Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Lovisa Frost
White House Gaggle
January 31, 2006

President's Schedule

The President had his usual intelligence briefings this morning. At lunch
time, he will be hosting the traditional lunch with the Television

Correspondents in the Old Family Dining Room, ahead of tonight's State of
the Union Address.
At 9.01 pm, President Bush delivers the State of the Union Address at the
United States Capitol.

State of the Union

The speech is, as of this morning, on draft 31, though all changes are
minor, and it runs for 38 minutes.

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said that the President will
start the speech off focusing on the foreign policy and national security
side, then moving to domestic issues, but he will also talk about values
and compassion.

Judge Alito

Asked about when a swearing-in of Judge Alito is expected, McClellan
replied that Judge Alito will be in the Roosevelt Room of the White House
to watch the vote. He is expected to be sworn in at the Supreme Court
today, however, no time set yet. There will likely be a ceremony in the
East Room tomorrow following the President's trip to Nashville, Tennessee.
Judge Alito is expected to appear along with the other members of the
Supreme Court at the State of the Union Address tonight.

Ben S. Bernanke

McClellan expected the new Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, to be sworn
in today at the Federal Reserve. There will be a ceremony held for him in
the White House early next week.

Coretta Scott King

Both the President and Mrs. Bush were deeply saddened by the death of
Coretta Scott King, wife of civil rights leader Martin Luther King. "Mrs.
King was a remarkable and courageous woman. America mourns the loss and
keeps the King family in our thoughts and prayers. The President and Mrs.
Bush spent some time with her the last few years and they felt blessed to
have known her and will always treasure the time spent with her.

Iran

When asked what the Administration would like to see happen, when the
issue of Iran's non-compliance is taken to the Security Council, McClellan
said that it is an important step and the international community
recognizes the importance of sending a clear and united message to the
Iranian regime. "Iran has continued to ignore agreements and obligations.
The IAEA
board will meet
on Thursday, and we expect the board to refer the matter to the Security
Council at that point," McClellan stated. The Council will later be
looking at Iran's action and will come out with a report at their normally
scheduled meeting in March.