Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Lovisa Frost
President's Schedule

The President spoke with the El Salvadorian President Antonio Saca earlier
this morning. The two leaders discussed the bilateral agenda for 2006,
including El Salvador's participation in Iraq, as well as the status of

the implementation of the Central American Free Trade Agreement. President
Saca raised the issue of immigrant reforms and temporary protective
status.

Later this morning, President Bush welcomes German Chancellor Angela
Merkel to the White House, her first visit to Washington since becoming
chancellor. "Germany is a valued ally to the United States, and this
meeting is an opportunity for them to talk about strengthening
transatlantic ties and work to advance freedom and prosperity globally,"
White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said.

President Bush and Chancellor Merkel will hold a joint press conference in
the East Room of the White House. Following the meetings, they will have a
working lunch in the old family dining room.

This afternoon, the President will meet with three business leaders on the
Central American relief and reconstruction efforts. These leaders earlier
agreed to undertake an effort to encourage private and corporate
contributions to help rebuild communities that were devastated by the
series of storms passing over southern Mexico and Central America.

At 1.45 pm, President Bush will participate in a photo opportunity to
congratulate the women who are members of the United States Solheim Cup
Golf Team.

The President and Mrs. Bush will then depart for Camp David, due back on
Sunday.

Scott McClellan briefs the press at 1.50 pm today.

On January 24, President Bush welcomes the Prime Minister of Pakistan. it
will be his first visit to the White House since he took office. The two
leaders will discuss earthquake reconstruction, bilateral trade and
economic ties, and the war on terrorism.

This morning, the President taped this week's radio address on the subject
of the confirmation hearings.

Week ahead: On Monday, the President will visit the National Archives and
make remarks honoring Martin Luther King.
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister of Belgium will visit the White House, and
on Thursday the President will make remarks on the economy.

Iran

When asked about China and Russia's thoughts on Iran, McClellan said that
he will not speak on behalf of other nations, but said that, "It is very
clear that the international community is speaking with one voice in our
determination not to let the regime in Iran develop nuclear weapons."

McClellan also quoted the German Foreign Minister who said they had
reached a dead end in their negotiations.

McCain Amendment on Torture

When asked if the President feels bound by the provisions of the McCain
amendments on torture, McClellan stated that the United States is fully
committed to following the law.

New Orleans

McClellan was questioned about reports saying that the President did not
have enough time on the ground in New Orleans in order to state that the
infrastructure was back up on its feet. McClellan explained that President
Bush was expressing optimism and reassuring the citizens of the Gulf Coast
that the government is committed to rebuilding a better and stronger
region. McClellan continued to expand on the discussion, saying that they
have added substantial resources to the area, and that it is a top
priority for the President. Since September, more than 118 visits have
been made by cabinet secretaries and other top officials to the Gulf Coast
Region.

Prescription Drugs

According to new studies, a number of governors have taken so called
'emergency action' to pay for prescription drugs for people whose programs
have automatically shifted from Medicaid to Medicare, and McClellan was
asked what the federal administration is doing about it.
McClellan said reporters should look at the big picture, where millions of
Americans get their prescriptions filled, and people who did not have good
coverage before, are no longer struggling with the drug cost. He said that
the federal government is working closely with the states and local
pharmacies to identify key problems. McClellan concluded by saying, "This
is the most important new benefit in Medicare in 40 years, and it's not
unexpected that there should be some transition issues as we move 21
million people into a new benefit system in less than one month.