White House Gaggle

By David Koppel
April 20, 2005

President’s Schedule

The President had his usual morning briefings today followed by a meeting with Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. This morning he is having an update on the economy. At 10:55 am, the President will be meeting with the National and State Teachers of the Year immediately afterwards, he will make remarks in the Rose Garden. This afternoon, the President will speak to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on his national energy policy. At 2:35 pm, the President will sign the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. Later this afternoon, the President will welcome the members of the Naval Academy football team to the White House to present the annual Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.

John Bolton Confirmation Hearings

Press Secretary Scott McClellan was asked about yesterday’s developments in the Bolton nomination. He replied that all the allegations are unfounded and are trumped up charges by the Democrats. He reiterated the White House’s support for Bolton, that he is the right man for the job. McClellan insisted that the White House believes that Bolton has addressed all the issues in the hearings. In response to a question of Bolton’s temperament, McClellan stated, "I think that’s an example of Senate Democrats making unsubstantiated accusations. He is someone who is a diplomat, who has a proven record of results. He will make an outstanding ambassador to the United Nations, particularly at this time when they are working to move forward on reforms." In other United Nations issues, McClellan confirmed that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s statement that the U.S. supported Japan receiving a permanent seat on the Security Council reflected the official position of the administration.

Middle East Conflict

McClellan was asked if the U.S. has received clarification on Israeli plans to expand existing West Bank settlements. He responded that Deputy National Security Advisor Elliot Abrams and David Welch, US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, are in Israel talking to both parties and the focus is currently on the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Energy Legislation

McClellan said that the White House would put out a statement on the House energy bill today. He said the President is glad that Congress is moving ahead with comprehensive energy legislation. The President’s will urge Congress to move forward on his energy proposal in his speech to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, saying that he wants a bill on his desk by the beginning of the summer recess. The President believes that the root cause of the energy problems is America’s dependency on foreign sources and that a comprehensive national energy policy is necessary to solve those problems. McClellan said that the President will talk to Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia about the high petroleum prices, but he believes that the Saudi’s and OPEC are operating almost at capacity.