White House Gaggle

By Gregory Gorman
January 10, 2005

President’s Schedule

President Bush participated in a National Security Council meeting on Iraq after his usual morning briefings. At 9:45, he is meeting with Secretary Powell and USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios to discuss tsunami relief. President Bush will meet with USAID employees and NGO presidents at the Ronald Reagan building. President Bush will thank them for their hard work and quick response of aid to the region. Later in the afternoon, he will meet with Energy Secretary Abraham and Veterans Affairs Secretary Principi. This afternoon, President Bush will participate in a policy meeting and receive a briefing on U.S. tsunami monitoring practices. At that session, he will be joined by the Secretary of the Interior, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, the administrator of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Director of the US Geological Survey. President Bush will then be interviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

Armstrong Williams

Press Secretary McClellan was asked this morning if other broadcasters are on the government payroll. McClellan noted that this was a contract matter involving the Department of Education and that oversight measures are in place and safeguards exist to prevent improper dealings. McClellan noted that the administration has shown spending discipline.

Turnout in Palestinian Elections

The White House noted that between 65 and 66 percent of Palestinian voters turned out for elections in the West Bank and Gaza. The administration hopes to work with all new leaders for a new and viable democratic state, McClellan stated. "We stand with the Palestinian people who are creating lasting democratic principles," he added.

US Tsunami Relief

The White House noted that 78 million dollars of US aid has been spent already in relief efforts. The 350 million dollar aid package should be looked at as an initial commitment, McClellan noted. "President Bush believes this is a long term commitment," the Press Secretary added.

Oil for Food Program

Press Secretary McClellan was asked if U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan should resign as the scandal surrounding the Oil for Food Program grows. McClellan remarked that the White House works closely with the U.N. and will continue to review all the information concerning this matter.