For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 31, 2004
Press Briefing by Scott McClellan
The James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
1:13 P.M. EST
MR. McCLELLAN: Good afternoon. The President, this morning,
called President-elect Saca of El Salvador, to congratulate him on his
electoral victory. The two leaders discussed their mutual interest in
continuing the strong, cooperative relationship the United States and
El Salvador have enjoyed.
I'd like to make some brief comments, also, on today's OPEC
decision. The President is disappointed in today's decision.
Producers should not take steps that harm American consumers and our
economy. We continue to be actively engaged in discussions with OPEC
and non-OPEC producers from around the world to let them know our
views. Today's decision underscores the importance of Congress acting
to pass a comprehensive national energy policy that will reduce our
dependence on foreign sources of energy. The President outlined a
comprehensive national energy policy three years ago that would promote
domestic exploration and production, increase energy efficiency, and
expand conservation. It is time for Congress to act and for Senate
Democrats to stop holding up action on this important legislation.
And with that, I will be glad to take your questions.
Q On the energy bill, even if it were passed, it's not going to
reap any benefits for years. So what can the President do immediately
on the price of gas?
MR. McCLELLAN: John, first of all, you hit on a very good point.
We continue -- we continue to go from crisis to crisis when it comes to
-- whether it's electricity, or whether it's gas prices. We need
comprehensive solutions, not patchwork crisis management. We wouldn't
be in this situation today if Senate Democrats were not holding up the
national energy plan that the President proposed back in May of 2001.
In terms of the current gas price situation, the President, like
most Americans, is concerned about rising gas prices. And we will
continue to act to make sure that there is no price gouging going on.
We'll continue to work with state and local officials and consumers to
look at possible regional spikes in gas prices. So those are things we
can do, as well. The President remains firmly opposed to increasing
gas taxes, and he will fight any attempt to increase gas taxes.
Q Is he still against any release from the SPRO to --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, keep in mind that you're talking about a
national security concern. It became even more important after the
September the 11th attacks, to make sure that we had the resources
needed in the event of a national emergency.
Q When he was running for President, the President said that
President Clinton should get on the phone with the OPEC cartel and say,
we expect you to open up your spigots. But it doesn't appear that he's
doing that --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think that's wrong. No, this -- go ahead.
Q Well, excuse me, I was just going to ask, could you tell us
what calls the President has made?
MR. McCLELLAN: This administration remains actively engaged with
our friends in OPEC, as well as non-OPEC producers from around the
world. Secretary Abraham, Secretary Powell, the White House, we are in
constant discussions with producers from around the world. Condi Rice
has certainly been in touch with individuals in OPEC, and we will
continue working for America's consumers to make our views known to our
friends in OPEC, as well as other producers around the world.
Q But he's not making calls, himself?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?
Q He's not making calls, himself? MR. McCLELLAN: The
President makes his views known on a regular basis to leaders, and this
administration remains actively engaged in discussions -- over the last
few days, today, we remain actively engaged in discussions with our
friends in OPEC, as well as others.
Q Scott, our friends in OPEC don't seem to be paying any
attention. It seems as if the President has been unpersuasive with our
friends in OPEC. Is it fair to conclude that --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I disagree with your characterization.
Q Well, they're jacking the price on us. Is it fair to
conclude that he's not -- what he's doing isn't working?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's why I emphasized that we stay in close
discussion with our friends in OPEC. We stay in close discussion with
non-OPEC nations, as well. And we will continue to do so. We will
continue to work for American consumers to make our views known around
the world, to producers, whether they're in OPEC or not in OPEC. This
is a very important issue and we will continue to stay in close contact
with them.
Q But so far, nothing he's done or the administration has done
has had any effect.
MR. McCLELLAN: Let me repeat, Terry. We need a comprehensive
national energy policy so that we don't keep going from one crisis to
the next. We had a unique opportunity last year after the blackouts in
the Northeast and Midwest to pass a comprehensive energy plan that
would take us out of these annual situations that we're now in. And
that's why we're going to continue urging Congress to act, and that
will help address rising gas prices.
