[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
[July 1, 2003]
[Pages 1763-1792]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]




Appendix A / Administration of George W. Bush, 2003


Appendix A--Digest of Other White House Announcements

[[Page 1763]]

The following list includes the President's public schedule and other 
items of general interest announced by the Office of the Press Secretary 
and not included elsewhere in this book.

July 1

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing and met with 
the National Security Council.
The President announced his intention to nominate Gwendolyn Brown to be Chief Financial Officer for the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The President announced his intention to nominate Jeane J. 
Kirkpatrick for the rank of Ambassador 
during her service as U.S. Representative on the Human Rights Commission 
of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
The President announced his intention to appoint Joan Avalyn 
Dempsey as Executive Director of the 
President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board.

July 2

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with 
President Vladimir Putin of Russia to discuss 
the situations in Iran and North Korea. He then had intelligence and FBI 
briefings.
Later in the morning, the President met with Secretary of the Interior 
Gale A. Norton to discuss the National Park 
System. He then had separate telephone conversations with President 
Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and King Abdullah 
II of Jordan to discuss the peace process in 
the Middle East. Later, he met with Randall Tobias, his nominee to be Global AIDS Coordinator.
In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime 
Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel to discuss the 
peace process in the Middle East.
The President announced his intention to nominate Joel David 
Kaplan to be Deputy Director of the Office of 
Management and Budget.
The President announced his intention to nominate Donald K. 
Steinberg to be Ambassador to Nigeria.
The President declared a major disaster in Kentucky and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area 
struck by severe storms, flooding, mud and rock slides, and tornadoes on 
June 14 and continuing.

July 3

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings. Later, 
he had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu 
Mazen) of the Palestinian 
Authority to discuss the peace process in the Middle East.

July 4

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing and met with 
the National Security Council. Later, he traveled to Dayton, OH.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. Later, he 
attended a party hosted by Mrs. Bush to celebrate his upcoming 57th 
birthday.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush viewed the Independence Day 
fireworks display on the National Mall from the Truman Balcony.

July 5

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

July 6

In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush attended church services at 
St. John's Church in Lafayette Square.

July 7

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings. Later, 
he traveled to Landover, MD.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Dakar, Senegal, 
arriving the next morning.

[[Page 1764]]

July 8

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, at 
the Presidential Palace, he and Mrs. Bush participated in a welcoming 
ceremony with President Abdoulaye Wade of 
Senegal and his wife, Viviane. Later, the two 
Presidents participated in a meeting followed by a photo opportunity 
with leaders of West African democracies, including President Mathieu 
Kerekou of Benin, President Pedro 
Pires of Cape Verde, President Yahya 
Jammeh of The Gambia, President John Agyekum 
Kufuor of Ghana, President Amadou 
Toumani Toure of Mali, President 
Mamadou Tandja of Niger, and President Ahmad 
Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leone.
Later in the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush, with President 
Wade and Mrs. Wade, 
traveled to Goree Island, where they toured the House of Slaves.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Pretoria, 
South Africa, arriving in the evening.
The President announced his intention to nominate James Casey 
Kenny to be Ambassador to Ireland.

July 9

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, at 
Union House, he and Mrs. Bush participated in a welcoming ceremony with 
President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and his 
wife, Zanele Dlamini.
In the afternoon, at the Presidential Guest House, the President and 
Mrs. Bush attended a luncheon hosted by President Mbeki and Mrs. Mbeki. Later, 
the President toured a Ford Motor Co. automobile assembly plant in 
Mamelodi, Pretoria, and participated in a roundtable discussion on AIDS 
prevention with Ford employees.
In the evening, at the U.S. Ambassador's residence, the President and 
Mrs. Bush attended a dinner with South African and U.S. business 
executives hosted by Ambassador Cameron R. Hume and his wife, Rigmor.
The President announced his intention to nominate Susan C. 
Schwab to be Deputy Secretary of the 
Treasury.
The President announced his intention to nominate Kenneth Leet to be Under Secretary of the Treasury for Domestic 
Finance.

July 10

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, at 
the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel, he met with U.S. Embassy employees and 
their families.
Later in the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Gaborone, 
Botswana, where they participated in an arrival ceremony with President 
Festus Gontebanye Mogae of Botswana 
at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. Later, at the Gaborone 
International Convention Centre, the President and Mrs. Bush, with 
President Mogae and his wife, Barbara, viewed 
Southern African Global Competitiveness Hub exhibits on trade between 
southern Africa and the U.S. and met with Botswanan businesspeople, 
including women business entrepreneurs.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush toured the Mokolodi Nature 
Reserve.
Later in the afternoon, the President greeted U.S. Embassy employees and 
their families at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. He and Mrs. 
Bush then traveled to Pretoria, South Africa.
The White House announced that the President will meet with United 
Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the White 
House on July 14.
The President announced his intention to nominate Karan K. 
Bhatia to be Assistant Secretary of 
Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs.
The President announced his intention to nominate Cynthia R. 
Church to be Assistant Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.
The President announced his intention to nominate Domingo S. 
Herraiz to be Director of the Bureau of 
Justice Assistance.
The President announced his intention to nominate Leslie 
Silverman to be a member of the Equal 
Employment Opportunity Commission.
The President announced his intention to nominate Mauricio J. 
Tamargo to be Chairman of the Foreign 
Claims Settlement Commission of the United States.
The President announced his intention to designate Marianne Lamont 
Horinko as Acting Administrator of 
the Environmental Protection Agency.
The President announced his intention to designate Stephen L. 
Johnson as Acting Deputy

[[Page 1765]]

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

July 11

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
and Mrs. Bush traveled to Entebbe, Uganda, arriving in the afternoon.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush participated in an arrival 
ceremony with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda at Entebbe International Airport. Later, at 
the Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel, the President met with U.S. Embassy 
employees and their families.
Later in afternoon, at The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) Centre, the 
President and Mrs. Bush, with President Museveni and his wife, Janet, toured 
facilities and listened to a performance of the Watoto Children's Choir. 
Later, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Abuja, Nigeria, arriving 
in the evening.
The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister 
Tony Blair of the United Kingdom to the White 
House for a meeting and dinner on July 17.
The President announced his intention to nominate David Eisner to be Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for 
National and Community Service.
The President announced his intention to nominate Constance A. 
Morella to be Representative of the 
U.S. to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, with 
the rank of Ambassador.
The President declared a major disaster in Indiana and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding on July 4 and continuing.

July 12

In the morning, in Abuja, Nigeria, the President had an intelligence 
briefing. Later, in the courtyard of the Nicon Hilton Hotel, the 
President and Mrs. Bush met with U.S. Embassy employees and their 
families.
Later in the morning, at the Abuja National Hospital, the President and 
Mrs. Bush had a briefing on HIV/AIDS programs, toured laboratories, and 
participated in a roundtable discussion with medical staff and 
beneficiaries of HIV/AIDS mother-to-child transmission prevention 
programs.
Also in the morning, at Aso Presidential Villa, the President and Mrs. 
Bush participated in a welcoming ceremony with President Olusegun 
Obasanjo of Nigeria.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to Washington, 
DC, arriving in the evening.

July 14

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings and met 
with the National Security Council. Later, in the Oval Office, he met 
with Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.
In the afternoon, the President had lunch with Gen. Tommy R. 
Franks, USA, former combatant commander, 
U.S. Central Command, and his wife, Cathryn, 
in honor of General Franks' retirement.
The White House announced that the President will host Prime Minister 
Silvio Berlusconi of Italy at the Bush 
Ranch in Crawford, TX, on July 20-21.
The President declared a major disaster in Arizona and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
the Aspen fire on June 17 and continuing.

July 15

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, in 
the Oval Office, he met with Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla of the Czech Republic to discuss the situation in 
Iraq and Europe-U.S. relations.
Later in the morning, he met with Secretary of State Colin L. 
Powell.
In the afternoon, the President participated in a photo opportunity with 
teenagers involved in the Seeds of Peace camp program. Later, he met 
with bipartisan congressional leaders to discuss Medicare reform.
The White House announced that the President will host the G-8 Summit in 
Sea Island, GA, on June 8-10, 2004.
The President announced his intention to nominate Robert B. 
Charles to be Assistant Secretary of State 
for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
The President announced his intention to nominate Thomasina V. 
Rogers to be a member of the 
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

[[Page 1766]]

The President declared a major disaster in Ohio and ordered Federal aid 
to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
severe storms and flooding on July 4 and continuing.

July 16

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
made brief remarks to U.S. Attorneys at the Department of Justice 
headquarters building.
Later in the morning, the President met with economists.
In the afternoon, the President participated in the ceremonial swearing-
in of Office of Management and Budget Director Joshua B. Bolten.
Later in the afternoon, the President met with Members of Congress to 
discuss African affairs.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush hosted a reception in the 
Residence followed by a dinner on the State Floor for former President 
Gerald Ford and his wife, Betty, in honor of former President Ford's 
90th birthday.
The President announced his intention to nominate George H. 
Walker to be Ambassador to Hungary.

July 17

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing and met with 
the National Security Council. Later, he met with Secretary of Defense 
Donald H. Rumsfeld.
In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Veterans of 
Foreign Wars commander in chief Raymond C. Sisk. Later, he participated in an interview with a journalist 
from Leaders magazine.
Later in the afternoon, the President met with U.S. Ambassador to Japan 
Howard H. Baker, Jr. Later, in the Oval 
Office, he met with Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to the Bush Ranch 
in Crawford, TX.
The White House announced that the President will welcome President 
Nestor Kirchner of Argentina to the White 
House on July 23.
The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister 
Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the 
Palestinian Authority to the White House for a meeting and working lunch 
on July 25.
The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister 
Ariel Sharon of Israel to the White House for a 
meeting and working lunch on July 29.

July 18

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Dallas, TX, 
and in the evening, they returned to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX.
The White House announced that the President will award the Presidential 
Medal of Freedom to the following individuals in a ceremony at the White 
House on July 23:

    Jacques Barzun;
    Julia Child;
    Roberto Clemente Walker;
    Van Cliburn;
    Vaclav Havel;
    Charlton Heston;
    Edward Teller;
    R. David Thomas;
    Byron Raymond White;
    James Q. Wilson; and
    John R. Wooden.

