Press Background Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on Executive Privilege

Business Wire, June 28, 2007

Q Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: You're welcome.

Q Thank you all for doing this. I wonder if you could tell us what the sticking point was in the effort to reach an accommodation with Congress? What was the last issue that you weren't able to resolve?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: The last time that we had any discussion with them it was basically a rejection and the characterization of our offer (inaudible) take it or leave it. It was tendered as an accommodation and the only other mention of any facts is something that's been mentioned earlier today, which was, I believe, Senator Specter urging that we might want to consider transcripts as part of our -- excuse me, as part of the President's offer and an accommodation.

Q And, sir, was that something that you formally discussed with the committee and you couldn't work out the specifics of it? Or did you never really talk to them about that?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: We offered it. It's in the four corners of our offer.

Q And when was the last time you talked to these committees?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I talked to Senator Leahy this morning - talked to some congressmen last night, but it was not in (inaudible) courtesy, advising them that the President was about to take this position.

Q Okay. Thank you.

MR. FRATTO: Thank you everyone. (Inaudible) reminder that the sourcing for the call is Senior Administration Official. We will release a transcript as soon as we have one ready.

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10:30 A.M. EDT