Q Just one thing. You just said, we would not be in this
situation if Senate Democrats had not blocked the energy policy in May,
2001. Prove that.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, Senate Democrats are the ones that had been
holding up, through their procedural moves, holding up the Senate
moving forward. The House moved forward, and they moved forward
quickly --
Q But how would that --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- and so the Senate Democrats are the ones who are
holding this up through procedural moves. You know that there's a very
close balance in the Senate. You're very aware of that. And there are
procedural moves that they can use. Some Senate Democrats didn't even
show up to vote on this energy policy last summer, I might point out.
Q But how would passing the President's energy bill in May of
2001, have changed OPEC's mind in March of 2004?
MR. McCLELLAN: It would of -- what it would have done, it would
have helped reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy; it
would have increased domestic exploration and production; it would have
expanded conservation; it would have increased energy efficiency. We
need to take all those steps. That's why I said, we need a
comprehensive plan. It would have also provided us a modern electric
grid, as well, to address the electricity crisis that we faced last
year.
Q You said earlier that market conditions set the price. Does
that still hold? And is OPEC abiding by market conditions?
MR. McCLELLAN: That's very much our view, and that's very much
what we continue to emphasize to our friends in OPEC, as well as other
non-OPEC producers.
Q Scott, just to follow up on what Terry was saying. Given the
fact that these discussions, quiet diplomacies, as it's been called, is
not working, and it's different from -- you trying to approach this in
a different way than, for example, you said the Clinton administration
approached it, what else can you do? I mean, is it your message that's
not getting across? Is it the tactics that aren't working? Why do
think --
MR. McCLELLAN: What else can happen is that Senate Democrats can
get on board with the rest of members of Congress and pass a
comprehensive energy plan --
Q I'm talking about the way you're dealing with OPEC.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, but the issue here is about rising gas
prices. And it's something that is of great concern to the President
of the United States. And that's why we're going to continue urging
Congress to act on a national energy policy. That's why we're going to
continue to act to make sure Congress doesn't raise the gas taxes. If
some had their way, the gas prices would be much higher right now.
Q How about my question about OPEC?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?
Q How about my question about OPEC?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we remain in close discussion with our
friends in OPEC and others around the world, and we will continue to
stay in close contact with them. We have been in contact with some of
our friends in OPEC as recently as today.
Q From the White House perspective, why haven't -- I mean, in
assessing the situation, why haven't your discussions been productive?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we are going to continue to -- you do need to
look at other, non-OPEC nations, as well. We stay in close contact
with non-OPEC producers, as well. We stay in touch with major
producers around the world. But what is most important is that we need
to look at the situation that we're in now and realize that this is
something that keeps occurring. That's why we need to take a
comprehensive approach to addressing it and reducing our dependence on
foreign sources of energy. That's the way we're going to address this
for the future.
Q There are a lot of things that affect the price of gasoline,
from refinery fires to -- gasoline, plus supply. All of the policies
that both President Bush and Senator Kerry talk about are long-term,
let's increase the supply, get more from the U.S., and that sort of
thing. But over the short-term, how much control does any White House,
does any administration have over the price of gasoline?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, we wouldn't be in the situation we're
in right now if Congress had acted on the President's proposal. Let me
just continue to emphasize that point, because I think it's very
important. Because that --
Q Do you mean because the supply --
MR. McCLELLAN: The comprehensive national energy plan would have
reduced our dependence on foreign sources of energy. Our dependence
has continued to grow over the years. And that's why we need to
continue to press Congress to act on a comprehensive national energy
plan.
