White House Gaggle by Gordon Johndroe

Aboard Air Force One
En Route Waco, Texas
 
9:35 A.M. EDT
 
MR. JOHNDROE:  Good morning.  We're on our way to Texas, as you know.  The President had his normal briefings and recorded his weekly radio address this morning.  I'll come back to that. 
 
First I wanted to make some brief comments about reports out of Zimbabwe of increasing violence.  This violence and intimidation needs to stop.  Mugabe and his supporters need to refrain from this sort of activity against those who are supporting the opposition. 
 
The people of Zimbabwe some time ago voted for change.  The will of the people of Zimbabwe should be respected.  We note that regional leaders such as the President of Zambia have been very much engaged to try and resolve this electoral crisis there.  I understand they'll be meeting soon with the South Africans.  We would urge all the leaders in the region to play a constructive role so that the people of Zimbabwe can get their country back on not only the path to democracy but back on a sustainable economic future so they can support themselves.
 
Now, on the radio address, the radio address the President recorded this morning is really a Mother's Day tribute.  He will talk about also -- briefly about the wedding of one of his daughters, Jenna.  The President is excited to be going down to Texas today.  He is looking forward to the weekend, as is the entire Bush family.  It's really a special moment for them, and he, I think, is also going to make sure he gets a good night's sleep tonight so he can stay up late the rest of the weekend and enjoy all the activities that are planned.
 
With that, I'm happy to take your questions.
 
Q    He was walking with his arm out, just for fun, you know.  Is that his only role?
 
MR. JOHNDROE:  Sorry, what?
 
Q    He was walking out with his arm, showing us how he was going to -- is that his only role?
 
MR. JOHNDROE:  Perhaps he was practicing.  (Laughter.)  But, anyway, like I said, he's looking forward to it, he's excited, like any proud father is, to see one of his daughters get married.  You've heard the President and Mrs. Bush talk about this over the last few days.  They're all very excited about it, as is the whole family, and looking forward to it.
 
Q    She's already down there, right, Mrs. Bush?  When is Jenna -- is Jenna there already, too, or --
 
MR. JOHNDROE:  Yes.  Mrs. Bush has been down there and Jenna has been down there for a few days, right.
 
Q    Is Barbara there already?
 
MR. JOHNDROE:  You know, I'll have to check on other family members, but rest assured that the very large Bush family is all going to be converging in Crawford to celebrate this weekend.
 
Q    We're all concerned about getting some kind of a readout after the event.  Do you expect us to get anything?  Even what you told us now is helpful.  We're going to have to cover this whether we're there or not.
 
MR. JOHNDROE:  Right.  I would reduce your level of concern and be assured that there will be absolutely no readout of the wedding, whatsoever.  This really is a private event for the family.  If we can -- if the family decides -- and I think they may -- on Sunday to release a couple of photos of the ceremony, then we will certainly provide those to you.  But otherwise, I think the activities of the weekend are going to be a really private celebration for Jenna and Henry's family and friends.
 
Q    Was 41 on board today?  There was talk that perhaps he had been spotted at the White House yesterday.
 
MR. JOHNDROE:  You know, former President Bush is often at the White House.  I believe he was there earlier this week, but I think he has already gone down to Texas.  Marvin Bush and his family are on board today.  Marvin Bush, one of the President's brothers -- Marvin and his family.
 
Q    There's some conflicting reports about Burma.  First reports said that there was a U.S. plane that landed.  Then we had reports that said that the U.S. did not have permission to go.  What's the latest on that?
 
MR. JOHNDROE:  The latest on Burma is we are involved in negotiations with the Burmese government, as are many governments and aid organizations from all over the world, trying to make arrangements so that our assistance and these other countries and aid organizations' assistance can get into Burma to help the people there.  I would just say at this point there are ongoing discussions.  We're hearing conflicting reports as well.  We have –
 
Q    So we don't have permission yet?
 
MR. JOHNDROE:  As of our departure time, I was not aware that permission had been granted, but I would just say that we are hopeful.  We are hopeful that permission will be granted not only for United States aid but all sorts of international aid.  As you know, we have been involved through the State Department in talking with a number of governments, both in Washington as well as in their capitals, such as the Chinese and the Thais.  We appreciate the Chinese and any other governments who have used what influence they have on the junta to encourage the junta to allow aid in.  And so all of these efforts are ongoing.  The bottom line is, we want to get aid into Burma as quickly as possible.
 
Q    Gordon, are these talks directly between the United States and the Myanmar government, and at what level are they taking place?
 
MR. JOHNDROE:  I think most of the talks have taken place through our embassy in Rangoon with the Burmese government.  There may be also some talks at other -- in other capitals, but I don't have a specific level of official at this time.
 
Q    So nobody at the State Department or the White House is talking directly to their government?
 
