For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 2, 2003
Press Briefing by Scott McClellan
The James S. Brady Briefing Room
12:42 P.M. EDT
MR. McCLELLAN: Good afternoon, everybody. Let me do a quick
run-through of the President's day. The President had his usual
briefings this morning. He has been participating in a lunch with
Chairman Greenspan. At 1:35 p.m. this afternoon, the President will
participate in the presentation of the first game football of the 2003
National Football League season. Following that, he has a meeting
scheduled with the Secretary of State. And that's his schedule for the
day.
I have one announcement to make, and then a few brief remarks, and
then I'll be glad to take your questions. I am pleased to announce
that beginning September 16th, White House tours will be expanded.
Tours will now be available to all parties requesting a tour through
their member of Congress and who complete required security
procedures. Currently, as you'll remember, tours are open to school
groups, youth groups, U.S. military and veterans groups, and all tours
are set up through their member of Congress. Starting September 16th,
the tours will be expanded for interested parties who complete the
required security information and work through their member of
Congress.
Q Does that mean we don't think there's a security problem
anymore?
MR. McCLELLAN: We continue to address those concerns, and that's
why at this point we're able to expand the tours now. You can check
with the White House website for further information and tour
guidelines.
As Congress returns from their recess, the President remains
focused on our nation's highest priorities, winning the war on
terrorism abroad and creating jobs at home. The national security and
economic security of the American people remain the President's highest
priorities. The President looks forward to working with Congress to
pass a comprehensive energy plan that will reduce our dependence on
foreign sources of energy and modernize our antiquated electricity
delivery system.
The President looks forward to working with Congress to modernize
and strengthen Medicare for our nation's seniors, so that they can have
more choices and better benefits. Our seniors have waited far too long
for the prescription drug coverage that they deserve.
The President looks forward to working with Congress on the
remaining appropriations bills, to make sure that we are funding
important priorities while exercising spending restraint. The
President believes it's important for Congress to fund priorities,
including providing our troops all the resources needed to win the war
on terrorism, and while doing so, it is important that we not overspend
in other areas.
And with that, I'll be glad to take your questions.
Q Scott, what's the story with this person the President
intends to appoint at Commerce? What is the job that person will
have? And how does that have anything to do with manufacturing jobs?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that person will be someone who focuses on
manufacturing, as I said earlier, and help address the challenges and
job losses facing American manufacturing. That's why the President
announced that yesterday at his stop in Ohio. So the new Assistant
Secretary of Commerce will address the competitive challenges and
opportunities facing the U.S. manufacturing sector.
The President has made economic growth and job creation a top
priority of this administration, and he believes manufacturing is
critical to job creation. Manufacturers have always reflected the best
of American business, showing resiliency and high productivity. And
the administration will do all it can to ensure that manufacturers can
compete and win in this global economy.
Q What will this person do that someone in the administration
wasn't already doing?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's why I said that this person's focus
will be specifically on the manufacturing sector. And as you know,
over a number of years now, manufacturing has seen a decline in jobs.
But I would note that before coming out here, earlier today I saw a
press report talking about the activity in the manufacturing sector,
that it's expanding strongly, continues to expand strongly in August
for the second straight month -- that that signals a start of a
recovery in this lagging sector.
Q What is it that --
MR. McCLELLAN: The reason the President announced this is because
of the high priority he places on strengthening our manufacturing
sector within the economy.
Q Now, the President didn't specifically mention China
yesterday, but obviously Secretary Snow is there. What is it that
Secretary Snow hopes to accomplish? What is it that China is doing
that it shouldn't do, or what would we like them to do that might make
it easier for American manufacturers?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, China has indicated in the past that they
intend to move toward greater flexibility and it's something that we
support, it's something that we encourage. It's --
Q -- for our manufacturers --
MR. McCLELLAN: That's right. It is our view that currency values
are best set in open and competitive markets. And so Secretary Snow is
in China now. He will be discussing those issues with the Chinese.
And that's an important step forward.