The President announced his intention to nominate John Joseph 
Grossenbacher to be a member of the 
Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The President announced his intention to nominate Peter 
Lichtenbaum to be Assistant Secretary of 
Commerce for Export Administration.
The President announced his intention to designate Joan Ridder 
Challinor as Chairman of the National 
Commission on Libraries and Information Science.
The President declared a major disaster in Texas and ordered Federal aid 
to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
Hurricane Claudette on July 15 and continuing.

July 19

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Houston, TX, 
and in the evening, they returned to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX.

July 20

In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush welcomed Prime Minister 
Silvio Berlusconi of Italy to the Bush 
Ranch in Crawford, TX.

[[Page 1767]]

July 21

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to Washington, 
DC.
The President declared a major disaster in Nebraska and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
severe storms and tornadoes on June 9 through July 14.

July 22

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
met with his Corporate Fraud Task Force to discuss progress in combating 
corporate fraud.
Later in the morning, the President met with his National Infrastructure 
Assurance Council to discuss progress in enhancing cybersecurity and the 
war on terrorism.
Also in the morning, the President communicated with Secretary of 
Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld concerning 
military operations in Iraq.
In the afternoon, at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, the President 
made remarks at the Bush-Cheney '04, Inc., national finance committee 
meeting.
Later in the afternoon, the President hosted Members of Congress at the 
White House to discuss constituent concerns and other issues.
In the evening, the President hosted a reception for Republican Members 
of Congress.
The President announced his intention to nominate Kerry N. Weems to be Assistant Secretary of Health and Human 
Services for Management and Budget.

July 23

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
met with L. Paul Bremer III, 
Presidential Envoy to Iraq, and Secretary of Defense Donald H. 
Rumsfeld to discuss the situation in 
Iraq.
Later in the morning, in Room 450 at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive 
Office Building, the President made brief remarks to State and national 
student leaders of the National FFA Organization. Later, in the Oval 
Office, he met with former President Vaclav Havel of the Czech Republic.
In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with President 
Nestor Kirchner of Argentina. Later, he met 
with the congressional conference committee on Medicare reform.
In the evening, the President hosted a reception for Republican Members 
of Congress.
The President announced his intention to nominate Cristina Beato to be Assistant Secretary of Health and Human 
Services for Health.
The President announced his intention to nominate Jennifer Young to be Assistant Secretary of Health and Human 
Services for Legislation.
The President announced his intention to nominate Michael 
O'Grady to be Assistant Secretary of Health 
and Human Services for Planning and Evaluation.
The President announced his intention to designate Eugene Hickok as Acting Deputy Secretary of Education.
The President announced his intention to designate Ronald 
Tomalis as Acting Assistant Secretary for 
Elementary and Secondary Education.

July 24

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. He also had 
a telephone conversation with President Roh Moo-hyun of South Korea to discuss the situation in North Korea.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Philadelphia, PA, where 
he toured the Treasury Department's Philadelphia Financial Management 
Service regional center.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Livonia, MI. Later, he 
traveled to Dearborn, MI.
In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The President announced his intention to appoint Michelle Van Cleave as National Counterintelligence Executive.

July 25

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
met with Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.
In the afternoon, the President had lunch with Prime Minister Mahmoud 
Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the 
Palestinian Authority. Later, in Room 450 at the Dwight D. Eisenhower 
Executive Office Building, he made remarks to 2003 Boys and Girls Nation 
participants.
Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to Camp David, MD.

[[Page 1768]]

The President announced his intention to nominate Barbara McConnell 
Barrett to be Secretary of the Air 
Force.

July 26

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

July 27

In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. Later, he 
hosted a White House tee-ball game on the South Lawn and made welcoming 
remarks to the participants.
Also in the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with 
American cyclist Lance Armstrong to 
congratulate him on winning his fifth Tour de France earlier in the day.

July 28

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Junichiro 
Koizumi of Japan to discuss the situations 
in Iraq and North Korea and economic development in Japan.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Pittsburgh, PA.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.

July 29

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, in the Old Family Dining Room, the President had lunch 
with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel. 
Later, he met with Foreign Minister Saud al-Faysal al Saud and Ambassador to the U.S. Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia to discuss the recent congressional 
report on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Later in the afternoon, the President met with a bipartisan group of 
Senators to discuss proposed energy legislation.
The President announced his intention to appoint Duane Acklie as a member of the Board of Directors of the Student 
Loan Marketing Association and, upon appointment, to designate him as 
chairman.
The President declared a major disaster in Florida and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
severe storms and flooding on June 13 and continuing.
The President declared a major disaster in Tennessee and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
severe storms, high winds, and heavy rain on July 21-22.

July 30

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. He also had 
a telephone conversation with President Hu Jintao 
of China to discuss the situation in North Korea.
The President announced his intention to reappoint William K. Sessions 
III as a Vice Chair of the U.S. 
Sentencing Commission.
The President announced his intention to nominate Pamela P. 
Willeford to be Ambassador to 
Switzerland and concurrently to Liechtenstein.
The President announced his designation of William H. Campbell as Acting Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
for Human Resources and Administration.

July 31

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
met with Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.
In the afternoon, the President had lunch with Vice President Dick 
Cheney.
The President announced his intention to nominate Michele M. 
Leonhart to be Deputy Administrator of 
Drug Enforcement at the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The President announced his designation of Karen P. Tandy as Acting Administrator of Drug Enforcement at the Drug 
Enforcement Administration.

August 1

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
The President announced his intention to nominate Richard Eugene 
Hoagland to be Ambassador to Tajikistan.
The President declared a major disaster in North Dakota and ordered 
Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area 
struck by severe storms and high winds on June 24-25.
The President declared a major disaster in Ohio and ordered Federal aid 
to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
tornadoes, flooding, severe storms, and high winds on July 21 and 
continuing.

[[Page 1769]]

August 2

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, where he 
had his annual physical examination and visited U.S. military personnel 
injured in operations in Iraq.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to the Bush Ranch in 
Crawford, TX.

August 3

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with members 
of the U.S. women's gymnastics team to congratulate them on winning a 
gold medal at the Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic.

August 4

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

August 5

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the evening, the President had dinner with Secretary of State Colin 
L. Powell and Deputy Secretary of State 
Richard L. Armitage.
The President announced his intention to nominate David L. Lyon to be Ambassador to Kiribati.
The President announced his intention to nominate William A. 
Chatfield to be the Director of 
Selective Service.

August 6

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
had a meeting and then lunch with Secretary of State Colin L. 
Powell and Deputy Secretary of State Richard 
L. Armitage.

August 7

In the morning, the President had intelligence and national security 
briefings.

August 8

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
met with Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary 
of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Chairman 
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard B. Myers, USAF, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, and other officials to discuss military issues.

August 9

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, the President hosted a barbecue for Bush-Cheney '04, 
Inc., fundraisers at a neighboring ranch in Crawford.

August 11

In the morning, the President had intelligence and national security 
briefings aboard Air Force One en route to Tucson, AZ. Upon his arrival 
in Tucson, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Deborah 
Toland. Later, he traveled to Coronado 
National Forest. En route, he took an aerial tour of areas damaged by 
wildfire near Summerhaven, AZ.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Denver, CO, where he met 
with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Phuong Nguyen.
In the evening, the President returned to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, 
TX.

August 12

In the morning, the President had intelligence and national security 
briefings.
The President announced his designation of the following individuals as 
members of the Presidential delegation to the inauguration of President 
Nicanor Duarte Frutos of Paraguay on 
August 15: Anthony J. Principi (head of 
delegation), John F. Keane, and Robert L. 
Peeler.

August 13

In the morning, the President had intelligence and national security 
briefings, during which he had a video conference call to discuss the 
capture of Al Qaida terrorist Nurjaman Riduan Isamuddin (also known as 
Hambali).
Later in the morning, the President met with members of his economic 
team.
The President announced his intention to appoint Duane H. Laible as a member of the Arctic Research Commission.
The President announced his intention to appoint Sandra O. 
Sieber as a member of the Committee for 
Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled.
The President announced his intention to appoint Peter Field as Federal Commissioner and Alternate Federal 
Commissioner of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochie-Flint River (ACF) Basin 
Commission.
The President announced his intention to appoint Charles J. 
Chaput, Khaled Abou El Fadl, and Richard D. Land 
as members of the U.S.

[[Page 1770]]

Commission on International Religious Freedom.

August 14

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, CA.
In the afternoon, the President had lunch with U.S. military personnel. 
During lunch, he was informed by White House Deputy Chief of Staff 
Joseph W. Hagin of the power blackout in 
portions of the Northeastern and Midwestern United States and Canada. 
Later, he received updates on the blackout from Deputy Hagin and Deputy 
National Security Adviser Stephen J. Hadley.
Later in the afternoon, the President participated in an interview with 
Armed Forces Radio and Television journalists. Later, he had a telephone 
conversation with Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge to discuss the blackout. He also received updates on the 
blackout from Deputies Hagin and 
Hadley and White House Chief of Staff 
Andrew H. Card, Jr.
Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to San Diego, CA.
In the evening, the President traveled to Newport Beach, CA.

August 15

In the morning, the President had intelligence and national security 
briefings. He then had a telephone conversation with Secretary of the 
Treasury John Snow to discuss the status of the 
stock markets during the blackout. Later, he traveled to Thousand Oaks, 
CA, where he toured the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Irvine, CA, where he had 
telephone conversations from the Hyatt Regency Irvine with Governors 
George E. Pataki of New York, John G. 
Rowland of Connecticut, Jennifer 
Granholm of Michigan, and Bob 
Taft of Ohio and Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City to discuss the blackouts.
In the afternoon, the President returned to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, 
TX. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation 
with Prime Minister Jean Chretien of Canada to 
discuss the blackout.
During the day, the President received updates on the blackout from 
Deputies Hagin and Hadley and other officials.

August 16

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

August 18

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
had a telephone conversation with Energy Secretary Spencer 
Abraham to discuss the recent power blackout 
in portions of the Northeastern and Midwestern United States and Canada.

August 19

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with 
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil to express his condolences concerning the 
death of Brazilian citizen Sergio Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the United Nations 
Secretary-General to Iraq, who died in the August 18 terrorist bombing 
of the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad. Later, he had a telephone 
conversation with Prime Minister Tony Blair of 
the United Kingdom to discuss the Baghdad terrorist attack.

