White House Gaggle

By Ed Stephen
December 10, 2004

President’s Schedule

This morning, the President taped his radio address on Social Security,
and then had his usual briefings. Later today, the President will give an exclusive interview to People Magazine. He will also be attending a NSC meeting to address participants in the US/Russia Volunteer Initiative. In the later afternoon, President Bush will visit the USO Care Packages stuffing facility with the first lady. On Tuesday, December 14, Mr. Bush will host the ceremony to award the Presidential Medal of Honor. On Wednesday, he will welcome Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, and then take part in a panel on the high costs of lawsuit abuses. On Thursday, December 16, the President will continue to participate on the panel, discussing the economic challenges ahead.

US Troop Equipment

In response to a question on US troop concerns of equipment shortage,
Press Secretary Scott McClellan stated that Mr. Bush "has made it clear
our troops will have the best equipment." The Press Secretary went on to say that the Department of Defense has stepped up the production of
armored Humvees. McClellan reiterated the Defense Department’s statement that the circumstances on the ground in Iraq have altered and they are trying to address changes as they come.

Driver License Legislation

Press Secretary McClellan said the President believes that legislation on giving driver’s licenses to immigrants is important. The President wants "to talk with Congress" while consulting with individual states in an attempt to produce uniform regulations on providing driver’s licenses to immigrants. McClellan said the President is looking forward to addressing the issue in the 2005.

Energy Prices

The Press Secretary said that the President is "focused on high energy
problems." A major component of the President’s plan is the belief that
"we need to become self-sufficient by becoming independent of foreign
sources of energy." The President believes that only a comprehensive plan will overcome the energy problems that consistently arise every year.

Ukraine Elections

In response to a question as to why US taxpayer money goes to Ukraine to aid a specific candidate, Press Secretary McClellan stated that the US does not support a particular candidate in the Ukraine. Rather, "we support the Ukrainian people through a democratic process." McClellan admitted that the US provides aid to NGO’s, which in turn ensure that elections are both safe and valid in countries like Ukraine.

Tax Reform Panel

In response to when the President will decide the participants in a tax reform panel, McClellan stated that there have been no major decisions made yet. However, the President is looking at names and will be making decisions by the end of the year. At the moment, McClellan said he was unsure of the exact number of appointed panelists.

Intel and Social Security Reform

Responding to a question on intelligence and Social Security reform,
McClellan said that the President wants laws that lay out priorities. As to the intelligence bill, which the President will sign, McClellan believes the legislation shows that "when we focus on doing things right" rather than concentrating on who gets the credit, we can get things done. As for Social Security reform, the President is particularly concerned with an 11 trillion unfunded liability. Moreover, Mr. Bush feels that reform needs to be tackled for today’s younger workers and ensuring they receive their benefits.

International Troops in Iraq

The Press Secretary said that the President appreciates Japan’s decision to extend their missions in Iraq. McClellan said that Japan has provided "very important contributions" by way of troop forces, debt relief, and reconstruction. According to the Press Secretary, "all countries must make their own decisions" on how to help the people of Iraq. McClellan pointed out that NATO has extended its own training mission.