White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Holds White House Regular News Briefing
Political Transcript Wire › March 22, 2010
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White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Holds White House Regular News Briefing
WHITE HOUSE REGULAR NEWS BRIEFING, AS RELEASED BY THE WHITE HOUSE
MARCH 18, 2010SPEAKER: WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS[*] MR. GIBBS: Thank you guys for coming to class being moved outside. I hope you're wearing your sunscreen. I put SFP 30 on three times, so that's 90, for any of you keeping track at home. This will not be a regular thing. I just thought it's been a long winter and why not get outside and have a little fun for once in a while.So let's start with a few quick announcements. Obviously we're enjoying some beautiful weather here, but out in the upper Midwest, there's the possibility of bad flooding again this year along the Red River. Lots of good work and preparation have gone into efforts out there to prevent flooding and damage with state and local officials. And Administrator Fugate is traveling to the region over the weekend to ensure that all resources are there that could be necessary.The President -- second announcement -- the President is pleased that the House will soon post the health care legislation on the Internet, and then a final vote is coming. Since the House rules rightly provide for a 72-hour public review period, it is clear that a final vote on health insurance reform cannot take place before Sunday afternoon. As a result, the President telephoned the leader of Indonesia and will call the leader of Australia later this afternoon, and told them that he must postpone his planned visits for a later date so that he can remain in Washington for this critical vote. The President now expects to visit Indonesia in June.The President greatly regrets the delay. Our international alliances are critical to America's security and economic progress. But passage of health insurance reform is of paramount importance, and the President is determined to see this battle through.Lastly, want to announce that in recognition of the deep ties and strong relationship that President Obama has forged with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, President Obama and the First Lady will host President Calderon and the Mexican First Lady in a White House -- at the White House for a state dinner on Wednesday, May 19th. The dinner will take place in the context of an official visit by President Calderon, during which the President will have an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues with President Calderon, including economic competitiveness, our growing security cooperation, clean energy opportunities, immigration, and other key issues.And with that --QUESTION: Thanks, Robert. Did the President have a hand in when this health care legislation was going to be posted? I mean, theoretically, he could have urged leadership to post this yesterday, getting him out of town on Sunday. Is this a delay that he welcomes?MR. GIBBS: Well, look, this has, Phil, has been a long, h...See the full content of this document
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