For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 5, 2004
Press Gaggle by
Scott Mcclellan Crawford Middle School Crawford, Texas
2:22 P.M. CST
MR. McCLELLAN: Bob will remind me at the end and I'll do the week
ahead for next week. Let me start off, just a quick overview of the
President's day.
The President had his usual briefings this morning. He's been
spending the rest of the day at the ranch, talking with senior staff
and spending some time outdoors. The President looks forward to
welcoming President Fox to the ranch this evening. The President and
Mrs. Fox will arrive at the ranch at approximately 5:00 p.m., and then
the two leaders and their spouses will participate in a social dinner
this evening. And then tomorrow, they will participate in some
bilateral meetings and -- followed by a press availability.
And with that, I'll be glad to go right into your questions.
Q What's for dinner tonight? (Laughter.)
MR. McCLELLAN: We'll get you the menu. (Laughter.)
Q Will you comment on the monthly job creation numbers today?
Is the administration going to revive its job projections --
MR. McCLELLAN: Sure. I think today's report underscores the
importance of continuing on the path of the President's pro-growth
policies to create as robust an environment for job creation as
possible. The economy continues to grow stronger, and new jobs are
being added. Today's unemployment report marks the sixth consecutive
month of increases in new jobs. We've seen 364,000 new jobs created
over the past six months. The unemployment rate is at 5.6 percent.
That is the -- it's the largest eight-month decline since 1995, and
still below the average unemployment rates of the '70s and '80s and
'90s.
The President's policies are working to put the economy on the road
to a strong recovery. But there is more to do. The President is not
satisfied. And that's why he's continuing to call for action on his
six-point plan, to create even a stronger environment for job growth.
And I think that you have to keep in mind when you're looking at the
employment report, that the choice for our nation is clear when it
comes to economic security. Either we continue to grow the economy and
create new jobs through the President's pro-growth, pro-jobs policies,
or we raise taxes on families and small businesses and slow our
economic recovery and future job creation. And so that's where it is.
Go ahead, Bob.
Q What do you see on the agenda for this weekend's meetings?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think that -- well, one, let me back up, just
talk about our relations with Mexico are very strong. The President
very much looks forward to visiting with President Fox about a number
of issues. We are partners who have a shared commitment to addressing
the common challenges of our hemisphere. And so I expect they'll
discuss a wide range of issues, from our cooperation on terrorism, to
border security, to trade, to hemispheric issues, to water. So I
imagine they'll discuss a wide range of issues.
Q -- too, the President's proposal --
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, I expect they will talk about border security
and talk about hemispheric issues. I'm talking about migration as
well, and I expect that they will discuss that.
Q Scott, how about this fingerprinting issue that Asa
Hutchinson mentioned yesterday? Is that going to become a reality that
they're not going to fingerprint Mexicans who live near the border? Is
that going to be announced tomorrow?
MR. McCLELLAN: It's still in the discussion stages at this point,
but it's being considered very carefully. There's nothing that's final
at this point. Obviously, you know, stay tuned, we'll keep you posted
when there is more to announce. We have been working with our partners
in the Mexican government on a number of ideas to incorporate the U.S.
visit at our southern ports of entry, with a focus on figuring out the
best and most effective way to facilitate the travel of Mexican
citizens that cross the border on a regular basis.
And as you are aware, they -- right now, those Mexican citizens
have border crossing cards when they come into the U.S. And they apply
for that multi-use travel document which could, under this proposal, be
an acceptable alternative to the U.S. visit program. Under that --
under the card that they apply for now, Mexican citizens undergo a
biographical and biometric background check and have their finger scans
embedded into the cards. And so that could be an acceptable
alternative. It's something that we're giving careful consideration.
Q Are they going to discuss this? Is this part of the
discussions?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, obviously, let's let the meetings take
place. And you're going to hear from the two leaders tomorrow, and
then we can discuss it further at that point, if --
Q It sounds like you're saying that there's not going to be an
announcement this weekend from the President to Fox.
MR. McCLELLAN: No, I'm not putting any time frame on it. I'm just
saying that it's something that remains in the discussion stage. We
are looking very closely at it. And that's where it stands at this
point.
Q Scott, September 11th -- some September 11th families are
calling on the President to withdraw these ads that use images of
September 11th. What does the President think?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, one, in terms of campaign advertisements, I
think you ought to address those questions directly to the campaign. I
think they've made our views very well known when it comes to this
issue.