Q Scott, as you know, while the President was on vacation, the
non-partisan Congressional Budget Office came out with new deficit
estimates, saying the deficit is going to be $1.4 trillion over the
next 10 years. Now, the President is out there making speeches in
Seattle last week and elsewhere, saying his policies will cut the
deficit in half by 2008. When he says he'll cut the deficit in half,
is he including in his arithmetic the cost of war and reconstruction in
Iraq, reconstruction in Afghanistan, a prescription drug benefit, or
making the tax cuts permanent, all things he is arguing for --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, as a matter of fact, a lot of what you just
brought up is in our budget proposal that we put forth to Congress.
And what the President has emphasized in his budget --
Q -- reconstructing Iraq?
MR. McCLELLAN: -- what the President has emphasized in his budget
proposal -- well, that's a step that we're addressing as we assess what
is needed and what the exact needs are and what the international
participation will be. But as Congress moves forward on important
priorities, it is important that they show spending restraint. That
will help us address this.
We also have taken steps to strengthen our economy, get our economy
growing. The best way to address this is to get our economy growing
and show spending restraint on areas other than our highest priorities,
so that we can address that and we can begin to cut that in half over
the next several years.
Q So you're saying --
MR. McCLELLAN: But the President's highest priority and his focus
is on creating jobs and strengthening our economy. That's where his
focus is.
Q Fair enough. I'm trying to figure out what his arithmetic
is. And it sounds like you're saying, yes, when the President says he
will -- his policies will cut the deficit in half, he is including the
cost of war and reconstruction in Iraq, reconstruction in Afghanistan,
a prescription drug benefit, making the tax cuts permanent.
MR. McCLELLAN: Certainly the Medicare and the tax proposals, those
are issues that are put forward in our budget proposals. In terms of
cost of reconstruction, those are issues that we have to address as we
know what our needs are and as the facts become available to us, in
terms of what is needed and in terms of precise cost, to address the
war in Iraq. But, yes, in terms of Medicare, that's all within our
budget. In terms of the tax cuts, that's within our budget. And if
Congress will hold the line on spending -- the President's fiscal year
'04 budget holds the line on spending to, I think, 4 percent -- we can
address the deficit.
But what's most important is to get the economy growing even
stronger than it already is. There are a number of positive signs out
there from the recent GDP numbers to low interest rates to housing
starts and consumer spending. So the President is continuing to act to
strengthen our economy. And that will get more revenues coming in to
address that.
Q Just one more. As a fiscal conservative, is he proud of his
fiscal record?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, Terry, if you remember -- absolutely, the
President focuses on our highest priorities and then makes sure that in
other areas that we are showing fiscal restraint. And that's what he's
doing. But remember, remember the situation that we have faced, the
challenges that we have faced when it has come to our economy. When
the President came into office he inherited a recession. Then, as we
were beginning to pull out of that recession, the terrorists attacked
us on our home front. Then we had the corporate scandals; we worked to
address that. We worked to act on getting our economy growing by
passing tax relief. Then we passed additional tax relief, which is
beginning to be realized and the people are beginning to realize the
benefits of that not only in their paychecks, but through the child tax
credit, as well. So there's more money to spend and put back into the
economy.
Q Are you working on a package for the manufacturing industry
that would include tax credits?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think that there are a number of things
being discussed in Congress, and one of the issues that was raised
earlier in the day related to our tax laws and WTO compliance. And we
are committed to bringing our tax laws into WTO compliance and to
reforming international tax rules in such a way that preserves the
competitiveness of the U.S. business operating in the global
marketplace. But I think it's something that we'll work closely with
Congress on, to reform the international tax rules to ensure the
competitiveness of American workers and businesses.
Q So the industry should expect some help, then?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, like I said, we're working with Congress, but
I think that the President has shown his commitment to all sectors of
the economy by the action that we are taking to create jobs and
strengthen our economy.
Q Scott, on Iraq, the House International Relations Committee
is working on legislation that they're going to mark up next week that
will call on the United States administration to seek a greater
international role, or international support, in the rebuilding of
Iraq, with a lot of specifics, and one of those is NATO participation.
What is the administration's view on legislation and working with
Congress to support the idea of Congress giving a lot of specific
proposals in the form of legislation that would --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think, a couple of points that I would like
to make in terms of international participation in Iraq. International
participation has been, and will continue to be, an important part of
our overall strategy when it comes to Iraq. A number of countries are
already participating in our efforts in Iraq and we are in close
discussion with other countries about how they can participate. We
welcome the help of other countries.
