Today at Talk Radio News

Chief Pentagon correspondent Meredith Mackenzie will be at the White House covering the press gaggle. The Washington Bureau will be attending the hearing on "Contractor Misconduct and the Electrocution Deaths of American Soldiers in Iraq" held by the Democratic Policy committee, as well as a full committee hearing on legislation amending the Commodity Exchange Act held by the House Agriculture Committee. The Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee hearing on "General Services Administration's (GSA) FY2009 Capital Investment and Leasing Program" will also be covered. Later in the day, the bureau will attend the Alliance for Health Reform’s discussion on "Innovations in Patient Care: Lessons from the Field."

White House Gaggle

Briefer: Dana Perino

Planning a trip to Europe June 9- 16 to strengthen the transatlantic partnership, commemorate the Marshall Plan and the Berlin airlift. The President will participate in the EU/US Summit and will visit Germany, Italy, France, UK and the Holy See.

Tomorrow at 10 President Bush will make remarks on Cuba. He is going to Ft. Bragg to tour the barracks and he will also make remarks on Memorial Day from Ft. Bragg. There will also be remarks on Friday from the South Lawn. President Bush is going to Camp David on Friday and will arrive back on Sunday. Perino also announced that the White House is sending a delegation to Bethlehem for a conference on West Bank Investment.

Perino said that the White House is still analyzing the Senate housing bill and said that it is still premature to say if the president can support the bill in full. Perino said that the administration can support some parts of it, particularly a GSE independent regulator for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

In addition to an official press statement Perino defended the White House position on Iran and repeated that the story in the Jerusalem Post was based on unnamed sources. She said she was not aware of anybody who made a statement and repeated that there is no change in U.S. policy on Iran.

Perino said that Ed Gillespie's criticism of NBC interview was not an assignment from the president though he supported the letter. "We were frustrated by egregious editing of the president's words to distort what he said," Perino said. She repeated that they are fed up from treatment they've been getting over the last couple months.

No details on where the pool is going, based on security Perino couldn't disclose details.

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."