Monday
Feb252008
White House Gaggle February 25, 2008
White House Gaggle
Briefer: Dana Perino
President’s Schedule
At 8, the president had his normal briefings, then at 10:30 he will have a briefing by the Office of Faith-Based Community Initiatives. At 11:00 he meets with the National Governors Association. Tonight at 7:00 the President will make remarks to 2008 Republican Governors Association Gala at the National Building Museum.
This morning the White House will release a statement responding to the Washington Post Op-Ed by Congressional Democrats on FISA.
Perino also announced that King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan will visit the White House on March 4, 2008.
Governors
Responding to a question about governors possible infrastructure improvements as part of a second stimulus package, Perino said that the President will meet with the governors and hear their views. Infrastructure improvements were not sought as part of the first stimulus package because they take time to have an effect.
Turkish border
On the Turkish forces going into northern Iraq, Perino said that it was not an ideal situation, but that the "PKK is a common enemy of Turkey and the United States." She said that the White House hopes this is just a short-term incursion and is in contact with Turkey.
Kosovo
Responding to a question about Serbian parts of Kosovo wanting to remain part of Serbia, Perino said that there are people with mixed emotions, and the White House has encouraged Kosovars to ensure minority rights are protected.
Cuba
Perino said she was not aware of any discussions about possibly lifting the embargo against Cuba.
Supreme Court gun control case
Vice President Cheney has signed on to amicus brief filed by a party other than the Department of Justice. Perino said, "It’s no problem."
Briefer: Dana Perino
President’s Schedule
At 8, the president had his normal briefings, then at 10:30 he will have a briefing by the Office of Faith-Based Community Initiatives. At 11:00 he meets with the National Governors Association. Tonight at 7:00 the President will make remarks to 2008 Republican Governors Association Gala at the National Building Museum.
This morning the White House will release a statement responding to the Washington Post Op-Ed by Congressional Democrats on FISA.
Perino also announced that King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan will visit the White House on March 4, 2008.
Governors
Responding to a question about governors possible infrastructure improvements as part of a second stimulus package, Perino said that the President will meet with the governors and hear their views. Infrastructure improvements were not sought as part of the first stimulus package because they take time to have an effect.
Turkish border
On the Turkish forces going into northern Iraq, Perino said that it was not an ideal situation, but that the "PKK is a common enemy of Turkey and the United States." She said that the White House hopes this is just a short-term incursion and is in contact with Turkey.
Kosovo
Responding to a question about Serbian parts of Kosovo wanting to remain part of Serbia, Perino said that there are people with mixed emotions, and the White House has encouraged Kosovars to ensure minority rights are protected.
Cuba
Perino said she was not aware of any discussions about possibly lifting the embargo against Cuba.
Supreme Court gun control case
Vice President Cheney has signed on to amicus brief filed by a party other than the Department of Justice. Perino said, "It’s no problem."
tagged 
Bush, FISA, Supreme Court, castro, cheney, cuba, governors, gun control, jordan, kosovo, pkk, serbia, turkey, white house gaggle in News/Commentary
Bush, FISA, Supreme Court, castro, cheney, cuba, governors, gun control, jordan, kosovo, pkk, serbia, turkey, white house gaggle in News/Commentary
Closer to Cuban Travel
American's restrictions for travel to Cuba aren't just coming from the Castro brothers according to members of the Cuba Working Group Tuesday. They urged for further changes in the United States’ Cuba policy. Although President Barack Obama lifted all restrictions on travel and financial support by Cuban-Americans to family in Cuba last month, legislators say a change in the travel ban for all Americans to Cuba requires congressional action.
U.S. Rep. and member of the Cuba Working Group Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT) said, “How do we bring about change? Only by engaging with the Cuban government and Cuban society will we have the platform or leverage to seriously address our concerns without having those concerns brushed aside and ignored.”
DeLauro said support in the congress reflects the support nationwide behind travel for all Americans to Cuba. U.S. Representative James McGovern (D-MA) said that the status quo has failed. On the topic of Americans traveling to and being in Cuba, he does recognize that, “When we are there, when we’re present, it is more difficult for the Cuban government to be oppressive.”
McGovern commented that President Obama has made a “baby step” by lifting the travel ban for Americans with family members in Cuba but he needs to do more and more needs to be done to let him know there is Congressional support for further changes to the U.S.-Cuba Policy.
“We need a policy that reflects the values of the American people and I think that the time has come to do something dramatically different," he said.