It's a long-term, major undertaking, and it's an international
issue that requires an international response. And we are continuing
to have those discussions with other countries. We are continuing to
discuss this at the U.N. The U.N. has a very vital role to play in
this process. They have been playing a vital role, such a vital role
that you saw that they -- the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad was attacked
by those who seek to stop the progress, those who are enemies of the
Iraqi people.
Q But is having legislation, once again, coming through
Congress really focusing on the issue of reconstruction, is that
something that the White House would encourage or discourage at this
point?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we're going to continue to work closely with
Congress as we move forward on our reconstruction efforts and as we
move forward on determining what our exact needs are, to make sure that
we have all the resources necessary dedicated to this important
effort. Remember, a free and democratic Iraq is central to winning the
war on terrorism. It will bring about a more peaceful Middle East and
it will make the world more safe, and make America more safe and
secure.
Q Following up on Iraq, what should the American people expect
from the administration will be asked of them? In other words, we know
that Iraq needs money and troops, the President has said that. How
much of both are going to have to come from the United States?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, David, as I mentioned, 31 countries
are already participating in Iraq. There are a number of other
countries that we are in discussions with about ways that they can
participate. I think a number of other countries have already
committed to provide troops. The ones that I mentioned have already
publicly stated that position.
But the efforts in Iraq are critical to winning the war on
terrorism and we are continuing to make sure that all the resources
necessary are dedicated to this effort. This is something that we are
reaching out to the international community on. They have been playing
a vital role; they will continue to play a vital role. This is an
effort by a coalition. We will continue to have the discussions with
the U.N. about additional ways we can encourage other countries to
participate, as well.
Q Why should a country have confidence in this administration's
plan to reconstruct Iraq and try to shore up a security situation
that's in pretty sorry shape, when you're not -- there are no specifics
about what's going to be required of taxpayers financially, or of U.S.
troops more generally at a time when there's certainly many, including
the President, who say more troops are needed there?
MR. McCLELLAN: Actually, I think -- I disagree with some of your
characterization of the situation in Iraq. I think what you have seen
in the recent attacks is how desperate the remnants of the former
regime are and how desperate the foreign terrorists are because we are
making some important progress. We are making progress on a number of
fronts.
Much of Iraq is secure. We are -- the Governing Council just
yesterday took an important step forward that will lead to an Iraq
governed of, by, and for the Iraqi people. They announced the cabinet
ministers to oversee different areas in Iraq. So Iraqis are beginning
to assume more responsibility for their country, and that's important.
But this effort is going to be a major undertaking, as the
President has talked about. It will require a substantial commitment
of time and resources. But what it will do is lead to a more secure
and safer America and world. And this is important in our overall
efforts to winning the war on terrorism. And that's why this cause is
so important. And that's why the President has been very up front in
terms of what we are doing and what is needed to continue to address
needs in Iraq.
Q No matter how many countries may be participating at the
moment or considering participating, the fact remains that you have no
substantial commitment of troops from other nations, and you won't
have, clearly, until there is some agreement to either give up some of
the U.S. command position or put some of it into the U.N. What plans
do you have to get India and the major countries of Europe into this
force by giving some control to the U.N.?
MR. McCLELLAN: Obviously, each country has to make their own
decisions --
Q -- what do we --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- about what role they can play. As I said, there
are some 30 countries already participating.
Q Yes, but they're not participating --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- there are a number of other countries that have
already committed to help. And then we are in discussions with others
about ways we can encourage them to participate in the process. So
those are discussions that we are having --
Q But the plain fact is you don't have enough troops to do the
job. It gets demonstrated day after day.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, it's our commanders in the field that we rely
on to determine what is needed in terms of our troops. We also welcome
the support and participation of other countries in this effort. And a
number of countries are participating. I think there are some -- well
-- more than 20,000 troops already committed from some 30 countries
already, and we continue to have discussions with others about ways
that they can participate.
Q Why won't you say whether we're willing to give up some power
to the U.N., some control over the multination force? As least they
will be able to save face.
