[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
[January 1, 2005]
[Pages 1099-1133]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]
Appendix A / Administration of George W. Bush, 2005
Appendix A--Digest of Other White House Announcements
[[Page 1099]]
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.
January 1
In the morning, at the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX, the President had an
intelligence briefing.
January 2
In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to Washington, DC,
arriving in the afternoon.
January 3
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister Ayad Allawi of the Iraqi Interim
Government to discuss the upcoming elections and the security situation
in Iraq. Later in the morning, he had an intelligence briefing.
During the day, the President and Mrs. Bush, along with former
Presidents William J. Clinton and George
H.W. Bush, went to the Embassies of
Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, where they signed books of
condolence for victims of the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean earthquake
and tsunamis.
The President announced his intention to nominate Jeffrey Robert
Brown to be a member of the Social Security
Advisory Board.
The President announced his intention to designate Robert D.
Jamison as Acting Administrator of the
Federal Railroad Administration.
January 4
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister Jean-Claude Juncker of
Luxembourg, in his capacity as President of the European Council, to
congratulate him on his reelection and to discuss their upcoming meeting
to be held February 22 in Brussels, Belgium. He then had an intelligence
briefing.
Also in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and Gov.
Jeb Bush of Florida to discuss relief efforts
following the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunamis.
In the afternoon, the President met with Secretary of Health and Human
Services Tommy G. Thompson. He also met
with Secretary of Education Roderick R. Paige.
January 5
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with King
Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss the
upcoming meeting of Iraq's neighboring countries to be held January 6 in
Jordan. He then had a telephone conversation with President Hosni
Mubarak of Egypt to discuss the situation in
Iraq and the upcoming Arab League ministers meeting to be held January
12 in Cairo.
Later in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with
President Ghazi al-Ujayl al-Yawr of
the Iraqi Interim Government to discuss the upcoming elections in Iraq.
He then had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Collinsville, IL,
arriving in the afternoon. Upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps
volunteer Connie Bergmann.
Later in the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The President announced his intention to name Claude A. Allen as Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.
The President announced that he has named Daniel Bartlett as Counselor to the President.
The President announced that he has named Nicolle Devenish as Assistant to the President for Communications.
January 6
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with
President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia
to discuss the situation in Ukraine and other issues. He then had an
intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President met with Republican congressional
leaders to discuss legislative priorities.
[[Page 1100]]
In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with individuals
to discuss class-action lawsuit reform.
Later in the afternoon, on the South Lawn, the President and Mrs. Bush
publicly welcomed their new pet, Miss Beazley, to the White House.
During the day, the President met with Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida to discuss relief efforts following the
December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunamis.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush and family members attended
the 60th wedding anniversary dinner of former President George H.W.
Bush and former First Lady Barbara
Bush.
The White House announced that the President will host President
Aleksander Kwasniewski of Poland at
the White House for a meeting and lunch on February 9.
January 7
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, in
the Oval Office, he met with Chairman Connie Mack and Vice Chairman John B. Breaux of the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform
and Secretary of the Treasury John W. Snow.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Clinton Township, MI,
arriving in the afternoon. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a
telephone conversation with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John
C. Danforth to discuss the situation in
Sudan. Upon arrival in Clinton Township, the President met with USA
Freedom Corps volunteer Don Kotchman.
Later in the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The President announced his intention to appoint the following
individuals as members of the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax
Reform:
Connie Mack III (Chairman);
John B. Breaux (Vice Chairman);
William Eldridge Frenzel;
Elizabeth Garrett;
Edward P. Lazear;
Timothy J. Muris;
James Michael Poterba;
Charles O. Rossotti; and
Liz Ann Sonders.
The President announced his intention to nominate Robert B.
Zoellick to be Deputy Secretary of State.
January 8
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
January 10
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing and met with
the National Security Council.
Later in the morning, at the U.S. Agency for International Development,
the President met with presidents of international relief organizations
to discuss relief efforts following the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean
earthquake and tsunamis.
In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary
of Energy Spencer Abraham. Later, also in
the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J.
Principi.
Later in the afternoon, the President received a briefing and
participated in a discussion on efforts to improve tsunami monitoring
and warning systems in response to the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean
earthquake and tsunamis. Later, in the Oval Office, he participated in
an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with
President-elect Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the Palestinian Authority to congratulate him on
his January 9 election victory.
