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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

NSA Programs Shut Down Overnight; Iran Nuclear Negotiations: New Obstacles; Biden Family Grieves Loss of Son; Qatar Extends Travel Ban on Ex-Gitmo Inmates. Aired 4:30-5a ET

Aired June 01, 2015 - 04:30   ET

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

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[04:30:36] JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking overnight, the NSA's controversial surveillance program stopped at least temporarily. We will have the details ahead.

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: The U.S. and Iran facing a obstacle with the nuclear deal. Secretary of state John Kerry leaving the negotiations after breaking his leg. What this means for the looming deadline, ahead.

BERMAN: And tragedy striking the vice president's family. His son, Beau, the former attorney general of Delaware, has died at the age of 46. Tributes this morning are pouring in. I have to say, a lot of people hit hard by that loss.

Welcome back to EARLY START, everyone. I'm John Berman.

ROMANS: And I'm Christine Romans. Nice to see you this Monday morning, 1st day of June. It's 31 minutes past the hour.

Breaking overnight, key counterterror programs run by the NSA, it expired at midnight, after the U.S. Senate could not reach agreement Sunday on extending legal authority to continue them. Instead, Senate leaders are dropping their opposition to any changes in existing programs and they're setting up a vote later this week on surveillance reforms already passed by the U.S. House.

CNN's Athena Jones has the latest from Capitol Hill.

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ATHENA JONES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John and Christine.

Several provisions of the Patriot Act expire just a few hours ago at midnight because the Senate failed to pass a bill to extend the law.

Take a listen to some of the debate from the Senate floor last night from the two Republican senators from Kentucky, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who spoke in favor of these programs, and Senator Rand Paul who spoke in opposition. Take a listen. SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R-KY), MAJORITY LEADER: These aren't

theoretical threats, Mr. President. It's not theoretical threat. They are with us every day. We have to face up to them. We shouldn't be disarming unilaterally as our enemies grow more sophisticated and aggressive.

SEN. RAND PAUL (R-KY), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The people who argue the world will end and we are overrun by jihadists. They want to take a little bit of your liberty, but they get it by making you afraid. They want you to fear and give up your liberty.

JONES: In the end, by a vote of 77-17, the Senate did agree to proceed to debate on the USA Freedom Act. That's the bill that already passed the House, that would keep these Patriot Act programs going while reforming the phone data collection program that's been so controversial. This sets up the vote for final passage around mid- week in the Senate, that's because of some Senate procedural rules and also some amendments that may end up being voted on.

Now, of course, if they amend that USA Freedom Act, that passed that House, if they change it, it's going to have to go back to the House so that they can consider these changes. So, this is far from over -- John, Christine.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BERMAN: All right. Our thanks to Athena for that.

Some new remembrances pouring in overnight to the vice president's family over the loss of their son Beau Biden. You can see him right there. He died Saturday of brain cancer at the age of 46.

He was an Iraq war veteran who served two terms as the attorney general of Delaware. Beau was widely loved across both sides of the aisle, known inside and outside of politics. He was remembered by the Democrats, including the Clinton family, Republicans including Sarah Palin, and by the president. The White House canceled an event they were planning to hold on Sunday. Instead, the president and first lady went by the vice president's residence to spend time with the Bidens.

National correspondent Sunlen Serfaty with more now from the White House.

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SUNLEN SERFATY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, John and Christine, the vice president was at his son's bedside when he passed away on Saturday evening, as well as the rest of his family. And over the years, the vice president's office, they've been very limited in their details of what illness Beau Biden was suffering, really keeping the details close to their vests, only recently revealing when he passed away on Saturday evening that he did have brain cancer.

He first became sick in 2010 when he had a stroke. In 2013, we know he was diagnosed then with cancer when he became disoriented on vacation and later had surgery to remove a brain lesion. Two weeks ago, Beau Biden was admitted to Walter Reed Military Hospital, which is just outside of D.C. And in the time since, there has been an outpouring of support from Washington.

This is how they opened up the Senate floor last night.

MCCONNELL: Beau Biden was known to many as a dedicated public servant, a loving father of two, and a devoted partner to the women he loved, Hallie.

