White House Gaggle

By Ellen Ratner
January 13, 2005

President’s Schedule:

The President had his usual round of briefings. He travels to the Pentagon this morning for a briefing on the Global War on Terrorism and also on relief efforts. Later, he will meet with four school teachers and an elementary school principal concerning the resources that are needed for education for young students. The President will meet with Secretary Powell to, "thank that particular Secretary for his service." He will do an interview with USA Today and then have a round-table with fifteen regional reporters. Scott was asked if USA Today was getting more interviews than others. Your Talk Radio News correspondent asked Scott about getting even one question.

Personnel:

Jim Towey, Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, will continue in his job and will move to become Assistant to the President.

New York Times Article on the White House Having Fought New Curbs
on Interrogations:

Helen Thomas asked about this and Scott said that in October, "we sent a letter to members of Congress about legislation and that the letter was made available publicly." He said that, "the issues are addressed in the National Defense Authorization Act and that someone was trying to create a story where there is not one." Asked if the White House urged that provisions be removed from the legislation, McClellan said that many people in the House did not want to include what was in the Senate. Asked if there were actions on provisions he said, "not that I am aware of". Scott said that they intend to comply with laws and treaty obligations. Again he said that the story, "came out of Hill politics and posturing." He said that the New York Times was, "just wrong" on when the letter was made available. He was asked why the White House opposed the restrictions that the Senate was seeking and he referred reporters to the October letter. He reiterated that the President would never authorize torture. James Rosen asked if any actions were taken by the White House on the provisions. Scott replied that he would look into it. Scott said that there were always discussions between the White House and Capitol Hill on legislation. He again said the goal is, "to create a story when there is no story."

Briefing at the Pentagon:

Asked why the President was going to the Pentagon, McClellan said that the President goes there periodically to receive briefings. He said that this had two parts; to stay on the offensive with terrorism as well as to spread freedom.