The President announced that he has named Allan B. Hubbard as Assistant to the President for Economic Policy
and Director of the National Economic Council.
The President announced that he has named Candida Perotti Wolff as Assistant to the President for Legislative
Affairs.
January 11
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister Ayad Allawi of the Iraqi Interim
Government to discuss the upcoming elections in Iraq. He then had an
intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Attorney
General John Ashcroft. Later, also in the Oval
Office, he met with Defense Minister Sergey Borisovich Ivanov of Russia.
[[Page 1101]]
Later in the afternoon, the President participated in an interview with
the Washington Times.
The President announced his intention to nominate Michael
Chertoff to be Secretary of Homeland
Security.
The President declared an emergency in Indiana and ordered Federal aid
to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by
record/near record snow on December 21-23, 2004.
The President declared an emergency in Ohio and ordered Federal aid to
supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record
snow on December 22-24, 2004.
January 12
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he
and Mrs. Bush traveled to Falls Church, VA. Upon arrival at J.E.B.
Stuart High School, they met with school officials and international
baccalaureate program students.
Later in the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to
Washington, DC.
In the afternoon, in the Residence, the President and Mrs. Bush
participated in an interview with Barbara Walters of ABC's ``20/20'' show for later broadcast.
January 13
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he
traveled to Arlington, VA.
Later in the morning, the President returned to Washington, DC.
In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President met with teachers
and a principal to discuss education priorities. Later, in the Oval
Office, he met with Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.
Later in the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated
in an interview with USA Today. He then participated in an interview
with representatives of regional media.
The President announced that he has named Jim Towey as Assistant to the President and Director of the
Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
January 14
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with
President Ghazi al-Ujayl al-Yawr of
the Iraqi Interim Government to discuss President Yawr's visit to Europe
and the upcoming elections in Iraq. He then had an intelligence
briefing.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Jacksonville, FL, where,
upon arrival in the afternoon, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer
Steve Miller.
Later in the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The President announced his intention to nominate David A.
Balton for the rank of Ambassador during his
tenure of service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and
Fisheries.
The President announced his intention to nominate Joseph R.
DeTrani for the rank of Ambassador during
his tenure of service as Special Envoy for the Six Party Talks.
The President announced his intention to designate Kent R. Hill as Acting Assistant Administrator for Global Health
at the U.S. Agency for International Development.
The President announced his intention to appoint William T. Ryan as a member of the Board of Directors of the Rural
Telephone Bank.
January 15
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
January 17
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
January 18
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with King
Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss the
upcoming elections in Iraq, the recent Palestinian Presidential
election, and other issues. He then had a telephone conversation with
Prime Minister Ayad Allawi of the Iraqi Interim
Government to discuss the upcoming elections in Iraq. Later, he had an
intelligence briefing and met with the Homeland Security Council.
Later in the morning, the President participated in separate interviews
with the FOX News and Cable News Network television channels. Later, in
the Family Theater, he participated in a speech preparation session for
his January 20 Inaugural Address.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush went to the Renaissance
Hotel, where he made
[[Page 1102]]
remarks at a Republican National Committee reception.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush went to the Andrew W. Mellon
Auditorium, where he made remarks at the inaugural chairman's reception.
January 19
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with
President Ghazi al-Ujayl al-Yawr of
the Iraqi Interim Government to discuss the upcoming elections in Iraq.
He then had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh of India to discuss relief efforts
following the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunamis
and other issues. Later, he had an intelligence briefing and met with
the National Security Council.
Later in the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush went to the National
Archives and Records Administration, where they toured the Rotunda for
the Charters of Freedom with Archivist of the United States John W.
Carlin and Senior Curator Stacey
Bredhoff. During the tour, they examined
historical documents including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the
Declaration of Independence, George Washington's handwritten Inaugural
Address, and the Bible used in the inaugurations of George Washington
and George Bush.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush went to the Andrew W.
Mellon Auditorium, where he made remarks at the inaugural chairman's
luncheon. Later, in the Family Theatre, he participated in a speech
preparation session for his January 20 Inaugural Address.
Later in the afternoon, on the State Floor, the President and Mrs. Bush
hosted an inaugural luncheon for family members.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush attended three candlelight
dinners hosted by the inaugural committee. They then attended an
inaugural ball.