August 20

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime 
Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel to discuss the 
August 18 terrorist attack in Jerusalem. He then had an intelligence 
briefing.
Later in the morning, the President participated in a video conference 
call with the National Security Council, including Ambassador L. Paul 
Bremer III, Presidential Envoy 
to Iraq, and Gen. John P. Abizaid, USA, 
combatant commander, U.S. Central Command.

August 21

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Portland, OR.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Redmond, OR, where he 
participated in a briefing on the Bear Butte and Booth fires in 
Deschutes National Forest. Later, aboard Marine One, he took an aerial 
tour of the forest fires.
Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to Bend, OR.
The President announced his intention to nominate Hugh Douglas 
Barclay to be Ambassador to El Salvador.

[[Page 1771]]

The President announced his intention to nominate Michael David 
Gallagher to be Assistant Secretary of 
Commerce for Communications and Information.
The President announced his intention to appoint Lydia Irene 
Beebe, William Wilson III, and Joseph Thomas Yew, 
Jr., as members of the Board of Directors of the Presidio Trust.
The President announced his intention to appoint Carl Michael Morgan, 
Jr., and Deborah Doris Wetsit as members of the President's Board of Advisors on 
Tribal Colleges and Universities.

August 22

In the morning, the President traveled to Burbank, WA. While en route 
aboard Air Force One, he had an intelligence briefing. Following his 
arrival, he participated in a briefing and tour of Ice Harbor Lock and 
Dam. Later, he traveled to Seattle, WA.
In the afternoon, the President attended a Bush-Cheney luncheon at a 
private residence. Later, he returned to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX.
The President announced his intention to nominate Gordon 
England to be Secretary of the Navy.

August 23

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
The President declared a major disaster in Pennsylvania and ordered 
Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the 
area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding on July 21 and 
continuing.
The President declared an emergency in New York and ordered Federal aid 
to supplement State and local response efforts in the area impacted by a 
statewide power outage on August 14-16.

August 25

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings.
The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister 
Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah of Kuwait to the White House on September 10.
The President announced the recess appointments of Charlotte A. 
Lane and Daniel Pearson as members of the U.S. International Trade Commission.
The President announced the recess appointment of A. Paul 
Anderson as a Federal Maritime 
Commissioner.
The President announced the recess appointment of Daniel Pipes as a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. 
Institute of Peace.
The President announced the recess appointment of John Paul Woodley, 
Jr., as Assistant Secretary of the Army 
for Civil Works.
The President announced the recess appointments of David W. 
Fleming, Jay Phillip Greene, and John Richard Petrocik as 
members of the Board of Trustees of the James Madison Memorial 
Fellowship Foundation.
The President announced the recess appointments of Juanita Alicia 
Vasquez-Gardner and Patrick Lloyd 
McCrory as members of the Board of 
Trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.
The President announced the recess appointments of Jose A. 
Fourquet, Adolfo A. Franco, and Roger Francisco Noriega 
as members of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation.
The President announced the recess appointments of Ephraim 
Batambuze and Walter H. 
Kansteiner as members of the Board of 
Directors of the African Development Foundation.

August 26

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Minneapolis, MN. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had 
a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Atal Bihari 
Vajpayee of India to express his 
condolences and offer assistance concerning the August 25 terrorist 
attacks in Mumbai, India. Upon his arrival in Minneapolis, he met with 
USA Freedom Corps volunteers Edward and Jane 
Bardon.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to St. Louis, MO, where he met 
with American Legion member and volunteer James Mareschal.
In the evening, the President returned to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, 
TX.
The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister 
Jan Peter Balkenende of the Netherlands 
to the White House on September 3 for a working breakfast.

August 27

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings. Later, 
he had a videoconference with senior national security advisers.

[[Page 1772]]

In the evening, at the Bush Ranch, the President and Mrs. Bush hosted a 
tour and barbecue for members of the White House press corps.

August 28

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings.

August 29

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings.
The President declared a major disaster in New York and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes on July 21-August 13.

August 30

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
and Mrs. Bush returned to Washington, DC. Before departing from the 
Texas State Technical College Waco Airport in Waco, TX, they greeted 
members of the Midway All-Stars Little League girls softball team.

September 1

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Cleveland, OH, where he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer 
Shirley Moore. He then traveled to Richfield, 
OH.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.

September 2

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings. Later, 
in the Oval Office, he met with Mississippi State officials who recently 
switched to the Republican Party.
In the afternoon, the President had lunch with Federal Reserve Chairman 
Alan Greenspan. Later, in the Oval Office, he 
participated in the presentation of the game football for the opening 
game of the 2003 National Football League season to be held September 4. 
He then met with Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.
The White House announced that beginning September 16 the White House 
will be open to tours on an expanded basis to parties through their 
Members of Congress.

September 3

In the morning, the President had breakfast and a meeting with Prime 
Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Jakob Gijshert ``Jaap'' de Hoop Scheffer of the Netherlands. 
Later, he had intelligence and FBI briefings.
Later in the morning, the President met with Secretary of Defense Donald 
H. Rumsfeld.
In the afternoon, the President met with Speaker of the House of 
Representatives J. Dennis Hastert and 
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. He then met 
with Republican congressional leaders to discuss the congressional 
agenda.
The White House announced that the President will meet with Prime 
Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali of Pakistan at the White House on October 1.
The President announced his intention to nominate William J. 
Hudson to be Ambassador to Tunisia.
The President announced his intention to nominate Hector Elias 
Morales to be U.S. Alternate Executive 
Director of the Inter-American Development Bank.
The President announced his intention to nominate Jeffrey Adam 
Rosen to be General Counsel of the 
Department of Transportation.
The President announced his intention to nominate Susan Krouner 
Sclafani to be Assistant Secretary 
for Vocational and Adult Education and to designate her as Acting 
Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education.
The President announced his intention to nominate Michael Walter 
Wynne to be Under Secretary of Defense for 
Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.
The President announced his intention to designate Michele Marie 
Leonhart as Acting Deputy Administrator 
of Drug Enforcement.
The President announced his intention to nominate Bradley Deck 
Belt to be a member of the Social Security 
Advisory Board.
The President announced his intention to nominate James McBride to be a member of the National Council on the Arts.
The President announced his intention to appoint the following 
individuals as members of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship 
Board:

    Robert H. Bruininks;
    John S. Butler;
    Shirley M. Green; and
    Thomas T. Lyons.


[[Page 1773]]


The President announced his intention to appoint Karen S. Evans as Administrator of the Office of Electronic 
Government, Office of Management and Budget.

September 4

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings. Later, 
in the Oval Office, he participated in a signing ceremony for the Prison 
Rape Elimination Act of 2003.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Kansas City, MO.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. Later, he 
participated in an interview with journalist Ron Insana from the CNBC television network.

September 5

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Indianapolis, IN, where he 
met with families and small-business owners.
In the evening, the President traveled to Camp David, MD.
The President declared a major disaster in Indiana and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding on August 26 and continuing.

September 6

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

September 7

In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to Washington, 
DC. Later, they attended a White House tee-ball game on the South Lawn.

September 8

In the morning, the President had separate telephone conversations with 
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil to discuss the upcoming World Trade 
Organization (WTO) ministerial meeting in Cancun, Mexico; and President 
Aleksander Kwasniewski of Poland to 
discuss the situations in Iraq and the Middle East and the war on 
terror. Later, he had intelligence and FBI briefings.
Later in the morning, the President had separate telephone conversations 
with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee of India to discuss the upcoming WTO meeting and a 
potential United Nations Security Council resolution on Iraq; and 
President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to 
discuss the WTO meeting.
Later, in an Oval Office ceremony, the President received diplomatic 
credentials from Ambassadors Mikhail M. Khvostov of Belarus, Abdoulaye Diop of 
Mali, Raul Gangotena Rivadeneira 
of Ecuador, Jose Octavio Bordon of 
Argentina, Rastislav Kacer of the Slovak 
Republic, Evan Jeremy Paki of Papua New 
Guinea, Barbara Joyce Masekela of 
South Africa, Juri Luik of Estonia, and Sir David 
Manning of the United Kingdom.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Nashville, TN. While en 
route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with 
President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa to discuss 
the upcoming WTO meeting.
Upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Brenda 
Wilson. Later, he toured the Tutoring Center 
at Kirkpatrick Elementary School.
In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The President announced his designation of Robert D. McCallum, 
Jr., as Acting Deputy Attorney 
General.

September 9

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings. Later, 
he traveled to Jacksonville, FL, where, upon arrival, he met with USA 
Freedom Corps volunteer Daniel Trifiletti.
In the afternoon, the President participated in a briefing on 
educational tools available to parents and teachers at Hyde Park 
Elementary School.
In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The President announced his intention to nominate Roger Walton Ferguson, 
Jr., to be Vice Chairman of the 
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
The President announced his intention to nominate Ben S. 
Bernanke to be a member of the Board of 
Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the Sixth District.

September 10

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings and 
then met with Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld. Later, he met with the Dalai Lama of 
Tibet to discuss Tibetan-Chinese relations.

[[Page 1774]]

In the afternoon, the President had lunch with Prime Minister Sabah al-
Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah of 
Kuwait, following their meeting in the Oval Office. Later, he traveled 
to Quantico, VA, where he toured the FBI laboratory.
In the evening, at the White House, the President hosted a dinner and 
screening of ``Twin Towers,'' a documentary film on the terrorist 
attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

September 11

In the morning, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, DC, the 
President and Mrs. Bush attended a prayer service commemorating the 
September 11 terrorist attacks. Later, on the South Lawn, they observed 
a moment of silence with Vice President Dick Cheney and Mrs. Cheney and White House 
staff for victims of the September 11 attacks.
Later in the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings 
and then met with Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.
In the afternoon, the President went to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 
where he visited U.S. military personnel injured in Iraq and their 
family members. He also presented Purple Heart awards to certain 
personnel.
The White House announced that the President will host King Abdullah 
II and Queen Rania of 
Jordan at Camp David, MD, on September 18-19.

