Lawrence Ari Fleischer

“ In other words, if the Catholic Church decides that priests cannot be married, that is, under our laws of freedom of religion in this nation, that is a right of the Catholic Church to decide who can be a priest. ”

“ Helen, you're asking questions about specific security matters at the White House, and you know those are not topics I can talk about. Q Ari, because of the scare, is there a thought that there might be a change in how cars, or what cars are allowed in the Northwest Driveway area? MR. FLEISCHER: As I indicated, the Secret Service always reviews their activities to make certain that they are taking all appropriate steps to protect people within the gates of the White House and that will be something the Secret Service if they decide to look at, will look at. ”

“ The President believes that beyond that, it is absolutely essential for Congress to put partisan politics aside and come together. That way, a fundamental reform of Medicare can be made that strengthens the program that includes a prescription drug benefit for all seniors within the Medicare program. ”

“ Today's vote is a victory for all Americans who want to see environmentally-responsible energy production to help protect consumers from wild fluctuations in energy prices, and increase America's energy independence on foreign supplies of oil and gas. ”

“ Karl performs his job in a superb fashion, and Karl is in charge of inter-governmental affairs and people should bring business to Karl Rove if they want to have an issue considered, and Karl will exercise his discretion and judgment. It's the right of the American people to bring their matters to the government, to everybody who works here in the White House, including Karl. Karl does his job. Q The question is, is it appropriate, or is it, in fact, a conflict of interest to have Karl handling intergovernmental affairs and also serving as the chief political strategist for the President. ”

“ There are state and local governments that have taken into their own hands their right to pass ordinances that are contrary to the federal measure. And wherever there is a federal statute in conflict with a state conflict -- a state statute, it often ends up in the courts. ”

“ Again, groups constantly reach out to talk to as many people in the White House as they can find. For example, today, a representative of CBS News called several officials in the White House to get comments on questions. It's not uncommon for everybody to call multiple people in the White House to try to get action. ”

“ That is exactly why the President believes that seniors deserves choices in health care plans. There are some seniors that would prefer to go right to their general practitioner. There are others that don't want to be bothered with a general practitioner and they would rather go to see their specialist. ”

“ They don't want anybody in between them and their specialist. It should not be the role of the government to dictate what they do. They should have choices, so they can best make their own health care plans, as they see fit. Q The President does support the choice? MR. FLEISCHER: The President -- the Medicare proposals the President announced today promote choice in health care for senior citizens. ”

“ So they have to pay often more than $1,000 a year for additional coverage that can get them additional benefits and lower copays and deductibles. It's an illustration of the fact that a lot of seniors would like to see a more modernized structure in Medicare. ”

“ This vote shows that bipartisan consensus can be reached on the plan to address America's energy needs. The vote represents yet another example of how President Bush is working, and will keep his word to balance the need to address our energy needs with local concerns. ”

“ And that's exactly right. Q Can I try one more on substance? Does the President believe that taxpayer money should go to any organization -- religious or otherwise -- that discriminates on the basis of race? ”

“ The President would like to see Congress act on this matter in the fall. Q Will you submit legislation to Congress, or will you simply say these are our guidelines, we'll look for a bill that either comes out of the House or the Senate that meets our guidelines? MR. FLEISCHER: The President's approach is reflected in the package that he sent to Capitol Hill today. The President thinks it's best to bring people together on this issue. ”

“ And as is typical in our society, sometimes they're in conflict. In certain cities they're in conflict. Q Ari, the request from the Salvation Army to the Office of Management and Budget was in the pipeline as of mid-April. MR. FLEISCHER: Correct. Q The Office of Faith-based Initiatives was aware of it, the White House was aware of it. ”