Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Ellen Ratner
Schedule:

The President had his usual briefings and then will meet with the Secretary of Defense. Later this morning he will meet with the Dalai Lama where they will discuss the protection of human rights and other issues; this is the second visit of the Dalai Lama to meet with the President. He will also meet with the Prime Minister of Kuwait. The meeting with members of Congress on the Energy Bill has been changed to next week. The President will make a speech at the FBI today and then screen the movie "Twin Towers" with firefighters and police officers from New York and others.

Speech at FBI Training Center:

The focus of the speech will be Homeland Security, and it will also have references to 9/11. The speech will be made in front of new DEA agents as well as members of the Marine Corps, District Attorneys and others. The speech will also have an update on the war on terrorism and the importance of the strategy of staying on the offensive. The speech will also focus on the historic and significant action of transforming the FBI, and the need to give law enforcement more tools. The President will encourage Congress to act on several measures that have already been submitted in Congressional bills. He will give three examples of how "Congress needs to amend the law" and to address the disparities in the laws "that make no sense." McClellan said that people charged with drug offenses are denied bail but people charged with certain terrorism crimes are let out. He cited one person released on bail that fled the country. He also cited the death penalty which applies to serious crimes but does not apply to certain terrorism crimes.

Scott McClellan said that the President will discuss the need for an "administrative subpoena." Asked directly if this was "Patriot Two" he said that what the President was supporting was already in various pieces of proposed legislation.

Palestinian Prime Minister:

McClellan said that the new cabinet formed by the Prime Minister needs to demand that all acts of terrorism cease and that White House remains fully committed to working with the Palestinians as well the Israelis. He said that the Palestinian Authority needs to take immediate steps to crack down on terrorism and crack down and dismantle terrorist organizations and that the new Prime Minister needs to unify forces.

Congressional Bills:

Asked about the electrical grid McClellan stressed the importance of moving forward on the Energy Bill. When asked about the Competitive Sourcing and Appropriations bills he said it was better to lower the cost to taxpayers and The White House will continue to work with Congress on it.

9/11 Anniversary:

The President will address the Anniversary in his remarks today and views it as a somber day for prayer and refection.