Lawrence Ari Fleischer

“ The only reason they have to get estate planners and carry out all these tax avoidance procedures is for the purpose of keeping their farms. If it wasn't for all those procedures they have to put in place, which cost them a tremendous amount of money, they certainly would lose the family farm. And that's why they do it; they're worried about losing the family farm. If you abolish the death tax, people won't have to hire all these planners to help them keep the land that's rightfully theirs. Q Ari, back on China for a moment. ”

“ And I predict to you that you're going to see this debate play out just along those lines, where people will just want more money to spend on more government programs, which results in a permanently bigger government. ”

“ And because HIV and AIDS is such a growing global crisis, and because of the particular emphasis that President Bush wants to put on fighting AIDS and finding ways to reduce AIDS, if not cure AIDS around the world, the AIDS Policy Office will have increased focus on international components of the disease. ”

“ As you know, all around town there are activists and congressional offices pouring over the budget, finding cuts that they are convinced are wrong and are made only so that the tax cut can be afforded, within the framework. ”

“ Is that anywhere closer to the apology that China is demanding? MR. FLEISCHER: On the question of reparations, just like all other questions about specifics that may or may not be discussed between the diplomats, I'm not going to entertain any speculation about specifics like that. As for the word use, it is the position of the United States, as Secretary Powell said yesterday, we do regret that the pilot is missing and perhaps lost. We are sorry as a government that the pilot is missing, perhaps lost. That's what Secretary Powell said yesterday; that is the United States position. ”

“ From day one, the President's focus has been creating an environment that helps bring our men and women home. And he has kept this in that environment. And he has directed his staff to keep it in that environment and his Secretaries and the diplomats, also, who are doing his bidding, to maintain that environment. The President believes that is the most productive way to resolve this situation. As Vice President Cheney said yesterday, inflammatory words do not help and this administration will not engage in them. ”

“ Well, I think you've summarized the essence of diplomacy. Diplomacy always is a search for words and agreements to resolve peacefully difficult, contentious matters. And that is the essence of diplomacy, and it is underway. Q The Washington Times said the plane was detecting -- the reconnaissance mission was to detect low-grade or underground nuclear testing in China. Is that true? MR. FLEISCHER: I'm not going to comment on any of those types of questions. Q Ari, could the timing of the Taiwan arms sales decision be affected by this crisis? ”

“ And there is no reason that farmers, or anybody else, should have to go through these tax avoidance schemes, should have to get financial planners. You shouldn't have to get an estate planner just because you work the land. ”

“ But this administration is committed, under President Bush, to fighting AIDS and to having a high level focus here at the White House to getting that job done. I do want to emphasize the international component is generally new. And that's a reflection of the fact that the President is concerned about this. He has brought up the problem of AIDS in Africa with foreign leaders who come here, with congressional leaders who come here, it's on the President's mind, and it's something that he wants to combat. Q Are you saying he's doing more than Clinton on that? ”

“ As you know, the President is committed -- trade promotion authority to the language that would allow the President to have negotiating authority to enter into agreements that could be submitted to the Congress for an up or down vote. The President is committed to that. The exact timing has not been determined. Q Ari, you said several times today that the focus of the President is getting the crew released. You didn't mention the plane. Is that no longer the part and parcel, to tie together, we want the crew and the plane? MR. FLEISCHER: No, we want the crew, we want the plane. ”

“ Well, I think there is always an important -- it is always important to review all the information that all sides would like to make available and to have all those appropriate discussions so that everyone is able to fully have their side heard. ”

“ Q Ari, is it a given, or is it assumed by the administration that China will not win accession to the WTO by the time when Congress would have to vote again on PNTR? MR. FLEISCHER: I would have to check with congressional affairs to get more precise information on it. As a result of the status of agricultural talks between the United States and China, there was a question about the timing of China's entry into the WTO. If the agricultural provisions have not been resolved in a timely enough manner, it could present an opportunity for Congress to vote on it again. ”

“ From the President's point of view, there is no doubt that that could be harmed. The longer this goes on, the more difficult it will be, and that will particularly manifest itself up on the Hill, where there are several important votes. So there's no question, when the President says that the longer this goes on, the more damage can be done, that includes what members of Congress will come to the conclusion -- the conclusion that members of Congress will come to, vis-a-vis, China. Q What step is he on now? You say he's taking it step by step, where are we? ”

“ Communication is always important, particularly at the appropriate level, dealing with China or dealing with anybody in a time of a back-and-forth issue like this. I hope that answers your question. Q With consideration of the Summit of the Americas -- when does President Bush find to promote the trade promotion authority of Congress? We are going to see something in the next few days by the President? MR. FLEISCHER: I don't have anything for you on the exact timing. ”