The President announced his intention to appoint Jeffrey F.
Kupfer as Executive Director of the
President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform.
The President announced his recess appointments of Adolfo A.
Franco and Roger Noriega as members of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American
Foundation.
The President announced his recess appointments of Gregory B.
Jaczko and Peter B. Lyons as members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
January 20
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he
and Mrs. Bush went to St. John's Episcopal Church, where they attended a
prayer service.
In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush went by motorcade along
the inaugural parade route to the White House, where they viewed the
parade from the reviewing stand.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush attended several inaugural
balls.
January 21
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he
and Mrs. Bush went to the National Cathedral, where they participated in
the National Prayer Service.
The President announced his intention to nominate John Thomas
Schieffer to be Ambassador to Japan.
The President announced his intention to nominate Linda Morrison
Combs to be Controller of the Office of
Federal Financial Management at the Office of Management and Budget.
The President announced his designation of the following individuals as
members of the Presidential delegation to the inauguration of President
Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine on January
23:
Colin L. Powell (head of delegation);
John E. Herbst;
Paula Dobriansky;
Vera M. Andryczyk;
Nadia Komarnyckyj McConnell;
and
Myron Kuropas.
The President announced his designation of the following individuals as
members of the Presidential delegation to a special session of the
United Nations General Assembly to be held on January 24 to commemorate
the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps:
Paul D. Wolfowitz (head of
delegation);
Anne Patterson;
Henry R. Kravis; and
Bryce Sandler.
The President declared a major disaster in Indiana and ordered Federal
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area
[[Page 1103]]
struck by severe winter storms and flooding beginning on January 1 and
continuing.
January 22
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the evening, at the Capital Hilton hotel, the President and Mrs. Bush
attended the Alfalfa Club Dinner.
January 23
In the morning, the President traveled to Camp David, MD.
January 24
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The White House announced that the President will host a working dinner
for President Jacques Chirac of France in
Brussels, Belgium, on February 21.
The President announced his intention to nominate Michael
Jackson to be Deputy Secretary of
Homeland Security.
The President announced his designation of the following individuals as
members of the Presidential delegation to Poland to attend the 60th
anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau:
Vice President Dick Cheney (head of
delegation);
Lynne Cheney;
Victor Ashe;
Tom Lantos;
Annette Tillemann Lantos;
Feliks Bruks;
Deborah Lipstadt;
Fred Schwartz; and
Elie Wiesel.
January 25
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister Ayad Allawi of the Iraqi Interim
Government to discuss the upcoming elections in Iraq. He then had an
intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, in Room 350 of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive
Office Building, the President met with African American leaders and
pastors. Later, he participated in an interview with the Boston Herald.
Later in the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President met with
Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Republican
leadership to discuss Social Security reform and other legislative
priorities.
In the evening, the President met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and
combatant commanders. He then hosted a dinner for them and their spouses
on the State Floor.
January 26
In the morning, the President had separate telephone conversations with
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and King Juan Carlos I of Spain. He then had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Bethesda, MD.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. Later, in
the Cabinet Room, he met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Later in the afternoon, in the Residence, the President met with
Republican members of the House Ways and Means Committee and House
Republican leadership to discuss Social Security reform and other
legislative priorities.
In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with
Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the United
Nations to discuss the upcoming elections in Iraq.
January 27
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with
President Ghazi al-Ujayl al-Yawr of
the Iraqi Interim Government to discuss the upcoming elections and
security situation in Iraq. He then had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Cleveland, OH, where,
upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer T.J.
Powell. Later, at the Cleveland Clinic, he
viewed a demonstration of health care information technology.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. Later, he
participated in an interview with the New York Times. He then
participated in an interview with Brian Lamb
of C-SPAN.
January 28
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he
traveled to White Sulphur Springs, WV, arriving in the afternoon.
[[Page 1104]]
Later in the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The President announced his intention to appoint Brig. Gen. Jack
Nicholson, USA (Ret.), as
Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission.
The President announced his intention to appoint Ronald A.
Faucheux and Daron R. Shaw as members of the National Historical Publications and
Records Commission.
The President announced his intention to designate Peter
Lichtenbaum as Acting Under Secretary of
Commerce for Export Administration.
