A: Jim Wilkinson, Deputy National Security Advisor for Communications:
"There is, in fact, a Situation Room in the White House. It is a command center for the President and his national security team to monitor world events and to meet in a secure setting on issues like terrorism, to help ensure that our national security is being protected. The Situation Room is staffed by a wonderful group of men and women who work around the clock to help protect our nation."

A: Jim Towey, Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives:
Dear Ronald: With all due respect, I must respond to your email by pointing out that the First Amendment does not mention a "separation of church and state." It says that Congress shall not establish a religion or interfere with the free exercise of religion. So there is a balance struck between two interests - a very delicate balance. President Bush agrees with you that government should not establish, fund or favor any religion, and that the church and state should not become one. But the pendulum should not swing in the other direction in such a way that the public square is sanitized of any possible religious influence. This might surprise you but Thomas Jefferson, who coined the phrase "wall between church and state" in a letter he once wrote, used to attend religious services in federal government buildings! No kidding! I point that out to make the simple point that when we harken back to the founders' intent, we should be careful to note the profound respect they had for the freedom of religion, and that they would be aghast at how the First Amendment has been interpreted by some in such a way as to promote a hostility toward religion.

A: Jim Connaughton, Council on Environmental Quality Chairman:
Thanks for your question, John. We agree.

President Bush's 2005 budget calls upon Congress to approve $4.1 billion in tax incentives through 2009 to spur the use of clean, renewable energy, and energy-efficient technologies, such as hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles, residential solar heating systems, renewable energy produced from landfill gas, wind, or biomass, and efficient combined heat and power systems.

These tax incentives, which were first proposed as part of the President's National Energy Policy in 2001, can help improve our environment while sustaining our economic growth and ensuring our the country's energy security. We will continue to work with the Congress to enact these important incentives, which expired at the end of 2003.

A: Andrew Samwick, CEA Chief Economist:
Today, the Census Bureau reported that new single-family home sales in March rose to an annual pace of 1.23 million homes, a 22 percent increase over the March 2003 level. While not as significant as news about Gross Domestic Product or employment, the pace of new home sales shows that the economy continues to strengthen and suggests that the housing market remains an engine of growth after one of its best years ever in 2003. Our nation.s 68.6 percent homeownership rate is the highest ever, and President Bush is taking steps to make owning a home a reality for more Americans, especially minorities and those with low incomes. To read more on the President.s Homeownership Initiative, please see /infocus/homeownership/.

A: Jim Wilkinson, Deputy National Security Advisor for Communications:
You have it wrong...actually she met this afternoon with Senate Democrats. Dr. Rice believes the job of National Security Advisor should be nonpartisan, and she insisted on meeting with both Democrats and Republicans.

A: Hector Barreto, Administrator, Small Business Administration:
Of the 500,000 to 1 million new businesses that start up each year, more than 80 percent use some form of credit, and the U.S. Small Business Administration offers several ways that can help you access capital. The SBA backs more than $10 billion in small business loans every year through its two primary loan programs. Under the 7(a) loan program, the SBA provides guarantees that allow commercial lenders such as banks and credit unions to make loans to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. In fact, about a quarter of those loans go to start-ups. The SBA's other major loan program, known as the 504 program, provides loans for capital expenditures, such as the purchase or rehabilitation of land, buildings or machinery, and equipment. You can find more detailed information on the financing page of the SBA's Web site at http://www.sba.gov/financing/index.html

A: Harriet Miers, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy:
Tomorrow the President will celebrate Earth Day by traveling to Wells, Maine to deliver remarks at the National Estuarine Research Reserve. In addition, tomorrow afternoon, the President will honor the recipients of the President's Environmental Youth Awards in a Rose Garden ceremony.

A: Andrew Card, White House Chief of Staff:
Melissa -

Thank you for your e-mail. I traveled with the President yesterday when he went to Buffalo. The President was welcomed by thousands of people who lined the streets of Buffalo and waved, held signs or saluted. He participated in an important discussion about fighting terrorism with new tools included in the Patriot Act.

Yes, Air Force One is "awesome." It is a spectacular sight to see it take-off or land. It is also an unbelievable honor to be able to fly in it.