MR. McCLELLAN: Helen, the U.N. has been playing a vital role in
Iraq, and they will continue to.
Q That's a specific question -- they do not have any power in
Iraq.
MR. McCLELLAN: The U.N. is participating very closely with our
coalition provisional authority in our efforts in Iraq. The U.N. will
continue to have a vital role in Iraq as we move forward. We continue
to have discussions at the U.N. about ways we can encourage more
international troops to participate in Iraq, but --
Q You admit that's the issue, don't you?
MR. McCLELLAN: -- I would also point out what I said a minute ago,
Iraqis are assuming more responsibility for their country. There are
more than 50,000 Iraqis -- and, Bill, this goes back to a little bit
about what you were talking about, too -- who are defending their own
country, as part of a new Iraqi army, as part of a police force, border
control. So -- and there are a number of Iraqis that have volunteered
for a civil defense force, as well, and 38,000 in the police force.
Q But the security situation remains --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think what you're seeing, again, is the
more progress we make, the more desperate those cold-blooded killers
become, the remnants of the former regime. This was a brutal regime,
and they are becoming more desperate as we move forward, and foreign
terrorists who are coming into Iraq because they are enemies of
freedom, they are enemies of the Iraqi people, they are enemies of a
better future for the Iraqi people. That's what you're seeing.
And that's why we are taking the fight to them. That's why we are
on the offensive, going after these foreign terrorists, going after
these remnants of the former regime. We are bringing them -- remnants
of the former regime to justice. We have captured some just recently,
and we will continue to do so. Our military is doing an outstanding
job. And Iraqis are assuming more and more responsibility as we move
forward, and that's important.
Q On the President's speech on the economy on Thursday, are we
going to hear anything new from the President, or is it going to be the
same thing that we've heard before? Is this a major economic speech,
or is it just a --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think on Thursday and Friday, both in
Kansas City and Indianapolis, the President -- the President continues
to focus, as I mentioned at the beginning, on strengthening our
economy. And they're --
Q New plans, new programs, new ideas?
MR. McCLELLAN: Let me finish -- well, there are proposals that we
have put forward that Congress has not acted on that need to be acted
upon. I mentioned a couple of those right at the beginning. Congress
needs to act on a comprehensive energy bill. That will help not only
our economic security, but our national security, as well, by reducing
our dependence on foreign sources of energy.
Congress needs to act on modernizing Medicare and providing seniors
with prescription drug coverage. Congress needs to act on the
appropriations bills and show spending restraint as they move forward
to fund our important priorities. Congress also needs to act on
lawsuit reform. That lawsuit abuse cost us jobs, it cost the
consumers. So there are a number of areas that the President is
talking about where more can be done to strengthen our economy.
Q If I can follow on that, lots of economists have been saying
recently that the kind of growth that we're likely to see as a result
of the President's plans and policies so far, and the tax cuts and
everything else aren't going to generate the kind of growth that can
cut deficits in any meaningful way any time going forward. So the
President must be thinking about -- unless growth is literally at 7 or
8 or 9 percent, which no one is predicting it will be, the President
must be thinking about some domestic program cuts, because that's the
only we can close the budget gap. What are they are where are we
likely to see them?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the President's focused on creating jobs --
that's what's most important, is getting our economy growing and
creating jobs. And that's why you're beginning to see our economy pick
up more steam and grow even faster. There are a lot of positive signs
out there and that's where the President will continue to be focused.
At the same time, you mentioned the deficit. We do have one; it is
manageable; and that's why we're working to address it, as well. And
the way to address that is to get more revenue coming in, and that
means strengthening our economy. And the way to address that is for
Congress to fund our priorities and then show spending restraint in
other areas.
Q Well, given that, historically, that doesn't happen, either
at this end of Pennsylvania Avenue or at the other -- there are
spending increases above -- certainly -- above the cost of inflation.
How is the budget gap closed? Particularly given our ongoing
obligations in Iraq that aren't going to be going away any time soon?
I mean, realistically --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the framework for the budget was set within
what the President called for, in that 4 percent framework. Now
they're passing the appropriations bills and we'll continue to work
with them to make sure that those priorities are funded, but that
spending restraint is shown elsewhere within those appropriations
bills.