January 29
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
January 30
In the afternoon, the President had separate telephone conversations
with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Crown
Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia,
and President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt to
discuss the elections in Iraq.
Later in the afternoon, in the Family Theater, the President
participated in a speech preparation session for his February 2 State of
the Union Address.
January 31
In the morning, the President had separate telephone conversations with
Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom,
President Jacques Chirac of France, and
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of Germany to
discuss the elections in Iraq, the situation in the Middle East, and the
President's upcoming visit to Europe.
Later in the morning, the President had separate telephone conversations
with Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and President
Ghazi al-Ujayl al-Yawr of the Iraqi
Interim Government to discuss the elections in Iraq. He then had an
intelligence briefing and met with the National Security Council.
In the afternoon, in the Family Theater, the President participated in
two speech preparation sessions.
During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with
Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the United
Nations to discuss the elections in Iraq.
The President announced that he has named Jack D. Crouch II as Assistant to the President and Deputy National
Security Adviser.
February 1
In the morning, the President had separate telephone conversations with
President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Secretary
General Jakob Gijsbert ``Jaap'' de Hoop Scheffer of NATO, and European Union Commission
President Jose Manuel Durao Barroso to discuss the elections in Iraq. Later, he had a
telephone conversation with President Vicente Fox of Mexico to discuss the elections in Iraq and other
issues.
Later in the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later,
in the Family Theater, he participated in a speech preparation session.
In the afternoon, the President met with Representative Jo Ann
Emerson, chair, National Prayer Breakfast. He
then participated in an interview with columnist Cal Thomas. Later, in the Family Theater, he participated in a speech
preparation session.
February 2
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy to
discuss the elections in Iraq, the President's upcoming visit to Europe,
and other issues. He then had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister Paul Martin of Canada to discuss the
elections in Iraq. Later, he had a telephone conversation with President
Elias Antonio Saca Gonzalez of
El Salvador to discuss the elections in Iraq and to thank President Saca
Gonzalez for the service of Salvadoran troops in Iraq.
Later in the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. He
then had separate meetings with Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice and Secretary of Defense Donald H.
Rumsfeld. Later, in the Family Theater,
he participated in a speech preparation session.
In the afternoon, the President had lunch with network television
correspondents.
The President declared a major disaster in Hawaii and ordered Federal
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by
severe storms and flash flooding on October 30, 2004.
The President declared an emergency in Illinois and ordered Federal aid
to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area
[[Page 1105]]
struck by record/near record snow on December 21-23, 2004.
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 beginning on January 4
and continuing.
The President declared a major disaster in Utah and ordered Federal aid
to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by
severe storms and flooding on January 8-12.
February 3
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan to
discuss the elections in Iraq, the situation in North Korea, and other
issues. He then had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Fargo, ND, where, upon
arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Fran Rickers.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Great Falls, MT, where, upon
arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteers Char and Roy Brady.
In the evening, the President traveled to Omaha, NE. While en route
aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister John Howard of Australia to discuss the
elections in Iraq, relief efforts following the December 26, 2004,
Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunamis and other issues.
February 4
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he
traveled to Little Rock, AR. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had
separate telephone conversations with President Traian Basescu of Romania and Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-
Gotha of Bulgaria to discuss the
elections in Iraq. Upon arrival in Little Rock, he met with USA Freedom
Corps volunteer Katya Lyzhina.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Tampa, FL, where, upon
arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Margaret
Goodson.
In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. While en route
aboard Air Force One, the President had a telephone conversation with
President Roh Moo-hyun of South Korea.
The President announced his intention to nominate Brig. Gen. William T.
Grisoli, USA, to be a Commissioner of the
Mississippi River Commission.
The President announced his intention to designate Christopher Bancroft
Burnham as Acting Under
Secretary of State for Management.
The President announced his designation of the following individuals as
members of the Presidential delegation to attend the state funeral of
Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania of Georgia on
February 6:
Senator Richard G. Lugar (head of
delegation);
Richard J. Miles;
Paul V. Applegarth; and
Lorne W. Craner.
The President announced his designation of former Presidents George H.W.
Bush and William J. Clinton as members of the Presidential delegation to visit
tsunami-affected countries of South and Southeast Asia including
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Maldives on February 19-21.
The President declared a major disaster in California and ordered
Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area
struck by severe storms, flooding, debris flows, and mudslides on
December 27, 2004, through January 11, 2005.
