's just no reason to hold this up.

Again, we have -- the president has assurances that he feels good about the framework he presented. I think he laid out a great case today.

And now it's time for us to get behind him for the good of the country and back this.

I can't speak what some of my colleagues and why they want to obstruct this. But bottom line the president asked to us deliver and I think we should.

HILL: Really quickly, before I let you go, Senator Sanders is holding out a little bit here because, as you know, wants something in this bill about prescription drug pricing.

Is there any wiggle room to get that back in?

GOTTHEIMER: I mean, again, I think -- based on what I'm aware of, there's things about prescription drugs, to get the costs down.

But you know, can't let the perfect be the enemy of the good become the reason -- for all the reasons they want to obstruct this and block it. I mean, that's up to them. I stand with the president, with the speaker, with leadership, who are

saying, let's get the vote today, let's get this done for the country, this great bipartisan bill. Let's get the win as the president lands in Europe.

I don't understand why they want to stop and block the president and our country from getting that win as the president goes overseas.

I can't speak for them. I'm hoping they change their mind about that and get the assurances that they need. But the bottom line is it's time for us to deliver for the country and get this done.

HILL: Congressman Josh Gottheimer, always good to have you with us. Appreciate it. Thank you.

GOTTHEIMER: Thanks for having me. Take care.

HILL: The group investigating the January 6th riots growing frustrated with former White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows. So could they force his cooperation? That's next.

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[13:42:28]

HILL: More breaking news out of Washington. This time, involving the January 6th investigation.

CNN has learned members of the Select House Committee are frustrated with the pace of talks with former White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows.

Some even considering whether more aggressive steps are needed to force his cooperation.

CNN's Ryan Nobles is following this for us.

Ryan, what more are we learning about not only the frustration but what could come out of that frustration?

RYAN NOBLES, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Erica, it's been more than a month since Mark Meadows was subpoenaed by the January 6th Select Committee.

And we're told that the talks between Meadow's attorneys and the attorneys for the Select Commit are stuck in neutral.

That they aren't finding progress finding a way for Meadows to cooperate with the committee by not only submitting documents they are looking for but also sitting down with a deposition with the committee.

And as a result, the committee is exploring what options it might take in order to compel that testimony.

And, of course, we've already seen the committee move quickly as it relates to other Trump associates, including Steve Bannon, who they have already referred a criminal contempt charge to the Department of Justice because of his lack of cooperation.

Now, Meadows is a different case. He, of course, was working in the White House on January 6th so there may be executive privilege complications that are different than Bannon's.

But Meadows is also at least engaged with the committee. He's had conversations with them. But as we've said, it's now been more than a month and no real progress has been made.

So the committee is trying to figure out exactly what steps they need to take. And many committee members are not ruling out a criminal contempt referral of Meadows as well.

Now, this is not to say that is going to happen any time soon. They have yet to set another deadline for Meadows to respond to that subpoena.

They said that they were granting him a short postponement from the original subpoena deadline.

Once that second deadline is set, Erica, that's when there will be real movement in terms of the next steps in terms of getting Meadows to comply with the committee's request -- Erica?

HILL: And we'll be looking for that.

Ryan, appreciate it.

Also happening on Capitol Hill, several big oil executives in the hot seat, facing tough questions from lawmakers about the climate crisis and potential misinformation, as to whether their industry is to blame.

Ahead of today's showdown, Democrats saying they hope to hold fossil fuel companies, quote, "accountable."

CNN's Renee Marsh is following the hearing and she joins us now.

A little heated in there at moments?

RENEE MARSH, CNN GOVERNMENT REGULATION CORRESPONDENT: Just a little.

Good to see you, Erica.

[13:44:58]

You know, at this point, what they really are looking for -- and "they," meaning the Democratic law enforcement -- is they are looking for some admissions from the oil and gas companies.

They want them to admit that they had some sort of involvement in this scheme of climate denial and misinformation.

And they also want commitments that they will cut financial ties with these outside trade groups, who are also spreading this sort of climate misinformation.

Take a listen to Representative Ro Khanna, who essentially set the tone for the hearing today.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. RO KHANNA (D-CA): Spare us the spin today, really. We have no interest in it. Spin doesn't work under oath.

In 1994, the CEOs of the seven largest tobacco companies appeared right here before our committee. They, too, faced a choice.

They chose to lie under oath, denying that nicotine was addictive. As I'm sure you realized, that didn't turn out too well for them.

Don't think of yourselves as the CEO. Just think of yourselves as human beings.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MARSH: So all of the companies acknowledge climate change. They all said that they support policies that would curb emissions. But they -- and they all also denied spreading any misinformation.

But they were all asked if they would commit to an audit, to essentially confirm that they are not funding any groups that are spreading climate misinformation, and they all declined that commitment -- Erica?