Q So they're not going to pull them?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the campaign has already -- I think they've
already addressed that. And keep in mind that this is about leadership
and decision making when it comes to national security in a
post-September 11th world. These are threats that did not happen
overnight. I think you heard from Mayor Giuliani, you heard from the
former police chief, Bernard Kerik yesterday, when he said, "I think
you have to stick with reality. The reality is, President Bush
responded on September 11th. He led this country through our worst day
and he's taking this country into a battle that we should have started
back in 1993."
September 11th was a defining moment for our nation. It was
something we all shared, and it was an experience that taught us we
must confront the dangerous new threats we face from terrorism before
it's too late. And it's important to talk about how we lead in this
post-September 11th world, to make the world safer and make America
more secure. And that's exactly what the President is doing.
Q Can you also confirm that Air Force One documents -- been
handed over to a federal grand jury?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I would just say that we are, at the
direction of the President, cooperating fully with those who are
leading the investigation. We are complying with every request, and we
will continue to comply fully with the requests from those who are
leading this investigation. No one wants to the bottom of it more than
the President of the United States.
Q So they were handed over?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we did send -- the White House Counsel's
Office did send a letter out to White House staff, urging everybody to
comply fully with the request from the investigators, and that's
exactly what we are doing. But, yes, at this point we're still in the
process of complying fully with those requests. We have provided the
Department of Justice investigators with much of the information and
we're continuing to provide them with additional information and comply
fully with the request for information.
Q -- these latest subpoenas that were reported today?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think that's the context in which Heidi was
asking her question.
Q But you're answering more broadly. I'm looking for
confirmation you got the subpoenas and that you responded to them.
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, our Counsel's Office immediately sent a letter
to White House staff, directing everyone to cooperate fully and comply
with the request from those leading the investigation.
Q What was the date of that letter?
MR. McCLELLAN: I can double-check the specific date. It was --
you know, part of our complying fully with the request of the
Department of Justice investigators was not making this document
public, as well.
Q But this was not the broad directive from --
MR. McCLELLAN: It was the latter part of January. I didn't check
the exact, specific date, but it was the latter part of January.
Q Was it in response to this set of subpoenas we're hearing
about today?
MR. McCLELLAN: Was what in response --
Q The White House Counsel's directive.
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes. Yes.
Q Okay. Thank you.
MR. McCLELLAN: We immediately sent a letter out to White House
staff, urging everyone to comply fully with the request.
Q Can you say how many subpoenas were received, Scott?
MR. McCLELLAN: Mark, I think you ought to direct those specific
questions to those who are leading the investigation. Again, as I
said, we're complying fully with their request, and that includes not
making that letter that we sent to White House staff public.
Q Scott, does either the President or Secretary Card have a
policy on whether it's acceptable for White House aides to take the
Amendment when they're asked questions in this case?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, keep in mind that by law, grand jury
investigations are closed, and prosecutors and grand jurors cannot
reveal anything about the proceedings. The President has made it very
clear he wants everybody inside government and outside government to
provide those who are leading the investigation with information that
might help them get to the bottom of this. He's been very clear about
this, but let me make clear that -- well, go ahead, Mike.
Q Go ahead.
MR. McCLELLAN: No, no. You were going to ask a question; go
ahead.
Q Are you willing to say that White House aides who ask
questions in this investigation should not take the 5th Amendment?
MR. McCLELLAN: Our policy, at the direction of the President, is
that everybody should cooperate fully with those who are leading the
investigation. That's our policy. I'm not going to speculate about
grand jury proceedings. I have no knowledge of anyone invoking their
legal right against self-incrimination. I checked with White House
Counsel's Office, and they have no knowledge of anyone invoking their
legal right against self-incrimination.
Jeff, go ahead.
Q Scott, it was a little difficult to hear the exchange that
was going on, I want to make sure I understand what you've acknowledged
responding to, subpoena-wise. You have responded to the subpoena for
telephone records from Air Force One?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, we are complying fully with the request from
the Department of Justice. I think you can ask them about the specific
questions and issues -- the investigators, that is -- and, like I said,
we prefer that you direct those questions to them, in our belief that
that is helping them move the investigation forward.
Q Okay. One more thing on the jobs issue. You said the
President --
MR. McCLELLAN: We are complying fully with that request, and we
are continuing to comply with certain matters that have been
requested. We're working very closely with the investigators on that.
Q You said the President is not satisfied with these numbers.
But these numbers are nearly 100,000 fewer jobs than had been predicted
for the month. I mean, it goes beyond not being satisfied, doesn't it?
Is the President disappointed by the rate of growth in jobs?
