White House Gaggle

By Kate Paulman
July 27, 2005

President’s Schedule:

The President had his usual briefings this morning, and soon after
departed for the Capitol to speak to the House Republican Conference.
After that, the President will return to the White House for a photo opportunity with motorcycle escort officers — his second this summer. He has another photo opportunity with the March of Dimes National Ambassador this afternoon, followed be yet another with the 2005 Boys and Girls Nation Senators. This evening, he will speak at the Boy Scouts National Jamboree.

Change in Line of Succession:

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan did not comment on whether or not the administration has asked for a change in the line of succession to the presidency.

Transportation Bill:

McClellan admitted there is new information on the Transportation Bill,
but said he would let members of Congress talk about it first. He did say they have "come down tens of billions [of dollars] from where they started."

Judge John Roberts’ Confirmation:

McClellan defended Bush’s Supreme Court nominee, saying Roberts is a judge who "believes in interpreting the law, not legislating from the bench." McClellan described Roberts as an open-minded and impartial judge who has kept personal feelings out of his judicial decisions. When asked about Roberts’ work during the Reagan administration — described by Sen. Edward Kennedy as "some of the most aggressive assaults on civil rights protection" — McClellan said the work reflected a young White House staffer following the President’s agenda. He brushed Kennedy’s indictment off as "the lines of attack from Democrats." The timeline for Roberts’ confirmation was brought up: McClellan said the President would like to have Roberts in place by October 3. But, he said, the schedule for confirmation is ultimately up to the Senate.

Release of Roberts Documents:

McClellan was asked if the White House considered the argument on the
release of documents from Roberts’ tenure at the Solicitor General’s
office to be over, and if the White House had the power to decline the
release of documents. He responded by saying the White House "went out of [its] way" to release over 60,000 documents to the Senate. McClellan said he wants to make sure the Senate Judiciary Committee has all the resources it needs to move ahead in a timely manner. When asked twice more if the White House has the power to deny documents, McClellan responded, "I think I’ve stated our view."

Energy Bill:

McClellan said the President is pleased with the progress of the Energy
Bill, calling it a "comprehensive piece of energy legislation." Congress is working on a piece of legislation to make part of the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve open to drilling since the original provision was struck from the Bill. McClellan said drilling in ANWAR is a part of the President’s comprehensive energy plan. The President intends to sign the Bill into law soon.