Now, in terms of -- looking at the current situation, I pointed out
that, obviously, price gouging would be something that we simply will
not tolerate. And the Secretary of Energy and the FTC will stay on top
of any potential price gouging that would be going on. We will also,
obviously, continue to work with state and local governments and
consumers and others to look at other ways we can address these issues
now. But we wouldn't be in this situation if Congress had acted and
passed a comprehensive national energy policy. And it's largely Senate
Democrats that have been responsible for holding that legislation up.
Q You might have more supply had the Senate approved your
energy policy three years ago, but as you've acknowledged, the prices
are set by the market, and unless you were able to overwhelm the supply
reduction by OPEC, it wouldn't have any impact on the price of
gasoline.
MR. McCLELLAN: You're right, we need adequate and affordable
supplies of energy, and that's why we need to act at home to reduce our
dependency.
Q But over the short-term, I'm asking you how much control does
any administration have over the price of gasoline?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there are steps we can take to address this
issue. I just mentioned several of them --
Q Two or three years down the road.
MR. McCLELLAN: -- both on the long-term, and I mentioned what we
can do in the short-term, as well. This President is concerned about
rising gas prices, and we will continue to stay on top of this matter.
I just mentioned specific steps that we can look at now, as well as
continue to urge Congress to pass a comprehensive national energy
policy.
But there are some that have sought to raise gas taxes over the
years, and that has led to higher -- that has increased the prices
beyond where they would be today. And there are some that would
advocate even higher gas taxes. The President will remain firmly
opposed to that.
Q I think we've all gotten that message. The other question is
the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Is it against the law to reduce oil
from the Reserve in order to reduce prices?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, keep in mind that the Strategic Petroleum
Reserve is there for a national emergency, which would be the severe
disruption in supply. That's why it's there. And in the aftermath of
September 11th, that became an even higher national security concern,
given the way world events can occur. And so our views are very
well-known on that. I don't know all the legal aspects of it.
Q Can I take one more stab at what Jim was, I think, trying to
ask? Is there -- are the American people expecting too much if they
think that this President or any candidate for President can really
impact the price at the pump?
MR. McCLELLAN: He asked this very question. I think I went
through the steps that we take, as well as the steps that need to be
taken by Congress.
Q Yes, Scott, what happened in Iraq today, in one incident,
five Marines were killed; another one --
Q Can we finish up this first? I have another question on this
--
MR. McCLELLAN: Do you yield?
Q I'll yield --
Q All right, thanks. I just want to, again, zero in on the
short-term --
MR. McCLELLAN: And, John, I'm going to walk out on your newscast
tonight. (Laughter.)
Q On the short-term, it seems -- possibility of keeping gas
prices from going even higher -- and we know they're now about $2.00 a
gallon in many areas for regular -- would be the usage of fuel from the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve. You said the President is reluctant to do
that. But is there a formula that he's agreed on, a benchmark, that if
gas prices reach a certain point, he will tap that? Because it then
becomes -- is it not a national emergency?
MR. McCLELLAN: Obviously, I don't want to get into speculation.
We -- things are where they are, and our views are very well-known in
terms of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the national security
concerns that are involved when it comes to the Reserve. Independent
analysts have addressed this issue, and said that, look, even doing
that has a negligible impact. Some people have made some comments in
the past that are now changing their views on that subject. But just
look to independent analysts.
Q I'm back.
MR. McCLELLAN: Thank you. Okay, I'll watch you tonight.
Go ahead.
Q Most of the analysts, independent analysts who have taken a
look at the energy bill say that its impact on total energy supply
would be at the margin and long-term, not immediate. Given that, even
if the energy bill passes the Senate tomorrow and is signed by the
President that same day, aren't we going to have a long-term
institutional problem of OPEC continuing to dominate the worldwide oil
markets?
MR. McCLELLAN: That's why we're going to continue to remain
actively engaged in discussions not only with our friends in OPEC, but
with other producers from around the world. We stay in contact with
producers around the world on a regular and constant basis, and we will
continue to do so.
