    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [September 11, 2007]
    [Page 1192]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Congressional Leaders
    September 11, 2007

        I thank the leadership of the Congress for joining us here to
    discuss the testimonies delivered by General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker. For
    some, this isn't the first moment they've been in the White House today,
    and I want to thank the leaders for joining Laura
    and me and the Vice President and his wife
    Lynne as we commemorated the--a day that
    really helped--or it did define our Nation, which is
    9/11/2001. We also had a church service earlier, and I thank
    particularly the Speaker and the leader for being there as well.
        Secondly, all of us around this table are saddened by the loss of
    Congressman Paul Gillmor. Congressman Blunt has
    just come from his memorial service. All of us offer our prayers to the
    Gillmor family during this difficult time.
        And finally, I've asked the leadership to come and share their
    thoughts about Iraq. As I mentioned, we've had a series of hearings
    where our commander on the ground and
    Ambassador in Iraq have talked about a way
    forward. I think it's very important before I make up my mind that I
    consult with the leaders of the House and the Senate. I thank the
    Members for coming and giving me their honest appraisal of whether they
    think we can find common ground or not and how they think we ought to
    proceed.
        So thank you for coming; appreciate you being here.

    Note: The President spoke at 3 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA,
    commanding general, Multi-National Force--Iraq.