Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, November 26, 2007 Volume 43—Number 47 Pages 1521–1528

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:15 Nov 27, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 1249 Sfmt 1249 E:\PRESDOCS\P47NOF4.023 P47NOF4 ycherry on PRODPC74 with PRESDOCSF Contents

Addresses and Remarks Resignations and Retirements Radio address—1521 White House Office, Assistant to the Thanksgiving turkey presentation ceremony— President for Homeland Security and 1526 Counterterrorism, statement—1525 Virginia, Berkeley Plantation in Charles City—1522 Statements by the President Executive Orders See Resignations and Retirements Designating the ITER International Fusion Supplementary Materials Energy Organization as a Public International Organization Entitled To Acts approved by the President—1528 Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Checklist of White House press releases— Immunities—1526 1528 Digest of other White House Proclamations announcements—1527 National Family Week—1521 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1528

Editor’s Note: The President was at Camp David, MD, on November 23, the closing date of this issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). materials released by the White House during the preceding The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is also week. available on the Internet on the GPO Access service at http:// The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- www.gpoaccess.gov/wcomp/index.html. lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- There are no restrictions on the republication of material ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the ments. Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; 1 CFR Part 10).

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:15 Nov 27, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 1249 Sfmt 1249 E:\PRESDOCS\P47NOF4.023 P47NOF4 ycherry on PRODPC74 with PRESDOCSF VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:15 Nov 27, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7969 Sfmt 7969 E:\PRESDOCS\P47NOF4.023 P47NOF4 ycherry on PRODPC74 with PRESDOCSF newmail.eps Week Ending Friday, November 23, 2007

Proclamation 8206—National Family through November 24, 2007, as National Week, 2007 Family Week. I invite the States, commu- November 16, 2007 nities, and all the people of the United States to join together in observing this week with By the President of the United States appropriate ceremonies and activities to of America honor our Nation’s families. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set A Proclamation my hand this sixteenth day of November, in As families gather together to celebrate the year of our Lord two thousand seven, Thanksgiving, we underscore the comforting and of the Independence of the United and positive role they play in our society. States of America the two hundred and thir- During National Family Week, we celebrate ty-second. the contributions of families everywhere. Families strengthen our communities by George W. Bush teaching important values such as compas- sion and honesty to their children. Families [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, also offer a supportive environment and help 10:06 a.m., November 20, 2007] ensure that children grow into responsible members of society. By providing guidance NOTE: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on November 21. This item was and unconditional love, parents shape the not received in time for publication in the appro- character of their children. priate issue. My Administration believes that the strength of our Nation is built upon the foun- dation of strong families. To help support The President’s Radio Address families, we have doubled the child tax cred- November 17, 2007 it, reduced the marriage penalty, and low- ered tax rates. We are also committed to pro- Good morning. In a few days, our Nation moting positive youth development. The will celebrate Thanksgiving. Like millions of Helping America’s Youth initiative, led by Americans, Members of Congress will travel First Lady Laura Bush, supports organiza- home for the holiday. Unfortunately, as they tions, including faith-based and community get to work carving their turkeys, they’re groups, that continue this important mission. leaving a lot of unfinished work back in All Americans are grateful to our Nation’s Washington, DC. And unless they complete military families, who have stood by their this work soon, middle class Americans will loved ones in times of war and peace. Our pay higher taxes and American troops will country will always be especially thankful for not receive the critical funding they need to the sacrifices of our military personnel and fight and defeat our enemies. for their devotion to duty and their love of Many middle class taxpayers will face high- country. During National Family Week, we er tax bills unless Congress acts on the Alter- pray for their safe return and for the families native Minimum Tax, or AMT. The AMT was who await them at home. designed to ensure that the wealthy paid Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, their fair share of taxes. But when Congress President of the United States of America, passed the AMT decades ago, it was not in- by virtue of the authority vested in me by dexed for inflation. As a result, the AMT’s the Constitution and laws of the United higher tax burden is creeping up on more States, do hereby proclaim November 18 and more middle class families. 1521

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:15 Nov 27, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P47NOT4.023 P47NOT4 ycherry on PRODPC74 with PRESDOCST 1522 Nov. 17 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2007

