White House Gaggle

By Adam Sharon
President’s Schedule

The President received his usual security briefings this morning. He then will participate in a photo opportunity with USA Weekend volunteers and honor two teen volunteers, Press Secretary Scott McClellan stated. The President and First Lady Bush will travel to the Paul Public Charter School in Washington, DC along with Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt. They will meet with children whose parents are in prison, their mentors and teachers. The President is expected to make remarks about his Faith-Based and Community Initiatives effort there. Later today, a study will be released detailing a state by state review of faith-based charities receiving government grants.

Remarks on Pope John Paul II

The President joins people from all across the world in praying for the Holy Father, Press Secretary Scott McClellan stated. The outpouring of worldwide love, McClellan continued, is a testimony to the pope’s greatness. Last night at 7:30pm, Chief of Staff Andy Card updated the President in the residence on the pope’s condition. This morning, the President was again updated by Secretary Card in the Oval Office. McClellan called the pope an inspiration. McClellan did not comment upon the possibility of President Bush traveling to Rome should the pope pass away, stating that would be "inappropriate."

Terry Schiavo’s Death

Press Secretary McClellan stated that President Bush stood with the Terry’s parents and those who tried to save her life. "We stand on the side of life and those who defend life," McClellan added. Helen Thomas then asked Mr. McClellan about the executions President Bush approved in Texas for inmates on death row. McClellan answered that a distinction exists between saving the life of an innocent person versus supporting the death penalty for a guilty individual.

The Week Ahead

On Monday President Bush will meet with the President of Ukraine and participate in a joint press availability with his counterpart. In the afternoon he will participate in a Medal of Honor ceremony. On Tuesday he will travel to West Virginia and visit the Bureau of Public Debt. He will also deliver remarks on Social Security. On Wednesday the President will hold a cabinet meeting and in the evening attend the Radio Television Correspondents Association dinner in Washington, DC. On Thursday he will travel to Columbia, South Carolina and then overnight in Crawford, Texas at his ranch. On Friday he will deliver a speech on the Global War on Terror from Fort Hood, Texas. The President will spend the weekend at his ranch. On Monday he will welcome Israel’s Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to the ranch. The two leaders will participate in a joint press conference. On Tuesday, the President will travel back to Washington from Crawford.