Q If that's true, then it leads back to Terry's question, which
is, whatever the President and the administration seem to be saying to
OPEC at the moment isn't working. So what do we do about that? What's
the strategy?
MR. McCLELLAN: We stay in discussions with them, like we are,
actively engaged in discussing our views with producers around the
world -- not just our friends in OPEC, but other producers around the
world, as well. You have to look at this as the whole. And we will
continue to make our views known about the importance of letting the
market set prices. And we will continue to stay in close discussions
with those producers around the world, and about our views that action
should not be taken that would harm American consumers or harm our
economy.
Q What expectations can we have that those conversations will
produce a different result than they have up to now?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we will continue to discuss it with them and
we will continue to make our views known. And you need to look not
just at OPEC, but at other producers from around the world in the
actions that are taken.
Q The incidents in Iraq today -- five Marines killed in one
incident, four civilians killed in another -- first of all, has it been
confirmed that an American was killed in the civilian incident?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think the coalition and the military in
Iraq can give you that information. In terms of these attacks, these
are horrific, despicable attacks. We condemn these attacks in the
strongest possible terms. The stakes are high in Iraq, and this is a
time of testing. The enemies of freedom, the enemies of the Iraqi
people are trying to shake our will, but they cannot. We will not be
intimidated. Our will and our resolve are firm. Democracy is taking
root and there's no turning back. And the Iraqi people want us to stay
and finish the job, and we will.
Q Now, getting back to the oil problem, gasoline problem. Even
if you were to use the Strategic Reserve, would this not be a
short-term fix?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's why I just pointed out, the
independent analysts have looked at this and they talked about how it
would have a negligible effect. And, in fact, if you go back to some
recent action that was taken, it showed that it had a negligible effect
on gas prices.
Q Scott, did anyone at the White House approve the Treasury's
decision to analyze Kerry's tax plan --
MR. McCLELLAN: Not that I'm aware of.
Q Did they think that's proper for civil servants to be doing
that kind of work?
MR. McCLELLAN: For the Treasury Department to do analysis of --
Q For civil servants to be --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- tax proposals?
Q For civil servants to --
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know if I agree with the characterization
of your question. I think you ought to talk to the Treasury
Department. I think they have addressed this matter.
Q Okay, the second question, on Richard Clarke. A lot has been
made about Dr. Rice's testimony, whether she would testify. But not a
lot has been made about the perjury charges that Bill Frist made on
Friday, on the Senate floor. He said, basically, that Mr. Clarke had
two different stories under oath. Isn't that perjury, and shouldn't he
be prosecuted for that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, those are decisions that others make,
obviously. I think that this is a decision that was made by Senate
leaders. They made a request of us, and our role is to look at those
issues and see what could be declassified.
Q The question is about the declassification --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that was a decision --
Q -- if they should --
MR. McCLELLAN: Can I finish? That was a decision by congressional
leaders.
Q But if he did have two different, contradictory statements
under oath, shouldn't he be prosecuted for perjury?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not going to get into speculating about that.
We've made our views very well-known. I think most Americans view Dick
Clarke and his contradictions as yesterday's story. This is about the
war on terrorism and the important role that the 9/11 Commission plays
in helping us move forward in the war on terrorism. We have taken
significant steps since September 11th to make sure we are doing
everything we can to prevent another attack from happening. And the
work of the 9/11 Commission is very important, particularly if they can
help provide us additional recommendations, beyond what we've already
done, that would help prevent another attack from happening.
Q Can I stay on that subject -- we need to stay on that
subject, briefly. Could you explain to us why the White House
requested that the President and Vice President jointly answer
questions, as opposed to separately?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, one, we've said from the very beginning that
it's important for the 9/11 Commission to have all the information they
need to do their job. And we've worked very closely and cooperatively
with the 9/11 Commission to make sure they have all that information.
We have provided, as the Chairman and Vice Chairman have pointed out,
unprecedented access to information from the administration to the 9/11
Commission, including our most sensitive national security documents.