MR. McCLELLAN: He's not satisfied. There are people that are
still looking for work who cannot find a job, and there's more that we
need to do. That's why the President has put forward a six-point plan
to create an even more robust environment for job creation.
Keep in mind that -- what I pointed out about the unemployment
rate, and keep in mind that GDP grew by almost 6.1 percent in the
second half of 2003. And that was the biggest gain for a six-month
period in nearly two decades. Real disposable income for Americans is
up. Productivity is high. There are a lot of good signs about the
direction we are moving, and we're on the road to a strong recovery.
But there's more to do. And that's why I said the President is not
satisfied. But new jobs are being created.
Q Does there come point, though, where despite his six-point
plan, the President starts to realize that one's ability in that office
to influence the economy and influence job creation is rather limited?
MR. McCLELLAN: There are additional steps that we can take that
build on the policies we have already implemented to creating a more
robust environment for job creation. The policies the President has
worked to implement are working. The tax relief is working. Remember,
we came into office with a recession; then we had the September 11th
attacks; we had the corporate scandals; we had the lead-up to war. So
there -- this economy has been through a lot. But this President acted
to get it growing strong, and it is continuing to grow strong. But he
is not satisfied. There is, obviously, more that we need to do. And
that's why he has been calling for Congress to act on the six-point
plan that he has outlined.
We live in a changing economy, we're in a different kind of
economy. And that's why the President has also outlined a 21st century
jobs initiative, to make sure that workers are trained with the skills
that they need to fill the high-paying, high-skill jobs of the 21st
century. And he will continue to work to make sure that we meet the
needs of this changing economy.
Q Scott, one more on the jobs question. The number of jobs
created in the private sector last month was zero. Is that good news?
MR. McCLELLAN: Mark, the jobs over the last six months that have
been added are some 364,000. The economy is moving in the right
direction, but there is clearly more to do. And the President has a
plan to create an even more robust environment to create more jobs.
Q Last month's numbers, though, would you consider that good
news?
MR. McCLELLAN: Mark, again, the President is simply not
satisfied. There is more that we need to do. That's the way I would
describe it. But if you look over the last six months, the economy is
strong and growing stronger. New jobs are being created. If you look
at the household survey it takes a different look at the job numbers.
So there are different numbers out there.
But the bottom line is that there are still people who are hurting
in this economy, and there is more that we need to do. And the
President has a plan to address that. And the last thing we need to do
at this point in our economy when it's moving in the right direction is
raise taxes on families, or raise taxes on small businesses, or take
actions that isolate us from the rest of the world. Economic isolation
is not an answer to the problems. We need to expand free trade, we
need to continue to expand free trade. We need to continue to stop
frivolous lawsuits. We need to have meaningful lawsuit reform. We
need to continue to act on the health care policies that address the
rising cost of health care, to create an even more prosperous economic
environment.
Q Scott, one more on jobs. Last August, the President had many
of the Cabinet members at the ranch to review the economy. In
interviews afterwards, Secretary Evans, on August 13th said, "As we
move into the fall and we watch the economy, if it's not performing how
we expect it to perform, the President will consider other action."
What other action has he considered, other than --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the other action is the six-point plan he put
forward, the Jobs for the 21st Century Initiative that he has outlined,
that he outlined in his State of the Union address. So there are a
number of policies that this President has put forward. Those are the
policies that Congress needs to act on to create an even more robust
environment for job creation.
Q And could I ask one other question on a separate subject?
Senator Kennedy in a speech today said again that "the President and
his aides engaged in manipulation of the evidence in making the case
for war."
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't think this is the first time we've heard
Senator Kennedy make such unsubstantiated and baseless charges. And I
imagine, given that it's an election year, it won't be the last time.
Q Scott, there are a couple of issues that may come up, that
they will talk about this weekend -- water and the death penalty.
Mexico has outlined a plan for repaying its water debt by paying the
required amount under the treaty each year, plus an additional -- I
think last year it was 16 percent, this year they're trying for more
and I think the two Presidents were supposed to talk about this in
Monterrey. Is President Bush satisfied with this plan? Or is he going
to push for more this weekend?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, let's let the meeting take place. You're
going to have an opportunity to visit with the two leaders tomorrow, so
I want to let the meeting take place before we get too far into that.
But we have engaged in discussions at both the technical and diplomatic
level concerning water deliveries to the United States that were called
for by the Waters Treaty of 1944. And we're pleased progress was made
this past year, as water deliveries from Mexico exceeded the annual
treaty obligation. And they've already met their annual obligation for
the 2003-2004 period. But there are still -- the outstanding deficits,
while it has not increased, we still need to develop some long-term
solutions that will reduce the volume of waters owed to the United
States and prevent a recurrence of such a large deficit.
