White House Week in Review

White House -- Week of February 4-8, 2008

Monday, February 4, 2008
President Bush met with his cabinet and discussed the 2009 Fiscal Year Budget.

"I just met with my Cabinet, where we discussed a lot of issues. And one issue we discussed is the budget. I submitted the budget today to Congress -- it's on a laptop notebook, an e-budget. It saves paper, saves trees, saves money. I think it's the first budget submitted electronically. And it's a good budget. It's a budget that achieves some important objectives."

President Bush Meets with Cabinet, Discusses Budget
-- Fact Sheet: The President's FY09 Budget
-- Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 2009

Tuesday, February 5, 2008
President Bush participated in a photo opportunity with the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion, Jimmie Johnson.

"You know, one of the things I love about NASCAR is not only are these great athletes, but they're socially minded folks. ...And I want to thank you all very much for taking your fame and lending it to help somebody in need. It's really what makes America a great place. You're leaders on the track and leaders off the track."

President Bush Meets with 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion

Wednesday, February 6, 2008
President Bush participated in the ceremonial swearing-in for Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer. Secretary Schafer will head the U.S. Department of Agriculture in its mission of providing leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. Later, the President welcomed the Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks to the White House.

"Our priorities for this department are clear. We will work to make our strong agriculture sector even stronger. Ed understands what I know -- it makes a lot of sense to make sure that we can grow our own food. It's in our national security interest that we're self-sufficient in food. Farm income, farm equity and farm exports have all reached all-time records. The best way to keep the ag economy growing is to open up new markets for America's crops and farm products around the world."

President Bush Attends Ceremonial Swearing in of Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer

President Bush Welcomes Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks to the White House

Ask the White House:
Jim Nussle, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, discussed the 2009 Budget.

Thursday, February 7, 2008
President Bush made remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast. Later, the President discussed pending presidential nominations. At this time, the Administration has nearly 200 nominees, judicial and non-judicial, waiting to be confirmed. The President calls on the Senate to give these nominees a fair up or down vote.

In the afternoon, President and Mrs. Bush made remarks on the Helping America's Youth Initiative, which has helped communities connect children and youth with caring adults and community organizations that are helping them avoid risky behavior and achieve success.

"Many of the nominees for important government posts have been waiting for Senate confirmation for way too long. Some of these men and women here are with us today, and I want to thank you all for joining me. More importantly, I thank you for your willingness to step forward and serve our great country. These folks are qualified, and the Senate needs to give them a prompt vote."

President Bush Attends National Prayer Breakfast

President Bush Discusses Pending Presidential Nominations, Urges Senate Confirmation

Fact Sheet: Senate Must Act on Nominations to Federal Courts and Agencies

President and Mrs. Bush Discuss Helping America's Youth

Fact Sheet: Continuing the Work of Helping Our Nation's Youth

Friday, February 8, 2008
President Bush made remarks to the 35th Conservative Political Action Conference and said, "We believe in the universality of freedom. We believe our Nation has the right to defend itself – even if others sometimes disagree. And we believe America remains a force for good in the world."

"Our views are grounded in timeless truths. During these debates we stuck to timeless truths. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. We believe our culture benefits from a diversity of faith, a respect for values, and the guidance of a higher power. We believe in personal responsibility. We believe in the universality of freedom. We believe our nation has the right to defend itself -- even if sometimes others disagree. And we believe America remains a force of good in our world."

Remarks by the President to the Conservative Political Action Conference

Later, the President traveled to Lafeyette, Tennessee and participate in an aerial tour of the Tennessee tornado damage. After, he participated in a briefing on regional tornado damage and visited a Lafayette neighborhood.

"Listen, I want to thank you for the briefing. People have got to understand here in the region that a lot of folks around America care for them. And I'm here to listen, to determine -- to make sure that the federal response is compassionate and effective. I don't want people to think something is going to happen that's not going to happen. And therefore when we say something is going to happen to help them get their feet back on the ground, it will happen."

President Bush Briefed on Regional Tornado Damage

President Bush Tours Tornado Damage in Tennessee