And that's the spirit in which we have worked.
Now, keep in mind that the 9/11 Commission already has more than
2.3 million pages of documents, there have been more than a hundred
briefings, and that includes at the head-of-agency level, there have
been more than 800 interviews and meetings with administration
officials, some 900 audio cassette tapes of meetings and other
materials that have been provided to them, and more than 60 compact
discs of radar, flight and other information. So they already have a
lot of information. And we want to work in a way that helps make sure
that they have the information they need.
The commission very much welcomed the decision of the President and
the Vice President to sit down together and meet with the entire
commission and answer whatever questions they want to raise with the
President and Vice President. This is a good way to make sure that
they're getting the information that they need to do their job.
Q Why the specific insistence that they be together? I mean,
they could --
MR. McCLELLAN: This is a good way to help them get the information
they need and do so in a timely manner. Remember, they've already got
a lot of the information, they've already conducted a lot of the
interviews. And what they're trying to --
Q But they were separate interviews, right?
MR. McCLELLAN: What they're trying to do is get the information
they need to complete their work and provide a full report to the
American people. And we are helping every step of the way. And this
is a way that will help them move forward in those efforts.
Q But why is the joint session better than separate sessions,
which is what they --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, one, it will help make sure they get that
information in a timely manner. They can talk to both of them and help
better understand how to piece together all the information that
they've already received.
Q Last Friday, Senator Tom Daschle vowed that all of the
President's nominees -- that numbers about 45 -- will be held up, in
retaliation for the recess appointments of Judges Pickering and Pryor.
Is the President willing to give up his constitutional prerogative and
bow to the will of the minority?
MR. McCLELLAN: This is unfortunate that a minority of Senate
Democrats continue to play politics with our nation's judicial system
and with the judicial nominees of the President of the United States.
A majority of senators support these highly-qualified nominees that are
being held up. And the President acted in a couple of instances to
fill judicial emergencies, seats that needed judges in place so that
they could rule on important matters for the American people. And it's
just unfortunate that they continue playing politics with the
nomination process, and not adhering to their constitutional
responsibility to give these highly-qualified individuals an up or down
vote.
Q Do you see a pattern emerging with the use of the filibuster,
in terms of the President's nominee, the energy policy, and all of the
other legislation that's --
MR. McCLELLAN: There are a lot of important vacancies that we're
moving forward on quickly to fill -- not just in terms of judicial
nominees, but others, as well, on behalf -- to make sure that we are
doing what we're supposed to on behalf of the American people. And
it's just unfortunate that Senate Democrats continue to play politics
with these important nominations.
Q When we talked about President Bush testifying before the
9/11 Commission last week, with you, and the length of time, you never
mentioned the possibility of the Vice President testifying with him at
the same time. This does seem to be recent shift that they would
testify together.
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't get into discussions that we have on an
ongoing basis with the Chairman and Vice Chairman. Our Counsel's
Office stays in close contact with the Chairman and Vice Chairman and
commission on an ongoing basis to make sure that we're doing everything
we can to help them move forward on their important work. So they've
been in discussion with the Chairman -- our Counsel's Office has been
in discussion with the Chairman and Vice Chairman for quite sometime on
these issues in terms of the President's and the Vice President's
meetings. And we always work in a way to make sure we are helpful to
the commission so that they can get their work done.
Q For the two of them to testify together?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's -- we came to an agreement and that's
where the discussions ended up.
Q And in terms of getting the information to the commission in
a timely fashion, as important as that is, it seems that if the
President testifies for an hour or two, which is what we talked about,
and if the Vice President were to testify for an hour or two, we're
only talking about a difference of two or three hours in the commission
getting its information. So what difference does that make?
MR. McCLELLAN: You're talking about a sitting President and Vice
President of the United States, as well. And this is -- this is a good
way to help them get the information they need to do their job. And
they -- and the commission, I might point out, unanimously welcomed the
decision.
