    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [March 21, 2003]
    [Pages 286-287]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Congressional Leaders and an Exchange
    With Reporters
    March 21, 2003

        The President. I've asked the Members of Congress to come up so that
    members of my administration can keep the leadership up to date as the
    war to liberate Iraq and to remove weapons of mass destruction out of
    Iraq proceeds. The military briefings, of course, will continue to be
    given out of the Pentagon. Secretary Rumsfeld will be briefing this afternoon.
        I also really want to thank Members of Congress, both House Members,
    Senate Members, members of both political parties, for the strong
    resolutions that came off the floor of their respective bodies,
    resolutions which said loud and clear: Our country supports the men and
    women in uniform; not only do we support those brave souls who are
    sacrificing on our behalf, but we want to thank their parents and their
    families for their dedication as well.
        As Secretary Rumsfeld said, we're
    making progress. We will stay on task until we've achieved our
    objective, which is to rid Iraq of weapons of mass destruction and free
    the Iraqi people so they can live in a society that is hopeful and
    democratic and at peace in its neighborhood.
        All of us involved here in Washington are extremely proud of the
    skill and bravery of our young Americans who are willing to sacrifice
    for something greater than themselves.
        So it's my honor to welcome the Members here. We will continue to
    keep them briefed as this war progresses. And I want to thank them for
    the unity, the message of unity.
        Thank you all for coming.

    Secretary Rumsfeld's Briefing

        Q. Is Saddam dead or alive, sir?
        The President. Secretary Rumsfeld will be briefing today.
        Q. Do you want to give us any details, as the Commander in Chief, of
    how things are going?

    [[Page 287]]

        The President. Secretary Rumsfeld will be briefing today.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:17 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. A reporter referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq.