By Gareth Schweitzer and Ellen Ratner White House Gaggle
July 1, 2003
By: Gareth Schweitzer and Ellen Ratner
President's Schedule:
Bush had his regular briefings this morning. This afternoon he participates in the Presidential Reenlistment of Military Officers. Ari Fleischer briefs at 12:45 today.
School Choice:
The President made remarks on school choice at a charter school in DC. He announced a new $75 million choice initiative for charter schools, $15 million of which will go directly to the DC school choice program.
Government spending:
Asked about steep increases in discretionary spending under Bush (the total is up 19%), Ari said the money had been spent on Homeland security, the 9/11 response, and to help the people of NY.
Constitutional Amendment:
Asked about the amendment to ban same sex marriages, Ari said that the President had not talked to Senator Frist, the majority leader who says he would support such legislation. Ari reiterated that President Bush believes marriages is a union between a man and a woman, and supports the Defense of Marriage Act that President Clinton signed.
North Korea:
Asked about NK working on miniaturized warheads, Ari said that the North Koreans are working hard on weapons of mass destruction and means of delivery. He added that the international community is working together on nuclear threats.
Liberia:
When asked for the President's reaction to events in Liberia, Fleischer said the President supports international law. The US is involved in peace negotiations, and the US is working with regional governments.
Iraq:
No surprise that people who engage in murder and torture are continuing to perpetrate violence, Ari said. "These people are the enemies of the people of Iraq. The US is resolved in completing this mission."
Palestinian Authorities:
Money has not been given directly to the Palestinian Authority because of the corruption. As for aid dollars, Ari said that $1 billion is too high a figure. Circumstances have changed for the Palestinian Authority, and the White House will consult with Congress about the aid. As for former Secretary Schultz's question about the US embassy moving to West Jerusalem, the president sent up a waiver to Congress again this year and remains focused on the road map to peace, not moving the embassy.
White House Gaggle
White House Gaggle
July 1, 2003
By: Gareth Schweitzer and Ellen Ratner
President's Schedule:
Bush had his regular briefings this morning. This afternoon he participates in the Presidential Reenlistment of Military Officers. Ari Fleischer briefs at 12:45 today.
School Choice:
The President made remarks on school choice at a charter school in DC. He announced a new $75 million choice initiative for charter schools, $15 million of which will go directly to the DC school choice program.
Government spending:
Asked about steep increases in discretionary spending under Bush (the total is up 19%), Ari said the money had been spent on Homeland security, the 9/11 response, and to help the people of NY.
Constitutional Amendment:
Asked about the amendment to ban same sex marriages, Ari said that the President had not talked to Senator Frist, the majority leader who says he would support such legislation. Ari reiterated that President Bush believes marriages is a union between a man and a woman, and supports the Defense of Marriage Act that President Clinton signed.
North Korea:
Asked about NK working on miniaturized warheads, Ari said that the North Koreans are working hard on weapons of mass destruction and means of delivery. He added that the international community is working together on nuclear threats.
Liberia:
When asked for the President's reaction to events in Liberia, Fleischer said the President supports international law. The US is involved in peace negotiations, and the US is working with regional governments.
Iraq:
No surprise that people who engage in murder and torture are continuing to perpetrate violence, Ari said. "These people are the enemies of the people of Iraq. The US is resolved in completing this mission."
Palestinian Authorities:
Money has not been given directly to the Palestinian Authority because of the corruption. As for aid dollars, Ari said that $1 billion is too high a figure. Circumstances have changed for the Palestinian Authority, and the White House will consult with Congress about the aid. As for former Secretary Schultz's question about the US embassy moving to West Jerusalem, the president sent up a waiver to Congress again this year and remains focused on the road map to peace, not moving the embassy.