Q Scott, you called for Congress to pass Medicare reform.
Senator Grassley proposed something very concrete; he said the
President should set a deadline for passage. He suggested Columbus
Day, which I guess is mid-October. What does the President think about
setting a specific deadline, saying, get a bill to me by that date?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think the President believes that Congress should
act as quickly as possible, because seniors have waited long enough for
the prescription drug coverage they deserve. And what we're going to
do is continue working closely with members of Congress, and Senator
Grassley is one of the leaders on this issue and we've been working
closely with him and we will continue to do so. But the President is
very involved in this effort because this is one of his highest
priorities and it's one of the most important priorities for our
nation's seniors. And it's time for Congress to act and move as
quickly as possible. That's what we'll do.
Q Is he considering setting a deadline? You're not answering
the question, obviously. I mean, should there be a --
MR. McCLELLAN: He's going to continue working with Congress to
make sure that we get seniors more choices and better benefits and a
strong Medicare bill passed this year.
Q Can I ask one more on that? Members of the House,
conservatives, are very insistent -- and have been all month,
apparently -- about making sure there is some provisions in there so
that the wealthier pay more for their drugs. What are the President's
thoughts about that, just generally, that the --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, now you're getting into specifics about some
of the discussions that are ongoing in terms of the conference
committee. The President committed to working closely with the
conference committee as it moves forward to get the legislation out and
passed by Congress, and that's what we're going to do. I'm not going
to sit here and get into those discussions in this forum. I think that
forum is best held with the members of Congress on that issue.
Q Scott, what are the President's plans for marking the
anniversary of the September 11th attacks? And does he believe the
country is safer today than it was two years ago?
MR. McCLELLAN: Bob, I think that we will have more to say on that
over the next couple of days. I think it's a little bit early to
preview right now, but I plan on coming back to that in the next couple
of days and talk more about what his plans are for the second
anniversary.
Q And does he believe the country is safer today than it was
two years ago?
MR. McCLELLAN: Absolutely. We have taken a number of steps to
make America safer. Most importantly, we are taking the fight to the
terrorists; we are on the offensive and we are winning the war on
terrorism. We are bringing people to justice. We are disrupting and
dismantling the terrorist networks, wherever they are, and we will
continue to do so.
We have also taken a number of steps to improve our homeland
security. And Secretary Ridge is in the process right now of
announcing some additional steps we are taking to continue to make
America safer.
Yes, we are, but there is more that we can do. And certainly from
the standpoint of homeland security, Governor Ridge -- or Secretary
Ridge is always looking at ways we can build upon what we have
accomplished. The President will also continue to wage this war on
terrorism and he will be relentless in our pursuit of terrorists,
wherever they are.
Q Scott, can I go back to manufacturing, just real quickly.
You said this morning that the President is taking several steps to
make sure that there is fairer trade, one of them being pressuring the
Chinese on the currency. You also mentioned the tax situation with the
WTO. A number of analysts also say that eliminating the steel tariffs
that were imposed would help auto manufacturers and other steel
consumers who have been hurt by the steel tariffs and lost more jobs
than the steel workers who were helped by the tariffs. Is that on the
table? And if it's not, what are some of the other steps? Because
that's only two that I've heard so far.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, a couple of things, first, by addressing the
steel issue. Free trade is a cornerstone of the President's agenda to
create more jobs for American workers and spur economic growth. And
under the steel safeguards that were imposed, the International Trade
Commission is required to report on the effect of the safeguards at the
midway point. And that ITC report is expected in the fall and we look
forward to reviewing that at that time. But the President put forward
a comprehensive steel strategy aimed at addressing unfair distortions
in our world steel markets. So we will look forward to reviewing that
report once it is out.
In terms of the action that we have taken to open markets for U.S.
companies and workers, let me go through some of that. The
administration has negotiated globally, regionally, and bilaterally to
break down barriers and open markets for U.S. goods and services. We
have been successful in getting trade promotion authority passed so
that the United States can participate fully in global trade
negotiations. And that's where we can address some of these barriers.
