Digest of Other White House Announcements, Week Ending Friday, February 11, 2005

The following list includes the President’s public schedule and other items of general interest announced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this issue.

February 5

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

February 7

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

Also in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to congratulate the team on their February 6 Super Bowl victory.

In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with 2004 Nextel Cup NASCAR champion driver Kurt Busch. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez and his wife, Edilia.

February 8

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Detroit, MI, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Jim Comer.

In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. Later, in the Cabinet Room, he met with Republican Members of the House of Representatives to discuss Social Security.

The White House announced that the President will host President Traian Basescu of Romania at the White House on March 9.

The President announced his intention to nominate Jeffrey Clay Sell to be Deputy Secretary of Energy.

The President announced his intention to nominate Patricia Lynn Scarlett to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior.

The President announced that he has named Karl Rove as Assistant to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Senior Adviser.

The President announced that he has named Michael J. Gerson as Assistant to the President for Policy and Strategic Planning.

February 9

In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Thaksin Chinnawat of Thailand to congratulate him on his party’s February 6 parliamentary election victory and to discuss relief efforts following the December 26, 2004, earthquake and tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. He then had an intelligence briefing.

Also in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen of Denmark to congratulate him on his February 8 election victory and to discuss the elections in Iraq, the situation in the Middle East, and the President’s upcoming visit to Europe.

In the afternoon, in the Residence, the President had lunch with President Aleksander Kwasniewski of Poland.

Later in the afternoon, in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the President made remarks at a business roundtable.

The President announced that he has named John E. Straub as Special Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Administration.

The President announced that he has named William McGurn as Assistant to the President for Speechwriting.

The President declared a major disaster in Kentucky and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm and record snow on December 21-23, 2004.

The President declared a major disaster in Kansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe winter storms, heavy rains, and flooding on January 4-6.

February 10

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Raleigh, NC, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Jim Van Strien.

In the afternoon, the President traveled to Blue Bell, PA, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer David Bulkley.

In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC.

The President announced his intention to name Roland W. Betts as a member of the New York Committee on the Olympic Games Board of Directors.

February 11

In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing.

The President announced his intention to nominate C. David Welch to be Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.

The President announced his intention to nominate John B. Bellinger III to be Legal Advisor at the Department of State.

The President announced his intention to nominate R. Nicholas Burns to be Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.