February 5
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
February 7
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
Also in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with New
England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to
congratulate the team on their February 6 Super Bowl victory.
In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with 2004 NASCAR
Nextel Cup champion driver Kurt Busch. Later,
also in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of Commerce Carlos M.
Gutierrez and his wife,
Edilia.
February 8
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 Jim Comer.
[[Page 1106]]
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. Later, in
the Cabinet Room, he met with Republican Members of the House of
Representatives to discuss Social Security reform.
The White House announced that the President will host President Traian
Basescu of Romania at the White House on
March 9.
The President announced his intention to nominate Jeffrey Clay
Sell to be Deputy Secretary of Energy.
The President announced his intention to nominate Patricia Lynn
Scarlett to be Deputy Secretary of the
Interior.
The President announced that he has named Karl Rove as Assistant to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff,
and Senior Adviser.
The President announced that he has named Michael J. Gerson as Assistant to the President for Policy and
Strategic Planning.
February 9
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister Thaksin Chinnawat of Thailand to
congratulate him on his party's February 6 parliamentary election
victory and to discuss relief efforts following the December 26, 2004,
Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunamis. He then had an intelligence
briefing.
Later in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with
Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen
of Denmark to congratulate him on his February 8 election victory and to
discuss the elections in Iraq, the situation in the Middle East, and the
President's upcoming visit to Europe.
In the afternoon, in the Residence, the President had lunch with
President Aleksander Kwasniewski of
Poland.
Later in the afternoon, in Room 350 of the Dwight D. Eisenhower
Executive Office Building, the President made remarks at a business
roundtable.
The President announced that he has named John E. Straub as Special Assistant to the President and Director of the
Office of Administration.
The President announced that he has named William McGurn as Assistant to the President for Speechwriting.
The President declared a major disaster in Kentucky and ordered Federal
aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area
struck by a severe winter storm and record snow on December 21-23, 2004.
The President declared a major disaster in Kansas and ordered Federal
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by
severe winter storms, heavy rains, and flooding on January 4-6.
February 10
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he
traveled to Raleigh, NC, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom
Corps volunteer Jim Van Strien.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to Blue Bell, PA, where, upon
arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer David Bulkley.
In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC.
The President announced his intention to name Roland W. Betts as a member of the New York Committee on the
Olympic Games Board of Directors.
February 11
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
The President announced his intention to nominate C. David Welch to be Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern
Affairs.
The President announced his intention to nominate John B. Bellinger
III to be Legal Adviser at the
Department of State.
The President announced his intention to nominate R. Nicholas
Burns to be Under Secretary of State for
Political Affairs.
February 12
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
February 14
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing and met with
the National Security Council. Later, he had a telephone conversation
with Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi
Arabia to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the meeting between former
President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia and
to discuss elections in Saudi Arabia and counterterrorism efforts.
In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with outgoing
Administrator Sean O'Keefe of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration to thank him for his service.
[[Page 1107]]
The President announced his intention to nominate Lester M.
Crawford to be Commissioner of Food and
Drugs at the Department of Health and Human Services.
February 15
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
The White House announced that the President and Mrs. Bush will host
King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway for lunch at the White House on March 7.
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 winter storms, flooding, and mudslides on December 22, 2004,
through February 1, 2005.
February 16
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, in
the Oval Office, he had breakfast with congressional leaders.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Portsmouth, NH, where,
upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Reggie
Wright.
In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC.
February 17
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
During the day, in the Oval Office, the President and Mrs. Bush met with
Paul Rusesabagina, whose actions to
shelter refugees during the 1994 Rwanda genocide were depicted in the
film ``Hotel Rwanda,'' and his wife, Tatiana Rusesabagina.
February 18
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
The President announced his intention to nominate Jonathan Brian
Perlin to be Under Secretary for Health
at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The President announced his intention to appoint Becky Norton
Dunlop (Chairman) and Richard Barber
Ainsworth, Jr., as members of
the Federal Service Impasses Panel.
The President announced his intention to designate Raymond F.
DuBois as Acting Under Secretary of the
Army.
The President announced his intention to designate Peter F.
Allgeier as Acting U.S. Trade
Representative.
The President declared a major disaster in Arizona and ordered Federal
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by
severe storms and flooding on December 28, 2004, through January 12,
2005.