To deal with this problem, Congress has once again has Congress directing our mili- in recent years passed temporary legislation tary commanders on how to conduct the war that prevented most middle class taxpayers in Iraq as a condition for funding our troops. from having to pay the AMT. But this year, We do not need Members of Congress telling Congress has yet to pass this legislation. A our commanders what to do. We need Con- failure to do so would mean that 25 million gress listening to our military commanders Americans would be subject to the AMT, and giving them what they need to win the more than six times the number that faced war against extremists and radicals. Congress the tax last year. If you are one of those 25 knows I’ll veto this bill. During this time of million, you would have to send an average war, our troops deserve the full support of of $2,000 more to the IRS next year. This Congress, and that means giving our troops is a huge tax increase that Americans do not the funding they need to successfully carry expect and do not deserve. out their mission. I urge Congress to work The longer Congress waits to fix this prob- quickly and send me a clean bill, so we can lem, the worse it will get. Last month, Treas- fulfill our obligation to our brave men and ury Secretary Paulson wrote a letter to Mem- women in uniform. bers of Congress warning that delaying action With both of these delays, congressional on legislation to fix the AMT could create leaders are choosing political posturing over confusion for millions of taxpayers and delay the priorities of the people. These choices the delivery of about $75 billion worth of tax refund checks. Congress has ignored Sec- have real-world consequences for our tax- retary Paulson’s warnings, and we are now payers and our troops. When Members of beginning to see the consequences. On Fri- Congress return from their 2-week long day, the tax forms for 2007 had to be sent Thanksgiving vacation, they will have only a to the Government Printer. And because of few weeks left on the legislative calendar be- Congress’s refusal to act, the IRS will be fore they go home again for their Christmas forced to send out tens of millions of tax break. I call on Congress to use the time that forms that will almost certainly end up being is left to do what is right and pass AMT relief wrong, wasting your money, delaying re- and fund our troops in combat. funds, and making it even more complicated Thank you for listening. to figure out your taxes. It is clear that Congress’s failure to adjust NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on the AMT for inflation was a mistake. Unfor- November 16 in the Cabinet Room at the White tunately, Congress seems determined to House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on November compound this original mistake by making 17. The transcript was made available by the Of- another one. Last week, the House passed fice of the Press Secretary on November 16 but a bill that provides relief from the AMT but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. raises other taxes. Congress should not use The Office of the Press Secretary also released legislation that millions of Americans are a Spanish language transcript of this address. counting on to protect them from higher taxes in one area as an excuse to raise taxes Remarks at Berkeley Plantation in in other areas. I will veto any bill that raises Charles City, Virginia taxes as a condition of fixing the AMT. Mem- bers of Congress must put political theater November 19, 2007 behind them, fix the AMT, and protect America’s middle class from an unfair tax Thank you all. Thanks very much. Thanks hike. for the warm welcome. I am proud to be Congress is also failing to meet its respon- back in the great State of Virginia. I particu- sibilities to our troops. For months, Congress larly appreciate the chance to visit Berkeley has delayed action on supplemental war Plantation. I thank the good people who care funding because some in Congress want to for this historic treasure. Over the years, make a political statement about the war. On Presidents have visited Berkeley. President Wednesday, the House passed a bill that William Henry Harrison called it home. As

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:15 Nov 27, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P47NOT4.023 P47NOT4 ycherry on PRODPC74 with PRESDOCST Administration of George W. Bush, 2007 / Nov. 19 1523

