White House Gaggle

By Gregory Gorman
September 19, 2005

President’s Schedule

The President had his usual intelligence briefings and his daily hurricane briefing. At 9:40 this morning, the President will attend a Homeland Security Council meeting in the Cabinet Room. The President’s entire Cabinet will be present for this meeting. Following the Homeland Security Council meeting, President Bush will meet with the co-chairs of the Carter-Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform. This afternoon, the President will meet with Prime Minister Thaksin of Thailand where they will discuss ways to continue strengthening the alliance between the two nations. Press Secretary Scott McClellan did not announce details on the President’s next trip to the Gulf Coast on Tuesday, but McClellan said that he will be in areas around Gulfport, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana.

North Korea Disarmament

In response to a question regarding the White House’s reaction to North Korea’s pledge to give up its nuclear program, McClellan said that the administration is "pleased with the progress. It is a good agreement. Implementation of the agreement is key". McClellan went on to say that North Korea needs to live up to the agreement of dismantling its nuclear program but also allow for outside verification that it has ended its nuclear activities. He reiterated, "It is important for nations to abide by their international agreements and obligations".

Ending Tax Cuts

When asked if the President intends to roll back his tax cuts, McClellan stated that the President has already spoken about the importance of keeping the economy growing and how the continued growth of the national economy is an important lifeline to the region affected by Hurricane Katrina. He explained that the President believes the worst thing he could do is raise taxes and that a tax increase would have "a terrible impact on our country". McClellan disagreed with a characterization that the President’s tax cuts were only for the richest people in the country saying that, "the tax relief was for all Americans".

Government Coordination for the Repopulation of New Orleans

When asked if there was still a lack of coordination between local and federal officials in light of reports that the timing for the repopulation of New Orleans was being disputed between Mayor Nagin and Coast Guard Vice Admiral Thad Allen, McClellan said that Nagin and Allen have a good relationship and that the two men are in close contact. McClellan admitted that Vice Admiral Allen is supportive of the Mayor’s re-entry plan but that the issue is one of timing.

Cutting the Medicare Drug Benefit

McClellan said, "The Medicare Drug Benefit is an important benefit for our seniors that will save them significant money on their prescription drugs and it is important to move forward on that prescription drug benefit". He commented that the administration would not speculate on budget cuts in this area or other areas that may have to be made in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Criticism by President Clinton

When asked for his thoughts on President Clinton’s criticism of President Bush on the Hurricane Katrina evacuation plan, tax cuts and other policy issues, McClellan responded, "the President has acted in new and bold ways from day one of this administration and we are achieving real results for the American people. We are closing the education achievement gap with sweeping reforms, creating jobs with pro-growth policies, reaching out to faith-based organizations to help more people in need and increasing minority home ownership to record levels".