White House Gaggle

By Jillian Smith
July 22, 2004

President’s Schedule:

The President began his day speaking with Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. They agreed that the Iraqi election will proceed in January. The President then had his usual briefings and met with the chair and co-chair of the 9/11 Commission to discuss the recommendation in the 9/11 Report. The President signed the Law Enforcement Safety Act of 2004 this morning and will sign an executive order for Individuals with Disabilities and Emergency Preparedness. The President will depart the White House at 2:00 pm for Glenview, Illinois to participate in a First Responders Demonstration and to make remarks on Homeland Security. He will also attend a Victory 2004 dinner while in Illinois. The President will return to the White House this evening.

9/11 Commission Report Recommendations:

Press Secretary Scott McClellan said the President will seriously consider the recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission and build upon the actions the administration has already taken. McClellan said the Commission’s recommendations, "make the case for policies the President has been pursuing." McClellan declined to elaborate on specifics saying the administration had not yet reviewed the entire document. McClellan said it is not possible to put a timeline on imposing the recommendations because many of them will simply build on current policies.

9/11 Failures:

When asked if the President could have done anything differently prior to the 9/11 attacks, McClellan commented that the report found failures in many different government institutions and the President would have done anything in his power to prevent the attacks. McClellan adamantly stated that the purpose of the 9/11 report is not to cast blame on a specific institution.

9/11 Report as an Election Issue:

McClellan said the President has set policy and will continue to discuss and debate security and terrorism policies.

Two-Year Tax Cuts:

McClellan said the President opposed the two-year tax cuts because the cuts should be permanent. He said it is important to provide certainty to the American people. McClellan said, "The President is confident that Congress does not want to raise taxes on the American people and the administration will continue working to make the tax cuts permanent."