White House Gaggle

By Daniel Stephens
President’s Schedule

The President spoke this morning with Prime Minister Allawi of Iraq.
The leaders discussed the new phase Iraq is in after the elections,
the progress being made to train Iraqi security forces, and the

performance of those forces in the face of post-election violence.
They also talked about the possibility of Iraq’s neighbors playing a
helpful role as the country moves forward. Following the President’s
meeting with Allawi, he taped his radio address, making a statement on
Social Security. President Bush then had his usual briefings and met
with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice who has recently returned to
Washington. Later this morning the President will go to the Department
of Health and Human Services to participate in a swearing-in ceremony
for Michael Leavitt. McClellan expects the President to make a brief
statement regarding the importance of certain health care initiatives,
including Medicare. This evening the President will make remarks at
the White House performance of "Lincoln Seen and Heard," a
presentation of photographs of the 16th president and a reading of his
greatest speeches.

Disarming North Korea’s Nuclear Arsenal

A reporter asked for a response to a North Korean diplomat’s desire to
have one-on-one talks with the United States regarding
counter-proliferation. McClellan responded to that desire by saying
the countries in that region deserve to be a part of resolving the
conflict and that "it’s not an issue between North Korea and the
United States." McClellan did say though, that "there’s plenty of opportunity for North Korea to speak directly with us in the context of the six party talks." McClellan also said that counter-proliferation is a top priority of the administration.

The Next Generation of American Nuclear Weapons

Following the discussion about North Korea’s nuclear weapons, Helen
Thomas asked why the U.S. is starting a new generation of nuclear
weapons. McClellan described the claims as "studies that are underway
to protect the American people." He also added that there is
discussion with President Putin that would significantly decrease the
arsenals of both the U.S. and Russia.

Importation of Prescription Drugs

McClellan said a number of steps have been taken to reduce the cost of
prescription drugs. When asked about importing prescription drugs,
McClellan directed reporters several times to the findings of a task
force created under Medicare legislation which address issues that
must be taken care of to move forward on importation. McClellan said
that the President’s top priority is the health and safety of the
American people.

The Week Ahead

On Monday the 14th the President will go to the Department of Justice
to participate in the swearing in ceremony of the new Attorney
General, Alberto Gonzalez. On Wednesday the 16th, the President will
travel to Portsmouth, NH to take part in a conversation on
strengthening Social Security. On Sunday the 20th the President will
depart for Belgium and from there go to Germany and Slovakia,
returning on the 24th.