The President is frequently greeted by Girl Scouts. Just a few weeks ago, representatives of the Girls Scouts visited the Oval Office to present a report to the President.

Thank you, too, for being involved in Girl Scouts. You're helping your community and your Nation.

Keep in touch,

Andy Card

A: Andrew Card, White House Chief of Staff:
We have an all volunteer military in this country and it serves us very well. I have heard no call from any of our military leaders for a return to the draft.

A: Hector Barreto, Small Business Administrator:
The SBA administers two major loan programs - the 7(a) working capital loan program and the 504 loan program, which is typically used to finance capital investments including real estate and large equipment purchases. SBA sets the guidelines for the loans while SBA's partners (Lenders, Community Development Organizations, and Microlending Institutions) make the loans to small businesses. SBA backs those loans with a guaranty that will eliminate some of the risk to the lending partners.

The best way to get more information about financing is to log on to the SBA's website - www.sba.gov. From the website, you can also easily locate one of 70 district offices nationwide nearest you.

A: Melissa Bennett, Special Assistant to the President and Director for Appointments and Scheduling:
The president receives more than 1,000 invitations to events all over the world every week. As you might imagine, it is a big job just to go through and respond to all of them. While the President appreciates each invitation it is impossible to attend as many as he'd like. Hope you will send your invitation in to us for consideration.

A: George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States:
I never asked that it be removed from White House menus. I just vowed that I would never eat it again, and I have courageously stuck to that promise.

A: Jimmy Orr, White House Internet Director:
That's a good question. There were discussions about a new Barney Cam entitled, "Barney's Easter Egg Roll Adventure." The script was in production. Barney agreed to his third film. The supporting actors were ready. But we ran out of time.

So, we'll have to release it next year. So, when will the third installment of Barney Cam come out? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, Barney Cam and Barney Cam II: Barney Reloaded are both still available.

           
        

A: Brian Besanceney, Deputy Director of Communications for Planning:
President Bush has hosted tee ball games on the South Lawn of the White House each year that he has been in office. The tee ball games are a remarkable experience for the children (generally 5-6 years old) and their families. The President hosts these games to help encourage young Americans to learn the importance of teamwork and physical fitness at an early age.

A: Scott McClellan, Press Secretary:
Tiffany

I think we are going to stick to the 8:30pm time tonight. There are some important issues that the President wants to discuss with the American people at a time when most Americans will be able to hear what he has to say. The good news for American Idol fans is that FOX is moving tonight's episode to tomorrow night at 8.

A: Elaine Chao, Labor Secretary:
Steve,

The President is committed to helping all dislocated workers get the help they need.

Wyoming receives $21 million in federal funds every year from the federal government to pay for training, employment and unemployment programs and services. For more information about what kind assistance you may be eligible for, contact your local One Stop Career Center.

To find your closest One Stop, you can visit http://www.servicelocator.org/ or call 1-877-US-2-JOBS.

Your wife has made an excellent career choice. Not only is health care a rewarding field, but it is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy. Health care is predicted to grow at a rate of 28 percent and add 3.5 million new jobs between 2002 and 2012, which is why the President has made nurse training part of the High Growth Job Training Initiative.

In fact, just last month, I announced a new $24.4 million Health Care Initative, which will help provide the training needed to pair workers with new good-paying health care jobs like nursing.

This Initiative will not only help train new workers, it will also ensure that we have enough skilled workers to meet America's health-care needs as our population ages in the coming years.

A: Bill Allman, White House Curator:
Dear Kimberly,

There have been 17 weddings at the White House. Although three presidents were married while in office, only one -- Grover Cleveland -- was married at the White House, June 2, 1886, in the Blue Room.

Eight daughters had White House weddings -- Maria Monroe (1820), Elizabeth Tyler (1842), Nellie Grant (1874), Alice Roosevelt (1906), Jessie Wilson (1913), Eleanor Wilson(1914), Lynda Bird Johnson (1967), and Tricia Nixon *1971) -- but one only son -- John Adams, son of President and Mrs. John Quincy Adams (1828).

Four weddings for members of the families of first ladies -- one sister, one brother, and two nieces.

One presidential niece, one daughter of a presidential friend and one presidential assistant make up the final three weddings.

