White House Gaggle

By Gregory Gorman
June 16, 2005

President’s Schedule

The President had his usual briefings this morning and made remarks at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast. Later this morning, he will meet with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense. At noon, he will have lunch with Vice President Cheney. Later today, the President will make remarks on Medicare at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This afternoon at 2:35 pm, the President will meet with some Republican members of the House to talk about CAFTA. Press Secretary Scott McClellan announced that President Bush will welcome Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari to the White House on Friday, June 24th. The leaders will discuss the progress being made on training Iraqi security forces, the Iraqi people’s achievement in building a democratic state and the status of drafting a new Iraqi constitution.

United Nations Reform Legislation

McClellan responded to a question about a presidential veto of UN reform legislation that has been introduced in Congress by saying that the administration will be issuing a statement of administration policy later today which outlines its concerns about the legislation. McClellan said that, "United Nations reform is a high priority for this President". McClellan went on to say the President’s statement will urge Congress to reconsider this legislation.

Patriot Act Legislation

McClellan was asked about Wednesday’s House vote to repeal a portion of the Patriot Act. He responded that it is still going through the legislative process and that there was still a long way to go. McClellan stated that the Patriot Act was passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support and that there were provisions of the Patriot Act that were passed as tools to help law enforcement officials disrupt terrorist plots. McClellan stated, "We believe strongly that all provisions of the Patriot Act should not only be reauthorized but made permanent".

Iraq Troop Withdrawal Resolution

McClellan stated that the President has made his views very clear when it comes to Iraq. He believes that the best way to honor the service of the troops is to complete the mission in Iraq. McClellan said, "Iraq is a critical part of winning the war on terrorism. It is critical to our security at home . . . a free Iraq will help transform a dangerous region of the world". McClellan was asked why he believed that some Republicans are talking about a timetable for troop withdrawal. He responded that everyone wants to see the troops come home soon but that the stakes are very high and that the terrorists recognize how high the stakes are in Iraq. McClellan said that this is why the administration has a strategy for training Iraqi security forces so that the troops can return home.

Senate Vote for John Bolton

McClellan was asked if the White House plans to agree to a compromise set forth by Senate Democratic leaders to allow a vote on John Bolton if papers are turned over which outline how he treated his subordinates. McClellan commented that he believes that the Democratic leaders are not interested in a reasonable compromise but in stall tactics and playing politics with the nomination. He said that it is important to confirm John Bolton so that he can help implement the reform agenda proposed by the administration.