White House Gaggle

By
White House Gaggle
October 29, 2007
Briefer: Dana Perino
By: Ellen Ratner
Talk Radio News Service

The President’s Schedule

The President had his usual morning briefings. He will attend two fundraisers today. He will visit the Philadelphia suburb of Bryn Mawr for a Republican fundraiser called "Pennsylvania Victory 2008". The President will also travel to Cincinnati Ohio for a fundraiser for Congressman Steve Chabot (OH-1) at the home of Cincinnati Reds baseball team owner Bob Castellini. He will return to the White House tonight.

Iran

When asked to respond to a statement made by a United Nations Representative that Iran had no nuclear program, Perino said that Iran must suspend their uranium enrichment and reprocessing. Perino also stated that a country that does enrich uranium is leading to the production of a nuclear weapon.

Egypt

Perino expressed support on behalf of the Administration for Egypt as they start a nuclear energy program, saying it is a clean and affordable way to produce energy.

AG nomination and Waterboarding

Perino stated that "we do not talk about techniques" for interrogation because they are classified. Perino went on to say that it is important to remember Judge Mukasey has not been confimed by the Senate to be the Attorney General so he has not been briefed regarding techniques and he answered the question the best way possible.

Iraq

Perino stated that the US will provide assistance to the Iraq government in dealing with the PKK.

Prime Minister Olmert and Israel

Perino said that Prime Minister Olmert "(He) has an excellent chance of beating it (the cancer)." Perino also said that Secretary Rice has not announced a date for the recently revived Arab Peace initiative and forthcoming conference.

No Child Left Behind

Perino said "we are also willing to provide some flexiblity" but added that the goal is still to have children at grade level standards by 2014 and that the President will not sign a bill that weakens those standards.

SCHIP

Perino pointed out that many members were in California when the House voted on the latest version of the bill, but it still failed to make it to a veto override. Perino went on to say that it was too early to know what the next step is. Senior staff from the White House have been on The Hill but have only met with Republicans members to discuss the future of the bill.