Pelosi Statement on President's Press Conference Today

'The President's criticisms today only highlight that his Administration opposes the priorities of the American people and the New Direction Congress.  While the Democratic Congress works to pass children's health insurance, to protect Americans while preserving civil liberties, and to end the disastrous Iraq war, the President chose to launch another partisan attack.

'The President's statements this morning, as with his past mischaracterizations about the children's health bill, distort and misrepresent the facts.  The children's health bill is supported by advocates for children, leading voices of the medical community, enjoys overwhelming bipartisan support, and is fully paid for.

'There is no better example of why Washington is not working for the American people than the President claiming to seek common ground at the same time he is bitterly attacking Congress.  Today's Presidential press conference perfectly illustrates who is standing in the way of progress for the American people.'