September 12

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Fort Stewart, GA. While en route aboard Air Force One, he 
had a telephone conversation with President Nestor Kirchner of Argentina to discuss the International Monetary 
Fund agreement that was reached earlier in the week. He also had a 
telephone conversation with Prime Minister Goran Persson of Sweden to extend his condolences concerning the 
death of Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh. 
Also en route, he met with Senators Zell Miller 
and Saxby Chambliss and Representatives Jack 
Kingston and Max Burns 
of Georgia.
In the afternoon, at Fort Stewart, the President presented the 
Presidential Unit Citation to the 3d Infantry Division of the U.S. Army.
Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to Jackson, MS. Later, he 
traveled to Houston, TX.
In the evening, the President traveled to Camp David, MD.
The White House announced that the President will visit the United 
Nations in New York on September 23-24 to address the General Assembly 
on the opening day of the General Debate, and that he will meet with 
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Foreign 
Minister Julian Hunte of Saint Lucia, who is 
the incoming General Assembly President, and other foreign leaders.
The White House announced that the President will host President Mwai 
Kibaki of Kenya for a state visit on October 6.
The President announced his intention to nominate Robert L. 
Crandall, Louis S. Thompson, and Floyd Hall to be members 
of the Amtrak Reform Board.
The President announced his intention to nominate Gracia M. 
Hillman and Raymundo Martinez 
III to be members of the Election 
Assistance Commission.
The President announced his intention to nominate David Wayne 
Anderson to be Assistant Secretary of the 
Interior for Indian Affairs.
The President announced his intention to nominate W. Robert 
Pearson to be Director General of Foreign 
Service, and to appoint him as Chairman of the Board of the Foreign 
Service.
The President announced his intention to nominate Read Van de Water to be a member of the National Mediation 
Board.
The President declared a major disaster in Vermont and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
severe storms and flooding on July 21 through August 18.
The President declared a major disaster in New Hampshire and ordered 
Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area 
struck by severe storms and flooding on July 21 through August 18.

September 13

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

September 14

In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.

September 15

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Monroe,

[[Page 1775]]

MI, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Claire 
Jennings. Later, he toured the Detroit 
Edison Powerplant.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Drexel Hill, PA, where, upon 
arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer David Richman.
In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The White House announced that the President and Mrs. Bush will welcome 
President Vladimir Putin of Russia and Mrs. 
Putin to Camp David, MD, on September 26-27.

September 16

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime 
Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom to 
discuss the situation in Iraq. He then had intelligence and FBI 
briefings. Later, he participated in a roundtable interview with 
regional media.
Later in the morning, in the Oval Office, the President met with 
musician and activist Bono to discuss U.S. contributions 
to AIDS relief in Africa.
In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President participated in a 
roundtable discussion on the Clear Skies Initiative legislation with 
State, local, and community leaders.
Later in the afternoon, in the Residence, the President hosted 
Republican Senators.
The White House announced that the President has invited President 
Nicanor Duarte Frutos of Paraguay to 
meet with him at the White House on September 26.

September 17

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing and then met 
with the National Security Council. Later, he met with Secretary of 
Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.
Later in the morning, in the Roosevelt Room, the President had a 
briefing on Hurricane Isabel.
In the afternoon, the President met with Secretary of State Colin L. 
Powell.
In the evening, the President traveled to Camp David, MD.
The President announced his intention to nominate Benjamin A. 
Gilman to be U.S. Representative to the 
General Assembly of the United Nations.
The President announced his intention to nominate Ann M. 
Corkery and Walid Maalouf to be U.S. Alternate Representatives to the General 
Assembly of the United Nations.
The President announced his intention to nominate William 
Cabaniss to be Ambassador to the Czech 
Republic.
The President announced his intention to nominate Roderick R. 
Paige and Louise V. Oliver to be U.S. Representatives to the General Conference of 
the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
The President announced his intention to nominate Bernice 
Phillips to be a member of the Board of 
Directors of the Legal Services Corporation.
The President announced his intention to nominate Kirk Van Tine to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation.

September 18

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
and Mrs. Bush welcomed King Abdullah II and 
Queen Rania of Jordan to Camp David for an 
overnight visit.
The President declared a major disaster in North Carolina and ordered 
Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area 
struck by Hurricane Isabel on September 18 and continuing.
The President declared a major disaster in Virginia and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area 
struck by Hurricane Isabel on September 18 and continuing.

September 19

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
The President declared a major disaster in Maryland and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
Hurricane Isabel on September 18 and continuing.

September 20

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
The President declared a major disaster in the District of Columbia and 
ordered Federal aid to supplement the District's recovery efforts in the 
area struck by Hurricane Isabel on September 18 and continuing.
The President declared a major disaster in Delaware and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area

[[Page 1776]]

struck by Hurricane Isabel on September 18 and continuing.

September 21

In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.

September 22

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
met with Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay 
Khalilzad. He then met with Minister of 
Foreign Affairs Li Zhaoxing of China to discuss 
the situation in North Korea.
Later in the morning, the President met with Labor Secretary Elaine L. 
Chao, Housing and Urban Development Secretary 
Mel R. Martinez, Deputy Education Secretary 
Eugene Hickok, Deputy Veterans Affairs 
Secretary Leo S. Mackay, Jr., Assistant 
Attorney General Daniel J. Bryant, Deputy 
Secretary of Health and Human Services Claude A. Allen, USA Freedom Corps Director John Bridgeland, and Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives 
Director Harry James ``Jim'' Towey 
to discuss his Faith-Based Initiative.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Richmond, VA, where he 
toured the Temporary Virginia Emergency Operations Center at the 
Virginia State Police Academy. Later, he returned to Washington, DC.
The President announced his intention to nominate Zalmay 
Khalilzad to be Ambassador to Afghanistan.
The President announced his intention to nominate Raymond Simon to be Assistant Secretary for Elementary and 
Secondary Education.
The President announced his intention to nominate Cynthia Boich, Dorothy A. Johnson, 
and Henry Lozano to be members of the Board of 
Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

September 23

In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to New York City. 
While en route aboard Air Force One, he had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, at the United Nations Headquarters, the President 
met with U.N. General Assembly President Julian Hunte.
In the afternoon, at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, the 
President met with President Jacques Chirac 
of France. Later, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, he met separately with 
President Megawati Sukarnoputri of 
Indonesia, King Mohamed VI of Morocco, and 
President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan.
The White House announced that the President will host President Carlo 
Azeglio Ciampi of Italy for a meeting 
and working luncheon on November 14.

September 24

In the morning, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the President had an 
intelligence briefing. Later, he had a breakfast meeting with Caribbean 
leaders, including Prime Minister Perry Christie of the Bahamas, Prime Minister Keith Mitchell of Grenada, President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana, and Prime Minister Kenny Davis 
Anthony of Saint Lucia.
Later in the morning, the President had separate meetings with President 
John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana, President 
Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan, President 
Joaquim Alberto Chissano of 
Mozambique, and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee of India.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to Washington, 
DC.
The President declared an emergency in Michigan and ordered Federal aid 
to supplement State and local response efforts in the area impacted by 
that power outage that occurred August 14-17.
The President declared an emergency in New Jersey and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area impacted 
by the power outage that occurred on August 14-17.
The President declared an emergency in Ohio and ordered Federal aid to 
supplemental State and local response efforts in the area impacted by 
the power outage that occurred on August 14-17.
The President declared a major disaster in Delaware and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by 
Tropical Storm Henri on September 15.
The President declared a major disaster in West Virginia and ordered 
Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area 
struck by Hurricane Isabel on September 18 and continuing.

September 25

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

[[Page 1777]]

In the afternoon, the President had lunch with Vice President Dick 
Cheney.
The White House announced that the President will make a state visit to 
the United Kingdom on November 18-21.

September 26

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
met separately with Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III, Presidential Envoy to Iraq.
Later in the morning, in the Oval Office, the President met with 
President Nicanor Duarte Frutos of 
Paraguay.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Camp David, 
MD, where they hosted President Vladimir Putin of Russia and his wife, Lyudmila Putin, for an overnight visit.

September 27

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The White House announced that on September 26 the President declared a 
major disaster in Pennsylvania and ordered Federal aid to supplement 
State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storms 
Henri and Isabel and related severe storms and flooding on September 15-
23.

September 29

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings.
In the afternoon, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the 
President met with congregational rabbis.

September 30

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings. Later, 
he traveled to Chicago, IL.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Cincinnati, OH, where, in 
the evening, he attended a Bush-Cheney '04 reception at a private 
residence.
Later in the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC.

October 1

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings. Later, 
he met with Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.
Later in the morning, in the Oval Office, the President met with 
President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia.
In the afternoon, the President had a briefing at the Department of 
Homeland Security.
Later in the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated 
in a photo opportunity with members of the International Space Station 
Expedition 6 crew and NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe.
The President announced his intention to nominate Mary Kramer to be Ambassador to Barbados and to serve concurrently 
and without additional compensation as Ambassador to St. Kitts and 
Nevis, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St. 
Vincent and the Grenadines.
The President announced his intention to appoint Charles A. 
Calhoun as Commissioner of the Pecos 
River Commission for New Mexico and Texas.
The President announced his intention to appoint Maria Pilar 
Aristigueta as a member of the Board 
of Trustees of the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation.
The President announced his intention to nominate the following 
individuals to be members of the National Commission on Libraries and 
Information Science:

    Jose Antonio Aponte;
    Sandra Frances Ashworth;
    Edward Louis Bertorelli;
    Carol L. Diehl;
    Allison Druin;
    Beth Fitzsimmons;
    Patricia M. Hines;
    Colleen Ellen Huebner;
    Stephen M. Kennedy;
    Herman Lavon Totten;
    Bridget L. Lamont; and
    Mary H. Perdue.

October 2

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings.
In the afternoon, the President had lunch with Vice President Dick 
Cheney. Later, he met with Secretary of State 
Colin L. Powell.
The President announced his intention to nominate Edward Baxter 
O'Donnell for the rank of Ambassador 
during his tenure of service as Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues.

[[Page 1778]]

The President announced his intention to designate Rita E. 
Hauser as a member of the Intelligence 
Oversight Board, a standing committee of the President's Foreign 
Intelligence Advisory Board.

October 3

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings. Later, 
he traveled to Milwaukee, WI.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush attended the National Book 
Festival Gala at the Library of Congress.
The President announced his intention to nominate James B. Comey to be Deputy Attorney General.

