Biden says he plans to run again in 2024

Gun control

Biden also called for Republicans in the US Congress to help him move forward with his agenda as he takes on issues like gun control, climate change and immigration reform.

On the mass shootings taking place days apart over the past two weeks that killed altogether 18 people, Biden, who has urged Congress to pass gun reform bills, played down the urgency of the legislative actions this time.

"Successful presidents, better than me, have been successful, in large part, because they know how to time what they're doing," he said."Order it. Decide priorities."

He said he believes the Democratic-controlled US Senate should make it harder for Republicans to use a parliamentary blocking maneuver called the filibuster that requires 60 votes to advance most legislation in the 100-seat chamber, saying it is being abused.

Biden was repeatedly pressed to defend his migration policy along the US border with Mexico.

Biden said the increase in migration was cyclical.

"There is a significant increase in the number of people coming to the border in the winter months," he said."It happens every year."

Agencies, Ai Heping in New York and Xinhua contributed to this story.