Dave Ralis.com | White House news

Reuters - A U.S. judge ruled against the Bush administration in its fight with Congress over a probe into the firings of U.S. attorneys by refusing on Tuesday to delay an order that current and former White House aides comply with congressional subpoenas.

AP - President Bush appealed to Russia's president Monday to ignore the advice of lawmakers and refrain from recognizing Georgia's breakaway regions as independent.

AP - President Bush on Monday proposed protecting three remote island chains, launching a marine conservation effort that could be one of the largest in history.

AP - The remnants of Tropical Storm Fay lingered Sunday, forcing residents in several parts of northern Florida to leave their homes as floodwaters rose.

Investor's Business Daily - To stimulate the sleepy housing market, President Bush signed an economic recovery act in late July. It includes an estimated $15 billion in tax incentives.

AP - Break out the tuxedoes and fancy gowns. It's time for a rare state dinner at the White House.

AP - President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki spoke Friday by secure video as work on a plan to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq by 2011 continued.

AP - Barack Obama likes to say, "We can't afford to give John McCain the chance to serve out George Bush's third term."

AP - Changes in the Bush administration's rhetoric over the past 16 months on a timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq:

Reuters - President George W. Bush on Thursday thanked Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who resigned this week, for efforts in fighting terrorism and called Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to pledge support for going after extremists, the White House said.

During National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, we pay special tribute to the thousands of innocent victims who died on September 11, 2001. Our Nation honors the brave citizens, service members, police officers, and firefighters who heroically responded in the face of terror. On these important days, we reflect on the terrible events of September 11, 2001, and lift the victims and their families in our prayers.

By the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including sections 2 and 4(a)(1) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 (the "Act"), as amended, (22 U.S.C. 2601 and 2603) and section 301 of title 3, United States Code:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, and in order to increase the membership and extend the duration of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, it is hereby ordered that Executive Order 13285 of January 29, 2003, as amended, is further amended as follows:

President Bush will welcome President Martin Torrijos of the Republic of Panama to the White House on September 17, 2008. Panama is an important friend and ally of the United States. The President looks forward to discussing a range of issues with President Torrijos, including our common commitment to the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, expanding free trade and strengthening democracy throughout the region, enhancing security cooperation, and strengthening cooperation in international fora. This visit, following President Torrijos' visit last May, underscores the on-going deep friendship and cooperation between the United States and Panama.

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. Consistent with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register the enclosed notice, stating that the emergency declared with respect to the terrorist attacks on the United States of September 11, 2001, is to continue in effect for an additional year.

In accordance with the provisions of section 1512 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105-261), I hereby certify that the export to the People's Republic of China of one two-inch fluid energy mill for the research and development of pharmaceutical powders and ten accelerometers for incorporation into railway geometry measurement systems is not detrimental to the United States space launch industry, and that the material and equipment, including any indirect technical benefit that could be derived from such exports, will not measurably improve the missile or space launch capabilities of the People's Republic of China.

Consistent with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency I declared on September 14, 2001, in Proclamation 7463, with respect to the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, New York, New York, the Pentagon, and aboard United Airlines flight 93, and the continuing and immediate threat of further attacks on the United States.

Substance abuse is an unrelenting evil that destroys lives, ruins families, and endangers neighborhoods. During National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, we emphasize our commitment to alcohol and drug addiction prevention. This month is also an opportunity to recognize those who have had the courage to combat and overcome addiction.

The United States condemns the decision by the Russian President to recognize as independent states the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This decision is inconsistent with numerous United Nations Security Council Resolutions that Russia has voted for in the past, and is also inconsistent with the French-brokered six-point ceasefire agreement which President Medvedev signed on August 12, 2008. The six-point agreement offered a peaceful way forward to resolve the conflict. We expect Russia to live up to its international commitments, reconsider this irresponsible decision, and follow the approach set out in the six-point agreement.

During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we remember those whose lives have been affected by this deadly disease, and we underscore our commitment to battling ovarian cancer for the sake of women around the world.

President Bush on Wednesday said, "Are there still people wondering about their future? Absolutely. Do they still have other issues to deal with, like cleaning out some of the bureaucracy so that the housing issue can get solved quicker? Absolutely. But things are better here on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi."