[04:35:06] SEN. HARRY REID (D), NEVADA: Delaware is a better place because of Beau. Our country is in better place because of Beau. And the world is a better place because of Beau Biden.

SERFATY: Beau Biden is actually the second child of Joe Biden that had passed away. He lost his 1-year-old daughter in a car accident in the 1970s. So, sadly, he has been through this tragedy of losing a child before.

President Obama says he is grieving along with the Biden family, saying of Vice President Joe Biden, quote, "Joe is one of the strongest men we've ever known. He is as strong as they come and nothing matters to him more than family. It's one of the things we love about him. And it is a testament to Joe and Jill, to who they are, that Beau lived a life that was full, a life that mattered, a life that reflected their reverence for family."

And President Obama and the first lady spent time with the Biden family on Sunday. He spent about 30 minutes at their home here in Washington, D.C. -- John and Christine.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROMANS: You know, Joe Biden, he's known as Amtrak Joe. You know, he would go back and forth as his job as a senator after he lost his wife. He would go home to Delaware, every night, he would try to go home to Delaware. He said I realize at one point I need my kids more than they needed me.

BERMAN: He said that just last weekend at a commencement address. Again, our hearts go out to the family.

ROMANS: All right. Overnight, John Kerry's doctor jumped on a plane to Switzerland. Surgeon Dennis Burke will accompany the secretary of state when returns to the U.S. later today. Kerry broke his leg while cycling on Sunday. Kerry was in Switzerland for nuclear talks with Iran's foreign minister, was supposed to attend a Tuesday meeting in Paris on the fight against ISIS, and now, he faces up to six months of rehab for a broken femur.

Let's turn to senior international correspondent Nic Robertson on the phone for us this morning from Geneva.

Nic, how does this injury affect the secretary's work on critical issues like ISIS and the Iran nuclear deal? NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (via telephone):

Well, the Iran nuclear deal is perhaps the most pressing issue that's 30 days until the deadline. There are many issues that haven't been resolved to get an agreement by the 30th of June. Secretary Kerry has had many so many face to face meetings with the Iranian foreign minister.

The two diplomats know each other. Secretary Kerry's relationship with Zarif, his ability to read the Iranian foreign minister, understand when he can push for more concussions when he's reaching the limit, how to get the United States and the rest of the world wants out of Iran in terms of the nuclear deal. Secretary Kerry really, despite the fact that he has a lot of experts on the details of the negotiations with the Iranians, that relationship with Zarif, it's critical to the process.

I'm standing outside the hospital where Secretary Kerry is right now in Geneva. He's been here for almost 24 hours. When he crashed off his bike 30 miles away from here, negotiating a curb, is what we are hold, that's when he fell on his right side breaking his femur.

His doctor is flying from Boston here to be with Secretary Kerry when he returns really throws open the medical question, will Dr. Dennis Burke make a decision here that will perhaps once he has seen the injuries at first hand lead him to decide that perhaps Secretary Kerry needs more remedial action here before he's able to fly home, certainly bringing in the physician who treated Secretary Kerry and actually performed the hip replacement surgery on his right hip several years ago.

That is a very big and significant medical step not to be underestimated, Christine.

ROMANS: You know, a broken femur is not a small matter by any stretch of the imagination and so much on his plate. I cannot imagine how frustrated he is.

All right. Nic Robertson for us this morning -- thank you for that, Nic.

BERMAN: And Nic brings up a good point. The surgeon flying from the U.S. to be with the secretary in Switzerland. So, it may take a few hours for us to really get a sense of what's going on there to be sure.

ROMANS: Yes.

BERMAN: Thirty-eight minutes after the hour.

The two declared challengers to Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination, they both are on the campaign trail now. Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley christened his Des Moines headquarters Saturday night, taking questions from some of the people who packed into the room.

And then there's Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. A lot of people talking about Bernie this morning, who drew overflowed crowds across the state.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The United States of America for public colleges and public universities, tuition will be free.