Q -- this is an issue that Fox does intend to raise, it's an
issue that prevented his decision last (inaudible.) Mexico has gotten
an international court of justice ruling that they will rule on some --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think that's still an outstanding legal matter
with the international court.
Q The court has asked the United States to help these
executions while it rules. Does the White House have a position on
that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, let's let the meeting take place. And
we'll go from there. But I think our position has always been that
there be appropriate consular notification ahead of time, and that's
something we've always talked about.
Q But does the White House have a position on the international
court's --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, see, that's a legal matter that's going on
right now, and I'm not going to get into speculating about it at this
point.
Go ahead.
Q You've seen today that Martha Stewart has been found guilty
on all four counts. Is this another example of what you guys call, in
the administration, cracking down on corporate --
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not going to get into discussing a specific
legal matter. I mean, I think that's a legal matter that's being
addressed by the courts.
Q But you guys talk a lot about corporate standards and how the
President has been cracking down on --
MR. McCLELLAN: Absolutely. Corporate responsibility is something
the President has talked about for quite some time, and we've taken
action to crack down on corporate wrongdoing. This administration is
strongly committed to cracking down on corporate wrongdoing, and we
have a proven record of taking significant steps to address it.
Q -- signing of the Iraqi --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, one, I think you're seeing democracy in
action. It's not unusual when a society is working to build democratic
institutions that there are going to be bumps along the road. But the
important thing is that Iraqi leaders are able to freely discuss these
issues with one another, and do so publicly, without the threat of
brutal action by an oppressive regime. So democracy is moving forward
in Iraq and, obviously, along the way there will be some bumps in the
road. But as I understand it, they're working to address some
technical matters. But this document will mark an historic day for the
people of Iraq as it's a step towards a better and more free future.
Q Scott, at what point, though, do developments like this start
to imperil on the June 30th deadline?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?
Q At what point do these --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's why I said I understand that this is
relating to some technical matters, or a technical matter related to
the transitional administrative law, and they're working to resolve
it. That's democracy. I mean, our own nation has experienced many
more bumps on our own road to establishing democratic institutions.
Q Sure, but -- so there's no concern here that the June 30th
deadline isn't in peril?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, we're continuing to move forward on the
transfer of sovereignty on that timetable.
Q Scott, on this weekend, immigration is something that the
President sort of made a big deal out of this new policy before we went
down to Mexico, but we haven't heard a lot about it since. What are
you saying -- what is the President going to say to President Fox about
the prospects for that proposal?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, you're going to hear from them afterwards,
and I imagine that's an issue they will address at their press
availability. But the President is strongly committed to moving
forward on a temporary worker program that meets our economic needs in
this country, and also, at the same time, provides for more humane
treatment of those who are here now, working in this country. They did
not have the protections that other workers do at this point. But this
is talking about providing for jobs to be filled when there are not --
there are no Americans to fill those jobs.
Q Scott, given that both the House and the Senate say they will
not take this up, what is the President going to do to move forward on
that --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, he's going to continue to talk about the
importance of acting on it. We are continuing to work with Congress to
work on legislation that meets the principles that the President
outlined.
Q Scott, do you expect any discussion of human rights tomorrow,
either Mexico's current record or ways that the United States --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, let's let the meeting take place.
But, certainly, strengthening democracy in the hemisphere and
strengthening the rule of law in the hemisphere has been a priority for
the United States and it's been a priority for Mexico, as well. We've
worked together at the Summit of the Americans, we work closely to
strengthen democracy, to fight corruption, to strengthen the rule of
law. And we've worked together to expand economic opportunities in the
hemisphere and reduce poverty. But let's let the meeting take place,
and then we'll have more to say at that point.
Q When Asa Hutchinson testified to Congress yesterday, his
prepared remarks apparently had in there that the administration is
going to scrap the fingerprinting and photograph requirement for coming
into the country -- but he didn't say it explicitly, he only mentioned
it, saying it was something the administration was just considering,
instead of flat-out doing -- but only when prompted by a congressman.
And there is speculation that there was pressure from the White House
right before he was going to testify, which is why he didn't say it
explicitly. Is that true? Or do you --
MR. McCLELLAN: Obviously, there's an interagency process, and we
work very closely with departments, including the Department of
Homeland Security on matters like this before there is an
announcement. And as I said, it's still something that's in the
discussion stages. I think you can direct questions to the Department
about specifics about what his prepared remarks said.
