White House Gaggle

By Benjamin Freedland
June 15, 2005

President’s Schedule

The President had his usual morning briefings. He then spoke with
President Vladimir Putin of Russia about United Nations reform. They
spoke about how to change the Security Council to make the UN more

effective. Later this morning the President will speak to the annual
Energy Efficiency Forum at the Ronald Reagan Building on the need for an energy bill to be ready for his signature by Congress’ August recess. In the afternoon the President will meet with a small group of Republican and Democratic Senators about the importance of passing the Central America Free Trade Agreement. Tonight the President will attend the Congressional Picnic at the White House.

United Nations Reform

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan stated that the President is committed to reform at the United Nations. He said that reforms are being debated by the United Nations right now. Specifically, he said the President is in favor of adding Japan to the UN Security Council as a permanent member. The President believes the confirmation of John Bolton is a key part of reforming the UN.

Bolton Nomination

McClellan was asked if the President was losing ground on the confirmation of John Bolton as UN ambassador. He answered that Bolton has majority support and deserves an up or down vote. He also noted that the documents that Democrats are requesting from the White House have been provided for specific people. He asserted, "this is not about documents, it is about stall tactics."

Guantanamo Bay Closure

McClellan reaffirmed the President’s position that there are no current
plans to close the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He also referred questions from the press to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s statements yesterday. McClellan reminded reporters that Rumsfeld speaks for the President on matters of national defense.

Oil Industry and Global Warming

McClellan was asked if the President was aware that Philip Cooney, former chief of staff of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, had accepted a job with Exxon. He stated the President was not aware, and thanked Cooney for his service at the White House. He sternly rejected the idea that the oil industry had influence on the President’s policy toward climate change.