Q If they have different recollections, wouldn't it be more
helpful to the commission to hear from them separately?
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't think this is a game of "gotcha." This is
about making sure that they have the information they need to do their
job. And that's the spirit in which we're working. They already have
much of the information they need. This is a way for them to sit down
with the President and Vice President and learn additional insights
into how they go about piecing all this information together. And this
is a good way to do it.
Q Scott, I understand that --
MR. McCLELLAN: Go ahead. I'll come back in a minute. I was
pointing at Finlay, but go ahead.
Q I'm sorry.
MR. McCLELLAN: No, go ahead.
Q When U.S. troops killed Saddam's sons Uday and Qusay, and
displayed their body as proof to the world that they were, indeed,
dead, it was condemned in the Muslim community as an affront to the
Islamic and Muslim culture. Well, bodies are being dragged through
Fallujah, American bodies, and being beaten and stabbed and hung from
bridges. Does the White House feel the need to ask Islamic leaders to
condemn that, the treatment of those bodies?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I hope everybody acts responsible --
responsibly in their coverage. This is a despicable attack. It is a
horrific attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of
those victims. But we will not be intimidated. And the best way to
honor those who have lost their lives is to continue to show resolve in
the face of these cowardly, hateful acts, designed to intimidate and
roll back the democratic progress and the freedom for the Iraqi people
that we are achieving.
Q Does the White House not see hypocrisy when showing embalmed
bodies as proof of death is condemned, but the dragging of American
bodies through a street is -- goes on without a comment?
MR. McCLELLAN: It is offensive, it is despicable, the way that
these individuals have been treated. And we hope everybody acts
responsibly in their coverage of it. Certainly, our thoughts and
prayers are with the families.
Q One more question.
MR. McCLELLAN: I've got -- I've got Finlay.
Q What is the White House's view about sourcing? Desirable or
undesirable?
MR. McCLELLAN: Our view is that trade and opening markets is very
important to creating jobs here at home. The President is focused on
creating jobs here at home in America. And one important way to
continue to strengthen our economy even more is to continue opening
markets and make sure that there is a level playing field for American
producers and American farmers and others to compete. And that's what
we will continue to do. Free trade is vital to continuing our economic
growth.
Q Is that an endorsement of outsourcing?
MR. McCLELLAN: What I'm saying is that free trade -- and those
that would support economic isolationism put us at a competitive
disadvantage. And that harms our economy; that harms job creation here
at home. Our views are very well-known that we need to continue
working to open markets and make sure that America is the best place to
do business in the world. That's why the President has put forward a
six-point plan, to make sure that we have as strong an environment as
possible for continued job creation.
Q One more thing about the 9/11 Commission. In that same
paragraph of Mr. Gonzalez's letter saying the President and Vice
President will be able to testify together, it also stipulates that
only one staff member on the commission, itself, could actually take
notes. Why that stipulation?
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't think that's unusual. I think if you look
back at all the meetings and interviews that have occurred with
administration officials, I don't think there's anything unusual about
that. All 10 members of the commission will be present, if they all
show up, and be able to ask whatever questions they want. And the
President and Vice President look forward to answering all of their
questions.
Q To follow on that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Sure, go ahead.
Q The commission said yesterday that there would be nothing to
preclude the White House from making a transcript of that session.
Does the White House intend to do that?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'll keep you posted as we get closer to that
meeting. I think some of the specifics, in terms of timing and
everything, are still being discussed. But I'll keep you posted, as we
get closer.
Q Can you just clear up one thing on the gas prices? On the
one hand, the administration is saying we have to have a comprehensive,
long-term solution. But then you're also saying that there could be
some short-term solutions, and maybe working with state and local
governments. Can you --
MR. McCLELLAN: I talked about the role of the Secretary of Energy
and the FTC in staying on top of any price gouging that may be going on
--
Q What are you thinking --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think that, one, we are always -- this is
an important matter. It's something that is of real concern to us, the
rising gas prices. So we always stay in close contact with states and
local communities, and look at whether there may be regional spikes
going on in certain areas. We stay in touch with consumers and people
in the industry to see if there is additional action that we can take,
as well. We need to continue to oppose any attempts to increase gas
taxes, as well, during this period.