President Bush on Wednesday said, "I think the message here today is: Hope is being restored. Hope is coming back. I'm going to spend some time here in New Orleans, and then I'm heading over to Gulfport, Mississippi -- same message. And I'm, frankly, not surprised. I'm not surprised that hope is marching in, because I understand the nature of the people who live here in this community, and these communities. I have seen people when their spirits were at a low ebb, but never did they give up. And now I've seen incredible progress is being made."

President Bush on Wednesday said, "Over the past seven years, we've seen liberty on the march, seen citizens in Afghanistan and Iraq establish representative governments after decades of tyranny. We've seen the people of Lebanon take to the streets and demand their independence. We've seen citizens of the former Soviet republic -- republics stand up for their right for free and fair elections."

President Bush on Saturday said, "We will continue to stand behind Georgia's democracy; we will continue to insist that Georgia's sovereignty and independence and territorial integrity be respected."

President Bush on Friday said, "With its actions in recent days Russia has damaged its credibility and its relations with the nations of the free world. Bullying and intimidation are not acceptable ways to conduct foreign policy in the 21st century. Only Russia can decide whether it will now put itself back on the path of responsible nations, or continue to pursue a policy that promises only confrontation and isolation. To begin to repair its relations with the United States and Europe and other nations, and to begin restoring its place in the world, Russia must respect the freedom of its neighbors."

President Bush on Thursday said, "We also had a couple of briefings, one on the war on terror and the other on the situation in Georgia. Got a lot of folks, smart folks analyzing the situation on the ground and, of course, briefing us on different possibilities that could develop in the area and the region."

President Bush on Wednesday said, "The United States of America stands with the democratically elected government of Georgia. We insist that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia be respected."

President Bush on Tuesday said, "One of the things that came out in this discussion was there's a lot of folks in our country who understand we could be doing something about the high price of gasoline and we're not. Obviously we need to be wise about conservation, but we've got to be wise about increasing the supply of oil here in America. If you're concerned about the price of gasoline, one way to affect that price of gasoline is to increase oil supplies."

President Bush on Monday said, "Russia's actions this week have raised serious questions about its intentions in Georgia and the region. These actions have substantially damaged Russia's standing in the world. And these actions jeopardize Russians' relations -- Russia's relations with the United States and Europe. It is time for Russia to be true to its word and to act to end this crisis."

President Bush on Sunday said, "Thank you for your hospitality. It's been a wonderful experience being here."

In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "This Congress has been one of the most unproductive on record. They've failed to address the challenge of high gas prices. Members still have time to take action on this vital priority for the American people. They need to send me a bill next month that I can sign -- so we can bring relief to drivers, small business owners, farmers and ranchers, and every American affected by high prices at the pump."

In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "The United States and our allies stand with the people of Georgia and their democratically elected government. We insist that Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity be respected. And Moscow must honor its pledge to withdraw its invading forces from all Georgian territory."

In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "My trips to Asia as President have brought many uplifting moments. One of the most moving came this week in Seoul, when I spoke to American troops at the Yongsan Garrison. These men and women are carrying the burdens of military life far from home. Yet in their faces you can see a quiet pride that comes from having an important job, and doing it right. These brave Americans are preserving peace, and they're sending a broader message about our approach toward Asia. Now, and always, the United States will keep our word to our friends. We will stand confidently for liberty. And we will advance our Nation's interests and ideals by staying engaged in this pivotal part of the world."

In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "I know that high energy prices are making this a difficult time for many of our citizens, but it is important to remember that these high prices were not inevitable. They are partially the result of policy choices that have been made over the years by the United States Congress. Now Congress has an opportunity to begin reversing that damage. By opening up new resources at home we can help bring energy costs down. And that will help ensure that our economy remains the strongest, most vibrant, and most hopeful in the world."

In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "America is leading the cause of human rights. Over the past seven years, we've spoken out against human rights abuses by tyrannical regimes like those in Iran and Syria, Cuba, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. We've spoken candidly about human rights with nations with whom America has good relations, such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia and China. And to ensure that our Nation continues to speak out for those who have no other voice, I recently issued a directive instructing all senior U.S. officials serving in undemocratic countries to maintain regular contact with political dissidents and democracy activists. With all these steps, we're helping defeat the forces of violent extremism by offering a more hopeful vision of freedom. And as this vision takes hold in more nations around the world, America will be safer here at home."