And that's where we can make sure that not only do we have free trade,
but we have fair trade. We've been successful in launching the Doha
Round of world trade negotiations. And our negotiators will be
participating in the Cancun ministerial negotiations next week. So
we're working on important global efforts.
We're also working on regional trade initiatives, including the
Central American free trade agreement and the FTAA, the Free Trade
Agreement of the Americas. And then there are bilateral agreements, a
number of those, as well, with Australia, Morocco that we're in the
process of negotiating. And tomorrow the President will be signing the
ones that were recently passed with Chile and Singapore.
Q Let me make sure I understood you correctly. Basically
you're saying that the steel policy isn't going to be reviewed, or
there's no change until after the fall review --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we look forward to reviewing that ITC
report. There's nothing -- we look forward to reviewing it at that
point. That's where it is.
Q Scott, the President is going to be signing those two
agreements, Singapore and Chile, tomorrow. Critics say that those
kinds of agreements are costing us manufacturing jobs. What is the
President's response to that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's why when we negotiate these, we make
sure that we have free trade, but we have fair trade, as well. I think
I've already addressed the manufacturing issue, in terms of what we are
doing to address those concerns.
Q Scott, going back to Bob's question, Senator Kerry today, in
launching his candidacy, said that this President has failed to make us
as safe as we should be. What's your response?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think I'll leave the politics to the
Democrats in their primary. The President is continuing to focus on
the people's business. And as I mentioned, the highest priorities for
this President are our national security and economic security. And
the most important way to make America safer is to go after terrorists,
wherever they are, find them, and bring them to justice. That's what
we have been doing.
We also need to take steps to improve our homeland security. And
the President has acted on that front, by appointing Secretary Ridge to
oversee those efforts. And there are a number of steps we have taken
to improve
our homeland security, from strengthening our borders to protecting
our ports to improving aviation security. And Secretary Ridge is
announcing additional initiatives that we are taking to build upon
those efforts. That's why I said, yes, we are safer, but there is more
that we can do and there is more that we are committed to doing.
Q You're saying that Senator Kerry's criticism is political?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry --
Q Are you saying that --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I'm saying -- you're asking about specific
people that are running for President. I'm saying that I'll leave
their comments to the Democratic primary. That's where that belongs.
The President is going to continue focusing on his highest priorities
for the American people and getting business done here in Washington,
D.C.
Q Two questions, one on the 9/11 anniversary and one on Iraq.
I know you said that you want to hold off for a day or two to announce
the full plans, but I wondered if you can just answer one question.
Will the President be in New York on the anniversary?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, let me hold off, and I'll preview things for
you over the next couple of days, on September 11th. There hasn't been
any travel announced. I just want to hold off until I can preview his
full September 11th activities.
Q You can't indicate whether he'll be in the city for the
anniversary?
MR. McCLELLAN: I will preview it in the next couple of days.
Q On Iraq, you said a little while ago that much of Iraq is
secure now. We've heard similar statements from other officials in
recent days. In light of last week's bombing in Najaf and in light of
what happened at U.N. headquarters, in light of some of the other
attacks, do you think most people in Iraq today, both Iraqi and
non-Iraqi, would agree that they're secure?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think it depends on what area you live in, terms
of -- there's a certain area there where you have remnants of the
former regime and foreign terrorists who are trying to wreak havoc on
the progress that we are making. But we will not be deterred. We will
continue moving forward because this is such an important cause to not
only America's safety and security, but the world's safety and
security.
Q But Najaf is outside that area where most of the attacks have
occurred --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think that that was another indication of the
fact that these remnants of the former regime or the foreign
terrorists, the people that are carrying out these kind of attacks are
enemies of the Iraqi people and a better future of the Iraqi people.
I mean, you mentioned the Najaf bombing, and that was an attack on
the Iraqi people. You also had an attack on the U.N. headquarters
which, again, shows the vital role that the U.N. has been playing in
providing humanitarian assistance and help with reconstruction. But
these people are enemies of peace, they are enemies of freedom. And we
will continue to take the fight to them.
Q How do you define security? Give us your definition of
security in the sense in which you say much of Iraq is secure. How do
you define that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, like I said, there's a certain area in there
where the security is a much higher concern than other areas in Iraq.