HILL: That is an interesting nugget right there.

Renee Marsh, good to see you. Thank you

A former NHL player breaking his silence, saying the Chicago Blackhawks prioritized winning over him, ignoring his allegations of sexual assault by a team coach. That revelation is next.

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[13:51:52]

HILL: In a show of strength and courage, former Chicago Blackhawks player, Kyle Beach, is coming forward publicly for the first time, speaking about an alleged sexual assault he suffered at the hands of a former coach in 2010.

We now know Beach is the unnamed player in a lawsuit that was filed against the NHL team earlier this year.

Beach was also part of an independent investigation which found senior leaders, coaching staff and management did, quote, "nothing," when Beach reported that Brad Aldrich, the team's video coach, had sexually assaulted him and harassed him.

During an emotional interview with broadcaster TSN, Beach spoke about why he decided to come forward. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KYLE BEACH, FORMER CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS PLAYER: I've been a survivor. I am a survivor. And I know I'm not alone. I know I'm not the only one, male or female.

And I buried this for 10 years, 11 years, and it's destroyed me from the inside out. And I want everybody to know in the sports world and in the world, that you're not alone.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: In response, the Blackhawks issuing a statement, which reads, in part, "We would like to acknowledge and commend Kyle Beach's courage in coming forward. No playoff game or championship is more important than protecting our players from predatory behavior."

Aldrich has maintained the sexual encounter with Beach when he was 20 years old at the time was consensual. When given the choice in 2010 to resign or face investigation, Aldrich chose to resign.

Joining us now is Rick Westhead. He's an investigative journalist, senior correspondent with TSN. He had that exclusive interview with Kyle Beach.

Rick, it's good to have you with us.

This is such a decision for Kyle Beach to come forward, speak publicly about this.

It also, I think, is really raising questions for people. I don't remember anything like this happening in the NHL, happening in hockey.

When you knew that he was ready to speak about this, what did he say?

RICK WESTHEAD, INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST & SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, TSN: Well, you know, it's interesting. This has happened before in hockey. In the late 1990s, a player named Sheldon Kennedy accused his former junior hockey coach of sexual abuse.

At the time, no one believed him. It wasn't until he got a conviction and Graham James was put into jail that people promised never again and this would be dealt with and sports would be made to be a safer space.

I don't know what lessons have been learned over the last 20 years but obviously there's still work to do.

In terms of Kyle Beach, when it came to coming forward, it just felt like the time for him. He had been living with this for 11 years.

We didn't know on Tuesday what the investigation report was going to show. And, again, the Blackhawks hired an independent law firm to look into these allegations.

That report -- I was concerned there wasn't going to be a lot of detail there. And I was surprised. I was speechless, actually, about how transparent the team actually was on Tuesday.

After that report came out, I contacted Kyle's lawyer, and I just said, I think this is the right time. You know, let's see if he'll come forward and be public and allow us to identify him.

[13:55:04]

And he agreed to do that. As you just saw, we did the interview yesterday.

HILL: You know, when I heard him say this destroyed me from inside, I mean, that just sits with you. It took such a toll on him, understandably, personally and also professionally.

He's still playing hockey, not in the NHL, in Germany, I believe.

You talk about what happened Tuesday, the G.M. resigned on Tuesday, I believe. The senior director of hockey is also out.

Later today, the commissioner of the NHL set to meet with the team's former head coach, who is still working in the league, coaching another team, which I think, for a lot of people, raises this red flag.

How does that happen?

WESTHEAD: Great question.

HILL: How is he still in that kind of position?

WESTHEAD: Great question. How does that happen? Let's remember, we're talking about Kyle living in this shame and pain for so many years.

It's not just Kyle. This is something that affects entire families. His marriage broke up. He wound up turning to illegal substances and alcohol.

And also, after the Blackhawks allowed this coach to leave the team quietly on his own terms, that coach, Brad Aldrich, went to a high school program in Michigan and worked as a volunteer coach on the high school team.

When he was there, he sexually abused a 16-year-old high school player and was convicted of sexual assault in that case.

If the Blackhawks had done the right thing and reported this, how many people after that fact would have been saved? And how many families would have been saved from having to go through this pain?

HILL: It's such an important question.

Look, really appreciate you taking the time to join us today, Rick.

You know, so much appreciation for Kyle Beach for deciding to speak up. But what a horrific position for him to be in, from the very beginning and for the last decade, having to deal with, you know, perhaps a lack of support he needed.

I hope he can find some strength in that.

Rick, thanks again.

WESTHEAD: Thank you.

HILL: Thanks to all of you for joining us. I will see you back here tomorrow.

As you have noticed, there's no shortage of news today. It continues next with Alisyn and Victor. Stay with us.

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