THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

July 17, 1998

PRESS GAGGLE BY MIKE MCCURRY

McCurry's Office



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Q: Mike, there are reports that the White House is looking to topple
Saddam Hussein?


MCCURRY:  I don't comment on intelligence matters.



Q: Has the President asked for an expansion of authority in the area
of covert operations?


MCCURRY: I don't comment on covert operations; that's why they're
called covert operations.


Q: I'm not asking about the operations, I'm asking about the
President's authority in this area.


MCCURRY: The President's authority is defined by law and by the
Intelligence Act.


Q:  And has he asked that that be broadened in any way?



MCCURRY: I'm not going to comment on that -- broadened -- I'm not
aware that we have asked for any -- we have not proposed any rewrite
of the Intelligence Act, that I'm aware of.


Q: I don't think that's quite what I'm asking, but -- and I'm not sure
I'm going to be able to get to what I'm asking, but, you know, you're
not helping me much, either.


MCCURRY: If you figure out what you're asking, come back and pose a
different question.


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(end transcript)