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Posted on 10/09/2001 6:19:09 PM PDT by rintense

SPECIAL EDITION

President Bush met today with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder regarding the war on terrorism. The President reiterated that will not faulter in this war. During a Q&A session with the media, he also strongly admonished Congress regarding the leak of classified military information. The following is an exchange:

Q Mr. President, when you meet with the congressional leadership tomorrow, will you be specific about what they can and cannot relay back up to the Hill? Or, do you just expect them not to relay anything?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I'm going to talk to the leaders about this. I have talked to them about it. I mean, when the classified information first seeped into the public, I called him on the phone and said, this can't stand. We can't have leaks of classified information. It's not in our nation's interest.

But we're now in extraordinary times. And I was in the -- when those leaks occurred, by the way, it was right before we committed troops. And I knew full well what was about to happen. And yet, I see in the media that somebody, or somebodies, feel that they should be able to talk about classified information. And that's just wrong. The leadership understands that.

And if there's concerns, we'll work it out. I mean, obviously I understand there needs to be some briefings. I want Don Rumsfeld to feel comfortable briefing members of the Armed Services Committee. But I want Congress to hear loud and clear, it is unacceptable behavior to leak classified information when we have troops at risk. I'm looking forward to reiterating that message. And we will work together. We've got a great relationship.

Listen, the four leaders with whom I have breakfast on a weekly basis fully understand the stakes. They fully understand the decision I made. And they will have gotten feedback from their members, and we will discuss it. But one thing is for certain, I have made clear what I expect from Capitol Hill when it comes to classified information.

CHANCELLOR SCHROEDER: Let me add something. I hope that the German press corps did hear it. (Laughter.)

Laughter aside, the President gave notice to Congress that leaks will not be tolerated and he will not stand for putting US troops at risk. Enjoy your daily dose of Dubya!

QUOTE OF THE DAY: And make no mistake about it: The doctrine that says if you house a terrorist, you're just as guilty as a terrorist, will stand. We're making that very evident to the world as we speak.

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