White House Gaggle

By Gregory Gorman
May 23, 2005

President’s Schedule

The President had his usual briefings and welcomed Afghan President Hamid Karzai to the White House for a meeting in the Oval Office. Following the private meeting, both presidents will participate in a joint press availability in the East Room. This afternoon, the President will attend the swearing-in ceremony for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Protesting the First Lady

Press Secretary Scott McClellan said that the First Lady Laura Bush had a good conversation with the President this morning and updated him that her trip to the Middle East was going well. McClellan stated that Mrs. Bush has said in her own words that she has received a warm reception from many people in the region and he reminded the press that although the story of the protests received some news coverage, Mrs. Bush has pointed out that the protesters have been few. Mrs. Bush herself noted that tensions are high in this part of the world and the Middle East is a place of emotion. McClellan noted that the commotion on the trip was more related to the Israeli press than to protesters. Overall, McClellan said that, "at each step along the way, she has been well received by those that were showing her around".

White House Visit of Afghan President

McClellan stated that President Bush looks forward to welcoming President Karzai to Washington and thinks it will be an opportunity to congratulate him on the many things he has achieved for the people of Afghanistan and to express appreciation for his strong commitment to freedom. McClellan expected Presidents Bush and Karzai to discuss the war on terrorism and how Afghanistan is no longer a safe haven for terrorists. The leaders will also discuss areas where both countries are working in partnership including Afghanistan’s democratic progress and its upcoming parliamentary elections. When asked about the issue of opium production, McClellan commented that the two leaders have discussed the issue and that important progress has been made related to the eradication of opium production and the cultivation of poppies. The White House appreciates the efforts that President Karzai has taken on eradicating opium. When asked if President Karzai could be considered a puppet of the U.S. government, McClellan strongly disagreed with the notion.

House Version of the Highway Bill

McClellan commented that the President feels very strongly that the administration must meet transportation needs while exercising spending restraint and trying to stay on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009. The President has stated that he would veto a bill that goes over a spending limit of $284 billion dollars. The Senate has passed a version of the bill that goes above this amount while the House of Representatives has passed a version of the bill that is in line with the President’s spending limit.

Judicial Nominee Votes

McClellan said that the President has publicly stated that it is up to the Senate to decide matters of judicial nominations. He reiterated the administration’s view that every nominee should receive an up or down vote on the floor of the Senate. McClellan said, "It is the President’s responsibility to nominate people to the bench and it is the Senate’s responsibility for advice and consent. The President would like the Senate to fulfill this responsibility". McClellan was asked if the President felt Republicans were wrong during the previous administration when they did not allow up or down votes on Democratic nominees. McClellan responded, "The Democrats in the Senate have taken this to an unprecedented level. It is unprecedented the efforts they have gone to, to block these nominees from simply receiving an up or down vote on the floor of the United States Senate . . . all we are asking is simply an up or down vote, however that may come out".