Q But is there anything specific, besides looking at price
gouging?
MR. McCLELLAN: I just pointed out that staying in touch with the
state and local officials, consumers and others in the industry, to
look at possible regional spikes in gas prices, and consider other ways
that we can address these issues. It is something that we stay on top
of and monitor very closely.
Q Scott, the 9/11 Commission would like to complete Dr. Rice's
testimony --
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm glad you came back.
Q Thank you. I've reset my question clock.
MR. McCLELLAN: I'll never invite you back again.
Q The 9/11 Commission would like to complete Dr. Rice's
testimony, perhaps add that of the President and Vice President, before
its next meeting on the 13th. Can you accommodate that schedule?
MR. McCLELLAN: With Dr. Rice?
Q Yes.
MR. McCLELLAN: We would like to see that meeting occur as quickly
as possible. We believe it's important for the American people to have
all the facts, and Condi Rice very much looks forward to sitting down
and testifying before the commission.
Q Do you know if you can complete that schedule by the 13th?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we're working with the commission to move
forward as quickly as possible. Obviously, I don't think they're
meeting again this week, but they will be back next week. And so,
hopefully, we can get it can done as quickly as possible.
Q Scott, in spite of warnings from the President and the White
House, Congress continues to add money to various bills -- look at the
welfare bill, look at the highway bill, which even in the House is
quite a bit more than the President said he would accept. Are you
losing control of even Republicans on spending issues?
MR. McCLELLAN: Oh, I think it's very early in the budget process
and on a number of pieces of legislation. I think if you look at the
direction the budget resolution is moving, certainly Congress has made
a commitment to make sure we don't increase taxes this year, and that's
very important. And they've made a commitment to making sure we show
spending restraint. Obviously, there's a long process to go, as we
move forward. And we'll continue working closely with Congress to make
sure that taxes are not raised, and to make sure that we fund our
priorities -- from winning the war on terrorism to protecting the
homeland, to strengthening our economy -- and then show spending
restraint elsewhere in the legislation.
And, Terry, you got the last --
Q Hold on. Aren't you swimming upstream on the highway bill,
though? I mean, even Republicans in the House are talking about, about
$30 billion more than the White House will accept, and the Senate is
way beyond that.
MR. McCLELLAN: And our views are very well-known in terms of the
President being prepared to veto legislation if it goes beyond his --
or if it does not meet his principles and goes beyond the resources
that he outlined in the legislation. Remember, the President proposed
a 21-percent increase over the last six-year period. We believe that
what he proposed is sufficient to meet our needs in this area. And
it's a responsible level of funding. And the President has outlined
specific principles that he believes should be met in this legislation,
as well, from, one, no gas tax or federal tax increase. And we were
talking about that a little bit earlier when it came to gas prices.
Two, no bonding or other mechanism to conceal the true cost to
taxpayers. And three, highway spending must be financed from the
highway trust fund, not the general revenue fund of the Treasury.
Go ahead, Terry.
Q Can you preview the President's appearance tonight, his
remarks?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's a campaign speech. I think you've
heard much of what he talks about in his remarks. Certainly, he will
highlight some of the key priorities that we're working to address, and
I think he'll talk about the choices that the American people have.
But you might want to direct more specific questions to the campaign,
and I'm sure they'll be glad to talk to you about it, as well.
Q You said there were contacts with OPEC as recently as today.
Who called who?
MR. McCLELLAN: I can get you more information on that. I think
there are some discussions that are still ongoing at this point. But
I'll get you more on that.
Thank you.
END 1:45 P.M. EST
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