October 4

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

October 6

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, on 
the South Lawn, he participated in a state arrival ceremony for 
President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya and his wife, 
Lucy.
In the afternoon, the President met with U.S. officials returning from 
Iraq to discuss reconstruction efforts there. Later, he met with former 
Senator John C. Danforth, Special Envoy for 
Peace in the Sudan, to discuss peace efforts in that country.
In the evening, in the Cross Hall, the President and Mrs. Bush 
participated in a photo opportunity with President Kibaki and Mrs. Kibaki. Later, in the 
State Dining Room, they hosted a state dinner for President and Mrs. 
Kibaki.
The President announced his intention to nominate Jon Robert 
Purnell to be Ambassador to Uzbekistan.
The President announced his intention to nominate Thomas Riley to be Ambassador to Morocco.
The President announced his intention to designate Brian Carlton 
Roseboro as Acting Under Secretary of 
the Treasury (Domestic Finance).

October 7

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
The President announced his intention to nominate Stuart 
Ishimaru to be a member of the Equal 
Employment Opportunity Commission.
The President announced his intention to appoint the following 
individuals as members of the U.S. Section of the U.S.-Mexico Border 
Health Commission:

    Jose Manual de la Rosa;
    Lawrence Edward Kline;
    Tom G. Lindsey II; and
    Emma Torres.

October 8

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with 
Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger 
of California to congratulate him on his October 7 election victory.
Also in the afternoon, the President met with Republican Members of 
Congress to discuss proposed legislation on reconstruction aid to Iraq.
The White House announced that the President will attend the APEC 
Leaders' Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 20-21, and that he has 
accepted invitations from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to visit Japan on October 17-18, from Prime 
Minister Goh Chok Tong to visit Singapore on 
October 21-22, from President Megawati Sukarnoputri to visit Indonesia on October 22, and from Prime 
Minister John Howard to visit Australia on 
October 22-23.
The President announced his intention to nominate April Hoxie 
Foley to be First Vice President of the 
Export-Import Bank.
The President announced his intention to nominate Gary Lee 
Visscher to be a member of the Chemical 
Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
The President announced his appointment of Kristen Lee 
Silverburg as Deputy Assistant to the 
President for Domestic Policy.
The President announced his intention to appoint William O. DeWitt, 
Jr., as a member of the President's 
Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board.

October 9

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Portsmouth, NH, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom 
Corps volunteer Cathy Rice.

[[Page 1779]]

Later in the morning, the President traveled to Manchester, NH, where, 
upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Robert 
Perkins.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Lexington, KY.
In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC.

October 10

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
met with Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.
In the afternoon, the President had lunch with Vice President Dick 
Cheney. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, he met 
with members of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, 
who presented him with the fourth annual report of the Commission.
Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to Camp David, MD.

October 11

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

October 12

During the day, the President returned to Washington, DC.

October 13

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
participated in interviews with regional television stations.

October 14

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing and later met 
with the National Security Council.
In the afternoon, the President participated in television and radio 
interviews with Asian journalists. He also dropped by a meeting between 
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, Office 
of Management and Budget Director Joshua B. Bolten, and other officials and bipartisan Senators to discuss 
proposed legislation concerning reconstruction aid to Iraq.
The President announced his designation of the following individuals as 
members of a Presidential delegation to celebrations on October 16-20 at 
the Vatican in Rome, Italy, marking the 25th anniversary of Pope John 
Paul II's pontificate and the beatification 
of Mother Teresa:

    Columba Bush (head of delegation);
    Jim Nicholson;
    Jim Towey;
    Mary Ellen Bork;
    Frances Winfield Bremer;
    Joseph C. Canizaro;
    Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, SV;
    Raymond L. Flynn;
    Mary Ann Glendon;
    Deal W. Hudson;
    John M. Klink;
    Sister Mary Rose McGeady, DC;
    Peggy Noonan;
    Kate O'Beirne; and
    Gabrielle Reynolds.

October 15

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Dinuba, CA.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Fresno, CA. Later, he 
traveled to Riverside, CA.
The President announced the nomination of Robert McFarland to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for 
Information and Technology.
The President announced the nomination of Susan Johnson Grant to be Chief Financial Officer for the 
Department of Energy.
The President announced the nomination of Marguerita Dianne 
Ragsdale to be Ambassador to 
Djibouti.
The President announced the nomination of Margaret Scobey to be Ambassador to Syria.
The President announced the nomination of Margaret DeBardeleben 
Tutwiler to be Under 
Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy.
The President announced the nomination of Drew R. McCoy to be a member of the Board of Trustees of the James 
Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation.
The President announced his intention to designate Jeffrey E. 
Phillips as Acting Assistant Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.

October 16

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
met with Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and then traveled with him to San 
Bernardino, CA.
Later in the morning, the President returned to Riverside. Later, he was 
joined by Mrs. Bush at March Air Reserve Base, and they then traveled to 
Tokyo, Japan, arriving in the afternoon of October 17.

[[Page 1780]]

The White House announced that the President will welcome President Ion 
Iliescu of Romania to the White House on October 
28.
The President announced his intention to nominate Timothy J. Dunn for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure as 
Deputy Permanent Representative of the U.S. Permanent Mission to the 
Organization of American States.
The President announced his intention to nominate Adam Marc 
Lindemann to be a member of the Advisory 
Board for Cuba Broadcasting.
The President announced his intention to nominate James C. 
Struble to be Ambassador to Peru.

October 17

In the evening, the President met with Prime Minister Junichiro 
Koizumi of Japan at Akasaka Palace. Later, 
also at Akasaka Palace, he and Mrs. Bush had dinner with Prime Minister 
Koizumi.
The President announced his intention to nominate Stuart 
Holliday to be Alternate Representative of 
the U.S. for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the 
rank of Ambassador.

October 18

In the morning, at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Tokyo, Japan, the 
President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he and Mrs. Bush traveled 
to Manila, Philippines, where they greeted U.S. Embassy personnel and 
members of the American community at the Embassy.
In the afternoon, at the Rizal Monument, the President and Mrs. Bush 
participated in a wreath-laying ceremony with President Gloria 
Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines. 
Later, at Malacanang Palace, he and Mrs. Bush participated in a 
welcoming ceremony with President Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband, Jose 
Miguel Arroyo. The two Presidents then 
had a meeting.
In the evening, in the Ceremonial Hall at Malacanang Palace, the 
President and Mrs. Bush attended a state dinner hosted by President 
Macapagal-Arroyo.

October 19

In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Bangkok, 
Thailand. Later, at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, he met with Prime 
Minister Thaksin Chinnawat of Thailand.
In the afternoon, the President participated in a review of Thai troops 
recently returned from Afghanistan. Later, he and Mrs. Bush toured the 
Grand Palace.
Later in the afternoon, at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, the President 
met with President Hu Jintao of China.
In the evening, at the Grand Palace, the President and Mrs. Bush 
attended a state dinner hosted by King Phumiphon Adunyadet and Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

October 20

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, at 
the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, he had a breakfast meeting with 
President Roh Moo-hyun of South Korea. He then 
met with President Vicente Fox of Mexico.
In the afternoon, at the Government House, the President participated in 
the first session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 
Leaders' Retreat. Later, he attended an APEC Business Advisory Council 
reception.
In the evening, at the Grand Palace, the President and Mrs. Bush and 
other APEC leaders and their spouses had an audience with King Phumiphon 
Adunyadet and Queen Sirikit of Thailand. Later, the President participated in a 
photo opportunity with APEC leaders.
Later in the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush attended the APEC 
leaders' gala dinner at the Royal Thai Navy Conference Hall and a 
cultural performance at the Royal Thai Navy Institute.
The President announced his intention to nominate James M. 
Strock to be a member of the U.S. Advisory 
Commission on Public Diplomacy.

October 21

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, in 
the Old Parliament Building, he participated in a photo opportunity with 
APEC leaders and the second session of the APEC Leaders' Retreat.
In the afternoon, he attended a reception for APEC leaders.
Later in the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to 
Singapore.
In the evening, the President greeted U.S. Embassy personnel at the 
Shangri-La Singapore Hotel. Later, at the Istana, he paid a courtesy 
call on President Sellapan Rama Nathan 
of Singapore and his wife, Urmila Nandey. 
Then,

[[Page 1781]]

also at the Istana, he met with Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong of Singapore.
The President announced his intention to nominate Edward 
McPherson to be Under Secretary of 
Education.

October 22

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
and Mrs. Bush traveled to Bali, Indonesia, where, at Bali International 
Airport, he met with President Megawati Sukarnoputri of Indonesia.
In the afternoon, at the airport, the President met with religious 
leaders. Later, he and Mrs. Bush traveled to Canberra, Australia.
The President announced the laureates of the 2002 National Medals of 
Science and National Medals of Technology, which will be presented at a 
White House ceremony on November 6.
The President announced his intention to nominate Carol Kinsley to be a 
member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and 
Community Service.

October 23

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
and Mrs. Bush paid a courtesy call on Governor-General Michael 
Jeffery of Australia and his wife, 
Marlena, at Australia's Government House.
Later in the morning, at Australia's Parliament House, the President met 
with Prime Minister John Howard of Australia.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush participated in a wreath-
laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Hickam Air Force 
Base on the island of Oahu, HI, crossing the international date line and 
arriving Thursday morning, October 23.
Upon arriving at Hickam Air Force Base, the President and Mrs. Bush 
greeted Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James 
``Duke'' Aiona of Hawaii, U.S. 
military leaders, and National Park Service volunteer Hilma 
Chang.
Later in the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Pearl 
Harbor, where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the 
U.S.S. Arizona (BB-39) Memorial and met with eight survivors of the 1941 
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Later, aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, the 
President participated in a briefing by Adm. Thomas Boulton 
Fargo, USN, combatant commander, U.S. 
Pacific Command. He then toured the U.S.S. Missouri and greeted veterans 
and former Missouri crewmembers. Later, he and Mrs. Bush visited second-
grade students at Pearl Harbor Elementary school.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Honolulu, HI, 
where, at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, he attended a Hawaii 
Republican Party reception. Later, he met with delegates of 13 Pacific 
Island nations attending the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush departed for Washington, DC.
The President announced his intention to nominate James M. Loy to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security and to 
designate him as Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.