A: Eric Draper, White House Photo Director:
Brett,

This is the most frequently asked question I get and the most difficult to answer because I have several favorite photos. I think one the that remains in my top ten is a photo I made during the first weeks of the administration.

The picture shows the President and Vice President both checking their watches in the Oval Office before the President departed the White House for an event. It was what we call in the business a "grab shot".

I saw it happening, and I just reacted as I reached for my camera around my neck and pressed the shutter button. Lucky for me the image was in focus and perfectly composed and yes the President made it on time to the event.

A: Sean O'Keefe, NASA Administrator:
We welcome the public's recognition of Hubble's importance. NASA is putting its best people to work on plans to extend Hubble's operations. There are 3-4 years before Hubble's support systems may fail. We have the time and the talent to engineer a way to save the Hubble. In addition, dozens of teams from industry and the university community have responded to NASA's request for innovative ideas to use a robotic spacecraft to replace the Hubble's batteries and gyroscopes and perhaps even install new science instruments. NASA will carefully evaluate these ideas and then proceed with a plan to extend this remarkable scientific instrument's life as long as possible.

These ideas for robotic servicing missions show that there are other options besides a risky Space Shuttle servicing mission to Hubble. NASA is serious in its commitment to implement every one of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board's safety recommendations. Based on where NASA is today in its efforts to return the Shuttle safely to flight, prospects have declined dramatically for NASA to develop in time all required safety and return to flight elements for a Shuttle servicing mission before Hubble ceases to be operational. That's why NASA is looking at options for robotic servicing of Hubble and seeking other ways to keep it operating longer as being more attractive options.

NASA is confident that its current course will provide many good options to extend the Hubble's working life. Meanwhile, Hubble will continue to provide unparalleled views of the Universe complementing the capabilities of the Chandra and Spitzer space telescopes. Looking forward, the upcoming Kepler and James Webb space telescopes, and an array of astronomical observatories on the ground promise to dramatically increase our knowledge of the amazing Universe in which we live.

A: John Walters, White House Drug Czar:
Marijuana is a dangerous drug that remains illegal because of the threat it poses to Americans, particularly children. Our current knowledge surrounding marijuana - including treatment center admission data, scientific research, and medical knowledge - directly contradicts the myths that this drug is non-addictive and harmless. The perpetuation of these falsehoods has fueled the spread of this harmful drug among Americans over the last 30 years, so it is important that Americans understand the facts about marijuana:

• Marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogens than tobacco smoke, which can lead to cancer of the respiratory system and can disrupt the immune system.
• Marijuana use has a negative effect on learning and memory, and is associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia.
• Marijuana users are more likely to be depressed and have suicidal thoughts.
• Of the 7.1 million Americans - 1.4 million of whom are teenagers - identified as needing drug treatment, over 60 percent have a dependency on marijuana.
• In recent years, for the first time, more teens have presented themselves for treatment of marijuana dependency than have presented themselves for treatment of alcohol dependency.

A: Jim Towey, Faith-Based Director:
Thank you for your questions. You are actually asking about two separate, but related issues. During his 2004 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on Congress to codify the principle of equal treatment for faith-based organizations in the Federal grants process, putting an end to discrimination against these charities. This legislation would ensure that more Americans in need would be able to get vital social services from the country's most effective charities, whether they are secular or faith-based organizations.

Also during the State of the Union Address, the President announced his four-year, $300 million Prisoner Re-entry Initiative. This innovative program will harness the resources and experience of faith-based and community organizations in dealing with the challenges of helping returning prisoners transition back into their communities. The U.S. Departments of Labor, Justice, and Housing and Development are currently developing the framework for this program that will soon provide tens of thousands of ex-offenders with job-training and placement services, transitional housing, and mentoring. Questions about this initiative may be directed to the Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor, (202) 693-2700.

A: Don Evans, Commerce Secretary:
The Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing and Services will advocate, coordinate and implement policies that will help U.S. manufacturers succeed worldwide. Some of the challenges he will focus on include enhancing government's focus on manufacturing competitiveness; creating the conditions for economic growth and manufacturing investment; promoting open markets and a level playing field; lowering the cost of manufacturing in the United States; investing in innovation; and strengthening education, retraining, and economic diversification.

