Democrats claim Bush confused about executive order
February 5, 2001
Web posted at: 2:40 AM EST (0740 GMT)
FARMINGTON, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- Several House Democrats who attended a
private retreat at which President George W. Bush spoke Sunday said the
president appeared confused about one of the first executive orders he signed
after taking office. The White House, in turn, called it a simple
disagreement over policy.
According to Democrats in the room, Bush stumbled as he answered the last of
a series of nine questions by House Democrats.
"He was boxed into a corner," said Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Florida. Others said
the president seemed uncomfortable, with one noting, "He turned bright red."
The question came from Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-California, who asked Bush about
an executive order banning U.S. funding for international aid groups that
provide abortions or abortion counseling, even if the U.S. funds are not
directly used for the abortion work. Bush signed the executive order January
22.
Pelosi asked the president if it was a "double standard" to prohibit that
funding because the administration opposes the groups' abortion activities,
but allow funding to faith-based charities which conduct religious activities
using private funds.
Bush's response, Democrats said, implied he thought his executive order had
outlawed only the direct financing of abortions.
Pelosi, according to Democrats in the room, corrected the president. Aides to
Pelosi say she explained existing law and how the president's order changed
it.
But the White House rejected any suggestion the president was confused or
unaware of what is banned under the executive order, describing the encounter
with Pelosi as a "disagreement over this issue."
"The president has made it clear that federal funds should not go to
international organizations that provide abortion services or promote
abortion" abroad, Bush spokesman Scott McClellan told CNN. "There's just a
disagreement over this policy."
McClellan said Bush fielded questions from House Democrats for 35 to 40
minutes, and that there were some questions where he and the lawmakers
disagreed.
"This was one where there is just a disagreement on policy," he added.