a matter of fact, it was here where he com- you. I want to thank all the local officeholders posed the longest inauguration speech in his- and State officeholders. And most of all, tory. [Laughter] He went on for nearly 2 thank you for letting me come by, and I ap- hours. You don’t need to worry; I’m not going preciate you coming. to try to one-up him today. [Laughter] Every November, we celebrate the tradi- Berkeley also claims to be the site of tions of Thanksgiving; we’re fixing to do so America’s first official Thanksgiving. The again. We remember that the pilgrims gave good folks here say that the founders of thanks after their first harvest in New Eng- Berkeley held their celebration before the land. We remember that George Washington pilgrims had even left port. As you can imag- led his men in Thanksgiving during the ine, this version of events is not very popular American Revolution. And we remember up North. [Laughter] But even the adminis- that Abraham Lincoln revived the Thanks- tration of President Kennedy—a son of Mas- giving tradition in the midst of a bloody civil sachusetts—recognized Berkeley’s role in war. this important holiday. And so this afternoon Yet few Americans remember much about I’ve come to honor Berkeley’s history and to Berkeley. They don’t know the story of the continue the great American tradition of giv- Berkeley Thanksgiving. This story has its be- ing thanks. ginnings in the founding of the colony of Vir- Laura sends her best. Now, most people ginia four centuries ago. As the colony grew, say, ‘‘I wish she’d have come and not you.’’ settlers ventured beyond the walls of James- [Laughter] She’s doing just fine, and I know town and into the surrounding countryside. she is going to be envious when I describe The Berkeley Company of England acquired how beautiful this part of the country is. And 8,000 acres of nearby land and commissioned I thank you for giving me a chance to come. an expedition to settle it. I want to thank my friend Tom Saunders, who is the founder of the Saunders Trust for In 1619, a band of 38 settlers departed American History at the New York Historical Bristol, England, for Berkeley aboard a ship Society. That means he and his wife, Jordan, like the one behind me. At the end of their are raising money to make sure this site is long voyage, the men reviewed their orders as beautiful as it is and stays an important from home. And here’s what the orders said: part of our history and legacy. ‘‘The day of our ship’s arrival . . . shall be I thank Judy and Jamie Jamieson, who yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of happen to be the owners of this beautiful Thanksgiving to Almighty God.’’ Upon hear- site, and I appreciate your hospitality. I can’t ing those orders, the men fell to their knees help but recognize my daughter’s future fa- in prayer. And with this humble act of faith, ther-in-law. [Laughter] I appreciate you the settlers celebrated their first Thanks- coming. A lot of people think she’s showed giving in the New World. some pretty good common sense to marry In the years that followed, the settlers at somebody from Virginia. He’s doing all right Berkeley faced many hardships. And in 1622, himself. [Laughter] the settlement was destroyed. Berkeley be- I appreciate the fact that the Congressman came a successful plantation after it was re- from this district, Congressman Bobby Scott, built, when people returned to this site. And is with us. Thanks for coming, Bobby. Con- it is an important part of our history. And gressman Eric Cantor from Richmond is with as we look back on the story of Berkeley, us. And Congressman Randy Forbes—ap- we remember that we live in a land of many preciate you coming, Randy. blessings. I want to thank the Lieutenant Governor, The story of Berkeley reminds us that we Bill Bolling, for joining us. Thank you for live in a land of opportunity. We remember coming, Governor. Bob McDonnell, the At- that the settlers at Berkeley came to America torney General—General, I appreciate you with the hope of building a better life. And being here. I had the honor of meeting the we remember that immigrants in every gen- high sheriff. Sheriff, thank you and your law eration have followed in their footsteps. enforcement officials. I’m proud to be with Their dreams have helped transform 13 small

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:15 Nov 27, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P47NOT4.023 P47NOT4 ycherry on PRODPC74 with PRESDOCST 1524 Nov. 19 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2007

Colonies into a large and growing nation of The story of Berkeley reminds us to honor more than 300 million people. those who have sacrificed in the cause of Today, we’re blessed with great prosperity. freedom. During the Civil War, Union forces We’re blessed with farmers and ranchers at Berkeley adopted a nightly bugle call that who provide us with abundant food. We’re has echoed throughout the ages. The bugle blessed with the world’s finest workers, with call has become known as ‘‘Taps.’’ And when entrepreneurs who create new jobs. We’re we hear it play, we remember that the free- blessed with devoted teachers who prepare doms we enjoyed have come at a heavy price. our children for the opportunities of tomor- Today, the men and women of the United row. We’re blessed with a system of free en- States Armed Forces are taking risks for our terprise that makes it possible for people of freedom. They’re fighting on the frontlines all backgrounds to rise in society and realize of the war on terror, the war against extrem- their dreams. These blessings have helped us ists and radicals who would do us more harm. build a strong and growing economy, and Many of them will spend Thanksgiving far these blessings have filled our lives full of from the comforts of home. And so we thank hope. them for their service and sacrifice. We keep The story of Berkeley reminds us that we their families and loved ones in our prayers. live in a nation dedicated to liberty. In 1776, We pray for the families who lost a loved Berkeley’s owner, Benjamin Harrison, be- one in this fight against the extremists and came one of the 56 signers of the Declaration radicals, and we vow that their sacrifice will of Independence. In the Declaration, we see not be in vain. the Founders’ great hope for our country, This Thanksgiving, we pay tribute to all their conviction that we’re all created equal, Americans who serve a cause larger than with the God-given right to life, liberty, and themselves. We are thankful for the police the pursuit of happiness. officers who patrol our streets. We’re thank- At times, America has fallen short of these ful for the firefighters who protect our homes ideals. We remember that the expansion of and property. We’re thankful for the leaders our country came at a terrible cost to Native of our churches and synagogues and all faith- American tribes. We remember that many based organizations that call us to live lives people came to the New World in chains of charity. We’re thankful of the ordinary citi- rather than by choice. For many years, slaves zens who become good Samaritans in times were held against their will here at Berkeley of distress. and other plantations, and their bondage is This Thanksgiving, we remember the a shameful chapter in our Nation’s history. many examples of the good heart of the Today, we’re grateful to live in a more per- American people that we have seen this past fect Union. Yet our society still faces divisions year. We remember the Virginia Tech pro- that hold us back. These divisions have roots fessor who died blocking a gunman from en- in the bitter experiences of our past and have tering his classroom. As a survivor of the Hol- no place in America’s future. The work of ocaust, Professor Liviu Librescu had seen the realizing the ideals of our founding con- worst of humanity, yet through his sacrifice, tinues, and we must not rest until the prom- he showed us the best. ise of America is real for all our citizens. We remember the Minneapolis man who We’re also grateful to live in a time when was escorting a busload of children when the freedom is taking hold in places where liberty bridge underneath them collapsed. Jeremy was once unimaginable. Since the beginning Hernandez responded to this emergency of the 1980s, the number of democracies in with courage. He broke open the back door the world has more than doubled. From our of the bus, and he helped lead every child own history, we know these young democ- on board to safety. racies will face challenges and setbacks in the We remember the people in New Orleans journey ahead. Yet as they travel the road who are rebuilding a great American city. to freedom, they must know that they will One of them is Principal Doris Hicks. After have a constant and reliable friend in the Katrina, many said that her school could United States of America. never return to its building in the Lower