MR. JOHNDROE:  Well, our chargé, a State Department official, certainly has.  I'd refer you to the State Department for any more details on that.
 

White House Gaggle

The briefer was White House Press Secretary Dana Perino.

Schedule
The president had his normal briefings. At the time of the gaggle, the president was meeting with the House Republican Conference. At this meeting the topics of the 2008 global war on terror supplemental, the price of gasoline, energy legislation, housing, the Protect America Act and the Colombia Free Trade Agreement were slated to be covered. The president is expected to give a statement on the meeting at 10:10. Today President Bush will sign the Ensuring Access to Student Loans Act. He will be briefed in the afternoon by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer about several USDA programs, specifically those domestic food aid programs such as food stamps, school lunches and WIC. The president will address the Council of the America's at the State Department. His statement is expected to focus on the Merida Initiative, a program that gives aid and supplies to Mexico and other Central American countries to fight the war on drugs. He is expected to push for the Colombia Free Trade Agreement and call on Cuba to begin a process of democratic reforms. There will be a briefing by Steve Hadley on the president's trip to the Middle East this afternoon.

Russia
In response to a question about the transition of power between former Russian president Vladimir Putin and the current president Dimitri Medvedev, Perino said that she expects the president to speak to Medvedev soon, but not today. She said that the two men look forward to beginning their relationship as two heads of state and that the G8 may be the first time they meet in person. Perino said that both leaders recognize that it is important to have a good relationship and that the two nations will continue to speak frankly and cooperate especially as it concerns Iran and it's nuclear program.

Myanmar
Responding to a question about American aid in the wake of deadly cyclones in Myanmar, Perino said that it was her understanding that the U.S. stands ready to help but that no other nation has been allowed access into Myanmar to assist. "There is no substitute for being there on the ground helping directly," Perino said.

Housing
On the topic of the housing bill being put forth by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) Perino said that the White House feels it goes too far, too fast. The administration would like to see the modernization of the Federal Housing Administration and other reforms included in the bill with out putting too much risk on tax payers.

Pentagon: If Congress doesn't act, soldiers will go unpaid

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell briefed the press, starting with a statement about the Global War on Terror budget supplemental request, which is slated to go before the House this week. He said that currently the military is borrowing form Army payroll accounts in order to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and that if the Congress does not act the the Defense Department will not be able to pay soldier, including those in Iraq and Afghanistan after June 15, 2008. He said the only options available if Congress does not pass $108 billion in war supplementals would be for the Defense Department to petition Congress to allow certain "re-programming" of other funds so that soldiers don't' go without pay.


The subject of Myanmar came up and Morrell said that there are several U.S. military assets in the region, which if requested could aid in disaster relief. These assets include 23 helicopters and a carrier with 1800 Marines aboard. Morrell said that these forces are only awaiting the request for help from the Burmese government.

The subject of the revised GI bill came up. Morrell wouldn't comment on any of the draft legislation in the Senate, but said that the Defense Department's priorities are to make education benefits transferable to military spouses and children and to have those education benefits become available after 6 years of service, which Morrell said would encourage a higher rate of retention in the force.

Morrell said that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has said that the command structure in Afghanistan is something that is worth taking a look at, but only in consultation with the NATO allies. He also said that while gen. McNeil has requested 3 additional brigades, the general doesn't expect that request to be fulfilled anytime soon. There is an expectation based on assurances made by President bush at the NATO summit in Bucharest, Hungary that there will be a plussing up of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. But Morrell said that the military will have to evaluate that plussing up of forces after the period of evaluation in Iraq after the last surge force brigade combat team is withdrawn. He also said that the Department must strive to meet the renewed limit of 12-month tours and increased time at home for soldiers first. He said that the Secretary of Defense doesn't think more troops in Afghanistan is unnecessary but that the draw down in Iraq must be completed before those additional brigades to Afghanistan will be considered. He also reiterated that the tour of the 3,400 Marines now serving in the Regional Command South will end in a finite way in December and the Department does not expect that tour to be extended beyond the standard 7 months for Marines.

Morell said that he has heard that there will be confirmation hearings on the Hill confirming Gen. David Petraeus as the combatant commander of Central Command later in the month of May. The Senate Armed Services Committee could not confirm that a date has been set for these hearings.

White House Gaggle

Briefer: Dana Perino

President’s Schedule


President Bush had his normal briefings this morning at 8 am. At 8.45 am, he signed HR 4286, Congressional Gold Medal for Aung San Suu Kyi. At 9.45 am, the President will make remarks on the South Lawn commemorating Military Spouses Day. This afternoon at 2.20 pm, President Bush meets with the President of Panama in the Oval office.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino will brief the press at 12.30 pm today.