In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "I have great confidence that our economy will pull through this difficult period, because I have great confidence in the boundless, innovative spirit of the American people. This is a Nation that has faced tough challenges in the past and overcome them, and we will do so again. With sound policies in Washington and the ingenuity of our citizens, our economy will emerge from this period stronger and better than before."

In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "It's time for Members of Congress to address the pain that high gas prices are causing our citizens. Every extra dollar that American families spend because of high gas prices is one less dollar they can use to put food on the table or send a child to college. The American people deserve better. So I urge Congress to come together with my Administration now to ensure that our economy remains the strongest, most vibrant, and most hopeful in the world."

In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "This weekend, Americans are celebrating the anniversary of our Nation's independence. Two hundred and thirty-two years ago, our Founding Fathers came together in Philadelphia to proclaim that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "This week, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives held a conference to highlight the work being done by our Nation's armies of compassion, with help from the Federal government. This conference demonstrated the remarkable difference these groups have made over the past eight years."

In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "This is a difficult time for many American families. Rising gasoline prices and economic uncertainty can affect everything from what food parents put on the table to where they can go on vacation. With the four steps I've laid out, Congress now has a clear path to begin easing the strain high gas prices put on your family's pocketbook. These proposals will take years to have their full impact, so I urge Congress to take action as soon as possible. Together, we can meet the energy challenges we face -- and keep our economy the strongest, most vibrant, and most hopeful in the world."

MS. PERINO: Good morning. A couple of announcements. Welcome back, first of all. Look at this, we have a new podium that is actually my size -- (laughter) -- and I can see over the top of it. So hopefully that will be a good sign.

MS. PERINO: Good afternoon. I know it's very strange to be briefing this late, but it was due to the President's schedule. He had a very good day at the CIA with two briefings and then a chance to meet with many members of the CIA, many of the employees, many of the young employees. He spent about a little over two hours in the cafeteria shaking hands, signing autographs, talking with the employees there. And then he also, while he had lunch, sat with a table of -- a long table filled with employees who had just joined in the last four to five years -- so, since he's been President. So he very much enjoyed that.

MS. PERINO: Good afternoon. You heard from the President just about an hour ago. The President and his national security team are obviously very concerned about the state of Georgia and have been working intensively with our international allies to secure a cease-fire and to provide humanitarian aid to those in need.

MS. PERINO: Good to see you. Earlier today, President Bush met with his Cabinet and spoke in the Rose Garden about the importance of addressing our nation's energy needs. And as you heard the President say, Democratic leaders in Congress need to stop standing between the American people and the vast energy resources we have here at home. And we believe they should allow a vote to expand exploration.

MS. PERINO: Hello, everybody. A couple of things. The President is just finishing up a lunch right now with Prime Minister Gillani of Pakistan. They had a very good meeting -- I would describe it as a serious meeting -- one in which they spent most of the time talking about counterterrorism issues. The President reaffirmed his commitment to Pakistan for the aid that we provide. In addition, you will get a joint statement from the two leaders a little bit later this afternoon -- it's not quite ready yet.

MS. PERINO: A special welcome to the Frattos. A couple of announcements, so bear with me here.

MS. PERINO: Hello, everyone. I'll start off with two announcements. As you all know, there's a hurricane brewing in -- off the Gulf, actually hitting land now. The federal government has been working closely with the state of Texas to prepare for the hurricane called Dolly. We've been identifying resources and pre-positioning supplies in case they are needed after the landfall. And FEMA has deployed a couple of teams there and will have more information for you if you need it.

MS. PERINO: Good afternoon. A couple of announcements. This afternoon at 1:30 p.m., President Bush will make remarks at an event commemorating Colombia Independence Day. In addition to recognizing our shared history and the great strides in democracy and human rights by Colombia under President Uribe, the President will also highlight the need for Congress to bring the Colombia free trade agreement to a vote. This trade agreement would bring economic benefits to the United States and would support an important strategic ally in the hemisphere.