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:15 Nov 27, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P47NOT4.023 P47NOT4 ycherry on PRODPC74 with PRESDOCST Administration of George W. Bush, 2007 / Nov. 19 1525

Ninth Ward. But Principal Hicks had a dif- Statement on the Resignation of ferent point of view; she had a different atti- Frances Fragos Townsend as tude. As a matter of fact, she had a uniquely Assistant to the President for American attitude. She had a vision for a re- Homeland Security and surgent community with a vibrant school at Counterterrorism its heart. This summer, the Dr. Martin Lu- ther King, Jr. Charter School for Science and Technology became the first public school November 19, 2007 to reopen in the Lower Ninth Ward. These stories remind us that our Nation’s Over the past 41⁄2 years, Fran Townsend greatest strength is the decency and compas- has served my administration with distinction sion of our people. As we count our many as Assistant to the President for Homeland blessings, I encourage all Americans to show Security and Counterterrorism. Fran has al- their thanks by giving back. You know, I just ways provided wise counsel on how to best visited the Central Virginia Foodbank. If protect the American people from the threat you’re living in Richmond and you want to of terrorism. She has been a steady leader give back, help the Central Virginia in the effort to prevent and disrupt attacks Foodbank. The volunteers there help pre- and to better respond to natural disasters. pare thousands of meals for the poor each day. And in so doing, they make the Rich- Fran’s remarkable career as a public serv- mond community and our Nation a more ant has spanned more than two decades. She hopeful place. And there are many ways to has prosecuted violent crimes, narcotics of- spread hope this holiday: Volunteer in a shel- fenses, mafia cases, and white collar fraud ter; mentor a child; help an elderly neighbor; as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn say thanks to one who wears our Nation’s and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Manhat- uniform. tan. During her career, Fran worked to pro- In the four centuries since the founders tect the American people as the Counsel to of Berkeley first knelt on these grounds, our the Attorney General for Intelligence Policy, Nation has changed in many ways. Our peo- the Assistant Commandant for Intelligence ple have prospered; our Nation has grown; at the U.S. Coast Guard, and as the Deputy our Thanksgiving traditions have evolved— National Security Adviser for Combating after all, they didn’t have football back then. Terrorism at the National Security Council. [Laughter] Yet the source of all our blessings remains the same. We give thanks to the Au- With her extensive experience, intellect, thor of Life who granted our forefathers safe and candor, Fran has ably guided the Home- passage to this land, who gives every man, land Security Council. She has played an in- woman, and child on the face of the Earth tegral role in the formation of the key strate- the gift of freedom, and who watches over gies and policies my administration has used our Nation every day. to combat terror and protect Americans. She I wish you all a safe and happy Thanks- has traveled the world to meet with allies in giving. I offer Thanksgiving greetings to the global war on terror and has partnered every American citizen. May God bless you, extensively with first-responders at the State and may God continue to bless the United and local level to enhance our preparedness. States of America. We are safer today because of her leadership.

