MS. PERINO: Hi, everybody. Let me do a couple updates here. President Bush is currently meeting with General David Petraeus, who departed earlier this week as the Commander of Multi-National Force in Iraq. General Petraeus has served this country admirably over the last 19 months in Iraq, and will continue to serve his country as the next Commander of U.S. Central Command, a post he will assume the end of October.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Bush will make a brief statement to the pool, where he is expected to comment on this morning's bombing at the U.S. Embassy in Yemen. We have condemned this attack and we offer our sincere condolences to the loved ones affected by today's violence, perpetrated by terrorists.

Also this afternoon, the President is going to meet with the President of Panama. He looks forward to discussing a range of issues with President Torrijos, including our common commitment to the United States-Panama trade promotion agreement expanding free trade and strengthening democracy throughout the region, enhancing security cooperation, and strengthening cooperation internationally.

This visit following President Torrijos' visit in May underscores the ongoing deep friendship and cooperation between our country and Panama.

This evening the President will host the Iftaar Dinner in the State Dining Room. This will be his eighth dinner of his administration. This year's dinner highlights American Muslims who have made significant technological, artistic or innovative contributions to our nation. Prior to this evening's dinner, the President will make brief remarks in which he will honor the members of the Muslim community in attendance who have risen to the top of their professions.

Finally, today the administration has committed to helping those who are less fortunate and has provided heating and air conditioning assistance to millions of families each year. We want to continue that assistance and our proposed budget for fiscal year 2009 would help those most in need. Today, HHS will announce the release of $121 million in energy assistance to help eligible low income households meet energy costs.

The LIHEAP funds are expected to provide states with heating assistance for the winter months ahead. The money is being released now so that the states can plan and buy the fuel that they will need. Of the $121 million, $96 million will go to help individuals heat or cool their homes in all 50 states, territories, tribal areas, and the District of Columbia. The remaining $25 million will assist the following states identified as having large numbers of eligible households that use oil to heat their homes: Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

With that, I'll take your questions. Yes.

seen at 09:01, 17 September in Whitehouse Press Briefings. Email this to a friend.
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