White House Gaggle

By Catherine Corrigan
The President’s Schedule

The President began his day with his usual briefings. This morning he met with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and then will meet with Major League Baseball Hall of Fame inductees to commemorate the opening of the 2004 baseball season. Later today, the President will bestow diplomatic credentials to seven new ambassadors.

OPEC

The President says it is important for market forces to determine prices of fuel, and because of this the White House remains in close discussion with oil producing countries. In response to concern about rising gas prices, Scott McClellan, White House Spokesperson, said that, "Americans share the president’s concern for rising gas prices . . . we continue stay in contact with gas producers and make sure our views are known". McClellan reiterated Bush’s energy plan proposal, which first introduced in May 2001. The plan would ideally reduce dependence on foreign producers and would increase research efforts and expansion of fuel sources in the U.S. Scott McClellan added that the President is firmly opposed to raising gas prices through taxes and that the White House seeks "comprehensive solutions, not patchwork crisis management."

Iraq

The White House condemns the recent "horrific" attacks in Fallujah, Iraq, but McClellan claimed that "freedom is on its way". Although the Bush Administration mourns the loss of life, McClellan maintained that in Iraq, "there is no turning back." In response to the attacks, McClellan claimed that the acts of aggression were committed by remnants of the former Iraqi regime and "opponents of democracy". Although he would not comment directly about the marked violence of the attacks, McClellan said that parts of Iraq remain dangerous and that the White House will continue to move forward on the June timetable for Iraqi sovereignty.

Syria

There is no update in the Syria sanctions, and the White House will continue to implement that legislation.

Condoleezza Rice

The testimony of Dr. Rice in front of the 9/11 Commission remains unscheduled, and will not take place this week.