The President declared an emergency in Nevada and ordered Federal aid to
supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record
and/or near record snow on December 29, 2004, through January 2, 2005.
The President declared an emergency in Connecticut and ordered Federal
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by
record snow on January 22-23.
The President declared an emergency in Massachusetts and ordered Federal
aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area
struck by record and/or near record snow on January 22-23.
The President declared an emergency in Rhode Island and ordered Federal
aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by
record snow on January 22-23.
The President declared a major disaster in American Samoa and ordered
Federal aid to supplement Territory and local recovery efforts in the
area struck by Tropical Cyclone Olaf, including high winds, high surf,
and heavy rainfall, beginning on February 15 and continuing.
February 19
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
February 20
In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Brussels,
Belgium, arriving in the evening.
February 21
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, at
the Sheraton Brussels Hotel and Towers, he and Mrs. Bush met with U.S.
Embassy and Missions personnel. Then, at the Royal Palace, he and Mrs.
Bush participated in a courtesy call with King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium.
Later in the morning, in the Prime Minister's Office at Lambermont
House, the President met with Prime Minister Guy
Verhofstadt of Belgium. Then, at the U.S.
Ambassador's residence,
[[Page 1108]]
the President met with Secretary General Jakob Gijsbert ``Jaap'' de Hoop
Scheffer of the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
In the evening, at the U.S. Ambassador's residence, the President met
with President Jacques Chirac of France. They
then had a working dinner.
February 22
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, at
the U.S. Ambassador's residence, he had a working breakfast with Prime
Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom.
Later in the morning, at NATO Headquarters, the President had a meeting
with President Viktor Yushchenko of
Ukraine. He then participated in a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine
Commission. Later, he met with Prime Minister Silvio
Berlusconi of Italy. He then participated
in a plenary session of the North Atlantic Council followed by an
official photo with NATO leaders.
In the afternoon, at NATO Headquarters, the President had lunch with
NATO leaders. Later, at the Justus Lipsius Building, he participated in
a meeting followed by an official photo with European Union leaders.
In the evening, in the Berlaymont Building, the President met with
European Commission President Jose Manuel Durao Barroso followed by a photo opportunity with European
Union Commissioners. He then had a working dinner with European
Commission President Durao Barroso, European Council President Jean-
Claude Juncker, and European Council
Secretary General Javier Solana.
The President announced his intention to nominate John C. Dugan to be Comptroller of the Currency at the Department
of the Treasury.
February 23
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he
and Mrs. Bush traveled to Mainz, Germany, where, at the Electoral
Palace, they participated in an arrival ceremony with Chancellor Gerhard
Schroeder of Germany and greeted American
and German soldiers who had served in Afghanistan.
Later in the morning, at the Electoral Palace, the President met with
Chancellor Schroeder.
In the afternoon, at the Electoral Palace, the President and Mrs. Bush
had lunch with Chancellor Schroeder, his
wife, Doris Schroeder-Koepf, and local
leaders and businesspeople. He then met with Angela Merkel, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union party.
Later in the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush toured the Gutenberg
Museum.
Later in the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to
Wiesbaden, Germany, where, at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, they participated
in a photo opportunity with distinguished servicemembers of the U.S.
Army's 1st Armored Division and their spouses.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Bratislava,
Slovakia, where, at M.R. Stefanik Airport, they participated in an
arrival ceremony.
The President announced his intention to nominate William Cobey to be a member of the Board of Directors of the
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
The President announced his intention to appoint the following
individuals as members of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and
Negotiations:
Peter F. Baranay;
James G. Berges;
JoAnn Brouillette;
Thomas J. Donohue;
Calvin M. Dooley;
Jennifer Dunn;
Edward Charles Emma;
John Engler;
William Eldridge Frenzel;
Allen E. Gant, Jr.;
Nicholas Giordano;
Terry D. Growcock;
Herbert Fisk Johnson;
Scott Klug;
Charles Edward Kruse;
Larry A. Liebenow;
Tracy Mullin Moroney;
James Winston Morrison;
Edward Joseph Perkins;
Kevin Barney Rollins;
Lea N. Soupata;
Jose Antonio Villamil;
Joseph P. Ward;
Wythe Willis Willey; and
Wendell L. Willkie II.