And that's why we are taking steps to go on the offensive. We have
been going on the offensive, we will continue to go on the offensive
against these remnants of the former regime and against these foreign
terrorists that come into this country.
The Iraqi people are assuming more and more responsibility for
their own security and for their own future. That's why I pointed out
that you have some 38,000 Iraqis who are members of the police force in
Iraq. You have, I think, 1,400 who have volunteered to take part in a
civil defense force. You have another 12,000 that are being trained
for an Iraqi army. So there are a number of steps that we are taking.
Q Scott, going back to a question that came up this morning,
were you able to chase down the motivation for the policy in The
Washington Post report this morning on the refusal to issue numbers of
troops wounded unless there are troops killed in Iraq?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think that that's an issue that you need to
talk to the Department of Defense about, about what their policy is,
what it has been, what it is and what it will be moving forward.
Q While that may be a Pentagon policy in your view, from an
administration standpoint, doesn't this appear to downplay the
sacrifice made by people who are wounded over there?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, a couple of things. One, I think that you
are seeing the outstanding job that our medical forces are doing to
save lives in Iraq. That's important. Our troops continue to make
sacrifices in this important effort that is underway in Iraq, and we
appreciate the sacrifices that are being made. It's for an important
cause; it's for making the world a safer place; it's for bringing about
peace and security in the Middle East; and it's about bringing about a
free and democratic Iraq.
Q Why isn't that appreciation reflected in a policy that would
report those numbers?
MR. McCLELLAN: And the Department of Defense does provide that
information. There are a number of people, because of our advances in
medical technology and because of the great work that our medical
troops do, that are able to return quickly to their roles that they are
playing in this effort.
Q Thank you. On North Korea, did the President and Secretary
of State discuss it today? And is the President now prepared to take
tougher actions, perhaps a quarantine or financial boycott of North
Korea?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, one, the meeting with the Secretary of State
hasn't taken place. But that's one of the regular meetings he has and
it's not something that we typically get into readouts on. But our
policy on North Korea remains the same. We are pursuing a peaceful,
diplomatic solution through a multilateral forum. North Korea knows
what they need to do. They need to end their pursuit of nuclear
weapons, end its nuclear weapons program in a verifiable and
irreversible way. And the talks last week, some progress was made.
All countries made it very clear to North Korea that they support this
policy.
Q But is there any review, is there any sense of urgency, any
consideration of changing course here?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, we're continuing to work this through the
multilateral approach.
Q To follow up on Peter's question, we were told by the
Pentagon in order to get the information on wounded in action that we would have to file a Freedom of Information Act. Is that the position
--
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know the specifics --
Q -- does the White House support --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- that's why you need to talk to the Department of
Defense.
Q -- reporters having to file a Freedom of Information Act to
get --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think you need to talk to the Pentagon about the
specifics within this issue.
Q On immigration spending issues, when the President is going
to call for a proposal for -- immigration? The Democrats are taking
advantage of the White House waiting for the right time to present a
proposal.
MR. McCLELLAN: There's no update I have at this point on where
things are. The President has expressed his views and remains
committed to that view.
Q Scott, does the President in any way support the censorship
of the Ten Commandments in Alabama? And I have a follow-up.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, Les, I think that we've addressed this
issue. One, we need to respect our laws. Two, the courts have ruled
that in certain circumstances it is okay to display the Ten
Commandments, and in other circumstances, the courts have ruled that
it's not okay. But the President believes that we must respect our
laws. There is an appeals process that can be followed if you disagree
with those rulings, and that's where things are.
Q A court ordered the Virginia Military Institute to stop their
long tradition of saying grace at meals. But when VMI played the Naval
Academy on Saturday before 30,000 people at the Naval Academy -- of
which the President is Commander-in-Chief -- not only opened the game
with a prayer, but they also had a hymn. And my question is, does
Commander Bush approve of this prayer and hymn, or does he disapprove?
MR. McCLELLAN: He's always been a supporter of voluntary
student-led prayer.
Q On the manufacturing issue, there are two fairly divergent
versions being reviewed right now at Ways and Means. And one is $120
billion over 10 years. It's the proposal that Thomas is advancing.