October 24

In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush arrived in Washington, DC. 
Later in the day, they traveled to Camp David, MD.
The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister 
Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka to 
the White House on November 4.
The White House announced that the President will welcome President 
Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of 
the Congo to the White House on November 5.
The White House announced that the President will welcome President 
Rolandas Paksas of Lithuania to the White 
House on December 8.
The President announced his intention to appoint the following 
individuals as members of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission:

    Ralph F. Archbold;
    Wayne A. Budd;
    John Anderson Fry;
    Charles R. Gerow;
    Judith Rodin; and
    Jeffrey L. Sedgwick.

The President announced his intention to nominate Edward E. 
Kaufman, Fayza Veronique Boulad 
Rodman, and Steven J. 
Simmons to be members of the Broadcasting 
Board of Governors.
The President announced his designation of the following individuals as 
members of a Presidential delegation to attend the ceremony 
commemorating the 20th anniversary of the restoration of democracy to 
Grenada in St. George's:


[[Page 1782]]


    Otto J. Reich (head of delegation);
    Marcia Bernicat;
    Adm. Joseph Metcalf III;
    Langhorne Anthony Motley; and
    Ken Tomlinson.

October 25

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

October 26

In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC.

October 27

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
The President announced his intention to nominate Arnold I. 
Havens to be General Counsel for the 
Department of the Treasury.
The President declared a major disaster in California and ordered 
Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area 
struck by wildfires on October 21 and continuing.

October 28

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, in 
the Oval Office, he met with President Ion Iliescu of Romania.
In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with economic 
advisers.
The White House announced that the President will host NATO Secretary 
General Lord Robertson for a meeting and 
working luncheon on November 12.

October 29

In the morning, the President had a breakfast meeting with Speaker of 
the House of Representatives J. Dennis Hastert, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senate Minority Leader Thomas A. Daschle, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay to discuss legislative priorities. Later, he had an 
intelligence briefing. He then met with the National Security Council 
and later with Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.
Later in the morning, in Room 472 of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive 
Office Building, the President participated in a roundtable discussion 
on Medicare with Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy G. 
Thompson, AARP President James G. 
Parkel, and a group of senior citizens.
In the afternoon, on the South Steps, the President participated in a 
photo opportunity with White House interns. Later, he traveled to 
Dallas, TX, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer 
Laura Wheat.
In the evening, the President traveled to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, 
TX.

October 30

In the morning, the President traveled to Columbus, OH. While en route 
aboard Air Force One, he had an intelligence briefing. Upon arrival, he 
met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Leslie Gagne.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to San Antonio, TX, where, upon 
arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Thom Ricks.
In the evening, the President returned to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, 
TX.

October 31

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime 
Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy to 
discuss reconstruction in Afghanistan and Iraq. Later, he had an 
intelligence briefing.
The President announced his intention to nominate Samuel Wright 
Bodman to be Deputy Secretary of the 
Treasury.
The President announced his intention to nominate Eugene Welch 
Hickok, Jr., to be Deputy Secretary 
of Education.
The President announced his intention to nominate Brian Carlton 
Roseboro to be Under Secretary of the 
Treasury for Domestic Finance.

November 1

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Southaven, MS, and then 
to Paducah, KY.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to London, KY, and later to 
Gulfport, MS.
In the evening, the President returned to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, 
TX.

November 3

In the morning, the President traveled to Birmingham, AL. While en route 
aboard Air Force One, he had an intelligence briefing. Upon arrival in 
Birmingham, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Jason 
Nabors. Later, he met with small-business 
owners at CraneWorks.

[[Page 1783]]

In the afternoon, the President returned to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, 
TX.
The President announced his intention to nominate Francis Joseph 
Harvey to be Assistant Secretary of 
Defense for Networks and Information Integration.
The President announced his intention to nominate William Douglas 
Buttrey and Francis Patrick 
Mulvey to be members of the Surface 
Transportation Board.
The President announced his intention to nominate Gordon Hall 
Mansfield to be Deputy Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs.
The President announced his intention to nominate David Hossein 
Safavian to be Administrator for 
Federal Procurement Policy at the Office of Management and Budget.
The President announced his intention to nominate Laurie Susan 
Fulton to be a member of the Board of 
Directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace.

November 4

In the morning, the President traveled to Miramar, CA. While en route 
aboard Air Force One, he had an intelligence briefing. Upon arrival at 
the Marine Corps Air Station, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer 
Suellen Mayberry.
Later in the morning, the President, joined by Governor Gray 
Davis and Governor-elect Arnold 
Schwarzenegger of California, 
California Department of Forestry Division Chief Bill Clayton, and Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and 
Response Mike Brown, took an aerial tour of the 
San Diego area affected by wildfires. Later, he participated in a 
walking tour of the Harbison Canyon community damaged by wildfires. He 
then traveled to El Cajon, CA, where, at Gillespie Field, he 
participated in a briefing by area fire chiefs on the wildfires.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
In the evening, the President had separate telephone conversations with 
Governors-elect Haley Barbour of Mississippi 
and Ernie Fletcher of Kentucky to 
congratulate them on their electoral victories earlier in the day.

November 5

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
met with Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.
Later in the morning, in the Oval Office, the President met with 
President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic 
Republic of the Congo. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with Prime 
Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri 
Lanka to discuss peace efforts in Sri Lanka and free trade.
In the afternoon, the President met with Polish philosopher and writer 
Leszek Kolakowski to congratulate him on 
winning the John W. Kluge Prize in Human Sciences.

November 6

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, the President met with Secretary of State Colin L. 
Powell.
The President announced his intention to nominate Kiron Kanina 
Skinner to be a member of the National 
Security Education Board.

November 7

In the morning, the President had separate telephone conversations with 
President Carlos Diego Mesa Gisbert of Bolivia to discuss democracy in Bolivia, President 
Mesa's plans for a national referendum on Bolivian natural gas 
resources, and cooperation in counternarcotics efforts; President Jose 
Maria Aznar of Spain to discuss the 
situation in Iraq and transatlantic relations; and President Aleksander 
Kwasniewski of Poland to express his 
condolences concerning the death of a Polish officer in Iraq on November 
6 and to discuss other issues.
Later in the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, 
he traveled to Winston-Salem, NC, where, upon arrival, he met with USA 
Freedom Corps volunteer Brian Koontz.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Camp David, MD.
The President announced his intention to nominate Linda Morrison 
Combs to be Assistant Secretary of 
Transportation and, upon confirmation, to designate her as Chief 
Financial Officer.
The President announced his intention to nominate Steven J. Law to be Deputy Secretary of Labor.
The President announced his intention to nominate J. Robinson West to be a member of the Board of Directors of the 
U.S. Institute of Peace.
The President declared a major disaster in Washington and ordered 
Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area

[[Page 1784]]

struck by severe storms and flooding on October 15-23.

November 8

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

November 9

In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.

November 10

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Little Rock, AR, where, upon arrival, he met with USA 
Freedom Corps volunteer Dr. Michael Quick.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Greer, SC, where, upon 
arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Robin Longino and high school athlete Ben Comen. Later, he traveled to Greenville, SC.
In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The White House announced that the President will award the Medal of 
Freedom to NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson in a ceremony at the White House on November 12.
The President announced his intention to appoint Patrick Marshall 
Hughes to be Assistant Secretary for 
Information Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security.

November 11

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, in an 
Oval Office ceremony, he signed the Military Family Tax Relief Act of 
2003.
Later in the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Arlington, 
VA, where they participated in a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at 
the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. In the 
afternoon, they returned to Washington, DC.
Later in the afternoon, in an Oval Office ceremony, the President signed 
the National Cemetery Expansion Act.

November 12

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing followed by a 
National Security Council meeting. He then met with Secretary of Defense 
Donald H. Rumsfeld and L. Paul Bremer 
III, Presidential Envoy to 
Iraq. Later, in the Oval Office, he participated in a photo opportunity 
with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael O. 
Leavitt and members of Mr. Leavitt's 
family.
Later in the morning, the President met with NATO Secretary General Lord 
Robertson.
In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Mrs. Bush 
participated in the presentation of the National Medal of Arts awards.

November 13

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Orlando, FL. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a 
telephone conversation with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy to express his condolences to the families of 
the Italians killed in the suicide bombing in Nasiriyah, Iraq, on 
November 12 and to discuss reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Europe-
U.S. relations. Upon arrival in Orlando, he met with USA Freedom Corps 
volunteer Matilda Walther.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Fort Myers, FL, where, upon 
arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Mark 
Asperilla.
In the evening, the President attended a Bush-Cheney `04 reception at a 
private residence. Later, he returned to Washington, DC.
The President announced his intention to nominate Rhonda Newman 
Keenum to be an Assistant Secretary of 
Commerce and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial 
Service.
The President announced his intention to nominate David Campbell 
Mulford to be Ambassador to India.

November 14

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, in 
the Oval Office, he and Mrs. Bush participated in the presentation of 
the National Humanities Medal awards.
In the afternoon, in the Residence, the President had lunch with 
President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi of 
Italy. Later, he traveled to Camp David, MD.

November 15

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime 
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey 
to express condolences for

[[Page 1785]]

the terrorist attacks in Istanbul earlier in the day.

November 16

In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.

November 17

In the morning, the President had intelligence and FBI briefings. Later, 
he participated in a photo opportunity with 2003 Nobel laureates.
The President announced his intention to nominate Glyn Townsend 
Davies for the rank of Ambassador 
during his tenure of service as the Political Director for the U.S. 
Presidency of the G-8.
The President announced his intention to nominate William Douglas 
Buttrey and Francis Patrick 
Mulvey to be members of the Surface 
Transportation Board.
The President announced his intention to nominate James Curtis 
Oberwetter to be Ambassador to Saudi 
Arabia.
The President announced his intention to nominate Gay Hart 
Gaines to be a member of the Board of 
Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

November 18

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
and Mrs. Bush traveled to London, United Kingdom, arriving in the 
evening at Heathrow Airport, where they participated in a greeting with 
Charles, Prince of Wales.
In the evening, at Buckingham Palace, the President and Mrs. Bush were 
welcomed privately by Queen Elizabeth II 
and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who escorted them to their suite in the palace, 
their residence during their visit to London.