NOTE: The President spoke at 12:24 p.m. In his Laura and I wish Fran, her husband, John, remarks, he referred to John H. Hager, chairman, and their two sons, James and Patrick, all the Republican Party of Virginia. best.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:15 Nov 27, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P47NOT4.023 P47NOT4 ycherry on PRODPC74 with PRESDOCST 1526 Nov. 20 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2007

Executive Order 13451— goes back to the days of Harry Truman. And Designating the ITER International to paraphrase Harry today, we have a mes- Fusion Energy Organization as a sage for our two feathered friends: You can- Public International Organization not take the heat, and you’re definitely going Entitled To Enjoy Certain Privileges, to stay out of the kitchen. [Laughter] I want to thank the representatives of the Exemptions, and Immunities National Turkey Federation who have joined November 19, 2007 us—the chairman, Ted Seger. Appreciate you coming, Ted, thanks. Ted brought his By the authority vested in me as President mom—glad you’re here—7 brothers, and by the Constitution and the laws of the over 30 family members, I think it is. No United States of America, including section wonder there are so many people in the Rose 1 of the International Organizations Immuni- Garden. [Laughter] But we’re glad you’re ties Act (22 U.S.C. 288), and finding that the here. Welcome. United States participates in the ITER Inter- I also want to welcome President Joel national Fusion Energy Organization under Brandenberger. The turkeys in today’s cere- the authority of acts of Congress authorizing mony come from the Seger family farm in such participation and making an appropria- Dubois, Indiana. So I guess you can say they tion for such participation, including sections come with the chairman’s seal of approval. 971 and 972 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 I also thank everybody who voted online (42 U.S.C. 16311 and 16312) and laws mak- to choose the names for our guests of honor. ing appropriations for the Department of En- And I’m pleased to announce the winning ergy, it is hereby ordered as follows: names. They are ‘‘May’’ and ‘‘Flower.’’ Section 1. Designation. I hereby designate They’re certainly better than the names the the ITER International Fusion Energy Orga- Vice President suggested, which was nization as a public international organization ‘‘Lunch’’ and ‘‘Dinner.’’ [Laughter] entitled to enjoy the privileges, exemptions, The national observation of Thanksgiving and immunities provided by the Inter- goes back to the days of our Founders. They national Organizations Immunities Act. asked Americans to give thanks for a nation Sec. 2. Non-Abridgement. This designa- that Benjamin Franklin famously compared tion is not intended to abridge in any respect to a rising sun. Over the years, Americans privileges, exemptions, or immunities that have found much to be thankful for. We still the ITER International Fusion Energy Orga- see our country the way Franklin did, or, as nization otherwise may have acquired or may the poet Carl Sandburg put it, ‘‘In the crim- acquire by law. son light of a rising sun fresh from the hand George W. Bush of God.’’ The White House, This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for a November 19, 2007. harvest big enough to feed us all and millions more. We’re grateful for citizens who reach [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, out to those who struggle and for neighbors 10:06 a.m., November 20, 2007] in need—from neighbors in need to the NOTE: This Executive order was published in the strangers they’ve never met. We’re grateful Federal Register on November 21. for working Americans who’ve given us the longest period of uninterrupted job creation on record and a prosperity that lifts our citi- Remarks at the Thanksgiving Turkey zens. And we are grateful for one blessing Presentation Ceremony in particular, the men and women of the November 20, 2007 United States military. They’ve worn proudly the uniform of our country. They have of- The President. Good morning. Welcome fered their lives in our defense. And each to the Rose Garden. Thanks for coming. year, thousands more volunteer to join their We’re glad you’re here at the White House. noble ranks and to keep us safe. And so on Each of you is taking part in a tradition that this Thanksgiving, we keep our—we keep

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:15 Nov 27, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P47NOT4.023 P47NOT4 ycherry on PRODPC74 with PRESDOCST Administration of George W. Bush, 2007 1527

