White House Gaggle

By Adam Sharon
President’s Schedule

The President this morning spoke with President Saakashvili of Georgia. He then received his regular security and intelligence briefings. Later this morning, he will meet with John Negroponte, US Ambassador to Iraq. The President will then be interviewed at once by six regional newspapers. Topics expected to be discussed include modifications to Social Security and medical coverage issues pertaining to the elderly. This afternoon, President Bush will meet with Secretary of State Rice. He then will welcome congressional Republicans from the Special Committee on Aging to the White House.

Department of Health and Human Services Announcement

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan announced that Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, will make an announcement this morning about drug safety issues. The specifics of this statement were not discussed.

Assassination of Hariri

The U.S. government will consult with other nations and the U.N. Security Council to discuss how to proceed following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The briefer noted that Syria remains a destabilizing force in Lebanon and added that the Lebanese alone should determine their future. McClellan could not state if any elements of the U.S. government is investigating the assassination.

Faith-Based Initiatives

Implementing Faith-Based programs remains one of President Bush’s highest priorities, stated Scott McClellan. The FY06 Budget indicates that increased tax incentives will be made available to Faith-Based groups who provide charitable giving. "Faith-Based groups deserve to compete for federal resources," McClellan stated.

International Committee of the Red Cross

President Bush yesterday spoke with Dr. Jakob Kellenberger, President of the International Red Cross. The leaders discussed a range of humanitarian issues and programs, McClellan stated. The ICRC also discusses these issues with the commanders in the field, the briefer added, and then concluded: "If there are any allegations of wrongdoing, then the Pentagon investigates."