November 19

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
and Mrs. Bush participated in a welcoming ceremony with Queen Elizabeth 
II and Prince Philip, Duke of 
Edinburgh. Later, in the Bow 
Room of Buckingham Palace, they participated in the presentation of 
delegations and then viewed the royal collection of American memorabilia 
in the Picture Gallery.
In the afternoon, at the American Embassy, the President and Mrs. Bush 
met with family members of British victims of the September 11, 2001, 
terrorist attacks. Later, the President met with U.S. Embassy employees 
and their family members.
Later in the afternoon, at Buckingham Palace, the President met 
separately with Conservative Party leader Michael Howard and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy.
The President announced his intention to nominate Joey Russell 
George to be Inspector General for Tax 
Administration at the Department of the Treasury.
The President announced his intention to nominate the following 
individuals to be members of the Board of Directors of the National 
Board for Education Sciences:

    Jonathan Baron;
    Elizabeth Ann Bryan;
    James R. Davis;
    Robert C. Granger;
    Frank Philip Handy;
    Eric Alan Hanushek;
    Caroline M. Hoxby;
    Gerald Lee;
    Roberto Ibarra Lopez;
    Richard James Milgram;
    Sally Epstein Shaywitz;
    Joseph K. Torgesen; and
    Herbert John Walberg.

The President announced his intention to appoint Sara Gear Boyd, Maria Elena Lagomasino, and Donald L. Pilling as 
members of the President's Commission on White House Fellowships.
The President announced his intention to designate James B. Comey as Acting Deputy Attorney General.

November 20

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, at 
Westminster Abbey, he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the 
Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, followed by a tour of the abbey. He then 
met with families of British servicemembers who died in Iraq.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush participated in a photo 
opportunity with Prime Minister Tony Blair of the 
United Kingdom and his wife, Cherie, at 10 
Downing St., the Prime Minister's official residence. The President and 
Prime Minister Blair then had a meeting and a working lunch and later 
participated in a roundtable discussion on HIV/AIDS.
Later in the afternoon, at 10 Downing St., the President and Mrs. Bush 
participated in a visit with Prime Minister Blair 
and his family.

[[Page 1786]]

In the evening, at Winfield House, the U.S. Ambassador's residence, the 
President and Mrs. Bush hosted a reciprocal dinner for Queen Elizabeth 
II; Prince Philip, Duke of 
Edinburgh; and Charles, 
Prince of Wales.
The President announced his intention to nominate Ronald Edward 
Meisburg to be a member of the National 
Labor Relations Board.
The President announced his intention to nominate Stuart Wadlington 
Holliday to be an Alternate U.S. 
Representative to the Sessions of the United Nations General Assembly 
during his tenure of service as Alternate U.S. Representative for 
Special Political Affairs in the United Nations.

November 21

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
and Mrs. Bush participated in a farewell ceremony with Queen Elizabeth 
II and Prince Philip, Duke of 
Edinburgh. They then 
traveled to Sedgefield, United Kingdom. While en route aboard Air Force 
One, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister 
Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to 
express condolences for the November 20 terrorist attacks in Istanbul. 
In Sedgefield, the President and Mrs. Bush had tea with Prime 
Minister and Mrs. Blair 
at their home, Myrobella House.
In the afternoon, at the Dun Cow Inn, the President and Mrs. Bush had 
lunch with Prime Minister and Mrs. Blair and a group of the Prime Minister's constituents. 
Later, the President and Prime Minister Blair met with teachers and 
students and viewed an athletic display at Sedgefield Community College.
Later in the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush departed for 
Washington, DC, arriving in the evening.
The President announced his intention to nominate Jaymie Alan 
Durnan to be Assistant Secretary of the 
Army (Installations and Environment).
The President announced his intention to nominate Lawrence Thomas Di 
Rita to be Assistant Secretary of 
Defense (Public Affairs).
The President announced his intention to nominate Robert Hurley 
McKinney to be a member of the 
Advisory Board for Cuba Broadcasting.
The President announced his intention to nominate Sanford 
Gottesman, Diane M. Ruebling, and C. William Swank to 
be members of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment 
Corporation.
The President declared a major disaster in Puerto Rico and ordered 
Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the 
area struck by severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and landslides on 
November 10 and continuing.
The President declared a major disaster in West Virginia and ordered 
Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area 
struck by severe storms, flooding, and landslides on November 11 and 
continuing.

November 22

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

November 24

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Colorado Springs, CO. Upon his arrival in the afternoon at 
Peterson Air Force Base, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Diane 
Campbell. He then traveled to Fort Carson, 
CO, where he had lunch with members of the U.S. military.
Later in the afternoon, the President returned to Peterson Air Force 
Base and met with families of U.S. servicemembers who died in Iraq. He 
then traveled to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX.

November 25

In the morning, the President traveled to Las Vegas, NV. While en route 
aboard Air Force One, he had an intelligence briefing. Upon arrival, he 
met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Maria Konold-Soto. Later, at Spring Valley Hospital, he met with health 
care professionals and seniors to discuss Medicare and medical liability 
reform.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Phoenix, AZ, where, upon 
arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Maybelle 
Harris. Later, at the Los Olivos Senior 
Center, he met with seniors to discuss Medicare reform.
In the evening, the President returned to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, 
TX.
The President announced his intention to nominate Dennis C. Shea to be Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban 
Development for Policy, Development, and Research.
The President announced his intention to nominate Mark J. 
Warshawsky to be Assistant Secretary of 
the Treasury for Economic Policy.

[[Page 1787]]

The President announced his intention to nominate Roger W. 
Wallace to be a member of the Board of 
Directors of the Inter-American Foundation.
The President announced his intention to nominate Jack Edwin 
McGregor and Scott Kevin Walker to be members of the Advisory Board of the St. 
Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.
The President announced the appointment of James R. Wilkinson as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy 
National Security Advisor for Communications.
The President announced the appointment of Sean McCormack as Special Assistant to the President and Senior 
Director of the National Security Council Press Office.

November 26

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with interim 
President Nino Burjanadze of Georgia to 
discuss political reforms in Georgia. He then had an intelligence 
briefing.
In the evening, the President traveled to Baghdad, Iraq, arriving the 
following afternoon.
The White House announced that the President will welcome Premier Wen 
Jiabao of China to the White House for an official 
visit on December 9.

November 27

In the late afternoon, at Baghdad International Airport, the President 
had Thanksgiving dinner with members of the U.S. military stationed in 
Baghdad. Later, he met with four members of the Iraqi Governing Council 
and then senior U.S. military personnel stationed in Baghdad.
In the evening, the President traveled to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, 
TX, arriving early the next morning.

November 28

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

November 29

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

November 30

In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to Washington, 
DC.

December 1

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Detroit, MI, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom 
Corps volunteer Bradley Simmons. He then 
traveled to Dearborn, MI.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Canton, MI. Later, he 
traveled to Newark, NJ, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom 
Corps volunteer Patricia Fields. He then 
traveled to Whippany, NJ.
In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The President announced his intention to nominate M. Teel Bivins to be Ambassador to Sweden.

December 2

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with 
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt to discuss 
peace efforts in the Middle East and the situation in Iraq. Later, he 
had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Pittsburgh, PA, where, 
upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Mila 
Nguyen.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
During the day, the President informed Robert L. Bartley that he would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

December 3

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, in an Oval Office ceremony, the President signed the 
21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act. Later, he met 
with the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
In the evening, on the State Floor, the President hosted a holiday 
reception.
The White House announced that the President will meet with King 
Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House on 
December 4.
The President announced his intention to nominate B. Francis Saul 
II and Ruth Sharp Altshuler to be members of the Library of Congress Trust 
Fund Board.
The President announced his intention to appoint Arturo Duran as Commissioner of the U.S. Section of the 
International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico.

[[Page 1788]]

The President announced his intention to appoint Victor 
Rodriguez and Bray Bruce Barnes as members of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile 
Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

December 4

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime 
Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom to 
discuss the situation in Iraq and the NATO Alliance. He then had an 
intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, in an Oval Office ceremony, the President received 
diplomatic credentials from Ambassadors Eva Nowotny of Austria, Feturi Elisaia of 
Samoa, Euripides L. Evriviades of 
Cyprus, Abdulaziz Kamilov of Uzbekistan, 
Said Tayeb Jawad of Afghanistan, Salvador 
Stadthagen of Nicaragua, Bayney 
Karran of Guyana, and Mikhailo Reznyk of Ukraine.
Later in the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush attended the Pageant 
of Peace on the Ellipse.

December 5

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with 
President Mireya Elisa Moscoso of 
Panama to discuss a possible Panama-U.S. free trade agreement. He then 
had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Baltimore, MD.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Halethorpe, MD. Later, he 
returned to Washington, DC.
Later in the afternoon, in the Residence, the President participated in 
an interview with People magazine.
In the evening, on the State Floor, the President hosted a holiday 
dinner.
The White House announced the members of the President's Task Force on 
Puerto Rico's Status:

    Gilbert G. Gonzalez, Jr.;
    Elizabeth Dial;
    Victor E. Bernson, Jr.;
    Kathleen Leos;
    Theresa Speake;
    Regina Schofield;
    Joshua Filler;
    Frank Jimenez;
    David P. Smith;
    Noel J. Francisco;
    Chris Spear;
    Leo DiBenigno;
    Sam Reid;
    Tony Fratto;
    William McLemore; and
    Ruben Barrales.

December 6

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

December 8

In the morning, the President had separate telephone conversations with 
President Umar Hasan Ahmad al-Bashir of Sudan and Sudan People's Liberation Movement 
Chairman Dr. John Garang to discuss the Sudan 
peace process. Later, he had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President made a surprise drop-by visit during 
Mrs. Bush's interview with Larry King of CNN.
In the afternoon, the President met with Secretary of the Treasury John 
W. Snow, Postmaster General John E. 
Potter, and members of the President's 
Commission on the U.S. Postal Service to discuss postal reform. Later, 
on the State Floor, the President and Mrs. Bush hosted a Christmas 
reception and program for children of U.S. military personnel.
In the evening, on the State Floor, the President hosted the 
Congressional Ball.