their families and their loved ones in our Digest of Other prayers and in our thoughts. White House Announcements [At this point, the turkeys gobbled.] The President. Thank you. [Laughter] The following list includes the President’s public America’s children also have a special schedule and other items of general interest an- place in our thoughts during this season. nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and Don’t you agree? Today we’re proud to be not included elsewhere in this issue. joined from—youngsters from the Camp Fire USA. We’re glad you all are here. It’s a nationwide organization that helps children November 17 become caring and confident future leaders. In the morning, the President had an intel- One of the things Laura and I have been ligence briefing. most thankful for over the years is the chance to meet children from across the country and November 19 to hear from thousands of others. Some send In the morning, the President was briefed photos; some offer prayers; some of them ask by Deputy Secretary of State John D. about Barney. A second grader from Cali- Negroponte on his trip to Pakistan and his fornia once asked me, ‘‘Do you ever get a meetings with President Pervez Musharraf. headache?’’ Not really, only when I have a He then had an intelligence briefing. Later, press conference. [Laughter] Some children he traveled to Richmond, VA, where he vis- send letters with the same—with the simple ited the Central Virginia Foodbank. phrase, ‘‘God bless America.’’ Others write Later in the morning, the President trav- about relatives serving in the war, and they eled to Charles City, VA. hope I remember them. In the afternoon, the President visited the Earlier this year, a little girl in Oregon sent Thanksgiving Shrine at Berkeley Plantation. me a picture she had drawn. It’s a large Later, he returned to Washington, DC. American flag, and it stood in the glow of While en route aboard Air Force One, he bright orange sun. The spirit that inspired participated in an interview with syndicated Franklin and Sandburg and other genera- columnist Kathleen Parker. tions of America lives in the heart of this child. She sees America in the light of a rising November 20 sun. And so do I, and so do millions of our citizens. It’s hard to be anything but grateful In the morning, the President had an intel- when you live in a country full of compas- ligence briefing. Later, he and Mrs. Bush sionate and decent citizens, a land our Fa- traveled to Camp David, MD. They then par- thers always knew was blessed by the Al- ticipated in an interview with Charles Gibson mighty God. of ‘‘ABC World News Tonight with Charles And so now I have a task, and that is to Gibson.’’ grant a full Presidential pardon to May and In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Flower. They’ll be shortly flown to Disney Bush participated in an interview with Peo- World, where they will serve as honorary ple magazine. grand marshals for the Thanksgiving Day Pa- rade. I hope that honor doesn’t go to their November 21 head. [Laughter] May they live the rest of In the morning, the President had an intel- their lives in blissful gobbling. And may all ligence briefing. Americans enjoy a holiday full of love and The President announced his intention to peace. God bless you all. nominate Neil Romano to be Assistant Sec- retary of Labor (Disability Employment Pol- NOTE: The President spoke at 10:23 a.m. in the icy) and, upon confirmation, appoint him as Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks, a member of the Committee for Purchase he referred to Joel Brandenberger, president, Na- From People Who Are Blind or Severely Dis- tional Turkey Federation. abled.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:15 Nov 27, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P47NOT4.023 P47NOT4 ycherry on PRODPC74 with PRESDOCST 1528 Administration of George W. Bush, 2007

The President announced his intention to Released November 17 * nominate Douglas H. Shulman to be Com- Transcript of a teleconference press briefing missioner of Internal Revenue at the Depart- by Council on Environmental Quality Chair- ment of the Treasury. man James L. Connaughton, White House The President announced his intention to Office of Science and Technology Policy As- appoint the following individuals as members sociate Director Sharon L. Hays, and State of the Advisory Council to the Board of Gov- Department Senior Climate Negotiator Har- ernors of the American Red Cross: Michael lan Watson on the Intergovernmental Panel Chertoff; Robert M. Gates; Carlos M. on Climate Change report Gutierrez; Michael O. Leavitt; Michael G. Mullen; Condoleezza Rice; and Margaret Statement by the Press Secretary on Cyclone Spellings. Sidr in Bangladesh Released November 19 November 22 Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- In the morning, the President had an intel- retary Dana Perino ligence briefing. Later, he had several Thanksgiving holiday telephone conversa- Statement by the Press Secretary announcing tions with members of the U.S. military. that the President signed S. 2206 Released November 20 November 23 In the morning, the President had an intel- Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- ligence briefing. retary Dana Perino Statement by the Press Secretary on ad- vances in ethical stem cell research

Nominations Submitted to the Senate Acts Approved by the President NOTE: No nominations were submitted to the Senate during the period covered by this issue. Approved November 19

S. 2206 / Public Law 110–120 To provide technical corrections to Public Law 109–116 (2 U.S.C. 2131a note) to extend Checklist the time period for the Joint Committee on of White House Press Releases the Library to enter into an agreement to obtain a statue of Rosa Parks, and for other purposes The following list contains releases of the Office of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as * The transcript of the press briefing was re- items nor covered by entries in the Digest of leased by the Office of the Press Secretary on No- Other White House Announcements. vember 16 but was embargoed for release until November 17.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:15 Nov 27, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P47NOT4.023 P47NOT4 ycherry on PRODPC74 with PRESDOCST