text: THE PRESIDENT: I want to thank members from both political parties
  for coming down here today to discuss the energy bill that's in
  conference. I really do appreciate the commitment of all the parties
  here at the table to work together to get an energy bill on behalf of
  the American people; a comprehensive energy plan that will address
  supply and conservation, help us modernize our electricity grid.
  
  It's a compelling issue, and there was a good spirit here.
  Obviously, there's not 100-percent agreement, but there is agreement
  that we need to get something done. And I want to thank the members.
  I want to thank the Chairman and the ranking members for taking time to
  come.
  
  And I'm pleased with the commitment by Senator Domenici and
  Congressman Tauzin to see if they can't get a bill down here by
  mid-October -- I believe is what he told me -- Billy -- and to my
  desk. And we look forward to working with them. I think the American
  people are -- know we need to have a national energy policy. And it's
  a chance to get it done, into law.
  
  So thanks for coming. I'll answer a couple of questions. Terry,
  do you want to start?
  
  Q Mr. President, how is the administration recasting the
  proposed U.N. resolution on Iraq to meet the objections of some
  countries?
  
  THE PRESIDENT: We're still talking about it, Terry. I mean, we
  are -- had some discussions this morning on it. The key is to make
  sure that the political situation in Iraq evolves in a way that will
  lead to a free and -- a free society. The Iraqis need to develop a
  constitution and then have free elections. Then we can -- and then we
  deal with the sovereignty issue. And so, therefore, we're talking
  amongst ourselves.
  
  King.
  
  Q Mr. President, Dr. Rice and Secretary Rumsfeld both said
  yesterday that they have seen no evidence that Iraq had anything to do
  with September 11th. Yet, on Meet the Press, Sunday, the Vice
  President said Iraq was a geographic base for the terrorists and he
  also said, I don't know, or we don't know, when asked if there was any
  involvement. Your critics say that this is some effort -- deliberate
  effort to blur the line and confuse people. How would you answer
  that?
  
  THE PRESIDENT: We've had no evidence that Saddam Hussein was
  involved with the September 11th. What the Vice President said was, is
  that he has been involved with al Qaeda. And al Zarqawi, al Qaeda
  operative, was in Baghdad. He's the guy that ordered the killing of a
  U.S. diplomat. He's a man who is still running loose, involved with
  the poisons network, involved with Ansar al-Islam. There's no question
  that Saddam Hussein had al Qaeda ties.
  
  Karen, Reuters.
  
  Q Thank you, Mr. President.
  
  THE PRESIDENT: Step forth and speak.
  
  Q I know that the ANWR drilling provision is very important to
  you, but are you willing to sacrifice it to get a broader bill?
  
  THE PRESIDENT: One thing I've learned, Karen, is not to negotiate
  with myself, particularly in front of cameras. The conferees will work
  as hard as they can to come up with a good bill that can pass both
  bodies. And we look forward to working with them. I think it's very
  important for our country to recognize that we need to become less
  dependent on foreign sources of crude, and, therefore, find ways to do
  that. We had a good discussion. That's certainly a contentious issue,
  and you'll find strong opinions around the table about this. The job
  of the conferees is to work through these issues, and we look forward
  to helping them.
  
  Yes, final question.
  
  Q Mr. President, how do you respond --
  
  THE PRESIDENT: Identify yourself, please.
  
  Q Pam Fessler, NPR.
  
  THE PRESIDENT: Oh, Pam, of course -- how do I respond?
  
  Q How do you respond to criticism that you are asking for $20
  billion in aid to reconstruct Iraq at a time when a lot of domestic
  work, such as the No Child Left Behind and the Help America Vote Act
  are not being fully funded?
  
  THE PRESIDENT: Well, I will start by responding this way: The No
  Child Left Behind funding is the largest increase in elementary and
  secondary school funding in a long time. And the Title I part of the
  Elementary and Secondary School Act funding is a large increase, as
  well -- historic increases.
  
  Secondly, that it is vital that we succeed in Iraq, that a free
  Iraq will make America more secure. A free Iraq will change the
  dynamics of the Middle East, which will be important for peace. And I
  appreciate the support of Congress and the understanding of Congress
  that we will succeed in Iraq. And so the $20 billion is to help
  rehabilitate that country, so that the people of that country can live
  a free and hopeful life.