But, obviously, that's something that we discussed through an
interagency process and worked very closely with the department to
address. But this is something we're looking at very closely and
giving strong consideration.
Q Why are we doing this?
Q Can you tell me what the administration's thinking is then on
what the positive aspects of scrapping that program would be?
MR. McCLELLAN: Of scrapping the program? I don't think we're
scrapping any program. I wouldn't look at it that way. I mean, the
U.S. visit entry procedures are currently in place at 115 airports and
14 seaports, and it's going to be expanded to the 50 busiest land ports
of entry, as well. The goals of the U.S. visit, you have to keep in
mind, are to enhance our security -- enhance the security of both U.S.
citizens and visitors to this country; to facilitate legitimate travel
and trade. And that's why I said we've been working closely with
Mexico on a number of ideas to incorporate the U.S. visit at our
southern ports of entry, and looking at ways we can better facilitate
the travel of those Mexican citizens that cross the border on a regular
basis.
When you're talking about the border crossing card, this allows
Mexican citizens to stay in the United States for up to 72 hours and
travel within the border zone. That's the 25-mile area of the border
in Texas, California and New Mexico, and I think 75 miles from the
border in Arizona. And, as I said, when they get that card, Mexican
citizens have to undergo a biographical and biometric background check
and have their finger scans in that card. And so that could be an
acceptable alternative to the U.S. visit system for those Mexican
citizens.
Q Just to clarify -- and that's what is being considered right
now, but it has not been announced or adopted by the administration
yet; is that correct?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, there's nothing to announce at this time. It's
being given strong consideration.
Q Well --
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, I'm not going to put a time on it.
Q -- strong consideration?
MR. McCLELLAN: What's that?
Q Strong, strong, strong consideration. (Laughter.)
MR. McCLELLAN: Anything else? Mr. Knoller. Last one. And then
we'll do the week ahead.
Q On the campaign ads, does the President regret that some 9/11
families are offended by the 9/11 images --
MR. McCLELLAN: Look, it's just something we respectfully disagree
with. And I think most Americans feel it's important to talk about how
we lead in a post-September 11th world. September 11th changed the
equation for how we confront the threat from terrorism. We are a
nation at war because of the events of September 11th. It was a
defining moment in our nation. It's a defining moment for our future.
And the way we lead in a post-September 11th world is something that's
critical to the security of this nation.
Q Do you believe that all the complaints about the ads are
politically motivated, or do you think some of it --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I can understand why some on the other side
of the aisle may not want to talk about some of these issues. But the
President recognizes his most solemn responsibility is the protection
of the American people. And the President's leadership is vital to
winning the war on terrorism and making the world safer, and making
America more secure. And the choice is clear: we either take the
offensive, like we are doing, and confront these threats before it's
too late, or we go back to a time when it was addressed just as a law
enforcement matter.
All right, week ahead? Bob is anxious.
On Monday, March 8th, we've already announced that the President
will announce the Bush-Cheney 2004 luncheon in Dallas and attend the
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston. For those of you who
haven't been, I hope you will enjoy it. It's quite a show.
Q Scott, what's he going to do there?
MR. McCLELLAN: We'll get you more on that. I'll get you more. I
don't have all those details in front of me right now. Then he'll
attend the Bush-Cheney 2004 reception in Houston.
On Tuesday, the President will make remarks at the Malcolm Baldrige
National Quality Awards Ceremony in Arlington. On Wednesday, he will
make remarks at the Women's Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century Forum
in Cleveland, Ohio. On Thursday, March 11th, the President will make
remarks, via satellite, to the National Association of Evangelicals
Convention. Then the President will go to Bay Shore, New York, where
he tours USA Industries. Then he will participate in a conversation on
the economy and job training. Then the President will visit Nassau
County 9/11 Memorial, in East Meadow, New York. And that evening he
will attend a Bush-Cheney 2004 reception in East Meadow, New York.
On Friday, the President makes remarks on efforts to promote
women's rights globally in the East Room. And then on Sunday, March
14th, the President will attend the Ford's Theater Gala at the Ford's
Theater. And that's all I've got.
Q What is the subject of the radio address?
MR. McCLELLAN: Iraq.
All right, thanks.
Q Any readout, whatsoever, tonight on Fox, meetings tonight?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, we'll get you the menu and get you those kind
of usual details.
Q A readout --
MR. McCLELLAN: No, not tonight. Not tonight. I don't expect
anything tonight.
Q Thank you.
END 2:51 P.M. CST
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