A: Heidi Marquez Smith, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Correspondence:
Thank you for your interest in requesting a greeting from President Bush for your Aunt Bernice's 100th birthday. You may submit a request via fax at 202-395-1232, mail to The White House, Attn: Greetings Office, Washington, D.C. 20502-0039, or by Web Mail located on the White House website at www.whitehouse.gov/greeting/.

Please make sure to include your aunt's full name with appropriate salutation, date of birth, mailing address, and your (the requestor's) name and daytime phone number. We ask that requests for greetings are received in our office at least six weeks in advance of the event date. We will make every effort to send the greeting in time for your special occasion. For more information on our guidelines and the types of greetings you may request please visit the White House website at www.whitehouse.gov/greeting/.

A: Brian Montgomery, Deputy Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary:
Currently, there are three women in the President's Cabinet: Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman, Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. To learn more about the President's Cabinet, click here.

Thank you for your question.

A: Trey Bohn, White House Director of Radio:
Thanks for your question. All radio stations that subscribe to news services such as ABC, CBS, CNN, AP, UPI or USA can access the President's Weekly Radio Address to the nation. It is fed live at 10:06 ET each Saturday morning for local affiliates to broadcast.

Many of your local 'all news' format AM stations will typically air the President's Weekly Radio Address, but are under no obligation to do so. Some stations may even air it at different times depending on their programming. Therefore, there isn't a list with consistently accurate information available. I would encourage you to contact your local stations' programming departments to find out more. In Austin, 590 AM and 1370 AM may be a good start, but it can always be found at www.whitehouse.gov/radio each and every Saturday.

A: David Leitch, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Counsel:

I was wondering- what is the difference between a federal law and Constitutional amendments?

A federal law is passed by Congress and signed by the President, and must address issues within the enumerated powers of the federal government. A federal law that is inconsistent with the Constitution is invalid. A constitutional amendment follows a different process involving Congress and the States and can address any subject. While hundreds of federal laws are enacted each year, the Constitution is amended only rarely (27 times in our history) and the constitutional amendment process has generally been reserved for issues that are more fundamental and permanent in our society.

Why do some court cases go from a state/Federal court to the state/Supreme Court?

Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction and consider matters including those involving the United States Constitution, federal laws, treaties, the United States government, and controversies involving citizens from different states. State courts are usually courts of general jurisdiction; this means that under state law they may hear any case except those within the exclusive jurisdiction of a federal court. Any case involving an issue of federal law may be considered by the U.S. Supreme Court, but that court has no jurisdiction over cases coming from state courts that implicate only state law.

A: Jim Towey, Faith-Based Director:
The President believes in the separation of church and state and believes the First Amendment and its protections are essential to true freedom.

He does not support tax dollars going to support the promotion of religious beliefs, nor does he support discrimination based on religion in the provision of publicly-funded services.

He does support faith-based organizations and their right to be in the public square, and he wants to end discrimination against these groups by government.

His faith-based initiative strikes the appropriate constitutional balance and unleashes America's "armies of compassion" to help addicts find successful recovery programs, the homeless find housing, and other Americans in need find hope.

A: Andy Card, White House Chief of Staff:
President Bush is throwing out the opening day pitch at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The Cardinals are playing the Milwaukee Brewers. Since 1910, Presidents have traditionally rung in the new baseball year by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day.

The Vice President is throwing out the first pitch at The Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati as the Reds host the Chicago Cubs.

To see a history of Presidents and baseball, click here:

A: Scott McClellan, White House Press Secretary:
The headline did not accurately reflect the actual survey results, and it leaves readers with the wrong impression. According to the survey from the nonpartisan Council for Excellence in Government, "Americans feel increasingly safe and secure. Nearly half (47%) of all Americans say that the United States is safer today than it was on September 11, 2001. When the same question was asked a year after the attacks, just 38% of Americans said that the country was safer than before. Americans see steady progress in the creation of a secure homeland. Fewer than one in five (18%) say that we are less safe today, and a third (34%) say that we are about as safe as we were two and a half years ago." These words are taken straight from the survey. In other words, 81% feel about as safe or safer than they were two and a half years ago, while only 18% feel less safe.

To see the full report, click here.