MARTIN O'MALLEY (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm most comfortable actually as an underdog. When I ran for mayor, I was -- my two opponents both had name recognition north of 80 percent, and I was first choice of a whopping 7 percent of my neighbors.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: In a latest poll, Quinnipiac had one out last week. Bernie Sanders, Senator Sanders drawing 15 percent compared to about 60 for Senator Clinton or Secretary Clinton, I should say. While former Governor O'Malley not really registering much at all of those polls.

ROMANS: Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he hopes to run for president though he say he still hasn't made a decision. Bush is battling accusations he is violating campaign laws by using super PAC to raise cash for his yet undeclared bid for the White House.

[04:40:07] Here is what he said on CBS "Face the Nation."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB SCHIEFFER, FACE THE NATION: Do you think you may be violated the spirit of the law? Do you feel that you violated the law here?

JEB BUSH (R), FORMER FLORIDA GOVERNOR: Of course not. I would never do that. I'm nearing the end of the journey of traveling and listening to people, garnering and trying to get a sense of whether my candidacy would be viable or not. We're going to completely adhere to the law.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: Bush went on to slam the plan to defeat ISIS. He said the U.S. should embed troops with Iraqi forces, to train them and identify targets.

BERMAN: I hope I run for president. He says, I hope I do. Maybe he knows someone who can control that decision.

Lindsey Graham will announce a bid to run for the White House later today. The South Carolina senator, he will become the ninth official candidate in the fight for the Republican nomination, plus the others, including Jeb Bush who are essentially running without saying it out loud. Senator Graham considered a long shot by some. The three senator typically draws about 2 percent or less in national polling.

ROMANS: All right. Time for an early start on your money this first day of June.

Stocks around the world are higher, Asian and European shares are climbing. U.S. futures are as well.

Another billionaire signing up to give away his fortune. For the past five years, Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates had been pushing this giving pledge. They promised to give away most of their fortunes and want other wealthy people to do the same.

Now, the founder of the Greek yogurt company Chobani is on board. He started his company with a Small Business Administration loan after immigrating to the United States in 1994. He'll give away most of what he has built to help refugees.

He joins a list of more than 130 people, including Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, movie director George Lucas, and CNN founder Ted Turner.

It's interesting. There's also sort of a philosophy among these guys that they all put their money together and think about how to give the money away -- they want to end diseases. They want to end hunger. They take very big issues and want to put that money after it. So, interesting. I actually am not in their group to be able to give all my money away.

BERMAN: When you get there, I have no doubt that you, too, will join in.

All right. The war against ISIS has intensified this morning. Iraq has launched new attacks against ISIS. Is it working? We are live, next.

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[04:46:03] BERMAN: This morning, Iraqi troops are hitting ISIS stronghold and they are trying to hit it hard. Sunday marked the heaviest day in three days of air and artillery attacks on Fallujah and surrounding villages. Witnesses tell CNN at least 31 people have been killed and 82 wounded. Officials here are on edge as ISIS is now gaining ground in Libya. ISIS is obviously fighting on so many fronts, including Iraq, Syria, Libya and beyond.

CNN's international correspondent Ian Lee with the latest from Cairo.

Good morning, Ian.

IAN LEE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John.

As you said, we have been focusing on Iraq and Syria, but ISIS-aligned militants have a presence across North Africa and here in Egypt, also in Tunisia. But unlike these countries where there's a strong central government and security force to combat ISIS and militants, you look at Libya where there isn't central government, there isn't a security force that really can go after them. And they are making grounds taking the city of Sirte and pushing beyond that.

This has a lot of western diplomats very anxious because if you look at Libya on the map, it's between 200 to 300 miles from the shores of Europe, and we've seen this flood of migrants going from Libya to Europe. The real concern is that ISIS militants could be hiding among them, infiltrate Europe and carry out an attack.

As we see them gain ground in Libya, not at the rate we have seen in Syria or Iraq, but they are gaining ground, this will be a very real threat as it is on Europe's door step and the threat is very real.

Now, the Western governments I have talked to some diplomats and they are holding out on a political solution with the various factions to come together and defeat ISIS. But there are -- there is a lot of skepticism that that actually could take place. Now, here in Egypt, the government is pushing for a stronger reaction to ISIS militants calling for a military solution to the problem. Although Western governments so far don't believe that is the right course to take, John.

