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.