The President announced his intention to designate Harvey S.
Rosen as Chairman of the Council of Economic
Advisers.
[[Page 1109]]
February 24
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, at
the Radisson SAS Carlton Hotel, he and Mrs. Bush met with U.S. Embassy
personnel.
Later in the morning, at the Presidential Palace, the President met with
President Ivan Gasparovic of Slovakia.
Later, in the Prime Minister's Office, he met with Prime Minister
Mikulas Dzurinda of Slovakia.
Later in the morning, at the Slovak National Theater, the President met
with champions of freedom. Later, at the Treasures Museum of Bratislava
Castle, he met with President Vladimir Putin
of Russia.
In the evening, at Bratislava Castle, the President participated in a
photo opportunity with President Gasparovic,
Prime Minister Dzurinda, Speaker of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic Pavol Hrusovsky, and President Putin.
In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to Washington, DC.
The President declared an emergency in Nevada and ordered Federal aid to
supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record
and/or near record snow on January 6-10.
February 25
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
The President announced his intention to nominate Nancy Ann Nord to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety
Commission.
The President announced his intention to nominate Christopher J.
Hanley to be a member of the Board of
Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
The President announced his intention to appoint James C. Langdon,
Jr., as a member of the President's
Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board and, upon appointment, to designate
him as Chairman of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board
and Chairman of the Intelligence Oversight Board.
The President announced his intention to designate Grover
Whitehurst as Acting Commissioner of
Education Statistics at the Department of Education.
The President announced his designation of the following individuals as
members of the Presidential delegation to attend the inauguration of
President Tabare Vazquez of Uruguay on March
1: Elaine L. Chao (head of delegation),
Martin J. Silverstein, and Marilyn
Ware.
February 26
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
February 28
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing and met with
the National Security Council. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.
The White House announced that the President will welcome Nasrallah
Boutros Cardinal Sfeir, the
Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, to the White House on
March 16.
March 1
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President met with
congressional leaders to discuss his recent visit to Europe and foreign
policy initiatives.
March 2
In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he
traveled to Arnold, MD.
Later in the morning, the President returned to Washington, DC.
In the afternoon, in the Residence, the President met with Republican
Members of the House of Representatives to discuss Social Security
reform.
The President made additional disaster assistance available to Alabama
by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for public
assistance projects undertaken as a result of Hurricane Ivan.
March 3
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister Ayad Allawi of the Iraqi Interim
Government to discuss the political and security situation in Iraq. He
then had an intelligence briefing.
In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President had lunch
with Vice President Dick Cheney. Later, he
traveled to Langley, VA, where he had a briefing at the Central
Intelligence Agency. Later, he returned to Washington, DC.
[[Page 1110]]
Later in the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated
in an interview with the New York Post Editorial Board. Later, also in
the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He then participated in a photo opportunity with
U.S. Senate Youth Program students.
The White House announced that the President will host President Vicente
Fox of Mexico and Prime Minister Paul
Martin of Canada in Texas on March 23.
March 4
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister-designate Jose Socrates of Portugal to congratulate him on his party's February
20 election victory. He then had an intelligence briefing.
Later in the morning, the President traveled to Newark, NJ, where, upon
arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport, he met with USA Freedom
Corps volunteer John Herrmann. He then traveled
to Westfield, NJ.
In the afternoon, the President traveled to South Bend, IN, where, upon
arrival at South Bend Regional Airport, he met with USA Freedom Corps
volunteer Lucy Kuminecz. He then traveled to
Notre Dame, IN.
In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. While en route
aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy.
The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister
Bertie Ahern of Ireland to the White House on
March 17.
The President announced his intention to nominate David Garman to be Under Secretary of Energy.
The President announced his intention to nominate Christopher R.
Hill to be Assistant Secretary of State
for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
The President announced his intention to nominate Anthony J.
Principi to be a member of the Defense
Base Closure and Realignment Commission and, upon confirmation, to
designate him as Chairman.
The President announced his intention to nominate Rudolph E.
Boschwitz for the rank of Ambassador
during his tenure of 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 designate E. Timothy
Oppelt as Acting Assistant Administrator
for Research and Development at the Environmental Protection Agency.
The President announced his intention to nominate Stephen L.
Johnson to be Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency.
March 5
In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime
Minister Paul Martin