    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [July 3, 2007]
    [Pages 909-910]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Visit With Wounded Troops at Walter Reed Army
    Medical Center and an Exchange With Reporters
    July 3, 2007

        The President. Thank you very much. General, thank you very much for your hospitality. It's a true
    honor to come to Walter Reed to be able to see the docs and nurses, the
    physical therapists who are working with our wounded soldiers. The care
    here is remarkable. There has been some bureaucratic redtape issues in
    the past that the military is working hard to cure. But when it comes
    time to healing broken bodies, this is a fabulous place.
        I am constantly amazed at the character and courage of those who
    wear our uniform. And that's no more vividly displayed than here in this
    place of healing. I want to thank our soldiers, sailors, and marines,

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    airmen, coastguards men and women for their service to the country. I
    thank their families. As we head into the Fourth of July, we're a
    fortunate nation to have people who are willing to volunteer in the face
    of danger to help secure this country in the long run.
        I'll be glad to answer two questions from you.

    I. Lewis ``Scooter'' Libby

        Q. Mr. President, are you willing to rule out that you will
    eventually pardon Scooter Libby?
        The President. I--first of all, I had to make a very difficult
    decision. I weighed this decision carefully. I thought that the jury
    verdict should stand. I felt the punishment was severe, and so I made a
    decision that would commute his sentence but leave in place a serious
    fine, a--and probation. As to the future, I'm--rule nothing in, and
    nothing out.
        Q. Mr. President, Federal sentencing guidelines call for jail time
    in these kinds of cases of perjury and obstruction of justice. Why do
    you feel otherwise, and are you worried that this decision sends a
    signal that it--you won't go to jail if you lie to the FBI?
        The President. I took this decision very seriously on Mr. Libby. I
    considered his background, his service to the country, as well as the
    jury verdict. I felt like the jury verdict ought to stand, and I felt
    like some of the punishments that the judge
    determined were adequate should stand. But I felt like the 30-month
    sentencing was severe. I made a judgment, a considered judgment that I
    believe is the right decision to make in this case, and I stand by it.
        Thank you all very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:08 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Maj. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, USA, commanding general, North Atlantic
    Regional Medical Command and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.