BERMAN: All right. Ian Lee for us in Cairo. A lot going on, so many questions facing this administration here in the United States. Thanks, Ian.

ROMANS: All right. Forty-eight minutes past the hour.

Travel ban extended for five ex-Gitmo inmates freed in exchange for a U.S. soldier. But the deal is only temporary. We are live with what comes next, ahead.

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[04:52:13] BERMAN: Qatar is agreeing to extend a travel ban on five senior Taliban leaders released from prison at Guantanamo Bay in exchange for captured Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl. This after the Obama administration said it was closing in on the deal to extend those restrictions for six months.

Let's go to CNN international correspondent Becky Anderson live for us in Abu Dhabi.

Good morning, Becky.

BECKY ANDERSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.

For the time being, those five men and families stay in Qatar, John. Nothing has been announced officially. But a senior U.S. official telling us at CNN that the Gulf nation has agreed to temporary extend the travel ban due to expire Sunday or Monday now, while discussions continue between their parties. Those, of course, being the U.S. and Afghanistan and Qatar. They are looking for long-term solution, of course.

You will remember the images a year ago today. Jubilation as the men mostly mid to high level officials in the Taliban regime on Qatari soil reunited with family members after being in detention in Guantanamo Bay for 12 years. Relinquished, of course, by the U.S. to secure the release of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl held by the Taliban for five years.

How long the ban will be in effect, John and what happens to the men and their families going forth is very unclear at this point. We are told only that U.S. officials are, quote, "close contact" with Qatari authorities. And I quote again, "to make sure the men do not pose a threat to the U.S."

Now, Washington is clearly concerned about the prospect of these men returning to the battle field and endangering the U.S. troops who are still in Afghanistan, of course, albeit now in advisory roles. Those concerns only heightened by confirmed reports that three of these former detainees have attempted to make contact with active members of the Taliban while being under supervision in Qatar.

Now, behind closed doors, I have to say this prisoner exchange touted as a win-win when news of it was first released. I was in Qatar at the time and now seen by many as a failure on the part of the Obama administration and to remind us and our viewers, Bowe Bergdahl will now -- was recently charged, of course, with desertion.

Back to you, John.

BERMAN: Yes, controversial on every front, Becky, you know, here in the United States, not to mention in Qatar where those prisoners are and in Afghanistan where it certainly doesn't want them back.

Becky Anderson for us, I appreciate it.

ROMANS: All right. Fifty-four minutes past the hour.

The happiest place on earth wage surge pricing. Why and when your next ticket to Disneyworld could cost you more.

BERMAN: The happiest place on Earth, I thought you mean EARLY START.

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[04:58:45] ROMANS: I'm Christine Romans. Happy Monday. Let's get an early start on your money for the week.

A good start to the month so far for stocks. Asian shares are higher. Good manufacturing.

BERMAN: It is ten minutes old. Good start to the month so far, like 10 minutes?

ROMANS: I know, I like a victory lap.

Look, there's some numbers from China that they like to see there. European stocks, U.S. stock futures are also higher this morning. June was supposed to be the month when the Federal Reserve would finally start raising interest rates. Remember, that is off the table for now. Instead, we will focus on any data like the jobs report that comes this Friday.

Smartphones and smart TV and smart pants? Google teaming up with Levi's to make digitally connected clothing. They're working on a fabric that can sense touch. So, for example, you can swipe your hand over your jacket sleeve to silence your phone, or you can tap your finger to start playing a song. Levi's says smart clothing could help people interact with the real world instead of always staring at their phones.

Disney theme parks might soon have surge pricing. In a survey sent to pass holders, Disney asked for feedback about a tiered pricing system. That would mean higher admission prices during the summer and holidays and cheaper admission on off peak days. Disney has not released any official details about the idea or its findings. There has been plenty of venting on social media. I mean, some people don't understand, how can an experience cost different one time of day than another. Maybe it can help manage crowds, who knows?

BERMAN: I predict Disney will make a decision what makes them the most money.

ROMANS: Yes. I predict that you're right.

BERMAN: EARLY START continues right now.