Myanmar

When asked if the White House has any doubt that more aid is needed in Myanmar, Perino said that there is no doubt. “There is a need for people to step up and I think the international community is willing to do so.” The White House is hoping that the Burmese military junta will accept help. The US has two navy ships with one disaster assistance response team, DART, who was in the area at the time, doing an exercise on disaster assistance. They have asked to go close to Myanmar in hopes to get to the people on the ground and be able do assessments as well as giving them supplies needed such as clean drinking fresh water.

“When it comes to helping people who are in a desperate humanitarian situation, the President and Mrs. Bush have set the standard of putting aside political differences and getting help to people in need, and that is exactly what we will do here,” Perino said.
When asked about the Burmese junta not allowing US or other aid in, Perino was asked what the source of the US concern is. She said that they have not heard any response after their offers of aid and are especially concerned since they can see the devastation and the death toll is rising.

Panama

Perino was asked if the United States is at all bothered by the President of Panama reaching out to Raul Castro of Cuba, and she said that President Bush will bring up Cuba in their meeting later today. “The President has been someone who understands that there is going to be outreach to people’s neighbors, but we have a different view when it comes to Cuba; but we also think that we have the right view for the policy of the United States,“ Perino said.

GI Bill

Perino was asked why the President is opposed to a new GI bill, and she replied the White House has expressed concerns for some specifics; however, the President is trying to work with Congress to pass a bill that would allow veterans who wants to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses and children. The White House has some concerns about the Webb amendment but they are willing to work with Congress on it.

Farm Bill

When asked if the veto still stands on the farm bill, Perino said that Congress has been trying to work out their differences and the Administration has been very clear that now is the time for reform. Quoting the President Perino said, “ With farm incomes at an all time high…we should not ask tax payers to pay even more subsidies to millionaire farmers.”
The White House has expressed their concerns and wants to see reform, and Perino said that she knows that Congress has been working hard to get a bill that they President can sign, but if they cannot do that, they should go ahead and pass one year extension or else he would veto the bill.

White House Gaggle

Briefer: Scott Stanzel

President’s Schedule

This morning the President and Mrs. Bush did an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America. Later today, the President will participate in a photo opportunity with Uno the Beagle, winner of the Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club.
Tonight, The President and Mrs. Bush will host a social dinner tonight in honor of Cinco the Mayo.

Deputy Press Secretary Scott Stanzel will brief the press at 12.30 pm today.



Myanmar

Scott Stanzel was asked to comment on the situation in Myanmar, and said, “We are concerned about the reports coming out of Burma and more of the loss of lives. The US Embassy is in touch with Burmese authorities and the ambassador has released some assistance funds under her authority; and that money will go under the world food program and other aid entities and does not necessarily go directly to the government. But we are in the process of assessing what more we can do.


Iran

When asked about a report suggesting that the US has provided Iraq will intelligence that shows Hezbollah has been training militia members, Stanzel said that General Petreus talked about that in his testimony during his last visit to Washington. General Petreus discussed that fact that Iran has made efforts to support special groups inside Iraq. This is something the Iraqis want to stop and therefore Iraqi Prime Minister sent a delegation to Iran last week, Stanzel said. “Iraqis are clearly tired of their disruptive activity and they do want it to stop. “


Food Aid

Stanzel was asked if the White House has gotten any reaction from Congress regarding the announcement last week to increase the food aid money by $ 770 million. “The word that we heard from Congress is that they could potentially put the FY 09 supplemental request that was for $ 70 billion, that included the $ 770 million in food aid; that they could couple that with the FY 08 supplemental request, that has been pending since last fall, and that actually also include our $ 350 million request on food aid,” Stanzel said. He continued to talk about the broad recognition that there is a need around the world for increased support. “We expect Congress to move forward on it. “

Dalai Lama and China

The White House said that they believe that a dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government was the best way to address some of the fundamental issues.
“Dalai Lama has said himself that he does not seek change in political status for Tibet, but the people in Tibet has said that they are unable to freely practice their religion and freely practice some of their cultures and values, so we believe that talks to discuss those issues is important, ” Stanzel said. The White House said that they will have to wait and see what sort of readout they can get from the parties after their discussions but it is a positive step that they have had talks.

Oil demand and its impact

The President talked about this in his interview this morning, but he is willing to look at anything that Congress might put forward in terms of the gas tax issue. Stanzel said that the White House has had the idea of drilling in ANWR, and if that idea was not rejected in the mid 90s, there could have been potential for millions of barrels of oil per day from the United States. “We have to increase domestic exploration in an environmentally friendly way, and we have to continue to look for those alternative fuels…” Stanzel said. He also mentioned the discussion of investments in cellulosic research that the Administration thinks is the next step beyond the use of corn-based ethanol. “This is a problem that is long time coming and there are no quick fixes to it, “Stanzel ended.