December 9

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, in 
the Oval Office, he met with Premier Wen Jiabao of 
China. Later in the morning, in the Cabinet Room, the President and 
Premier Wen met with U.S. and Chinese economic officials to discuss 
economic and trade issues.
In the afternoon, in the Residence, the President had lunch with Premier 
Wen. Later, in Room 450 at the Dwight D. 
Eisenhower Executive Office Building, he dropped by a meeting between 
National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice 
and the U.S.-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum to 
discuss the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
In the evening, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 
the President and Mrs. Bush attended a joint performance by the National 
Symphony Orchestra and the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra.
The President announced his intention to nominate Lisa Marie 
Kruska to be Assistant Secretary of Labor 
for Public Affairs.

[[Page 1789]]

The President announced his intention to nominate Donald Lee Korb to be Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue 
Service and Assistant General Counsel in the Department of the Treasury.
The President announced his intention to nominate Robert Scott Jepson, 
Jr., Paul Byron Jones, and Charles Leon Kolbe to be 
members of the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board.
The President announced his intention to appoint Robert A. 
Martinez as a member of the Board of 
Governors of the United Service Organizations, Inc.
The President declared a major disaster in the U.S. Virgin Islands and 
ordered Federal aid to supplement Territory recovery efforts in the area 
struck by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides on November 
10-16.
The President declared a major disaster in Virginia and ordered Federal 
aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area 
struck by severe storms and flooding on November 18-19.

December 10

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing followed by a 
National Security Council meeting. Later, he met with Secretary of 
Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.
During the day, the President had separate telephone conversations with 
President Vladimir Putin of Russia, 
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of Germany, 
and President Jacques Chirac of France, to 
discuss his appointment of James A. Baker III as his personal envoy on the issue of Iraqi debt.

December 11

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. He also had 
separate telephone conversations with outgoing Prime Minister Jean 
Chretien of Canada, to congratulate him on his 
service to the Canadian people; and with Prime Minister Silvio 
Berlusconi of Italy, to discuss the 
situation in Iraq and the President's appointment of James A. Baker 
III as his personal envoy on the issue 
of Iraqi debt.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to McLean, VA.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
In the evening, the President attended a holiday dinner.
The President announced his designation of Kirk Van Tine as Acting Deputy Secretary of Transportation.
The President announced his designation of Neil McPhie as Vice Chairman of the Merit Systems Protection Board.

December 12

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing and then met 
with Secretary of State Colin L. Powell. 
Later, he dropped by a meeting in the Roosevelt Room between Secretary 
of the Interior Gale A. Norton, Secretary of 
Agriculture Ann M. Veneman, Council on 
Environmental Quality Chairman James L. Connaughton, and wildlife conservation leaders.
In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President greeted winners of 
the 2003 MATHCOUNTS National Competition. Later, on the State Floor, he 
attended a holiday reception for members of the U.S. Secret Service.
In the evening, on the State Floor, the President attended a holiday 
reception for members of the U.S. Secret Service. Later, he traveled to 
Camp David, MD.

December 13

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, in a telephone conversation with Secretary of Defense 
Donald H. Rumsfeld, the President 
received notice of the possible capture of former President Saddam 
Hussein of Iraq by U.S. military personnel in 
Tikrit, Iraq. Later, he had another telephone conversation with 
Secretary Rumsfeld to discuss further information on the possible 
capture. He then had separate telephone conversations with Vice 
President Dick Cheney and National Security 
Adviser Condoleezza Rice to notify them of 
the possible capture.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to Washington, DC.

December 14

In the early morning, in a telephone conversation with National Security 
Adviser Condoleezza Rice, the President 
received confirmation of the capture of former President Saddam 
Hussein of Iraq. Later, in the Residence, the 
President and Mrs. Bush watched television coverage of the briefing in 
Baghdad by L. Paul Bremer III, 
Presidential Envoy to Iraq, announcing the capture.

[[Page 1790]]

Also in the morning, the President had a briefing on the details of the 
capture and had separate telephone conversations with the following 
individuals to discuss the capture: Senate Majority Leader Bill 
Frist; Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom; Central Intelligence Agency 
Director George J. Tenet; Adnan 
Pachachi, Acting President of the Governing 
Council of Iraq; Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld; Gen. John P. Abizaid, 
USA, combatant commander, U.S. Central Command; Secretary of State Colin 
L. Powell; and President Jose Maria 
Aznar of Spain.
In the evening, at the National Building Museum, the President and Mrs. 
Bush participated in the taping of the annual ``Christmas in 
Washington'' concert for later television broadcast.

December 15

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime 
Minister Paul Martin of Canada to discuss 
Canada-U.S. relations. He then had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President met with Iraqi Minister of Health 
Khadir Abbas; Rend Rahim Francke, Head of the Iraq Interests Section in the U.S.; and a 
group of Iraqi doctors to discuss health care in Iraq.
The President announced his designation of the following individuals as 
members of a Presidential delegation to attend the funeral of former 
President Heydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan:

    Brent Scowcroft (head of delegation);
    Sam Brownback;
    A. Elizabeth Jones; and
    Reno L. Harnish.

December 16

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with 
President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan to 
discuss the completion of the Afghan national highway from Kabul to 
Kandahar and other developments in Afghanistan. He then had an 
intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, in the Oval Office, the President participated in 
a photo opportunity for the Pediatric Equity Research Act of 2003 and a 
signing ceremony for the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited 
Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003. Later, he participated in an 
interview with Diane Sawyer of ABC News.
In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated in 
separate signing ceremonies for the National Museum of African American 
History and Culture Act and the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003. He then 
participated in separate photo opportunities for the Vision 100--Ce
ntury 
of Aviation Reauthorization Act and the Hometown Heroes Survivors 
Benefits Act of 2003.
Later in the afternoon, at Blair House, the President and Mrs. Bush 
attended the diplomatic corps holiday reception.
During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with James A. 
Baker III, his personal envoy on the 
issue of Iraqi debt, concerning Secretary Baker's discussions with 
President Jacques Chirac of France and 
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of Germany.
In the evening, the President attended a holiday reception on the State 
Floor.

December 17

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
traveled to Kill Devil Hills, NC.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
In the evening, the President attended holiday receptions.

December 18

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, at 
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he had an MRI examination of his knees, 
followed by a brief visit with Secretary of State Colin L. 
Powell, who was recovering from surgery. He 
then visited U.S. military personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan and 
awarded Purple Hearts to several of them.
In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with 
President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia to discuss 
the capture of former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq, Colombia's fight against drugs and terrorism, 
and bilateral and regional issues. Later, he had a telephone 
conversation with President Vicente Fox of 
Mexico to discuss the capture and bilateral and regional issues.
In the evening, on the State Floor, the President and Mrs. Bush attended 
a holiday reception for members of the press.

December 19

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
had a telephone conversation with Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the United Nations to exchange holiday greetings. He 
then met with Secretary of Health and

[[Page 1791]]

Human Services Tommy G. Thompson and 
Director of National Drug Control Policy John P. Walters to discuss progress toward the President's goals for 
reducing drug use.
In the afternoon, the President met with James A. Baker III, his personal envoy on the issue of Iraqi debt.
In the evening, the President hosted a holiday dinner for senior White 
House staff.
The White House announced that the President will travel to Monterrey, 
Mexico, on January 12-13, 2004, to attend the Special Summit of the 
Americas.
The President announced his intention to designate Mark J. 
Warshawsky as Acting Assistant Secretary 
of the Treasury for Economic Policy.
The President announced his intention to designate Gordon H. 
Mansfield as Acting Deputy Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs.
The President declared a major disaster in the Federated States of 
Micronesia and ordered Federal aid to supplement national and State 
recovery efforts in the area struck by Typhoon Lupit on November 22-26.

December 20

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with 
President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal to 
discuss the capture of former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. He then had a telephone conversation with 
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan 
to discuss the situations in Iraq, North Korea, and Libya, and the 
upcoming visit to Japan of James A. Baker III, the President's personal envoy on the issue of Iraqi 
debt. The President then had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with 
President Hu Jintao of China to discuss the 
situations in Taiwan, Iraq, and North Korea, and Presidential Envoy 
Baker's upcoming visit to China.

December 22

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with 
President Roh Moo-hyun of South Korea to discuss 
the situations in Iraq and North Korea and Presidential Envoy 
Baker's upcoming visit to South Korea. 
He then had an intelligence briefing and met with the Homeland Security 
Council. Later, he met with Secretary of Defense Donald H. 
Rumsfeld and then with L. Paul Bremer 
III, Presidential Envoy to 
Iraq, to discuss the situation in Iraq.
In the afternoon, the President met with rabbis and Jewish community 
leaders in the Roosevelt Room. Later, he and Mrs. Bush traveled to 
Alexandria, VA, and then returned to Washington, DC.
Later in the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush hosted a Hanukkah 
reception on the State Floor.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush went to Camp David, MD.

December 23

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
The President announced his intention to appoint Eloise 
Anderson as a member of the Board of 
Directors of the Student Loan Marketing Association.

December 24

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
had telephone conversations with members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

December 25

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
During the day, the President celebrated Christmas with family members.

December 26

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
and Mrs. Bush traveled to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX.
The President announced the recess appointment of Albert Casey as a Governor of the U.S. Postal Service.
The President announced the recess appointment of Bradley D. Belt as a member of the Social Security Advisory Board.
The President announced the recess appointment of Raymond Simon as Assistant Secretary of Education for Elementary 
and Secondary Education.
The President announced the recess appointments of Gay Hart 
Gaines and Claudia Puig as members of the Board of Directors of the 
Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
The President announced the recess appointment of Fayza Veronique Boulad 
Rodman as a member of the 
Broadcasting Board of Governors.
The President announced the recess appointments of Cynthia Boich, Dorothy A. Johnson,

[[Page 1792]]

and Henry Lozano as members of the Board of 
Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
The President announced the recess appointment of Ronald E. 
Meisburg as a member of the National 
Labor Relations Board.
The President announced the recess appointment of Clark Kent 
Ervin as Inspector General at the Department 
of Homeland Security.
The President announced the recess appointment of Robert Lerner as Commissioner of Education Statistics at the 
Department of Education.

December 27

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

December 28

During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with 
Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman 
concerning the recent incidence of bovine spongiform encephalitis (also 
known as mad cow disease) in Washington State.

December 29

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

December 30

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he 
participated in an interview with author Ken Walsh.

December 31

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.