Bush rejects call for special commission on Sept. 11

President Bush Thursday said he opposes establishing a special commission to probe how the government dealt with warnings of possible terrorist actions before Sept. 11, saying the matter should be considered by the House and Senate Intelligence committees.

"We're still at war," Bush said at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. "We've still got threats to the homeland that we've got to deal with, and it's very important for us not to hamper our ability to wage that war."

Bush said the congressional committees "understand the obligations of upholding our secrets and our sources and methods of collecting intelligence. And therefore I think that's the best place for Congress to take a good look at the events leading up to Sept. 11."

But House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., Thursday continued to hold out hope for an independent commission. "I continue to believe we will do nothing but gain from having an independent commission," Gephardt said. "We've got to get over the fear of this being a blame game exercise. This is an idea I think is sound."

In a speech to the Bundestag, Germany's parliament, Bush called Iraqi President Saddam Hussein a threat to all civilization who must be confronted by all means available and also issued a warning to Russia. Bush assured Schroeder that he has "no war plans on my desk," the Associated Press reported. He also appealed for Germany's help in exerting diplomatic pressure on Iraq to keep Saddam from developing destructive weapons-a threat he said is likely. Bush said the United States is "very grateful" to Germany for "shoulder[ing] a significant burden" in the overall fight against terrorism, but told Schroeder he wishes to use every means available to deal with Saddam.

Bush described the new arms deal with Russia, saying: "Old arms agreements sought to manage hostility and to maintain a balance of terror. This new agreement recognizes that Russia and the West are no longer enemies."

But Bush also issued a warning, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease Russia's nuclear assistance to Iran. Bush is on a seven-day, four-nation trip. Besides visiting Germany and Russia today, he also will visit France and Italy.