Another one by Crane and Rangel is revenue-neutral. Without going into
the details of either provision, given the administration's concerns of
keeping the deficit under control, does the administration want
whatever comes out of there to be revenue-neutral?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, what I talked about is that we would work with
Congress on those issues.
Q May I have a follow-up, please?
MR. McCLELLAN: You may have a follow-up. All you have to do is
say please. (Laughter.)
Q The Medicare prescription drug deal also has a provision in
it, at least in one version, dealing with drug re-importation. I know
the administration is concerned about safety issues, but there is a
proposal floating out there at least to have a three-year pilot program
just with Canada, for re-importing drugs from Canada, where you have an
opportunity to make sure the drugs being reimported are safe. Would
the administration consider supporting the pilot program?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, there are a number of issues that
we're working with Congress on, as this Medicare legislation moves
forward. But our position in terms of the drug re-importation remains
the same: We cannot verify the safety of those drugs that are coming
back into the United States. And that is a concern that we have. So
our position remains the same.
Q Scott, two things. First, does the President know how many
people have been killed and wounded in Iraq since the beginning of the
war?
MR. McCLELLAN: Those numbers are made available, publicly.
Q Does the President know how many --
MR. McCLELLAN: He's very well aware of the sacrifices that are
made in Iraq.
Q Well, how many -- how many people have been killed in Iraq?
Not just Americans -- total people killed and wounded in Iraq since the
beginning of the war?
MR. McCLELLAN: Russell, I don't have those numbers.
Q Does the President know?
MR. McCLELLAN: Russell, I think that --
Q Are they available?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?
Q Are they available?
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know that you can keep track of all the
numbers. I mean those are issues you need to address to the coalition
provisional authority --
Q Do you know whether the President knows --
MR. McCLELLAN: Or, I'm sorry, the Central Command.
Q Does the President know how many people have been killed --
MR. McCLELLAN: The President knows that what we are doing in Iraq
is central to winning the war on terrorism.
Q That wasn't my question.
MR. McCLELLAN: It is central --
Q Does he know how many people have been killed --
MR. McCLELLAN: It is central to bringing about --
Q I know that. But does he know how many --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- a more peaceful and more secure --
Q -- have been killed and wounded.
MR. McCLELLAN: -- which means a safer world.
Q That's not the question, Scott. The question I had was, does
the President know how many --
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, I've answered the question. I told you he's
well aware of the sacrifices that our troops have made and the
sacrifices that their families are making with our troops over there in
Iraq.
Q Okay, second question, does the President support a balanced
budget amendment to the Constitution?
MR. McCLELLAN: Let me come back to that. The President has talked
about that in the past. Let me come back to -- let me just
double-check. *
Q Okay, second -- on a follow-up, does he support a balanced
budget? Scott, does he support a balanced budget?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'll come back to that question. I'll take that
question.
Q Scott, on Afghanistan. We have multinational forces there,
but still Taliban are bad and Afghanistan was the first country where
the terrorism started -- terrorism, and dragging out Taliban and al
Qaeda supporters and all that. Now, Karzai government in Afghanistan
is asking this administration to go back and help the -- that have been
left.
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry. I didn't follow your question in
there.
Q The Talibans are back now in Afghanistan and are fighting and
we have multinational forces, that's true. But how come the Talibans
are still there?
MR. McCLELLAN: We continue to make progress in Afghanistan.
There, again, you have enemies of peace and enemies of freedom, and
enemies of the people of Afghanistan. That's why we're continuing our
efforts to bring those former -- those Taliban members to justice, as
well, and bring any terrorists there in that country to justice, too.
We're making some important progress.
Thanks.
END 1:23 P.M. EDT
* The President supports a balanced budget amendment, and is
working to restrain spending so that we can reduce the deficit.
However, the President also believes that protecting the lives and
liberties of the American people may demand temporary borrowing, which
is why he believes a balanced budget amendment should include
exceptions for war, emergency and economic recession.
The President has a plan to cut the deficit in half in five years
through stronger economic growth and responsible spending restraint.
His budget proposal for next year would cut the growth of spending by
more than 50 percent from the levels of the past five years.
Government spending should not grow faster than family incomes.
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